CAREER CORNER

After more than 24 years of dedicated service to the residents of the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, Firefighter/Paramedic Ed Curry retired on February 14 2010. Ed is well respected for his intelligent no nonsense approach to ambulance calls. Ed also became a very good driver/operator of fire apparatus.

“THANK YOU” Ed for your dedication to the McHenry TownshipFire Protection District.

Vern Manke – the District’s Business Manager has accepted a Vice President position with the McHenry County College. Vern worked as the Business Manager for the MTFPD for more than 12 years after a long career with local Community Colleges. Vern’s knowledge and experience in finance will be felt here for a very long time. We wish Vern nothing but health and happiness!

 “THANK YOU” Vern for everything you have done for the fire district.

Residential appliance fires annually result in an estimated 2,600 fires and 29 deaths. The United State Fire Administration is concentrating on appliance fire safety this March. Please check out the article for safety tips, which also includes a short video PSA.

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/appliances.shtm

The H1N1 (Swine) flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza A viruses. The outbreak of what is popularly called swine flu involves a new H1N1 type A influenza strain that's a genetic combination of swine, avian, and human influenza viruses. It can spread from human to human. For additional information, please visit the following Web Sites.

• www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health/Pages/H1N1.aspx   
• www.idph.state.il.us
• www.cdc.gov/flu
• www.flu.gov

Fire Service History: Red and Green Lights on the Firehouse?

There are a few different answers. More commonly are the nautical reasons. Green on right; meaning that when a piece of equipment is returning or out, the light is on so that in the dark they can find their way home. Thus, knowing that the house is on the starboard side.  

This helps boats when entering the break waters to not strike the walls or shore. This does go along with the saying, “red on the port side”. 

Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms

This recall involves Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms model PI2000. The alarms can be identified by two buttons, “HUSH” and “PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY,” 
which are located on the front/center of the alarm. The model number and date code are on the back of the smoke alarm. Only date codes 2008 Aug.01 through 2009 May 04 are included in this recall.  Click RECALL for details.