Sanibel fire commission hears updates
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission learned about a grant that the district is seeking for a new beach response vehicle, plus updates on the new and old rescue boats, at its recent meeting.
On Oct. 13, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that he and another staffer are working on a Firehouse Sub grant in order to purchase a faster emergency vehicle for responding to incidents on the beach. He explained that the need for the upgrade was highlighted by the summer lighting strikes.
“Response could have been better if we had a faster sand vehicle,” Barbot said, explaining that the district created a map to help determine responses with its Gator or engine based upon distance.
“We are really going to try and, hopefully, we can be awarded the grant,” he said.
Barbot reported that the vehicle would supplement the regular engine and ladder apparatus.
“We would have the ability to load them up on that vehicle and get them to the ambulance right away, rather than carrying them off the beach on a board,” he said. “It’s just going to really speed up our process and the level of care that we can give them.”
Also during the meeting, Barbot told the commissioners that new Marine 171 was taken out of the water to do some maintenance on the unit. The crews swapped out the muffler with a new one and one of the doors was repaired. They also added a protector to help extend the boat’s life due to the salt.
Commissioner Jerry Muench asked if the vessel is equipped to use foam to fight fires.
“The vessel is now fully foam operational. All parts needed were purchases and created,” Barbot said. “And we are using green foam as it reduces the negative effects on the system and environment.”
In addition, he reported that the old Marine 171 was sold in early September.
Also at the meeting, Barbot spoke of a call for a diabetic event where the patient went into cardiac arrest. Because of the crew’s quick actions, the patient survived and will soon walk out of the hospital.
“This is an example of why firefighters are Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified, and all our engines are equipped with appropriate gear,” he said.
“And why we require a firefighter to be certified,” Fire Chief William Briscoe added.
Barbot also shared that the district, along with other local fire agencies, recently assisted with the Roar Offshore Boat Races on Fort Myers Beach. He noted that the Sanibel crew ran the command vessel.
“We responded to two flipped over boats, and we had a medical emergency on one of the racing boats,” Barbot said, explaining that one of the racers had gone into cardiac arrest. “The gentleman is likely going to be walking out of the hospital soon.”
“It was a very eventful day,” he added.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commission voted 3-0 to accept the resignation letter of former Lt. Tony Fontaine and pay him a final amount of $20,000 for his back payroll.
– Medical Director Dr. Benjamin Abo’s annual contract was renewed with no changes.
– Barbot reported that the fire station security system is ready for review and all three bids will be presented at next month’s commission meeting for a potential install date during December.
– The commissioners gave staff the green light to plan for the annual award ceremony.
– The district responded to 115 calls in September, compared to 125 calls for the same month last year. Barbot reported that the district shows a 20 percent increase, however, for the year-over-year calls.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email