Wescott Fire Protection District
Previous Stories
New Director for Wescott Board

On January 16, 2008 at the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting, Greg Gent was selected to fill an open board seat.   Mr.Gent is a custom home builder and licensed Real Estate/Brokerage agent who has lived in the area since 1994.   Mr. Gent stated that he “strongly believes that the strength of our community is built through commitment to the institutions that help preserve the ethics and values of our community.    The Wescott Fire Department is just such an institution.”    Mr. Gent fills the seat previously held by Kraig Sullivan.   The term will last until May when this seat, with 2 years remaining, will be up for election, along with two 4 year terms.   The Wescott Fire Department membership would like to welcome Mr. Gent and his family to the Wescott family.

HALLOWEEN PATROL

On Halloween night Wescott Fire Department was out in force (including both fire engines and ambulance) to make sure that local trick-or-treaters were staying safe on our streets. Our fire fighters enjoyed seeing all of the kids in their costumes and passing out candy. If you had your picture taken by our staff, click here to see your picture.

Firefighter Valerie Marshall and Captain Mike Whiting


2007 OPEN HOUSE A SUCCESS


Firefighter Mike Forsythe

This year's Open House was a big success with many local EMS, police and rescue personnel participating.   We would like to thank all of those who attended this event.   Click here to view more pictures from our 2007 Open House.
Wescott FD Receives New Pumper/Engine



The Wescott Fire Department is proud to announce the delivery of a brand new Pumper/Engine to serve the residents of the fire district.  The new truck was built by Rosenbauer-Central States and was purchased from Max Fire, Inc. of Castle Rock, Colorado.   The new engine will be the first out engine and designated as Engine 1 with the older engine becoming a reserve/second out engine known as Engine 2.  

Specifications include a 1250 gallons per minute Waterous pump with a 500 gallon tank capacity as well as a 20 gallon Class A foam tank.   Lower than usual pre-connects and hose bed are just some of the special features included on the apparatus.   The Spartan cab has room for 6 firefighters as well as specially built cabinets for medical and special equipment.   All electronics are controlled by a multi-plexed computer system.   The majority of the emergency lights are LED and the addition of a Roto-Ray on the front of the truck allows for greater visibility when responding.   The truck also features an 8kw hydraulic generator, a hydraulic ladder rack, and a hydraulic Command Light tower controlled by a remote from the ground.   Sporting a new color scheme of black over red and newly designed Wescott Fire Department logos make this truck unique in El Paso County.
Thank You for Your "Fill the Boot" Contributions

The Wescott Fire Department spent the Labor Day holiday collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and "Jerry's Kids".   The department would like to thank each and every member of the community for their generous hearts and kind spirit.   Thanks to them, we were able to raise $9230.00.   The total amount collected stays right here in the Southern Colorado area to help those afflicted with a neuromuscular disability.   Thanks again to the residents of the fire district.
Attention Past Members of Wescott/El Paso County #1

Are you a past member of Wescott FD or El Paso County Station #1?   Irregardless if you were with us for 6 months or 25 years as a volunteer or career member, we would like to hear from you!  We are building a list of past members so we can inform you of district activities and events.  Please contact us at 719-488-8680 or by email at chief2@wescottfire.org.   We look forward to hearing from you.
Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Celebrates 25th Anniversary

In commemoration of our 25th anniversary as a fire district, WFPD issued badges redesigned with our patented seal to staff members on Tuesday, July 11th. For more details regarding our history, see April's Chief's Corner.
Volunteer Sworn in as Full Member

FF/EMT Derek Townsend was sworn in as a full member at the Wescott Fire Department's monthly board meeting on July 11, 2007 with Board President Brian Ritz administering the oath and Asst. Chief Vinny Burns pinning on the badge. FF/EMT Townsend joins the department after 2 years spent as a contract firefighter in Iraq and will be a great addition to the department.
Wescott FD Announces 2006 Award Recipients

Career Firefighter of the Year 2006 - FF/EMT Brian Gardner
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year 2006 - FF Bryan Ackerman

Captain Sean Pearson, FF/Medic Elyze Wermel, and FF/EMT Mike Forsythe were awarded Administrative Department Commendations for work done in 2006.
Wescott Welcomes New Firefighter/EMT

Wescott FD is proud to announce the hiring of volunteer Michael Forsythe as the newest career Firefighter/EMT.    Michael replaces FF Brian Gardner who took a position with Colorado Springs FD.    Michael has been a volunteer for 2 1/2 years and has completed all requirements for hire.    He has also been serving the department as the Health and Wellness officer as he is a certified physical trainer.    He has been responsible for the set up of the department's workout room as well as individual workout plans for all members.   Michael will be a great addition to the staff and starts
March 1st.
Two Volunteers Sworn in as Full Members

FF/EMT Jonathan Urban and FF/EMT Wayne Krzemien were sworn in as full members at the Wescott Fire Department's monthly board meeting on Feb. 21, 2007.    Board president Brian Ritz administered the oath to the new members with their families present.    Both members have completed all requirements for full membership and will be a great addition to the volunteers of the department.
Our Deepest Condolences   
The Wescott Fire Dept. would like to express its deepest condolences and grief to the family and friends of Colorado Springs Police Officer Kenneth Jordon and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Officer Jordon was killed in the line of duty while helping 2 other officers on a traffic stop on December 4, 2006. We are deeply saddened to lose another member of the Emergency Services as we are all family who work closely together. For more information, please go to the link provided.

We also mourn the loss of one of our firefighting brothers. FF Kevin Roberts of the City of Fountain Fire Department passed away December 4, 2006 after a heroic three year battle with brain cancer. Our brother will be missed. Our condolences to his family, friends, and the Fountain Fire Department.
Coats for Colorado - Charity Drive Another Big Sucess

American Medical Response and the Wescott Fire Department partnered together to collect coats for needy families in Colorado. The coat drive started October 1st and went through November 30th. In all, the communities that Wescott serves donated over 200 coats that filled the back of an ambulance. The coats will be distributed to charitable organizations, homeless shelters, and those individuals in need. We would like to thank everyone who donated and express our appreciation to our community. You really are a community who cares.
Fire Prevention Week is October 8th - 14th

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has chosen "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat" as the message for this year. Click here for a few tips to help keep you are yours safe.

The Wescott Fire Department will be hosting our Annual Open House on Saturday, October 14th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.Come by to meet our staff and Sparky the Fire Dog. See many types of rescue vehicles from Wescott and other local agencies including helicopters.Enter our raffle to win a dinner for your family cooked by our fire fighters at the station and other cool prizes; proceeds go to Rescue 1 volunteers. Learn how to protect your family with safety information. Hotdogs and sodas will be served.
Wescott Doubles Its Goal for MDA's "Fill the Boot"!

The Wescott Fire Department spent the 4 days of the Labor Day holiday collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and "Jerry's Kids". The department would like to thank each and every member of the community for their generous hearts and kind spirit. Thanks to them, we not only reached our goal to raise $5000.00 but we more than doubled it. The total amount collected was $11,079.15; all of which stays right here in the Southern Colorado area to help those afflicted with a neuromuscular disability.
Wescott Donates Fire Truck to
Hurricane-Ravaged Fire Department

In order to aid the Henry Volunteer Fire Department of Louisianna following the devastation caused by hurricane Rita, WFPD donated a 1988 Rescue/Fire truck which the department had intended to sell. Thisdonation was spearheaded by American Medical Response's (AMR) Paramedic Eric Miller assisted by Chief Jeff Edwards, Captain Scott Ridings and firefighter Shannon Balvanz. FULL STORY
Donald Wescott Fire District Welcomes a New Fire Chief

Jeff Edwards, 43, was sworn in as Wescott's new fire chief on December 10th, 2005 following the retirement of Bill Sheldon who served as the district's chief for the previous 15 years. Edwards joined the department as a volunteer in 1995. Prior to becoming a firefighter, Edwards served in the Army as a medic and continues to serve as a member of the Wyoming Air Guard. Chief Edwards looks to the future of the DWFD with enthusiasm and a fresh outlook. He is proud to be serving Gleneagle and the surrounding communities.