To the Editor:
Members of IAFF Local 4925, representing the professional firefighters of Philomath Fire and Rescue, respectfully ask our community to support the upcoming local option levy on the May ballot, Measure 2-155.
This levy is not about expansion — it is about maintaining the level of service our community relies on every day. Over the past five years, emergency call volume in our district has increased by more than 30%, with crews now responding to more than 1,100 calls annually. At the same time, the number of available volunteer responders has declined, placing greater responsibility on career staff to ensure consistent and timely emergency response.
In many medical emergencies, time is critical. Ambulance transport services for our area respond from the city of Corvallis, which can result in longer response times to Philomath and surrounding rural communities. Philomath Fire and Rescue crews are based within the district and routinely arrive 8-15 minutes sooner than the transporting ambulance, allowing lifesaving care to begin well before transport is available. That early intervention can make a meaningful difference in outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac events, trauma and other serious medical conditions.
The proposed levy would fund the firefighters and resources necessary to sustain 24/7 advanced life support coverage, maintain safe response times and ensure help arrives when it is needed most. It would also support ongoing training, wildfire preparedness and important community programs such as CPR and first aid education.
Importantly, this levy is designed to replace an expiring bond at the same tax rate. For most residents, this means no increase — just a continuation of funding that allows Philomath Fire and Rescue to transition from paying off past capital investments to sustaining day-to-day operations.
If the levy does not pass, the district will face difficult decisions that could lead to reduced staffing, longer response times and cuts to essential emergency and prevention services. These impacts would be felt across our entire community.
As firefighters, we see firsthand how critical rapid, well-equipped emergency response is to saving lives and protecting property. We respectfully ask for your support in voting yes on Measure 2-155.
Andrew Licon, president
IAFF Local 4925, Philomath Professional Firefighters