SPOKANE FIRE STATION #16
Spokane Fire Department (SFD) Station 16 is located at 5225 N. Assembly Street, just north of the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Northwest Spokane. SFD’s Swift Water Rescue Team is made of the crews at Station 16 and Station 2. Engine 16, the station’s primary apparatus, responds to structure fires, EMS calls, and many other types of emergencies. Brush 16 is a Ford F550 4x4 used to protect the wildland/urban interface. Water 16 is a jet boat used for water rescues on the Spokane River. This boat is a powerful tool that can be used in moderate to high river flows to assist with water rescues on the Spokane River.
All members who work at Station 16 are cross-trained on the Engine, Brush truck, and boat. Station 16 members undergo rigorous training to obtain and maintain their Swift Water Rescue Technician certification. Station 16 also provides automatic aid to nearby areas of the County, in an agreement with Spokane County Fire District 9.
Station 16 Captain - Paul Gortler
Station 16 Phone - (509) 625-7116
Spokane Fire Administration - (509) 625-7000
STATION 16 HISTORY
Opening its doors in 1926, No. 16 was one of the two stations to open that year. It was a single story, brick bungalow located at Milton and Northwest Boulevard. An open house was arranged welcoming residents from the growing Audubon Park neighborhood. One of the special performances was by the fire department’s own band, one of many extracurricular activities of Spokane firefighters.
In the 1920s, the Spokane Fire Department Band was renowned throughout the city. When No. 16 opened its doors in Audubon Park, the band played for the 200 plus people who came to celebrate the dedication of the building and listen to the concert. The band also traveled as far as Portland to perform at the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
The Spokane Falls Comets and Tigers, who regularly competed in physical competitions in the early volunteer days of the Spokane Falls Volunteer Fire Department, was not the only means of physical activity for Spokane firefighters. The Spokane Fire Department also had the SFD Hook and Ladder Drill Team, Plansifter Baseball Champion Team in 1895 (often rivaling the Spokesman-Review team), and were the SFD City Pennant winners.
Today, the Spokane County Firefighters Pipes and Drums regularly perform for local events. They are a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, presenting Highland Bagpipe and Drum music and deportment for funerals, weddings, graduations, ceremonies, parades, and fire service related events, for the purpose of honoring the fallen in Public Safety and Military . As described by members, “Such presentations will contribute to the spirit of goodwill and tradition between firefighters, and between firefighters and our local community.”