WARREN, Ark. – The Warren Fire Committee met on Wednesday evening at the Warren Municipal Building to discuss and propose new policies for the Warren Fire Department. Council members present were Chairman Joel Tolefree, Angela Marshall, and Dorothy Henderson, along with Fire Chief Chuck Moore, Mayor Gregg Reep, and Administrative Assistant Charlotte Brown.
One of the proposed policy changes was the Department Live Fire Training Policy. This change came after the Pierson Street incident in which a portion of vinyl siding melted on a home adjacent to a controlled burn several months ago. Fire Chief Moore talked with other departments and advisors for ideas on updated rules. The committee also discussed controlled burns and the language in the new proposed rules. Henderson motioned to move forward with the proposed changes, with minor alteration, and it was passed unanimously. The new rules will help mitigate damage to near-bye structures while controlled burns are being conducted in the future.
Top photo: Council members and Fire Committee members Angela Marshall and Chairman Joel Tolefree pictured during Wednesday’s meeting. Photo by Saline River Chronicle.
Another policy change proposed was the Department Station Coverage policy. Under this change, a fireman will if at all possible stay at the station 24/7, to respond to any fire within the city limits of Warren. Sometimes the Department is called to help with extrications or other fires outside of the City. The new policy will require another fireman to be called in to duty when such situations arise. Henderson made the motion to move forward with the new policy, which was also passed unanimously.
The committee also proposed a Non-Emergency Rule. Under this rule, firemen, if they are the last person at the Station, and they have to leave, are to take a fire engine, instead of the rescue truck. The reason is so the fireman doesn’t have to go back to the station to get the truck if a fire is called in to 911. Firemen are allowed to be gone for no more than one-hour for non-emergency situations under the new policy. Henderson made the motion to approve this rule, and it was unanimously approved.
Chairman Tolefree echoed the importance of having personnel on site as often as possible. The Chief added that they are trying to tighten up some of these things, and he also mentioned that the firemen are allowed to have family and visitors till 10 pm while on duty. A full kitchen and living quarters are also available at the Station for the convenience of the on-duty fireman.
The committee also discussed the pay of the volunteer captains and lieutenants. Currently, volunteer firemen get $15 per call to show up. Captains and lieutenants currently receive the same pay. Fire Chief Moore requested the payments for captains and lieutenants be increased, and Council member Marshall put forward the proposed changes of $40 for captains and $30 for lieutenants in order to better compensate them for their expertise and responsibilities. Henderson made the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mayor Reep emphasized that the Warren Fire Department could not function without the volunteers, and he expressed his gratitude for their service.
All passed motions will now go before the entire City Council Monday evening, April 10, for approval.
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