2003 June Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Not News From the Hugo Fire Department Y Hugo Firefighters Receive Additional "New"Fire Vehicle Ready for Operation d Traifflug Thanks to a$2000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources DNR and a Fifteen Hugo firefighters have recently complet- P (DNR) ed two specialized training courses conducted by $2000 donation from the Dead Broke Saddle ` State certified instructors from Anoka Technical Club,the Hugo Fire Department was able to fin- College. The first was a hazardous materials ish work on a Chevy Blazer which will be used operations class,which has allowed Hugo to for a variety of purposes: fighting grass fires, become part of Washington County's decontami- carrying water,personnel and equipment,per- nation team. The second class was to attain the forming inspections,and traveling to community status of"Firefighter II,"the highest state certifi- education sites. This was a surplus U.S.Army cation possible for firefighters. Both courses vehicle that the Fire Department obtained from involved 40 hours of classroom instruction,a the DNR. "This was the last vehicle we needed written test,and a full-day"practical"test where to finish work on," explains Compton, "and we firefighters had to successfully perform in a vari- are happy to say that it was done at no cost to the Congratulations ety of real-life scenarios. taxpayers." to these Hugo As a result of the hazardous materials training, Firefighters for Hugo firefighters can now recognize a situation Fire Department to Purchase Thermal involving hazardous materials,identify the Imaging Camera completing chemical(s)involved, set up appropriate"hot The Hugo Fire Department plans to purchase a zones,"evaluate potential environmental thermal imaging camera to further assist their Hazardous impacts,notify the appropriate authorities,and fire fighting efforts. "The primary purpose of rescue and perform a thorough decontamination this camera is to be able to more effective) res- of any of an victims. Firefighter II training involved y y g g cue victims from smoke-filled environments Firefighter 11 learning about building construction, including where we wouldn't otherwise be able to see the hazards and methods of fire fighting for vari- them," explains Compton. The camera uses training: ous types of buildings,understanding the infrared sensing toe able firefighters to "see" hydraulics involved in sprinkler systems,hand victims by providing an image of the body. Anthony Bronk tool applications,vehicle extrication and fire �� Bill Buystedt pp Compton adds, It can even pick up footprints pumping capabilities. "Our firefighters are from where someone has walked." James Christiansen trained equally with any other fire department in Jim Compton, Sr. the state,„notes Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton, A donation from the Hugo Lion's Club will fund Jim Compton,Jr. Kevin Colvard "including big cities with full-time departments.” 90 percent of the cost of the camera. The rest Pat Dunn will come from money received by the Fire Paul Fladeboe Mutual Aid Training Exercise Held May 1T Department through its ongoing aluminum can Russ Frantum As part of their State requirements,the Hugo drive. "Our thanks go out to the Lion's Club and Kurt Grainger Fire Department held a mutual aid training exer- to the community for their continuing support of Bryan Lund cise on Saturday,May 17, in conjunction with our can drive," states Compton. Aluminum cans Jadon 011ila the Centennial Fire District and fire departments can be dropped off anytime at the west end of Penny Owen from Forest Lake, Scandia,and Mahtomedi. A the Hugo Fire Hall parking lot. Scott Peterson fire was started at a house on an old farm on Martin Schwartz Elmcrest Avenue just north of Bald Eagle Lake, Don Wolkerstorfer and firefighters evaluated the situation and put Watch Out for Children out the fire with the least amount of water possi- Now that school is out, Hugo Fire Chief Jim ble. "This gives us a chance to see how we all Compton reminds all Hugo residents to watch work together as a team," states Compton. "It's a out for children riding bicycles or playing along real fire,but it's done in a controlled environ- roads. He adds, "We just want to remind every- ment, so the firefighters can see how the fire one to take a little extra care and keep our kids behaves as it progresses to a fully involved struc- safe this summer." ture." I