Time Flies!

It’s hard to believe that I’m approaching five years as Fire Chief of the Key Peninsula Fire Department. Time has certainly flown by, and I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. Throughout the past several years, our focus has remained the same: ensuring that your fire district continues to grow, improve, and remain ready to respond whenever you need us.

One of our biggest priorities in 2026 was restoring the staffing levels our community deserves. Because of financial challenges in 2025, there were periods when we were unable to staff our Longbranch Station. Thanks to your overwhelming support of the EMS Levy Lid Lift, we were able to restore full staffing, fill several vacant positions, and eliminate concerns about keeping stations open. That investment directly strengthens emergency response across the Key Peninsula, and we sincerely thank our community for making it possible.

As we entered the summer months, many residents shared concerns about illegal burning and fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. We are pleased to report that, thanks to the cooperation of our citizens and the proactive efforts of the Pierce County Fire Marshal's Office, we experienced no fireworks-related injuries or significant property damage this year. While the holiday has passed, wildfire season certainly has not. As we move toward fall, we ask everyone to remain vigilant, follow all county and state burn bans, and continue practicing safe outdoor burning habits. Working together is the best way to protect our homes, forests, and neighbors.

Another major project that has been underway for the past several years is the replacement of our aging fire engine fleet. The E-One engines approved by our community nearly two decades ago have served us exceptionally well, but they are now becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain. Thanks to the hard work of our Operations Division and the support of our Board of Fire Commissioners, we are on track to modernize our fleet with new engines that will provide reliable service to our firefighters and our community for many years to come.

We have also been working closely with the Key Center Water Advisory Group to address long-term water capacity needs in the area. Reliable water infrastructure is critical for effective firefighting, but it also supports future commercial growth and potential expansion of fire service facilities in Key Center. Planning ahead today helps ensure we are prepared for the community's needs tomorrow.

If you've driven through Key Center recently, you may soon notice an unusual but effective landscaping crew at work. Goats will be grazing on district-owned property behind the nursery to help clear blackberries and Scotch broom. While we continue efforts to sell the

former Callahan property, we remain committed to maintaining the land we intend to keep for future fire station and training needs. Using goats is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to reduce vegetation while preparing the property for the future. Plus, they are sure to attract a few smiles along the way.

On behalf of everyone at the Key Peninsula Fire Department, thank you for your continued trust and support. We are proud to serve this community, and we remain committed to providing the highest level of emergency service, today and into the future.

Nick Swinhart

Fire Chief

Key Peninsula Fire Department