By Mary O’KEEFE

The Crescenta Valley Fire Safe Council on Oct. 12 received a check for $2,500 to cover its One Call Notification Program. The funds came through the California Fire Safe  Council via a Farmers Insurance grant.

“It was all just perfect timing,” said Roger Young, president of the CV Fire Safe Council.

The council was formed in August 2008 and has been active from its first day. Young said he was aware of the One Call system and how invaluable it would be to the community in case of an emergency.

Young knew that Jerry Davies from Farmers Insurance in Los Angeles was a member of the state fire council. Young contacted him to inquire about any grants or funding that would be available.

“I knew that Farmers had some grant money available for the state council,” Davies said. He referred Young to Margaret Grayson, executive director of the state council.

“Roger called me the same day I spoke to Farmers and was told about the grant

money that was available. It really was perfect timing,” Grayson said.

Once they were assured they would be receiving the funding, Young and CV fire

council members decided to go ahead and purchase the phone system.

“We purchased it on May 29 and in June we used it for the first time,” Young said.

The system was used to notify the community that a man who was suffering from

Alzheimer’s had been reported missing.

“Roger put out the call and soon a neighbor notified [sheriffs] that the man was

in her backyard,” Grayson said.

The phone system was an invaluable tool during the Station Fire. Young became

not only a constant source of information, but many of Crescenta Valley residents

have commented on his voice being a comfort to them

throughout the fire.

“Residents are giving you a collective hug,” Grayson said.

She praised Young and the council for their tireless work during the Station Fire

and their continuing effort with the future flood and mudslide threats.

Young thanked the California Fire Safe Council and Grayson, along with senior grant manager Cathy Brooke, for their support of the local councils.

“And thank you to Farmers Insurance for their support,” he said.