Danville Fire Department 2007 Annual Report

The Danville Fire Department has had a very busy year; we have seen a dramatic increase in emergency calls.  In 2006 we answered 326 Emergency Calls, i.e. Fire, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and calls for service.  2007 had us responding to 461 calls for emergency service.  Even with the unforeseen increase in calls we still managed to stay within our budget and maintain the number one service organization for the Town of Danville.

 Part-Time FF/EMTs still man the station Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm with staggered shifts to allow us to cover the town’s needs while most of our call force is at work.

 The time spent with Danville Elementary School students and staff has been invaluable, not only for Fire and Safety Prevention but for the comfort of the children of Danville during emergencies.

 A new Forest Fire Warden, Jim Seaver, was appointed this year and completed the necessary training with the state.  Seasonal Outdoor Burning Permits are available at the Fire Station, Monday, Friday 8am – 4pm and on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9.    Permits are required by the State of NH for any outside burning. Those with existing permits must renew for 2008.  We received a $1,000.00 Forestry Grant from the State of NH.

 Deputy Chief John Burnett was appointed Emergency Management Director (EMD) and Lt Janice Pouliot Deputy EMD for the Town of Danville.  They have been very busy throughout 2007 in all areas of emergency management especially in the extensive Pandemic Planning that has taken place in our communities, state and nation. The area planning team has produced brochures on Preparing for Emergencies that you may pick up at the Town Hall or during voting.  We were fortunate to share in a Pandemic Planning Grant with area towns.

 The area towns that utilize American Medical Response (AMR) for their ambulance transports were able to secure a zero-bid contract in 2007.  The hard work of area Fire Chiefs and Selectmen brought this to reality and saved the Town of Danville $32,000.00 annually.

 Once again I would like to remind all residents on the importance of visible house numbers.  Please secure large, reflective numbers on your house and mail box that are clearly visible from the street.  When a fire or EMS emergency occurs, seconds count and visible street numbering will assist our crews in finding your home in a timely manner.

 I would like to congratulate the following department members on the Certification they have earned in 2007.

            Lt. Brian Delahunty – FFII, NREMT-B

            FF Thomas McLinden - FFI, MREMT-B

            FF Timothy Griswold – FFI

            FF Steven Woitkun Jr. – FFI, FFII, Career FF, NREMT-B

            Matt Griswold and Ken Sweet are currently enrolled in EMT class.

            FF/EMTs Joe DeRusha and Scott LaBelle have just completed EMT-I class and

are scheduled to test at the end of January.

I would also like to congratulate Lt Brian Delahunty, FF Corey Ward and FF Steven Woitkun, Jr. who were hired by the Salem Fire Department as full-time FF/EMTs after a rigorous testing procedure involving hundreds of candidates. Lt. Garrett Coscia was hired by the Lawrence Fire Department as a fleet mechanic.  This only enhances the experience on the Danville Fire Department.

 I would like to thank our dedicated Call Force who answer Fire and EMs calls 24/7, 365 days a year.  The men and women are highly trained and dedicated professionals who are always ready to help their neighbors.

 In closing, I would ask the voters to support the Town Budget and related Warrant Articles.  “Help us –Help you.”

 Respectfully submitted,

Steven J. Woitkun, Chief