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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 21, 2014)
vernonia rural fire protection district august21 2014 15 Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District Major Scenes It doesn’t happen very often, but occasionally we do have major events such as fire, emergency rescue and EMS calls in our area. The problem that we seem to have when one of these events occur is an adequate number of personnel to respond. On August 9 th there was a significant motor vehicle crash on Stoney Pt. Road. This day happened to be one of those days where the only volunteer immediately available for VRFPD was the duty officer. The training kicked in and the officer radioed in for assistance from both Scappoose Fire and Mist- Birkenfeld Fire. A few of our volunteers were able make it to the call with a delay due to their immediate availability, and we also had an off duty Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Firefighter assist as well. The extrication, although lengthy, was a success and the patient was transported by Life Flight in stable condition. Given the circumstances, the outcome was a positive one. VRFPD pays one person to make sure that the trucks can roll, that at least one rescue personnel will respond to the call and to organize the scene. Unavailability is becoming more common among the few fire volunteers that we do have. They are busy working two jobs, attending their children’s activities, taking care of household chores, and spending what little time that they have left over with family. Their demanding schedules make it difficult, and at times impossible, to stop what they are doing and provide service for another in need. During the week, the majority of the volunteers are out of town. Some have a condensed work week and may have availability to respond some days, if they are not already overwhelmed with the list of things they need to get done when they are home. But like the majority of the working population in Vernonia, our volunteers don’t return back into town until the evening. The nine active volunteer firefighters that currently provide service to the community within the Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District, work tirelessly to keep up to date on training, respond to calls and community events, all while trying to maintain a personal life. Currently, five volunteer duty officers take turns working shifts each weeknight and weekends. With summer in full swing and school rapidly approaching, time for these volunteers gets stretched pretty thin. The fact is your fire district needs help filling the gaps in response time. With the volunteer’s overflowing schedules, it is evident that there is a need for more personnel. This will better the odds that more than one responder will be available for your emergencies. The time to discuss the importance of the fire department in the community, and how responders can better serve you is now. Vernonia RFPD Monthly Update Vernonia Night Out was on August 5, 2014. Station and Grounds: • Several of our volunteers rebuilt and installed the new Fire Danger sign next to the station. • The district is working on bids to upgrade and install more efficient lighting inside, as well as add some exterior lighting for safety of our responders. Fleet: • The red Suburban (previously C450) has been re-numbered U458 and is being used to transport students to class and for response by our duty shift officers. • The new C450 is a few steps closer to being finished. All the lights have been installed and the wiring is in progress. Construction of a tool mounting system is underway for the rear storage tray. • Repairs to Water Tender 452 last month included some light bulbs and a transmission filter seal kit. The district is looking to update the filter assembly to ease maintenance and prevent further fluid leak issues. Volunteers: • 41 total calls for July. • Volunteer totals are nine active firefighters, three Officers, two Officers in training, two emergency logistics, and one non-emergency logistics. • Crews attended a day out at Echoing Evergreens Day Camp. • Crews worked with Metro West personnel through Jamboree. • The volunteer association held its annual golf benefit at the Vernonia Golf Club. • The station hosted National Night Out. District Duties: • WT452 was one of several Columbia County apparatus’ called in to duty at the Rowena conflagration fire from early August 6 th to late August 9 th . The task force performed duties from structural triage and burn preparation to front line defense of the advancing flames. VERNONIA FIRE **RECRUITMENT** We Need Volunteers www.vernoniafire.us Burn Ban in effect. 503-429-8252 Calls responded to July 1-31 Fire Emergency Medical Service Hazardous Condition Service Call Good Intent No Emergency Found False Alarm Total 2 25 2 6 6 0 0 41 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a firefighter? Have you ever wanted to volunteer in your community? The Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District is in need of additional personnel and we have positions for everyone. From firefighting to support positions, we can use your help. All training and equipment is provided free of charge. Being a volunteer firefighter is a very rewarding job. Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District provides a vast array of Emergency Services ranging from Vehicle Extrication to fire scene Rehab & Firefighting. We respond to over 400 calls per year. We hold our general membership meeting every second Monday of the month at the Fire station. You can call Dean Smith at 503-429-8252 with any questions. Feel free to email us at anytime at vrfvolunteers@gmail.com
