COMMENTARY: Vashon Island Fire Rescue: Two sides to every story
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Editor’s Note: This commentary is written in response to the article “Fire Chief, pending probe, is on leave,” and the editorial, “A tale of two districts,” which were published in the July 7 issue of The Beachcomber.
Following the recent article and opinion piece on Chief Krimmert and VIFR, we would personally like to express sadness at the one-sidedness of the reporting in The Beachcomber.
What The Beachcomber failed to mention is that first and foremost, in spite of any discord, problems or politics, Vashon Island Fire and Rescue has never failed to take care of our community.
24-7, we continue to respond to calls with competence, professionalism, caring and compassion. 24-7, our crews continue to successfully fight fires, tend to the victims of accidents, and care for the ill, the mentally unstable, the frightened, the young and the elderly. Every single day we transport patients safely to mainland hospitals. Every day without fail we keep our community safe.
Upstairs morale is outstanding. The crews work in harmony in spite of staffing issues, COVID, or anything else thrown their way. Teamwork is what we do.
The Beachcomber also presented a one-sided picture of Chief Krimmert.
Yes, the Walkowski report identified many areas in which VIFR and all of its members could, and continue to need to improve. But left out of the Walkowski report or The Beachcomber’s coverage last week are the many things that our district and Chief Krimmert have done well.
When Charles Krimmert took the helm, VIFR teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. Twenty-seven years of failing to have the levy keep up with needs caused us to lack reserves, have an aging fleet of less-than trustworthy vehicles, and lack the staffing and equipment we need. Charles Krimmert and fellow islanders worked tirelessly to secure the critically needed levy and work out a budget that would gradually pull us out of this dangerous hole.
When a beloved VIFR member tragically died, it was Charles Krimmert who helped care for his family and bring our brother’s body home. In trainings, Charles Krimmert can make you laugh so hard your sides hurt, and he treats patients with kindness and compassion. But yes, we acknowledge shortcomings in working with the crews.
During this difficult time of working through allegations and concerns, Matt Vinci has stepped into the acting chief’s role. Just a month into the job, he is guiding VIFR through this difficult time with wisdom, understanding, compassion, and leadership.
We very much acknowledge the concerns and shortcomings raised by our captains. We are listening and hear them. As we work through this difficult time, we would like to remind our community that there are two sides to every story.
Please allow us, and most importantly Chief Krimmert, the time and respect we need to complete a fair and impartial investigation and then to move forward.And if you see Chief Krimmert at the store, please stop and tell him thank you.
Brigitte Schran Brown and Camille Staczek serve as commissioners of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue.
