Shakopee Snapshot: Winter 2023-24

PUBLIC SAFETY

A day in the life of a Shakopee firefighter Did you know fire fighting is just one part of a firefighter’s duties? Shakopee firefighters spend many hours a week not only responding to emergency calls, but also training, performing fire inspections, attending public education events, and completing duties at the fire stations, such as building and vehicle maintenance Our firefighters currently work shifts that are either eight, 12, or 16 hours long There are always four firefighters and one command officer scheduled to work 24 hours, seven days a week, and 365 days a year Firefighters begin each shift by checking over their assigned fire truck to ensure it operates properly, making sure that all lights and sirens and rescue equipment are in working order, and confirming all medical equipment is fully stocked and ready to go Next, they review the day’s activities, events, inspections, station duties, and fire pre-plans that need to be completed More than 470 inspections and more than 300 fire pre-plans are com pleted each year Many of these inspections and pre-plans are for newly constructed commer cial buildings and residential living spaces like apartment buildings Firefighters also have station duties like cleaning fire trucks, fixing broken equipment, making sure other fire trucks are inspected and in working order, and cleaning up around the inside and outside of the fire stations Our firefighters are scheduled to do physical fitness training and fire operations training dur ing each and every shift These trainings generally take about two hours per shift, depend ing on the specific fire operation topics they are covering Given the various types of industry we have in our city, firefighters need to be ready and trained for anything from a rescue at an amusement park to saving someone stranded in the river Let’s not forget the most important reason firefighters are here: Emergency calls for service Shakopee firefighters respond to an average of five to six fire calls per shift, ranging from gen eral fire alarms to medical incidents, car accidents and special rescues A day in the life can be very busy for a Shakopee firefighter with all their assigned duties, train ing, and emergencies, but they look forward to work every day because they get to help their fellow neighbors and this great community

FIRE HYDRANTS: Keep them clear this winter Thank you for helping keep your neigh borhood safe during the winter months! Be a neighbor Help keep your block’s hydrant clear If there’s a fire hydrant near your house, be a good neighbor and help keep it clear this winter It is the resident’s responsibility to main tain nearby hydrants so they are acces sible to the Fire Department at all times Vegetation, snow and debris should be removed in the three-foot area surround ing the hydrant For those who are unable to clear a hydrant on their property, call Shakopee Public Utili ties for assistance at 952-233-1503

3 ft.

3 ft.

CLEAR AWAY ZONE Remove snow and ice Clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for re ghters to work (about 3 ft.) Clear a path from hydrant to street

Shakopee firefighters often engage in live burn training exercises and demonstrations for the public

Shakopee Fire Department has a specially trained SCUBA dive rescue team

12 Shakopee Snapshot