duties. They have
represented the districts in the true tradition of the fire service. Our Honor Guard has demonstrated a consistent level of expertise, pride, professionalism, respect,
and dedication for the constant honing of the necessary skills and traditions. I commend each and every one who is participating and those who cover shifts to allow
for that participation. I am very proud of this program.
Now, on to some other items. We are working on the 2010-11 budget. With an eye on revenues and the discussed special session of the legislature, we are proceeding with
the development of our budget. A very lean and conservative budget is being prepared with SCBA replacement the top priority. We are also watching the current year’s
budget related to both revenues and expenditures. The Budget Task Force, established last year, will once again be meeting to review and discuss both the current year’s
budget and the 2010-11 Budget.
We will soon be publishing our Annual Report for 2009. As you all are aware, 2009 was dominated by the economic downturn and its impacts on all levels of state and
local government. We hope to have the Annual Report completed and available very soon.
In the area of Emergency Management we have been working on the Douglas County Emergency Response Plan and several grants. The revision of the Emergency Response
Plan continues to be a significant project and one which is demanding in terms of time for myself and the clerical staff. We are working to make the plan as comprehensive
as possible.
Even though we still have snow on the ground, we are planning for the 2010 Wildland Fire Season. Annual Operating Plans with our federal partners and with the Division
of Forestry are being drafted. Our seasonal program is now
