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Post by 911wacker on Jan 14, 2004 12:53:25 GMT -5
Now since I am fairly new to this county I'm not sure what all has ever been discussed in regards to this subject, I do however know that at some point fire departments sent money to Tioga County PA for a center that I am told is still not built yet.
I know that many times donations for certian items to help build a training center can be obtained for little to no cost if someone does the legwork. Is it time that someone look into doing something in this county, or is this not the direction that everyone wants to go?
For example: There is currently 25 Fire Departments in this county at present, if each department was able to give $2,000 per year for 5 years you would have $250,000 to get started. For that amount of money you could certianly have a very nice burn building, which would be a good start.
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Post by chief322 on Jan 14, 2004 16:37:39 GMT -5
Well Scottie;
A few years back when I was department chief here in Monroeton, we, the Monroe Hose Company offered to lease a part of our training grounds (app. 65 acres) to the county firemans association/chiefs association for a long term lease for a token amount ($1.00/yr.). We would have had the ability to have municipal water (hydrants) on site, as the main parallels the site.
We were told in a roundabout way, no thank-you, we are working on a facility in Tioga County. Monroeton is centrally located in the heart of BC. We, use the Vestal facility as it is closer to us than the Tioga faciility.
Basically, we tried to establish something already, and those represenative bodies that be didn't want to do anything. You can take it from there.
Tim
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NT1
Full Member
Administrator
Be part of the solution not the problem.
Posts: 80
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Post by NT1 on Jan 14, 2004 18:49:23 GMT -5
Maybe it is time to reintroduce this to the "represenative bodies". A training center would spark new interest in the county. There seems to be some grant money (WMD) out there. Maybe this could be a route to secure money to make this a reality.
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Post by canton1 on Jan 15, 2004 1:56:28 GMT -5
Yes we did discuss this issue very intensly before. WE looked a few different options. As I recall we even had a chance to get land up in North Towanda somewhere. The biggest part as I recall for the Tioga co thing was that we have several counties take part so that was going to help with grants, The building was pretty much build, The gas Co. was there and wanted a burn center, Dupont had some part of it........
In short there was several issues. Joe Leonard, Ivan Meeker, Myself, Grant Trick, and a few other spent many nights there and back at our county meetings and some how it was a vote by the chiefs association to support it.
I agree big time that we need something in this county. If Monroeton was still interested maybe we can bet some young buck (NT5 or 911 Whacker) to look at heading it up and relook at the issue. The biggest key is to get as many partners as possible (EMA,Dupont,Osram,Masonite,EMS,FIre) to buy into it and then get Governmental support. The governmental support I am betting will be the biggest issue. THey are not even supporting us with the normal yearly donation let alone this project.
Kim
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Post by Matt Russell on Jan 15, 2004 14:05:20 GMT -5
I believe a training center would be a fantabulous idea but let me shed just a bit of light.
The North Central Regional Trianing Center (I think it's what they call it) located in Wellsboro on Shumway Hill Road was set up for Fire Departments In Potter, Tioga AND Bradford Counties. I was not involved with it at the beginning and I still have no involvement with it - Reports at the Tioga County Firemen's Association meeting revealed there was very little to no involvement from agencies outside Tioga County. I have heard mention that Ivan Meeker and Joe Leonard attended some meetings in the beginning. It was reported that a slim number (if any) Fire Department's from Bradford County OR Potter County contibuted any money and/or manpower to see this project through. Not all Tioga County Fire Departments contibuted either. It was felt by many in Tioga County that the training center would benefit a very small number of Departments on a regular basis. (Coul you see Towanda taking their aparatus to Wellsboro to use for training? - NOT ME!)
Any who, about 6 month's ago it was brought up (TCFA Monthly Meeting) to explore the intentions of the future of the "Training Center". Well let me tell ya as far as I am concerned the NCRTC is a defunct organization as they (their board) couldn't agree on a date to meet to discuss disbanding. To the best of my knowledge this matter is in the hands of the lawyers and upon disbanding I believe the ground and any assests (nothing!) will become the property of the Tioga County Firemens Association.
What I am getting at here is that from the outside looking in I believe everyone's intentions were good in forming a "Regional Training Center" and there was GRANT MONEY available and allocated to this project HOWEVER do to a lack of involvement (people not putting their money or manpower where their mouth was) little to nothing got accomplished and the allocated money has not and will not be released for projects. I believe the agreement was only a verbal one and nothing in writing however I can not confirm this.
My personal opinion is: A county training center would be great, set it up to meet requirements to become a certification test site etc. BUT, make sure you have eneough people on board to complete the task and get the comitment that you will need in 5-10 years.
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Post by 911wacker on Jan 15, 2004 15:17:51 GMT -5
I think that among 25 fire departments we could find enough people to get this thing going. I personaly don't see Towanda driving to Wellsboro, but many area departments do use Vestal semi-annual.
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Post by chief322 on Jan 24, 2004 11:11:14 GMT -5
I have asked for the opinion of my administrative and line officers if this is something we would contemplate offering again. I am a firm believer that we have the resources, both FD & private sector, to establish a decent training faciility within this county.
I will present a request at our February business meeting and then schedule a "round table discussion" meeting for all parties interested for sometime in late February. I would rather see if the interest is in fact valid before we seek the input from the various associations, businesses and political powers that be.
Anyone interested in attending or having an opinion, solution or question, please contact me by PM or my regular e-addy.
Tim chief322@sosbbs.com
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Post by SIERRA 14 on Jan 25, 2004 8:06:57 GMT -5
If a "County Training Center" is established don't hesitate to ask me for help. I may be able to help out with equipment through the Federal Surplus Personal Property (FEPP) Program (i.e. portable pumps, generators, expandable shelters, etc.).
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