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Colstrip Volunteer Fire Department - Current - Team Standings Click Here Tony Reda Fire Chief - Started 02/21/2006 I was welcomed to the community of Colstrip in 2004 and have been an active member of the volunteer fire department for the last 20 years. My role as a firefighter has led me to serve in numerous capacities, including Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief. Regardless of title, my favorite duty as a firefighter will always be giving back to the community. The time I spend with the citizens of Colstrip, and the surrounding communities, reminds me that I am part of something bigger than myself. Lastly, the comradery and brotherhood that flows through the fire service community have also been a very influential part of my experience. I know I can always visit with a fellow firefighter, no matter the location! I look forward to continuing my service to the Colstrip community and encouraging others to find a way to serve! We are always looking for new volunteers. If you would like to learn more please call the Boese Training Center at 406-748-3625 Dates are start dates: Ethan Gardner - Assistant Fire Chief 3-14-2011 Tim Kautzman 10-17-2004 John Behles 7-19-2005 Dade Allison 11-17-2005 Zane Longacre 3-18-2008 Eddy Strand 4-15-2008 Don P 8-18-2011 Katrina West 10-30-2015 Chris Dudley 9-19-2017 Travis Quiroz 10-30-2018 Zach Gilliland 11-29-2018 Matt Neiman 9-17-2019 Zach Hull 8-18-2020 Ryan Blomback 11-17-2020 Spiro Mack 3-16-2021 Conner Dahle 3-16-2021 Chance Staples 9-21-2021 Kyler Mennie 5-17-2022 Dillon Conway 3-21-2023 Robert Shouse 9-11-2023 Dustin Sprenger 9-11-2024 Peter Hofacker 10-18-2024 Zach Ingraham 10-18-2024 Michael Galvin 10-18-2024 Did you know? Every 5 years the City of Colstrip undergoes an extensive evaluation by the ISO (Insurance Services Office). Many hours of effort are put forth to ensure the evaluation is as accurate as possible. Upon completion of the evaluation, the city is awarded a score/rating ranging from 1-10, with 1 being the best. The score reflects how prepared a community and area is for fires. While it mainly focuses on the local fire departments and water supply, there are other factors that contribute to an area’s score. An ISO score has the power to affect the insurance premiums of every homeowner in the area. The City of Colstrip currently has an ISO rating of 04/4Y. This is a very favorable rating, especially for a city of our size that maintains its fire protection services with a volunteer department. The effort and financial support that goes into updating and maintaining our fire department equipment and water infrastructure is crucial to maintaining a favorable rating for the citizens of Colstrip. Should you wish to learn more about the ISO process, please click on the link below: https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/iso-fire-ratings/ Application Process Volunteers are continually being recruited to serve the community through involvement with the Colstrip Fire Department. Interested individuals are invited to complete an application. The initial application includes a general volunteer application form, a background check application form, a list of references, and other relevant information needed to determine if the applicant meets the criteria for a volunteer position. Once all of the initial application materials are returned to the secretary of the fire department, she/he will secure a complete background check on the applicant. The secretary will place the review of the application on the fire board meeting agenda when all of the background information has been secured. The fire board and Chief will review the volunteer application at its board meeting and make a recommendation to recruit the applicant, reject the applicant, or request additional information to make a determination. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements as stipulated by State Law, City of Colstrip, and Colstrip Fire Department policies. Applicants that the fire board recommends being recruited will be offered the volunteer position contingent upon successful completion of a physical exam and drug/alcohol test. A physical exam and drug/alcohol test that has been used for employment purposes within the past twelve months may meet the criteria; however, the fire department reserves the right to request a physical exam and/or drug/alcohol test from a provider of their choice and at the department’s expense. Applicants recommended by the Fire Board to be recruited and successfully complete the physical exam and drug/alcohol testing will be recommended to the Colstrip City Council for acceptance. Service will commence on the date approved by the Fire Board.

Rosebud County Landfill 5 MILES NORTH OF COLSTRIP HOURS: MON-FRI 8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM SAT 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM CLOSED ALL SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS CLOSED SATURDAYS NOV 1ST - APRIL 1ST * DUMP IN DESIGNATED AREA * CHILDREN & PETS - MUST REMAIN IN VEHICLE * ALL WASTE SUBJECT TO RANDOM SCREENING * NO SHOOTING OR RUMMAGING * ALL LOADS ARE TO BE TARPED OR SECURED

City Forms Forms and Applications * All forms are Digitally Fillable and can be sent electroni cally and/or they can simply be printed * Please send the completed forms to frontdesk@cityofcolstrip. com or drop them by. ACH Authorization Form Business License Application Chicken Regulations & Application Duplicate Bill Request Email Bills Employment Application Records Request Residential Building Permit Application Sewer Average Adjustment Form Special Event Application Utility Service Application Voter-Registration-Application Bulk Water Form Page1 Bulk Water Form Page2 Cemetery Forms and Info Informative Colstrip Map Council Chambers Use & Policy Utility Rates

Fire Prevention Fire Prevention Week During Fire Prevention week the crew visits the local elementary school to demonstrate and teach fire safety. This is also a time to have some fun and encourage the next generation of firefighters. Fun Facts Smoke alarms Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a reported fire in half. Most homes (96%) have at least one smoke alarm (according to a 2008 telephone survey.) Overall, three-quarters of all U.S. homes have at least one working smoke alarm. Each year, nearly 3,000 people die in U.S. home fires. In 2003-2006, roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from home fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. – No smoke alarms were present in 40% of the home fire deaths. – In 23% of the home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present but did not sound. In more than half of the reported home fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate even though the fire was large enough, batteries were missing or disconnected. Nuisance alarms were the leading reason for disconnected alarms. More than half of the smoke alarms found in reported fires and two-thirds of the alarms found in homes with fire deaths were powered by battery only. Most homes still have smoke alarms powered by battery only. In a 2007 American Housing Survey (AHS), 67% of the respondents who reported having smoke alarms said they were powered by battery only. In a 2008 telephone survey, only 12% knew that smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. In fires considered large enough to activate a smoke alarm, hard-wired alarms operated 91% of the time; battery-powered smoke alarms operated 75% of the time. Interconnected smoke alarms on all floors increase safety. – In a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) survey of households with any fires, interconnected smoke alarms were more likely to operate and alert occupants to a fire. (This includes fires in which the fire department was not called. Fire Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and injuries. Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths, and fire injuries. Electrical failures or malfunctions are factors in roughly 50,000 reported fires each year. Roughly 30, 000 intentionally set home structure fires are reported each year. In 2008 U.S. fire departments responded to 386,500 home fires. Home fires killed 2,755 people and injured 13,160. Someone was injured in a reported home fire every 40 minutes. Roughly eight people died in home fires every day. A fire department responded to a home fire every 82 seconds. 83% of all fire deaths and 79% of fire injuries resulted from home fires.

Colstrip City Calendar

Mayor John Williams Welcome to the newly developed website! This site features the most valuable resources of our community – the men, women, and families that live and work here in Colstrip. Colstrip was established as a company town in the early 1920s by the Northern Pacific Railroad. The nearby mine provided coal to use in steam locomotives for over 34 years. By 1950 the mine closed when the locomotives switched to diesel for fuel. Colstrip then became a tiny town with minimal population until the 1960’s when the coal mines reopened to provide coal for the newly constructed electrical generation stations. In 1998 Colstrip, then a vibrant community, incorporated as a third-class city and began its path of building a community concentrating on the quality of life for the families that live and work here. The City of Colstrip has always been forward-thinking. The town’s slogan of ‘Tomorrow’s Town Today’ reflects that spirit. While we all have tremendous pride in our energy resources and heritage, we also most importantly greet and meet the critical mission of the city to enhance the high quality of life for our residents through the continued improvement of the many services provided. Welcome to Colstrip, Montana!

Colstrip City Police Cory Hert Police Chief Cory was raised and graduated high school in Hysham, Montana. He spent 9 years in the US Army as a helicopter mechanic. While in the Army he received an A.S. Degree in Administrative Justice from the University of Hawaii. After leaving the Army he was hired as a deputy sheriff for the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and was stationed in Colstrip. He left the Sheriff’s Office after 5 years when he was hired by the Colstrip Police Department. Cory has been Chief of Police since May 2012. Mission Statement The primary mission of the Colstrip Police Department is to improve the quality of life in the City of Colstrip This goal will only be accomplished through the cooperative effort of the Police Department and the community. By working together we can maintain the peace, provide safety and security for our citizens, reduce the fear of crime and solve problems. To be successful in our mission requires the commitment of the Administration, every employee of this Department, and the citizens of our City, all working together to maintain the Colstrip Police as a trusted source of help. To accomplish this mission, the following values must be the basis for all of our actions: Respect The Colstrip Police Department recognizes that its members are its greatest asset, and our actions shall reflect this belief. The members will respect the citizens and recognize their ethnic and cultural diversity. We will respect each other as professionals and fellow human beings. Integrity We believe in the principles embodied in the Constitution. We recognize the authority of federal, state, and local laws. Honesty and truth must be the standards in all our interactions with the community and with our members. Excellence We will strive for personal and professional excellence, dedication to duty, and the delivery of quality service to the public. We are part of a team dedicated to the safety and protection of our community. Our actions will reflect intelligence, sincerity, efficiency, and courteous service. * The CPD was formed in August 2004 as Montana’s newest police agency. In our short history, we have developed this agency as a true community policing organization. The values, mission statement, and vision of the CPD help ground us as we perform our duties to protect and serve our community. We are a department built on trust and integrity. Colstrip City Police Department Contact Address : 303 Willow Ave, Colstrip, MT 59323 Hours : 11:30 AM - 5 PM (7 Days) Phone : (406) 748-2211

FireFighter Training Firefighters train every first and third Thursday night at Boese Training Center Extrication training Rodeo

Text-To-911 Most citizens in the City of Colstrip can now send a short message service (SMS) text message to 911 for emergency help when unable to make a 911 voice call. This new public safety service has been brought to the City of Colstrip and is available to wireless customers of AT&T and Verizon Wireless cell phones. Text-to-911 was not developed as a replacement for a voice call to 911 in an emergency situation, but rather as an enhancement to reaching 911 services in certain situations: The caller is hearing/voice impaired; a medical emergency renders the person incapable of speech; when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger, such as a home invasion, a domestic violence incident, or an active shooter scenario; and/or when on the edge of the cellular network where there might not be voice coverage, but the text can get through. When in an emergency situation, all wireless callers should remember to “Call 911 if you can; Text 911 if you can’t.” City of Colstrip citizens should keep the following important information in mind if they send a text-to-911: Customers should use the texting option when calling 911 is not an option. Using a phone to call 911 is still the most efficient way to reach emergency help. Texting is not always instantaneous, which is critical during a life-threatening emergency. It may take slightly longer to dispatch emergency services in a text-to-911 situation because of the time involved: Someone must enter the text; the message must go over the network and the 911 Dispatcher must read the text and then text back. Providing detailed and exact location information and the nature of the emergency in the first text message is imperative since the City of Colstrip 911 will initially only receive the location of the cell phone tower closest to the call’s origin. Text abbreviations, emoticons, or slang should never be used so that the intent of the dialogue can be as clear as possible. Customers must be in the range of cell towers in the City of Colstrip. If customers are outside or near the edge of the towers, the message may not reach the City of Colstrip 911. Texts to 911 from areas where the service is not available will receive a “bounce back” message explaining that Text-to-911 is not available in that area, and to make a voice 911 call. Texts sent to 911 have the same 160-character limit as other text messages. Wireless customers who use Usage Controls should remove this feature to ensure full text-to-911 capabilities. Wireless customers must have mobile phones that are capable of sending text messages. The solution is available for customers who use the native SMS provided by wireless carriers. Customers should consult their over-the-top (OTT) messaging provider to determine if and how text-to-911 is provided by the OTT application. The texting function should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire, or emergency medical services. For non-emergency situations, customers should contact their local public safety agency via a 10-digit non-emergency number: 406-748-2211 Out-of-Service cellphones will not be able to Text-to-911; there must be an active data plan for Text-to-911 to work. Do not joke around. If you text to 911, responders will be dispatched. Text-to-911should only be used to communicate between emergency help and the texter. No pictures, video, other attachments, or other recipients can be appended to the message

Code Enforcement Code enforcement is a division of the Police Department in Colstrip. It seeks to protect the safety and well being of the residents. It strives to preserve the quality of life in neighborhoods by providing adequate space for each type of development and preventing problems associated with incompatible uses. It seeks to protect and maintain property values through the enforcement of City Ordinances and Regulations. Some of the most common problems addressed through Code Enforcement are: Example 1 Junk, inoperable or unlicensed vehicles parked on private property and on city streets Example 4 Weeds Example 2 Open storage of junk, garbage or debris Example 5 RV (Storage or living in) Commercial uses in residential neighborhoods Building setbacks or violations Sign regulations Poor property maintenance Example 3 Clear Vision at street intersections

911 Dispatch The City of Colstrip Dispatch Center is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for 911 calls placed in the City of Colstrip and surrounding areas. Dispatching is provided for Colstrip police officers, fire departments, EMS, and other public safety agencies. The Colstrip Police Department assumed the responsibility for the 9-1-1 Emergency Center in September 2004. The 9-1-1 Center staff numbers five employees, who are trained in emergency dispatch procedures. The Center handles all emergency 9-1-1 calls in the Colstrip area and dispatches police, fire, and ambulance personnel. In addition, the dispatchers monitor air traffic communications in and out of the Colstrip airport. The 9-1-1 Center is truly a lifeline for the community. FAQ's The City of Colstrip 911 Dispatch Center Staff consists of 4 full-time dispatchers and 1 part-time dispatcher. How do I know when to dial 911? Anytime you find yourself in a situation that requires an emergency response from a law enforcement agency, a fire department, or an ambulance service you should call 911. As a general rule, if you face a situation where you are trying to decide whether to dial 911 or not, DIAL 911. It is always better to be safe than risk the chance of not getting the help you need when you need it. If you have a situation that you need to report, but an incident is a past event and non-threatening (not in progress, suspects are unknown or not seen), i.e., theft of personal property, past criminal mischief/vandalism, a theft from an auto that occurred during the night, then you may want to contact the law enforcement agency to report the incident by calling in on the Colstrip Police Department at (406)-748-2211 or the Rosebud County Sheriff at (406)-346-2715. Again, anytime you are unsure of when to dial 911, it is always better to dial 911 than risk not getting help when you need it. What can I expect when I call 911? When you dial 911, your call will be answered by a 911 Dispatcher. The dispatcher will conduct an interview to determine the type of emergency service needed. Questions generally asked to fall into key questions of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and depending on the situation, WHY. It’s important to listen to the dispatcher and answer the questions asked. The dispatcher must ask you specific questions in order to ensure you receive the kind of help needed. It may seem that you are asked a lot of questions and that a lot of time has passed, however, trained dispatchers will only ask questions that are necessary for getting you the proper help you need. This generally takes less than 30-45 seconds. Often times the dispatcher will start emergency response units and will return to ask the follow-up questions.) The main objective is to remain calm and listen to the dispatcher’s instructions…help is on the way. What happens if I accidentally dial 911? Misdials are sometimes experienced on 911. Often many misdials are realized after the number is dialed and the caller will immediately disconnect the line. This is what is commonly referred to as a “911 hangup”. If a connection was made, regardless of whether the line was not answered by the 911 operator, the PSAP will still receive the call. It is very important to remain on the line, even if you realize you misdialed. If you disconnect the line, the 911 operator must process the call as an unknown emergency, until otherwise determined.

McGruff Safe Homes and Neighborhood Watch MCGRUFF SAFE HOMES PROGRAM "A Permanent Force for Community Betterment" Your Colstrip Police Department has initiated prevention and safety programs that need the support of our community, and in particular, schools and parents. The safety of our children is of paramount importance to us all. The police department recognizes that children may be at risk as they walk to and from school. Younger children may become confused or fearful when confronted with dangerous or otherwise frightening situations. They need a safe and secure place to turn if this occurs. The Colstrip Police Department is in the process of establishing a network of McGruff Safe Homes throughout our community. The McGruff House Program is a temporary haven for children who find themselves in frightening or dangerous situations. Children are told that they can go to a specially marked McGruff House, which might be a house, mobile home, townhouse, or apartment, any time they sense danger as they go to and from school or are playing in the neighborhood. McGruff Houses provide a safety network for children. McGruff Houses have significantly reduced children’s victimization and shown the value a community places on protecting its youngest citizens. What McGruff Houses Do: Call the police if a child is lost or has a medical emergency Reassure the child if he or she is frightened Report crimes and suspicious activities What McGruff Houses Don’t Do: Provide first aid (except in life-threatening situations) Administer medications Supervise the neighborhood Enforce laws Local McGruff Houses rely on a partnership of law enforcement, school personnel, volunteer participants, and local coordinators. The Colstrip Police Department would typically be the first resource McGruff House participants will call to help a child. School personnel needs to be involved to help children be aware of McGruff Houses and teach them how to use them. Schools are a key partner because the program is most needed when children are on their way to or from school or playing afterward. If you are interested in being a McGruff House volunteer the Colstrip Police Department wants to hear from you. Any volunteer will be required to submit an application and undergo a background check completed by the police department. After being accepted as a McGruff House volunteer you will be visited by a member of the Colstrip Police Department, or a police volunteer coordinator, who will explain the program to you and provide you with important program information including a McGruff Safe House placard to display in your window. The Colstrip Police Department, the Pine Butte Elementary School, and the PBES Parent-Teacher Organization are partners in the McGruff Safe Home program. To obtain an application stop by City Hall at 550 Willow Street, or the Colstrip Police Department. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM Is there a neighborhood watch in your neighborhood? There should be. According to The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Home Security, “your neighbors are among the most important crime-fighting tools you can use”(P. 142). What exactly is a neighborhood watch? A neighborhood watch is a group of people working together to protect the neighborhood. They agree to keep an eye out for suspicious people, reporting loiterers, or those engaged in suspicious activities. Neighborhood watches can also become involved in organizing community events related to crime and safety. This could be any variety of activities such as having a group meeting where you invite a police officer from the community to come in and talk about home security. It all depends on how active the people in your neighborhood want to be. Don’t wait for somebody else to get things rolling, though. If you’re willing to take the initiative, you’ll probably find a lot of people interested in taking measures to keep their homes and neighborhood safe. Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, Town Watch, Building Watch, Crime Watch-whatever the name, it’s one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries, thefts, and robberies, and improves relations between the police and the communities they serve. Why Neighborhood Watch? Because it works! Throughout the country, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses are reported by law enforcement in communities with active Watch programs. Today’s transient society produces communities that are less personal. Many families have two working parents and children involved in many activities that keep them away from home. An empty house in a neighborhood where neighbors don’t know each other or don’t look out for each other is a prime target for burglary. Neighborhood Watch also helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns such as safe parks and recreation areas, child care, affordable and safe housing, and clean neighborhoods. We need motivated and concerned residents or community organizations that can assist the police department in developing Watch programs in their neighborhoods, business districts, or complexes. We need citizens who can volunteer as Block Captains to organize their specific neighborhoods and relay information to members. The Colstrip Police Department will assign an officer to speak with the neighborhood group about the Watch program, provide the necessary forms and also put up a Neighborhood Watch sign, usually, after at least 50 percent of all neighborhood households are enrolled. Ways a Neighborhood Watch Can Help: Through your membership, you’ll be able to keep abreast with what’s going on in your area, including learning about crimes that occur near you. A Neighborhood Watch program will reward your participation by making your neighborhood safer. It is statistically proven that neighborhood watches are effective crime prevention tools. A Neighborhood Watch can be a little like a Condo Board or other housing community forum in that you can use the meetings to deal with community issues such as abandoned cars, noisy neighbors, and neglected yards that devalue the neighborhood. How to Get a Neighborhood Watch Started Any community resident can join-young and old, single and married, renter and homeowner. Even the busiest people can belong to Neighborhood Watch-they too can keep an out for neighbors as they come and go. This community-based crime WATCH program is a simple and direct approach to protecting our community from criminals. The program involves the reduction of criminal opportunity through citizen participation in crime prevention measures, such as being alert and aware, reporting suspicious and criminal activity to the Police Department, and initiating actions that reduce criminal opportunity. The key to any effective crime prevention program is communication and involvement. The Colstrip Police Department needs your help in safeguarding the great quality of life we have here in Colstrip. Crime prevention is everyone’s business. Please get involved with us. If you are interested in organizing a Watch program in your neighborhood contact the Colstrip Police Department for more information.