2023 January FFS Magazine

F L ORIDA FIRECHIEF S ’ ASSOCIATION

Florida Fire Service is the monthly publication of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) members, by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association

221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303

Phone:(850) 900-5180

Email: info@ffca.org • www.ffca.org

FFCA Staff

Wm. Ray Colburn - Executive Director & CEO

Ngoc Huynh - Operations & Events Director

Denise Holley - Office Manager

Liz Aperauch - Marketing Coordinator

FFCA Board of Directors

Douglas Riley - President

Harold Theus - 1st Vice President

Michael Choate - 2nd Vice President

Ty Silcox - Immediate Past President

Carlos Aviles - Secretary/Treasurer

Ryan H. Crawford - Northwest Region Director

Brady Rigdon - Northeast Region Director

Chuck Bogle - East Central Region Director

Chantal Botting - Southeast Region Director

Ian Kemp - West Central Region Director

GregoryDeWitt - Southwest Region Director

Wm. Ray Colburn- Executive Director & CEO

James White - Foundation Chair

Leland Greek - Senior Member

Editorial Submissions

magazine@ffca.org

(850) 900-5180

Advertising

Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org

(386) 717-0055

Subscription rate for members is $36, which is included in member dues. Archived electronic monthly editions of Florida Fire Service magazine are available at www.ffca.org. Log in as a member and click on the Publications tab.

Florida Fire Service

January 2023, Volume 31, Number 1

USPS # 016-759

Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Florida Fire Service, 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of FFCA.

If I Didn’t FURTHERMORE

6

Use them Again? .......8 FEATURES 18 30

10 14 16

Keep Last Years Resolutions, Can Is Firefighter Competency a Disciplinary Issue? . . . . . . . . . . .18 LA County Fire Museum: Preserving History with Hollywood Flair . . .30

8 12 20 28 36 36 36 42

Greetings FFCA Family,

I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday season and had the opportunity to spend some precious time with loved ones. On behalf of the FFCA board and staff, Happy New Year to you all and your families. As we move past the holidays and attempt to get back to normal operations, take a moment to reflect on all the accomplishments and memorable moments of 2022 and let’s make 2023 the best year ever. With that said, I hope to see you all at Fire Rescue East in Daytona Beach on January 17 through 20, 2023. The FFCA staff has worked diligently to put together

an exciting agenda with something for everyone. Please take a minute to look over the agenda and complete the registration if you haven’t already done so.

I would also like to take a minute of personal privilege to thank all of you who work so diligently every day to advocate and advance the fire service in our great state. I have enjoyed the benefit of meeting so many exemplar y professionals that I can reach out to at a moment’s notice to seek advice on challenging situations. I am humbled to be part of the best professional network in the country. As the adage states, “Iron sharpens iron,” and I have grown

Douglas Riley, Fire Chief FFCA President

tremendously as a fire service professional through the experiences and knowledge that many of you have shared with me. I also want to reiterate that myself, the FFCA staff, and board are here to serve you and to be your advocates in any way that we can. Please reach out to any of us if you have questions, concerns, or needs. It is truly an honor to serve this membership and work towards making the Florida fire service the best it can be. Hope to see you all soon.

Sincerely,

Doug Riley FFCA President

PUT THE LIGHT WHERE YOU NEED ITMOST

Whelen ’s newest Scene Lights allow you to put the light right where you need it by offering expanded zone efficiency, enhanced optics, and increased functionality.

M9 EZ SCENE LIGHT ™

Our best-in-class M Series™ lightheads just got better. Featuring a unique lens shape and patented Linear-LED® reflector assembly, with unmatched high-intensity illumination and low current consumption. Select from multiple turn-on styles and low power settings for more efficient lighting output and performance.

900

Our premium 900 Series scene lights provide optimal versatility and performance. Now available with added features and functionality, the 900 EZ Series scene lights have expanded options and configurations, including multiple turn-on styles and situation-specific low power settings.

EZ SCENE LIGHT™

By Rick Spence

Irecently read an article that said by January 20, over 78% of Americans have already broken their New Year’s resolutions. I would like to offer an explanation for that since I am in that 78% but keeping with tradition I am going to continue to make New Year’s resolutions. The difference this year is, instead of trying to do something that helps me, I am going to try to do something that helps others. Maybe an incentive to do something for others might be a stronger incentive to keep the resolutions intact.

My first resolution is to try to eliminate some of the negative thoughts that occasionally enter my mind. When my wife and I counsel with young married couples, we tell them to never mention or use the word “divorce.” It is a rule we have followed for the entirety of our marriage.

We have been married over 36 years and have argued and struggled at times, (I was probably difficult to live with prior to becoming a firefighter), but neither of us have ever considered ending our marriage. We do not want that negativity into our relationship and home. I think the same line of thinking (or lack of thinking) can be applied to so many other areas of our lives. I spoke with a very wellknown and respected oncologist, and he told me that people in his circle of influence never mention them possibly having cancer, even in a joking manner. He said, “we do not want to speak it into existence.” He too, did not want that negativity to come around him or his staff. Now these may be purely anecdotal stories, but I do believe they are accurate. It is a known fact that your mind can create stress for your body and influence your external situations. By limiting these negative thoughts, we can get along better with others around us, by not

automatically thinking the worst in any situation. Maybe we can even remain calm when we are cutoff in traffic while driving to work. That alone will help us have a more positive mindset and will make our life better by simply looking at our circumstances in a more positive way.I have heard it said, watch your thoughts, they become your words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

Our brain is our most powerful weapon and if we can properly control what goes into our heads, we can achieve some of the things we never thought possible. Getting the promotion we have dreamed of, becoming the spouse or parent our family longs for, or taking a leap of faith into a new business venture. If we put enough good things into our mind and limit the negative things, we can even get to the point where our children will listen to our advice and people may enjoy being around us. I’m not at that point yet, but I am not giving up or giving in to the negativity. I would like to take credit for this resolution, but I cannot. As I have come to learn, the Bible addresses this issue, as well as some of the many other dilemmas we routinely face. Solomon writes Proverbs 23:7 “So as one thinks, so he is.” And Paul adds to Solomon’s sentiment in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, … think about these things.”

My second resolution for 2023 is to give up close parking spaces. I am healthy and move well, though not very fast, and I am able to walk further than some of the people that live in our area. It may not seem like much of a big deal,

but I might be able to help someone who is not as able as I am to have to walk as far. I know it is a small thing, but it reminds me to continue to think of others before myself.

So far, I have been able to keep both resolutions through the first week of the new year.I will admit I have not been truly tested yet. I’m fresh off the ‘holiday high’ we get during the Christmas season and still enjoying the time with my family, as well as leftover goodies. Once the doldrums and gloomy routines of February and March hit, I might not be as eager to keep my attitude as positive as it is now And I have not had to park my truck in the rain yet. But this is the first time I have put my resolutions out in a public forum like this. I’m hoping that when I see some of you, you will ask me how I am doing with keeping my resolutions. This is a form of accountability that I need to keep me focused. And if this doesn’t work, I will go back to my staple resolutions that I know I can keep; watch more TV, take more naps, and try to put on a few more pounds. I’m not very proud of these resolutions, but I know I can keep them.

Rick Spence retired as Assistant Chief from the Reedy Creek Fire Department after 30 years. Heis currently the Chaplain for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Reedy Creek Fire Department, Lake County Fire Department, Clermont Fire Department, Maitland Fire Department, and the Florida Professional Firefighters. He serves as Sergeant of Arms for the Florida Professional Firefighters and International Association of Firefighters.He was selected Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year in 2018.He has been married to his wife Alecia for 36 years.

Shown Here: VersaPro™

As we continue to recover from too much holiday food and time with friends and family, our fire service family moves into 2023 mourning the loss of one of our most inspirational leaders, Chief Bobby Halton. I attended my first Fire Department Instructors Conference back in 1985 when the conference was in held Cincinnati, Ohio. Even though I was just a young fire officer at the time, I felt I had arrived at the tip of the spear of fire service training and leadership. It was an awesome experience.

The names of those I met at that first conference would continue to echo throughout my career. Great fire chiefs like Ed Cleveland, Julius Halas, and Dennis Sargent were all prominent names within the FDIC community at the time and all represented our great state of Florida. These leaders have all left indelible marks on the training and education of firefighters throughout the country.We have them, and many others, to thank for their leadership.

thoughts and prayers are with the Halton family during this time of loss.

As in those early years, many of the programs at FDIC are presented by great fire service instructors, many from our own great state of Florida. While Bobby will be sorely missed and his passing has left an even larger leadership vacuum in the Nation’s fire ser vice, he would expect us to pick up the line and advance on the fire.

As many of us in the fire service say at this time of personal loss: “rest easy brother, we got it from here.” Needless to say, if we truly have Chief Halton’s mission from here, we all have a dramatically heavy lift in front of us. You

James White, CFO Foundation Chair

might be asking, “Chief, how does this affect the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation?” To truly have the chief’s work from here will require all of us to continue and further his legacy of providing quality education, professional development, and hands-on training to our firefighters. We must maintain this mission of firefighter training at the tip of the spear.We must all work together to take on the challenges that we didn’t think we could face or resolve. It’s time for all of us to lead. It’s time for all of us at the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation to overcome our challenges and lead the fire service as Bobby would expectfrom the front.

Last month we suffered the loss of the conference’s most inspirational and current leader, Chief Bobby Halton. Today’s FDIC has grown to become the largest firefighter training and educational conference in the world. Those who have regularly attended the conference have benefitted from Bobby’s fiery and inspirational messages. These messages have shown our firefighters what it takes to lead in today’s fire service. The skills and techniques taught at FDIC have become many agencies’ standard operating procedures. Our

.San Carlos Park Fire Protection & Rescue Service

By Cory Pippin,

The new facility replaces the previous Station 18 which was built in the 1980’s and was originally intended only for volunteer firefighters.

Station 18 is a state-of-the-art firehouse that includes private dorm rooms for each firefighter, private bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, and a physical fitness room.

Other unique features include rapid opening apparatus doors, and a quick station alerting system.

In the last fiscal year, the station’s firefighters responded to 1,468 calls in their response zone, which includes more commercial property than any other zone in the county.

“Fire rescue is all about the level of service we provide to the community. This station is designed for today’s modern firefighters and it’s going to really enhance that level of service,” said Martin County Fire Chief Chad Cianciulli.

The fire station serves as the home for Battalion Chief 1, and the department’s backup Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) team members.

Public Information Officer, Martin County Fire Rescue

OUR VERTICAL FAMILY OF SOLUTIONS

In the firefighting world, fit matters. From the masks you wear, to the layout of your station. When you’re looking for the perfect fit, you shouldn’t worry about sacrificing on quality. For over 75 years, BAUER has been the leader in providing breathing air solutions for firefighting. Our VERTICAL Family is a full range of high pressure breathing air compressors designed with the flexibility to fit any station and any budget. From our economical VERTECON® package, all the way up to our VERTICUS PLUS™ sound attenuated compressor system, complete with a multi-functional fill station module. BAUER provides a solution for everyone.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Regional Large Animal Rescue Training

By Joseph Dorsette, Acting Assistant Chief of Specialized Services, EMS, Health & Safety, Special Operations, Training & Professional Standards

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue along with local Technical Rescue/Special Operations Teams from the City of Miami, City of Hollywood, City of Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue participated in a Large Animal Rescue class. This course focuses on the ropes and rigging skills, uses of mechanical advantages, and hoisting with slings to remove large animals such as horses, cows, and other livestock that may be applied in various situations. This course included several hands-on scenarios with a life sized and weighted horse mannequin which provided rescuers, owners, and the animals caretakers with their roles, responsibilities, and handling procedures for safely lifting and moving these large animals.

Meetthe PIO

Describe your PIO philosophy.

I feel that transparency and availability is the most important attribute for a PIO to have. The late-night calls may be frustrating, but it is important for the media to have a way to contact someone to gather the correct information about an incident. Being available takes your credibility to the next level.

What is the most challenging issue facing the public information function today?

The most challenging issue is the public’s need for accurate information within such a short period of time after an incident has occurred. We live in a world where we can get most of the information we need within seconds at our fingertips. Most of us work for public entities and the public expects us to be responsive.

How has public information changed?

The medium in which our message is delivered has changed dramatically in the past 5-10 years. The information may be the same but the way it is delivered has changed. We need to always adapt to the changing methods to deliver the message. If social media isn’t your thing, make it your thing!

What skills do you feel a PIO should possess?

A PIO should be empathetic to the needs of the media, and in turn the public in which they need to report to. Availability is important as well. If the news or public can’t get the answer from an official source, they will get it from an unofficial source, and that information won’t be helpful for anyone.

What are some unique aspects of your PIO function?

Most PIO’s have other jobs to do. Some larger agencies have the luxury of having fulltime PIO’s, but most do not. The PIO needs to be able to juggle their many duties and prioritize the role in which they gather and disseminate information to the public via the media. Being able to “squeeze in” you PIO duties is quite challenging.

What do you think is the most challenging issue facing the Fire Service?

The fire service role has not changed a lot in our lifetime, but the customers and the fire service personnel have changed. We must adapt to the changing culture of the fire service. Us “old timers” may not be used to being questioned about why we do things, but the newer culture comes from an era where explanations are normal. We must continue to require our staff to perform their jobs in a high

functioning manner, but we must also swallow some pride and have the ability to explain why we do some of the things we do.

What changes do you think are coming to the Fire Service?

I am excited to see what new tech comes to the fire service. We have drones, wireless displays from helmet cameras, and individual thermal imaging cameras in our toolbox now. The future of technology is exciting. Most of the recent tech in the fire service has been centered around the safety of first responders. This is one of our most important roles as fire service professionals, so seeing how we can better protect our members is something I am looking forward to.

What’s the future for PIOs?

The future for PIO’s will be very interesting. I am excited to see how new technology will enhance the way PIO’s deliver their message to the public. Sometimes we forget how important the role of the PIO is, especially during an emergency or natural disaster. Being able to get life saving messaging to the public is important and needs to be done in the most efficient manner possible. We must strive to better ourselves and how we deliver those messages to the public.

Michael Moser, Deputy Fire Chief, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department

Question: Is competency a disciplinary issue?

Answer: That is a great question. Competency and discipline are distinct issues, but they often become intertwined for a few reasons. First and most obviously, either may result in a person’s removal from a job. Second, both require a fair and unbiased investigation into the factual circumstances associated with employee behavior. Third, while theoretically distinct, distinguishing between them in real life can be a lot easier said than done.

The Differences

Let’s start with the clearest point of distinction: Competency in its purest sense is about whether a person can meet the minimum requirements of a job. While our legal system has developed a number of fanciful expressions to identify the minimum requirements for a job— including terms like essential functions, principal activities, and bona fide occupational qualifications—we will use the more pedestrian term “minimum requirements” to embody all the legally justifiable requirements for a position.

With this in mind, a competency-based evaluation can be distinguished from a disciplinary investigation because a disciplinary investigation is focused on determining whether a workplace rule has been violated. A competency evaluation looks at the ability of a person to meet the minimum requirements of a job. As such, a person who is incompetent is currently (or perhaps enduringly) unable to meet the minimum requirements in a way that can be objectively verified. It does not depend upon whether a workplace rule was violated.

In this regard, a disciplinary investigation generally looks into an act that has already occurred, although it is possible some investigations may involve ongoing violations. A competency evaluation generally investigates an employee’s current and ongoing ability to meet job requirements, understanding that a past act may have triggered the need for the evaluation.

The Similarities

Discipline and competence share several similarities. First, both processes benefit greatly from clarity Clear rules and regulations make enforcement of discipline easier In a similar way, clear per formance requirements make the enforcement of minimum requirements easier

Unfortunately, many fire departments have put little thought into their disciplinary rules, and even less thought into their minimum job requirements. Of even more concern, some departments have not clearly distinguished between disciplinary rules and minimum job requirements. This lack of clarity opens the door to confusion, which in turn makes dealing with real-life cases unnecessarily difficult. In a world where fire department leaders have their plates full, ensuring clarity is often viewed as being “nice-to-have” until a problem arises, at which point we realize it was actually “need-to-have.”

This explains why fire departments often must rely upon vague disciplinary grounds like “conduct unbecoming” or “improper conduct” to address problem behavior, while competency-wise struggling to apply the requirements fairly. The lack of clear rules and minimum job requirements can also lead to subjective application, or the perception of subjectiveness, opening the door to allegations of bias. Both suffer from a related paradox: No matter how many clear rules or requirements we establish, there will always be something we failed to address.

A concrete example will hopefully help make this point. An officer complains that one of her firefighters is overweight and unable to meet the physical demands of the job. He is so out of shape that he stands back while other crew members do the physically demanding tasks. He cannot keep up with other crew members while climbing stairs or even walking on flat ground, slowing the crew down. The crew is frustrated and concerned that he will not be able to rescue them should the need arise, and they question whether they will be able to rescue him. The firefighter

denies these allegations and contends the officer is picking on him. He claims she is singling him out despite others who are overweight and creating a hostile work environment. He also claims the other crew members have been harassing him for months and the officer does nothing to stop it.

This example demonstrates just how intertwined discipline and competency can be. Is the firefighter unable to meet the minimum requirements of the job? Has the fire department defined minimum requirements? If the firefighter can meet the minimum requirements, the question becomes is he being lazy and intentionally shirking his duties? If so, it’s a disciplinary matter (assuming the department has a rule that prohibits shirking duties). We also have counter allegations about a hostile work environment and harassment, both disciplinary matters. As should be apparent, competency-related allegations can involve disciplinary concerns, and vice versa.

Another similarity between competency and discipline is that both are inherently about behavior, and as a general rule behavior can be changed. As such, both competency evaluations and disciplinary investigations can lead to performance improvement plans. With competency evaluations, knowledge of the requirements and intent to violate work requirements are not a concern. Rather, we are concerned with the objective ability of the person to meet the specified job requirements. When it comes to discipline, however, we must consider the person’s knowledge, motivation and intent to violate or ignore the rules. This often requires a more subjective inquiry that at some point may involve a credibility determination of those with different recollections of a past event.

Let’s apply this to another example: an allegation of carelessness. A recent lawsuit included an allegation that a probationary firefighter failed a training evolution because she dropped an axe twice while on a ladder. Supervisors must determine whether dropping the axe was intentional (a rule violation); due to carelessness (a rule violation); the result of a competency-based reason such as lack of stamina or grip-strength; or due to some other factor (ill-fitting gloves). If the department intends to wash the probationary firefighter out of the academy for competency reasons, we are not concerned with her knowledge, motivation or intent. The question is, does she have the stamina and/or grip strength to complete the task? On the other hand, if she dropped the axe intending to strike another member with whom she had a disagreement previously, we most certainly are concerned with intent. Proving that intent may be a separate challenge, but intent is relevant to whether a rule violation occurred. If the issue is carelessness, the investigation will need to rule out other possible causes for the behavior.

So to wrap up this discussion, competency and discipline are separate concepts that share a number of similarities. However, they must be distinguished in order to be addressed properly. Both can create litigation problems for fire departments that can be avoided through the development of proper disciplinary policies and legally justifiable job requirements. Fire officers should be trained to distinguish between the two, and fire departments must have the capability of investigating both fairly and in an unbiased manner

Curt Varonehas over 40 years of fire service experience and 30 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books:Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed., 2022) andFire Officer’s Legal Handbook (2007) and is a contributing editor forFirehouse Magazinewriting the Fire Law column.

CONFERENCESCHEDULE

Fire-Rescue East • January17-20,2023 • OceanCenterDaytonaBeach

Fire-Rescue EAST 2023 Floor Map

West Parking Lot

Exhibit Hall

Trade show hours:

Thursday, January 19 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday, January 20 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Arena

Scan code for live Fire-Rescue EAST floor map

L ORIDA FIRECHIEF S ’ ASSOCIATION

Thursday, January 19

5:00 PM Booth Number 312

4:00 PM Booth Number 1126 Public Consulting Group - $200 Amazon gift card.

FIRE-TEC, Inc Bunker gear bag with extrication gloves.

3:00 PM Booth Number 318

Gehring Group -Yeti backpack.

Friday, January 20

3:20 PM Booth Number 1036

Henry Schein - Firefighter package that includes LifeStar gloves, extrication gloves, and a Statpacks G3 Responder bag.

4:20 PM Booth Number 1133

Municipal Equipment Company - Flir K1 Thermal Camera.

9:00 AM Booth Number 804

Mercury Medical - Small Ad BVM and Bilevel CPAP.

3:40 PM Booth Number 1333

Frazer- Technimount arm assembly.

4:40 PM Booth Number 945 US Digital Designs - Tower Ladders: Tactics, Tips and Tales - Hardcover book.

9:20 AM Booth Number 944

NAPA Genuine Parts Company - d/b/a NAPA Auto Parts - Lifetime 65 quart cooler.

Exhibitor Raffles at Fire-Rescue EAST 2023

Check out some of the raffle prizes being offered by exhibitors at Fire-Rescue EAST! Visit their booths to register, then come by at the scheduled time to hear the winning name. Must be present to win.

Friday, January 20 (cont.)

9:40 AM Booth Number 131

MES Municipal Emergency Services Yeti cooler & bottle of whiskey.

11:00 AM Booth Number 206 Florida PPE Services - Decon package including wipes, body wash, gear encapsulation bag, and free cleaning of one set of bunker gear.

11:20 AM Booth Number 901 R EV RTCGift basket with fire & rescue items.

10:00 AM Booth Number1241

DROP Consulting Group of Raymond James Golf shirt and coffee mug.

10:20 AM Booth Number 1305

Whelen Engineering 72” Pioneer Summit™

11:40 AM Bennett Fire Products Company XF1 firefighter helmet.

12:20 PM Booth Number 312

FIRE-TEC, Inc - Two bunker gear bags.

12:40 PM Booth Number 101

Fisher ScientificFirst responder golf bag.

1:00 PM Booth Number 1127

Emergency Vehicle Repair -DeWalt 3000 lumen tripod light.

1:20 PM Booth Number 947

GearGrind Corporation - Bose SoundLink Flex speaker.

10:40 AM Booth Number 1433

Hunter Apparatus - Bourbon basket.

12:00 PM Booth Number 318

Gehring Group - Yeti cups.

1:40 PM Booth Number 1430

HiViz LED Lighting - License plate mount with aFT-MB-9.

Three Recruits Become Full-Time Firefighters

By Lisa McDonald, Communications Manager, Oviedo Fire Rescue

Three recruits were pinned on Friday, December 16 becoming Oviedo Fire Rescue’s newest firefighters.

The positions will have all but one opening for all three shifts, allowing the city to have shifts and equipment completely manned for future Fire Rescue calls. The firefighters were on-boarded on November 28 which started their first days of orientation. The orientation, which lasted three weeks, gave the recruits intensive and in-depth insights into different scenarios they could face on any given day.

During their orientations, Devin Been, Cameron Isler, and Alex Nichols did hands-on training with Battalion Chief Raul Nin and various Lieutenants to guide the new firefighters into their new roles. Training included: forced entr y, ladder truck, hoses and working with foam, intensive search and rescue, hoses in confined space, ATV and trails, high angle rescues and rappelling, and extrication training.

Due to a storm, unfortunately, the recruits did not get to experience their live fire training, but they will have that training come February.

One of the most unique training was the ATV and trails training. All three candidates were taken out on an ATV into the multiple trails around Oviedo. These trails are used for horseback riding, hiking, and walking. They lead through dense forest and the Battalion Chief mapped out the trails, trailheads, and Fire Roads for the recruits to show them the best access points to the remote locations.

On December 16, all three recruits were sworn into the fire service by Fire Chief Michael Woodward and their attending family members pinned them at the ceremony. All three positions fill a need for the department as the growth of Oviedo continues, allowing for expansion in Public Safety.

LA County Fire Museum: Preserving History with Hollywood Flair

If there exists a Mecca for EMS one could reasonably argue it might be located in Los Angeles. Due in large part to the success of the TV show EMERGENCY! and the efforts of EMS Icon Jim Page, the story of how the Los Angeles Fire Department’s paramedic program came to be is both colorful and entertaining.

Many fire departments and EMS services have storied histories and several capture those histories in some form of a museum or memorabilia collection.

For some history is captured in a simple display cabinet in their front lobby. For others complete buildings, several hundred square feet in area, contain antique trucks, equipment, uniforms, and historical documents.

Just as EMERGENCY! is credited with telling the story of the birth of Los Angeles County’s

By Joel Gordon

paramedics, the Los Angeles County Fire Museum tells a very detailed and fulfilling story of the history of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Paul Schneider, the current president of the Museum, graciously spent a few minutes with this author, during the 50th Anniversary celebration of EMERGENCY!, to discuss the museum and its growth over the years.

History is Written:

The museum project began in 1977 when it received a donation of “The Squad” from Universal Studios. Two Los Angeles County firefighters began what would become the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association. But the original museum was nothing like the beautiful icon it is today.

It has its humble start in a rented auto repair

Possibly Los Angeles County’s first fire engine, which once belonged to the Venice Volunteer Fire Department. It was purchased by Ward Kimball, one of Disney’s first illustrators, and was used for the Disneyland Band, Firehouse 5 + 2. The engine was later donated to the museum by Kimball’s wife.

Upon entering the museum visitors find a display cabinet dedicated to Bob Cinader,the creator of EMERGENCY! Station 127, in Carson City (the fictitious Station 51) is also dedicated in his memor y.

The Granite Mountain Hotshots truck stands in memorial to their sacrifice on June 30, 2013 at the Yarnell Hill wildfire and later memorialized in the hit movie “Only the Brave.”

shop which was little more than a corrugated metal structure, quietly tucked around the corner from where the facility stands today. Despite its nondescript exterior, the museum was quickly filled with donated artifacts and vehicles from Los Angeles County’s past and became a central focus for telling the history of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and EMERGENCY! simply referred to as “The Show.”

A Fresh Look:

The Mayne Events Center was built by the City of Bellflower in 2018 and serves a dual purpose as both a City events center and the museum. The structure, exemplifies classic Southern California architecture and is a far cry from the typical, dusty, dimly lit, creaky old concept one thinks of as a museum. Its bright modern, LED lighting, open spaces, and fresh clean look welcome the visitor with open arms.

In 2018 the Association also purchased the old museum whereupon it became “The Shop.” The shop, explained in detail later in this article, is where all the antique fire apparatus restorations take place.

Iconic Histories Cross Paths:

Among the first things visitors encounter when entering the museum is a 1916 American LaFrance, marked for the Grizzly Flats Volunteer Fire Department. The engine is identified as Los Angeles County’s first Engine. According to the posted description the engine was acquired from the Venice Fire Department and later purchased by Ward Kimball, one of Disney’s first illustrators. The engine was used to carry the Disney band, Firehouse 5 Plus 2. It was later donated to the museum by Kimball’s widow.

Also near the entrance is a display case which pays homage to the creator of EMERGENCY!, Bob Cinader.

In Memoriam:

Quietly sitting in a corner, near the front of the museum stands an indelible reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those who’ve chosen this service. The truck from the Granite Mountain Hotshots memorializes the firefighters who were killed on June 30, 2013, at

the Yarnell Hill wildfire and later memorialized in the hit movie “Only the Brave.”

One of the members of that team, Kevin Woyjeck, was the son of Historical Society Director, Joe Woyjeck.

A Central Focus:

Older firefighters and paramedics are quickly drawn to the center of the room where a full tribute to “The Show” is on display. It features the iconic Ward LaFrance engine, the Squad, the recently restored Suburban ambulance used in the first season, then subsequently wrecked as part of an episode. Other artifacts from the show include uniforms worn by both Kevin Tighe and Randy Mantooth as their characters Roy DeSoto and Johnny Gage and autographed items such as the Biophone, and drug box.

The Father of Modern EMS:

Tucked quietly in the corner is a tribute to Jim Page. Considered the father of modern EMS, Page, served as a technical advisor to the show and is credited with ensuring the show’s technical accuracy.

Also on display, amid the EMERGENCY! apparatus, is a replica of the 1947 Panel Wagon Page is reputed to have worked on while a Captain with Los Angeles County

After his retirement, the firefighter/attorney turned author and publisher traveled the Country in the panel van as an ambassador promoting the concept of fire-based EMS.

A Star Memorialized:

Along with Tighe and Mantooth, one of the most recognizable characters in the show was Chet Kelley, played by actor Kevin Donnelly. Only a few weeks prior to the 50th Anniversary celebration Donnelly died suddenly

A small, but fitting tribute to Donnelly was also on display.

Behind the iconic vehicles are the studio flats from the fictional Station 51 which resemble the inside of Station 127 in Carson City where the show was filmed.

A trip around the room brings the visitor to a far corner where quietly sits the original Crown engine featured in the early episodes of the show.

More Than Just Things:

While the artifacts, vehicles, and historical memorabilia are an attraction for the senses, the true delight of the museum lies in its docents.

Many of these tour guides are either active or retired firefighters from Los Angeles County and surrounding communities who volunteer their time at the museum. Spending a few moments with them opens a treasure trove of factual details about the displayed items and the roles they played in the progress and development Los Angeles County’s fire service.

No other engine is as recognizable as the Ward LaFrance from Emergency! After the show stopped filming the engine traveled cross-country making its way from Maine to Los Angeles.

One standout among these dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers is Gary Davis. Gary, a retired LA County firefighter, was one of Los Angeles County’s first paramedics and has been the feature of many articles about the museum, Los Angeles County, and the TV show. Davis also served as a technical advisor for the show and taught many of the paramedic students who came after him. There is a prevailing rumor that the character of Roy DeSoto may

Off the junk pile: The Suburban ambulance featured in early episodes of Emergency! was wrecked as part of an episode. It was found in a junkyard and renovated to its original glory by the Fire Museum shop.

The most iconic emergency vehicle ever made. The original Squad 51, from the Show, is recognizable everywhere it goes. As well as its starring role in the show, the 1974 Custom Dodge, built by Universal Studios for the show, was displayed at the Smithsoinian Institute as part of Project 51.

have been loosely created around Davis.

The Shop:

For lovers of antique fire apparatus a hidden treasure lies just around the corner from the museum in a building now known as The Shop. As stated earlier, this is where the museum had

See MUSEUM page 32

its humble beginnings and the place where the magic happens.

Fire apparatus dating as far back as horse drawn steamers of the 1800s are brought here, meticulously restored and brought back to life. Many of the restored apparatus are even in operating condition. A visitor to The Shop (Yes, it’s open to visitors) walks past dozens of fire apparatus of every sort, from horse drawn hose carts to open cab pumpers and even woodframed ladder trucks.

“They’re not all former Los Angeles County equipment,” noted Schneider. “Vehicles are sent to us from all over the country. We research their history, try to find old pictures or illustrations then set out to bring them back to life.” While most of the restoration work is done right in the shop, some is done by Paul’s brother Howard, at his three-acre home in Montana.

Many of these former firefighting heroes sit idle awaiting parts to be located or manufactured. But many still are shined up, expertly appointed, looking as if they could roll out the door and fight fires even today.

Museum gets National Attention:

The most recent and most famous restoration the shop has undertaken is rebuilding the Suburban ambulance mentioned earlier

It was in complete disrepair,” explained Schneider “It was actually in a wreck as part of the show Finding parts to restore it was a challenge.” In May of 2022 the project was completed. The complete restoration story was told in the June 2022 issue of EMS World. Along with the museum staff, Mantooth and Tighe were on hand to unveil the finished project.

A County-Wide Commitment:

All of the fire apparatus and artifact restoration efforts are supported by taxdeductible donations, most from a payroll deduction program supported by many loyal and proud Los Angeles County Firefighters.

Both of the show’s principle actors, Tighe and Mantooth, are deeply committed to supporting the museum as well. Their latest project, “Into the Unknown: The Paramedics’ Journey” is being produced in cooperation with the Fire Museum.

Whether you are a fire buff, historian, EMERGENCY! Fan, or just a lover of history, the Los Angeles County Fire Museum and The Shop are “must do’s” when visiting the Los Angeles area.

The history captured within it’s walls, the stories it tells, and the dedication and commitment of the Association’s members and

docents is a fulfilling and memorable experience not to be missed.

For those who may not have a Los Angeles trip planned for their near future, a visit to the website www.LACountyFireMuseum.com gives you a great taste of what’s in store when you eventually make that trip to Mecca.

A living Legend: Gary Davis, Los Angeles County paramedic number three spends a few minutes with the author. Legend says the character of Roy DeSoto was partially styled after Davis.

Joel Gordon, MS, RN, EMT-P, MPIO, CFO is the Deputy Chief for the Plantation Fire Department. He is a firefighter, paramedic, and Registered Nurse. He has served as a battalion chief and public information officer with the Fire Department since 1996. Gordon has also been a trauma nurse since 1992 and a flight nurse since 1994.

He has a total of 50 years of experience in fire and emergency services throughout South Florida and the Northeast. He has also responded to several major disasters throughout the State of Florida including Hurricane Andrew.

Gordon holds a Master’s degree in Emergency Services Management, is a Master PIO, and maintains his CFO credentialing from the CPSE.

Jim Page, considered the Father of Modern EMS is enshrined in the Museum. A replica of the 1947 Panel Wagon he drove CrossCountry is preserved as part of the display.

A restored Model A, chief’s buggy.

Tamarac Fire Rescue Names Firefighter of the Year

By Van Schoen, Public Information Officer

The nomination described Capt. Boyhan as one who has set the bar in terms of leadership and continued involvement, initiative, and commitment to the organization. Capt. Boyhan demonstrates passion for EMS training and started an EMS competition team in Tamarac. As team leader, he continually practices off-duty and on-duty with his group and competes in as many competitions as they could attend. On his off days, Captain Boyhan further fulfills his passion for EMS by being a lead instructor at Emergency Education Institute (EEI) in Coral Springs. Over the years he has taught hundreds of future EMTs and Paramedics at the school. He also assists in tutoring these students in preparation for their certification exams and prepare for their subsequent hiring processes. Captain Boyhan goes the extra mile to take care of his students.

Pinning and Promotions Ceremony in South Walton

By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer

2022 Palm Harbor Firefighter of the Year

By Elizabeth Graham, Public Information Officer, APIO, Public Educator/Fire Inspector II

On August 28, 2022, Firefighter Mike Ross removed an unconscious patient from a submerged vehicle while off duty (with his wife Tara who witnessed the vehicle enter the water with the victim inside). The vehicle (SUV) was backing down a boat ramp and could not stop and the occupant could not get out. The vehicle was completely submerged in brackish water with little to no visibility. Mike entered the water, used a rock to break a side window, conducted a quick search of the vehicle, and unfortunately could not locate the victim. Mike then went to the rear of the SUV, broke the rear window, entered the vehicle, found the occupant, rescued her, and brought her to the shore completely unresponsive. Mike and Tara immediately started CPR and contacted 911. We are happy to announce his (and his wife’s) efforts resulted in a FULL recovery of the occupant. Congratulations and Thank You!

Pinellas Park Firefighter of The Year

BySuzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator

The 2022 Firefighter of the Year has been awarded to Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Clayton! This honor is presented each year to an individual who has demonstrated a level of professionalism that reflects the highest standards of the Pinellas Park Fire Department.

Family members, friends, coworkers, and loved ones gathered outside South Walton Fire District’s Logistics Facility to witness the official pinning and promotion of a dozen SWFD members on December 6, 2022.

Congratulations to the following firefighters in completing their one-year probationary period and moving to career firefighter status: Firefighter/Paramedic Seth Ward, Firefighter/EMT Chase Patrick, Firefighter/EMT Morgan Cronk, Firefighter/EMT Truman Morrison, Firefighter/EMT Jamey Goddin, Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Quinn, and Firefighter/EMT Zach Prescott.

SWFD would also like to congratulate telecommunicators Christiana Eckert and Jeremiah Edler on completing their probationary period as 911 dispatchers, as well as Autumn Hanks and Charmaine Alston, who were both promoted to Emergency Communications Lieutenant after undergoing a competitive testing process.

Submitting Articles

Please submit your article as a MS word document and include a high resolution jpeg image as an attachment. Try to keep submissions under 300 words if possible. E-mail files and pics to: magazine@ffca.org. All articles must have a title or headline and a byline as part of the article, if no bylineis supplied- the article will run without.

FF/PM Clayton was nominated for the award by Lt. Chris Taylor who stated that the nominee “possesses a strong work ethic and powerfully dynamic skill set...and is an extremely reliable, trust-worthy, and problem-solving employee.” Clayton was hired by the department in 2015 and is an engine operator,truck operator, hazmat technician, and field training officer. He is currently working on completing all fire officer requirements in preparation for becoming a lieutenant. Please join us in congratulating our 2022 Firefighter of the Year – Chris Clayton!

Flagler County Fire Rescue Christmas Celebration

By Lacy Martin, Digital Media and Events Coordinator

Flagler County Fire Rescue, along with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, visited some very special families in Flagler County before Christmas. Alongside several of Flagler County Firefighters, Santa passed out gifts for eight families in need in our Community Every year Lt. Moscowitz and his wife Cherish collect gifts during the holiday season to provide these families with a much-deserved Christmas! It was a beautiful evening filled with happy kids and a holly jolly Santa.

Orange County Burn Demonstration

By Ashley Gipson, Public Information Officer

On December 9, 2022

Orange County Fire Rescue conducted a Christmas tree media safety demonstration at its Training facility to illustrate the hazards of a dried-out Christmas tree and provide holiday safety tips on how to prevent home fires. Partnering with the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association, the demonstration also highlighted the value of automatic sprinkler systems when it comes to extinguishing or controlling fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 180 Christmas tree fires in homes across the United States in 2020.

Angel Tree Program Spreads Holiday Cheer

By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer

For 22 years, South Walton Fire District personnel and the community have worked together through the Angel Tree Program to ensure Walton County-area children receive every gift on their Christmas wish list.

More than 200 children were registered and received gifts as part of the 2022 program. Throughout the holiday season, the SWFD Station 3 lobby served as a rally point for the presents and filled with gifts like bicycles, rollerblades, video games, sports equipment, and clothing.

These gifts were then loaded into trucks and distributed to the receiving families by Caring and Sharing of Walton County Inc. and Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

This initiative began in the year 2000 and has grown to include hundreds of names of children who qualify through SWFD’s Caring and Sharing partners as eligible to receive Christmas gifts. Their names are then transferred to an “Angel Card” and placed in a basket at Station 3 to be chosen by a community member

The Angel Tree Program continues to be successful every year because of the community’sgenerosity. On behalf of the South Walton Fire District, we want to thank each person who has contributed and helped this program grow.

Walton County Fire Rescue Fire Safety Day

ByCoreyDobridnia,

Public Information Officer

Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters high-five kindergarteners at Paxton School during Fire Safety Day Kids learned what to do in the event of a fire and what number to call if there is an emergency. Firefighters also explained the importance of having an escape plan.

Photo by Lindsey Darby.

Seminole County Tree Safety Demonstration

ByDoreen

Overstreet, APR, Public Safety Information & Education Officer

The Seminole County Fire Department recently partnered with the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association for a side-by-side live Christmas tree burn at Station 21 in Casselberry to demonstrate the importance of home fire sprinklers.Seminole County Fire Department also used this opportunity to educate the public on other Christmas Tree safety tips.

Pinellas Park Firefighter Retires

By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator

Firefighter/EMT Brian Cramer retired from PPFD in November after a 27-year career! Brian worked for Sunstar ambulance service prior to joining the fire department in 1995 as a firefighter/EMT assigned to BShift. Brian went on to become a certified truck operator, engine operator, and squad operator and has remained on B-Shift throughout his career. In 1998, Brian was chosen as Firefighter of the Year for his actions at the scene of a house fire with reports of a child trapped inside. As the search began for the child, Brian quickly advanced a hose line to extinguish the blaze and provide rescuers a means of escape. Once the fire was out, Brian joined the search for other possible victims. Luckily there was no one else trapped inside. He then began patient care until paramedics arrived. Brian, we thank you for your many years of service to the department and wish you much happiness in your well-deserved retirement!

Palm Coast Fire Department Promotions

By Patrick J. Juliano, Lieutenant Paramedic, Public Information Officer

The Palm Coast Fire Department was proud to announce the next wave of promotions for the growth of the organization.The newly promoted firefighters were ceremoniously pinned by their family and friends at a ceremony held at the Transfer of Command Ceremony.The promotions are as follows: Captain Thomas Ascone to Battalion Chief, Captain Randy Holmes to Battalion Chief of Prevention, Captain James Neuenfeldt to Battalion Chief, Captain Andrew Woolwine to Battalion Chief, Lieutenant David Faust to Battalion Chief, Lieutenant Jennifer Fiveash to Battalion Chief of Training, Lieutenant Jon Kozloski to Battalion Chief, Driver Engineer Joseph Fajardo to Lieutenant, Driver Engineer Junelle Steward to Lieutenant, Firefighter-Paramedic Brandon Davis to Driver Engineer, FirefighterParamedic Daniel Kerr to Driver Engineer, Firefighter-Paramedic Sean McBride to Driver Engineer, Firefighter-Paramedic Christopher Strozier to Driver Engineer, Volunteer Intern Anthony Forte to Firefighter-Paramedic, Volunteer Intern Tyler Major to Firefighter-EMT, Volunteer Intern Bailey Sattar to Firefighter-EMT, and Volunteer Intern Mitchell White to Firefighter-EMT.

Lakeland Responds to Residential Structure Fire

By Stephanie Lewis, Public Relations and Information Manager

Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) responded to a structure fire early this morning, Saturday, December 24, at approximately 4:00 AM. Fire crews arrived on scene at Stella Avenue to a single-story residential house with approximately 75% of the structure involved with flames and heavy smoke.

Arriving crews performed a search of the property and found no residents inside. LFD firefighters worked defensively to attack the fire and bring it under control. Neighboring properties were evacuated out of caution. One victim sustained burn injuries to the hands and shoulder.

Responding to the scene included seven LFD units, two Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) units, and several LPD units. No firefighter injuries were reported. Lakeland Fire Department’s Prevention Division is still investigating the fire’scause.

NAPA Integrated Business Solutions is a customized equipment parts supply chain and warehouse program that leverages North America’s largest network of OE and aftermarket resources from automotive, heavy-duty, and fire-specific parts to safety equipment and shop supplies. NAPA IBS places the industry’s best parts professionals and inventor y management technologies inside your department, so you can focus on keeping your fleet running.

The program helps fire department fleet facilities reduce administrative procedures and transactional costs, increase on-demand parts availability and fleet technician per formance, lower vehicle downtime, eliminate obsolete parts and shrinkage costs, and cut parts costs

and inventory investment.

NAPA IBS started supporting fire departments back in 1993 in the City of Richmond, VA. Since then, we have grown our footprint and have learned from industry professionals exactly what departments need to thrive. With our priorities aligned with yours, we can be a true business partner not just a parts supplier. Some of the priorities we focus on include:

• Maximizing technician wrench time by having the parts when they need them

•Minimizing equipment downtime so units can be on the road serving their communities

•Managing a large supplier base and consolidating everything into one bill

•Controlling technician p-card spend so all purchases are tracked and attached to work orders

• Budgeting for increasing fuel costs

•Reducing overall parts and operational spend

•Increasing the efficiency of garages with a limited workforce

• Being prepared for emergency or afterhours situations

NAPA supports its IBS locations and fire department fleets through both an internal supply chain of more than 6,000 NAPA stores and 52 distribution centers nationwide, as well asa diverse external vendor base of more than 1,400 suppliers. This means that we’re not just stocking NAPA parts in your garages, but buying everything you need from McNeilus, Pierce, E-One, Spartan, OE manufacturers, other aftermarket suppliers and more.

Visit our website or contact us at the information below to learn more about what NAPA IBS can do for you.

NAPA IBS serves more than 400 government and commercial fleets including cities, counties, states, DOTs, school districts, airline GSE, construction, utility, trucking, dealerships, and more.

advertisers index