4 minute read
FERNDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT
SERVING THE FERNDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS A
CONSTANT CHALLENGE, but it is also a highly rewarding profession. Chief Teresa Robinson and Marshall Dennis Barr recently met with me at Station #1 to talk about important safety matters, and to give an overview of the
Together with Station #2, located at 1070 E. 9 Mile, the Ferndale Fire Department manages fire & EMS response teams for all of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak Township. Calls are routed from the 911 system and the trucks are then dispatched, including ambulances, depending on the nature of the emergency. Robinson and Barr explained that their staff respond to all kinds of emergencies, beyond fires, and so they need to be one-hundred percent prepared. The staff are all well-trained to respond fast to practically any emergency situation. Robinson added, “We have a great group of conscientious firefighters and paramedics here who train together every day on a wide variety of skills. Even though the job can be stressful, ultimately we get to make someone's day better. Unfortunately, it's not always a good outcome, but we can still show compassion and try to fix whatever is going wrong.” Barr emphasized that prevention is the key. “We want to be proactive and to educate the community on how to stay safe.” Even simple measures count, like having a good smoke detector located on every floor and in every sleeping area. The Ferndale Fire Department reaches out to the public in many ways with information. For example, a free smoke detector educational program is offered. Residents can schedule a safety survey, which is specifically tailored to each home. This program takes about an hour to complete. It covers many topics such as an escape plan (for example, making sure your windows open), or checking for hidden hazards such as electrical cords running under your carpets. Campfires can also create risky situations and injuries. A permit is required for local campfires. There is an application available online. Your potential campfire arrangement will be reviewed to make sure it meets certain safety standards. There is a $25 annual permit available. Of course, firework safety is equally important. Residents can check the City of Ferndale website for the appropriate City ordinance. Downed wires can also be extremely dangerous. Barr reminded residents to call 911 if you are unsure of any situation involving a downed wire. They can easily electrify surrounding conductive objects, such as a metal fence. Moisture is a factor in how the electricity is able to travel along the ground. Check out more fire safety ideas at: www.safehome.org/resources/fireprevention-guide/, The Department also gets involved with many local outdoor festivals and events. Every year during the Woodward Dream Cruise, the Department offers five-minute CPR demonstrations. Autism awareness is in April, in partnership with Team GUTS. In the Fall, they raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. The Fire Department also attends various block parties in Summer months to interact with parents and their kids and answer questions on firefighting/safety. Robinson has been working for 25 years in fire and EMS, and, “still loves coming to work every day.” She added that they are always looking for ways to give back but are not looking to be in the limelight for these efforts. They have been receiving fewer applicants for jobs, so they’d like to keep promoting firefighting as a valuable career avenue. Robinson said you can make a good living with the Fire Department and “you can be proud of doing this.” The job has fun aspects too. “You get to do stuff like training on ‘jaws of life’ equipment. The staff are always lear ning new skills.” Certifications usually take a year to complete, with a further year to become certified as a paramedic. To be a firefighter, a person must be in good physical shape and at least 18-years-old. Robinson has seen some people enter the Force later in their life but suggests that a full career in the Department is the best way to go. Phone calls are welcome from those who have serious inquiries about a career in firefighting. We’d like to thank the Ferndale Fire Station for promoting safety, helping so many people in their times of need, and saving lives! n www.ferndalemi.gov/departments/fire-department www.teamgutsmichigan.com www.lung.org/get-involved/events/fight-for-air-climb
by Jenn Goeddeke
Fer ndale Fire Dept.
