Newsletter
Newsletter # 9
01/05/08 17:00
Newsletters
Current Newsletter
Explorer Program
As some of you may remember, in years past we had a program that allowed high-school students to join the fire department. We’d like to reinstitute this program, in a modified format. This would entail some academic requirements, restricted job descriptions as well as a mentor program with a current department member. We’d like to launch this program this year. A couple of people, Chad Kimple & Bob Nutt, have expressed an interest in making this work. The next step is to convene a one-time meeting to outline how this program should be administered, what the goals and requirements are, etc. Anyone who is interested in this topic and would like to be at this meeting, please contact me and we’ll schedule it.
Social Security Numbers
On the new medical reimbursement form that went out with the last newsletter and is posted on our website, please know that it is not necessary for you to fill out your social security number. We already have that information on-file with the program. Someone pointed out that if we ask for a social security number, we should still use the lockbox for submittal. I will update the form to not include that line.
Insurance Form & Rig Checks
A reminder to everyone, in the last issue I requested a copy of drivers liability insurance coverage, a copy of current drivers licenses and a form for driving record checks. This is a requirement of our VFIS audit and we have a 60 day timeline to show compliance. Half of that time is now elapsed. I am enclosing another copy of the form and would ask again that everyone please submit this information to me as soon as possible. If there is a problem or question regarding this requirement, give me a call or email.
Also as a requirement of the audit is an improvement in the tracking of vehicle safety checks. We have a monthly vehicle safety check form available on our website. We are required to check each vehicle in the fleet at least monthly using this checklist, and to be able to produce this document on request. Every fire division drill should result in a safety check form being filled out for each rig. Please understand that this is not a request for maintenance form, that one is different. This one addresses basic vehicle safety items and needs to be done at least once each month, regardless of call volume.
Website Updates
The rebuild of the member’s area of the new website is substantially complete. Check out the News Blog area to access all district-wide communications. You can even use the search function to search previous District Newsletters and Friday Updates for specific keywords. Please take a few minutes and poke around at what’s there, and any suggestions for things that would help are greatly appreciated. I’m actively working on an on-line calendar where members can sign-up for duty shifts and night-rider shifts, as well as a few more downloadable forms and on-line submittals for volunteer reimbursements.
Also, the first quarter drill information is now complete with two exceptions.
In spite of my best efforts, I wasn’t able to get permission to host our own NIMS test on our own website. The “powers that be in the NIMS world” are insistent that only the FEMA website or Homeland Security website test will prove compliance. Both of these sites will allow you to test-out without actually taking the class.
Also, as a result of a Safety conference that Chad, Val & I attended this past weekend, we are going to delay the firefighter annual safety refresher until next quarter so that we can incorporate some new and updated information.
Live Burn Training
The live burn is on for March 8th. Any and all help is needed and appreciated. This will qualify for the annual live fire training requirement for firefighters. We will also need help from several EMT’s to work the rehab station. Due to tight parking requirements on site, everyone should meet at Station 21 at 0800 hours for a briefing and carpooling to the training site.
We would also like someone to take digital photographs and video of the event. If any of you have a family member or friend that fancies themselves a shutterbug, just get a-hold of me and I will supply the cameras.
You can check the Live Fire Training page in the on-line Training Library for any changes or updates.
Upcoming Pump Class
There is still one slot available for the March 29th pump operators class, as mentioned in the previous newsletter. Call or email me if you’re interested.
Personnel Updates
And finally, Jeff Jones will be on a leave of absence from the department until further notice. In the meantime, issues that would normally go to the lieutenant of Station 26 should be directed to the Westside Division Captain.
That’s the latest news as I know it. If you have any questions about any of this or about something I forget to mention, you all know where, and when, to find me. Thanks everyone - Buddy
Past Newsletters
Issue 8
Issue 7
Issue 6
Issue 5
Issue 4
Issue 3
Issue 2
Issue 1
Current Newsletter
Explorer Program
As some of you may remember, in years past we had a program that allowed high-school students to join the fire department. We’d like to reinstitute this program, in a modified format. This would entail some academic requirements, restricted job descriptions as well as a mentor program with a current department member. We’d like to launch this program this year. A couple of people, Chad Kimple & Bob Nutt, have expressed an interest in making this work. The next step is to convene a one-time meeting to outline how this program should be administered, what the goals and requirements are, etc. Anyone who is interested in this topic and would like to be at this meeting, please contact me and we’ll schedule it.
Social Security Numbers
On the new medical reimbursement form that went out with the last newsletter and is posted on our website, please know that it is not necessary for you to fill out your social security number. We already have that information on-file with the program. Someone pointed out that if we ask for a social security number, we should still use the lockbox for submittal. I will update the form to not include that line.
Insurance Form & Rig Checks
A reminder to everyone, in the last issue I requested a copy of drivers liability insurance coverage, a copy of current drivers licenses and a form for driving record checks. This is a requirement of our VFIS audit and we have a 60 day timeline to show compliance. Half of that time is now elapsed. I am enclosing another copy of the form and would ask again that everyone please submit this information to me as soon as possible. If there is a problem or question regarding this requirement, give me a call or email.
Also as a requirement of the audit is an improvement in the tracking of vehicle safety checks. We have a monthly vehicle safety check form available on our website. We are required to check each vehicle in the fleet at least monthly using this checklist, and to be able to produce this document on request. Every fire division drill should result in a safety check form being filled out for each rig. Please understand that this is not a request for maintenance form, that one is different. This one addresses basic vehicle safety items and needs to be done at least once each month, regardless of call volume.
Website Updates
The rebuild of the member’s area of the new website is substantially complete. Check out the News Blog area to access all district-wide communications. You can even use the search function to search previous District Newsletters and Friday Updates for specific keywords. Please take a few minutes and poke around at what’s there, and any suggestions for things that would help are greatly appreciated. I’m actively working on an on-line calendar where members can sign-up for duty shifts and night-rider shifts, as well as a few more downloadable forms and on-line submittals for volunteer reimbursements.
Also, the first quarter drill information is now complete with two exceptions.
In spite of my best efforts, I wasn’t able to get permission to host our own NIMS test on our own website. The “powers that be in the NIMS world” are insistent that only the FEMA website or Homeland Security website test will prove compliance. Both of these sites will allow you to test-out without actually taking the class.
Also, as a result of a Safety conference that Chad, Val & I attended this past weekend, we are going to delay the firefighter annual safety refresher until next quarter so that we can incorporate some new and updated information.
Live Burn Training
The live burn is on for March 8th. Any and all help is needed and appreciated. This will qualify for the annual live fire training requirement for firefighters. We will also need help from several EMT’s to work the rehab station. Due to tight parking requirements on site, everyone should meet at Station 21 at 0800 hours for a briefing and carpooling to the training site.
We would also like someone to take digital photographs and video of the event. If any of you have a family member or friend that fancies themselves a shutterbug, just get a-hold of me and I will supply the cameras.
You can check the Live Fire Training page in the on-line Training Library for any changes or updates.
Upcoming Pump Class
There is still one slot available for the March 29th pump operators class, as mentioned in the previous newsletter. Call or email me if you’re interested.
Personnel Updates
And finally, Jeff Jones will be on a leave of absence from the department until further notice. In the meantime, issues that would normally go to the lieutenant of Station 26 should be directed to the Westside Division Captain.
That’s the latest news as I know it. If you have any questions about any of this or about something I forget to mention, you all know where, and when, to find me. Thanks everyone - Buddy
Past Newsletters
Issue 8
Issue 7
Issue 6
Issue 5
Issue 4
Issue 3
Issue 2
Issue 1