Friday, March 29, 2024

Engines purchased for Marine 71, hiring postponed for administrative assistant

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CHELAN – Chelan Fire and Rescue continues to move forward with the new rescue boat.

Firefighters Association President Dan Crandall had news for the commissioners regarding the rescue boat.   “After a lengthy discussion the association voted to approve purchasing two Honda 225 engines for Marine 71 … its got power and hopefully we can go from there,” Crandall informed  everyone during the Feb. 20 meeting.

“We do have some engines that will be on their way soon and Reed’s Marine has offered to install those for us,” said Fire Commissioner Russ Jones. The engines have around 300 hours and they have been tested. “They should be good,” he said.

Jones also mentioned that he has purchased batteries for the boat and that they have some miscellaneous things that they have submitted a grant request for through Emergency Services Management.

During the holidays the work that had to be done to Ladder 71 replacement were pushed back. Now it looks like everything is back on track. Fire Chief Tim Lemon stated that at the moment the truck is getting minor fixes done here and there.  He also mentioned that they are getting updates on a regular basis and as soon they hear from the company they will determine who will bring back the fire truck to town from Alabama. “As soon as we get closer, we will go through the list and see who is available during that time frame,” said Lemon.

Lemon also had updates regarding the hiring process for a new Administrative Assistant. After a number of interviews, they have narrowed it down to three candidates.

According to Lemon. “They are good quality candidates … we had some skilled, some not so skilled and others who have personality and others who have personality and skill … we are walking through it just fine.”

Fire Commissioner Jay Witherbee raised some concerns about the position and wants to postpone the hiring until they get further into the Long Range Plan. “It’s a budgetary decision, to be honest with you. It’s something it has to be looked at. Once we make the hire, I hope we are making a commitment to that person and then we get into the Long Range planning and decide we are not going to budget that position in the future, that’s the reason I ask to consider postponing it,” said Witherbee.

Asher explained that they need someone to help manage all paperwork for volunteers. “We have a lot of people coming in the door and I hope to keep that going,” he said. Lemon jumped in by saying that the position is essential to the operations. It not only assists the chiefs, but also the firefighters. Conversations regarding the hiring will continue as Witherbee suggested to include this in the next Long Range meeting.

Special Events:
On March 7, CFR will host the Lake Chelan Emergency Services summit. They will invite neighboring agencies and services providers. The summit will be held from 9-11:00 a.m. and invitation letters will be sent out to Districts 5,8,4, EMS and EM.

2018 Awards Banquet, Campbell’s Resort – March 16 at 6 p.m.

Faye Baker’s Retirement Party, Chelan Senior Center – March 29 at 6 p.m.

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