Mill Creek residents protest removal of Station 76 paramedics

MILL CREEK — Four years ago, South County Fire paramedics saved Mill Creek resident Pat Erwen’s life.

After she had a heart attack, paramedics from Mill Creek Station 76 arrived at Erwen’s house in three minutes, she said. Now, Erwen has concerns about South County Fire’s recent decision to move the station’s paramedics to Martha Lake Station 21 in Lynnwood.

“If they had been in Martha Lake, it would have taken them 11 minutes,” Erwen said, “and I may not have survived.”

Erwen was one of about 20 residents who lined the corner of Highway 527 and 153rd Street Southeast on Tuesday to protest the fire authority’s decision. She held a sign that said “Medics Saved Me.” Other signs read “Save Our Medics” and “Broken Promises = Broken Trust.”

On Aug. 1, South County Fire announced the depart