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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SVFD News
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Congratulations New Deputy Chief Shawn Arold
SVFD veteran firefighter Shawn Arold has been promoted. He moves from Division Chief to Deputy Chief, effective October 15, 2017 
“Chief Arold demonstrates that he understands the position and its many responsibilities,” said Fire Chief Bryan Collins. “He also has a good understanding of the culture of our agency and works in alignment with the mission and vision of the department.”
Shawn Arold began his career with SVFD as a firefighter in March 1994. Over the past 23+ years, he has held a variety of increasingly responsible roles including Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Training Captain and Incident Safety Officer, Spokane Regional Recruit Academy Lead Instructor, Battalion Chief and Training Chief. He was assigned to Division Chief of Operations in December 2016.
“I am extremely proud of the ability of all SVFD members to provide exceptional customer service,” Arold said. “Stepping up to the Deputy Chief position is an opportunity to say thank you to our Department for all it has provided and to give back my full measure,”
During his three years managing the SVFD Training division, Arold implemented processes to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, as well as industry best practices. He also collaborated with regional fire departments to receive a multi-year grant resulting in 330 regional line officers and firefighters enrolled in a 50-hour Incident Commander Training, 20 certified instructors and a portable simulation lab for use throughout the region. Under Arold’s leadership, SVFD’s training program and Recruit Academy materials are sought after by fire departments across the region, state and nation.
Arold holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Management. Born in Oklahoma, Chief Arold was raised in South Florida. He joined the Air Force and came to Spokane to serve at Fairchild Air Force Base. He is married with two sons and three daughters.
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.
