Whitefish Fire Service trustee election

I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Brian D. Cole for the position of Whitefish Fire Service Area trustee. Brian brings an action-oriented uplifting spirit to any endeavor he pursues. 

Brian’s roots here are deep. He is well known as the former Manager of Nelson’s Ace Hardware in Whitefish. He has 40+ years of retail business management and leadership experience including with local firms Third Street Market, Midway Equipment Rental and Hanson’s True Value Hardware in Kalispell. 

Brian was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Selah, WA for over four years. Brian trained as a structural firefighter, wildland firefighter and as an EMT. He was honored to receive the fire department’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Firefighter of the Year’ awards. He is proud of his service in the Selah Fire Department to this very day. I recall him telling me more than once that those were among the best years of his life. 

Brian will energize the process to create an annual Whitefish Fire Service Area strategic plan. His goal is to improve response times to the 75-square mile WFSA, the wildland-urban interface west of the city. The under-utilized Station 22 at Whitefish Stage and Hodgson Roads may be part of the solution. Brian will collaborate with the Whitefish Fire Department, Flathead County Commissioners, the West of Whitefish group, and other stakeholders. This collaboration will move to improve response times, increase staffing levels and secure long-term funding. 

When you first meet Brian, you will understand that he genuinely likes people. He leads with a giving hand. He cares about our community and people from a variety of backgrounds. He leads by example, always keeps moving and gets things done.  

Please vote for Brian D. Cole for Whitefish Fire District trustee, a 3-year term. 

— Coleman Joel Ross, Whitefish