Editorís note: Pete Gawda was on medical leave so Mark Stoller attended the FFPD meeting in his place. We will resume safety tips next month. Pete is doing fine!
The Falcon Fire Protection District Board Meeting was held Feb. 17 despite the biting cold and accumulating snow. Following the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance, the board discussed financials, reports from staff and the construction status of the new Station 3.Treasurer reportThe department insurance and workmenís compensation fees have been paid up front in the month of January. Additionally, across all line items, FFPD expenditures are in line with the budget.OperationsFor the month of January, reserve firefighters completed 108 hours of service; there were 283 calls for service; response times were all within benchmark expectations; and the FFPD provided mutual assistance to Peyton, AMR (American Medical Response), Ellicott Fire and Peterson Air Force Base.Of note, there were 110 transports to the hospital in January, which was up from the 2020 average of 90 per month. Local area departments, such as Peyton and Ellicott, have realized FFPDís new ambulances are closer and provide more reliable response times compared to ambulance services that originate from Colorado Springs.COVID-19 related calls for service have declined while the number of crews to receive their vaccinations has increased. To date, none of the Emergency Medical Service crews have contracted COVID-19 from any patients/service calls.New Station 3Construction teams have been battling harsh winter weather conditions but continue to push forward, making progress on the new station structure. Four change orders for cost increases were discussed and voted on with regard to storm water dispersion, electrical runs, parking lot lights and a monument sign. It was noted that while the construction contracts were all bid more than a year ago, the contractors have been consistent at charging within the original cost estimates. The cost for the new station continues to be within budgeted amounts.New businessExcess equipment has been identified for repurpose/recycle/refuse. Mobile Data Computers purchased with 2008 grant money and their docking stations are no longer compatible with current technology in the fire vehicles. Additionally, 800Mhz radios purchased in 2001 are no longer supported by the manufacturer and have been replaced with newer models. All surplus equipment is available for public purchase or deemed as surplus for disposal.Next meetingThe Falcon Fire Protection District Board will meet March 17 at 4 p.m. Interested citizens can participate via conference call by dialing 719-495-2681 and following the prompts. Record your name after the tone. Press # (pound) when finished or attend in person at Station 3 at 7030 Old Meridian Road.Stay connected with the Falcon Fire Protection DistrictWebsite: http://www.falconfirepd.orgFacebook: Falcon Fire DepartmentTwitter: @FalconFireDeptNextDoor.com
