Christmas Holiday Coverage:
24th; 0700-1900 FF/EVO1. 1900-0700 EMT/FF/EVO2.
25th; 0700-1900; 2 vacancies. 1 must be an EMT. There is no one on-duty on Christmas day.
(Holiday incentive pay applies.) If you can do any part of the Christmas day shifts, that will be a big help. We can break this up into blocks of a few hours.
----
Happy Thanksgiving! On Wednesday, 11/25, we'll have a Thanksgiving Dinner at the station around 11. There is a sign up on the fridge for needed items. Everyone is welcome.
----
The Chili Cook off and Cribbage Tournament will happen on Sunday, 1200-1600 at the station.
----
GMFRA Raffle: The ice derby raffle is moving along but we still need to sell a lot more to cover the cost of the prize. Tomorrow tickets will be sold at Firkinsnoks. Help selling tickets would be appreciated.
----
New Live-in Student: At the end of this semester, Rocky and James will be leaving the live-in program. We interviewed student candidates from the "Free Agent" list and selected one to move in at the start of next semester. Nicki Fowlie will be our next live-in student. Nicki comes from Appleton, ME. She is a Firefighter II, soon to be a Basic EMT and has completed the EVOC course.
----
State Police: This morning I met with the new Troop A Commander, LT Bill Ross. We discussed a number of topics, most important, SP response between midnight and 0600. The "process" will be, for the SP to respond when we call. The SP supervisor may request to have a direct conversation with units on scene. This is to better determine the requirements for the SP to respond. So, don't be surprised if you're asked to call in to fire alarm to be conferenced with the SP Sergeant. This is the same procedure that is used by the Fire Marshall and that works very well.
----
Driving Safety: In last week's blog I talked about response speeds. No one ever gave me answer to the question "what is the maximum speed when driving Code 3?" Beuller? Beuller?" Moving along the same topic of safe apparatus operation; How does "Situational Awareness" apply to the EVO? According to NFPA's Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator manual, situational awareness is skill where the EVO must learn to notice everything. Everything to the front, left, right and rear. Intersections are where apparatus crashes occur most often. Directive 2321 sections 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 specifically address apparatus operation at intersections. All apparatus must come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs. COMPLETE STOP even when responding urgently (AKA: Code 3). Observe in all directions and all lanes. Look for vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, moose, snowmobiles, etc. Even the "window lickers" need to be looking for hazards and let the driver know if they see a hazard. It's a team effort.
----
General Safety: Last Thursday, I had an impromptu meeting with all officers to discuss safety in general. Overall, we do well in this area. However, we cannot become complacent with safety practices. My direction to the officers was to set the safety example, be vigilant for safety violations and correct them. I expect that each member of this department look out for each other. When you correct a safety flaw, you are really doing someone a favor.
----
Recent calls: Once again, mutual aid saves the day. Last Wednesday we had a CN Brown oil tanker roll over on the Old North Berwick Road. No injuries and no spillage. Motor oil was the only contaminant. While we were on this call, we covered a medical call to a Hollis Road, Dayton, address. After that we had a 3-5 acre grass fire on Poor Farm Road in Lyman. E84 & E81 got on the road, Alfred, Waterboro, Arundel and Hollis responded to assist on the fire, Kennebunk assisted at the HAZMAT call. A huge thanks to Chief Dave Lord for taking IC at the fire. I understand FF Gambino did a superb job as a new EVO2 operating Engine 84.
----
Personnel changes: Captain Thom Hooper and FP John Leeman will be on a leave of absence. Justin Pierce and Lance Archambeault are no longer employed with us.
----
EMS Protocol Update: The December 1st deadline is quickly approaching. Please get this requirement done ASAP. Get your certificate to training. If you do not complete this training by December 1st, your EMT license will be administratively suspended. MEMSED
----
Ice Water Rescue Class; December 12 in West Kennebunk. 0800-1200. If interested please submit a training request.
----
The EMR-ISAC InfoGram for November 19, 2015 contains the following articles:
1. Tactical EMS Training
2. Protecting Medical Workers from Disease Exposure
3. NVFC Online Courses Free for a Limited Time
4. Webinar: Preparing Vulnerable Populations
----
RABIES CLINIC: A rabies clinic will be held at The Uptown Hound located at 1322 Alfred Road, Lyman on Sunday, December 13th from 9 AM to 11 AM. The cost is $10. All dogs must be
on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. For more info call 282-9378.
----
LYMAN GIVING TREE: Application Deadline Extended The Lyman Giving Tree would again like to provide children in Lyman with gifts of clothing and toys to families in need. If you have a child living with you, and are in need of some help this Holiday Season, applications are available in the Town Clerk's Office. Applications are due back by November 25th. Children's special wishes will be hung on the tree the week of November 30th.With your generous donations, all the children in Lyman will have a smile on their face this Holiday Season.
----
Events Next Week: Saturday: E84 and a crew will be covering Buxton. Sunday: Chili & Cribbage 1200. Monday; Bravo Co 1830; Tuesday; Alpha Co 1830. Wednesday: Thanksgiving Dinner 1100.
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving!----
Have a great weekend,
Chief
----
Roger S. Hooper, Fire Chief
Goodwins Mills Fire-Rescue
481 Goodwins Mills Road
Lyman, ME 04002
Office: 207-499-7878
Station: 207-499-2362
Fax: 207-499-2893
www.gmfd.org
