Ben Davidson named VIFR’s interim chief
Ben Davidson, who has risen in the ranks from volunteer to deputy chief in his 16-year tenure at Vashon Island Fire and Rescue (VIFR) was officially named as interim chief of the district at a Jan. 29 board meeting.
Davidson’s appointment follows the departure of the district’s former chief, Matt Vinci, who left the district in mid-January after accepting another job as a fire chief in eastern Washington, leading a department that serves nine fire stations covering 125 miles in northern Spokane County.
Commissioner Amy Drayer’s motion to appoint Davidson as interim chief passed by a vote of 3-1, with Brigitte Schran Brown and Pam King joining Drayer in voting yes. Commissioner Jim Whitney was not in attendance at the meeting and Commissioner Candy McCullough voted no.
In comments following her vote, McCullough said that she believed Davidson needed more mentoring before becoming a chief.
In response to McCullough’s comments, Davidson respectfully disagreed, saying that Vinci had provided strong mentorship to him in his work as VIFR’s division chief of training and support services. In that role, he said, he had built relationships with other fire chiefs throughout the zone of operations that includes Vashon and will continue to reach out and work with them in the capacity of Vashon’s interim fire chief.
“I don’t believe I know it all,” said Davidson. “But I will say that I feel like I have had some strong mentorship and experience to prepare me for this role.”
At the meeting, commissioners also finalized a plan to issue a request for proposals from executive search firms to assist in identifying, recruiting and screening candidates for the permanent position of fire chief.
The request for proposals was posted on Feb. 3 to vifr.org, stipulating that proposals are due by March 24.
Davidson is expected to apply for the permanent position.
Cold weather assistance
Those living in their vehicles on Vashon may be at risk from cold weather if their vehicle breaks down and/or they cannot run their heater or drive their car.
The Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness (IFCH) provides financial assistance for those needing major car repair. Those seeking assistance should call IFCH at 206-643-5169. They can also assist with rent, utilities, and other needs.
Islanders in need can also call or text St Vincent de Paul’s Helpline at 206-450-7577, email svdp.vashon@gmail.com or visit svdpvashon.org.
Apply for tax credit
The state Department of Revenue will accept applications for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) for tax year 2024 starting Feb. 1. This year, the credit provides payments up to $1,290 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.
The WFTC program launched in 2023. Applicants can apply for WFTC refunds they were eligible for, but did not previously claim, for up to three calendar years from when their federal tax return was due. For example: In 2025, the agency will accept applications for the 2024, 2023, and 2022 tax year credits. Claiming all three years can receive up to a maximum of $3,745.
Learn more about the requirements, and apply for the tax credit in English or Spanish, by visiting WFTC.wa.gov, or call 360-763-7300.
Public meetings
The following taxing districts, government bodies and citizen groups have civic meetings coming up.
• Water District 19’s next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the district’s board room at 17630 100th Ave SW.
• Vashon Park District: The Park District board’s next scheduled meeting is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Ober Park Administration Building (17130 Vashon Hwy. SW) and via Zoom. Visit vashonparks.org for more information.
• The Vashon Cemetery District’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the District’s office, located at 19631 Singer Rd SW. The board meets on the second Wednesday of every month.
• Washington State Ferries (WSF) will host two public online forums dedicated to questions from the public and updates on service restoration, building new ferries, electrification of new boats and the legislative sessions. Participants will need to register in advance of the meetings, which are scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13. Both meetings will cover the same material and will be recorded, with the recording posted to WSF’s website. Sign up, and view the meetings when they’re posted, by visiting tinyurl.com/ycyde5nw.
