Citizens outreach program is fire district's special calling

A local fire district is turning 13 into a lucky number.

That’s because Fire District 13 residents have the good fortune to be served by an outreach program rarely found elsewhere – even in urban settings.

“Good Morning – District 13” is a free voluntary program in which on-duty crews check the welfare of seniors, shut-ins, persons with functional needs or residents living under special circumstances.

Nearly 50 persons residing within District 13 boundaries have signed up for the program, almost evenly split between those opting to be phoned daily and others preferring less frequent contact.

The program was launched in February 2016 in response to concerns that persons might take ill or be injured and not be able to contact anyone for immediate aid.

“It’s a very flexible program,” says District 13 Community Relations Officer Gary Ladd, of Shelter Bay. “We work around the specific needs of our residents.”

Fire district personnel make morning phone calls to program participants. If there is no answer, a message is left and a follow-up call is made. If these calls go unanswered, an ambulance crew supplied beforehand with all pertinent medical information goes to the residence.

“There’s a great level of communication,” says Shelter Bay resident Michael Hennessey, who with wife Eugenia is on the list to receive daily calls. “It relieves a lot of worry on our part.”

Hennessey has shared details of “Good Morning – District 13” with out-of-state friends and family, learning that they don’t have a comparable program despite living in a large metropolitan area.

“It’s a pretty unique program,” Hennessey says. “Larger cities don’t have this.”

Betty Wells, 84, of Shelter Bay, an active gardener, baker, clog dancer and food bank volunteer, was the first person to register for “Good Morning – District 13” and is perhaps its most vocal advocate.

“You’re crazy if you’re eligible to participate and don’t sign up,” she insists. “It’s free, and it’s your life. Who are you going to call if you need help?”

Wells has lived in Shelter Bay for 20 years, long enough to see the skill sets regularly employed by district firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

“It’s kind of humbling,” she says, “when you go to those (awards) dinners and see the kudos they receive.”

She echoes Hennessey’s praise of the program’s communications format.

“They really follow through,” says Wells. “If they call and don’t get an answer they don’t just say ‘we couldn’t get through.’ They check on you.”

Also, like Hennessey, she talks up “Good Morning – District 13” whenever she’s with those who live out of the area.

“I talk to a lot of people,” Wells says, “and they go back to their communities and try to get it started.”

Ladd says those interested in registering for “Good Morning – District 13” or wishing additional information on behalf of loved ones, or merely wanting to find out if they meet program criteria, are invited to call 360-466-1224 between 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to initiate the process.

Ladd stresses that information collected during interviews is kept confidential in accordance with all applicable regulations, and with the participant’s written authorization.

“Those that have signed up love it,” says Ladd. “The response has been excellent, but we want to get the word out to others who might not know about ‘Good Morning – District 13.’”

The word should travel fast, District Fire Chief Roy Horn says.

“‘Good Morning – District 13,’” he says, “might be the single best thing we’ve done.”