News of the Week

First report is that Nakima is doing OK. Still in hospital with lots of bruises but nothing broken. She reports that she will be off duty for a while and is hoping to get home soon. Able to get up and walk about a little so that is good news. Firefighter performance tests are about to get started. All platoons will get to participate. (Nakima may have to put hers off for a while) Budget talks are nearing the end. So far all seems to be going well. Council will present the entire budget at the District Open House on April 14th for further public input. We have managed to get it down to a less than 3% tax increase so that is definitely good news. If the budget is approved as is, we will soon be able to go to tender for the new truck to replace old 204. We are anticipating a January 2012 delivery date +/- a few days. Some serious discussion on how we respond in the rescue truck (207) A great deal of concern over riding in the back has been expressed. I must agree that this is not the best place to be in if an accident were to occur. Will be up for discussion at the next officer meeting. Prestige Hotel is moving full speed ahead as they prepare for their first conference to be held in just under two weeks. Alarm and sprinkler testing are being conducted tomorrow so hopefully all goes well and the place can open on time. The tanker shuttle evolution went well according to A Chief Barney. With assistance from Shirley, East Sooke, Metchosin and Otter Point it looks like we can do this successfully in almost all areas. Once proven to an engineer and we get certification, this will provide huge dividends for anyone outside of hydrant protection area as they can claim the same rating as hydrant protection for their homes. On a side note, we have ordered a ten inch dump valve for the back of Tender 1 to facilitate a quicker dump and turn around time.