As he continues to adapt to serving as Clinton Township Volunteer Rescue and Fire Department Chief, Grant Bryan recently uncovered a major issue for his department.
"Simply based on the information that we found in the emergency radio system through Putnam County Dispatch and the State of Indiana, we have 16 radios that are identified to our department that we can't account for," Bryan told The Putnam County Post.
Bryan said he wants to make sure people understand he is not making any accusations against anyone.
"Many of these missing radios do show activity over the last few months. It is entirely possible that in the past, these were taken out of service for one reason or another and the radio bank never updated. However, it is unlikely that the department would only have seven operational handheld radios, which is what we have," Bryan said.
The fire department has had rough times in recent years as it was abruptly shut down and later restarted with Tony Camp serving as chief. However, Camp resigned earlier this year.
"From what I have been told, a few years ago, the department was abruptly shut down, so I felt it was entirely possible that some members at that time never got the chance to turn their radios back in. I want to provide that opportunity," Bryan said.
Bryan said not having radios for his department, which consists of 13 firefighters is "detrimental to the function of the department."
"Communication is of the most key components of any emergency response, so to take the communication that a radio provides away from a responder, creates not just inefficiency, but an even more hazardous environment," Bryan said.
Bryan said regardless of the type of run, if a firefighter is not aware of the situation's needs, hazards, assignments, resources or cannot relay findings, it becomes "almost impossible to operate safely or as an asset at all," he said.
"I have plans in place to begin the process of purchasing new radios, however, I felt I needed to do my due diligence in trying to obtain existing radios first," Bryan said.
Despite the missing radios, Bryan admits things have gone well, as he puts his thumbprint on the department.
"I am blessed to have gotten our membership up to 13 great people. Having great members involved has helped me out drastically, from taking care of responses to projects at the station, we have done a very good job. We have already come a long way in regards to establishing order and procedure internally. There have been challenges, but all have been expected. Having mentors in the Fire Service like Rob Frank, Darrick Wiatt, Mike and Brian Poole and Mark Rossok have been invaluable as well," Bryan said.
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