Here is our latest news clipping -- if you happen to find HY-Viz Inc.
Mentioned in the news send it to us -- and get a FREE T-Shirt!
This article is from New Jersey, they are using our Stainless "patriot model" markers!
| |
| Eagle Scout project helps firemen |
| By: Jake Uitti , Staff Writer |
Reflective markers are placed on about 300 fire hydrants throughout Montgomery.
MONTGOMERY — The township's Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 has received some much-needed help from David Bilsky
— a potential Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 46.
David, as part of his Eagle Scout project, placed reflective markers on about 300 fire hydrants throughout the township's fire district, which spans Blawenburg and Skillman. David was assisted by his fellow Boy Scouts from Montgomery Troop 46.
The markers, which are about 5 feet tall and made of stainless-steel red, white and blue reflective poles that connect to the fire hydrants, will show the location of the hydrants in heavy snow and make them more visible and easier to find at night, David said.
( they purchased our Stainless "Patriot Model" hydrant markers with offset loop)
In order to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, David wrote a project proposal, which was subsequently sent to his Eagle Scout adviser, Frank McVeigh, who looked over the proposal and suggested corrections. "I went through eight drafts," David said with a laugh.
After the approval of the final draft, David sent his proposal to the Boy Scout Council for approval. After the council approved the project, his work began. "I am not an Eagle Scout yet, even though I completed the project," David said. "I have to do a final board review with the council and I have to get nationally certified."
In order to complete his project, David received donations from Fire Company No. 2 for the reflective markers and from the Besler Co. for informational flyers. "Finding an Eagle Scout project that would benefit the fire company was important to me," said David, who is 17, a rising senior at Montgomery High School and a junior firefighter with Company No. 2. "Making the hydrants more visible for the firefighters helps reduce response time."
As a junior firefighter, David said, he can do all the exterior firework during an emergency, though he is not allowed into a burning building. In addition, David helps with fundraisers for the fire department. "I'm there to learn," he said.
As part of his project, David and the other assisting Scouts cleared debris and brush from around the hydrants and distributed flyers about adopting a hydrant, hydrant maintenance and joining the fire company. "It's great when volunteer organizations come together to support each other," Assistant Chief Gene Keller of the Blawenburg firehouse said. "It helps the entire community and builds community spirit."
Mr. McVeigh agreed. "Community service plays a key role in the Boy Scouts of America program," he said. "I am pleased to see a number of our Scouts involved in other community organizations like the fire company. We were enthusiastic about supporting the fire company on this project."
The area served by Montgomery Fire Company No. 2 has grown substantially in the past several years. Yet, David said, the volunteer firehouse has not seen enough growth in its membership. Mr. Keller said volunteering for a fire company is a great way to meet new people and learn about Montgomery. "People new to the area think about getting their kids settled in a new community by enrolling them in activities like the Boy Scouts or sports," Mr. Keller said. "They don't often think of joining a volunteer fire company, partly because they don't know the local firehouses are staffed by volunteers. The company also needs help maintaining the district's hydrants and has started an 'Adopt-a-Hydrant' program."
In the end, David said, the project was a good learning experience for him. "One I will never forget," he said.
For more information about the fire company, visit www.46fire.com. For more information about Boy Scout Troop 46, visit www.troop46. org.
|
|
|
|
