Fire Chief Robert Ward has announced the receipt of $1,320 local funding from BCP and the fact that work is in progress for a federal grant.
For several years, the Aurora Fire Department has cleaned and tested the fire hose for BCP. The company located in Verona produces supplements for animal feed.
The testing is in appreciation for the company’s donation of an air compressor for refilling air bottles used in firefighters’ self contained breathing apparatus worn in burning or smoke filled buildings.
While testing the company’s hose, the fire department supplies loaner hose to keep BCP’s fire system in operation.
Recently, Chief Ward received a request from company officials to submit a “needs request” for some equipment.
“Over the years, we have had our fire hose fail the tests. We have tried to replace the failed hose through the normal, budgetary process. We have replaced some of the hose with money available; however, we continue to lose ground on the number of hoses needed,” said Chief Ward.
Following the testing of the department’s hose in 2008, the department had 28, three-inch hoses available, with the necessary number being 46. Since then, Chief Ward has been able to purchase this hose with budget savings from other areas in his department. The cost per section of hose at $180 placed the cost of 18 sections of three-inch hose at $3,240.
A second type of hose used by both the production facility and the fire department is a 1.75-inch hose. The department was short 12 hoses, with a replacement cost of $1,320 (at a cost of $110 each).
Earlier this month, BCP officials presented Chief Ward with a check for $1,320 to replace the 1.75” hose.
A Grant
Meanwhile, Chief Ward is awaiting word on whether the department is a successful applicant for a federal grant through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program.
Ward noted the department has had the same number of staff members since 1981. The grant would provide 100 percent funding for two years for three, basic firefighters. The third year, the city would pay the cost. After the third year, the city could reevaluate the situation and make adjustments in the staff numbers without penalty, if necessary.
The total maximum cost, including benefits, per basic firefighter per year is $35,190, according to Chief Ward.
The chief noted the department has five, full time firemen -- like it has since 1981. Because of the small number of staff members, everyone works together to try and keep two, full-time firemen in town at all times.
In 1981, the department answered 235 fire calls; now, the total is between 800 and 900 a year.
“We have worked hard to staff Station 2. Now, we have a couple there temporarily. If we can get three new firefighters, we can put two people there at night,” said Chief Ward.
As it stands right now, firefighters come in to cover the station when they are off duty and qualify for “call back” pay, which averages 10 to 15 hours in a two-week period.
Ward noted the National Fire Protection Association suggests 12 people and a chief per staff. The city is using the minimum safety requirements with two firefighters, a relief driver and a duty officer per shift. A contingent of volunteers round out the department.
“I’m really excited about the possibilities of this grant,” said Chief Ward. “It’s something we’ve needed. With the grant, it’s feasible for the city.”
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Fire Chief Robert Ward has announced the receipt of $1,320 local funding from BCP and the fact that work is in progress for a federal grant.
For several years, the Aurora Fire Department has cleaned and tested the fire hose for BCP. The company located in Verona produces supplements for animal feed.
The testing is in appreciation for the company’s donation of an air compressor for refilling air bottles used in firefighters’ self contained breathing apparatus worn in burning or smoke filled buildings.
While testing the company’s hose, the fire department supplies loaner hose to keep BCP’s fire system in operation.
Recently, Chief Ward received a request from company officials to submit a “needs request” for some equipment.
“Over the years, we have had our fire hose fail the tests. We have tried to replace the failed hose through the normal, budgetary process. We have replaced some of the hose with money available; however, we continue to lose ground on the number of hoses needed,” said Chief Ward.
Following the testing of the department’s hose in 2008, the department had 28, three-inch hoses available, with the necessary number being 46. Since then, Chief Ward has been able to purchase this hose with budget savings from other areas in his department. The cost per section of hose at $180 placed the cost of 18 sections of three-inch hose at $3,240.
A second type of hose used by both the production facility and the fire department is a 1.75-inch hose. The department was short 12 hoses, with a replacement cost of $1,320 (at a cost of $110 each).
Earlier this month, BCP officials presented Chief Ward with a check for $1,320 to replace the 1.75” hose.
A Grant
Meanwhile, Chief Ward is awaiting word on whether the department is a successful applicant for a federal grant through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program.
Ward noted the department has had the same number of staff members since 1981. The grant would provide 100 percent funding for two years for three, basic firefighters. The third year, the city would pay the cost. After the third year, the city could reevaluate the situation and make adjustments in the staff numbers without penalty, if necessary.
The total maximum cost, including benefits, per basic firefighter per year is $35,190, according to Chief Ward.
The chief noted the department has five, full time firemen -- like it has since 1981. Because of the small number of staff members, everyone works together to try and keep two, full-time firemen in town at all times.
In 1981, the department answered 235 fire calls; now, the total is between 800 and 900 a year.
“We have worked hard to staff Station 2. Now, we have a couple there temporarily. If we can get three new firefighters, we can put two people there at night,” said Chief Ward.
As it stands right now, firefighters come in to cover the station when they are off duty and qualify for “call back” pay, which averages 10 to 15 hours in a two-week period.
Ward noted the National Fire Protection Association suggests 12 people and a chief per staff. The city is using the minimum safety requirements with two firefighters, a relief driver and a duty officer per shift. A contingent of volunteers round out the department.
“I’m really excited about the possibilities of this grant,” said Chief Ward. “It’s something we’ve needed. With the grant, it’s feasible for the city.”
