2006 Performance Based Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

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buying a new truck. This work was done by an Indiana company. We also refurbished a Paramedic unit at a savings of $57,000, for a total savings of over $280,000. Last year we decided to outfit every frontline fire apparatus with ALS equipment, including monitor, Basic EMS supplies and Advance Airway equipment. This allows our certified personnel, often the first to reach a scene, to begin emergency medical treatment when they arrive at an emergency. We were one of the first departments in the state tv do this. In order to better protect reserve equipment, we built a storage facility for fire trucks, ambulances and specialized pieces of equipment. The centralized location puts all reserve apparatus at one site, and allows for mechanics to perform. onsite maintenance. This will result in less down time. In July of 2005 we completed the computer networking of the eleven stations. This will be a great improvement for communication and sharing information. Last February we hired eight new Recruits. They went through twenty weeks of rigorous training before becoming sworn members of the department. During that time they met the requirements of the State for EMT and Firefighter I & II Certification. They learned to be Emergency Vehicle Drivers and Hazardous Materials First Responders, and learned Vehicle Extrication. This professional ~~ - } ~_,~ _.._ ~- ~1 ~ - ~~ . ~ ~` ~' .., -_ ~.. r ,° ~~_. ~~ -~ ~ ~° training continues throughout a firefighter's career to keep them up to date on the latest advances in firefighting. We have developed a strong partnership with IVY Tech, sharing classroom space and supporting their efforts to become a provider for a Fire Science Degree Program. These collaborations build on each other's strengths to expand opportunities. For quite some time we have looked at other training facility needs for the department. Last year, in discussions with South Bend Regional Airport, we identified a 40 acre site that would be suitable not only for our own use, but as a Regional Training Facility for the northern portion of the state. We believe that this could be a prime location for one of the ten regional sites. There is ongoing discussion about expanding our schools for Indiana River Rescue to become a national training institute. We are eager to explore these possibilities and proud that the quality of our training procedures and our personnel is being recognized at the state and national levels. A-33