The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About06/10/2008 08 2007 Annual Yakima Fire Department Report BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 8 For Meeting of: June 10, 2008 ITEM TITLE: 2007 Annual Report of the City of Yakima Fire Department SUBMITTED BY: Yakima Fire Department CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Charlie L. Hines, Fire Chief — 575 -6060 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: See attached report • Resolution Ordinance Contract Other (Specify) Report Funding Source: APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve as submitted BOARD /COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: COUNCIL ACTION: r N 1 M .. - t" * * 1 h !' ' 7 \ ,■, t , 1 r Yakima Fire Department 2007 A nnual 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Table of Contents Introduction Pages Mission Statement Code of Ethics Chief's Letter to the Citizens of Yakima Organizational Chart Page 1 Administration 2 Administration Personnel 3 Operations Personnel 4 Promotions 5 New Hires 6 Rusty Hauber Award 7 Retirements 8 Trends and Statistics 9 -10 Response Times 11 Firefighter Staffing /Incidents 12 Station 91 13 Station 92 14 Station 93 15 Station 94 16 Station 95 17 Technical Rescue Team 18 Hazardous Materials Response Team 19 -20 Training Division 21 Fire Investigation Division 22 Canine Accelerant Detection Program 23 -24 Public Education 25 -26 YV Tech Cadet Program 27 Fleet Maintenance Facility 28 Reserves 29 2007 at a Glance 30 YFD Gives Back Cover: City of Yakima Firefighters suppress a second alarm structure fire at a vacant apartment complex in the construction phase during July of 2007. 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Mission We will provide all -risk emergency and non - emergency services to our community. We are committed to serving with courage and compassion as stewards of public trust. We shall leave a positive and genuine impact on all who call upon us. 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Code of Ethics I am a member of the Yakima Fire Department. My duty is to serve mankind. I recognize my badge as a symbol of public trust. To honor this trust I will maintain the highest standards of my profession and perform to the best of my abilities. . I will serve with courage and compassion. . I will safeguard and preserve life and property. . I will uphold the traditions and bravery of the fire service set forth by my fellow firefighters. . I will never allow personal feelings to deter me from my responsibilities as a professional firefighter. . I will conduct myself in a manner that creates respect for my peers, my fire department, and the citizens of Yakima. Administration y Fire Suppression A Fire Investigation ''* & Education 1r 401 North Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901 (509) 575 -6060 Training Communications Fax �EQ� Fax (509) 576 -6356 www.yakimafire.com May 21, 2008 To the Citizens of Yakima, As your new Fire Chief and on behalf of every member of the Yakima Fire Department, I am honored to present our annual report. We are excited to implement our vision which includes accessing the community's needs and exploring better ways to serve. Included within this report are highlights of the many activities, accomplishments and challenges we faced in 2007. Despite the uncertainty created by numerous budgetary constraints, I am proud of the men and women of the YFD and their unwavering commitment to serve the community with courage and compassion. The current demand for service is already outpacing our budget and resources. As a result, our response times are increasing and we are becoming more dependent on the neighboring volunteer fire districts. To meet this challenge we have undertaken a number of strategic initiatives designed to maximize our effectiveness in the delivery of services: • Implemented Automatic -Aid Responses Agreements ( "pooling" of our resources with neighboring Fire Departments). • Conducted 2 cooperative fire fighter academy with recruits from Union Gap, East Valley and Yakima. • Developed on -line time keeping process. • Formed a labor /management team to develop a "YFD Strategic Plan." • Finalized 48/96 work schedule which resulted in a reduction in sick leave. Our labor /management relations have remained strong and have been integral to effectively managing all of the new and expanded activities. 2008 will be a year of challenges and opportunities as well. Some of our goals will be: 1. Decrease dependence on surrounding volunteer FD's by increasing operational staffing to allow the replacement of the 2- person Rescue unit with a 3- person Engine Company. 2. Become more efficient by redefining how the City delivers fire prevention and life safety services by exploring the feasibility of bringing the Fire Marshal position back into the YFD and the implementation of a Fire Prevention Bureau. 3. Complete and implement a Strategic Plan that provides direction for growth and development by exploring new /better opportunities to serve 4. Shorten response times by implementing additional Automatic - Aid /Simultaneous Dispatch agreements with neighboring fire departments. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the fine work of our employees. We hope you will find this report to be informative and indicative of the value which we place on the city council's and community's confidence in us. Sincerely, Charlie Hines Fire Chief City of Yakima Fire Department Organizational Chart FIRE CHIEF Charlie Hines I I ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR Connie Dean Wayne Wantland DEPUTY CHIEF OPERATIONS SECRETARY II DEPUTY CHIEF SUPPORT Bob Stewart Rita Mantey Dave Willson Emergency Ops, Budgeting, Apparatus, Training, Strategic Planning, Human HazMat, Tech Rescue, Logistics, Resources, Facilities & Equipment, Strategic Planning, Labor Negotiations, Labor Negotiations, Accreditation/ Disaster Planning & Mitigation, ARFF HB 1756, Budgeting, Info Systems, Purchasing, Safety, Codes Interface, Fire Investigations, Reserves, EMS Department Mechanic BATTALION CHIEFS TRAINING CAPTAIN DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL A Shift B Shift C Shift Training Fire /Life Safety A. Castilleja M. Cole T. Sevigny Training Lieutenant Assistant Fire Marshal Captains Lieutenants Firefighters Rev 1/9/2008 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Administration Yakima Fire Administration serves the public and employees of the department by providing quality emergency services to the best of the city's financial ability. Administration is responsi- ble for overseeing the department's annual budget, which is used to deliver fire protection, emergency medical services, technical rescue, airport protection, public safety education, fire investigation and training for department personnel. In addition, Fire Administration works jointly with the Yakima Police Department in overseeing operation of the Public Safety Com- munications Center. Administrative personnel include the Fire Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, an Administrative Assistant and Secretary II. Funding for the Fire Department comes from the General Revenue area of the city's budget. This revenue comes from property taxes, sales taxes, utility taxes and other state and federal money. Administration oversees the Operations Division through personnel services, training, wage and benefit negotiations, compliance to local, state and federal laws related to operations, and short and long range goal planning. The Secretary II assists the Deputy Chiefs, Training Division and Investigation Division. Other duties of Administration include acting as liaison between our governmental representa- tives as well as state, local and national governmental and private interests. 1 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Personnel Yakima Fire Department Administration Chief of the Department Charlie Hines Deputy Chief - Operations Bob Stewart Deputy Chief - Support Services Dave Willson Administrative Assistant Connie Mendoza Secretary II Rita Mantey Day Staff Positions Training Captain Jennifer Norton Training Lieutenant Brandon Dorenbush Deputy Fire Marshal Ron Melcher Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Fuehrer Department Mechanic Mark Frey Reserve Force Members David Anderson John Ingle Karen Anderson Delbert Miles Laurel Burk Gilbert Rodriguez Bill Cornwell Mathew Vatshell Rhonda Cornwell Ron Whitman Caroline Gonzalez Susan Whitman Department Chaplains James Erixson Betsy Ross Brian Hetzer 2 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Operations Personnel A -Shift B -Shift C -Shift Battalion Chiefs Abel Castilleja Mitch Cole Tom Sevigny Captains Rocky Willette Rod Vetsch Joe Riel Ted Vander Houwen Bob Burton Tom Schneider Lieutenants Ron Johnson Hans Solie Bruce Newell Jim Bayle Greg Ahmann Bruce Drollinger Don Dexter Jeff Pfaff Joe Chinco Gary Gefre Jason Ray Alex Langbell Firefighters Tim Esparza Jay Elmo Kris Stark Chris Casey Harlan Petersen Brent Bauer Joanna Albrecht Kari Brown Dan Apodaca Kory Simmons Dan Mansfield Don Wolterstorff Jeremy Rodriguez Marcus Hudson Chris Manion Shannon Needham Dave Stark Joe Burbank Mark Ancira Bill Kotzin Charlie Derrick Bob Benner Jeff Jones Pete Duthie Randy Raschko Ty Brown Jeff Feen Brian Kneisler Ed Moore Brian Williams Joe Armstrong Kai Nishida Mike Trujillo Matt Davis Tim Kerns Mike Wagner Dan Jensen Chad Williams John Shahan Beau Watson Rob Williams Jeff Stone Travis Hellewell Jonathan Hood Tim Gese Brad Hopkins Steve Lockwood Bil Lealos Jeremiah Stilley Pete Day Brian Robertson Nick Sloan Adrian deMestre Travis Dexter Andrey Belza Russ Reser Cody Burton 3 r 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Promotions n ,,,, PIO 6 I t 1 4 011 M Charlie Hines Dave Willson Bob Stewart Mitch Cole Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Fire Chief Deputy Chief Deputy Chief Battalion Chief 6/15/2007 1/1/2007 7/ 1 /2007 7/1/2007 Al Jzi, Q lik'd 11 .. r 4) , • t Ted Vander Houwen Tom Schneider Alex Langbell Jason Ray Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Captain Captain Lieutenant Lieutenant 7/1/2007 7/1/2007 7/1/2007 7/1/2007 i Lieutenant Ray 1 , ',1 badge pinning by wife ' Jennifer 1 ' v Battalion Chief Cole badge pinning by wife Carrie 4 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report New Hires YOUR LIFE DEPENr IT... ooesi e -g ' Travis Dexter Firefighter Andrey Belza Firefighter % 7 ‘t..! 100111011 Adrian de Mestre Firefighter * F% ` Connie Mendoza Administrative Assistant to the ''-�- ° Fire Chief r • Cody Burton Firefighter 5 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Rusty Hauber Award The Yakima Fire Department proudly announces that Deputy Fire Marshal Ron Melcher has been selected as the Firefighter of the year for 2007. Ron started his career with the Yakima Fire Department in November of 1976. Ron has been an inspiration to firefighters and officers his entire career. When Ron started working in the position of Deputy Fire Marshal, he greeted the challenge with enthusiasm and vigor which has never waned. Ron has helped countless children understand the dangers of fire. The accomplishments that Ron has made are too numerous to mention and many have never been recorded. Mr. Melcher is a shining example of a public servant. Besides his irreplaceable talent as a certified fire investigator, Ron has been a constant pathway of information to the local media. Ron is 2007 Firefighter of the year Ron Melcher displays the Rusty Hauber Memorial plaque. certified to work in the command structure of large scale disasters as well as handle every day emergencies. One of Ron's most recent accomplishments has been leading the ban of novelty lighter sales in the City of Yakima. This mission was taken to heart by Ron because of his desire to keep children from suffering the agony of burns. This task was a long, extensive venture that many people would have given up on. Ron's nature would not let him stop working towards this worthy goal. 6 [— 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Retirements , ,., Dennis K. Mayo Dennis joined the Yakima Fire Department los on March 15, 2001 as Deputy Fire Chief af- ter serving for 25 years on the City of Port- land, OR Fire Bureau. He was assigned as I Acting Fire Chief in April 2002 and ap- • pointed as Fire Chief on October 1, 2002. r Dennis retired March 17, 2007. I y Virginia A. Nishi Virginia was hired November 16, 1971 as a Clerk Typist. She was the first woman hired g ""`- by the Yakima Fire Department. On January 1, 1975 she was reclassified to Secretary I and on July 1, 1980 promoted to Secretary II. On August 1, 1980 Virginia was reclassified to Department Assistant IV, and on May 1, .: 1990 to Department Administrative Assis- tant. Virginia worked for six Fire Chiefs 1 • during her career and retired on February 28, 2007 after 35 years, 3 months of service. 7 I I 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Trends and Stat For the year 2007 the Yakima Fire Department responded to over 9000 incidents. Emergency Medical Responses have increased to 76% of the total call volume, up 2% from 2006. Total Incidents 2007 ❑ False Alarm & False Call = 5.80% El Fires = 5.48% 0.16% 0.11% El Good Intent Call = 5.61% ❑ Hazardous Condition (No Fire) = 5.6 '° 1.56% 1.56% 0.05% ■ Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat - no fire =.05% ®Rescue & Emergency Medical Service = 75.65% • Service CaII = 5.58% 75.65% ❑Severe Weather & Natural Disaster = .16% • Special Incident Type = .11% 8 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Response Times One of the ways The Fire Service measures success is by establishing response objectives and standards. This is mandated by the state of Washington (RCW 52.33.030) to be evaluated on an annual basis. The charts below show the response times for Structure fire and Emergency Medical Responses for the years 2006 and 2007 compared to the standard set by the Yakima Fire Department. As you can see, response times are becoming slower (Due to an increasing call volume and re- duction in resources 1973- 2007). 2006 and 2007 Structure Fre Response Times 2:00 13:48 9:36 8:24 v 7:12 • Our Standard 6:00 • 2006 4:48 • 2007 3:36 2:24 1:12 0:00 First Arriving Apparatus Last Arriving Apparatus 2006 and 2007 Emergency Medical Response Times 4:48 4:40 4:33 4:26 �,...,.... -.. :26 4:19 ■ Our Standard r 4:12 —1 • 2006 E 4:04 • 2007 3:57 - 3:50. 3:43 — -- g 3:36 Drive Time to Scene 9 i • Without oxygen, Brain Death occurs in 4 -6 minutes. American Heart Association Y A r • In Cardiac Arrest, for every minute that passes, odds of survival decrease by 10 %. American Heart Association Chance of Survival ( %Success /Time) 100 80 ,, o U) • io 60 CD U 13 " N 4 3 0 u) N 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Time in Minutes • Fire Doubles in Size approximately every 1 Minute. National Fire Protection Association . i 4 . 0 „t t f s 1. r„ , • When the fire extends from the room of origin, you are 10X more likely to die. 10 National Fire Protection Association 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Firefighter Staffing/Incidents Daily Firefighter Staffing 22 20 18 19 c - E 16 co 14 12 10 Year • 1973 • 2007 Yearly Incidents 10000 9000 8000 9000 d 7000 to 6000 c — O 5000 cn 4000 CL • 3000 2000 1000 1200 0 Year • 1973 • 2007 11 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Stat 91 J:4 • Station 91 is located at 401 North Front Street, and has a minimum staffing of one Battalion Chief, two officers and three firefighters. This station is also the headquarters station where the administration personnel are located. The Battal- ion Chief responds to multi - apparatus, and mutual aid responses. The Truck company has a minimum three - person crew. The Rescue company responds with only two personnel. A brush apparatus is also available for one of the crews to "Cross Staff," In the event of a wildland fire. By simply increasing the staffing by one firefighter, the two - person rescue ambulance can become a three - person engine company. The result is a more versatile piece of equipment that can accomplish more missions. 12 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Stat 92 Y 4 £ t : d 4 (- �y. Station 92 is located at 7707 Tieton Drive, and has a minimum staffing of one professional officer and two professional firefighters from the Yakima Fire Department and volunteer firefighters from the West Valley Fire District. The crew staffs an Engine, and shares a Brush and Rescue apparatus with the West Valley Fire District. Our missions are to provide the best fire protection and emergency medical services possible to areas within the City of Yakima and the West Valley Fire District. Our co- location scenario is just one great example of a "Regionalization Concept" which works well —for the betterment of our communities. 1 I 13 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Station 93 lot y t , Ali / - k�•.� y ,� — art �.' r y tec so Station 93 is located at 511 North 40th Avenue, and has a minimum staffing of one officer and two firefighters. The crew "Cross Staff's" an Engine, Truck, and Brush apparatus, by taking the appropriate apparatus to best mitigate the incident. In 2007, Engine 93 was the busiest engine company in the department. Firefighters at station 93 are also trained and certified to repair and maintain our self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in compliance to Washington Administrative code and NFPA standards. 14 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Station 94 O PiAINTR Station 94 is located at 2404 West Washington Avenue, and has a minimum staffing of one officer and three firefighters. The officer and two firefighters "Cross Staff' an Engine, an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) apparatus, a Mass Casualty unit, and a Hazardous Materials Response trailer. One firefighter is assigned to an ARFF apparatus dedicated to the airfield at all times in the event of an aircraft emergency. Crews receive annual training to be F.A.A. certified to handle airport emergencies. 15 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Station 95 „,„,....„,...,., , ... -„,,,,..,,,::,%,,, , ,,, ..,....,,,, , -, , , 1 I , i 0 , 0 ,,, t , . ,,, ,s c ,.. • - gii :: „. Station 95 is located at 807 East Nob Hill Boulevard, and has a minimum staffing of one officer and two firefighters. The crew "Cross Staffs" an Engine and Technical Rescue apparatus. An Air Support and Rehab unit is available for our Reserves to respond to incidents for firefighter rehabilitation and to fill self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders. Station 95 is also the home to the Central Washington Regional Fire Training Facility with two classrooms and a five story training tower with live burn capabilities. A 6, 16 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Technical Rescue Team Twelve members of the Yakima Fire ,. Department have received specialized and ongoing training to serve as members of the Technical Rescue '. mss: Team. This cooperative inter -local r_. -� _ team serves not only the citizens of Yakima, but the Upper Yakima Valley .. f .� ,. 4 as well as mobilizing to other outside jurisdictions in need of assistance. This team is composed of members ` — from the Yakima Fire Department, Ice Rescue Drill Union Gap Fire Department, Fire District 4 (East Valley), Fire District 3 (Naches) and the Yakima Training Center Fire Department. The team's sole purpose is to employ the use of specialized techniques and equipment to remove persons from "unusual" entrapment situations that are beyond the scope of a normally - trained firefighter's abilities. Examples of these situations include the rescue of persons from a fast moving river, those who have broken through the ice in an ice - covered pond, a collapsed utility trench, from an elevated location or down a steep hill or cliff. The Technical Rescue Team conducts scenario -based monthly training sessions to provide team cohesiveness and to prepare them to meet virtually any "unusual" rescue challenges. During 2007, the team logged in excess of 400 hours of specialized training. y XA 9" ti;.. - g�. .. � a .'gyp �`, `73.:�� '`` 1 4 .�x..a�. i 1 y r., , ;' i , _. _ a.._ , r �` fit r �,� J •1 tti. _ Confined Space drill at a grain silo 17 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Hazardous Materials Response Team Twelve members of the ' _ ■ Yakima Fire Department have obtained specialized 1 h training to the technician < " level to help mitigate ' �. incidents involving the spill � '� , r or release of Hazardous MriHMat). ' twateelve als individuals compr ise a local satellite team which i - is part of a larger r' _- cooperative group — The `' Tri -County Hazardous Material Response Team. Haz -Mat Team Members decontaminating an entry team The Tri -County Hazardous Materials Response Team — based in the Tri- Cities, serves Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla counties. This regional approach to Haz -Mat response offers a broad base of highly- trained personnel and specialized equipment that can be mobilized in a tiered manner depending upon the magnitude of the incident. In addition to the initial training, team members are required to invest a minimum of 24 hours annually to maintain their technician -level certification. In fact, during 2007, the twelve Yakima members logged 395 collective hours of Haz- Mat - specific training. Training evolutions focus on the use of monitoring equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and technical reference materials. Members also practice techniques that stop the release of Haz -Mat and prevent further spread of the product. Team members conduct "full dress rehearsals" at mock incidents involving rail tank cars, over - the -road tractor /trailer tankers as well as fixed facilities. 18 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Training ' slon Divl Missir "The Yakima Fire Department Training Division will pro- f --. vide all -risk emergency and { ,r s non- emergency training to Q - `�" personnel within our commu- nity. We shall provide training as if t 1 your life depends on it • ...because it does." In 2007 the Training Division provided training and education for Yakima Fire Department per- sonnel through needs assessment, course development and project implementation. Training Captain Jennifer Norton led the Training Division in 2007, with the assistance of Training Lieutenant Tom Schneider for the first half of the year. In July of 2007, Lt. Schneider was promoted to Captain and assigned to Station 92. In August of 2007, Lieutenant Brandon Dorenbush was assigned to the Training Division as Training Lieutenant. His main duty was the lead instructor for the Yakima Valley Technical Fire Cadet Program. Today's Firefighter training is specialized and extensive. Training begins with an intensive two month entry-level Fire Academy followed by a continuing education program that lasts until retirement. Firefighters need to be highly skilled and trained for response and mitigation at medical emergencies, fire suppression, motor - vehicle accidents, water rescue, hazardous mate- rials, technical rescue, aircraft rescue, wildland and wildland/urban interface incidents. In 2007 the Central Washington Regional Fire Training Facility provided training to approximately 11,680 students during 439 events. We are committed to providing the highest level of training available to give Firefighters throughout Yakima County the tools to provide a better service for the community they serve. 19 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Trainin g Division se Air AIR I 1111 1� rip..." RI o ' 7 a r ok 1 40 CENTRAL WASHINGTON REGIONAL FIRE ACADEMY 2007 -1 The Training Division held a cooperative recruit academy in 2007 with seven recruits gradu- ating. Firefighter Mark Ancira from YFD was the lead instructor for this academy with Lieu- tenant Tim Whitehurst from Union Gap and Firefighter Tim Kerns from YFD as assistant in- structors. This year's academy expanded to include two fire recruits from the East Valley Fire District to join the City of Yakima Fire Department and the Union Gap Fire Department Recruits. The training facility has the ability to pro- :20".. • . vide live fire, search and rescue, auto extri- _ cation, car fires, confined space, high angle rescue, and an on -site apparatus driving ! course. The training tower has an extensive live fire- training prop, ventilation props and forcible entry props to teach firefighters the proper techniques to extinguish today's °- structural fires they encounter. ; ,„ 20 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Fire Investigation Division The Yakima Fire Department is charged with the responsibility of investigating all fires that occur in the city. A co- operative agreement with the West Valley Fire District provides investi- gative services for the citizens of West Valley. Arson investigations are extremely labor intensive. Hundreds of hours are invested in deter- mining the origin, cause, circumstances, interviews and extent of loss. Yakima Fire Department utilizes state certified "Shift Investigators" (Firefighters on engine companies) to assist the Assistant Fire Marshal. This is extremely efficient and saves thousands of dollars in labor costs annually. In 2007 the Yakima Fire Department Investigation Division determined 95 fires to have been intentionally set, which represents a 10.5% increase over the previous year. By the end of 2007 there were 24 arrests stemming from those investigations, which equaled the total number of arrests for the two previous years combined. Total losses for the year equaled just over $5,191,000. These losses occurred on properties that had pre- incident dollar values totaling in excess of $566 million. Estimated Dollars Saved Compared to Lost $5,191,530 Loss for 2007 0.92% $566,483,926 Value prior to incident • Dollars Lost In summary, the Yakima Fire Department aver- • Dollars Saved aged nearly two "working" fire incidents every day. The average dollar loss for those fires was less that one percent of the total worth of the build - 9908% ings and contents. The city also suffered three fire deaths during 2007. This is far above the state average of .82 deaths per year for a city our size. In 2007 the citizens of Yakima were subjected to multiple arson attacks from a group of arson- ists setting numerous fires in vegetation, vacant houses, and warehouses. The Investigation Di- vision formed an intervention group that worked many hours collecting and sorting information and data. Toward the end of the year this work began to pay off. A number of arrests were made and these cases are now pending trial in the county courts. 21 I _- I 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Canine Accelerant Detection Program The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and 21' Explosives (ATF) designed the Canine Accelerant t� Detection Program to provide Federal, State, and local f " 4 d t a K:° 2 * ' �� fill ) �� law enforcement agencies with the most dependable, durable, and mobile accelerant detection system • available today. Wesley and Jennifer assisted Investigators across the Yakima Valley with nearly forty investigations in 2007. The majority of the investigations were within the City of Yakima. They also assisted with mutual aid to departments such Gleed, Selah, Toppenish, and Ellensburg. Jennifer and Wesley also belong to ATF's western Captain Jennifer Norton and Wesley region National Response Team (NRT). The team can respond within 24 hours to assist state and local law enforcement or fire service personnel in onsite investigations. Wesley and Jennifer responded with the Western Region NRT to the condo fire at 24 Ave and Washington July 5, 2007. In addition to fire investigations, Wesley and Jennifer represented the City of Yakima Fire Department in dozens of public presentations in 2007. They demonstrated their abilities to such groups as Kiwanis, and local women's groups, firefighters throughout the area, numerous elementary schools, and several conventions. The team also gave presentations at a variety of festivals throughout the valley. . k ailifi. t i; J w �� -... , t '' 11 Dr. Hinz and the staff at Yakima Veterinary Clinic, the Washington Arson Alarm Foundation and PetSmart generously sponsor our Canine Team. 22 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Public Education EDITH House (Exit Drills In The Home) 'tiy , • All 2 grade classes in the City of ., } Yakima received fire safety information and training on how to escape a bedroom • • . ' fire . This includes the parochial schools r, l / � , r, which brought the 2007 total to over 1300 students. _ A • The Yakima Fire Department was in- , f 4 strumental in acquiring a new EDITH House. The old house had trained over 800,000 students and was completely worn out. The new EDITH was purchased and is available at no cost to the city. New EDITH House in use at one of our local schools. Novelty Lighters The ordinance to prohibit the sale of novelty lighters was passed by the City Council in Decem- ber 2007. Since that time, Yakima County, Selah and Moxee have followed that progressive example. Smoke Detector Program • Thanks to a Pacific Power grant of $3,000, we were able to augment our supplies of smoke detectors with a newer model featuring a sealed, 10 -year battery. • When appropriate at incidents, crews will check the resident's smoke detector. They may replace a battery or install a new detector. • Crews will also install a battery or detector upon request from low income, handicapped, or senior citizens. Spaghetti Feed Through a partnership with Safe Kids of Yakima County, Yakima Fire Department hosted the 13 annual Spaghetti Feed. Approximately 950 people enjoyed a quality spaghetti dinner at a very low cost. This provides a great opportunity for citizens to interact with firefighters and re- ceive a variety of fire prevention information. 23 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Public Education Central Washington State Fair • The State Fair allows YFD to interact with the greatest number of people on an individual basis. • Through a partnership with the Communications /911 Division, citizens are exposed to a va- riety of safety information and have the opportunity to ask questions. The Reserves were able to raise money for specific projects by selling the popular "Firehouse Cookies" in the other half of this building. Other Duties and Tasks Completed • Career fairs for Jr. High and High School Students • Fire Extinguisher Classes for businesses and city employees • Generalized Fire Safety Classes • Radio, Television, and Newspaper Interviews • Act as a liaison to City Planners for new development/buildings plans review • Achieved a ban on Novelty Lighters • Juvenile Fire - Stopper Education for children who "play" with fire • Supervise the Investigation Division • 4 of July fire safety information distribution & education "fit► "-- - ' Illi d ..,. F . , , -411P ..'.k.4 4 or 24 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report YV Tech Cadet Program irvp f ■ nkM+vlb_ com a * ". flip7 • 01 1 q . II N I, ' A, ride T Tar } The Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV Tech) firefighting program is a cooperative effort of the Yakima City Fire Department, YV Tech and Yakima Valley Community College. This program is located at the Central Washington Regional Fire Training Facility (Yakima Fire Station #95). Cadets participate in numerous hands on activities, learning basic leadership skills and working as a team to accomplish the overall objective together. The goal of this program is to allow students who are interested in a Fire Service career the opportunity to learn basic skills and knowledge of Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Services. In this program students will earn college credits toward a Fire Science degree from the local community college. Students may also earn additional credits and certificates in: • Fire Science 101, 102, & 103 • State Fire Academy Search and Rescue • Heart Savers First Aid/ CPR • State Fire Academy Burn to Learn • Wildland Firefighting (Red Card Certifica- • Hazardous Materials Identification tion) 25 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report YV Tech Cadet Program Our shared vision is to train high school and post high school adults to be better citizens in our community. We do this by infusing the culture of our fire department into the lives of our students. Our young cadets are taught the importance of following attributes: Discipline Attaining a goal Respect for themselves and authority Believing in themselves Teamwork Self - confidence Accountability Personal obligation to a mission Commitment to a greater cause t •irwb � I I t . •�� Syr _ This program is a scaled down version that simulates the fire service recruit academy. The academy stresses teamwork, responsibility, and accountability. The cadets are expected to maintain a professional appearance and attitude throughout the program. They are challenged both mentally and physically on a daily basis and truly instilled with a community spirit. The cadet program is committed to providing the highest level of training possible for our students to be successful. We believe that given the proper education and tools to do the job properly, we will enable them to become a valued asset to our community. 26 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Fleet Maintenance Facility �„ f , I •�:i.'k.To .,„ !1 { 1. ` j, 1 :. rem _, ►' Far - removed from the wail of sirens and the glow of flashing red lights of a fire engine, Mark Frey — Yakima Fire Department's only mechanic — keeps a fleet of 40 fire engines, ladder trucks and staff vehicles in a state of readiness. Serving as the YFD mechanic since 1989, Mark is charged not only with vehicle repair and maintenance, but for writing specifications for new vehicles, the repair of power saws, generators and other small equipment, and fire pump testing — just to name a few of his duties. In an age when technology is ever - changing, Mark holds several certifications for performing an array of diagnostics and repairs of fire apparatus. 27 !! 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report Reserves ,, The Yakima Fire Reserves are shoul- dering a larger load for the Yakima : Fire Department. The reserves have r _ attended more public education events r44 ,,,,,, t 7 and have responded to more incidents . '' ,.L, „„„,„ than years prior. Records show these volunteers have contributed 1,382 . hours to fire department activities in Q$-95� 2007. l Our Reserves have obtained several -- grants to promote fire safety for all ages of our community. They have shown initiative and taken steps to form a non - profit organization so they may solicit donations from businesses, individuals and organizations to purchase equipment for more efficient and effective rehabilitation of fire fighters at emergency scenes and safety equipment for the citizens of Yakima. The latest fundraiser was a cookie booth that operated at Central Washington State Fair. Fire fighters, Reserve members and YV Tech Cadets staffed the booth. The proceeds purchased two generators to be used at emergency scenes. Reserves are taking more responsibility in assisting the fire department and citizens of Yakima. The fire department is relying more on our volunteers to conduct important activities that the City of Yakima historically could not fund. w • -, A li. L O Oi(1; - )10104 _ , , �:.--r% FIRE HOUSE ' (( C `. COOKIES a Or -. r _ i _ ,. . ga. , . , 41, . _., I I 28 r 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report 2007 at a g lance �t I 1 E -9 A new Brush truck was placed in 01 . .,.,f,,.,. service at Station 93 with major :, I_ financial assistance from the 7 Fruitvale Fire District. The 403im. ' ?�l_ ,\ " apparatus carries 400 gallons of Iftimi water to help when water is scarce on wildland fires. The Yakima Fire Department has , s 1 started replacing worn out "bunker gear" from the brown turn-outs and y 4, ellow helmets to the black turn-outs and black traditional helmets. The new "bunker gear" will keep us in r5, ,... compliance with national safety ,. i standards. mot. � A new Ford Expedition .;' command car for the opera - `w Lions Battalion Chief was • placed in service in 2007. - - -,n) can The vehicle is equipped with a state of the art computer which allows this vehicle to - •. ' transition into an Incident / Command Post for any type of emergency. 29 2007 Yakima Fire Department Annual Report YFD Gives Back 1- AED With a generous donation from a Yakima citizen, the Yakima Fire Department was able AUTOMATED to place 9 automated external defibrillators EXTERNAL • DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) throughout the community at high use 'j I -, occupancies. These AED's will significantly increase the chance of survival by having . YEMEN _N 1 qI early access to defibrillation. For each minute y delayed, the victim's chance of survival I decreases 10 %. OW Pet oxygen masks were introduced on all the 1 first line fire apparatus from donations ' received from Lance Tormey. Firefighters have successfully revived a number of animals utilizing these masks. The masks increase the r - pets chance of survival by introducing much 4 ` f needed oxygen if they are subjected to a fire r "" i environment. They come in three different 'r r sizes to accommodate various animals. { The "Book Brigade" program gives Firefighters • ' b. 4 1 an opportunity to read to first and second grad - ' - 4 ers throughout the City of Yakima. In addition t" r . �- to forming a bond with the children, it develops t, a passion to read. {. 30