2015 - Operations Valley Bureau Annual Report

4960 Balboa Blvd.

Encino, CA 91316 valleybureau.lafd@lacity.org

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/lafdvalley

@lafdvalley

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

CONTENTS 04

STAFF

12

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

06

OVERVIEW

17

BUREAU INITIATIVES

07

BATTALIONS

19

ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS

08

FIRE STATISTICS

21

CHALLENGES

09

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

22

GOALS

10

BUREAU ACTIVITIES

LAFD STRATEGIC PLAN

OVB VISION STATEMENT

The LAFD Strategic Plan concentrates on nine goals with corresponding strategic actions providing direction and initiatives to drive decisions and actions designed to guide the Department into 2018. Enacted as a foundational document, the Strategic Plan serves as the guiding principle for the establishment of the Four Bureau Reorganization Plan.

Operations Valley Bureau continually strives for operational excellence by actively engaging our business and community partners, increasing our political alignment and connectivity, employing administrative efficiency and improving communications with our internal clients.

LAFD STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS 1

Provide Exceptional Public Safety and Emergency Service

2

Implement and Capitalize on Advanced Technologies

3

Identify Cost Effective Solutions to Manage Expenditures

4

Enhance Qualities of Leadership, Management and Project Delivery

5

Enhance LAFD Risk Management Systems

6

Strengthen Community Relationships to Improve Infrastructure and Enhance Resiliency during Emergency Events Implement Green Initiatives that will Improve Emergency Systems and Reduce Impact

8

Recruit, Develop and Retain a Professional and Diverse Workforce

9

Support New Business and Improve Development Services

“Our key priorities focus on improving our service delivery, implementing advanced technologies, employing sound budgeting practices and enhancing our leadership.” ~ Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas LAFD Strategic Plan 2015-2017

Page 3 LAFD OVB

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OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

STAFF DEPUTY CHIEF BUREAU COMMANDER

Daryl Arbuthnott

The primary responsibility of the Operations Valley Bureau Commander is to manage the day-to-day oversight of five battalions; 38 fire stations and 1117 personnel assigned across three platoons. This position also holds the responsibility of responding to significant incidents, the interpretation and implementation of Department policies, coordination of Bureau programs and community outreach including social media engagement; political and allied agency coordination; conduct meetings and conduct field inspections of personnel, fire stations and apparatus.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDER Assigned normal business hours, the Staff Assistant Bureau Commander assists in the overall daily management of the Valley Bureau. As an adjunct to the Bureau Commander, this position often works on behalf of the Bureau Commander to build relationships with various community alliances.

Additionally, this position initiates and manages key strategic projects relative to the goals of the Valley Bureau and the Department.

Trevor Richmond

TRAINING OFFICER CAPTAIN II The Bureau Training Support Specialist (TSS) acts as an extension of the In Service Training Section of the Training and Support Bureau. At the Department level, the TSS plays an integral part in developing professional training provided to the sworn membership. At the Bureau level, the TSS is responsible for coordinating and delivering Department mandated as well as Bureau specific training as determined by the Bureau Commander.

Richard Fields

EMS/RESILIENCE OFFICER CAPTAIN I The EMS Captain position has evolved to create an effective avenue for communication, training and performance evaluation. By regularly hosting EMS specific meetings, the Captain is able to address performance trends, operational concerns and service improvements. OVB utilizes the EMS Captain position proactively—thereby increasing the training opportunities for field resources and training Paramedic interns.

Danny Wu

MANAGEMENT ANALYST II The Management Analyst performs professional staff work by researching, assembling, analyzing, and interpreting data and by preparing correspondence and reports with recommendations to management on a wide variety of administrative, fiscal, grants, budgetary, personnel, legislative and managerial problems; may supervise or act as a lead worker to staff involved in a central agency, operating department, or bureau administration; and related work.

Christal Chacon

Page 4 LAFD OVB

SECRETARY The Secretary performs secretarial duties and difficult clerical work requiring the use of independent judgment and knowledge of the functions of the organizational unit. Additionally, the secretary participates in preparing correspondence for a variety of projects and reports. The secretary assists in the management, coordination, and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Bureau.

Aggie Rodriguez

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

COMMAND 42 Command 42 is staffed under the platoon duty system with an Assistant Bureau Commander (Assistant Chief) and an Adjutant (Captain) paired as a command team. After business hours and on weekends, Command 42 shares emergency response coverage for half of the City which includes both West and Valley Bureaus. Command 42 is housed at Fire Station 88 in Sherman Oaks.

PLATOON DUTY ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDERS

Andrew Fox

Emile Mack

Scott LaRue

Xenophon Gikas

Charles Boswell

The Adjutant is a fire captain who works a 24hour platoon duty schedule and responds to the scene of emergencies to assist the Incident Commander with mitigation through accurate situation and resource status along with coordinating command post operations.

The Adjutant may be assigned to fill a Command or General Staff position on an incident management team or an operational role.

Assigned as part of the Bureau staff, the Adjutant assists with Bureau programs, staffing details, deployment, stakeholder contacts, meetings, and general liaison with community stakeholders including: neighborhood councils, the Los Angeles Police Department and elected officials.

Page 5 LAFD OVB

Gregory Reynar

Three Assistant Bureau Commanders are assigned by platoon to OVB (i.e. “Command 42�). These Assistant Commanders work a 24-hour platoonduty schedule and are each paired with a Captain/Adjutant. One of two City-wide on-duty command teams (Command 42 and 22), they provide immediate response and around-theclock command and control coverage for all onduty LAFD field resources.

The initial response to significant emergency incidents includes the closest 24-hour Command Team with subsequent notifications to the respective Bureau Commander and staff.

PLATOON DUTY ADJUTANTS CAPTAIN I

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

OVERVIEW ORGANIZATIONAL CHANG CHANGE E On Monday, January 11, 2015, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) implemented one of the most significant organizational changes in its 129-year history. The concept of reorganization had been a discussion topic for several years. The “Four Bureau ReOrganization Plan” was again, reintroduced through a consultant firm recommending realignment consistent with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) organizational bureaus. The goal of this alignment was to provide a decentralization of tasks and responsibilities thereby bringing the LAFD into a closer collaborative public safety partnership with the local communities. This realignment supports the Department’s efforts of refocusing and directly connecting with important community needs following emergency incidents. The resilience efforts performed by Operations Valley Bureau (OVB) have proven to offer affected community members guidance and support following a crisis. Some of these efforts include connecting city and other available resources to reduce the recovery time.

Page 6 LAFD OVB

OVB encompasses nearly 240 square miles of the San Fernando Valley. Serving a population of 1.8 million residents and business commuters,

OVB is directly accountable for the 38 fire stations that responded to 139,444 calls for service in 2015.

Within OVB, there are five geographic Battalion offices each supervising between seven to nine fire stations. Additionally, there are five EMS Battalion offices splitting 24-hour platoon, or 4/10 work schedules. Each station houses multiple apparatus, equipment, and 4 to 16 personnel each day. OVB is responsible for managing the operational and administrative needs of all assigned fire stations, personnel and resources.

In its short year of existence, OVB has quickly become part of the San Fernando Valley landscape woven into its unique communities from North Hollywood to Encino to Sylmar to Granada Hills. OVB has become the communities’ “go-to” point of contact for fire department-related matters. In turn, OVB is proud to be serving each resident and business entity within the San Fernando Valley.

OVB is one of two Bureau offices assigned a 24hour command and control response capability for managing complex, large-scale emergency incidents or events.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

BATTALIONS

• 1.6 million residents • 8 Council Districts • 33 Neighborhood

Councils • 38 Fire Stations • 139,444 Responses

COMMUNITIES SERVED Bel-Air, Beverly Glen, Encino, Encino Hills, Lake Balboa, North Hills, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Van Nuys Airport Fire Stations: 39 ● 81 ● 83 ● 88 ● 90 ● 99 ● 100 ● 109 ● 114

BATTALION 12

Arleta, La Tuna Canyon, Lake View Terrace, Missions Hills, Pacoima, Panorama City, San Fernando City, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tujunga Fire Stations: 7 ● 24 ● 74 ● 75 ● 77 ● 91 ● 98

BATTALION 14

Beverly Crest, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village Fire Stations: 60 ● 78 ● 86 ● 89 ● 97 ● 102 ● 108

BATTALION 15

Chatsworth, Granada Hills, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Northridge Fire Stations: 8 ● 18 ● 28 ● 70 ● 87 ● 96 ● 103 ● 107

BATTALION 17

Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills Fire Stations: 72 ● 73 ● 84 ● 93 ● 104 ● 105 ● 106

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BATTALION 10

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

FIRE STATISTICS In January of 2014, the Department implemented FireStat to assist in analyzing operational and administrative effectiveness while ensuring accountability. FireStat closely mirrors the Los Angeles Police Department’s CompStat model whereby data is examined and evaluated representing a variety of performance areas throughout the Department. The initial emphasis focused on response and turnout times (the amount time personnel take to leave the fire station following an alarm). Viewed as a cultural challenge, this measurement became a pivotal component for determining operational effectiveness. The current model requires a quarterly review for each Battalion to discuss specific data and follow up efforts. Each session promotes a productive discussion with senior Department staff to define ways for improving performance and efficiencies.

Overall, OVB has continually strived to improve in every area measured through FireStat.The level of engagement by the Battalion Commanders clearly demonstrates their taking ownership in the effectiveness and efficiency of their respective Battalions. As FireStat moves forward, other measurable areas that focus on effectiveness are under development.

OVB METRICS Fire Fatalities Firefighter Injuries (IOD) OVB Dep. Involved Traffic Accidents Citizen’s Complaints

EMS Responses

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20% decrease

284

25% decrease

7

20% decrease

55*

20% decrease

117,348

Structure Fires

1277

Automatic Alarms

1259

Smoke Alarm Canvassing

1399

Fire Prevention

97%

Training Hours

163,710

Pulse Point

LIVESTOCK RESCUE

GOAL

4

2015

* +/- 5% variance due to staff transfer

NORTH HOLLYWOOD FIRE, BATTALION 14

2015

6630

2016

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 2015 STATISTICAL SUMMARY TOP 10 FIRE RESOURCES (Incidents/Day) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Engine 7 Engine 39 Engine 91 Engine 93 Engine 72 Engine 102 Engine 81 Engine 88 Engine 89 Engine 105

Panorama City Van Nuys Sylmar Tarzana Reseda Valley Glen Panorama City Sherman Oaks North Hollywood Woodland Hills

13.1 12.8 12.5 10.5 10.2 9.9 9.4 9.3 9.2 8.5

TOP 10 EMS CALLS (Total Incidents) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Sick (No Specific Complaint) Fall Difficult Breathing Unconsciousness/Fainting (near) Traffic/Transport Accident Chest Pain Unknown Problems (Person Down) Overdose/Poisoning Convulsions/Seizures Assault/Taser/Pepper Spray

14,188 12,779 11,546 10,767 10,311 9,942 8,786 4,285 4,192 3,743

TOP 10 RESCUE AMBULANCES (Incidents/Day) RA889 RA881 RA39 RA89 RA98 RA873 RA81 RA7 RA860 RA898

North Hollywood Panorama City Van Nuys North Hollywood Pacoima Reseda Panorama City Panorama City North Hollywood Pacoima

12.9 12.8 12.6 11.6 11.3 11.3 10.9 10.6 10.6 10.6

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OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

BUREAU ACTIVITIES Early discussions regarding the four Bureau concept included how the dispersion of workload would occur and how emergencies, community outreach, political engagement and internal customer needs would be managed. Almost immediately OVB recognized where the most value would come from—investing in its internal customers who are charged with having direct daily contact with residents. The Bureau emphasizes proficiency of its members in handling emergencies, proactive community outreach efforts, and responsive communications with local elected officials.

STATION VISITS

4

Although demanding, one of the best methods for understanding issues that matter most to the field troops is to meet with them directly. During 2015, the OVB Bureau Commander dedicated each Friday morning to meet with 38 individual fire stations on various platoons. Several changes were implemented based on information gathered from these meetings which have continued in 2016.

Page 10 LAFD OVB

ANNUAL INSPECTION

4

The OVB Bureau Commander conducts thorough inspections of each fire station within individual battalions ensuring the condition, preparedness and cleanliness of apparatus, personal protective equipment and quarters are in good working order. An added benefit of this longstanding tradition is the value of sharing pertinent Department information with each LAFD member.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

BATTALION COMMANDERS MEETING

4

One of the more significant changes incorporated into the four Bureau reorganization change was the direct reporting of Battalion Chiefs to the Bureau Commander. To ensure Commanders are provided consistent information, OVB conducts at least one Chief Officer meeting, per platoon, each month which totaled more than 30 meetings last year.

RECRUIT GRADUATION CEREMONY

8

Fire Station 81 doubles as one of two Department recruit training academies charged with entrylevel firefighter training. During 2015, OVB staff participated in three recruit graduations at Drill Tower 81. This opportunity for officers to meet their new employees and their families helps ensure a more effective transition from a learning environment to their respective field assignment.

CAPTAINS MEETING

4

The Bureau Commander institutionalized another change that directly impacts communication by the establishment of a Captains Meeting. The Commander meets with Company Officers to discuss their concerns and exchange information and ways to improve performance. These meetings occur at least twice a year, per platoon.

OVB STAFF MEETING

4

Page 11 LAFD OVB

Held weekly to provide updates and share the week’s workload. OVB meetings include the OVB staff and 24-hr Assistant Bureau Commanders. The greatest value of this administrative reporting change is that it ensures the most current information is provided to Chief Officers within the Bureau; thereby eliminating variations of interpretation. The ABCs remain closely involved in every issue affecting the Bureau regardless of platoon and have a heightened awareness of matters pertaining to their specific platoons.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

COMMUNITY CONNECTION Once operational, OVB launched into high gear engaging its constituents.

Within a few months, residents and business communities became aware of LAFD’s increased presence. Many of these organizations experienced an unequaled LAFD presence where collaborative public safety dialogue dominated each interaction. Fire safety education, community preparedness and public safety awareness became top discussion topics. Through consistent attendance at business commerce organizations, homeowner’s group meetings or neighborhood council meetings, OVB staff seized every opportunity to create new, innovative ways in which to interact with local communities.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT VALLEY PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

1

9

Within four months of its inception, OVB identified prominent business and community leaders to establish a communitybased advisory committee to assist the Bureau Commander.

This group meets quarterly and has proved to be a valuable asset to the Bureau’s growth and presence in the San Fernando Valley. The meetings involve discussing a multitude of contemporary fire department challenges. The intent is to solicit input and recommendations provided by community leaders with a span of education and expertise. The assortment of backgrounds from the committee members offers a unique perspective into solving challenging department problems. To date, this committee has advised the OVB Bureau Commander with input to improve social media outreach and recruitment efforts for the Department.

NEIGHBORHOOD 6 COUNCIL MEETINGS The San Fernando Valley is home to 33 Neighborhood Council groups, numerous homeowner associations and the City of San Fernando. During 2015, OVB Chief Officers attended more than 125 meetings. The Bureau has established a solid presence in both the residential and business communities through attending these meetings.

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PULSEPOINT

1

PulsePoint’s smartphone application alerts bystanders to the exact location of a cardiac emergency so lifesaving CPR can start minutes before EMS teams arrive. OVB has actively promoted PulsePoint in the valley community with a 2015 growth rate from 665 to 6630 subscribers.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS

6

Large-scale emergency events are supported by the efforts of the LAFD’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Their selfless dedication is truly representative of the finest traditions in the LAFD. OVB has continued this relationship through active involvement with the key training events and utilization of the call-out process for use at the scene of emergencies. The CERT program has proven to be critical in filling routine incident gaps that are vital to the overall success of an emergency. OVB established three teams, coordinated by Battalion, to support significant incident management. In 2015, refresher training, held annually, had approximately 170 participants.

BUREAU RECRUITMENT

8

Consistent with the Fire Chief’s vision, OVB has continued to look for creative ways to attract viable and representative members to the fire service profession. In 2015, OVB was active in recruitment efforts using social media, “Valley View” newsletter, the VPSAC, other creative measures. OVB hosted the first recruitment expo with an emphasis on under-represented groups. at fire station 81 where a variety of department resources participated to display the fire department family and show the benefits of a career with the LAFD.

CADET PROGRAM

6

8

Page 13 LAFD OVB

The Fire Cadet Program provides youth with an exciting opportunity to learn about firefighting and emergency medical services as future career choices. Cadets are young men and women ages 14 though 20 from all areas of the community that participate in fire department training activities, meetings, and as ride-alongs, once they are “ride-along” certified. OVB currently supports five active cadet programs in the Valley and this youth program has proven to be useful for not only identifying future LAFD employees but teaching leadership and life skills to the participants. In 2015, the Valley Cadet post participated in approximately 26 OVB events supporting the department.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

RESILIENCY PARTNERSHIPS

6

9

Collaborative public partnerships are crucial in building community trust. Working with the local business community has proven to be mutually beneficial for both the business owner and the Department. Through these new relationships, OVB secured commitments from business owners to commit to becoming part of the public safety response effort. OVB is confident these relationships will continue to grow and provide a unique level of response during events where the whole community must become part of the solution.

SAVE CARD Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) is a new program established by the California Fire Foundation in collaboration with the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City that enables first responders to offer immediate relief and comfort to victims of catastrophic loss due to fire or other natural disasters. Incident commanders on scene are able to provide $100 gift cards to those who have suffered a minimum of 25% damage to the property where they reside. This program works with other resources such as the Red Cross and Council District Offices to help families initiate the recovery effort after an unfortunate incident. In 2015, OBV was able to assist seven households with SAVE cards.

MYSAFE:LA

Endorsed by the LAFD, MySafe:LA has provided multiple levels of support to the Department. Most significant during the 2015 calendar year was support for fire safety education and free smoke detector installations to Valley residents. MySafe:LA aided OVB Battalions with scheduled community canvassing, smoke alarm giveaways and afterincident resiliency efforts by ensuring residents had the appropriate alarm devices and in many cases, performed installations in individual households.

AMERICAN RED CROSS Consistent with the smoke alarm -canvassing program, the American Red Cross supported OVB with after-incident efforts including temporary housing, food, shelter and other resilience and recovery needs.

The LAFD continues to enjoy the longstanding partnership with the Red Cross and OVB is looking for other opportunities to strengthen our partnership.

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SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATION

BY

VOLUNTEER

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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9

GRATEFUL HEARTS STRE STREET ET FAIR Through an established partnership with LAFD’s Fire Foundation, OVB has participated in multiple community fundraising events. Grateful Hearts (Battalion 17) is an annual event organized by the Warner Center Property Management staff. This event is a street fair for the business community to support LAPD and LAFD organizations through the LAFD Fire Foundation. Donations are used to purchase tools and equipment for fire stations.

FIRE STATION 7 7— —GRAND OPENING OVB opened the last fire station purchased and constructed under the “Prop F” Bond. FS 7 serves Panorama City and houses an Assessment Engine and one Paramedic Ambulance.

FIRE SERVICE RECOGNI RECOGNITION TION DAY

Page 15 LAFD OVB

The second Saturday of each May is designated “Fire Service Recognition Day.” The community is invited to learn may learn about LAFD services, interact with firefighters, increase fire safety knowledge and enjoy family fun. There are station tours, disaster preparedness literature and free smoke alarms available. The title “Honorary Fire Chief” is bestowed to deserving community members recognizing their support of the LAFD in a ceremony sponsored by OVB. In 2015, two community members were selected to represent the Valley.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

SOCIAL MEDIA

2

6

OVB staff remained progressive with an innovative spirit in its approach to social media campaigns striving to connect with Valley residents and business communities. Social media has proven to be an excellent medium to inform and educate our valley neighbors on current events from while also providing constructive feedback for increasing viewers.

In 2015, OVB posted real-time targeted messaging to San Fernando residents and topical inclusive appeals to a broad-base in our community using other languages in addition to English such as American Sign Language and Spanish. Safety messages on all matters took precedence over simply reporting fires. Topics have included scalding/burns, pedestrian safety and El Nino preparation/ flooding. Specifically, OVB’s PulsePoint, Twitter, and Facebook accounts soared well above all expectations during its first year of operation.

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

1012 Avg. Engagement

48.33k Avg. Impressions

958 Avg. Impressions

9.66k Avg. Engagement

1276 Followers

OVB NEWSLETTER VALLEY VIEW

1129 Followers

6

Page 16 LAFD OVB

Distributed bi-monthly, the OVB newsletter, “Valley View,” contains current events that may be of interest to our community. By soliciting input from internal as well as external stakeholders, OVB crafts an information medium that responds to the needs of our community.

Both educational and informative, Valley View is a useful point of discussion when interacting with the local community organizations.

OVB met its 2015 target, publishing six issues per year, which established a solid framework and timeline for on-time publishing. Valley View newsletters are distributed at community events including homeowner associations, business organizations and other noteworthy events.

Currently, electronic distribution is the primary method of distribution with greater efforts of moving towards targeted community outreach through use of social media/network technologies. Subscriptions for the newsletter increased steadily with close to 700 subscribers thus far.

QR CODE The QR Code was created for easy access to our contact information, social networks and PulsePoint app with a quick scan using a smart phone.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

BUREAU INITIATIVES SENIOR CARE FACILITY INITIATIVE

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6

Independent and assisted living facilities are rapidly becoming a familiar sight in the Valley with new and existing expansions starting in 2016.

LAFD EMS responses to these facilities increased significantly over the past several years. For a variety of reasons the LAFD is responding to these facilities with very little information regarding the disposition of the patients. Unfortunately, corporate policy in many instances is driving how this vulnerable aging population is cared for.

Foreseeing the elderly community increasing in the coming years, OVB initiated efforts with the LA Department of Aging and Council offices to determine available options. Foundation to this matter was the idea that better care and oversight is needed to protect this vulnerable population.

HOMELESSNESS

1

Increasing concerns about the rising homeless population, the City has begun to look for solutions that may, locally, solve this social problem. The OVB office secured a coveted position on the San Fernando Mental Health Committee that meets monthly to establish policy and distribute available financial assistance those with mental health issues which is a significant portion of the homeless demographic. This committee discusses homeless issues and develops strategies to address this growing concern. In addition, OVB has worked with multiple council offices to assist in mitigating homeless encampment matters and to provide resiliency measures such as El Nino literature to those same encampments.

LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT ADVISORY PANEL

4

Based on the concept that end-user input is vital to LAFD operations, OVB developed the Leadership Empowerment Advisory Panel to remove organizational barriers that often stifle the creative input offered by its own members. Volunteers from the Department are given instruction on how to think critically and then given contemporary department challenges to discuss. This provides members an opportunity to offer real solutions to the problems and promote them when they are implemented.

During this past year, OVB held two separate meetings where incredible insights were given that will help the Department create reasonable and effective policies. While in session, these meeting ignore the department rank structure thereby encouraging participants to speak freely.

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OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

FAST RESPONSE VEHICLE

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6

Page 18 LAFD OVB

On October 19, 2016 the LAFD provided a Fast Response Vehicle (FR-401)to OVB through the City’s Innovation grant. The intent was to use this vehicle for workload relief in the northeast part of the Valley. Data supported the need to add resources into Fire Station 91 (Sylmar) district as it has one of the highest percentages for “cross-in” calls (resources responding into vacant neighboring districts). OVB’s efforts were successful in activating (trial resource) FR 401 while also ensuring a resource remains available during times of operation. Our intuitive suspicion was supported by the preliminary data which points to a significant decrease in response times, time-to-patient and a reduction in cross-in calls.

One of the greatest values of the FR-401 is that it allows resources at Fire Station 91 to remain available for handling other emergency calls within their district. During this trial period, efforts to test a better vehicle platform resulted in OVB securing approval from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the LAFD to test alternative vehicles.

HIKER ALERT SIGNAGE

5

The City of Los Angeles enjoys an active outdoor community that visits numerous hiking trails throughout the City on a daily basis. The Santa Monica Mountains provide exceptional access to numerous trailheads used frequently by LA City residents. One concern is that many hikers are not aware of the potential danger of a brush fire moving into their area. With up-to-date weather forecasting, we are aware of dangerous fire conditions before they arrive, therefore OVB reached out to various City Council staff to seek support for installing warning signage at each entrance to main trail heads. This signage would indicate the level of fire danger for that day. Signage would indicate the level of fire danger and brief instruction on how to prepare for their hike.

This pro-active approach cautions hikers to reconsider their activities during “extreme” or “red flag” fire weather conditions, thereby increasing their safety and welfare.

UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS 1 2 5 Recognizing the potential multifaceted use for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)—drones, OVB established a work group to explore the best use of UAS during Department activities.

Some of the identified uses include: non-emergency training exercises, Department sponsored events, community damage assessment surveys, fire prevention brush inspections and emergency-based incidents that include, hazardous materials investigations, USAR, confined space rescue operations and scene surveys during active shooter incidents. The UAS work group is collaborating with the In-Service Training section, the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Anaheim Fire Department and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

ALISO CANYON GAS LEAK 1 6

In late 2015, the Aliso Canyon natural gas facility experienced a four month-long gas leak with thousands of residents being temporarily relocated. OVB attended daily briefings with SCGC, partnered closely with other public safety partners and handled numerous inquiries from our affected communities.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OVB continues to look for ways to be administratively efficient. Over the past year, several initiatives were implemented to maximize employee productivity, resulting in improvements for department members. Consistent with the Strategic Plan, OVB leveraged the use of advanced enterprise technologies to assist in the daily management of the Department. In both instances, these initiatives have been adopted by the entire department.

WEB WEB--BASED FIRE PREVE PREVENTION NTION 2 ACTIVITY & TRACKING SYSTEM

WEB WEB--BASED 14 14--DAY DEPLOYMENT APPLICATI APPLICATION ON

OVB launched a new program designed to expedite the reporting of fire prevention activities while eliminating a 30-year-old paper report practice. The new web-based reporting system was developed within a month and involved a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Fire prevention and OVB. This use of existing technology removed an average of 12-days for reporting fire prevention activities, at no additional cost. Now senior staff can immediately view and retrieve fire prevention activity data and determine if goals are being met. From the end user perspective, this application has simplified of data-entry department-wide.

Another existing problem was determining resource availability for mutual-aid agreements through the Resource Ordering and Status System (a computer program used by dispatch). In an effort to streamline the reporting of availability for department members, OVB staff developed a web-based application that streamlines the entry of this information. The result is an accurate representation of members committed to a fourteen-day deployment department-wide. This expedites the formulation of Strike Teams for immediate need requests and reduces the amount time needed for staff to verify deployment status.

INJURY PREVENTION INVESTIGATION PROGRA PROGRAM M

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Page 19 LAFD OVB

A significant cost to the City is the expense of treating and caring for injured members. In certain cases, the Department modified policy to prevent similar accidents. OVB took the initiative to assist department staff in crafting meaningful policy to require additional review and additional research regarding injuries or illnesses related to duty causes. This new process is intended to investigate and recommend actions to protect our members and prevent future accidents.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

EXECUTIVE APPRAISAL REVIEW WORK GROUP 4

TRAINING AND PROFESS PROFESSIONAL IONAL DEVELOPMENT 1 4

OVB established a work group to evaluate the current assessment process for chief officers. The goal is to improve and enhance the review of chief officer’s performance. The new assessment process considers the “whole” performance by providing a comprehensive “beginning to end” assessment that clearly defines levels of performance through scheduled interactive meetings throughout the chief officer’s rating period. This is an example of OVB working towards improving the organization as a whole.

Training is the cornerstone of effectiveness.

During the past year, OVB initiated several strategic training exercises. One method LAFD Chief Officers practice operational effectiveness is through department approved “Green Cell” training. This training closely reproduces real-time emergencies that require commanding officers to make quick decisions regarding incident strategy. OVB initiated and will continue to provide this type of virtual training for its command level officers.

JOINT PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING 6

9

One of the Fire Chief’s strategic goals is “Strengthen Community Relations to Improve Infrastructure and Enhance Resiliency during Emergency Events”. This pointed to ensuring both the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments planned and trained together to establish operational efficiency. In fact, both Operations Valley Bureau Commanders (LAPD and LAFD) worked closely together to bring their respective command staffs together to build relationships and trust within each agency’s discipline. During 2015, both agencies conducted two joint training sessions and regularly attended community meetings throughout the Valley.

LAPD ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE

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MUTUAL THREAT ZONES

JOINT COOPERATION

WITH

WILDLAND SERVICE

6

9

Operating in the Mutual Threat Zones (MTZ) can be difficult with a variety of local, state and federal agencies responding to the same emergency event. Communications and strategies are often dissimilar between the different responding agencies. During this past year, OVB coordinated training events between all of these agencies that focused on effective communications during a large scale brush fire.

OVB companies worked alongside local, state and federal firefighters and reconciled the variety of different tactics that are often associated with these individual agencies. This exercise covered not only command considerations but also the tactical nuances of a complex operation.

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

CHALLENGES Looking ahead to 2016, the OVB office has set goals consistent with and complementary to the Department’s Strategic Plan. While many challenges lay ahead, OVB is dedicated to maintaining its course with a strategic posture that supports the LAFD and serves the needs of our community.

New Facility Funding Additional Bureau Staffing IT and Technology Support

Establishment of Bureau Expense Account

Span of Control

FOUR BUREAU SUMMARY West

Central

South

Total

1,600,000

313,000

768,000

1,200,000

4,081,000

235.2

119

50.1

65.8

470.1

Fire Stations

39

20

23

24

106

Battalions

5

3

3

3

14

339

185

226

212

962

1

-

1

-

2

Staff A/C

1

2

-

1

4

Direct Reports (Chiefs) Council Districts Represented Neighborhood Councils

20

12

12

10

53

8

4

3

4

15

33

19

22

25

99*

LAPD Divisions

7

4

6

4

21

Air Ops

LAWA

-

LA Harbor

3

Population Size (square miles)

Daily On-Duty Staffing 24-Hour Response A/C

Specialized Section/Division

*NC District Crossovers

Page 21 LAFD OVB

Valley

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015

GOALS OVB GOALS •

Meet Department’s Strategic Plan benchmarks

•

Secure OVB Facility Funding

•

Update the Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) for OVB facilities

•

Restructure OVB’s reporting model to match Bureau’s needs

Page 22 LAFD OVB

E-AWARDS 2015

•

Restoration of Resources • Engine 73 and 75 • Emergency Incident Technicians (Battalions 14 and 17) • Staff Wildland Fuel Management Unit, One Captain I and 6 Firefighter/Heavy Equipment Operator • Staff Nurse Educator position

HIGHTOWER BRUSH INCIDENT, BATTALION 12

LAFD/LAPD ST. BALDRICK’S FUNDRAISER

Produced by Christal Chacon Trevor Richmond Danny Wu

Photos by Jon Brown Greg Doyle Juan Guerra Laura Lichter Rick McClure David Edwards Mike Meadows Jeremy Oberstein Sydney Chambers Adam VanGerpen

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Operations Valley Bureau would like to thank the following staff, city colleagues and partners for supporting the implementation of Operations Valley Bureau.

HONORABLE MAYOR Eric Garcetti COUNCILMEMBERS CD 2 ● Paul KREKORIAN CD 3 ● Bob BLUMENFIELD CD 4 ● David RYU CD 5 ● Paul KORETZ CD 6 ● Nury MARTINEZ CD 7 ● Felipe FUENTES CD 11 ● Mike BONIN CD 12 ● Mitch ENGLANDER FIRE COMMISSION Delia IBARRA, Esq., President Andrew GLAZIER, Vice President Jimmy H. HARA, M.D., Commissioner Rebecca NINBURG, Commissioner Jimmie WOODS-GRAY, Commissioner FIRE CHIEF Ralph M. TERRAZAS LAPD DEPUTY CHIEF Robert GREEN City of SAN FERNANDO MYSAFE:LA