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The Etzion Fire Brigade
What happens when smoke fills the skyline over the Etzion Bloc? In a
matter of minutes the Etzion Fire Brigade will be there with their
fire engine and gear, ready to battle the blaze and save lives and
property. But the members of the Brigade will be there also to
rescue road accident victims or even those injured in terrorist
attacks. Who are the members of this team and how do they fulfill
their essential lifesaving tasks?
Roni Yaakov, the Brigade Chief tells us about his team. There are
now three full time firemen and one chief who man the local fire
station at the main Etzion Bloc junction 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Larger stations usually have at least three fireman on duty
during each 12 hour shift. However, The Etzion fire station only has
one man on active duty
during each shift. The others are always
on emergency call ready to arrive at any emergency. But the
professional fire force is backed up by about twenty adult
volunteers who man the two fire trucks stationed on some of the
outlying settlements around the Bloc. A group of 10 volunteer Fire
Scouts (high school volunteers) devote a day a week to help the
Brigade serve the community in all of its diverse tasks.
The
responsibilities of the Brigade cover the area of the Etzion
Regional Council and the Efrat Municipalty , south of Jerusalem.
These responsibilities include fire fighting in both open and
constructed areas. They also rescue victims trapped in damaged
automobiles, buildings and elevators. They also deal with dangerous
chemicals and gas leaks and pumping water from flooded areas. They
also are involved in a public education effort, teaching youth and
adults how to prevent fires and other hazards and how to react if
they occur.
Roni tells us that it isn't easy to be a fireman. There is a great
strain on the men who must be on call at almost any time. Also,
usually being among the first rescuers to arrive at the scene of
accidents and terrorist attacks, they are exposed to some very
appalling sights. They often must provide care for friends and
acquaintances who have suffered very serious injuries. However, the
chance to serve the community, saving lives and property provides a
great feeling of satisfaction and reward.
What Roni would like is an increased budget to allow for acquiring
new updated equipment and salaries for a larger staff which would
help the Brigade give the community even better service than it does
today.
Based on an article from Gushpanka, the Etzion Regional Newsletter,
Dec. 16, 2005. Photo reproduced with permission of Gushpanka's
editor, Meir Tzari
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