Wanted: Lopez EMTs, firefighters

On Saturday, Sept. 11 the Lopez Island Fire Department will be stationing a fire engine and an ambulance in Lopez Village, near the water tower, for public display.

From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Chief Rob Miesen and several of the department’s volunteers will be giving tours of the equipment to adults and children alike.

There will also be a recruitment booth available to those who are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The booth will be manned by current volunteers who will answer questions about their commitments and duties and hand out informational packets.

The department currently has 11 volunteer EMTs and 17 volunteer firefighters. Last spring there were 17 EMTs and 27 firefighters in the department. “The main focus (of the event) is recruiting volunteers,” said Miesen, who feels it’s time to increase the number.

Free blood pressure checks will be provided to the public and, through the help of a grant, the department will be selling bicycle helmets for $6 each.

Miesen and the volunteers will also answer questions about the department’s upcoming levy.

On Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., the department will hold an informational meeting for those interested in becoming volunteers. It will cover the duties, time commitments and benefits of volunteering as a firefighter or EMT.

NEWLY FORMED COMMITTEE IS PREPARING FOR LEVY

The newly formed YES (Your Emergency Service) committee has been meeting each week to work on a plan for educating the community about the fire department’s levy.

The group, consisting of six volunteers, has been compiling information packets about the department’s duties and needs. The packets will be distributed around Lopez Village.

The YES committee will also be placing ads, and making yard signs and flyers, all in an attempt to educate the voters about the levy.

LOPEZ FIRE RISK DANGER. MODERATE

The Lopez Island fire risk danger has been reduced to moderate. Two-foot recreational camp fires (cooking fires) are now allowed. Miesen expects open burning, with a permit, will be allowed on Oct. 1, “weather permitting.”

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