As a firefighter with Lane Fire Authority, I’m proud to serve this community — but I also see firsthand the challenges we face in keeping up with growing demand for emergency services.

Calls have spiked nearly 20 percent in the past four years, leading to more back-to-back emergencies and more overtime to keep shifts covered. We step up because the community needs us, but it’s not a sustainable way to operate — especially when the cost of fuel, insurance and even basic supplies has skyrocketed.

Lane Fire Authority serves 45,000 people across 282 square miles in western Lane County. Our neighbors live in cities, small towns and rural areas, and we respond to all of them with the same commitment to fast, professional service. As the population grows, so does the need for more firefighters on duty.

That’s why I’m grateful our board of directors voted to place a local option levy renewal — with a small increase — before voters this November. If approved, it will allow us to hire more firefighters and improve our ability to respond when multiple emergencies happen at once.

More hands on deck means faster responses, less burnout for firefighters and a safer community for everyone.

Bill Potterf
Firefighter, Lane Fire Authority
Eugene