We had a wonderful program last week. Thank you to Chief Travis Hots for sharing his experiences in regards to the Oso Landslide. That night we had a great time with our Fourth Annual Wine & Beer Tasting with Auction Fundraiser. Come find out how we did as we get some preliminary numbers. We will also get updates on some of the other activities we're working on including Aquafest. Yes, it's that time.
Also, Members: don't forget to indicate whether or not you are coming to Friday Night's BBQ as we get to meet the Rotarians we are hosting for the District Conference. You received an email earlier this week.
Contest: Name the location from where the photo at the top of the bulletin and website home page was taken. This must be a tougher location to figure out because this is the fifth week that we haven't received any submissions. Be the first to send your guess to the Editor by Friday, May 1st, 7:30 am.
Our guest speaker this past week, was the voice and the face of the Oso Mudslide Disaster. Travis Hots, Fire Chief of Snohomish County Districts 21 and 22. His districts are commonly known as the Arlington Rural Fire Department and Getchell Fire Department. He was teaching a class when the call came in. As he drove to Oso along the way it became apparent that normal communications on Channel 5 & 6 weren't happening. Another First Responder asked what channel they were broadcasting on. When the response was Channel 7, Chief Travis Hots turned on his siren and raced to Oso. Channel 7 is designated as a Federal major disaster channel.
Since he was outside of his jurisdiction and the Chief of the Fire Department was on the east side of the mudslide, Travis asked the other Chief if he needed help. Chief Hots was asked to take charge as the Incident Commander West. It became apparent that media coverage on site was growing as the day progressed and someone needed to update the media and the public on what was going on. What started out as the first interview became a regular communicator with the media. Due to the various questions being raised it was decided that more accurate talking points were needed because the questions were all over the board. Chief Hots took control of not only the Commander Center West but became the lead public information officer as well.
Fire district lines used to be germane to that local fire district but due to the large wild fires in Washington and the Oso mudslide, the outcome has been a great relationship with all other local fire departments and districts. The first rescue of the Oso mudslide was a volunteer carrying a small child to the helicopter. Then there was the local Oso fire fighter who asked Chief Hots if he could go check on his home. The firefighter found out he had lost his home, his wife and little grandchild. He had to be helped out of the mudslide area and Chief Hots made sure he got immediate medical attention. Helicopters from Whidbey Island Naval Station and the Sheriff's Department helped in the rescue efforts. Volunteers, first responders and fire departments from all over the area participated in the recovery efforts.
A number of questions needed to be answered such as where did the slide originate at or come from so he ordered an Incident Command structure closer the Federal Level standards. Front loaded resources couldn't see the entire danger. Initially Chief Hots command center was his car hood and trunk. Eventually, it was necessary to move the Command Center West to the Arlington City Hall after all of the media inquiries, his cell phone inbox filling up with another three radios going on constantly. Calls came in from around the world and as stated before, Chief Travis Hots became the calm voice and face of the Oso disaster.
The calm demeanor probably started at the tender age of 14 with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Division and than as a volunteer firefighter which led to a full time career. He started with the Marysville Fire Department, than the Getchell Fire Department and later as a Battalion Chief with the Lake Stevens Fire Department. Beside his firefighting abilities and training, Chief Hots is the Vice Chairman of the Snohomish County Fire Chiefs Association and serves as a Snohomish County Fire Resources Coordinator and an on-call Snohomish County Rescue Helicopter Pilot. Chief Hots is married with two children ages 7 and 11. His 11 year old daughter wanted to sell her Kindle and give the money to Oso relief. When another firefighter heard about her wish, he sent her $100, told her to keep her Kindle for school work and reading. She donated the money to the relief effort. What a family. What an individual. One of the best programs we have had since I have been in this club. It has only been lately that Chief Hots has been able to come forward and talk about the Oso disaster. Thank you Chief Hots for your dedicated service.
"We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome."
