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Sheriff’s, fire departments teach public training classes
Staff Reports
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Maj. Chris Lane and Columbus Fire Department’s Deputy Chief Mike Kutsko presented “Active Threats/Awareness” and “Stop the Bleed” training classes at Precision Tools Service Inc. on March 26.
The classes were part of an effort to provide this type of training for free to local organizations.
“Our presentation includes more than just active shooter information,” Lane said. “Making people aware of first aid and the use of tourniquets is big part of preserving life.”
More than 60 people participated in two classes that lasted about three hours each.
“Developing and maintaining partnerships is one of the key elements of effective public safety agencies,” Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers said. “It is important for agencies to work together to elevate public safety in all areas of Bartholomew County.”
Companies and organizations that would like to receive this training should contact:
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office by calling 812-565-5961 or sending an email to judy.jackson@bartholomew.in.gov.
Columbus Fire Department by calling 812-376-2679 or sending an email to mwilson@columbus.in.gov.
Pets Page: Bartholomew County Humane Society – April 6
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Pets Page: Columbus Animal Care Services – April 6
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Take advantage of Earth Day activities at recycling center
Take advantage of Earth Day activities at recycling centerEarth Day! The Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District celebrates Earth Day every year by hosting an event at the Columbus/Bartholomew Recycling Center, 720 South Mapleton St. in Columbus.
Come celebrate with us from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27. Festivities for the event include:
• Amnesty Day for Hard to Dispose of Items: From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents may bring up to two refrigerant-containing appliances at no cost, up to two outdated propane tanks (gas grill) at no cost, and up to four personal vehicle tires at no cost (rims must be removed, no tractor tires).
• Plant Swap: From 10 a.m. to noon, residents may bring a plant or gardening supply to trade. An experienced gardener will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
• Hot Dog Roast: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hot dogs, chips and a soda will be on us at the 3R’s Pavilion while supplies last.
• Children’s Activities, sponsored by kidscommons, are planned from 9 a.m. to noon. Kidscommons will be on hand with a Reuse Art activity.
• Mulch/Compost Loading: From 8 a.m. to noon (weather permitting), residents can stop by with their truck or trailer and get scoops of mulch or compost at no cost.
• Document Shredding: Speedy Shred will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to shred residential quantities of documents.
• Giveaways, sponsored by Toyota Industrial Equipment, include Earth Day T-shirts for children 12 and under, while supplies last, and tree starts, while supplies last.
• Education Displays: The RC Flyers will create reuse airplanes and have a display. Book Express-BCPL, bring gently used books to trade or donate. A Recycle Center Tour for the family is at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit our website, bcswmd.com, or Facebook page by searching for Bartholomew County Solid Waste District.
Kari Spurgeon is the education coordinator at the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District. She can be reached at 812-376-2614 or kari.spurgeon@bartholomew.in.gov.
Sheriff’s, fire departments teach public training classes
Staff Reports
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Maj. Chris Lane and Columbus Fire Department’s Deputy Chief Mike Kutsko presented “Active Threats/Awareness” and “Stop the Bleed” training classes at Precision Tools Service Inc. on March 26.
The classes were part of an effort to provide this type of training for free to local organizations.
“Our presentation includes more than just active shooter information,” Lane said. “Making people aware of first aid and the use of tourniquets is big part of preserving life.”
More than 60 people participated in two classes that lasted about three hours each.
“Developing and maintaining partnerships is one of the key elements of effective public safety agencies,” Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers said. “It is important for agencies to work together to elevate public safety in all areas of Bartholomew County.”
Companies and organizations that would like to receive this training should contact:
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office by calling 812-565-5961 or sending an email to judy.jackson@bartholomew.in.gov.
Columbus Fire Department by calling 812-376-2679 or sending an email to mwilson@columbus.in.gov.
2 firefighters retire
Staff Reports
Two firefighters with more than 60 years of combined experience have retired from the Columbus Fire Department.
Lt. Richard Chatham retired March 1 after 34 years of service. He was hired by the city in 1985. Chatham held of the rank of sergeant before reaching his current rank, which he held in his assignment at Station 5.
Battalion Chief Dan Cleland, who was hired by the city in 1988, retired Monday. During his 30-year career, he served as a paramedic on the department’s ambulance, Medic One, and rose through the ranks, serving as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain before becoming a battalion chief. Cleland also served five months as the interim Chief of Fire in early 2012.
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Fire department promotes 3
Staff Reports
The Columbus Fire Department has promoted three of its members to officer positions following two retirements and one reassignment request.
Jeff Cain was promoted from captain to battalion chief, and assigned to serve as commander of the department’s C-shift, which includes 30 firefighters throughout the department’s six fire stations. The Columbus Fire Department operates three 24-hour shifts designated as A, B and C.
Cain is a 24-year veteran of the department with multiple certifications, including: Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, and aircraft rescue-firefighter.
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Aaron Eichel has been promoted from private to lieutenant, and assigned to Station 1 as lieutenant of C-Shift. He will be utilized as a truck company and engine company officer whose duties include emergency operations response, company training, planning, and logistics and clerical support for the C-Shift battalion.
Eichel has served as a city firefighter since 2006. He holds several certifications, including: Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Fire Officer I, Fire Officer II, Safety Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician and Swift Water Rescue Technician.
Benjamin Spencer has been promoted from private to captain as the department’s Training Officer. He will oversee fire department training programs and coordinate training at the city’s public safety training facility, which is currently under construction.
Spencer joined the Columbus Fire Department in 2013. His certifications include: Instructor II-III, Paramedic, Safety Officer, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics, Fire Officer I, Fire Inspector I , Fire Inspector II, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician and Swift Water Rescue Technician.
Spencer was promoted to training officer following a request for reassignment by the previous training officer, Capt. Dave Dwyer. Dwyer servesd as the department’s training officer since 2015, and previously held this position from 1992 to 1996. He has been assigned to the fire suppression division as Station 2 captain of A-Shift.
Take advantage of Earth Day activities at recycling center
Take advantage of Earth Day activities at recycling centerEarth Day! The Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District celebrates Earth Day every year by hosting an event at the Columbus/Bartholomew Recycling Center, 720 South Mapleton St. in Columbus.
Come celebrate with us from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27. Festivities for the event include:
• Amnesty Day for Hard to Dispose of Items: From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents may bring up to two refrigerant-containing appliances at no cost, up to two outdated propane tanks (gas grill) at no cost, and up to four personal vehicle tires at no cost (rims must be removed, no tractor tires).
• Plant Swap: From 10 a.m. to noon, residents may bring a plant or gardening supply to trade. An experienced gardener will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
• Hot Dog Roast: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hot dogs, chips and a soda will be on us at the 3R’s Pavilion while supplies last.
• Children’s Activities, sponsored by kidscommons, are planned from 9 a.m. to noon. Kidscommons will be on hand with a Reuse Art activity.
• Mulch/Compost Loading: From 8 a.m. to noon (weather permitting), residents can stop by with their truck or trailer and get scoops of mulch or compost at no cost.
• Document Shredding: Speedy Shred will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to shred residential quantities of documents.
• Giveaways, sponsored by Toyota Industrial Equipment, include Earth Day T-shirts for children 12 and under, while supplies last, and tree starts, while supplies last.
• Education Displays: The RC Flyers will create reuse airplanes and have a display. Book Express-BCPL, bring gently used books to trade or donate. A Recycle Center Tour for the family is at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit our website, bcswmd.com, or Facebook page by searching for Bartholomew County Solid Waste District.
Kari Spurgeon is the education coordinator at the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District. She can be reached at 812-376-2614 or kari.spurgeon@bartholomew.in.gov.
2 firefighters retire
Staff Reports
Two firefighters with more than 60 years of combined experience have retired from the Columbus Fire Department.
Lt. Richard Chatham retired March 1 after 34 years of service. He was hired by the city in 1985. Chatham held of the rank of sergeant before reaching his current rank, which he held in his assignment at Station 5.
Battalion Chief Dan Cleland, who was hired by the city in 1988, retired Monday. During his 30-year career, he served as a paramedic on the department’s ambulance, Medic One, and rose through the ranks, serving as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain before becoming a battalion chief. Cleland also served five months as the interim Chief of Fire in early 2012.
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