Suffolk Fire & Rescue 2023 Annual Report

City

of Suffolk

Department of Fire & Rescue

ANNUAL REPORT

CITY LEADERSHIP

The City of Suffolk is governed by an elected at-large Mayor and seven City Council Members who are elected by their respective boroughs. Appointed by the Council, the City employs a full-time City Manager to oversee the daily operations of the City and its 1,440 full-time employees.

In 1974, the present-day 430 square mile City of Suffolk was formed through the consolidation with the County of Nansemond and the towns of Holland and Whaleyville. In 1974, the present-day 430 square mile City of Suffolk was formed through the consolidation with the County of Nansemond and the towns of Holland and Whaleyville. Its 430 square miles consist of rich farmland, pristine waterways, beautiful trails, and open spaces, which our citizens and guests cherish. Suffolk is a vibrant and fiscally strong community leading the region in advancements in technology, education, and public safety, with diverse economic growth, while continuing to preserve its rural heritage and enhancing its neighborhoods and urban centers. As a full-service City, Suffolk provides a broad range of municipal services authorized by statute or charter. It is the fastest-growing city in Hampton Roads and is wellpositioned for continued growth and prosperity. With a diverse and skilled workforce, proximity to the Port of Virginia, available land for development, efficient transportation access, high quality of life, a regard for its historic past, and a dynamic vision for the future, Suffolk continues to attract new business and investment opportunities, create jobs, and provide an invigorating economic climate for expansion. Noted nationally for job creation and as one of the most livable cities, Suffolk continues to capitalize on its assets in a top-ranked business-friendly state.

Suffolk was the first City in Virginia to adopt the Freedom

City Manager

Albert Moor II, P.E.

Suffolk City Council

(L to R) John Rector, Suffolk Borough; LeOtis Williams, Whaleyville Borough; Roger W. Fawcett, Sleepy Hole Borough; Michael Duman, Mayor; Lue R. Ward, Jr., Vice Mayor, Nansemond Borough; Timothy Johnson, Holy Neck Borough; Leroy Bennett, Cypress Borough; and Shelley S. Butler Barlow, Chuckatuck Borough.

CITY VISION

The City Council has established a shared vision for the City through its Comprehensive Land Use Plan and supporting budgets. It is meant to be aspirational and inspirational while also being practical. The plan is intended to guide and assist the City staff, the public, the development community, the City Council, the Planning Commission, and other officials in decisions related to development, redevelopment, growth, preservation, and the provision of public services through the year 2035. The elements of this plan establish policy statements to guide decisions about growth, housing availability, transportation, public facilities and services, and the preservation and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

Major Principles and Values

 Maintain an efficient transportation network and effective choices for mobility;

 Define and enhance the various unique character types and development patterns within the City;

 Promote a diverse housing stock, providing affordability;

SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE

Suffolk Fire & Rescue 2023 Statistics

Total Unit Responses

42,297

Response Time 6:45

292 Fire Incidents

14,086 EMS Incidents

198 Extrications

1,303 Motor Vehicle Accidents

1,327 Fire Alarm Calls

1,275 Service Calls

TOTAL INCIDENTS BY STATION

TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE BY YEAR

INCIDENTS BY DAY & HOUR

2023 UNIT RESPONSES TOTAL

Medics

Suppression

SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

CAD Project Manager Battalion Chief

Support Services Deputy Chief

Finance & Budget

Assistant Chief

Health, Safety & Human Resources

Assistant Chief

Accounting Associate

Buildings & Special Projects

Battalion Chief

Logistics

Battalion Chief

Logistics Officer

Staffing Officer Timekeeper

Planning Technician

Shift Safety Officers

Battalion Chief

Training Officer Project Lifesaver Coordinator

EMS & Fire

Training Instructors

Fire Academy Officer

Academy Instructors

Stockroom Clerk

Deputy City Manager

Emergency Management Coordinator

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

Michael J. Barakey

Thank you for a great year in the Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue (SF&R). In 2023, the department continued to grow and develop. Over the past ten years, the department has doubled the amount of calls for service and unit response. In 2014, SF&R answered 10,301 incidents while in 2023, we answered 19,087. In 2014, SF&R had 23,035 unit responses and in 2023, we had 45,032.

Since growth is a predictor of response, the City of Suffolk had a population increase of 6.7% over the past three years. The population was 86,976 in 2014 and it is now estimated at 100,670. No other county or city has had a larger increase in population in the Commonwealth of Virginia over the past three years and we are planning to meet the increase in call volume, and responses will only continue to grow as our population continues to grow.

In 2023, we had many accomplishments. Many of these accomplishments are directly related to the growth of the department and the projected growth of the City of Suffolk. First, Suffolk Fire & Rescue is internationally accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). In February, SF&R’s leadership sat in front of the Commission in a hearing that verified and validated the many facets of the department based on national standards, best practices, and proven business models. We broke ground on Fire Station 11 which will house Engine 11, Ladder 11, Rescue 2, Medic 11, and EMS 2 with a projected opening in March 2025. Soon after the groundbreaking, SF&R was awarded a SAFER Grant for $4,115,448 for three years of salaries and benefits for eighteen firefighters. Our vision for a state-of-the-art burn building had great progress in 2023. The design plans were completed and in conjunction with the City’s phase-one site improvements for the road and utilities to reach the fire training site where the burn building will be constructed, we are on target for our first burn in a state of the art Class A burn building and training tower to be lit in the Spring of 2025. In August 2023, our first full-time paramedics were hired and are now serving. Paramedics Megan Smith and Samantha Ryan are the first and we will continue to hire paramedics to serve the citizens on our medics. Hampton Roads Fire Academy Class 55 and 56 started in April 2023 and in 2023, we had 8 FF/AEMTs and 3 FF/I enter paramedic school. EMS Training delivered the first annual “JanuAirway” class and integrated our new GlideScope Pros into operations. We delivered the second annual “MayDay” full-scale training in February and this in-service continues to prepare our department to rescue our own. In May, Governor Youngkin signed HB1408/SB906 for enhanced workers’ compensation presumption and compensability of additional cancers and HB 1775/SB 904 for workers’ compensation for PTSD incurred by firefighters. Our second tiller, Ladder 3 went into service and we had several other milestones in 2023, to include: development of the requirements for a new CAD system, opening the Logistics Bureau, development of a concept for a Community Paramedic/Marcus Alert co-response team with Western Tidewater Community Board, promotion of three Assistant Chiefs, providing Galleri early cancer detection tests, identification and procurement of new solid-bore and fog nozzles and low-pressure 1 ¾ hose, and the initial design work to replace Fire Station 4. In addition, several of our members were in a FEMA Deployment for VA-TF 2, including Ridge, our live-find US&R canine, for Hurricane Idalia.

Finally, we welcomed the 9/11 Traveling Memorial to the 2023 Peanut Festival for the second consecutive year. The procession down Main St. and the remembrance at the festival site honored those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Thank you all for a wonderful 2023 and I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings for Suffolk Fire & Rescue.

OPERATIONS

Operations Deputy Chief

Ted Adams

The City of Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue provides fire suppression, technical rescue, search and rescue (SAR), emergency communications, marine operations, tactical medics, advanced life support emergency medical services, and fire prevention programs to over 98,537 residents. The department serves 430 square miles of urban, suburban, rural, village, and waterfront areas in the southeast portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In 2023, department personnel responded to 19,087 calls for service and staffed nine fire stations that deployed a total of two battalions, 11 engine companies, three ladder companies, one heavy rescue unit, eight advanced life support ambulances, four tanker trucks, four brush trucks, one mass casualty bus, and one fire boat.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

The Special Operations Command (SOC) oversees the operations of the Hazardous Materials Team, Marine Incident Response Team, Communications Team, Tactical Medic Team, Search and Rescue Team, Virginia-Task Force 2, and the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team. These special operations teams are tasked with specialized responses to emergencies ranging from high-angle rescue, hazardous materials leaks or spills, and water rescue-related incidents. In addition to the daily calls for services such as fire suppression and emergency medical care, the dedicated members of the SOC are specialty-trained firefighters with extensive equipment and training to provide a highly increased level of incident response capabilities to the community.

Special Operations Assistant Chief

Demitri Wilson

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s Communications Team is an emergency communications team that provides a Regional Mobile Communications and Command Center (RMCC) to serve the City of Suffolk and the Hampton Roads Region in the event of a natural disaster or other unforeseen catastrophes and planned events.

The Communications Team also provides daily support to Suffolk Fire & Rescue with radio maintenance, mobile data terminal issues, Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL), and any information technology needs within the department.

The team’s accomplishments in 2023 include:

 Providing emergency and planned response to:

 U.S. Navy – The team deployed an Emergency Operations Center for MCI Drill and Airshow Command Center (Oceana NAS, Virginia Beach, VA);

 Suffolk Police Department – The team deployed a Mobile Communications Center for Active Shooter Drills (Suffolk, VA);

 Chesapeake Fire & Rescue – The team deployed a Communications Center for Fire Recruit Academy Shift Day (Chesapeake, VA);

 City of Virginia Beach – The team deployed an Emergency Communications Center during an electrical failure of their primary Dispatch Center (Virginia Beach, VA);

 U.S. Coast Guard – The team deployed a Command Center during a two-day simulated oil spill drill (Duck, NC); and

 Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office –Communications Team Drone Pilots provided aerial drone footage to investigators on numerous incidents (Suffolk, VA).

 The Regional Mobile Communication Center (RMCC) received extensive technology upgrades through a UASI grant, including:

 5G service for Public Safety Communications;

 New Servers and thin clients were added; and

 Motorola APX 8500 radio upgrade for onboard radio compliment.

 Two team members obtained Communications Unit Leader (COML) certification.

 Two team members obtained Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incident (ICS

 Attending courses and providing a static display for the 2023 Virginia APCO/NENA and Interoperability Fall Conference in Roanoke, Virginia.

 Providing the State of Virginia with equipment and instructors for the COMT (Communications Technician) and COML (Communications Unit Leader) courses.

 Participating in Quarterly Training with the Virginia Communications Cache in Fairfax and Harrisonburg.

 Signed and submitted a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the State of Virginia and awaiting review for acceptance.

MARITIME INCIDENT RESPONSE

The City of Suffolk, VA Marine Team is an indispensable part of the city's emergency response system, primarily responsible for water-based search and rescue, fire prevention, and suppression on waterways. Suffolk boasts an extensive network of waterways, including the Nansemond River, James River, and various creeks, and the Marine Team is responsible for responding to incidents in these areas, serving diverse purposes such as recreational boating, fishing, and commercial shipping.

In addition to their core emergency response functions, the Marine Team actively engages in community outreach and educational efforts. They participate in events like the Harbor Festival, the Annual Search and Rescue Symposium, Shipboard Firefighting School, and the city's annual July 4th celebrations disseminating crucial information on boating safety and fire prevention.

Looking ahead, the Marine Team is committed to improving response times and enhancing preparedness for different emergency scenarios. This includes continuous training, drills, and collaboration with other emergency response teams and organizations to ensure effective incident responses.

Furthermore, their dedication to community engagement and education on boating safety and fire prevention remains unwavering. They actively facilitate workshops and in-house classes on these vital topics. Moreover, the Marine Team is deeply committed to preserving clean waterways and reducing environmental hazards, ensuring these resources remain pristine for future generations. Notably, Fire Boat 1 responded to 35 calls for service in 2023, highlighting its critical role in emergency response efforts.

In summary, the City of Suffolk, VA Marine Team has had a successful year in providing essential emergency response services to the city's waterways, focusing on safety, preparedness, community outreach, and environmental stewardship. Their dedication and commitment to service are evident in their swift and effective responses to water-related emergencies. As the city continues to grow, the Marine Team and Fire Boat 1 will remain integral components of its emergency response system, dedicated to preserving clean waterways and reducing hazards for all.

TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM

The Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) Technical Rescue Team (TRT) is a specialized team composed of highly trained members to responding to complex and challenging incidents. The team is based out of Fire Station 1 and responds to all rescue incidents including high/low angle access, confined space, building collapse, trench collapse, construction site accidents, industrial accidents, vehicle accidents, and swift water incidents.. SF&R’s TRT is a member of the Tidewater Regional Technical Rescue Team (TRTRT). The joint team consists of highly trained rescue personnel from fire departments throughout Southeastern Virginia including Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk. The team was created to provide aid to localities in the event of a challenging and complex technical rescue incident.

During the 2023 year, TRT:

 Hosted and participated in multiple department and Regional Technical Rescue Team drills.

 Our Technical Rescue Instructors delivered several technical rescue courses to SF&R including the Hampton Roads Regional Fire Academy, to certify members in the core tech rescue disciplines.

 Two members attended the 80-hour Structural Collapse School in Virginia Beach and are now certified as Structural Collapse Specialists.

 Several Team members were certified as Swift Water Rescue Technicians through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

SEARCH & RESCUE TEAM

The Suffolk Fire & Rescue Search and Rescue Team (SAR) was established in 1997 and is jointly tasked with the Suffolk Police Department (SPD) to use trained personnel for the coordinating of resources and personnel in the effort to preserve life and to locate and successfully recover lost persons. The State of Virginia has codified search and rescue operations and is administered under “Emergency Support Function, item nine, Search and Rescue.” The Virginia Department of Emergency Management oversees and provides support for statewide Search and Rescue operations and training. The responsibility for Search and Rescue operations falls to the locality where the event occurs. Since the team’s inception in 1997, Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) has taken the lead in training and operations. The City of Suffolk currently maintains one of only a few career department teams across the state. Most state-sponsored Search and Rescue Teams are volunteer only and their availability can be limited. The advantage of a career department team is its availability for calls and the multiple skill sets that can be provided. The Suffolk SAR is available on demand and can deploy up to twenty trained members from the Fire Department and the Police Department in less than 6 hours. Currently, the SAR team is available for operations within the city and mutual aid requests from adjoining localities on a case-bycase basis determined by city management.

In 2023, we saw the SAR Team flourish by:

 Battalion Chief Brown’s addition to the SAR team has provided administrative direction for the SAR. Team leadership has established the goal of becoming the regional subject matter expert and VDFP District 5’s SAR asset with the training and equipment to accomplish that goal.

 Staying active with members of the SPD in joint SAR Team operations, conducting monthly training on the second Thursday of the month.

 Participating in the state-sponsored search and rescue conference.

 Conducting the first annual large-scale search training operation including the Suffolk Fire and Suffolk Police search team, the combined Drone team, the Communications Team, and outside assets such as the Tidewater Search and Rescue organization.

 Utilizing Vector Solutions to track SAR training.

 The purchase of the multi-use Fire ATV located at station 4.

The Search and Rescue discipline is an as-needed skill set. It is a high-risk, low-frequency skill set. The SAR has in the past assisted with searches in the city of Chesapeake, Gates County, and Isle of Wight County. We have been asked to help with much larger searches that covered the state of VA. In 2023, there were a total of 24 Search and Rescue incidents. Most of these calls were for the Project Lifesaver program, six calls were search operations, and one major search operation in Isle of Wight County assisting another jurisdiction. The regional call for service in Isle of Wight for a missing person included the Suffolk SAR Team, the Suffolk Marine Team, and multiple drone teams from surrounding agencies with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management search assets that conducted a successful two day search.

The future goals for the Suffolk Fire & Rescue SAR Team are to expand, to include new personnel that have shown interest in the program, update all available operational equipment, as well as budget for and plan to attend all Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) support training opportunities. These opportunities include the Ground Search and Rescue Academies (multiple yearly opportunities), and the SAR Conference in the spring.

TACTICAL MEDIC TEAM

The Tactical Medic Team provides rapid emergency medical support necessary to preserve the safety, physical and mental health, and overall well-being of law enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), special operations (tactical) personnel, and others at the scene of critical incident deployments and training. Tactical Medics render medical care during training and high-threat deployments where standard EMS and Fire personnel cannot safely respond. Tactical Medics train to effectively and safely deliver rapid, high-quality emergency medical care in austere conditions. They are competent in preventive medicine, team tactics, weapons safety, security, extraction, defensive tactics, and many other skills. The primary goal is to save law enforcement officers' lives. The secondary goal is to provide medical care for others at the scene and expedite extraction and transportation to augment the EMS system.

The Tactical Medic Team at Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) consists of nine highly trained paramedics who respond to all tactical incidents involving Suffolk Police Department SWAT and Virginia State Police (Division V) TAC Team operations.

During the 2023 year, Suffolk Fire & Rescue:

 Reassigned the Tactical Medic Team to the Special Operations Division.

 Modified the Tactical Medic Team Organizational Structure to enhance team operations.

 Added an Administrative Team Leader, a Training Officer, and a Logistics Officer.

 Responded to over 70 operations with Virginia State Police (Divisions I and V), including search warrants, barricades, dignitary protective details, and stand-by medical requests.

 Attended various training across the state, including Virginia State Police Driver Training Center (Blackstone, VA), Camp Bearfoot (Crewe, VA), Northwestern Annex (Chesapeake, VA), Virginia Beach Police Training Center (Virginia Beach, VA), Walters (Isle of Wight, VA), and Hampton.

 Responded to over 30 operations with Suffolk Police Department, including search warrants. barricades, recruit first-aid training, and monthly SWAT training.

 Participated in multiple executive protection details for the President of the United States (POTUS), the Vice President of the United States (VPOTUS), the Governor of Virginia, and other important dignitaries.

 Supported operations for the following agencies:

 Virginia State Police;

 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF);

 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);

 U.S. Marshals Service;

 U.S. Secret Service;

 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA);

 Suffolk Police Department; and

 Various Law Enforcement Agencies on the Eastern Shore and throughout the state of Virginia.

 Stocked and placed new medical bags into service.

 Upgraded team communications with the addition of new portable radios.

VIRGINIA — TASK FORCE 2

Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) is a participating agency with FEMA’s Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2). VA-TF2 is a highly specialized urban search and rescue (USAR) team comprised of highly trained firefighters, technical rescue technicians, EMS personnel, canine handlers, physicians, and engineers from various cities and departments located throughout the region to include Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake, James City County, Navy Regional, Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton, Williamsburg, Henrico, Portsmouth, and York County.

The team is one of 28 in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and responds to national emergencies and disasters to assist with search and rescue efforts. VA-TF2 has responded to such disasters as the Oklahoma City bombing, the Pentagon during 9/11, the earthquake in Haiti, the building collapse in Surfside Florida, Hurricanes Opal, Fran, Georges, Frances, Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Ernesto, Gustav, Ike, Maria, Florence, Ian, and, Idalia, and such events as the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

During the 2023 year, VA-TF2:

 Three additional SF&R members were selected to the team. Our newly selected members are attached to the Rescue, Hazmat and Logistics components. With those additions, SF&R now has ten (10) members assigned to VA-TF2.

 In September, two (2) SR&F members deployed with VA-TF2 to Florida to assist with search and rescue efforts for Hurricane Idalia. VA-TF2 was on site for multiple days with additional National FEMA USAR teams to assist with search efforts.

 Participated in multiple component trainings and drills.

HAMPTON ROADS INCIDENT

The Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue (SF&R) is committed to being part of the regional organization known as the Hampton Roads Incident Management Team (HRIMT). Members of the HRIMT are a diverse group of motivated individuals from multiple disciplines and jurisdictions from across the Hampton Roads region. These individuals are experienced in the Incident Command System (ICS), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that can activate to support the management of major, complex emergencies, planned events, and disasters that require a substantial number of local and mutual-aid resources.

As with all organizations, training is an ongoing process. The HRIMT is funded through grant requests at the state and Federal levels. The training and experience that our members receive requires little, and sometimes no cost to the Department or the city. The goal of HRIMT training is to be financially neutral to the host agency, which means there is no cost to the SF&Rt. The HRMIT is one of four teams located in the state of Virginia. The HRIMT is a highly respected and often requested team by multiple jurisdictions on the East Coast of the United States in times of emergencies or natural disasters.

The HRIMT’s mission is to provide a professional, All-Hazards Type-3 Incident Management Team (IMT) to support major incidents and events occurring in the Hampton Roads region, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and outside the State as requested. The HRIMT was formed in 2005 to aid in response to Hurricane Katrina which devastated the Gulf Coast. In 2008, HRIMT aided our local community when a tornado struck the Hill Point area in the City of Suffolk.

The city formally joined the HRIMT in 2022, and has since accomplished the following:

 SF&R had its first member join HRIMT in July of 2019. The current members of the team have qualifications required and are currently working on position specific training. All training is certified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the All-Hazards Incident Management Team Association (AHIMTA);

 During the 2023 calendar year, personnel from SSF&R participated with HRIMT in several events;

 The HRIMT assisted the Port Authorities Search and Rescue conference by providing logistics support;

 The May 3rd tornado, that struck the Great Neck area of VA Beach. Members assisted with the activation, operations and demobilization efforts of the team in support of the city of VA Beach;

 In November, the HRIMT was selected to send a member to support the wild fire efforts in Hawaii;

Battalion Chief

Raphael Brown

MANAGEMENT TEAM

 In December, Suffolk personnel assisted HRIMT with the retirement celebration of Chesapeake Fire Chief Elliott. Fire Chief Elliot not only served the city of Chesapeake for nearly 50 years, he was a founding member of HRIMT.

Members not only attended the required 24 hours of training during quarterly exercises throughout the year, but also attended the specialized FEMA supplemental response training (SRT). This is a new program that FEMA is developing to support FEMA operations. The Virginia Incident Management Teams are only the second set of teams in the country to receive this training in preparation for assisting FEMA operations.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BUREAU

EMS Bureau

Battalion Chief

Keith Johnson

Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) remains steadfast in delivering exceptional pre-hospital emergency care and transportation to the City of Suffolk. Our dedicated personnel undergo rigorous training in various hazard mitigation techniques, including fire protection, technical rescue, and advanced emergency medical services. Our commitment extends throughout the city, with eight (8) Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances staffed around the clock every day of the week. These ambulances, equipped with a Ford F-550/Horton configuration, serve as our front-line units, each manned by a Paramedic and an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).

We take immense pride in our state-of-the-art equipment, which includes Lifepak 15 cardiac monitor/ defibrillators, Lucas 3 mechanical CPR devices, and Glidescope GO video laryngoscopes. Additionally, our Stryker Power-Load cot fasteners and Stryker Power-Pro cots enhance patient safety during transport while minimizing crew-related injuries.

In the year 2023, Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 19,087 incidents. Of these, 14,086 (73.8%) were related to emergency medical services (EMS). Our dedicated team transported 10,561 patients to local hospitals. We operate under the guidelines set forth by the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of EMS, adhering to the Tidewater Emergency Medical Services Council regional EMS protocols. Our EMS providers work under the esteemed license of our Operational Medical Director, Dr. Carl Wentzel.

The EMS Bureau’s 2023 Accomplishments include:

 Responding to over 14,000 EMS-related calls for service;

 Transporting over 10,000 patients to local hospitals;

 Hiring our first full-time Paramedic-only personnel;

 Placing a dedicated Bariatric Ambulance in service;

 Purchasing two (2) new CPR compression devices;

 Purchasing five (5) Lifepak 15 Cardiac Monitors; and

 Implementing a new Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP).

The EMS Bureau sponsored attendance to the following training:

 EMS World (New Orleans, LA);

 Image Trend Connect Conference (Saint Paul, MN);

 Operative IQ Conference (Atlanta, GA); and

 Tidewater EMS Educational Expo (Chesapeake, VA).

2023 AWARDS & RECOGNITON CEREMONY

The Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s Awards and Recognition Ceremony honored members of the Department in addition to officially promoting thirteen Lieutenants, six Captains, one Battalion Chief, and three Assistant Chiefs during the event on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Suffolk.

RECOGNITIONS

Certificate

of

Commendation/Unit Citation

Firefighter Cody Baines

Captain Ben Brower

Captain Doug Carter

Fire Investigator/Inspector Lawrence Corbett

Firefighter David Devine

Master Firefighter Trevor Duke

Firefighter Gus Eddins

Master Firefighter Joe Edwards

Master Firefighter Mike Fernandez

Firefighter Dominic Genito

Firefighter David Gross

Lieutenant Rob Hayes

Firefighter Chris Heater

Lieutenant Drew Hehl

Captain Kyle Hehl

Master Firefighter Rachael Heikens

Master Firefighter Todd Helmick

Captain Robert Hodges

Lieutenant Dustin Hummer

Firefighter Loren Hylton

Firefighter Dallis Jones

Fire Investigator/Inspector Ed Kaczkowsky

Master Firefighter Andy Kitchen

Battalion Chief Chuck Knight

Firefighter Antonio Lamb

Firefighter Ken Martin

Firefighter Marquell Quick

Firefighter Chris Ramirez

Firefighter Nick Retson

Captain Steven Speight

Firefighter Matt Terry

Firefighter Joe Torres

Firefighter Mike Turner

Firefighter Stacie Turner

Lieutenant Fred Walden

Lieutenant Rick Ward

Firefighter William West

Lieutenant Brandon Williamson

Firefighter Chris West

Master Firefighter Josh West

Master Firefighter Ray Wills

Master Firefighter Jason Yost

Certificate of Appreciation

Brianna Rowe

Master Firefighter Mike Bagley

Certificate of Meritorious

Conduct Civilian Award

Trish McDonald

Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year

Fire/Medic

Jared Johannesson

Firefighter of the Year Award

Master Firefighter

Robert Moore

Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence

Battalion Chief William Kessinger

Medal of Merit

Fire/Medic Robert Barrett

Lieutenant Durand Coltrane

Captain Blake Jennings

Battalion Chief Keith Johnson

Captain Jeff Matthews

Captain Roger Stinnette

Lieutenant Brandon Williamson

2023 PROMOTIONS

Assistant Chief

Assistant Chief James Broglin

Assistant Chief David Harrell

Assistant Chief John Demitri Wilson

Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Raphael Brown

Captain

Captain Matthew Allemand

Captain Benjamin Brower

Captain Doug Carter

Captain Dustin Hummer

Captain Blake Jennings

Captain Roger Stinnette

Lieutenant

Lieutenant Charlie Blanchard

Lieutenant Russell W. Deaton

Lieutenant Bryant Dodson

Lieutenant Manny R. Franco

Lieutenant Robert W. Hayes, Jr.

Lieutenant Stephen A. Hehl

Lieutenant Greg Kearney

Lieutenant Matthew R. Nixon

Lieutenant Kate Mason

Lieutenant Brian E. Moody

Lieutenant Michael C. Turner

Lieutenant Michael D. Turner

Lieutenant Brandon Williamson

HONOR GUARD

Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s Honor Guard represents the pride, honor, and loyalty of the men and women serving our community and organization. The Honor Guard provides a tradition of the highest level of dignity and compassion while serving with honor at ceremonial functions. The Honor Guard projects a positive image of the department by performing as a well-trained team at local, state, and national events.

During the 2023 year, the Honor Guard participated in several events locally and throughout the region including; The Holiday Parade, the annual awards and recognition ceremony, The Senior Expo, the Governor House bill signing event, and the Tunnel to Towers 911 memorial procession, while also serving with honor at multiple funerals. Suffolk Fire also selected one additional member for the Honor Guard who graduated from the

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Support Services

Deputy Chief

James Dickens

The Administrative Services team consists of an Executive Assistant to the Fire Chief, two Office Assistants, and an Accounting Associate. This group provides daily administrative and technical support to the department in addition to assistance during times of emergency.

These are just a few of the duties performed by our Administrative Services Team.

 Accounts Payable/Receivable

 Customer Service

 EMS Billing

 Department Records Management

 Procurement

 Grant Management

Brande Armstrong

Tami Araojo

Kristin Ray

LOGISTICS BUREAU

In FY 2023, The Department of Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) created the Logistics Bureau within the Support Services Division. The Logistics Bureau is located at 302 Kings Fork Road, operating out of a 7,200-square-foot facility. Historically, the umbrellas of Logistics for the Department have been managed by many people in various positions who held the responsibility of several different collateral duties.

The vision of the Logistics Bureau is to funnel all assets needed to support the efforts of SF&R through one portal. Thus, Logistics is tasked with procuring and managing the following for SF&R: Janitorial supplies, small equipment, Fleet assets including small vehicles and fire apparatus, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and uniforms and wearing apparel.

Achievements:

Logistics Battalion Chief

 A new 107 ft. Tractor Drawn Aerial Ladder was delivered and placed in service as Ladder 3;

 Took delivery of five new SUVs for Battalion 1, Safety 1 and administrative chief officers;

 Placed 9 new Thermal Imaging Cameras in service as Phase II of an upgrade project; and

 Ordered replacement 1 ¾ inch hose and nozzles to increase flow rates of fire attack lines.

Nick Savage

HUMAN RESOURCES & RECRUITMENT

ire Administration partners with the staff of the Department of Human Resources to provide support for Suffolk Fire & Rescue through the following:

Management services;

health and wellness;

Compensation benefits;

Path Policy administration;

recruitment;

Administration;

services;

Brandon Allen

Tami Araojo

Isaiah Arroyo

Seth Baker

Trent Bell

Jeffrey Bess

Shane Blizzard

Jeffrey Boone

Adam Coffin

Asher Conrod

Richard Cruz-Novoa

Ryan Davis

Brennan Deans

Matthew Geurts

Jeremy Hedgepeth

Corey Huffman

Matthew Kaiser

Hunter Knight

Jenny Long

Dennis Long, Jr

Patrick Madariaga

Greyson Mann

Elvis Martinez

Aeron Musumeci

Joel Parks

Caleb Peterson

Brianna Phillips

Kristin Ray

Samantha Ryan

Ezekiel Sanders

Matthew Saunders

Michael Savi

Jonathan Schutts

James Seed

Michael Shields

Zachary Simpson

Megan Smith

Joshua Thompson

Jonathan Wideman

HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLNESS

Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s (SF&R) Health and Safety Division remains committed to protecting and improving the overall health, wellness, and safety of our personnel. We captured a 95% compliance rate by completing 289 physicals, which represents a 3% increase in missed physicals from last year. The Safety Division and Senior Staff desire a 100% compliance rate to adhere to our accreditation standard. These physicals have detected numerous undiagnosed conditions in our firefighters. Studies have proven the correlation between the qualitative data received from our NFPA physicals and improved physical fitness activity and the reduction of job-related injuries, stress, and cardiac events. According to studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, this combination of personal health data, a well-balanced diet, and increased physical activity may also reduce your risk of developing occupational cancers, i.e. breast, prostate, colon, endometrium, and possibly pancreatic cancer. Please do not become a statistic when you are offered a free service and compensated for it!

Your Safety Division, along with the Health and Safety Committee was able to release several new rules and regulations including, Health and Fitness and our updated Infection Control and Exposure Plan. We tested 222 Firefighters for cancer using the Galleri Early Detection Multi-Cancer kits and received 100% negative results. We completed a Department-wide FOCUS Safety Survey, purchased a new treadmill, assisted with the Station 11 fitness facility design, released six (6) newsletters, performed new hire wellness presentations, added Peer Fitness Trainers to the Training Division, completed the UNC Slip, Trip, and Fall Study, added MVA wheel chocks to fire apparatus, performed a Safety Stand Down for Lithium-Ion battery safety, and more.

The Safety Division continually researches best practices and programs to help reduce work-related injuries. Unfortunately, with a growing number of staff members and increased call volume, accidents and injuries are going to occur. In 2023, we recorded a 12% increase in physical injuries and a 31% decrease in lost working hours. Although the reduction in lost hours is efficacious, we increased our overall injuries. We can anticipate increased injuries with the rise in staffing, but we are committed to reporting all work-related injuries.

Galleri Early Detection Multi-Cancer Kits

SF&R experienced a 20% increase in vehicular accidents in 2023 over 2022. The Accident Review Board (ARB) issued ten (10) preventable level-one and three (3) non-preventable verdicts to our employees involved in vehicular accidents. SF&R sent the ten (10) employees issued a preventable level-one accident and their crews through the Remedial Driving Program, which is administered by the Training Division. This program has been successful and is projected to improve situational awareness and defensive driving techniques, and reduce accidents through knowledge and skills training. In 2024, we are committed to updating standards, rules and regulations, and driving requirements for all personnel. Company officers need to invest in their personnel’s development and not simply strive to meet minimum standards. We want to exceed the standard, not meet it!

In closing, we would like to thank every member of our department for being receptive and responsive to the changes our program has implemented. The ultimate goal of the Safety Division is “to change the culture of our department” to generate continuous situational awareness and safety-focused personnel. This goal is not an absolute but is fluid, and continues to evolve. Stay safe and healthy!

FINANCE & BUDGET

TFinance & Budget Assistant Chief

David Harrell

he Office of Finance and Budget works for the Deputy Chief of Support Services. The team consists of an Assistant Chief of Finance, Budget, and Strategic Planning and the Battalion Chief of Logistics. The major responsibilities of this bureau are to oversee the department's Capital Improvements Plan and General Fund annual operating budget which also includes Information Technology and Fleet Management Budgets.

The city operates on a budget cycle from July 1 to June 30 fiscal year. In FY 2023/2024, Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) operated a $45,156,596 operating budget designed to support the operations of 318 fulltime employees. The team also provides oversight for grant management for ATL, SAFER, AFG, DHS, 4 for Life, and the VDFP Burn Building Grant. Working closely with City Budget and Strategic Planning offices, the Finance and Budget team provides Fire Administration with overall budget oversight and works to ensure department goals and initiatives are funded and supported.

In addition to funding provided by the City of Suffolk through the annual operating budget and the Capital Improvement Plan, Suffolk Fire & Rescue continually seeks alternative funding opportunities in the form of local, state, and federal grants. In 2023, SF&R was awarded a total of $4,167,507 in grant funding.

GRANTS

Suffolk Fire & Rescue (SF&R) is constantly seeking alternative funding opportunities to supplement the funding provided by the City of Suffolk through the annual operating budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. The department has received grants from various sources, including local, state, and federal grants. The Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) granted SF&R with $52,059.80 through the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) to purchase three Lifepak 15s.

The Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), granted SF&R $4,115,448.00 through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. The grant will help SF&R increase the number of firefighters to meet the industry minimum standards and provide better fire protection against firerelated hazards. The SAFER grant provides funding for three fiscal years. This grant builds upon SF&R's previous SAFER award of $3,410,000 in 2021.

Suffolk Fire & Rescue closed out the FY 2021 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant in 2023 which allowed for the already established, built, and in-service Hampton Roads Regional Mobile Communication Center (RMCC) to meet the technology demands of 2021 and beyond. The grant funds were used to enhance, support, and maintain the necessary interoperability of the regional mobile communication center, and technology equipment that is necessary. This project included $200,000 for equipment upgrades and replacements to ensure the regional mobile communication center is current with technology.

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE

TFire Marshal Battalion Chief

Chris Cornwell

he Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office readily serves the citizens and visitors of our robust and aggressively growing community consisting of approximately 430 geographical square miles. This is routinely accomplished by providing a comprehensive and ever-developing approach to systematically manage and minimize identified community risks through both prevention and management strategies. As a progressive public safety bureau, the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office continues to champion hazard risk reduction initiatives with holistic ambition. Our extensive repertoire includes criminal, background, and origin and cause investigations, inspections, plan reviews, community risk reduction, public education, recruitment, and environmental crimes, just to name a few.

In 2023 we saw a 50% increase in the number of bombrelated responses from the previous year. Our law enforcement-certified investigators routinely collaborate with other agencies during multijurisdictional mutual aid response efforts throughout the Hampton Roads region, fostering established professional relationships to mitigate complex emergencies.

New this year we placed in service our evidence storage facility incorporated as a part of the freestanding Quartermaster building addition located at Fire Headquarters.

We are now responding in lieu of the Suffolk Police Department to provide scene security for fire and EMS crews when necessary, cutting down on staging and on-scene times, increasing scene safety for providers, and enhancing the quality of patient care we can provide to the visitors and residents of Suffolk.

Lastly, we are working to aggressively recruit the best and brightest public safety professionals the market has to offer while conducting comprehensive background investigations for prospective new employees hoping to become a part of Suffolk Fire & Rescue. Collectively, these things all play an intricate part in the totality of our divisional community risk reduction strategies.

FIRE & LIFE SAFETY CAMP

Big changes were in store this year as our Camp celebrated its 20 th Anniversary! Our esteemed camp now boasts a new curriculum, new community partners, and a new myriad of entertaining and scholastic activities. Monday through Friday, children are exposed to what it is like to be a firefighter with Suffolk Fire & Rescue with a variety of fun, challenging, entertaining, and educational activities.

The mission of the camp is to teach children safety lessons on things around their homes and schools that they encounter every day. Short lectures and lessons are followed by opportunities to actively participate in exercises designed to reinforce topics including firefighting, bike safety, water safety, search & rescue practices, first aid, and much more.

FIRE TRAINING

Training Battalion Chief

Leon Ratliff

Fire Training Bureau Staff and Facilities

 The Training Bureau has added four temporary positions to assist the recruit academy: FF. P. Matteson, FF. C. Thomas, FF/M D. Pelzel, and Lt. M. Franco;

 State of the Art Fire Training Center on 5.8 acres consisting of:

 Two Story Class A Burn Building (under construction Summer 2024)

 Student classrooms (30/60 seat) (future)

 Four Story Rope Tower (future)

 Training props (future)

 Training for recruits and incumbents

SF&R Training Bureau hosted VDFP

DAO

Fire Officer 2

Certified Hires

EMS Training Provided

 11 classes BLS classes with 30 people receiving re- certification;

 Eight classes ACLS classes with 31 people receiving re-certification;

 Nine classes PALS classes with 41 people receiving re-certification;

 Two classes EMT 21 people certified;

 One AEMT 11 people certified.

Fire Instructor 2

 Suffolk Fire & Rescue hired five certified firefighters in 2023;

 The Training Bureau was responsible for putting them through a three-week refresher academy that involved FF/AEMT, FF/Paramedic, and FF/Intermediate skills;

 The Training Bureau is responsible for scheduling certified hires for a week of ride time on the medic.

Recruit Academy

 Suffolk Fire & Rescue hired 35 recruits on April 7, 2023;

 HRFA-55/56 started the academy on April 24, 2023;

 The Training Bureau is responsible for the recruit's EMS, Fire, and Physical Fitness training; and

 The academy covered 11 months consisting of EMT - B, HRFA Fire Academy, and AEMT.

Incumbent Training

 Three IN-HOUSE VDFP Driver Aerial Operator classes;

 Suffolk's second IN-HOUSE Truck School held at the Virginia Beach Training Center with the assistance of the Suffolk Burn Team members, A/B/C shift from Ladder 3, Ladder 5, Ladder 6, and members of the Training Bureau;

 Training Bureau conducted LIVE BURNS for five new certified hires;

 Department-wide Mayday training at Driver Elementary;

 Active Shooter drill at Lakeland High School in August; over 30 fire department personnel participated.;

 Department-wide Natural Gas Emergency Response class taught by Tommy Sipsy, Chief Investigator for Southern Gas; and

 Department-wide Solar Panel Emergency Response taught By Community Electric.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

TDeputy Emergency Management Coordinator

Richard Stephens

he City of Suffolk’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinates City planning, response, and recovery efforts before, during, and after large-scale events and emergencies. The OEM is responsible for developing and implementing citywide programs and projects that promote disaster planning, training, mitigation, prevention, response, and recovery from all identified hazards. OEM manages the City’s Emergency Operations Center and coordinates multiple local and regional projects in conjunction with Hampton Roads Planning District Commission’s All Hazard Advisory Committee and other Hampton Roads jurisdictions.

The Office of Emergency Management falls under Deputy City Manager Azeez Felder while the City Manager Al Moor serves as the Emergency Management Director for the City of Suffolk. Council appoints the Emergency Management Coordinator to manage the day OEM. This position carries the full authority to execute all assigned aspects of the emergency management process.

The Office of Emergency Management:

 Provides Local, Regional, and State Emergency Management Leadership;

 Facilitates Emergency Partnerships;

 Enhances Emergency Response Coordination;

 Provides Emergency Planning;

 Conducts Emergency Training and Exercises;

 Facilitates Public Education and Community Engagement Programs;

 Manages grants from government and private partners; and

 Manages Recovery Coordination.

SUFFOLK PROJECT LIFESAVER

Suffolk Project Lifesaver serves clients in the City of Suffolk, Virginia that are considered at-risk for wandering, including people with Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome, Autism and related disorders.

Suffolk Project Lifesaver

 Currently serves 72 families in Suffolk;

 28 Adults with a cognitive disability, Alzheimer’s Disease, or other dementia;

 44 Children in the autistic spectrum or Down Syndrome;

 Equipment for the program is purchased with donations, grants, and fundraising by the Project Lifesaver Board of Directors;

 The Board of Directors is comprised of Citizens of Suffolk, who have a passion for supporting the program. They help with community awareness, fundraising, and guidance to ensure the program’s success;

 Every fire station in the City is equipped with the tools needed to conduct Search and Rescue operations to quickly locate lost individuals; and

 Every firefighter receives training and must be recertified every 2 years; 2024 is a recertification year.

SUFFOLK PROFESSIONAL

Suffolk Professional Firefighters Local 2801 is an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters and proudly serves the Suffolk firefighters and EMS responders. Through legislative, political, and social means, they look to improve safety and well-being among firefighters.

Pay and Compensation

Local 2801 continues to work with city and fire administration to progress its firefighters’ fair pay and compensation. Through cooperation, mutual respect, and a determination to speak truth to power, Local 2801 ensures the representation of its firefighters in executing promotions, step plan progression, and policy.

Charity

On September 28th, Local 2801 held the first annual golf tournament at Suffolk Golf Course to start a scholarship for rising college or trade school students. The scholarship will be available to Local 2801 children meeting specific requirements. Ten foursomes played in the 1st annual tournament. We had a ton of community support, including a food sponsor, a beverage sponsor, and 21-hole sponsors. Because of the support of many, we raised approximately $9,500. We hope to continue this tournament for many years to come.

FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 2801

Training

With the recent election of new union officers, sending several union officials to the IAFF 4th District Training event in Norfolk, VA, was necessary to set our local on a path to success. We expect many changes in the coming year, from an updated constitution and bylaws to our local first approved budget; our local is stronger and poised to continue the great work of our firefighters.

MDA

Local 2801 administered another successful MDA fundraising campaign, achieving a respectable $25,000 that will directly affect local citizens with Muscular Dystrophy.

Cancer Presumption Bills

Local 2801 leadership was instrumental in advocating for the passage of several cancer presumption legislative measures to include three new cancers in the presumptive clause for firefighters. From attending legislative conferences, speaking with elected officials, and witnessing the Governor’s signing of the most recent bills into law, Local 2801 has been present at each step.

In its effort to combat cancer in the fire service, the IAFF has retained three nationally recognized law firms, Motley Rice LLC; Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, and Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. (collectively known as the PFAS Law Firms) charged with changing regulatory standards, demanding PFAS-free gear, and assisting IAFF members and families seeking compensation for PFAS-related illness. The IAFF has been aggressive in working to remove PFAS from firefighter gear, focusing significant research, education, and publicity around the dangers posed by the “forever chemicals.” Our firefighters and their families must not be placed at risk by the same gear worn to protect them.

Additional legislation signed by Governor Youngkin will provide further protections for firefighters suffering from anxiety and depression.

STATION 1

400 Market St. Suffolk, VA 23434

757-514-7550

FIRE STATIONS

STATION 3

1001 White Marsh Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434

757-514-7592

STATION 5

3901 Bridge Rd. Suffolk, VA 23435

757-514-7570

STATION 8

6235 Whaleyville Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23438

757-514-7599

STATION 11

6482 Hampton Roads Pkwy. Suffolk, VA 23435 TBD

STATION 6

300 Kings Fork Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434

757-514-4563

STATION 9

300 Kings Hwy. Suffolk, VA 23432

757-514-7596

STATION 4

837 Lake Kilby Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434

757-514-7595

STATION 7

6666 O’Kelly Dr. Suffolk, VA 23437

757-514-7598

STATION 10 4869 Bennetts Pasture Rd. Suffolk, VA 23435

757-514-7597