INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS Continuing the busy year , many budgeted and long-planned projects were undertaken , including : Station 3 Rich Valley had the addition of a meeting room ; Station 4 Sangudo saw the addition of a rear concrete pad ; Station 6 Mayerthorpe completed the addition of a sidewalk ; and Ste . Anne East Station renovations begun and will be ongoing through 2017 , with the inclusion of an addition .
TRAINING The Fire Services Training Matrix changed in 2016 , and ongoing into 2017 all Members have completed certifications or will take the opportunity to enroll in many of our ongoing training programs .
Training consisted of the following :
• Core Competency Training ( annual / mandatory );
• NFPA 1001 FF Level 1 ( mandatory ), FF Level 2 ;
• NFPA 1002 Vehicle Driving and Pump Operations ;
• NFPA 1051 Wildland Training ( mandatory );
• NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Training : Awareness Level ( mandatory );
• Vehicle Extrication : Basic ( mandatory ), Advanced and Heavy Vehicle ;
• Open and Ice Water Rescue ;
• Standard First Aid ( mandatory );
• Advanced First Aid ;
• Oxygen Therapy ;
• Automated External Defibrillator ( AED );
• Blue Card Command ; and
• Fire Officer Level 1 .
Our total training hours surpassed 7,500 hours County-wide in 2016 !
RECRUITING In 2016 , Lac Ste . Anne County Fire Services suffered a net reduction in firefighters , losing an aggregate total of 13 members over the course of the year . 29 were lost due to work relocation , or to job changes that substantially impacted ability to continue with Fire Services . However , with a concentrated recruiting program , we were able to rebound late in 2016 with a recruitment of 16 new Members .
The loss of these members necessitated a strong recruiting campaign planned for January 2017 . I ’ m pleased to report that we have had significant interest County-wide due to this campaign . By early March of 2017 , we had processed 15 applications , successfully recruiting 10 applicants . We have targeted a net gain of 25 new members for 2017 , for which an aggressive fall campaign is planned .
FIRE SERVICES PROJECTS IN THE WORKS Fire Services has many infrastructure projects underway to effectively communicate internally , as well as to you , the community we serve .
Some of these projects include :
• Radio Tower infrastructure improvements ;
• Public information improvements including our new Fire Services website , radio advertising , and social media messaging ;
• FireSmart Threat Assessment . The initial phase was completed in 2016 , and work is underway to develop a public information platform to educate our community and the effectiveness of a good FireSmart program ;
• Fire Prevention initiatives all across the County ;
• Pre-Fire Planning of important infrastructure such as our care facilities , water access areas , recreation facilities , and subdivisions .
These projects are in place to support our existing level of service to our community .
MOVING FORWARD Through all of our activities , Lac Ste . Anne County Fire Services is supporting a regional model ; one that is sustainable by design to support those who step forward and answer the call .
All of our fire stations are now identified as Stations within the County , and our new Fire Services logo , unveiled in late 2016 , will start to appear as a symbol of our unified pride and identity .
This regional model , by the demand of our members , places the County directly responsible and accountable to all of our members as County employees . This means that the County has foremost consideration of their safety and needs while the members train and respond ; protecting these members while they in turn protect and serve the community . The Fire Services department is the largest department of the County ( 100 + strong ), and are called upon daily to provide emergency service to residents , visitors and municipal neighbours alike .
To our members , I extend my sincerest respect and gratitude for your service . Your tireless dedication ensures that emergency service in Lac Ste . Anne County is provided in a manner that promotes and attains sustainability , efficiency , and continuous support , all in the safest environment possible .
— Randy Schroeder County Fire Chief
Operations 15 .