DeRidder Council OKs new software program for fire department

By Emily Burleigh

The DeRidder City Council approved a new software program for the DeRidder Fire Department at Monday’s council meeting.

Fire Chief Ken Harlow said at the meeting that due to computer system changes, the fire department needed to adopt a new universal program for employees to track inventory and conduct checklists.

Each week, DFD completes 79 checklists and 17 inventories to keep track of DFD equipment and ensure everything is operational.

The program – Target Solutions Learning, LLC – is online and cloud-based.

Employees can use their phones or tablets to keep track of inventory.

The program is $69 per person per year, totaling $1,449 annually for the DFD. For the first year, there is an additional $800 service fee.

New fire trucks

Harlow confirmed at the meeting that DFD’s three new fire trucks should be delivered in the first week of October.

He and a group of colleagues recently visited South Dakota for the final inspections of the trucks, which each involved using a 200-page guideline of truck specifications to ensure everything was operational.

He noted there were several minor things noticed during the inspections that will be corrected by the end of the week.

Acquiring the trucks has been a two-year process, he said.

The new fire trucks will replace several trucks in the main fleet. The DFD’s 1989, 2001 and 2004 models will be retired, and the 2009 model will be for reserve use.

DFD’s anticipation for the trucks is palpable, he said.

“There’s a buzz around the first department because the guys are so excited about the trucks. … It’s been a long time coming.”

A ceremony to welcome the new trucks will be held after they are driven to DeRidder.