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NEWPORT - South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue (SPOFR), in partnership with the City of Newport, celebrated its Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, Nov. 30, after an extensive remodeling. According to South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue Public Information Officer Rick Obrien, SPOFR professional firefighters and EMS providers can now staff this centrally located station 24/7. In the over 110 years of organized fire protection in Newport, this is the first time the city has been served by constant, 24/7 full-time staffing.
SPOFR Chief Shane Stocking and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Zorica officiated at the ribbon-cutting, along with SPOFR Chaplains, a SPOFR Commissioner, staff, volunteers, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce President Madi Campbell and Dustin Waterbly, Area Manager and FP-C with LifeFlight.
“This truly is an exciting day and a reason to celebrate,” Stocking said. “Twenty-four/seven staffing in Newport is not just a win for Newport or SPOFR, but the entire region. Station 11 is centrally located and will reduce response times throughout the county, positioning us to best make an impact when a 911 call is placed. With 24/7 staffing in Newport, Diamond Lake Station 31 and day staffing at Sacheen Lake Station 32, residents of South Pend Oreille County have never had more coverage.”
Obrien added that SPOFR wants to thank the community for the great outpouring of support for the Newport/SPOFR Firehouse.
“We appreciate the children of all ages who attended our Cookie Station Creation Event and so many who enjoyed the hot dogs, hot chocolate, and tours of the fire truck,” Obrien said. “Highlighting both the event and our partnerships was the landing of a Lifeflight helicopter next door in the (secured) WaFD parking lot. Families were excited to be able to get up close and see the capabilities of the advanced care medical helicopter.”
Station 11 in Newport is South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue’s ninth fire station and second that is staffed 24/7 with career and volunteer personnel.
SPOFR employs over 10 full-time firefighters and EMS professionals supplemented by over 60 dedicated volunteers.
“SPOFR exists to serve our community with pride and to the absolute best of our abilities,” Stocking said. “This station exemplifies the progress SPOFR is making towards providing the professional, high quality, constant staffing Newport and Pend Oreille County deserve.”
For more information, visit www.spofr.org or contact Chief Shane Stocking at 509-4475305.
