On April 17th, 16 new SVFD recruits began EMT School. They will participate in 6 weeks of class, learning the ins-and-outs of EMS and then proceed...
16 New Recruits Enter SVFD’s New EMT Basic School
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Congratulations New Battalion Chief Bordwell
Today marks the first day on the job for Spokane Valley Fire Department’s newest Shift Battalion Chief (BC), Jeff Bordwell. BC Bordwell was promoted on October 16 and has been assigned to A Shift, 1st Battalion as Valley 21, eff
ective October 18, 2017.
In his new role, BC Bordwell will supervise the A Shift crews working in the five 1st Battalion fire stations: University Station #1, Millwood Station #2, Edgecliff Station #6, Pinecroft Station #8 (two crews) and South Valley Station #9. He will also manage Communications and serve as the SVFD liaison to Spokane County’s Combined Communication Center (CCC) as part of his new role in the organization.
“Jeff is an experienced fire service veteran with a positive attitude and a strong working knowledge of the SVFD organization,” said Deputy Chief Tim O’Brien. “This will serve him well in his new leadership position.”
Jeff Bordwell joined the Spokane Valley Fire Department in March 1994. Over the past 23+ years, he has served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Training Officer, Captain and Administrative Captain.
“Becoming a firefighter was the best opportunity I ever took to work with people who want to do this job and make a difference in the lives of people every day,” Bordwell explained. “I am looking forward to getting to know the firefighters I am now responsible for and using my leadership and management skills to collectively continue the legacy of our fire department to serve our community.”
In addition to serving on the Technical Rescue/Special Operations team for more than seven years, Bordwell also served as the Department’s Accreditation Manager, leading the agency through the original multi-year process to become an internationally Accredited Fire Agency in 2011 and again in 2016 when the Department successfully achieved re-Accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for another five years.
A comprehensive, rigorous self-assessment and evaluation model, Accreditation promotes excellence and encourages continuous quality improvement leading to higher service delivery levels for citizens. SVFD is one of just over 200 fire/rescue departments worldwide to achieve this prestigious designation.
“Leading the Accreditation process to a successful outcome, twice, was definitely a career highlight for me,” Bordwell explained. “I am also proud of my work as the 2015 Levy Chair, achieving an overwhelming voter approval rate of 72 percent. This is huge because it provides the funding we need to continue excellent fire, emergency medical and prevention services to our community.”
Jeff Bordwell was born and raised in Spokane. He graduated from Rogers High School and served six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy before he joined the Spokane Valley Fire Department. He continued in the U.S. Navy Reserves for another 15 years, including a one-year deployment in the Middle East. He is married with three grown children and three granddaughters. When not at work, Bordwell enjoys spending time with his “beautiful” granddaughters, camping and riding motorcycles.
Did you Know?
- You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.
- You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
- Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.
- We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.
