The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has awarded a grant to the Volunteer Battalion to purchase educational resources and fund boating safety and life jacket programs in PB County. The volunteers were recognized for their efforts promoting boating/water safety outreach programs both on land and on the water (Marine 970). This award follows on the heels of the recent Water and Boating Safety Award for Region 3, presented to the volunteers by the National Water Safety Council in San Antonio this past March. The efforts of the battalion are being recognized regionally and nationally. Watch for Marine 970 on the ICW this summer as we continue to promote safe boating.
The Community Assistance and Benefit Corporation held its 11th annual charity golf tournament on Thursday April 18, 2013. Participants were able to enjoy a fantastic day on the golf course followed by a luncheon while supporting a worthy cause. Battalion Chief Todd Blake and his staff participated in this tournament alongside members of the community. This event is just one of many that the organization has throughout the year in support of community services. This volunteer organization, established in 2003, has always been a strong supporter of Fire Rescue services in the Boynton/Delray area. Thank you for all your support throughout the year. Page 2
On Saturday, March 16, 2013, Chief Collins, Chief Anderson, Chief Blake, Vice President Lupo, President Grau, General President of the I.A.F.F. Harold Schaitberger, and members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue joined hundreds of firefighters from all across the United States (as well as Canada, Belgium, Australia, and others) to march in the Delray Beach International Fire Service St. Patrick s Day Parade. The Parade is 45 years old and has become the largest St. Patrick s Day Parade in the State of Florida. Over the last four years, with the Fire Service holding the theme title, the number of spectators has increased from an average of 50,000 to well over 100,000! The Parade has been introduced to the public as a community unity type of event, with the Fire Service acting as the framework to connect all of the cities, towns, counties, states, and countries together with their patches, banners, flags, and apparatus on one street; on one day. The event has also been presented to the school boards as being a role model for our children with the image of clean cut, uniformed firefighters marching shoulder to shoulder with pride, honor, discipline, tradition, patriotism, and teamwork. This approach as had a resounding effect--there are more children attending the parade than ever before! Next year s Parade will fall on Saturday, March 15, and we hope to see you there! Page 3
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CPR Training Day at PBCFR Main Headquarters On Saturday April 20, 2013 Palm Beach County Fire Rescue held a Hands Free CPR and AED Training Class free of charge for the public. This event was designed to help increase knowledge of CPR and the use of AED s for the general public. The department hosted the training at its main headquarters located on Pike Rd in suburban West Palm Beach. The class was scheduled for 9am until 12 noon and several people were waiting at the door when they opened. All attendees received certificates of attendance for their participation in the class with everyone stating they felt more comfortable performing CPR and using an AED if they were to experience an emergency after completing of the class. The department plans of holding more classes such as this in the future. Page 5
Wellington Fundraising Event for American Cancer Society On Sunday April 28, 2013 members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Palm Beach County Sherriff Office participated in a cancer fundraiser in Wellington Florida. This event was held at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and it was a way for the Firefighters and Deputies that protect the public everyday to be able to give back and raise awareness of Cancer. The PBCFR pink pumpers along with both pink patrol cars were displayed for cancer survivors, friends and family to sign. The event even had a friendly wing eating competition between the firefighters and deputies. Thank you to everyone that attended this event and making it a huge success. Page 6
On Tuesday April 16, 2013 at 9am Palm Beach County Fire Rescue sealed a time capsule in front of Station 31 on Lake Worth Road. This time capsule contained items from PBCFR and will serve as a snapshot of what the department and community looked like in 2013. The capsule shall remained sealed in its current location for fifty years and then be opened by a new generation of Firefighters.. Recently Palm Beach County Fire Rescue sealed a time capsule in front of Station 74 in the City of South Bay. This time capsule contained items from South Bay Fire Department and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. The Time capsule will serve as a snapshot of what the department and community looked like in 2013 and preserves the history of the previous South Bay Fire department. The capsule shall remain sealed in its current location for fifty years and then be opened by a new generation of Firefighters. Please contact the Public Information Office if you would like to see something shared in The Fire Line Captain Albert Borroto 561.616.7077 Subject to approval by the Fire Rescue Administrator Page 7