10/20/2025
🔥 THE TRUTH COMES OUT! 🔥
Last year, around this time, the Fire District Commissioners authorized the Fire District Chiefs to work with the Walla Walla Fire Department Chiefs on a boundary drop agreement.
🚑 This agreement provided needed medical response to the area south of Wa-Hi School and also helped a small area of District 4, where Walla Walla FD could respond faster.
✅ This agreement was voted on and passed 2-1, with myself voting in favor — one example of how forward-thinking, budget-conscious, and financially prudent two of the three commissioners are.
💪 The two departments already work together — through training and morning briefings, for example.
🚨 This boundary drop addresses the SAME response concerns that a Regional Fire Authority would — but with no added cost to either agency!
💰 That means saving District 4 taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Phase 1 was implemented just a few months ago!
🤔 So, what’s the problem? In the October 16, 2025 Union Bulletin, two city council candidates were asked about financial projections showing the city’s general fund being depleted by 2029.
Is that why the city fire department labor union and city fire chiefs are backing and actively campaigning for John Knowles?
🔥 The Walla Walla Professional Firefighters keep mentioning the North County Fire Authority as an example of cooperation.
But let’s be clear — there are NO similarities between that and a District 4 + Walla Walla FD merger.
📊 In North County’s case, three volunteer districts that had already been working together simply chose to operate under one board instead of three.
💵 And guess what? Their taxes all went up!
➡️ Levy: $1.20 per $1,000
• District 1: +$0.23
• District 3: +$0.09
• District 7: +$0.66
💬 Every RFA created in Washington has cost taxpayers more money — and this one would too.
🚒 This isn’t about “better service.”
That’s already happening!
This is about raising more tax revenue to help a financially strained city budget.
I’ve always supported improving services — my record shows that — but as a Fire Commissioner, I must be responsible with taxpayer dollars and stay steady and grounded in my decisions.
🙌 I am not beholden to the Walla Walla Firefighters’ Union.
I am backed by:
🔥 District 4 Firefighters & EMTs
🔥 District 4 Auxiliary
🔥 Retired members of the Fire District — including Chief Ron Ayres
And I proudly represent YOU — the voters of Fire District 4!
🏆 Because of my steady leadership, financial responsibility, and focus on sustainable growth,
I will continue to keep Fire District 4 strong for decades to come.
🗳️ I’d appreciate your vote when you receive your ballot!
✅ Vote Keith Farrens — Fire District 4 Commissioner
