SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1999-8640

By Senator Eide

     WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, in 1999, celebrates fifty years of service to their community; and

     WHEREAS, In 1949, the Federal Way Fire Department served the area with twenty-one volunteer firemen with one fire engine stored in a barn; and

     WHEREAS, Fifty years later the Department serves 100,000 people from seven fire stations with 149 members serving twenty-four hours a day; and

     WHEREAS, Services provided to the community have expanded to include fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response and special rescue operations; and

     WHEREAS, Federal Way residents have benefitted from a continual decline in the number of fires and fire related injuries through the Department=s dedicated efforts in fire prevention, disaster preparedness and safety education; and

     WHEREAS, In 1978, the Department pioneered a major advance in emergency medical services as Federal Way Firefighters-EMTs became the first in the nation to use defibrillators to treat heart patients at emergency scenes; and

     WHEREAS, In 1986, the Federal Way Fire Department became the first fire district in the state to earn a Class 3 Fire Insurance Rating that allowed businesses and homeowners to enjoy lower fire insurance costs;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate acknowledge and honor the men and women of the Federal Way Fire Department, whose dedication, professionalism and courage have helped contribute to the safety and well-being of the community they serve, and the general well-being of our citizens; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Federal Way Fire Department Administrator Jim Hamilton and Chief Al Church.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1999-8640,

adopted by the Senate April 14, 1999.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate