The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission received updates on the construction of one fire station and the design of the second one during its recent meeting, plus heard about grant funds.
On Oct. 8, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Jackson provided an update on the ongoing reconstruction of Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road. He reported that the work is in the final couple of weeks.
The contractor was redoing the epoxy in the bathrooms because they did not like it, and the electrical work continues. Motorola was expected to be out the following week to hook up the station tower.
The tentative punch out date was set for Oct. 15.
“Hopefully, we can keep on that schedule and we won’t de delayed again,” he said.
Jackson added that if they meet the punch out, the crew can move in the next week.
Fire Chief Kevin Barbot reported that the plan was to hold the grand opening ceremony for the new station in November and invite state elected officials, given the support received from them. However, they will be back in session in Tallahassee that month, so their schedules and days will be restricted.
Because of that, they will likely push the ceremony to December.
Also at the meeting, Barbot gave an update on the design and development of Station 171 on Palm Ridge Road. He reported that they are about 95% done with the construction design. They were supposed to have it 100% completed for the meeting, but they had a major change due to the Code.
Barbot reported that they originally designed the plans with the generator on the roof like it is on the existing station, but that is no longer permitted, so it had to be relocated to outside of the building.
He also shared the updated design photos with the commissioners.
“So we are progressing well and trying to stay on schedule,” Barbot said.
Also during the meeting, Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that the district received a West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant for a GPS unit for its marine asset. It will provide the district and other local agencies the ability to provide an accurate location for the vessel, which will help incident commanders keep track of all units or the location of incoming units that need to be used.
He noted that WCIND offered the funding at its meeting to any marine asset that did not have one.
Barbot reported that the district also received a grant for a new extractor for its gear washer and dryer.
IN OTHER NEWS
– DiMaria reported that the district responded to 77 calls in September, compared to 146 calls for the same month last year. While the call volume for the month was down about 50%, the district’s year-to-date total volume is up over 15% compared to last year.
– Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 30 fire plan reviews and 197 fire inspections in September.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: engineer Adam Felix for six years; and Capt. John Reitenbach for 22 years.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email