Hahnville Vol. Fire Dept

Car Seat Inspection /Installation Event

June 6, 2009

 The Hahnville Fire Department sponsored a car seat inspection / installation even in which child seats were inspected, checked for recalls and then properly installed. The owners of the vehicles were also taught the proper techniques of the installations. A total of 18 seats were inspected with 14 of them improperly installed or were in seats which did not meet the child’s weight and height requirements. The fire department, through a grant from DOW a few years back, was able to replace the seats which did not meet the child’s need at no cost to the vehicle operator. A total of 4 seats were replaced.

            The parents also participated in the WHALE program which is a method of labeling the car seats for emergencies in which the parents or adults in the vehicle become incapacitated. The child’s information is collected and printed onto a tag which is attached to a secure location on the seat for first responders in the event of an emergency involving the vehicle.

            The St. Charles Parish Sheriff Office also was present to finger print the kids in the event of an abduction involving the child.

            The parents were also given some educational materials in each of the above areas.

            Special thanks to the recently certified car seat technicians who help with the event; Brian Picou, Jack Landry, Reggie Gaubert from the Hahnville VFD and Armond Bourque from the Luling VFD. Also special thanks to Mrs. Bridget Gardner, Senior technician, who assisted and supervised the event.

Check out some of the pictures in the Photo Gallery

The Hahnville VFD department was notified on March 6, 2009 it had received a $115,425.00 grant from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. The grant is dedicated to purchasing new 700/800 radios which will replace all existing radio’s (mobile radios in the trucks and portables used by firefighters) used by the department. The grant will also allow for the purchase of another Thermal Imaging Camera and 15 new pagers used to notify fire fighters of a response. The department has been very successful in obtaining many grants, allowing the department to purchase items which ordinarily could not be afforded.

The Hahnville VFD has received a grant from the Agriculture and Forestry Division in the amount of $9,250. This money will be used to purchase 15 pairs of boots and 10 sets of bunker gear. This is a 50/50 match grant where as the fire department matches the amount received.

Congratulations to Evan Satterlee and Tonya Gaubert for tying the knot in a matrimony service on September 26, 2009 and also Kelly Brown and Erith Sanchez on October 10, 2009. Both couples are active firefighters and first responders through Hahnville VFD. We would like to wish them a long an prosperous life together.

The Hahnville Vol. Fire Department has received a TIC through a grant program from Homeland Security. The camera (about $9,000 in cost) allows the fire fighters to see through the smoke to find the seat of the fire or even locate a victim. The camera is a much needed piece of equipment which will allow the fire fighters to locate a source of heat where they can not see it. The camera is so sensitive that if a person places their hand on the wall the camera can see the hand print due to the heat left from the imprint. A person could even write their name on the carpet with their finger and this camera will be able to see it – again from the heat left behind. The camera can also be used at the scene of accidents to see how many people were in a vehicle or to search an area for any victims who may have been ejected. If you would like to see a demo of this camera, please stoop by the fire station.

5-26-08 (Memorial Day)

Members from four departments representing the St. Charles Firemen’s Association spent their Memorial Day entertaining and cooking for the area Muscular Dystrophy kids at their annual camp located in Bunkie, Louisiana. The camp, called Camp Sunshine, allows the kids to have fun with children who have  the same disabilities. The camp, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, provides the kids with a week long of activities which include fishing, swimming, and crafts.

This is the 4^th year the Association sponsors a day at the camp. This year we had about 30 individuals who gave their day to make the three hour journey to Bunkie. We provided them with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, soft drinks, brownies and cookies for lunch. After lunch Bunkie Fire Chief Joey Franks met us with a tanker to allow the kids some fun with the barrel push. Face painting and water balloons were also available for the kids. For supper we provided barbequed chicken, pork-n-beans, jambalaya, fruit cups, bread, and soft drinks.

The fire fighters day started at 5:30 AM and ended at 11:00 PM, but as always it was very enjoyable to see some of the kids that we have come to admire for their courage at the camp. In case you are wondering, Nicholas Forsythe is doing fine and getting big. He is now 14 and is BIG! He is walking and looking forward to next year's camp already. Nicholas is from Laplace and had been our inspiration for the Boot Shakes and MDA summer camp participation.

Thanks to all for the participation. This year we had the following from Hahnville participates: Chris and Donna Boros and their son Joshua; Jeffrey Tregre and his son Cameron; Reggie and Dawn Gaubert;  Erith Sanchez, Kelly Brown, and Daniel Rush. Also attending were Chris Switzer, Ian Fallon,  and Andrew, Glenda, and Jesslyn Metrejean (We will take credit for them). Special thanks to Craig Petit for helping with kitchen duties and menu preparation. This is, as always,  a team effort.

Pictures of the day can be viewed in the Photo Gallery section of the web page.