October 4, 2006

Published in Wake Forest, NC

            They re-elected Ken Capps and Don Griesedieck to the two open board seats, which was the only business apart from short reports from secretary James Holding and treasurer Stanley Denton. Dessert and drinks were served, and people admired the new 95-foot ladder truck parked in front of the building.

            There were some pauses in the meeting while voting was completed and while the ballots were counted.

            A.C. Hall, a retired fireman, took the opportunity to comment about growth and the planned three new fire stations. “I think we need one [station] on the north end. That will mean more equipment and definitely more people. Where is the money going to come from?”

            Chief Jerry Swift said the current strategic plan goes through 2011. After that, the next station will be near Richland Hills.

            The three stations are estimated to cost $10 million for land, construction and furnishings, $1 million for fire apparatus and $5 million for personnel.

            But, Swift said, that will mean there will be a fire station with a mile and a half of most buildings in the town limits with a response time by the first engine of five minutes or less.

            “It’s going to save money on your insurance. It will mean quicker fire protection and EMS service to your house.”

            Hall also wanted to know about radio communications and mutual aid. “The Youngsville Fire Department is close than Stony Hill or Falls. Why can’t they come?”

            Swift said the Wake Forest department is working on dividing the town into sectors for the best response, including calling on mutual aid. “Youngsville is a part of the plan.”

            Wake County uses 800 Mhz communications; Franklin County still is using VHF, but Captain Daryl Cash said, they are going to convert to 800 Mhz.

            Swift said Wake Forest has the capability to patch into the Youngsville communications system.

            President Thomas Walters recognized Peter Kima, president of the Wake Forest Kiwanis Club, and said the club has agreed to help the department with a “smoke house” that will travel to local elementary schools to teach children how to crawl out of a burning house.

            “We have committed to making this our focus for fundraising this year and have partnered with the Wake Forest Fire Department to raise the funds needed for a ‘smokehouse,’” Kima said later. “As a club we plan to raise $15,000 for this project. The approximate cost of this ‘smoke house’ is $35,000 to $40,000.” 

            This year and in the future the business meeting was held one night; the annual dinner and awards ceremony will be held on a different date.

            The board members, aside from those mentioned above, are Lyman Franklin, Ricky Wright, Bob Bridges and Richard Stinnett. Commissioner Frank Drake is an ex-officio member.

            The Wake Forest Fire Department is an independent corporation which contracts with the Town of Wake Forest for fire protection within town limits and with Wake County for fire protection in the fire district outside town.