VCOS/VFIS "Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations Initiative" National Award Recipient

The Staunton (Illinois) Fire Protection District was selected by the IAFC Volunteer Combination Officer Section (VCOS) and VFIS as the national award recipient for its “Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations Initiative”. The award was presented Thursday, November 1 at the 2007 VCOS Symposium in the Sun, held in Clearwater, FL. This award, designed to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) initiatives to reduce firefighter injuries and deaths as a result of vehicle accidents, recognized emergency service organizations that are VCOS members and who have experienced no accident during the period August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2007, and demonstrated a functioning vehicle safety program.

Chief Rick Haase of the Staunton Fire Protection District was presented with the award by Chief Tim Wall, VCOS Chairman, and Chief Bill Jenaway, Executive Vice-President VFIS Education and Training Services.

“Not only did Staunton Fire Protection District have no accidents in the time period, but their comprehensive approach to vehicle operational safety is exemplary”, commented Jenaway.

Their comprehensive program, similar to a corporate fleet safety program, encompassed 11 components including a safety first focused program, use of a safety officer, health and safety committee, monthly safety bulletin, agency audit program, safety audit program, comprehensive driver training, safety milestone recognition program, standard operating guidelines, a safety orientation program, and a SEAT BELT USE initiative.

Other departments recognized included 2nd place Blue Hills Fire Department, Bloomfield, CT; 3rd Place Fairlawn Fire Department, Fair Lawn, OH; 4th Place Strasburg Volunteer Fire Co., and honorable mention recognition went to Bath Fire Department,  Akron, OH, Dewitt Township Fire Department,  Dewitt, MI, Cedarburg Fire Department,  Cedarburg, WI,  Kittitas County Fire Rescue 7,  So. Cle Elum, WA; Marysville Fire Department,  Marysville, MI; Munroe Falls Fire Department,  Munroe Falls, OH; Pearland Volunteer Fire Department,  Pearland, TX; Roseville Fire Department,  Roseville, MN; Sweetwater County Fire District #1, Rock Springs, WY; Thornton Fire Department,  Thornton, IL; Verdoy Fire Department, Latham, NY. “We wish to compliment all of the recipients for their focus on safety”, noted Chief Wall.

The mission of the VCOS is to provide Chief Officers, who manage volunteers with a volunteer or combination delivery system, with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism.

VFIS is the world’s leading provider of insurance coverages and education and training programs for the emergency services community, with more than 15,000 clients in 49 states and Canada.