SANDPOINT — Each year, Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS firefighters and personnel dedicate hours to the community, not just on the job but volunteering at Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce event.

Those events are essential to the vitality of the chamber’s operation. “Without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, the chamber and our events could not go on,” chamber pesident & CEO Kate McAlister said. “We want to thank those willing to go above and beyond to help our programs and events be successful.”

To recognize Selkirk Fire, Rescue & EMS for the firefighters’ countless volunteer hours at chamber events and around the community, the department and its personnel were honored as the chamber’s top volunters for November.

Selkirk Fire, Recue & EMS serves and protects approximately 25,000 people in 194 square miles. The department’s fire stations are strategically located throughout the service area, ensuring a quick and immediate response to any situation. Even with the challenges of reaching the rural areas their response is timely, chamber officials said in announcing the department’s selection, adding that its personnel logged approximately 9,461 hours of training in 2017, ensuring their readiness for any situation.

For the Greater Sandpoint Chamber, Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS has provided support at the Scenic Half Marathon for the last 10 years by directing traffic to ensure the runners’ safety. They provide security at the annual Beerfest, and direct traffic during the Winter Carnival parade, and countless community events.

“Their assistance is vital to the safety of all of our annual events,” said McAlister.

The Selkirk Fire & EMS department staff is comprised of a chief, assistant chief, an executive assistant, 19 career firefighters, and 41 volunteer firefighters. The community is served from four full-time staffed stations and five volunteer stations.

“Congratulations to Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS for being named volunteer of the month and thank you for your continued service to our community,” McAlister said.