On January 27 the Firefighters of Local 437 weighed in on the topic of whether the firefighter should support a merge with one of two fire departments. The results, as posted on their website (www.iaff437.org), were as follows:

The vote results are in on the proposed, potential amalgamation.

Total votes for: 27

Total votes against: 27

Total votes favoring SKFR: 40

Total votes favoring CKFR: 10

4 ballots with no preference marked as to CKFR or SKFR

The Bremerton Firefighters will now take their conclusions to the City Council for their consideration and to determine what course the city should take regarding their fire department.

This marks the first step in a long journey that will unfold over the next several months and then into the next decade. Whatever decision the Bremerton City Council, the Bremerton Fire Department, and the Bremerton Firefighters make; Local 2876 will continue to support them. Local 2876 has assured Local 437 that our interest in their department is to make sure that the jobs of the Professional Firefighters are secured and the lives and property of the citizens is protected.

We look foward to walking alonside our brothers and sisters from Bremerton, helping them in anyway that we can, answering questions, calming fears, and truly showing them that this is a partnership that will serve both fire departments in a positive manner. Your Executive Leadership continues to ask that our union continue to support the Bremerton Fire Department, City Council, and Firefighters in a positive manner with the utmost character.

If you see someone from Bremerton, please congratulate them for their honest opinion and step of faith for the unknown.

Local 2876 Executive Board