KP Fire Update: Town Hall, New Recruits, Commissioner Race & More

The Key Peninsula Fire District is preparing for a busy summer with a proposed emergency medical services levy going to voters, a competitive race for an open commissioner seat, and four new volunteer firefighters joining the ranks.

The district will host a town hall to answer community questions about the levy, which aims to restore funding for emergency medical services. Meanwhile, voters will also decide who will fill a soon-to-be-vacant seat on the board of commissioners in the August primary election. Behind the scenes, the district continues to face pressure from its own Citizens’ Advisory Panel calling for better communication and more transparency from leadership.

Town Hall Set for June 28

The next KPFD town hall is set for June 28 at 6 p.m. at Station 46 in Key Center. The focus will be on the proposed “lid lift” on the EMS levy. District officials say the community meeting is a chance to ask questions and learn what the measure means for public safety. If approved by voters on Aug. 5, the levy would return to its original rate of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026 — the same rate voters previously approved, but which has since eroded due to state-imposed limits.

If passed, the measure is expected to generate about $900,000 in additional revenue, which could help restore staffing levels and eliminate periodic station closures. If it fails, the district would continue operating at current funding levels, which KPFD officials said have already led to longer response times.

Proposition No. 1 will appear on the August primary ballot. Unlike last year’s failed M&O levy, which needed a 60% supermajority, the levy lid lift only requires a simple majority to pass.

Five Candidates Vie for Commissioner Seat

The Position No. 1 seat on the KPFD Board of Commissioners will be on the Aug. 5 ballot, and the field is full. Candidates include Ed Bressette, Jr., Jennifer Dow, Josh Johnson, Colleen Marie Mullen, and Gretchen Schneider.

The seat is open following Commissioner Cambria Queen’s decision not to run. Queen, who was appointed in 2024 to complete the term of retiring Commissioner Frank Grubaugh, plans to move out of state later this year.

Four New Volunteers Sworn In

The fire district officially welcomed four new volunteer firefighters May 27. Matt Fields, Russell Goehle, Ian Rogers, and Alec Sayers took their oaths during a swearing-in ceremony.

“I’m proud of the resilience these four have shown,” said Anne Nesbit, KPFD public information officer and volunteer battalion chief. “They show up every week ready to work hard.”

In addition, Garrett Cranford and Levi VanScoyk — both volunteer firefighters — were hired into temporary paid roles beginning June 1. If the EMS levy passes, the department plans to hire four new full-time firefighters, and Cranford and VanScoyk will likely be in the running for two of those positions.

CAP Pushes for Better Communication and Transparency

The Citizens’ Advisory Panel submitted a formal request urging the board of commissioners to publicly discuss its recommendations. Members say that it hasn’t been happening.

Two of the panel’s main concerns: Poor or inconsistent communication from the board, and a perceived lack of follow-through on motions and recommendations

In a letter read by Commissioner Shawn Jensen at a May board meeting, CAP mentioned an example from February where the panel recommended that the board stop work on the Olson residence and sell it as-is. CAP members say that the advice was never discussed in the following public meetings.

In response, Queen and Commissioner John “Pat” Kelly proposed adding a regular monthly report from a CAP member to give the panel a voice in public sessions. Jensen suggested using the board’s second monthly meeting for deeper engagement.