UTFFEMT
07-11-2007, 01:49 PM
S. Springs fire dept. moving forward
LANCE MADIGAN - Daily Herald
After the tragic loss of Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Mike Penovich on Thursday, some residents may be concerned about compromised service in case of emergency, but city officials are confident in the department's organization.
"We don't expect any changes in our emergency services," said Ken Leetham, Saratoga Springs city manager. "We are going to need to replace Mike as fire chief, of course, but there is a good structure in the fire department. We have no reason to think that will really change things."
Penovich died Thursday morning after his truck plunged 100 feet into Deer Creek Reservoir.
Deputy in Charge Rick Scott agreed that service would not be interrupted as he reported to the Saratoga Springs City Council on Tuesday evening.
"Of course we still have to continue with business," Scott said. "I want you to know that when someone calls 911, nothing will have changed."
Leetham did say they were turning to neighboring agencies for assistance this week while they coordinated and regrouped.
"These are all part of mutual aid agreements," Leetham said. "This week we are just involved in arrangements to be made."
Scott said the surrounding areas would provide all fire and emergency response services on Thursday and Friday, but that by 9 p.m. on Friday it would be "business as usual."
As for the transition, Scott said he had been working closely with "Mike" -- he refused to call his fallen chief by any other name -- for several months. They had even laid contingency plans for a tragedy such as losing their chief.
"I have been working very closely with Mike the last six months to make the department stronger," Scott said. "There are a lot of things Mike and I were working on, and I want to put them into place. Mike did a lot, even on his way out."
City and fire officials also took the time to express gratitude for the help from surrounding areas. Cities, fire departments, police and others have all volunteered assistance from across the state and even out of state.
"Rick has done a great job helping to direct the team," said Mayor Timothy Parker. "There has also been tremendous input and support from volunteers from across the state."
Parker praised the teamwork as well.
"It is important for fire personnel to understand how appreciated they are," Parker said. "Mike is the focus right now, but they are a strong team."
Besides Saratoga Springs and his hometown of Cedar Fort, where he served as chief for six years, Penovich also was a leader in the broader firefighting community. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department built close ties with other fire service departments in the area, including Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Cedar Fort and the Utah County Fire Marshal.
"Mike has taken a lot of barriers away," Scott said.
Plans are being finalized now for the services for Penovich on Thursday and Friday. A viewing is planned for Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Friday morning from 9-11 a.m. at the LDS church located at 587 S. Saratoga Drive in Saratoga Springs.
Friday morning, family pallbearers will take Penovich's casket out to fire personnel, who will place it on Saratoga Springs Fire Engine 262.
"That was his favorite engine," Scott said.
Scott explained that when a firefighter is killed in the line of duty, it is tradition to place his or her casket on an engine for the procession.
All the other Saratoga engines are to follow as the casket makes his way to the Alpine Tabernacle, at 110 E. Main Street in American Fork, for the noon service. Saratoga Springs Police will provide an escort. Many other departments will also participate.
"We expect about 60 engines," Scott said.
Dignitaries from around the state are planning to attend. Scott said that while an invitation hadn't yet been extended, he was told Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was planning to attend. The Penovich family was planning on asking Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, a family friend, to speak at the funeral.
As for the accident itself, Police Chief Gary Hicken told the City Council they expected a report within the next week or so.
"We have received numerous ideas of how to honor Mike," Leetham said. "We want to be very deliberate, and not overdo it or underdo it."
Parker agreed.
"We need to take some time and make sure it is done right," Parker said.
The Penovich family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made at Bank of American Fork to the Michael Penovich Memorial Fund.
"He will leave a huge hole," Leetham said. "He was a great guy. He will be a huge loss for the city, the community and surrounding communities."
Parker echoed the sentiment.
"I don't know of anyone who affected more people," he said. "You would have a hard time finding someone that impacted more people, either in a personal or a professional way."
Interment will immediately follow at the Lehi City Cemetery. For more information on funeral arrangements, visit the Saratoga Springs Web site at www.saratoga-springs.net. Online condolences can be made at www.wingmortuary.com.
LANCE MADIGAN - Daily Herald
After the tragic loss of Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Mike Penovich on Thursday, some residents may be concerned about compromised service in case of emergency, but city officials are confident in the department's organization.
"We don't expect any changes in our emergency services," said Ken Leetham, Saratoga Springs city manager. "We are going to need to replace Mike as fire chief, of course, but there is a good structure in the fire department. We have no reason to think that will really change things."
Penovich died Thursday morning after his truck plunged 100 feet into Deer Creek Reservoir.
Deputy in Charge Rick Scott agreed that service would not be interrupted as he reported to the Saratoga Springs City Council on Tuesday evening.
"Of course we still have to continue with business," Scott said. "I want you to know that when someone calls 911, nothing will have changed."
Leetham did say they were turning to neighboring agencies for assistance this week while they coordinated and regrouped.
"These are all part of mutual aid agreements," Leetham said. "This week we are just involved in arrangements to be made."
Scott said the surrounding areas would provide all fire and emergency response services on Thursday and Friday, but that by 9 p.m. on Friday it would be "business as usual."
As for the transition, Scott said he had been working closely with "Mike" -- he refused to call his fallen chief by any other name -- for several months. They had even laid contingency plans for a tragedy such as losing their chief.
"I have been working very closely with Mike the last six months to make the department stronger," Scott said. "There are a lot of things Mike and I were working on, and I want to put them into place. Mike did a lot, even on his way out."
City and fire officials also took the time to express gratitude for the help from surrounding areas. Cities, fire departments, police and others have all volunteered assistance from across the state and even out of state.
"Rick has done a great job helping to direct the team," said Mayor Timothy Parker. "There has also been tremendous input and support from volunteers from across the state."
Parker praised the teamwork as well.
"It is important for fire personnel to understand how appreciated they are," Parker said. "Mike is the focus right now, but they are a strong team."
Besides Saratoga Springs and his hometown of Cedar Fort, where he served as chief for six years, Penovich also was a leader in the broader firefighting community. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department built close ties with other fire service departments in the area, including Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Cedar Fort and the Utah County Fire Marshal.
"Mike has taken a lot of barriers away," Scott said.
Plans are being finalized now for the services for Penovich on Thursday and Friday. A viewing is planned for Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Friday morning from 9-11 a.m. at the LDS church located at 587 S. Saratoga Drive in Saratoga Springs.
Friday morning, family pallbearers will take Penovich's casket out to fire personnel, who will place it on Saratoga Springs Fire Engine 262.
"That was his favorite engine," Scott said.
Scott explained that when a firefighter is killed in the line of duty, it is tradition to place his or her casket on an engine for the procession.
All the other Saratoga engines are to follow as the casket makes his way to the Alpine Tabernacle, at 110 E. Main Street in American Fork, for the noon service. Saratoga Springs Police will provide an escort. Many other departments will also participate.
"We expect about 60 engines," Scott said.
Dignitaries from around the state are planning to attend. Scott said that while an invitation hadn't yet been extended, he was told Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was planning to attend. The Penovich family was planning on asking Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, a family friend, to speak at the funeral.
As for the accident itself, Police Chief Gary Hicken told the City Council they expected a report within the next week or so.
"We have received numerous ideas of how to honor Mike," Leetham said. "We want to be very deliberate, and not overdo it or underdo it."
Parker agreed.
"We need to take some time and make sure it is done right," Parker said.
The Penovich family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made at Bank of American Fork to the Michael Penovich Memorial Fund.
"He will leave a huge hole," Leetham said. "He was a great guy. He will be a huge loss for the city, the community and surrounding communities."
Parker echoed the sentiment.
"I don't know of anyone who affected more people," he said. "You would have a hard time finding someone that impacted more people, either in a personal or a professional way."
Interment will immediately follow at the Lehi City Cemetery. For more information on funeral arrangements, visit the Saratoga Springs Web site at www.saratoga-springs.net. Online condolences can be made at www.wingmortuary.com.