5
DIVISION news
5
DIVISION news
Covering the City of Hesperia and eight
unincorporated areas of the High Desert
By Ryan Beckers and Local 935 VP Jeff Allen
LABOR REP:
BOB MACK (RJM)
RON WALLS
ASSISTANT CHIEF
A recent auto extrication drill at Station 14 led by Captain Karl Hegle and Engineer Dennis Weaver.
HOT TOPICS
Update:
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FROM THE NORTH DESERT
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The Hesperia annexation has completed the “protest”
periods without opposition. LAFCo issued a certificate
of completion in September, meaning the San
Bernardino County Fire District can begin the process
of title conveyance of real property and vehicles.
Annexation also means the bathroom repair and
remodel for Station 302 can begin.
FIREWIRE • FALL 2018
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Local 935 members had a significant presence
and participation in the Hesperia Days Parade,
including showing vehicles which highlight the
diversity of resources we provide. Thanks to the
members who stepped up to promote the good
work we all do.
• Several members attended the Hesperia State
of the City event on September 17. The city
is pleased with the annexation process going
smooth. Local 935 thanks Assistant Chief Ron
Walls for his efforts over the last several months
getting the annexation complete.
• The paid-call firefighter program in Division 5
is also ending. Over the years it has become
difficult to sustain the PCF program.
Station 8 in Lucerne Valley is undergoing its remodel,
which includes adding two bedrooms and updating
portions of the station to improve efficiencies. Also, an
extractor will be installed.
Community remains the top priority in Division 5 with recent events in Wrightwood and Phelan.
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A recent mine rescue near Calico brought our technical rescue members aboard Rescue 40 from Station 305 in Hesperia.
The view from a helmet camera during
a recent residential structure fire in
the city of Hesperia.
AL FRANCO
Photos Landen Markegard
Our brother Captain Al Franco continues to recover
from heart attack sustained while on duty at Station
8. Al thanks all who have contacted and supported
him; it may not seem like much but it has made a big
difference for him and his family.
For those who haven’t met him, Al was hired in 1988
by Victorville Fire Department and transitioned
in 2008 to County Fire. He said recently that he
“misses hanging out with the guys and running
calls,” and goes on to say “It’s the best job in the
world with morning coffee at the table…it’s like a
no-judgement zone, like being back in seventh grade
joking with each other.”
As he continues to rehab and go through physical therapy—he says this is a
big adjustment. He is open to phone calls (760)617-8348 and also encourages
us to enjoy our time on the job while you can, because you don’t know what
the future holds.
Local 935 and the FIREWIRE staff wishes Al the best in his recovery.
Probationary Firefighter Nick Papageorges
recently assigned to Station 14 in the town
of Wrightwood.
Probationary Firefighter Mike McAngus shows
a local Girl Scout troop proper flag etiquette
during a recent event in Wrightwood.
FALL 2018 • FIREWIRE
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