GUY CARROZZO -- Mayor’s Column

April was Volunteer Month, and I wanted you to know about some

opportunities for volunteers in the city of Fountain Valley. I asked

Kathy Williams, the city’s emergency preparedness coordinator, to tell us

about some special programs in the Fountain Valley Fire Department. In

future columns, I will feature other programs and department.

Volunteerism, the act of giving one’s time, energy and expertise, is one

of our nation’s most precious natural resources. Fountain Valley’s

connection to the volunteer community is a major factor in the city’s

ability to deliver a wide variety of public services.

Volunteers use specific skills to accomplish a number of tasks and, in

the process, serve as ambassadors and promoters of the city. Their lives

are touched by their involvement, no matter what the task, and the

community is forever changed by the positive efforts of volunteerism.

The Fire Department has implemented three volunteer programs that bring

together senior citizens, young adults, business owners, residents and

very young children. These volunteers are dedicated to saving lives and

reducing property loss.

Senior citizens have made a commitment to the Fire Department over the

last three years by volunteering in the Fire Inspection Reserve Seniors

Task Force, also known as FIRST. The 12 people now in the program assist

with compliance on fire codes in more than 1,200 business safety

inspections.

They are available to any homeowner for a complimentary safety check. A

home safety check covers general safety issues, emergency preparedness,

smoke detectors and extinguishers. No citations are issued for home

inspections.

Pool safety is a high priority for the Fire Department now that summer is

here, and important educational materials are shared at all home visits.

Fire academy graduates volunteer by assisting the fire marshal and

full-time public education division staff with plan check and new

construction inspections, and handling disclosure documents relating to

the storage of hazardous materials. After serving one or more years in

fire prevention, these volunteers often become reserve firefighters.

In any one year, 15 or more fire academy graduates serve as suppression

reserve personnel at both Fountain Valley fire stations. They commit to

two or more 24-hour shifts and work side by side with firefighters during

responses. These graduates come to the program with a Certified

Firefighter I credential from the state and continue to receive training

while participating in the reserve program.

Volunteers enable Fire Department personnel to attend community outreach

and educational events. They bring enthusiasm and a professional attitude

to whatever is requested of them.

From a simple visit to a classroom of preschool children to a career day

at one of our high schools, the relationship between the Fire Department

and the community is constantly evolving.

Next time you attend one of our city events, look for these special

volunteers. Some of them are still in their 20s, others are already

collecting Social Security, but every one of them has touched our

community in a special way -- by volunteering.

* GUY CARROZZO is mayor of Fountain Valley. KATHY WILLIAMS is the city’s

emergency preparedness coordinator.