Citizen Police Academy; OSAA Sets Classifications; EMT Earns Award; Fish for Firefighters

Coast Radio News
Local News

10 October 2013

Accessibility is the Goal of Academy

Transparency and accessibility… along with a little bit of understanding is the aim of the fourth annual Florence Citizen’s Police Academy.

Police Chief Ray Gutierrez says the goal isn’t to bolster the ranks of the reserve and auxiliary forces at the department.  But, simply to let people get an inside look at how policing works and just what officers do on the job.

It is quite a commitment however.  The academy consists of 14 weekly sessions, each on a Tuesday night and lasting four hours.

Gutierrez says it won’t be boring though.  The sessions will cover all facets of life at the Florence Justice Center including ride-alongs in patrol cars; a visit to the shooting range and even a session in court.

Applicants must be 18 years or older with no felony convictions.  There are a few other qualifications; and there is no cost.  More information is available at the Florence Police Department or their website.

Lifesaving Award

A Western Lane Ambulance EMT was honored at the Oregon Emergency Medical Services Conference last week for her efforts in saving the life of a Florence man.

85-year old Elton Knutson was walking on the beach with family members last December when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

Danielle Hanson was off-duty at the time and also on the beach.  She immediately responded to cries of help and along with others, began CPR while an ambulance was summoned.

Knutson subsequently recovered and, according to Al Kreitz with Western Lane Ambulance, regained 100% of normal life functions.

Kreitz said the incident demonstrated the importance of knowing CPR.

Fish for Firefighters

Eating fish can be beneficial for firefighters.

It’s not the fish oil, the omega 3 fatty acids or the vitamin e.

Bob Scull, the general manager of Mo’s Restaurants says it’s the one-dollar donation from Mo’s to local fire departments for every cod meal served during October that will make the difference.

The Coastal restaurant chain, with locations in Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Newport and Florence, has donated more than $70-thousand to volunteer firefighters since 2001 through fund raisers in September or October of each year.

This year they’re donating a buck for every meal containing cod… fish and chips; cod sandwich; grilled cod; blackened cod and more.

Scull said they hope to raise $10-thousand this month.

OSAA Redistricting and Classification

The Oregon School Activities Association approved the final draft of changes to the athletic classification and districting guidelines this week.

The OSAA will retain the six-classification categories based on size and most leagues will remain as they have been.

Siuslaw will remain in the 4A Far West League, but will no longer compete against Sutherlin except in playoffs as the Bulldogs will be moved to the Sky Em League.

Mapleton and the Mountain West will remain essentially unchanged.

But, Reedsport will return to the Sunset League.  Actually, the Sunset will be coming to them… as many of the team in that league will be reclassified in the smaller 2A rankings.  That league will consist of Bandon, Gold Beach, Reedsport, Toledo and Waldport.

The changes will take place in the next school year.