Bigfork's new abulance hall funds used for upgrades

In December of 2006 the Bigfork QRU, a 501c-3 nonprofit organization (independent of Bigfork Fire Department at that time), initiated a fundraising campaign for a new ambulance hall. You responded generously with tax deductable contributions of approximately $91,000.

The new ambulance hall was not built, as the QRU dissolved, being absorbed into the Bigfork Fire Department in July of 2010. The ‘Building Fund’ was transferred to the Friends of Bigfork Fire, also a nonprofit (501-c3) organization. We have kept the funds invested, to be used only for Emergency Medical Services building construction.

The Bigfork Firehall has housed the two ambulances and medical supplies for many years. EMT responders have manned the hall, day and night, to be available to respond to medical calls 24/7. Up until recently, they have slept on sofas in the upstairs meeting room.

A remodeling project to construct two private sleeping rooms (furnished with bed, chair, and table), an updated kitchen, new heating/cooling system, wiring, and carpet has been completed. Now EMS responders have safe and private quarters to sleep in. Much of the project was completed by volunteers, keeping the cost to $35,000.

The Fire Department Board of Trustees has asked the Friends of Bigfork Fire to use $35,000 from our ‘Building Fund’ to cover the expense of the remodeling.

This notice is to inform the community of Bigfork of our intention to pay for this construction. We realize this is not a “new ambulance hall’, but these two rooms are certainly needed to house our responders. If you have any objection to using your donation for this use, please contact me by phone at the number listed below.

Thank you,

Jim Sticka

President of Friends of Bigfork Fire

837-2294