West Pulaski Fire Department responds to just about any kind of emergency you can think of. Just like a municipal fire department, we respond to medical calls, vehicle accidents, rescue situations and a lot of other things that fall in between. Even though we are not that far from the big city of Little Rock, some of our incidents require rapid transport to a medical facility. You may have heard of a term referred to as the “Golden Hour”. This is the really short amount of time that requires an injured person to receive in-hospital treatment within 60 minutes or less.

When a serious incident happens, the clock really starts ticking at the moment the medical event, motor vehicle accident, or rescue event occurs, not when first responder’s arrive to help. Since WPFD is often on-scene first, we begin assessing well before the ambulance can arrive to take you to the hospital. If a medical or traumatic event occurs, we often make preparations to bring in a medical-support helicopter to cut down the time it takes to transport to the closest medical center. When seconds count most, a 5-minute ride by helicopter can drastically cut down the 20-30 minute ride by ambulance. This is how WPFD works to ensure our community gets the medical treatment they require within the “Golden Hour”.

To see some pictures from our recent medical helicopter training class hosted by Baptist MedFlight, follow this link to our training photos page. http://www.wpfirerescue.org/photo-galleries/training-photos/

The Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale hosted a Youth and Family 5K Trail Run/Walk on April 14th. West Pulaski Fire Department provided a medical support team of EMT’s and Medical First Responders to assist in this annual event. WPFD helps out each year for this great event that seems to really grow each year. 120+ runners of all ages turn out to run and walk one of the most scenic trails around that is located just a couple minutes away from “Downtown Ferndale”.  Luckily, no one required any medical assistance. Combine that with the great weather and you get a great day for a 5K.  WPFD looks forward to next years event! Here are a few pics from the 5K. Follow the link below for “more”….

In memory of Capt. Donald Jones, a 31 year veteran firefighter with Jacksonville Fire Department here in Arkansas. He was killed in the line of duty on 3/19/2012. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends, brother & sister firefighters that worked with him.  We also pray for Firefighter Jason Bowmaster, also with JFD, and Jacksonville police officer Daniel DiMatteo , both still in critical condition from the same incident.

A memorial fund set up for the family of Captain Jones, as well as the other two emergency responders injured in the  incident, JFD Engineer Jason Bowmaster, and JPD Officer Daniel DiMatteo. You can donate at any ARVEST Bank branch.

Link to original story

Daylight Savings Time - When you set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time tonight, remember to change the batteries and test your smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. We recommend you check and test your home safety systems monthly but especially now at daylight savings time you can make sure that fresh batteries are installed to keep your family safe from smoke and fire. Fire Safety begins with Preparedness! Have questions? Visit us at http://www.wpfirerescue.org/emergency-planning-be-prepared/ to learn more about being prepared for home safety.

West Pulaski Fire Department is now on Facebook.  Choose this link to see our new page and become a FAN today at Facebook.com

During a recent meeting of the Ferndale Community Crime Watch group, at the Ferndale Cooperative Extension Building on Kanis Road, members presented a donation to our department from recent fundraising to benefit the entire community. Fire Chief Ronnie Wheeler was at the meeting to receive the check,  show our sincere thanks, and provide updates about how our fire department continually strives to respond to any of our areas emergency needs.  WPFD always appreciates engaged community support that helps us do our job better.  Thanks again to all of  your that came out to the meeting.

WPFD would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! We truly hope 2012 will be safe and prosperous for everyone. If you are heading out on this festive evening for celebrations and parties we hope that you will be careful, never drink and drive and will never let others drink and drive. We need more highway hero’s on a nigh like this to make sure everyone gets home safely. Best wishes to all in 2012!

WPFD Assistant Chief Charlie Amato, based at Station #2 in Ferndale, recently received a SWN Community Hero Award from his employer. Charlie is a Drilling Superintendent for Southwest Energy Corporation, also known as SWN. His employer wanted to recognize Charlie for his many years of service to his hometown community and make a generous donation to our organization in his honor.

Here is more information about the award:

Every year, SWN employees quietly invest their own personal time to volunteer in various roles with valuable nonprofit organizations. The SWN Community Hero Awards is a volunteer recognition program created and funded by Southwestern Energy to reward our employees for their dedicated community service.

This annual program honors those outstanding employees for their volunteer achievements with a nonprofit organization and grants a monetary award to each of the qualifying nonprofit partners where the winning volunteers have focused their time.

Congratulations to this year’s winners for their investments of time and talent to nonprofit organizations in their communities!

Charlie Amato – West Pulaski Fire Protection District #23 – Charlie serves as the Battalion Chief, and responds to medical, fire and rescue emergencies day and night.

With Christmas just around the corner, all of us at West Pulaski Fire Department hope that your celebrations are safe and fun. As you decorate your home, reconnect with family, entertain guests, serve delicious meals, and devour sweet treats we hope that you will always be mindful of safety.  The holiday decorations, festive trees, candles, cooking, and extra heat for colder nights can introduce an increased risk of fire and injury.  We hope that you will keep safety at the top of your list of things to do for the holidays.

Please  click this link for a  Holiday Safety Checklist provided by the NFPA:   Winter_Holiday_Safety_Checklist

West Pulaski Fire Department gathered together at the Ferncliff Camp on December 3rd for food and fun at our annual Christmas party.  This is almost the only time we get together each year that doesn’t involve training, maintenance, our fundraiser dinner, business meetings, maintenance, or responding to someone’s emergency. In case you were wondering, this is pretty much our only leisure event all year long. The rest is mostly work for us. So after the good food and comraderie, Fire District Chief Ronnie Wheeler wanted to recognize the service of some WPFD personnel with Firefigher of the Year Awards.  Congratulations to Scott Matthews, Andrew “Drew” Brzozowski, Matt Breeding, Craig Cox and Jason Rogers on recognition of department service.

Click the READ MORE link to see the firefighters with their awards ——————–>

Station #1 - Firefighter of the Year: FF Scott Matthews

 

Station #2- Firefighter of the Year: FF Drew Brzozowski

Station #3 - Firefighter of the Year: Capt. Matt Breeding

Station #4- Firefighter of the Year: FF Craig Cox

WPFD Department Firefighter of the Year: Capt. Jason Rogers