Clearview, Wash.  –  Firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District 7 will be collecting donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in a fundraiser sponsored by Local 2781 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Firefighters will be outside local grocery stores on August 7, 8, 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are always overwhelmed with the support we see at this event,” explained Fire District 7 Lieutenant Paul Guy, who coordinates the fundraiser for Fire District 7. “We look forward to the ‘Fill the Boot’ event every year because it gives us a chance to help support such a great cause.”

Last year, Fire District 7 crews were able to collect over $16,000 for MDA. This year, they hope to raise at least $17,000. Nationally, firefighters have been collecting donations for MDA since 1954. MDA helps children and adults who are affected by any of 40 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA’s comprehensive medical services and research programs. For more information on MDA, visit www.mda.org or call 1-800-FIGHT-MD.

For more information on IAFF Local 2781, visit www.iafflocal2781.org.

Fire District 7 collection locations:
Clearview Albertsons, Thomas Lake Albertsons, Mill Creek Central Market and Mill Creek QFC.

When a medical emergency occurs, immediate attention and care is crucial. Would you know how to respond? Fire District 7 encourages every citizen to be prepared, you could save a life! In conjunction with the Medic 71 Memorial Fund, Fire District 7 offers the following classes on a regular basis:

Adult/Child CPR
Fire District 7 provides the American Heart Association Heartsaver Adult/Child CPR for free! Class is offered the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Optional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training is offered at the end of the class.

Infant CPR
Infant CPR is offered for free every other month (even months). The class takes place on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Prerequisites: Adult/Child CPR within the last two years.

First Aid
Fire District 7 offers First Aid training every other month (odd months). The class takes place on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $30 and is due one week before the class.

All classes are held at Fire District 7 Headquarters in Clearview: 8010 180th St. SE, Snohomish.

Classes fill quickly, and advanced registration is required. Sign-up online at www.firedistrict7.com or call 360-668-5357 or 425-486-1217.

Clearview, Wash.  –  At 8:43 this morning, Fire District 7 responded to a report of a car in a small pond in the 600 block of 164th St. SE in Mill Creek. They found a woman inside the submerged car with water up to her chest. Two firefighters entered the water in dry suits and life vests to help assist the women to safety. She was uninjured.

“Thankfully crews were able to get the women out quickly,” explained Public Information Officer Autumn Waite. “The main concern with a person submerged in cold water for any length of time is the possibility of hypothermia, which is of course extremely dangerous.”

All firefighters participate in basic water rescue training, and Ladder 72 carries the special equipment needed to enter the water. They arrived on scene just two minutes after Engine 76 arrived from the Mill Creek Fire Station.

Overall, 15 fire personnel responded including one unit from Snohomish County Fire District 1. Mill Creek Police also responded.

On June 30, Fire District 7 will celebrate Rick Rauma as he retires after 28 years with Snohomish County Fire District 7.

“Deputy Chief Rauma has been the leading force behind our emergency medical services (EMS) program for the last 28 years,” explained Fire Chief Richard Eastman. “His years of dedication to this program have been invaluable, and we want to thank him for his years of service.”

Rauma was hired in 1982, the same year Fire District 7 became the first fire district in Snohomish County to have a paramedic program. Rauma was hired as the EMS Coordinator, and his primary responsibility was developing and evolving the paramedic program. Since then, Rauma has been the administrator of the EMS program. Before coming to Fire District 7, he had worked for Evergreen Hospital’s Medic One Program.

All are welcome to celebrate Deputy Chief Rauma at his retirement gathering:

When: June 30, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Fire District 7 Headquarters – 8010 180th St. SE, Snohomish, WA 98296

*A brief ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m., but people are welcome to stop by anytime.

On June 12, Snohomish County Fire District 7 firefighter/EMT Travis Rask will put his lungs and leg power to the test by climbing a stair climber for 12 hours straight. His mission: raise money for the Climb for Clean Air event, which funds the American Lung Association’s efforts to fight lung disease and improve lung health for people in our region.

“I was a smoker for 10 years, and was overweight. Both my mother’s parents died from complications due to tobacco use,” Rask explained. “I quit cold turkey 5 years ago, worked my tail off in the gym, and today enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle. I have made it my personal goal to do whatever I can to help such a great cause.”

In July, Rask will take part in the Climb for Clean Air, a four day fundraising climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Each step Rask takes on the stair climber and on Mt. Rainer will be in honor of the over one million kids and adults in Washington who struggle to breathe each day because of lung disease.

Rask will climb from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Greenlake (Seattle) Starbucks. You can donate in person, or by visiting Rask’s Climb for Clean Air website at www.tinyurl.com/helptravisclimb.

For more information on the American Lung Association in Washington, visit www.alaw.org. For more information contact Public Information Officer Autumn Waite at 360-282-3956 or awaite@firedistrict7.com.

Clearview, Wash.  – Snohomish County Fire District 7 has been awarded a $5,780 federal grant in order to provide smoke alarms to citizens in need. The grant, which comes under the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, will allow Fire District 7 to purchase approximately 250 smoke alarms to be installed within the district

“While we can’t prevent every fire, we know that smoke alarms can provide the needed warning to help everyone get out safely,” explained Public Educator Autumn Waite. “It’s alarming what you see when you get out in the community and visit homes; it’s shocking how many homes do not have smoke alarms at all. Even when smoke alarms are present, they aren’t always properly maintained. Many people see a smoke alarm on their ceiling and think it’s protecting their families, but they require diligent maintenance.”

Fire District 7 urges citizens to follow these guidelines for smoke alarms in the home:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least twice per year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. If you have a 10 year lithium smoke alarm, it is not necessary to change the battery; but make sure it hasn’t exceeded its ten year life span.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Visit www.firedistrict7.com or call 360-282-9356 for more information on creating your plan.

In addition to the smoke alarms, “Play Safe! Be Safe!” kits will be purchased to distribute to local daycares and preschools. The “Play Safe! Be Safe!” kit is an aid to help daycares and preschools teach young children about fire safety. After a class completes the curriculum, Fire District 7 firefighter/EMTs often visit the class to follow up with additional fire and life safety information. 

This is the tenth Assistance to Firefighters Grant awarded to Fire District 7 by the Department of Homeland Security in the last eight years, totaling approximately $2.7 million.  Previous grants were used to fund personnel, purchase fire apparatus, replace firefighter personal protective equipment, and replace firefighter breathing apparatus. Prior to receiving this grant, Fire District 7 maintained the Smoke Alarm Program with support from the Clearview Community Business Association, Farmers New World Life Insurance Co., the Medic 71 Memorial Fund, and the Snohomish County Fire Prevention Association.

For more information on Fire District 7’s Smoke Alarm Program, and information on preventing and protecting your home and family from fire, please contact Public Educator Autumn Waite at 360-282-3956 or awaite@firedistrict7.com.