Operations Report by Operations Manager Mark Gilmore
June 2013
Preparedness
Ian Large is working hard co-ordinating the rollout of new pagers. Thanks to all those members who have gone out of their way to assist Ian. The pagers are working better than the old ones. They are picking up more messages in marginal spots and the screen is easier to see in the middle of the night. Battery life is also greatly extended so they have an environmental advantage also.
A new conference number now exists for District 2. The new number is dial in 1800672949 then enter 752209343107# . Please give the duty officer a ring if you wish to use this number.
A major Police exercise last month saw all emergency services join to manage an incident scenario on a bus which saw many contaminated people (Uni Students) get a free wash from Firefighters. Well done to all involved with a special mention going to Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat crews for lots of hard work including managing crowds whilst in Gas Suits. Well done also to SSO Mark Neville and Jade Haslam who did a lot of the organising for CFA.
Fiskville
A reminder that anyone requiring information on anything to do with the investigation into Fiskville Training College site and former practices can ring the hotline number on 1800 628 616.
A reminder that the CIS peers of LMR are poised to assist if things are getting to people a bit. If you have any queries give Norm Bowen a ring on 0447 361 849
Fires and incidents
A few structure fires have been occurring in the last month reminding us that smoke alarms should be checked regularly and clothes should be at least a meter form the heater.
The report on the Major Harriteville fire from this summer is now available on the OESC website.
Buildings
Progress is continuing at Mia Mia, Marong, Lancefield and Newham
CFA PEOPLE NEWS
Farewell to Patrick O’Brien who finishes up at the end of this month after more than 10 years as our Area Manager and then Regional Director. Congratulations to Mike Wassing will be acting LMR Regional Director from July 1st.
Welcome to new D2 front desk trainee Teisha Ives-Fullex. Please say hello when you are next in.
Congratulations to new Operations Officer Bruce Quarrier who has been promoted to the position of OIC of Bendigo fire station.
Farewell this month to recently retired Bendigo Leading Firefighter Alan Clohesy. We wish him well in his retirement after 36 years of dedicated service.
Farewell to Instructor Peter Cecil who has accepted a position at Geelong.
Congratulations to Ex Captain Andrew Howlett from Maiden Gully who was bestowed with an Australian Fire Services Medal on the Queens Birthday.
Welcome back to SO John Lane who is returning to Bendigo as an officer.
Author: Mark Gilmore