July 10, 2006
Monday

Ketchikan, Alaska - The Ketchikan Fire Departments were honored Monday morning at City Hall with the presentation of a Legislative citation by Representative Jim Elkins of Ketchikan. The citation presented to the South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department, the North Tongass Fire Volunteer Department and the Ketchikan Fire Department commended the dedication of all the firefighters, and EMS workers. Also commended were Ketchikan doctors, Dr. Earnest Meloche and Dr. William Anthes.

In honoring the Fire Departments, Representative Jim Elkins read:

"The Twenty-fourth Alaska State Legislature is proud to recognize the efforts of the Ketchikan Area Fire and EMS Departments.

The South Tongass Volunteer Fire Department serves approximately 2,400 residents in a district that encompasses the city of Saxman. Thirty-seven members and four auxiliary members make up an energetic group of individuals all with a common goal in mind. Recently, Dennis Spurgeon and Chuck Denny celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary as charter members. With the addition of Emergency Medical Services in the mission statement, Dr. William H. Anthes joined the fire department 5 years ago and aided them in the first ever ALS ambulance. Under the skilled leadership of Chief Scott Davis, these dedicated individuals along with their families make up a dynamic fire department.

The North Tongass Fire Department has thirty-five volunteers and two paid staff. They have been in operation for over two years. They are in the process of completing a fire station project that will see two stations suited to meet the needs of a progressive Volunteer Fire Department erected with interior work being done by volunteers. The goal is to have live-in firefighters at both stations 24/7. Under the adept leadership of Chief Dave Hull and the outstanding abilities of Lt. Jerry Kiffer special thanks for the tremendous effort and dedication of the North Tongass Fire Department volunteers.

The Ketchikan Fire Department, under the dedicated and skilled direction of Chief Leipfert has been in existence since 1900. It has evolved into a full service combination Fire Department serving the City of Ketchikan with a winter population of 7,900 and over 750,000 tourists annually. There are eighteen career members and thirty-seven volunteers who provide service to the City of Ketchikan. KFD responds to over 1500 calls annually, and 90% of the calls have an emergency vehicle at their door within 4 minutes. The Department has developed the first Level A Haz Mat response team in S.E. Alaska. Recent accomplishments include State FF1 & FF 2 accredited training programs.

The members of Twenty-fourth Alaska State Legislature do hereby commend the dedication of all of the Ketchikan Area Fire Fighters and EMS workers and skilled doctors, Dr. Ernest Meloche and Dr. William Anthes."

The Legislative citation was signed by John Harris, Speaker of the House; Ben Stevens, President of the Senate; Representative Jim Elkins and Senator Bert Stedman. Elkins and Stedman were the Prime Sponsors.

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