We've been notified by SJB Health that nine doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been set aside for our department, which I'll pick up tomorrow (Tuesday).  More will be coming as supplies arrive in our area.  I believe this is in nasal mist form.  If you're interested in getting vaccinated, please let me know asap so I can create a list and get vaccinations scheduled. First preference will be given to EMTs and First Responders (because they have direct patient contact).

My sister in Rapid City, South Dakota called this afternoon.  She works in health care at Rapid City Regional Hospital.  At a meeting there today it was announced that they have 12 H1N1 cases in hospital right now.  There have been two deaths.  The hospital there is now taking some pretty dramatic steps to control access to the facility as well as providing for infection control with staff.   I think we can expect much the same to occur here in coming days or weeks.

Please remember that handwashing is the first line of defense with the...

Just in Time For Christmas! Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department Cookbooks! Order Now & Save!  Here’s a terrific way to get your Christmas shopping done early and on a budget! The Fund Raising Committee is extending a short-term offer to order copies of the Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department cookbook for $10 each until October 31.  Beginning November 1, the price will be $12 per copy.  To take advantage of this special, one-time offer, complete the order form below and follow the instructions.  Delivery of cookbooks is expected by November 1.

The Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department’s “Flamin’ Favorites” cookbook features more than 200 recipes from members and supporters of the department as well as a short history of the department.  The cookbook will make a unique gift for anyone on your shopping list. 

All proceeds raised from this project will benefit the department!   

Send OrderTo:

Fort Lewis Mesa Firefighter’s Association

Mary Ebner, Treasurer •P.O. Box 95 •Hesperus, CO 81326

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The freezer next to the new ice maker at Station 3 has been locked to secure the frozen pork from the 4-H pig purchase. We apologize for the inconvenience, but none of us had personal freezer space to accommodate the meat. Plans are being formulated about how to turn the frozen sausage into a fund raising opportunity for the department. Stay tuned!

In cooperation with Southwest Community College a First Responder class is being taught by Doug and Leesa Zalesky at Station 3 during the month of October for personnel of GCC Energy (King Coal Mine). A second class has been scheduled to begin October 26.

Volunteer being sought to edit and publish the FLMFD monthly newsletter and activities calendar. Anyone interested in the position should contact Leesa Zalesky for specifics.

 For the last couple of years a committee has been working on crafting a new set of by-laws that would better guide the department into the future. A lot of time and effort has gone into the development of these as well as a lot of input from members. As this is the members’ department it is extremely important that member input be a part of the process. During a recent business meeting some questions regarding current language in the proposed by-laws came up and it is prudent that we address these questions for all members. The intent at this last business meeting was to take a final vote on the passage of these new by-laws, but it was decided to delay that until questions were answered and clarification was made on some issues.

Probably the biggest issue surrounded the selection and voting process for the officer team each year. In the past, individuals were nominated for positions and the membership voted on each position individually. While the language in the proposed by-laws may seem to completely...

 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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