Archive for March 2017

FCFD clarifies article on staffing

Posted on March 31, 2017 by

FCFD clarifies Staffing issue

A recent article from the Mount Vernon News was published regarding the FCFD exploring paid staff. The district would like to clarify that this is in the concept stage at this time and that no plans have been finalized or submitted to the board of trustees. Adequate response times are a concern across the United States and a factor that holds true in demographics similar to Fredericktown.

The officers of the FCFD have been discussing these needs and evaluating measures that will augment the already strong volunteer backbone that the district has maintained for many years. The goal is to provide a proactive solution to the response during the daytime hours, while still relying on the volunteers to respond to those calls as well is extremely important. Our members have been a part of this conversation, and in doing so has kept a positive and supportive tone around the department.

The addition of staffing is not a new topic. The potential daytime scenario of need started over a year ago with the board, with more formal work being done over four months ago. We have an excellent membership at Fredericktown, we want to examine methods that will protect that aspect, and improve responses while being fiscally responsible.

We greatly appreciate the continued trust and support from the citizens that we serve and we are seeking a solution that will be carefully thought out and well received.

The Fredericktown Community Fire District operates from two stations within the 115 square mile district in northwest Knox County. Fire and rescue services are provided by a team of 25 firefighters with varying levels of experience from the basic 36-hour to the 240-hour professional firefighter certification.

 

# # #

Comments Off on FCFD clarifies article on staffing Posted in Press Release

If these pages could talk…

Posted on March 22, 2017 by

If the pages of this fire run log from 1975 and 1976 belonging to the Fredericktown Community Fire District could only talk.

They fought fire with less airpacks, water issues, they exrtricated crash victims by different means, and worked through it, along with so much more. While some members may still be alive, there are those that have passed on. The ways that we fight fire have changed, the equipment that we use has changed, our gear is safer, our training better, our trucks state of the art… 

What hasn’t changed at the FCFD you ask? The drive, the passion, the heart, the mission, the people. We live here, work here, and serve here.

#FCFD #VOLUNTEER #DOWORK #FIREFIGHTER #HISTORY

Comments Off on If these pages could talk… Posted in General

FCFD Responds to Knox Lake Road MVA on Tuesday

Posted on March 21, 2017 by

R415, E413, G412, G414 were dispatched at 1:46pm on Tuesday afternoon to the 17000 block of Knox Lake Road on the report of a single vehicle MVC with injuries.

Upon arrival to the scene a single vehicle with heavy damage was found against a tree with a patient trapped inside. Due to the extent of injuries a medical helicopter was requested to the scene. Upon arrival of R415 and incoming companies, the vehicle was stabilized and the patient extricated in a coordinated effort using hydraulic and battery operated tools. 

MedFlight transported the patient to a Columbus area hospital.

Crews kept the roadway closed while the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted their investigation and vehicle could be removed.

The FCFD had a total of 14 personnel respond to this call. All FCFD units were back in quarters by 3:32pm.

Comments Off on FCFD Responds to Knox Lake Road MVA on Tuesday Posted in Run Information

Easter Egg Hunt – April 15, 2017

Posted on March 20, 2017 by

The Fredericktown Firefighters Association will be holding its annual Easter Egg hunt at our firehouse, 139 Columbus Road. The event will begin with the blast of the airhorns at 10am sharp. Those wanting to attend should arrive 15-20 minutes early in order to find parking and be in place before the hunt starts. The better the weather, the larger the turnout.

As always, our firefighters are very excited to have this event, give back, and meet you!

Comments Off on Easter Egg Hunt – April 15, 2017 Posted in Event

FCFD awarded State Fire Marshal grant for radios

Posted on March 3, 2017 by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2017
Contact: Jason Bostic – FFII/PIO/CFSI
Tel: (740) 627-1664
jbostic@fredericktownfire.net

The Fredericktown Community Fire District recently was awarded $28,722.04 in grant funds from the State Fire Marshal’s Office for the purchase of MARCS radio equipment and service fees. In total through the grant the FCFD will receive two additional mobile radios, nine portable radios, spare batteries, a bank radio charger, and all required costs of equipment for installation. The grant requires no local financial match from the fire district.

“The department is very appreciative to have been awarded this grant. The items that this grant funds will greatly enhance our communication capabilities in some of our specialized vehicles that we were previously unable to outfit, and to further personal communication capabilities,” said FCFD Chief Scott Mast.

This grant will allow the FCFD to install a mobile radio into its rescue boat and firefighting ATV to improve incident communications. Portable radios will be assigned to apparatus to ensure incident command and line firefighters have sufficient communication as needed. The fire district was provided with MARCS radio equipment through a grant last year, however this will further round out the needs of the department.

“We strive to seek out and work for grants that benefit our firefighters, which in turn ultimately benefits the citizens we serve,” said FCFD Public Information Officer Jason Bostic. “We have seen great success in grants that allow us to provide some of the finest equipment possible at low to no cost.”

In 2016, fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies in Knox County transitioned to the MARCS radio system that uses a network of digital radio towers and networked infrastructure throughout the State of Ohio. The system allows a greater interoperability between agencies and over a much longer distance.

State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers announced on Thursday morning that the FCFD was one of 165 departments awarded from 25 counties in throughout the state. In total, this grant provided $3 million in equipment to promote better communication between agencies around Ohio.

“The operational costs associated to communications are continuing to increase with the advancements in technology. Securing a grant such as this helps ease the financial burden in conjunction with improving the overall safety of our firefighters,” said Chief Mast.

The Fredericktown Community Fire District operates from two stations within the 115 square mile district in northwest Knox County. Fire and rescue services are provided by a team of 25 firefighters with varying levels of experience from the basic 36-hour to the 240-hour professional firefighter certification.

Comments Off on FCFD awarded State Fire Marshal grant for radios Posted in Press Release