We are proud to serve as your lifeline here in our community. As a public safety agency, we rely on federal and state grants to maintain and enhance our service to you.

Numbers are important, and the upcoming Census will be crucial for future funding allocations for EMS and other public safety agencies.

I urge you to complete and return your 2010 Census. The San Juan County census count will help determine federal funding for maintaining EMS equipment and hiring personnel for the next 10 years.

By filling out and mailing in your 2010 census form, we can claim our fair share of the $400 billion that is allocated each year to communities like ours.

Thanks for considering this important community event.

Chief Jim Cole
San Juan Island EMS