Congratulations

Thanks to the following members who put forth the extra effort over the last year to improve themselves! All your extra nights and weekends in class or studying will pay off soon.

Rob Sarchet - EMT-B and FFI
Merle McKinzie - EMT-B and FFI
Kent Altena - FFI
Peg Back - EMT-PS

Thanks again and congratulations!

DC Gubbins Recognized for Service

Deputy Chief Dan Gubbins was honored by Mercy Hospital at a special luncheon on May 20th for “going above and beyond the call of duty” over the last year.

Nominated for the award by Chief Morse, DC Gubbins has been a driving force in getting the Polk City Fire Department where it is today not only for EMS, but the department as a whole. He had the vision a number of years ago as the department started making improvements and has continued pushing to reach his goals. Dan also is very active in various EMS organizations outside the PCFD and each one of these groups is much better today by having him as an officer or a member.

As part of the award, along with the other 13 recipients, Dan will be the first displayed a new permanent “wall of fame” to be located in Mercy’s new EMS office just off the ambulance garage.

The PCFD congratulates DC Gubbins on his award!

MDA Thanks the PCFD

Denise Kincaid from the Iowa Muscular Dystrophy Association presented a plaque of appreciation to the PCFD for their participation in Fill the Boot fundraiser. Every Labor Day weekend you can help the PCFD meet thier goal by donating at the intersections of Broadway and 3rd Street.

Nationwide, the total amount of money raised was $25 million by Firefighter groups. Locally, $300,000 was raised. Of that money, ISU and U of I have been both enabled to continue their research programs, clinic visits paid for and approximately 60 kids were enabled to attend summer camp.

Last year the PCFD raised $1,600 for MDA (second highest year). This year’s goal will be $1 greater than our best year of $2,000.

Sandbagging Between the Lakes!

The Polk City Fire Department sandbaged the local WWTP. Click here for a full report. Thanks to everyone for the help and support! To view the Saylorville Lake data click here.

Open Burning Prohibited in Polk City

A new Polk City Ordinance passed in 2007 prohibits open burning within the city limits. However, the ordinance does allow for a two week period in the spring and again in the fall for burning of yard debris. The spring period for 2008 is April 15th – 30th and has passed. The fall period for 2008 is scheduled from October 15th – 31st. Open burning during this period is allowed only from 8:00AM – 8:00PM and is limited with restrictions which are clearly spelled out in the city policy which accompanies the ordinance. Polk City residents are encouraged to utilize the City Maintenance Facility throughout the year to drop off their yard debris.

To view the ordinance and the policy, please open these links: Polk City Open Burning Policy or Municipal Code Chapter 105. If you have any specific questions, please refer them to City Hall or the Fire Chief.

Fire Safety Report

According to the State Fire Marshall, in the first quarter of 2008, 15 people have tragically perished in fires across Iowa. In the same first quarter period of 2007, only 7 people had perished. An even more disturbing statistic is that in all of 2007 the total number of fire fatalities was 30.

Over the last 3 years the number of fire-related deaths in Iowa has been decreasing. It’s the State Fire Marshal’s as well as the Polk City Fire Department’s hope that we can continue the decrease in 2008 by putting a stop to the recent surge. We encourage everyone to take the task of keeping their home and family safe from fire by practicing a handful of easy, fire safety measures.

Fire Safety Tips:

• Place smoke detectors in and around all sleeping areas as more than half of all home fire deaths occur between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

• Set and practice escape plans from each area of the house.

• Brush up on your cooking skills and kitchen safety. Never leave ovens or stoves unattended while on. Keep small children out of the kitchen. Always turn the handles of pots and pans in, so you don’t accidentally snag it, causing an accident or fire.

• Smokers should always carefully discard their smoking material. Consider obtaining additional ashtrays for homes and/or implementing rules discouraging smoking inside.

• Never use candles, the stove or oven to heat your home.

If you have any questions or would like any help with promoting fire safety in your home or business, please contact any officer of the department. We would be more than happy to be of assistance!