Echo adds four first responders; fire department schedules retirement supper and training

The Echo City Council on Nov. 12 voted to add four people to the city’s First Responders roster, contingent on completion of required training, and heard updates from fire and emergency services leaders.

First Responders Chief Chasitity Kuehn told the council she had turned in payroll hours and reported interest from several individuals to join the crew. A motion to add Ryan and Tara Engstrom, Taneka Olson and Nicole Kepler as First Responders upon completion of necessary training was approved (motion by Councilman Larsen, seconded by Councilman Gjerset); the transcript records the motion as carried with Councilman Schettler absent. Kuehn said grant funds could cover the training cost for at least one recruit and that two pagers would be needed for newly added members. She also reported that some supplies ordered for the First Responders rig were incorrect and that she is working with the vendor to return wrong items and obtain the correct equipment. New bylaws for the First Responders have been written and will be reviewed at the next council meeting.

Fire Chief Matt Dunphy reported department scheduling and training items: a retirement supper for retired firefighters is set for Jan. 11, and 15 people have signed up for firefighter courses. The chief requested use of the community center Jan. 31–Feb. 2 for training classes. Dunphy also said a house burn exercise is scheduled for Nov. 30 with participation from other area towns; he noted asbestos on the burned structure has been removed and that he will check for remaining LP tanks near the house.

The council’s approvals were conditional where noted: First Responders additions require successful completion of required training and the transcript records follow-up tasks such as acquiring pagers and confirming training completions.