What a super workshop in Lincoln City at the Taft Fire Station, hosted by North Lincoln Fire & Rescue! Everything was great….the speakers, the food, AND the weather! Thank you to the Workshop Committee for all your hard work: Lois Smith and KrieAnn Kudar, North Lincoln Fire and Phyllis Palmer, Depoe Bay Fire. As they say, “a fun time was had by all”! The theme this year was “Aim for Greater Heights”…… and some of us literally DID, but more on that later.
A brief summary of our sessions:
Day One was kicked off by Capt. Jim Kusz from North Lincoln Fire. He spoke on Pub Ed and Public Information. Among other topics, he spoke about emergency management and how to prepare. Tsunamis are a big threat on the coast and we learned a lot about preparing for those. He also discussed what it means to be the department’s PIO and how crucial those individuals are in regards to emergency/disaster management.
Our own Past President, Rhonda Grant, gave us some great information on how to get started and keep going with your accreditation, and North Bay Fire Chief Jim Aldrich and his wife ended the morning session with an informative and interesting class entitled “Communicating with Your Chief”.
After a scrumptious box lunch and some fun networking, we were back in class with Mary Beth McGee, Clackamas Fire, on Workplace Violence. I found this very helpful since I do sit in the front office and, at many times, by myself. After Mary Beth’s class, Lt. Jerry Palmer (Phyllis’ hubby) and Sgt. Brian Eskridge, treated us to some “hands-on” self-defense training. A few of our finest got up in front of the class and demonstrated, with the guys’ help, some fancy foot/hand work on how to protect ourselves against an attack.
Day One concluded with a “shake your booty” Zumba class led by Tina Marshall, who also gave us tips on diet and fitness. All that exercise was appreciated as we sat down that evening to a wonderfully delicious barbeque and salad bar hosted by the Taft Fire Station……..oh and let’s not forget the crazy game of “Guesstures” afterwards.
Day Two was led by Jeff Griffin, CEO of WHA Insurance Agency. He spoke on “How to Survive in the Front Office at the Fire Station”. Jeff was a very entertaining instructor and well versed on his subject…..I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation, even though he is a U of O graduate and a Duck!!
The workshop wrapped up for some of us “in the air”. Captain Dave Clark, North Lincoln Fire, treated anyone who would dare to a 25 foot Bronto ladder truck ride. I heard the views from up there were breathtaking as the camera phones were snapping! On the ground, Division Chief Jamie Mason tested other’s driving skills behind the wheel of his rescue vehicle on a course made especially for them. Last I heard, no one was transported….. J
A huge thanks to all the presenters and the Workshop Committee.
~Submitted by Deb Keehn, Vice President
