Lewiston Fire Department

10/23/2026

𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟐 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝘓𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 3 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 2, 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.

• • • • • •

The Lewiston Fire Department earned an improved Public Protection Classification (ISO), advancing from Class 3 to Class 2 after an evaluation by the Idaho Surveying and Rating Bureau, Inc. (ISRB) in September. The new classification takes effect January 1, 2027, marking a significant achievement for the department and the many City employees who help keep Lewiston safe.

While this new rating is a major accomplishment for the Fire Department, it also reflects something bigger: protecting a community takes more than firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) responding to emergencies. It depends on fire prevention and public education efforts, reliable communications, dependable water supplies, well-maintained infrastructure, and coordination among the people and departments within the City responsible for these essential services.

“Our approach is mission first, people always,” said Fire Chief Richie Lucas when asked about this achievement. “This reflects the hard work of our firefighters, city dispatchers, and administrative staff, as well as our city partners. Every role contributes to our ability to serve Lewiston. I'm proud of the work our people put into this process and their commitment to being better for the community we serve.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟐 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧?
Public Protection Classifications, commonly known as ISO ratings, help insurance companies evaluate a community’s fire protection capabilities when determining property insurance rates. The evaluation considers several factors, including emergency dispatch communications, fire department resources and operations, water supplies, and community risk reduction.

Fire protection begins long before an emergency call comes in. It starts with prevention and helping residents understand the steps they can take to protect themselves, their families, and their property. Lewiston Fire Department’s Prevention Division plays an important role in that effort, and its strong performance in this evaluation reflects the value of that work.

During Lewiston's September evaluation, the City earned a final score of 80.92 points. Lewiston received approximately 96 percent of the available credit in both emergency communications and water supplies, along with full credit for operational procedures, pump capacity, fire code adoption and enforcement, and fire investigations.

The results reflect the combined efforts of the Lewiston Fire Department, Lewiston Police Dispatch, Public Works staff responsible for geographic information systems (GIS) and water services, the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District (LOID), and the Nez Perce County Assessor's Office. Preparing for the evaluation required extensive work to gather records and demonstrate the systems that support fire protection throughout the community.

𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The Idaho Surveying and Rating Bureau, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit insurance rating organization licensed by the Idaho Department of Insurance. Its evaluations help assess the fire protection capabilities available within a community and provide information insurers may use when evaluating property-related fire risks.

For Lewiston, achieving Class 2 recognition highlights the value of continued investment in public safety, effective coordination among City services and the employees who carry out this work every day.

“This is an achievement worth celebrating, and it gives us a foundation to keep improving,” Chief Lucas said. “Our standard is to keep getting better by supporting our people, strengthening our capabilities, and earning the trust of Lewiston residents every day.”

The improved rating is more than a number. It recognizes the people, partnerships, and essential services working together behind the scenes to help protect Lewiston's residents, businesses, and property.

07/30/2026

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐄𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅

Mayor Dan Johnson has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Richie Lucas as the next Fire Chief of the Lewiston Fire Department. Lucas will officially assume the role on September 5, 2026.

Chief Lucas brings more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Lewiston Fire Department and has steadily advanced through the ranks during his career in our community. He began serving the department as a Reserve Trainee on January 4, 2006, before becoming a Reserve Firefighter later that year. He was hired as a full-time Firefighter in 2008, promoted to Engineer in 2012, Captain in 2017, Interim Deputy Fire Chief in 2023, and officially appointed Deputy Fire Chief later that year.

Over the course of his career, Chief Lucas has built a reputation as a respected leader, instructor, and paramedic. In addition to his operational responsibilities with the Lewiston Fire Department, he served for more than a decade as an adjunct instructor at Lewis-Clark State College, helping educate future emergency medical professionals in EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic courses. His experience also includes serving as a wildland firefighter and fireline medic, providing emergency medical support on wildfire incidents throughout the region.

Chief Lucas has remained committed to professional growth throughout his career. He is a graduate of the High Performance Leadership Academy and has completed the National Fire Academy's New Executive Chief Officer Course, Incident Command and Control Course, and advanced Incident Command System training. He is a Certified Blue Card Command Instructor and Certified Ambulance Compliance Officer, and maintains extensive certifications in structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and advanced emergency medical services.

Beyond emergency response, Chief Lucas has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to strengthening both the department and the community. He served for more than a decade as the Lewiston Fire Department's Physical Fitness Coordinator, was a founding member of the Lewiston Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps, and has volunteered as a local youth football coach. His dedication to public service has earned numerous honors, including the Lewiston Fire Department Distinguished Service Medal, the VFW EMT of the Year Award, Paramedic of the Year, the Stork Award, and the Unit Meritorious Award.

As Fire Chief, Lucas will oversee the department's emergency response operations, emergency medical services, fire prevention programs, training, and community risk reduction efforts. He says he looks forward to building on the department's strong foundation while continuing to invest in employee development, operational readiness, and regional partnerships that enhance public safety in Lewiston and throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley.

"It is an incredible honor and privilege to step into the role of Fire Chief for the Lewiston Fire Department," said Chief Lucas. "Having served as Deputy Chief, I'm truly excited for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding team and take on the challenges ahead. This wouldn't be possible without the constant support of my family and the strong collaboration from all our City departments and neighboring agencies. I also want to extend my gratitude to Chief Rightmier for his leadership and dedicated service to Lewiston, and I wish him all the very best in his next chapter."

Mayor Dan Johnson said he is confident Chief Lucas is the right person to lead the department into its next chapter.

"Richie has devoted his career to serving the people of Lewiston and has consistently demonstrated the professionalism, integrity, and leadership our community expects from its Fire Chief," said Mayor Johnson. "Over the past two decades, he has earned the respect of his fellow firefighters, City leadership, and our regional public safety partners. I've had the opportunity to work alongside Richie as Deputy Fire Chief and have seen firsthand his commitment to the department, his people, and our community. His experience, calm leadership, and dedication to continuous improvement make him exceptionally well-qualified to lead the Lewiston Fire Department. I am confident he will provide outstanding service to our residents for years to come."

Chief Lucas succeeds Greg Rightmier, who accepted the position of Fire Chief for Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue in Washington. See previous announcment: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17vDgvRGdd/

The City of Lewiston extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Rightmier for his dedicated service and leadership and wishes him and his family continued success in their next chapter. The City also congratulates Chief Lucas on his appointment and looks forward to the continued excellence of the Lewiston Fire Department under his leadership.

07/21/2026

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐄𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐆 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐑

Lewiston Fire Chief Greg Rightmier has accepted the position of Fire Chief for Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue in Washington and will be leaving the City of Lewiston. His last day with the City will be August 27, 2026.

Chief Rightmier joined the Lewiston Fire Department as Deputy Fire Chief on July 12, 2021. He was appointed Interim Fire Chief on June 1, 2023, and was officially named Fire Chief on October 1, 2023.
"Serving as Fire Chief for the City of Lewiston has been an honor," said Chief Rightmier. "I am proud of the work the members of the Lewiston Fire Department have done to strengthen emergency response, EMS delivery, fire prevention, regional hazardous materials readiness, training, leadership development, and community service. This new role is a meaningful professional opportunity and also allows my wife and me to move closer to family. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve Lewiston, and I have confidence in the department's people and leadership as they continue serving this community."

Mayor Dan Johnson expressed his appreciation for Chief Rightmier's leadership and service.

"Greg is an outstanding leader for the Lewiston Fire Department and a valued member of our City leadership team," said Mayor Johnson. "His commitment to public safety, his support of our firefighters, and his dedication to serving the residents of Lewiston will leave a lasting impact on our community. We are excited for Greg and his family as they begin this new chapter. We thank him for his service and wish him every success as Fire Chief of Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue."

The City of Lewiston will initiate the recruitment process for the Fire Chief position next week. Additional details regarding the recruitment timeline and interim leadership will be announced as they become available.

07/01/2026

🚨 ATTENTION LEWISTON RESIDENTS: Your Lewiston Fire Department has a quick public service announcement for anyone planning to celebrate this weekend!

Let's make this simple so we can all enjoy the holiday without a surprise visit from your local first responder:

🚫 "IF IT GOES UP OR BLOWS UP, IT IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE CITY." If your firework leaves the ground, aims for the stars, or makes a sound that mimics a battlefield, it is illegal within city limits.

💧 3 Rules to Keep the Peace (and Your Eyebrows):
1. Keep it Grounded: If it has a fuse, make sure it stays flat on the dirt or concrete.

2. The Water Bucket is Non-Negotiable: Douse all used fireworks and duds in a bucket of water before tossing them in the trash. Lewiston is dry, and we don't need a garbage can fire.

3. Save the Big Shows for the Pros: Want to see the stuff that actually goes up and blows up? Leave it to the community displays where it's legal and handled by professionals.

Let's keep Lewiston safe, green, and fire-free this summer. Keep it safe, keep it sane, and keep it on the ground! 🧑‍🚒🚒

06/30/2026

🎆 FIREWORKS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 🎆

Every year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission brutally sacrifices innocent plastic mannequins so you don't accidentally launch yourself into orbit. Let’s honor their sacrifice with a quick reality check:

❌ Your body is not an F-22 Raptor. Do not launch fireworks off your chest, back, or head. Unless you want your torso turned into confetti, keep them on the ground.
❌ Don't peek down the barrel. If a mortar doesn't go off, do not look down the tube to see what's wrong. It's not playing peek-a-boo; it’s a miniature bomb reconsidering its life choices. You will lose that staring contest.
❌ Sparklers are secretly terrifying. They look like magical fairy wands, but they burn at 2,000°F. That is hot enough to melt metal.

💧 The Survival Guide:
1. Light them one at a time, then run away like you just knocked on your grumpy neighbor’s door.
2. If it’s a dud, don’t try to relight it. Wait 20 minutes and drown it in a bucket of water.
3. Keep a garden hose handy to immediately douse stray sparks before they turn your lawn into a bonfire.

💡 Pro-Tip: If alcohol is involved, step away from the fuse. Drunk pyrotechnics only work in cartoons. In real life, gunpowder always wins.

Leave the massive explosions to the professionals town budget. Mannequins die so that you may live! 🫡

Don’t be a dummy this July 4th! Use fireworks safely and leave prof...

06/25/2026

Water is 'safe for consumption,' city announces

06/24/2026

06/24/2026

Hey Lewiston! As we move into summer don't forget to keep our furry friends safe! Here are some helpful tips!

06/15/2026

🚨 ATTENTION JEEP OWNERS! 🚨
Where are our Wrangler and Gladiator owners at? There is a massive, urgent recall you need to know about.

🚗 Affected Vehicles: 2021 - 2025 Jeep Wranglers 2021 - 2025 Jeep Gladiators

🔥 The Risk: An issue with the power steering pump wiring can cause overheating, creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked and completely turned off.

🛑 What to do right now:
If you own one of these, federal safety regulators and Jeep advise you to park it outside, away from buildings/structures, and away from other vehicles until it gets repaired.

🔗 Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or recalls.mopar.com to see if your specific Jeep is affected.

Stay safe out there!

For more information https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/urgent-park-outside-warning-issued-1-million-jeeps

Use our VIN lookup tool to check for recalls on your car, or search by make and model. Our databases also list car seats, tires, and equipment recalled for unreasonable safety risk or failing to meet minimum safety standards.

05/14/2026

Good morning Lewiston! Warmer weather means more people on the road. Your Lewiston Fire Department reminds you to stay alert, avoid distractions, and keep your eyes and mind on the road!