New fire rescue boat in service for Sanibel district
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission heard of the arrival of the new fire rescue boat at its recent meeting, as well as were updated on the work staff is beginning to do on the 2021-22 budget.
On June 9, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that the 26-foot MetalCraft Interceptor was received on May 24. The vessel, which has a twin outboard engine, was purchased using district funds allocated within the budget and a $150,000 grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District.
More than a dozen staffers have been training on the boat, he explained. Working in three-hour sessions, the boat operators have undergone training to familiarize themselves with the new vessel.
Barbot noted that the crews responded to a handful of water calls over the holiday weekend.
“We’re getting out there a lot quicker,” he said of arriving on scene, explaining that the district’s prior rescue vessel was a single outboard engine, so the new boat is about 50 percent faster on the water.
Fire Chief William “Bill” Briscoe took a moment to acknowledge the committee of staffers that spearheaded the effort. Made up of Rob Doerr, Brian Howell and Cliff Steele, led by Todd Walter, it researched manufacturers, gathered crew input and tailored a model to meet the district’s needs.
“The crew that worked on this boat did an exceptional job,” he said.
The commission voiced agreement.
“They did do an excellent job,” Commissioner Bruce Cochrane said.
During last month’s commission meeting, Barbot reported that the manufacturer liked the committee’s tailored one-of-a-kind design so much that it is considering farming out the model to other agencies.
Also at last week’s meeting, Briscoe told the commission that the work has begun on next year’s budget. He met with staff to discuss and review the highlights of what is needed and wanted.
“And the things we’re looking into in the future,” Briscoe said.
Administrator Mary Hickey reported that the district’s audit has been completed.
“Everything’s good,” she said.
Also during the meeting, Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that The Shack of Sanibel has officially opened for business. In addition, he expected the Sanibel Community Church to receive its certificate of occupancy soon following a project to raise the chapel and redo its siding.
“So I’ve been doing a lot of plan reviews,” Williams said.
He also told the commissioners that he and Division Chief of Training Tim Barrett are working on compiling a list of commercial buildings with residential dwellings above them. Williams explained that the goal is to train the crews on the list so they know to check for occupants if a call comes in.
“I’m astounded with how many are out here,” he said of Sanibel. “They are all over.”
IN OTHER NEWS
– Briscoe reported that Lee County has put a burn ban in place for the county.
– The district responded to 155 calls in May, compared to 107 calls for the same month last year.