By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

RATHDRUM — When Darrell Rickard's printing business struggled, he hopped on the bus.

No, he didn't flee Rathdrum.

Rickard and his wife, Tammy, owned Twin Printing Co. in Rathdrum when he made the gradual transition to the Lakeland Joint School District about 20 years ago.

"I drove a school bus to supplement my income," he said, adding that he "wasn't getting rich" in the printing business.

When a school bus mechanic job at the district became available, it complemented the driving gig, so Rickard went to work for the school district full time and ended his printing script.

"It was a different world," he said of the change from owning a printing company to school transportation. "With the school district, it's more about serving people. With manufacturing, you were always trying to make money. It was a huge difference for me, but I've enjoyed it."

Rickard worked into his current position, as the school district's transportation director, 16 years ago. He was named the state's school Transportation Supervisor of the Year in 2012.

Rickard has also served Rathdrum in other ways over the years, including on the city's former Traffic Safety Committee, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. He is currently on the City Council. He also formerly was a member of the Lions Club and a volunteer EMT for the Rathdrum Rural Fire District.

"I like the opportunity to serve the public and knowing that maybe, somehow I can make a difference," Rickard said.

People may ask what's the story behind your long hair, so The Press needs to ask — what's up with that?

A lot of people rib me about it. But most people are just jealous that they can't grow as much on their head. I just like change. I've gone from short hair to flat tops to this. I may just wake up tomorrow and have it cut. I just know that I don't want to be bald. I recently lost weight, so I grew my hair out.

So there's nothing more to it? A product of the 70s/80s? A head-banger?

It's nothing more than getting bored with what's on top of your head. There's no big reason other than I can.

What was your upbringing like?

I was born and raised in Spokane. It was a fun place to live. I grew up in Hillyard and graduated from Rogers High School. It was safe. You could walk down the street at night and there was never a problem. I was the youngest of five children. My mom and dad always had a strong work ethic and had a profound effect on all five of us. My dad, Vic, worked at Columbia Lighting as an estimator and my mother, Donna, worked at several places, including the Bon Marché in downtown Spokane.

How did that upbringing translate into who you are today?

I started working when I was 14 because I wanted to, not because I had to. I've worked hard with every job I've had. That was a huge part of the work ethic mom and dad showed. My first job was a roofer, then I repaired pallets and was a box boy at Safeway. I also worked in the check printing business for 24 years before my wife and I bought Twin Printing Company in Rathdrum.

What's it been like being the transportation director for the school district?

I really enjoy working with the people. They're like a family. I've also enjoyed the kids. They always keep you in touch with what's going on in the world. There's times when it can get frustrating, especially with retaining school bus drivers. The pay isn't bad ($13.39 per hour for substitutes to start out and $14.33 for regular drivers), but working a part-time job with a split shift is not for everybody. When the economy is good, people can find full-time jobs, but when it's not so good there's not a problem retaining people.

Driving a school bus for Lakeland can be a challenge in the winter time, especially in the hills. What's the most dicey accident you can recall?

About 15 years ago a bus was stuck sideways on a hill up on Church Road. It was leaning over to one side. We got all of the kids out and we had to rescue the bus. I was put in the driver's seat with a seatbelt on because it was the only thing holding me in. We attached a truck to the bus with a tow rope. I had to release the brakes at just the right time as our mechanic pulled with the truck so the bus would flip like it was supposed to, otherwise it would've been disastrous. The idea was to pull the front end rather than making it go sideways.

Have there been a fair amount of bus accidents over the years?

We've had more of a problem with buses getting stuck. The buses now have drop chains with the push of a button and our treads are better taken care of. We've only had a limited amount of accidents — and those have resulted in minor injuries, nothing serious. I'm so proud of our drivers. They do an excellent job.

What are your thoughts about seat belts on school buses?

It hasn't been proven if it's safer or not. I do believe they’re coming sooner or later. I'm ready for them and I'd be OK with it. They're very costly to retrofit — at least $20,000 per bus. I believe the day is coming and I don't believe it would be a bad thing. There would be less problems with the students because they couldn't move around as much. But, if a bus every caught on fire, they'd go into flames quickly and we also have lakes such as Spirit Lake and Twin Lakes that we drive around. There may be less time to get out if a bus ever went into a lake.

What have you enjoyed discussing on City Council in the year that you've served since you were appointed to fill Mark Worthen's seat?

We're getting ready to make Rathdrum Mountain accessible for hiking. We hope to have the first phase ready later this year. We're also starting an Urban Renewal Commission. It will be good to have as long as it's managed well. We have every intention of managing it well.

Rathdrum has really grown in recent years. What are your thoughts about that?

We have to grow responsibly to make sure we maintain that small-town feel. I believe we have done that.

Your wife Tammy has also served on boards, including the Parks and Recreation Commission, cemetery board and was a former president of the chamber of commerce. You guys must be on the same page when it comes to serving the community.

We're learning what it's like to be empty-nesters. We work off of each other. Neither one of us intend to sit around and do nothing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be semi-retired and living in a log house overlooking the city. I used to think that I'd get out of here for the winter, but I've changed my position and enjoy the snow. I can't enjoy the snow now because I always want it to go away (due to the bus routes), so I want to enjoy it more when I retire.

Snapshot

Age: 57

College: Two years at Portland Community College

Family: Tammy, wife of 26 years; daughters Karisa and Rhiannon; son Derek

Number of hours on average you work in a week: 50-60

Hobbies: Camping, fishing, golfing

Favorite book: Autobiographies

Favorite spectator sport: football (college and pro)

Favorite type of music: Pop, country, classic rock

Quality you admire most in a person: Honesty, sincerity, loyalty

Best advice you ever received: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Do what you can with what you have.

Any one thing you consider your greatest accomplishment: All three of my children are college graduates and are doing well.

Any one person who most influenced your life and why: My brother Wayne. He was always somebody who I’ve looked up to and tried to follow.