Wanted: More radios for local firefighters

Should a firefighter enter a burning building without being able to communicate with those outside when he or she is in immediate danger and needing to be rescued? Or should the firefighter without a radio stay out of the building, thus hindering the effort to quickly put out the fire?

These questions were raised by Orcas Island firefighter Paul Turner, who told fire commissioners Jan. 13 that not all local firefighters have a radio in their possession when they are fighting fires, and needing to communicate with their colleagues.

The commissioners acknowledged that radios are needed for both safety and effectiveness, and that the problem on Orcas is real, because there are not now enough radios to go to around. “Totally worthy,” is how Commissioner Bob Phalan described Turner’s request.

Commissioners have already budgeted some money to purchase more radios and pagers in 2004. But Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Garth Eimers admitted that he didn’t yet know if there would be enough money to provide one for every firefighter.

Commissioners will discuss the matter further at a workshop today, Jan. 21, at noon at the fire hall.

IN OTHER FIRE COMMISSION NEWS:

-- Commissioner Clyde Duke was sworn in. He was later appointed to head a committee that will formulate a selection process and initiate a search for a new chief. Firefighter Mark Van Maren urged the commissioners to refrain from hiring consultants to oversee the search. Van Maren also asked that former commissioners Henry “Duff” Andrews and John Erly not be allowed to serve on the committee. “It should not be those who were rejected by the voters. It’s against the wishes of the people,” he said.

-- It was also agreed to establish a committee that will assess the department’s wildland fire needs and capabilities.

-- Chief Gary Bennett reported that the department may expand the parking area behind the new fire hall by 19,000 square feet.

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