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MFD Graduates 49 Out of 50 New Recruits Tonight: The Highest Graduation Percentage in its History
The MFD graduated 49 out of 50 new recruits on February 4, 2010. The newly graduated firefighters made history as this was the highest graduation percentage in MFD’s history. The 49 department members were placed in their respective firehouses throughout the City on Sunday, February 7. The MFD has not held a recruitment class and/or graduation since 2007. The 2010 graduating class was comprised of individuals who were at the top of the eligibility list after completing the 2008-2009 MFD recruitment process. The 49 individuals underwent an intensive training that lasted for 14 weeks.
The Milwaukee Fire Department and Mayor Tom Barrett Announce Steady Decrease in Fire Fatalities in Past Two Years
The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) and Mayor Tom Barrett announced the steady decrease in fire fatalities in the past two years. In 2008, the department reported six fire fatalities in which all were a result of a home structure fire. In 2009, the department once again reported six fire fatalities, but five of the individuals died in a home structure fire. The department has not reported a number as low as five fire fatalities as a result of a home structure fire since 1998. One fire fatality in 2009 was a result of a person who died from inhalation of combustible products after an auto accident that led to the vehicle catching fire. Fire fatalities in the City of Milwaukee are down 58 percent from 2007.
MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM MFD ACTING FIRE CHIEF Happy Spring
This past weekend everyone was to set the clocks forward an hour for Daylight Saving Time. In addition to changing the clocks, the fire department also encouraged everyone to check the smoke alarms to ensure they were working properly. The National Fire Protection Association reports that more than 66 percent of home fire deaths that occurred between 2003-2006 were in homes without a working smoke alarm. In Milwaukee, the two fire fatalities that have occurred this year took place in homes with no working smoke alarms. It is important that every resident have a working smoke alarm in his or her residence. It is an inexpensive device that can potentially save something very valuable…your life. An operational smoke alarm can give you and your family those extra seconds that count during a fire. However, it is important to maintain your smoke alarm to keep it functional. Test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button if it has one. Also, always check the batteries in your smoke alarm to make sure they are not dead. The MFD recommends that residents purchase smoke alarms that feature a 10-year lithium ion battery and hush button. This type of smoke alarm will last for 10 years without the occupant having to change the battery in it. It also gives the occupant the option to hush the smoke alarm if it goes off while cooking. If you have a smoke alarm powered by a regular battery, you should replace the battery annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Choose an annual date, such as Daylight Saving Time, to check and maintain your smoke alarm. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace the batteries if needed, and clean dust away from the slots so that smoke can enter freely. All smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years.
Sincerely,
Michael Jones
RELATED LINKS:
American Heart Association ~ American Lung Association ~ Safe Kids ~ National Fire Protection Association City of Milwaukee Office of Homeland Security ~ Mesothelioma Prognosis
BIOGRAPHY FIRE CHIEF'S MESSAGE MFD MISSION STATEMENT
Two MFD Members to Receive the 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Award Chief Douglas A. Holton Announces Retirement From the MFD
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