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Info & Overview
by Brent Mims--Fire Chief
Arrowhead is a unique community in many ways. Because we are so isolated from the nearest conveniences and services, we have to rely on ourselves for many of the things we do. In my opinion, that is one of the main reasons we are a tight knit group of people. The fire department is no exception. Most of the people on the mountain have supported the fire department in one way or another. Through the years, the fire department as evolved from a small department concentrating their training efforts on fires to a department that has several groups which train on a regular basis.
Arrowhead Firefighters, First Responders & SAR
Of course we still have the firefighters. The firefighters train for structure and wildland fires. The firefighters also help with most of the other groups. Our medical first responders are a group of people who, as the name implies, are usually the first ones on the scene for a medical emergency or evacuation. This group gets the most calls up here. Search and Rescue is another group of people. In the winter, we have to coordinate the more skillful snowmobile riders to search more difficult terrain. In both summer and winter we have to use the searchers who have a good knowledge of backcountry skills, as well as know our own backcountry thoroughly.
Arrowhead Fire Department Auxilliary
The Auxiliary arranges events and fund raisers. They are the ones behind the 4th of July Picnic and other events we have throughout the year, and if we have a fire, they will be sure to provide the firefighters with food and drinks. They are the best cooks to be found about anywhere I've been.
Arrowhead Fire Department Base
Then we have Base. Base operates out of the firehouse. They work with logistics and communications during an event. Logistics could be coordinating traffic control, landing zone operation in case of an emergency airlift, and many things that happen behind the scene that people aren't aware of.
Arrowhead Fire Department Maintenance Crew
Lastly, we have a group of people who do our maintenance. These people are always busy with the firehouse repairs, fire hydrant poles, picnic tables and so on. They keep extremely busy.
Join Us
I think very highly of everyone of the people in these groups. Many of us overlap and participate in several of the branches of the fire department. As we are a volunteer organization we are always looking for volunteers. If you think you fit into any of these categories and you'd like to help us out please send me an email at brent.mims@gmail.com. Come join us at one of our monthly business meeting which are held the first Wednesday of every month at 2pm. |
