North Fulton Bits and Briefs

Johns Creek Fire Department recruitment in full swing

Following a June 21 Job Fair, which introduced the upcoming Johns Creek Fire Department to firefighters from across Metro-Atlanta, a total of 300 applications have been received, to date, for the Department’s 78 firefighter positions.

“We are very pleased with the quality of the response we’ve gotten from the many dedicated firefighting professionals who want to join us here in Johns Creek,” said Fire Chief Joseph Daniels. “We’re going to have to make some tough decisions.”

Alpharetta Honors Heroes

The American Legion Post 201 and the city of Alpharetta will present the 56th Annual Old Soldiers Day Parade on Sat. Aug. 2. Inhonor of Alpharetta’s 2008 sesquicentennial anniversary, the parade theme is “Alpharetta Remembers 150 Years of Hometown Heroes” recognizing the living memory of “All Veterans of All Wars.” The festivities begin at the Alpharetta City Hall at 8:45 a.m. with a performance by the Alpharetta City Band, followed by a special program at 9:30 a.m. with introduction of guests. This flag-waving patriotic summer parade begins at 10:15 a.m., starting at the Alpharetta City Hall.

“We recognize not only the veterans of Alpharetta, but the veterans of all hometowns of all wars,” said Mayor of Alpharetta, Arthur Letchas. “By bringing together the community, we can pay tribute to our soldiers and veterans for the great courage they have demonstrated for our country.”

The Old Soldiers Day Parade first began in 1865 after the guns were silenced in the War Between the States. The Confederate soldiers living in and around Milton County, now part of Fulton County, established a time each year to relive a fellowship born of war. They came from miles around by horse, wagon and on foot to the then very small town of Alpharetta.

In 1952, a small group of men in Alpharetta from American Legion Post 201 re-dedicated the Old Soldiers Day Parade and began having a parade again in downtown Alpharetta. This would be a tribute and a living memorial to “All Veterans of All Wars.” Thanks a few men, the parade has become an annual celebration marking 55 consecutive years to date.

Alpharetta’s 143-year-old event is expected to have approximately 185 units in the parade line-up consisting of marching military units, the Shriners, floats, bands, wagons and horses, classic cars, clowns, prizes, and of course, candy. The parade will end at the American Legion Post 201 where the celebration continues with entertainment and children’s activities. The Varsity will serve free hot dogs and Coca Cola will provide free soft drinks.

Roswell Police Evaluate Services

The Roswell Police Department wants to hear from residents on the services they provide asking them to respond to a brief online survey. The survey is posted on the Roswell’s web site, www.roswellgov.com, and will provide important information that will assist in the department’s reaccredidation process.

This is the first time the Roswell Police Department has utilized the Web as a survey tool. One completed survey is allowed per IP address and the deadline to respond is Oct. 31.

“The survey is an important part of our community oriented policing ctrategy,” said Police Chief Edwin Williams. “It gives us an opportunity to hear directly from our citizens on police performance and effectiveness and helps us to understand the citizens’ perception of crime in Roswell. The survey results will help me form the police department’s strategy for the next year.”

The survey is posted as a homepage feature on www.roswellgov.com.

Duluth Hosts DOT Public Information Open House

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and City of Duluth will hold a Public Information Open House concerning upcoming roadwork within the city. The open house will be held at the Duluth City Hall on July 31, and will discuss Gwinnett County’s proposal to construct an east-west connector roadway beginning at the intersection of West Lawrenceville Street and McClure Bridge Road and ending at State Route 120/Abbotts Bridge Road.

The purpose of this Open House is to provide the public with an opportunity to view the proposed project, ask questions, and comment on the proposal.

The Open House will be conducted between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8p.m. The Open House will be informal and the public is invited to attend anytime during these hours. There will be no formal presentation.

Written statements about this project will be accepted Aug. 14. Written statements may be submitted to:

Glenn Bowman
State Environmental/Location Engineer
3993 Aviation Circle
Atlanta, Ga., 30336-1593

Forsyth Fire Department Offers Vial of Life Program

First responders need all the medical information they can get when treating a patient. The new Vial of Life initiative, made possible through a partnership between the Forsyth County Fire Department and Kroger Pharmacy, will help provide this vital information.

The Vial of Life program gives citizens the ability to prepare medical information for first responders. In the event of a medical emergency, the vial, containing medical information of the individual’s choosing, is then available for Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to review.

“Having this medical information available is especially helpful in the event that a patient is alone and unable to speak or communicate with first responders,” said Captain Jason Shivers. “We certainly think that this program will be of great benefit.”

Citizens can put any and all pertinent medical information on a provided sheet and place the sheet in the provided and well-marked medical vial. The vial is then placed in the refrigerator door for easy finding by first responders. An alert sticker is also provided for placement on or near the front door. This sticker allows for easy recognition by first responders, informing them that the Vial of Life program is present in the residence.

While the program is targeted toward seniors, it is available to any citizen. Vials can be obtained from any staffed Forsyth County fire station, Fire Department Headquarters, the Forsyth County Senior Center or the Lakeland Plaza Kroger Pharmacy.

To receive additional information about the Vial of Life program, call 770-781-2180.