They do more than fight fires

COEUR d’ALENE — Members of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department do more than fight fires.

They climb stairs.

Write books.

Fill boots.

Collect food.

And, most importantly, save lives.

The department's 2023 annual report tells their story.

“We pride ourselves in being an active participant within our community,” wrote Fire Chief Tom Greif. “Our many programs each far beyond emergency response.”

The department works closely with service groups, businesses and education “to make sure we are offering services to meet their needs and establish partnerships to ensure their economic wellbeing,” Greif wrote.

The fire department has 63 line personnel, which includes 33 paramedics; three deputy chiefs; one EMS officer; two deputy fire marshals and three administrative staff, all under Greif’s watch.

According to the department’s 2023 annual report, firefighters spent most of their time responding to service calls, including 2,205 fire calls; 7,817 emergency service; 194 mutual aid; 5,212 ambulance transport; 113 cardiac arrests and 10,022 total runs.

Most of those were up from 2022 when EMS calls totaled 7,370; ambulance transports were 4,531 and cardiac arrests were 72.

Firefighter/paramedic Morgan Zajicek had the most individual runs in 2023 at 1,107.

All told, the department had 12,000 training hours.

Other 2023 highlights:

• Three firefighters participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Stair Climb fundraiser in March in Seattle and with other departments raised $20,000

• Held a grand opening for its new marine facility at the base of Tubbs Hill in May to host its fire boat

• Participated in two Fill the Boot events and raised nearly $3,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

• Its canine search team, Idaho Disaster Dogs, started training for water recovery in September

• Firefighters Local 710 collected 7,777 pounds of food and raised $2,800 from Mobile Santa in December for the food bank

For 2024, goals include identifying land for a fifth fire station; planning for a general obligation bond in May 2025; outlining a strategic growth plan and enhancing its physical fitness program.

“Our all-hazards fire department continues to grow with the community’s needs and your continued support is essential for our success,” Greif wrote.

    Coeur d'Alene firefighter Cody Moore, joined by Murphy at the Coeur d'Alene fire station, holds a copy of his book "Murphy Gets A Job."