WHEREAS, Since April 18, 1949, the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, has unselfishly served the people of Greater Federal Way, Washington, and the unincorporated neighborhoods of Lakeland, Trout Lake, Camelot, and the neighboring areas of South King County with honor and distinction; and
     WHEREAS, In the 55 year history of the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, the fire department has grown from a single fire engine housed in a barn in Lakeland and manned by a handful of dedicated volunteer fire fighters to a career force of 130 fire fighters and emergency medical technicians ready to respond to any community and personal emergency and serving over 100,000 citizens; and
     WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, has been rerated from a Class 3 rated fire department to a Class 2 rated fire department by the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau, an independent insurance rating organization; and
     WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, is the only fire district in the history of Washington state to be designated as a Class 2 rated fire department; and
     WHEREAS, This distinction has been an organizational goal of the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, since its inception in 1949 and represents the department's commitment to service and dedication to excellence; and
     WHEREAS, The Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39, continues to exemplify and personify the department's mission statement: "We help people";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor and celebrate the personal devotion and tireless efforts of all the former volunteer and career members and former elected fire commissioners, Fire Chief Al Church, Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Freitas, Commissioner J. Roger Hershey, Commissioner Mark L. Thompson, Commissioner William "Bill" Gates, Commissioner John Rickert, administrative staff, fire fighters, volunteers, and other community leaders for achieving the status of a Class 2 rated fire district, and for the department's numerous accomplishments and continuing service to the citizens living and visiting within the boundaries of the Federal Way Fire Department and South King County; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Federal Way Fire Department, King County Fire District 39.