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Putnam Valley Fire Department Chief Johnson Introduces Their "Knox- Box" Rapid Entry System
by Edward Paul Greiff
Putnam Valley Fire Department Chief Johnson and the PCN&R had just finished talking on Friday morning, March 16, 2007, before the big snow storm hit when Chief Johnson had to respond to a Fire Alarm call. As we watched him drive off in his Putnam Valley Fire Chief's car with the lights flashing you realize that he and some eighty-five other members of the Putnam Valley Fire Department are all volunteers. They accept all the responsibility, physical and mental training requirements, time commitments away from their families, the expense of paying for their own vehicle gas and lighting commitment, because they want to and because they care about the Town and the people that live in it.
Chief Johnson insisted on not talking about himsef but rather about the team of volunteers that make up the PVVFD and their proactive approach towards fire prevention. Little tips that we all seem to ignore but can prevent fires; checking for old and frayed wires on lamps and appliances, smoke alarm batteries, condition of fire extinguishers and a plan in case of a fire.
Recently, a Lake Oscawana woman came to Chief Johnson and wanted to present him with a set of keys to her house because she was not going to be home and didn't want them breaking down the door in case there was a fire. He told her there was a better way and that was through the installation of a fire "Knox- Box" on the outside of the premises.
A short time ago the need for a "Knox-Box" became very apparent when the PVVFD had to respond to an automatic alarm emanating from within the "Blue" building next to the bank at Oregon Corners. There was no way to get into the building so they had to knock the door down, damaging the door and the door frame. A "Knox-Box" would have made entry into the building expeditious and eliminated any damages.
Chief Johnson explained the PVVFD "Knox-Box" initiative that they are launching and communicating to the residents of Putnam Valley. Here's how it works:
1- A totally secure box is attached to the outside of your building (the cost of the box is a one-time expense ranging in price from $189 to $525 depending on your choice).
2- A key to your building is locked inside the box (much like the box realtors use when your house is listed for sale).
3- Another box with a secured key to the box on your building is located in the cab of the first-due fire engine that will answer the alarm.
4- Upon arrival the fire officer in charge will request that the Fire Control Center unlock the key in the engine cab (done with a radio signal) and then use that key to unlock the box on your building, remove the key to your building, and unlock the door allowing the FD to enter.
5- The fire officer will inspect the interior of the building along with a representative of either the Sheriff's Department or State Police, making sure there is no fire, or if there is, locate it so the firefighters can extinguish it quickly.
6- When the department is finished, the building will be secured and the key returned to the locked "Knox Box."
The key in the engine cab can only be unlocked by the Fire Control Center, it will be unlocked if they have dispatched the truck to the location. Additionally, there will be a record of each time the system is used.
The PVVFD asks you to please take advantage of this system. It will help them make you and your family, your residence, and your business safer from the dangers of fire. For more information you are asked to call Chief Johnson at 845 526-2879.
The "Knox-Box" initiative is only one example of the many programs explored by the PVVFD, but to accomplish anything they need a wide range of volunteers; interior fire fighters, exterior fire fighters, administrative support and so on. If you are interested they will find a job for you. One individual we spoke to who is in pretty good physical condition is presently going through "Fire fighting one" and he commented, "This is serious stuff, they have me climbing down a ladder head first, I'm a little nervous about the final phase where I actually have to fight a fire, but I am competitive and ready for it."
Fire fighting is also expensive with each fireman's fire gear costing approximately $4,000. They are in need of another fire engine for next year and its' cost just went up $100,000 because it must now be fitted with exhaust emission controls. The new engine cost is $500,000.
The next time you see the fire department rushing off to a call with their lights blazing, besides giving them the right of way, give them a great big thanks for the service they do for the community.
Providing local news, information and opinions from
Philipstown and Putnam Valley, NY
Encompassing the Villages of Cold Spring and Nelsonville,
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