Introduction
Wonderful weather and then just a bit of cold have welcomed the springtime to Glen Arbor.  Attention to the exterior of the station is on the agenda as are plans for summer maintenance, including general washing, bug spraying and grounds maintenance.  Also anticipated is an increase in call volume as the recreational areas open and summer residents return.  Wildland fire season has begun as evidenced by several brush fires throughout the county.

Personnel

• New firefighter/EMT’s are settling into shifts and continuing the orientation process.  Shane Holly has been placed to A shift (Dena’s) and Jon Marchell to C shift (the Chief’s). 
• Interviews to fill firefighter/EMT vacancies, both in Glen Arbor and in anticipation of staffing Empire, were held twice in April.  While receiving a substantial number of applicants, few are experienced in either firefighting or EMS; many do not interview well. Thus, we have had limited success in finding qualified candidates.

Training

• Three training sessions were held in April.  The first was a semi-annual review of “special programs,” as required by Medical Control.  This session included a peer teaching group activity that was fun and very instructive.  The session was attended by 25 people.
• The second training session was an elective session that provided 5.5 EMS credits for those that attended.  This session was held on a Saturday, early in the month.  Topics included in this session were EMT wellness, childbirth and newborn resuscitation, geriatric emergencies and a review of spinal injuries.  Two Saturday sessions offered this year have provided required practical and topical credits that will assist those who attended in renewing their EMS license. 
• The topic for the third training session of the month was ropes and knots.  Bryan Ferguson, along with the Chief and the duty crew, provided a review of various knots and procedures for using mechanical advantage (pulleys and anchors).  These skills are reviewed annually as they may be needed for various rescue services, particularly those involving the dunes, Overlook 9 and 10, and Pyramid Point.
• New weekly shift training assignments have been posted on the refrigerator in the kitchen.  Each full time staff member is responsible for a fire or EMS training session of approximately one hour duration that all duty personnel will complete during the assigned week.  All full time members are required to complete the weekly training.  Part time members are welcome to complete the training as well.  Please be sure to sign the roster so that everyone’s attendance will be recorded. 

Administration

• The area of Kasson Township formerly covered by Empire Township for Fire and Medical Services has been withdrawn as of the 8th of April.  Therefore, neither Empire Township nor Glen Arbor Township resources will be dispatched to provide primary services in Kasson Township at this time; they will receive emergency services from Cedar. 
• The contract between Empire Township and Glen Arbor Township for the provision of emergency services is on hold while Empire Township addresses financial issues and logistics issues related to the renovation of their fire station and the withdrawal of Kasson Township.

Apparatus

• The rear dump valve on 321 is working sluggishly.  Andrew Anthony has been working with Halt to resolve. 
• The discharge pressure gauge on 382 has been replaced.
• The solenoid for the winch on 384 (Polaris) has been replaced.
• Bids have been opened for the new ambulance.  Three packets were sent to vendors and two were returned.  Initial bids ranged between $170,000 and $193,000!  The bids are reviewed internally and adjustments made to the final cost through negotiation with the vendors.  They are then presented to the Emergency Services Advisory Commission to make a recommendation to the Township Board for approval.  Due to the availability of a chassis and other materials for the new ambulance, delivery is expected in the fall. 
• The door handle on 392 was found to be inoperable from the outside; The door panel was taken apart and it has been repaired. 
• 393 received a new battery in April.  The original one was found dead on several occasions. 
• Engine 311 was found to have a chip and crack in the passenger side windshield.   All personnel are reminded to ensure that loose equipment in the cab is secure prior to lifting the cab for an engine inspection.  Additionally, if chips are noted in windshield glass, the shift leader should be advised immediately so that arrangements for repair can be made before the chip escalates into a crack, necessitating replacement of the windshield.
• 311 was also found to have the beginning of rust along the lower margin of the driver’s windshield.  Pierce has been contacted and this will be repaired locally under warranty within the near future.
• Thorough vehicle checks and daily use of equipment by duty crews have afforded the department the opportunity to maintain apparatus in optimal running order and lessen the potential for critical failures during emergency operations. 

Equipment

• All department ladders received their annual testing and certification in April.  This year’s testing activity was significantly more extensive than previous year’s.  Testing of several of the ladders was not required last year since they had been tested prior to delivery with new apparatus.  The aerial ladder received its first test this year, which included an analysis of the hydraulic fluid in the lines that control the ladder.  The cost of ladder testing is fairly substantial and is required annually. 
• The AED at the Township Hall was found to be alarming (the AED, not the alarm box it is stored in) during a routine check.  The defib pads were found to be dried out because an edge of one of the pads had been lifted to inspect the sticky surface.  This was sensed by the machine and a warning alarm set.  New pads were ordered and have been placed in the unit.
• In preparation for ISO review, duty crews have been practicing tanker operations and were able to achieve pumping 500 gallons per minute for an extended duration of time. 

Facilities

• General maintenance is being performed around the building.  Plans are underway to begin the process of painting the interior of the building.
• The last of the snow has been broken up in an effort to make it melt faster.  The side and back of the building are finally clear and full access is permitted to the last bay on both sides of the building. 

Special Events

• Glen Arbor, along with other county departments, participated in a recent tornado exercise.  Much of this type of event focuses on the safety of school children.  Leelanau Schools was closed for spring break so our function was to determine staffing availability and response time to the station.  This information was then forwarded to county dispatch for inclusion in a performance summary.  The Chief participated at the county emergency operations center as an Area Commander. 
• CPR training was provided by Andrew Anthony to two groups during the month. 

Donations and Acknowledgements Received

• In remembrance of Jim Miller
• Catherine and Charles E. Lee
• Paul Dragan
• Norma and David Mormie
• The George Sikorski’s
• Boone and Skip Harriger and Family
• Jerry and Gwen Denny
• Becky Garland and Marge Phillips
• Margaret Hodge (to Empire Fire Department)
• Dave McClary and Len Mayhew (to Empire Fire Department)
• JoAnne and Dennis Palmer
• Brian A. Wilson
• John S. Dorsey
• Jean and Candi Bogart
• Brian A. Wilson

• In remembrance of Roy Taghon
• Ken and Michelle Homa and William Urquhart

• Patricia Foy

Submitted by:

John A. Dodson
Chief of the Department