LFD to demo extraction tools at Open House
Photo by Shari Harris
Chief Aaron Greathouse shows a new coat and pants – part of the new gear the department is receiving.
By Shari Harris
Publisher
Who works a job that can be life-threatening, that requires frequent training, and that has hours that can happen anytime during the day or night, that pays…absolutely nothing? That would be the volunteer firefighter! The 18 on the roster of the Licking Rural and City Fire Departments are inviting the public to come out and see what they do at their Open House on Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tour the fire station, see their new equipment, and watch a live demonstration of a vehicle extrication, as they use spreaders and cutters to open up a car (donated by Jay’s Automotive and Towing).
The department will give away one free fire extinguisher per household to those attending the Open House, while supplies last. A crashed vehicle will be taken apart at 11:30 a.m., and the Come Gid It food truck will be on site for food purchases for the convenience of those attending.
Smokey Bear will make an appearance, and free popcorn and cookies will be offered. TCMH EMS, the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies are also anticipated to be at the event.
For those in the rural fire district who have not paid their dues, the department will be collecting them that day. Residents of the City of Licking pay their dues through taxes, but those in the district who live outside the city limits must pay yearly dues if they don’t want to be billed for a fire department response. The budgets of the City Department and the Rural Department are separate, but both departments work together to keep the fire station operational.
An ARPA grant recently helped acquire 16 sets of fire gear, and 10 sets should be complete (the helmets are expected this week) before Open House so the public can see them. A set includes helmet, gloves, coat, pants, boots and thermal hood, and costs $4,000. The gear loses its protective capabilities over time, and expires in 10 years. The gear currently in use by the fire department has expired, so acquiring the new gear is very important.
Photo by Shari Harris
The department’s new gear washing machine.
A specialized washing machine has recently been purchased to allow the department to clean their gear of chemicals and carcinogens, which should extend the life of the gear and protect the firefighters better. The department is also seeing an increase in volunteerism, and is excited about the future.
Graphic renderings submitted
This planned training room will have a lower level for training and an upper level for storage.
This is what the new training room should look like when finished.
Next on their agenda is building a training room. The City has approved the purchase of materials, and the volunteer firefighters are giving even more of their time and effort to build the room in the fire station. It will provide a space which can be heated and cooled, allowing for training regardless of the weather.
Come by and see what’s new at the fire department. And take a moment to thank them for the time they give and the risks they take to keep the citizens of the City and Rural District safe from fire.
