Washington Township / Avon Fire Department

New Year, New Safety Tips!

This we are looking at the relationship between children and fire. It is neither uncommon nor unnatural for children to be interested in fire and fire-related activities. However, there is a big difference between curiosity and misuse.

Proper intervention and instruction can help to reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and death when it comes to children interacting with fires.

If a child you know has participated in fire play, please feel encouraged to reach out to our Public Education Director Julia Lewis at [email protected] for more information and potential next steps in keeping them fire-safe.

Please help us in welcoming Paramedic Robvis Stamp, 32, to the Washington Township Avon Fire Department! Paramedic Stamp comes to us from a background in medical lab technologies and working the 911 dispatch line in Brown County and Bloomington. He's a self-proclaimed dog person, can play the trumpet and guitar, loves pizza and doughnuts (but is "a cooker" so likes a variety of foods), and is a big fan of vacationing in mountainous areas. Outside of shift work, Stamp spends time with his fiance and kids, playing the guitar, and listening to audiobooks. He also is a long-distance runner and his favorite sport is football, though he prefers playing over just watching. Even with all of this busy-ness, Paramedic Stamp said he quickly fell in love with EMS and chose to join WTAFD because it aligns with all of his core values: "I have so much compassion and integrity for EMS and my patients and I'm 100% dedicated to my work and take pride in what I do!" We love to hear that and we look forward to seeing how much Paramedic Stamp grows in this position and how much good he can do here in the Washington Township/Avon area.

Thank you for your commitment to EMS and welcome to the family Paramedic Stamp!

Happy New Year everyone! We wish you a festive and safe celebration!

Start 2023 of right and this New Year!

27 years of integrity, dedication, pride, and compassion. Thank you for the devotion you have given to this department and for the legacy you leave behind. Congratulations on your retirement Washington Township Avon Fire Department Fire Chief Daniel Smith, and enjoy the adventure to come!

The new year is right around the corner, and we have so much to offer our community in 2023! Check out our offerings below and via our website at
www.avonfd.org/public-education1

We hope you have a fun, safe, and warm Christmas wherever and however you may be celebrating!

On the twelfth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🚪🛌“Close your bedroom door before you sleep”🛌🚪

Because of synthetic materials, fire spreads faster than ever before. Today you may have as little as 3 minutes to escape a house fire. A closed bedroom door delays deadly smoke and fire from entering your sleeping areas. Research proves a closed door can make a 900-degree difference. A closed door can mean the difference between 1,000 degrees and 100 degrees in the event of a fire.

On the eleventh day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🏠"Make sure you clean and inspect your chimney"🏠

Santa loves a nice clean chimney, and so do we. Whether you have a wood-burning, gas, or propane fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned once a year by a qualified professional!

On the tenth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
👩‍🍳“Ensure that you're cooking safely.”👩‍🍳

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, which means it’s easy to get distracted from what we are doing. Cooking fires most commonly occur when cooking is left unattended. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially if using oil and/or high temperatures. If a pot catches fire, carefully slide a tight-fitting lid over the pot to smother the flames and then turn off the heat.

Curious how you can help out the fire department with this incoming inclement weather and keep you and your family safer?

❄️STAY OFF THE ROADS❄️
It's a time for travel, yes, but with road conditions predicted to become worse and worse over the next 48 hours, please try to limit your travel as much as possible. This helps keep you safe, lowers the potential for crashes, and makes it safer for our crew members to take the apparatuses out on runs.

❄️DON'T PARK ON ROADSIDES❄️
If you can, park your cars in driveways, garages, or as far to the side of the road as possible. It's difficult enough for the fire engines, ladder truck, and ambulances to get through roads with cars parked on either side during normal conditions, but it becomes especially precarious when roads are covered in snow or ice.

❄️HEAT YOUR HOME RESPONSIBLY❄️
If you're using a portable heater, a fireplace, or just blasting your house's heating system, please make sure to keep anything that could possibly burn at least 3 ft. away from those devices and vents.

❄️BE PREPARED FOR POWER OUTAGES❄️
Keep phones charged in case you need to make an emergency call, and use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns as light sources rather than candles. Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to preserve food. Stay warm by wrapping in blankets and multiple layers. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a surge when the power comes back on.

❄️CLEAR FIRE HYDRANTS WHEN SAFE TO DO SO❄️
If it's safe to do so, taking a shovel and keeping snow clear in a 5ft-radius around fire hydrants can help ensure that our crew members can get to those hydrants easily in the case of a fire.

❄️BE AS INFORMED AS POSSIBLE❄️
Keep an eye on local news and weather updates, and read through some of the great information posts by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Tonight we celebrated two new members to our department! EMT David Ranz and Paramedic Robvis Stamp, thank you for choosing to join our ranks, and welcome to the family!

On the ninth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🔥“Up high is where your matches and lighters should be”🔥

People often keep matches and lighters handy to light holiday candles, but matches and lighters can be deadly in the hands of children. Some kids are curious about fire; help keep them safe from fire and burns by storing matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children. Explain to them that matches and lighters are tools, not toys, and are to be used only by adults. If you smoke, have only one lighter or book of matches and keep them with you at all times.

On the eighth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🕯 “Blow out all the candles" 🕯

Candles can set the perfect mood for a holiday celebration, but remember to always blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Keep lit candles safely away from children and pets and anything that can burn, such as curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations. Be candle safe this holiday season!

On the seventh day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🎄🔥 “Give your heater some space, especially from the tree” 🎄🔥

Heating equipment is involved in 1 in every 7 home fires and 1 in every 5 home fire deaths. If you use space heaters to help take the chill off, remember to keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, upholstery, or holiday decorations.

On the sixth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🔌 “Use Extension Cords Wisely.” 🔌

People often use extension cords for that extra set of lights or the dancing Santa in the corner. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection. Ensure cords never go under rugs as this can cause damage to the cord and cause a fire. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. Lastly, plug all extension cords directly into an electrical outlet.

On the fifth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🏠 “Plan and Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan--Figure Out Where You'll Meet.” 🏠

Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with all household members and make sure someone helps young children, older adults, or anyone else that may need assistance to evacuate. Once outside, stay outside and call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor's house.

On the fourth day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
⚙️ “Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Keep Safe Your Family” ⚙️

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. Install and test CO alarms at least once a month!

On the third day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🔋 “Test your smoke alarms and change the battery” 🔋

With family and friends spending extra time at your home over the holidays, it’s a great time to check your smoke alarms! Remember that you need working smoke alarms on every story of your home, inside each sleeping area, and in the hallway outside all sleeping areas. Test your alarms to ensure they will alert you and your family if a fire occurs, giving you the precious seconds you need to escape safely, and remember to replace smoke alarms if they are over 10 years old.

On the second day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
💡“Check all your Christmas lights, please.”💡

Before you put those lights on the tree or around the front window, check the cords closely. Discard any frayed or damaged sets and turn off all your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home.

On the first day of Holiday Fire Safety, the Fire Chief said to me,
🎄“Don’t forget to water the tree.”🎄

It's time to trim that Christmas tree, and if you're using a real tree, buy a fresh tree and keep the base of the trunk in water at all times. Also be sure to keep your tree away from any ignition source, such as the fireplace, heaters, or candles.

Tonight Washington Township celebrates 2022 with not only an employee holiday party, but also the presentation of the 2022 Washington Township Employee of the Year Award. The WTAFD is proud to have 5 individuals nominated from our ranks--please help us in congratulating them and wishing them luck tonight!

Today we celebrate the accomplishments of Lieutenant Alan Ramsey, who is celebrating his 10 year anniversary with WTAFD! Thank you not only for the hard work you've put into your duties as a firefighter and officer these past years, but also the dedication you've shown to lifting up your crewmates and supporting the growth and education of the next generation of service members. Happy Anniversary Lieutenant!

Happy December 1st everyone! Let's stay safe as we get into the holiday spirit!

Please help us in welcoming Connor Dalton, 30, to the Washington Township/Avon Fire Department! EMT Dalton comes to us from a prior law enforcement and military backgrounds, where he learned not only important first responder skills but also gained the indispensable ability to fall asleep anywhere, at any time, under any circumstances. When asked why he joined the fire department specifically, Dalton explained that his interest was sparked by his father's 40-year firefighting career and that his biggest encouragements have been his family, fiancé, and daughter. This is the same family that inspired a love of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and all things "massive nerd." Outside of shift work, EMT Dalton enjoys working out, eating (always looking for good restaurant recommendations, especially for seafood), and cracking jokes. Career-wise, he's looking forward to getting his Paramedic license and would love to do some pastime tactical medic work in the future. When asked what what it takes to be a great EMS provider, EMT Dalton said that the biggest thing is being able to understand that every patient is going to come from a different walk of life and it's your job to put aside any differences you have and provide the best care you can.

With a mentality like that, we're sure that EMT Dalton is going to be an exceptional boon to our department and community as a whole. Thanks for choosing WTAFD and welcome to the family!

"Thank you to Courtney and Jordan and those on the truck who came to take me to the hospital. Very much appreciate you all."

-Stacey, resident and patient on 11/26/22

Glad to hear you're doing well!

Gratitude is something we feel every day--for our brothers and sister in service, for the love and support of our families, for our community. Thank you to all who support us and give us the opportunity to perform the best job in the world. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thanks for the goodies Troop 1377! Always great to get visitors--especially with some treats in hand!

Become a sponsor for YOUR Washington Township/Avon Fire Department!

Every year we host an Awards Banquet in celebration of the hard work and accomplishments of all our department members. During this event we provide our first responders a catered dinner, a department-wide gift, and acknowledgement of above and beyond service through individual awards.

To continue avoiding the use of taxpayer money to fund this event, our Awards Banquet is financed purely by sponsoring businesses and individuals. If you are a new or returning sponsor, please read through the attached sponsorship levels. Although there are directed levels, all donation amounts will be accepted and will be acknowledged during our programming!

Any questions can be directed to our Public Education Director Julia Lewis at [email protected], and donations can be provided via check mailed or delivered to our WTAFD Headquarters building at 311 Production Dr., Avon, IN 46123

Thank you all for your upcoming and continued support for our department!

Great shot taken by Probationary Firefighter Childers during a residence fire yesterday! Engine 144 gettin' it done!

We are blessed to have numerous veterans within our ranks. To them and to all who have served, thank you. The freedoms we enjoy today are thanks to the hard work you have put in and the sacrifices you have made.

Starrisha "Starr" Wells, 23, is one of our newest EMTs. Before joining WTAFD, Wells was "surviving medic school, working part-time at Transcare and BG EMS, and wishing on a star." Outside of that, she enjoys participating in anything athletic or competitive (softball, basketball, swimming, etc.), eating chocolate and peanut butter anything, telling great jokes ("Where do fathers store their memories? A DADa Base!"), baking cookies during the holidays, and cheering on the Southern Illinois Salukis football team (her favorite player is her younger brother). Her goals change frequently, but she's currently looking into one day becoming an EMS educator or maybe even a Chief, and she's most looking forward to learning what she doesn't know as she joins WTAFD. She says medic school will make you "book smart," but it doesn't fully prepare you to operate as a paramedic, and she's looking forward to learning everything medic school can't teach you alongside her crewmates.

We already think she's setting herself up for success with a mentality like that, and she's made it clear that she's got the right attitude for the job with convictions like "a great medic has the ability to step into a hectic room and calm it down with their presence" and that anyone looking to join this line of work should know "it's silly not to ask your silly questions, treat patients like a loved one (you'll learn why later), and buckle up buttercup... no, seriously, put your seatbelt on." We're excited to have someone so full of fun energy and strong dedication joining our ranks. Welcome to the family EMT Wells!

Next up on "Meet the Probies" is Boaz Fredrickson, 24, who says he joined the department because he heard WTAFD had one of the toughest recruit classes to get through. It would make sense that something like that would draw him in considering PFF Fredrickson enjoys things like rock climbing, mountain biking, and American Ninja Warrior-type workouts. Prior to joining WTAFD, PFF Fredrickson was working as a paramedic for IEMS, and he recommends that anyone looking to get into the fire service should start similarly--getting a good base with an EMT certification or Fire I/II class. His favorite part of recruit class was the highrise engine operations, and he looks forward to "being on the nozzle and putting out the fire" as he jumps into shift work. Outside of his time with the department, PFF Fredrickson spends time with his family (5 brothers!), enjoys the Colts, and watching things like Parks and Rec, Psych, and the 007 movies.

Perhaps most notably, PFF Fredrickson told us that he believes to be a great firefighter it takes "determination and respect for the job, learning from everything you go through, [and] not disregarding mistakes." That type of conviction is exactly why we're so excited to see Probationary Firefighter Fredrickson joining our ranks. Thank you for your hard work and welcome to family!

Know a great Indiana Paramedic looking for a new place to call home? Send them our way! Full job description and application can be found at https://www.avonfd.org/careershiring.html

Thank you to Ian Petro Media LLC for capturing some wonderful shots from our response to the fire on N 900 E yesterday!

Earlier today the Fire Department responded to a residence fire and a fire in the woods. Crews quickly put out the house fire and worked to extinguish all of the fire within the woods. However there will be residual hot spots. Majority of these trees that were smoldering are in the burned area and shouldn’t be a threat to homes on the outskirts of the wood line. Crews have been out investigating this area several times since the initial incident.

The fire department wants the residents around this area to know that if they feel the fire is encroaching towards their homes to notify dispatch via 911.

Logan Hatter, 25, comes from an exercise science education and serving job. There were a lot of reasons he chose to pursue a fire service career: to have a job he's proud of, to participate in something that would keep him busy with new tasks, and to continue a family firefighting legacy. Outside of the hard work put into the department, PFF Hatter enjoys getting outdoors and staying active, frequently snowboarding (his #1 destination is the Rockies), skateboarding, rock climbing, bike riding, and hiking! Such active hobbies really put into perspective his recommendation that anyone looking to join the service should come in expecting to be exhausted all the time. Beyond that, PFF Hatter enjoys watching things like Hot Rod and Breaking Bad, eating buffalo wings, and watching sports (especially soccer; Lionel Messi is his favorite player).

As he jumps into shift work, PFF Hatter has said he's most looking forward to never having another boring day of his life and to getting to know the crew members he'll be on shift with. Well, we're sure "boring" won't be a major part of the equation, and as a new member of the family we're positive PFF Hatter will make some great connections. Thank you for your hard work so far, and welcome to the team Probationary Firefighter Hatter!