The Double Springs Fire and Rescue will be sending out our yearly Fire Fee. The department would like to thank you in advance for your help in this effort to raise funds for the Fire Service in your area. These funds are used only for the Fire Department and go toward purchasing new equipment needed for the department. For example, to fully equip just one fire fighter with the basic needs boots, pants, coat and helmet, the cost would run over $2000.00. NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) continues to require the same standards for Volunteer Departments as they do for the Big Full-Time Departments. With no regard to the budgets of small municipalities, therefore small departments must rely on the community for funding.

We try hard to provide Double Springs and our coverage area with the highest protection we can and to set new goals for the department with department training and personal training. But with higher goals comes higher cost. Many people do not realize the cost of maintaining a Fire Department. Many do not see the need for spending hundreds of dollars on equipment that may only be used a couple of times per year. But that may be the very piece of equipment we need to save just one life.

The Double Springs Fire and Rescue also need funds on the medical side of our job. Until lately many did not know that we respond to more medical calls than we do fire related calls. Replacing medical supplies can get expensive as well. Many items can only be used once and then it must be replaced. But once again no cost is too great, if we can help or save just one person.

In an effort to keep the public informed of what the department is doing here is a breakdown of the runs the Double Springs Fire and Rescue has made from June 2009 through June 2010.

Fire Calls (structure and woods) total 33

MVA Calls (motor vehicle accident) total 34

Medical Calls total 110

Other calls (False Alarm, trees down, landing zone for Air Evac) total 18

Total Calls from June 2009 to June 2010 equal 195 that is an average of 3.75 calls per week.

Once again we ask that when you receive your statement that you help us by sending the $65.00 fee in and remind your neighbor to do the same.

Thank You for your help,

Double Springs Fire and Rescue

Chief Patrick West