In a rare move, Ontario Fire Chief Terry Leighton asked Mayor Riley Hill if he could show excitement on Tuesday night during the Ontario City Council meeting. Hill pointed at Leighton as if giving the OK, and Leighton pumped his fist, closing his eyes and saying, “Yes!” His response was to the unanimous vote to authorize changing the zoning of the city’s former Public Works shop and grounds at 55 N.E. Second and to declare the property as a public safety training facility for first responders from Ontario and around the region.
With the council’s vote, the facility will be added to the city’s five-year capital improvement plan.
Firefighters from area agencies throughout the Western Treasure Valley filled the council chambers at Ontario City Hall to standing room only to voice support during public comments ahead of Leighton’s proposal.