by Sharon Michaels
WORDEN – Stormy Tucker was named firefighter of the year at the Worden Volunteer Fire Department’s annual appreciation dinner on Saturday, Feb. 20. Tucker was recently named the department’s first female captain.
Each year the department holds an appreciation dinner for members and retired members of the department. Everyone expressed what a great time they had.
The department opened nominations for the upcoming election of officers at their meeting on Monday, March 1.The election will be held at the next meeting on Monday, April 5.
The following people were nominated: current president John Eshleman for president, current secretary, E.J. Jensen for secretary, current EMS director Brian Dandrea for director and current Fire Chief Lance Taylor for chief. No other nominations were made for the now acting officers.
One position is open on the board and Mike McCarty, Mike Bruton, Becky Lurz and Sharon VanDyke were nominated. Auditing committee nominations included Jason Snyder, Mike Bruton, Mike McCarty, Sharon VanDyke, Al Robinson, Becky Lurz and Stormy Tucker. Three positions are open on the committee.
Jensen told the members she would have printed election ballots at the next meeting and the members can do write-ins. “You can also vote absentee,” said Jensen.
Jensen explained to the members, “We need to have more accountability for our expenses. I have found invoices that we have submitted to the wrong departments. For example, the Fire Service Area does not pay wildland expenses, the county does. When we purchase something, our invoices need to say exactly why the purchase was made.”
“We need to set guidelines, policies and protocols for our department,” said Jensen. “Taylor (who was absent) and I have talked about how we operate and what the members think. We need your input and interest on how we should proceed.”
The members agreed.
Jensen also reminded the members about the department’s confidentiality practice. Recently, it’s gotten back to the department that leaks have been made about patients; this information cannot be given out, she said. No patient information can be given out nor information on fire situations. People with inquiries need to talk to the chief. The members signed the agreement.
The members were also reminded of the conflict of interest policy. They read it over and signed the policy. The policy states the department has to operate in the manner that does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax exempt status. Periodic review shall be conducted for compliance with the conflict of interest policy. Such reviews shall include, but are not limited to, conformation to the department’s written policies and proper recording of financial agreements.
