Smokey Bear and the Chiefs

Thank you for  joining us for our first annual Fire Service Day Open House on Saturday, May 11th.  You helped to make the event a huge success.   A special thank you to the members of SCFD8 who volunteered their time providing station tours, extrication and equipment demonstrations, and “sidewalk CPR” – we have a great team at District 8!  We look forward to seeing you again next year at Fire Service Day 2014!

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING:  The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold their next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at District Headquarters, Station 82, 12100 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Washington, beginning at 6:00 pm. The public is welcome to attend. BoFC meeting agendas and minutes are available here.

The end of the school year and prom season in an exciting and potentially dangerous time of the year for teen drivers.  Fire District 8 personnel assisted Spokane Valley Fire Department in a mock crash exercise April 19th  in effort to bring awareness to students at Central Valley High School of the dangers of drinking and driving.  Agencies participating in the exercise included  SCFD8, SVFD, Washington State Patrol, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and Northwest Medstar.  Drive Safely!

Community Meeting at Station 85

Thank you for attending our recent community meetings and sharing your thoughts on the development of the District’s Strategic Plan. The input you provided was extremely valuable as we continue to move forward in the process.

Call 811 before you dig

You may be suprised to know how much is going on underground.  Gas, electric, and other utility lines are just about everywhere.  Call 811 at least two working days before you start digging.  For more information read Call Before You Dig and then remember to call 811, 800-424-5555 or www.callbeforeyoudig.org.

Anytime you smell or hear a gas leak, take these precautions:  Don’t smoke, light matches, turn you electrical switches on or off, use the telephone or do anything else that might create a spark; evacuate everyone in the area, and keep others away; and call Avista Utilities at 800-227-9187.

Captain Mike Hause congratulates Ryan Hodge, West Battalion Firefighter of the Year

SCFD8 members gathered on February 8, 2013 to recognize and thank the following people for their outstanding service in 2012:  Kristen Parker and James Parker, Commissioners Award; Kris Cress, Career Firefighter of the Year; Dr. Michael Metcalf, EMS Provider of the Year; Dave Simboli, Firefighter of the Year representing East Battalion; Ryan Hodge, Firefighter of the Year representing West Battalion; Bob Kaiser, Resident Firefighter of the Year; Drew Parker, THE Firefighter of the Year; and Skylar Kliewer, Recruit Firefighter of the Year.  The following members received service awards:  Richard Slover, 15 years of service; Mike Grytdal, Mike Hause, and Jeff Moe, 10 years of service; Joe Branson, Jared Carlson, John Celestino, Nick Chiacchia, Brian Dunne, Seth Firestone, Tom Horne, Jeff Jewell, Tom Rothrock, Kevin Royston, Jeff Smith, Max Traxel, and Caleb Tyler, 5 years of service.  We appreciate all you do - thank you!

Division Chief Chris Wyrobek and Fire Chief Bill Walkup

Fire Chief Bill Walkup administered the oath of office to Chris Wyrobek during the regular Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on January 7, 2013.  With his previous experience as a Firefighter/EMT, Operations Captain, and Fire Chief, coupled with a background in business and the legal field, Chief Wyrbek brings a wealth knowledge and experience to Distict 8. 

Welcome Division Chief Wyrobek to the District 8 family!

 

Santa Claus and his SCFD8 helpers made their way through area neighborhoods in December greeting children and their families as they came out of their homes to meet them.  SCFD8 members and their special passenger, Santa, visited the Ponderosa, Valleyford, Moran Prairie and Hangman neighborhoods December 10th through the 17th.

We look forward to seeing you again next December!

MSO Tom Chavez,  Lt. Jeff Wainwright and Firefighter Adam Villard show their support in the fight against breast cancer

SCFD8 members helped to focus attention on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink  October 14 – 27.  Breast cancer strikes both women and men, and 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

Another successful event!

South Spokane County Chipping & Composting Day -Station 82, 12100 E. Palouse Highway, was the host site for a county Chipping & Composting event on Saturday, October 20, 2012.  Area residents had  the opportunity to dispose of residential yard and garden debris, attend a composting seminar, exchange their empty burn barrels, and receive a plastic compost bin.

Thank you to all who particiapted!

This event was co-sponsored by Spokane Rgional Clean Air.  Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency

SCFD8 Members share fire safety information with students at Freeman Elementary School

SCFD8 members visited with students at Freeman Elementary School, Moran Prairie Elementary School, and Mullen Road Elemetary School during Fire Prevention Week, October 7th – 13th.  Firefighters focused on this year’s theme, “Have Two Ways Out”, and shared important fire safety information with over 300 students in 5th and 6th grade classes.

SCFD8 firefighters answered many great questions from  students, donned full safety gear, and provided an opportunity for a close-up view of the fire engine and brush truck.

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.

We look forward to visiting area schools again during Fire Prevention Week, October 6 – 12, 2013.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). This year, Ready.gov http://www.ready.gov/  is trying to drive home one very important and poignant message:  “You never know when the day before is the day before”.

Do you have these four steps in place toward preparedness?  National Preparedness Month

Thank you for your generous support!

SCFD8 members spent the day at at 57th & Regal on Saturday, September 15th in effort to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Your generous donations, of more than $6,500,  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!

Deputy Chief Greg Godfrey & Chief Bill Walkup

Chief Walkup administered the Oath of Office to Deputy Chief Greg Godfrey during the Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting on September 11th.  Chief Godfrey joins SCFD8 with 30 years of experience in the fire service and a great energy and enthusiasm.  He will coordinate all areas of Support Services for Fire District 8.

Welcome Chief Godfrey!

Recruits take the Oath of Office

Thirteen new firefighters were recognized by their family, friends, and District members at a special Recruit Academy Graduation on Tuesday, June 12th.  The recruits took the oath of office at the conclusion of an an eight-week academy that included training in basic firefighting, CPR, and EMT skills.

Welcomed to the District 8 family were:  Matthew Carrier, Daniel DeHaro, Colby Ivey, Garrett Kitterman, Skylar Kliewer, Kevin Morcom, Todd Norton, Alexander Peltram, Jacob Pirtle, Jacob Renouard and  Daniel Seeman.  Welcomed to the District 11 family was: James Roibal.

SCFD8 members participated in a career fair at Mullen Road Elementary on June 6th.  Students in grades one through five asked questions and learned what it like to be a firefighter and a firefighter paramedic.  They also had an opportunity to tour the apparatus and see the equipment used daily by our first responders.

Thank you District 8 members.  In the words of Mullen Road Elementary’s own  McCall, “District 8 rocks!”

SCFD8's Celebrity Readers: Shane Jenkins, Tom Chavez, Derek Phillips, Jake Hebden & Jacob Parsloe

SCFD8 members participated in a birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss at Sunrise Elementary on Friday, March 2nd.  Celebrity Readers included firefighters, sheriff officers, an astronaut, Spokane Shock football players, local news anchors, radio DJs and a lilac princess – all who read books written by Dr. Seuss to Sunrise students.  Green Eggs and Ham, Cat in the Hat… what is your favorite book?

Eight District members were recognized by the Board of Fire Commissioners on February 21st for their efforts in helping to save the life of a 28-year-old man.  On June 17, 2011, Amanda Jordan, Derek Phillips, Kevin Krepcik, Drew Parker, Jon Gallatin, Mike Hause, Matt Cuaresma and Jim Joss responded to a call of a cardiac arrest at Oz Fitness Center.  Upon arrival, SCFD8 members provided the unresponsive man with BLS and ALS care including CPR, defibrillation, IV therapy, medication administration, and airway management.  The patient was transported to SHMC in the care of Fire District 8 and AMR personnel.  After receiving an internal defibrillator, he was later discharged and is now doing well.  This is the second CPR save for Firefighter/Paramedic Amanda Jordan, Captain Mike Hause, and Firefighter/EMT Matt Cuaresma.  Thank you SCFD8 members!  You make an important difference in our community.

SCFD8 recognized the following members on February 10, 2012 for their service and outstanding contributions in 2011:  25 Years of Service – Charles Archer; 20 Years of Service – Vince Eubanks; 15 Years of Service – Bob Lundy; 10 Years of Service – Derrick Kern & Adam Villard; 5 Years of Service – Pete Grove, Seth Gunnels, Nate Hawley, Jim Joss, Drew Parker, Joe St. John, Cheryl Sparks, & Jason Tellinghusen; Career Firefighter of the Year – Jake Hebden; EMS Provider of the Year – John Celestino; Firefighter of the Year East Battalion – Jason Tellinghusen, Firefighter of the Year West Battalion – Dave Bair; Resident Firefirefighter of the Year – Jon Gallatin; Temporary Hourly Employee Firefighter of the Year – Shawn Garrett; and Recruit Firefighter of the Year – Seth Feist.  Commissioner Awards were presented to Cheryl Sparks and Deputy Chief Tony Nielsen.  Thank you SCFD8 members for all you do! 

Santa Claus & Company

Santa Claus joined SCFD8 members on eight evenings this December to visit children and their families across 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

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.   Return the completed Vendor Form to Spokane County Fire District 8, PO Box 345, Valleyford, WA  99036-0345; or fax to 509-924-8358.

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

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!

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.