Vernon Fire Rescue is getting more manpower and new equipment. Deputy chief Rick Owens says the department has hired three new emergency communications operators. He tells KISS FM"They receive all the 9-1-1 calls for the nine fire departments in our regional districts, so they page them out, plus they play a support role." Owens says dispatcher positions used to lead to firefighter jobs but will now stay in the communications end. Two of the new workers are in the budget, while the third takes a vacant position due to a retirement. A fourth communications operator will be hired in early 2011 when a vacant positions becomes available. Fire chief Jeff Carlisle says the new operators will ensure the various types of incidents continue to receive a timely response. Mayor Wayne Lippert says it's council's commitment towards a safe community. "It's important we place the utmost priority when it comes to our emergency response system, and this change in staffing structure for the fire dispatch is an excellent step forward." The department also received a new fire rescue vehicle this week which Owens says replaces one that was 25 years old. "We got what is called a rescue engine so it does rescue for motor vehicle accidents, plus it works as a regular fire engine."
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