East Pierce Fire & Rescue received good news this month as voters approved its two levy lid lift propositions in the Aug. 1 primary, which will allow the department to hire nine new firefighters for a fifth medic unit. The department was also awarded a grant this month to hire an additional nine firefighters. East Pierce Fire Chief Bud Backer called it a historical moment for the department. “This is a huge step for us,” Backer said. “You’re going from a few years ago, with the economy and people staring layoffs in the face to now we’re going to add 18 new people.”