SANDPOINT — A committed community member and a security staple at local events and fundraisers, Jason Coleman is a familiar face around town. In recogntion of his contributions, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Coleman as the organization’s August volunteer of the month.

Coleman was born in San Diego to a Navy family and grew up in eastern Bonner County, where he graduated from Clark Fork High School. After high school Jason moved to Wallkill, N.Y., about 90 minutes north of New York City. He stood on the observation deck of the World Trade Center exactly one week before Sept.11, 2001. He personally knew firefighters who never made it home. This experience would have a profound impact on Jason’s life and volunteer involvement in his community.

In 2006, Coleman moved back to Bonner County. He responded to a flyer for volunteer firefighters for the Sandpoint Fire Department in 2009. He attended Fire Fighting Cadet School; starting in a class of 24 cadets, where he was one of five to graduate. Since joining what is now known as the Selkirk Fire Department, he has attended trainings in many aspects of emergency service response as a firefighter and EMT. This includes instruction in incident management, incident safety officer, Idaho State Fire Code official, and many others. He also serves as one of the trainers for new volunteer firefighters/drivers.

“Jason has responded to approximately 400 calls for service and has participated in nearly 200 training classes,” said Assistant Fire Chief Dale Hopkins. “He has served several terms on the Fireman’s Association Board of Directors and has been voted Volunteer Firefighter of the Year at least twice by his peers at the fire house.”

Coleman has over 2,000 volunteer hours with the Volunteer Fireman’s Association and many civic projects throughout our community. He provides security for the Angles Over Sandpoint “Follies,” the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce’s annual Beerfest and Scenic Half Marathon and 10K race and drives the restored historic fire truck in the Winter Carnival Parade.

“Thank you, Jason, for all your hard work and dedication to our community,” said Kate McAlister, chamber president and CEO.