Media Advisory:

May 5, 2021

Contact:

Julie Happy

Community Affairs Manager

509.892.4155

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SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE HELD A MEDIA CONFERENCE TODAY TO ANNOUNCE THE DONATION OF A RETIRED FIRE ENGINE TO THE TOWN OF MALDEN

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The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) donated one of its retired fire engines today to the volunteer Malden Fire Department.  The town of Malden Mayor, Dan Harwood, signed for the donation at today’s ceremony where the keys to the engine were handed over to him.

Mayor Dan Harwood had this to say of the donation, “The amount of outpouring of concern for our town will not to be forgotten.  It is donations like this one that gives us all hope that we are moving towards making our community whole again.”

SVFD donated their retired 1999 Pierce Engine.  Last year the town of Malden suffered an unfortunate wildfire that destroyed over 80% of the city, including their fire truck.

In a speech during the ceremony, Spokane Valley Fire Department Deputy Chief, Frank Soto, Jr. said, “It is a great honor to be giving this fire engine to the town of Malden where it will have the opportunity to go back into service and serve this community in need.”

In a media release earlier today, SVFD Fire Chief Bryan Collins said the following,

“We are very excited to be able to help out the town of Malden.  As we go into warmer temperatures and wildfire season, this fire engine will be a valuable asset for this Town.”

Firefighters from Spokane Valley Fire Department are mobilized every year to help in communities of need experiencing wildfires including to Malden last year.

Spokane Valley Firefighter and Local 876 President, Captain Shawn Pichette who mobilized last year to wildfires, had this to say about the donation, “IAFF 876 (Spokane Valley Firefighters) stands with our Fire Department and Fire Commissioners in donating this surplus apparatus to the town of Malden.  Our members see the devastation and impacts these wildland fires produce on an all to frequent basis, especially on our smaller communities. Our membership stands ready to assist at a moment’s notice to protect life and property when called upon in the Spokane Valley and other local communities. While there is still a lot of work to be done regarding wildfire preparedness and mitigation, this donated engine is a step in the right direction for helping protect this community for years to come.”

The ceremony was held at the Spokane Valley Fire Department Training Center located at 2411 North Pioneer Lane in Spokane Valley.                                             

About Spokane Valley Fire Department
The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 125,000+ over 75-square miles, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas. In 2020, our cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics responded to more than 18,700 emergency calls.

Established in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an accredited agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and by SVFD’s Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau

Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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