I'm new to this, but I think our whole conversation is easily seen by just about anyone. I'd rather not say something and it be mistaken or piss someone off. And frankly, It's about the area, not one service.
I was mistaken on Kitsap as you say it's fire based (I don't doubt you).
Spoke to the director of one service... They'd be considered somewhat controversial here, but I wanted to know if other services in the area keep standards to the same level. Wondered how the compensation vs cost of living compared in surrounding areas and I wondered if other places had similar...