F.F.A.M.

Eastern Randolph Co Fire Monitoring Equipment

Eastern Randolph Co Fire Monitoring Equipment
Firefighters from Eastern Randolph County Fire Protection District receive training on the use of a gas detection monitor that was recently placed into service.

Firefighters have a new tool at their disposal to improve service to local residents. The Eastern Randolph County Fire Protection District has placed into service new gas monitoring and detection equipment.

The new equipment that firefighters were recently trained to use allows for the detection and monitoring of four important gases during emergency situations. “The new monitor allows for us to take air samples in situations where the atmosphere may be dangerous to residents and firefighters alike”, said David Gaines, Chief of the Eastern Randolph County Fire Protection District. “This is a new level of services that helps to provide safety for not only the first responder but the residents located in eastern Randolph County.”

The hand held device has sensors that measures oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and the lower explosive level of those gases. “This monitor will help us to detect when the air is unsafe for those involved in several kinds of incidents that we most commonly respond to,” said Chief Gaines. “Until now, if someone had a propane leak in their home or business we had to use our sense of smell to determine if the air is clear. Now we have monitoring equipment to do that without having to put our firefighters in jeopardy.”

Through agreements with the other fire protection districts in Randolph County the equipment will be made available when needed by firefighters anywhere in the county. “All five of the fire protection districts in Randolph County and the City of Moberly’s Fire Department have a strong working relationship,” said Chief Gaines. “It is not uncommon for us to share resources and equipment in support of each other.”

Firefighters from Eastern Randolph County Fire Protection District spent several hours training with the company that supplied the gas meter. “At the conclusion of the training we were able to place the meter into service and make it available for use the very next day,” said Chief Gaines.

Funding for the purchase of the gas meter was provided through a grant from Enbridge Pipeline Company and the technical training was offered by Wise Safety and Environmental of St. Louis. “We appreciate our partnership with Enbridge and the support of Wise Safety is helping us to provide improved service to the residents that we serve,” said Chief Gaines.

The Eastern Randolph County Fire Protection District services a portion of Randolph County east of Moberly to the Monroe County line. Volunteers that number close to a dozen and a half respond to various types of emergencies in the area and throughout Randolph County.