Tom McMackin/Chief Sarah Hancock
Your Klickitat County Fire Protection District #14/High Prairie logged 123 runs in 2023 and, to date, 6 runs in 2024. The majority of these incident responses were medical calls. There were no significant wildfire calls of High Prairie or Lyle districts. We provided mutual aid to a few of our neighboring districts. We declined requests for state mobility assistance for major conflagration events in order to keep our resources at home for the protection and support of our communities.
Firefighters Brenda Edin, Chris Roper, Samuel Holman and Gregory Haner have each dedicated many added hours of their personal time to improve the safety and quality of services for your department. Brenda and Chris completed a Firefighter 1 training academy through Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue (MCFR) on scholarships secured by Chief Hancock through the Columbia Gorge Training Association fire community. This meant 10 weeks of classroom, online, and hands-on practical training modules, covering a range of fire service topics from the history of the fire service community to the practical aspects of fire and rescue response strategies and techniques. They brought those lessons learned back to share with High Prairie’s volunteers in order that we all can better serve our neighbors in need – safely and effectively! HP Firefighter Gregory Haner, who is currently an MCFR full-time firefighter/paramedic, participated as a trainer in the academy and is an important member of the training core group for Fire District #14. Samuel Holman is currently enrolled in training to become a certified EMT for KCFPD #14.
Thank you to Brenda, Chris, Greg, and Samuel!
“Thank You!” shout out – For the generous donations received from members of the community. Your generosity is truly appreciated for the support it provides to your volunteers. We received many donations in memory of Fred Henchell – Fire Fighter, mentor, friend and a beloved champion of the community! He’d be quite pleased and humbly honored by your gestures of love and appreciation.
Chief Hancock continues her concerted efforts to keep all elements of your department afloat and on task as KCFPD #14 cruises into 2024’s uncharted waters. Safety and the development of professionalism in service and skill sets are key elements for the department. Her philosophy and commitment to progress with those elements makes the department better for us all. Glenna Scott, High Prairie’s administrative assistant and secretary for our Fire Commissioners, is a critical presence in keeping everything on course. The synergy these two bring to managing and negotiating the administrative organizational red tape and many other critical challenges supports everything the department requires – while keeping your volunteers’ best interests to heart. One such effort secured a WA DNR grant to replace our aging, well-worn and required wildland fire PPE jackets and pants!
Heath Care Note: Medicare now covers the Shingles vaccine for eligible participants. If you qualify, discuss this vaccine protection with your primary care provider.
If you would like to see the kinds of activities that occupy our volunteers or are interested in joining KCFPD #14, please feel free to stop by the Struck Road Fire Hall at 701 Struck Road on the 1st/2nd/4th Tuesday of the month. Anyone is welcome to come and look at the department’s infrastructure and equipment and talk with a volunteer or two about what we do and the types of services we provide. Questions and comments ? Please leave contact information with time and date by phone at the Struck Road Fire Hall [509-637-2576] or at either of these email addresses: chief@highprairiefire.com or HighPrairie1489@gmail.com.