WHATCOM
COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT NO. 11
Lummi
Island Fire Department
3809 Legoe Bay Road * P.O. Box 130 * Lummi
Island, WA 98262
Phone: (360)
758-2411 Fax: (360) 758-2041
www.lummiislandfire.com
2003 ANNUAL REPORT
2003 was
the driest on record for many decades. Aside from a few minor incidents, there were
no fires that got out of control. This is a direct result of each resident in this
community being careful in the extreme conditions and alerting us early when a problem
existed. Way to go Lummi Island residents and THANK YOU!
We
purchased two portable radios and two pagers with the help of a 50% matching grant from
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These radios and pagers
replaced obsolete and unreliable equipment. We purchased two 6” intake valves
for the tanker to simplify the pump operator’s duties. Our medical response
bags in both the ambulance and initial response truck were replaced and set up identically
to standardize the equipment.
Our initial response apparatus (little red) has served this
community well for sixteen years but the time has come to retire her from frontline
service. It has been struggling with the loaded weight, and too many cold starts and
go-right-now has taken its toll. Specifications to replace the initial response truck were
developed this year. Its purchase was delayed as we waited word about our Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant application. Unfortunately it was denied,
but another grant through DNR was approved for $20,000 to assist in the purchase. We
must have a signed contract by June 1 of this year to receive the funds. The
specifications are for a similar vehicle with the following improvements: a diesel engine,
increased weight capacity, Compressed Air Foam and increased hose storage.
A long
& short term planning session took place on May 7, 2003 with the
Commissioners, Assistant Chief and myself. Facilities were a major topic because: we
have more vehicles than bays, public restrooms are inadequate, new response standards
being proposed at the state level, ever increasing administrative requirements, and the
need for improved training facilities. We concluded that it was unlikely the
department could provide for all future needs and requirements on its current
one-acre. At the regular May meeting of the board, the process for acquiring
additional real estate began and continued through the year. In November, a contract
was signed to purchase Lot 3 of Hale’s Pass Addition, the 5 acres across the street
from the current Legoe Bay Road fire station.
Three members were removed from the roster in 2003 and
I sadly accepted Bryan Thurber’s resignation. Bryan had 16 years of active duty
as a First Responder and Firefighter 2. His calm manner will be missed at emergency
incidents. Two new residents joined our ranks; Kent Dixon and Mark Cross. Fire
Commissioner David Harmoney did not seek reelection, ending his 12 years of service as a
Fire Commissioner. In those years this department has advanced significantly in both
its financial position and the equipment used to respond to emergencies. These
advancements are in no small part due to David’s outlook for the safety of the
citizens and volunteers in this community. I would like to welcome Pete Cameron as
the “freshman” commissioner and look forward to working with a member with no
previous fire department involvement.
(This is only a Partial Report, click below to download the complete report)
Download Complete Report Click here 2003
Old Report Report 2002 Click here
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