By Richard Uhlhorn
Fire Chief report:
Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman gave the report in Chief Asher’s absence. He reported that there were only 40 calls in February of which 72 percent were EMS calls. “There were no major incidents,” said Sherman.
Sherman stated that pre-fire planning was ongoing. “We are working out the bugs and getting positive reports back.” He added that all of the department’s airtanks (bottles) were undergoing hydrostatic testing.
New boat acquisition:
Sherman reported that the new work boat from the Pasco Fire Department couldn’t be delivered until a clear title is obtained. Apparently Pasco FD is applying for a lost title.
Sherman stated that he and Jason (?) would be traveling to Pasco to test the new boat.
Commissioners report:
Simmons brought up the district’s dropbox process and stated that the commission can’t be signing vouchers without proper review. Commissioner Mark Donnell added that all the commissioners need to be on the same page.
Station 71 generator update:
Apparently the controller on the generator broke, but an alternative has been found. This generator will eventually supply power to the station in the event that PUD power is lost.
California mobilization:
Commissioner Russ Jones asked how the California mobilization billing was going and Administrative Manager Misty Fifield said the final billing has been submitted.
SOG – 226 – Marine Emergency Responses:
Simmons asked Sherman if six hours, including night training, on boat operations was attainable? Sherman replied that it was. “We are lucky to have Russ Jones and Tim Sullivan to help. Boating is a dangerous activity,” Sherman stated. “I hear your concerns.”
Simmons added that his concern is if someone not quite trained takes the boat out on a call and gets in trouble… Sherman replied that it all comes down to training plus evaluation of the trainee. “If he doesn’t pass than more training is required.” He added that there is an elevated risk on the water.
There is also the element of trailering the boat. “We’ve never had trailer training.” Jones suggested a trailer class.
Strategic Plan:
The department will audit the policies that apply and if needed, correct them.
Firefighter medicals:
Donnell stated that medical examinations need to be done right. He remarked that volunteers over 60 have to be looked at differently than a young volunteers. Simmons replied, “We need to be real careful how we go about this. I agree with you,” he told Donnell.
Sherman told the commissioners that the department has a physical requirement depending on each position a firefighter fills. He also stated that there is a mental component to the process.
Donnell highly recommended yearly physicals for fire personnel.
Annual Report:
Simmons suggested leaving the 2024 annual report as is but said he would like discuss what the department does in the future.
Summer seasonals:
The department administration wants to hire three summer seasonals. Jones asked if that would add $35,000 to the budget? He was told it would.
Donnell said he didn’t even know where the department was going to get its seasonals. Sherman said they want to bring seasonals on by April 24. “If you are asking for a third seasonal, we want more information,” said Donnell.
Community input:
A Union Valley resident and past fire fighter told the commissioners and administrators that he has put four 1,000 gallon tanks on his property all connected to a heavy duty sprinkler system for fire protection of his property. He also has a fire truck on site. “There are 90 families living in Union Valley. I would like to get some support.”
John Olson, a communjty advocate remarked that when he ran the Re-Runs truck that there were a number of south shore residents whose homes were not accessible. He said he would like to see the department investigate those access roads to see what could be accessed.
Donnell replied that they would attempt to access fire situations where and if it was safe.
Simmons said he was concerned with political rhetoric on KOZI.
Simmons also stated that he isn’t sure that sending firefighters out on State Mobilizations is in the best interest of the department. “We are not a for profit agency,” he added.
Firefighter Chris Burchman, who was sent to California, said he ran into a California firefighter who thanked Chelan for coming down and helping out. He told Burchman that he was sent to the Pioneer Fire last summer and truly appreciated Chelan for sending crews.
All Things Lake Chelan 