Fire official outlines department's progress

Breakfast Rotary program facilitator Franklin Smith, left, and president Henry Feldhaus, right, present a pin to Asst. Fire Chief Brian Nicholson Wednesday. (T-G Photo by John Philleo) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"We take the fight to the fire," Nicholson said. "We are not street fighters."

So far this year, Nicholson said, the department has responded to 34 structure fires, saving a total of about $4 million in property value.

"We want to make sure we do everything we can for the city of Shelbyville," he said.

To do that, it takes modern equipment and quality training, he said, and the department has been getting some of both lately.

Nicholson said the department is proud of its new 2008 pumper and ladder trucks, and that the department shows its pride by taking good care of its fleet.

"We have the reputation of having the cleanest trucks in the state," he said, showing pictures of the pristine white undercarriage of one of the older trucks.

He also talked about the quality training the department receives, including techniques learned at Arnold Air Force Base and the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Academy.

Being responsible for fire prevention educataion for the department, he also urged the Rotarians to improve fire safety in their homes by checking for hazards.