It is important that the KNOX-BOX operates correctly in support of other departments responding to automatic aid calls within the Santee jurisdiction. When we experienced staffing cut backs a few years ago, I brought in a volunteer who was working with the Sheriffs Department to start up a similar program in the fire department. Since that time, Chief Davis and his volunteer staff have been adding personnel and activities as they go along. As a result of her accomplishments while heading the Santee Fire Department volunteer program, San Diego County recently recognized Barbara Bishop as the RSVP countywide volunteer of the year. Because RSVP volunteers provide inspections of B2 occupancies, the workload has been lessened for engine companies.
Fewer inspections frees up more time for training and other activities like their school program.
An engine company adopts one school and works with the principal and teaching staff to incorporate safety programs into the curriculum. Fire personnel provide reading programs, they stage plays, bring in firefighters trained as clown characters, and use other learning techniques to teach about safety.