By Chief Ben Palm
ADDITIONAL GRANT AWARDS:
Last month, we shared that we received the FEMA SAFER Grant in the amount of $316,806. SAFER is an acronym for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. To clarify, the SAFER award does not provide operational funds, except in the realm of staffing. Denise Roggio has been appointed as the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, whose salary is paid by the grant. Our volunteers are also paid a stipend per call, and the grant provides training, uniforms, Cadet Funds and a marketing allowance. Yarnell Fire District was also pleased to be awarded the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant in the amount of $4,210 to procure Safety Scene Lights.
COALITION FOR WILDFIRE ADAPTED COMMUNITIES:
Last week, we received notice that we were awarded two grants from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Hazardous Fuels Mitigation Program. Yarnell Fire District applied for the grant on behalf of the Coalition for Wildfire Adapted Communities. This two-year period of performance provided $26,384 for the Model Creek Project, abating fuels around Model Creek School and at the Creek; it also provided $192,928 for Wilhoit, abating fuels on the East side of Highway 89, south of Southern Yavapai Fire Department. We will be administering the grant, and Chief Palm will coordinate the projects.
YFD CADET PROGRAM:
The Cadets are enjoying their 4th year at YFD. Captain Shearer and Sharon Smith have been leading bi-weekly training sessions. They have successfully put out training fires, pulled hoses and performed physical agility training. Check our Facebook page for some great photos!
YFD IS HIRING:
Reminder: we’re looking for dedicated men and women to join us. Some of the benefits of joining Yarnell Fire District include training opportunities, a crew quarters for out of district volunteers and working in a team environment. Our goal is to train recruits to a minimum of EMT, FFI/FFII and Wildland Firefighter. We also have positions for support firefighters. Interested candidates should visit www.yarnellfire.org for an application. Contact Denise Roggio for information by calling 928-427-6578 or using the contact form on the website.
YARNELL FIRE AUXILIARY NEWS from Linda Ma:
Thanks to everyone who supported the Wine, Cheese and Jazz Event in October. It was a huge success!
We are preparing for the Holiday Season. On December 7th, we’re hosting a Christmas Dinner for the Yarnell Fire family. Then on December 15th, from 10am to 4pm, we will be participating in the Stocking Stuffer Bazaar at the Old Prescott Armory, 824 E. Gurley Street. Stop by our booth for your last minute ideas and to support our goals! For info please call Denise or Linda at 928-427-6578.
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES:
YFD is glad to have three new volunteers. Welcome to Earletta Jones, In-District Support Staff; Jason Lohman, Out of District Reserve and Wildland Firefighter; Jerry Becker, Out of District Reserve and Wildland Firefighter.
September 2018 Service Calls
Incidents: 28 – Average response time: 5.00 Minutes
EMS: 13 Motor Vehicle Accident: 4 Flood: 0
Mutual Aid: 1 Public Assists: 5 Smoke Checks: 1
Structure Fire: 0 Wildland Fire: 0 Rescue: 0
Snake Removal: 2 Fire Alarm Check: 0 Welfare Check: 3