Coffey County Republican – October 29, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – November 1, 2013
The Coffey County Fire District No. 1 Board of Trustees, at its October 21 meeting, appointed Mike Roney as the temporary team leader for the Water Rescue Team. His father; Ken Roney, was the former team leader, but died October 2, leaving the position open. Fire Chief Randall Brown recommended Roney to the position, as he has been serving as the assistant team leader.
There were 81 alarms during August and September. They include four building fires, one camper vehicle fire, one transport vehicle fire, three brush fires, four grass fires, 36 medical assists, two gas leaks, one EMS call, 11 motor vehicle accidents with injuries, one arcing; one person in distress; one invalid assist, 10 calls dispatched but cancelled en route, one false alarm, two smoke detector activations and one alarm system activation. There have been 341 alarms so far this year.
Chief Brown informed the board the New Strawn Fire Station is the district’s only fire station without a thermal imaging camera. Following discussion, the board voted to purchase one thermal imaging cameral for $3,995 from Jerry Ingram Fire and Rescue for the New Strawn Fire Station.
Chief Brown said the district has some pumps on tankers that are more than 20 years old and need replaced. He said the tankers are still good, but need upgraded. Trustee Trostle asked if it would be more cost effective to replace the pump and keep the tankers or to hold off and just replace the whole tanker in years to come. Chief Brown replied that it would be more cost effective to just upgrade the pumps one by one. Chief Brown said he would like to start with the Waverly Fire Station first, followed by the Joint Services Building, then the Burlington Fire Station. No motion was needed to start the process, but the board approved the plan.
Chief Brown reminded the board his administrator’s vehicle was scheduled to be replaced next year; according to the five-year capital outlay plan. He asked the board if he could start the process ahead of schedule, due to all the repairs the district has incurred during the last three months. His truck has more than 105,000 miles, the motor has been rebuilt and the transmission is starting to fail. Chief Brown asked to see bid specifications on an SUV due to the investigation equipment and gear he hauls from scene to scene. Following discussion, the board voted to allow Chief Brown to seek bids on a new administrator vehicle.
All the district’s trucks passed pump testing except JSB, due to a fuel leak, which is being repaired.
Chief Brown said handheld radios cannot receive transmissions inside the fire stations. To try to solve the problem, boosters have been installed in two stations, which has not helped. Chief Brown suggested installing a mobile radio at the station with speakers to see if this will help the handhelds. Chief Brown admitted if this option works, it could be a costly fix. The matter will be discussed at the board’s November meeting.
Chief Brown announced the new chairs ordered for the LeRoy Fire Station were delivered October 15.
Chief Brown said the new brush rig for the Waverly Fire Station was parked outside and invited the trustees to view it. The vehicle was delivered October 19. Chief Brown said he was impressed with some of the new features and is anxious to see how it will improve the process of fighting grass fires.
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