MIDDLETOWN >> South Lake County Fire Chief Greg Bertelli conducted the 2017 South Lake County Fire Sirens (SLCFS) Installation of Officers at the February Fire Sirens meeting held at the Middletown Senior Center earlier this month. The annual Fire Sirens ‘Installation Luncheon’ immediately followed.
Hidden Valley Lake resident Fran Rand is the 2017 SLCFS President. Rand has been actively involved in a number of Lake County service groups including the Friends of Middletown Library and Konocti Senior Support, Inc.
“It is an honor to serve as president for this wonderful service organization that helps to provide life saving equipment for our local fire department,” said Rand. “We are honored that South Lake County Fire Chief Greg Bertellii conducted this years Installation of Officers,” states the incoming President.
Other members of the 2017 board include: Bonnie Pavri as First Vice President; Carol Olson Second Vice President; Betsy McKinstry Secretary; Pat Hallman Treasurer. Outgoing board member Jeanne Netherwood was recognized for her service on the SLCFS board for the last five years.
Additional business conducted included the awarding of ‘The Stars of Excellence Award.’ Fire Siren Mary Rose Pott was the honored 2017 recipient for her outstanding service to the Fires Sirens and its mission.
The ‘Olga Young and Lydia Reed Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service’ went to Fran Rand; the ‘Fire Sirens Wall of Fame Award’ was given to Carolyn Tobin and Betsy McKinstry; the ‘Carol Olsen House of Bargains Service Award’ went to Jeanne Netherwood.
Awards of appreciation were also given to Tricia Hallman for her high level of commitment to Fire Sirens activities and Fran Rand was recognized for her role in commissioning the SLCFS Quilt Block.
Since its inception over 30 years ago, the SLCFS has raised more than $320,000 to purchase equipment and supplies to assist the South Lake County Fire Department to better service the community and its members.
“The efforts of the members of this unique organization help to save lives,” said Bertelli. “This is truly an amazing group of individuals.”
The Fire Sirens Installation of Officers takes place at the start of each year. Typically held in January, the event was rescheduled due to a heavy rainfall event in January.
SLCFS runs the Fire Siren Thrift Shop located at 21095 Highway 175, Middletown.
The Fire Siren Thrift Shop, ‘Second Hand But Grand’, is open every Tuesday from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The next SLCFS meeting will be on March 6th at the Middletown Fire Station. All interested community members are welcome to attend. SLCFS meetings are held monthly on the first Monday of each month. A coffee social kicks off the morning at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 10 a.m.
For more information contact Fran Rand at 987-8546.
