City of Alpharetta, Department of Fire and Emergency Services to Stand Down for Fire Fighter Safety This Month

Posted Friday, June 16, 2006

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Alpharetta, GA…The Alpharetta Fire Department will be joining thousands of fire departments across the United States and Canada for the 2006 International Fire Fighter Safety Stand Down. Starting June 21, and continuing through June 23, fire fighters will suspend all non-emergency activity to focus on fire fighter safety.

The department will respond to all emergency calls as normal, but between calls, fire fighters, officers and chiefs will take the time to conduct safety training and drills; review safety-related standard operating procedures; discuss accident reports and have an open conversation about fire fighter safety in the department. The Department will sponsor an apparatus driving rodeo to promote vehicle safety as the focus of the Stand Down is on emergency vehicle safety—in particular, seatbelt use and safe driving through intersections.

“The Alpharetta Fire Department is committed to serving the residents of the City of Alpharetta. Keeping our fire fighters safe and healthy helps us respond effectively and keep our community protected,” said Doug DeRito, Council Liaison to the Public Safety Department. “While fire fighter safety is always a priority of the department, the Stand Down is an opportunity to dedicate a significant amount of time to the safety of our personnel,” continues Councilman DeRito.

“The Stand Down also serves to remind the citizens of Alpharetta to do their part in keeping our community’s fire fighters safe. Remember to pull to the right when you see fire trucks or ambulances responding, and use caution when driving by emergency scenes where fire fighters or paramedics are helping accident victims,” declares Keith Sanders, Fire Chief.

Last year, 106 fire fighters died in the line of duty in the United States; 26 of these deaths occurred in emergency vehicle-related accidents. Thousands more were injured while on duty. The purpose of the stand down is to call international attention to these unacceptable numbers of line-of-duty deaths and injuries and devote an entire day to the critical issue of fire fighter safety.

The Stand Down is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers’ Section in partnership with nearly 20 national fire service organizations.

For more information, visit www.iafc.org/standdown or call the IAFC at 703/273-0911.

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