June and July have passed and I hope everyone has had a good summer. The time off has been nice, but it is time to get back to reality. We will have scheduled training in August as follows:                                   

Thursday August 6^th at 1900, Station 3. There will be discussion on the future of our EMS program at Fort Lewis Mesa Fire. All EMTs, please try to attend.

Thursday August 13^th, Friday August 14^th and Saturday August 15^th: We will offer the Engineer short course that we had a couple of years ago. This is a good opportunity for those who would like to learn how to operate the pump panel on the structure engines as well as a good refresher for those who have already taken the class. If you plan on taking the class, or would like to refresh, please contact me so we can accommodate all requests. The Thursday and Friday class will be held at Station 3 starting at 1900, Saturday will be at station 2 starting at 0900.

Thursday August 20^th at 1900, Station 3: We will have Williams Energy presenting the annual pipeline emergency class. Following the class we will have a pipeline emergency exercise simulating fire and patients. This will require the use of Engines and Medic Units as well as enough personnel to participate, so please try to attend.

Over the last few months we have been very busy working on several projects for the betterment of the department. All of these projects have been based on grants and I would like to update you on the progress that we have made.

Communications: Last Spring, we applied for the Homeland Security grant for more 800 mhz. radios. Once we have these radios in and installed we will then have the capability to migrate over to the 800 mhz. system. With the degradation that we have been experiencing with the VHF frequencies, migrating over to the 800 system will be a huge improvement to our communications. We have tested the system using hand held radios and I was quite surprised how well it covered our district. The last word I have received on the grant is that we have been “funded”. This is unofficial, but we should have the “official” word soon on our grant request.

EMS equipment: During the Spring we applied for EMS equipment including two Life Pac 12 monitors and some pediatric equipment. I can tell you that we have been fully funded for this equipment. We are now waiting for the paperwork from the State, and once we have that in hand we will then place the order and get this equipment in.

Station 5 and new Engine: We have a grant request into DOLA for Station 5 on CR 117, a new Engine and equipment to be placed on the engine. On Thursday July 23^rd Doug Zalesky and JT Coyne gave our presentation to the DOLA review board which went very well. We will not get word on the outcome of our grant request for 30 or more days but I do feel we put together a very comprehensive package and the presentation went very well. Keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best; I’m looking for positive thought waves. 

Bob and Paul Richardson have invited all Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District members to a pig roast on Saturday August 8^th at 1800. They would like to show their appreciation to the members of the department for what you do. Please try to attend. The location is 3940 CR 119. Covered dishes, I am sure, would be welcome.

As most of you know, Maynard Brandsma, a volunteer Lieutenant with DFRA, passed away last week. The memorial service was on Sunday July 26^th. DFRA had requested an Engine and crew to standby at their Station 1 during the memorial service. Engine 71 with Captain John Vogel, Captain Mark Bauer, Lt. Cassie Ramsey and Fire Fighter Garrett Vogel provided the standby coverage. I just wanted to say thank you for taking your Sunday evening to standby at DFRA Station 1. There have been many times during this time of need that I have received thanks from DFRA staff as well as individuals members of DFRA for the support Fort Lewis Mesa Fire has given to DFRA. Thank you, to all of you, for doing what you do.