Comments on the Paid on Call Poll

Wow, didn't expect such a response so quickly. I really appreciate the 2 comments received so far and would certainly like to see more on the subject. Just to clarify, there are no plans to implement any new procedures. At this time, this is simply a poll to see how the membership feels about the idea. Once I receive the information I would like to form a committee to investigate what other departments do, different methods of paid on call or perhaps more incentives such as a fuel allowance or ??????????????? This is wide open right now, so please don't assume anything. My hope is to have a plan in place for the end of 2010. This gives us a year to work something out and provide council time to consider the options and if required, a chance to look at possible increases to the budget. So, keep the comments coming as these will prove very valuable to the new committee. (I will post a sign up list next week for anyone interested) With that, Happy New Year to all of you and your families.

Paid on Call Poll

You will notice a new poll at the top of the page. There has been some discussion on going to "Paid on Call" status as do most other volunteer fire departments in the country. This would mean that each firefighter would be paid an hourly wage for each call they showed up for. As we would soon bankrupt the district if 40 firefighters showed up for every first response call, this would likely mean some form of duty shift. Please answer the poll with either No - keep the current system we have now or Yes I support going paid on call idea. If you answer yes, answer one of the questions underneath with what you would expect to be paid. I should also add that if we go paid on call, many of the perks you now receive would be eliminated. This could include the annual $30,000.00 honorarium paid to the Association and the off duty insurance coverage. Some of the uniform budget, annual banquet and other costs currently funded by the District may also be reduced or eliminated. Just things to consider.

A Year in Review

Well, as the year comes to a close, it's time to look back and remember all of the accomplishments the fire department achieved. This was definitely a year of progress and opportunities. Never mind that we have attended more emergency calls than any other year in the departments history, but we completed many other projects as well. Where do I start. OK, in my opinion, the most amazing item of the year may have been the collection for the food bank and the generous support of the community. We were completely overwhelmed with donations. It was quite an amazing sight and truly reflects how everyone can pull together in a time of need. On to other highlights of the year. We managed to hire another firefighter this year and was very pleased in having Rick McLeod accept the job. Looks like two more positions in 2010. We are definitely moving forward. After many years of trying and thanks to a downward slide in the economy, we were finally able to replace the front apron at Station 1. This one was constructed properly and should last for many years. We even managed to add extra parking along Otter Point Rd and with the fire hall site, all in the same budget. A successful recruiting campaign in Sun River not only saw an increase in applicants from this area, but appears to have sparked an interest in building a satellite fire station in the area. Welcome aboard to our new members as ten new recruits passed their basic training. A successful pub ed campaign had the graphics completed on the pub ed trailer. This rolling billboard certainly advertises the fire department in a positive manner. With the funds raised, we were even able to order two more inflatables for the pub ed division. The fire department began the take over and helped establish a new ESS (Emergency Social Services) program, with about 20 new members joining the group. With the pending retirement of our Emergency Coordinator in early 2010, it appears the fire department will be taking over the entire EOC division. We managed to a acquire several new items in our inventory. The first was an old ambulance for use as a First Responder vehicle. While the unit has worked very well, it seems to have a magnetic personality as it is attracted to other objects and has already been in three accidents. Two new sets of Jaws of Life were obtained, replacing the older 20 and 25 year old sets. To date, they have been used twice on emergency calls. Instant snow chains were added to both front line pumper trucks with the rescue trucks to be equipped in 2010. Hopefully this well make responses in snow conditions safer for everyone. Not that we can take all the credit, but the assistance of fire department members at the Subaru Triathlon was certainly one of the reasons that the Ironman Competition is coming to Sooke in 2011. The volunteer support of this community always seems to shine through. Oh, and who can forget the Olympic Torch starting in front of the fire hall on its cross Canada journey. And finally, an amazing day was held when we celebrated Bill Stephenson and his 60 years of service as a volunteer firefighter. Now that was a party. While I am sure that there are many more items to add to this list, all in all, it was a good year and I look forward to working with all of you in 2010. Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

You may all be wondering why I am here on Christmas working on a Blog. Turns out that my wife needs to vacuum the house before the relatives arrive and this can't be done while somebody anybody else is there. And you thought I was odd! So, here I am. So I hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas and that everyone got the gifts they wanted. All the gifts you purchased for the Chief can be dropped off anytime.

On to another topic, I want to thank all those firefighters that responded to the Haz Mat Incident the other day. Even though it turned out to be a false alarm, all the preparation and protocols to be followed to deal with a potential clan lab were quite remarkable. If nothing else, it was a great exercise to prepare us for any similar incident that may arise in the future. The working relationship between all of the responding agencies was extrodinary as everyone worked to together so well, you would think we had been doing this as a group for years. We even had an offer from the head of RCMP Clan Lab Response Team offer to come back to the Island and do a seminar for emergency responders on dealing with these types of incidents. More information will follow as soon as it comes available.

So once again, Merry Christmas to all.

Sprinkler Systems

Rumours - It appears the old addage "If you haven't heard a rumour by 10:00 am, start one" is true as is the case of sprinkler systems. The rumour going around the community is that the fire department has introduced a bylaw requiring sprinkler systems in all single family dwellings and duplexs. Let me clarify by saying that this is not true. While I am a huge supporter of residential sprinkler systems, I have not proposeed any such requirement. I believe the misconception comes from the new OCP (Official Community Plan) that states that all buildings within the new "TOWN CENTRE" zoning require a sprinkler system be installed. This part is true, however if you were to read the Town Centre Plan http://www.sooke.ca/assets/Local~Government/Planning/Town%20Centre%20Plan%20Adopted.pdf, you would find that the only buildings permitted in this zone are large, multi-family or commercial buildings. Most will have zero lot line coverage which means that they can be built right next to each other. If a fire were to start in one of these new buildings and spread to another, the potential for a catastrophic fire is a real possibility. Single Family Homes and Duplexs are NOT PERMITTED in this zone. (This zone covers roughly from the new Mariners Development at Church Rd to Murray Rd and along the length of Sooke Rd down to the water - yes, only the water side of Sooke Rd) This is the only area that this zone applies. The requirement is NOT retroactive either. If you already own a home in this area or plan to put on an addition, the sprinkler requirement does not apply. The only time this well be put into effect is when someone comes in with a proposal to redevelop land to suit the new Town Centre Plan. The only other time we SUGGEST sprinkler systems is when a development proposal is made in an area where the existing water system is insufficient for the size of the building being proposed. So, if you hear this rumour while you are out and about, please take a moment to clarify the points. Thanks.

Santa Run Huge Success

Well thanks to everyone that participated, this years Santa Run was the biggest and best ever. What a incredible outpouring of community support as Sooke Firefighters collected an enourmous amount of food for the Sooke Christmas Bureau and Food Bank. It took the combined capacity of both Shane and Chris' trailers as well as an additional half pick up load to get all the groceries and toys to the Community Hall. An additional $757.00 in cash and cheques was also turned in. It was quite a sight to see all of the food piled up in the basement of the Community Hall. Turns out the bags we had inserted into the Sooke Mirror certainly helped to put people into the giving spirit. A total of 440 of the special marked grocery bags were returned with food. This does not include those turned into the East Sooke FD and another (approx 100) bags that Otter Point collected on their run. Due to this success we may have to revamp next year to accomodate the growth. Two choices come to mind, either we add a fourth truck and route or we will have to start earlier, perhaps 4:00 or 4:30. There is not the space here to thank everyone involved but I must mention Western Foods who paid for the bags ( $650.00)and the Sooke and Otter Point Firefighters Association for splitting the $650.00 printing cost and the District of Sooke for the cost of inserting the bags in the Mirror ($250.00) {Yes, it is expensive to be charitable} Hopefully more sponsors will come on board next year. East Sooke FD is already interested in having their route placed on the bag too! Again, I must thank everyone from the decorators of the trucks, to the elves that helped collect the food, to those that came out to deliver the food and finally those that came back on Sunday to dismantle 204. A special thank you to Santa 1, 2 and 3 for putting up with the lovely weather. Your community spirit was noticed by many. An outstanding job.

Pump Operator Training

Several of you began the pump training course earlier this fall and as you are aware, we have had some difficulties in finding time to finish the course. As such, I will be holding a one day refresher course on Saturday, Jan 9 at Station 1 beginning at 9:30. For those of you that we feel are ready, a practical exam will be held the following Saturday the 16th. If you are not ready, you can use this date for an additional training day. A sign up sheet will be posted for this as well.

Fire Officer Training

Due to the number of responses in the poll for Fire Officer 1 training, I will look at offering a course, likely beginning in January on the fourth Tuesday of the month and then each fourth Tuesday until completion. This is quite a committment on each firefighters part as it takes some time to get through this program. I will try to have the course manuals available early in the new year for those interested. A sign up sheet will be posted.

Pubic Safety in British Columbia

A new report, three years in the making by the Fire Services Liason Group was released today. Entitled Transforming the Fire/Rescue Service - it lists 14 recommendations that the group feels are immediate priorities to be addressed by the Provincial Government. A complete copy of the report is available for your reading. One has been placed at each station. I can also send it to you electronically - just send me an email note or reply in the comments section.

Why do we need to buy a new fire truck?

This is a question that almost every taxpayer wants to know. Why do we need a new fire truck when the old one looks so good? Hopefully I will answer this question for you. Communities fire protection capability are judged on a point system by the Fire Underwriters Survey. From this report, insurance companies determine what the risk of controlling a fire is by the responding fire department and set insurance rates accordingly. There are a number of factors that are considered, but in the case of fire apparatus, the main points are the size, type, construction and density of the building stock within the town. In our last survery conducted in 2001, it was determined that we required 2 front line pumper trucks in Station 1 and 1 front line pumper truck in Station 2. In addition, for every 8 front line pumper trucks a fire department has, it must have one spare pumper. Fire Underwriters also required we have an aerial device. To be considered a front line pumper truck, it must be no more than 20 years old. A second line truck can be no older than 25 years. When 204 (the Mack pumper) reached 20 years of age, it was downgraded to a second line truck. It was replaced with 203 (the current aerial ladder truck) As this vehicle is equipped with both a pump and a ladder, it is counted as both a front line pumper and as our aerial device, thus we saved money by buying only one truck. A bigger ladder was purchased as we new that within a few short years, larger buildings would be constructed in Sooke (the first is now under construction as the Prestige Hotel). Now that 204 is almost 25 years old (it is a 1985 model) it is time for its replacement. We must now decide if we should buy a new fire truck or purchase a used vehicle (less than 10 years old) to replace the truck. This is being analyzed to determine what is the most cost effective way to do this. While a used truck may be cheaper to start with, when you amortize the cost over the life of the vehicle, quite often the cost of a new vehicle can be the same or sometimes even cheaper than a used vehicle when calculated on a per year cost. Oh, and for the record other vehicles like a tanker truck cannot exceed 30 years of age or they are not counted either. So, there are your choices: buy a new fire truck when their life span expires or face higher insurance costs. What would you choose?

Photos from Prestige Site Fire

I will be placing an order for prints from the Prestige site training fires we held earlier this year. Cost is $15.00 per print if you would like any copies. Here again is the link http://www.clocktowerimages.com/SookeVFD/ Give me the number of any photo(s) you would like. If you have already told me what you want, send it again just to make sure that I have not forgotten you. I will place the order at the end of the year to give you a bit of time to make up your minds.

What's new

Well, lots going on these past few days. Levee night is right around the corner and will be the final "practice" night of the year. New recruits have received pagers and keys and a few have even managed to make it on their first call. The Santa Run is on Saturday so don't forget to show up and decorate the trucks. The new donation bags were in todays Sooke Mirror and look great. Hopefully lots of them will get filled up. The OZONE - BC Streets project is moving ahead as the District prepares to put in a display during the Olympics. Volunteers are now being accepted to man the booth during the event. Postings for 2 full time firefighter positions have been advertised for 2010 - just some of the exciting things to happen next year. (maybe even planning for a new fire station in Sunriver can begin?) Looks like Sooke will be hosting an Ironman Competition in 2011 - 2013. What an opportunity for the community and something the fire department should get behind. The live fire / fire investigation course at the old Manuel Quimper Motel has received approval by Council. Tentative dates will be April 13 - 16. The FPOABC and the IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) will be providing the instruction for this. There may also be another course run immediately before or after these dates that will be sponsored by the Justice Institute. Anybody having some great ideas on how we can take advantage of these or other projects, please let me know. Supporting these events certainly puts us in the public eye and any time we can take adavantage of this type of advertising is always good when looking at growing the fire department. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Outstanding Effort Today

Members of Sooke Fire Rescue, District of Sooke Staff and Councillor Bennett are to be commended for their outstanding work today on behalf of the Sooke Christmas Bureau and the Food Bank. Despite some bitterly cold weather, over 25 people, some staying all day, took turns outside Western Foods and Village Foods collecting cash and food donations. Thanks to the generosity of Sooke residents over $2000.00 in cash was collected as well as an additional $475.00 in checks given to Western Foods was turned over to the group. Squad One was filled almost half way to the roof with food and staples. This will be a huge boost to those in need in our community. Thanks also to Doug for the use of his fire truck for the event. Lets hope that the Santa Run next Saturday does at least as well. Look for the special donation grocery bags in the next Sooke Mirror.

Congratulations are in order

Welcome to the ten newest members of Sooke Fire Rescue as the 2010 recruit class passed their basic training requirements today. Pagers and keys were handed out and the new probationary members are now ready to attend calls. Thanks to the firefighters that assisted in the testing held at the Otter Point Training Centre. Congratulations to all on a job well done.

In Appreciation

Many thanks to all those that helped in fixing the water leak at the back of the station. In particular I would like to thank Matt, Luke, Shaun and Shane for all their work. It appears that this thing may have been leaking for years without anyone knowing. Most of the work is now completed, however please watch out for the hole until all the paving blocks can be reinstalled. (that portion will be thanks to Chris)

Never Assume

Crews were dispatched to a two vehicle MVI on Sooke Rd near the Fuse Restaraunt today. Upon arriving on scene I observed both an ambulance and RCMP car with several people wondering about. It was difficult to determine exactly what was going on with all the people about. No obvious wreck was within site. Rescue 2 arrived soon after and were tasked with removing debris from the road as EHS had informed me that there were no injuries. As such, I cancelled Engine 1 and Rescue 1 as there didn't appear to be much to the call. Upon closer investigation, a van was observed in the parking lot of the Fuse with substantial damage to one side. The driver and passenger remarked that they were fine, just a little shook up. I asked where the other vehicle was and was told it was in the driveway of the house across the street. I crossed the road and found the second vehicle involved. It was imbedded into the front of the home. With this information I had both E-1 and R-1 return to check out the house for further damage. Fortunately, nobody was home at the time as the building was undergoing a substantial renovation. The front wall was quite buckled, however as it was not a bearing wall, there was no chance of a structural collapse, the site was ruled safe. AS the vehicle was not leaking any fluids, all units returned to service. As I said in the heading, never assume. Just because another emergency service says things are ok, have a look around to make sure. Each service looks at an incident with a different objective. Make sure we have covered ours before moving on. (I will post some photos as soon as they are available)

Promotion Opportunity

With the introduction of a three platoon system at Station 1 in the new year, there will be an opening for a Captains position. This position is open to any Lieutenant in Station 1 with a minimum of 7 yrs experience and meeting the remaining qualifications as posted on the bulletin board. Make your application in writing to the Fire Chief. The successful applicant will be announced at the next officer meeting.

Wii

Congratulations to D Platoon on winning the first "Firefighter Wii" competition at the annual game show night. Well done again guys. Nice to see Station 2 maintain their winning streak. Thanks also to Matt for coming up with the idea.

Big, Big Announcement

Well, here is the announcement you have all been waiting for. Sooke Fire Rescue Service will be hiring soon. Full details and job descriptions will be posted on the bulletin board on Monday but here it is in brief.

Position 1 Firefighter / Maintenance person - Start date - March 1, 2010

Position 2 Firefighter / Inspector (subject to council approval of the 2010 budget) Anticipated start date will be May 1, 2010.

Get your resumes ready. A hiring panel will be set up shortly to begin interviews in the new year. Good luck.

Tough Part of the Job

Sooke Fire Rescue faced one of the tough parts of the job today when we attended a first response call for chest pains. Arriving with the ambulance, crews entered the home where a 56 year old male was on the couch complaining of chest pain and tingling in his hands. After completing an assessment, the patient was loaded onto the stair chair and then transfered to the cot. As he was being loaded into the ambulance, the patient bacame uncounscious and lost vital signs. CPR was initiated and the AED connected. Shocks were administered and then I drove the ambulance, followed by B-1 while EHS crews continued working on the patient. We met up with the ALS crew, more treatment was administered and then I continued the drive to VGH with all 4 paramedics in the back. At VGH more treatment was administered but unfortunately the victim did not survive despite the best efforts of many. Our sympathies to the family.

Changes to Officer Requirements

Even though only half the officers showed up for the meeting last night, those in attendance seemed generally acceptable of the new format proposed for the officers outlining their duties and responsibilities as well as consequences in the event requirements are not carried out. For the other officers, a copy of the power point presentation is in your mailboxes. Some of the highlights:

Officers will receive an annual honorarium based on rank
Station 1 will now have 3 platoons. New platoon assignments will be out within the next week. Station 1 platoons will consist of a Captain, Lieutenant and eight firefighters. Station 2 will have a Captain, 2 Lieutenants and up to ten firefighters.
Each platoon will be responsible for one apparatus check each training night. (Station 2 will still have to do 2, however they will have an additional officer in their platoon to manage this)
More opportunities for platoons to train at Otter Point Training Centre
Officer meetings will be instructional with each officer taking a turn presenting a topic of their choice. Gary has already agreed to do the January session and Murray will do February - thanks guys.
Acting Lt positions will be available - one for each platoon. Each Acting position will have one guaranteed duty shift per year plus the ability to pick up other shifts when officers are absent or not available to do their shift.
Officers will be required to sign up for one duty shift each quarter.
Eash platoon will receive an annual $500.00 training credit to be used towards a course or program of their choice.
First responder duty shifts will not be changing the format currently in use.

If you want more information, you can discuss this with your platoon officers or AC McLeod or myself.

Festival of Trees

Thanks to Melanie and Laura for all their work on making and putting up the decorations on the District of Sooke (Fire Department Christmas Tree) There are a total of 12 trees on display at Seaparc. This is a fundraiser for Childrens Hospital. Please go down and vote for your favourite tree. The fire tree looks the best so make sure you vote for this one.

Canadian Fire Service Medallion

If anyone is interested in obtaining a Canadian Fire Services Medallion, the cost is $20.00 + shipping. If a few of you would like one, let me know and the shipping costs can be shared.

Fire Department Vehicle Collisions

Here is some sobering statistics from the US. In 2008, 29 firefihgters died in motor vehicle collisions. There were an estimated 14,950 collisions involving fire department vehicles responding or returning from a call. (this works out to about 1/10 of 1 per cent of total responses) This resulted in 670 firefighter injuries. In addition there wre another 1000 collisions involving firefighters personnel vehicles responding or returning from a call. So, in other words, lets be careful out there, especially as our roads get busier. And to the individual that drove or backed into the concrete retaining wall at Station 1 last night, thank you for your care and consideration in breaking the wall and not telling anyone. We appreciate the fact that you don't think we have enough work to do and have provided us an opportunity to go and repair another project that did not need doing.

Construction Accident at McGregor Park

A construction worker suffered a broken arm and facial lacerations when the steel superstructure for the new bandshell at McGregor Park collapsed suddenly. It appears the workman was hit by the steel beam as it came crashing down. Cause of the incident has not been determined, however Worksafe BC and District Engineering and Building staff are investigating. The worker was transported to VGH by ambulance.

New Lights for Sooke Xmas Tree

Well it took all day, but with the combined work of Sooke Fire Rescue and the ladder truck, crews from Dales Electric and a manlift and crews from Troy Lovbakes tree service company and their lift truck all of the old lights were removed from the big Christmas tree at Evergreen Mall. (Oh and Laura from the District of Sooke for getting all the lights and supplying cold wet crews with hot coffee) Despite high winds, driving rain and even sleet, the crews persevered and got all new LED lights installed on the tree and I must admit is looks awesome. The official unveiling will take place on Saturday evening at the Sooke Christmas Spirit Festival. Come down with your family and have some fun. Check the recent Mirror for the flyer with all the details.

Firefighter Gift Ideas

Looking for a unique gift for the firefighter in the family. We still have a great selection of firefighting collectibles for sale from the days when we ran The Fire Source store. Everything from a huge choice of diecast fire truck models from Corgi, Firt Gear, Code 3 and more to tie pins, collector plates, kids toys, ceramics, art prints and lots more. Great prices too. Call Steve or Shelly if you are interested. (250 642-3010) or send me an email.