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JUNE 19, 2014 VOLU M E 6 | I SS UE 25
brightonbanner.com
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A D A M S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
City’s emergency management reviewed Emergency response programs, communications, and training analyzed by council By Lou Ellen Bromley
bromleyclan@hotmail.com An Emergency Management and Communications update was presented to city council members at a recent study session. Stephanie Hackett, Emergency Management Coordinator, along with Brighton Police Chief Clint Blackhurst and Fire Chief Mark Bodane spoke at the June 10 study session, to bring the council up to date on the city’s incident management and disaster response programs and also the train-
ing exercises available for the public and professional’s involved in emergency response. They discussed how best to get information about emergencies to the public as quickly as possible and how to educate the public on what each person should do to be prepared for an emergency. “The key to recovery and survival of any emergency is to be prepared” Hackett said. “Brighton office of emergency management works with the Red Cross and other agencies to help train families on how to develop an emergency plan involving each member of the family.” Brighton works closely with organizations and volunteers in the community as well as county, state and the federal government to develop and test emergency
and disaster preparedness. Hackett used the example of the water boil order implemented last year after E. coli was discovered in a city water source. “We took that opportunity to see how we could improve, and were able to recognize what was done well during that emergency, now we will apply these ‘lessons learned’ in the future,” Hacket said. Emergency plans for different needs were explained as well, such as responses to hospitals, nursing homes and the disabled. Brighton has its own local emergency program that includes supplies, equipment, shelters and volunteers available. Blackhurst stated that one of the challenges they face is how to notify people of an emergency. The information can
be broadcast on local cable channel 8, the city’s Facebook page, emergency sirens, or a press release but not everyone has access to these sources of information. There is currently no database for mass calling partly because cell phones are not listed in a directory and people frequently change cell phone numbers. Fire Chief Mark Bodane stated that “There is a 1st call system for emergency calling but a person must first “opt in” by giving us their cell phone numbers to be called in an emergency”. The use of landlines is effective but slow and only 40-percent of homes still have a landline. Hackett noted that in an emergency cell phones are unreliable because if the cell tower is damaged a cell phone can no longer be used.
VA failures rub salt in vets’ wounds Legislation hopes to improve current standards in system By Vic Vela
vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com George Claggett was a Marine who lived by his own definition of karma. The Vietnam veteran believed that treating others well wasn’t about reciprocation; rather, it was a belief that his goodness would show up elsewhere, even if he wasn’t the one reaping the benefit. It’s a good thing that Claggett wasn’t expecting anything in return for his actions toward others, or for fighting in a war of which many wanted no part, because karma wasn’t there for him during the last months of his life — much of which was spent in frustration over his dealings with the Department of Veterans Affairs. “It was hell, absolute hell,” said Michael O’Brien, a close friend and Claggett’s power of attorney, when asked what it was like dealing with the VA system. According to O’Brien, Claggett would spend several weeks just trying to schedule an appointment to see a doctor at the VA hospital in Denver. When he would finally obtain appointments, he would sometimes have to wait for hours to see a doctor. Claggett, of Denver, also waited several weeks to receive lab results of a tumor that contributed to his death on May 2. He was 66. “It just seemed like all he was doing was waiting,” O’Brien said. Claggett’s story is one of many that have surfaced in recent weeks regarding systematic failures and corruption within the VA department. “I am absolutely stunned, particularly as a combat veteran, that this agency that’s entrusted to meet our obligations for those who served in uniform can be so incredibly incompetent ... and be so corrupt,” said 6th Congressional District Rep. Mike Coffman, a Republican who served in the Iraq War.
Ducks in the main race coming down the slide at the start of the race. Photos by Lou Ellen Bromley
George Claggett, a Marine and Vietnam veteran, was one of many veterans whose health care needs had been impacted by systematic problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Photo courtesy of Michael O’Brie Last week, Coffman joined every other member of the House in voting for a bill that aims to address some of the issues that have caused veterans like Claggett to receive substandard care from their government. The legislation is a start, say members of Congress, to restructuring a governmentrun entity that has been failing its soldiers for a very long time. “I am so angry and disappointed,” said Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a Democrat who represents Colorado’s 7th Congressional District. “There are too many stories like that.”
Seeking better options for vets
Last week, the House gave unanimous Vets continues on Page 4
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Dozens and dozens of ducks By Lou Ellen Bromley The 17th annual Rubber Duck Race at Oasis Aquatic Park was a splashing success. Despite almost becoming a wash out because of a sudden rainstorm, the race went well for those attending this popular summer event. There were 40 large, elaborately decorated ducks entered in a two-lap race around Lazy River swim area by local businesses and city departments. Followed by a one-lap race of smaller ducks sponsored by several nonprofits. Then, the Grand Finally, 4,000 little yellow ducks racing down the large slide and around the Firemen Travis Hahl and Brycen Garrison making last minute repairs on one of Lazy River in a one lap race to the finish line. the fire department’s ducks, using “duck” tape. Despite the cooler weather, several members of the Brighton Youth Commission bravely volunteered to dive in the water and coax the little ducky’s around the track and across the finish line. There were more than 50 winners in the main event. The complete list will be announced and prizes awarded.