National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week

Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. It was first conceived by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (Calif.) Sheriff's Office in 1981 and was observed only at that agency for three years. Members of the Virginia and North Carolina chapters of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) became involved in the mid-1980s.

By the early 1990s, the national APCO organization convinced Congress of the need for a formal proclamation. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced what became H.J. Res. 284 to create "National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week." According to Congressional procedure, it was introduced twice more in 1993 and 1994, and then became permanent, without the need for yearly introduction.

Across the nation, 9-1-1 dispatchers are celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week. The United States Congress designated the second week in April as a time to honor all 9-1-1 dispatchers who answer the calls for help and provide emergency assistance to the public and emergency public safety responders.

Most people do not think about the people behind the voices of 9-1-1 until they need to call for help. Some people equate 9-1-1 with police cars and fire trucks, with lights and sirens blaring, or an ambulance speeding off to a hospital emergency room. While police, fire, and ambulances are obviously linked to 9-1-1, it may be difficult to visualize the people who perform the functions behind the scenes. 9-1-1 dispatchers are the “first” first responders in emergencies. In addition to the long hours, holidays, and weekends worked that these professionals endure, the 9-1-1 dispatchers often volunteer their time in other ways to support the community, such as helping to educate children about 9-1-1, participating in school events, and lending a helping hand for various community causes.

 

This week is dedicated to public safety Telecommunicators who aid in providing 9-1-1 emergency assistance to citizens everywhere.  The term “9-1-1” is often associated with rapid emergency response, poise under pressure, aid and compassion in times of distress, and critical decision-making within seconds. Many people do not stop to think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience an actual emergency themselves. These professionals make the difference between life and death in many instances. 

 

This year the week of April 8 - April 14 is dedicated to recognizing these individuals across the nation and taking time to show appreciation for all that these dispatchers do on a daily basis.

HOMEOWNERS PROPANE TANK DISPOSAL DAY

The City of Milford and the Milford Fire Department will be conducting a “Propane Tank Collection Day” on Saturday April 14, 2012 to collect 20lb propane cylinders (i.e. from gas grills). The collection is for Milford residents only and proof of residency will be required. There is no cost for this collection.

The collection will take place at 55 Wheelers Farms Road, upper parking lot of Station 7. The collection time will be from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

The following shall be adhered to:

· Have proof of residency ready

· Tanks should be transported in an upright position

· Safety plug must be in place

· Preferable driver only transporting the tank(s)

· Valve must be in the closed position

· We will take full, partially filled and empty 20lb tanks

· DO NOT vent the tank prior to transporting

· Tanks should be secured in place to prevent accidental tip-over

· Tanks showing signs of damage or deterioration can not be refilled

· Tanks should be transported with the vehicle windows open

· No smoking during the transport of the tank or in the drop off area

For more information, please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 874-6321 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Retired Fire Chief Peter Phelan Passes Away

Retired Milford Fire Department Chief Peter Phelan passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the age of 84. A lifelong Milford resident, He was born on September 29, 1927 to  the late Peter F. and Jane Morris Phelan, Sr. He proudly served in the US Army, during the Korean Conflict for 2 years starting in 1951. He volunteered as a fireman before making it a career for a total of 48 years and retired as the Chief of the Department in Milford. The positions he held included: Firefighter, Hose Wagon Driver, pumper Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal. He served as Deputy Director of the City of Milford's Civil Defense Agency, which was later reorganized into Milford's Civil Preparedness Agency. He prepared the first plans and programs that put the City of Milford in line for a number of Federal Grants. He was Past President (1985) of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Assoc. Past President (1980) of the Connecticut State Firefighters Assoc., and a member of the Legislative Committee, a member of the New England Fire Marshals Assoc. on the Board of Directors, serving as Chairman for the Education Seminar for fifteen years, a Chapter member of the Fairfield County Arson Task Force, a member of the International Assoc of Fire Chiefs, a member of the New England Division of the IAFC, member of the New England Fire Chief Assoc., and a member and on the Executive Board of the Milford Professional Firefighter Assoc, IAFF-Local 944, serving on the Board of Directors. An active member of the community, he was a Eucharistic minister for St. Mary's Church, along with serving as President of the Parish Council and President of the Holy Name Society and Trustee. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus (Faithful Navigator), the Devon Rotary, the Milford Elks,VFW Chapter #7788, the American Legion #196, Past President of Laurelton Hall McCauley Club, the Ancient Order of the Hibernian's, the Milford Irish Club, and a Charter member of the Emerald Society. Mr. Phelan is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 57 1/2 years, Catherine "Kay" Feeley, devoted children Jane Hill, Theresa Powers (Richard Pauloski) all of West Haven, Peter F. Phelan III (Teresa) of Meriden, Jacqueline Wydra (Steven) of West Haven, and Tracey Williams (David) of Milford, sisters Jane Falcone of Lee, MA, Eileen Dugan of Milford and Patricia Phelan of Milford, grandchildren Paul, Tanya, Danielle, Joseph, Jessica, Michael, Jennifer, Meghan, Sarah, Caitlin, Shannon and Brenna and great granddaughter Isabelle. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Catherine Phelan. Calling hours are Friday, February 17, 2012 from 3 to 8pm at the Smith Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 18th at 10:30am DIRECTLY in St. Mary's Church, Gulf St., Milford. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Donations may be made in his name to St. Mary's School, 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT 06460 or Milford Fire Department Toys for Tots, 55 Wheelers Farm Rd., Milford, CT 06461. To leave condolences or for directions please visit www.georgejsmithandson.com

Carbon Monoxide forces evacuation of office building

On October 31, 2011 at 0753 hours the Milford Fire Department Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 telephone call reporting a smell of gas inside of 326 West Main Street.  A full assignment was dispatched (3 Engines, 1 Ladder Company and 1 Rescue Company along with a shift commander) and responded to the location.

Upon arrival and investigation, high levels on Carbon Monoxide were found using detection equipment.  Levels close to 500 ppm were detected in the basement area and levels near 300 ppm were found on the upper floors.  The building was quickly evacuated and heating equipment was shut off while ventilation fans were placed into operation. 

Representatives from the Southern Connecticut Gas Company traced the source to the heating system and were working with building maintenance personnel to correct the problem.

Paramedics from the Milford Fire Department medically evaluated several occupants of the building but no one was transported to the hospital.

Fire Department spokesman, Capt. Chris Zak reminded everyone, "As the colder temperatures are upon us, we need to remember that all buildings need to have working smoke detectors as well as working carbon monoxide detectors.  Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely dangerous and without proper detection equipment, it is often too late when high levels are found and people become symptomatic." 

"Also please remember to change your batteries in your detectors when you change your clocks.", Zak added.

Chemical Leak Prompts Haz Mat Team Response

At 1822 hrs. The Milford Fire Department received a call from the Department of Environmental Protection Haz Mat Response reporting that a drum was leaking in the back of a tractor trailer truck and he was requesting the Fire Department to respond.  Engine 5, Engine 1 and the shift commander responded to assess the situation.  The drum contained Naptha resin and was located behind several other drums.

A Haz Mat response was initiated bringing Haz Mat 1, Engine 4, Tower 1 and Rescue 1 to the scene.  The area was isolated and some nearby tractor trailer drivers where asked to relocate their vehicles.  Working with DEP and a cleanup contractor, Hazardous Materials Technicians from the Milford Fire Department worked to remove the drums so they could access the damaged one.  Once this drum was found it was placed into a plastic over-pack drum to contain any additional leaks.

The major concern from this product was its flammability hazard.  Haz Mat technicians used chemical detection devices to make sure they were not in a flammable atmosphere.  As a precaution, firefighters deployed two foam lines and 2 master streams in case there was an ignition.  There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.  All fire department personnel had cleared the scene by 2230 hrs.

Milford emergency operations center details Irene response (video)

Check out this article from the New Haven Register regarding their visit to the Milford Fire Operations recent post-storm informational open house:

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/09/15/news/milford/doc4e72a84f2a073744168496.txt

Homeowner's Propane Tank Disposal Day

The City of Milford and the Milford Fire Department will be conducting a “Propane Tank Collection Day” on Saturday October 1, 2011 to collect 20lb propane cylinders (i.e. from gas grills). The collection is for Milford residents only and proof of residency will be required. There is no cost for this collection.

The collection will take place at 55 Wheelers Farms Road, upper parking lot of Station 7. The collection time will be from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The following shall be adhered to:

· Have proof of residency ready

· Tanks should be transported in an upright position

· Safety plug must be in place

· Preferable driver only transporting the tank(s)

· Valve must be in the closed position

· We will take full, partially filled and empty 20lb tanks

· DO NOT vent the tank prior to transporting

· Tanks should be secured in place to prevent accidental tip-over

· Tanks showing signs of damage or deterioration can not be refilled

· Tanks should be transported with the vehicle windows open

· No smoking during the transport of the tank or in the drop off area

Propane tanks smaller than 10 lbs. in volume will not be accepted. City residents may dispose of “small 1 pound camp stove propane cylinders” at the Household Hazwaste Central located at Regional Water Authority Headquarters, 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven (203) 401-2712 or visit their website at: www.rwater.com

For more information, please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 874-6321 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.