Introduction

• For such a slow month, January provided a full plate of activity for the Department.  January brings with it completion of the Glen Arbor Township interview process and the hiring of the fourth Chief of the Department.  The department will now move ahead on a solid basis with a number of strong achievements including the new station, new equipment, and additional staff. 

Personnel

• As a result of the lead time necessary for hiring FF/EMT the Township Supervisor and the Chief met with North Flight to discuss a timeline for implementation.

Training

• Two training sessions were held during the month.  First was the annual overview of training sessions and an administrative update.  At this meeting, the training schedule for the first four months of 2007 was distributed.  The second segment was an excellent discussion of Engine Company operations and responsibilities.  Chief Dodson presented several examples, using Powerpoint to display photographs of significant buildings within the primary service area.  Members were divided into groups and assigned specific structures in a “table top” exercise to determine initial priorities and strategies for set-up and fire attack.
• Members have taken opportunities throughout the month to utilize pieces of equipment that are not used often.  Each of these opportunities is viewed as a special training event that will benefit the department in the future application and utilization of equipment in critical fire and rescue situations. 

Apparatus

• As discussed previously. the drive casing gasket on Engine 311 had developed a small leak. This unit was taken to our vendor Halt, for repair at the end of the month.  Bill Davis drove the engine to their shop, near Pontiac, and then returned with it when the repairs were completed.  Both Central Dispatch and the members were advised of its status.  It was out of service for approximately 48 hours. On the engine’s return trip it was struck in the driver’s rear corner by another vehicle. The repair parts have been ordered and should be installed as soon as they are delivered.
• The interior configuration of unit 300 was completed and has been stocked as a command vehicle.  Many people contributed to the construction and finishing of the interior cabinet.  This was much appreciated. 
• 391 had developed what appeared to be a small leak in one of its rear tires.  This was compounded by our inability to check or fill one of the rear duals.  In addition, the airbag light had illuminated on the dash.  Both items were repaired by Taghon’s and 392 served as the primary ambulance for approximately 24 hours.  These issues are examples of the benefit of regular maintenance and equipment checks and member follow-through.  Thanks. 

Facilities

• The ballast for the northeast bay HID light has been replaced. This took several weeks to have delivered. Thanks to John Kenney for dealing with this item and Andrew Anthony for installing it.
• The bunk beds have been delivered and installed. They are very nicely built pieces and should last a long time.
• Andrew mounted two showcases in the lobby. These will hopefully begin to show the history of the fire department. The cases were handmade and donated by Joanne and Stan Brubaker, who deserve the department’s thanks.

Equipment

• The dry hydrant at Crystal Bend and M-22 was struck and broken off at the base on the 21st of the month.  The hydrant pipe was retrieved from about 4 feet of water and will be stored until it can be reset in the spring.  Steps are being taken to prevent this from occurring again and communication has been initiated with the appropriate people to extend the guardrail or place posts to protect the pipe in the future.  (The dry hydrant cannot be moved easily to a different location due to water depth requirements.)  On a positive note, it is quite likely the presence of the pipe prevented the death or serious injury of the four people in the vehicle that struck it:  Two were children. 

Programs and Additional Services

• The development of the material for the ISO package continues. This month, Steve Hooper and Jim Wendels donned Ice Suits to measure the river widths and depths in the area of the dry hydrants. This information will be used in conjunction with the low-volume numbers provided by the DNR to calculate the flow of water available during times of drought. Should the volume not be great enough ISO will not consider these hydrants always useable and will not give credit for their existence. This possibility will not prevent our using them at any time. They simply will not contribute to improving our protection class.
• Assisted the Township in the removal of the Christmas tree lights on the large tree in front of the township hall. 

Submitted by:
John A. Dodson