Employment Opportunity
New Fire Chief
The Lemay Fire Protection District Board of Directors would like to announce the promotion of Deputy Chief Larry Lewellen to Fire Chief. Chief Lewellen started with the Lemay Fire District in April of 1995. In 2005 Chief Lewellen was promoted to Engineer, then promoted to Lieutenant in 2008, Captain in 2012 and Deputy Chief in 2014. Chief Lewellen also served on the executive board for the IAFF local 2677. Congratulations Chief!!!
Busy Year
2020 proved to be a busy year for the LFPD. It was actually the busiest year we have ever had, finishing the year with 3874 emergencies. The pictures are of just a few of the emergencies, training and life around the firehouse for the year 2020.
Retirement Announcement
Congratulations to Chief Dan Bertelsmeier on his retirement after 30 years of service with the Lemay Fire Protection District. Chief Bertelsmeier started with the LFPD in March of 1991 at the firehouse on Erskine Ave. Starting as a Private he was promoted to captain, then deputy chief in 2012 and in 2014 he was promoted to fire chief. Prior to being promoted to deputy chief, he served as union president of the IAFF Local 2677. We want to wish Chief Bertlesmeier a happy retirement and thank him for his service to the community.
Space Heater Safety
Space heaters account for 43 percent of U.S. home heating fires and 85 percent of associated deaths.
NFPA urges the public to use portable space heaters with caution
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.