Applications sought for GCFD 8 commissioner

MATTAWA — Applications will be accepted through March 7 to fill an open seat on the Grant County Fire District 8 commission.  

The new commissioner will replace Paul Parker, who had been on the commission since the fire district was formed in 1967. Parker announced his retirement in January. 

“When I got here in 1957, into the trailer court, a guy came over to welcome us and told me, ‘You’re on the fire department and you’ve got to have a shovel and a garden hose in your car at all times,’” Parker said in a prior interview with the Columbia Basin Herald. He'd been working with the department ever since.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. They must be full-time residents of GCFD 8 and have a commitment to public safety, according to an announcement on the district webpage.  

“Prior experience in public administration, budgeting, emergency services or related fields is helpful but not required,” the announcement said.  

Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest including name and address, a brief statement explaining why they are interested in the position and any relevant skills are qualifications. Applications can be emailed to [email protected], mailed to GCFD 8, 20643 Road 22.5 SW, Mattawa, WA 99349, or dropped off at the main fire station, located at the address above. 

The new commissioner will serve the remainder of Parker’s current term.