November 15, 2019
Noteworthy News The Washington Township/Avon Fire Department (WTAFD) is in the process of planning an awards banquet for next year. Our plans are to have a night of fellowship and celebration on February 29, 2020 for our personnel so that we can recognize them for the outstanding work that they do every day. Our plans are to have a formal dinner for our personnel and their significant other, and an awards ceremony at our township park pavilion.
As we prepare for this event, funding is always a concern, and in an effort to be fiscally responsible, we do not plan to expend tax payer funds to support our dinner. We are making every effort to plan an event that is representative of the value that we place on our members and the job that they do, while at the same time, being responsible to those supporting us.
We want to thank Superior Garage Door Systems, Inc., LINK Management, Inc., and Uncommonly Styled for generously donating towards making our event a successful one. We look forward to a great night filled with celebrating our personnel.
Would you or your organization be interested in supporting our efforts? We are primarily looking for general financial contributions to help offset the cost of our banquet. We hope to provide our attendees with a catered dinner, awards for outstanding service, as well as a time to fellowship.
If you would be interested in being a sponsoring organization that would receive special recognition for your support please feel free to reach out to Dan Smith at 317-272-2155 ext. 15 or at dsmith@avonfd.org.
Thank you for your continued support and consideration. 
Run Report 
2018 Run Total = 5087
Sponsor Spotlight 
Chief Chat 
Station 141 Remodel Update
Over the past two years, our department has been planning for the remodel of our oldest fire station, Station 141. When the original members of the department began servicing our township, they build the first fire station, that is still part of our current building. The 3 smaller bays on the west end of the building was the original building built to house the fire department.
Over the years as the volunteer department grew, so did the building, and in 1994, the building underwent it’s last addition and remodel. At that time, our administrative offices were also housed in that building. Approximately 15 years ago, our administrative offices were moved to what was then TKO Graphics previous location. Our administration entered into a lease/purchase agreement with TKO and eventually, executed the purchase agreement. We then utilized the TKO building until we constructed our new administration building, and demolished the TKO offices.
Since last fall, we have worked on the designs for the station remodel project, and finalized the plans early this spring. In August, we attempted to go to bid for the remodel project, but could not get interest in the project by contractors to bid the remodel. Because of the conditions of the bay floors and the severe deterioration, we decided to bid the replacement of our bay floors this fall. Over the past three weeks, the old floors have been removed, new drains installed and new concrete poured this week. If you have noticed the trucks sitting outside running, that is the reason. Our hope is that the break tests will be positive so that we can move back into the bays by the middle of next week.
In addition, it was decided at this week’s township board meeting, that we would go to bid again this month. We have had several contractors that have expressed interest in work for the winter since the remodel project is all interior work, and will not require construction work on the outside of the building. Hopefully, we will have a contractor for the remodel picked by the middle of December with hopes of beginning the project in January with completion by the end of the second quarter of next year.
This remodel project will not only allow us to utilize the building more efficiently, but also provide us with additional space for added personnel. These personnel will be manning a new fire engine that will be stationed at that station beginning third quarter of 2020 or first quarter of 2021.
Our department will also be accepting applications for Mechanic and a Support Services Assistant. The mechanic position is new to our department, and this position will be responsible for the repair and preventative maintenance of our fire apparatus and equipment. There are certain prerequisites that must be met to apply.
The Support Services position is also a new position that will assist with the repair and maintenance of our fire stations and headquarters. Both position descriptions may be viewed HERE. The posting for both openings will begin at the beginning of November with interviews taking place the first two weeks in December.
If you have an interest in either of these positions, please keep track of the postings by accessing our website or social media postings. Our intent is for all of these positions to be filled by the middle of December with a starting date the first week of January 2020.
Please direct any questions that you might have to Chief Dan Smith at 317-272-2155 or dsmith@avonfd.org. Training Tidbit Multiple times a year we work to improve upon and maintain proficiency in the skills we use to treat people in emergency situations. This week our crews trained on IV insertion, intubation (placing a tube into the airway so someone who is not breathing can breathe), IO insertion (inserting a needle into the bone to give medicine), emergency cricothyrotomy, neonatal resuscitation, splinting of broken bones, and immobilizing a possible spinal injury patient.
We also worked as teams of four to work through an emergency scenario which we call a mega-code. Prior to the training, members of the Hendricks Regional Health Community Paramedicine Program provided our personnel with updates on the program and proper referral procedures. 
Crew Corner 
B Shift Ladder 141 - Out In The Community
It may have been cold and windy, but that didn't stop our B Shift Ladder 141 Crew from helping out at the Avon McDonald's last week.
They were asked to fix the flag pole so the American flag could be flown for all to see. The cold weather was of no concern to our crew. Great work, B Shift! Safety Spot Thanksgiving Fire Safety
For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.
So keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire. 
Top 10 Safety Tips
WE'VE UPDATED OUR EVENT SCHEDULING 
The Washington Township Avon Fire Department is looking to speak with adult groups in 2019. We will continue to promote fire safety with our early childhood members of the community, but are striving to increase our focus on our ADULT population. Studies show that adults age 65+ are more likely to be injured or killed in a fire.
What are we doing to help our community? We are offering a 30-45 minute fire safety presentation to your staff or adult group.
Interested in having us present? Need a guest speaker at your next staff meeting? Can we speak at your Annual HOA meeting? Have a church group that would enjoy our presentation?
We want to speak with YOU!
Please submit your information using the button below and we will contact you to set up a presentation. 
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Washington Township Avon Fire Department
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