Fire Chief Debbie Carpenter
Message from the Fire Chief
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Fire Chief for the Spirit Lake Fire Protection District.
My fire service journey started in April 1995 as I watched the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing on television. The devastation resonated with me, as I attended college 30 minutes away just a few years earlier. Watching emergency personnel at that scene made me realize that I wanted to be someone that other people called for help no matter the circumstances. I set my sights on becoming a first responder and later that year I was a probationary firefighter.
I spent the first 27 years of my career with a mid-size agency in Dallas-Fort Worth, working my way up from firefighter to assistant chief. I was blessed with amazing teachers and mentors who encouraged me to use my passion for the betterment of my agency and to improve the lives of the people in my district. I had opportunities to make a difference as a firefighter/paramedic, as a participant in educational programs, and as a member of our technical rescue teams.
Having fallen in love with North Idaho after vacationing with family and friends here, I was delighted for the opportunity to lead Spirit Lake Fire. People here take care of their neighbors and are committed to their community. The firefighters working for this District make a positive difference; their dedication to their craft and their desire to better themselves every day is unsurpassed.
My goal as Fire Chief is to give my firefighters and fire officers the tools they need to serve the public. For that reason, you will see us training on fire response and emergency medical services each shift. We focus on quality improvement, building on our current responses to ensure reliability and sustainability for the future. We partner with surrounding agencies to get people the help they need when they call, even if we are on another emergency run.
I believe in whole community programs to reduce the risk of fire and life hazards in our area. You can find me at HOA meetings, Grange meetings, school programs, and local events, teaching people about how to reduce the risks in their own lives and in their own homes. We teach CPR classes, read to kids at the libraries, participate in school programs, and we have a LOT of fun doing it all.
When I am not on duty, I will be hiking, mountain biking, or in the seat of a canoe, enjoying all that North Idaho has to offer. I hope to see you soon!