Fire District #2 discusses drug tests for volunteer firefighters

The Evangeline Parish Fire Protection District Number 2 heard from Fire Chief Chris Harrison about certain topics at the board’s monthly meeting Tuesday.
In his report, the chief informed the board that the department responded to 13 calls in July. He stated, “We had one structure file, four loading zones, one alarm activation, and seven service calls.”
“In the month of July, the training officer was here in Ville Platte for three trainings,” the chief added. “He was in Faubourg, Belaire Cove, and Chataignier, and he did three fire prevention classes.”
Harrison then updated the board on recent testing. “We just finished pump testing, and it’s time to order oil and change the oil,” he said. “Right now we’re about right in the middle of hydrant testing.”
The chief also sought permission from the board to do an inventory on the engines and see what needs to be replaced. Harrison will present the inventory to the board at the next meeting.
The hot button topic discussed was drug testing for the volunteer firefighters. “I think if an accident happens on the road, we should let law enforcement look at it and decide if something is wrong,” Harrison stated. “If it’s something that happens at the station, I’m going to look at it. If I think something is wrong, then I’m going to let the law know.”
The board members that were present all agreed that the drug testing would hurt more than it would help and dismissed the motion for the time being.
The present members also saw plans that were sketched by Ted Demourelle for the construction of a new fire station that will outside the city limits of Ville Platte on Highway 167. No other action was taken as to the new station.
In other business, the board:
• approved the financial report.
• and approved the bills for payment.