Introduction
Despite a small number of fire and EMS runs, March proved to be extremely busy as required training, several special projects, and the hiring of new staff occupied a significant amount of time.   In addition, preparation for the Township’s Annual Meeting and several presentations and discussions with regard to fire and EMS coverage in both our area and neighboring areas occurred.  

Personnel

• Two new part time EMTs were welcomed to the department.  Following their orientation programs, Kim and Steve Ward will start helping with evening on-call shifts in April.  Steve will also be assisting as a firefighter. 
• Interviews for the EMT-firefighter positions posted on the Munson Healthcare website in February were held early in the month.  A total of 5 applicants were interviewed by Chief Dodson, Roye Meis (North Flight Operations Manager); John Kenney and Chief Pat Parker from Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department.  Three applicants were selected to fill EMT-firefighter vacancies. The new full time staff members include Eric Dubord, Bryan Ferguson, and Lee Lasky.  These new members will join Rachel Schaap and Andrew Anthony as North Flight contract employees and will begin their duties with orientation activities in early April. 
• A paramedic position opening was posted on the Munson Healthcare website in early March.  The posting closed at the end of March, with interviews to be held early in the month of April.  This position will fill the rotating paramedic slot currently being filled by Chief Dodson.  The Chief will serve in that slot until it is filled and will subsequently continue to provide paramedic coverage on an “as needed” basis.
• To strengthen the operation of the Department, Chief Dodson posted three management staff positions and opened these positions to application from any member of the Department.  In addition to otherwise assigned suppression and EMS duties, these staff members provide support and assistance to the Chief.  These roles will also ensure continuity of operations in his absence.  Three individuals were selected and assigned tasks in the following areas:  David Grattopp, EMS Operations; Rachel Schaap, Fire Operations; and Dena Smith, Administration.  It is anticipated that these will be rotating positions, giving each person the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the Department’s operations.  As each of these individuals is assigned to a different shift, each will also serve as a “Shift Supervisor” on a daily basis.  John Kenney was also appointed to the new position of General Manager, assisting Chief Dodson in a variety of tasks. 
• Bill Davis, Tim Nichols, and Andrew Anthony were recognized for their contributions as officers of the Glen Arbor Fire Department.  The formal recognition was given along with a department update just prior to the March 7th training session.  The retirement of formal “officer” staff positions is due to the recent reorganization of the department, described above.    

Training

• Three departmental training sessions were held during the month.  First was an update and informational session provided by Jim Rinehart, the Administrative Director of the Northwest Regional Medical Control Authority.  He led a lively discussion with regard to upcoming changes to current medical protocols.  These changes are anticipated to occur around the first part of May.  The session was attended by 20 people, including National Park Service personnel.
• The second training session was the annual MIOSHA, bloodborne and airborne pathogens update session.  A total of 16 people attended this session.  Make-up dates for those that were unable to attend have been scheduled for April. 
• The final departmental training session for the month was attended by 13 people and was the annual review of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.  The review included an equipment familiarization exercise in limited light conditions (it was dark!); an activity that included crawling along a charged hose line while in full turn-out gear and SCBA in areas that afforded limited space and mobility; and a physical agility exercise that included carrying a hose pack; maneuvering through ladder rungs; walking a narrow plank; dragging a 150-pound manikin and using a sledge hammer to simulate overhaul operations.  This was great training and much appreciated by all that attended. 
• Seven department members attended Wildland Fire training the first two weekends in March.  This training was provided by staff from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and sponsored through a grant obtained by the Empire Fire Department.  The training was held at the Empire Township Hall for two consecutive weekends, eight hours each day.  To facilitate completion of the course in a timely way, Glen Arbor personnel prepared lunch for the last two days of class so that lunchtime could be minimized and the program could be completed on time.  Department members attended this training on a voluntary basis and worked among themselves to ensure duty coverage during the training. 

 
Apparatus

• During routine training and practice with the apparatus, a hydraulic problem with the controls to the aerial ladder on 331 was identified.  This is likely a result of the generator overheating and subsequent repair late last fall.  The ladder has been inspected by a Pierce mechanic and parts have been ordered.  The ladder and truck remain in service, with minor limitations (speed) to the main ladder control functions.  In addition to the repairs needed to the controls, it has also been noted that the nozzle on the ladder does not stow properly.  The mechanic was unable to adjust it to do so.  A new stow motor for the nozzle has been ordered and it will be replaced at the same time as the hydraulic repair.  For now, all parts of Quint 331 may be used, however the above limitations should be noted, and extra care taken when bedding the ladder, to ensure there is adequate clearance for the stowed nozzle. 
• During regular inspection of the ambulances loose battery cables were found and the cabinet that houses the batteries on 392 required repair.  Both items were addressed by Jim Wendels.  In addition, a small transmission fluid leak was identified in unit 392.  This will be addressed early in April. 

Facilities

• A surprise inspection by a State of Michigan Boiler Inspector revealed a couple of maintenance and reporting issues thought to have been handled by the original HVAC contractor.  A pressure relief valve required replacement and the inspector also identified that a routine inspection and record-keeping process needed to be established for the equipment.  Required repair work has been performed and arrangements have been made to ensure that an annual inspection and record-keeping requirements are properly addressed.  Follow-up contact has been made with the State. 

Equipment

• The larger of two floating pumps received this winter has been placed on 382, along with the large generator formerly mounted in the passenger side compartment of Engine 312.  This will enable remote operations for wildland water supply and additional energy and lighting capabilities from the portable hydrant.  This portable pump burns straight regular gas. 
• The Small Floating Pump has been placed on 312.  It has been fueled and a can of gas/oil mix has been placed with the pump.  It should be noted that the gas mix for this pump is much different than any of the department’s other small engines.  Both the gas can and the pump have been labeled so that use of the correct 1:24 oil/gas mixture can be ensured. 
• During the later part of the month, each of the three remaining dry hydrants were tested for the ability to supply adequate volumes of water.  All three of the hydrants (located on Fisher Road; across from the Marathon Station on River Road; and at the DNR Boat Launch on Day Forest Road) supplied water without difficulty.  The fourth dry hydrant on the corner of Crystal Bend and M-22 is awaiting repairs, having been a victim of a car crash earlier in the winter. 
• The ladders on Engine 312 received their annual testing and certification by an outside vendor.  Testing of the ladders on the rest of the apparatus was not required this year due to their recent delivery. 
• More cribbing and several wedges for sprinklers have been made by Eric Dubord and will be placed in the apparatus and made available to personnel for their gear.

Programs and Additional Services

• The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has initiated a new process for obtaining burn permits.  Burn Permits now may be obtained by the individual wishing to burn either via the internet or by phone.  Information sheets have been posted throughout the station for ready access, as a significant number of inquiries are received on a daily basis.  A copy of this information also has been provided to the Township.  The new burn permit procedure established by the Department of Natural Resources affords the Central Dispatch Center internet access to the list of approved burn permits on a daily basis. 

Submitted by:

John A. Dodson
Chief of the Department