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Columbia Falls council approves hiring of fourth full‑time firefighter; city will apply for SAFER grant
Summary
Council approved the request to add a fourth full‑time firefighter to the paid roster, with the rural fire board agreeing to cover half the local cost and the city planning to apply for a federal SAFER grant to offset wages.
The Columbia Falls City Council voted to allow the fire department to proceed with hiring a fourth full‑time firefighter, a position the department says is necessary to maintain a two‑in/two‑out crew on structure calls and to cover scheduled vacations and sick leave.
Fire Department leadership told the council current staffing leaves command coverage thin when personnel are on leave. The chief said adding the fourth full‑time firefighter would allow the department to staff two firefighters inside and two outside on…
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