Representatives of 10 fire departments were represented Monday as a new organization – the Texas County Fire Chiefs Association – begins in the county.
Jerry Miller, president of the Firefighter Association of Missouri, spoke to the group and urged departments to submit paperwork for training.
Wri-Tex 911 representatives gave an overview on several topics, including mutual aid agreements and four-digit numbering systems to identify firefighters during radio traffic. They also told those gathered at the Texas County Justice Center that it encourages firefighters to use non-emergency telephone numbers to receive response times rather than over the airwaves.
County and federal/state mutual aid agreements were adopted and signed by chiefs and representatives. They will result in better protection for county residents, officials said.
Adoption of the four-digit number system was approved. Houston, which uses the county’s dispatching rather than 911, will check that it can accommodate it. President Mike Drozdo said adoption is not mandatory. The system will be finalized at a 7 p.m. May 5 meeting at the justice center.
A Texas County communication manual and revised bylaws also will be reviewed at the meeting.
A training class – “Beyond Hoses and Helmets” – is set for May 9 at the justice center. About 80 have registered. Several local businesses have donated food and drinks. Raffle prizes are planned.
Other activities: An April 30 review of the Licking School District by that community’s fire department. All are welcome. A weather spotter class is April 28 at Clear Springs.