Township Discusses Fire Department's First Quarter Performance
ADELAIDE METCALFE - During the council meeting on April 15, Fire Chief Dan Parker presented the 2024 first quarter summary for the local fire department, detailing incident responses, training activities, and updates on fire prevention efforts. Mayor Sue Clarke facilitated the discussion, emphasizing the continuous improvement and challenges faced by the fire service.
In his report, Parker highlighted that the Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department (AMFD) responded to 19 incidents from January through March. These included two shed fires, six motor vehicle collisions, and various medical assist calls. He pointed out that detailed incident breakdowns and training schedules were appended to the report for further council review.
The AMFD's training regimen was robust, featuring a new schedule developed early in January to help firefighters manage their commitments. The fire department also celebrated its annual Christmas party on January 13, where several firefighters, including Max Langford, were honored for decades of service. Notably, four firefighters were recognized as "Firefighter of the Year" for their decisive actions at a significant barn fire last September, which prevented a potential catastrophe.
Chief Parker also reviewed the progress in the Fire Services Review (FSR), noting that the department had updated its Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs), completing approximately 50% of the planned revisions. In addition to operational updates, the health and safety protocols were strengthened following a gap audit. The fire department now has a dedicated health and safety committee, and comprehensive safety data sheets for all materials used at the fire hall have been updated.
On the fire prevention front, Chief Parker reported on Fire Prevention Officer Kyle Kieraszewicz's active role in addressing safety violations at local businesses, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Furthermore, the fire department conducted home visits to check smoke detectors, replacing outdated units and raising awareness about the importance of regular maintenance.
Councillor Garett Kingma inquired about the door-to-door smoke detector checks, to which Chief Parker responded positively, noting the community's welcoming reception and the effectiveness of the campaign.
Mayor Clarke expressed the council's appreciation for the fire department's dedication and the smooth integration of Officer Kieraszewicz into his role. Council unanimously approved the receipt of the fire department’s first quarter report, affirming their support for the ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and emergency responsiveness.
David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner
