After meeting with Desha County Office of Emergency Management Rick Terry, Desha County Sheriff Mitch Grant, Desha County Judge Richard Tindall, it was determined that all emergency services departments and hospitals of the county need to increase
staffing and preparations for the projected increase in traffic and population during this time period.
It is projected that over 120,000 vehicles will pass thru the city during this period, thus possibly bringing close to 300,000 people to Highway 65. Many will stop along the way for fuel, food, and lodging.
Police Chief Finch, EMS Director Gill, myself, and Hospital CEO Jeremy Capps met briefly on Monday and devised a plan to increase manpower along the highway and throughout the city to better respond to incidents. We also discussed preparations that need to be done prior to April 5.
On behalf of each department, we request the following:
DUMAS POLICE:
-Move to 12 hour shifts beginning 4/7/24 to 4/9/24. This will provide 4-6 officers on duty during this time. Those on duty will be assigned areas of the city to patrol so they do not have to cross Highway 65 unless in extreme emergency. This will increase salary and overtime pay for these days.
- Change the stoplights at the Highway 65 crossing at Bowles and Meador to flashing yellow on 65 and flashing red on cross-street to accommodate the flow of traffic.
- Change the stoplights at Highway 65/165 and Choctaw will operate as normal to allow citizens of Dumas access to the highway.
-Announce these traffic light changes on One-Call and social media as soon as possible.
EMS:
- Have 3 crews on all shifts from noon on 4/7/24 to noon on 4/9/24. This will increase salary and overtime pay for these days.
- If need arises, one ambulance may be posted at Gould to handle situations between Dumas and Grady.
FIRE:
- Have 4 firemen on duty from noon on 4/7/24 to noon on 4/9/24. This will increase salary pay for these days. Trucks will be situated on both sides of Highway 65 to address situations,
- Rescue equipment will be divided to 2 trucks to better respond to situations.
- Fire Dept. will request use and placement of city cones and barricades to be able to access quickly if incidents require barricading.
PREPARATIONS:
- Side-by-sides are being made ready to respond to incidents.
- We have coordinated with Shelby Slater to ensure that adequate fuel is available for all city vehicles and emergency vehicles. All vehicles will be fueled up by 4/3/2024 and as needed,
- All radio and dispatch services will be monitored and communication checks will be run throughout this week to determine any issues.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Weatherford, Dumas Fire
Keith Finch, Dumas Police
Gary Gill, Dumas EMS
