Jerry Lane appointed to civil service post for Valley Fire

The Spokane Valley Fire Department has a new civil service commissioner.

Jerry Lane, 50, was appointed by the board of Spokane Valley fire commissioners, which oversees the fire district.

Lane is a retired detective for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. He works for Washington Mutual banks as a security specialist. Lane said he’s been interested in issues surrounding Spokane Valley incorporation since moving to the area in 2000.

The fire district’s civil service commission oversees the procedures for hiring and promotions and acts as appellate board for disciplinary action.

Lane will finish out five years of Cecil Cleveland’s six-year term. Cleveland, who served on the three-member board for nine years, decided to retire, according to Valley Fire. Lane said he wants to help the fire district get the most qualified people to fill its ranks.

Lane was chosen to serve as a civil service commissioner over John Haley and Joseph Schutz, who also applied for the position. Fire commissioners also reappointed civil service commissioner Rich Kendall to a second term.