SMOKE SIGNALS

NEBCO FIRE-EMS NEWSLETTER

Editor: Judy Linstruth

December 2011

14639 S. Wimpy Jones Rd, P.O. Box 205, Garfield, AR 72732 Office: 479-359-3134 www.nebcovfd.org

Vol.13 No.3

FROM THE CHIEFS DESK

Well another year is coming to a close and a lot of good things have been accomplished Dec 9 - Pictures with Santa here at NEBCO FIRE-EMS. I am so pleased with the way Garfield School things are going regarding the way the two services have been combined. Our paramedics and EMTs have done a Dec 16 - Santa Visit to Garfield School great job in making this service what it is today, providing the citizens of our area with some of the latest and best Feb 25 - Chili Cook-Off 10-3 procedures in the field of pre-hospital care. We are blessed NEBCO Community with this due to the great relationship we have with Rogers Center Fire Department who provides our personnel with their ongoing continuing education. At this time, we are also No other dates have been set looking into doing joint training with AirEvac. This will Watch our web site for information be a great way of expanding our way of giving you even on events better service when AirEvac and NEBCO need to work directly with one another. Provided the funding is available, we are also hoping to send two more students to paramedic school this spring. Another big accomplishment was being able to purchase a newer ambulance, one equipped with four wheel drive. With the winter coming I will feel a lot better knowing that we should be able to get to most places without the concern of getting stuck. Last years snow was no fun for our guys to get to and from their destinations. This newer ambulance already has, and will continue to make a big difference in our ability to travel our diverse terrain. We have sold the property across the street that was VASs headquarters. This sale is a win win for our community. The funds from this sale will help us with the much needed funding for a new ambulance and replace some of our older EMS equipment that will need to be replaced in the next year or two. On the other side of this, Gods Pantry is who acquired the buildings and this is going to help them serve more people in need. So again, this is a big win for the community as a whole. Thanks to a wonderful donor, Fire Station 2 in the Lost Bridge area now has water service to the station. This will now let us move forward on finishing some of the other projects in Station 2. These projects would be really hard to complete without some really big hearted people helping make this happen. Thanks so much! We purchased a New tanker fire truck and it has been delivered and put in service at Station 2. Even though this truck is stationed there, it will respond to all calls in our entire area and will help in getting a more substantial water supply on all our fires. A big positive! This is a huge step forward in replacing a part of our older fleet, and by the way, this is the first new truck NEBCO has ever had the opportunity to buy.
Contd page 2 Chief

CALENDER OF COMING EVENTS

From Page 1 Chief

We sent two of our firefighters to the Northwest Arkansas Community College to get their state fire certifications for Firefighter I and Firefighter II. This was a year long course spending every Tuesday and Thursday night, plus Saturday in training to become firefighters. These two did this entirely on their own time. The next time you see Andy Driggs and Cris Vitali pat them on the back and tell them good job. Dont tell them, but the instructors told me they finished in the top of their class! Great job! This is an example of what our responders are truly about; a dedication to providing our community the best service possible. When we brought the Fire and EMS service together, we advised you we would evaluate how it was going and get back to you. Since then I have comented in these letters how I think were doing, but I feel we need to get together personally to hear you opinions and discuss where our service is and where we need to go. So, after the first of the year we plan to set up some community meetings. Your input is needed to continue to help make this the service you want. I would like to take this time to thank all of you that allow me to serve as the Fire Chief of this department. It means a lot to me knowing you have the faith and trust in me to serve this community. Without your support and trust there is no way we would be where we are today. Thanks again. NEBCO FIRE-EMS Chief
Rob Taylor

ADDITIONAL TURKEY SHOOT RIB COOK-OFF RESULTS

Best Sauce: First Baptist Church of Seligman Cook: Tim Walters Judges: Will Hanna, Benton County Fire Marshall John Scott, Park Superintendent, Pea Ridge Military Park Robert McGowen, Benton County D.E.M. Coordinator Jeremy Bernard, Chief, Wasburn Fire Department Jerry Cousin, Owner, Shipping Resources

Do you have your 911 sign yet?

Only $15 and well worth knowing that in an emergency we can find you. Call or stop by our office and order one today.

P a ge 3

Shooters line up for the Poker Shoot competition. Best poker hand wins a Turkey. Martin Schoenecker shows off is Smokin Ribs. Martin was cooking for Barnett's Pawn and Bait in Gateway.

TURKEY SHOOT FUN

Spider Mountain and Gyro Ball provided entertainment for kids of all ages. Shooting, Rib Cookn, face painting, Bingo Silent Auction and a great lunch. What more could you want. Thanks to a host of volunteers and Fast Lane Entertainment for providing the best games we ever had. We brought in over $13,000 for fuel, maintenance and reTravis Clark chief representing Fast placement gear expenses for the Having a great time at the Shooting Events. Lane Entertainment shows off is department. From right Paulette Roos, Cecile Bledsoe
gourmet skills preparing appetizers while his ribs are smokin. our State Senator and Mary Freeman.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING SUPPORT NEBCO

RIB COOK-OFF RESULTS Loretta Burgess accepts trophy for 1st place, sponsored by Seligman Greater Area Chamber of Commerce & Pepsi. They also took best presentation. Bill Schnitzer walks away with 2nd place, sponsored by the City of Gateway. Nathan Keck, new to our competition this year, takes 3rd place, Sponsored by Ozark Mountain Cecile Bledsoe gets some instruction on a Propane. loaned shotgun before taking aim along Rib Food Inspector: Carl Baker with Mary Freeman in the shotgun shoot.

TURKEY SHOOT FUN

Spider Mountain and Gyro Ball provided all-day entertainment for the kids of all ages. Fast Lane Entertainment donated the use of their equipment and the man power to run it. They were great and enjoyed the event as much as the kids did.

Chairwoman Kara Funk and Fire Chief Rob Taylor for a whirl on the Gyro Ball.not really they chickened out but we got a great picture anyway!

With a little guidance and assurance kids at any age can enjoy the Daisy BB gun Range.

Face painting is always a popular attraction. Eleanor Jones is a great artist and what better canvas than a childs face.

Anita Frevert serves up ribs at our lunch. We had chicken, ribs, pulled pork, coleslaw, beans, beverage and dessert.Wow what a feed!

FLU AND FLUE SEASON IN FULL SWING

If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove you need to have your flue cleaned and inspected before seasonal burning. Flue fires are a big cause of house fires and with the cold weather upon us dont waste any time calling your friendly chimney sweep. You might also check your heater filter and clean out your dryer vent pipe. Filters become clogged and cause your heater to become less efficient and cost you more money to run. Dryer vents filled with lint are another leading cause of house fires. So be safe this winter. Do you safety checks and get your flue shot. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

May the Joys of the Holiday Season be with you all

COMMUNITY CENTER AVAILABLE FOR RENT - BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT 359-3134
We have a wonderful facility for your special event If you would like we can assist you with experienced people to prepare your food in our commercial kitchen. We have Several options available to make your event worry free and extra special. Call us today to discuss your plans and we will help you make it an event to remember. Book early to be sure your date is available.

A REMINDER OF WHY WE ARE HERE AND WHY WE HAVE OUR FUND RAISERS.

FOR ALL THOSE THAT PARTICIPATE, CONTRIBUTE AND VOLUNTEER WE THANK YOU!

Page

Holiday Fire Safety

Following are a few simple fire safety tips that can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Using an Artificial Tree

Many of the same tips apply to your artificial tree. Keep away from heat and fire sources.

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wiresthey should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended! Never put wrapping paper in the Fireplace
Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

CANDLE CARE
Avoid Using Lit Candles. If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

NEVER PUT CANDLES ON A TREE COOKING SAFETY

There is a lot of cooking being done during the Holiday Season, here are some safety tips. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that youre cooking. Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you have to be alert. You wont be if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.

FEBRUARY 25, 2012

11am to 3pm

ALL YOU CAN EAT

NEBCO COMMUNITY CENTER

17823 Marshall St. (Hwy 62), Garfield, AR 11am to 2 pm

CHILI! Including Drinks

$6.00 ADULTS $3.00 KIDS 5-12 UNDER 5 EAT FREE WE WILL HAVE DESSERT SALES

Sponsors / Cooks
Now is the time to call and reserve your spot in the line up. Competition is heating up, so dont miss out! Call NEBCO VFD 359-3134 For information

To reserve the NEBCO Community Center for your next event, please call 359-3134