Sanibel fire commission learns about tools, more
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission gave the green light on purchasing new equipment for the district’s third truck at its recent meeting, as well as heard about a new hire and vaccinations.
On March 10, Fire Chief William “Bill” Briscoe explained for the commissioners that the district is preparing to buy a third RIT — Rapid Intervention Team — bag for its back-up apparatus. Each truck at the two stations has one and the district has been trying to equip its reserve truck with one for years.
“This is a 20-year project,” he said of the process.
Briscoe noted that the purchase is in this year’s budget and was approved as part of it.
Approximately $5,822 has been budgeted for the new bag.
Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett explained that the RIT team jumps into action if a firefighter gets in trouble on a call, like lost or disoriented in a house fire. The team is specialty trained in rescue.
He reported that the reserve truck is used when the main trucks are already responding to calls or perhaps if one is providing mutual aid to the Captiva or Iona-McGregor fire districts. Barrett continued that if the RIT team is needed at the scene with the reserve truck, there will not be a bag on board.
“It’s essential to have,” he said. “If we have a truck, it should be supplied.”
The commission voted 3-0 in agreement with the purchase.
Also at the meeting, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that new firefighter-paramedic Robert Bell started on March 1. He was selected from about 20 applicants, with all holding extensive training.
Barbot also reported that the promotional process to fill one captain and one lieutenant position is ongoing. A hiring panel comprised of officers from outside of the county will keep it unbiased.
“That’s a great idea,” Commissioner Richard McCurry said.
Also during the meeting, Briscoe provided an update on vaccine distribution and the difference between Lee County and what Collier and Charlotte are doing. He explained that fire agencies in the other two counties have been administering vaccines to the public, while those in Lee have not.
Briscoe continued that the Florida Department of Health in Lee County works with the county government to distribute the vaccines, while the health department offices in those other counties initiated a pilot program that allows their fire agencies to help with administering the vaccines.
“Lee County chose to do it differently,” Briscoe said.
He noted that fire agencies in Lee, including Sanibel, are willing to help.
“Every fire district is completely on board,” Briscoe said of if the agencies are asked to assist.
Also at the meeting, Briscoe reported that the district is hoping to meet with the Island Water Association and talk to it about taking over the island’s fire hydrants as a capital asset; Captiva is looking to do the same. He explained that the islands’ districts are the only ones to own them.
Any repairs or replacements, say due to a traffic crash, are shouldered by the district.
“We have no problem doing the maintenance as we always have,” he said.
After some discussion and questions by the commissioners, Briscoe asked for their approval to schedule a meeting with IWA officials to discuss the proposal about taking over the hydrants.
“I see no problem with that,” Commissioner Jerry Muench said.
All three gave the go ahead to proceed.
Briscoe also brought up before the commission the district’s excess insurance. He explained that Captiva’s fire chief had approached him for an overview of the district’s coverage and cost and they discovered a big difference in comparing the districts. The Sanibel district’s renewal is due in about April, so he requested quotes from their provider for other options for the commission to review.
The commissioners voiced support for examining all coverage levels before renewal.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that upgrades to the island’s fire alarms continue as people switch from a landline to a wireless, which saves money and is a better system.
“A lot of people are switching over,” he said.
– Barrett reported that medical director Dr. Benjamin Abo will conduct an upcoming lecture on pharmacology, so the crews are further educated if they encounter a patient with medications.
“So our guys will be trained extra in pharmacology,” he said.
Barrett added that all of Abo’s lectures and training sessions are well attended.
“Everyone wants to take part,” he said.
– The following personnel were recognized for their years of service: Engineer-EMT Robert Wilkins for eight years.
– The district responded to 158 calls in February, compared to 129 calls for the same month last year. For the year, the district has responded to 291 calls, compared to 236 for the same period in 2020.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email