We encourage voters in Central Kitsap and South Kitsap to approve their respective fire district’s Proposition 1 on the April 28 special election ballot.

Each district is asking its residents to renew, for six years, an existing levy of up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation to support emergency medical services.

Our fire districts depend on us. Fire districts receive no ongoing funding from federal, state or county governments. The majority of their revenue comes from property taxes.

Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue serves more than 68,000 residents in a 115-square-mile area. In 2014, CKFR responded to 7,030 calls – 5,340 of which were medical-related.

This levy renewal will continue to pay for staffing of paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), required annual medical training and education, and the purchase, maintenance and operation of lifesaving medical supplies and equipment.

South Kitsap Fire and Rescue serves more than 72,046 residents in a 117-square-mile area. In 2014, SKFR responded to 9,068 calls for service, an average of more than 24 calls per day from the 911 system. Medical-related responses totaled 6,157, 68 percent of SKFR’s calls.

There were no arguments filed in opposition to either proposition 1 for the voters guide. And for good reason. As a statement in favor put it, “The EMS levy is the cornerstone of funding for a system that hires and trains EMS personnel, and purchases medical equipment, supplies, and vehicles necessary to provide both basic and advanced life support services.”

Both districts are doing what they can to maintain levels of service which we have come to expect. That level of service — quick response time, equipment that works when it’s needed, and firefighters that are safe and well-equipped — is worth 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.

Vote yes on your fire district’s Proposition 1.