City Council honors outgoing Fire Chief

     

Meeting in regular session last Monday evening, the Calico Rock City Council, absent members Dockins, Howard and King, took a moment to honor and recognize Fire Chief Jeff Sanders and his wife, Sharon on their retirement from the leadership role.

During his regular monthly report on Fire Department activity, Sanders thanked the Council for their support during his tenure as Chief and proceeded to highlight a few of the accomplishments that had been achieved, first and foremost being the maintenance of the city’s ISO rating which plays a role in how much residents must pay for their homeowner’s insurance.

When Sanders took the reins the city’s ISO rating was a 5, however was in danger of rising to a 6.5 if nothing was done to identify opportunities for improvements and upgrades to department equipment, facilities and record-keeping.  That’s when Sanders and the department team went to work to make the necessary improvements and changes that would keep our ISO at a 5, and maybe even get it lowered to a 4.

Examples of work done included such actions as the hiring of an Administrator to handle department paperwork/documentation and work on researching and applying for grants.  Nancy Bauer was recognized for jumping into this new role with zeal.

Repair, maintenance and regular testing of city fire hydrants, the implementation of a new Cascade System, the acquisition of a new rapid response truck, upgrading the lighting throughout Fire Station #1, installation of a new door on Station #2 to enable vehicles to drive through, and an upgraded emergency radio system all contributed to keeping our ISO rating from rising.

Sanders concluded by offering some words of wisdom to the Council on what it means to be a leader and the responsibilities that come along with the role.

The Mayor, City Clerk and entire Council then presented Jeff and Sharon with individual plaques recognizing and thanking them for their dedication and service to the community (see photos).  Sanders did manage to say, “I’m not leaving the fire department.  Sharon and I will still be involved.”

On the business side, Sanders reported that during the prior month the department had responded to a total of 10 calls (6 – medical, 2 – fire, 2 – disregard).  Since the beginning of the year, the department had responded to a total of 124 calls for service.

Mayor Hamby reported that the audit of the city’s water/waste treatment system was currently underway as well as work on the ball field in Earl King Park that is being funding by a grant.

Chief Deputy Geoffery Watts advised that the Sheriff’s Department had responded to a total of 65 calls for service during the past month, resulting in one drug and two “other” arrests.  He also spoke for a moment on the role of a “public servant” and the difference between those who are just doing a job and those that have been “called” to serve.

Law enforcement officers and fire fighters are among those who most often are called to serve and protect their communities.  He continued saying the retiring fire chief Jeff Sanders was certainly among those who had been called, concluding his remarks by presenting Sanders with a certificate of appreciation from the Sheriff’s Department.

Gloria Sanders, Executive Director of the Museum & Visitor Center, reported that the museum was closing for the season during which efforts will focus on preparing the recently acquired building for occupation and beginning to make the move into the expanded space.

She expressed her thanks to the Council for their ongoing support for what has transformed into a vibrant community museum facility which serves to attract visitors from near and far.

Under New Business, the only item to address was a request from Dustin Jenkins for renewal of the easement lease agreement for a road to access his property adjacent to Roselawn Cemetery.  The Council quickly approved the renewal as requested.

On the request of Councilman Steven Lively, the Council adjourned into Executive Session, after which they emerged advising that no action had been taken.  With that, the meeting was adjourned.