In brief: SNAP seeks donations after boiler failure

Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs, which among many human services provides emergency heating assistance to low-income people, is having a difficult time keeping warm itself since the boiler system at the agency’s downtown facility failed late Tuesday.

The temperature was in the single digits outside when the boiler gave up, said Ron Hardin, SNAP’s development coordinator.

The building on South Wall Street also has 39 low-income housing units and the Collins Apartments, on the second and third floors, which remain without central heating.

SNAP bought 50 electric space heaters and put one in each occupied unit. The temperature inside the building currently is around 60 degrees. “We have 24-hour supervision right now making sure (tenants) are comfortable and to keep an eye on the space heaters,” Hardin said. Boiler parts were ordered and an attempt at repair will be made this afternoon.

SNAP is seeking donations for the cost of boiler repair or replacement; donate by calling (509) 456-7111 or online at www.snapwa.org.

–Pia K. Hansen

Officer recognized for preventing suicide

A Spokane police officer received a lifesaving award Wednesday for pulling a suicidal woman off a freeway overpass last November just as she was about to jump.

“If she had jumped at the last second; there is a good possibility that Officer (Ron) Voeller might have been pulled over the railing with her,” said Spokane Police spokeswoman Jennifer DeRuwe.

Voeller was alone when the woman swung her last leg over the railing to jump onto Interstate 90 from the Sherman overpass, DeRuwe said. The officer felt he couldn’t wait for back-up officers, and he grabbed her upper body and pulled her back to safety.

The woman had been hospitalized earlier in the day for suicidal issues but was released by a mental health professional, DeRuwe said. The woman has reportedly made many previous suicide attempts in the Spokane area and on the state’s West Side.

“It is clear that Voeller’s actions saved the life of this victim,” DeRuwe said.

Voeller, who has been with the department for six years, has also received a Medal of Valor.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner

Detectives seek witnesses to bar fight

Detectives are looking for witnesses to a bar fight Friday in North Spokane.

A 38-year-old man suffered facial fractures, broken ribs, a punctured lung and additional minor injuries during a beating in the parking lot at Fizzy Mulligan’s, 331 W. Hastings Road, sometime between 2 and 2:30 a.m., said Spokane County sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Reagan.

The victim had been knocked down in the parking lot by several men who then punched him in the face and kicked him in the torso, Reagan said. The victim’s assault didn’t stop until one of his relatives drove at the suspects with a car.

Two of the suspects were wearing ball caps that were left behind, Reagan said. Detectives want to speak to anyone who can assist with details of the fight or know of the men involved. Anyone with information can call (509) 242-8477.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner