This was the question from a loyal reader the other day. No good excuses, just a crazy two weeks of being over booked.
A lot has taken place since my last entry.
Our latest class of recruits has passed their Hennepin Technical College Firefighter 1 & 2 tests. They will now be waiting to get their state certification tests completed so can be cleared to ride the trucks on calls.
A new group of 20 CERT members is going through their initial 20 hours of training. This class will bring our staffing up to 70 members, out long term goal is to get to 100 members citywide. CERT members are an important part of the public safety team when disaster strikes.
Three new Rescue Pumpers are scheduled to be called into service in the next few weeks. We have had the trucks for 3 weeks getting them ready to begin responding to calls. A promised part from one of our major suppliers has been holding up the in service date and created a lot of extra work on our part to find a solution. We think we have a solution, I’m not sure this particular supplier is going to be happy.
Bids have been opened for the new fire station and we are analyzing them to be sure we get the best value for our money. We hope to break ground in early October.
Last but not least we are in the final stages of planning for our Fire Department Open House. This event has become a big deal for kids and parents all over Eden Prairie. Our crowds range from 2000 to 3000 depending on the weather. This year our Police Department is joining forces with us and having their open house at the same time. There will be more to do and see as a result of the collaborative effort.
So there you have it. A brief overview of what has been going on lately at the department and in my little piece of that world. I will be gone the rest of the week but will return with my blogs next week.