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Water Rescue Training
| In-House Instructors Reduce Costs
Enable More Flexible Training Scheduling
The capabilities of Savannah Fire & Emergency Services continue to expand as another dozen Savannah firefighters receive specialized water rescue training.
The firefighters spent the first two days of the week-long training at the Chatham County Aquatic Center on Sallie Mood Dr. But the instruction got a little more intense when they moved to ocean and river waters for the final phases of their training.
The training, which is provided in-house by SFES firefighters who are certified water rescue instructors, re-convened on the south end of Tybee Island at mid-week and included not only swimming in high, rough surf conditions, but also the use of inflatable and personal watercraft - like jetskis. The Tybee Island Fire Department provided invaluable logistical assistance throughout the two days of ocean water training.
Following the ocean water exercises, the training moved to the Savannah River, where fighters employed skills necessary to effect recues with the use of helicopters. Chatham County Mosquito Control and SCMPD assisted SFES firefighters by providing a helicopter and pilot for that particular aspect of the instruction. The firefighters were taught the proper way to approach the helicopter and how to situate themselves to balance the weight distribution during flight. Firefighters also learned to proper way to dismount the chopper in order to maintain safety for all responders, including the pilot.
Upon completion of the training, the 12 firefighters received the Swift Water/Flood Rescue Tech Level 2 certification and join 60 other Savannah firefighters who are similarly certified in water rescue techniques.
Normally, this type of instruction would cost Savannah taxpayers approximately $28,000 for the week of instruction. However, with certified water rescue instructors now within the ranks of the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services, this type of expenditure is just a distant memory. In fact, SFES currently has instructors on staff for every TRT training element. Utilizing these professionals results in a tremendous annual savings in the training budget.
The water rescue training is just one aspect of the TRT program within SFES. It is invaluable because of the city's proximity to the Savannah River and the Atlantic Ocean. The abundance of salt marshes and the proclivity of some areas of the city to flood during high tides and heavy thunderstorms also demand that Savannah firefighters be as highly trained and well-equipped as possible to handle all emergency situations.
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Breaking Ground For a
New Fire Station Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton officially kick-started construction of the department’s new Mowhawk Street Fire Station Tuesday morning, August 10th.
Chief Middleton was joined by Mayor Otis Johnson, acting City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney, Aldermen Tony Thomas, Edna B. Jackson and Clifton Jones, Jr. and other officials in turning the ceremonial first shovels full of dirt in a groundbreaking ceremony at the corner of Mohawk St. and Apache Ave.
The morning’s activities marked the onset of construction at the 1.14 acre site, which will be home to a new 9,000 square foot fire station that will replace the current aging and functionally obsolete Mohawk St. station that is located on the southeast corner of Mohawk St. and Middleground Rd.
The new station will include two apparatus bays, sleeping quarters, common areas, restrooms and showers, office space, an equipment shop with a compressor room and gear cleaning and storage areas. It will also afford space specifically designed for the testing and repair of the department’s SCBAs (air tanks and masks).
The $1.65 million facility will be of concrete and masonry construction. It will have a sprinkler system throughout and will include mechanical, electrical and plumbing provisions as well as radio and computer technology specific to the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services function.
The project cost includes all site work, including a detention pond, utilities, driveways and parking areas, landscaping and fencing. The facility will also have back-up power supplied by a stand-by emergency generator. Construction of the new station is expected to be completed by the end of March 2011. | 
Chief Charles G. Middleton (center) turns the first shovel full of dirt at the site of the new SFES Mohawk St. Fire Station (Station 11). Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, acting City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney, Aldermen Tony Thomas, Edna B. Jackson and Clifton Jones, Jr., and other officials joined in the groundbreaking ceremony under clear skies Tuesday, August 10, 2010.
Artist rendering of the Front elevation of the new SFES Mohawk St. Fire Station
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SFES Captain Recognized For Community Service
Savannah Fire Captain Desmond Small was presented the Community Cardiovascular Council's Founder's Award during a ceremony July 23 in Candler Hospital's Marsh Auditorium. Small joined the work of the council in 1999 as a volunteer in the Black Male HBP.
Small had been volunteering to check blood pressures as part of the Savannah Fire Department's screening program. After 10 year as vice chair, serving as the coordinator of his own church's screening program and making improvements to the Savannah Fire Department's screening program, Small became chairman of the Black Male HBP Coalition in 2008.
He helps with the council's participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade activities, coordinates community event screenings and works on the church-based programs of the council. The Community Cardiovascular Council's Founder's Award honors the example set by its founders, Dr. James C. Metts Jr. and Dr. John L. Elliott.
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Fireworks Safety
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (left) and GA Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine
meet with reporters to discuss fireworks safety and the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend
Fireworks and Independence Day go hand-in-hand and Savannah firefighters want all citizens to enjoy a safe and fire-free July 4th celebration.
Georgia law (O.C.G.A 25-10-1 Regulation of Fireworks) bans the possession and use of fireworks in the state. The Georgia legislature has defined illegal fireworks as any object that propels itself or a projectile – such as bottle rockets and roman candles - and any item that produces a report (“bang”) – such as firecrackers and bottle rockets.
Generally, any type of sparkler, sparkling shower, and whirling shower items are permitted under Georgia law.
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton was joined today by Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine at Savannah Fire and Emergency Services headquarters to encourage citizens to follow safety precautions and to read a follow all label warnings and instructions before using fireworks.
“Don’t have us make an official visit to your house,” said Chief Middleton, as he urged everyone to play it safe around legal fireworks. Both Middleton and Oxendine stressed the need for adult supervision of children. “Be a responsible parent and protect your children,” said Oxendine, who urged parents to purchase legal fireworks from Georgia retailers who sell items in compliance with state law.
He discourages the purchase of fireworks at neighboring state retailers who have no burden to comply with Georgia laws. The fireworks purchased from these retailers may actually be illegal in Georgia.
Below are some of the safety tips Chief Middleton and Commissioner Oxendine highlighted during their mid-morning press briefing.
The ultimate safety precaution is for citizens to forego the backyard variety of fireworks celebrations and instead enjoy one of the many professionally staged fireworks displays.
► Obey state and local laws
► Read and follow all label warnings & directions
► Use fireworks outdoors only
► Use fireworks on smooth, level surfaces and away from buildings & flammable materials
► Use fireworks only as intended. Never combine or alter fireworks
► Never try to re-light fireworks that malfunction (“duds”)
► Always have a water supply nearby (hose or bucket)
► Spectators should maintain a safe distance from fireworks
► Never use homemade fireworks. Report illegal explosives
► Adult supervision of children is essential, even with sparklers
► Forego backyard celebrations and enjoy professionally staged fireworks displays
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30 Years of Service
Captain J.E. Jackson (center) is joined by Chaief Charles G. Middleton (right) and SFES Chaplain Rev. Kenneth Jernigan (left)
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton recently recognized Company Officer Captain J. E. Jackson for his three decades of service to the department and the citizens of Savannah.
During his firefighting career, Captain Jackson has been recognized as Rookie of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and Fire Officer of the Year. He has received 3 Meritorious Service Awards and three Life Saving Awards.
A native of Pt. Wentworth, Captain Jackson began his career at SFES when he was 27 years old. His first assignment was at the department headquarters on what was then known as Snorkel 3. He then spent 22 years on (Rescue) Squad 6. He was promoted to Captain in May 2001 and is assigned to Truck 13 on the city’s west side.
Captain Jackson says the biggest changes to firefighting during his career include advancements in equipment and training offered through the department which, along with SFES operations staff and management, he classifies as “the best in the business”.
Captain Jackson says he has loved every minute of his time as a firefighter and would only change one thing if given the opportunity. “I’d have started 10 years earlier,” he says. We congratulate Captain Jackson for his dedication and professionalism through these many years. |
A Ranger's Funeral
| Savannah Fire Pauses
Firefighters assigned to Savannah Fire's Truck Company 1 displayed a large American flag from the ladder platform on their truck about a block from the Cathedral of St. John The Baptist, where funeral services were held for US Army Ranger Jonathan K. Peney.
Peney, a combat medic assigned to the the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at HunterArmy Airfied, was killed in combat in Afghanistan while rendering aid to a wounded fellow Ranger.
Friday, June 11th Savannah firefighters took a few moments to pay respect to the fallen soldier. Fierfighters hung the American flag over the middle of Abercorn Street at Savannah Fire Headquarters.
Peney's casket, traveling by horse drawn carriage, and funeral procession passed under the flag as it traveled north on Abercorn Street en route to a reception on River Street.
Firefighters snapped to attention as Peney's casket, which was escorted by members of the 75th Ranger Regiment, passed through the intersection of Oglethorpe and Abercorn Streets. Along with hundreds of others who lined the route of the procession, Savannah firefighters provided a final salute as a way a saying thanks to the fallen soldier. |
Connecting With Southside Citizens
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton spent some time at the Windsor Forest Neighborhood Associations' meeting detailing the services and programs of the Savannah Fire & Emergency Services Bureau. More than 100 southside residents were in attendance for the Chief's presentation. After offering prepared statements on aspects of the department, such as Hazmat, TRT and port response, the Chief entertained questioned from those in attendance. The majority of questions centered on which companies responded to calls for service in the Windsor Forest area.
A LETTER OF THANKS FROM THE ASSOCIATIONS
Dear Chief Middleton:
The Windsor Forest Neighborhoods Association would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to our general meeting on June 7. Everyone knows that a fire department is essential to a city but we had NO IDEA about the large number of services that your department provides to Savannah and to each individual. After your very interesting and informative presentation, we will be much more aware of your role in educating the public about fire prevention, investigation, drugs, rescue and so many more.
Windsor Forest has participated in several Clean Sweep Operations in the past and we came to appreciate the Fire Department even more when we saw your men performing home safety checks and passing out fire alarms.
Thank you again for talking to our group. Those of us who were there will never again take the Fire Department for granted. We will always be more grateful for the role that you take in keeping us safe.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Miller, Corresponding Secretary |
Firefighting Students Recognized at Woodville-Tompkins Ceremony
Nine Savannah-Chatham County high school students were recognized for completing the firefighter training at Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute. In ceremonies at the school, Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton presented those in attendance with certificates indicating their completion of the firefighter training program. Each participant completed instruction toward national certification as Firefighter I, 1st Responder and Hazmat Awareness and Operations. Two students, Vincent Duray and Alfred Lloyd, were singled out for their leadership during the program. Duray also served as an intern with Savannah Fire and Emergency Services as part of his training for Firefighter II certification.
Chief Middleton presents Vincent Duray with the Leadership Award (Firefighter II) during ceremonies at Woodville-Tompkins Career & Technical Institute | 
Chief Middleton presents Alfred Lloyd with the Leadership Award (Firefighter I) during ceremonies at Woodville-Tompkins Career & Technical Institute |
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Citizens Express Appreciation
Dear Chief Middleton:
I am writing to express our thanks for the exceptional performance of your firefighters Saturday, May 29th, at 7:30 pm when our home alarm system activated indicating a fire at our residence. Fortunately, the cause was burning butter in a forgotten saucepan and a hypersensitive fire warning unit in our security system.
We promptly called the home security company and thought we had acted in time to avoid an alert to your department. Within minutes the firefighters were on the scene. With great professionalism and courtesy, they made clear their call was routine to ensure that all was well. We were exceptionally impressed by their actions and their outreach to us as members of the community.
We know that often the circumstances they face are far more dire and dangerous. In this case, they were not. Even so, we greatly appreciate the quality of their effort and their dedication.
Please pass on our thanks to those who were involved for their service.
All the best wishes,
Kent and Toni Harrington
Savannah, GA |
Physical Fitness Awards
Advanced Firefighter Steven Emberton (center) is recognized as Savannah Fire’s “Most Physically Fit Firefighter”. Also pictured (l-r) Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton, Melanie Willoughby, Nurse Manager, St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center, SFES Acting Assistant Chief Logistics Nathaniel Frazier and SFES Acting Assistant Chief Operations Benjamin Morse.
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton and Melanie Willoughby, Nurse Manager of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center, have recognized Savannah firefighters who excelled during the Bureau’s most recent physical fitness assessment. Acclaimed as the department’s “Most Physically Fit Firefighter” is Advanced Firefighter Steven Emberton. Emberton, who is assigned to Engine Company 5C, attained a record score of 94 for the assessment. Runner-up to Emberton is Advanced Firefighter Jacob Moreland, whose score of 90 also bested all previous results. Moreland is assigned to Truck Company 2C.
Emberton’s Engine Company, together with the two other Companies assigned to Engine 5, comprised the best overall group ranking within the department. Firefighters assigned to Engine 8 and Truck 16 tied for 2nd place in the “Most Physically Fit Company” category, and Engine 8 was recognized with an award for “Most Physically Improved Company”.
The department’s overall score also rose to an all time high, continuing a trend of increased scores that has been interrupted only once (Fall 2008) during the five years the assessment has been administered.
The annual assessment measures aerobic fitness, flexibility and strength. According to St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center officials, it was developed specifically for the unique physical requirements of firefighters and is a proactive program designed to reduce injuries. It is based on American College of Sports Medicine standards and conforms to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for physical fitness.
All Savannah firefighters participated in the assessment, which is held during the final three months of the year. Awards were presented following tabulation of all results.
Advanced Firefighter Jacob Moreland (center) is recognized as Savannah Fire’s runner-up “Most Physically Fit Firefighter”. Also pictured (l-r) Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton, Melanie Willoughby, Nurse Manager, St. Joseph’s/Candler Wellness Center, SFES Acting Assistant Chief Logistics Nathaniel Frazier and SFES Acting Assistant Chief Operations Benjamin Morse.
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Captain Jeffrey Alberts accepts the award for ENGINE COMPANY 5 as Savannah Fire’s “Most Physically Fit Company”.
Captain Michael Metivier accepts the “Most Improved Physical Fitness” award for Savannah Fire’s ENGINE COMPANY 8.
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Helping College Students Prepare For Fire Safety 
Savannah Fire & Emergency Services teamed up with Armstrong Atlantic State University April 20th in an effort to help ensure students at the university are prepared to properly utilize fire extinguishers. Savannah firefighters, in cooperation with AASU police, demonstrated the proper use of fire extinguishers on a “live fire” Tuesday morning on the AASU campus. Following the demonstration, student community assistants had the opportunity to extinguish “virtual fires” through the use of the university’s new Bullex, Bullseye digital training system. The simulator allows AASU public safety officials and SFES to educate the students on fire extinguisher operations without exposing them to an actual fire. The virtual fire/extinguisher system utilizes full-size and weight fire extinguishers for the look and feel of the real extinguishers. The tabletop system employs a laser system and can be programmed to simulate various types of fires (Class A, B & C). |
SFES Workhorse Gets Facelift
REHAB-1 after the makeover
Former RESCUE Unit before the transformation | Former Rescue Unit Becomes Newest REHAB Unit
Something old is new again. Thanks to the generosity of area manufacturer Oracal USA, a vehicle destined for the auction block has received a new lease on life and is back in service with Savannah Fire and Emergency Services.
The one-time Rescue Unit has been refurbished and now will serve as a Rehab Unit for support of firefighters on the scenes of fires and other emergency situations. SFES Chief Charles G. Middleton, accompanied by Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson and Oracal USA President Randy Mertz, introduced the vehicle Monday, March 22nd at Johnson Square in Downtown Savannah.
The new REHAB-1 gets its face lift courtesy of Oracal USA, a Bryan County company that is a leading manufacturer of vinyl films and reflective products used by graphic designers and sign shops to produce high impact graphics.
REHAB-1’s makeover includes a complete body wrap with the company’s product, turning the once yellowish-green truck red, with a white-topped cab (no, it’s not paint). The graphics were produced at the company’s Black Creek facility and use a highly reflective vinyl that exceeds all recommended standards for reflectivity on emergency vehicles.
REHAB-1 will be located at FSES Station 11 on Mohawk St. and will be available for support services (such as hydration and additional equipment) for firefighters throughout the city. 
SFES Chief Charles G. Middleton accepts the newly-wrapped, logo-emblazoned REHAB-1 from Oracal USA President Randy Mertz at the company's Bryan County manufacturing facility. With Chief Middleton are Acting Assistant Chief of Operations Benjamin Morse and Acting Assistant Chief of Logistics Nathaniel Frazier. Representing Oracal USA with Mertz are Craig Campbell and Dean Strohmenger. |
Savannah's Newest Firefighters
Savannah's newest firefighters completed training and graduated recruit school Friday, March 19, 2010. Pictured with Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (left) and Savannah's 6th District Alderman Tony Thomas (right) are the newly-pinned firefighters: (front row l-r) Andrew Ulmer, Glenn Goody, Jason Jacobs, Kevin Morgan, Moises Martinez; (2nd row) Christopher Davis, Brian Coyne, Brian Lapp, Gabriele Hauck; (3rd row) John Gantt, Timothy Doherty, Jonathan Mobley; (4th row) Clinton Wallace, Christopher Hanks, Spencer Massie; (top row) William King, Jr., Travon Sanders, Tovin Nefstead.
Clinton Wallace received the Most Improved Physical Fitness Award, Gabriele Hauck earned the class Academic Award and Travon Sanders was presented the Class Leadership Award. Recruit School coordinator - Advanced Firefighter Scott Novak - received special recognition for his dedicated service throughout the 14 week program. |
Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade | Savannah's City Hall provides the picture perfect backdrop as the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services Bureau's Honor Guard leads the SFES contingent during the 186th incarnation of Savannah's famed St. Patrick's Day parade (upper left & middle).
Billed as the nation's 2nd largest celebration honoring the Patron Saint of Ireland, Savannah's parade festivities kicked off at 10a.m. near Forsythe Park and wound its way through many of the citiy's historic squares before making a beeline toward City Hall on Bay Street. Then it was back through the northern part of the Savannah's Landmark Historic District and downtown commercial corridor.
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (lower left) acknowledges parade-goers who lined the parade route and showed their appreciation for the departmen's service to the citizens and visitors of Savannah.
Accompanying Chief Middleton and the Honor Guard were SFES firefighters from Truck-5C, the department's 18 recruits, who are completing 14 weeks of firefighter training and are scheduled to graduate from recruit school March 19th, and firefighters from various departments throughout the United States, including California, New York, South Carolina, Florida, and Massachusetts.
The FDNY banner (below) shows the respect New York City firefighters have for Savannah and their acceptance as a unit in the annual parade.
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Honoring Heroes
200 Club Valor Awards 
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (center) is flanked by 200 Club VALOR AWARD recipients Master Firefighter Brian Stafford (blue shirt)
and Captain Paul Phillips (white shirt). Also pictured are Acting Assistant Chiefs Nathaniel Frazier (far left) and Benjamin Morse (far right).
Two Savannah firefighters took center stage at the annual meeting of the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire. Captain Paul Phillips and Master Firefighter Brian Stafford received the Club's prestigious VALOR AWARD for their actions February 24, 2009 during a fire at the Woods Apartments on Savannah's southside. The two heroes were off duty and dining at restaurant when Captain Phillips noticed a bright glow and smoke at the nearby apartment complex. Firefighter Stafford and Captain Phillips immediately drove to The Woods of Savannah Apartments, where they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second and third floors of the three-story apartment building. Captain Phillips and Firefighter Stafford entered the apartment building and guided residents out of the smoked filled hallway. They both assisted with forcing doors open to notify and assist occupants with getting out of the building. They also attempted to search for occupants on the second floor but were hindered by heavy smoke and heat. Firefighter Stafford was treated for smoke inhalation at St. Joseph Hospital and Captain Phillips suffered burns to his face and arms. Phillips and Stafford received engraved plaques and medals plus a monetray award for the bravery. The principal objective of the 200 Club is to provide immediate financial assistance to the surviving spouse and children of area law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty while protecting their communities. This was the fourth year the Club has presented the Valor Awards.
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EMBRACING HISTORY Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (center) was a featured guest at a Black History Program February 23rd. The program, sponsored by the Economic Opportunity Authority for Savannah-Chatham County Area, Inc., was held at the Beach High School gymnasium and highlighted performances by Head Start Students. The program’s theme was Remembering the Past, Embracing the Present, Preparing for the Future.
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SFES FIRE OFFICER OF THE YEAR HONORED BY SOUTHSIDE OPTIMISTS CLUB
Savannah Fire and Emergency Services FIRE OFFICER OF THE YEAR was recognized February 17, 2010 by the Southside Optimists Club. 13-year SFES veteran Captain Curtis L. Wallace was selected by his peers to receive the distinguished award.
Captain Wallace joined Savannah Fire & Emergency Services in June 1997. He has been a Company Officer for the past 3 years (currently assigned to Engine 6, “C” Shift) and spent the 4 years previous to that as a pumper driver/operator.
Captain Wallace grew up in the Paradise Park neighborhood of Savannah and is a 1984 graduate of A.E. Beach High School where, incidentally, he met his wife Lisa with whom he celebrates 25 years of togetherness this year. The couple has a son, Harrison, who is a graduate of Georgia Southern University.
Captain Wallace is a retired US Army Warrant Officer and aviator, with 20 years of service to his country. At the fire department, Captain Wallace is a HAZMAT Specialist and is certified as an Instructor, Evaluator and Public Fire Educator. He is a certified EMT and has chaired the department’s SOP Review and Revision Committee.
Captain Wallace is also busy outside the department where he is completing requirements for an Associate’s Degree in Fire Sciences and will earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health next fall. He is President of the non-profit club Coastal Empire HRC which is dedicated to the improvement of retriever breed dogs. He is a member of the Duck Conservation Society, a non-profit organization that provides habitat and monitoring for the conservation of Wood Ducks. And as a Merit Badge Counselor, he works with the Boy Scouts of America in areas including Fire Safety, Animal Science, and Fish & Wild Life Management.
Captain Wallace and his wife Lisa operate Salt Creek Kennels where they provide boarding and training for sport, herding and companion dogs that enjoy the outdoors.
Captain Wallace has five brothers who are also involved in the community, two of whom - Brian and Clinton - also are members of Savannah Fire & Emergency Services. Captain Wallace’s father, Max is retired from both the US Military and the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Dept. | 2010 Fire Officer of the Year 
Captain Curtis L. Wallace is honored as SFES Fire Officer of the Year. Presenting the plaque to Captain Wallace is Ralph Bailey, President of the Southside Optimists Club. They are joined by Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton, Logistics Chief Nataniel Frazier (left) and Operations Chief Benjamin Morse (right) |
Dear Chief... Savannah Fire and Emergency Services truly is "...committed to those we serve". Below are a couple of letters to Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton from grateful and complimentary citizens who appreciates the extra touches SFES personnel bring to their profession.
308 E. Gaston St.
Savannah, GA 31401
February 16, 2010
Hqts.
Savannah Fire Department
121 E. Oglethorpe Ave.
Savannah, GA 31401
Gentlemen:
Words are inadequate to express our gratitude to the Savannah Fire Department and the wonderful firemen who responded to our urgent call on the early morning of February 16, 2010 for help to stop the water flooding our property at 237 E. Gordon St.
A special thanks, too, to the operator who took our call. She advised this was an unusual call and she would see what they could do to help us.
Please know that we are most thankful for your kindness and help when we needed you the most.
God bless you and yours.
Sincerely,
Lillian Lindsay
Marie Winters
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attention Chief Middleton
Savannah Fire Department
121 E. Oglethorpe Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31404
Samantha Powell
Dwight Shuman
10014 White Bluff Rd., #1505
Savannah, Georgia 31406
February 8, 2010
Chief, I would like to take the opportunity to pay a compliment to three of your firemen that responded to a call at Clover Village Apartments on Sunday, January 30th.
I was in the apartment of my friend Mr. Shuman and the icemaker line had burst in the kitchen causing heavy amounts of water to fill the kitchen, leak into the living room, down the hall, in the laundry room, and into the master bedroom.
I initiated the call around 7:15AM, and the “A” shift of truck two was dispatched to apartment 1505. They arrived around 7:25AM and turned the water off under the sink which caused the water to stop spouting all over the kitchen. All of the gentlemen were very courteous and professional. Not only did they stop the water which was all that I had requested; but they also used a shop vac and removed three pales of water from the apartment. I was floored at how nice they seemed and willing to help. I questioned if the gentlemen had worked all night because they were way too friendly to have been on a shift for a long amount of time. To my surprise, they had worked all night and still seemed just as perky as if they had just arrived.
The firemen were very open when I asked questions about firemen and public service. I think my true joy was knowing that if I had not been there, the fire department would have taken care of my friend Mr. Shuman. Unfortunately, Mr. Shuman is in a wheel chair and paralyzed from the waist down. He would not have been able to soak the water up on his own. The police had been called earlier and only said that they could not offer any solution or help in our situation other than calling the maintenance department.
The maintenance department finally responded five hours later, after they were paged.
Please recognize firemen:
Paul Stanford
Laron Ward
Herman Oswell
Thank you,
Ms. Samantha Powell
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SPACE HEATER SAFETY
Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (front right) was joined by Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine (front left) at Fire Headquarters January 6th to discuss winter homes fire safety tips. Middleton and Oxendine met with media representatives and presented information to help citizens to remember to take a few seconds and think about fire safety at their homes. Although the information included tips for using fireplaces and whole house heating systems, the focus was on space heater safety. Colder winter temperatures prompt many citizens to utilize space heaters as sources of warmth and Middleton and Oxendine want people to follow proper guidelines when utilizing the devices. The Chief and Oxendine also reminded citizens to prepare and practice an evacuation plan for their family in the event of a fire in their homes. They also reminded citizens to check that smoke detectors are functioning properly.
Savannah Fire & Emergency Services offers free smoke detectors and installation and also provides free home fire safety inspections. Citizens can contact SFES at (912) 651-6758 to schedule either or both of these services. |
Christmas Dinner Gift Certificates Savannah firefighters who work Christmas day will be getting a little help in preparing a holiday meal thanks to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Inc.
Dennis Gardin, Executive Director of the Burn Foundation (left), accompanied Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton (2nd from left) to fire stations in each of the city’s three Battalions December 16, 2009 to present Kroger gift certificates to SFES personnel who will be on shift Christmas day. Gardin is a burn survivor who, as a child, was rescued from a burning home by firefighters. He expressed his personal appreciation to Savannah firefighters for the work they perform and the service they provide. Gardin said the gift certificates were token gestures of appreciation for the support Savannah firefighters have given to the Burn Foundation.
Chief Middleton also expressed his personal gratitude to the men and women of the department for sacrificing their Christmas holiday to help ensure everyone else can celebrate safely. Middleton and Gardin met with firefighters at SFES Station #6 (3000 Liberty Parkway), Station # 2 (5 Skyline Dr.) and Station # 13 (11 McKenna Dr.) and presented the gift certificates, which are redeemable for a turkey or ham at Kroger, to the 22 fire department companies which will be on duty Christmas day.
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Savannah Fire & Emergency Services Recruits 22 recruits make up the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services newest academy class.
The recruits will spend the next three months training at the Fire Training Academy on Argonic Rd. to join the ranks of Savannah firefighters.
Upon graduation, these recruits will achieve nationally recognized certification as “Firefighter II”.
The comprehensive training schedule follows National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
Completing the demanding academy training will also earn these recruits additional certifications, including Hazmat Operations,
Vehicle Extrication, Technical Rescue and 1st Responder.
Graduation of this academy class is scheduled for Friday, March 19, 2010.
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BRIDGE RUN
Eight Savannah firefighters endured rain and colder than normal temperatures to particpate in the 2009 Savannah River Bridge Run Sunday, December 6th.
Master Firefighter Glenn Carlson, a Hazmat Technician assigned to Station 6, is shown highlighted below during the group's warm-up run prior to the 10K event that required participants to cross the Talmadge Bridge twice.
| SFES bridge runners (l-r) AFF Matthew Metivier, AFF Elijah Walden, Jr., Capt. Michael Metivier, AFF Thomas Powell, AFF Dorothy Boyce, AFF David Levinson, AFF Mark Oliver and MFF Glenn Carlson |
GEORGIA REGIONAL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE
Members of two Savannah Fire and Emergency Services Companies (T1A & E7A) delighted patients and staff at Georgia Regional Hospital Thursday, December 3, 2009, when they used their machines to lift the hospital's Christmas tree to its perch atop a gazebo on the facility's grounds.
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Accomplishing the precision placement of GA Regional's Christmas tree: (l-r) MFF Mark Bridges(T1A), Capt. Curtis Wasdin (T1A), AFF Ryan Pierce (E7A), Capt. Michael Taylor (E7A), MFF Damon Driggers (E7A) and AFF Frank D'Amico (T1A) |
Savannah Fire fighters During Chili Cook off
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