Senath Fire Department recognizes 30-year service by Chief, explains aspects of program

Senath Assistant Fire Chief, Ken Johnson, explains the work of the fire department to the members of the Senath Lion's Club. during the club's weekly meeting. Johnson worked with Keith Williams, of the Senath Fire Department, to display different first responder tools that the department utilizes.
(Staff photo by Joshua Payne)

Johnson explained to members of the club that the department currently had 11 members including Chief Kent Montgomery, Tim Webb, Josh Gibson, Randy Watson, Denny Haddock, Dustin Jackson, Willie Simmons, Jerad Callahan, Chuck Clark, Keith Williams, and himself.

He added that Montgomery had served as a volunteer fireman for over 30 years.

"He does an excellent job as our chief," Johnson said. "His experience as a paramedic really helps us. We are lucky to have him as our chief."

As of November 30, the 2009 year has totaled 140 calls, according to Johnson. He added that 93 of the calls were first responder calls, and 34 were fires.

The department has four individuals certified to be first responders, Johnson noted.

"[Montgomery] is a paramedic and I am always glad to see him show up," Johnson said.

He added that other guys responding can perform CPR and basic first aid.

A lot of the department's first responder calls are instances such as an older person falling in a residence, according to Johnson.

He added that at times the calls can be life or death situations.

"There are times when we can get there and do as much as we can with the patient until the ambulance arrives," Johnson said.

He also noted that the department provides mutual aid for Kennett, Arbyrd, Mo., Cardwell, Mo., and Hornersville, Mo.

"Whenever they need our help, they call us, and we go every time they need us," Johnson said. "There are times that we need them and they are good about helping."

He noted that a lot of improvement has been made in the past five years including the building of a new fire station.

"Thankfully we had the new fire station during the recent ice storm," Johnson said. "I think it serves our community well having it there."

He added that Montgomery had performed well at receiving grants for the department

Johnson said that the department had gotten a $150,000 truck through one of these grants and the cost to the city was only $15,000. Also the department got $115,000 worth of protective gear and miscellaneous items, with a cost to the city being $15,000.

He added that the department was in need of a tanker truck.

"[The old tanker truck] has served us well, but it finally got to the position where we were spending more money trying to keep the truck running," Johnson said.

He noted that the department hosts a fundraiser each year to purchase mechanisms for the department.

Johnson and Williams displayed several of the department's rescue items to the Senath Lion's Club.

Johnson informed the club of the department's acceptance of donations and annual fundraisers, which are used to purchase more products.

He also noted that the department was currently looking for younger individuals to become active in the group.

"If you know anyone who you think would be good, let us know," Johnson said.