--Matt
Showing posts with label Kroschel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kroschel. Show all posts
Sunday, April 1, 2012
"Facebook Official"
I now have an official news personality Facebook page up and running! Please LIKE it to keep posted on what is going on in the news here in northern Alabama and around the country. Thanks for all the support thus far. My first day on the job at WHNT News 19 went great lots of Lottery madness to cover! Stay Tuned for stories coming soon...
Click Here For Matt KroschelWHNT Facebook Page
--Matt
--Matt
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Fire Department Will Not Rely On "Luck" Any Longer
White Hall Task Force Releases Action Report
by
Matt Kroschel
Grand Junction, CO-- Months after the White Hall fire, a
task force assembled to access how the fire was handled releases their
report and their findings highlight some serious concerns within the
Grand Junction Fire Department.
In the 35 page report concerns over communication breakdowns, training inadequacies and a lack of resources available to cover other emergencies during the fire were addressed. During that raging inferno inside the landmark building in downtown Grand Junction, a firefighter fell through the floor of the building while fighting it. Fire Chief Ken Watkins said his department, "got lucky" and vows to make sure their responses to large commercial structure fires are handled differently in the future by changing their policy.
"We wanted to put this out in the lights and let the public know what we need to work on and what we are doing well," Watkins said.
The report highlights the dispatch communication center's lack of knowledge on fire fighting operations, as well as protocols for "Mayday" situations (when a firefighter is down). Also, the report indicates dispatchers do not typically monitor tactical channels during emergency operations.
"A lot of these are cheap fixes and are already in the process of being made," Watkins added.
There were also several positive findings in the report that Chief Watkins said shows just how dedicated and professional his department is at the job they do everyday.
"I am very proud of my team, we just have a couple of things we need to focus on fixing so we can provide the best service to the community and keep our firefighters safer."
The report indicates a lack of resources and difficulties responding to incidents in the Grand valley due to geographical issues.
Chief Watkins told NewsChannel Five every finding and recommendation is being looked at and being seriously addressed.
In the 35 page report concerns over communication breakdowns, training inadequacies and a lack of resources available to cover other emergencies during the fire were addressed. During that raging inferno inside the landmark building in downtown Grand Junction, a firefighter fell through the floor of the building while fighting it. Fire Chief Ken Watkins said his department, "got lucky" and vows to make sure their responses to large commercial structure fires are handled differently in the future by changing their policy.
"We wanted to put this out in the lights and let the public know what we need to work on and what we are doing well," Watkins said.
The report highlights the dispatch communication center's lack of knowledge on fire fighting operations, as well as protocols for "Mayday" situations (when a firefighter is down). Also, the report indicates dispatchers do not typically monitor tactical channels during emergency operations.
"A lot of these are cheap fixes and are already in the process of being made," Watkins added.
There were also several positive findings in the report that Chief Watkins said shows just how dedicated and professional his department is at the job they do everyday.
"I am very proud of my team, we just have a couple of things we need to focus on fixing so we can provide the best service to the community and keep our firefighters safer."
The report indicates a lack of resources and difficulties responding to incidents in the Grand valley due to geographical issues.
Chief Watkins told NewsChannel Five every finding and recommendation is being looked at and being seriously addressed.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
4 People Rescued from Colorado River Near Grand Junction
 |
| River rescue operation from the 29 road bridge in Grand Junction. Matt Kroschel Photo |
Water rescue teams were able to locate and rescue four people after they became stuck in some tree branches near the 29 Road Bridge Saturday afternoon. This was the second rescue operation in the river near Grand Junction Saturday afternoon. Officials say the river is still very dangerous right now and that if you do venture into the water, to make sure to have the proper gear.
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