Two honored for fire service

Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Department members met at North Dam Park Sunday to honor two men retired from their ranks - John Tufts and Jerry Sands.

Tufts joined in April of 1988, retired from the department in December 2021 and this year retired as police chief in Grand Coulee. Sands joined in April of 2002 and retired in December 2023. Combined, they rendered over 54 years of service to the community, a poster on the departments Facebook noted.

"We had a good gathering at Windy North Dam Park to honor them and give them a few tokens of our appreciation," the post said. "We enjoyed some pulled pork made by member Mike Shear, a cake and cupcakes by Nikki Tonasket and a potluck with current and other retired members and their spouses.

"It was a good day, even though several had to leave toward the end for an ambulance call.

Thank you Jerry and John and their spouses for their many years serving the Grand Coulee Community!"