The Hillsboro City Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 5 where they heard from Hillsboro Fire Chief and Building Inspector Ben Steketee. Steketee presented the annual department head report with a PowerPoint report on the building department and fire department activities. He highlighted the contributions of Caren Funk who assists with contractor licensing, permit process and fire department secretary duties. Steketee also gave statistics including 59 building permits issued, 94 contractors licensed and $1730,764.38 in project value. Steketee also updated the council on training activities, including wildland fire training and rescue tool comparison events. He reported that training events include physical exertion tests and EMS assist calls, with firefighters undergoing rigorous training to ensure readiness. Steketee informed the council that the fire department has responded to 13 wildland fires, 11 vehicle accidents and nine rescues this year. Steketee emphasized the importance of a new fire station to accommodate the growing number of firefighters and equipment to serve the city and the greater area.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
