The Lakeland Fire Department
Issue 1, Summer 2013
Improvements on the Horizon In this Issue Improvements 1 Spotlight
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Promotions
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Community
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Upcoming
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Pro iles
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Outreach
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Rescue
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Awards
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Around the St. 14 Celebrate
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Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. Please contact Janel Vasallo with any story ideas or information worth sharing.
Architect’s rendering of what new Station 7 will look like.
The new fiscal year is bringing many exciting improvements to the Lakeland Fire Department. Most notably, the department will be ushering in a new Station 7. During the last fiscal year, a grassroots community effort led to the approval of opening a seventh station. The current station is housed in a temporary facility at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport until the new state of the art fire station is ushered in by late 2014. Bids for its construction are currently being accepted and once a contractor is selected, a ground breaking ceremony will be held in late fall. The building will feature four apparatuses, two designated for airport purposes and two to serve the community. The station will also stand out compared to the department’s other stations due to its modern and environmentally conscious design. The new station’s construction isn’t the only improvement the department will be seeing. Station 3’s security features are currently being enhanced with the addition of a new automatic gate, much like the one currently installed at Station 4, as well as additional lighting on both the north and west sides of the building. These additional security measures are expected to be completed by the end of September.
Another development for Station 3 is the installation of a new traffic signal in hopes of making entry and exit safer onto busy US 98 N. The signal has been something many at the department have been wanting for several years and now with cooperation from departments throughout the city as well as the Florida Department of Transportation its installation is anticipated for the end of October. The new signal’s instillation required additional road construction which has slightly delayed the effort. Other Improvements in the Coming Fiscal Year The newly approved budget will also allow for the following projects: • The purchase of a new USAR trailer • The replacement of Automatic External Defibrillator’s for quick deployment • New software for Fire Safety Management • Replacement of Personal Escape Systems • Increase in funding for the current AARF program • A master study to re-asses the current training center
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Summer 2013
A Message from the Chief
Our Mission Ensure the health, safety, and well being of our community through servant leadership in a positive organizational culture.
Our Vision To be the best public safety organization focused on providing superior customer service.
Our Values Leadership, Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Integrity, Social Responsibility, An Empowered Workforce.
Our Motto Everyone goes home.
Fire Wire Editorial Staff Janel Vasallo, Public Education and Information Officer
Editor’s Note Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome, Please contact Janel Vasallo with any story ideas or information worth sharing. Phone: (863) 834-8219 Email: janel.vasallo@lakelandgov. net Mail: 701 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801 Website: www.lakelandgov.net/lfd Copyright © 2013 Lakeland Department. All Rights Reserved.
Fire
Every edition of Fire Wire will feature one of the core tenants of the department discussed in depth by Chief Ballard. This month Chief Ballard shares his thoughts on the LFD’s vision to be the best public safety organization focused on providing superior customer service. I would like to share with you my thoughts about who we are today and whom we can and will become in the future. My vision for the Lakeland Fire Department is for us to be the best fire department in providing and meeting the needs of our citizens. There will always be fire departments that are larger than us, but it’s not about size. It’s about having a purpose and meeting the needs of our community. We provide a wide range of services; fire and medical response, building inspections and permits, code enforcement, and fire investigations. All of them are important in providing a safe and secure quality of life for our citizens. The employees of the Lakeland Fire Department are a great and caring group of people. You are talented, compassionate and well trained to make a difference in the lives of the people you touch. For us to be the best we must all work together and place the needs of others first. Memorizing the Vision and Mission statement doesn’t make us the best. We only become the best when our actions bring life to the Vision and Mission statements. In closing, I challenge each of you make a daily commitment to be better today than we were yesterday and we will be the best fire department. Sincerely,
Gary Ballard Fire Chief Lakeland Fire Dept.
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Spotlight on ...
The Hiring Process In the coming months several firefighters are anticipated to be hired. The process in recruiting and screening the best pool of possible candidates is a long and tedious one currently being undertaken by Training Chief John Almskog and a hiring board. For the first time a new, dual screening process is being used to find the next additions to the LFD team. In an effort to match other hiring processes from fire departments across the state, applications are being accepted through the National Testing Network (NTN). Used by a majority of the fire departments in Florida, the National Testing Network is a third party organization that serves as a central hub for prospective firefighters to apply to departments throughout the nation. The NTN processes all required certifications, test scores and miscellaneous requirements applicants are required to submit. The use of the NTN also means that the next additions to the LFD team will have to successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). The physical ability test and how it is scored is backed by the network removing any liability from the LFD. Candidates will also have to pass the Fire Team Test which includes a human relations, mechanical aptitude, reading, and math component. Applicants will still be required to apply through NEOGOV as well. This comprehensive process will be used by the LFD to hire new firefighters from now on.
Practice Makes Perfect Action shots from recent training activities
Aquatic Co-Training with Lifeguards at Florida Southern College
Vehicle Machinery Rescue Training
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Moving Up and Moving Out The past few months have see a lot promotions and even a few retirements. Pictures from all of the respective promotion and retirement photos can be found on the City of Lakeland Y Drive at Fire Rec>Special Events. Here is a quick recap of who has recently moved through the ranks and others who are off to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Left: Thursday, July 25, 2013 in a well-attended retirement ceremony, the Lakeland Fire Department, gave a fond farewell to Battalion Chief Jesse Sloan and Lieutenant Kirby Lastinger in a dual retirement ceremony. The two LFD veterans retired after 31 and 29 years of service, respectively.
Above: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 in an exceptionally well-attended ceremony, Jason Merritt was promoted to Lieutenant.He has been with the department since 2006 and served as driver-engineer prior to this promotion.
Above: August 06, 2013 Mike Smith of Station 3 was promoted to Driver-Engineer. He has been with the department since 2007 and was commended by Chief Ballard during the ceremony for being one of the department’s top paramedics. Right: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 long time veteran of the Lakeland Fire Department (LFD), Wayne Epperson, was promoted to the officer position of Battalion Chief. Wayne began his career with the LFD in 1985 and served as a firefighter, fire instructor, driver-engineer, and lieutenant, having held the latter position for 17 years.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood Il Forno Fundraiser a Success! The Firefighters Association’s annual spaghetti and meatball fundraiser was held on August 16. Firefighters, their family, friends, and scores of supporters from the community including several city commissioners showed up to support the event. The fundraiser, held to raise money for the erection of a commemorative statue in front of Station 1 raised approximately $ 3,000. The venue’s owners, Mick and Patti, who support the firefighters association every year by donating food and the use of their restaurant hope to help again with an additional fundraiser in the coming year. Making Time to Visit with a Fire Service Veteran The bond forged between the men and women in fire service is universal, regardless of when or where they’ve served. Proof of that was on a recent visit made by the Lakeland Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Doug Riley, along with Station 5 ‘s Lt. Jim Hewitt, Engineer-Driver Steve Herndon, and Firefighter Jason Vickers who visited retired Massachusetts Firefighter George Coughlin at Clairbridge Place in Lakeland on August 6, 2013. They reached out to Mr. Coughlin to welcome him to the community and for the opportunity to bond over tales of service as firefighters. Mr. Coughlin served as a firefighter for over 25 years and upon retiring in Polk County became very involved with fire service related issues in his community. He led the charge and was instrumental in the building of an additional fire station in nearby Winter Haven, and now as a new resident of Lakeland plans to become equally as involved. Firefighters from Station 5 plan to visit regularly to continue to grow the relationship and learn a lesson or two from a this valuable veteran of fire service. Regardless of disparity in age or location of service, its examples like these that make it clear that firefighting is not a career choice but rather a lifestyle. Doing good... Continued on Next Page
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood Cont. Margaret Orozco Recognized for Her Volunteerism For years, FF Orozco has been volunteering and mentoring burn victims as part of the Children’s Burn Foundation which sponsors events like Burn Camp and mentor/mentee relationships. Margaret who is very active with the organization was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to participate, along with her mentee, in a national conference in Washington D.C.. Her experience will be the focus of the October Employee Spotlight piece for the city’s Access Newsletter. Congratulations to Margaret and thank you for your volunteerism! Showing Firefighter Hopefuls What It Takes Earlier this summer, Training Chief John Almskog and Lieutenant Matt Brown were able to share some of their enthusiasm for firefighting and emergency medical response with local teen Brodie Bulloch. Brodie, who is interested in joining the fire service, is one of the stars of UPTV's reality show Bulloch Family Ranch. Almskog and Brown spent a day with Bulloch, showing him the ropes and providing some insight as to what it takes both physically and mentally to serve the community of Lakeland on the front lines. The experience was featured on the seventh episode of the show which aired August 21, 2013 at 10:00 PM on UPTV.
A Glimpse at Fireϐighting History
Every edition, a brief look will be taken at the history of the fire service by highlighting a few fun and informational facts.
Above: Benjamin Franklin, in his volunteer fire company’s hat and uniform.
Our founding father Benjamin Franklin, one of our nation’s most prolific thinkers was responsible for introducing the fire service as an organized corps of individuals for the sole purpose of tending to damaging fires when they happened. On visits to New York and Boston in the early 1730’s he learned of groups of men that would fight fire and improve their skills through regular meeting and training. When he returned to his adopted Philadelphia he saw the potential for fire there and spent several years laying the groundwork for what would become the Union Fire Company. Established on December 7, 1736 as an organized volunteer fire fighting “club”, the formation of the fire company would be a big step in the formalization of the fire service. In his letter writing campaign to convince the people of the need for a fire fighting group he coined the now well-known phrase “a pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure” to emphasize how important a fire fighting service truly was to protect the life and property of early colonist. 6
Up and Coming Cornhole Tournament
The Lakeland Professional Firefighters Union, Local 4173, will be sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit the March of Dimes. Scheduled for September 14, 2013 at Peterson Park in Lakeland, the event will feature a competitive cornhole tournament with prizes. Lt. Heath Seeber's famous pulled pork platter will also be sold to raise funds. The event was been a great success last year, raising several thousand dollars for the March of Dimes. Come out and join in the fun to help this event continue to be a success.
Food Drive
The department has partnered with Lakeland’s Comfort Keepers to help provide food for needy seniors as part of the Feed Seniors Now program. Nonperishable foods will be collected through September 30, 2013. The collection box is located in the administration building’s lobby. LFD staff and supporters are encouraged to donate nutritious foods that could make a huge difference to a hungry senior. A list of foods that will help meet senior’s dietary needs can be found at www.nourishseniorlife.com.
Memorial Service
The Lakeland Fire Department will join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), other fire departments, and community groups from coast to coast in this poignant tribute as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. The moment of remembrance will occur on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM at all Lakeland fire stations and at participating locations throughout the Lakeland area. This day also marks the beginning of Fire Prevention Week.
Open House
Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6 - 12, 2013. The week will culminate with the LFD hosting its 8th annual Open House event scheduled for October 12, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The entire community is invited to this FREE event where the department will feature live demonstrations, tours, refreshments, fire safety education for all ages, and much more.
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New Kids on the Block This summer, LFD welcomed aboard 14 new “Rookie” firefighters. Due to varying shifts and placements at different stations it can be a real challenge to get to know the new recruits well. The ten new firefighters were asked to answer some telling questions to help fellow LFD personnel get a better idea of who they are and why they’re here. Some of the responders were a bit more candid than others, so read below to get to know a little or a lot, depending on who we asked, about the new additions to the crew. Rookies not featured in this issue did not complete the provided questionnaire.
Stephanie Parente, 27, didn’t necessarily always know she wanted to be a firefighter, but admitted that after the first day of fire standards she knew she had found her calling. Stephanie who brings valuable paramedic skills with her to the job and says she truly enjoys coming to work and not knowing what they day has in store for her. She also really enjoys the bonds forged between her and her fellow crew mates and really values how much like a family the group feels. She attributes that sense of bonding to the fact that everyone always works so well on emergency scenes because they all understand the gravity of their work and the impact they make as a whole to the citizens of Lakeland. When asked if she has encountered any challenges yet she jokes that the schedule sure has taken some getting used to and that she is slowly working through her fear of repelling. She’s actually grateful that the job pushes her to her limits and has her overcome any obstacles she is faced with. On the job, she looks to Lt. Dougherty as her mentor and says “He has offered me valuable guidance and advice that will certainly help me throughout my career. He conducts himself in a professional authoritative manor but with an approachable and non-threatening demeanor. However, I have also been very lucky because all of my crew members have served as mentors that have all been very willing to teach and help me improve where I need it.” For now Stephanie wants to work on becoming the best firefighter she can be but does see a long and fulfilling career with LFD. As alluded to, Stephanie was a paramedic before being hired with LFD and worked for both Busch Gardens and Concentra. For fun she enjoys soaking in musicals, a personal passion of hers, and is recently focusing more on being involved in extreme running events like tough mudder and savage races. She feels that “Happy” would be the best word to describe herself.
Steven Murphy, 25, has wanted to be a firefighter since a young age. He says “the camaraderie, respect and influence from my father all played a part in my decision to seek employment with LFD.” Steven’s father was a veteran LFD firefighter who recently retired after 38 years of service. He truly enjoys all of the aspects of the job but is particularly touched when members of the community reorganize the service and value that LFD provides to them as citizens. He says he has been fortunate enough to encounter citizens while out and about that have shared their thanks with him and that he is very humbled by it. When asked what he thought was the most rewarding aspects of the job, Steven says “knowing that I have the best job ever. Every shift I love my job more and more. Having a career that I truly cherish and appreciate is very rewarding to me.” On the job Steven considers Lt. Matt Brown to be a personal mentor, who has played a large role in helping him on the job, and in the areas of education and training. While he plans on focusing all of his energy in the near future to being the best firefighter he can be he does one day hope to rise in the ranks as the opportunity presents itself. Prior to working at LFD he worked at Publix in the Meat Department. During his free time he enjoys SCUBA diving, fishing, lobstering, and working on cars. 8
Cody Ritenour, 21, grew up wanting to make a difference and has a passion for helping people. He counts his family as a major influence in his life and considered his father to be his hero. When asked what some of his favorite parts of the job were, Cody says “The diversity in what we do, no two calls are the same. Also the respect we get from the people in the city of Lakeland.” Some of the best experiences he has had on the job so far include getting the opportunity to sit after dinner and soak in the conversations of the experienced and knowledgeable firefighters he works with. He feels that he learns something new on the job every time he works and considers the support the community provides the department to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. He has goals for himself and wants to go to paramedic school and eventually aspires to become a Driver-Engineer. Before joining LFD, Cody worked in the emergency room at Florida Hospital South. Since being on the job, he says one of the skills he has developed is learning to play it cool even when he may not know what to do. For fun he enjoys fishing, hunting, going to school, and working.
Jerrod Hayes, 27, a former firefighter in the US Navy, was inspired to become a civilian firefighter once because he has always felt a need to serve his community and serving as a firefighter would allow him to do exactly that. Jerrod counts his family as his biggest inspirations but on the job looks up to Lt. Wilson, Lt. Craw, and Lt. DeLegge who he sees as constant sources of learning and as examples of the kind of firefighter he aspires to someday be. He also counts Driver-Engineer Virgen to be a big help on the job who helps him learn the in’s and out’s of the position. So much so that one of Jerrod’s long term goals is to also be a Driver-Engineer. As alluded to, prior to working with LFD, Jerrod was a ship board firefighter in the Navy and has worked as a shipboard fire safety instructor. He enjoys country and Irish music and notes “American Sniper” as his favorite read. During his spare time he also enjoys hunting and fishing. He describes himself as “Diligent”.
Brandon Polk, 21, chose the fire service because he wanted a career where he could make a difference and enjoy his work in the process. When asked who inspired him in life he answered “My major influences in my life have got to be my family, especially my parents. If not for them I honestly cannot not say if I would be in the position I am blessed to be in now.” He says he enjoys waking up every third day, and going to work knowing he will be exposed to something new. He says he is “lucky to be able to do so.” When thinking about goals, in the long term he aspires to be a Driver-Engineer. Prior to working with LFD he worked with a fertilizer company in Plant city for 3 years, and then worked for his own pallet company for a year in order to get through fire school. For fun he enjoys just about anything to do with motor sports, especially off-roading. 9
Cortlind Hendley, 22 choose the fire service because of a week long experience when he was in high school. “It was a camp called Firestorm in high school. We were given the opportunity to see what the life of a fireman was all about. At the camp we climbed ladders, put on bunker gear, pulled fire hoses, and even put out some fires. I always wanted to serve my community I just didn't know in what way. This camp inspired me to become a firefighter” said Cortlind. He is the youngest of three siblings and is the father of 3 year old Aaliyah. When asked to tell us more about who inspires him he said “If there is anyone who is my hero and has had the greatest influence on my life it would be my grandfather, the late Robert Hendley III. He was a pastor, an entrepreneur, and heck of a story teller. He always taught me to love God, love people, and never give up. If it wasn't for him I don't know where I would be.” One of his favorite aspects of the job are the children’s reaction when he participates in public education. He feels that as a firefighter, public education events are an opportunity to be a role model for children. Cortlind added that he “takes great honor in being a position where my job gives me the opportunity to help the next generation and remind them to believe that they can be anything they want to be.” He says his best experience on the job was actually orientation training because ”it tested our hearts as group, made us close friends, and reminded us that we choose this path not just for ourselves but for the city of Lakeland.” When talking about running calls he notes that he gets a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that when trouble strikes, LFD responders are the first to be able to arrive and help. He explains that it is very gratifying knowing he can help those in medical need. On the job, he counts Lt. Matthew Smith as his mentor. Cortlind says “He is one the hardest working men I know. He also will not allow me to be average but always inspires me to be the greatest fireman I can be. He is always willing to teach and train me whenever the opportunity is present. There isn't a day that doesn't go by where I'm not gaining knowledge from him”. Like many of the other Rookies, Cortlind would like to become a paramedic and over time has long term ambitions to move up in rank. Prior to joining LFD he worked as an EMT for a private ambulance company. When asked off the cuff if he was learning any new skills, he admitted to improving his cooking skills while on the job thanks to the master chefs on C shift with him. During his free time he enjoys sports like basketball and football. The one word Courtlind used to describe him when prompted is “Outgoing”. Jesse “Gray” Baldwin, 33, is one of the older rookies to join the crew this time around. He says he joined the fire service because he wanted to work in a field that provides help to others, and to do something that is different each day. He credits his parents for teaching him the value of hard work. While on the job he really enjoys the opportunity to help others and the camaraderie between fellow firefighters at the station. When pressed about what parts of the job are taking some getting used to he jokes that “a good night’s sleep is hard to come by.” He also wasn’t expecting to get such big “mopping muscles” as he put it, due to his rookie tasks around the station but counts them as an added bonus. Prior to pursuing a career with LFD he worked as a mechanic and electrician at a boatyard in Charleston, SC and in the design office of a sailboat builder in Gainesville, FL. During his free time he enjoys fishing, biking, and studying maps of Lakeland. His one word to describe himself was aptly enough “Hungry”. 10
Photos for the following three “Rookies” were not available at time of publication.
Brandon Dougherty, 28, says he choose the fire service because he wanted to make a difference and add to his family’s tradition of working in the fire service. Brandon considers both his parents, one of which is LFD’s Lt. Mike Dougherty, the biggest and most positive influences in his life. He enjoy’s running calls and says “it keeps me busy and lets me use the skills I learned in school.” So far he is really enjoying the job but notes that some challenges include moving from a clinical to real world setting which comes with a really big learning curve. He feels that the most rewarding part of his job is “knowing that I impacted someone’s life when they needed it the most.” He counts his Lieutenant and crew as mentors and feels that they have been a tremendous help in his transition from a clinical to field setting. He also worked at GEICO before starting with LFD. Brandon looks forward to paramedic school in the near future. He enjoys watching sports and enjoys Avenged Sevenfold’s music. When questioned for this piece, Brandon wanted to add that he “is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work for the Lakeland Fire Department. This is the only place I wanted to work and I consider myself very lucky to be able to work alongside the best firefighters in the best department.”
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Anthony Woods Jr., 29 grew up running the halls and bays of the station where his father and mother volunteered as FF/ EMT’s. His mother went on to become an ER Charge nurse, and a Bayflight flight nurse which exposed him to emergency medicine and inspired him to work in the field. He truly enjoy’s never knowing what each day will bring and counts “Watching kids’ faces light up when they see the truck, or us in our gear” as his most rewarding aspects of the job so far. He considers his crew to be his mentors and aspires to one day be as knowledgeable as they are. In the near future he is focused on making it through rookie testing, and eventually attending paramedic orientation. He expanded by saying that although he can’t predict what the future will bring he does want his career to grow with LFD. Prior to joining the department he worked as an EMT in Manatee County and as a charge medic at Manatee Memorial Hospital. He has also worked in construction. He enjoys fishing as a hobby.
Th The h tight lipped Derek McBrayer, 24, chose ch ho the fire service because he grew up p around fire stations and comes from a family of firefighters. His favorite part about fam the job is the camaraderie and the great meals he enjoys on duty, cooked up fresh. me He e looks up to his crew mates and says they’re a source of professional inspiration. the Prior Pr ri to working at LFD he worked at Best Buy Bu u for five years. Derek describes himself ass an adaptable kind of guy.
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Outreach and Public Education Updates and Highlights on all things “Outreach” related The Calendar With the arrival of new Public Education Officer Janel Vasallo, public education and outreach efforts have undergone some minor changes. The public education calendar for events is now available as a shared calendar on the Microsoft Office Outlook program, commonly used for email and calendars. Monthly public education calendars are sent at the end of the month for the following month and will include friendly reminders on how to check to see if your station is involved in an event and how to report important event information after it has happened. Please remember to check the calendar daily to see if your station is scheduled for an event. Open House Poster Distribution Open House is almost here. The biggest event of the year for the LFD will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013. Posters and instructions have been delivered to all stations. Please continue to distribute the posters until all have been posted and if you need more posters do not hesitate to contact PEO Janel Vasallo at Ext 48219 or via email. Back to School Safety Campaign A Success Thanks to everyone’s effort, the 2013 Back to School Safety campaign held from August 15 through 21, was another big success. Positive feedback was received from every school administrator where LFD firefighters campaigned and several citizens in the community, including city commissioners and Mayor Gow Fields commented on how happy they were to see LFD’s hard working men and women taking the time to remind motorist to slow down and buckle up. Great suggestions were received from firefighters on how to improve the campaign next year. One stand out suggestion, based on what was seen while sign holding this year, was to have “Don’t Text and Drive” signs. It is such a great idea that next year, anti-texting while driving signs will be added to the safety messages the department will be promoting. Thank you again to everyone who participated. More pictures from the campaign can be found at www.lakelandgov.net/lfd and the Special Events folder of the Fire-Rec Y Drive. Program Request Form Know of someone who would like to request an educational program ? The request process has moved online. Refer any program request to our Program and Events section of the LFD website where the requester will need to complete an online form. Instructions and more information about LFD’s educational programs are also available on the LFD website. Left: Sparky meeting with kids on tour. Center: Display suggestion for safety materials from Station 6, B-Shift. Right: Tour at Station 1.
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Rescue Side of Things Over the past few months, LFD has been fortunate enough to add six new paramedics to its rescue staff. Paramedics Anthonyy Woods, Stephanie Parente, Derek McBrayer, Chris Walker, Jonathan Smith, and Andrew Vinzant are off to complete paramedic orientation in the next e month and for the first time the training will be or provided on site at LFD stations. Instructors for css the orientation will be existing LFD paramedics and Rescue Chief Shane Reynolds. Also for the first time, the department will have six Field Training Officers who will be tasked with training the new paramedics among other on things. Immediately after paramedic orientation the new additions will work up to 10 24-hour shifts, riding along with both Polk County Fire Rescue and LFD Rescue, to cap off their experience.
Congratulations to Newly Selected Field Training Officers: TODD BURNEY MATTHEW BURNS DAMIAN MOTSINGER MICHAEL SMITH MARK OLIVENBAUM PHILLIP GREEN Congrtulations to New LFD EMS Bike Team: MIKE WINSLOW PAUL FAIRBANKS
Good On You
A quick look at who has recently been recognized for something great!
Left: Kaley Ivins is recognized for her help on additional duties with a VIP award.
Right: FF Taylor Riley wins awards from Firehouse Magazine for a heroic entry last December.
Left: Chief Ballard is elected as Second Vice President for the Florida Fire Chief’s Association.
R Right: Lt. Mike W Winslow is rrecognized with a VIP award for his diligent work h as LFD’s new a ““Quarter Master”.
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Around the Station A place to take a look at miscellaneous happenings around the department. Fire Chief Gary Ballard and Assistant Chief Doug Riley participated in a county wide event held at the Polk County Sheriff’s Compound in Winter Haven early Wednesday, September 11th, 2013. The event was to commemorate the tragic loss of life twelve years ago this day. The event featured the symbolic release of 50 white doves by representatives from fire-rescue and police departments throughout Polk County. “We were glad to be a part of this event” said Chief Gary Ballard. “It is important to remember that today is not only a day to reflect on the thousands that lost their lives on the day of the attacks but also the scores of others that fell victim to these acts of terrorism, like the soldiers who died in conflicts that resulted from the 9/11 attacks, first responders who have since fallen ill as a result of their exposure during rescue efforts, and scores of others whose lives were disrupted by the events.” added Chief Ballard. August 20, 2013 Firefighters, both current and retired, came together for the annual LFD Golf Tournament.
Update on Rick Best’s Condition Most of LFD is well aware by now that Driver-Engineer Rick Best has been recovering at Tampa General Hospital after a life altering motorcycle a few months ago. Rick and his family are regularly visited by LFD firefighters and administration to check in on his condition and provide any support possible. The most recent update on Rick’s condition comes from Chief Ballard who visited with him Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Chief Ballard reports that Rick’s condition is slowly improving and that on the day of his visit Rick was conscious, aware of his surroundings, and has since been taken off dialysis which is a good sign of regaining kidney function. It will be a long and arduous road to recovery but fortunately his condition is showing signs of improvement. LFD administrations plan to continue to visit regularly and will provide updates regularly. 14
Summer Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays RICHARD GARY DAN HEATH JOSE JOHN CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW MICHAEL ANTHONY JOEL TERRY ALLEN ALLISON DANIEL MICHAEL STEVEN JOHN MATT MICHAEL HARLEY MARY JASON JESSE TAYLOR WAYNE RICK TROY SCOTT JOSE JAMES JOHN MICHAEL MATTHEW JOSHUA MICHAEL DEREK JASON BRANDON LANCE PAT MICHAEL JOHN KAWAILANI ALLAN JOHN JAMES DAVID MICHAEL T BRYAN RICHARD JOHNNY HERBERT JOHN MARK STEVEN ROBERTO MATTHEW JESSE PHILLIP ALEXANDER STEVEN DEREK CORTLIND BRETT CLAYTON
Anniversaries BEASLEY BALLARD TAYLOR SEEBER VIRGEN FEZY, III FARINA BURNS SMITH WOODS CASTELLOW SMART AYSCUE HALSTEAD LESTER WHEELIS LINDSEY ALMSKOG LUTTERMOSER REYNOLDS WILSON BELOVARAC DIAZ SNYDER RILEY EPPERSON HARTZOG DEINES JOHNSON SANCHEZ HERNDON MADDOX GILBREATH CORLEY RUMMLER BROWN WIGGINS MERRITT POLK TAYLOR QUINTO STEELE LISK KUIKAHI GEDDINGS McGRATH McGRATH HENDERSON HOMAS GILLIAM HANCE REGISTER, JR. WISE, JR DRISKELL SLOAN CONNORS SANCHEZ LENOX BALDWIN GREEN SANCHEZ MURPHY MCBRAYER HENDLEY KNOLL KIDDEY
6/10 6/29 6/7 6/13 6/5 6/8 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/11 6/29 7/23 7/17 7/16 7/26 7/25 7/29 7/17 7/30 7/28 7/16 7/20 7/14 7/30 7/21 8/31 8/16 8/6 8/10 8/23 8/25 8/5 8/13 8/31 8/3 8/2 8/14 8/20 8/11 8/31 9/5 9/11 9/28 9/2 9/6 9/24 9/24 9/12 9/17 9/1 9/3 9/6 9/24 9/27 9/25 9/27 9/23 9/23 9/20 9/17 9/24 9/24 9/3 9/4 9/8 9/9
CURTIS RICHARD MARGARET MICHAEL JAMES MICHAEL HERBERT CHERYL WILLIAM ALLISON JOHN KATHIE MARGARET LUIS WESLEY KEVIN PETUR DAMIAN CHRIS KYLE ALVIN JESSE STUART JAMES JOHN MICHAEL CHRIS DAN JOHNNY HARLEY CHRIS ROGER JONATHAN VINCENT JAMES JOSE JAMES BRYAN JOSEPH MATTHEW DANIEL HARVEY PIETER KALEY JEFFREY DANIEL JOHN MICHAEL MICHAEL JOSHUA R JASON GREGORY ROBERTO JASON COLLIN MICHAEL TAYLOR DEREK
GILES BEST COLSON GILMAN CRAW STEELE WISE, JR EDWARDS DAVIS HALSTEAD ALMSKOG HELTZEL OROZCO HERNANDEZ WATSON LEFKOWITZ LEONARD MOTSINGER WHITNEY ALFORD CATHOLIC SNYDER CURK McGRATH McGRATH THOMAS PEELER TAYLOR REGISTER, JR. WILSON CAUSTIC JAHN BEALE HAZELBAKER SPIVEY SANCHEZ HEWITT, III GILLIAM DELEGGE CORLEY VARNER RIES LYALL IVINS WHARTON LESTER MADDOX GILBREATH WINSLOW RUMMLER DIAZ CALLAHAN SANCHEZ VICKERS LEIDY SMITH RILEY WIGGINS
6/5/1987 6/8/1987 6/20/1989 6/9/1992 6/10/1992 6/10/1992 6/15/1992 6/6/1994 6/8/1994 6/23/1996 6/10/1999 6/11/2001 6/5/2003 6/7/2004 6/12/2006 6/12/2006 6/12/2006 6/9/2008 6/6/2010 6/6/2010 6/6/2010 6/6/2010 7/1/1980 7/30/1987 7/13/1988 7/20/1988 7/27/1988 7/18/1989 7/29/1991 7/8/2001 7/30/2002 7/28/2003 7/6/2009 8/30/1982 8/7/1987 8/17/1997 8/4/2002 8/12/2002 8/13/2002 8/18/2003 8/16/2004 8/21/2006 8/21/2006 8/16/2010 9/14/1981 9/9/1991 9/25/1995 9/27/1998 9/21/2003 9/6/2005 9/19/2005 9/19/2005 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/4/2007 9/11/2011 9/25/2011
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