Fire Chief’s Meeting Covers a Variety of Issues
Vickie Walker explains about free smoke detector program.
Lynn Bledsoe
Managing Gimlet Editor
March 18, 2025, the regular Chief’s meeting was held in the Emergency Management offices. Vickie Walker was there to give a report on the free smoke detectors from the Red Cross. Walker asked again about the volunteer fire Departments installing the detectors. She explained what she found out that was needed by the Red Cross. The Fire Departments agreed to help with the installs.
Jeff Stiles from Public Entity Insurance spoke to the Chiefs about their insurance for accidents, sickness and other changes. Stiles also reminded everyone to update their beneficiary each year in case something changes.
Emergency Management Director Terry Massey asked the Chief’s to caution their Volunteers to make sure they have radios. The Tango-Tango system does not always reach to E-911. Rosters also still need to be updated at dispatch. There is also a problem with too much chatter on the radios and Tango-Tango system. Massey also stated there is too much self-dispatching of volunteers to fires. The Chiefs may need to start putting a letter of record in the files of violators.
Three volunteers attended swift water awareness class and two attended ropes classes. Massey stated he needed access to each firehouse to see what is needed for generator install quote.
The Division of Forestry will be notified of all woods and grass fires. Forestry will be able to write citations for those who violate the burn ban. Each VFD is able to bill individuals who violate the ban now. The issues of fire dues were discussed and multi-dwelling units, with no decision made.
Massey stated the threshold for FEMA has been met in the county. Massey stated if any VFD has responded to special runs due to the floods and used manpower or equipment they need to turn in a detailed list for FEMA.
Annie Adams from Kentucky Public Health attended the meeting. She offered services to the Chief’s that include manpower hours. She works between the state and local health departments.
Wingfield VFD has their Spring Auction and Dinner (BBQ) set for April 26 at noon.
Chalybeate VFD has the Spring on Fire event on May 17, 2025, from 11:00-4:00pm.
Training for the Jaws of Life will be March 29 at 9:00am at Kyrock.
