News of the Week

A few things of interest to report. Item 1 - After the last snowfall and the lack of any real effort to keep the fire stations clear of snow a request was made to council to purchase a snow plow blade to attach to 208. This vehicle was originally purchased with a suspension to support this application but no blade ever made it through the budget process. With the prediction of a lot of snow to come this year, council approved the purchase. A new 8 foot blade as well as a salt spreader was ordered and should be here anytime. Once installed we will use it to keep municipal and emergency facilities clear of snow and if time permits, possibly the transit park and ride areas too. This should really help prevent many of the slips and falls we saw in the parking lot with the last snow fall. Speaking of 208, an estimate of $2600.00 was obtained to repair the hole in the side of the truck caused when it impacted a traffic cone during a response. Instead of the repair a used utility body was obtained for only $2000.00. We had already budgeted for a new one in 2011, so this used unit will save considerable money as well as negating the expense of the repairs. With a little work, this should look as good as new.

Truck 209 is nearing the end of its life as an emergency vehicle in Sooke. Our truck replacement policy currently states that utility vehicles will be replaced at ten years of age. As 209 is a 2001 model, it was to be disposed of and a new truck purchased in 2011. Coincidentaly, Shirley Fire Department was in the market for a used command vehicle as they have been told by their insurers that the Chief can no longer respond in his personnel vehicle as an emergency vehicle. A deal was struck and this truck will be in Shirley FDs hand any day now. (just waiting for the check to arrive) As such a new 2011 pickup has been ordered and will arrive in about 10 to 12 weeks. In the interim, the Sun River crew will not have a vehicle and will have to respond to Station 2 until the new truck is placed in service. With the much lower price of pick up trucks these days, this new vehicle came in considerably under budget.

Another planning meeting was held for the upcoming VIEP Conference to be held at the Prestige Hotel in April. This will be the first conference in the new facility. Deputy Mcleod has been spending time with the organizing committee as the local contact getting everything ready. The Vancouver Island Emergency Prepardness Conference will take place from Friday April 15 to Sunday April 17. An itenary will be posted. If anyone is interested in attending some or all of the event, please let us know. A sign up list will be posted soon. (May 2012 we will be hosting the Fire Prevention Officers of BC conference at the Prestige Hotel)

Saturday the recruit class will be doing their practical exam. If successful they will be receiving their pagers and keys. An exciting time for this large class of new firefighters. Lets give them a nice welcome and assist them on calls when they start responding this weekend.