The Hickory Fire Department is joining thousands of fire departments across the United States and Canada for the 2006 International Fire Fighter Safety Stand Down. Starting June 12th, and continuing until all members of the department have participated, our fire fighters will suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on fire fighter safety.
The department will respond to all emergency calls as normal, but between calls, fire fighters, officers and chiefs will take the time to conduct safety training and drills; review our safety-related standard operating procedures; discuss accident reports and have an open conversation about fire fighter safety in the department. In addition, Captain Josh Crisp, Engineer Jeff Kanupp, and Senior Firefighters Andy Webster and Bradley Elmore will be making presentations to all fire department members on Emergency Vehicle and Road Scene Safety. The focus of the Stand Down is on emergency vehicle safety-in particular, on seatbelt use and safe driving through intersections.
"The Hickory Fire Department is committed to serving the residents of Hickory. Keeping our fire fighters safe and healthy helps us respond effectively and keep our community protected," said Fire Chief Tom Alexander.
"While fire fighter safety is always a priority of the department, the Stand Down is an opportunity to dedicate a significant amount of time to the safety of our personnel."
"The Stand Down also serves to remind the citizens of Hickory to do their part in keeping our community's fire fighters safe. Remember to pull to the right when you see fire trucks or ambulances responding, and use caution when driving by emergency scenes where fire fighters or paramedics are helping accident victims," Chief Alexander said].
Last year, 106 fire fighters died in the line of duty in the United States; 26 of these deaths occurred in emergency vehicle-related accidents. Thousands more were injured while on duty. The purpose of the stand down is to call international attention to these unacceptable numbers of line-of-duty deaths and injuries and devote an entire day to the critical issue of fire fighter safety.
The Stand Down is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the IAFC's Volunteer and Combination Officers' Section and in partnership with nearly 20 national fire service organizations.
Visit the IAFC Web site for more information , or call the IAFC at 703/273-0911.
Copyright 2006 by . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
