Chiefs get raises, other fire district news | Update

Note: this brief corrects the information in The Beachcomber’s Thursday, May 27 print edition, which mistakenly stated that Brigette Schran Brown would run for re-election to Vashon Island Fire District Commissioner Position #3. We regret the error.

Both Vashon Island Fire District Chief Charles Krimmert and Assistant Chief Bob Larsen have negotiated new contracts with the district, with five percent pay increases approved for both by district commissioners.

The new contracts were discussed and included in the board packets at the April 28 VIFR commissioners’ meeting, conducted on Zoom.

Krimmert’s annual base salary is now $162,750; an additional 2% of that amount will be contributed to the district for a deferred compensation plan. Larsen’s base salary is now $138,600; his contract also stipulates that an additional 2% of that amount will be contributed to the district for a deferred compensation plan.

At the meeting, Krimmert also announced his intention to give a 4% raise in pay to the district’s administrative staff members.

The district has also negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with firefighters local union 4189, and also created a new agreement stipulating the Board of Commissioner members’ authorities, responsibilities and rules of conduct.

In other fire district news, Pam King will run unopposed for Commissioner Position #3; this seat has been occupied by Brigette Schran Brown, who had initially filed for the race but subsequently withdrew. John Simonds and Ron Smothermon will vie for Commissioner Position #5; the seat is currently held by David Hoffman, who did not file as a candidate.

— Elizabeth Shepherd

Ceremony, celebration coming for high school seniors

Vashon Island High School’s Class of 2021 will be honored for their efforts and hard work throughout an out-of-the-ordinary senior year as part of a week-long pandemic-friendly series of festivities starting next week.

The virtual Academic Awards Night event will be live-streamed online at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, to recognize student achievement in the classroom. Families will receive a link to access the event in late May. The Vashon Community Scholarship Ceremony, which was live-streamed this week on Wednesday and highlighted the accomplishments of several remarkable graduates, preceded the awards night.

On June 5, prom will be held “On the Hiyu,” a decommissioned ferry boat. Tickets will cost $25 each. The prom committee is keeping a close eye on guidance around COVID-19 from health officials, and more details will be given out in the days preceding up to the event. When tickets become available, families will be notified via email.

A parade honoring the Class of 2021 will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. down Vashon Highway on June 12, rain or shine. The Commencement Ceremony, which will begin at 6 p.m. and take place outside at the high school stadium, will follow. The event is exclusively open to individuals who have received an invitation and have purchased a reserved ticket. A total of four guests are allowed per graduate, not including the graduate. Prior to graduation, each household will be assigned seating, and a ticket, as well as a seating assignment, will be issued. Regardless of immunization status, all spectators must wear a mask.

After Commencement, a group of parents and new graduates will throw a graduation night celebration, with preparations underway now for a wonderful night of celebration for seniors. While arrangements are still in the works, the celebration is slated to start at 8 p.m. on graduation night, barring any unexpected COVID-case surge.

Graduates will be taken to on-island venues for the festivities in buses (with social distancing in place). Seniors will be able to celebrate their successes in a variety of ways, including live entertainment, music, food, games, and campfires. At around 3 a.m. the festivities will come to a close with a return ride to the high school, where seniors will be picked up by their parents. (Parents are working on plans for off-island students and others who could face transportation issues at that time, and will have additional information to provide soon.) The fee will be $20 or less per senior.

To support safe graduation festivities and a safe community, all seniors are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Please contact Hans VanDusen at hpvandusen@hotmail.com with any questions, concerns or suggestions.

— Paul Rowley