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November
19, 2002 - Work started in August 1999 on the first of three new
Fire Stations to be added in Glynn County located on the north
end of St. Simons Island. Then
The Glynn County Public Safety Complex and Station 8, located in
North Glynn County was added in August 2002.
Later in 2003 a replacement Station will be added at a
central St. Simons Island location.
It will not only benefit the island residence but will
serve Malcolm McKinnon Airport for aircraft incidents.
Additional personnel have been hired and are needed as
these facilities have been added.
In
addition to the physical complex being added, Glynn County has
switched over to an 800mhz system used in public safety back in
August. This has
given the Fire Department additional fire channels in which to
work and a much more complete service coverage area.
It is said that some of our portables can reach dispatch
with a range of some 60 miles away.
The
Department Web Site has received much recognition and over 6
international Web awards since becoming official just 3 months
ago. It contains
over 130 pages with digital images and written material about
our “firefighter family,” happenings, and fire department
events.
Fire
officers have been most excited about the improved computer
system being installed and software that will be used for
reports, interdepartmental communications, and statistical
analysis. Training
has been offered and classes have been full.
Both the Fire and EMS have switched over to
“Firehouse” software, which places all runs in a format
assessable to personnel immediately at any time.
Much of the old paperwork storage will become obsolete in
the near future.
Recently,
all public safety personnel went through a “health and fitness
screening” process which was conducted by a private health
clinic. This gave
firefighters and the police the opportunity to know where they
stand in regard to their health.
Each screening cost about $175.00 per person.
We found that there were a lot of people who did not
realize exactly where they stand as far as health and fitness is
concerned. Each
participant was given information about his or her health
status, as well as personalized recommendations about how to
improve health and fitness.
Chief Johnson said, “this is the baseline year, and we
hope to see improvements when we do the test again in about a
year.” The
average age of county firefighters is 39.
Chief
Johnson looks at Glynn County’s growth as the biggest
challenge he has faced.
In
January additional manpower is needed and will be added at the
headquarters station at Ballard, and a new squad will be added
at Station 6 in South Glynn County.
The Glynn County Fire Department’s manpower fifteen
years ago came from Glynn County.
As the manpower needs increased more and more
firefighters have come from surrounding counties such as
McIntosh, Camden, and Brantley Counties.
Chief Johnson says that his newest
primary concern is for the need for Paramedics and EMTs
but feels that with the popular coastal environment, many of the
newest vacancies could be filled quickly.
(The Golden Isles has often been named in several
magazines as one of the top 10 areas to live, retire, and
vacation as well) As
far as qualifications are concerned the Chief said, “ any
applicant must be 21 years of age, be certified as a Georgia
Paramedic or a National Registered Paramedic, and fulfill other
qualifications.”
The
base salary is $28,892.00 with a potential of more based on
experience and qualifications.
Many applicants contact Glynn County’s Human Resources
through the Web Site: www.glynncounty.org
or telephone (912) 554-7170.
Presently,
Glynn County Citizens have voted and approved of two Special
Purpose Local Option Sales Tax projects. These have helped the department; keep up with the many
needs. Translated,
this means money coming in for new stations, communications,
equipment, improvements, and other necessities
Excitement continues as the Glynn County Fire
Department grows to meet tomorrow’s Challenges.
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