I am asking you to join our community in voting “yes” for Proposition 1 to continue to support our firefighters. As your elected official, my No. 1 priority is that we take care of our firefighters and our police officers. I believe that in order for them to do their job in the best possible way, they will need the best tools.

I want to thank the Federal Way Mirror editorial board for endorsing the measure.

“Federal Way’s population is expected to rise, as three apartment complexes, two senior living centers, one town home complex, a school and two businesses are currently in the works …,” according to the editorial board. “In addition, the district needs upgrades to its existing fire stations. Most of the agency’s stations are over 40 years old, and because they are not retrofitted for earthquakes, the facilities could collapse during such a disaster. A ‘yes’ vote would ensure that the fire district has top-notch equipment and facilities to be able to provide us with the best service as possible. Not only do firefighters respond to calls for fire, they also provide emergency medical help.”

This is exactly why I am voting yes for Proposition 1. The need is there and for a growing community, it is vitally important that we are able to offer the best quality service to our residents. We need to ensure that our firefighters are equipped with the right tools.

We are bound to grow and that will happen. As we look towards the future, we must start to prepare for it right now by voting yes on Proposition 1 to improve emergency response for cardiac and fire, firefighter safety, technology upgrades, vehicle facilities modernization and new engines and aid cars. Please join me in voting for Proposition 1 by April 28.

Martin Moore, councilman