Happy Valley’s fire board approves seasonal firefighters

TRAININGLeft to right:
Matt Dalton, Markie Dunton, Kory Keffer and Captain Alex Bostick prepare to practice using fire shelters.

From now until Oct. 26, the community of Happy Valley will be a little bit safer. Recently, the Happy Valley Fire Protection District’s board of directors approved pay for seasonal firefighters who will be on duty each weekend and on holidays.

When they are normally closed and dependent on volunteers, the stations will now be fully staffed. Three men will work eight hour shifts in order to respond quickly to weekend calls.

Their duties will include fire fighting, fire prevention, medical calls and rescues. They will also spend time training and drilling on procedures and techniques, sharpening their skills in all these areas.

During quiet times, they won’t be wasting time. The firefighters will keep busy with other important matters. They will be inspecting and painting fire hydrants, testing hoses and washing and waxing all department vehicles.

Firefighting, medical and rescue apparatus and equipment will be inspected and maintained. Firefighters may even paint the stations.

These firefighters will alternate weekend to weekend, and station to station. Everyone on the department is eligible to participate if they desire.

Last year, with the assistance of a grant from Win River’s Redding Rancheria, the seasonal firefighter program was instituted.

It was so successful, that the Happy Valley Fire District decided to continue it at its own expense this year. Of course, the other volunteers will still be responding whenever possible.

But with a crew on weekend duty, the response time is greatly improved. Last year, the weekend crew was on scene at a traffic collision within three minutes of the first report.

If you notice a fire engine in your neighborhood, the crew may be upgrading the department’s maps of the area.

If your residence is not clearly marked with an address visible from both directions of travel, now would be a good time to correct that.

The fire department is working hard to keep Happy Valley safe. Residents can help out in very simple ways. Clear grass away from structures, trim low-hanging branches from trees and make sure your address and street sign is clear and legible. Let’s have a safe summer season.