August 3, 2010

Fellow LGIFR Members,

It has been very hectic the last few months, but I finally have the time to offer some thoughts on where we came from and where we are going.

To begin, I would like to thank the previous Board of Directors for their foresight and tireless efforts in creating the organization and funding mechanism which provided the foundation for all of our current efforts.

I would also like to thank the current board and many volunteers for their hard work as well as the extraordinary generosity of many islanders who provided loans and donations to make all that we are doing possible.

To bring everyone up to date, the following is what has been happening:

          The new board took office on March 27^th and began planning and budgeting within the next few days; over the course of the next month, it became evident that with some loans from islanders, we could actually begin operations well in advance of County funding. 

          We began an immediate search for a qualified Chief; after a number of interviews we were very fortunate to find Chad Bradt and his wife Christy.  Chad began work in early May and by June 1^st was living on the Island full-time in the current fire station.

          Between the efforts of the Board of Directors, some very talented volunteers and the Chief, we have accomplished more than anyone would have thought possible in such a short time.

          Consider the following:

                   1. We have a highly trained professional on site 24/7.

                   2. We have a contingent of very qualified replacements when the Chief is off the Island.

                   3. Our equipment and vehicles are in really good condition and are maintained daily to insure operational readiness at all times.

                   4. The Chief has organized a group of on-island volunteers and we now have twelve 1^st responders to aid the Chief in emergencies.  Many of  them are pursuing further education in firefighting and EMS.

                   5. We have dramatically improved communications and coordination with Charlotte County’s Emergency Services as well as other organization’s in the area.

                   6. To fully utilize the many talents of the Chief, who is a Paramedic, we have been actively pursuing an Advanced Life Support capability.  We now have Dr. Dan O’Leary, MD as our medical director; will have all of the required equipment and supplies on the island by August. 6^th, and have filed application to the County for necessary licensing. We hope to have the program fully operational by October.

                   7. We have begun the process of identifying the ISO requirements for firefighting so that we may be able, at some time in the future, to bring our rating down and lower our fire insurance premiums. This may take awhile, but we believe it is doable.

 I think we have come a long way in a short amount of time and with continued hard work and the expertise of the Chief, we will have a fire and EMS program that everyone can be proud of.

I would also like to point out that we are operating under budget and that all loans will be fully repaid in 2011.

I believe personally and I’m sure the Board would agree, that we need to operate within our means, now and in the future.

Thank you all for your support and if I can ever be of help, please let me know.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Baruth

Chairman