National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, during the week in which October 9 falls. In the United States, the first Presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Week was made in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. The National Fire Protection Association continues to be the international sponsor of the week, http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week. However, the City of Decatur Fire/Rescue applies fire prevention and education year round.
Here is what we were busy doing in September:
· We held a Trauma Resiliency Training to learn coping skills to broaden an individual’s resiliency spectrum to stress. This will help Decatur Fire employees with traumatic calls, personal events, and aid patients who are dealing with stress and trauma. Decatur Police personnel were invited and employees of the Federal Emergency Management Association attended.
· Beth Sanford graduated from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and became a certified Georgia Firefighter. She also completed her Advanced EMT training.
· The department had MARTA training in the tunnel and station from 2-5am on a couple of occasions. The scenario was a fire and rescue of downed riders.
· The entire department received Fitbits and are listed under a City of Decatur Fire/Rescue Team. The competitions begin.
· Fire personnel were at the Decatur Book Festival and also used our Bike Team EMTs
· We extended a Life Save Award to a Decatur Recreation employee
· Completed walk through at the MARTA rail yard
· Attended MAFCA meetings
· Did many fire inspections and car seats
· Walked through Decatur High School’s new additions and reviewed fire related systems and locations
· Hired and began training our new Firefighter Benjamin Alexander
· Worked on several truck repairs
· Held our first annual 9/11 stair climb
· Pump Tested several units
· Prepared personnel and department for Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Driver’s promotional examinations
· CAPS meeting
· Strategic Planning meetings
· Continued with Interviews for 2 open positions
· Met with Burn Foundation Committee
· Hosted local Girl Scout Tour
· Performed Truck ID tests
· Held Meetings for specifications and design of a new mini pumper
· Participated in the Kaiser Permanente Corporate 5K race (and won for fastest female city employee)
· Began Annual Hose Testing
· Celebrated the Retirement of Captain James Meyers and 28 years of service
Ninetta Violante
Captain with City of Decatur Fire Department