Large Community Turnout Pleases Board
by Dennis Rahm
During their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday (11/20/19), the Board of Commissioners for Chelan Fire and Rescue formally approved their 2020 budget. Prior to the budget vote, the Board had approved a resolution exercising the allowable one percent increase over last year’s budgeted tax revenue.
Fire Chief Mark Donnell presented the budget to the Board and others in attendance. He also walked through the department’s organizational goals for the upcoming year, gave a report on emergency responses, operations, and a Kindergarten Safety program completed at Morgan Owings Elementary. In addition, a brief ceremony was held to acknowledge the promotion of Lt. Taylor Rains (pictured below).
Lt. Taylor Rains
Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Asher gave an update on volunteer recruitment and retention noting that “recruitment is picking up”. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter for Chelan Fire and Rescue is invited to contact Chief Asher for details. The next recruit academy will start in January.
Ann Clark of the Firefighters Association reported that $42,000 was raised at this years’ Firelight Gala. $18,000 of that amount has been dedicated to help outfit Marine 71, the recently acquired fire department boat. Clark requested that the Board consider matching the $18,000 towards the project. The board will review the request at a future time.
During public comments, Kathy Lemon, the widow of former Chief Tim Lemon, delivered an emotional and heart-felt thank you to the fire department and the community. She talked about how District 7 makes the combination of a paid and volunteer fire department not only work but work well. She said her husband’s top priority was keeping the community safe, “he lived and breathed the fire department”.
In other business, Mayor Mike Cooney thanked the fire department on behalf of the Chelan Housing Trust for participating in the recent house burning training exercise on North Emerson. The controlled burn provided hands-on training while helping to clear the property for constructing the land trusts first townhome project.
Fire Chief Donnell and the District Board have been encouraging more community involvement with the fire department. Commissioner Russ Jones said the turnout at this month’s meeting was the biggest crowd we’ve seen in probably 30 years.
Cathy Lemon
Jones said community involvement is needed and noted that in the next few years the department will be forced with either cutting back or running a levy lid election. Said Jones, “the public will make the determination”.
For additional information about Chelan Fire & Rescue 7, contact your commissioners or staff and visit their website.
