Check the FireCo calendar. There will be an IFSAC Instructor 1 class in February, and Firefighter 2 starts in March. You can sign up at the FireCo site.

Unchain your engines

The great majority of roads are now clear of excessive ice. Some are bare and dry. After you have taken the chains off, you may want to put them in a compartment so they are on board, just in case.

The House Stays

Unfortunately, the owners of the house being considered for live fire training next month have decided to reschedule the demolition.

On schedule is the building of the Saving Our Own prop (sign up on the calendar at http://www.firecotraining.com/department14SJICalendar )

and an IFSAC Instructor 1 class on Feb 21, 22, 28 & 3/1.

Double Your Safety, Double Your Fun

Remember to double your following distance on slippery roads. Even the Priority 1 roads have patches of ice. There are also areas of black ice in the mornings and at night.

Roads still slickery

As the snow begins to melt the roads are slushy. In many locations the slush hides ice below. Please continue to exercise caution when responding in apparatus or POV.

Winter in beautiful Ocean Shores!

The Region 2 conference is scheduled for Feb. 7 - 11 in Ocean Shores. If you are interested in attending the Tactics, ITAC, and FOOLS classes contact the TO. you may find further information at http://www.region2fire.org/

Handy With a Nail Gun?

The lumber package has been ordered for the "Saving Our Own" training prop to be built at Station 31. Incident Commander Owens has scheduled the construction for January 24 & 25. If you are handy with a nail gun, or are available to help out in any capacity, please log in at www.Firecotraining.com and sign up on the calendar.

Register Soon!

The National Fire Academy registration period for second semester classes, (April - September 2009) is only open until December 31.

The eastern and western WA wildland training schedules are posted @ Sta. 31, and avaialble at:

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/%20FireInformation/Pages/rp_fire_dnrfdassistprog.aspx

The Mount Vernon Region 3 conference is scheduled for late January their offerings may be found at www.region3fire.org

Radios De-mystified

FEMA has produced an understandable explanation of basic radio and communications concepts. Voice Radio Communications explains the difference between simplex and duplex systems, how repeaters work, antenna types, etc. This is radio 200, it's for you if you are not a communication geek. You can find the PDF at several locations on the web including: http://www.iaff.org/08News/PDF/RadioCommunications.pdf

Would you know what to do if your right front tire went off the pavement onto the shoulder? Check out a recent flyer from VFIS, our vehicle insurance carrier. http://www.vfis.com/pdf/RiskControlAlertvol03no1.pdf

You Can Get There from Here

The west end of Larson St. (near OPALCO) has been renamed Kelsando Circle. This should make response to the area easier.

National Fire Academy Applications

The National Fire Academy’s Fiscal Year 2009 second semester application period in open through December 31. The second semester includes classes running from April 1 through September 30, 2009. You will find the current course schedule at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/nfacsd/

If you are interested in a class please contact the training officer.

Pretty Hot Stuff

To date we've heard from FFs Billstrom, Chesley, Hunter and Sesby; all newly certified at Firefighter 1! When you see them congratulate them on all of their hard work.

A New Playhouse

Send in your ideas to enhance the Saving Our Own prop to be built at Station 31. As designed the prop will support evolutions for moving a firefighter out a narrow window, up or down stairs, out a second story window and down a ladder, hoisting someone up through a hole in a floor, ladder and pocket rope bails, and wall breaches. Any ideas for adding forcible entry?