HEB employees fix breakfast for JVFD firefighters

September 11, 2007

HEB crew with the firefighters HEB #16 Manager Stacy Marshall and six of her employees stopped by Jollyville Station Two this morning and prepared an outstanding breakfast for the off going “B” Shift and on coming “C” Shift firefighters. Stacy said this was not only in remembrance of the events that took place on 9-11 but also to show appreciation for the service we provide to the community every day.

Children, Hot Weather, and Cars = Danger

September 2, 2007

We need your help to make sure that no child dies needlessly by being left alone in a hot vehicle.

- Put something you’ll need - such as your cell phone, handbag, a sunshade, lunch or briefcase, on the floor in the back seat. Get in the habit of opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach a destination. This way, making sure no child is left behind will become a habit. Safety experts call this the ‘Look…Then Lock‘ campaign.

- Keep a large teddy bear in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat. It’s a great visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is up front, a child is secured in a child safety seat behind you!

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Training With New Equipment

August 22, 2007

Firefighters from all three shifts at both stations completed training with new rescue equipment recently. The equipment, known as the Res-Q-Jack, is used to help stabilize automobiles after they have been involved in collisions. Although the new Res-Q-Jack equipment is used for dozens of situations, the most common scenario would involve an automobile on it’s roof or side. Also, the Jack’s can be used if the terrain the cars end up on is unstable. Even though the equipment looks awkward in photos, it is very easy to set up and is able to be deployed in under 6 minutes on average. Although the firefighters will have to get used to the new equipment, we are excited to have another tool available for the citizens. At this time, Jollyville, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto are the only departments in the Austin metro area carrying some version of the Jacks.

75 FF’s have lost thier lives so far this year!

August 9, 2007

On Monday, August the 6th, Jollyville ‘C’ shift firefighters and volunteer staff participated in training on what to do if they become lost or trapped during a fire. The training started out in the classroom, Chief Kiracofe discussed recent firefighter deaths and showed some brief videos of fires where firefighters lives were lost. Chief Kiracofe also explained the Jollyville SOG on what to do should you become lost or trapped during a fire. It was emphasized that a firefighter must report a MAYDAY situation as soon as possible even if they think they can free themselves from the lost or trapped situation. The training then moved outside so that Jollyville firefighters could experience what it is like to be lost or trapped during a fire and use the techniques taught by Chief Kiracofe. The firefighters masks were lined with wax paper to simulate a no visibility situation and then were sent to the tread mill to get their heart and brething rate up. After the tread mill it was into an obstacle course where they had to navigate small spaces, free themselves from entanglements, and even change out their SCBA cylinder if they ran out of air all in conjunction with calling a MAYDAY at the appropriate times. The training opened the eyes to everyone involved, most of which had never put been into a MAYDAY situation.