HOME PAGE ADDRESS - http://www.ncarems.org/
E-MAIL - ncarems@esn.net

Officers:
Buddy White, Commander
Henry Sermons, Vice-Commander
Gordon Joyner, Secretary-Treasurer

Those of us who work and volunteer with Rescue & EMS in North Carolina lost a good friend in April. John McKenzie, owner of BASA Truck & Electric in Asheville passed away the week before Easter. John did much to establish an awareness of how important the care and maintenance of our equipment is. He was instrumental in establishing the North Carolina Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians, a group of service technicians who try their best to keep our fleets running at top performance levels. He also worked to bring an awareness of our driving habits to the forefront and help us become more professional emergency vehicle drivers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and we wish the best of luck to BASA in their continued operations.

Are you a member of the Pension Fund? I am. In a few more years I will be able to start drawing benefits that a lot of you will not be able to. Why? Because you have chosen not to belong. I am going to get my share of the benefits, and if you still don't want to join, I'll get your share also. This is an excellent program that a lot of you are missing out on.

Our Board of Directors voted recently to promote another open door enrollment period, if it can be arranged. I urge you to take advantage of this program, now, before any more changes are made. If you have questions, our office can answer them or send you to someone who can.

Remember the Brotherhood and those who have gone on before us. Thanks for all you do for so many.

Paperwork! Paperwork! Paperwork! We all despise it, and we all procrastinate in taking care of it if we think we can. I cannot begin to tell you how all important that paperwork can be to you, your membership and your family. Just try and imagine explaining to the widow of a long time, good standing member that she gets no compensation because you forgot to send in the documentation that proves membership. Try to think how it would feel to have your son or daughter denied a scholarship because someone did not get all their paperwork sent in, and on time. The paper trail is the road to benefits. They are there for you, but only if the proof has been sent in to account for your loyalty and devotion to duty.

Hate to do it? Sure, we all do--but think of all of the consequences of not doing it. Take time, fill out all of the necessary paperwork, and get it in on time!! One day you will be very glad you did.

May 30 & 31, 1998. Classes offered: Advanced Arson Investigation-Basic Arson Investigation-Crime Scene Photography for Emergency Responders-Extended Incident Scene Loading-Health Care Provider (CPR/First Aid)-Land Navigation-LP Gas-Managing Company Tactical Operations-Incident Safety Officer-Pumps I-Residential Fire Attack-Swift Water Rescue and Wildland Fire Suppression. For registration information please call Wes Lail at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute at 704/726-2347 or write CCC&TI, ATTN: West Lail, 2855 Hickory Blvd., Hudson, NC 28638.

May 29, 30 & 31, 1998. Sponsored by Wilkes Community College, Department of Public Service Education. Hosted by Alleghany Rescue Squad and Wilkes Rescue Squad, in cooperation with Blue Ridge Parkway, Stone Mountain State Park.

The purpose of the Northwest Search and Rescue Event is to provide advanced level training for personnel that may participate in an actual search and rescue mission in mountainous terrain and wilderness areas.

The exercise on Saturday through Sunday will be conducted outdoors. Students should be prepared for any type of weather conditions. The following equipment is required of all students.

• *Hard hat with chin strap,
• leather gloves,
• boots suitable for hiking and climbing,
• folding knife,
• sufficient clothing for prevailing weather conditions,
• rapelling harness or Swiss seat,
• 20' body cord,
• 2 locking carabiners,
• 1 figure eight,
• 2 prussik slings,
• personal equipment pack,
• water and rations for two days and 1 night,
• personal camping gear,
• protractor compass and/or GPS,
• portable two way radio.

The event will begin on Friday evening May 29 at 7:00 PM in Hayes Hall Room 313. All participants will register and an orientation program will be given on the exercise. Following orientation, the call will be broken into groups for pre-event instruction.

The deadline for pre-registration is MAY 22nd.

For registration form and additional information--Wilkes Community College, Department of Emergency Services Education, PO Box 120, Wilkesboro NC 28697-0120, telephone 910/838-6215.

July 9, 10 & 11, 1998, Raleigh, N.C. Sponsored by Wake UnderWater Rescue, National Marine Rescue Academy and U.S.I.A. (Co.Sp.)

Come to Raleigh, North Carolina July 9-11 for an incredible opportunity to meet some of the best instructors in Water Rescue and Recovery and Waterborne Operations. This will be a first; combining Public Safety, Rescue, Tactical Maritime Operations in one seminar and training conference with Exhibitors from these areas of interest. Here you will have a chance to learn some of the latest in Swift Water techniques, Under Water Extrication, Surface Rescue Swimmer techniques and Tactical Maritime Operations under one roof. Experience first hand some of the latest in underwater equipment and surface rescue equipment and the latest innovations in Tactical Maritime operations. Participate in various training programs, lectures and sessions.

Contact Wake U/W Rescue for your registration form now. E-Mail WURINC@AOL.COM, phone 919/217-1129, fax 919/217-1478, or write to: W.U.R. PO Box 41333, Raleigh NC 27629. Questions to: WaterOps98@AOL.COM

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