I want to be your Spokane Valley Fire Commissioner
Prevention is my passion. It is one of the reasons I want to serve.
Here's some info about me.
Who is Rick Freier?
Husband, Father, & Grandfather
I’m a kid from Montana who graduated high school in Othello WA. I am a man of faith, married to the same great lady for 29 years. Kristin and I raised three daughters on a single income and if you asked us, we would go back to page one and do it all over again. Along the way there came a son-in-law, the best part of that is the grandson that looks just like him.
U.S. Marine Corps Combat Vet.
I was a member of the Marine Corps Reserve for 20 plus years, I served in the first Gulf War with Bravo Company 4th Tanks and was activated again in 2004 to support the Global War on Terrorism. Over the years I was a tank commander, Platoon Sergeant, acting Platoon Commander, Operations Chief of an artillery battery, and Company First Sergeant. After a successful career I retired in 2010 as First Sergeant (E-8).
Firefighter, Fire Investigator, Canine Handler
In 2023, I retired from Spokane Valley Fire Department after 24 years of service. I served as a fire investigator, canine handler, commissioned law enforcement officer, public information officer, public educator, EMT, fire inspector, oh and I had a few opportunities to put out a fire. I am a cancer survivor and someone that wants to make a difference with the time I have left on this earth.
A passion for prevention
Teaching how dangerous fire can be.
I started teaching middle school kid "Forensic Fire Investigation 101" more then 12 years ago. Since that time the number of kids 12 years and older caught playing with fire drastically declined. I want to bring this program back.
Arson Dog Program
As Mako's handler, I learned that an Accelerant Detection Canine is an amazing asset during a fire investigation. But more than that, they are great for public education and public relations. I want to see another canine working at Spokane Valley Fire and I am willing to put the time in to make that happen.
Social Media
As a public information office and educator, you might have seen me on Spokane Valley Fire's social media platforms. I want to continue the work that I started and help expand our reach so our message can prevent fires, falls, and car wrecks.