Then he said there were about 30 of them, including 18 fire companies, five police agencies and seven others, such as ambulances, the Salvation Army, Red Cross and Office of Emergency Management Services.
It has been a hectic couple of weeks. Lists of fire chiefs weren’t up to date, many phone numbers had been disconnected and most of them who are volunteers have jobs during the day, and weren’t easily reached.
But I’m slowly working my way through the list, with only three more contacts to make — and two days to do it.
As much work as it was, it was also an eye-opener, as if I didn’t already know how dedicated these volunteers are. My mother, stepfather and sisters were active in the East Shelby Fire Company. I’ve attended enough firemen’s banquets to know how much time is devoted to training — hundreds of hours a year.
But the thing which hit home the most was a remark made by Jim Bouton with Genesee County Emergency Management Services. He said it was ironic a fireman who volunteers his time and talents is told to go raise the money when he needs a new piece of equipment. But, a snow plow driver, who makes good wages and has all the benefits isn’t told to go raise the money if he wants a new snow plow. They just buy him one.
Several of the volunteer fire companies (and the city of Batavia) are totally funded by their towns, but most struggle to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to pay their bills and build up a reserve when a new piece of equipment is needed.
Several firefighters told me their towns believe they have enough to do to support their families, answer calls and keep their equipment in tip-top shape, without having to worry about fundraising.
I have gained a new respect for this equipment when I viewed the new aerial platform truck recently purchased by the town of Batavia for $915,000.
One thing was apparent at every fire department I visited. Volunteer or paid, funded or not, these firefighters all take great pride in their vehicles. Every single fire truck and emergency vehicle shone like it just came off the showroom floor.
Sunday, we went to a chicken and biscuit dinner for the youth group in which our granddaughters Maggie and Beth Kropf from Newfane belong. Appropriately, the placemats on the tables were “Dos and Don’ts of Fire Safety” from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.
Now, we all know the things we are and aren’t supposed to do — not only in the case of a fire, but to prevent fires.
I thought they would bear repeating here:
DO …
Have an escape plan and meeting place.
Know how to notify your fire department. Dial 911.
Clean your fireplace chimney annually.
Test smoke detectors monthly.
DON’T …
Wait until smoke detector batteries are dead to replace them.
Let trash pile up in hallways. You may trip while exiting a fire.
Leave candles unattended.
Leave the stove on while you’re not in the room.