After citizens turn down money request firefighters make public plea to higher power for their safety
What they need is a miracle, as staffing levels fall dangerously low for East Pierce Fire & Rescue. Overwhelmed by budget problems, some firefighters are turning to prayer.
On Thursday they held a vigil asking for help from above.
Compromise came with a price for the Bonney Lake-based agency. After voters twice rejected a levy to offset a $1 million deficit, East Pierce has struck a deal that avoids firefighter layoffs but creates bare bones staffing levels.
“It does slow our capabilities on the scene. It also means that we’ll have to bring additional units in, so the response times will probably be higher,” said Fire Chief Jerry Thorson.The lack of options became a kind of inspiration for firefighter Rex Orcutt, who organized a vigil and invited pastors, the public and fellow firefighters to participate.
“I really believe in the power of prayer,” Orcutt said.
