La Cygne Sends Two Fire Trucks To Help Drexel

Osawatomie Graphic - June 24, 2009

Written by Kevin Gray
Wednesday, 24 June 2009 08:00
La Cygne Mayor Keith Smith was thankful the city was spared in recent storms, but, he told City Council members last week, the damage in Drexel, Mo., was a real eye-opener when it comes to his own city's emergency preparedness status.

The city sent two fire trucks and four firefighters to help in Drexel, and Smith's comments led to a discussion about storm shelters in La Cygne and who is responsible for opening them in bad weather.

La Cygne Fire Chief Dan Nasalroad concurred with Smith's push for a review and possible upgrades in emergency preparedness procedures for the city. The chief also reaffirmed a request by Councilman Mike Van Vlack's to add $2,500 for emergency preparedness in next year's budget.

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Fire Chief Nasalroad said fire hydrant testing was to start June 18, so residents may notice temporary low water pressure and discoloration. Nasalroad thanked Jake Fleming, Tommy Capp and Robert Stifter for assisting him with the recent Drexel storm emergency.

Mayor Smith complimented the fire department on its quick response to a home medical emergency in less than two minutes. The fire chief's city-owned vehicle helped reduce response time.

In further discussion, suggestions were made to equip public vehicles with radios, because cell phones do not always work in emergencies. Also, the purchase of a chain saw would help clear the way when trees are down.