Local Firefighters Continue to Press Camas for More Personnel
Camas, WA — During Monday’s Camas City Council meeting, local firefighters continued to press city leadership for additional staff to meet state requirements.
At issue is a state minimum requirement to staff each fire engine with three firefighters.
Adam Brice, president of East Clark Professional Fire Fighters, addressed initial findings from a recent Washington Department of Labor and Industry investigation that said the City of Camas and its fire department violated multiple workplace safety laws during a February 14 Prune Hill residence fire.
”The L&I investigation said laws were broken,” said Brice. “Our firefighters and citizens deserve a solution.”
Earl Shimogawa,president of the Parker Estates Home Owner’s Association (HOA) said he’s concerned about not having three firefighters per engine.
”I’m concerned about our Fouth of July fireworks and I request that the mayor and city council do what they can to put three firefighters per engine,” said Shimogawa.
”I feel like it’s sub-standard,” said firefighter, Josh Proctor. “We deserve a higher quality of life.”
Camas City Councilor, Don Chaney, left, presents Gary Knopp, with the Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award.
City councilor and Mayor Pro-Tem, Don Chaney, presented Gary Knopp with the Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award.
”Gary is someone I know, and I have high respect for him,” said Chaney. “Gary has a history of making monthly blood and platelet donations to the Red Cross. Each platelet donation takes three hours. Plus, he does volunteer work for the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and many other groups. And he doesn’t do it for the publicity. Thank you, Gary, from the citizens of Cams for your tireless and selfless commitment to our community. You’re a great citizen and a patriot.”
To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us
Firefighter’s union leader, Adam Brice, addresses the Camas City Council.
Mr. McGowan, president of the Parker Estates HOA, addresses the Camas City Council.
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Camas continues to build without consideration of the infrastructure essential to support population growth. The most pressing issue is public safety, fire and law enforcement. Additionally, the schools are bursting at the seams and the roads are hazardous in places. I realize the lure of profit from building is tantalizing but community leaders need to focus on the problems that currently exist.