As a longtime resident of Lynnwood and a dedicated public safety community leader in South Snohomish County, I urge you to vote YES on Proposition 1, which will allow Edmonds to annex into the South County Fire & Rescue Regional Fire Authority. This critical step ensures Edmonds continues to receive the high-level fire and emergency medical services you rely on every day.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of responding alongside our brave, highly trained, and compassionate first responders. As a former member of the Lynnwood City Council, the wife of a first responder, and someone with a diverse background in public safety, I have seen firsthand the level of professionalism and care provided by the men and women of South County Fire. These firefighters and paramedics are the same people who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of YOUR families. They respond to emergencies in your neighbors’ darkest moments—while we all rest comfortably in our homes. They make the sacrifice, so you don’t have to.
This annexation proposal is not just about money; it’s about protecting the quality of services that have become a cornerstone of Edmond’s safety. While a small, vocal group opposes this annexation, claiming it will result in higher costs for Edmonds residents, the reality is that Edmonds has not been paying its fair share for Fire/EMS services for many years. Without action, that gap in funding will only continue to grow, which ultimately puts your services at risk.
I understand the concerns of those who are hesitant about this change, but this isn’t something worth losing over principle alone. The truth is simple: Even if there were another option (though there isn’t), voting YES is still the best choice for Edmonds’ future. Unfortunately, past mayors and city councils did not plan adequately for the future of Edmonds’ public safety, and you find yourselves in this situation today. Now is the time to close that gap and secure a stable future for your fire and emergency medical services.
Some have expressed concern that annexation would mean Edmonds loses control over its fire department. However, the truth is that Edmonds hasn’t had full control over its fire services for many years. Voting YES will allow Edmonds to continue benefiting from the expertise, resources, and professionalism of a well-regarded and respected agency, while still maintaining a voice in the direction of your services.
This annexation is about ensuring that Edmonds maintain comprehensive services, including fire prevention, community health workers (embedded social workers), fire education, house-call paramedic services, and other vital support for victims and families during traumas. Any other alternative would result in a significant loss of these essential services and could ultimately cost you far more—in both financial and human terms.
Don’t risk losing the quality services you’ve come to rely on. You don’t know what you have until it’s gone, but when it comes to public safety, you don’t want to find out the hard way. Vote YES early on Proposition 1 to secure the future of fire and emergency services for Edmonds.
Sincerely,
Shannon Sessions
Longtime South Snohomish County Resident, Public Safety Community Leader, and Former Lynnwood City Council Member
Op-Ed DISCLAIMER: The views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lynnwood Times nor any of its affiliates.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
2 Responses
You’re 💯% WRONG Shannon.
There is a large number of citizens who know the truth and oppose Proposition 1.
They are strongly urging Edmonds voters to vote NO.
As a resident of beautiful Edmonds of 33 years, my husband and I have paid above and beyond for services here and to the adjacent communities. Annexation is a bad idea and there ARE other options.
Please cease in spreading lies, fear, & misinformation.
Thank you.
And quit nickel and diming me the Edmonds area has the highest sales tax in the entire state