By Will Walsh on 9/26/2009 5:44 PM
As you may know, the quality of VHF radio transmission is deteriorating as surrounding agencies convert to narrow banding. As a result, we have been looking at ways to improve our VHF radio quality. In a test conducted with Mobile Radio we found Infinity Radios with a VHF 136 – 174 MHz antenna have roughly 25 times greater transmission power than a UHF antenna. Armed with this information we converted several VHF radios and tested successfully in the field. We are now ready to convert all our remaining Infinity Radios. You can help with this effort by unscrewing your antenna and looking at its base to determine if you have VHF (red base) or UHF (white base). If you have a VHF antenna there is nothing more you need to do. If you have UHF, there is a box of VHF antennas, located next to the kitchen sink at Station 1 and 3, from which you can you can swap out your antenna. If you have any questions about this please contact me directly.
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By Leesa Zalesky on 8/31/2009 9:01 PM
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.”
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By Leesa Zalesky on 8/31/2009 8:57 PM
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. Be sure to check your calendars for the DO roster so you’ll know who to contact with questions or issues on any given weekend or holiday. Dispatch will be informed about this program and will be provided a DO roster as well. If you have any questions, see Chief Ebner. |
By Leesa Zalesky on 8/31/2009 8:55 PM
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!
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By Leesa Zalesky on 8/31/2009 8:52 PM
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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By Leesa Zalesky on 8/31/2009 8:48 PM
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.... Read More » |
By Steve Ebner on 8/31/2009 8:27 PM
Beginning in late September, a HazMat Ops class is being planned. The HazMat Ops class is open to all members and will give personnel a further awareness of the complexities present during certain situations like MVAs or wild land fires on or near gas and oil sites. As of January 2009, all new Firefighter I students must have a HazMat Ops for certification. Following the HazMat Ops class, a Firefighter II class will be held at Station 3: Dates and times TBA. FFII is open to anyone with FFI. The class is less physically challenging than FFI. It's a great opportunity to advance knowledge and skills. If interested contact me.
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