New recruitment program presented to fire commissioners

By Richard Uhlhorn

Assistant Chief report:

Reserve Fire Fighter Program proposal:

Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman has written a proposal that could change the staffing dynamics at Chelan Fire & Rescue. It will be up to the commissioners to analyze this proposal before approving, changing or denying it.

Ever since the District began its move towards a career fire department, it has had a difficult time recruiting and retaining volunteers who were willing to dedicate the time to become certified firefighters required by State Law. Many potential volunteers either didn’t have the time to commit to the program or just weren’t interested because the benefits didn’t fit their expectations.

Sherman stated that only 50 percent of the volunteers returned post COVID. Since potential volunteers mostly come from the community’s working class, affordable housing becomes an issue. “They can’t afford to live here,” said Sherman. Both the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Forest Service are having similar staffing issues.

With career firefighters taking care of most 911 calls, the Department is asking less and less of the volunteer staff which the administration is now re-evaluating. “This program,” said Sherman “addresses the more critical factors of personnel issues.” Fifty percent of the current crop of volunteers are failing to meet the Department’s minimum participation guidelines.

The program will target people who want to be in fire service jobs but have flexible scheduling. Sherman says the program will embrace a new approach to community involvement and public safety.

“Wildfires in the wildland/urban interface are one of Chelan County’s greatest natural hazards,” said Sherman.

The program being presented would, in Sherman’s eyes, establish a cohesive team of reserve firefighters and enhance the agencies response capabilities. The program would require the following:

·         Reserve firefighters would have to commit to 72 hours per month for the first year.

·         Forty eight hours per month after the first year.

·         They would be offered 12, 24 and 48 hour shifts

·         They would be compensated at $26 per hour.

·         There would be overtime opportunities for State Mob responses.

Fire Chief report:

Chelan Fire has five firefighters on State Mobilization helping with the Oregon Road Fire near firefighting efforts and the District also has an engine with three firefighters assigned to help fight the blaze.

At its commission meeting on August 16, the Chief Asher introduced and pinned the District’s new mechanic, Jason Miller. Miller is replacing John Goyne who retires at the end of the month.

Last month the department responded to 57 calls, most of which were medical. However, Chief Asher stated that July was a busy time for the District. The department firefighters responded to 11 non-medical calls including three brush fires, one high angle rescue in the Chelan River Gorge, a potential fire in the Whaley Building that turned out to be just smoke, three state mobilizations, and a semi-truck accident at the bottom of McNeil Canyon.

Commissioner Jones asked if any fines have been levied for false alarms. Chief Asher replied that none had been.

Chief Asher reported that contract negotiations are continuing with the career staff.

On September 5, there will be a workshop with the City on the proposed TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) that encompasses two percent of the taxable land in the Junior Taxing Districts. “It’s an earlier in the day meeting between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with City Administrator Wade Farris and City Development Director John Ajax,” Asher said. He added that he had been contacted by multiple fire districts that are struggling with the same issues the Fire District has with the TIF. “They have the same questions we have.”

“This is the busiest time of the year for calls,” said Asher. He reported on new radios funded by RiverCom and the new Slide Ridge repeater that will be up by November 1. The repeater tower is permitted for 60 feet.

Asher reported that the District would take delivery of a Type 1 engine at the end of October and the second engine at the first of the year.

Station 71 is getting a generator that is a piece of critical infrastructure for the station in case of power outages during emergencies.

The fire commission meets every third Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Station 71 in the upstairs meeting room. The public is encouraged to attend.