Groom Creek Fire District – Prescott, Arizona

We have two members to profile in this issue. Captain Joe Hernandez and Firefighter Cory Culbertson completed a Technical Rescue class in the fall of 2009 and became certified Technical Rescue Technicians. They were trained in Rope Rescue for both High Angle Rescue and Steep Angle Rescue, Swift Water Rescue,  Structure Collapse Rescue, Trench Rescue and advanced Helicopter Operations.

We have had many experiences where this type of training would come into play due to our steep and rugged terrain around the area. Our guys went through over 200 hours of training to get this certification. We applaud them for their dedication and professionalism.

The Groom Creek Fire District, along with the new civilian branch of our organization, The Groom Creek Fire Corps, is proud to announce the introduction of our new FREE Smoke Detector Program.

Through a grant provided by the FM Global Insurance Company, we were able to purchase 250 smoke detectors (9 volt battery included) to help us enhance the level of fire protection that our residents currently have.

We will be available to distribute the smoke detectors throughout the District on every Friday between the hours of 9am and 2pm starting on the first Friday in November on the 6th. Distribution will be on a “first come, first served” basis and while supplies last (Limit of two per household initially).

So how do I get one?

All you have to do in order to participate in this program is call, (928)778-6519 ext 102, or email Ernesto Manzanedo at ernesto@groomcreek.org with your request and a time of day that would be convenient for you to meet with us.

On the agreed upon date, myself along with our on duty firefighting crew will come to your home, install  your smoke detector and perform a free on-site fire safety survey in your home.

When installation is complete you will be presented with a copy of our survey findings, a fire prevention information kit, and a brochure with simple maintenance tips on how to keep your new smoke detector providing you trouble free service for seasons to come.

    Assistant Chief Manzanedo

April 13th at 4:30 p.m. at station 41 will be our team meeting. Anyone that wants to be part of the off-district team must attend. Our team meeting is an important part of or wildland response.

April 24th 8:00 – 10:00 am

$5 for adults $3 for kids  Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon, Coffee, & Juice.   After the Breakfast, there will be presentations about firewise communities and this year’s fire season outlook. Presentations start at 10:00 am.

For more information on upcomming events Click Here

All members of the GCFFA and our volunteers, we will be doing a spring park clean up to get ready for all of the upcoming events.  April 11th at 1:00 p.m.  Please attend and bring work clothes and water!

Drill attendance on 3/16/10 will be voluntary for those who are attending the AWIMA so that you can attend the functions associated with the academy. If you are not attending the academy, please be here for the best drill of the year.

We have been waiting for Verizon to build a cell phone tower on Spruce Mountain, but we have been advised that the tower on Mt. Francis previously owned by Alltel has been added to the Verizon infrastructure. We are already experiencing an increased signal in the area for Verizon Wireless subscibers. More improvements are expected soon.

The Fire District has started work that is partially funded by a grant from the Arizona State Land Department.  This grant covers 90% of the cost.  The other 10% is charged to you when the work is completed.  The average cost to most homeowners is about $5/hour for our 3 person crew. 

If you are interested please contact me by email:   jeff@groomcreek.org

Many hours of support for the events and functions  have been given by the members of the Groom Creek Firefighter’s Association Fund-raising Committee. With the playground now complete, the committee will continue events as a way to support our firefighters and the community. A very special thanks to:
Terry and Anna Marie Hammon
Chris and Claudia Starr
Todd and Annette Starr
Derek and Antonella Sherman
Ann Reynolds
Barbara Mace and
Ginger Bentley
for all of their hard work and dedication this year. If you are interested in participating in these events, the committee will meet again in March. Please call the fire station if you would like to be added to the email list.

Colin Port is celebrating 5 years of service with the Groom Creek Fire District. Since he became a member, Colin has been actively involved in the fuels programs, our Off-District Wildland Fire Response Team and is currently a full-time Captain.
Colin has spent the last 10 months in the Paramedicine Program at Yavapai College and  graduated in December to become the Fire District’s 3rd full-time Paramedic. He recently earned a degree in Fire Science from Yavapai College.

Colin lives in the district with his family and is involved in the effort for the Groom Creek firefighters to join the Professional Firefighters of Arizona and the International Association of Firefighters union. Please join  me in congratulating Colin on 5 years of service to the Groom Creek Fire District and our residents.