Missouri Fire Departments Stand
Down Today to Focus on Fire Fighter Safety
Governor Reminds Missourians of Move Over Law
JEFFERSON CITY, June 21, 2006-Gov. Matt Blunt endorsed
an International call from fire chiefs to “stand down”
today. Missouri Fire Departments are encouraged to suspend all non-emergency
activity, joining thousands of fire fighters across the United States
and Canada to focus on fire fighter safety.
Unfortunately, Missouri lost three fire fighters last
year in line of duty deaths.
“Keeping our fire fighters safe and healthy helps
them respond effectively to the thousands of emergency calls they
receive a year,” Blunt said. “The stand down also serves
as a reminder to Missourians to help our communities do their part
in protecting our first responders. Missouri’s move over law
requires drivers to move over when an emergency vehicle is responding
to or stationary at an incident scene.”
Fire Marshal Randy Cole said the focus of the 2006 stand
down is on emergency vehicle safety-in particular, on seatbelt use
and safe driving through intersections
“Fire fighters face obstacles every day en route
to emergency scenes and today’s efforts help fire departments
get actively involved in decreasing unnecessary injuries and preventing
needless deaths,” Cole said.
Missouri fire departments will respond to all emergency
calls as normal, but between calls, fire fighters, officers and chiefs
are encouraged to take the time to conduct safety training and drills;
review safety-related standard operating procedures; discuss accident
reports and have an open conversation about fire fighter safety in
the department.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC),
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the IAFC’s
Volunteer and Combination Officers’ Section in partnership with
nearly 20 national fire service organizations sponsor the stand down.