Chief’s Message

      March has been an exciting month as we begin to ramp up an exciting new program, Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Response. 
      On February 28^th we went to our City Council to request the ability to enhance our medical first response capabilities and capacity from a Basic Life Support (EMT) level to an Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) level.  Our City Council was very supportive of this initiative and allowed the fire department to begin the implementation process for this initiative.  The enhanced medical care will have an impact on all in the City.  It allows the fire department to provide an advanced level of care in a matter of minutes, better mitigating life-saving incidents and improving hospital outcomes.  It is yet another significant tool in our toolbox to better serve our community.
      Over the next several months we will be purchasing appropriate equipment, like 12-lead ECG monitors, and other pertinent medications and interventions to begin providing this service.  It is our goal to procure and train on the equipment over the next several months with an anticipated start to the ALS First Response program late summer, early fall! 
       As we transition into spring and warmer weather I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of safe outdoor cooking and grilling.  Please make sure to keep your grill clean, at least 10 feet away from your home, away from deck railings and out from under eaves.  Most home fires involving grills are caused by gas grills, check gas tank hose and tubing and ensure it is in proper order before using.

Thank you, Girl Scouts!

While March was no doubt a busy month for the Girl Scouts selling their famous cookies, we were fortunate enough to have one young girl scout stop by the Fire Station and donate cookies to our firefighters working that day. We are so incredibly grateful for this and the numerous kind gestures all of those in our community extend to use each day – thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you!

Vehicle Entrapment

Firefighters responded to a report of a male trapped under his vehicle. Upon arrival firefighters found a male in the parking lot of Auto Zone who had become trapped while working under his vehicle. Firefighters utilized our pneumatic air bag system (think large inflatable balloon) to raise the vehicle up into the air and quickly remove the male from under his vehicle. The male was transported to Regions Hospital with a firefighter riding along for patient care while enroute.