The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold their next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at District Headquarters, Station 82, 12100 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Washington, beginning at 6:00 pm. The public is welcome to attend. BOFC meeting agenda and minutes are available here.

Spokane County Fire District 8 will be testing to immediately fill up to one full-time Paramedic-Firefighter and create an eligibility list for full-time and temporary hourly (part-time) Paramedic Firefighters.  Visit out Human Resources tab for job description and application for employment  http://www.scfd8.org/divisions/human-resources

Santa Claus joined SCFD8 members on eight evenings this December to visit children and their families across the the District.  From the Ponderosa and Painted Hills to Valleyford and Moran Prairie, Santa rode with firefighters on a District 8 engine to spread holiday cheer.  Thanks to all who came out to greet him.  Watch for Santa and his helpers again next December!  

Read KXLY’s story at:

http://southhill.kxly.com/news/community-spirit/68742-santa-rides-style-through-south-spokane

Thirteen new firefighters were recognized during Recruit Academy Graduation on Tuesday, November 15th.  Eleven members of SCFD8 and two members of SCFD11 completed a 97 hour course in basic firefighting, CPR, and EMT skills and took their Oath of Office that evening before family, friends, and members of the both agencies.

Welcome to the District 8 family:  Andrew Bot, Allen Brazington, Joe DesJardin, Seth Feist, Brandon Kadmiri, Darrin Martin, Jacob Parsloe, Aaron Porter, David Reese, Doug Sanborn, and Brandon Starkweather.  Welcome to the District 11 family:  Tom Lonan and Jeff McCormick.

Spokane County Fire District 8 hereby calls for vendors who wish to be placed on a vendor list for District purchasing of materials, equipment, supplies or services in amounts of $10,000 to $50,000 in accordance with the provisions of RCW 39.04.190.  Vendors who wish to be listed must complete a Vendor Form provided by the District.   Return the completed Vendor Form to Spokane County Fire District 8, PO Box 345, Valleyford, WA  99036-0345; or fax to 509-924-8358; or by email to lrash@scfd8.org.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the color pink is everywhere from shopping malls to football fields and even in local fire engines.  SCFD8 members were showing their support for the fight against breast cancer by wearing pink uniforms October 17 – 23.  Breast cancer strikes both women and men.  Becoming familiar with information about the disease can save your life or the life of someone you love. 

Learn more today at http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/index

SCFD8 members were at 57th & Regal on Saturday, September 17th in effort to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Your generous donations will go to the Spokane Muscular Dystrophy office to help MD patients in our community.  All contributions will be used to provide annual shots, assistance equipment such as wheel chairs, and help fund the MDA Kids Summer Camp at Twin Lakes.

Thank you for showing your support for MDA!

SCFD8 members who completed in the climb included:  Steve Bailey, Tom Chavez, Jon Gallatin, Jake Hebden, Chris Hoagland, Shane Jenkins, Kevin Krepcik, Paul Leforgee, Marty Long, Derek Phillips, Adam Villard, and Todd Wood.  Thank you for your dedication – Great Job! 

Lt. Jake Hebden, FF Adam Villard, MSO Tom Chavez, & FF Shane Jenkins

Lt. Todd Wood, FF Paul Leforgee, Lt. Steve Bailey, & FF Marty Long

FF Kevin Krepcik, FF Derek Phillips, FF Jon Gallatin, & PM/FF Chris Hoagland

SCFD8 members visited students at Freeman Elementary, Moran Prairie Elementary, and Mullan Road Elementary during Fire Prevention Week, October 10 – 14th.  Firefighters shared safety and fire prevention materials and the important message, Protect Your Family From Fire with over 1,100 children in grades K-4.

For additional information and to read tips to on how to protect your home and your family visit the NFPA website at: firepreventionweek.org or FPW.org.

Members of Spokane County Fire District 8 participated in the 2nd annual South Hill Gold’s Gym Fun Run on Saturday, July 9th. District 8 members were on hand to provide public education materials, tours of the fire trucks, and emergency medical support to participants of the fun run.

The event supports the Spokane Guild School and Neuromuscular Center. The mission of the Guild School is to provide assessment and treatment for children from birth to three years of age who exhibit delays in developmental skills.

Thanks to all those who particiated.

SCFD8 paramedic MSO Tom Chavez was awarded the 2010 EMS Instructor of the Year award in June  by the Spokane County EMS Coumcil.   Chavez was given the award in recognition for his innovations and use of technology in delivering training to members of District 8.

Congratulations Tom!

Chief Bill Walkup administered the Oath of Office to Paramedic Firefighter James Smock during the regular Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting in May.  James joins the District 8 team with a solid background in emergency services.

FF/PM Smock received a District badge from Deputy Chief Tony Nielsen and congratulations from the BoFC.

Welcome James!

South Spokane County Collection & Composting Day – Fire District 8 was host site for a collection and composting day April 9, 2011  at Station 82.  Area residents had an opportunity to attend composting seminars, learn how to protect their home from wildfires, and find out what the burning rules are in our area.

The next Collection and Chipping event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2012.  For additional information visit www.spokaneclearair.org

The US Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $315,216 to SCFD8 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.  Nationally, the 2010 AFG awards will provide approximately $500 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. 

The AFG program is an important component in a coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level or preparedness.  The program is designed to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards.

SCFD8 will use the grant money to fund the purchase of 66 self-contained breathing apparatus and the associated equipment.  This award from FEMA will fill a dire need of the agency by allowing the District to replace its outdated SCBA.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy announced that Deputy Chief Tony Nielsen successfully completed the Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP).  Chief Nielsen was formally recognized for his accomplishment by SCFD8 on February 11th when Chief Walkup presented him with his EFOP certificate during the District’s annual awards evening.  Among the requirements of the 4-year program are written Applied Research Projects in each executive-level course demonstrating application of course theory and concepts to real life situations within the community.  Congratulations Chief Nielsen! To read more…

SCFD8 recognized the following members for their dedication and outstanding contributions in 2010:  20 Years of Service - Kevin Krepcik; 15 Years of Service - Shane Harris, Paul Leforgee & Marty Long; 5 Years of Service - Jared Balstad, Kris Cress, Dan Glover, Nick Henry, Shane Jenkins, Mike Lamb, Lonnie Rash, Cathy Sturman, & Tyler Sturman ; Firefighter of the Year, East Battalion - Nick Henry; Firefighter of the Year, West Battalion - Jim Joss; Resident Firefighter of the Year - Justin Dominguez; Recruit Firefighter of the Year - Derek Phillips; THE Firefighter of the Year - Evan Hennessey; EMS Provider of the Year - Tom Chavez; Career Firefighter of the Year - Tom Chavez; and the Commissioners Award was presented toJake Hebden.  Thank you SCFD8 members for all you do!

Look for the SCFD8 Winter 2010 Newsletter in your mailbox or read a copy here:  SCFD8 Newsletter

 Fire District 8 Paramedic Firefighter Chris Hoaglandtakes the District Oath of Office from Fire Chief Bill Walkupduring the regular Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting in December. 

Chris comes to  SCFD8 with an extensive background in fire and emergency services and joins our team of dedicated emergency responders.

Welcome Chris!

Eighteen new District 8 members took the Oath of Office during a graduation ceremony at Station 82 on November 9th.

The 16 Volunteers and 2 Residents successfully completed a 97-hour Recruit Academy training where they learned basic firefighter, CPR  and EMT skills.

Welcome all to the District 8 family:  David Bair, Jonathan Gallatin, Patrick Haffey, Samuel Hale, Ryan Hodge, Matt Iris, Robert, Kaiser, Jordan Kellogg, Christopher Miller, Joshua Nerren, Patrick Nettleton, Joel Oglesbee, Dylan Oliver, Nicholas Pendergrass Derek Phillips, Alexander Sari, Tyler Sturman, and Chad Walter.

Taxpayers Save Money – SCFD8 took advantage of historically low interest rates in the municipal bond market and completed the refinancing of its 2000 voter approved bonds.  These original bonds proceeds were used to finance the acquisition of land, construct a fire station, and purchase new apparatus and equipment. 

The refiancing will reduce debt repayment costs by $480,000 over the remaining 10-year life of the bonds.  Working with Martin Nelson and Company, the District was able to replace the 5.51% average interest rate currently paid on its outstanding 2000 debt with a new rate of 2.31%.  In addition to the low interest rate, the District achieved a one step upgrade in the bond rating to “AA” from Standard & Poor’s, the second highest grade from the top level of the “AA” category.

“We continue to seek ways to be effective and efficient with taxpayer funds” said Chief Bill Walkup.  “We know our residents are concerned about the economy and we felt these cost reduction efforts were important.  The District chose to enter the bond market now so that taxpayer savings could be achieved while interest rates are still at generational lows,” said Chief Walkup.

SCFD8 Board of Fire Commissioners and Dr. Herb Robinson recognized the dedication and teamwork of District 8 members during the September BoFC meeting.  On February 20, 2010, Station 81′s crew responded to a report of a vehicle in a swimming pool.  When units arrived on scene, a deputy sheriff informed them that a vehicle had gone into the swimming pool and was still occupied by a driver.  Dr. Robinson was rescued from the cold waters of the pool and moved onto the deck where members provided ALS care.  His pulse and respirations were restored and he was transfered to MedStar by District personnel.  Thanks to rapid rescue, ALS, and CPR/airway management. Dr. Robinson survived and joined District 8 in celebrating the successful outcome of his story. 

Congratulations to all involved!

Pictured:  Firefighter Tom Horne, Firefighter Matt Cuaresma, Dr. Herb Robinson, Lt. Mike Hause, Firefighter Jared Balstad, Deputy Chief Mitch Metzger.  Not present:  Lt. Steve Bailey, Lt. Greg Barker, and Paramedic/Firefighter Bill Curley.

Ground Ambulance Service Agreement Signed – A new comprehensive Spokane County Ground Ambulance Service Agreement was approved by the Ambulance Service Board on June 30, 2010. After nearly four years of work effort by participating agencies, the contract was signed between the ASB and American Medical Response, with an effective start date of July 1, 2010. Agencies participating in the agreement are: Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokane County Fire Protection Districts 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and cities of Airway Heights, Cheney, and Medical Lake. 

The new agreement will provide for improved services to our citizens at no additional cost with pre-identified performance measures that AMR ambulances must meet. The agreement also provides a waiver of charges to our citizens by the ambulance company should they not meet the agreed upon performance measures outlined in the contract. The agreement further protects you, our citizens, by ensuring rate stabilization and audit controls for charges billed by the private provider (AMR) and audits of their performance under the agreement.

Pictured at the formal signing ceremony: Mike Thompson, Chief of Spokane Valley Fire Department and Contract Agreement Administrator; Randy Strozyk, Vice President of American Medical Response; Rocco Roncarati, the Spokane, Bozeman and Billings General Manager for AMR; and William Walkup, Chief of Spokane County Fire District 8 and Chair of the Ambulance Service Board for Spokane County

SCFD8 Board of Fire Commissioners and Mr. Chris Desborough recognized the dedication and teamwork of District 8 members during the July BoFC meeting.  On June 1st, Station 84′s crew responded to a possible cardiac arrest.  Upon arrival, they took over patient care, performed life-saving CPR, defibrillation, advanced life support, and ensured transport to the the hospital.  After a stay in the hospital and recovery at home, Mr. Desborough joined District 8 in celebrating the success of his story. 

Congratulations to all involved!

Pictured:  Division Chief Tom Hatley, Firefighter Jason Tellinghusen, Paramedic/Firefighter Amanda Jordan, Mr. Chris Desborough, Firefighter Shane Jenkins, and Lt. Jeff Wainwright