Mount Paran Northside Citizens Association

FIRE SIDE CHAT

Oct 22, 2004

By CAPTAIN KEITH SCHUMACHER
FIRE STATION #27 B-SHIFT, 4260 NORTHSIDE DRIVE

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to keep you informed about what is going on at Station #27 and within your fire-rescue department. We are continuing to have some very positive changes.

You may notice some dramatic change in our uniforms. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin has implemented very positive changes in our uniform policy. We have introduced the use of shorts, polo type shirts and detail (tee) shirts with the daily ?“Class C?” uniform. This brings us more in line with other fire service agencies nationwide. These uniform changes have caused a dramatic improvement in morale and are more practical and functional for fire rescue work. Also, all members must now wear the official Atlanta Fire-Rescue identification while on duty. These changes will also result in a cost savings to the citizens of Atlanta.

Recently, a camera crew from the Fire and Emergency Television Network spent time with Engine #27. FETN is available by satellite to fire departments nationwide for training and up to date technical information. FETN was here to produce a special presentation on the use of our Hose Tender truck and the special considerations of firefighting in the types of homes in our community. The FETN crew was able to get footage of several long driveways, bridges, gated properties and large homes. One homeowner was nice enough to let us take video inside of her home, under construction. This was an excellent opportunity to point out many of the considerations that are not found in most common homes. The program should air in October on FETN.

Atlanta Fire-Rescue broadcasts programming on Comcast channel #20 within the city limits of Atlanta. This channel is primarily used for training directed at the on duty personnel in the fire stations. Due to agreements with FETN, the signal is scrambled to homes when FETN is being broadcast to the stations (sorry). Each day from 7AM to 9AM, and again from 4PM to midnight, programming on AFD-TV 20 is directed toward you, our customer. These programs are intended to keep you informed of what is going on within our department. Mr. Dana Wright is our Cable Programming Manager and he does an excellent job with his very limited budget. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin even has his own show where he explains the latest news from Headquarters. Please tune in to AFD-TV 20 and check us out.

We encourage those who use electric security gates to invest in an emergency access rapid entry system. Valuable time can be lost while a security gate locks out emergency crews. For information about the system that we use, visit www.knoxbox.com

Snakes alive ... No, really! The beautiful Mt. Paran-Northside community is the perfect environment for many of our slithering friends. Recently, a resident came to Station #27 seeking to identify a snake that he had caught in his yard. Upon opening a foam cooler, the snake was immediately identified as a copperhead. The copperhead is a venomous pit viper, which can inflict an extremely painful and damaging bite. They are very common in this area. A local snake expert was contacted who responded and collected the snake. Please do not try to catch or kill a snake if you do not know what you are doing. For more information, visit www.reptileeducation.com