Introduction
June brought an increase in local population, which translates into more congestion in town and the need to be mindful of safe driving and equipment operations, particularly in the villages we serve. 

Personnel

• Tim Johnson and Jay Morse completed their initial orientation during the month of June.  Tim has been assigned to B Shift and Jay to A Shift; both began 24-hour shift rotations during the last week of the month. 
• Shane Holly, FF/EMT tendered his resignation during the first week of June.  He has taken a position with Osceola County Ambulance.
• All staff members have an e-mail address associated with glenlakefire.com and have been assigned an employee number for use in the Fire House reporting system.  Log-on to FireHouse at the Glen Arbor station to view the staff number assigned to each employee.  As much as possible, numbers have been assigned to be either the same or close to the numbers previously assigned to Glen Arbor and Empire personnel as we prepare to transition to the Glen Lake Fire Department next month.

Training

• Six training sessions were held in the month of June.  The first provided an overview of the upcoming formation of the Glen Lake Fire Department.  Competency check sheets, payroll paperwork and personal information sheets were distributed for updating and completion.  The Chief provided a brief outline of activities that would be occurring in anticipation of providing staffing for the Empire station (Station #2).  A total of 22 staff members attended this session. 
• The topic of the second and last training sessions was Truck Company Operations.  Bryan Ferguson presented a review of the tools carried on the Quint followed by a practical evolution that included two stations; one addressed roof access, ventilation and chain saw operations and another dealt with a simulated search and rescue operation.  Peace Poles donated the wood and materials used for the roof ventilation evolution.  The combined attendance of both sessions was 15. 
• The third and fourth sessions were held on a Saturday and enabled staff to participate in a practical driving course using various fire apparatus from both stations.  The driving exercise was supervised by Andrew Anthony, while Eric Dubord supervised a Water Supply exercise at another site during the same timeframe.  Either before or after completion of the driving course, individuals practiced the use of pumping apparatus and the Turbo Draft units.  A total of 20 staff members participated in both exercises. 
• The final session of the month was a repeat of the specialized water rescue session held in early May.  A total of 10 people attended this program lead by Bryan Ferguson.  The Homestead graciously provided the use of the pool behind the Reception Center for the practical component of the class. 
• In addition to scheduled training sessions; the weekly shift training topics continue, primarily for full time staff, but available to anyone that wishes to participate.  Topics covered in June included Strategies and Tactics for several large buildings in Glen Arbor Township. Lightning Strike Injuries,  and an online Driver’s Training Review.
• In addition to staff training, several CPR courses have been held at the department during the month.  These courses are primarily for community members and local businesses.  Staff members have been volunteering their time to instruct these courses.   

Administration

• Preparatory work has begun in the areas of personnel scheduling and inventory as a July 1 start date is anticipated for staffing the Empire Station, or “Station 2,” as it will be known.  Work on modifications of the Empire station is progressing slowly, so it is anticipated that initial staffing will be daily, from 7am to 7pm.  Two staff members will go to Station 2 from Glen Arbor after 7am shift change and initially will be cleaning the station and vehicles, mounting appliances, testing hose and organizing equipment and supplies.  They will also become familiar with the apparatus and other equipment.  Staff will return to Glen Arbor after 7pm.
• A reminder to all regarding paperwork after a call:  The paperwork should include a roster designating who went on the call, the dispatch sheet, and either a completed fire report or EMS report.  All of the paperwork should contain the same run number, which can be obtained by anyone from the computer.  All should work together to ensure the roster is accurate as this provides a listing of who should receive pay.  This is particularly important for part time personnel. 

Apparatus

• The former rescue truck that had been loaned to and used by the Empire Fire Department for the last several months was put up for bid in June and sold.
• 391 was briefly out of service for an oil change and replacement of a cam shaft sensor.  This maintenance was performed and completed within one day.  392 provided coverage. 
• Hydraulic fluid was found to be leaking from the extrication tools in 312.  The cabinet was emptied, cleaned out and scrubbed.  The fluid also leaked on the apparatus bay floor, which necessitated a cleaning as well.  Staff are reminded to exercise care when re-connecting this hose to ensure the seals remain tight. 

Equipment

• Just a reminder to all:  When doing truck checks, the Polaris tires should have 5 psi of air in them.  The tires should be checked when the restraint straps are not secured.
• All portable pumps have been tested—all are running well.
• New gas meters have been placed in service in 311 and 331.  There is an instructional disc that can be played on the computer located in the Comm Room to learn about their operation.  Staff should review this information so that all are familiar with the operation of these devices.
• 381 and 321 received routine maintenance. 
• New hard suction sleeve has been placed on 382.  The old sleeve material had deteriorated to the point that it was un-repairable.  The new sleeve is a bit longer and will hopefully enable easier hook-up to the dry hydrants. 
• Air from the breathing air system was sampled and sent in for analysis.  This task is performed twice a year to ensure good breathing air for the SCBA’s. 

Facilities

• As the summer population increases and there is more opportunity for crews to be out on calls, it is important to give attention to consistently securing the building.  Please be sure to check that exterior doors are latched—remember to close, and not prop open—the interior doors of the building during the day when there is front door access to the building.  The primary purpose of securing the offices and living quarters is for the safety of staff members and to protect both township and personal property. 
• As more staff occupy the building on a daily basis, additional attention must be paid to the cleanliness of the floors and common areas.  Additional sweeping and daily cleaning of the common quarters and kitchen areas will be necessary to maintain the building.  Everyone’s assistance is appreciated. 

Acknowledgements

• Mary Jo Corboy provided a donation to the Fire and Rescue Association in memory of Evelyn Gretzema. 

Submitted by:

John A. Dodson
Chief of the Department