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Dear Friends,

On behalf of the members of the Newton Fire Department I would like to
extend a welcome to our website. Established in 1874 as the Newton
Hook and Ladder Fire Company, this department has evolved into one of
the leading departments in the State of Iowa. Rich in tradition, this group
of dedicated Firefighters strives for excellence in customer service in the
areas of Fire, EMS, Rescue and Hazardous Materials response to the
Citizens of Newton and the surrounding rural townships.

Since September 11, 2001 the world and the fire service that we once
knew has changed dramatically. Preparedness is the highest priority
within the department. During the year many hours are dedicated
towards maintaining specialized certifications for emergency response.
Training in areas that range from drug therapy for a patient experiencing
cardiac complications to rescue techniques required to save a person in
a confined space. Our community can rest assured that our citizens will
receive a professional, caring level of emergency care.

Staffed with 22 Firefighters/Paramedics department personnel responded
to 2718 calls for service in FY 08/09. There were 1935 ambulance calls
for the year. Calls medical in nature, represent 71% of the call volume of
the department. The rescue truck was summoned 488 times to assist
ambulance personnel with advance life support calls. There were 381
hospital to hospital transfers.

In recent years the department has received much needed equipment
from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant. Administered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, the department has received firefighter
turnout gear, communication equipment, thermal imager cameras, self
contained breathing apparatus and an exhaust removal system for the
fire station. The award totaled over $300,000 dollars.

It is our goal that this website tells the story of this successful
department. It is our desire to keep you informed.

In closing, I would like to personally thank the citizens and city officials
for their support and to the members of the Newton Fire Department for
their sincere dedication and courage to make our department what it is
today.

Ed Clements
Fire Chief
Newton Fire Department