Dear Local 864

On Saturday morning, May 8, I woke up so sore that I could barely move. Then I remembered that I had been to Fire Ops 101 the day before!

I wanted to thank you all so much for such a valuable opportunity to participate in Fire Ops 101 last Friday, and for the sponsorship of this regional event by IAFF and Chiefs? Association. This day gave me a once-in-a-career chance to understand the real life challenges, physical demands and technical expertise that is demanded of our fire department and staff every day. This was such an excellent simulation, energy-sapping and very rewarding at the same time. I have a renewed respect for the work of responding to fire events, the equipment and staffing needs, and a much better understanding of the logistics to put those resources in place (which, I know, was the whole point, yes I remember those six words!). You couldn?t have made your arguments better ? and for most of the officials in attendance I?m sure they left with the same impression I had ? firefighting requires an enormous amount of focus, expertise, physical demands, teamwork, leadership - and people?s lives and property are on the line. I am grateful for the work of the Department and everyone who works there, and I understand now how the trust and teamwork develops so quickly in emergency response.

Rick, thank you very much for being such an excellent, patient, honest shadow, willing to explain everything. I so appreciate your time and expertise in taking me through the props, helping me understand what Renton does now and what we could do better as a city; and as always ? a great chance to connect with everyone on the drive over.  I realized too late, once I was already on the plane, that my comments at the ?graduation? were so few and my exit so quick that I couldn?t have adequately said what an impression the day?s events made on me. I wish I had another shot at that microphone (but you heard enough from the others who were there, I?m sure!).

Again, I hope that you know how valuable an experience Fire Ops 101 is. I am an advocate of having our Mayor and City Council attend as well ? if only citizens could also attend too! ? so if you need future recruits, please let me know how I can help.

With gratitude ?

Marty Wine

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, City of Renton

Fire Ops 101 050710.pdf