In the past year, a group of people have been working on the project we have come to know as LOSAP. Let's call it what it really is--"Length of Service Award Program". As pessimistic as this senior editor was a few years ago, on the ability of one woman to raise any amount of money for a thermal imager. I must admit, I initially dismissed the idea of an incentive plan, pension plan or any other costly plan being negotiated with the Town, as somewhat of a lengthy uphill, hopeless battle. Much to my surprise, and happily so I might add, a Length of Service Award Program is now approved, funded and is poised to go into effect in just a few short weeks.
This achievement was accomplished by the dedication of several department members who donated their valuable time to research, attend meetings, negotiations and sometimes argues debate between ourselves. The membership in its entirety must also be mentioned, sticking together for a common goal, helped unite us as a group and demonstrate we can be a formidable force to be reckoned with. For the newer members among us and as a reminder to the department as a whole, the senior editor would like to point out the contributions of the people who gave of their time and experience to bring this issue to a successful conclusion. Congratulations on a job well done!!
Length of Service Award Program Committee
Robert Kelley, Fire Chief
Anthony Patrizz, Jr., 1st Asst. Fire Chief
Jack Fisher, Tower 141
George Males, Engine Tank 241
Jeffrey Morrissey, Engine Tank 341
Michael Brown, Engine Tank 441
David Galley, Engine Tank 541
Sandra Manseau, Vernon Ambulance Co.
Diane Carpenter, Department Secretary

Recent schools and certifications received by Vernon Fire Department members.

Live Burn Certificates-Hartford County
Bob Talty, Holly Legasse, Steve Lavoie, Jeff Bifolck, John Kubla
Recruit Firefighter-C.F.A.
Mitch Dlubac (Recruit FF includes certificates for FFI, FFII, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Op's, Confined Space, Rope Rescue I, ICS, Vehicle Rescue and Flashover Survival)
Emergency Responses to Mass Casualty Management
Bill Call, Bill Kerr
SCBA-Hartford County
Bob Turkington, Bob Talty, Jeff Bifolck
Hazard Communications
Steve Eppler
Fire Department Safety Officer-C.F.A.
George Males, Chris Hammick

The 41 Repeater has the hottest update for the next six years. According to highly placed, well informed sources, the Chief's proposal is the following:
Take this years payment for Engine 441, combine it with next years other half payment for Engine 441 and make the combined total a 1st year down payment on the following:

1. Purchase of Engine 441 (already in the works)
   
2. Purchase of a new Tower 141
   
3. Purchase of a new glider for Engine Tank 241