|
 Kern is no stranger to the
profession of firefighting. He got his first taste of being a
firefighter at the age of 14.
He explained that when he was a teenager there was a cadet
program at the Williamsville Volunteer Fire Department. He signed up
for the program, where he said he was not allowed to go to an actual
fire, but he did get the opportunity to attend all the fire
department trainings.
He also explained that his older brother was a part of that same
department and helped influence the younger Kern's decision to
choose this as a career for himself.
Kern commented on his decision, saying, "It just gets in your
blood."
Growing up in Williamsville, he served as a volunteer on that
department when he was old enough. Later he served as a volunteer on
the Mount Pulaski Fire Department.
Kern currently lives in Mount Pulaski with his wife, Crystal, and
two sons, Aiden and Ethan.
Though he's not been with the Lincoln Department even a month
yet, Kern said he is very happy to be here. He has enjoyed getting
to know the veteran firefighters and learning from them.
He commented that everyone has been really great to work with,
and he hopes to continue his relationship with the department for
many years to come.
___
June activity report
From Chief Mark Miller
Following is a copy of the report submitted by Lincoln Fire
Department Chief Mark Miller to the Lincoln City Council members in
July for the month of June 2011.
(Copy)
Emergency and fire
related activities
One hundred and
sixty Emergency Runs for June 2011 included the Lincoln Firefighters
responding to emergencies for structure fire, including a stove
fire, car fire, 8 outdoor fires, 3 rescue extrications, 14 alarm
system activations and a lightning strike to a commercial business
damaging the breaker boxes.
Fire related runs
-- 43
EMS related runs --
107
Rescue related runs
-- 10
Non-Emergency
activities
Fire fighters
assisted with Cub Scout camp to cool off scouts during the month,
firefighters assisted with fire extinguisher programs at local
businesses. Fire Department pictures were taken of all of our
current members to show pride and tradition at the Lincoln Fire
Department.. Firefighters also participated in the Logan County
Paramedics Home safety day with Lincoln Firefighters "Stay Alive
House" and the Lincoln Police requested assistance for EMT's to
standby at the Police physical fitness test for new hire list.
Fire Inspectors for
the Lincoln Fire Department investigated a car fire and have taken
samples to the State Police crime lab for proof of evidence.
Code Enforcement
for June, Inspectors enforced the codes at the following businesses:
Memorial Health Services, Chopsticks, Regions Bank Carrol Dorm,
McDonalds, Peggy's Place, Maple Ridge, Fireworks stands, Holiday
Inn, Logan Lanes, Sysco and an apartment building located at 200 N
Logan
Emergency Action
Plans have been conducted at the following facilities: Alexander
Lumber, YMCA buildings, and Hundman Lumber
[to top of second column]
 |
 Maintenance of the
station and apparatus
Maintenance of the
station: With the help from Lincoln Street Department the Flag
pole sits high on the apparatus drive in front of City Hall and
Lincoln Fire Department.
The no slip floor
surface in bays #1 and #2 was completed and adds a new look to the
apparatus floor.
Firefighters are
working on completing a fire barrier around the fire pole to provide
a safer environment for visitors and the firefighters.
The department ice
machine has quit working and we are looking into having it replaced.
Apparatus repairs:
Apparatus 5101 had new tires placed on it all the way around,
Neal Tire recommended an alignment and to complete the task many
components of the front suspension were worn or broken.
New king pin for
the left side, a new knuckle, leaf spring bushings and shocks were
replaced.
Truck 5102 had a
rear differential power divider failure which had to be replaced.
A small accident
which damaged Engine 5101 on the right side rear fender trim and
marking light has been repaired in house but damage to 5105 will be
repaired at the body shop.
Training Activities
Training for the
month of June included Drivers training, obstacle course, EMS
respiratory training include combi tube placement and use.
Firefighters also
trained on an online course for Fire Service Vehicle Operator class
through University of Illinois Fire Service Institute. FSVO will
help many of the Lincoln Firefighters recertify to the OSFM
Firefighter Basic and Advanced certifications.
Fire Inspectors
attended training for fire and fall prevention with OSFM on an
update for "Remembering When".
Chief Miller,
Inspector Van Winkle and Inspector Aper were recertified as Fire
Investigators through OSFM. Finally Inspector Tripplett and Chief
Miller attended a fireworks class provided by the OSFM to understand
fireworks laws in the State of Illinois.
To close fire
fighters attended a class on the Courage to Be Safe, held in-house
promoting safety and improvement with in the fire department.
Administrative
Currently in the
Fire Chiefs office, updates to our rules and regulations have been
on going and policies for operating guidelines have been reviewed
and are in the updating process.
After meeting with
Lincoln Rural Fire Chief Letterle, changes have occurred in response
to out of town facilities and command structure.
Lincoln Fire will
be sent on automatic aid with a ladder truck to LRFPD facilities
such as the Huck group buildings, the correctional facilities and
Eaton Corp.
Several ordinance
updates are in the works such as our false alarm ordinance, a
fireworks ordinance and a specialized rescue service ordinance.
Updates to these ordinances will allow for fees to be charged to
non-residents and commercial businesses for special services that
generate overtime fees and require multiple responses to investigate
nuisance alarms. The listed ordinances are in review by the City
Council at this time.
--Copy of report from Chief Mark Miller
[By NILA SMITH, with report from
fire chief] |
