Longtime District 8 fire commissioner and volunteer Kenneth Kessler recently announced his retirement from the district’s board.

He will step down after the July 19 meeting.

The other two commissioners are taking applications from people interested in filling the remainder of Kessler’s term, which expires at the end of 2007.

Applicants should live within the district and be able to attend monthly meetings. Letters of intent should be addressed to Board of Fire Commissioners, Spokane County Fire District 8, P.O. Box 345, Valleyford, WA 99036, before 5 p.m. July 19.

Fire Chief William Walkup can answer questions about the position. He can be reached at 926-6699,

The fire district serves southern portions of Spokane and Spokane Valley as well as a large rural area that includes Valleyford, Mica and Saltese Flats.