The Fire Inside - September 2020

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9

THE FIRE INSIDE

The internal newsletter of the Lakeland Fire Department KEEPING YOU INFORMED ACROSS SEVEN STATIONS

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

COMING SOON TO LAKELAND

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Fire departments will

Information on new construction

Exciting new training

shine their light to honor

coming to an area near you. p7

experience and educational

fallen firefighters. p6

offering. p12

STEVEN CZOP FOR MR. CENTRAL FLORIDA What motivated Steven to take the up challenge. p4

Duty

Honor

Integrity

Trust

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16 14

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CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

2020 has been an eventful year but not necessarily for the most positive of reasons. However, I believe an exception is the new training center the department should be enjoying

by November of this year.

You’ve read about the Training Center in previous editions of this newsletter and possibly even seen the video created to update the community and department on its history and progress. It is an overdue addition to the department that will continue to add to the quality that made us an ISO 1 department.

The Training Division will be based out of the new training center complex and they have big plans to make the most of the space and the new opportunities the complex will offer, including live burn training. The new training center will have clean and dirty classrooms, covered outdoor areas, warehouse space, and more that will allow for increased facility training. The careful design of the facility will allow for multiple crews to train simultaneously and be able to accommodate breakout sessions and quicker turnaround time getting back into service.

Thanks to the hard work of Assistant Chief Rick Hartzog, Training Chief John Almskog, Rescue Chief Shane Reynolds, and Training Captain Matt Brown in minding the details, the new facility will be able to meet all our needs, and then some. The fire service has changed tremendously since our first training tower was erected at 901 Granada Street over 60 years ago. I’m excited to see what the future holds and how our new facility will help us prepare for it.

Thank you for your continued dedication through it all. Stay safe and take care of your loved ones.

Sincerely, Douglas E. Riley Fire Chief

Watch the Training Center Video Here!

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Steven Czop for Mr. Central Florida

What motivated Steven to take up the challenge.

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Light Up the Night

Remembering Fallen Firefighters.

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Coming Soon to Lakeland

Information on new construction coming to an

area near you.

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Suicide Prevention Month

Take a minute to learn about this day of

observance.

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Welcoming Fall

10 things to get you in the fall spirit.

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A Day of Remembrance

Honoring and remembering the tragic event that

occurred 19 years ago.

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In Case You Missed It

Exciting new training experience and educational

offering.

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Health and Wellness

Healthy sloppy joes, air pack workout, and

osteoarthritis prevention facts.

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The Fire Outside

Neat and inspiring things happening elsewhere in

the fire service.

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Your Fire Family

Birthdays, years of service, and more.

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LFD Then

Welcoming the new year, many years ago.

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STEVEN CZOP FOR MR. CENTRAL FLORIDA Firefighter Steven Czop

little sister, Katie, was

is representing the

born deaf in both ears.

department in this year’s

She received cochlear

Mr. Central Florida

implants at the age of

contest. This year is

two. Having cochlear

particularly special

implants has allowed

because Steven has a

Katie to hear and speak

personal connection

without limitations.

to the mission of the

Organizations like the

that creates a foundation

check out our video on

organization that

Central Florida Speech

for people with speech

Facebook or YouTube.

sponsors the event

and Hearing Center

and hearing disabilities.

each year, the Central

provide services,

To hear more about

Florida Speech and

which include cochlear

Steven’s reason why, use

Hearing Center. Steven’s

implants and therapy

the QR code below to

Steven and his sister Katie

Check out the video here!

“Organizations like the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center break barriers, they set new standards, and goals, for people such as my sister.”

Vote for Steven at www.MrCentralFlorida.org > Vote for a Contestant

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MORE ABOUT COCHLEAR IMPLANTS Cochlear implants are more than just improved hearing; it is for those with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. For example, those who may be profoundly deaf or those who’s hearing aids may not be working anymore tend to be the recipients.

With this type of hearing loss, the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged and can’t detect sounds properly. The cochlear implant bypasses the inner ear and sends electrical signals straight to the brain, which are then interpreted as sound. As of 2012, approximately 324,200 registered cochlear implants have been implanted worldwide. In the United States, 58,000 devices have been implanted in adults and 38,000 in children.

A cochlear implant system has two main components. There is an externally worn audio processor that detects the sound and sends it to the internal implant which is placed just under the skin, behind the ear. The implant consists of the following parts: Microphone: picks up the sound from the environment Speech Processor: selects and arranges sounds picked up by the microphone Transmitter and receiver/stimulator: receives signals from the speech processor and converts them into electric impulses Electrode Array: group of electrodes that collects the impulses from the stimulator and sends them to different regions of the auditory nerve The process of receiving a cochlear implant is placed into four steps.

Assessment: Candidate will undergo routine assessment to make sure they are a candidate and to see if there are any additional factors the cochlear implant team should consider.

Implantation: The surgical procedure lasts anywhere from one to two hours under general anesthesia. Candidates are usually back on their feet within a day but each implantation is case by case.

Diagram of cochlear implant components

Model of a cochlear implant

Activation: Four weeks after the implantation of the cochlear implant will be the candidate’s first fitting. This is known as ‘activation day’ which is when the audiologist will turn on the audio processor for the first time and new sounds will be heard. During this visit, settings are adjusted to fit the candidate’s hearing preferences.

Rehabilitation: After the initial activation it is important to enroll in a rehabilitation program to adapt to hearing through the cochlear implant. This step is essential to make the most of the implant. The candidate can either meet with a speech-language pathologist or conduct at-home listening exercises of their own.

“Cochlear Implants from MED.” EL, www.medel.com/en-us/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uH6BRDQARIsAI3I-Ue5mVupYtW7m7MnFMnUDitDfqQHYFmj7aNir4pCAf3XWA_yeIlNIrAaAgVcEALw_wcB.

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For the first year ever the Lakeland Fire Department will be participating. More details coming soon.

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COMING SOON TO LAKELAND Have you ever driven by a new structure under construction and thought “Wonder what that’s going to be?”. To help put your mind at ease we have asked our always helpful Fire Inspectors for information on new construction coming to an area near you.

Inspector Riley told us about an exciting new recreational business coming to downtown in the Heritage Plaza, called Ax Caliber. In Ax Caliber, you can enjoy an atmosphere similar to Top Golf, but with axes instead of golf clubs. With 14 lanes of ax throwing, pool tables, and flat screen TV’s, the residents of Lakeland are in for a unique experience.

Ax Caliber will also offer a bar style menu and an in-house coffee shop so you and a group of your friends can enjoy a meal and a cold beverage to alleviate your appetite.

In Inspector Scripter’s area off of Lakeland Hills Blvd.

There’s a new structure being put into Lake Crago Park.

Along with the beautiful new dog park, several recreational activities on the water such as canoeing, kayaking, and sailing, a new building has been constructed along the water front to be used as a venue rental. This exciting addition will be Lakeland’s first water based recreational center. With modern architecture and features like large bay doors that give open air access to the inside, it’s sure to be a popular event spot!

Inspector Baldwin disclosed that on the north end of City limits on N Highway 33, there’s a new Amazon delivery center being constructed. These centers are used to house and prepare customer orders for final delivery. Amazon set foot in the Lakeland area in 2015 with its fulfilment center on County Line Road and in July they opened an air cargo facility. With Amazon expanding in the area, you may not even have to wait two days for delivery anymore! There is no known completion date for this project.

On the far south end of town, Inspector Sutherland announced that the Starbucks in Lakeside Village is getting a brand new look! They’re moving in with a jeweller a few doors down from their current location, between Moe’s and Olive Garden, and will now have a full service drive thru!

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World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) has been a day of observance on September 10th since 2003. Take a minute to learn about this day of observance.

History of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) Each year, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) work together to promote worldwide awareness about not only suicide, but also mental illnesses associated with suicide and suicide prevention.

Events and activities include the launch of new government initiatives, conferences, educational seminars, media programs promoting awareness, memorial services of remembrance, cultural fairs or exhibitions, publications, and training courses about suicide and depression awareness.

Nearly 3000 people on average die by suicide daily, according

to the World Health Organization. Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death which is influenced by psychosocial, cultural, and environmental risk factors that can be prevented through worldwide responses.

WHO and IASP work with governments, communities, and other partners to ensure that suicide is no longer stigmatized, criminalized, or penalized. The role of these organizations is also to build action and leadership to develop national responses to prevent suicide, strengthen national building blocks and planning, and to then encourage them to implement the responses. In past years, over 300 activities in over 70 countries were documented to IASP occurring on this day worldwide.

Here for you Repeated exposure to traumatic events can be hard on anyone, especially being a first responder. This is a huge reason why LFD prioritizes addressing the risks of depression and increased rates of suicides. The rates of firefighters compared to the average population in the United States are increasing each day, so much so, that suicides are outpacing line-of-duty deaths. The department acknowledges this and adopted the peer support model. There has also been a poster, displayed at each station, created to inform you of the resources offered to you. The department recognizes that firefighters trust each other because of shared experiences.

The hopes for this initiative is to provide

a path to mental and emotional well-being for the department’s firefighters, who may be shedding the stigma of mental illness and not recognizing that it is as much of a health concern as cancer and heart failure. The Health and Safety: It’s Personal Campaign, that features fellow firefighters, was also launched to help generate awareness and serves as constant reminders of the importance of the health initiatives in place.

Your mental and emotional health is a priority. If you, or someone you know (whether at work or at home) may be struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

“World Suicide Prevention Day.” Timeanddate.com, www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/world-suicide-prevention-day.

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WELCOMING FALL September 22 marks the first day of fall, this means the day and night will be almost equal in most locations. Even though Florida doesn’t experience much of a fall, here are 10 things to get you in the spirit.

1. Visit a corn maze 2. Visit a pumpkin patch and pick one to take home to carve 3. Bake an apple or pumpkin pie 4. Drink hot spiced apple cider 5. Make your kid’s Halloween costume 6. Watch your favorite scary movie on Halloween 7. Give out candy to trick or treaters 8. Host a Thanksgiving dinner 9. Have a barbecue 10. Decorate the house

The Colors of Fall If you’re really wanting to get into the fall spirit and experience it first hand, head up to Georgia or even the Carolinas to see some beautiful fall foliage. Whether you decide to travel to the beautiful Cloudland Canyon State Park or the historic city of Savannah, Georgia you will not be disappointed.

If you are willing to travel a little further, Charleston, SC, Asheville, NC and the beautiful Smoky Mountains are only an eight to tenhour car ride away and have some of the most gorgeous views of foliage change in the fall months. Regardless of your destination, even if you end up celebrating in your backyard, there are numerous ways to make this time of the year special and memorable for you and your family. https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/fall-activities

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A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE 2020 Lakeland Public Safety 9/11 Memorial Ceremony The Lakeland Fire Department and Lakeland Police Department teamed up to host a ceremony recognizing first responders and civilians who perished on September 11, 2001. The ceremony was held at Lakeland’s Global War on Terrorism Memorial located behind the RP Funding center. Members of the City of Lakeland Commission and City Management also attended to collectively honor and remember the 2,977 victims that perished that tragic day 19 years ago.

“No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time.”

-Virgil Scan the QR code to view more photos from the ceremony

Personnel in attendance

Generosity was the Theme of the Day Mission BBQ of South Lakeland hosted their annual 9/11 memorial event at noon. Each year Mission BBQ invites several public safety organizations (LFD, LPD, and Polk County Fire Rescue) to honor the fallen. They take this time to thank first responders for everything they do while providing a delicious meal to show their appreciation.

Additionally, CMA Iron Fisherman #1289 of Plant city surprised Fire Station 1 with a motorcade, cookies, and a prayer circle later in the afternoon.

LFD at Mission BBQ

Chief Riley with PCFR Chief Weech

Station 1 - C with CMA Iron Fishermen

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STRIKING THE FOUR FIVES Fire Chief Doug Riley performed the bell ceremony at the department memorial service held on September 11, 2020. He struck “The Four Fives” in honor of the 343 fallen firefighters that perished that day.

The History of “Striking The Four Fives” The sound of a bell holds special significance for firefighters. Historically, the toll of a bell summoned members to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified departments of a call for help, and indicated a call was completed and the unit had returned to the station. Departments also sounded a series of bells when a firefighter died in the line of duty to alert all members that a comrade had made the ultimate sacrifice.

One of the most meaningful series of bells is commonly called “Striking the Four Fives”. The fire service is rich with ceremony, custom, and tradition. Our custom of rendering final honors has its origin in the fire department of the City of New York, where many years ago, long before the advent of radios or pagers, fire alarms and daily announcements were dispatched from central headquarters to outlying firehouses by a system of bell commands and telegraph.

Each different type of alarm or announcement would have its own number and series of bell strikes. When a firefighter died in the line of duty or when some important official or personage died, headquarters would transmit five bell strikes, repeated in four series, with a slight pause between each series, followed by the announcement. This was done as long ago as 1856 in the New York City Fire Department to inform the rank and file of the death of President Abraham Lincoln.

The custom has continued down to the present day.

Chief Riley “Striking the Four Fives”

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Crane Training Conducted on various dates throughout the month of August, the Urban Search and Rescue Technical Rescue Team and crew members from Station 1 participated in crane training located at the Summit job site on Lake Mirror, managed by the Brasfield & Gorrie LLC Construction Engineering Company. The team is now familiarized with the construction site and equipment and are looking forward to continuing their training during the construction process with confined spaces and high angle opportunities. This team work is much-appreciated as it allows our department access to training experiences that are hard to come by with a skyline like Lakeland’s.

Group huddle with construction safety manager

Klint Wnuk on top of the crane

Station 1 LT climbing the crane

Kyle Davis climbing the crane

Virtual Q & A During the summer months, station tours are usually a big hit. In May, a virtual station tour was created to allow followers to be able to take a tour through Station 1 and learn about the department. In spite of the pandemic, the communications and outreach division knew something needed to be offered to area students in the meantime so the department has created a Virtual Q & A experience to offer classroom students. On August 28th Lighthouse Homeschoolers came together and conducted a Facebook watch party of the department’s station tour. Afterwards, Firefighters Kyle and Ronnie participated in a live Zoom session where the children were able to ask questions in real-time. Firefighter Ronnie even put on his gear while Firefighter Kyle explained the importance of bunker gear. This also allowed students to interact with their community helpers. The Virtual Q & A lasted a little over an hour and the children had a blast! If you know of any organization that would like to participate in this program in lieu of an in-person tour, contact lfdmedia@lakelandgov.net .

Firefighters Kyle and Ronnie demonstrating bunker gear to the kids

“Group photo” of all the participants at the Zoom session

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS Recipes, exercises, and helpful tips to help you stay healthy and active

Healthy Sloppy Joe! 1-pound extra-lean ground beef 1 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeño, minced 1 red pepper, diced 1 can small red beans or pinto beans, preferably low sodium drained and rinsed 1 1/2 cups no-salt-added tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon molasses 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon mustard powder 3/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 8 whole-wheat burger buns

Brown the meat and the onion in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks.

Pour the drippings out of the pan and discard. Add the garlic, jalapeño, and red pepper and cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Place a half-cup scoop of the mixture onto each bun and serve.

Try this workout!

Grab you air pack (gear optional) Complete as many rounds as possible until your tank runs out.

Find your magic “pace” that allows you to sustain your effort: 1-minute plank 1-minute bear crawls 1 minute farmers carry (40lb each side) 1-minute tire chop with axe or sledge hammer 1-minute dummy/sled drag

(WEB MD, 2005) The benefits of weight loss may be multiplied fourfold for people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. A new study shows that for each pound of body weight lost, there is a 4-pound reduction in knee joint stress. It shows how even losing a couple pounds can make a bigger difference than you think!

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THE FIRE OUTSIDE

Neat and inspiring things happening elsewhere in the fire service.

13 Children of Fallen 9/11 Firefighters Continue the Family Legacy

by Graduating from FDNY Academy It was a draining, yet exciting graduation day for the FDNY — full of young firefighters carrying on their family legacy and following in their fathers’ footsteps.

September 24, 2019 - Thirteen children of firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, graduated from the city’s fire department during a very emotional ceremony.

They were part of a group of 301 probationary firefighters to graduate Tuesday after 18 weeks of intensive training at the New York City Fire Department academy.

“Many of their fathers were killed on September 11, several others died of World Trade Center illnesses, and others lost their lives in the course of their duty, bravely working to save and protect others,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro, who presided over the ceremony.

“Today, these 21 legacies are no longer children dreaming of their careers their fathers loved, and of serving in the world’s greatest fire department — today, they have fully achieved their dreams.”

Firefighter Carl Asaro was one of the 343 FDNY members killed after the terror attacks on 9/11.

Three of his children, Rebecca and Marc Asaro, graduated from the academy on Tuesday.

“Every day that I came to the academy, I was grateful to be there and to follow in the footsteps of my father, brothers, uncle, and all those who came before. This is exactly where I want to be,” said Rebecca Asaro. They have two siblings already on the job, Firefighters Matthew and Carl Asaro, Jr. Robert Tilearcio Jr. took the test the same month his father, Robert Tilearcio, died from 9/11-related cancer, he told WABC. “I wish he could be here when I graduate, but I know I am making him proud. I took the civil service test the same month my father died. I knew he was happy to know I was heading in the right direction. He worked with the department for 35 years.

“I was always at his fire house and from a young age I knew this is what I wanted to do. I’ll be thinking about him when I get to my first fire,” he said.

There is one more interesting fact about this graduation, one that is especially inspiring to females: “This group is historic in another way as well, there are 16 female probationary firefighters in this class,” Nigro said.

“That’s the second-largest group of female firefighters to ever graduate in the fire academy in a single class.”

Thank you all for your service and dedication, we will always be grateful and never forget the sacrifice.

Admin. “13 Children of Fallen 9/11 Firefighters Continue the Family Legacy by Graduating from FDNY Academy.” Good News, 26 Sept. 2019, www.majically. com/13-children-of-fallen-9-11-firefighters-continue-the-family-legacy-by-graduating-from-fdny-academy/.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“There is no higher honor than to be given the responsibility to care for another human being.”

—Richard K. Schachern

THE FIRE INSIDE

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion.

For passion will lead you right into your purpose.”

—T.D. Jakes

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Years of Service John Maddox - 25 years Scott Gilbreath - 22 Years

YOUR FIRE FAMILY Birthdays, years of service, and more

Michael Winslow - 17 Years Gregory Callahan - 15 Years

Friends, family, and colleagues gathered on the 26th of August to celebrate Fire Inspector II Michael Green, and Fire Inspector I Zakary Scripter,

Jason Diaz - 15 Years

on their promotions. This marks an exciting time within the Prevention

Josh Rummler – 15

Division with the reintroduction of Fire Inspector II positions within the

Years Collin Leidy - 13 Years

division.

Roberto Sanchez - 13 Years Michael Smith - 13 Years Taylor Riley - 9 Years Derek Wiggins – 9 Years

Birthdays Bryan Gilliam - 9/1 Kawailani Kuikahi - 9/2 Richard Hance - 9/3 Derek McBrayer - 9/3 Cortlind Hendley - 9/4 Allan Geddings - 9/6 Brett Knoll - 9/8 Clayton Kiddey - 9/9 Michael Thomas - 9/17 Phillip Green - 9/17 Jesse Baldwin - 9/20 Clint Mitchell - 9/21 Roberto Sanchez - 9/23 Matthew Lenox - 9/23 Herbert Wise Jr - 9/24 Alex Sanchez - 9/24 Steven Murphy - 9/24 Mark Sloan - 9/25 Michael Friedt - 9/25 John Driskell - 9/27 Steven Connors - 9/27 John Lisk - 9/28

Signing the Fire Inspector Oath of Office

Prevention Division group photo

You’re Invited

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YOUR FIRE FAMILY Birthdays, years of service, and more

South Lakeland Lowes Gives Back One of the department’s most popular programs in the community is its free smoke alarm program. For the sixth year in a row, South Lakeland Lowes helped make the program possible through its participation in donating smoke alarms at cost. This year was slightly different, as they donated 50 smoke alarms for free, as well as a tub full of goodies like disinfectant wipes, gloves, and face masks to be used at stations.

The department is extremely thankful for community partners like Lowes for their continued generosity.

Goodies donated by South Lakeland Lowes

Station 5 - A with members Lowes employees

Coca Cola Donates Energy Drinks Need a boost? Last week Coca Cola generously donated pallets of energy drinks to LFD and LPD. Head on over to Station 1’s Engine Bay to grab a pack of Coke Zero Energy Drinks to bring back to your station for all to enjoy. Dozens of cases are still left.

Coke Zero Energy Drinks

Members from LPD dropping off the donation

LFD THEN

A glimpse into the department’s rich history

LFD ON PARADE TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR

Caption: Lakeland Firefighters (all were volunteers, who balanced their civic duties with paying jobs elsewhere) are pictured here participating in Lakeland’s New Year’s Day parade. The photo of the department’s firefighters, horses, and apparatus is near the department’s only station at the time, on the corner of modern day South Florida Avenue and Main Street. Leading the delegation is the department’s first, and at the time only, motorized vehicle, a 1911 American LaFrance Fire Engine. The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was one of the oldest fire apparatus manufacturers in the United States. With roots that go back to approximately 1832, the companies that went on to become American LaFrance built hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and steam-powered fire engines.

Stay even more informed. Like and Follow the Lakeland Fire Department through social media. @LakelandFD

Know something fellow firefighters may appreciate learning about? Have a good idea for a story or feature?

Have something to share?

Please reach out to lfdmedia@lakelandgov.net or lfdadmins@lakelandgov.net to contribute.

This newsletter is brought to you by the Communications and Outreach Division and the LFD Administrative Staff.

www.lakelandgov.net/LFD