Ryan Carlson
Lyons News – November 15, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – December 2, 2013
Brad Reid, City of Lyons Fire Chief received a $1000 check Tuesday, November 12 from the Kansas Pipeline Association (KPA). The check was presented by Michael Potvin, President of Kansas Pipeline Association, and Ron Henning, Black Hills Energy Technical Services. Nearly every pipeline operator in the state belongs to the KPA.
KPA primarily focuses on providing Kansas emergency responders with the information they need to protect our nation’s critical assets and ensure the safety of the communities they serve.
The KPA hosts 55 meetings each year across the state of Kansas. The attendees at each of these meetings are entered into a drawing for a chance to win $1,000 for use by their agency. Two winners are selected from each of the seven Emergency Management regions in the state. Additionally, another $1,000 winner is selected from among those agencies who sign up for the on-line training ( www.kpa-awareness.com ). KPA President, Michael Potvin, said, “These seminars help us teach first responders and other agencies in the State how to deal with real-life disasters that could occur if there is a problem with a pipeline. The seminars are also a great way for us to meet face-to-face with the personnel representing these agencies.”
Reid displayed the first item the Lyons Fire Department plans to purchase with the money. In the past, the department had wanted to budget the purchase of handheld lights which can swivel in all directions. The lights are essential for firefighters who working in dark, smoke-filled buildings. The flashlights are exceptionally bright and can easily be seen. The lights also have a blink setting used as a distress signal should firefighters be caught in buildings and are unable to call for help.
Reid said, “We had budgeted for these lights but we had to make some cuts and so the lights were eliminated, but now we have the money to purchase them.”
The City of Lyons recently joined with KPA to conduct training for emergency response in the event of a pipeline crisis. City Administrator, John Sweet, said, “In joining the Kansas Pipeline Association we can make sure that we have adequate safety training on operating and maintaining our gas system in our city for city employees and first responders.”
Be First to Comment