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It is the season where we see many brush fires. We would like to remind
everyone to clear away any old grass, leaves, bushes, etc., away from
buildings so that there is no chance of brush or grass fires extending into
structures. As the old growth starts to decompose and warm up it is capable
of spontaneous combustion. Generally once the temperatures are in the 60’s
consistently, the brush fire season will be in full swing. It doesn’t need to be
95 degrees in July for brush fires. Another way to alleviate these hazards is to
provide smoking receptacles outside in designated smoking areas. Cigarette
butts have started many mulch fires in landscaped areas.
This season also brings with it more extreme weather systems that can
spawn heavy rains and tornadoes. Last year our area experienced severe
flooding which inconvenienced so many people as well as taxing the public
safety departments responding to emergencies. For civilians, being prepared
for emergencies is the best advice. Two excellent sources of information on
the web are www.ready.gov (FEMA) and www.state.il.us/iema (IL
Emergency Management Agency). Both sites have links and downloadable
materials available such as how to build a survival kit and what to do during a
tornado warning.
The fire service has begun using the slogan “Change your clocks, change
your batteries” to remind everyone when it is time to change the batteries in
smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. So, if anyone hasn’t already
done so – please, change your batteries!
| Fire Department News |
The Fire Department would like to congratulate Lieutenant Vince Zitella and
Firefighter Jack years. With these retirements there were two promotions made –
Jim Homa, a 23 year veteran of the department, was promoted to Lieutenant and
Mark Murray, a member for 15 years, was promoted to Engineer. Both have the
knowledge and experience to be excellent fire officers and are looking forward to
serving the community in their new capacity.
At the March 17th Village Board meeting the following persons were recognized
for their actions and dedication to the department:
• Engineer Jeff Culbreth – Firefighter of the Year for 2010.
• Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Hall – Individual Citation for the rescue of a
civilian at a fire scene.
• Assistance Chief Jeff Clohessy, Lieutenant Reid Bumber, Engineer Mike
Leach, Firefighter Jim Retusnic, Firefighter Rich Chaput, Firefighter/Paramedic
Dan Usrey and Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Hall were issued Unit Citations for their
actions at a structure fire resulting in two rescued civilians.
In January, the department held a workshop to put together a new mission
statement to help guide us through the next decade. Twelve members of the
department gathered together for the workshop that was moderated by Chief
Maloy. Through the activities the members identified three key values that we all
hold important to the delivery of service to the community – professionalism,
integrity, and preparedness. Our commitment to the community is to always be
professional; to serve with integrity and remember it is a privilege to have the
public’s confidence; and that preparedness is the key to being able to react
appropriately to every emergency that may challenge us. In developing a new
mission statement it is important to keep the organizational values in mind and for
it to be short enough that each member can memorize it, so their actions are
always consistent with the mission. The new mission statement serves as a guide
for all employees to understand just what is expected of them on a daily basis. An
accompanying vision statement was developed to help the department leadership
maintain the mission while planning for the future delivery of emergency services
in Bedford Park.
“It shall be our mission to provide professional services with integrity through
preparedness to preserve life, protect property, and ensure the safety of the
public.”
Firefighter Jack years. With these retirements there were two promotions made –
Jim Homa, a 23 year veteran of the department, was promoted to Lieutenant and
Mark Murray, a member for 15 years, was promoted to Engineer. Both have the
knowledge and experience to be excellent fire officers and are looking forward to
serving the community in their new capacity.
At the March 17th Village Board meeting the following persons were recognized
for their actions and dedication to the department:
• Engineer Jeff Culbreth – Firefighter of the Year for 2010.
• Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Hall – Individual Citation for the rescue of a
civilian at a fire scene.
• Assistance Chief Jeff Clohessy, Lieutenant Reid Bumber, Engineer Mike
Leach, Firefighter Jim Retusnic, Firefighter Rich Chaput, Firefighter/Paramedic
Dan Usrey and Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Hall were issued Unit Citations for their
actions at a structure fire resulting in two rescued civilians.
In January, the department held a workshop to put together a new mission
statement to help guide us through the next decade. Twelve members of the
department gathered together for the workshop that was moderated by Chief
Maloy. Through the activities the members identified three key values that we all
hold important to the delivery of service to the community – professionalism,
integrity, and preparedness. Our commitment to the community is to always be
professional; to serve with integrity and remember it is a privilege to have the
public’s confidence; and that preparedness is the key to being able to react
appropriately to every emergency that may challenge us. In developing a new
mission statement it is important to keep the organizational values in mind and for
it to be short enough that each member can memorize it, so their actions are
always consistent with the mission. The new mission statement serves as a guide
for all employees to understand just what is expected of them on a daily basis. An
accompanying vision statement was developed to help the department leadership
maintain the mission while planning for the future delivery of emergency services
in Bedford Park.
“It shall be our mission to provide professional services with integrity through
preparedness to preserve life, protect property, and ensure the safety of the
public.”
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