The Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department made the following Facebook posts recently:

The Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department and Clearwater Police teamed up last week on several high-water rescue calls on Clearwater Beach and elsewhere across the city. They waded into deep flood waters to rescue people trapped in their homes. Police officers used a large city dump truck to navigate the high waters, while firefighters used inflatable boats and high-profile vehicles to help. Thank you for all that you do for the community during its time of need, no matter the risk or danger to yourselves.

From the Clearwater Police Department Facebook page:

In some places on Clearwater Beach, there is 6 feet of sand burying the road. On Memorial Causeway, two jet skis and a sea of other debris litter lanes in both directions. On other streets, there is water that is too high to safely navigate in a car. The storm surge and high winds from Hurricane Helene left the beach a mess, and city employees were hard at work at daybreak trying to make it safe to return. Mayor Bruce Rector, City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter and Police Chief Eric Gandy toured the beach to get a first-hand look at the damage. Access to the beach remains suspended at this time for all, whether or not you have a barrier island re-entry permit. It will be reopened only when it is deemed safe for everyone. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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October 31, 2024 | 1 ET

Listed consistently in after action, close call, and line of duty death reports is the lack of clear command and control. What is not offered is the root causes of why sound and consistent command and control was not executed. Nor is training or clear and tangible examples an incident commander can use to understand where their command and control faltered or how they can improve. This webcas provides the “why” and the “how” behind becoming a better incident commander.

Delivered from a 30+year veteran Chief officer, Dan Shaw, that has served as a Company officer, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Operations in a large metro department that responds to over 130,000 incidents a year. Learning the fundamental building blocks that build and support a strong incident commander is paramount to operational success on the fireground. This webcast will cover leadership, impact of stress on your performance, 3 keys to strong and successful incident command, and how to terminate an incident correctly and provide feedback to foster future success.

This event is sponsored by Enforcer One.

The Dafter Township Fire Department made the following Facebook post recently:

The Dafter Township, Michigan Fire Department hosted the annual “Our Firehouse to Yours” equipment donation program, sponsored by BELFOR. This year’s event provided more than $1 more worth of used fire equipment to fire departments across Northern Michigan. More than 40 departments attended, receiving vital resources to enhance their firefighting capabilities.

“Our Firehouse to Yours” program, established in 2016, began its journey by supporting the Raber Township Fire Department in the Upper Peninsula. Over the years, a dedicated team of active and retired firefighters has volunteered their time to transport donations, making the program a success. Fire departments from Southern Michigan contribute by donating items they are replacing or upgrading. With the support of BELFOR and 1-800-BoardUp, the program has reached significant milestones, surpassing $8.5 million in donated fire assets and securing two fire engines and a command staff vehicle. “This initiative demonstrates the incredible community spirit and support among fire departments,” said Denny Hughes, program founder and BELFOR employee. “We are proud to continue this vital work.”

In response to the pressing needs in the area, Dafter Township reached out to host this essential program. Fire Chief Austin Conway remarked, “It was inspiring to see so many departments come together to receive equipment that will be put to immediate use. The donations included fire hoses, nozzles, helmets, gloves, turnout gear, air packs, fans, generators, and more. We would like to thank Dan and Amy Jere of Jere Farms for all the support of this event.”

The “Our Firehouse to Yours” program exemplifies the commitment of the firefighting community to support one another and ensure that all departments have the tools they need to serve their communities effectively.