vernonia rural fire protection district
november16
2017
15
Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District
VRFPD’s New Pumper/Tender
Several months ago VRFPD
was able to order a new Pumper/Tender
to replace our much older and out dated
one. The process from specing, ordering,
and waiting on production takes several
months.
VRFPD would like to let you
all know that the new Pumper/Tender is
almost ready to be put into service. The
emergency lighting and radios have been
installed and the only thing remaining is
the arrival of all of the new fire hose to
complete the package.
As soon as the unit is
complete, VRFPD will host a “Meet
& Greet” to show her off.
In addition to the new
Pumper/Tender, VRFPD would
like to also showcase the new Duty
Officer Rig that is almost ready
to be put into service for the new
training Captain Will Steinweg.
Captain Steinweg not only leads the
training at the department, but he is
also another full time First Responder in
addition to Chief Smith. His new Duty
Officer Rig will be ready to be shown in
the very near future as well.
The Board of Directors,
Command Staff, and the Volunteers
would like to thank you for your
continued support.
Winter Driving Tips
By Robert Schattschneider P.I.O. VRFPD
Winter driving can be a challenge,
but the State of Oregon put together the
“Oregon Winter Driving Guide,” which
you can find by using Google to view the
complete guide. With winter weather just
around the corner, it’s time to be thinking
ahead.
First, be prepared. Have the items
in your car that can really make a difference
if you are caught in bad winter weather on
Oregon’s roads and highways.
Here is a list of items that are sug-
gested to have in or on your vehicles:
• A jack, lug wrench and a shovel
• Chains or traction tires
• Flares
• Road map
• Extra warm clothes, boots, hats, gloves,
blanket and or sleeping bag
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• First Aid kit
• Matches or lighter
• Extra food and water
• Jumper cables
• Cell phone and adapter charger cords
• A pocket knife
• Extra washer fluid.
Tune up your vehicle by making
sure that your antifreeze is good to -25
degrees. Make sure that your wiper blades
are clean or new, and that your washer fluid
level is full. Make sure that your heater and
defroster is working properly to keep your
vehicle and windshield warm and clear, and
keep your gas tank on full.
Have someone check the condition
and age of your vehicle’s battery. Next, check
your tires for proper tread and inflation.
Also make sure that they are traction tires
made for snow and include a set of snow
chains for those roads and highways that are
posted with signage requiring chains.
Oregon law requires traction tires
or chains for all of Oregon’s roads and
highways. Some sections of our roads and
highways are “Posted” with signage stating
that they are required on those sections of
the highway. Don’t wait until you are stuck
to chain up. Chain up early when you know
that you are going to be traveling on those
sections of our roads and highways.
Some tips for winter driving can
really help. First, do not use your cruise
control on snow covered or icy roadways.
Remember that bridges freeze first before
the road surface.
Keep your hands at the 9 and 3
o’clock position on your steering wheel for
best control of your vehicle.
If you lose traction, gradually
slowdown without slamming on your
brakes. Slamming on your brakes will only
make your situation worse. Every action
that you take while controlling your vehicle,
do so smoothly and gradually. Sudden turns,
acceleration and braking will increase your
odds of losing control on slippery surfaces.
In conclusion, watch out for snow
plows and sanding trucks. Don’t follow
them too closely and do not pass. On some
sections of our highways, snow plows
sometimes work side by side to clear the
roadways quicker and more efficiently. If
you attempt to pass one of these vehicles,
you might not realize that there is another
plow or sanding truck in front of the other
one.
You can find out more about
Oregon’s chain laws at: www.TripCheck.
com.
Calls responded to October 1-31
Fire
Emergency Medical Service
Hazardous Condition
Service Call
Good Intent
Severe Weather & Natural Disaster
Special Incident
No Emergency Found
False Alarm
Total
0
36
0
7
2
0
0
0
1
45
VOLUNTEERS
WANTED
VERNONIA RURAL FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT
VRFPD is currently accepting applications
for Volunteer Fire Fighters.
• You must have a High School Diploma or
G.E.D., a valid Oregon Driver’s License, and
be at least 18 years of age.
• Currently, you must be able to attend
weekly training on Monday nights
VRFPD Seeks New Public
Information Officer
VRFPD is seeking a replacement for their current Public Information
Officer. If you are looking for a way to volunteer some time to the Fire
Department without having to go through a lot of training, this just might be
the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
For details about the position please contact Chief Smith at (503) 429-
8252.
Here’s What We Do!
• Willing to attend the Fire Academy
VRFPD
• Live or work (employer willing to let you
respond to calls) within VRFPD’s District
555 E. Bridge St.
Vernonia, OR 97064
503-429-8252
• Applications can be picked up at the Fire
Station.
VRFPD FIRE CHIEF
Earl Dean Smith
dc4502@yahoo.com
503-709-8821 (cell)
503-429-8252 (office)
VRFPD P.I.O.
Robert Schattschneider
pio.vrfpd@gmail.com
971-225-8332 (cell)
503-429-8252 (office)