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| TWO FIRE DISTRICTS CONSIDER CONSOLIDATION Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District Wescott Fire Protection District |
Two northern El Paso County fire districts have agreed to begin talks that could eventually lead to some form of
consolidation. The Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District and the Wescott Fire Protection District are next-door neighbors. The Wescott
Fire Department serves about 6,500 homes in 20 square miles. Black Forest Fire/Rescue serves approximately 3,500 homes in a 48-square-
mile area. For years, the two fire departments have fought fires together under an automatic aid agreement. Both boards of directors now
want to know whether a closer legal relationship could benefit the citizens of both districts. After several months of preliminary discussions,
subcommittees reported that some form of consolidation might reduce citizens’ tax payments, as well as improve efficiency and flexibility.
But they caution that it’s too early to say whether the best solution would be a full merger, or creation of an umbrella authority to oversee
the administration of both fire departments.
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| WESCOTT FIRE DEPARTMENT INTRODUCES THE Uh-Ohs! |
Wescott Fire Department will be introducing a new injury prevention program for the
Spring 2009 semester for K-3 students. This program is offered by NFPA and is called the Uh-Ohs, a unique, interactive, and
fun way to reinforce important safety messages. These fun filled, accident prone adventurists have some learning to do and
with the help of a child, they will learn how to prevent injuries. Visit our
Kid's Page for more information.
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| BURN AWARENESS WEEK | FEBRUARY 1st - 7th 2009 |
| The 2009 Awareness campaign for Shriners Hospital |
Reckless use and improper storage of gasoline leads to thousands fo young children being burned every year. These
dangerous behaviors are being addressed in Shriners Hospital's 2009 Burn Awareness Week campaign.
Click here for more information.
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| Wescott Firefighters would like to remind you to locate hazards in your home that could lead to life threatening burns for you or your family. |
On December 13th, the Wescott Fire Department held its annual Christmas Party and Awards Banquet. The following awards were given out: Volunteer Firefighter of the Year - FF Jeff Sherman
Career Firefighter of the Year - FF Curt Leonhardt Life Saving Medal - Capt. Mike Whiting, FF Valerie Marshall, FF Mike Forsythe, FF Wayne Krzemien, AMR Medic Shawn Howell Unit Citation - Fire/EMS Ground - FF Curt Leonhardt, FF Derek Townsend, FF Wayne Krzemien, FF Justin Chavez, FF Andrew Volkmann, AMR Medic Jason White Battalion Chief Michael Badger and Capt. Mike Whiting were also recognized for serving the Wescott Fire Department for 20 years and were presented with personalized rings signifying their long service to the department and the community. |
Fire Chief Jeff Edwards has been called to active duty for a deployment to the Middle East as a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard. This will be Chief Edwards' third deployment since 2004. Assistant Chief Vinny Burns has been appointed as acting Chief by the Board of Directors until Edwards returns. |
The Wescott Fire Department spent the 5 days of the Labor Day holiday “Filling the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and "Jerry's Kids". The department would like to thank each and every member of the Gleneagle and greater Tri-Lakes communities for their generous hearts and kind spirit. Thanks to them, we not only reached our goal to raise $10,000.00 but we raised $14,300.00, a Wescott record. All monies collected stay right here in the Southern Colorado area to help those afflicted with a neuromuscular disability. Nationally, the Labor Day Telethon raised $65 million. The department would also like to thank the managers and employees of King Soopers and Wal-Mart for allowing firefighters to fill the boot outside their doors. Thanks again to all those who donated. |
 On Sept. 19th, five members of the Wescott Fire Department and one member of the Colorado Springs Fire Department will be awarded the “Wings of Honor” award presented by Flight for Life of Colorado. CSFD Battalion Chief Jim Schanel (not pictured), Capt. Scott Ridings, AMR Paramedic Doug McIntyre, FF Curt Leonhardt, FF Roger Lance, and Engineer James Rackl will be presented with their award during ceremonies to be held at the new St. Francis Medical Center and Flight for Life’s hanger facilities. The honorees were the first medical crew to arrive on the scene for the shootings at New Life Church in December of 2007 where they risked their lives to provide treatment and transport of the victims. The five men from Wescott were previously awarded the Wescott Medal of Valor for their actions. |
At the August 20th meeting of the Board of Directors, Firefighter Bryan
Ackerman was sworn in as the newest Lieutenant for the Wescott Fire
Department. Also, EMT Jeff Sherman was sworn in as a full member of
the department, having completed all training and requirements for
membership. Congratulations to both members.
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 The
Wescott Fire Department has joined with the Colorado State Forest Service
Community Wildfire Prevention Partners to educate and provide assistance to
homeowners living in the wildland interface areas of the district. The
department will be conducting a community risk assessment and hope to implement
a protection plan to assist homeowners in preparing their properties to
minimize the dangers when a wildfire threatens the district. If you are unsure
if your home is in the wildland interface, please call Station 1 and we will
assist you. The department also offers Home and Property inspections at no
cost. To schedule an inspection, contact the on- duty officer at 488-8680.
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Be FIREWISE! Many areas in the Wescott Fire Protection District are considered fire-prone to wildfire. Click here to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your property. |
WFPD is involved
in... |
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