Fire District 2 was formed in 1943, and was founded by a group of housewives who lived in the Gales Addition east of the City of Port Angeles. Incorporation occurred in 1945. The District now covers some 85 square miles surrounding the City of Port Angeles. The District is bounded on the East by Deer Park Road and Lake Crescent on the West; Olympic National Park makes up the southern boundary and the Strait of Juan de Fuca the northern boundary. District 2 also responds to both fire and emergency medical calls throughout Olympic National Park from Hurricane Ridge to Sol du Hot Springs. The service population is over 17,000 residents and a mix of commercial, suburban and rural areas The District responds to an average of 1,100 to 1,200 calls per year. Emergency medical calls are the bulk of our responses accounting for approximately 75% of all responses.
WHO- PERSONNEL
District 2 is governed by three elected Fire Commissioners who set policy for the District. The Fire Commissioners are Chairperson Richard Ruud, and Commissioners David Whitney and Thomas Martin who serve six year terms. There are 3 paid staff; Fire Chief Jon Bugher, Deputy Chief (Operations and Readiness) Mike Oakes, and Joan Noal, Secretary and Office manager.
In January 2008, the volunteer programs of District 2 and the Port Angeles Fire Department were consolidated into one program providing for some 84 volunteer slots. The volunteers respond to calls from six stations; Station 11 located at 102 E. 5th Street, Station 21 at 508 N. Baker Street, Station 22 at 700 power Plant Road, Station 23 at 1992 Black Diamond Road, Station 24 at 232957 West Highway 101, and Station 25 at 22 Prospect Place.
FINANCIAL
District 2 is funded through the State Property Tax formula. Under State Law the District can receive up to $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value for fire suppression activities and $.50 for emergency medical services. Currently the District receives $.51 per $1,000 for all services provided. A voter initiative limits the property tax increase collections to 1% per year regardless of the assessed value.
