Hayden firefighters could lose jobs, fire station could close if levy isnt passed [Video]

HAYDEN, Idaho – 12 Northern Lakes Firefighters could lose their jobs and the districts new fire station, that isn’t even completely built yet, could close if Kootenai County voters fail to pass a two year, $3.5 million override levy in November.

“It’s direly critical that we retain these 12 people, not only for public safety of the people that we serve but to be able to provide aid to other agencies that are in the exact same boat that we’re in right now,” Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley said Tuesday.

The fire district has tried to run levies in the past, but have had no luck. This year’s levy is important, according to Chief Riley, because the grant money they had applied for to cover a portion of operational costs will run out.

If the levy fails, the district loses 12 firefighters and the new fire station near Silverwood, …