A dangerous dilemma in Snohomish County is frustrating firefighters, sometimes causing significant confusion and delaying response times. First responders blame a new 911 dispatch system for the problems, and they're not the first in our area to deal with it. NORCOM in Bellevue was one of the first agencies to adopt a program called New World.
- PUB DATE: 5/18/2016 7:50:22 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

Long-held frustrations came to the forefront Monday at a meeting of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Group, as two of the county’s ambulance providers voiced frustration over communication with the Skagit County EMS Office. Kirk Hale, the director of the Central Valley Ambulance Authority, and Chief Richard Curtis with the Anacortes Fire Department reiterated concerns over the lack of communication from EMS Office Director Mark Raaka, saying he has frequently ignored their requests for meetings and data.
- PUB DATE: 5/18/2016 4:13:04 AM - SOURCE: Skagit Valley Herald (GoSkagit.com)

Long-held frustrations came to the forefront Monday at a meeting of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Group, as two of the county’s ambulance providers voiced frustration over communication with the Skagit County EMS Office. Kirk Hale, the director of the Central Valley Ambulance Authority, and Chief Richard Curtis with the Anacortes Fire Department reiterated concerns over the lack of communication from EMS Office Director Mark Raaka, saying he has frequently ignored their requests for meetings and data.
- PUB DATE: 5/18/2016 4:13:04 AM - SOURCE: Skagit Valley Herald (GoSkagit.com)

Longview Fire Battalion Chief Kevin Taylor is retiring and heading to Disneyland. After 32 years of service — 12 in Longview — Taylor will say goodbye to the Longview Fire Department on Wednesday. "I'll miss the guys," he said Tuesday. "It's very much a team sport, and we get to work together to make things better in the community.
- PUB DATE: 5/18/2016 2:12:23 AM - SOURCE: Longview Daily News