An Update on the Fire Services Transition Process, Open Houses Scheduled

Earlier this year, the Mercer Island City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Eastside Fire & Rescue (EF&R) to provide fire and emergency medical services on Mercer Island. Since then, Mercer Island and Eastside Fire & Rescue staff have been working collaboratively in preparation for this transition. 

Eastside Fire & Rescue will begin as Mercer Island’s provider of fire and emergency medical services on January 1, 2024. While this is an official transition for the City and fire personnel behind the scenes, Islanders can expect the same level of service. Both Mercer Island Fire Stations (Station 91 and Station 92) will remain open and operational and provide services that meet or exceed today’s standards. In fact, Islanders should expect very little change, if any, to emergency response, fire inspections, or even inviting your child to sit in a fire truck. 

As the January 1 date approaches, examples of the work being completed to ensure a smooth transition for our firefighters and community include: 

• The process to transition fire personnel employees from Mercer Island to EF&R is nearly complete and will be fully concluded by the end of the year. A promotional ceremony was held on December 5 to “pin” 14 current Mercer Island firefighters who were promoted as part of the transition to Eastside Fire & Rescue. 
• Mercer Island Fire and EF&R personnel have been cross-training and conducting ride-alongs to train on equipment and unique service area needs. 
• New uniforms with the EF&R patch have been issued. 
• Coordination work with NORCOM, the 911-disptach agency serving Mercer Island, has been completed. 
• Technical and equipment updates were deployed and completed. 
• Advanced training from EF&R is underway, providing new knowledge and expertise to Island firefighters. 

The Mercer Island community is invited to two Fire Station Open Houses in January, where you can meet your firefighters, explore the stations, see equipment, and learn more about EF&R. An open house for Station 91 (in Town Center) will take place on January 10 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, and Station 92 (South End) on January 13 from 10:00am - noon. Save the dates! 

If you have questions or want to learn more about the transition to Eastside Fire & Rescue, visit the Let’s Talk Page for background information and a detailed FAQ.