Tag Archive for: #hendersonfiredepartment

Local Police, Fire and EMS team up to save life

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Earlier today, I witnessed an incredible series of events in Downtown Henderson. I was walking out of a meeting at the Henderson Police Department, when a call came out for local police, fire and EMS to respond to the intersection of Breckenridge and Chestnut Street for a medical emergency. When I heard that, I turned around and was able to witness Corey Adams of the Henderson Fire Department, and Chief Williams of the Vance County Fire Department begin the process of resuscitating a man that had apparently overdosed. The man was unconscious at the wheel of his vehicle (with the car still in drive and his foot on the brake) when Adams noticed that something was wrong. Adams turned around and placed the call in to other area agencies. Adams, Williams and representatives from the Henderson Police Department and EMS were able to resuscitate the man before placing him inside of an ambulance.

It was hard for me to believe what I saw.

I asked for a description of what had happened from Adams, and his response is below.

“Kevin I really appreciate the gratitude, but I really didn’t do nothing special. Just like you have gone to school for broadcasting and marketing, I went to school for situations like that. I did nothing else that any police, fire or ems person would have done, I was just the one in the right place at the right time. I just happen to notice a person that seemed in distress, when I checked on him I knew he was having a medical emergency. At that moment all of my  EMS training kick in to help the patient the best of my abilities. I was lucky enough to have Chief Williams from Vance County Fire Department around the corner to assist me in helping the patient. I removed the patient from the vehicle  so me and Chief Williams could better assist the patient until the arrival Of EMS. The Public Safety services  here in Vance County And the City as you saw firsthand work very well together. The citizens of this city are very lucky to have the service they have here, because you won’t find no better.”

Henderson and Vance County may have its fair share of problems. Everywhere does. However, Adams’ last sentence is quite correct. We are lucky to have that type of service and expertise right here in our hometown.

West Creek, West Hills, 158 Bypass Community Watch

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Thursday night in the Maria Parham Health auditorium, Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell spoke at the West Creek, West Hills, 158 By Pass Community Watch meeting. Community watch president Susan Adcock told WIZS News how much the organization appreciated Cordell presenting the program.

Adcock said, “Chief Cordell said proper smoke/fire alarms in our homes could save our lives. He talked about fire safety measures in the home: smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. He talked about the Reading a Book with a Fireman Program for Kindergarten Students conducted at Rollins, Vance Charter School and Henderson Collegiate. He spoke of the work of a fireman and the programs they conduct for the city residents, such as going door to door to inspect smoke alarms, and other assistance to city residents.”

Amazingly, the fire alarm sounded in the auditorium during the presentation.  Adcock said, “Community Watch members filed out of the auditorium and onto the back parking lot. Shortly thereafter, all were able to return to the auditorium.”

She said, “The Chief presented a very informative program!”

If your community watch organization would like to publish information about guest speakers and other community news, please email johncharles@wizs.com or fill out the form on the PSAs page of wizs.com.

October is Fire Prevention Month

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October is Fire Prevention Month – Schedule an appointment, and the Henderson Fire Department will conduct a free home inspection for you.  Contact information is below.

You may have seen the following announcement from Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell.  It arrived in the mail and reads as follows:

“The City of Henderson Fire Department will once again be offering our free home inspections.  These inspections include checking your smoke detectors and your residence for any fire hazards.  This year we will not be going door to door.  We are only offering inspections by appointment only.  We strongly encourage you to make an appointment with us.

“If you do not make an appointment, please do the following things to make your home a safer place.”

  • Make sure smoke detectors in the house are working properly
  • Make sure to change the battery every 6 months in your smoke detector
  • Test smoke detectors monthly
  • Make escape plans in case of a fire
  • Don’t overload drop cords
  • Keep 3 feet of clearance around all space and kerosene heaters

The information sheet from Chief Cordell continues as follows:

“To make an appointment, call us at 252-430-1877.  Please leave a name and number so we can get back in touch with you!”

 

Citizens Fire Academy

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Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell says a few spots are still available for the Citizens Fire Academy.  “I would like a few more folks to attend,” he said, adding that you can now simply sign up at the Fire Department on Dabney Drive at the time of the class.

It’s a dynamic, 8-week program designed to provide participants with an inside view of the operations at the HFD.  The 2016 session begins Thursday, March 3 — That’s right about now!! — and continues each Thursday night for 8 weeks.  Each class will be from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Henderson Fire Station 1, located at 211 Dabney Drive.

In promoting the classes the City of Henderson website says, “The curriculum  will include live demonstrations, classroom training, and hands-on experiences – all of which are designed to give the participant a true feel for HFD. The entire program is free and open to anyone 18 years of age or older who lives or works in the City of Henderson or Vance County.”

The intent is to “teach citizens about the many jobs HFD does on a daily basis and promote citizen interaction with firefighters,” according to the web site.