The Northwest Burn Foundation recently honored the North Highline Fire District as its “2005 Fire Department of the Year.'

“This is the second time in five years that the fire district has been honored with such an award with the first time coming in 2000,' said Fire Chief Russ Pritchard.

“We appreciate the Northwest Burn Foundation and the impact they make in prevention, education and treatment. We are truly honored to receive such a prestigious award.'

The award proclamation said, “The North Highline Fire District has contributed an unprecedented amount of time and funds to the Northwest Burn Foundation programs.

“Their dedication to raising consciousness around burn prevention and to aiding burn survivors is recognized throughout the state for its public education programs on burn education.'

The Northwest Burn Foundation selected the North Highline Fire Department from nearly 100 fire departments throughout the state eligible for the award.

“We have been participating with the Northwest Burn foundation since it started in 1982,' Pritchard noted. “During these 24 years, we have obtained contributions that total well over $150,000.

“Our personnel and their families are trained and motivated to participate in the annual ‘Give Burns the Boot’ fundraising drive, which takes place the first week in October, which is proclaimed as National Fire Prevention Week.'

Last October, the North Highline Fire District set a one-day burn drive record by obtaining over $10,000 dollars.

Firefighters, health care professionals and parents of children with severe burns established the Northwest Burn Foundation to meet burn-related needs in communities throughout the region.

Programs and services provided at no charge to families include:

Summer camp for young burn survivors

Emergency housing for families with patients in Harborview Medical Center’s burn unit

Grants and research in burn care, including growth hormones, artificial skin and pain management

Support group meetings facilitated by a psychologist for burn survivors and their families

Burn and scald prevention programs for parents of newborn babies, preschoolers and elementary school children

Direct aid for families in crisis who have suffered the loss of their home and possessions to fire, and many more programs.

“This award truly shows that our department personnel are leaders, and other fire departments look to us for leadership and the way things should be done,' Pritchard declared.

“Congratulations to all personnel and to the community for their generous donations, it truly was a team effort.'