Chelan Fire looks ahead to upcoming events

CHELAN – Fire and Rescue 7 chiefs and the two remaining commissioners convened for their regular monthly commissioner’s meeting, Wednesday, March 21 at Station 71.
Public commentary at the district’s monthly meeting of the commissioners is few and far between. On this night, however, Chelan resident Dr. Gordon Tagge took a moment to voice a concern that has been weighing heavily on his mind, he said. “I know that there’s a plan in the hike of the levy,” he began, “I’m not for it or against it. I just wanted to say that … it doesn’t seem like a lot, but then you add them all up and it’s a lot of money. I’m not yet collecting Social Security,” he continued into his intended message, “but I’m getting to the point where I’m thinking about what it’s going to be.” He proceeded by explaining that, after reviewing what he will be receiving in Social Security income, if that were his sole income after retirement nearly a quarter of that income would be going toward local and state taxes. “I just want to know what people who rely solely on their Social Security for income are supposed to do,” he expressed, “before they pay their mortgage and before they buy food, 25 percent is going to local taxes.”
Moving into regular agenda items, Chief Tim Lemon announced that a letter was received from students at a California middle school and was directed to strike team firefighters Hepper, Cox and Aurilio who mobilized to assist in the devastating fires back in December. “They were very appreciative of all the help they received from us,” he expressed.
Lemon went on through items within the chief’s report, including the revelation of Firefighter Adam Jones’ nomination and selection for Washington State’s Firefighter of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The recognition will take place June 22 in Bremerton.
Deputy Chief Mark Donnell began updating commissioners on operations, fire prevention and public education events. The tactical response plans are right on target, he explained, and the safety fair conducted through the school district was successful. Looking ahead, the department is preparing for their open house, which will take place April 21 in conjunction with Earth Day. The B-shift crew is responsible for the event, he explained, “but they’ve already got a really good start on it, and it sounds like it’s going to be a much bigger program than last year.” The next public event for the department, after the open house, will be the annual firefighter’s pancake breakfast, scheduled for June 2.
Breaking into the volunteer and recruit aspect of the agenda, Assistant Chief Brandon Asher led by explaining the “ever-fluctuating number of volunteers is at 28 right now.” With 20 volunteers in the Chelan stations, four each for Entiat and Orondo Fire Departments. “We’re three classes into the academy,” he continued, explaining the first of the classes was orientation and a history on fire services, and the last two were focused on CPR and first aid. All 28 of the recruits have passed their fit tests and are in the process of being issued the essential gear, however, he explained, more gear will need to be ordered. The most recent SAFER grant provided funding for new gear for 20 volunteers, every year, for four years. There are an additional eight volunteers currently that will need gear, he explained, but after talking with a representative on the SAFER grant, he was informed that the gear funding is a set amount and may be distributed however is needed throughout the four years, as long as it does not go over the allotted amount provided within the grant agreement. “It’s a great first-recruit class,” he expressed in conclusion, “and some really good people too. They’re motivated and it’s off to a really great start.”
Following his recruitment and volunteer update, Commissioner Russ Jones asked Asher how many hours are required for a volunteer to become combat qualified. A qualification which is not only required for a volunteer to enter a burning building to “combat fire”, but also for a firefighter to count as part of the two in two out rule. “It’s close to 150 hours, just for the initial basic firefighter (training),” Donnell responded to Jones, “then there’s Firefighter 1, which is the certification that we’d like them to get to, but there’s a process … if they want to continue to move forward … so, for Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2 and hazmat, you need about 13 weeks (total), of 40-hour weeks.”  In response to Donnell’s information, Jones supplied, “I can guarantee the general public isn’t aware of the investment and commitment that it takes (to become combat certified).”
Concluding the night’s agenda was the topic of the now vacate commissioner’s position. With Tom Peter’s resignation taking effect at the time of submission, the immediate vacancy will need to be filled by way of an application, cover letter and references. The position will be publicized through local media in upcoming publications. For more information on the available Chelan Fire and Rescue (CFR) commissioner’s seat, contact the department at (509) 682-4476.
CFR meets every second Wednesday of the month at Station 71, beginning at 4 p.m. The next scheduled meeting will take place Wednesday, April 11.