BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2014 MEETING
ST. VINCENT'S BLOUNT HOSPITAL
The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Reed. Mel Wade gave the invocation. The following member organizations were represented: Allgood, Bangor, Blount County Rescue Squad, Blountsville, Cleveland, Dallas-Selfville, Holly Springs, Locust Fork, Mt. High, Murphree Valley, Nectar, Oneonta, Pine Mountain, Remlap, Ricetown, Rosa, Royal, Snead, St. Mountain, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, BREMSS, Blount EMS, Law Enforcement, and the District Attorney Office were also represented. 9·1·1 Board Director Caleb Branch, Supervisor Neal Brooks and Board Members Sheriff Arrington and Chief Steve Pass were present.
GUESTS – Blount County District 2 Commissioner Carthal Self and District 3 Commissioner Dean Calvert were present. Chairman Jerry Jones of the Blount County Health Care Authority was present to inform the Association of some new procedures for the equipment reimbursement program. (See attached guidelines). Gary Mackey, Deputy Director of the State EMS office was also present.
Chairman Reed asked for the approval of the minutes of the August meeting. Motion by Chief Ivey, seconded by Assistant Chief Benson, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Chief Glass, seconded by Chief Netherton, and carried by voice vote.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CHAIRMAN – Chairman Reed announced the death of Joey Frye, son of Ricetown Chief Tim Frye and brother of Assistant Chief Tim Frye, Jr. Vice-Chairman Ken Edwards reported on the recent AAVFD Conference held in the Muscle Shoals area. The changes to the By-Laws have already been emailed out and there were no changes to the officers this year.
EMA – Director Don Roybal gave an update on FEMA closeout. Still working with them to determine final totals on reimbursements. Total cost to the County for cleanup is around $1.6 million. The EMA office will handle the NIMSCAST updates for all partners in the County. Fuelman use was at 103% of budget for the month of August.
9·1·1/COMMUNICATIONS – 911 Director Caleb Branch reported that they are working out bugs and issues with the new dispatch as they come up. They have some tables and chairs available for transfer to departments if any of the items are wanted.
TRAINING – Several training opportunities have been sent out on Egroups recently. Station 12 will host the Fire Trailer starting Monday 10/6. Holly Springs will host Fire College training on November 2, 5 & 8.
FIRE PREVENTION – Fair Coordinator Joe Ray Daily confirmed that Brindlee Mountain will supply a display engine for the Fair booth and Amerex will have fire extinguishers available. Smoke detectors and the donation paperwork will be available. Fair booth work schedules will be worked out by email.
FORESTRY – Forestry Project Specialist Terry Helms advised that a USFS inspection team will be in Blount County in the near future to look at RCFP loaner trucks and equipment. Terry also asked that fire department members allow the Forestry representatives to handle any legal or law enforcement issues that arise on the scene of a wildfire.
SPECIAL OPS – Chief Willis reported that Hazmat responded to an 18-wheeler wreck in front
of Terry Sligh Chevrolet on a fuel tank spill. Hazmat equipment housed at West Blount Station
#3 has been inspected and a method of distribution or disposal is being discussed.
ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – John thanked STV-Blount for hosting the meeting and providing the food.
BREMSS – The next SEMCC meeting will be in December. The new protocol exam is on-line and will be available soon. It is timed but is also open book. The departmental Training Officers need to work with the students before they attempt the test. Southeast Alabama is now up and running with their Trauma System so the network is now a true statewide operation.
Blount EMS – Tammy praised the benefits of the stroke / STEMI system because it helps ensure proper treatment and evaluation which saves lives. She asked that you let her know if you need anything.
AMED – No report.
LAW ENFORCEMENT – SGT Investigator Fred Cochran thanked all the departments that responded to the gun shop fire for their hard work to preserve evidence during that event. He also said that the ATF agents and the State Fire Marshall were also very thankful.
CORONER – No report.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY – District Attorney Pamela Casey asked for help on a cold case that has resurfaced. In 2001 there was a structure fire on the west side of the County that resulted in the death of two children. If anyone has any fire department information about that, please contact her office.
LIFESAVER – No report.
AIR-EVAC – No report.
RED CROSS – No report.
GOOD & WELFARE - A $25.00 donation was received from the Cold Water Challenge.
OLD BUSINESS:
l Equipment inspections and financial review reports need to be turned in by the end of the year for all departments.
l A head count for anyone interested in the Wills for Heroes needs to completed and emailed to the District Attorney's office.
l The Nominating Committee consisting of Caleb Branch, John Storey and Paul Gilbert made the following report with voting at the October meeting:
Chairman: John Reed - Nectar / Jon Head – Pine Mtn
Vice-Chairman: Ken Edwards - Remlap
Sec/Treasurer: Doug Smith - EMA
Training Officer:
Firefighter of the Year: Jonathan Ledbetter – Susan Moore
EMT of the Year: Chris Manning – Blount EMS / Samantha Stasica– Blount EMS
Dispatcher of the Year: Carrie Reid
NEW BUSINESS:
l Applications are available for placing an apparatus in the Blount County Veteran's Day Parade to be held Saturday, November 8, 2014.
l Candidate night will be held at the October meeting at Rosa.
l BREMSS Board members are due for reappointment.
The next meeting will be Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Rosa Fire Department. The meal will be at 6:30 sponsored by Brad Cox of McCord Communications.