City of Midland Press Release... September 8, 2006

September 8, 2006

SEPTEMBER 12th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

During a 9:00 a.m. briefing, the City Council will discuss the Fire Department’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) Rating as well as the findings of a Fire Station Location Study. The Midland Fire Department would like to reduce their ISO rating further. This rating helps determine the amount of fire hazard insurance homeowners must pay. They will also discuss the need to replace aging fire stations (two built in the late 1950’s) as well as building new stations to keep up with the City’s current and expected growth over the next five to ten years. Media Contact: Chief Russ Conley/MFD at 685.7330
During the regular meeting, the City Council will consider accepting funds from TxDOT for the purpose of the Midland Police Department conducting the FY2007 Comprehensive STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program). TxDOT has made $65,940 available in grant funding to the MPD to conduct a series of the program. The project will begin on October 1, 2006, and end September 30, 20007. STEP has two components – intersection traffic control enforcement and DWI enforcement. The funds are used to pay overtime to officers working on this project. Media Contact: Chief John Urby/MPD at 685.7593
Also, the City Council will consider accepting the FY2007 Justice Assistance Grant. The Midland Police Department has been awarded $20,258. The grant is shared with Midland County, as they will receive $13,504. The Attorney General of Texas determined that Texas counties are responsible for more than 50% of the costs incurred for the prosecution and incarceration of Part I violent crimes. The funds will be used to purchase equipment, technology, and other material directly related to basic law enforcement. Media Contact: Chief John Urby/MPD at 685.7593

FIREFIGHTER RECEIVES STAR OF TEXAS AWARD

A Midland Firefighter will be honored in Austin on September 11th for a heroic act. Captain Dan Friday, a 25 year veteran of the Midland Fire Department, is among an estimated 48 first responders who will be recognized with this year’s Star of Texas Award.

Friday will be honored following a call last April in Midland County. Friday and two other firefighters and a beekeeper were rescuing 21 dogs from a swarm of bees in the county. The swarm had stung others, including two women. Friday, who is allergic to bees, was about to leave the scene when he heard puppies cry. Protected by his gear, Friday went into rescue mode, and with the help of others, saved the dogs. Unfortunately, a single bee flew into Friday’s mask and stung him, creating a potentially life-threatening situation. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

In 2003, Governor Perry signed House Bill 1937, which created the Star of Texas Awards to honor and commemorate first responders who made profound commitments while performing their duties as peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical first responders. HB 1937 also designated September 11th of every year as Texas First Responders Day. In 2005, a bill amended the Star of Texas Awards statute to require awards for each peace officer, firefighter, and emergency medical first responder that is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty on or after September 1, 2003.

Media Contact: Chief Russ Conley/MFD at 685.7330

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