Survey and Interview Responses

Why are you running for this office?

I believe we are put on this earth to serve and my fire protection experience can significantly benefit the Star Fire Protection District (SFPD). My goal is to help ensure the most efficient use of tax dollars to provide exceptional fire and emergency services.

Star is a vibrant, growing community, and this growth presents challenges for agencies like the SFPD, particularly with the operational budget limitations imposed by Idaho Code §63-802. While the upcoming November ballot measure, if passed, will address a major obstacle, ongoing efforts will be crucial to achieve our long-term goals of optimizing services for our expanding community. I am ready to contribute wherever I can to meet these challenges.

What are your qualifications?

As a retired Assistant Fire Chief with a 29-year career in the fire service I have been blessed with numerous opportunities, experiences, and certifications that allowed me to contribute in a variety of roles and responsibilities associated with a fire department/district. This allows me to not only understand the needs of our first responders and the department, and the associated codes and regulations, but to comprehend the fire prevention, protection, and service requirements of the community.

If elected, what are your goals?

My goal is to ensure Star can attract, hire, and retain the best firefighters; provide the training and equipment necessary to safely complete their duties; continue to deliver outstanding life and property saving services; adhere to the budget; and meet the ever-growing demands resulting from the significant growth in the Star Fire District.

What experience do you have serving on boards, commissions, non-profits, etc. where you have been of service to others?

I currently serve as an Elder for my church and have been assisting as part of the Star Fire District Citizen Advisory Committee. In my career I was involved with the Alaska Association of Fire and Arson Investigators, South Central Alaska Fire Investigator Working Group, U.S. Air Force Fire & Emergency Services Incident Management System (database) Integrated Product Team, and my old department’s NFPA 1500 (Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program) committee.

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

Yes, as I’ve found the theories, observations, and teachings of Smith, Sowell, and Friedman to be most compatible with human nature and our republic.

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Yes. As a few of our country’s founders pointed out in their own way, our republic is compatible only with a virtuous people, and in my view the Bible is the most morally instructive resource.

What do you believe is the most critical issue facing Star Fire District right now, and how would you address it?

Manning Station 55 is the most critical issue. Star did a great job using impact fees for the structure and fire engine for Fire Station 55, but that station still needs to be manned as Station 51 can’t handle the growing demands. Our current response times often exceed 9 minutes. Every minute is critical in an emergency, and averages over 8 minutes potentially affect business and homeowners’ insurance rates. Star Fire response goal is 5 minutes.

How will you communicate w/the public in Star given that the Levy failed but there is still the need to fund the manning the station?  What is your plan to man the fire station so Star has the necessary fire protection?

Since the levy has failed in the past, we need to increase communication by going door to door, speaking to home associations, putting signs out, etc. Ideally the levy will pass, surpassing the 2/3rd vote threshold, but if not, the next step might be speaking with legislators to see if the threshold can be lowered to the 60% required by cities vs the 66.67% required by districts. We might even need to look at a temporary 2 year levy (50% vote required) versus a permanent levy just to start getting Station 55 manned.

What do you look for when hiring a fire chief?

Key considerations for selecting a chief include specific certifications, educational background, past experience, and a positive attitude towards both people and the department. A strong history of past performance and effective budget management are also crucial for the final selection.

What would cause you to fire a fire chief?

Reasons for termination may include unethical conduct, poor budget management, or complete mismanagement of a crisis. Ultimately, a failure in duty often stems from a failure of character, highlighting the critical importance of good character.

How will you support the well-being and mental health of our firefighters, who often deal with high-stress situations?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) outlines clear procedures to support firefighter mental health, including debriefing after exposure to stressful situations. While I’m not yet fully aware of all the specific resources available locally, there are numerous options we can utilize. These include clergy, pastors, and psychologists, all of whom can assist firefighters in their healing process.

What steps will you take to ensure that firefighters have the training, tools, and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Safety equipment is paramount, leaving no room for error. I would consult with firefighters and their union to ascertain their needs, then facilitate the procurement of necessary items. If lack of funding or other obstacles arise, creative solutions must be explored, always prioritizing safety.

Fire departments often face tight budgets. How do you plan to ensure that the department has the necessary resources to operate effectively in the next 5-10 years?

Star is expected to grow at a rate of 40% for the next 3 years. A critical consideration is ensuring public safety protection, including fire protection scales to meet that growth. We need to clearly explain the difference between a levy and taxes, including the specific dollar amounts associated with each. Most homeowners don’t realize their individual levy rate for fire protection has actually gone down the last few years and is not keeping up with the service demands of the area.

How would you ensure that the fire department is prepared for large-scale emergencies, including natural disasters or mass casualty events. How would you ensure interagency collaboration with police, EMS, and other first responders in a crisis?

It’s crucial for all parties to collaborate on emergency preparedness. While I’m not fully aware of the district’s existing emergency plans, I would prioritize familiarizing myself with them once elected. Organizations like the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and FEMA provide established procedures and/or guidance for mass casualty events, and agencies like FEMA can also be integral to the response.

What role do you see technology playing in modern firefighting, and how can it improve efficiency and safety? Also are there any new technologies that you would advocate for to improve the department’s capabilities?

We must stay updated with new technologies, adopting them after a thorough cost-benefit analysis, as not all innovations are worthwhile or cost-effective in terms of ongoing maintenance or benefit. For instance, drones are highly effective for wildfire management and river rescues, while infrared technology is beneficial for detecting people or hidden fires within structures. Utilizing the right equipment is vital for saving lives and effectively combating fires.

Lastly, why do you think you are the best choice for Star fire commissioner?

I’ve gained hands-on experience working “the floor” as a firefighter, conducting post-fire analysis as a certified investigator, and overseeing fire prevention and protection programs. I’ve collaborated with leaders and builders as a fire department representative and educated the public on fire prevention and protection through school presentations and other local initiatives. This experience allows me to understand the perspectives of emergency services, community leaders, private businesses, and the tax paying citizen.