Fire 10 candidates cite planning

Fire commissioner candidates in Spokane County Fire District 10 think the department needs more long-term planning.

Former Medical Lake Mayor Jim Hill and 35-year firefighter Jerry McCoury are running for the district’s open Position 1 seat.

Hill spent seven years managing Medical Lake as mayor, he said. He said his work at the Washington State Patrol has also shown him the operational challenges that rural firefighters face.

“I work with these fire guys almost daily,” he said. “I know what they go through.”

The approximately 100-square-mile district surrounding Airway Heights should have a strategic plan in place for the next five to 10 years, Hill said. The plan should include equipment upgrades, better budget control and stronger recruiting.

“They do a remarkable job with what they’ve got,” he said.

Hill said he would also like to work with the more than 65 staff and volunteers to improve transparency with the public. If the department has to ask for more money, the commissioners should tell taxpayers why.

“I’ve always liked being involved in the community,” he said.

McCoury said that after 35 years as a volunteer with District 10 and four other departments he has seen what does and does not work.

“We’re just not progressing the way we should be,” he said.

The district needs to streamline operations, replace aging vehicles and work on putting more people in its five fire stations, McCoury said. The department also should have clear objectives aimed at expanding training and recruiting.

“They need some better leadership at the top,” he said.

McCoury, who drives a truck for United Rental, said he would like fire commissioner to be his next step in improving the department. The next commissioner should be able to help steer the district toward a stronger future, he said.

“I’m just trying to take something pretty good and make it better,” he said.

Hill said District 10 commissioners receive $70 per monthly meeting during their six-year terms.