Chelan Fire Commissioners schedule May 30 for public forum

CHELAN – Ladder 71 is ready to be picked up in Alabama, informed Chelan Fire Chief Tim Lemon during the April 17 commissioner meeting.

Chief Lemon, along with volunteer Lieutenant Johnny Snyder from Station 73 in Union Valley, flew down to Alabama on Sunday, April 21. Both will drive the ladder truck back to Chelan in a four to five day trip across the country. Lemon mentioned that they are expecting to be back in town by Friday, April 26.

The commissioners unanimously approved their out-of-state travel for picking the ladder truck. They also approved travel for Chief Mark Donnell in August for the National Fire Academy, which is a six-day conference.  

Commissioner Russ Jones had updates regarding the rescue boat. “After some discussion we decided to replace some of the steering cabling,” said Jones. The commissioner will conduct a research to figure out the different technologies that could be used in the boat to help locate people in the water. This decision was taken as a result of the drowning of a 36 year-old male near Lake Chelan State Park. Such equipment could then be included in grant applications to help acquire it.

Under new business the commissioners voted on the approval of Jones as volunteer member to participate in marine operations. “The primary drive around this is that as far as I know I am the only certified boat instructor in the area,” explained Jones. The approval as volunteer was also needed in order to have Jones be covered under the district’s insurance.  As a volunteer, Jones would train career staff and volunteers to operate the boat. “I have no objection to that since it is a benefit to the department,” said commissioner Phil Moller. Commissioner Jay Witherbee also had no opposition. Chief Lemon clarified that Jones can’t be compensated for his volunteer services.

Chief Lemon presented the commissioners with a draft of the Long Range Plan presentation for the May 30 public forum, at the Chelan Senior Center.  Time to be announced. “This is our official rough draft, we will be going through it and adding to it and modifying,” said Chief Lemon. The presentation so far will cover: a general overview of the fire district, department services, operational statics, response stats and benefits of the different staff, apparatus and funding.

Special Events:

Recruit Class of 2019 Graduation – May 2, Chelan High School PAC, 6 p.m.