Clark County Fire Department, Logandale Station 73, has elected new officers for 2011. The new officers include Tim DeBerardinis, Fire Chief; Don DeCaria, Assistant Fire Chief; Mike Otero, Captain and Fire Secretary; Gina DeCaria, Treasurer; Theo Radai, EMS Coordinator, and Gayle DeCaria, Assistant EMS Coordinator.
Station 73 members thank the following outgoing officers for a job well done: Roger Dunnavant, Fire Chief; Mark Prisbey, Assistant Chief, and Karen Hughes, Assistant EMS Coordinator.
Station 73 firefighters responded to 135 fire/emergency calls, and 299 emergency medical service calls in 2010. This number does not include calls responded to by Overton Station 74, and Moapa Station 72.
Station 73 members train regularly to respond to emergencies within the Moapa Valley Fire Protection District, Logandale Trails System, and on Interstate 15.
This will be DeBeradinis second time serving as Fire Chief. While he is not wanting or expecting any major incidents this year, DeBeradinis said that he will make sure his crews have every opportunity to maintain and hone skills necessary to respond to a variety of events in the Valley.
“We believe in training often so we can be fully prepared as possible when the worst case scenario presents itself,” DeBeradinis said. “For example, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building fire was an event that tested our skills and abilities last time I was chief.”
Practicing extrication skills on vehicles at the station has increased the volunteers speed, and ability, in removing victims of vehicle accidents. Volunteers train four times a month. Regular training exercises include operation of the vehicles, entering a smoke filled residence, and wildland firefighting techniques.
Logandale Station 73 is funded through the Moapa Valley Fire Protection District. This revenue comes solely from the District’s share of the Nevada State Consolidated Tax.
“It is a struggle to keep the equipment maintained and provide the basics necessary, let alone provide the extras, which will make our job easier,” DeBerardinis said. “We will soon announce a major fundraiser raffle that will help the Station purchase much needed equipment. While we can’t tell you what we have planned just yet, we guarantee it is a much sought after item in the Valley.”
Station events, the upcoming raffle, and CPR classes will be advertised regularly throughout the community.
“At the end of the day, it is all about the community, and the friends and neighbors we serve,” DeBerardinis said. “We are always looking for committed individuals to join the Station.”
A Station website and a facebook page are in the planning stage, but for now, Station 73 can be reached by email at oterostation73@gmail.com.
