Kurt Buchanan: Eden Prairie Fire Department
Kurt began by giving an update on the EP Fire team consisting of 95 volunteer firefighters, 9 full time staff and 4 fire stations. The full-time staff includes 4 full time fire inspectors whose duties include – fire response, inspecting rental housing and businesses, hazardous materials safety and fire investigation. This time of year, the fire department is called to respond to ice accidents. The general rule is that ice is safe for humans at 4 inches, snowmobiles require 5 – 7 inches, cars 8 - 12 inches and trucks 12 – 15 inches. Thickness can vary greatly so it is recommended that people stay off the ice at night. When traveling on ice, open a door or window for escape as the doors may not open until the car is fully submerged. Self-rescue is the best means of survival, so experts recommend you carry ice picks and wear life jackets. You have from five to fifteen minutes before being overcome by the elements.The typical response to ice rescue is very equipment intensive requiring 3 engines, an aerial truck, 2 rescue vehicles and a zodiac boat. Another threat during winter is carbon monoxide. A response to CO call is 2 engines if symptoms of CO poisoning is present. In no symptoms only one engine is sent out. CO detectors should be replaced every 5 to 7 years. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Remember to keep your neighborhood fire hydrants shoveled out during the winter. Every minute spent by firemen to remove snow delays their response time to the actual fire.
Spotlight on Roger Jorgensen
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Roger shared his career journey supported by a graphical illustration of his career trajectory and satisfaction using a graph. He achieved his greatest success and job satisfaction when he entered the world of health insurance and benefits and specializing in Health Savings Accounts. His employer was acquired by Alerus in 2016. Roger was married in 1981 and they had their first child (Kelly) in 1986 and in 1989 their second child (Jesse) was born.Announcements
Dan O’Brien announced that John Crudele, Dane Boeckerman, Adam Sienkowski and Kevin Kraemer were recognize by RI. None of the four were in attendance so formal recognition will follow at a later meeting.
Happy Fives
Not so happy for us but Aaron Glass announced that he and his wife were trading in their parkas for lighter jackets and moving to Nashville, Tennessee.
Visitors
Judit Amaros-Marin - RYE Exchange Student
Jack Kuehn - Burnsville Rotarian
Patrick Yang and Andy Tan - Student Interns