UTFFEMT
07-31-2005, 04:27 PM
AF fire chief retires
Heidi Rodeback NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Former American Fork Fire Chief Paul Peters is retiring from American Fork city after 43 years of service. Peters served as fire chief for more than 20 years, one of the longest terms in the state, said JoAnn Scott of the public works department.
"Being a firefighter is an interesting career because you get to know about so many people and places.
Every time you respond to a call, you meet people," Peters said.
American Fork firefighters respond to about 400 calls each year, according to the fire department's annual reports. These include structure fires, grass and brush fires and vehicle accidents, as well as numerous service calls and assists. Additionally, the department carries out inspections and completes nearly 1,000 hours of training each year.
As chief, Peters had responsibility for all this, plus equipment and public relations.
"Paul is well deserving of this recognition," said Richard Colborn, a member of the 33-member volunteer department.
"Paul is just unassuming, able to lead the men," Colborn said. "He never had to raise his voice to get action. He knew what needed to be done, and it went that way."
In the years since he first signed on in 1962, Peters has seen many changes in the fire department.
Today, firefighters are dispatched by pagers. In 1962, they responded to the siren at the downtown station. This made living or working downtown a necessity.
"Merchants downtown were willing to let you buzz out whenever you heard the siren," Peters said.
In 1962, those volunteers received $1 in compensation each time they responded to a call. Today, the figure has risen to $7.50.
There have also been upgrades in vehicles and equipment. Peters remembers adding uniforms in the 1990s. He served in one department, but three successive fire stations.
But the changes that please Peters most are the advances in technology and building codes that save lives.
"Now all new homes have a fire detector in each bedroom and one in each entryway," Peters said. "If one goes off, they all go off -- that's the new code. It helps keep fires from happening."
"If one goes off, they call the fire department," Peters said. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, it's because there was something wrong with the alarm. We'd rather get that call than the other kind."
According to department reports, American Fork now sees fewer than 20 structure fires each year.
A native son of American Fork, Peters called his hometown "one of the best small towns in the state of Utah."
One of its advantages is that the fire department's response time is "less than 10 minutes to anywhere in the city, and that's if you observe all stop signs and follow the speed limit," he said.
American Fork's other big advantage, in Peters' opinion, is the quality of the people he worked with.
"They were very dedicated to the fire department," Peters said. "All of them were good members, and they worked hard."
Mayor Ted Barratt said, "Paul Peters was a popular chief. People enjoy his personality."
"The city's been grateful to say that Paul Peters was employed with us and that we've had the opportunity of having his experience, his outlook and his personality," Barratt said. "He has maintained the high respect that this department has throughout the state."
An open house will be held in Peters' honor at the Fire Station, 96 N. Center St., on Aug. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Heidi Rodeback NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Former American Fork Fire Chief Paul Peters is retiring from American Fork city after 43 years of service. Peters served as fire chief for more than 20 years, one of the longest terms in the state, said JoAnn Scott of the public works department.
"Being a firefighter is an interesting career because you get to know about so many people and places.
Every time you respond to a call, you meet people," Peters said.
American Fork firefighters respond to about 400 calls each year, according to the fire department's annual reports. These include structure fires, grass and brush fires and vehicle accidents, as well as numerous service calls and assists. Additionally, the department carries out inspections and completes nearly 1,000 hours of training each year.
As chief, Peters had responsibility for all this, plus equipment and public relations.
"Paul is well deserving of this recognition," said Richard Colborn, a member of the 33-member volunteer department.
"Paul is just unassuming, able to lead the men," Colborn said. "He never had to raise his voice to get action. He knew what needed to be done, and it went that way."
In the years since he first signed on in 1962, Peters has seen many changes in the fire department.
Today, firefighters are dispatched by pagers. In 1962, they responded to the siren at the downtown station. This made living or working downtown a necessity.
"Merchants downtown were willing to let you buzz out whenever you heard the siren," Peters said.
In 1962, those volunteers received $1 in compensation each time they responded to a call. Today, the figure has risen to $7.50.
There have also been upgrades in vehicles and equipment. Peters remembers adding uniforms in the 1990s. He served in one department, but three successive fire stations.
But the changes that please Peters most are the advances in technology and building codes that save lives.
"Now all new homes have a fire detector in each bedroom and one in each entryway," Peters said. "If one goes off, they all go off -- that's the new code. It helps keep fires from happening."
"If one goes off, they call the fire department," Peters said. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, it's because there was something wrong with the alarm. We'd rather get that call than the other kind."
According to department reports, American Fork now sees fewer than 20 structure fires each year.
A native son of American Fork, Peters called his hometown "one of the best small towns in the state of Utah."
One of its advantages is that the fire department's response time is "less than 10 minutes to anywhere in the city, and that's if you observe all stop signs and follow the speed limit," he said.
American Fork's other big advantage, in Peters' opinion, is the quality of the people he worked with.
"They were very dedicated to the fire department," Peters said. "All of them were good members, and they worked hard."
Mayor Ted Barratt said, "Paul Peters was a popular chief. People enjoy his personality."
"The city's been grateful to say that Paul Peters was employed with us and that we've had the opportunity of having his experience, his outlook and his personality," Barratt said. "He has maintained the high respect that this department has throughout the state."
An open house will be held in Peters' honor at the Fire Station, 96 N. Center St., on Aug. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.