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Published on February 4th, 2010

Cordova celebrates advances in safety

By JOY LANDALUCE

The Cordova Volunteer Fire Department appreciation dinner was last Friday at the Powder House. Guests were indulged with great food and lots of awards.

Chief Mike Hicks announced that fires were down by one-third. Fire Chief Mike Hicks attributes this to the department's free smoke alarm give-aways.

"I think getting these smoke alarms into the trailer parks really helped," he said.

Hicks also stated that the Cordova Volunteer Fire Department had 162 ambulance callouts and 6700 volunteer man-hours had been logged.

Sept. 11, 2001, was remembered with the tolling of the bell. Years ago, the squad was given bracelets with the names of a fallen brother. These names are read by the squad as the bell tolls and are followed up by a moment of silence.

"Never forget the courage and sacrifice of these 343 New York firefighters," Hicks said.

Capt. Joanie Behrends said the emergency medical team increased by 30 percent.

"We had lots of classes this year that creates a lot of new energy. This is why we are where we are today. When I travel in the state folks are surprised that such a small town has so many medics. This squad is full of really amazing people."

Hicks stated that Behrends has pulled the city out of the stone ages. Behrends was hired by the city under a $35,000 Department of Homeland Security grant to rewrite the city's emergency operations plan. The previous plan had not been updated in many years. "Behrends gets the job done, she is like Wonder Woman," Hicks said.

Hicks stated that he thought the working relationship between the Fire Department and the city of Cordova had never been better.

Guests from the city included city councilman James Kacsh, police officer Robin Kacsh, police officer Shane Musgrav, police officer Zach James, city manager Mark Lynch, head of city human resources Cindy Appleton.

"Appleton has administered the grants for the Fire Department to make sure they are kept in order. The Fire Department has written grants totaling over $4 million in the past five years and the department truly appreciates her hard work on their behalf," Hicks said. Police Chief Chris Canaski could not attend this year's event due to a conflict with his work as assistant coach of the Lady Wolverines.

Oscar Delpino and Dustin Cook are the only two paid firefighters on the department. They put in a lot of volunteer time to keep things running smoothly.

"These two do so much that no one sees. It can take days to get everything cleaned up after a large fire," Hicks said.

Emergency medical technician Melanie O'Brien is back with the Police Department as dispatch and the Fire Department is very happy about that. O'Brien's extensive training emergency medical training makes her an asset to the dispatch team."

Dr. Gary VanWinkle was thanked for his work and dedication in the field and the emergency room.

Certificates were given to the emergency medical technicians that completed the 160-hour classes taught by Capt. Joanie Behrends this past year.

Letters of appreciation

EMT Renee Lindow received a letter of appreciation for her actions on Feb.1, 2009. "Your cool head and focus under very stressful conditions saved a human life," it read.

Fireman Oscar Delpino also received a letter of appreciation.

"You are commended for your superior duty on Aug. 7. You suctioned the airways of an unconscious patient and saved a human life. Your unwavering dedication is appreciated."

Fireman Rob Mattson received his 20-year letter of appreciation. Mattson is an EMTII, Fire Department engineer and deputy chief. Mattson was given a letter of commendation for his work at Humpback Creek fire.

"Due to his expertise this multi-million dollar project was saved," the letter read.

The notorious "Flying Pig" award went to police officer Robin Kacsh. This award is for the Police Department for doing the dumbest thing. As these emergency events and drills occur during the year - nothing really dumb goes unseen.

"It is recorded and the dumb events grow. The winner is awarded this 'prestigious honor' at the dinner with an applause-meter competition."

The statue is a golden flying pig that the winner keeps it for one year, to be passed out at the next appreciation dinner.

The Fire Department also has a similar award - but it is named the "Red Devil." Daryn Hughes was the lucky recipient of this award.

Deputy fire chief Rob Matson's 9-year old daughter Keyona Mattson ended the evening with a speech she wrote for her dad.

"I am proud of my dad. He has been a fireman for 20 years and he's not even 40 years old. "My grandmother Nancy Plucker told me that he is a fourth generation firefighter, maybe I will be the fifth, I love you, Dad."