Tulalip, Wash – The Tulalip Tribes and Tulalip Bay Fire Department have partnered to purchase a backup emergency aid car and add additional staff. The Department saw a need to spool up resources in order to meet the growing need for reliable fire and emergency medical services during the fight against the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Half the funding for the aid vehicle was provided by The Tulalip Tribes, along with funding for three full-time positions for the next 90-days. The additional capacity will expand Tulalip Bay Fire Department’s ability to address emergency situations in the District – transporting those served by the department and needing care, to emergency medical centers across the region.

Additionally, the aid car and team will work directly with The Tulalip Tribes’ Health Clinic to provide transport for Tribal members to and from the Clinic for standard care during Clinic hours, reducing demand on surrounding health systems. This is part of a collaborative effort to strengthen social distancing measures and reduce the potential spread of the virus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for Tulalip,” said Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin. “We’ve had to adapt quickly to protect our people. We are grateful for our partnership with Tulalip Bay Fire. Together, we are doing what we can to make sure that the entire Tulalip community remains healthy and safe.”

Prior to the purchase, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department borrowed a vehicle from other fire agencies when an extra aid car was required.

“We are thankful for these additional resources as we continue to partner with other local agencies and our community to combat COVID-19 and keep residents safe,” said Fire Chief Ryan Shaughnessy. “This program would not be possible without the generosity of the Tulalip Tribes.”

XXX

About Tulalip Bay Fire Department

The Tulalip Bay Fire Department covers approximately 22.5 square miles and responds to more than 1000 calls per year. The Fire Department provides fire suppression, EMS with transport, water rescue, public education, hazardous material and a basic level of technical rescue services. The Tulalip Bay Fire Department seeks to provide the highest quality fire protection and emergency medical services to its citizens and shares a commitment to exceptional teamwork, safety, education training and strong partnerships with the local community. For more information, visit www. tulalipbayfire.org.

About The Tulalip Tribes 

The Tulalip Tribes are federally recognized successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish and other allied tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott. The 22,000-acre Tulalip Indian Reservation is located north of Everett and the Snohomish River, and west of Marysville, Washington. The Tribes maintain an aggressive environmental preservation program, both on and off of the reservation to complement the Snohomish region’s natural resources. The economic development zone along the I-5 corridor provides revenue and services for the region. Tulalip provides health, human services, housing, utilities, technology services, education, recreation, entertainment, cultural and historical activities. The Tribes have over 4,300 members, with half of the members living on the reservation. The governing body is the seven-member Tulalip Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.TulalipTribes-nsn.gov.