Introduction
The short month of February provided for a number of responses and also the completion of a number of station projects. 

Personnel

• EMT-firefighter positions were posted on the Munson Healthcare website, with interviews for these to be held in March.  Several applications were received and after an initial background check and driving record review, seven were selected to continue in the interview process.
• A great number of applications (7) were received for part-time EMT-firefighter positions as well.  Unfortunately, the majority of these applicants do not live in the immediate township.  Most have substantial experience with other local departments, however.  These applications seem to correlate with recent staffing changes at those other departments. 

Training

• Three training sessions were held during the month.  First was the annual CPR update and recertification, attended by 18 members, a combination of Glen Arbor Fire Department staff, National Park service staff, and Empire Fire Department staff.  Approximately 8 EMS members (mostly MFR’s from Empire) will be scheduled for make-up training.  The second training related to truck company operations and was an equipment briefing exercise that required the active participation of all that attended.  A review of the equipment on 331, as well of the operation of the various components of the truck was informative and greatly benefited all that attended.  The Saturday training took advantage of the thinner ice and moving water of the Crystal River.  Tim Nichols offered the use of his property at the Riverfront Deli, which afforded participants the opportunity to use the ice sled and ropes to affect simulated rescues on thin ice.  The temperature was cold, but the sun was out.  The ice rescue equipment worked well and the opportunity to re-familiarize the staff with this equipment was very valuable.  

Apparatus

• The bent rail and bar on the rear compartment door of Engine 311 that had been damaged in January was expertly replaced by Eric Dubord.  The total cost of the replacement pieces came to approximately $650 (insurance deductable is $500).  We were fortunate to be able to complete this repair in-house, thus saving considerable on repair costs. 

Facilities

• Recent snowfall has caused considerable snow collection around the building.  The shoveling and maintenance of safe egress from the Public Safety Building by the members is appreciated. 
• A fire pole last used by firefighters from the Chicago Fire Department was donated to Glen Arbor by John Kenney.  It has been placed in the lobby as a tribute to one of many traditions of the fire service.  This project was completed by the duty crews during the last few days of February. 

Equipment

• Additional wildland firefighting equipment was received, and much of the 1 inch hose has been placed on Engine 312 in the rear crosslay compartments.  Pre-connected is 800 feet, with a nozzle.  In a roll is 200 feet and nozzle.  Additional reducers and a gated wye will be placed in this unit. 

Programs and Additional Services

• Provided a standby for Empire polar dip for their Winter festival.

Submitted by:
John A. Dodson
Chief of the Department