Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee

**PFAS-Free Firefighter Equipment Initiative** The committee addressed the second phase of Bellingham's commitment to eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from firefighter protective equipment. Assistant Fire Chief David Pethick explained that this agreement covers 46 paramedics whose positions are funded through the Medic One program rather than the general fund. The distinction matters for funding sources: while general fund employees' gear was covered in the 2024 budget, EMS levy personnel required separate County approval through the EMS oversight board, which occurred in June 2024. Council Member Lilliquist raised important questions about PFAS contamination in insulating layers beneath the outer protective shell. Pethick acknowledged that while this purchase addresses the most problematic components—the vapor and moisture barriers where PFAS chemicals are heavily concentrated—insulating layers remain an area of concern. He indicated that manufacturers are developing alternatives, though current substitutes are expensive and less breathable, making firef…

**Fire Department Leadership** Assistant Fire Chief David Pethick and Fire Chief Bill Hewett presented both items, emphasizing the importance of protecting firefighter health through equipment improvements and maintaining emergency preparedness through updated planning documents. **Committee Members** All three committee members—Chair Daniel Hammill, Skip Williams, and Michael Lilliquist—expressed su…

**David Pethick, on PFAS pronunciation:** "Thanks, Council. I'm glad you took a shot at pronouncing those words. I prefer PFAS so much easier." **Michael Lilliquist, on comprehensive safety approach:** "Well I mean let me just say that if it's a PFAS issue with the insulating layer I think we should get around to finding substitutions there as well." **David Pethick, on equipment development:** "The manufacturers have been making gains in that it's expensive it's still really really hot beca…

**Firefighter Safety Equipment:** - Secured funding mechanism for PFAS-free gear covering all 200+ firefighters across different funding sources - Established pathway for phased equipment upgrades as technology improves - Created precedent for health-focused equipment procurement decisions **Emergency Planning Process:** - Initiated formal…

### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham's Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee met on January 27, 2025, for a brief 11-minute session. Committee Chair Daniel Hammill, along with members Skip Williams and Michael Lilliquist, addressed two key public safety items: funding for PFAS-free protective gear for firefighter-paramedics and an update on the city's comprehensive emergency management planning. ### Key Terms and Concepts **PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances):** Chemical compounds known as "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment and human body, found in firefighting gear and linked to cancers, liver disease, and thyroid problems. **Response Gear:** Specialized protective equipment for firefighters that is dual-compliant for rescue, EMS, and vegetation fires but is not a replacement for full structural firefighting gear (bunker gear). **Home-funded:** Employees whose salaries and benefits are paid from the city's General Fund (city taxes) rather than from special funds like the Whatcom County EMS levy. **Medic One Fund:** Special funding source from Whatcom County's Emergency Medical Services levy that pays for approximately 46 paramedic positions in the fire department. **Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP):** A high-level strategic document required by Washington state that outlines how the city coordinates emergency response across all types of disasters. **All-hazards approach:** Emergency planning philosophy that creates frameworks flexible enough to respond to any type of disaster rather than planning for specific events. **Interlocal Agreement (ILA):** A contract between government jurisdictions that allows them to share costs, resources, or responsibilities. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Daniel Hammill | Committee Chair, Third Ward Council Member | | Edwin H. "Skip" Williams | Committee Member, Fourth Ward Council Member | | Michael Lilliquist | Committee Member, Sixth Ward Council Member | | David Pethic…