Preparedness
A special meeting of the VFBV members for Mt Alexander LGA was opened by Chief Officer Euan Ferguson on Sunday 27th May. A very interesting and fruitful day which also looked at a recap of the year and local strategy for the future. The Chief shared his vision for the CFA and the video one CFA was shown. It is available at www.cfaconnect.net.au/news/new-video-illustrates-one-cfa.html
A major structure fire exercise was held at Epsom ICC on 23rd May. The night was a great success and exercised incident management in a Level 3 IMT setting. Over 60 people attended. Special thanks to those who took on key roles including Mike Wassing as facilitator, Craig Brittain IC, Craig Houlahan Ops, Bruce Quarrier Planning, Mark Kelly Public Info and Peter Polwarth Logistics. Many people stepped up in deputy and assistant roles also and the catering by DSE was excellent. We will be looking to have one of these non bushfire major exercises every year.
The next DPC meeting will be an all day strategy meeting on Sunday 17th June at
Thanks to all those who have returned their radio rollout information to Alun Hughson. He has further negotiated some changes to the rollout due to elections or misunderstandings. Any future radio additions will be subject to Operational justification.
Bogus salespersons in the Outer Metro area have been claiming to represent CFA and charging householders to paint numbers on kerbsides. This is a reminder that our good name can be used by unscrupulous people for their own advantage. Let us know if you find this sort of thing occurring.
The rollout of WEBTRAIN continues with several training sessions having been held already.
WWW.everyonegoeshome.com is an American site by the fallen firefighters foundation. This site is devoted to changing attitudes about firefighter safety and has some excellent video lessons. A reminder that our main focus should be to come home safe.
The use of sirens for community warning policy was released at Maiden Gully Fire Station last month by the Minister for Police and Emergency services and the Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan and the Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley. Footage of the release is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK9iGOoGu10
Fires and incidents
A burn to a firefighters hand at a structure fire reminds us all to wear our gloves. It appears that this burn was caused by radiant heat at some distance and may require surgery.
Buildings
Harcourt and Sutton Grange stations are to lock up stage.
Newham new station we still expect good news on approval from council shortly.
CFA PEOPLE NEWS
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of long time Lockwood member Don Bickford who passed away this month.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of long time Heathcote member Jock Granter, who passed away this month. A state funeral for this former MP was attended by the CFA CEO Mr Mick Bourke.
OO Chris Jacobsen is on a couple of weeks leave this month Justin Dally is acting in his position.
OM Mark Gilmore will be having a couple of weeks off at the end of this month.
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