The Priest Lake Food Bank needs a new location/space, and after hearing the behind-the-scenes of what they go through every time they help our community, it’s easy to see why.
Right now, it’s like setting up an entire grocery store every time they open. They unlock all the freezers, refrigerators, and storage rooms, then pull out rolling racks stacked with food and supplies. They set up tables, organize everything, and volunteers carefully fill boxes based on strict guidelines.
They have to keep USDA food locked in a separate room and freezer, everything tracked and inventoried. Other donations, 2nd Harvest items, even pet food, they all come from different small spaces. When they get perishables, they can’t store them long, so they scramble to pick them up the day before and stack them on the floor because there isn’t room in the coolers.
On distribution day, people can’t even come inside! .. the boxes are picked up from the porch because the space is so tight. And after all that? It ALL has to be taken down, cleaned up, and packed away to make room for the Thrift Shoppe.
They also store their truck and trailer in a garage so tight the truck mirrors have to be folded in, sometimes even with that, there's damage from the impossible angles.
The bottom line is: They’re doing incredible work, but the space is holding them back. With a larger, better facility, they can serve more Priest Lake families, keep food safer, make it easier for volunteers, and simply breathe a little easier.
Let’s help make that happen for them. THEY NEED OUR DONATIONS To contribute, send a check or money order to:
151 Pettit Lane, Priest Lake, ID 83856
OR use their DONATE button at top and bottom of page at www.priestlakefoodbank.org
West Priest Lake Fire District
Fire Chief Job Posting
About the Department
The West Priest Lake Fire District is actively seeking candidates for the position of Fire Chief. We are a rural volunteer fire department located in North Idaho, funded through a public taxing district and governed by an elected Board of Fire Commissioners.The District operates out of three stations and responds to a wide range of emergencies, including structural and wildland fires, vehicle accidents, EMS assist calls, and other incidents across the west side of Priest Lake. We maintain Mutual Aid Agreements with the three neighboring fire districts surrounding the lake.
Position Summary
The Fire Chief is responsible for the leadership, administration, and operational readiness of the Fire District. This includes strategic planning, emergency response coordination, training oversight, personnel management, apparatus and equipment readiness, budgeting, and community relations. The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to serving in a rural volunteer setting.This is a part-time leadership position with no set daily hours. Time commitment varies based on department needs, training schedules, emergency responses, and administrative duties.Compensation is provided through a monthly stipend, which is negotiable based on experience and involvement level.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as Incident Commander during major incidents
Oversee recruitment, retention, training, and discipline of volunteer personnel
Ensure operational readiness of all apparatus, equipment, and stations
Manage operational and capital budgets; assist with grant applications
Serve as liaison to the Board of Fire Commissioners and county emergency services
Coordinate mutual aid operations with surrounding fire districts
Develop and lead fire prevention and public education initiatives
Maintain compliance with NFIRS reporting and departmental documentation standards
Desired Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in the fire service
Certified Firefighter I & II (NFPA 1001-compliant) from any U.S. state or agency
Wildland Firefighting training and experience (e.g., S-130/S-190 or equivalent), and familiarity with wildland/urban interface (WUI) operations
Valid driver’s license with insurability
Resident of or willing to relocate within district boundaries
Ability to pass a background check and drug screening; no criminal or other disqualifying history
Ability to obtain and maintain Basic First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire
EMT certification preferred
To Apply
Submit your resume, cover letter, and copies of relevant certifications to:Board of Fire CommissionersWest Priest Lake Fire DistrictPO Box 450Nordman, ID 83848And Or email to:info@westpriestlakefire.org
January 10-11th, 2026 - 1st weekend
January 17-18th, 2026 - 2nd weekend
January 31 - February 1, 2026 - Championship Location Priest Lake Golf Course
