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5 <br /> Sam Smith (representing Chief Daylon Hayes) said Eno Fire Department has 60 <br /> members, closely split between part-time paid personnel working day and night shifts and <br /> volunteers. <br /> Slide #8 <br /> New Hope Fire <br /> :4 <br /> Department <br /> Fire Chief: William Blankenship <br /> Insurance District(ISO Rating): orange New Hope(4) <br /> Accomplishments <br /> • Ordered a new fire engine <br /> • Updated water rescue equipment <br /> • Working to update other rescue equipment <br /> • Improving static water points <br /> • Preparing for an upcoming insurance rating inspection <br /> • Actively recruiting for multiple full-and part-time positions <br /> • Improving volunteer recruitment and retention efforts <br /> 8 <br /> Chief Potter noted that static water points are areas that are not near fire hydrants. <br /> Chief William Blankenship reported having around 50 personnel, split evenly between <br /> volunteers and part-time staff, with four full-time positions that have all recently become vacant. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked Chief Blankenship to describe the water rescue equipment <br /> upgrades. <br /> Chief Blankenship described how they experienced unprecedented flooding during <br /> Tropical Storm Chantal that left longtime members saying they had never seen water levels that <br /> high. At one point, all boats were committed to calls, leaving none available when two people <br /> were stranded on top of their completely submerged vehicle, forcing firefighters to perform a "live <br /> rescue" by entering the flowing water themselves. Since then, they've purchased rafts, personal <br /> flotation devices, helmets, throw bags, and other equipment to be more resilient in future events. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what is involved in an insurance rating inspection. <br /> Chief Blankenship explained that inspections evaluate communications (performed by the <br /> county), water supply, personnel, training hours, number of structure fires, and how many people <br /> can be put on scene within certain timeframes. <br /> Chief Potter said he would like to point out that many volunteers are full-time firefighters <br /> in other districts, so not all volunteers are available at one time. He explained that many volunteers <br /> are needed to ensure there is coverage 24/7. <br />