BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF JUNE 5, 2014 MEETING
RICKWOOD CAVERNS STATE PARK
The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Reed. Kyle Ellison of WBVFD gave the invocation. The following member organizations were represented: Allgood, Bangor, Blountsville, Brooksville, Dallas-Selfville, Holly Springs, Locust Fork, Mt. High, Murphree Valley, Nectar, Oneonta, Pine Mountain, Ricetown, Rosa, Royal, Snead, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, BREMSS, Blount EMS, and the District Attorney Office were also represented. 9·1·1 Director Caleb Branch and Supervisor Neal Brooks were present.
GUESTS – Brian Gable, SERVPRO Marketing Representative, sponsored the meal. He and Jason Morris highlighted SERVPRO services, especially their 1-4-8 Protocol. They promise to call you back within 1 hour of notification of an event; arrive on your scene within 4 hours; and have contact with your insurance carrier within 8 hours. Their specialties are water removal and de-humidification; bio-hazard cleanup; and crime scene cleanup. Evan Ray, President – Rural Hospitals, with St. Vincent's Health System discussed several aspects of what community services St. Vincent's provides in their areas of coverage. Their goal is to keep the community updated on activities within the facility and establish a strong working relationship to improve patient care. Alabama Forestry Commission Regional Forester Jason Dockery and State Rural Fire Coordinator Greg Wood were present.
Chairman Reed asked for the approval of the minutes of the May meeting. Motion by Chief Booth, seconded by Chief Netherton, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Chief Hill, seconded by Assistant Chief Benson, and carried by voice vote.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CHAIRMAN – Chairman John Reed gave an update on the funeral arrangements for Melissa Gilbert, daughter of Chief Paul and Tammy Gilbert. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Melissa Gilbert Scholarship Fund at any Peoples Bank. The next quarterly AAVFD meeting will be held in Winston County.
EMA – Director Don Roybal presented a FEMA update and asked that any department that had a response during the night of the storm and days following, please submit your equipment and personnel time to EMA. Fuelman totals for May were 119.6% of budget. For the year the Fuelman is over budget $13000 at this time.
9·1·1/COMMUNICATIONS – Director Caleb Branch advised that the new 911 tower was being placed and that the dispatch console furniture had been installed. Projected move in date is mid-August. Supervisor Neal Brooks said that old Corr wireless phone numbers will drop on July 31 so let Dispatch know of any updates you have.
TRAINING – Training Officer Tim Frye, Jr. reminded all to check the Alabama Fire College website for any training updates and classes. ICS 400 will be taught in Blount County on 4 nights – 7/22-7/24-7/29 & 7/31. 1800 – 2200 each night at the Blount EOC in the basement of the Courthouse. Hazmat A&O will be taught 6/20-21 & 22 as well as the following weekend.
FIRE PREVENTION – June Fling is set for Saturday, June 7 in downtown Oneonta. John will need some assistance with manning the booth during the day. Hours are 0900 – 1500.
FORESTRY – Greg Wood explained the reasons why fire departments could not receive surplus equipment from various programs. The main reason is that the Department of Defense governs who can receive certain types of equipment under specific programs. The 1033 program is set up exclusively for Law Enforcement agencies.
SPECIAL OPS – Chief Willis reported that Hazmat had responded to a call requiring booms
and mats to control a 100 hundred gallon fuel spill. He also asked the Association to make a decision on retaining the existing Hazmat equipment, specifically the trucks. Storage for vehicles will soon become an issue due to the planned demolition of the old armory. The inventory of materials can be placed at all departments throughout the County. Chief Willis would like to adapt the scope of response for Special Ops equipment away from Hazmat due to the availability of AMAS State teams close by. He also announced that at the recent Alabama Fire Chief's Association meeting, it was noted that Alabama leads the nation in per-capita fire deaths, 61 this year so far. There is an opportunity for county departments to receive 400 smoke detectors to help this situation.
ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – Evan Ray repeated that ST. Vincent's Blount greatly appreciates the accomplishments of the Association departments related to patient care. (See attached letter).
BREMSS – Joe Acker advised that the stroke program is making great strides and is making a difference. The Executive Committee has assigned a task force to reform EMS education. The wait time for transport agencies is being studied. He also cautioned that when planning to use a spine board, make sure that the board is needed for that patient.
Blount EMS – Tammy was not available but Scott Payne asked that you let her know if you have any questions or concerns.
AMED – No report.
LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.
CORONER – No report.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY – District Attorney Pamela Casey discussed the “Wills for Heros” program which makes First Responders eligible for legal assistance to develop a will for them. A time and location will be announced once interest in the program is measured and you will need to notify her office if you intend to participate. She also asked that you document statements made at any scene that may affect legal issues of the scene you are working.
LIFESAVER – No report.
AIR-EVAC – No report.
RED CROSS – No report.
GOOD & WELFARE – No report.
OLD BUSINESS:
§ None
NEW BUSINESS:
§ John reminded everyone about needing assistance at the June Fling. It will be a great opportunity to provide a fire prevention message and recruit.
The next meeting will be July 10 at St. Mountain Fire Dept, Station 1. The meal will be at 6:30 sponsored by Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus.