November 2018 FFS.QXD
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THE PUBLICATION
OF THE
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FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION
November 2018 • VOLUME 26 NUMBER 11
Thank you Treasure Island Fire Department!
• E-ONE Cyclone Pumper • Cummins ISX12 500 HP Engine • Allison 4000 EVS Transmission • Severe Duty Interior and Front Bumper • Bostrom Seats With Smart Dock SCBA Brackets • Hale Qmax 2000 GPM Pump
• UPF 500 Gallon Water Tank • UPF 30 Gallon Class A Foam Tank • Low Hose Bed • Class 1 TPG Pressure Governor • Booster Reel Top of Pump Module • Whelen Emergency Warning Light Package • 72” FireTech 12 Volt Front Brow Light
• 35” FireTech Side 12 Volt Scene Lights • Weldon V-MUX Electrical System • Pre-Wired for Generator • Voyager Front, Side and Back Up Camera System • Firecom Wired Communication System • Command Light 12 Volt Light Tower with (2) 12 Volt PFP2 LED Light Heads
Thank you Fire Chief Kingman D. Schuldt and Greater Naples Fire Rescue!
CHIEF’S VEHICLE / SQUAD • Ford F250 XLT 4X4 Crew Cab Long Bed • Whelen Emergency Warning Lighting Package • Extendobed® Rear Slideout Command Area • A.R.E. DCU Aluminum Topper with Backup Camera and Electric Locks
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November 2018 FFS.QXD
Florida Fire Florida Fire Fire Chiefs’ Florida Fire
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Service is the monthly publication of the Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Association (FFCA) members, by the 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 Denise Holley - Office Manager Scott Leisen - Marketing Director Taylor Allen - Administrative Assistant Gail Salerno - Administrative Assistant FFCA Board of Directors John Miller - President Darrel Donatto - 1st Vice President Neal de Jesus - 2nd Vice President Otto Drozd III, EFO, CFO - Immediate Past President David Downey - Secretary/Treasurer Jonathan Kanzigg - Northwest Region Director Ty Silcox, MPA - Northeast Region Director Gene Prince, EFO, CFO - East Central Region Director Julie Downey - Southeast Region Director Douglas Riley - West Central Region Director Michael Murphy - Southwest Region Director Wm. Ray Colburn - Executive Director Cindy Morgan - Foundation Chair Ronald Parrish, MPA, CFO, EFO - Senior Member
FROM THE SECTIONS Message from the Foundation Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
6 FEATURES
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The Fire Service: Leadership, Pride and Tradition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Effective Communication: The Engine . . that Drives the Organization. . . . . 18 A Thanksgiving Day Message - How Quickly We Forget . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Unprecedented Storm... Unprecedented Response . . . . . . . 22
FURTHERMORE Featured Vendor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Members on the Move . . . . . . . . .10
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I’ve Had Enough . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 2018 Safety and
Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180
Health Conference . . . . . . . . . . .12
Advertising Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org (386) 717-0055
Douglas Riley Selected as West
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.
In brief . . . news from
Florida Fire Service November 2018, Volume 26, Number 11 USPS # 016-759
Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Central Regional Director . . . . . .16 Life-Saving Pet-Rescue Kits . . . . . . .17
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 author’s alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of FFCA. Copyright 2018 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.
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around the state . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 FFCA New Members . . . . . . . . . . .42
Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Call 1-800-210-0263 or email: CS@MYDFSFL.COM.. No Fee - Free Consultations
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AS
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MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIR
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FLOR I
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FIRE C DA
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Cindy Morgan
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he Florida Fire Chief's Foundation is working to establish our priorities for 2019 and beyond. One of the main areas of focus is on our Community Scholarship program. Imagine if you will, as a Chief officer in your
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department, you come across an individual who has a passion for the fire service. You see something special in this person. Perhaps this person had a difficult life and many challenges along the way. Maybe this person is an Explorer, a Cadet, or someone you meet at church or in your community. This person desperately wants to become a firefighter or paramedic but does not have the financial resources to get there. What is a leader that wants to help this person to do? Your Florida Fire Chief's Foundation will allow you to reach out and mentor this individual and possibly provide the funds to send him or her to school. The Foundation is putting the finishing touches on a Community Scholarship Application that you will be able to give to this individual. Each scholarship application will be reviewed by our Scholarship Committee and scholarships will be awarded based on financial needs along with other requirements in the application, such as a 300 word essay. Please look for an announcement with the application to be emailed to you soon!
Another priority is our Grant Committee. This committee is working on two areas receiving and giving. We are researching areas in which the Foundation can apply for grants to receive additional money to help fund our scholarships and programs. In addition, we are developing a grant application that people and organizations can use to ask us for money to fund their training and projects. We receive requests frequently to partner with organizations that provide education and training for our departments. We plan to formalize the process so that all the information is gathered in an initial application. This will streamline the process and allow for quicker responses to the requestor. The future is bright with your Foundation. We are working to increase funding and find creative ways to use the money, as Chief Darrel Donatto likes to say, "Do the Most Good" in our state for our firefighters and our community. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to contact me at cmorgan@ten8fire.com.
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PROUDLY SERVING THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY SINCE 2009.
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THE FIRE SERVICE
Leadership, Pride, and Tradition By Christopher J. Weir Sr. MBA, EFO, CFEI, CFSI-III, Fire Plans Examiner/Fire Inspector Volusia County Fire-Rescue
S
ince the viscous and cowardly attacks that occurred on the morning of September 11, 2001, America has seen her citizens, in totality from town to town, come together in a most positive fashion not seen since December 7, 1941. Americans, in times of great crisis and tragedies, always come together to volunteer, enlist, team up, console, unite, and embrace not only their fellow citizens, but the challenges and opportunities ahead of them. These acts of kindness and focus to “Hit the Ground Running” are the roots of leadership. That stated, the Fire Service, International Association of Fire Chiefs, IAFF, State Fire Chiefs Associations, National Fire Academy, NFPA, et al., immediately, and without hesitation, hit the ground running and took to the forefront developing local, state, and nationwide policies and procedures, focused upon leadership abilities, safety, and new technological developments. The ultimate goal was to protect the lives of Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs, and our citizens we so proudly serve and protect. In addition, Fire Service organizations across this great country and ultimately worldwide, added their respective personnel from Chief Officers to Fire Service Officers, Hazardous Material Specialists,
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front line Firefighters, Paramedics/EMTs, Fire Prevention, Law Enforcement, and political interests (funding initiatives) of all levels, proceeded to develop “real world policies” to embolden the safety, health, and wellness of First Responders. As part of the leadership initiatives in the fire service, the proactive and positive energy levels, and ingenuity from all ranks from Probationary Firefighters to Senior Chiefs, provided a King’s ransom of shared ideas, developed policies focusing on safety and personal protection, effective development of training (i.e., WMDs, active shooter, biochemical spill/release hazards et al.) both nationally and locally, upgrading apparatus with enclosed cabs, more compartment space for added safety equipment, and security upgrades in firehouses across the nation. The list continues to enhance as more ideas are implemented. Where else but in the fire service, can one find such great leadership and talent as firefighters of all ranks? Moreover, the successes of implementing such proactive “hit the ground running” policies have been upgraded, adjusted, and added to additional policies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and active shooter events to name a few.
The tradition evolves as each generation of natural born fire service leaders right down to probationary firefighters continue to provide newer ideas and smarter solutions, to solve the difficult and challenging problems in as efficient a manner possible. The typical Engineering, Education, and Enforcement of commonsense policies, initiatives, and directives from local, state, and national remain focused to keep ahead of the problem rather than behind the eight ball. We, as fire service leaders and “top notch” professionals, put our talents, ideas, focus, ingenuity, and stellar leadership to task where we are looked upon as true leaders of innovation. It is indeed, refreshing when our leadership is summoned by the “best of the best” to effectively solve problems, and/or establish resources for the task requested. Moreover, it is refreshing to hear that Florida is one of three main states which has been called on globally to assist nations in times of disasters, tragedies, or other related emergencies to assist those requesting our services. This is something to hang our hats upon and be proud that Leadership, Pride, and Tradition reigns.
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F
ounded in 1889 and situated north of Tampa, FL, Saint Leo University is a regionally accredited, nonprofit university dedicated to ensuring every student has the chance to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Saint Leo’s faculty members are devoted to teaching while supporting students' academic and career goals. Saint Leo University is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top-ranked regional universities in the South. The university’s degree programs range from the associate to the doctoral level and are offered at its 208-acre campus as well as online and at 35 teaching locations in seven states. The university welcomes learners from all generations and backgrounds, from civilian occupations and the armed forces, and from across the country and from more than 50
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nations around the world. It offers convenient, flexible courses so that adult learners can work and study. Class sizes are small, so students receive individualized attention. Saint Leo is a leader in preparing students for careers in criminal justice, homeland security, and emergency and disaster management. The university now offers a Master of Science degree in emergency and disaster management - fire science administration. This master’s program is designed for those professionals working in the fire services field. Students receive training in the high-level leadership skills necessary to manage fire prevention, protection, and safety services. This degree provides graduates with an understanding of the social, political, and legal aspects of fire science management. The fire science administration master’s program is delivered online and is designed to help in career advancement. Topics explored include: • Human resource planning for fire service organizations • Structure and organization of fire services • Fire-related human behavior • Best practices in life safety systems • Public policy in fire and emergency services • Political issues that affect fire services administration
• Fire and emergency services planning and code enforcement “This program is designed for working adults and is ideal for first responders who require an educational component to augment their experience, enabling them to move forward in their careers,” said Dr. Robert Diemer, a Saint Leo University professor and director of the Department of Public Safety Administration. “In addition to the core curriculum, it consists of four courses, each lasting for an eight-week term, that students take 100 percent online at their own pace. It is designed to be completed in two years, but students can take more time if they need it.” For more information, email Nikki Heister, special programs manager for the Department of Public Safety Administration, at nikki.heister@saintleo.edu or call her at (352) 588-8487.
Chief Beadle Retires, Jerry Forte is new Palm Coast Fire Chief
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ongtime Palm Coast Fire Chief Michael C. Beadle retired and Deputy Chief Gerard “Jerry” Forte was sworn in as the City’s fire chief at a Transfer of Command ceremony at Fire Station 25. “Twenty-eight members started this organization in 1973 by building the foundation in a small town they called
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paradise,” Chief Beadle said in his farewell remarks, adding that Palm Coast is still “paradise” today. Beadle became the City of Palm Coast’s first fire chief in 2000, not long after the City incorporated, and he oversaw tremendous growth in both the size and breadth of services offered by the Fire Department. He started as a volunteer firefighter there in 1988 and, two years later, became a career firefighter. He thanked firefighters and about 200 people in attendance, saying, “To the members of the Palm Coast Fire Department both past and present, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the countless hours of dedication.” Chief Forte has served as Palm Coast Fire Department’s deputy chief for nine years. He started as a Palm Coast volunteer firefighter in 1990, becoming a career member as a
firefighter/EMT in 1992. He rose through the ranks and had served as Deputy Fire Chief since 2009. Chief Forte comes from a family of firefighters. His brother, Joe Forte, served as Chief of Holly Hill Fire Department; daughter Jessica is a lieutenant with Daytona Beach Fire Rescue; son Anthony is a lieutenant with Flagler Beach Fire Department; and nephew Jason is a lieutenant with Flagler County Fire Rescue. He presented his former badges to his children and nephew to represent the sacrifices that were made by his family. Chief Forte emphasized the importance of family supporting the fire personnel who make the ship sail: body, mind and soul. “No person earns their badge alone. There is a family behind each person to make the journey easier,” he said.
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I’ve Had Enough! A
changing. It’s not that you’re not impacted by them; you just don’t let them define you. Ultimately, contentment is not being selfsufficient, but rather being God-sufficient. We can be satisfied and have a rich, full life no matter what our circumstances because we find our sufficiency in our relationship with God. You can find out more about Chaplain Joe and Fire Rescue Support by visiting www.firerescuesupport.com.
•
s you read this article, we are just weeks away from Christmas! Soon, holiday preparations will be in full swing, but not until we observe two uniquely American traditions. First, is Thanksgiving. This is the day we gather with family and friends to express our gratefulness for all that we have. Then, only hours later, we observe Black Friday. This is the day we start getting all the things we couldn’t mention the day before. How quickly we go from being grateful to being selfish. Thanksgiving is meant to be more than a day of life; it should be a way of life. So what changes in a day? It’s a lack of contentment. Beyond being grateful for what we have, we must become content with what we have. While Thanksgiving is looking around with eyes that are grateful, contentment is looking around with eyes that are satisfied. Learning to be content can be challenging, especially in our materialistic, market-driven culture. Everywhere you look you are reminded of what you don’t have. Bigger, faster, fancier items promise to fill in the gap between what you have and what you want. However, Socrates pointed out the problem with this years ago when he said, “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” Chasing things is a race that has no end. Sadly, you’ll never get to the point where you have everything you want. That is, until you learn to say one word. Enough! Not “good enough” as in accepting a lower standard, but “that’s enough” as a limiter of quantity, size and speed. It’s been said, “Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.” The Apostle Paul wrote about it this way in Philippians 4:11-13. I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Contentment is living independent of circumstances. You cannot base your happiness or level of satisfaction with life on the situations around you. You must live independent of circumstances because circumstances are always
Jo
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By Joseph A. LaCognata, Chaplain, Fire Rescue Support
eR or escue Supp
t
Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG
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We would like to thank our Sponsors!
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2018 Program SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2018 PRE-C0NFERENCE 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM - Statewide Mental Health Response to Large Scale Incidents Grand V 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM - FFSHC Statewide Meeting (All Regions) – Chris Bator, EMS Instructor, Coral Springs Fire Department/Collaborative Board - Grand V 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM - Rule Workshop – “Cancer and Mental Health” Curriculum Mike Tucker, Superintendent/Bureau Chief, Florida State Fire College - Grand V
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Registration and Vendors - Grand III & IV 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM - Opening Ceremonies Grand I & II 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM - Refreshment Break Grand III & IV 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM - Cancer Keynote Speaker - Why is this so important? This presentation will give the audience a personal view of how cancer will affect the fire station, member’s family and the extended family within the local first responder community. The discussion will then cover some mental health aspects from a firefighter and a survivor’s perspective. The audience will hear how the cancer illnesses related to September 11, 2001, have affected the FDNY, and the support provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundations (NFFF). A quick introduction to the First Responders Center for Excellence (FRCE) will be given. The audience will take away knowledge that all members of the fire service must be part of the regular cultural shift towards cancer education and prevention. It is hoped that all participants will gain a better understanding of the grassroots along with the governmental efforts to find a common path to benefit the first responder community. Joe Minogue, Advocate for the NFFF, Liaison to the FDNY, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 1.25 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Clinicians Program (Limited to 40) - FF Culture-Lingo and Lifestyles - Grand V 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM - Updates to Firefighter Cancer Awareness and Prevention Issues – Keith Tyson, Vice President, Education Research and Outreach, Firefighter Cancer Support Network .50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM - Florida Firefighter Cancer Initiative Update – Respiratory Protection in the Warm Zone – Growing epidemiologic evidence suggests that Florida
firefighters are at increased risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general Florida population. Founded in July 2015, the Firefighter Cancer Initiative is a partnership created between researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Florida fire departments, management and local unions with the overarching goal of investigating and preventing cancer risk in Florida firefighters. The Firefighter Cancer Initiative is comprised of fourteen multi disciplinary projects that include: epidemiologic surveillance through an annual cancer survey that addresses health and cancer history, cancer prevention behaviors and history of occupational exposures of active and retired firefighters; distributing home-based screening tools for colorectal and cervical cancer; the development of an educational program tailored to firefighters’ unique occupational exposure and cancer risk behaviors; the development of an interactive application to track personal exposures; the measurement of carcinogenic particles on firefighters’ gear and fire station; and the linking of occupational data with Florida’s cancer registry. This presentation will highlight important findings from these research projects and how they play an integral part in our effort to reduce cancer rates and risk among this high-risk occupational group throughout the State of Florida. Dr. Caban Martinez will also highlight key findings from the environmental sampling program of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative describing the measurement of warm zone gas levels using multi-gas detectors across fire incident responses. Multi-gas detector data collected during fire response indicate the presence of sustained levels of volatile organic compounds in the “warm zone” of each fire event. These cases suggest that firefighters should not only implement strategies for multi-gas detector use within the warm zone but also include respiratory protection to provide adequate safety from toxic exposures when operating in the warm zone. Taken together, attendees will gain insight into the latest cancer prevention strategies and research findings occurring in the Florida fire service. Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez, Director of the Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Health Lab and Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine 1.50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM - Clinicians Program PTSD, Suicide, Substance Abuse - Grand V 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM - Refreshment Break Grand III & IV 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM - National Trends in Cancer Prevention - A presentation focusing on the collaborative efforts between the Tucson Fire Department and the University of Arizona in the 2014 FEMA Fire Service Cancer Study, the
post-fire biological data, and "best practices" for limiting fire scene carcinogen exposure. Darin Wallentine, Deputy Chief, Tucson Fire Department 1.25 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM - Clinicians Program Fire Station Immersion/Interaction and Emotional Support Services - Grand V 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM - Current Research on Firefighter Exposures Related to Occupational Cancer (Panel Discussion) An afternoon panel discussion will bring together researchers from across the country who are studying firefighters’ risk for occupational cancer from the perspective of chemical exposures on the fireground. Kenny Fent will introduce research being conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), particularly focused on biological exposures and the routes of entry. Gavin Horn will present recent information from the series of studies led by the Illinois Fire Service Institute Research program (IFSI Research) along with partners at NIOSH and UL that are aimed at improving firefighters’ understanding of contamination control measures that can be currently implemented on the fireground and at the station to reduce biological exposures. Jeff Burgess will describe in detail work from his team at the University of Arizona that is uncovering new information, in particular on how exposures may affect health and cancer risk. The presenters will open with a brief overview of each topic and then discuss these projects with the audience in an open mic format. Questions and conversation will be encouraged. Jefferey L. Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, Associate Dean of Research and Professor, University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health; Kenny Fent, PhD, CIH, CDR, USPHS, Research Industrial Hygienist, CDC, NIOSH; Gavin Horn, Director of Research, Illinois Fire Service Institute 1.50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM - Networking Reception - Sponsored by Florida Professional Firefighters - Terrace
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM - Registration and Vendors - Grand III & IV 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM - Active Shooter (Panel Discussion) - Frank Babinec, Fire Chief, Coral Springs – Parkland Fire Department. Otto Drozd, Fire Chief, Orange County Fire Rescue Department 1.50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Clinicians Program - Resiliency in the Clinical Setting, Clinician Self Care and Needs - Grand V
Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG
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2018 Program 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM - Refreshment Break - Grand III & IV 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM - NFPA 3000 Panel Discussion - Frank Babinec, Fire Chief, Coral Springs – Parkland Fire Department. Otto Drozd, Fire Chief, Orange County Fire Rescue Department. Julie Downey, Fire Chief, Town of Davie 1.25 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Mini Expo and Lunch Buffet - Majestic I, II & III 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Clinicians Program Extrication Demonstration (off-site) 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM - Roadway Safety for Incident Responders - Grady Carrick, P.E., Ph.D. (Ret. FHP Chief) will discuss the SHRP2 National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training Program, with specific focus on responder safety, PPE, vehicle positioning, unified command, and reducing the risk of secondary crashes and struck-by incidents. This will include an overview of statistics at the state and national levels, as well as the background of the SHRP 2 TIM Training Program. Sheryl Bradley, TIM Program Manager for FDOT District 5, will discuss some of the programs FDOT has put in place to help increase scene safety, as well as what the future of traffic incident management looks like with consideration of alternative fuels and autonomous/connected vehicle technologies.
In addition, Sheryl will discuss some of the innovative ideas FDOT and Central Florida fire/rescue agencies are pursuing as part of a safer, more efficient traffic incident management system. Grady Carrick, P.E., Ph.D. (Ret. FHP Chief); Sheryl Bradley, TIM Program Manager for FDOT District 5. 1.50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM - Refreshment Break Grand III & IV 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM - PTSD Bill Explanation - Brittney O’Neil, Workers’ Comp Policy Coordinator, FL Dept. of Financial Services. Director Julius Halas, FL Division of State Fire Marshal; Mike Tucker, Superintendent/Bureau Chief, Florida State Fire College; Rocco Salvatori, Vice President, Florida Professional Firefighters 1.25 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM - Gross Decon Demo
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM - Registration and Vendors - Grand III & IV 9:00 AM –10:30 AM - A Holistic Approach to Tactical Athlete Optimization - Attendees of this session will learn different holistic methodologies including, developing resiliency, mind-body interactions and work-life balance. This session will cover the importance of using an
implementing an integrated holistic approach to tactical athlete development. Also covered in this session will be available technology and its use in the integrated approach. Jorge Carvajal, Fire Captain, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue 1.50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM - Refreshment Break - Grand III & IV 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM - Closing Keynote – Unexpected Nightmares - A Paramedic attacked and stabbed on duty describes the hurdles of recovering from PTSD. While responding to a routine medical assistance call, Ben Vernon was stabbed multiple times by a bystander. In this presentation, Ben describes the event, his physical and mental ordeals, and the hurdles he faced in recovering from PTSD. He’ll provide the definition of PTSD and explain the importance of having a mental health plan for first responders. And you’ll learn about EMDR and how having the right mental health clinicians available for treatment is vital. Ben Vernon, Firefighter/Paramedic, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. 1.50 Instructor/Inspector CEUs - Grand I & II
Speakers and Bios Frank Babinec, Fire Chief, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Frank Babinec was appointed as the Chief of the Coral Springs–Parkland Fire Department in February 2014. The fire department is comprised of approximately 400 members with core services consisting of Fire Administration, Fire Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Community Risk Reduction, Training (State Certified Regional Training Center) and Community Emergency Response Team. Chief Babinec holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and an MBA in Public Administration, and possesses a Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and an Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy. Chief Babinec serves as the Vice President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Broward County and is the Chair of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association’s Safety and Health Committee.
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Sheryl Bradley, Program Manager, FDOT Sheryl Bradley is a Program Manager for FDOT’s Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program and a consultant for the statewide TIM program. She has 25 years of experience in traffic safety, several of which involved direct experience with Fire/Rescue. Sheryl is a SHRP2 National TIM Responder trainer and a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist. Jefferey L. Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, Associate Dean of Research and Professor, University of Arizona - Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Jefferey L. Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, is Associate Dean for Research and Professor at the University of Arizona College of Public Health. His research
focuses on occupational and environmental toxicology and reduction of exposures, illnesses, and injuries. He has been carrying out research in partnership with fire departments for over twenty-five years. Grady Carrick, Ph.D. Enforcement Engineering, Inc. Grady Carrick is a retired Florida Highway Patrol Chief, who distinguished himself as a champion for traffic operations and safety during his 30 years with the agency. Since his retirement in 2012, Mr. Carrick has consulted with the FHWA, NHTSA, TRB, as well as several universities, and engineering firms to advance a safe and efficient highway system. Mr. Carrick is passionate about responder safety and he has a national reputation as an advocate for traffic incident management.
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Speakers and Bios Jorge Carvajal, Fire Captain, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Jorge Carvajal is a Fire Captain with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. He was one of the original members of the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative and was one of the original Peer Fitness Trainer Instructors for 18 years. Presentation: A Holistic Approach to Tactical Athlete Optimization. Attendees of this session will learn different holistic methodologies including, developing resiliency, mind-body interactions, and work-life balance. This session will cover the importance of implementing an integrated holistic approach to tactical athlete development. Also covered in this session will be available technology and its use in the integrated approach. Kenneth Fent, PhD, CIH, CDR, USPHS, Research Industrial Hygienist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Kenneth Fent obtained his MS and PhD in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Fent joined NIOSH in 2008, where he currently works as a research industrial hygienist. Dr. Fent’s research has focused on assessing dermal and inhalation exposures to combustion byproducts in firefighters. Gavin Horn, Director of Research, Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI Research) Gavin Horn has served as the director for the IFSI Research program at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) since 2004. IFSI Research studies focus on firefighter health & safety and first responder technology development. Gavin also serves as a firefighter/engineer with the Savoy (IL) Fire Department. Alberto Caban-Martinez, Asst Professor, Public Health Sciences, & Deputy Director FF Cancer Initiative, The University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez is a board-certified osteopathic physician, occupational
epidemiologist, and Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, and member of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences’ Gulf Research Program. Dr. Caban-Martinez earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics from the University of Miami in 2001. In 2004, he received his Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree with Honors from Nova Southeastern University. In May 2011 he completed both the Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as the doctoral epidemiology (Ph.D.) program in the at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Following graduation from medical and graduate school, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical orthopedics and occupational medicine at the Harvard School of Public Health in 2014. His research primarily examines cancer burden and risk factors in the first responder workforce. He has articles published in the American Journal of Public Health, Preventive Medicine, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Neuropharmacology. He has published over 108 peer-reviewed publications and presented over 168 scientific presentations on a wide range of occupational health and safety topics. He serves as deputy director of the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative and Principal Investigator of the FEMAfunded national Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study Expansion, including fire investigators, fire trainers, volunteer, and wildland-urban interface firefighters. Joseph Minogue, Advocate for the NFFF, Liaison to the FDNY, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Joe Minogue serves as the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) organizational liaison to both FDNY and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. He is also the Everyone Goes Home® Lead Advocate in New York's Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and coordinator for the National Stair Climb, an NFFF fundraiser held each fall in New York City. During the development of the NFFF's Stress First Aid, Curbside Manner, After Action Review, Courage to be Safe (CTBS) and the Leadership, Accountability, Culture, and Knowledge (LACK) courses, Joe provided subject matter expertise related to content and delivery and remains involved as a trainer for each of these programs. Each October, he serves as a member of the Command Staff for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, the nation's official tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year.
Joe worked for FDNY for two decades, beginning in 1998. He was first stationed in Engine 289, then later in Ladder 153 and Engine 229. After the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, Joe joined the FDNY Ceremonial Unit as a bugler. In 2003, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Engine 290, then was named Commanding Officer for the FDNY Ceremonial Unit the following year. In 2006, he was assigned to Ladder Company 103. He retired from FDNY in 2008. Joe has always been active in his community. In 1974, as a teenager, he had his first fire service experience as a volunteer for New York's Sound Beach Fire Department. From 1978 to1982, he served as a U.S. Air Force firefighter at McChord Air Force Base. During that time, Joe also served as a live-in firefighter with the Spanaway Fire Department, in Washington State. After completing his service, Joe transferred to the Active Reserves, based at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. He currently serves in the Bethpage Fire Department in New York, where he has served as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, training officer, and as a publicly elected New York State Fire Commissioner for the Bethpage Fire District. Ben Vernon, Firefighter/Parametic, San Diego Fire Rescue Department. On June 24, 2015, he was stabbed multiple times by a bystander during a routine medical assistance call. The incident led Ben to become a champion for first responder PTSD recognition and treatment. Darin Wallentine, Deputy Chief, Tucson Fire Department Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine has spent 26 years in the fire service and currently leads the Tucson Fire Safety & Department Wellness Section. Chief Wallentine has professional experience as a Health Safety Officer, Operations Battalion Chief, as well as EMS Administration, and has been a paramedic for 20 years. Chief Wallentine, along with TFD Safety Captain John Gulotta has been working alongside the University of Arizona in the FEMA 2014 Cancer Study and now as fire service partners in the ongoing Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study.
Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG
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Doug Riley Selected as West Central Regional Director D
ouglas Riley was hired as a firefighter with the City of Lakeland in March 1987. Throughout his career he has held several positons at the department, preparing him well for his current role as the department’s Fire Chief, including Driver/Engineer, Fire Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief of Operations. Douglas graduated from Lakeland Senior High School in 1984. He earned Associate’s degrees from Polk Community College in both
Fire Science and Nursing. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 2012. In addition to his degrees, Douglas holds certifications as a Registered Nurse, Paramedic, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor, and Fire Inspector. He is a graduate of the Florida State University’s prestigious Certified Public Manager program and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association’s Emergency Services Leadership Institute. He is also certified as a Florida Public Employer Labor Relations professional. Douglas is a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He currently serves as
the Statewide Emergency Response Plan (SERP) Coordinator for Polk County, Florida. Fire Chief Riley was selected in November 2017 to participate in the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) prestigious Fire Service Executive Development Institute; a year-long leadership-development program developed by the IAFC to provide new and aspiring chiefs with the tools they need to have successful and productive tenures. Additionally, he was selected to participate in the Leadership Lakeland class 36 (2018-2019). Please join us in welcoming, Chief Riley to the FFCA Board of Directors as West Central Regional Director.
Life-Saving Pet-Rescue Kits By Ashley Papagni, Public Information Manager, City of Orlando Fire Department
E
very year, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires and more than 40,000 pets die from smoke inhalation. On September 30, in an effort to make Orlando an even more pet-safe city, the Orlando Fire Department received pet rescue kits called “Fido Bags” donated by the congregation of Broadway United Methodist Church. The Orlando Firefighter Pipes and Drums Band opened and closed the service with Amazing Grace. The Fido Bags contain crucial life-saving equipment for pets afflicted by fire and will be installed on each of the 17 fire engines located throughout the city. The bags include specialized cone-shaped oxygen masks designed
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to fit a pet’s face, burn bandages, rinsing saline, leashes, water dishes, and training videos. All pets rescued from fire scenes will now be treated on-site using this equipment, increasing survival and comfort for all furry family members, including cats, dogs, bunny rabbits, and even birds (even though they aren’t furry). Orlando Fire Department Explorer Devon Webber, who attends Broadway United Methodist Church, saw the need for life-saving pet kits and took it upon himself to make this donation possible. The Explorer program exposes high-school aged students to the fire service while conducting community service at local events. Webber presented the Fido Bag to the
Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams and the Orlando Fire Department. The bag was then placed on the fire engine outside the church. All 17 fire stations will be outfitted with a Fido Bag. Fido Bags comes from The Fetch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of Cave Creek, Arizona, dedicated to saving lives in the animal and human communities through innovative strategies and unique programs that supports, equips, and trains first responders. Through love and commitment to animals in need, The Fetch Foundation provides a unique perspective towards enriching the lives of every animal and human relationship that they touch.
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Effective Communication: The Engine that Drives the Organization By Dr. Eric Smith, EFO, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Barry University
A
t first glance, the above assertion seems like a no-brainer, everyone knows (or should know) the value of communication, with respect to organizational health. Unfortunately, however, many organizations are dysfunctional and even toxic due to a lack of effective communication. As one of the leaders, and decision-makers of your organization, it is important that you ask yourself a few key questions about your organization’s ability to communicate across all levels: 1. Is your organization suffering from a communication disconnect? 2. If so, why is this disconnect happening? 3. How can it be fixed? If your organization has a constant problem with inaccurate or distorted information filtering down through the organization, you likely have communication problems. It is very difficult to achieve the mission and goals of the organization without a reliable communication loop. Traditionally, the American fire service has used a “top down� model of communication. Under this model, information originates at the top of the organization and trickles down through middle managers to subordinates on the lower rungs of the organization. A major problem with the top down model of communication is that it only goes in one direction. Problems surface when the message is not clear or is misunderstood as it passes through the various levels of the organization. A very good illustrative test of how messages can be distorted or misunderstood is to pass along a simple innocuous verbal message to one of your subordinates. Have that subordinate pass the message to the next level, and so on and so forth. By the time the message gets to the bottom rungs of the organization, the message will likely be much different from the original information. 18
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Although written communication can often be more reliable than other forms of communication, it still has drawbacks. Does everyone understand the written communication? Maybe not. Written communication has no nuance and can be ambiguous. Written communication also is only as good as the person writing it. We know what is in our head but putting those ideas or concepts on paper is often not as easy as one would think. Even face-to-face verbal communication can be misunderstood or misconstrued if the message is not clearly presented. Fixing organizational communication problems can be difficult, but it is doable. For communication to be effective, it must move in both directions, top down and bottom up. Additionally, steps should be taken to ensure that information is understood before it is passed along to the next level. Many organizational mistakes are the result of one or more groups either not understanding the message or misinterpreting the intent of the message. The proliferation of email as a communication tool has resulted in a landslide of information. Some would argue that the ease of using email has caused many of us to be in a constant state of information overload. In many cases, email is the main form of organizational communication. Email is a good way to pass along simple, generic information. However, Email is a bad way to distribute complex information or messages that may be misunderstood or acted on incorrectly. There is no secret formula to be coming a good communicator; it begins with mastering the basics: 1. Know your audience. Do not assume everyone has the same level of training and experience as you. Inexperienced subordinates may require a more comprehensive approach to information dissemination and feedback. More experienced subordinates will generally require
less information and feedback. Although this approach sounds simple, it has one potential drawback. Your less experienced subordinates will likely welcome as much information as you can provide; while your more experienced subordinates may bristle at your communication attempts, feeling that you are trying to tell them how to do their job. Again. Know your audience. It takes patience, and practice. 2. Know yourself. Are you uncomfortable with face-to-face communication? If not, why? For any number of reasons, many people have trouble articulating their message in one-on-one, or group settings. 3. Watch your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. The quickest way to kill your message is to show anger, impatience, or boredom. Ironically, you may not even be aware that you are submitting a negative vibe. People notice negativity very quickly and often respond defensively. 4. Turn your smart phone on silent and leave it in your pocket. There is nothing more offputting than trying to communicate with someone while they are scrolling through emails and texts. 5. Try to wean yourself off using email for every communication. If face-to-face communication is not possible, rather than sending an email, pick up the telephone and call the person. One of the cruel ironies of the electronic information age is that the exchange of information has devolved through the deterioration of verbal communication skills. Try turning off your smart phone or laptop for a few days and try actually talking to someone. You may find it very rewarding.
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A Thanksgiving Message How Quickly We Forget! By J. Marvin Hart, Retired Chief Officer, City of Pembroke Pines Fire Department, Indian River State College Fire Academy
I
n a world where we can be easily distracted into forgetting who we really are and where we came from, it would not only be appropriate but to our own advantage if we were to pause and reflect on the things we should be most grateful for this Thanksgiving Season. Traditionally known as “The First Thanksgiving,” the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag People gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1621 and broke bread giving thanks for not only their heritage but for what they had. Setting their differences aside, they shared a season of peace and solidarity that accompany those who are willing to see others in a different light. Because we are firefighters or more commonly referred to as first responders, we are different than most people but that doesn’t mean that we are better or more esteemed than the person who performs the most menial task in our community; rather, it is only by God’s grace
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that we are we doing something that we truly enjoy. Thanksgiving is a special time when we need to focus on the things that are important and be grateful for the things that really matter in life. In preparation for this season, let us look back over the past five years at the Thanksgiving articles that we have shared with you. I am humbled by the people who have crossed my path and the experiences that have made those articles possible. 2014 A Thanksgiving Message, “Be Grateful” – A time to be thankful for not only the abundant resources that we have accumulated but a time to be grateful for the freedom, faith, health and relationships that have made so many of the things that we enjoy possible. In this article, an eight-year-old boy with leukemia caused me to stop and think seriously about the things in life that are really important. In one simple word “Yes,” he breathed life into every Thanksgiving
season that I would experience for the rest of my life. Regardless how difficult life may seem at times, there is always something to be grateful for if we are willing to open our mind and heart to it. 2015 A Thanksgiving Message, “A Second Chance” – There are specific tools that many of us have and will continue to use that have played an essential role in the developmental stages of our careers. If we choose to recognize their importance, they will be sharpened and refined with time, but if we choose to ignore and consider them passé or trite, we may find it difficult to accept the benchmarks that will eventually define our success, failures and legacies whether we like it or not. In this article, two people have a very special reunion that was life changing. Paramedic/BTLS Instructor C.C. Watrous and Palm Beach County Firefighter/Paramedic Jonathan Birth who was given a second chance to become all that he was
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meant to be; for their courage and commitment as first responders, countless lives will be changed forever. 2016 A Thanksgiving Message, “The Unspoken Word” – There are many things that you and I are grateful for but whether or not we have taken the opportunity to express our appreciation for them only you or I know. For as long as I can remember, the simple and yet profound expression of “thank you” seems to be an overwhelming pungent and laborious task for many people but for us who have experienced the best and worst life has to offer, I encourage you to say “Thank you” without any hesitation when it is warranted. 2017 A Thanksgiving Message, “The Things that matter” – In this article I asked you to pause and write on a piece of paper five things that you are most grateful for. I received an overwhelming number of responses that ranged from the tangible to the intangible but they were all original and heart felt. Today, I encourage you once again to think about that question and write your responses down; five things that you are most grateful for. For me that Thanksgiving season it was my faith in Christ, the love of my family and friends, a forgiving heart, my health and the hope that lies within me. In between each of those responses I can also see the words freedom, opportunity, ability and career, all of which play an active role in making us who and what we are. These are the benchmarks of a truly grateful heart: Love, hope, peace and forgiveness. 2018 – At the first of the year, I was in and out of medical centers having tests and evaluations to determine why the results of my annual physical showed that my heart was functioning less than 45% of its capacity. I felt a little washed out at times but had no pain or discomfort. After extensive blood work, an echocardiogram, nuclear imaging and a “few” sleepless nights, I underwent a heart catheterization. After all that, the only explanation my cardiologist had was this, a “False-Positive” diagnosis. I can tell you this however, I am most grateful to be here with my family and friends this Thanksgiving season. Hope it doesn’t take something like that for you to realize how thankful you should be this season. n Mar vi Hart This Thanksgiving season be grateful that you have the opportunity to make a difference not only in the lives of those Re r tir e ce who love and respect d C h i e f O f fi you but in the lives of countless people who cross your path each day. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Unprecedented Storm… Unprecedented Response HURRICANE MICHAEL PUTS SERP TO THE TEST By Mike Jachles, FFCA PIO Section Chair
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he landscape of Florida’s Panhandle and its people will forever be changed due to the wrath of Mother Nature and the fury of Hurricane Michael. Years of planning and preparation could not have imagined how this monster, the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in terms of pressure and the fourth-most intense in terms of wind speed, would be the ultimate test of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) State Emergency
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Response Plan (SERP) to date. Before Michael’s landfall in Mexico Beach October 10, strike teams and task forces from around Florida pre-staged near expected strike zones and mustered in strategic locations in anticipation of devastating destruction from winds and storm surge. The State Fire College in Ocala was used as a staging point for many crews and assets from the southern and eastern parts of the state, and Tallahassee International Airport
was another staging area that was utilized. Before the first crews even deployed, under the Division of State Fire Marshal, Emergency Support Functions (ESF) 4 & 9 were fully-activated and well into the planning phase with numerous daily statewide conference calls with the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) leadership, liaisons and regional representatives. Federal and state task force teams, ambulance strike teams, engine and tender strike teams, and
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single-resource requests were rostered, deployed and replaced with relief crews. “Without a doubt, this was the most challenging, yet most successful deployment operationally, in the history of our activation plan,” Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association SERP Coordinator and Chair TJ Lyon said. “At the peak of the response, there were 12 engine strike teams (EST) deployed at one time – 60 four-person engines and team leaders – over 260 personnel working in multiple counties that were affected.” Some ESTs were complemented with six- or eight-person technical rescue teams. Additionally, there were upwards of seven ambulance strike teams (AST), plus six tender strike teams (TST) that deployed, putting the total number of personnel deployed well into the hundreds. While the initial order for the ASTs came from ESF 8 (health) for evacuations from hospitals and healthcare facilities in advance of the hurricane, they were ultimately tasked with augmenting many local EMS systems
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crippled by the storm, or detached as task force details. With the large number of crews deployed in the field came the added need to have support personnel. In addition, there were numerous single-resource requests, including liaisons to ESF 4/9 at the State EOC desk and in the field to coordinate deployment operations. Orlando International Airport Fire Chief John Williamson was deployed to Bay County within 48 hours of the storm. “It was basically being a fire chief over five ESTs and three TSTs, then coordinating the team movements with the local fire chiefs to best match our assets with the needs of their crippled and overwhelmed systems,” Williamson said. All of Florida’s eight search and rescue task force teams were also deployed in the effort. Florida Forest Service (FFS) deployed over 500 personnel to the initial response. The FFS Interagency Gold Incident Management Team (IMT) provided critical logistical,
planning and operational support of the mission. Over 150 FFS sawyers deployed to actively clear roads and gain access to residents trapped by downed trees. Global Positioning System devices were drop-shipped and distributed to field units on deployment and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) facilitated Geographic Information System support to track and plan missions. “Following Hurricane Harvey, the IAFC wanted to implement National Mutual Aid System training leading up to Hurricane Irma in Florida,” IAFC Second Vice President Otto Drozd III said. “This is a valuable tool to incorporate in SERP deployments and given a complex incident, like Hurricane Michael, it proved very beneficial.” With all the moving parts, the need for coordination of command and control and logistics was complex. “We’ve had the
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STORM continued from page 23 opportunity to exercise our plan both in- and out-of-state for the past two years on back-to-back deployments,” Lyon said. Referring to hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017, and now Florence and Michael, “Challenges are not only being able to locate and deploy needed resources, but to provide those resources and be able to sustain a mission for the duration.” As of press time, one AST and two task forces, comprised of two engines, two tenders and one ambulance each are still on deployment in the panhandle. For the first time in a deployment, the Division of State Fire Marshal and Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association implemented critical assessment field surveys of nearly 200 fire stations affected by the hurricane, so a minimum level of service could be established. While countless departments throughout Florida provided manpower, resources and support, following are some excerpts from some of the teams who recounted their missions. Considering the scope of this response was so great, we acknowledge there are many agencies deserving of recognition, and invite your submissions for future inclusion in the magazine. In addition to the FFS Gold Team’s involvement previously listed, the FFS Blue IMT supported logistical, ops and planning to Bay County EOC. Two FFS IMT teams assisted in Marianna and Gulf County with missions ranging from responder basecamps to logistical staging areas and points of distribution (PODs). Shifting to the recovery phase, over 100 FFS 24
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personnel embedded in the Chipola area, which included seven of the 11 most-impacted counties. The FFS Interagency Red IMT and several specialized teams are helping to reestablish the infrastructure and assist residents with downed debris and damaged forests. With an estimated $1.3 billion in timber loss, the Florida Forest Service will remain engaged in the continuous recovery efforts. “Responding to a disaster of this magnitude will take time and recovery will take longer,” said Jim Karels, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. Engine and Ambulance Strike Team 701 deployed from south Florida October 10 and spent the night staged at the State Fire College as they prepared for the mission. They were made up of units from the cities of Miami, Tamarac, Miami Beach, Sunrise, and Hialeah fire departments. Palm Beach County sent EST-702, with engines from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue, Boynton Beach Fire Rescue, Delray Beach Fire Rescue, and Boca Raton Fire Rescue. The STL was from West Palm Beach Fire Rescue. They deployed at 2 a.m., Sunday, October 14. They arrived at their first destination 16 hours later Marianna. The first mission was to support Indiana USAR Task Force-1 as they performed hasty searches of Compass Lake in the Hills community. The following day they relocated south to Gulf County, where they remained until October 21. Many of the same tasks were encountered by all the teams – debris clearing, tarping roofs and doing welfare checks on residents that may not been checked on. Unfortunately, they were in
the area when FF Brad Price passed away unexpectedly. They were tasked with setting up a landing zone for the helicopter bringing his family into town and clearing the cemetery for his funeral to follow. While the south Florida firefighters didn't know Brad Price, they were humbly honored to assist in whatever capacity they could during the terrible time for his family. Another highlight was coming across a man whose home was destroyed by a fallen tree. His trailer was cut in half and he chose to stay in place and guard his belongings. He did not have a generator and lived with his brother and their dogs. With the help of Samaritan's Purse, they were able to secure a generator for this man and brought it back to him with some fuel to get it running. They also helped with back-filling fire stations from Howard Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Gulf County, where two Labrador puppies were surrendered at the fire station. They were rehabilitated and brought back to Palm Beach County for adoptions. Their relief crews came from Delray Beach and Boynton Beach and arrived in Wewahitchka and Dalkeith. The community provided a perfect example of how to help each other in a desperate time of need. Their generosity was truly amazing and unexpected. The team was often provided meals of turtle soup, mullet croquettes, and baconwrapped backstrap EST-502, the second team from Region 5, went to Calhoun County October 20 for a 13-day deployment, led by STL Batt. Chief Billy Richardson, from Orange County Fire Rescue Department. The strike team was made up of two engines and STLs from Orange County Fire
See STORM page 26
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STORM continued from page 24 Rescue, one engine from Seminole County Fire Department, and two from Volusia County (one from Deland Fire Department and one from Deltona Fire Department). Calhoun County is covered by seven volunteer fire departments, with four of them sustaining heavy damage and personal losses to the men and women that serve there. In addition to providing primary fire suppression, EST-502 completed many humanitarian relief efforts, ranging from cutting trees off homes (153), tarping roofs (50), feeding families (200-plus meals), to watering horses and cattle on farms without power to run water pumps. In all, EST-502 ran 14 house fires, 22 brush/debris fires, two hazardous materials calls, and over 150 medical calls with Calhoun County EMS. The most unusual call – when the crew encountered a calf that could not be cared for by its owners. They took in Magnum the calf, and identified a new home for him, but not before spending a night with firefighters at the Magnolia VFD. EST-401, with a light technical rescue team, consisted of engines from Flagler Beach Fire Department, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Sumter County Fire and EMS, and The Villages Public Safety Department. They deployed to the City of Marianna in Jackson County to assist with SAR, fire protection and EMS. After fulfilling the mission in Marianna, the team received new orders to deploy to Bay County and relieve EST701 and assume overall fire and EMS response for Bay County Fire Rescue Stations 8, 9, 11, 12 and 15. EST-401 was deployed for a total of 13 days, and responded to a multitude of emergency calls ranging from building and brush fires, technical rescues, medical calls, and unfortunately, fatalities. Putnam County Fire Rescue deployed on October 20 as part of TST-302. Their first assignment was ground zero, Mexico Beach. They met up with an EST under the leadership of Chief Byrd from Sarasota and spent several days assisting volunteers with water supply. From there, they traveled down the coast to the Port St. Joe Beach Fire Department. They attached to engines from Long Boat Key Fire Department and West Manatee Fire Rescue, under the supervision of Chief Rich Losek. They remained there for the duration of their deployment and assisted the engines with everything from tarping damaged homes, cutting trees, removing rancid refrigerators, and helping the locals with anything they needed. The Cape Coral Fire Department (CCFD) deployed numerous personnel to assist with the recovery efforts. Immediately after the hurricane made landfall, an engine and four firefighters
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Central Florida Ambulance Strike Team 502 assisted FL TF-2 with search and rescue in Mexico Beach for the latter part of their mission.
Gov. Rick Scott and CFO Jimmy Patronis with strike team members from Sarasota County and North Port Fire Rescue on deployment in Mexico Beach.
FL TF-2 Search Team Manager and City of Miami Dist. Chief John Hinton surveys marinas and Mexico Beach waterways in an inflatable boat.
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STORM continued from page 26 responded as part of a strike team of engines to Panama City. The CCFD also deployed four battalion chiefs – all as STLs - one each for a TST in south Bay County, north Bay County and Gulf County, and one for an EST in Panama City. They assisted with debris clean up, tarped roofs, set up points of distribution for supplies and responded to crashes with extrication, trauma alerts, multiple brush fires, vehicle fires, residential structure fires and commercial structure fires, including a chemical explosion. One of the battalion chiefs had the unfortunate honor of attending fallen Bay County Firefighter Brad Price’s funeral procession. Cape Coral CERT members were also part of the initial response to help with sheltering operations in Panama City. Cape Coral Emergency Management and Public Works personnel and CERT volunteers later deployed to Gadsden County where they conducted damage assessment. On Thursday, October 10, 2018, units from Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Escambia County Emergency Management deployed to Bay County. The convoy consisted of a mobile command post, engines and ambulances, sheriff’s office patrol vehicles and support vehicles –including a mobile kitchen, sleeping facilities and vehicle repair shop. The normal two-hour trip took over five hours. Their base of operations was a Tractor Supply lot near Lynn Haven. The Escambia fire and EMS units were assigned to the Lynn Haven Fire Department. During the first several days, their efforts were focused on giving the Lynn Haven personnel a much-needed rest by handling calls for service. One call involved a person who was struck in her home by falling drywall. This occurred a couple of days after the storm made landfall. Dazed but otherwise okay, Escambia EMS transported the woman to the hospital for evaluation. Escambia County personnel who also serve on the Northwest Florida Incident Management Team assisted at the Bay County EOC in a variety of roles. North Port Fire District provided an engine as part of EST-602. On October 10, they deployed for seven days in Mexico Beach. Pumper 81 was one of the first engines in Mexico Beach where the crews encountered catastrophic devastation. They were tasked with search and rescue. Their second deployment was for seven days as well, beginning October 17. They relieved the first EST-602 crew on Pumper 81. They continued to run emergency calls in Mexico Beach. As indicated earlier, for the first time ever, all eight urban search and rescue (USAR) Florida
See STORM page 30 28
FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE
November 2018
Firefighters from the City of Springfield rode out the storm hunkered in their apparatus in the station, which was destroyed.
Over 150 Florida Forest Service sawyers were deployed with heavy machinery to clear downed trees from roadways.
Chief John Williamson, second from left, functioned as an FFCA SERP field liaison at the Bay County E.O.C.
BRADFORD COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVI CES NEW 2018DODGERAM 4500W I TH REMOUNT2010W HEEL ED COACH TYPEI
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STORM continued from page 28 task force teams (FL TF) were deployed to Hurricane Michael. FL TF-1, from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, was activated October 9, just 48 hours after returning from the Hurricane Florence response in South Carolina. Forty-five FL TF-1 members were on the initial deployment to northwest Florida in advance of landfall. Two days later, the team was augmented with 35 more members to function as a Type-1 task force. On arrival in Panama City and surrounding areas, they conducted preliminary damage assessments and mapped damaged structures to determine the critical-need areas. They also conducted search and rescue (SAR) operations of impacted homes and provided assistance to returning residents. Also on October 9, FL TF-2, hosted by the City of Miami Fire Rescue and made up of departments throughout Region 7, staged at the State Fire College along with EST and AST-701 to await an overnight deployment, with the intent to arrive at first light after the storm had passed. FL TF-2 was assigned to Mexico Beach. The 81member team had boats, UAVs, search K-9s with their compliment. The landscape of Mexico Beach was indescribable – the result of 155-plus mile-per-hour winds and a storm surge in excess of 20 feet. The Mexico Beach police chief provided a list of residents that sheltered-in-place for FL TF-2 as a starting point for SAR operations. “When you combine destructive winds, flood waters and strong storm surges that leave a trail of destruction, you encounter some unique challenges. Conducting a systematic search of the entire area allowed rescuers to prioritize individuals that required assistance, needed medical attention or evacuation,” said City of Miami Fire Chief Joseph Zahralban. FLTF-2 completed searching every structure and debris pile within the 1.8-square mile area of Mexico Beach. FL TF-3, from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR), deployed 20 members for two weeks following Hurricane Michael. The team’s efforts included aerial deployment to barrier islands inaccessible by ground, using rough terrain vehicles deployed from Chinook Helicopters. They also sent two strike teams and fire engines to relieve the Bay County first responders, many of whom had their own homes destroyed and were helping their own families recover. HCFR Fire Chief Dennis Jones was joined by command staff and brought muchneeded medical supplies to the Bay County stations and toured the area to make sure their crews had what they needed to help residents coming back to the devastated areas. From Region 5, FL TF-4, hosted by Seminole County Fire Department, Orange County Fire Rescue, Orlando Fire Department, and a 30
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St. Lucie County Fire District Engineer Hank Mele takes a break during EST-501’s deployment to Chattahoochee in Gadsden County.
number of other departments from the region, deployed October 10 with a contingency of 46 members from seven fire departments. Their mission lasted ten days. “This was one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit the Panhandle, if not the state of Florida,” St. Cloud Fire Chief Joe Silvestries said. Silvestries assumed the FL TF-4 coordinator role after Orange County Fire Rescue Div. Chief Mike Wajda, the Region 5 SERP regional coordinator was deployed as SERP coordinator to the state EOC to relieve TJ Lyon. “This was the largest coordinated response to a Florida disaster since Hurricane Andrew,” Wajda said. Florida TF-5 represents Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, FL TF-6 is from southwest Florida. FL TF-7, from Tallahassee, was the final team to complete SAR operations in Mexico Beach on October 20. Their final mission was searching debris with the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations to look for a man still missing. FL TF-8 deployed Tuesday, October 9 for eight days. They conducted grid searches in Port St. Joe in Gulf County, Mexico Beach in Bay County, and Apalachicola in Franklin County. The team of 27 was represented by Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala Fire Rescue, and Gainesville Fire Rescue. “If the devastation we encountered at the Panhandle was overwhelming, the level of humanitarian efforts and community support far surpassed what the task force could have expected,” said Ocala Fire Rescue Captain Richard Lietz. “We were getting everything from positive attitudes to warm meals from people who lost everything just days before.” Through the coordination of the International Association of Firefighters, the
Orlando Firefighters Peer Support team deployed four members to the Panhandle. District Chief Joe McCluan, Lt. Tim Capps, Lt. Ken Rinaldi and Engineer Ed Maerkl traveled to some of the hardest hit areas to provide assistance to firefighters there. Many of the firefighters that work in that area not only worked for days on end without seeing their family or loved ones, they also had to try to put the pieces of their lives back together. The members who responded provided needs assessment and peer support to affected firefighters. They were also tasked with trying to connect the first responders with resources in their area, in an attempt to alleviate as much trauma as possible. It was a challenging task, and it couldn’t have been done without the sacrifice from departments and firefighters all over Florida banding together to take care of their own.
EST-110 Strike Team Leader Aide and South Walton Fire District Sgt. Shawn Hutchins with a deer that was entangled in a retention pond fence that they rescued in Jackson County following the storm.
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Plantation Members of the Year
East Lake Fire Rescue Promotes Richard Hittel
By Joel Gordon, Battalion Chief
By Claudia Faiola, Fire and Life Safety Educator
For the first time in its history the Plantation Fire Department selected two people as their Members of the Year. Plantation lieutenant Andre Merlucci truly personifies the phrase “Service above self.” Andre was selected as Plantation’s 2018 Member of the Year because of his commitment and dedication to serving both his community and the Nation. Merlucci joined the Plantation Fire Department in 2006 as a paramedic with the Rescue Division and quickly absorbed the culture of the Fire Department. In 2007, he became one of the Department’s first SWAT medics and helped develop that program in cooperation with the Police Department. In December 2009, Andre answered the call to serve his Country by joining the army. Only a few months later he was deployed to Afghanistan where he served as a combat medic. In December 2010, he returned home safe and sound and returned to the Fire Department where he put his experience from the battlefield to work on Plantation’s streets. He continued his participation as a SWAT medic, reenergized the Department’s ALS competition team, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2016. Most recently Andre has accepted responsibility for coordinating the County Grant funded Stop the Bleed program in which all Plantation’s Police Officers as well as local school faculty are taught how to manage patients with lifethreatening bleeding injuries. Merlucci maintains his CPR, ACLS and EMS Instructors certificates, and also teaches paramedic part-time at HCI Education Center. Andre is married to wife Monica, who is also a Lieutenant with the Fire Department, and they have three children. When it comes to commitment, Plantation firefighter Herb Northwalton embraces the concept of a volunteer firefighter like none other. After retiring from FDNY and moving to Florida (with some encouragement from his wife), Herb joined the Plantation Fire Department in 1999. During his two decades of service, Herb has become involved in many aspects of the Department including the Dive Rescue team, an instructor for both Firefighter I and Firefighter II programs, and has served as a lieutenant at Station 5. Herb also puts his video and photography skills to use as a photographer with the Media Services Division. “I just love it,” says Northwalton when asked why he does it. “I guess it’s just in my blood.” As well as the above activities, Herb remains an active firefighter at Station 5 and maintains his Fire Instructor I, CPR, and Live Fire Instructor certifications. Northwalton graduated from the City University of New York (CUNY) with a BS in communications and is currently employed in the City of Sunrise, Leisure Services Division. He is married to Tania, his wife of 38 years and has five children. “And none of them are in the fire service,” he admits. Andre and Herb were honored during the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on October 10 at the Jacaranda Country Club and again on October 24 at the City Council meeting.
On October 11, 2018 Firefighter Paramedic Richard Hittel was promoted to Driver Engineer. Driver Engineer Hittel has been a Firefighter Paramedic with East Lake Fire Rescue since October 5, 2015. Before joining East Lake Fire Rescue, DE/P Hittel worked for Pasco County Fire Rescue for three years. DE/P Hittel has completed his Florida State Fire Pump Operator Certification, Fire Officer 1 Certification and is currently working on his Fire Officer 2 Certification. He received his Bachelors in Business Management from St. Leo University. East Lake Fire Rescue would like to congratulate DE/P Hittel on his most recent accomplishment!
Nelmes Receives Distinguished Public Safety Award By Nicole Chesser, Office of the Fire Chief
In January 2018, while on a sensitive mission helping others in another country, without hesitation Lieutenant/Paramedic Kevin Nelmes jumped into a lake that is known to contain crocodiles to save a boy who was drowning. The father of the boy contacted Greater Naples Fire Rescue District to express his gratitude to Lt. Nelmes for rescuing his son. On October 10, 2018, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce awarded the Distinguished Public Safety Award for Fire Safety to Lt. Nelmes to acknowledge how fortunate Collier County is to have a public servant who is dedicated to the well-being of the community. Also on November 8, 2018, The Sons of the American Revolution honored Lt. Nelmes with their Medal for Heroism. Congratulations to Lt. Kevin Nelmes! Greater Naples Fire Rescue District is thankful to have him serving the community. Pictured L-R: Deputy Chief Hanson, Director Martin, Lt. Nelmes, Fire Chief Schuldt, Assistant Chief Sapp
Hillsborough Educates Community Leaders By Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Public Relations
On October 3, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) helped kick off the Leadership Brandon Class of 2019 with a visit to Brandon Regional Hospital. This group of 35 community and business leaders hosted by The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce got a better understanding of HCFR’s medical operations during a presentation from Acting Rescue Chief, J. Fischler. The class witnessed a simulated Rescue call when one of their members was treated and transported by HCFR Rescue 11. The class then followed the patient through the Emergency Room, CT Scan, a telemedicine consult from a neurologist, and a tour of the Da Vinci surgical robots. The class finished the day with a hands-only CPR lesson taught by our Public Education Team; each member got an AHA CPR kit to take home and was challenged to teach their friends and family how to perform CPR in an emergency. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG
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Polk Executive Staff Achieve National First
Ocala Trains with Aircraft Firefighting Apparatus
During the month of October, Polk County Fire Rescue’s (PCFR) final member of its executive staff achieved international credentialing by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), making the division the first metro-sized agency in the United States to obtain this achievement. As defined by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, a metro-sized fire department must staff at least 350 fully-paid career firefighters. Polk County Fire Recue is currently staffed by over 650 public safety personnel. The PCFR executive staff, including all assistant and deputy chiefs, has obtained international credentialing and designation as either a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Chief Emergency Medical Service Officer (CEMSO), or both. This achievement affirms the executive staff’s dedication to proficiency and delivery of all–hazard services to the Polk County community. The CFO and CEMSO designations provide internationally accepted highlevel credentialing for those leading and managing fire rescue departments and emergency medical service programs in fire departments, as well as city or county government third service, hospital-based organizations. The professional designation is valid for three years. Maintaining this designation requires showing continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement as well as adhering to a strict code of professional conduct. “The credentialing of our entire staff, along with the accreditation of both fire and EMS, has been my goal since joining the division in 2016,” said Polk County Fire Chief Tony Stravino. “Achieving this designation signifies each employee’s commitment to their career in the fire and emergency services, as well as to Polk County. It is one more step in the journey to make Polk County Fire Rescue an agency of excellence, and one that others both around the state and the county can use as a benchmark of excellence.” Pictured L-R: Deputy Chief Mike Linkins, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Parnell, Fire Chief Tony Stravino, Deputy Chief Robert Weech, Deputy Chief Tony Crouse, Deputy Chief Colin Fredericks, Deputy Chief Raf Vittone.
By Ashley R. López, Public Information Officer
Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) firefighters spent the week of October 22-26 training proper operation of the newly-acquired Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) truck. All members of OFR’s ARFF team – certified annually by the Federal Aviation Administration –rotated through training sessions, learning to utilize the apparatus’ operation system to deploy firefighting agents. By the end of the week, firefighters were knowledgeable on operating the apparatus, including efficient use of the vehicle’s pumping capabilities to deploy the 200 gallons of foam, 500 pounds of dry chemical agent, and 1,500 gallons of water contained within. “The acquisition of this apparatus allows Ocala Fire Rescue to provide cutting edge services to the Ocala International Airport,“ said OFR Chief Shane Alexander. “It is with tools and training like these that OFR continues to foster the relationship both departments already have.” The apparatus, ARFF1, is the first vehicle of its kind manufactured by E-One. In addition to fire-combatting chemicals, ARFF1 is equipped with the following: ground nozzles, ground sweeps, roof turret – which sprays water or foam only, bumper turret – which can deploy water, foam or dry chemical, 200 ft. preconnected hose – used to deploy dry chemical only, (2) 200 ft. pre-connected hose – used to deploy water and foam only, 200 ft. compressed air line and an infrared camera built-in
Okeechobee Promotions By Ralph Franklin, EFO, CFO, Public Safety Director/Fire Chief
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue is pleased to announce the promotions of Driver Engineers Daniel Ciorrocco and Keith Bourgault to the position of Lieutenant/Paramedic. Fire Chief Ralph Franklin recently presented the two new Lieutenants with their new red fire helmets in recognition of their new positions. Picture L/R: Deputy Chief Earl Wooten, Lt. Ciorrocco, Fire Chief Ralph Franklin, and Lt. Bourgault.
The Villages Public Safety Department Promotion Estero Fire Rescue Recognizes Employees
By Thomas Bosley, Division Chief of Administrative Operations
By Susan M. Lindenmuth, MS, CDM, Director of Public Affairs
The Villages Public Safety Department would like to congratulate Corey McCaulley for his recent promotion to Battalion Chief. Chief McCaulley has been with the Villages Public Safety Department since June, 2011. Chief McCaulley has served several positions within our department and was instrumental in evaluating and implementing several programs within the Villages Public Safety Department. Chief McCaulley is a valuable asset to our Department
Congratulations! At a recent board meeting, two employees were recognized for their accomplishments. Assistant Chief Mark Wahlig celebrates 20 years of dedicated service to Estero Fire Rescue (EFR) and the citizens of Estero. Assistant Chief Wahlig has seen many changes take place since his first day on the job and has been an important part of the growth and development of the department. Thank you, Chief Wahlig, for your service. Also recognized was Valarie Rhodes who received her pin for completion of her Bachelor’s Degree. Valarie serves as the Director of Finance for EFR. 38
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Delray Beach Celebrates Red to Black Ceremony
Brooksville District Chief Earns CFO
By Kevin Saxton, Ph.D., Acting Battalion Chief
On October 2, 2018, District Chief Stan Mettinger Jr. of the Brooksville Fire Department received his Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. The CPSE lists just over 1300 Chief Officers who hold this designation. Florida is the home to 156 of those Chiefs. Chief Mettinger has been with Brooksville Fire Rescue since December 2002 working his way through the ranks to his current position. He also served as Brooksville’s Interim Fire Chief from October 2017 to June 11, 2018. He began his career as a volunteer in 1971 in Warrenton, Virginia where volunteered for 28 years, serving as Chief for two of those years. Also, during that period, in 1979 he was a career firefighter for Prince William County Fire Rescue and later worked on a U.S. Military Base Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in 1999 before relocating to Florida in 2000. He holds an Associates in Fire Science, Bachelors in Fire Administration and is certified as a Fire Officer IV, Instructor III, Inspector II and Investigator, as well as an LFTI. Chief Mettinger has a son who is a Lieutenant in Loudoun County Fire Rescue (Virginia) and another son who is a teacher and football coach in the Fairfax County (Virginia) School System. He also has four grandchildren. Chief Mettinger attributes his career success to many of his former supervisors and mentors as well as to the support and encouragement of his family and his significant other, Nancy McZegle.
On September 27, 2018, Delray Beach Fire Rescue held a Red to Black Ceremony for 15 firefighters who successfully completed their probationary year with the Department. These firefighters each successfully passed an intense recruit academy; a strict paramedic training program; and four-month, eight-month, and 11-month tests. The traditional ceremony consisted of a challenge from Fire Chief Neal de Jesus and the issuing of new black helmets with black shields to replace the firefighters’ probationary yellow helmets with red shields. We are very proud of the high caliber of our firefighters and wish them much success in their career.
Orlando Fire Department Unveils Pink Apparatus By Ashley Papagni, Public Information Manager
On October 5, 2018, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams joined Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center physicians to unveil a bright pink engine and rescue to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection. “Cancer impacts everyone and we’ve have seen too much of it in the fire service,” says Roderick Williams, Chief, Orlando Fire Department. “We’re hoping the second you lay eyes on our bright pink engine and rescue, that it is a constant reminder to sign up for a cancer screening, men and women alike.” Firefighters face a nine percent increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14 percent increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the U.S. As we fight fire, we also fight off contaminants from charred buildings. As a result, many firefighters across the nation have suffered from lung cancer and other debilitating cancers. We’ve lost too many of our own at OFD to cancer. All of them were way too young to leave us so soon. And as firefighters, we are part of a first responder family. So, when one person is battling cancer – we all become part of the mission to help one another. The Orlando Fire Department, Orange County Fire Rescue, and fire departments across the country continue to take proactive steps to combat cancer.
East Lake Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Month By Claudia Faiola, Fire and Life Safety Educator
East Lake Fire Rescue connected with over 1,500 students during the month of October to provide Fire Prevention presentations. The crews provided plastic fire helmets and NFPA handouts to all the students to bring home to their parents. The students were taught to look for places where fire could start, listen for the sound of the smoke alarm, and to learn two ways out of every room. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating loss of life and damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
Kissimmee Fire Department Promotions By Joan K. Robinson, EMS Lieutenant
StemFest By Kate Lind
StemFest in Daytona Beach is an annual occasion that brings together professionals in the fields of engineering, math, science and technology as part of a collaborative effort of Volusia County Schools and Daytona Stadium. Volusia County Fire Rescue was part of this year’s important event reaching over 2,000 high school and middle school students, families and teachers.
On October 16, 2018, four members of the City of Kissimmee Fire Department were promoted at the Kissimmee City Commission meeting. Pictured L-R : Tyler Vanek promoted to Lieutenant; John McCommon, promoted to Battalion Chief; Jeremy Donovan (Deputy Chief, Administration); Jim Walls (Fire Chief); Eric Cruz, promoted to Deputy Chief Operations; and Joe Whitaker, promoted to Engineer. “We are very proud to have these individuals promoted and feel they will be great assets to the fire department,” commented Chief Walls. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG
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Englewood Honors Veterans Day
West Manatee Fire Prevention Week Open House
By Kayla Jesswein, Fire Chief’s Administrative Assistant
By Rodney Kwiatkowski, Fire Inspector
In honor of Veterans Day, the Englewood Fire District would like to recognize and extend their appreciation to their firefighters who have served in the military. Lieutenant Kenneth Camara served in the Marine Corps for four years. He made the rank of Sergeant and was an Infantry Squad Leader. Lieutenant Camara is a combat veteran, having done a tour in Iraq. Firefighter Jamie McDaniel served in the Army for eight years. He made the rank of Staff Sergeant and was an Infantry Squad Leader. Firefighter McDaniel is a combat veteran, having done a tour in Iraq. Firefighter Richard Laster served in the Marine Corps for eight years. He made the rank of Staff Sergeant and was a Platoon Sergeant, Combat Instructor and Infantryman. Firefighter Laster is a combat veteran, having done a tour in Iraq. Firefighter Wallace Brooks (left) served in the Army for three years as an Airborne Ranger Infantry. He received the Purple Heart in Panama on operation Just Cause. Firefighter Thomas Stoppiello (right) served in the Coast Guard as a Machine Technician for four years in New Jersey. Pictured above L-R: Lieutenant Kenneth Camara, Firefighter Jamie McDaniel and Firefighter Richard Laster.
On Saturday, October 13, 2018, West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) marked the close of another successful National Fire Prevention Week by hosting some 1200 area residents at their Annual Open House. The event took place at WMFR Station 1, 407 67th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. From 11am until 2pm people of all ages, ethnic groups, social economic backgrounds and yes, even political parties, came together at their local fire house to learn a little and have a lot of fun. Young people bounced in the bounce house, donned firefighter gear and completed an obstacle course; they had their faces painted, visited the balloon artist, and toured the fire station, fire engine, ambulance and ladder truck. Adults did much of the same, but, seemed to particularly enjoy their opportunity at sinking either Fire Chief Tom Sousa, Fire Commissioner Randy Cooper, Battalion Chief Rich Jasinski, or Fire Marshal Jim Davis, in the Dunk Tank. In between events, guests relaxed and ate burgers, hot dogs, chips and cold drinks prepared for them by a team of Winn-Dixie Store # 2404 staff. Not to be outdone, Domino’s Pizza Store # 5038 staff served delicious slices of their renowned pizza. Finally, to cool things down from the, as advertised, “Hottest Party of the Day,” Kona Ice served up their shaved ice to the delight of all those in attendance.
Palm Beach County Welcomes Home USAR Team By Tara Cardoso, Community Education & Communications Team
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue was proud to welcome home two members from FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Florida Task Force II. The two team members spent weeks in the Carolinas rescuing people from flooded areas after Hurricane Florence. PBCFR welcomed back Firefighter Paramedic Sam Adler and Battalion Chief Lenny Collins to headquarters in West Palm Beach with family members and bagpipes. The Florida Task Force Swift Water Team’s mission was to search affected areas for people stuck, stranded or flooded and rescue them to safety via boat and whatever means necessary. The Task Force team also provided help with setting up an Emergency Operations Center for South Carolina in one of the areas hardest hit by rising and moving flood waters, known as the ground zero area for rising and dangerous water.
Florida Forest Service Graduates New Class By George Risko, FFS Fire Training Officer
Okeechobee Promotions By Ralph Franklin, EFO, CFO, Public Safety Director/Fire Chief
Okeechobee County Fire Rescue (OCFR) is pleased to announce the recent promotions of Firefighter/Paramedics Jeremy Morgan and Jamie Gwilt to the position of Driver Engineer (D/E).shirt. Pictured L-R: Deputy Chief Earl Wooten, D/E Morgan, D/E Gwilt and Fire Chief Ralph Franklin. 40
FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE
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The Florida Forest Service recently held their Graduation Ceremony for the Fall 2018 Basic Fire Control Training (BFCT) class. These firefighters completed over 700 hours of training to earn their Forestry Certificate of Compliance. This training consists of Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training, Firefighter 1 structural firefighting training, Incident Command System training and wildland firefighting training. Many joined together to honor these newly certified Wildland Firefighters at the graduation ceremony including the Florida Forest Service Honor Guard, FFS Instructors, FFS Leadership, and family members of the graduates.
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Orange County Fire Tests Resort’s Cert Response
Sanford Fire Department Retirement
By Mike Jachles, Public Information Officer
By Ronnie McNeil Jr.,Deputy Fire Chief
When Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management was approached to conduct a disaster drill with an Orlando-area resort, they welcomed the opportunity to deliver this vital training in a very possible scenario. The Sheraton Vistana Resort engaged their Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – all 30-plus members, who are resort employees, to test their training. The scenario was made to look like a hurricane and subsequent tornado struck the resort, creating a mass casualty incident, hazardous materials incident and debris all around. Orange County Fire Rescue units handled the incident in conjunction with the CERT members, who conducted search and rescue and provided basic life support and first aid to the ‘victims,’ also resort employees. The drill was held October 11, ironically in the wake of Hurricane Michael, which added to the very real possibility of such a scenario. In addition to providing the realistic experience for the CERT members, it was also the first MCI drill for some of OCFRD’s newest firefighters who participated.
Congratulations to Battalion Chief Tim Benton on his retirement of 28.5 years of dedicated service with the Sanford Fire Department. Battalion Chief Benton started his career with SFD in April 1990 as a Firefighter/EMT climbing the ranks to Fire Lieutenant, then Training Officer, and in 2005 was promoted to Battalion Chief-Operations. BC Benton also worked as Acting Deputy Fire Chief during his successful career. He retired on October 31, 2018 as the Battalion Chief leading “A” shift. His hard work and dependable service will always be valued. Congratulations and we wish you the best in your retirement. Thank you for your committed service!
PBCFR Female Firefighters Pull Jet Plane for Charity By Tara Cardoso, Community Education & Communications Team
On September 29, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s all female firefighter team took on a pretty heavy challenge for charity – the Plane Pull! “Not Your Plane Janes of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue” literally pulled a 50-ton jet plane 12 feet in just 6.7 seconds at the Palm Beach International Airport to raise money for Special Olympics Florida. PBCFR’s Administrative Chiefs sponsored the team with the union, Local 2928, and the Airport Manager’s Council to the tune of $2500. Special Olympics Florida says it is “a community where everyone has the lifelong opportunity to develop physically, socially, and emotionally through sports, wellness and leadership training.” In addition to moving the jet plane, these fifteen fierce females also won a special award for being the “Most Spirited” team!!! WAY TO GO! #TeamPBCFR
East Lake Fire Rescue Bike to School Event By Claudia Faiola, Fire and Life Safety Educator
Firefighters from Station 58 attended the East Lake Middle School bike to school event at Calvary Church on October 3, 2018. The crews had an absolute blast! They started the event off by setting up a table filled with safety tips and giveaway items including reflector wrist bands, bicycle reflectors, pedometers, lighted reflective armbands and bookmarks. Then, as the students began to walk away and play games, the firefighters decided to join in on the fun while sporting some of the reflective safety items. It wasn’t long until the students began to gather back up around our table to get themselves some safety gear, just like the one the firefighters were wearing! To make things even better, Calvary Church provided donuts and coffee for all. Needless to say, this was an AWESOME event that helped spread a ton of bicycle safety material.
Plantation Firefighter Receives Promotion By Joel Gordon, Battalion Chief
Fire Chief Laney Stearns recently announced that Plantation firefighter Charles “Chuck” Simpkiss has been promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Simpkiss joined the Department in 1979 and has been serving as a Driver at Station Three. Simpkiss previously served as a Lieutenant at Station Three from 1996 through 2010. He maintains his Fire Instructor I and Live Fire Instructor certifications and teaches in both the Firefighter I and Firefighter II programs. Chuck comes from a family of firefighters. His father, Jim Simpkiss, Sr., served as a Battalion Chief with Plantation, and his brother Jim, Jr., retired from Broward Fire Rescue and also served as Captain at Plantation Station Four. Chuck’s wife Brenda also served as Captain at Station Three. Lt. Simpkiss is completing his 39th year of service to Plantation and is currently the longeststanding, active member. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG
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Isaac Abreau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue Conor Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue Dorien Choute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue Anthony D’Ambra . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue Joel Demierre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue Derick Fabelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue Derrick Floyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BSO Department of Fire Rescue
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FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE
November 2018
Safety and Health Conference B Resort and Spa Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 December 9-12, 2018 Fire-Rescue EAST Ocean Center Daytona Beach, FL 32118 January 23-26, 2019
• 2019 Demers MXP170 • Ford F-450 XLT 4x2 Chassis • 6.7 Turbo Diesel V8 • Liquid Spring Suspension • Custom 170” Body
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Thank you Fire Chief Darrel Donatto and the Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue for the purchase of your second Demers MXP170.
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