FALL 2013
Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Okanagan Indian Band Sign Fire Dispatch Agreement September 3, 2013
Okanagan Indian Band to Access 911 for Fire Emergencies
A signing ceremony will take place on September 3, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the Okanagan Indian Band Council Chambers (adjacent to the Band office) 12420 Westside Road, to formalize the Agreement between the City of Vernon and the Okanagan Indian Band, for Fire Emergency Dispatch services. With the signing of the Agreement, all emergency fire incidents requiring attendance by the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department will be dispatched from the Vernon Fire Rescue Fire Dispatch Centre in Station 1 Downtown. Upon completion of technical upgrades, citizens and visitors to Okanagan Indian Band lands will be able to report fire emergencies through 911. Chief Byron Louis states that “we at the Okanagan Indian Band are very pleased with this new agreement with the City of Vernon and the Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the enhanced safety and protection that will come from it for our Band Members and community residents.”
The Vernon Fire Rescue Services Fire Dispatch Centre utilizes contemporary Computer Assisted Dispatching (CAD) software, radio communications and voice recording software to provide clients with state-of-the-art fire dispatch services. When the 911 calls are transferred, professional fire dispatchers will process and initiate the response and provide on-going dispatch support for the duration of the emergency.
At the signing ceremony, Deputy Fire Chief Jack Blair will represent Vernon Fire Rescue and Councillor Mary-Jo O’Keefe will represent Mayor and Council and the City of Vernon. Chief Louis will represent the Okanagan Indian Band. Councillor Mary-Jo O’Keefe said, “On behalf of Mayor and Council, we are pleased to enter into this agreement with the Okanagan Indian Band. This agreement is another example of our continued commitment to implement inter-agency objectives. Our fire dispatch centre was designed to provide modern service within the City and to clients in the area. This agreement reflects the City’s interest to support common regional communications during emergencies.”
Chief Keith Green of Vernon Fire Rescue Services said, “We’re very pleased to enter into this Agreement with the Okanagan Indian Band. We will be providing operational support through dispatching, and we’re confident there will be improved safety for The transition to the new service is expected to take place in the fall, following implementation and responders and those in need during fire emergencies”. testing of equipment and radio systems.
Notice of Quarterly Report Meeting To: Okanagan Indian Band Membership Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Time: 6:00pm Location: Head of the Lake Hall The Chief and Council invite the OKIB membership to a meeting for a presentation on the audited financial statements. AGENDA: 2012-2013 Audited Financial Statements Statements will be available a week prior to the meeting. Contact the Administrative Office Receptionist - 250-542-4328 Light Refreshments to be served. Sherry Louis, Executive Assistant to the Chief and Council
Okanagan Indian Band, 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC. V1H2A4
Senk’lip News
“Ensuring the Future through Cultural, Social and Economic Development.”
Editor: Sharmaine Gregoire Ph: (250) 542-4328 ext. 215 Fx: (250) 542-4990 sharmaine.gregoire@okanagan.org Mail: 12420 Westside Rd., Vernon, BC, V1H 2A4
Chief: Byron Louis Councillors: Homer Alexis, Lyle Brewer, Barbra (June) Cole, Tim Isaac, Allan Louis, Coola Louis, Diane Louis, Raymond Marchand, Russell Williams and Leland Wilson