PikeRoad Fire Department
Safety Message
Move Right for Sirens & Lights
The Pike Road Fire Department asks for your help in ensuring safe roadways for first responders, firefighters and the public. If you or someone you love is in need of emergency assistance, you want help to arrive immediately. With the distractions of today’s technology, such as cell phones, radios, and increasing traffic combined with the increased soundproofing of vehicles, it is difficult to hear approaching emergency vehicles. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings and be alert for the “red lights and sirens.” Each day, emergency vehicles respond to urgent requests from the public. The call may be for a person that has stopped breathing, a fire alarm, or a car accident. Response time is critical. There is one simple thing everyone can do to help firefighters, first responders, ambulances and law enforcement officers provide emergency assistance as quickly as possible. Simply Move Right for Sirens and Lights. Often times in the county, a firefighter or first responder may be responding in their private vehicle with lights and sirens. This is an emergency vehicle so please move to the right.
Alabama law is very specific: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles. Failure to follow the rules of the road can cause serious accidents or delays in emergency vehicles arriving at the scene of an emergency. Firefighters work hard to avoid vehicle collisions by driving carefully when traveling against traffic and entering intersections. However, the cooperation of ALL vehicles on the roadway is essential.
Simple Rules
There are some simple rules to follow when you are on the road and encounter an emergency vehicle, which includes a private vehicle driven by a first responder/firefighter. DO pull to the right and come to a complete stop. If you are traveling on a high-speed road or if there is no room to stop, slow down as much as possible. If you are in the left lane, DO pull over into the right lane as traffic in the lane to your right moves over. If you cannot move to the right because of another vehicle or obstacle, just stop. Your action will let the driver of the emergency vehicle know what you are doing and allow the driver to anticipate where to drive. When an emergency vehicle approaches you from behind while you are stopped at an intersection, DO stay where you can pull to the right. On a two or four-lane highway, both sides of the traffic should pull to the right. If the emergency vehicle is traveling on the opposite direction of a divided highway, you do not need to pull over. DO stay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle.
DO NOT move to the left – ever! DO NOT play your radio so loudly that you can not hear sirens. DO NOT pull to the left into the center lane, the center divide, or let turn lane. DO NOT race ahead of an emergency vehicle. DO NOT disregard the presence of the emergency vehicle by continuing to drive.
Pike Road Fire Department Chief Mike Green says following these simple rules will help everyone involved in an emergency; those who desperately need help and emergency personnel who are rushing to help them. Every emergency responder, from firefighters and ambulance drivers, to law enforcement will appreciate it when you Move Right for Sirens and Lights.
Putting YOUR tax dollars back into YOUR pocket!
The Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department recently took delivery of a new service/rescue apparatus. The new truck is a 2012 Ford F 550 four wheel drive chassis with an eight and a half foot by twelve foot aluminum body box. The truck was built by Sunbelt Fire in Fairhope, Alabama specifically for the Pike Road Fire Department. Several months were spent designing the new Dual-Purpose truck which will replace two older vehicles that have been in service for many years. The primary function of the truck will be to carry various equipment used at fire scenes. Insurance Services Organization or I.S.O., gives Fire Departments extra credit if they have a fully equipped “service” vehicle in their fleet. This in turn helps us lower our I.S.O. rating, which directly affects most of your insurance premiums. Items such as additional air packs, axes, lights and ladders, among a host of other tools and equipment, will be carried to the fire scene via this vehicle.
In addition to the “service truck” designation mentioned above, the new truck will also serve the Department as a fully functional Rescue Unit. It is equipped with an onboard 5kw generator to supply scene lighting and run various electrical rescue tools. It also has an extrication (jaws-of-life) unit with various tools for pushing, pulling, prying and cutting. These extrication tools assist in removal of trapped victims, not only in vehicle accidents, but from many other types of
accidents also.
Pike Road Voulnteer Fire Dept Receives 2011 Best of Pike Road
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, December 14, 2011 -- Pike Road Voulnteer Fire Dept has been selected for the 2011 Best of Pike Road Award in the Fire Departments category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
Pike
Road Fire Department
Safety Message
Move Right for Sirens & Lights
The Pike Road Fire Department asks for your help in ensuring safe roadways for first responders, firefighters and the public. If you or someone you love is in need of emergency assistance, you want help to arrive immediately. With the distractions of today’s technology, such as cell phones, radios, and increasing traffic combined with the increased soundproofing of vehicles, it is difficult to hear approaching emergency vehicles. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings and be alert for the “red lights and sirens.” Each day, emergency vehicles respond to urgent requests from the public. The call may be for a person that has stopped breathing, a fire alarm, or a car accident. Response time is critical. There is one simple thing everyone can do to help firefighters, first responders, ambulances and law enforcement officers provide emergency assistance as quickly as possible. Simply Move Right for Sirens and Lights. Often times in the county, a firefighter or first responder may be responding in their private vehicle with lights and sirens. This is an emergency vehicle so please move to the right.
Alabama law is very specific: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles. Failure to follow the rules of the road can cause serious accidents or delays in emergency vehicles arriving at the scene of an emergency. Firefighters work hard to avoid vehicle collisions by driving carefully when traveling against traffic and entering intersections. However, the cooperation of ALL vehicles on the roadway is essential.
Simple Rules
There are some simple rules to follow when you are on the road and encounter an emergency vehicle, which includes a private vehicle driven by a first responder/firefighter. DO pull to the right and come to a complete stop. If you are traveling on a high-speed road or if there is no room to stop, slow down as much as possible. If you are in the left lane, DO pull over into the right lane as traffic in the lane to your right moves over. If you cannot move to the right because of another vehicle or obstacle, just stop. Your action will let the driver of the emergency vehicle know what you are doing and allow the driver to anticipate where to drive. When an emergency vehicle approaches you from behind while you are stopped at an intersection, DO stay where you can pull to the right. On a two or four-lane highway, both sides of the traffic should pull to the right. If the emergency vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction of a divided highway, you do not need to pull over. DO stay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle.
DO NOT move to the left – ever! DO NOT play your radio so loudly that you can not hear sirens. DO NOT pull to the left into the center lane, the center divide, or let turn lane. DO NOT race ahead of an emergency vehicle. DO NOT disregard the presence of the emergency vehicle by continuing to drive.
Pike Road Fire Department Chief Mike Green says following these simple rules will help everyone involved in an emergency; those who desperately need help and emergency personnel who are rushing to help them. Every emergency responder from firefighters, ambulance drivers, to law enforcement will appreciate it when you Move Right for Sirens and Lights.
Heart of a Volunteer
Pike Road Fire Department Ladies
Auxiliary
The heart of any organization is the volunteers who serve without question or complaint. Pike Road Fire Departmentrecognizes the Pike Road Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary as the “heart” of our organization. The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. These ladies choose to volunteer to serve their fire department and community to make a difference in the community in which they reside.
In the spirit of the holiday season, rather than focusing on what they can purchase for themselves, the ladies auxiliary has put the spotlight on those who were in need. These ladies worked behind the scenes to make families in the Pike Road Community have a wonderful Christmas. Last year marked the third consecutive year the ladies auxiliary has sponsored a family in need during the holiday season. The ladies auxiliary’s commitment to assist others have advanced the Pike Road Community and assisted lives of countless people including that of the fire department volunteers themselves. In addition to sponsoring families for Christmas, these ladies have also provided assistance to fire victims in the Pike Road Fire Department territory. We salute the Pike Road Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and recognized these ladies as the “heart” of the Pike Road Fire Department and community. They are truly Pike Road’s unsung heroes and it is hopeful they will inspire others through their generosity and acts of kindness.
Pike Road Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary
Win the People’s Choice Award
During the month of October, citizens in Pike Road could see decorated hay bales throughout the Town. Numerous neighborhoods and other groups participated in the second-annual hay bale contest sponsored by The Pike Road Neighborhood Leaders program. It’s a contest called “Hey, Look at Us.” Fall themes were used to decorate the hay bales.
The Pike Road Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary decorated their hay bale to look like a giant fire truck. To make their creation they added additional rectangle bales of hay and other decorations to attach to their red spray painted round bale. The theme was ‘Fired up for Fall in Pike Road.”
The judging was held on October 27, 2011. Prizes were awarded to the top three hay bales: $150.00 for first place, $100.00 for second place and $75.00 for third place. First place was Merry Station, second place went to Kerington and Oak Ridge Sub-Division took third place with their decoration. Honorable mentions were Farmington Sub-Division and the Pike Road Post Office. The People’s Choice Award was added to the competition. Citizens could visit the Town Hall Face book page and “like” the hay bale to cast a vote. Over 800 votes were received during the competition. The Pike Road Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was declared the winner on November 4, 2011.
Amanda Moore said “the Ladies Auxiliary had a lot of fun creating the display and it’s a great Southern tradition and a fall attraction to our area.” Ladies Auxiliary members all agreed the contest brought out some friendly competition among neighborhoods and citizens.
All decorated hay bales will be out for viewing until mid November.
Pike Road Fire/Rescue “Ranks amoung BEST in State”
The Pike Road Fire Department is a Volunteer Fire Department that utilizes a combination of both paid and volunteer firefighters who work together to preserve life and protect property within the territory served by the Department. The Department employed its first paid personnel in 2008 in an effort to be pro-active whereas our citizens’ safety is concerned. Because of the combination department, Pike Road residents benefit by the immediate response of paid personnel, complimented by volunteer manpower, during weekdays when most departments have difficulty covering their emergency responses. The Department consists of paid firefighters,including Fire Chief Mike Green, along with 45 dedicated volunteers. Chief Green has been involved with the Fire/EMS service for over 30 years and has served as the Pike Road Fire Chief for nine years. He is extremely excited about the future of the fire department and works to provide professionalservices to our vibrant and growing community.
Volunteer firefighters with the Pike Road Fire Department respond to the fire station or directly to an incident when an emergency call is dispatched. Services include fire, rescue, EMS and other related services such as search and rescue, hazardous materials response, dive operations and general assistance to our citizens in need. Volunteer firefighters operate in the same capacity as full time “career” firefighters.
Chief Green said seventy percent of the firefighters are pro-board certified through the Alabama Fire College. The Department serves a population of approximately 8000 and the Fire District spans appxroximately 94 square miles consisting of residential, commercial, one K-12 school and one pre-school/kindergarten. The Pike Road Fire Department operates out of six (6) fire stations with one brush truck, a ladder truck, two rescue trucks, five pumpers, two tankers, one air support trailer, one service truck and a children’s fire safety house. The Department responds to an average of 300 incidents per year. Ninety-eight percent of the citizens are within five miles of a fire station saving each homeowner a substantial amount of money on their residential insurance premiums.
The Pike Road Fire Department takes pride in being a progressive fire department, with goals, policies and a philosophy which is a cut above other organizations. Before acceptance is given into the Pike Road Fire Department, everyone is evaluated as to their level of commitment to the department. The Pike Road Fire Department demands a high level of dedication and performance. Chauncey Wood, President of the Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, recently recognized the Pike Road Fire Department as one of the “best fire departments in the State of Alabama.” This is a very prestigious statement considering there are 1020 volunteer departments and approximately thirty-thousand volunteers throughout this State.
Statistically, firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Throughout the United States, every year over 100 firefighters are killed in the line of duty and over 5000 more are injured. This is one of the main reasons the Pike Road Fire Department considers safety, training and education to be the backbone of our success.
In addition to Pike Road Fire Department having an excellent fire department, the Department is complimented by a Ladies Auxiliary. This outstanding group of wives, daughters, mothers and affiliates have sponsored several fire department events including the 9/11 ceremony, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Autism Awareness Month, and yearly sponsors families in the community who need assistance for Christmas. In addition to these events, the ladies auxiliary has sponsored several dinners for Department personnel. The Department is also a supporter of MDA and conducts several fire safety events during Fire Safety Month for the local school, churches and other organizations.
The Pike Road Fire Department headquarters is located at 3427 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, Alabama and business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm. During the day we are staffed with the Fire Chief, at least one firefighter and an administrative secretary.
Pike Road Fire Department Safety House
Visits Macon East Academy and
Woodland United Methodist Church
Pike Road Fire Department personnel along with the Children’s Fire Safety House visited Macon East Academy and participated in the fall festival at Woodland United Methodist Church during October for Fire Safety Month. The Children’s Safety House is a mobile educational trailer owned and operated by the Pike Road Fire Department. Pike Road Fire Department is in their tenth year of operating and teaching about fire safety and severe weather with the use of the safety house.
The Children’s Safety House assists the Pike Road Fire Department in teaching children about safety in a fun and interactive environment. The safety education class focuses on a number of safety topics and teaches children how to be safe. Safety lessons begin with an educational classroom discussion regarding fire safety followed by a tour of the safety house. A realistic living area, kitchen, and bedroom are used for children to explore and learn about hazards, severe weather, fire safety and more. The house offers hands-on learning to prepare children for the unexpected and frightening experience of a fire. This educational tool allows children to practice escaping from a simulated house fire. The fire safety house uses electronically operated smoke detectors and a non-toxic smoke in a simulated environment to create a realistic setting where children can practice escaping from a house in the event of a fire. In addition to teaching children about fire safety, the house can also be used to train children about what to do in severe weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes.
The Pike Road Fire Department will be in attendance during the Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair on November 5 from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Fire safety tours will be conducted throughout the day. For information about scheduling the children’s fire safety house, please contact the Pike Road Fire Department at (334) 271-1048 or visit our website at .
Pike Road Fire Fighters Standing Strong
& Supporting Breast Cancer
This October, the Pike Road Fire Department is proud to sponsor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to promote regular mammograms and increase early detection of breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will get breast cancer. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women. Mammograms can help find breast cancer early when there is the best chance for treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. If you are a woman between ages 50 and 74, you need a mammogram every 2 years. If you are younger than 50 or older than 74, talk with your doctor about whether you need a mammogram. Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get a mammogram.
There are a number of things you can do to lower your risk of breast cancer. As little as four hours of weekly exercise has been shown to lower risk. Eating a healthy diet low in fat and high in fruit and vegetables has also been shown to cut breast cancer risk. Alcohol use has also been linked with breast cancer – the higher the intake, the higher the risk. It is recommended that you conduct breast self-exams, have regular clinical exams and regular mammograms. Catching breast cancer early gives you the best chances of swift recovery.
Dr. Keith Davidson, Oncologist at the Montgomery Cancer Center, will speak to the Pike Road Fire Department members on October 4, 2011.
Pike Road Firefighters Hold 9/11 Ceremony
Young and old alike were among the 500 or so people who turned out on Sunday, September 11 for the Pike Road Fire Department 9/11 ceremony. The event was sponsored by the Pike Road Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the attacks. This event honored those who died September 11, 2001, in the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor. In addition to fire fighters and first responders from Pike Road Fire Department, AAVFD President Chauncey Wood and AAVFD Central VP Dan Hopkins were in attendance.
The Pike Road Fire Department ladder truck suspended a large American flag over the front entrance of the parking lot. The front entrance of Town Hall was also outline with American flags. A patriotic “ride in” by the Montgomery Harley Owners Group and the Buffalo Soldiers began the event.
The hour long ceremony included the Montgomery County Honor Guard consisting of volunteer firefighters/first responders from each County Fire Department presenting the colors. The Honor Guard also rang the ceremonial bell three times, three rings each time, to signify the death of a firefighter.
Mark Wilder served as master of ceremony. Pike Road Fire Chaplin, Dr. Michael Cassity (Pastor Ridgecrest Baptist Church), gave the invocation. Speakers included Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, Pike Road Fire Chief Mike Green, and Dennis Eddy, retired NY Federal Police Officer. The keynote speaker was Representative Greg Wren. The National Anthem was performed by Vaughn Stafford, Pastor of Worship Design at St. James United Methodist Church. “Amazing Grace” was performed on the bagpipes by Charles Hightower.
Fire Chief Mike Green said, “This day should not be about hate – it’s about never forgetting, it’s about remembering duty.” Chief Green furtherstated, “The police and firefighters who died on 9/11 did not instantly become courageous that day but they accepted their jobs and swore to carry out their duty.”
Representative Greg Wren was the keynote speaker of the event. He recalled the events and attacks on America and how we have all been impacted. Lives changed forever on this date. Wren spoke of how the last decade has been challenging for the United States. However, he said we must continue to stand behind our first responders and support them and the resources they need to save lives.
Dennis Eddy retired New York Federal Police Officer, spoke of the memories of horror and heroism that sentshockwaves around the world when Americans experienced senseless acts of violence. Eddy said we are inspired by firefighter and police officers for the work they perform.
Mayor Gordon Stone presented Chief Green with a Proclamation. The Proclamation acknowledged the fallen fighters while recognizing those who risk their life each day to serve the citizens of Pike Road.
The ceremony ended with 343 balloons being released in honor of the fallen firefighters while Hightower played “Going Home” causing many to tear up.
Whitney McClelland attended the ceremony not just because her husband is a firefighter but to remember those who lost their lives ten years ago. McClelland said “Firefighters/first responders do a brave job everyday, sometimes at a horrendous cost. It makes you appreciate the safety we have thanks to firefighters/first responders.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a reception was held in Town Hall.
Pike Road Fire Department Spotlight on First Aid, the Basics
First aid can encompass skills from the basic to advanced. However, not having advanced skills does not mean that you can not make a difference. Pike Road Fire Department reminds citizens that a number of situations only require basic aid. The key is not to attempt to render advanced aid when you have not been trained to do so. Pike Road Fire Department suggests some areas where basic aid will help avert a more serious problem are:
Dehydration – Dehydration can lead to more serious issues if not addressed timely. The simple act of assuring the intake of the appropriate amounts of water can prevent more serious problems. So how do you know if someone is getting dehydrated? Symptoms include, but are not limited to, weakness, dizziness, palpitations (feeling like your heart is pounding), decreased urine output, or dark yellow colored urine. More serious symptoms of dehydration may be confusion, inability t0 sweat and fainting. Pike Road Fire Department recommends citizens seek emergency help should be in these situations.
Cuts – While this may not be considered a serious injury it can be. Deep cuts can cause injury to tendons and major vessels. With minor cuts, the initial injury may not be serious, but can lead to more serious complications if not treated appropriately. Pike Road Fire Department urges citizens with minor cuts to apply pressure and raise the extremity to stop bleeding, washing with soap and water and application of an anti-biotic ointment (always assure the person is not allergic before applying) and dressing should prevent any serious infections. However, someone that is diabetic or has other serious illnesses may be more prone to infection. Anyone with deeper cuts should seek attention from a healthcare professional to assure not serious injury has occurred.
Fever – Fever is your body’s natural defense to help fight infection. However, too high of a fever can cause injury. You can usually tolerate a fever in the 103 to 104 degrees range for short periods of time. Children’s fevers usually run higher than adults. In most cases basic aid can help reduce a fever, with use of over the counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen (always check allergy before giving a medication). Other ways may be removing clothing and cooling the area slightly, room temperature wash cloth to face and forehead. Never use cold water on someone with a fever. Be sure to take plenty of non-caffeinated fluids. For fevers over 104 degrees that have not responded to fever reduction efforts, seek medical help.
Pike Road Fire Department personnel are often asked by citizens what they can do if they happen upon an accident. How can I help victims? The answer is not simple since injuries can vary. If the victim is alert, does not have any obvious injury, and can walk on their own moving them away from the damaged vehicle out of the flow of traffic is the first priority. If the victim is trapped, advise the 911 operator that the victim is trapped will help emergency personnel get equipment to them faster. Using basic skills to stop bleeding is also an option. Foremost, keep the victim calm. Elevation of blood pressure and heart rate by stress can complicate already serious injuries. This simple act can help with the treatment of the victim. In no situation should you put yourself in harm’s way to assist at the scene of an accident. This can result in emergency personnel having to treat two victims.
Pike Road Fire Department helping after Tornado Outbreak in Alabama
Pike Road Fire Chief, Mike Green, along with eight other fire fighters and first responde rs from the Pike Road Fire Department traveled to Tallapoosa County, which was pummeled by a tornado. The Pike Road team assisted with cleaning up endless debris and with rescue and recovery efforts affected by the tragic tornados that ripped through the state. In addition to manpower, the Pike Road Fire Department provided heavy equipment including tractors, generators, four-wheelers, chainsaws, etc. in an effort to help communities and people who live there.
In addition to Tallapoosa County, Pike Road volunteers spent the week of May 2 in Tuscaloosa providing logistical support to the Tuscaloosa Emergency Operation Center. The team provided assistance in making sure proper supplies were delivered and distributed throughout damaged areas of the county.
The devastation left by tornadoes continues to emerge as survivors comb the wreckage of homes. Tornadoes also took out entire towns and left many people homeless. April storms that struck Alabama became the second deadliest in US history. March 18, 1925 recorded the largest number of deaths when 747 people were killed in storms in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Forecasters warned residents in Alabama tornadoes were coming but they were too wide, powerful and in populated areas to avoid the horrifying deaths.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Alabama who have experienced devastation and tremendous loss. We want to do what we can to help support the rescue and recovery efforts of emergency responders and assist people from the storm ravaged communities,” said Chief Green.
In addition to Chief Green, other Pike Road personnel included David Hughes, Tyler Walker, BJ Green, Justin Memory, Barry Glassford, Chip Vercelli, John Scanlan and Andrew Parker.
The Pike Road Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary provided water, Gatorade and food to volunteers assisting in the clean-up.
BE PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY
The Pike Road Fire Department recommends citizens be prepared for any emergency, including natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Emergencies arrive unexpectedly; often will little time to prepare. Now is the time to prepare by gathering basic and emergency supplies. The Alabama Department of Public Health along with the Pike Road Fire Department encourages keeping 10 essential items: bottle water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, extra medications, first aid supplies to include gloves, antiseptic, Band-Aids, etc., a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, clothes, personal care items to include soap, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, feminine products, etc. and important documents. It is recommended to collect copies of driver licenses, social security cards, birth certificates, deeds, titles, insurance policies, mortgage papers, bank account information and credit cards. You can keep electronic copies of these items as well as photos of your home for insurance purposes on a flash drive/memory stick. For additional information and helpful resources or to learn more about how to “get 10,” go to Public Health’s website – www.adph.org/get10.
Being ready for emergencies include: staying informed, be familiar with the emergency plans of your community, school and workplace and learn about emergency alert systems and weather alerts. It is recommended that each family create an emergency plan. Everyone should know or carry emergency contact names and numbers to help find each other if separated.
Pike Road Fire Department Bestows Annual Awards
The Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department held their annual appreciation dinner on February 26, 2011. This occasion is set aside each year to honor and recognize Pike Road firefighters. The event was hosted by the Pike Road Fire Authority Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Ladies Auxiliary. The theme for this year’s event was Pike Road Firefighting – the profession with heart. A video was shown while dinner was served of events and emergency calls the Department answered throughout the past year.
Chauncey Wood, president of Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments was the keynote speaker. Wood thanked the fire department and ladies auxiliary for giving of their time and talents to provide services to the citizens of Pike Road. Wood said the volunteers in Pike Road place their lives on hold to help people they may not even know in the community. Wood said, “I take great pleasure in congratulating the Pike Road Fire Department on a job well done and encourage each of you to continue the fine work you do in contributing to the health and welfare of the community.”
Wood elaborated how Pike Road volunteers excel in what they are trained to do. The long hours spent training shows dedication, commitment and pride to the Department. He stated, “Each of you is leaders who inspire others to do and be responsible.”
Special guest was Noopie Cosby, impersonator. Cosby gave an outstanding impersonation of the late George Wallace. He kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. Cosby also applauded the volunteers for their time and commitment to serving the community.
Fire Chief Mike Green commended the volunteer firefighters for their excellence and dedication in fire fighting and other emergency services to the citizens of Pike Road. Volunteer firefighters are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays! That’s an extraordinary responsibility to take on as a volunteer.
Green further stated being a volunteer fighter offers a reward few other jobs can match – the opportunity to make a real difference and save lives – it’s a dangerous and challenging calling. Firefighters must be prepared to rush into dangerous situations at a moment’s notice – whether it’s rescuing residents from their burning homes, extracting crash victims from their cars or assisting with a medical emergency.
Chief Green presented four awards on behalf of the Pike Road Fire Department. These awards included: Leadership Award to John Scanlan; Outstanding Service Award to Andrew Gerachis; Ironman Award to Robbie Olesen and the 2010 Firefighter of the Year was presented to David Hughes. These four men exemplify what firefighting is all about- dedication, hard work and commitment to the Pike Road Fire Department!
PIKE ROAD FIRE DEPARTMENT “VIAL OF LIFE” PROGRAM
The “Vial of Life” program is the first program of its kind in Pike Road. It is designed to assist Pike Road citizens and the Pike Road Fire Department in the event of a medical emergency occurring at the participants’ residence. Our program can assist in saving lives especially if the person is unable to communicate valuable information upon our arrival.
The “Vial of Life” program provides medical information including physicians name, medical history and current medications taken. Participants receive a small decal to be placed on the entrance door(s) of the home. The decal alerts first responders to check in the refrigerator for the blue vial of life bottle. The information contained within the bottle assist first responders with patient identity, identifies medication(s) currently prescribed ad pre-existing medical conditions. In addition to the health history, emergency contact information is listed to assist in notifying family or friends listed as a contact.
The “Vial of Life” program is a FREE service provided by the Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department to the citizens in the Pike Road Fire District. This program is available to citizens of all ages. Vial of Life bottles and information packets can be picked up at Fire Station # 1 located at 3427 Wallahatchie Road or at the Pike Road Town Hall during normal business hours. For further information, please contact the Pike Road Fire Department at 334-271-1048.
Put your best foot forward, become a volunteer firefighter!
It is a big pair of boots to fill but the Pike Road Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is looking for individuals to volunteer with the Department. Volunteer firefighters are trained to perform duties and respond to emergency calls. Training is taught in fire extinguishment, ventilation, overhaul, extrication and medical aid duties. Our volunteers respond to emergency calls including fire and rescue.
The rewards of becoming a volunteer firefighter make it all worthwhile. People have their own personal reason for joining our department. Some are driven by a longstanding family tradition, while others are seeking to build their own personal tradition of community service. Whatever the motivating factor, there are many rewards, the greatest is a sense of belonging to a brotherhood what is unlike anything you have ever experienced.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, please call 271-1048 station #1 (Wallahatchee Road) and speak with Chief Mike Green to learn more information. We meet every Tuesday night for training and station clean-up.
The Pike Road Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary Wants You
First Monday of the Month @ 6:30pm
The ladies auxiliary is looking for a few good ladies willing to share their talents and time to assist our fire department and community. While the challenges are great, we are convinced that our team of 12 talented, committed ladies will bring many exciting events for our department members and their families to enjoy. The auxiliary is a great way to make your voice heard and to become informed about what is going on in the fire department and ladies auxiliary. There is strength in numbers!
One of the best ways to make a difference is to participate. The ladies auxiliary meets the first Monday night of the month except when it falls on a holiday and we meet the second Monday night. We meet at station # 1 at 6:30 pm.
RESCUE ME – COOKBOOKS ON SALE
Now Available
The Pike Rescue Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary cookbook, Rescue Me – Pike Road Fire Department Chefs Share Their Sizzling Recipes, is now available for purchase. The cost of each book is $10.00. Our cookbook features 17 sections & over 450 recipes. Most recipes are easy, low cost and healthy. Please help support us by purchasing a cookbook or two as they make great gifts. For more information call (334)271-1048 or stop by Station # 1 (Wallahatchee Rd.).
