In memory of Capt. Donald Jones, ailment a 31 year veteran firefighter with Jacksonville Fire Department here in Arkansas. He was killed in the line of duty on 3/19/2012. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family, doctor friends, brother & sister firefighters that worked with him.  We also pray for Firefighter Jason Bowmaster, also with JFD, and Jacksonville police officer Daniel DiMatteo , both still in critical condition from the same incident.

A memorial fund set up for the family of Captain Jones, as well as the other two emergency responders injured in the  incident, JFD Engineer Jason Bowmaster, and JPD Officer Daniel DiMatteo. You can donate at any ARVEST Bank branch.

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During a recent meeting of the Ferndale Community Crime Watch group, prostate at the Ferndale Cooperative Extension Building on Kanis Road, malady members presented a donation to our department from recent fundraising to benefit the entire community. Fire Chief Ronnie Wheeler was at the meeting to receive the check, check  show our sincere thanks, and provide updates about how our fire department continually strives to respond to any of our areas emergency needs.  WPFD always appreciates engaged community support that helps us do our job better.  Thanks again to all of  your that came out to the meeting.

WPFD Assistant Chief Charlie Amato, based at Station #2 in Ferndale, recently received a SWN Community Hero Award from his employer. Charlie is a Drilling Superintendent for Southwest Energy Corporation, also known as SWN. His employer wanted to recognize Charlie for his many years of service to his hometown community and make a generous donation to our organization in his honor.

Here is more information about the award:

Every year, SWN employees quietly invest their own personal time to volunteer in various roles with valuable nonprofit organizations. The SWN Community Hero Awards is a volunteer recognition program created and funded by Southwestern Energy to reward our employees for their dedicated community service.

This annual program honors those outstanding employees for their volunteer achievements with a nonprofit organization and grants a monetary award to each of the qualifying nonprofit partners where the winning volunteers have focused their time.

Congratulations to this year’s winners for their investments of time and talent to nonprofit organizations in their communities!

Charlie Amato – West Pulaski Fire Protection District #23 – Charlie serves as the Battalion Chief, and responds to medical, fire and rescue emergencies day and night.

West Pulaski Fire Department gathered together at the Ferncliff Camp on December 3rd for food and fun at our annual Christmas party.  This is almost the only time we get together each year that doesn’t involve training, maintenance, our fundraiser dinner, business meetings, maintenance, or responding to someone’s emergency. In case you were wondering, this is pretty much our only leisure event all year long. The rest is mostly work for us. So after the good food and comraderie, Fire District Chief Ronnie Wheeler wanted to recognize the service of some WPFD personnel with Firefigher of the Year Awards.  Congratulations to Scott Matthews, Andrew “Drew” Brzozowski, Matt Breeding, Craig Cox and Jason Rogers on recognition of department service.

Click the READ MORE link to see the firefighters with their awards ——————–>

Continue reading WPFD Firefighter Awards 2011 →

A survey from the American Animal Hospital Association estimates that approximately 40,000 animals die each year due to lack of first aid because fire responders usually don’t have the special tools that can deliver life-saving oxygen for smoke inhalation for pets.

Fire departments around the country are recognizing the need to acquire specialty oxygen masks that are designed for cats, dogs and other pets caught in house fires.  Animal advocates, community groups and pet-products suppliers are beginning to fill the need to equip local fire departments all over the United States.

Continue reading Updated: Help Us Help Pets Affected By Smoke & Fire →