Information

Type: Legal Notice

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Sept. 27, 2023

Business Meeting: Oct. 3, 2023

Summary:

Notice of a public hearing for Ordinance 1349, which would prohibit interference with a firefighter or emergency responder and make a violation thereof a gross misdemeanor

Publications: The Chronicle: Oct. 3 and 5, 2023

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, the safety of firefighters and emergency responders and their ability to perform their jobs when responding to emergencies has been jeopardized by interference or obstruction from members of the public; and

WHEREAS, the Revised Code of Washington provides protection from obstruction to law enforcement officers who are discharging their official powers or duties but does not extend that protection to firefighters or emergency responders; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (“BOCC”) wishes to extend the protection from obstruction to firefighters and emergency responders and will therefore consider enacting proposed Ordinance 1349, which would prohibit interference with a firefighter or emergency responder and make a violation thereof a gross misdemeanor.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC will hold a hearing in the Commissioners' Hearing Room at or after 10 a.m. Oct. 17, 2023, to receive public testimony regarding proposed Ordinance 1349, which would prohibit interference with a firefighter or emergency responder and make a violation thereof a gross misdemeanor; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the Board is hereby instructed to proceed with all appropriate and necessary notifications, postings and publications as required by law.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 3rd day of October, 2023.