READER ALERTS (): 1. Check out the latest stories from the Clarence-Rockland
Fire Department. Click here... (Put your mouse over the scrolling to stop it)
Canaan Road is the border between the Cities of Ottawa and
Clarence-Rockland.
The two municipalities share the responsibility for the road, including a police presence.
Selective
Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP):
The Gatineau Police Service and Ottawa Police Service’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) targets a
specific traffic concern each month. It is part of their ongoing commitment to keeping our roads safe. Read more...
Summer holidays bring thefts
from unlocked vehicles
While this may look like a humourus picture, some bored kids have taken to stealing from unlocked
vehicles. It has been our experience in Clarence-Rockland over the past years that around weeks three to four of
school summer holidays, a number of neighbourhoods in and out of the urban areas have been targets for multi thefts
from vehicles. They are usually unlocked and stolen items include CDs, sun glasses, loose change, tools and the
occasional movile phone. Read a previous story which still holds true today. More...
OPP in full force: roads and waterways on long weekends Ontario Provincial Police will be out in full force over the long weekend, patrolling
roads and waterways trying to promote safety. The officers will be focusing on impaired, distracted and aggressive
drivers, as well as targeting those who are not wearing seatbelts. Officers will also be looking out for anyone
speeding, taking advantage of their airplane as an eye in the sky.
Road deaths
are up approximately 25 per cent this year, according to the OPP. More than 200 people have died in crashes on
the province's highways so far this year, compared with 162 fatalities by the same time in 2011. There have also
been several drownings this summer, with a number of them involving children.
Rockland man accused of choking woman
in Lowville, N.Y. John A. McWilliam, 47, of Rockland, has been charged with criminal obstruction of breathing
or blood circulation, criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of second-degree harassment.
More... Back to top
OPP seize drugs in Hammond (Hammond, Ontario) Members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau - Drug Enforcement
Unit (DEU) - Project Paradigm assisted by the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Canine Unit (K-9) and Russell County
OPP (Rockland) Detachment executed a Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence in
Hammond recently.
A search of the dwelling resulted in the following items being seized:
Over one pound (1lb) of cannabis marihuana
A quantity of methamphetamine tablets (Speed)
Digital scale
$5,560 Cash in Canadian Currency
The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $6,500.
Darryl Larocque, 23, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
Possession of Schedule I (methamphetamine) for the purpose of trafficking C.D.S.A. Section 5(2)
Possession of Schedule II (marihuana) for the purpose of trafficking C.D.S.A. Section 5(2)
He was later released on a Promise to Appear and Undertaking given to an Officer in Charge. He
is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice of Ontario in L’ Orignal, on May 9th 2012.
You are reminded to contact the OPP if you notice anything suspicious or out of the ordinary
around your neighbourhood. Call: 1-888-310-1122. Back to top
Rockland:
OPP are warning residents that Spring brings out thieves The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding residents that since the nice weather
as arrived thieves are coming out to steal valuables from around residences.
In the past week the OPP have responded to several calls of theft from motor vehicles and personal property. The
thefts were happening, often in plain sight, in front of houses.
"Since the nice weather has arrived, thieves are coming out and
looking for easy targets," the OPP said.
In an attempt to inform the public of this problem the OPP Auxiliary Unit has been out in the community distributing
LOCK IT OR LOSE ITinformation cards at locations they deemed necessary, to inform the public how to better protect themselves.
To keep thieves away, the OPP remind everyone to lock their cars at night and to secure all personal items such
as bikes in the garage or in a safe place out of view.
You are reminded to contact the OPP if you notice anything suspicious or out of the ordinary around your neighbourhood.
Call: 1-888-310-1122. Back to top
Jessica Godin - Fournier
$50,000 reward for information about hit and run death of The Ontario Provincial Police are offering
a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for
the death of Jessica Godin.
She was last seen alive on the evening of last Sept. 22 at a park near Du Parc Street in Fournier, a small town 30 kilometres northeast of
Casselman and about 70 kilometres east of Rockland. Two days later, a local resident found her body as he cut the
grass near the edge of a ditch at the intersection of Du Parc and Union streets in Fournier. Read More...
OPP offer reward in fatal hit-and-run
A day after offering a reward in an unsolved hit-and-run, Ontario Provincial Police in Hawkesbury, Ont., canvassed
drivers Friday near the site of the fatal crash.
Natalie Godin, Jessica's mother, has been regularly visiting the cross that now marks the spot where her daughter
was killed. She said the lack of movement in the case has been frustrating. (Click here for story and video). Back to top
Citizen Alert:
Beware of the "Mystery Shopper Scam" 2012
Rockland resident contacted (Rockland, March 22, 2012) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been investigating numerous fraudulent
cheques that have been connected to a "Secret Shopper" scam that stretches across Canada.
Victims across the country have been receiving cheques for amounts in excess of $4000. They have been offered employment
to evaluate money transfer services if they cash the cheque, send in most of the money to a given address, then keep a few hundred
dollars for their efforts.
Victims soon discover that the cheques are fraudulent. Anyone receiving a cheque who is required to send money,
beware...it's most likely fraud. For tips on protecting yourself against fraud, visit www.opp.ca.
Yesterday, one young local man was tyrying to cash a cheque for $4500 at a Rockland bank. The teller was suspicious
of the cheque. The editor of the Canaan Connexion happened to be present and advised the teller and the young gentleman that the OPP had advised the editor
of the current scam through an email that had just arrived that day. The man was advised to contact the police.
If anyone has information about this money scam, they are asked to contact their local OPP (1-800-310-1122) or
city police service.
Emergency Scam also out there
The OPP are advising that the telephone and e-mail continue to be great tools for con artists to take seniors and
vulnerable citizens for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at a time.
In the usual "emergency" scenario, an elderly person receives a phone call or e-mail from a con-artist
claiming to be one of his or her grandchildren, a friend of the family, or a former neighbour. The caller or e-mailer
goes on to indicate that they are in some kind of trouble and 'need money immediately.' Read more...
You can also find a lot more information on this scam by doing a Google search using these words: "Mystery
Shopper scam 2012 canada or ontario". Back to top
OPP find "Festive RIDE" results
disturbing Ontario Provincial Police in eastern Ontario said they laid
over 100 charges for impaired driving or refusing a roadside test over the holidays.
The OPP conducted RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks over the holiday season from November 25 to
January 1 to help deter the number of drivers who get behind the wheel of the car while intoxicated.
The OPP said they laid 103 charges for impaired driving, blowing over the legal alcohol limit, or refusing to submit
to a roadside test.
In the previous year, they laid 51 such charges, though the numbers may not be comparable as the OPP did not track
the total number of vehicles stopped this year.
As well, 83 drivers had their licenses suspended after they registered in the "warn" range on roadside
breathalyzers. The previous year, 77 drivers had their licenses suspended for the same reason.
Inspector Dave Springer said the results are unacceptable.
"It is very disturbing that so many people decided to risk not only their life, but also their family, friends
and others sharing the road this holiday season," said Springer in a statement.
In a related story, Ottawa Police laid 289 charges for distracted driving and driving in bus lanes. Ottawa’s Selective
Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) released its November stats at the end of December, showing distracted driving
was the prevalent charge with 227 tickets being issued, while 62 charges were laid for improper use of reserved
transit lanes.
Since 2004, STEP has profiled and enforced traffic safety. Back to top
Russell County OPP officer Jacques Thibeault
honoured
OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis pins the Medal for Police Bravery on Provincial Constable Jacques
Thibeault while Lieutenant Governor David Onley and the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community Safety
and Correctional Services look on.
(Photo courtesy OPP)(Click on picture to get an enlarged view.)
Back in March of this year, the Canaan Connexion reported that a Russell County OPP officer was heralded for saving a suicidal woman who tried to burn
her house down while she was barricaded inside (See story here).
Fast forward to November 28 and a ceremony at Queen's Park where constable Jacques Thibeault
was awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery, the highest honor that a policeman can receive.
(NOTE: At the time of the first story, it was reported that Constable Thibeault saved only one
life, however it was later revealed that he also saved a second person. Here is the story as translated from Le Droit.)
On March 22, in the village of Bourget (Clarence-Rockland), Constable Thibeault was called to
intervene in controlling a young woman who had barricaded herself in a burning house with the intent to kill herself.
The OPP officer decided to act when it is suspected that the victim in distress is now moving into action. Seeing
thick smoke coming from the bedroom window, Constable Thibeault tries once to enter the house, but it is hampered
by the intense heat and smoke.
"I could not see more than a meter," he said.
The policeman then covers his face with a damp cloth and tries to re-enter the house. He managed
to remove the victim from the burning residence. He then forced the door to the next door apartment to save another
tenant who was sleeping in the middle of a dense smoke.
"I did not think. In fact, one does not think much in these situations. I just thought of
getting this lady out of the house alive. After a first attempt, in the heat and smoke, I was given a second chance
to make it happen," said the constable.
"I am honored to receive the Medal of Police Bravery for Ontario and to represent my colleagues,"
he adds, "It's refreshing to see our work recognized in a positive manner."
Obituary - Steven Waite
Hawkesbury OPP commander loses life to cancer
Inspector Steven Waite, commander of the Prescott County Ontario Provincial Police detachment in
Hawkesbury, lost his battle to cancer on Saturday, May 14. He was 48. He is survived by his wife, Diane, and two
children.
A funeral service was held at St-Jean-Baptiste Church in L’Orignal Friday, May 20. More...
Bourget:
OPP officer saves suicidal woman from blazing house
(Bourget, Ontario, March 22, 2011) A Russell County OPP officer is being heralded for saving a suicidal
woman who tried to burn her house down while she was barricaded inside.
Cops were called to a home in Bourget Tuesday night just after 8:30 p.m. to find the woman had locked herself inside
a bedroom on the second floor. Someone had called police after the 21-year-old said she was going to kill herself.
When Const. Jacques Thibeault arrived on scene there was thick smoke billowing from the house. The officer ran
inside and with a wet cloth over his mouth was able to find the woman through the heavy smoke.
When she refused to leave, he picked her up and carried her to safety.
“We’re really proud of him,” said Const. Guy Boucher, adding his supervisor is recommending him for a police commendation.
Thibeault and the woman were taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. The officer returned to duty later
that night.
“When he came back his supervisor told him to go home because of his breathing, you know, he was affected by it.
But he refused,” Boucher said. “We can always use (officers on patrol). He did a good job.”
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for March and April
Driving
in Ottawa? Be aware...STEP to focus on Distracted Driving,
Unsafe Lane Changes, School Zone Safety and Cycling Safety during March and April:
The Gatineau Police Service and Ottawa Police Service’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) will focus
on following themes during the month of March and April as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping Ottawa’s roads
safe..
Distracted Driving
Between 2008 and 2012, there were 20,660 collisions involving distracted drivers resulting in 5,875 injuries and
20 fatalities.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Between 2008 and 2012, there were 5,561 collisions involving motorists who unsafely changed lanes. These collisions
resulted in 626 injuries and two fatalities.
School Zone Safety
Between 2008 and 2012, there were 35 collisions involving school buses or in school zones resulting in seven injuries.
Cycling Safety
Between 2008 and 2012, there were 1544 collisions involving cyclists with 1238 injuries and 13 fatalities.
For more on the STEP program, and its participants, click here.
This Ottawa program is committed to using available resources to make Ottawa roads safer
for residents. Back to top
Watch your drinking and driving:
Police targeting impaired drivers in December
(Click on the pic to view the video story)
(December 5, 2012) As part of National Safe Driving Week, the Ottawa Police Service is reminding
residents that there will be increased vigilance all through December, focusing on impaired drivers.
OPS will be working with members of the Royal Canadian Mounted (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police
(OPP), the Gatineau Police and the Military Police to conduct one of the largest enforcement campaigns targeting
drivers who choose to drive impaired.
Officers from the various agencies will be running a series of joint enforcement initiatives targeting office parties,
holiday celebrations and local bars.
Ottawa Police would like to remind residents that there is always an alternative to drinking
and driving. Employers are encouraged to find alternatives for their employees to get home after office parties.
“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season safely,” said Sgt. John Kiss, Impaired Driving
Countermeasures Coordinator. “No matter what time of day, there are plenty of options available to make the right
choice, for yourself and everyone else on the road.”
Drivers in need of a ride home can:
Take a taxi
Take public transit
Assign a designated driver
Use Operation Red Nose 613-820-NOSE (6673)
These initiatives support the larger Safer Roads Ottawa program which is a leading partnership
between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Public
Works Department committed to preventing or eliminating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the
City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation
environment. Back to top
Ottawa police officer charged with
stunt driving
Clocked at 202 km/h on Highway 174 near Trim Road
(Click on the pic to view the video story)
(Orleans, March 20, 2012) If you are one of the hundreds of motorists driving home on Highway
174 and coming up to Trim Road, you had better watch your speed. One of the Ottawa Police favourite radar stops
is on the eastbound side of the highway, just past the 10th Line overpass. They set up on the partially hidden
on-ramp that connects from St. Joseph Boulevard.
One off duty Ottawa cop wasn't thinking too clearly on Tuesday, when he was clocked at 202 km/hr
in a 100 km/hr zone. Yannick Bernard has been charged with stunt driving. His vehicle was impounded and his license
suspended for seven days, and he has been assigned to administrative duties, police said in a statement.
Penalties for stunt driving include fines starting at $2,000 and further license suspensions.
Bernard now faces a mandatory court appearance.
Ottawa Police chief Charles Bordeleau has initiated a "chief's complaint" into the
incident, which will be investigated by the Professional Standard Section. Read more... Back to top
Ottawa Police ready to fine drivers for using GPS
The grace period is over and Ottawa police say they will start
ticketing drivers who use GPS units while driving.
The popular global positioning system units are classified as electronic devices, just like cellphones, said Const.
Henri Lanctôt, a media-relations officer with the Ottawa police.
Frequent glances at a GPS unit can be as much a risk and distraction as checking any other electronic device, he
said.
While driving, it is against the law to change any setting or to play around with the unit. The penalty is a $155
fine.
A GPS in plain view opens up another risk as well, Lanctôt said: They are favourite targets of thieves. Read more... Back to top
C-R Fire Department
Enbridge donates $$ towards training (Clarence-Rockland, Tuesday, October 29, 2013) The Clarence-Rockland Fire Department
was one of 20 twenty Ontario municipalities that shared in a $100,000 fund for the purchase of equipment to improve
the training of volunteer firefighters. This grant is offered by Enbridge.
Martin Saumure, Division Chief, Fire Prevention & Public Education; John Serviss, firefighter; Mario Cardinal,
firefighter; Mario Villeneuve, Deputy Chief; Pierre Potvin, Enbridge; Mayor Marcel Guibord; Scott Hayes, Ontario
Fire Marshal's Office; and Chief Pierre Sabourin, Director, Clarence-Rockland Fire Services. (Click
on pic to enlarge)
C-R Fire Department
Two Monday calls kept local firefighters busy (Clarence-Rockland, Monday, May 27, 2013) Our local fire department had a busy time to
start the week. First they got a call of a car on fire near the intersection of Canaan Road and Colonial Road.
Charred wood and tangled metal was all that remained (Photo - Patrick Meikle)
The second call was more serious. At approximately 2:30 p.m. a report came in of a house fire
at 2400 Guindon Road, just south of Du Golf Road and a little northeast of Hammond. Click here to read more.
Congratulations to the C-R Fire Department
Ontario Fire Department of the Year
for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
(Thursday, May 16, 2013)The Clarence-Rockland Fire Department (CRFD) has been declared the Ontario
Fire Dept of the year for Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Canada. The award is based on fundraising, awareness, public
relations and advocacy and supporting (MD) clients.
The CRFD will soon be officially notified by the Ontario MD Exec Director, then it will be presented
with the actual award probably late June. Congratulations!
C-R looking to hire a new Deputy Chief/Training
Officer (Thursday, April 11, 2013) According to an employment notice carried on the Ontario Association
of Fire Chiefs website, the City of Clarence-Rockland is looking to hire a full-time Deputy Fire Chief/Training
Officer.
Here are the noted responsibilities:
Reporting to the Fire Chief, the successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration
of Training, Apparatus and Equipment, and Operations Divisions. You will assess and enhance the current training
program and ensure that high- quality training is provided consistently to all personnel. As a seasoned Incident
Commander, you will respond to all major emergencies and provide leadership at emergency scenes in addition to
various station and administrative office activities.
The notice states: "Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit a resume and letter of application marked
‘’Deputy Fire Chief Position’’ by 4:00 p.m., April 30th, 2013". Click here for more. (The Canaan
Connexion will update this information when available.)
Fire destroys House home on Old Highway
17 (Saturday, January 5, 2013) An early morning fire has levelled a home at 3347 Old Highway
17, east of Rockland and Clarence Point. It was owned by the Howes family.
District Chief
for Rockland Station #3, Luc Chayer, told the Canaan Connexion that between 40 and 45 firefighters attended the
call, with all eight of Clarence-Rockland's vehicles responding as well as support from "four mutual aid tankers"
from Ottawa, Alfred and Casselman. He said that the firefighters had to "evacuate" from the building
area because of the floor collapsing.
There were no fire-related injuries and damage was estimated to be between $200 and $300 thousand to the home and
contents. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.
(NOTE: the original address was given as 3347, however the phone book lists the Howes address as 3353 Old Highway
17. -Ed.)
Clarence-Rockland Fire Department - Nicholas Vachon
The crew mourn one of their own killed in tragic accident
Members of the Clarence-Rockland Fire Department Station 3 mourn
the loss of their brother Nicholas Vachon, who was struck and killed on Saturday
night while walking home from Christmas party at the Clarence Creek Arena.
Their unique tribute comes in the form of this photo showing the crew
with the station flag flying at half staff. (Photo supplied by CRFD)
(Sunday, December 16, 2012) Nicholas Vachon, 31, was struck by a car on Landry Street near Baseline
Road after leaving a party at Clarence Creek Arena, where he'd been celebrating with his co-workers, about 150
Clarence-Rockland municipal employees and their guests. Read more...
Update: Read a related story
Nick Vachon - Volunteer firefighter (Sometimes the story doesn't end here...) Read more...
(Rockland, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012) In a recent news feature, Le Droit reported that the City of Clarence-Rockland is
thinking prevention. The Clarence-Rockland Fire Department will distribute carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in homes
where there is a higher risk. More than 230 detectors will be delivered during the annual firefighters inspections
at the end of October.
In this photo we have Chief Martin Saumure, prevention and public education; Dan
Koroscil, representing the Ontario Fire Marshal; Terry Ward, operations supervisor
for Enbridge; Mayor Marcel Guibord; Pierre Sabourin, Clarence-Rockland Fire Chief;
and Pierre Tessier, CAO. (Photo - Samuel Blais-Gauthier, LeDroit)
"Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and deadly. It is very important to detect its presence
immediately. Every year sees several emergency calls for the presence of carbon monoxide in local establishments.
In general 80 per cent of emergency calls are false alarms, the remaining 20 per cent are real. Having a carbon
monoxide alarm in a home can make all the difference," says Martin Brine.
This year, 500 people will die from CO poisoning in North America and another 40,000 will require
hospital treatment. That's because victims are unaware that CO is present as it has no odour, colour or taste.
The only protection is a carbon monoxide detector. And studies show that, although most people have smoke alarms,
50 per cent of households do not have a CO detector.
And remember: never assume that when the alarm goes off that it's false. Get everyone out of
the house. A few moments of exposure to CO can mean the difference between life and death.
In Ontario, it is the law that every home must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and
outside all sleeping areas. While carbon monoxide alarms are not currently legislated in Ontario, they are highly
recommended by the Ontario Fire Marshal.
(Le Droit, Friday, August 31, 2012)
Firefighters of the Fire Department of the City of The Clarence-Rockland Fire Department
held their annual fundraiser to benefit the Canadian Foundation for muscular dystrophy, last weekend. The firefighters
used their empty boots to collect money. They were trying to raise $ 20,000 for the cause. In the photo, Jonathan
Mantha, a young local man with muscular dystrophy along with Yves Béland and Roger Régimbal. Click here to see a related item below. Back to top
Ottawa lifts ban on open fires, what about C-R? By Patrick Meikle (July-August 2012) After being active for more than a month, Ottawa's outdoor burn ban
has been lifted. Fire officials say recent rainfall has made conditions safe for fires in permitted
areas. However, You still have to obtain a permit before an open air blaze, AND double check that the ban is not
in effect by calling 613-580-2880.
What about Clarence-Rockland?
District Chief Luc Chayer (No. 3 Station in Rockland) tells us that Clarence-Rockland (C-R) normally follows suit
with Ottawa. He is aware that Ottawa lifted the ban, but will not be able to confirm our status until Monday. (We
will check and advise.)
Chayer did advise that a burning permit IS required for any outdoor fire, whether it is to burn rubbish/leaves,
or even the friendly, weekend, neighbourhood, gather-around-the-fire-pit type of fire.
There are new rates on fines for burning without a permit and the cost to you could go as high as $700.00. So you
are best to have a fire permit, available at C-R City Hall. According to the bylaw, the one-time annnual charge
for a fire permit is $20.00.
The regulations concerning burning regulations are listed on the reverse side of the permit, and common sense should
suggest that you would not burn on a windy day, or if the smoke for example waifs into the neighbour's yard.
Interestingly, even though Clarence-Rockland issues the local permits, the phone number on the back of the permit
reaches the Ottawa Fire Service which would tell you if it was O.K. to burn. They in turn would give you a confirmation
number which would match your fire permit number. Back to top
Hydro pole:
Sunday fire affects stores, church and traffic lights (Rockland, Sunday, April 22, 2012) A burning hydro pole on blocked off was no big deal as fires go, but
it did shut down important traffic lights, local stores (ie. Jean Coutu) as well as darkened the special Sunday
afternoon mass at Ste. Trinité Catholic Church.
Three fire trucks and at least two OPP vehicles responded to the hydro pole fire, which caused
Laurier Street to be blocked off for a few hours. The ensuing power outage took out the traffic lights at the corner
of Highway 17 and Edwards Street, as well as at the corner of Laurier and St. Jean Streets, two of the busiest
intersections in the city.
The outage also forced a number of businesses to close, and left about 200 parishoners in the
dark during the 4:00 p.m sunday mass at Ste. Trinité. The power came back on just as communion was being
served, much to the delight of the church-going souls.
There were no reported injuries and the damage was confined to a hydro pole at the corner of
Laurier and Laviolette. Back to top
OPP Issues Warnings About Grass Fires (April 11, 2012 - This story applies to the Clarence-Rockland area as well)Ontario Provincial
Police are urging parents to speak to their kids about the dangers of starting fires.
Renfrew County OPP says twice during the past week, officers have spoken to youths and issued
warnings about starting grass fires. In both cases, fire crews put out small fires.
With the dry conditions this spring across eastern Ontario, the OPP warns any type of fire can
quickly spread out of control. Back to top
C-R Fire Fighters visit a client on Christmas
Day! (December 25, 2011) On Christmas Day, the Clarence Rockland Fire Fighters went well above and beyond by granting a Christmas wish. Guillaume Labonté,
a 10 year old boy who has a form of muscular dystrophy, was visited by 16 Fire Fighters who arrived on four fire
trucks to wish him a Merry Christmas. They further surprised him by taking him for a ride in a fire truck.
Thanks to the Clarence Rockland Fire Fighters, Chief Sabourin, Deputy Chief Hupe and Chief Chayer of Stn #3 for
making this Christmas wish come true.
(This story comes courtesy Muscular Dystrophy Canada - More pictures...)
Family saved after carbon monoxide scare (Nov. 20, 2011 - We are posting this story as a reminder to residents of the danger of
carbon monoxide poisoning.) When an Ottawa family realized they were all experiencing headaches, dizziness, weakness,
nausea and confusion they called 9-1-1.
Paramedics say the family of three suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Ottawa Fire and gas officials
confirmed the suspicion and say carbon monoxide was present in the house.
Paramedics say three people were assessed at the resident which had recently been under construction.
A 13-year-old had the highest reading showing carbon monoxide in her blood. A 43-year-old woman and 9-year-old
girl were also assessed.
Emergency officials are urging residents to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are working
and to invest in one if none is already present in the household.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death. Back to top
Clarence-Rockland purchases pumper/rescue
truck (May 2011) The City of Clarence-Rockland purchased a pumper/rescue truck from Dependable Truck and Tank Limited, Brampton, Ontario.
(Click on pic to enlarge)
It is fitted on a Spartan Metro Star chassis and has the following specifications:
Cummins Engine ISC 8.3 330 HP
Allison Transmission 3000 EVP
Stainless Steel Body
Hydraulic AC Generator
Hale AS405 Single Sage Pump
Ultra Poly Water Tank 750 US Gallons
Foam Logix Ultra Poly Foam Tank
Whelen Light Package
The vehicle is located at #2 Fire Station in Clarence Creek. Back to top
Clarence-Rockland joins burn ban
After a major grass fire near Merrickville, The City of Ottawa issued a burn ban notice to all residence. Clarence-Rockland
fire chief Pierre Sabourin advises that a similar burn ban is in effect for our city as well.
Firstly, anyone wanting to burn, must have a permit (this also includes backyard [summer] bonfires).
"When people holding a burn permit want to burn, they should call the number on the permit
before they start burning," says Sabourin. "They are then told if they can burn or if there is a burn
ban in effect."
If they don't follow the regulations on the permit, don't have a permit or lose control of
their fire, they can be charged and face fines. The cost of the firefighting activities could go up into the the
thousands of dollars, says Sabourin. Back to top
Blue Jay/Forest Hill residents: During the last smoke detector blitz (Fall 2010) The
Rockland Fire Services inspected the houses on Scarf and all the small streets between Joanisse and Oakwood. Their
next blitz will happen in the fall of 2011 and will include the rest of Oakwood and Blue Jay areas. Back to top
Clarence-Rockland Fire Fighters Support MD
- 2010
(August 2010) (NOTE: We found
this YouTube clip in January 2013 when we were researching another story. It's short but fun to watch. -Ed.) "The Clarence Rockland Fire Fighters held their annual
boot drive end of August 2010 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada." Back to top
Pull over for flashing green lights
All drivers in Ontario are familiar with the emergency red flashing lights and sirens on police
cars, ambulances and fire trucks. It is common knowledge that drivers are required by law to pull to the right
and stop when they see or hear emergency vehicles approaching.
But did you know about the flashing green lights?
The Clarence-Rockland Fire Department would like to raise awareness of the flashing
green lights that firefighters have in their personal vehicles. The flashing green lights aren't as well known,
but carry with them the same urgency as the flashing red ones.
"Flashing green lights are an indication that a volunteer firefighter is on the way to an emergency,"
says Clarence-Rockland Fire Chief Pierre Sabourin, "and I want to increase public awareness of our volunteer
firefighter's flashing lights.
Seconds count in a fire or rescue situation, and time lost en route from traffic congestion can make the difference.
The Clarence-Rockland Fire Department provides emergency protection with volunteers, who respond to the fire hall
in their own private vehicles.
Of the 465 fire departments in Ontario 434 departments are staffed by over 19,000 volunteer firefighters.
To help the public identify these firefighters responding in their own vehicle, the Ministry of Transportation
amended the Highway Traffic Act to allow volunteer firefighters responding to emergencies to use a flashing green
light.
Chief Sabourin urges that when you see a vehicle with the tell-tale flashing green light activated "please
pull over and let us pass; the emergency they are responding to could be for someone you know or even someone close
to you." Back to top
Plan Your Escape! Exit Drills In The Home (E.D.I.T.H.)
When a fire occurs, there is no time for planning. Sit down with your family today and make a step-by-step
plan for escaping from a fire.
Draw
a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room - especially sleeping areas. Discuss the escape routes
with every member of your household.
Agree on a meeting place outside your home where every member of the household will gather to wait for the fire
department. This allows you to count heads and inform the fire department if anyone is trapped inside the burning
building.
The above recommendations come from the London Ontario Fire services, but are adaptable to any city. Visit their
website for the full "Escape" information. Click here.
(An article by Julia Salter –Reader’s Digest October 2010) Each year roughly 300 people die and
2,500 are injured in 50,000 fires across Canada. Reader’s Digest asked Fire Prevention Canada how most home fires
start – and how to prevent them. They said:
1.
Cooking is the cause of most residential-fire injuries. Keep tight fitting lids besides your pots and pans whenever
you cook.
TIP: If a grease fire starts, quickly slip a
lid over the pan to snuff out the flame. Never pour water onto a fire. When deep frying, use only a thermostatically
controlled fryer. It will keep the oil from heating beyond the target temperature.
2.
Smoking is the cause of most residential-fire deaths. One typical scenario involves glowing embers dropping from
a smoker’s cigarette and into the folds of upholstered furniture. The embers remain hidden but smoldering for hours
them ignite.
TIP: Always check to smoking area of your home.
And always soak the contents of your ashtrays with water before disposing of them.
3.
More and more often, candles are the cause of residential fires, especially during holiday season.
TIP: Keep candles away from other combustible,
kids and pets.
4. Smoke
alarms often don’t work properly – this is the case in half of residential fires. Usually
it’s a result of human error (i.e., a dead battery, the power is turned off).
TIP: Install alarms in the areas outside of
bedrooms and on each additional level of your home. Test alarms monthly, even if they are hard-wired and replace them every ten years. Clean them twice a year by wiping
the outside with a damp cloth and gently vacuuming the inside with a brush attachment.
5.
Wiring and electrical appliances are hidden.
TIP: Keep your appliances in good repair. And
avoid relying on extension cords; they have less carrying capacity and, because they’re longer, overheat more readily.
Also, don’t overload outlets. Install an “arc fault circuit interrupter” on your breaker panel to protect against
unintended electrical arcs in home wiring.
6.
Chimney fires are usually caused by lack of chimney maintenance and the buildup of creosote, caused by slow burning
from air tight wood stove. Blocked chimneys can also cause carbon monoxide (CO) to be pushed back in the house, a
silent and deadly danger for occupants if no there are no working CO detectors.
TIP: Have your chimney inspected and clean by
a qualified company at least once a year before the start of burning season.
Ontario Provincial Police warn lower interest rates may equal more fraud victims. Ontarians are
being told not to blindly trust phone calls that claim to be able to negotiate significantly lower interest rates
on credit cards or loans.
The OPP Anti-Rackets Branch says this type of "service scam" is becoming more prominent
during the tough economic times.
The OPP says you should listen to an interest rate reduction offer through "robo-calls"
with "extreme skepticism because many are scams."
OPP
investigating water
company once linked to
Bruce Carson
(There is a Rockland connection...)
The water company Bruce Carson allegedly lobbied for in hopes of landing lucrative contracts with
First Nations, is now under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police for allegedly defrauding clients.
About a dozen complaints about the company and owner Patrick Hill have been made to the Rockland
OPP detachment. More...
ALERTS!
March is Fraud Awareness Month. The Better Business Bureau is
urging people to "Protect your identity" Click here
for more.
The Ontario Provincial Police are responsible for the Clarence-Rockland area. Under the Russell County OPP, they have
a satellite detachment in Rockland. Their administrative Headquarters is in Embrum.
RUSSELL COUNTY OPP HQ
411 New York Central Avenue
Embrun, Ontario, K0A 1W1
PHONES:
Ph: 1-888-310-1122
613-443-4499 (administration)
Fax: 613-443-5051
CALL 1-888-310-1122 WITH TIPSROCKLAND DETACHMENT
626 de la Baie
Rockland, Ontario, K4K 1K6
PHONES:
Ph: 1-888-310-1122
613-446-5124
Fax: 613-446-6357
OTTAWA POLICE SERVICE
would like to remind the public that
CRIMESTOPPERS
is a confidential civilian program
that pays up to $1000 dollars for information that may solve crime.
They can be reached locally at
233-8477(TIPS) or at
1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Ottawa Neighbourhood Watch Click here
to see links
for other police forces
serving this area.
Neighbourhood Watch
Our communities joined the Neighbourhood Watch campaign in the early 1990s but
the effort has become all but dormant. All that remains really are the signs along Canaan and the individual developments.
Part of the problem is a lack of active volunteers to do regular updates.
The local Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch as
long since left the area and was never replaced. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to participate in an
informal Neighbourhood Watch.
Be a "nosy neighbour" when it comes to any suspicious activity that you
come across, and contact the OPP. Their "police assistance" number is: 1-888-310-1122.
For any administrative information you can still call the Rockland Detachment at 613-446-5124, Monday to Friday.
Talk to your family.
Someone's life
depends on it.
Would you like to become a "Country Correspondent", contribute
a column, voice an opinion, share information?
Contact us:
The
Writers' Deadline!! is a
locally based website for writers
of all genres... authors, poets, freelancers, journalists and
people who would like to be.
If you have an interest in writing, be
it mystery, poetry, family history,
whatever, you may want to visit The Writers'
Deadline!!
Join their free mailing list to see.
Follow the OPP on Twitter
Selective
Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP):
Ontario Provincial Police will be out in full force over the long weekend, patrolling
roads and waterways trying to promote safety. The officers will be focusing on impaired, distracted and aggressive
drivers, as well as targeting those who are not wearing seatbelts. Officers will also be looking out for anyone
speeding, taking advantage of their airplane as an eye in the sky.
Road deaths
are up approximately 25 per cent this year, according to the OPP. More than 200 people have died in crashes on
the province's highways so far this year, compared with 162 fatalities by the same time in 2011. There have also
been several drownings this summer, with a number of them involving children.
residences.
(Rockland, March 22, 2012) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been investigating numerous fraudulent
cheques that have been connected to a "Secret Shopper" scam that stretches across Canada.
y cash the cheque, send in most of the money to a given address, then keep a few hundred
dollars for their efforts.
Ontario Provincial Police in eastern Ontario said they laid
over 100 charges for impaired driving or refusing a roadside test over the holidays.
Driving
in Ottawa? Be aware... STEP to focus on Distracted Driving,
Unsafe Lane Changes, School Zone Safety and Cycling Safety during March and April:
Chief
for Rockland Station #3, Luc Chayer, told the Canaan Connexion that between 40 and 45 firefighters attended the
call, with all eight of Clarence-Rockland's vehicles responding as well as support from "four mutual aid tankers"
from Ottawa, Alfred and Casselman. He said that the firefighters had to "evacuate" from the building
area because of the floor collapsing.
Draw
a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room - especially sleeping areas. Discuss the escape routes
with every member of your household.
Smoke
alarms often don’t work properly – this is the case in half of residential fires. Usually
it’s a result of human error (i.e., a dead battery, the power is turned off).
lso cause 
Clarence-Rockland Fire Chief Pierre Sabourin is asking residents to go through this questionaire.
OPP
investigating water
