Our community's firefighters, who put their lives and personal interests at risk to serve our community at a moment's notice, need a training facility. The Ketchum/Sun Valley Volunteer Firefighter Association has asked to use a city-owned lot on Lewis Street to install temporary training structures where members can practice on real fires.

 

In the past both volunteers and full-time fire department members have used donated tear-down buildings for practice. The lack of supply of buildings and air-quality issues no longer allow this practice. The firefighters' request will go before the City Council Monday.

 

First, we are all incredibly indebted to our full-time and volunteer firefighters, their family members and employers. All make sacrifices to keep the community safe. When a pager goes off, sleep, parties, holiday dinners and other normal activities are interrupted. Without the generosity of their employers who allow our volunteers to leave work when called, these responders would not be available. Some of our volunteers are self-employed, and may have to close their businesses to respond to a call.

 

Regardless of the number of emergency calls, these individuals consistently train to keep their skills sharp so they are prepared to assist our department when called upon. The fact that they spent countless hours training for events that may or may not happen while they are available is a testament of the dedication these individuals have for our community.

 

• The lot is currently used to store vehicles towed for violations of the winter overnight parking ban. Would a new location be needed?
• Would a new location be needed for materials currently stored on site?
• How often would facilities be used and is this the best use for this property?
• Does the use meet zoning regulations?
• What are building department requirements for permitting, construction and inspection?
• Would allowing this use influence future locations for a new city hall and/or fire station?
• How would this impact the city's insurance policies?

It is an honor to serve you.

Nina

This year's Buy Local campaign will officially start on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in conjunction with the national observance of Small Business Saturday.

Need holiday gift ideas? Visit ketchumidaho.org/directory for a list of Ketchum businesses or consider Visit Sun Valley gift certificates, good at all establishments belonging to the organization.