Titus Volunteer Fire Department

Spring 2007  Newsletter

Did You Know?                                                                

By Wayne Ray

 

Did You Know?  Chief Wayne Moore was reelected to another 2-year term as our Fire Chief for the years of 2007-2009.  When “Chief” completes this term he will have served the Titus Community for 18 years as Chief.  The vote was unanimous.  To fulfill the requirements of the by-laws, Chief will stay in the Fire House Dormitory at Station One two nights a week until he can find a permanent residence back in Titus.  He is looking for a place on the Lake in the Titus Fire District.  Know of any for sale? By the way, the community owes Chief a vote of thanks for his service.  All the exciting things that are happening have come under his leadership. 

 

Did You Know?  On March 5, approximately 40 concerned citizens met at the Titus Volunteer Fire Department. As a result of the meeting a Titus Fire Department Auxiliary was formed. The purpose of the Auxiliary is to upgrade Fire Operations by conducting fundraisers and to assist the Fire Department in upgrading equipment.  Frances Crews is currently head of the Auxiliary. The Firemen take their hats off to each of those willing to help.  If you want to be a part of a community service organization please contact Frances at 514-1126.

 

Did You Know?   This quarter we are honoring Sergeant Joan Ryals.  Joan is a 15-year veteran of the Titus Volunteers. She is married to Assistant Chief Mike Ryals.  Joan and Mike have three daughters and 2 granddaughters.  They live on Ryals Road. (What a coincidence, Huh!)  Joan works in the pharmacy at  Wal-Mart.  Joan is a native of New Hampshire, having lived in Alabama since she was 15 years old. Joan said that she really enjoys helping the community and being a part of the Fire Department.  One of her memories is that on January 20th, 1991 she and Mike had returned after midnight from putting a puzzle together at a friend’s house and as they put the key in the door the Fire Alarm went off.  Mike took of to the station and Joan went into labor with their third child.  Comments from other Firefighters, “I'm impressed with her dedication, she is always there, day or night” “Joan is just a nice person, she is a real asset to this department”.

Next time you see Joan tell her thanks for being there.

 

Did You Know?  Your Fire Department has packages available for those wishing to install a dry-hydrant.  However, the Fire Department has no responsibility for securing approvals of the hydrants. Approvals come from a joint committee comprised of the ISO, Alabama Power, the Department of Conservation, and the Historical Society.  (Don't ask, I just report this stuff, I don't make it up) There has been one approved to date and getting approval is a real nightmare. Mr.  Bill Boydston got his approved by personally working with all the different agencies. 

 

Did You Know?  Chief Wayne Moore stated that the Fire Department is planning further reductions in the 5/9 ISO Rating.  We can reach an overall 5 rating if we can upgrade our equipment.  It will require replacing our aging tankers.  By the way, we are working to upgrade ALL equipment (Engines and Tankers).  Ask one of the firemen how this could happen.

 

Did You Know? You Titus Fire Department will sponsor a Motorcycle Rally the weekend of June 2nd. It will be a Poker Run covering approximately 100 miles in the surrounding community.  The Rally will begin and end at Titus Fire Department’s Station 1. This is happening because of the hard work by Patches and Donnie McAnnally and Bud Ayers.  The Auxiliary will handle all the particulars. If you want to help, please call Frances Crews 514-1126.

 

Did You Know?  One of our Auxiliary members, while selling tickets for BBQ Chicken Plates was told by a potential customer that she couldn't buy a ticket since all their support went to the Lake Jordan Fire Department.  That had us scratching our heads until we realized she was speaking of Titus’ Station Two.  We are one Fire Department but we have two fully operational stations.  One is on Titus Road and the other on Thornton Road.  If you see the doors open, stop by for a personal tour. 

 

Did You Know?  Your Service Truck 435 was fully covered by insurance.  We were able to find a second hand service truck in Virginia. It is a 1992 Ford 350 Crew Cab. We are happy to have it.  Your firemen are in the process of equipping the truck.

 

Did You Know?  We have responded to two calls in the past two weeks for serious accidents on the Titus Road.  Both resulted in serious injuries and either could have been a fatality without just a little luck going our way.  Both accidents involved friends and neighbors from Titus.  Please drive carefully.  Auto accidents are not fun.

 

 Did You Know?  Your Fire Department trained this month on extinguishing propane fires and flammable metals. 

 

‘Til Next Time

 

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