Lehigh's Newest Fire Station Dedicated
Ribbon Cutting Ed Martin, Former Interim Fire Chief and Former Commissioner
Bruce Boyd Enjoy Ceremony
LAFD’s newest station is located at 3102 16th St. SW on the corner of Sunshine Blvd. Ceremonies were held held at 11:00 am Wednesday October 1st. "This was a long time in coming," said commission chairman Jeff Berndt. "This is great for the citizens of Lehigh, and the best thing is it's all paid for. No debt."
Department Increases Reflective Striping to Protect Firefighters and Citizens
Why spend approximately $46,000 to add reflective striping and overhead vehicle numbers to 35 vehicles? Simply put, because they save lives. One of the most dangerous situations firefighters face is riding in emergency vehicles on the way to an emergency. That’s why in 2003 the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended in NFPA 1901:
15.9.3 A reflective stripe(s) shall be affixed to the perimeter of the apparatus.
15.9.3.1 The stripe or combination of stripes shall be a minimum of 4 in. (100mm) in total width and shall conform to the minimum requirements of ASTMD 4956, Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, Type 1, Class I or Class 3.
15.9.3.2 At least 50 percent of the cab and body length on each side, at least 50 percent of the width of the rear, and at least 25 percent of the width of the front of the apparatus shall have the reflective material affixed to it.
A1.4.1 The requirements of the standard apply to fire apparatus that has a GVwr of 10,000 lb (4500 kg) or greater. While the standard was not written specifically to cover vehicles below that size, fire departments should consider using those portions of this standard that address safety issues with smaller emergency vehicles. This would apply particularly to the restraint of equipment in the driving and crew areas and to providing adequate optical warning devices and reflective striping to increase the visibility of the vehicle.
NFPA is stipulating that starting in January 2009 manufacturers of all new fire vehicles must include the striping. NFPA recommended the standard and the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is following it. The graphics package will make the vehicles safer by making the vehicles more visible, especially at night and during smoky conditions. Additionally, the numbers on tops of vehicles will assist rescue operations if vehicles get stuck during wildland fires. The numbers will also help MedStar when attempting to identify a safe landing zone to transport critically ill patients. Department employees and the citizens of Lehigh should rightly expect the fire district to do all it can to protect firefighters and the people they serve. The question is, how much is a life worth?