Sanibel fire board OKs work, items for new station going up
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved contract work and appliances for Station 172 at its recent meeting, as well as received a building update and heard about a recent youth camp.
On Jan. 15, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a resolution authorizing security and access control work for the station being rebuilt on Sanibel-Captiva Road to be performed by Innovative Security for a cost of about $16,476, which will provide for integration with the system at Station 171.
In addition, the commission voted 3-0 on a resolution to purchase an appliance package for Station 172 from Fuse Specialty Appliances for a cost of about $30,260 for a refrigerator, dishwasher and more.
Before the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that it was the lowest bid received out of three.
Additionally, the commissioners voted 3-0 to approve district policies for: Certifying Sick Leave With Documentation, Elevator Entrapments, Elevator Restrictions During Emergencies, Staging, Uniform Regulations, and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
Also during the meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson gave an update on the reconstruction of Station 172. He reported that the concrete block walls and floor for the second floor are built. He anticipates that the trusses will be up by the end of the month and the roof the first week of February.
Jackson also reported that the two-vehicle garage on the site will be demoed before the end of the month. Shell or rock will be installed in its footprint to be used for something else in the future.
Also at the meeting, Barbot provided a financial report for the district. He reported that ongoing apparatus repairs continue to be costly and are continuing to push the district over its budget.
“These repairs were unseen and a direct correlational to the storms,” Barbot said.
He explained that they are having electrical issues because of the intrusion from the saltwater.
“We can’t be the only ones dealing with this,” Barbot said.
He reported that staff are researching equipment that is better able to deal with saltwater intrusion, including possibly lifting the apparatus, plus how to prevent such repairs and keep things operational.
Also during the meeting, Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria gave an update on the district’s community involvement, including the Operation Hometown Heroes camp hosted on Jan. 11 for grades 3-5.
Organized by Catelyn Holcomb, a Gold Award applicant for the Girl Scouts, 22 participants spent the day with first responders engaging in hands-on activities focused on emergency response, fire safety and CPR training. Volunteers from the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy helped at the event.
“We had a fantastic time,” he said. “It was a really successful event.”
A second camp for grades 6-8 will be held on Jan. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Signups are open until the end-of-day on Jan. 23. To register, contact Holcomb at registerhometownheroes@gmail.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Jackson reported that the new brush truck has arrived in Fort Myers and is having the district’s graphics added to it. Last up, the radio gear and other tools and equipment will be mounted.
Also, the new Can-Am beach vehicle should arrive soon to go through the same process.
– Barbot reported that because of the recent wildfires in California, there is a heightened awareness about brush fires in the community. The district has been fielding calls from worried residents.
“It’s definitely got people concerned and worried,” he said.
Barbot continued that the district and other members of the Sanibel Prescribed Fire Task Force are planning to hold a meeting soon to discuss the potential for a prescribed burn for the island.
– The district responded to 128 calls in December, compared to 91 for the same month in 2023.
“So we’re up,” DiMaria said.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 38 plan reviews and 211 inspections in December. He conducted 1,034 plan reviews and 2,634 inspections in total for the year.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: DiMaria for 17 years; and Lt. Cliff Steele for 13 years.