10/15/2025
Rcvd a call from the Cheney Free Press asking if I’d respond to a couple of pertinent questions that concerns all of us. I thought I would post them and my answers. Gives all of you a bit more insight where I stand.
Questions:
How will you manage various impacts of the city of Spokane pulling out of Spokane County Emergency Management's communication/dispatch services?
The breakdown in communication between the City of Spokane and other county agencies over dispatch services is deeply concerning — especially when public safety is on the line. As I understand it, the current stalemate centers around funding already budgeted by SREC for vital system upgrades. Fortunately, our own District 3 Fire Chief, Chief Rohrbach, who also chairs the SREC Board, is working hard to ensure those funds are distributed fairly among all users, including the City. If the board cannot come to an agreement, I believe it's time to bring in an objective third party to help mediate a solution. This is not the time for fractured systems or political turf wars — it’s about what delivers the best response times, the most accurate dispatching, and the highest level of service to our citizens. I believe in collaboration, not duplication. While our county is diverse, emergencies demand unity. As fire commissioner, I will advocate for solutions that keep our systems integrated, efficient, and focused on what matters most: public safety.
How will you manage the county's large wildfire area?
Managing our county’s vast wildfire-prone areas requires preparation, cooperation, and community engagement. The expansion of the wildland-urban interface has made firefighting increasingly complex for all agencies. First, we must ensure that building codes for roads, driveways, and access points meet the operational needs of fire departments — because if we can’t get water to a fire, the situation quickly becomes critical.
Second, we should continue educating landowners about fire mitigation and explore incentives to encourage proactive efforts. Third, during the off-season, conducting multi-agency tabletop exercises will help strengthen coordination, share best practices, and identify areas for improvement.
Finally, I believe we must better utilize local resources — especially our farmers, ranchers, and timber workers. These individuals have invaluable, firsthand knowledge of our county’s terrain and conditions. They are deeply connected to the land and eager to help. By bringing together all available resources before wildfire events occur, we can build a stronger, more resilient response system for our community.
