Topic: Message to the Governor

Johnny Storm

Date: 2017-10-09 09:48 EST
Johnny obviously had a little help drafting his message to the new governor. He'd been following the election with no small amount of worry and was both pleased and relieved when he'd learned Colleen had won. Dear Madam Governor,

First, let me say congratulations on the election. I am confident the city is in good hands with you in the governor's chair.

Regarding the matter of expanding emergency services throughout the city, I am willing to meet with you and others and do whatever I can to help. The main problem I have found is funding. I'm sure you are already aware that we acquired funding for the emergency shelter from the Sword of Damocles Foundation, but there are many other ways to raise money and awareness of the need for emergency services, especially living in such times as we do.

Perhaps an event, such as an Open House or Fire Prevention Day, would help raise awareness and attract those who might be interested in funding such a project. I am sure the Old Temple District would be more than happy to run such an event, and I am willing to do whatever I can to help. You can reach me either at home at Maple Grove or at the Fire Station.

Again, congratulations on the election, and I am looking forward to working with you this coming year to help make our city safe for all its citizens.

Sincerely, Johnny Storm

PrlUnicorn

Date: 2017-10-10 21:37 EST
A courier returned a reply to the Maple Grove compound.

Dear Mr. Storm,

Thank you for placing your faith in me.

It's my understanding that in recent years, you have held Fire Prevention Week activities to raise awareness regarding safety issues and other services available through the fire brigades. As of this time, that is not on the city's annual calendar as a public holiday or event. Would you be interested in having it added?

As I am sure you are aware, Old Temple and Old Market are well equipped to handle most emergencies thanks to the hard work of people like yourself and the members of the 27th. While I would be pleased to have the rest of the districts fully updated and properly equipped before my year in office ends, I think a more realistic goal is two or three districts. The question is which ones should have priority'

Open Houses tend to bring in people that are curiosity seekers as well as those already familiar with the hosting organization. Demonstrations of basic first aid and CPR, as well as a discussion emergency preparation might garner attention. I don't have to tell you how time sensitive certain care can be. I'd like to work with you on all of these things in addition to creating a first aid and CPR program geared toward children between 6-13 years of age.

I look forward to working with you and invite you to stop by my office in the Rhydin Courthouse at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Colleen MacLeod-Fenner Governor of Rhydin

Johnny Storm

Date: 2017-10-23 18:04 EST
The following reply arrives at the governor's office, albeit a little belatedly.

Dear Madam Governor,

Sorry I'm late responding to your reply. Things have been a little hectic for me the last few weeks.

In answer to your question, yes, we have held some Fire Prevention events in the past, but as yet, it has not become an annual event. I would be interested in adding it to the calendar. However, I think the event would be far more meaningful if all the district fire brigades were to take part in the event.

We have also hosted Open Houses in the past and presented workshops in order to educate citizens on the importance of fire prevention and emergency preparedness, usually in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week.

I like the idea of first aid and CPR classes, however, I would like to take that idea one step further in suggesting that classes be offered to adults, as well as children. Perhaps these are activities that could go hand-in-hand with an annual event, or perhaps classes could be offered at one or more of the local schools.

I also agree that it would be a good thing for all the districts to update their facilities and equipment, but in order for that to happen, it would require substantial funding, planning, and support from the districts in question and their citizens. Perhaps this is something that could be brought up at a press conference or public meeting.

Perhaps we could schedule a city-wide Fire Prevention event, which would incorporate all of these elements. The more citizens are educated about what we do at the various fire stations and brigades around the city, the more support we can garner for expanding our services and the safer our city will be for all our citizens.

Please let me know if I can help in any way, and if you have a date in mind for a Fire Prevention event, please let me know that, too.

Sincerely, Johnny Storm Old Temple Fire Station #3

PrlUnicorn

Date: 2017-10-26 23:47 EST
Sent to Maple Grove

Dear Mr. Storm,

I understand about hectic times and hope it was pleasant things that kept you busy.

I would like to suggest that Fire Prevention Week be added to the calendar for sometime in March, well before Beltane, or in the beginning of October before Halloween/Samhain. Each of those festivals involve bonfires and it would serve as a reminder to mix some caution with the joyful activities.

My apologies for what seems to be a misunderstanding regarding creating a CPR and First Aid class for children. I had not intended for it to come across as wanting only classes for the young ones. My goal is to have a class created to teach children those skills in addition to any available now or in the future for teenagers and adults. As a first responder, you have likely come across situations where someone with training could have been helpful on site before the professionals or skilled volunteers arrived. There are few things less helpful in an emergency than people in a panic.

First aid classes have been available at the West Side Old Market urgent care for the last few months. CPR class, however, is not yet available. I hope that will change in the near future.

No date has been set. However, I do have plans for a public meeting on upgrading the emergency facilities. If a similar plan to the one that was used for the OM Urgent Care is used then it would be possible to construct two such facilities during the coming year and get them operational. The question then becomes which districts have the greatest needs. Bringing that question and others to the public could raise suggestions and ideas not already considered.

If you have suggestions for funding raising, etc. please let me know.

Sincerely,

Colleen MacLeod-Fenner Governor of Rhydin

Johnny Storm

Date: 2017-10-30 14:12 EST
The following missive is sent to the Governor's Office via courier:

Dear Madam Governor:

Greetings once again and thanks for your thoughtful response and suggestions.

As I'm sure you already know, back home on Earth, National Fire Prevention Week is traditionally held in early October, but I see no reason why we have to follow Earth's calendar here on Rhy'Din.

That said, we could coordinate the event with either Samhain or Beltane, but if we want to make it an annual event, we will have choose one or the other. We have run fire prevention events in October in the past, but I am concerned that such an event could be overshadowed by all of the other events that take place that time of year. Perhaps we could post a poll where people can choose what time of year they would prefer for such an event'

We are in agreement regarding the necessity for first aid and CPR classes for both adults and children. This is something that could be organized in conjunction with the various district schools and emergency facilities. For starters, we could coordinate some classes between Harker's and the emergency complex right here in Old Temple. A field trip to the complex, perhaps, or we could have some of our EMTs come in and teach classes there. I agree that the more people who know how to respond to an emergency situation, the more lives that can be saved.

As far as funding is concerned, we received the majority of our funding for the building of the emergency complex from the Damocles Foundation. I am not sure if funding is still available through them; however, if the public knew of the need for funding in order to update and maintain existing facilities and build new structures, I am sure the funding would be found.

It is, in my opinion, just a matter of educating people on the need for such facilities. Perhaps an open house could be held for those facilities already in operation so that people can see for themselves what services are offered.

Also, we could either ask for donations from various businesses or hold an event to raise funds and awareness. In my experience, the people of Rhy'Din have always been generous when it comes to supporting charitable events and organizations. Some of the events we have held in the past have included open houses, pancake breakfasts, and hot dog roasts. The possibilities are really endless and are only limited by our imagination.

If you wish, let me know when you are available and we can meet to discuss all of this in person. Again, congratulations and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely, Johnny Storm Old Temple Fire Station #3