Chief's Message
|
Spring has sprung, and with the time change, I am hoping you took the time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step toward your family's safety.
A carbon monoxide alarm is just as important. The purpose of these detectors is to pick up on the presence of carbon monoxide and then warn you so that you can take action. These detectors are able to save lives by letting you know when this deadly, toxic gas is present. If you have questions about these alarms, feel free to give us a call at 707-551-0650.
March started with the administrative team attending the ‘Fire District Association of California’ annual conference in Napa. This conference allows our staff to gain any legal changes that have or are occurring within the State of California, sharpen leadership abilities and learn about industry changes. It also allowed two of our Board members, Aboudamous and Joseph, to join us to review and gain a deeper knowledge of strengthening the working relationship between the Fire Chief and the Fire Board, and planning for the future.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between a ‘Fire District and a ‘Fire Department’ we invite you to join us at the Fire District Board meeting on Tuesday, April 25th at 6:30 pm when I will present the 2022 Annual Report.
On March 17th we said ‘ALOHA’ to a valued member of our team. Captain Dave Medina retired from the District after 26 years of service. Captain Medina started his Fire Service career here in American Canyon as a volunteer and was hired as a career firefighter in 1991. While I am excited for Dave to enjoy his retirement, we will miss his leadership, friendship, and mentorship to his community and peers on a daily basis. (And his incredible sense of humor!) Captain Medina, to you and your family, enjoy this well-deserved time!
With the retirement of Captain Medina, I then had the opportunity to promote from within. On Tuesday, March 28th, Firefighter Euclid ‘EJ’ Abalos was promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Abalos served 20 years in the United States Air Force before starting his second career in 2017 with the American Canyon Fire Protection District.
Captain Abalos had a large support system on-hand to witness his promotion and was pinned by his son, ‘Tyger’ Abalos, who also serves the District as a Fire Explorer.
As the weather starts to change and the grass starts to grow, please be conscious of any fire danger around your home. This is the perfect opportunity to 'Spring Clean' and make your home 'Fire Safe' by removing any debris, or unstable or dying trees.
If you see something that you believe is a concern, please report it here. Our District is committed to keeping American Canyon 'Fire Safe'.
Geoff Belyea
Fire Chief
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Facebook.com/AmCanFire
Instagram: Instagram.com/amcanfire
Click Here for the Monthly Statistical Report for March
CPR Training
Are you CPR Trained? Would you like to be?
The American Heart Association hosts online CPR/AED classes to provide basic life support training.
Visit: AHA CPR/AED Training to find class near you.
|
|
 |
International Women's Day
#AmCanFire and Chief Belyea celebrated the women who serve the AmCan community through their service with the Fire District.
'On International Women’s Day and I wanted to take a moment to thank Martha, Laura, and Sarah for all they do here at American Canyon Fire Protection District. While the Fire Service has traditionally been a male-dominated career field, we want to encourage more women in our community to look at a career in the Fire Service.
If you are interested in exploring a career in the Fire Service, stop by one of our Fire Stations.
On a personal note, my wife works in public safety for an adjacent city and I would love to see more women enter the public safety career field.
I also want to thank Board Member Aboudamous for her dedicated service to the Fire District. Investment in time and community is well respected in a leader.'
Women In Public Safety Event
  On Saturday, March 18th, Captain Abalos (not pictured), Firefighter Bayersdorfer and Public Information Officer Provencher (not pictured) attended the 'Women In Public Safety' event hosted by Santa Rosa Fire and Police Departments.
This team took an active recruitment approach to find highly qualified candidates interested in pursing a career with AmCanFire. They also took the opportunity to educate the next generation of the endless possibilities within the Fire Service.
As you can see above, Firefighter Bayersdorfer made a new friend with a 'Comfort Dog' and we are not sure who was more excited.
The event drew over 300 visitors and hosted 27 Public Safety agencies.
Retirement, Captain David Medina
 On Friday, March 17th we celebrated the 26-year career of Captain Dave Medina.
Captain Medina started with the District as a Reserve Firefighter and was hired in 1991 as a career firefighter by Chief Caldwell. Captain Medina is a friend, mentor, and leader to one and all and will truly be missed by all of us here and those in the community who know him.
Captain Medina was joined by his family, the current 'AmCan Fire Retiree Club' and his 'A Shift Co-Captain' Captain Prettyman. (Pictured above) Along with his AmCan Fire family and friends.
From your family here at AmCanFire enjoy retirement, it is well deserved Cap!
Career Day
 On Wednesday, March 22nd, C Shift got to be 'Mighty Oaks'!
Canyon Oaks Elementary School invited us to participate in Career Day. We hung out in Mrs. Petersen's class room and met all sorts of new friends. We introduced them to our tools, our gear and explained why not to be afraid of us when we come to rescue you in a fire. (Probationary Firefighter Hanson did sound a little like Darth Vader...)
The Napa County Office of Education said, 'The teachers and students have expressed so much gratitude and appreciation. I can't tell you how grateful we are for your time and energy. During the elementary years, students are at a crucial period when career beliefs and aspirations are being developed. Early exposure to careers is critical. Representation is the lens through which we dream. It's the lens through which we aspire. You helped make a true impact on the future lives of the students you met.'
Thank you for having us!
If you want to see how much fun we had, click the button below to see our video on Instagram.
Promotion, Captain Euclid 'EJ' Abalos
 The evening of Tuesday, March 28th, Fire Chief Belyea was privileged to promote Firefighter Euclid 'EJ' Abalos to the rank of Captain.Captain Abalos started his second career serving the AmCan community in 2017. He serves in various roles within the District.
After being sworn in by District Council William Ross, Captain Abalos was 'pinned' by his son, AmCan Fire Explorer 'Tyger' Abalos, while his family, friends, mentors, and peers watched.
Congratulations Cap!
Fire Explorer Program
 For the month of March the Fire Explorers focused on Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) and ACFD hose pulls/loads. Explorers learned the components, use, and functions of the SCBAS. They then learned how to properly don the SCBA for first time.
The next drill was focused on learning what type of hose we carry on Engine 11 and how to properly deploy our crosslays.(A specific way to load and store firehose for rapid deployment). They each took turns deploying and reloading the crosslays. In both drills they also competed against each other to don all of their PPE during the “turnout drill”.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, new explorers will be introduced every six months until the maximum amount of 12 explorers is reached. After submission of an application, explorer candidates will be notified for an oral interview before being accepted into the program.
To apply visit: www.amcanfire.com and visit the ‘Fire Explorer’ page.
 What is CERT?
Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) is a nationally recognized emergency training course that teaches essential emergency response skills. By taking and completing the CERT course you will gain the skills and confidence necessary to help yourself, your family, and your community during a disaster.
Meet ACCERT
Recent ACCERT Highlights
 ACCERT continued to complete important and relevant training this month, mainly focused on coordination and communications. ACCERT continues to strengthen partnerships, not only our county CERT teams, but with Napa Community Animal Response Team (CART) and the Napa County Search and Rescue (SAR) team.
- 3/18 – ACCERT held its quarterly training, reviewing First-Aid and patient extrication.
- 3/19 – CERT Basic Class 23-103 completed with 26 graduates.
- 3/25 – Napa CART hosted a “Dispatch, Command and Communications” in coordination with ACCERT. We practiced dispatching teams, using the radio and operating a command post.
- 3/27 – ACCERT and other Napa Valley CERT teams attended the Napa County EOC Cooperators training. It offered a chance for us to meet each other and understand capabilities.
-
CERT Basic Classes
- Pending community feedback, additional classes may be scheduled locally here in American Canyon or at Napa Valley College. Email NapaCERT@aol.com to express interest in taking a class.
- To learn more about ACCERT visit our web site at http://www.americancanyoncert.org/ or Follow us on Facebook here.
The next Fire District Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 25th at
6:30 PM. The agenda will be posted on our web site.
|
