 View 2011 News Archives >>View 2010 News Archives >> October 6, 2009
On the evening of July 8th, 2009, an emergency call was received that a Fort Lewis soldier had become suspended over 100′ up in a tree while participating in a paratrooper training exercise. Thurston County Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT) members Captain Jon Winkelman (McLane Fire and Life Rescue) and Firefighter Scott Santhuff (Lacey Fire District 3) responded to the call with Lacey Fire District’s Ladder Truck 31 and firefighters FF Dustin Hulbrock and Mike Perry assisting. During the ensuing four-hour rescue, FF Santhuff and Captain Winkelman and their crews used their tree rescue training to safely and successfully return the paratrooper to the ground. This type of rescue and service would not have been possible without the initiative and personal commitment of fire district members willing to spend hundreds of hours learning the complexities of rope rescue and the support of the Thurston County SORT. FF Santhuff has personally committed over 200 hours of his time developing and conducting rope rescue training, just one example of the level of personal commitment that our firefighters make to become an asset to our community. We would like to thank and recognize FF Santhuff, Captain Winkelman and the Thurston County SORT for making this a successful rescue and for their continued interest in protecting our citizens and making a positive difference. Paratrooper Rescue in the words of Firefighter Scott Santhuff (pdf) June 10, 2009
For group tours and to ensure availability, please call 491-2410 during business hours to schedule a tour. Tours are available during daylight hours. June 10, 2009  Refurbished Aid Unit The District recently unveiled an updated Aid Unit that was refurbished by Braun Northwest in Chehalis. By removing the patient compartment from a surplus medic van that the District received from Medic One back in 2004 and placing it on a new chassis, the District was able to save over $50,000 compared to the cost of buying a new unit. This unit is the only one of its kind in the county that is equipped to handle special needs patients that exceed the size or weight capacities of standard transport units. “Special Needs Patient Services” are provided not only to District 3 and City of Lacey residents but are also offered to the other fire/EMS agencies within Thurston County through a reimbursement agreement with Medic One. June 10, 2009  Neil Towers Honored At the Annual Recognition Banquet held recently, the District awarded “Firefighter of the Year” to A-Shift Firefighter/EMT Neil Towers. Firefighter Towers has shown true professionalism and dedication to the District, the community, and his team members. Neil implemented and improved the “Vial of Life” program that District personnel and local health care providers utilize to access pertinent patient medical history. In addition, he was instrumental in improving firefighter safety through the addition of a compartment in the cab of the fire engines to safely store EMS equipment and supplies. Firefighter Towers consistently shows great concern for those we serve, often going beyond the call of the immediate emergency by providing follow-up assistance to affected families. Congratulations Neil. You are truly one of our Everyday Heroes. Click here for complete list of awards (pdf) June 9, 2009
Lacey Fire District 3 recently celebrated the graduation of Firefighter Preston Wallace from the Tacoma Fire Department’s Paramedic Class of 2009. Preston is the first fire district Emergency Medical Technician to complete this intensive year-long training program since the partnership between LFD3 and TFD was developed. The course involves well over a thousand hours of classroom lectures, hands-on practice stations, and field rotations through various hospital, community, and fire department clinical training sites. Preston joined the fire district in 1999 as a volunteer firefighter and was hired into a full-time career position in 2005. Now that he has completed the paramedic training course, he will return to C Shift where he will complete the required testing and skill performance criteria to become certified to practice as a paramedic within Thurston County. We are all very proud of his tremendous accomplishment! May 19, 2009  Phillip Meets His Rescuers We were granted a rare opportunity on Friday to exchange handshakes and hugs with a young man whose life was truly saved by the rapid and professional response of some of our team members. Phillip is a playful and energetic 9 year old who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on his school’s playground on April 29th. After spending a week in the hospital and receiving an implanted defibrillator, Phillip and his parents were anxious to have the opportunity to meet and thank those who took such excellent care of him. The team included Truck 31 with Lt. Pearsall and FF/EMTs Paulsen and Barney, Medic 3 with Lt. Lutz and FF/PM Kollar, Battalion 3 with B/C Crimmins, and assistance from Angela and Bryan on Ambulance 3. We want to add our thanks and admiration to those offered by Phillip’s family and the representatives from his school for a job well done! April 30, 2009 Child Car Seat Inspection and Open House Presented in conjunction with Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Thurston County Safe Kids. April 30, 2009 Swine Flu Information We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and stand ready to respond appropriately. The following links provide the most current information. http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/personalhealth/influenza/swineflu.html |
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Have you ever wondered what goes on in a fire station? Feel free to stop by one of our stations and have District firefighters show you! It’s an opportunity to take a look at the big red trucks up close, and see where the firefighters live and work while they are on duty. And while you’re here, don’t forget to take a picture or two!
