WCFD Online

There's no question where his priorities will land. Todd recognizes the the goals of the bank can have very imporant impacts on the lives and livelihoods of its customers, but those impacts are longer term. Right now, lives could be in danger. Todd excuses himself from the meeting and answers the call. He answers about four calls each week.

Todd's thirteen years in the U.S. Navy, from which he retired six years ago as a Lieutenant Commander, taught him much of what he brings to both of the areas he works in. Management and analysis skills, sturcture and discipline, and the drive to provide evidence for his actions have helped him further in his civilian career, first in technology management at a small firm, and then - at Bank of America - in Audit and currently in Risk Management. His role now is to help Technology perpare for the questions Audit will ask. In other words, he knows the answers to the test.

But serving in the Navy also taught him firefighting skills and the ability to think clearly and act effectively in a crisis, skills that have earned him the respect of a group of people whose backgrounds are very different for his: the volunteer Wesley Chapel Fire Department in North Carolina. He joined that team in April 2006, got his full credentials in July, and recently he was named "Rookie of the Year". Throughout 2006, this team answered 981 calls.

What makes Todd different from the rest of the department? Todd says it's that he's a "Suit". For most of the other volunteers, their ancestral roots are local; many of the come from farming communities, and all of the drive pickup trucks. They laugh at Todd because he drives a Honda, the trunk of which is crammed with fire boots, turnout gear, helmet, gloves-the paraphernalia of his alter-ego-and he laughs at himself as they do. Even so, he is humbled and honored by the award they gave him.

Imagine the scene. There are twenty or thirty Bank of America associates, some around conference tables and dressed to impress, some calling from the comfort of their home offices and perhaps wearing bunny slippers, all discussing a critical aspect of risk management. Suddenly Todd Hage's pager goes off. He reaches for it and sees that there has been a three-car collision on a major thoroughfare, and his volunteer fire team is asked to respond, bringing with them all the rescue gear they'll need to free injured people from the crushed wrecks of their cars.

RALEIGH - North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Jim Long announced today that the Wesley Chapel Fire District completed its routine inspection and received a 6 rating. The inspection, conducted by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), is required on a regular basis as part of the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS). Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source.

The 6 rating is an improvement over the previous rating of 6/9S. The NCRRS rating system ranges from 1 (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state), with most rural departments falling into the 9S category. While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does suggest that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings can also significantly lower homeowners insurance rates in that fire district.

"I'd like to congratualte Chief Byrum for his department's performance and for the hard work of all the department members," said Commissioner Long. "The citizens in Wesley Chapel Fire District should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency."

State law requires OSFM officials to inspect departments serving districts of 100,000 people or less, which makes up all but six of the state's fire districts.

The Wesley Chapel Fire District is only the second fire district in Union County to receive a 6 rating for the entire district. Providence VFD is the other. The current rating for the fire district is 6/9S indicating that areas with hydrants are rated a 6 and those without are rated a 9S. The new rating of 6 benefits those homeowners in areas not covered by hydrants. The new rating takes effect on November 1, 2004 reducing insurance premiums for homeowners living in area without hydrants.

Homeowners should contact their insurance companies to ask about new premiums.

A 6 rating is the best rating for residential homeowners insurance. Any rating better than 6 only affects insurance premiums for commercial structures.

Two years ago, WCFD set a goal to improve the fire district's rating. The improved rating is the result of many hours of work by the 100% volunteer membership to upgrade the capabilities of the department through training, new trucks, and new tools and equipment. We also thank residents and property owners of the district for providing necessary funding through the Wesley Chapel Fire Tax District, generous donations and support for the WCFD BBQ fundraisers.

WCFD is committed to continuous improvement. And although we are pleased with the improved insurance ratings, this is just the first step. We have already begun planning to reach the next level.

In order to maintain quality protection of our service district Wesley Chapel VFD has hired part time firefighters. This was necesarry due to an ever increasing call volume and more members working away from home during the day. These paid personnel will provide assistance with coverage Monday through Friday, from 7am until 5pm. Part time members started providing this additional support on May 1st., 2007. Pictured here are Chris Salter, Dale Paxton, Pete Darlington, and Steven McLendon, part of the paid staff. They are shown in front of Ladder 26 on the first day of duty. Wesley Chapel is dedicated to providing our district with the quality service it deserves.

Wesley Chapel VFD would like to sincerely thank our Members for their continued interest and support at the recent annual meeting held June 14th, 2007. This Annual Membership meeting occurs every second Thursday of June at our Main Station on Waxhaw Indian Trail Road. This is where By Laws can be changed or implemented by the Membership, and where Board of Director Members are elected. These new members (three every year) can be from those recommended by the Nominating Committe or at large from the general Membership. This year Mildred Gwinn, Jimmy Kubach, and Bob Pendleton were recommended by the Nominating Committe. Craig Horn, Mike Farley, and Sydell Coniglio were nominated from the floor. Mildred Gwinn, Jimmy Kubach, and Bob Pendleton were elected to replace out going members Rick Denton, Bill Gwinn, and Carol Mullis. The new terms will start July 1st., 2007