Monday, November 24, 2008

2009 Officers Installed at Dinner Event


The newly elected officers for Fire Associates were installed at the November monthly meeting. Held on November 6th at Harry's Hofbrau in San Jose, the elected officials were installed by guest-of-honor Kevin Conant, San Jose Fire Dept. Bat. Chief 1A. Chief Conant and his wife, Debbi, were hosted for the evening by incoming president John Whitaker and his wife, Liz.

Elected officers are: John Whitaker, president; Bob Gundrum, vice president; Cliff Smith, treasurer; Stan Kelso, secretary; Jerry Haag, director; and Herman DeKruyff, director. All officer's will serve a two-year term, with the exception of Herman, who will serve the remaining year of his two-year term.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

*** Fund Raising Report ***


Initial Fund Raising Blows Through Goal!

To date, the drive to purchase a new Support Unit has raised $35,450! This sum, when combined with $20,000 already in the treasury, has given us the $55,000 necessary to make the purchase -- taking advantage of a one-time deal offered by North Bay Ford in Santa Cruz.

But, the drive is not over.

Additional money is now being sought to outfit the rig. A 6,000 kW diesel generator has already been purchased, but we still need such things as a 50-gallon, potable water tank and pump; telescopic area lighting; and an emergency radio console. As soon as this equipment is acquired and installed, the rig will go into service to help Santa Clara county-wide fire departments provided rehab services to their firefighters.

If you wish to contribute, a check can be sent to:

Fire Associates "New Rig Fund"
455 S. Mathilda Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086-7605

Remember, FASCV is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization per Federal Tax Code, Section 501(c)4.

October 29, 2008 -- South County Fire Response


On October 29, at 3:12 P.M., Fire Associates' help was requested by South County Fire. John Whiteside and Don Gilbert responded in Support Unit 2 with
Mike Chappell there in a Cal Fire capacity. John Whiteside provided the following details:

"October 29, South County Fire (CAL FIRE), with Gilroy, 3rd-alarm, 1910-era Victorian, Holsclaw Road at Gilman Road. We got a 'heads-up' from Mike who called me on phone to alert of upcoming page. When we left the scene at 1900, they had put so much foam on the ruins that it looked like a snow storm had been through. Unbelievable scene!!! There were 10 “red” rigs, including 2 SSC WTs, plus 2 additional WTs (private and Gilroy public works). Water shuttle required from area of The Outlets due to dry hydrant at scene."