They call me a fireman

Posted on Oct 12, 2016

Rotary program chair for the week Police Chief Dean Sullivan, pictured left, brought some of his firefighting and EMS friends from down the hall at City Hall to speak to Rotary Club of Mineral Wells during this week's luncheon.

Mineral Wells Fire Chief Mike Pool, third from left, and Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Dunn, second from left, were this week's guest speakers. Dunn talked about the progression and technology of fire tools and equipment, showing an older thermal imaging camera that is much bigger and heavier than ones used today to help firemen find people and heat and fire sources. The department wants a thermal imaging camera on each fire truck.

Dunn also answered questions about fire and EMS calls by the paid fire staff, which he said averages about 8.8 per day, with 80 percent of those being EMS calls. He noted the city has two ambulances on call around the clock, and if those are busy and a third call comes in, they rely on backup by a local private ground ambulance service. Sometimes a volunteer EMS crew is called in to help cover the city.

The department responds to about 3,200 fire and EMS calls per year.

Chief Pool also talked about staffing and requirements to meet national fire protection standards.

Also pictured at the far right is club president Jimmy Walker.

Rotary Club of Mineral Wells meets every Wednesday at noon at Holiday Hills Country for fellowship, networking, updates on club activities and projects, lunch and a program of interest. Please join us.