Page 37 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2020

Shelter in Place! Stay at Home!
Practice Social Distancing!
What you might Expect during a 911 call while Coronavirus precautions are in place to reduce the risk of transmission: 1. Tell 9-1-1 dispatch if you have flu-like symptoms
2. Move to your front yard or closest room to the front door
3. For less serious calls, only one first responder (i.e., firefighter, EMT) will enter your house
4. Expect first responders and ambulance personnel to be wearing face masks and gowns
5. First responders may remain six feet away, when possible
If you have the option, call your healthcare advice nurse line
or email your doctor instead of calling 9-1-1 for minor health issues. Hospitals are busy with a surge of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms... best NOT to expose yourself to that unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor can help you make that decision. If resources continue to get stretched, 9-1-1 dispatch may recommend options other than sending firefighters and ambulance crews if the need does not appear to be an emergency.
A little Reminder-Fireplace Ashes
Did you know that your fireplace can keep the ashes hot for a long time after the last fire? A fireplace is well insulated, and the ash can stay hot for up to four days. In prior years, grass and house fires started when fireplace ashes were dumped in trashcans or on combustible items like pine needles and wooden stairs.
Bodega Bay FPD
BBFPD is proud to announce the hiring of Full-time Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Parker and Reserve Firefighter/EMT Sophie Martin. Once the Coronavirus protections are lifted we hope to see you at their badge pinning ceremony. Like us on Facebook and find us online at www.bbfpd.org
Forestville FPD
We will be cancelling this year’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. We do plan to still hold the coloring contest and the new deadline for entries will be May 15th, 2020. The contest is open
to all children ages 4-12. The entries can be returned to the grade school
in Forestville (if the schools are back in session) or can be mailed to the firehouse at: 6554 Mirabel Rd, Forestville CA 95436.
Graton FPD Firefighter Awards
If it is not possible to wait 3-4 days before removing the ash from the fireplace, then purchase a metal container with a lid to store the ashes away from your home or outbuildings. Not only will the metal container and lid hold the ash safely, it will also greatly reduce the amount of air... further smothering any potential fire.
Firefighter of the Year : Above and Beyond the Call: Most Improved Firefighter: Most Improved Trainee :
Ian Muskar
Dustin Blumenthal Matt Skinner
Kyle Bartlett
This year’s recipient for Most Improved Trainee goes to Kyle Bartlett. Joining the department as a trainee, he has quickly become a great asset. Kyle has significant vehicle repair knowledge and fixes many of our minor engine issues. He completed the SRJC firefighter academy, EMT school, driver/operator certification, and is number one in calls since turning out in June. Kyle is already driving our rescue squad, brush truck, and reserve fire engine... We are lucky to have him. Thank you for your hard work in training and we look forward to your participation for years to come!
The Graton Fire Board of Directors said thank you last month to our volunteer firefighters for another year of service (running a record 802
calls) with our annual awards dinner. This is the one time each year, when we can relax (because Sebastopol Firefighters provided station coverage)
and socialize with our spouses and significant others. We often forget the sacrifices our families and friends make so that we can serve the community... this is a night to thank them as well.
Congratulations to all of the recipients and a BIG thank you to all of our volunteers and their families.
We also recognized all firefighters and board directors for
It is also time to recognize those individuals that excelled during 2019 – Ian Muskar was singled out as Firefighter of the Year by his peers. After joining the department in 2003, Ian has been a tremendous asset to the department. He is a great leader as an Engineer and a positive influence around the station. As a licensed Electrician, he is very handy during station projects and purchased a house near the fire station offering a quick response. Ian completed EMT school as well as many fire officer classes to benefit the Graton community. Great job!
their years of service – Those with over 20 years include:
There are certain people that you can rely on to always be there when
you need them. Whether it is hanging out at the station waiting for calls or handling additional station projects – Dustin Blumenthal is always going Above and Beyond the Call. He responded to more calls than anyone else during 2019. This year, we recognize Dustin for his outstanding service to the department since 2015. Thank you!
STAY SAFE! We’re here when you need us!
Matt Skinner received the award for Most Improved Firefighter. He joined our department two years ago after wanting to give back following the Tubbs Fire. After completing our academy in 2018, he became a certified driver/ operator through SRJC. Matt works full-time for UC Berkeley helping with their technology – he used those skills to design our new website and many of our social media posts. Matt has been a great help; he regularly responds to our community’s emergencies. Congratulations!
Deputy Chief Scott Fisher – 37 years
Board President Bob Maddocks – 36 years Board Secretary Mario Cesaretti – 24 years Assistant Chief Robert Sabrowsky – 22 years Fire Chief Bill Bullard – 21 years
Captain Darrell Kopriva – 20 years
For more information visit: Sonoma County Fire at: sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Fire-Prevention/
or CAL FIRE at: fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyForWildfire.org
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