December 14, 2007

Firefighters focus on preparation and prevention

By Donna H. Eliason
Staff Writer

“Clang, Clang!” At 10 a.m., the alarm sounded at Evergreen’s fire station 11. Immediately the four firefighters stopped everything and hurried to their assigned position on the engine. Minutes later they entered a condo in The Villages to assist a resident with breathing problems.

Pictured, left to right: Doug Humphrey (paramedic), Captain Robert Juelson, Sam Garcia (engine driver), and Roger Smith (fire fighter.) Photo by Donna H. Eliason

Each firefighter had a specific job, yet each worked as a team to assess the situation and provide the needed help before an ambulance arrived.

This shift has “the oldest crew in terms of seniority and experience,” says fireman Roger Smith. The four men on C shift have over 100 years in combined fire fighting experience.

This commitment and experience is invaluable with the expanding Evergreen population. Emergency calls were infrequent in l980 when the station was built. At that time, a hill stood behind the building where deer, bobcats and turkeys roamed. Now the hill is leveled and covered with homes.

The station receives about four calls daily
Of the approximately 1400 calls this year, about 60 percent are from The Villages; with numerous activity from residential care homes. The station’s service area also includes Silver Creek Country Club, the Evergreen College area, San Felipe down to Metcalf, and the Hassler Park area.

Station is cleaner than many homes
Each shift works 24 hours, with a total of 56 hours weekly. Shifts begin at 8 a.m. when information updates are exchanged between the outgoing and incoming teams. Daily specific responsibilities are completed by each of the four team members. The engine driver thoroughly checks the engine, noting such things as the tire pressure, the lights and other physical features. The paramedic checks the equipment and supplies, restocking when needed. The captain completes administrative duties and plans the day’s organization. Then the firefighters clean up and check the cleanliness of the station. Every Saturday everyone pitches in to give the station a thorough cleaning, which includes window and gutter cleaning.

About an hour later the group meets to discuss the day’s expectations. Part of their time is spent in specific specialized training in such areas as suicide prevention, emergency procedures, homeland security, brush fire techniques etc. Team members train with others in the same specialties. Some classes are “hands on”, others are on DVDs. Each firefighter is trained as an EMT (Emergency Medical Techni-cian).

Family atmosphere enhances teamwork
With 24-hour shifts, the firefighters become like a “family”. Everyone knows who leaves socks under the bed and who dreams about being captain. Shopping and cooking are rotated responsibilities. Everyone chips in for food. During the afternoon each person does approximately 90 minutes of physical fitness, which stresses agility training and cardiovascular exercise.

The team takes its commitment to Evergreen seriously. Throughout the year they check schools, businesses and apartment complexes for fire safety. New construction is checked so they’re familiar with possible challenges. Preventive maintenance is done on fire hydrants as well as hoses and ladders.

Fulfilling a childhood dream
Captain Robert Juelson says being a fire fighter is every kid’s dream. “I lived in Redwood City on the main street where the fire trucks went down all the time. When I heard the sirens, I always ran out to see them.” He worked with HP for five years before becoming a fireman. “This is the best job in the world. It’s very rewarding.”