Sandpoint chamber honors Selkirk Fire

Kristin Carlson Contributing Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years AGO

(Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE) Bob Witte, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce board vice chairman and Chamber Ambassador, right, presents Chief Ron Stocking, center, and Assistant Chief Dale Hopkins, left, of Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS with an award for being named the organization’s Business of the Month Honor at the chamber’s general membership luncheon on March 14.

SANDPOINT – It should come as no surprise; our firefighters have earned some major kudos in the last couple of months.

They work tirelessly, in the worst of conditions to keep our community safe. They can not simply call in sick or hit the snooze button. When an emergency strikes, there are no excuses, and they must be on. To honor them, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS as the organization’s March Business of the Month.

The mission of the Selkirk Fire District is to preserve life, property and the environment through dedication, preparedness and quality customer service. The Selkirk Fire District wants to provide the public with the best service possible, district officials told the chamber.

Selkirk Fire firefighters proudly serve Bottle Bay, Careywood, Cocolalla, Dover, Garfield Bay, Laclede, Sagle, Sandpoint, Westmond, Willow Bay, and Wrenco. Chief Ron Stocking informed chamber members at last week’s luncheon of some exciting new developments for Selkirk Fire. Asaof Jan. 12, they have started staffing the Careywood fire station 24 hours a day/seven days a week. They are hoping to do the same at Wrenco with the support of the area voters. They were also able to lower the fire insurance rating for Sandpoint which could result in lower insurance premiums for our businesses and commercial properties.

With the devasting fire on First Avenue last month, the firefighters were met with extreme conditions. Chief Stocking reported at the height of the fire there were 40 firefighters on the scene with five chiefs, 12 engines, two trucks, two rescues, Bonner County EMS, Sandpoint Police Department and Bonner County Sheriff’s Office all responded. In addition, almost every Bonner County fire agency assisted with battling the fire.

“We are grateful to their continued support and service to our community and the surrounding area,” chamber officials said. “Please join us in thanking Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS.”

For more information about Selkirk Fire find them on Facebook or on their website at selkirkfire.com.