Introduction
While expected for this time of the year, snow has become a four-letter word for many in the community and for several department members as well.  Snow plowing services have been required more this year than for any year since the completion of the public safety building.  Maintenance of the walkways at both stations and monitoring of the eve-melt system and control of icicles has required daily vigilance.  Frigid temperatures have heightened the potential for cold-related injuries and have added a challenge to the basic activity of moving patients from inside their homes to the ambulance. 

Personnel

• Three new firefighter/EMT’s started their orientation process early in the month.  They are Brian Carroll, Bill Parker and Andy Speirs.  Following three weeks of day shifts, they began three weeks of 24-hour shifts (two per week), which will include one week at Station 2.  Each will be placed on a shift at the end of the six week orientation period in February.  The orientation process includes meeting North Flight requirements by attending orientation sessions at Munson Hospital, performing a North Flight physical-agility test and completing a drug screen and physical. 

Training

• Four training sessions were held in January.  The EMS sessions addressed the Department’s annual requirement for review of bloodborne pathogens; respiratory protection; MIOSHA requirements and Employee Right-To-Know.  These sessions were attended by a total of 30 people.  A make-up session will be held in April. 
• The fire training session reviewed principles of fire suppression and Engine Company Operations.  Half the session was spent in the classroom and the later half outside, where members practiced advancing hose lines, pumping 321 and practicing search and rescue techniques.  These sessions were attended by a total of18 people. 
• The training schedule for 2009 is posted and is also available in the All Access files.  A copy may be printed for reference.  There are two sessions each for fire and EMS training scheduled each month to accommodate various personal schedules and to ensure attendance. 

Administration

• Several textbooks and educational resources have been ordered and will serve as resources for training and for individual use and reference. 

Apparatus

• The air in the tires of all apparatus is being replaced with nitrogen .  This will occur over the next several weeks.  As the air is replaced, green caps are being put on the valve stems.  Should these tires need additional pressure, they must ONLY be filled with nitrogen.  Please do not fill green-capped tires with compressed air.   
• The foam indicator gauge on 312 is showing ½ to ¾ full, however the reservoir is full.  It will need to be visually checked periodically, since the gauge is unreliable. 
• The computer system on 391 has failed on several occasions prompting troubleshooting and eventually a replacement of the unit under warranty.  There appeared to be a connection between the power supply, some of the fusing due to placement of the radio wiring and the computer function.  Adjustments have been made and it appears that the issues have been resolved.   
• Both 393 and 300 received oil changes and the windshield washer supply tubing was replaced on 300. 
• The battery chargers on 331 and 321 seem to not be performing properly.  The one on 331 was removed and sent to Kussmaul’s for repair or replacement.  Until it is returned, 331 should NOT be plugged into shore power. 
• A digital camera has been placed in 311 to use for investigations. 
• The rung alignment switch/sensor on 331 has required frequent adjustment.  This is something to be aware of and monitor during truck checks. 

Equipment

• A cabinet for EMS supplies has been set up at Station 2.
• Many of the electrode pads for the AED’s and heart monitors will be expiring soon.  Please be sure to inspect the expiration dates with each check and replace them at the time of expiration.  
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) and throw bags containing 75 feet of rope have been placed in both ambulances in the driver’s side compartment. 
• The brake on the saw from 312 has been replaced.  It was out of service for approximately one week early in the month. 
• A regulator has been purchased to enable the use of nitrogen to refill dry chemical fire extinguishers.  This will save approximately $40 each time this type of extinguisher needs recharging.
• The generator on 382 required a new spark plug and routine maintenance.  It is now running  well.
• Dry Erase markers have been mounted above the white boards in 391.  Patient notes should be erased following each call. 

Facilities

• Many of the flags required repair during the month.  Repaired flags are available to replace those that are damaged.  Let Dena know if a replacement flag is needed. 
• The shop at Station 1 was cleaned and organized by Adam Sevensma.  It would be appreciated if it could be maintained in this state.  All tools should be returned to their proper storage location after use; and the workspace should be policed when projects are complete.
• The window shade in the first bedroom at Station 1 was damaged after it fell off its brackets a number of times.  It was found that the brackets had been installed backwards, which permitted the shade to pop out when the shade was raised or lowered.  The ,mountings were corrected and the shade repaired.  The shade is now back in service.  The shades permit privacy at night.  They should be raised (at both stations) during the day. 
• On several occasions the heating systems at Station 1 have not performed properly.  The cause(s) for different aspects of these issues have been investigated and will be addressed on an ongoing basis.  There may be a necessity to re-design portions of the heating system for the building to improve function and efficiency.
• The boiler system that services the bay floor heat and ramp/eve melt systems required maintenance and the addition of circulating fluid to the system.  Several of the floor circuits were not flowing well, which prevented ice from being melted on the back apron.  All the access vaults were opened and cleaned by the duty crew, while the valves were adjusted by Tom from Sedlacek’s Plumbing and Heating. 
• The damaged bay door at Station 1 was replaced by Benzonia Garage Door.  Pete Stern primed and painted the doors and prepared them for installation. 
• The bedrooms at Station 1 have been re-painted and look very nice.

Acknowledgements

• The Morawski family 
• The Longyears

Submitted by:

John A. Dodson
Chief of the Department