Fire District 13 creates key support positions

Wood Weiss has settled into his new role as District 13 Fire Chief.

Now Weiss is helping others take on new duties as well.

Last Thursday he received approval from District 13 Commissioners during their monthly video-conferenced meeting for key firefighting and emergency services support positions, including a district fitness officer, wildland fire coordinator and grief counselor.

“We’ve never had a fitness officer before,” said Weiss. “It’s been a big push for me for many years. This would be to promote physical fitness among our firefighters and EMTs.” The person will get a $100 monthly stipend.

Zach Cleave will become district wildland fire coordinator, at $100 per month, retroactive to July 1, recognizing his efforts on a wheat field burn in eastern Washington.

Commission member Bruce Shellhamer, who has an extensive background in social and health services and as a pastor, agreed last week to meet with Weiss to discuss serving as a grief counselor for the district.

Weiss said the need is great.

“I noticed on a call where we had a deceased person that the support system that offers help to others in mental duress after something like that has pretty much been shut down due to COVID,” Weiss said. “This would be for both people in the home and firefighters.”

“We’re fortunate to have someone with your background available to take this on,” Commission Chairman Larry Kibbee told Shellhamer.

In related notes:

• Weiss will set up an initial meeting with an architectural firm to address a proposed build-out of the Snee Oosh Road station.
• The fire district is continuing to explore purchase options for a newer ladder truck.
• Commissioners will spend up to $15,000 for an extractor/washer/dryer system for Station 2.