Memo from the Chief
Transitioning from Fire Season to Preparedness

As the summer months come to a close, we find ourselves shifting from the busyness of fire season into a season of preparedness and training. While the number of emergency calls may slow down this time of year, our commitment to readiness does not. This is a season where we refocus on growth, education, and strengthening our capabilities.

Our members are hard at work in both the regional recruit class and the EMT program. These programs not only prepare our newest members for the challenges of the fire service but also inspire all of us to keep raising the bar. Watching our members grow—whether it’s mastering new skills, taking on leadership roles, or simply supporting each other—fills me with pride and optimism for the future of our District.

Strategic Planning for the Future

Looking ahead, October will mark an important milestone for Grant County Fire District 3. The Board of Commissioners will meet to set goals for the coming years. These conversations will help provide a solid foundation as we prepare to develop a new five-year strategic plan.

We are in a good place today—staffed with dedicated people, supported by our community, and equipped with strong resources. But being “in a good place” is not a reason for complacency. It is an opportunity to ask ourselves how we can be even better. Strategic planning ensures that we are proactive, not reactive, and that every decision we make is grounded in the values, needs, and vision of the community we serve.

I strongly encourage engagement from our entire membership during this process. Whether you serve as a volunteer firefighter, a career member, or part of our support staff, your perspective matters. Together, we will build a roadmap that keeps us moving forward with clarity and purpose.

Our Shared Values – SERVICE FIRST

S – Safety for members and communities

E – Excellence in all that we do

R – Respect for volunteers as a vital part of our team

V – Value human and financial resources wisely

I – Integrity and ethical leadership from Board and staff

C – Clarity in our decision-making processes

E – Effective communication among staff and volunteers

F – Fun and energy in our work

I – Informing and listening to our communities

R – Representation of the Fire District in all we do

S – Strong teamwork across the District

T – Trust & accountability—holding ourselves and others responsible

When we each carry these values into our daily work, we not only strengthen our District but also demonstrate to the community that we are worthy of their trust and support.

One Family, One Mission

Whether you volunteer your time, work as a career firefighter, or provide critical support behind the scenes, you are part of one family. The Fire District succeeds because we pull together, support one another, and work toward a shared mission: Dedicated to Fire Prevention & Life Safety.

Our family spirit is what sets us apart. It is what turns difficult calls into opportunities for teamwork, and what transforms challenges into victories. It’s also what makes me so proud to serve as your Fire Chief.

Entering the Holiday Season

As we move closer to the holiday season, I encourage each of you to reflect on what is most important—your families, your health, and the relationships you share both inside and outside the Fire District. The holidays are a time of celebration, but they are also a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of service.

Carry SERVICE FIRST with you into your homes, your neighborhoods, and your community gatherings. Safety, respect, fun, and accountability do not stop at the station doors; they are values that strengthen every part of our lives.

Closing Thoughts

This has been a year of growth and change, and I could not be more proud of the direction we are heading. With the foundation of strong values, a focus on strategic planning, and the dedication of our members, I am confident that the next five years will bring even greater opportunities for us to serve our community.

Thank you for your commitment, your hard work, and your belief in the mission of Grant County Fire District 3. Together, we will continue to lead with Service First.

David Durfee
Fire Chief

Call Volume - Last Quarter

Call Volume - Year to Date

From the Desk of Fire Prevention and Public Education 

Fire Prevention Week: A Tradition of Safety

Fire Prevention Week is observed each October in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the city and left thousands homeless. The fire began on October 8 and burned through October 9, taking more than 250 lives and devastating over 17,000 structures.

In 1922, President Warren G. Harding proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week to promote public awareness about fire safety. Since then, it has been observed every year during the week of October 9—the anniversary of the Chicago Fire.

Today, Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health and safety observance in the United States, with fire departments across the country using it to educate families, schools, and communities on the importance of preventing fires and staying safe.

Grant County Fire District #3 encourages everyone to take time this week to test smoke alarms, review your home escape plan, and talk with your family about fire safety. Together, we can help prevent tragedy before it starts.

Stay Healthy This Flu Season

As flu season approaches, protecting yourself and those around you is more important than ever. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness is frequent hand washing.

• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds—especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and stay home if you’re feeling sick.

By practicing these healthy habits, we can all do our part to reduce the spread of flu and other illnesses, thus keeping our community safe.

Bob Horst
Assistant Chief–Fire Marshal

From the Desk of Operations & Training

Hello everyone — I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the last of summer. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you continue to show day in and day out.

This past quarter has been one of continued progress and operational improvement across the district. Our training efforts have remained focused and purposeful, with targeted drills in extrication, highway safety, ladders, mayday & RIT, apparatus operations, and SCBA operations.

On the operations front, we’ve continued with the implementation of several key changes aimed at improving response readiness and efficiency. Particularly, Station 35 was staffed at night through the summer with a combination of career and resident firefighters, enhancing coverage and reducing response times in that area. Engine 3511 compartments have been slightly revamped to accommodate the new E-tools furthering the district’s capabilities and efficiency in that area in terms of MVA response along the I90 corridor. Most exciting news is the district has now received the new rescue (3141) which is now in service, and we have taken delivery of the district’s new water tender (3131). This apparatus is nearly in service as we wait for a few key equipment items to arrive and personnel get spun up on the new tender. As the new tender comes online, old 3131 will be moved to St. 35. Tender 3531 will be headed to St. 32 while Tactical Tender 3231 is rebuilt over the winter with a newer 5-ton military chassis.

Looking ahead, we’ll be shifting our weekly training focus toward structural firefighting operations to ensure we are ready for the fall and winter months ahead.

The fall recruit academy is currently underway, which will prepare a new group of volunteer and resident firefighters for service in the district. GCFD3 is hosting this year’s recruit academy in partnership with Grant County Fire Districts 8, Royal Slope Fire Rescue, and the WA State Fire Training Academy RDD. With that, the academy has kept its original name of the Columbia River Fire Academy. The academy also decided to extend an invite to other neighboring agencies, and we have personnel from Grant County Fire Districts 7 and 13.

Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to excellence, it’s your effort that makes all of this possible.

Stay Safe and Stay Sharp,

Todd Hufman
Assistant Chief, Operations & Training

Welcome New Volunteers & Staff

Volunteers:
👋Christian Robbins (St. 32)
👋Kyle Parker (St. 33)

Residents:

👋Faedra Taylor
👋Tanner Boedcher
👋Jonathan Reeves
👋Helena Neary