My interest in the emergency services started 14 years ago when I graduated from WSU. I had just landed my first teaching job with the university, was single, and living alone in Pullman. I found that I had entirely too much energy and time on my hands, and I needed something to do. A good friend and mentor of mine suggested that I join the Pullman Fire Department (PFD). Before long, I was thrust deep into an IFSAC Firefighter 1 program and earning my First Responder license through the PFD Training Academy. I soon joined Whitman County Fire District (WCFD) No. 12 in Pullman, and then became a member of WCFD No. 11 in Colfax, all the while working my way up to Crew Leader at PFD. I worked my way through First Responder, EMT-Basic, and finally, up to Advanced EMT.

During the many years with Pullman Fire and WCFD No. 12, I had the opportunity to bolster the training and certifications that were most interesting to me. I became a certified CPR/First Aid Instructor, Basic and Wildland Fire Investigator, Incident Command System (ICS) Level 300, and operationally certified in HazMat, High-Angle Rope Rescue, Trench and Confined Space Rescue, and Vehicle Extrication. I also assisted in writing successful local, state, and federal grants for both departments totaling over $500,000.

Eventually, life took its course and brought me back to my home town of Pomeroy. I joined the Garfield County Fire District (GCFD) No. 1 in 2011 and became a First Responder and EMT-B instructor for Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC). I was fortunate to teach many of the excellent First Responders and EMT's that are currently serving on our local department. As my family grew, I decided it was time to take a step back from the fire services. I am currently signed up with LCSC as a CPR/First Aid instructor, and hope to serve the community as a Fire Commissioner.

As I am sure many of you read my letter to the editor a few weeks ago, I do believe that change is a good thing and that we have a need for change in our community if we are to survive. However, I also believe that perspective is equally as important. All of the current commissioners have done the large majority, if not all, of their fire service as GCFD No. 1 volunteers. And while I have the utmost respect for our volunteers, it also seems to me that we have room for improvement in a number of areas.

I have been an active community member since I was a young adult, serving on the Fair Board, School Board, Bi-County 4-H Camp Board, teaching vacation bible school, a member of Search and Rescue, and supporting our local community through a variety of business endeavors.

I have invested my time and committed my family to staying in Pomeroy, and I believe we all have a strong future here if we have strong leadership. I am running for Fire Commissioner No. 2 because I believe this is an area where I have knowledge and experience that will benefit our entire community. I appreciate your support.

Aaron Stallcop