Recognizing an Emergency Medical Services crew for saving a life, swearing in a new firefighter and acknowledging precautions against the were highlights of the March 18 meeting of the Falcon Fire Protection District Board of Directors.Phoenix AwardJon Web, chief of the EMS Division, presented the Phoenix Award to Travis Kuemmerle, Justin Thurston, Scot Gilmore, Ben Rackl and Wyatt Benoit. On Dec. 5, 2019, this crew responded to a cardiac arrest call. They treated the patient and transported her to Memorial Hospital North. Thanks to the quick response, she survived; and, after three weeks, returned home. Each year, out of almost 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, fewer than 6 percent survive.New firefighter sworn inChief Trent Harwig administered the oath of office to new firefighter Nathan Hale.Treasurer’s reportAt the February board meeting, the treasurer’s report was not provided because of a computer problem. At the March meeting, the board received both the January and February reports. Harwig informed the board that, as of the end of February, 16.7 percent of the fiscal year was complete. However, revenues were at 4 percent because property taxes had not been received. The general fund was at 10 percent expenditures; in part, because of one-time expenses such as workers’ compensation, insurance payments and dues for professional organizations. The ambulance transport fund has collected $16,748; however, Medicare and Medicaid payments had not been received. Expenses in the capital fund are at 23 percent of the budget; partly because of the purchase of the third ambulance and the purchase of the deputy chief’s vehicle.Chief’s reportThe chief informed the board that although no firefighters have tested positive for the , the department was making preparations in case that changed. He said if a firefighter tested positive, usually the entire shift would have to be quarantined for two weeks. One possible solution, should that happen, would be to take the third ambulance out of service and use those crews to take up the slack. On the chiefís recommendation, the board approved a motion that if a firefighter has to be quarantined, they would receive special sick pay separate from the regular sick pay.ìWe are more vigilant in cleaning,î Harwig said. He said if an ambulance transported a coronovirus patient, the ambulance would be taken out of service and cleaned. ìWe’re safer now that ever,î he said.All fire department testing has been canceled, the community rooms have been closed and no friends or family are allowed in the fire stations. In February, there were 108 hours of reserve standby time. In February, there were 79 transports. As of this date in March, there were 54 transports by ambulance.New fire stationHarwig recently had a meeting with prospective bidders. Since the new station will be patterned after Station 4, the chief took the bidders on a walk-through of the station. The deadline for receiving bids is April 10. Board members Tom Kerby and Joan Hathcock and Harwig were appointed to a committee to review bids and make recommendations to the board. The board passed a motion to employ Land Development Consultants Inc. for pre-construction of the new station. Dan Kupferer abstained from voting on this motion because he is connected with the firm.New board memberBoard members Hathcock and Mike Collins are at the end of their first term. They are both unopposed for another term. Kupferer has reached his term limit; only one person, Ray Hawkins, applied for his seat. Hawkins and the incumbent board members will start four-year terms in May. In contested elections, citizens of the fire protection district vote for board members by mail-in ballots.Stay connected with the Falcon Fire Protection DistrictWebsite: http://www.falconfirepd.orgFacebook: Falcon Fire DepartmentTwitter: @FalconFireDeptNextDoor.com
