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New Fire Station Update!
We have BIG news. We recently have acquired a half acre parcel of land on North St. Joseph Peninsula. This will give us the opportunity to build a fire station to protect all of those homes that have been 5 to 10 miles from our current station. This will allow you to continue to get hazard insurance on your homes, which would become increasing difficult for those homes more than 5 miles from a station.
We are currently advertising for bids and will select a contractor soon for the project. Our plans are to start construction as soon as possible and we will go out for bids in the next few weeks. This means that we may need your help more than ever. When this fire station is complete we will need volunteers more than ever. We need firefighters, first responders and auxilary help. Don't feel like that you have to be a firefighter, we have many needs that do not require strenuous efforts. We will keep you updated. Thanks for your support.
Preston Russ, President
South Gulf County Fire Association
Fire Department News - January 2009
We envision a fire department that:
- Focuses on safety and well being of its members and those it serves.
- Meets the needs of the community through education, cooperation and innovation.
- Provides the highest level of community service and protection with integrity, pride and commitment.
- Consists of properly equipped, well-trained professional men and women dedicated to meeting our community needs.
2008 was a great year for our fire department. We have made many improvements; become better organized and added many new volunteers. South Gulf County Volunteer Fire Department has been able to attract a large number of volunteers and many of them have completed the state mandated 160 hour training for Firefighter One certification.
Don’t think that all volunteers have to drag hoses and fight fires. There are many jobs to be done. We can use YOUR help. Dragging a hose may be too much exertion for some, but how about operating the pump controls on the truck.
Our women’s auxiliary is now organized and has been very helpful in assisting the firefighters. Last year, the firefighters working the fire in North Port S. Joe were very happy to see Mary Ann & Sherrill show up with Gatorade. Mary Ann may want to carry an extra set up clothes so she won’t have to walk through mud in her cocktail dress and high heels. We really do appreciate all the ladies that have organized and are ready to go.
Jim Caughey, our fire chief and David Sapte, our assistant chief have done a wonderful job of organizing and getting people moved into leadership positions. Vince Bishop is now the captain in charge of water rescue and Melisa Larson is our safety captain.
We are getting great turnout to our training exercises. We have a very capable medical response team of first responders. They are well trained with up to date procedures and are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Those that have had to dial 911 have been pleasantly surprised at our fast response times and the number of first responders that are on the scene. We are getting better and better.
Our department has made huge strides over the past year, but we continue to grow and to get better and better. I continue to be proud of our leaders in the fire department and all of our firefighters, our first responders and our auxiliary for their dedication. It takes a lot of time and sacrifice to be a volunteer. Our volunteers are willing and ready.
Last I would like to thank the community for your continued support.
Preston Russ
President