Missouri Fire Departments Focus
on Safety During 2007 Stand Down
JEFFERSON CITY, June 15, 2007-June marks National Safety
Month, a time when even those instilled with the honorable duty of
protecting our communities turn focus to their own safety. Gov. Matt
Blunt today endorsed an international call from fire chiefs to participate
in the 2007 International Fire & EMS Safety Stand Down the week
of June 17th. Fire departments statewide will suspend all non-emergency
activity, joining thousands of firefighters across the U.S and Canada
to focus on firefighter safety.
“The Stand Down tradition honors the bravest
of the brave in our public safety professionals and serves as a reminder
to all Missourians the incredible character and courageousness first
responders display when called into an emergency,” Blunt said.
“They are an inspiration to all of us.”
Fire Marshal Randy Cole said the 2007 Stand Down will
not hamper the fire departments’ ability to respond to all emergency
calls as normal, however, firefighters are encouraged to take time
between calls to focus on safety training and drills, review standard
operating procedures and discuss accident reports.
“With such a life threatening line of work, firefighters
are encouraged this week to reflect on procedures and practices intended
to decrease preventable injuries and death while responding to emergencies,”
Cole said.
The theme for this year’s Stand Down is “Ready
to Respond,” which will focus on proper training, preparation
and equipage before a call. The Stand Down is sponsored by 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 national fire service organizations.