Using funds raised privately, the Fort Lewis Mesa Firefighters supported local 4-H youth during the La Plata County Fair Junior Livestock Sale on Saturday, August 8. FLM Firefighters purchased the market hog project of district resident Sam Romero. The hog has been processed into sausage for use at future fund raising events. FLM Firefighters were also able to provide significant add-ons for three 4-H youth directly related to the department. They are Ty Thorsheim, Shantell Stiner and Reese Smith. “Firefighters’ generous funding of this effort allowed us to bid on sale animals of district youth throughout the sale, driving up prices,” commented Assistant Chief Doug Zalesky. “This in an important effort that builds goodwill for the department and helps out local youth at the same time. The department should be commended for voting to make such a worthy investment.”

The Duty Officer (DO) program has been re-initiated at Fort Lewis Mesa Fire. Line Officers will work to cover weekends and holidays as the Officer in Charge, otherwise known as the Duty Officer. The DO will serve as the office in charge of the department. 

FLMFD helped usher in the new school year for FLM Elementary students the week of August 24. Bedecked with “slow down, school’s in session” banners, Rescue 73 and Engine 72 were roadside Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the school alerting drivers that the new school year was underway. A banner was also hung in the school cafeteria letting students know that the fire department welcomed them back. Local law enforcement officers dropped by to express their gratitude to the department for lending a hand. 

Thanks to all members who took the time to participate and special thanks to Assistant Chief Doug Zalesky, Bruce Kowalski and Dennis Portlance for making it happen! This exemplifies the sort of community activities that set us apart and give the department excellent visibility. Good job!

The FLMFPD has received notice that it has been awarded an Energy Impact Grant that will fully fund construction of Station 5 on CR 117. While funding for a fire truck was denied in the award, the grant committee fully funded the new station construction project, freeing up funds for the purchase of new apparatus. 

Congratulations to JT Coyne and other members of the grant committee on their successful application and presentation. This new station will enhance service and coverage to the western end of the district. Many thanks to Mr. Ted Wiedemann who generously donated the property for Station 5. 



The FLMFPD board of directors will proceed with bid-letting for the construction project. Stay tuned!

 

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All fire stations in the district need some “sprucing up”. The properties need to be weed whipped, trash picked up, and most of the bay floors need to be swept and washed out. Fence will be installed at Station 3 on the boundaries of the property. The Line Officers need your help! Please try to attend scheduled work days to lend a hand. (Watch your calendar for specifics).   The tasks are much easier and take far less time when many hands show up. Or, you can contribute by taking an hour or so on any given day and weed whip a station when you can spare the time. These are ongoing tasks that need attention all the time so feel free to pull weeds or clean property whenever you can. 

As always, we need to pay attention to the cleanliness of apparatus. If a truck needs to be washed, please take it upon yourself to do so. Don’t put apparatus away dirty inside or out! The appearance of the department’s stations and its apparatus are a direct reflection on us all. 

Many thanks to Brad Ray, Jr....

Be there or be square! Members will be voting on the new by-laws as well as other department business. Copies of the proposed by-laws will be in your mailbox at Station 1 shortly.

 Thirty-plus firefighters, auxiliary members and their families (plus one Kazakhstani) enjoyed the perfect weather at a picnic under the pines at the Old Fort on Aug. 23. Thanks to all who helped and those who came with all the good food.

Reminder: the auxiliary has scholarship money available for those who would like to receive training not paid for completely by the fire department. This money can also be used for babysitting or transportation expenses if needed so that you can get training. To apply, see Steve or Robin for the (simple) form to fill out. 

1. Energy Impact Grant: We had requested in this grant for a new truck, station 5 and equipment for a total of $473,000.00. This would have been a 50/50 cost share that would have been a cost to us of $236,000.00 if approved.



What has transpired is this, we have been granted $139,000 for the construction of station 5 on CR 117. There is no cost share on this project as this was what we had requested for the cost of construction in the grant. We are currently looking for other options for the purchase of the new truck.



2. We applied for $2,100.00 on the Ready Reserve grant for wild land training. We have been granted $2,000.00.



3. We submitted a grant to the State EMS for 2 life Pac 12’s and some pediatric equipment for a total of $32,000.00. This is a 70/30 grant. We have been successful in securing this grant.



4. We submitted a grant for $68,000.00 for 800 MHz radios through Homeland Security, we have been told, although I do not have it in...

Here comes August! The Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department will resume regular monthly trainings after taking the months of June and July off to give members a chance to enjoy their summer. Please check the enclosed calendar for dates, times and locations. 

The Line Officers will forge ahead with their plan to blend EMS and Fire trainings as much as possible. Thus, your calendars may not reflect a specific training division like “EMS” or “Fire”. We will only specify those when the situation warrants it. 

We’re taking an exciting new approach to training, with more hands-on sessions, which is what members have requested. These hands-on sessions require considerable planning and work to coordinate them. Consequently, it’s important for members to turn out to make the effort worthwhile.

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The FLM Fire Department salutes DFRA Deputy Chief Alan Clay, who retired in July after a lifetime of emergency service work. Over the years, Clay has been instrumental in assisting FLMFD in any number of ways, including wild land fire fighting. FLMFD Wild Land Captain John Vogel said this of Clay and his career: “Chief Clay is one of those rare and unique individuals who understand the selfless commitment required to serve their community. He is a chief’s chief.; he sets the standard not just for firefighters, but for chief officers as well. I have been fortunate to work with, and learn from, Alan. He’s earned the respect and admiration of everyone who has been lucky enough to work alongside him, including myself. He’s worked tirelessly to see FLMFD grow and improve. I wish him the best.”

Assistant Chief Doug Zalesky said, “Alan’s contributions to the firefighting industry and to his community set him apart. He demonstrates his passion for the service through excellence and humility. He truly leads by example. His...