Arbor Daze

Some 7,500 people came out to celebrate Arbor Daze on April 26 and 27. The Fire Department had firefighters on hand with first-line fire apparatus for visitors to see. On Saturday a famous person dropped by for a photo op with the firefighters. The Fire Marshal's Office set up a booth and distributed fire safety information and answered questions for our visitors. It is estimated that some 500 folks visited our booth. We had a great time!

Honor Guard Symposium

Five members of the Euless Fire Department Honor Guard attended and assisted with an Honor Guard Symposium in Lewisville on May 1 and 2. Several hundred honor guard members, bagpipers and drummers from around the country were in attendance.

Members of the National Honor Guard Academy from Florida and world-known bagpipe and drum instructors provided professional training in their respective disciplines. It is believed that this is the first time a symposium of this type has been presented anywhere in the nation. Some in attendance were from Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Colorado.

One of our members, David Cooper, was presented the Commander's award for being the "last man standing" in an honor guard drill competition on Thursday night in Old Town Lewisville. Congratulations to David and thanks to those EFD members who attended and helped.

Operations

MVA - March 25

At about 5:00 PM on March 25, Euless firefighters responded to a reported automobile accident near the Vineyards Shopping Center at 3000 Highway 121. Upon arrival they discovered that an automobile had collided with a motorcycle on the service road near the north-bound Glade Road exit. The operator of the motorcycle was air-lifted to a local hospital and was expected to survive his injuries.

MVA - April 7

Euless firefighters and paramedics responded to a reported vehicle accident in the 600 block of North Industrial Boulevard on the morning of April 7. Three eighteen wheelers, all operated by the same company, had collided while travelling southbound. The driver of one of the large trucks was air-lifted to a local hospital and was expected to survive his injuries.

Storm Damage - April 10

A severe thunderstorm rumbled through Euless during the early morning hours of April 10. The storm blew down trees and damaged homes and automobiles throughout the town. A cacophony of alarms echoed around town as the storm played havoc with many electronic fire alarm systems. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. The fire department responded to fifty calls during the twenty-three hours beginning at about 3:30 AM.

Vehicle/Pedestrian Accident - April 10

At approximately 3:30 PM on April 10 Euless firefighters responded to a vehicle/pedestrian accident in the 800 block of W. Harwood Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found that a city employee had been struck by a passing automobile while cleaning up debris from the storm that had come through early that morning. The injuries were not thought to be serious and the employee was transported to a local hospital. The driver was not injured.

Structure Fire - April 22

At approximately 4:30 PM on April 22 Euless firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 621 Del Paso. It was discovered that the occupant had left food cooking on the stove unattended and the food had burned, filling the apartment with smoke. No one was injured and the fire did not extend beyond the stove top.

MVA - April 29

At approximately 9:45 AM on April 29 Euless firefighters responded with D/FW Airport police to a reported vehicle accident in the 400 block of E. Glade Road. Arriving firefighters found a single automobile had struck a tree. Firefighters had to employee hydraulic rescue tools to extract the lone occupant from the vehicle. Euless paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was expected to survive his injuries.

Training

EMS

During April Euless firefighter/paramedics trained in dealing with the potentially deadly MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and other staph infections that they may encounter in the field. During May they trained in dealing with combative patients and those who have been tasered.

CAFS

The Euless Fire Department has taken delivery of a new fire fighting apparatus. Known as a "Quint", this combination aerial and pumper has been recently placed in service. Here, firefighters and vehicle service technicians from our Fleet Services Department receive training from a manufacturer's representative on the operation and maintenance of the Compressed Air Foam System. This system, known as CAFS, is the first for Euless and will enhance our ability to quickly extinguish many types of fires.

Fire Extinguisher

The Fire Marshal's office conducted fire extinguisher training for about sixty employees in Public Works and City Hall during the month of April. Classroom presentations included topics on fire science, fire behavior, classes of fire and the proper selection and use of portable fire extinguishers.

Citizen Fire Academy

Our next class is scheduled to begin in mid-August. If you are interested in finding out what we do, in riding out with our engine crews and in learning new skills through our Citizen Fire Academy . . . contact us at 817.685.1600. Seating is limited.

Web links

• Euless Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association