Personnel
In 2012, I wrote and was awarded a federal SAFER grant for $643,000 to add four more firefighter/EMTs to our department roster and increase the number of responding personnel. Unfortunately, at this time the City Council voted not to accept the funding.
Chief Erickson awards certificates to members of our department each year. In 2012, one third of our firefighters had perfect or nearly perfect attendance. Now that's dedication! Also, our members continue to hold a cardiac arrest save rate among the best in the state and probably the country among their prehospital peers. Deputy Riley evaluates this number frequently and we have rates as high as 24%. The national average is about 6%.
Last year, a committee was formed to research and spec out a new front line engine. Several department members spent many hours researching, evaluating and planning for our new engine to be bid on and delivered in 2013. Thank you to the Fire Apparatus Committee.
This past year, we were able to bring back a part-time fire prevention secretary to assist Trish, our full-time administrative assistant, and Deputy Roffo of the Fire Prevention bureau. Welcome to Barbara! Other personnel news includes the 25 year anniversary of Senior FF/EMT-P Dave Monasky on February 15th and the retirement of Captain/EMT-P William Drew. Late last year we re-instated the part-time fire inspector position and retired Captain Bill Drew took over that new role. Finally, in 2012 we hired four new probationary FF/EMTs to fill vacated positions.
Laconia Fire Department members continue to be the busiest in the Lakes Region and the seventh busiest in the State of New Hampshire as far as the number of emergency incidents per member. We continue to have high training hours along with many hours of mechanical inspections, fire pre-planning, high-risk occupancy familiarization and public education. There is not a lot of "down time" here. I am proud to say that I work with a very dedicated, well-trained and professional group of men and women here in the City of Laconia.
Recognition
In May of last year Lakes Region General Hospital hosted an EMS banquet and members of Platoon four received a Unit Citation for a life-saving response during a winter storm. We are very proud of their commitment to service.Chief Erickson awards certificates to members of our department each year. In 2012, one third of our firefighters had perfect or nearly perfect attendance. Now that's dedication! Also, our members continue to hold a cardiac arrest save rate among the best in the state and probably the country among their prehospital peers. Deputy Riley evaluates this number frequently and we have rates as high as 24%. The national average is about 6%.
New Front Line Engine
Last year, a committee was formed to research and spec out a new front line engine. Several department members spent many hours researching, evaluating and planning for our new engine to be bid on and delivered in 2013. Thank you to the Fire Apparatus Committee.
Personnel News
This past year, we were able to bring back a part-time fire prevention secretary to assist Trish, our full-time administrative assistant, and Deputy Roffo of the Fire Prevention bureau. Welcome to Barbara! Other personnel news includes the 25 year anniversary of Senior FF/EMT-P Dave Monasky on February 15th and the retirement of Captain/EMT-P William Drew. Late last year we re-instated the part-time fire inspector position and retired Captain Bill Drew took over that new role. Finally, in 2012 we hired four new probationary FF/EMTs to fill vacated positions.Laconia Fire Department members continue to be the busiest in the Lakes Region and the seventh busiest in the State of New Hampshire as far as the number of emergency incidents per member. We continue to have high training hours along with many hours of mechanical inspections, fire pre-planning, high-risk occupancy familiarization and public education. There is not a lot of "down time" here. I am proud to say that I work with a very dedicated, well-trained and professional group of men and women here in the City of Laconia.