Well, already it’s August and the summer is quickly moving past us. Things have been slow so far in the district, but that could change very quickly if the heat persists and the rain stays away. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Some interesting tidbits about the month of August: It is National Catfish month, National Golf month, National Eye Exam month, National Water Quality month, Romance Awareness month, Peach month and Foot Health month. Some specific days in August to keep in mind are, August 3 – National Watermelon Day, August 6 – Wiggle Your Toes Day, August 10 – Lazy Day (my favorite), August 22 – Be An Angel Day and August 25 – Kiss and Make-Up Day (another favorite). There’s a lot going on during the “dog days” of August.

There are a couple of things I want to touch on this month. First, most, if not all of you, are aware that Lt. Maynard Brandsma (DFRA volunteer) passed away while hiking with his daughter. I had the pleasure to get to know Maynard by attending several classes with him during the past couple of years. Maynard was a very dedicated and loyal member of DFRA and had received several awards from his peers at DFRA for his commitment and dedication. He was fun to be around and he always challenged himself to become better. Our department was represented at his memorial service and the department also supported DRFA during his service by providing an engine and crew for coverage in Durango, so that members of DFRA could attend the service. My point for bringing this up is twofold. First and foremost, don’t let a day go by without living it to it’s fullest, things happen when you least expect them. Take care of yourself and those around you. Lastly, it always gives me a deep feeling of pride to see departments come together to help each other when things like this happen. I feel very blessed to say I am part of the fire service and to know that my fire service family extends far beyond our own department.

At the same time, a great friend of our department retired from DFRA, after 30-plus years of service. Chief Allen Clay recently decided to hang up his helmet and bunker gear and enjoy time with his family and friends. Chief Clay has done a lot for our department over the years and has been instrumental in us obtaining a couple pieces of apparatus during the last couple of years. He also spent many hours and days in our district on wildland fires and helped me by sharing his knowledge and experiences so that I could become better at my firefighting job. He will be greatly missed but his retirement is well deserved. The people of LaPlata County have been fortunate to have him as a firefighter for so many years. Chief Clay is truly a model for all firefighters to look up to and learn from. I thank him for all he has done for me and this department and wish him all the best.

The last thing to bring to your attention is related to Ft. Lewis Mesa Elementary. Our department will be taking a more active role with the school in the coming year. With a new principal at the school, it is an opportune time to get more involved. With that said, we are planning on having a huge presence in and around the school on the first day of classes. Our plan is to have one piece of apparatus on each end of the school along the highway, with flashing lights and a banner, welcoming the kids back but more importantly, reminding the public to slow down and remember that school is back in session and to be alert. Anyone who would like to participate is more than welcome. More details will be forthcoming. 

Another item we are planning on starting with the school is a reading program/contest. We are still working out the details but prizes for the kids reading the most may include fire department backpacks and a ride to school in an engine. As I said, details are still being worked out and will be sent out when we complete them. I encourage everyone to get involved with this important program.

Stay alert and stay safe during the “dog days” of August.