Mukilteo chief details staffing, a dedicated engine and new medical oversight as city weighs funding

Mukilteo’s fire chief told the city council the proposal before them would add staff and equipment intended to reduce response times and increase on‑duty advanced care.

“We would have a dedicated fire engine at Fire Station 25,” the chief said, describing a service model that would keep a dedicated engine in Station 25 while Station 24 would remain cross‑staffed. He said the plan also calls for “a dedicated aid car and a dedicated medic unit at Station 25,” and for a Medical Services Officer (MSO) on duty during daytime hours to provide additional paramedic oversight.

The chief said the changes are intended to keep paramedics available for higher‑acuity calls instead of having them on hospital transports. He also described adding a fire inspector and administrative overhead to relieve firefighters of inspection and nonresponding duties so crews can focus on emergency response.

Council members focused on the tradeoffs and costs: how many new positions would be added, how crews would be cycled across shifts and how the staffing package would affect the general fund. Finance staff said non‑general‑fund revenue sources were identified in the exhibits, and the current 2027 example shows a draw on the general fund if the equipment purchases proceed.

Council members asked the chief to provide clearer cost‑benefit comparisons for each proposed position and service level, including how response times would change under different staffing mixes. The chief agreed to return with more detailed staff comparisons and the suggested “cost and benefit for each proposed position/service.”