Chelsea State Bank ad

Fire Chief Rob Arbini speaks to Chelsea Kiwanis Club

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)

Last Monday, the Chelsea Kiwanis Club Zoom guest speaker was Chief Rob Arbini from the Chelsea Area Fire Authority. He has led the department for almost five years. One of his responsibilities is making sure his staffing levels and training are adequate to handle the calls for help that are received. In addition, he works to have enough well maintained equipment to be able to serve the townships in the service area.

To better accomplish this, the chief wrote several grant proposals. Recently, $275,000 for equipment to extract people from car wrecks was received from a federal grant. Firefighters were also then trained on the operation of the new “jaws”. Another grant proposal, hoping to be obtained, would allow for a new vehicle to be purchased, and two new staff members to be hired. The grant money would pay their salaries and benefits for a couple of years. At the end of the grant, it is expected the two firefighters would be able to stay on, due to attrition.

There are plans for a new fire station to replace the one on Middle Street. Currently, the station is rented from the city, and the Fire Authority would like to own their own building.

Arbini spoke of the issue of residents feeling they are receiving different levels of service depending on where they live. He said that anyone who calls 911 will get a response, regardless of their location.

In answer to a question, the Chief recognized that some people are bothered by the yard signs thanking police and firefighters. He said he and his staff value the appreciation expressed by the residents.

Last week, to honor essential workers at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, our club delivered some thank you notes and funds to provide treats for those workers.

Recently, Chelsea High School’s Key Club finished the school year with a project, a bottle and can drive fundraiser, and elected their officers for the 2021-22 year.

The project was a modified version of Cooper’s Fun Run, where students from Independence Hall got some exercise at the high school running or walking on campus. Normally, pre Covid-19, the event is held at Hudson Mills Metropark, and includes students county wide.  Key Club members appreciate the generosity of community members who donated their returnable cans and bottles to support their projects.

The new officers are excited to begin leading their classmates on a year of service to their school and community. The officers are:

President Kate Gaiser

Vice President Aoife Oates

Secretary Makayla Kegerreis

Treasurer Mallory Meads

After many years of service as a teacher and Key Club’s Faculty Advisor, Marlene Segal is retiring. Her dedication to inspiring students to be their best is admirable. The Kiwanis Club, Key Club’s sponsoring organization, and certainly her students, will miss her presence in her classroom where club meetings are held.

Go to www.kiwanisofchelsea.org for more information.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email