Dear Editor,

North County Fire & EMS provides fire suppression and emergency medical service to 25,000 people over 110 square miles. We recently completed a Strategic Plan (available at www.northcountyfireems.com) and wanted to thank the community, board members and emergency personnel who took part.

Call volumes have increased 37 percent in five years. Our goal through this planning process was to get ahead of the issue before it significantly impacts service levels.

The Strategic Plan helped develop community-driven goals that will guide our decision making for the next five years. It was an extensive process that looked at staffing, apparatus, funding and prevention/education programs. Community input made it stronger, and we sincerely appreciate the time and energy of those who participated.

John Cermak, Fire Chief

North County Fire & EMS