A Service of WXXV FOX 25 22 January 2008, Tuesday Free Fire Extinguisher Classes FREE FIRE EXTINGUISHER CLASSES OFFERED Vital Training Open to All GULFPORT, MS (January 5, 2008) The City of Gulfport's Fire Prevention Bureau is offering FREE fire extinguisher classes to businesses, community watch groups, Scout troops, religious congregations, etc. In November, 2007, the Fire Prevention Bureau acquired The BullEx™ System for citizen training. It is propane-fueled and operates on water and air pressure to extinguish the flames, making it perfect for training purposes. Says Fire Chief Pat Sullivan, "We can not stress enough the importance of people learning how to properly use fire extinguishers. The immediate use of an extinguisher while a fire is small and can be controlled saves lives and reduces major property damage. This training will help protect the lives and property of our citizens." In the past, a diesel/gasoline mixture was ignited in wash tubs. This was not environmentally friendly or safe to handle. Cleanup was difficult and presented disposal problems. Also, those wanting to attend a fire extinguisher class had to provide their own extinguishers - then have them refilled and serviced. No wonder people were hesitant to take advantage of any free training offered. Now cleanup is very quick and minimal. And with BullEx, there are no hazardous fumes or disposal concerns. It provides extremely accurate training scenarios with three levels of difficulty and trains people on all three types of fires. This vital fire extinguisher training is open to everyone at no cost. To schedule a class, please contact the Gulfport Fire Department at 228-868-5950. For more information about the Fire Prevention Bureau, or to schedule an interview with Fire Chief Pat Sullivan, please contact his office at 228-868-5954. City of Gulfport Employee Wellness Clinic CITY OPENS EMPLOYEE WELLNESS CLINIC Free Clinic Open to all City of Gulfport Employees and Their Dependants Demonstrating its commitment to the health and well being of over 650 employees, the City of Gulfport opened the doors to its Wellness Clinic, January 2, 2008. The Wellness Clinic treats all full and part-time city employees and their dependants. Office visits are provided at no cost with no insurance co-pays. In addition, several prescription and non-prescription medications are dispensed free, with others available at low cost. "As every family knows, health care costs are spiraling out of control. That's true for cities as well," said City of Gulfport Human Resources Manager Cheryl Millender. "It is in the best interest of the city that our employees seek medical attention for minor ailments at the first sign of a health problem when treating or controlling it is relatively easy and inexpensive. "This clinic is good for the city. Preventative care and early treatment will make for healthier employees and will eventually lower our city's health care costs. The clinic brought on additional staff for its first two weeks of operation and has already seen over 300 employees and dependents." Added Millender, "Our new Wellness Clinic will also be a strong employee recruiting and retention tool for the city. Plus, a healthier workforce is more productive and motivated to excellence. Everyone benefits." The Wellness Clinic offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including such essential tests as prostate exams, colon cancer testing, pap smears and electrocardiograms. Wellness emphasizes preventative treatment, so the clinic provides free flu and pneumonia vaccines and allergy shots. Staff also monitors blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. The clinic is operated by MedAnalysis Healthcare Management, LLC, a professional medical services group. It is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, Phlebotomy Tech and Clinic Coordinator. The over 1,000 square-foot facility has eight treatment rooms and can see up to 25 patients daily. City of Gulfport Employee Wellness Clinic ADDRESS: 1600, 45th Street, Gulfport PHONE: 228-248-0031 HOURS: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The City of Gulfport Wellness Clinic is open to all City of Gulfport employees and their dependents at no cost. For more information about the clinic or to arrange a tour, call 228-248-0031. For more information about the City of Gulfport's commitment to employee wellbeing, or to schedule an interview with Human Resources Manager Cheryl Millender, contact her office at 228-868-5831. ### For questions regarding this calendar, contact: Deidre Pyron Licensed To: WXXV Fox Television