RHFD

A Nation of Readers Under One Hat.

What is NEA’s Read Across America?
A program of the National Education Association (NEA) now in its eigth year, NEA’s Read Across America Day–celebrated annually on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2–generates enthusiasm for reading nationwide and focuses the country’s attention on how important it is to motivate children to read. Reading opens the doors to achievement, and Read Across America Day celebrations—whether large or small—are crucial building blocks toward making the joys of reading an integral part of every child’s life.

Rodeo-Hercules Fire Crews participate in Read Across America at Lupine Hills Elementary and Hannah Ranch Elementary Schools.

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You are subscribed to Focus on Fire Safety from the U.S. Fire Administration. This information has recently been updated and is now available.

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is another danger when using heating equipment fueled by fossil fuel. It occurs most often when equipment is not vented properly. CO deaths have been on the rise since 1999. On average there were 181 unintentional non-fire deaths from CO poisoning associated with consumer products per year from 2004-2006 compared to 123 from 1999-2001 (Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Learn More about Heating Fire Safety »

 What

The community H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination clinic planned for November 21 at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord has been relocated to the Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road in Concord. The drive-through clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An East County clinic has been rescheduled as an indoor, walk-up clinic for Sunday, December 6, at the Pittsburg Health Center, 2311 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The November 21 drive-through clinic in San Ramon will be held as planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PG&E San Ramon Valley Conference Center, 3301 Crow Canyon Road.

Information is subject to change. Prior to attending a clinic check Contra Costa Health Services website: http://www.cchealth.org/ or call their prerecorded phone line at 1-888-959-9911 for updates.

Who

H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine will be available only for the following priority groups:

• H1N1 Priority Groups:
  • Pregnant women
  • All children ages 6 months through 4 years
  • Children ages 5 through 18 years with chronic medical conditions
  • People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (parents, siblings and daycare providers)
• Seasonal Flu Priority Groups:
  • All people 60 years and older
  • Pregnant women
  • All people 4 years and older with chronic medical conditions

Chronic medical conditions include diseases of the lung (including asthma), heart, kidney (including diabetes) and liver, as well as neurologic disorders and immunosuppression.

A natural gas  explosion occurred about 1:30 a.m. , November 11th on Mariposa Street in Rodeo.    Units from Rodeo-Hercules Fire, Contra Costa County Fire, Pinole Fire, Richmond Fire and Crockett-Carquinez Fire Departments responded.  Three people suffered minor injuries.   See Contra Costa Times Article

Former Rodeo Fire Chief Arthur G. “Art” Cooper, 81, passed away Tuesday at Kaiser Hospital in Sacramento following a brief battle with cancer.

Art was born February 21, 1928, in Corona, CA, to Loyd and Beatrice Cooper. He was a longtime resident of Rodeo before moving to Vallejo eight years ago. He was the fire chief in Rodeo from 1957 to 1977. He enjoyed traveling in his R.V. and was an avid photographer.

Survivors include his wife of eight years, Gloria; daughter, Vicki (Steve) Silva; sons, Arthur L. (Penny), Patrick and Kevin (Ellen); sister, Florence Bepler; brother, Richard (Kay); seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

At Art’s request, no service will be held and inurnment will be private.

Memorial donations are preferred to Kaiser Hospice, 975 Sereno Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696.

Fire Prevention Week 2009

Focus on Fire Safety:  Stay Fire Smart – Don’t Get Burned!     Please see the U.S. Fire Administration Website for valuable information: 

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/

The Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District hosted its Annual Open House on October 3rd at the Hercules Fire Station #76.  Free hot dogs, popcorn, balloons and bicycle helmets –   Emergency preparedness information and handouts were made be available.  District firefighters will provided demonstrations including the  District’s burn trailer and vehicle extrications.   The event was held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

On Friday, September 11, 2009, the Hercules Rotary Club will honor Engineer Nicholas Ronchetto  as the 2009 Firefighter of the Year.  Engineer Ronchetto began his career as a Reserve Firefighter in 1986.  He was hired full-time in 1988 and was promoted through the ranks to Engineer  in 1994 . He is currently serving as the United Profesional Fire Fighters Local 1230 representative to the District.    The District is proud to honor Engineer Ronchetto for his dedication to the fire service and to the communities it serves.

The District received two strike team assignments in early August.   A Field Observer assignment was sent  to the Lightning fire in Shasta County.  Engine 375  was assigned on August 12th and returned August 20th to the Lockheed fire in Santa Cruz County; currently the District is assigned to the Station Fire in Los Angeles County – Los Padres National Forest

Interim Fire Chief, Alan Biagi, receives new badge from Acting Chairperson John Mills, Directors Trujillo and Bartke and IAFF Local 1230 Representative, Nicholas Ronchetto, in attendance