Washington fire department reports ongoing lock, appliance and checklist updates; schedules June trainings

The Washington Fire Department met June 8, 2025, and reviewed a range of maintenance and operational items, including ongoing problems with building locks, recent apparatus repairs and new checklists for apparatus inspections.

Members said some facility locks are "still not working" and that meetings with the site manager have produced no immediate solution. Department leaders also reported a specific lock issue in the public works (PW) garage: the chief said the red bridge is in progress, the power had been disconnected and a new cabinet is needed, and the chief will consult with Ed about the parts required.

Department members reported that truck maintenance is current and that Jimmy reviewed and confirmed smaller problems were addressed. The ambulance exhaust has been repaired, and all small engines have been serviced and checked. A new tablet has been installed in the ambulance for truck checks and reporting; the department plans to set up the old tablet for fire-truck checks.

Jed told the group that a checklist has been in use in the ambulance for five weeks and "seems to be working properly," and members described a two-week rotation for apparatus checks and a clear per-diem process when callers check in. The department said it is working to develop standardized checklists for all apparatus.

The meeting included scheduling details for training: a pre-training with Lempster is set for June 24 at 6 p.m., and scenario-based training for all members is planned for June 29. Marianne alerted the membership to a Division of Fire and Safety phishing scam and reviewed the content of the scam, advising members not to open the messages.

The department adjourned at 7:45 p.m.