TONICA — At the August meeting of the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department, Chief Al Stremlau noted there were 10 emergency calls in July.
The calls consisted of one car fire, one mutual-aid call to Utica for a structure fire, one mutual-aid call to Leonore for a tractor fire, one mutual-aid call to Cedar Point for a structure fire, four ambulance requests, and two accidental medical alert button activations.
The year-to-date call total for 2019 is 85, 23 fewer than the July 2018 year-to-date total.
Training in July included a review of standard operating guidelines for emergency vehicle drivers. This training will continue through August to enable every member to meet this fire department requirement.
Training also included water stream application, hose line advancement and rural tanker operations with a fold-a-tank.
Officer training covered command and control, leadership, communication and organizational skills for the review and operation of apparatus and equipment, and verifying the operational readiness of personnel and equipment.
Lt. Dan Francisco aided with 26 hours of instruction for the area’s basic fire operations class this year. The classes were held at various locations throughout the area, and students successfully completing all written and practical requirements can receive state certification.
Francisco also completed the NIMS 800-C Introduction to National Response Framework training.
New EMT Morgan Brandner completed the fire department orientation with Stremlau.
EMS training covered patients with an “altered mental status.”
Stremlau noted the equipment from the old rescue truck has been moved to the new truck, which is now in service. The old truck is for sale, and people may contact any fire department member for information.
Proceeds from the Tonica Fest cruises on Aug. 23-24, as well as the pork chop dinner, will be donated to the fire department.
Lt. James Breit made repairs to two of the dump valves on the pumper-tanker.
The annual pump testing of three fire department pumpers was completed with no problem found.
The department accepted the resignation of firefighter Jim Ott, a member for 31 years. He served in various positions of responsibility, including two years as chief. Because of his many years of honorable service, Ott was made an honorary member.
Stremlau will schedule a demonstration of additional battery powered extrication spreaders, rams and cutters. An estimated cost of these tools is about $30,000.