2021 Annual Report by Roanoke Fire-EMS

2021 ANNUAL REPORT WE ARE ROANOKE FIRE-EMS

CORE VALUES

Commitment, Courtesy, Compassion

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

We will invest, empower and hold each other accountable to accomplish our mission.

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is a fullservice fire and emergency medical service agency providing: Fire suppression services, basic and advanced pre-hospital life support, fire prevention and community risk reduction education programs, fire investigations, heavy tactical rescue (HTR), swift water rescue (SWR), regional hazardous materials team, vehicle extrication, and emergency management.

MISSION STATEMENT

To foster a diverse, inclusive and innovative workforce that proudly serves the residents, citizens and visitors of Roanoke by protecting lives and property with professionalism, integrity and respect.

Pg. 6 ........................................Chief’s Letter

Pg. 7 .............................Response Summary

Pg. 9 ..........................Significant Incidents

Pg. 13 ...............Community Risk Reduction

Pg. 15 ...................Emergency Management

Pg. 16 ...............................................Training

Pg. 17 ............................................New Hires

Pg. 19 .........................................Promotions

Pg. 22 ........................................Retirements

Pg. 23 ..........................Organizational Chart

Pg. 24 ...............................................Stations

Pg. 25 ...........................................2022 Goals

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF

“Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction”

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department is proud to foster a diverse, inclusive and innovative workforce that proudly serves the residents, citizens and visitors of Roanoke by protecting lives and property with professionalism, integrity and respect. For us to be successful in our mission, each department member must believe and embrace our purpose.

As we emerged from the grips of COVID in early 2021, we opened and dedicated new Fire-EMS Station 7 and began the progress of returning back to normal operations and business. But we faced a new norm that is shaping our department, our city and our nation. Staffing would be a challenge throughout FY22 and maybe beyond as available workforce was somewhat shifting away from public service. As with challenges in the past, our employees stepped up to ensure that calls were answered, lives were saved and fires were extinguished. Even during these most trying staffing times, the department met all but one performance measure while responding to the most calls for service in the history of the department. This is a true testament to the caliber of men and women we have working for Roanoke Fire-EMS, and I am humbled to be Chief of such a great work force.

Roanoke Fire-EMS is driven by our employees, and it is only through them that we continued to move the organization forward and better serve our community. I am very proud to present this annual report, and I am looking forward to opportunities ahead in 2022.

In the Service,

*A “working

New Apparatus

In 2021, Roanoke Fire-EMS took possession of two new vehicles. In July, the new Rescue 5 was put into service, followed by the new Engine 2, which was put into service in September, replacing two older, high-milage pieces of apparatus.

The older vehicles that were replaced will be used for the department’s reserve fleet. Apparatus in the reserve fleet are used when inservice apparatus need repairs or maintenance, so that there are no interruptions to service in the community.

The new Engine 2 was designed by our Apparatus Committee, which is chaired by Battalion Chief Doug Rorrer. The Apparatus Committee worked hard to assess the current needs of our department and create a truck that will best serve our community. This new apparatus should give our department many years of service.

Apparatus 2021 Day Avg. ENGINE Engine 1 Engine 2 Engine 3 Engine 4 Engine 5 Engine 6 Engine 8 Engine 11 Engine 13 Engine 14 LADDER Ladder 1 Ladder 2 Ladder 5 Ladder 7 MEDIC Medic 1 Medic 2 Medic 3 Medic 4 Medic 5 Medic 6 Medic 7 Medic 8 Medic 13 Medic 101 Medic 102 Medic 103 Medic 105 Medic 151 RESCUE Rescue 5 Rescue7 OTHER BC 1 BC 2 RS 1 RS 2 OMD 1 HTR 6 BOAT 5 BOAT6 HZ 1 INV 1 1,772 1,651 1,445 955 1,770 1,419 1,174 752 1,282 694 1,132 957 1,024 1,337 2,686 2,903 2,359 1,993 2,598 2,750 2,148 2,232 2,232 2,150 1,998 508 90 39 198 165 1,285 1,453 1,790 2,172 88 23 2 23 15 92 INCIDENT/ APPARATUS Response Summary Land Area: 43 square miles Population: 100,607 Stations: 11 PERSONNEL Uniformed: 260 Civilian: 10 Part-time EMS: 38 Total: 308 Fire-Related Deaths: 3 Fire-Related Injuries (Civilian): 124 Fire-Related Injuries (Firefighters): 0 Total Fire Loss: $3,928,252

fire” is the designation given to fire calls when the arriving officer sees smoke or flames coming from the structure. By notifying the E-911 Center of the “working fire”, additional resources are dispatched to the scene. 4.85 4.52 3.96 2.62 4.85 3.89 3.22 2.06 3.51 1.9 3.1 2.62 2.81 3.66 7.36 7.95 6.46 5.46 7.12 7.53 5.88 6.12 6.12 5.89 5.47 1.39 0.25 0.11 0.54 .45 3.52 3.98 4.90 5.95 0.24 0.06 0.01 0.06 0.04 0.25

Demand for Service :

Overall Demand for Service Increased by 4.89%, EMS Demand Increased 4.4%

EMS Demand for Service by Time of Day

Three Peak-Demand Ambulances Staffed Full/Part-Time EMS Personnel

Working Fires*

Fire Causes

SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS

January 18

At 6:46pm, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to 2500 block of Larchwood St NE for a fire. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a residential structure. Shortly after arrival, a small explosion occurred, which blew the windows out of the structure. The fire was marked under control within 15 minutes of being dispatched.

One resident was transported to the hospital, and another resident died on scene. The cause of the fire was deemed accidental and started as the result of the victim smoking while on oxygen.

March 3

At 7:35am, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to a water rescue at 13th St and North Ave NE (Tinker Creek). Units arrived to find one vehicle partially submerged in the water with one patient still inside. The department’s Swift Water and Heavy Technical Rescue Teams were deployed to extricate the patient. The patient was safely extricated from the vehicle and out of the water. The patient was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

January 26

At 6:19am, Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to 950 Orange Ave for a landslide. A Roanoke Fire-EMS officer was on his way to work when he saw the aftermath of the landslide and called the E-911 Center to report it. No injuries occurred as a result of the landslide. The Southern Classic Soft Cloth Auto Wash was condemned and deemed a total loss. Units on scene worked with Roanoke Gas, AEP, and the Western Virginia Water Authority to mitigate any damages caused to the utilities within the building.

March 23

At 10:44am, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 700 block of Loudon Ave NW for a fire. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a residential structure. The homes located on either side of the residence on fire were evacuated for risk of possible exposure. One pet remained unaccounted for, no other injuries were reported. Two homes were affected by the blaze, the home where the fire originated is a total loss and the neighboring home sustained minor damage that will leave the residents temporarily displaced.

April 6

At 12:57, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 3700 block of Round Hill Ave NW for a fire with children trapped. Units arrived to find heavy smoke coming from a two story residential structure. By the time units arrived on scene, two subjects had self-evacuated from a two story window. Four occupants were in the home at the time of the fire. Three patients were transported, one with serious injuries and two with non-life threatening injuries. Six residents were displaced as a result of the incident.

May 2

At 9:24pm, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 1500 block of Orange Ave NW for a fire. Upon arrival units found flames coming from a multi-family residential structure. No injuries have been reported. A civilian passing by noticed the flames and notified the occupants to escape. Once on scene, crews rescued a number of pets. Five residents from two different units of the residence were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

April 13

At 6:13pm Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 500 block of Harrison Ave NW for a fire. Upon arrival units found smoke and flames coming from a residential structure. One person sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported. The fire was marked under control at 6:55pm. Crews on scene working to battle the blaze encountered difficulty completely extinguishing the fire as the flames extended into the roofline, not accessible from the attic. Personnel were forced to cut a hole through the roof to extinguish the fire. The fire was deemed accidental, and was started due to improperly discarded smoking materials.

May 13

At 8:35am, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 100 block of 10 1/2 St SE for a fire that was called into the E-911 Center by Fire-EMS providers in the area who noticed the column of smoke, which could be seen from miles away. Upon locating the fire, personnel found two homes and a vehicle fully engulfed in flames with reports of a subject trapped inside. A second alarm was called to dispatch additional units to the scene.

Units attacked the fire externally due to its size and heat, in addition to the potential for it to collapse. As the fire continued, the structure partially collapsed, making it unsafe to enter.

One patient was treated on scene for minor injuries. One cat was rescued from the fire, and oxygen was administered on scene. Later, during the investigation, one victim was discovered inside the residence.

Two neighboring residential structures were affected by the fire and sustained heat damage. 13 residents from three different homes were displaced.

August 10

At 2:27pm, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 200 block of Summit Way SW for a structure fire. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a multi-family residential structure, and marked it as a second alarm. A Roanoke City Sheriff’s Deputy was on scene and helped building management evacuate residents from the structure.

A total of ten units were impacted by the fire, with all residents and pets accounted for. 14 residents and 5 pets were displaced. One firefighter was transported to RMH with minor injuries.

August 19

Roanoke Fire-EMS received multiple calls for stranded motorists in flood waters throughout the City of Roanoke. A total of two vehicles and five occupants were assisted by our Swift Water Team. Many more cars remained stranded in the flood waters, where occupants self-extricated before our arrival on scene. No injuries were reported.

August 16

At 9:59am, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 4500 block of Westdale Rd NW for a structure fire. Crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from a residential structure.

The fire was marked under control less than 20 minutes after initial dispatch. Two cats were rescued from the fire and were transported by Roanoke Police Department Animal Wardens to an emergency vet.

October 6

At 5:26 am, Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to a fire in the 2200 block of Westover Ave SW. Upon arrival, the fire was designated as a second alarm fire and additional units were added to the response.

Four victims were rescued from the residence by Roanoke FireEMS and transported to local hospitals. Two of the victims were transported with life-threatening injuries. Two pets were taken to an emergency vet by Roanoke Police.

COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION

Changes in the Fire Marshal’s Office

In 2021, the Roanoke Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) experienced a significant expansion to their operations. The FMO added the full law enforcement component to their operation, in addition to expanding the cadre of staff in the office. The new Law Enforcement Fire Marshals have all the authority of a sworn police officer in the City of Roanoke. This added component allows for more significant involvement in the investigation and prosecution of arson, explosives, and fire-related crimes, and a significant increase in the number of commercial fire safety inspections conducted in the city. Traditionally, the FMO consisted of one Fire Marshal, one Deputy Fire Marshal, one Assistant Fire Marshal, and a number of part-time inspectors.

In October of 2021, with the support of City administration, the FMO transitioned to all full-time positions. The office cadre was expanded to include: one Fire Marshal, three Deputy Fire Marshals (DFM) with the rank of Captain, five Assistant Fire Marshals (AFM) with the rank of Lieutenant, and one full-time administrative professional. In the new structure, a DFM is assigned as an Administrative Captain with the responsibilities of supervision of the law enforcement team, investigations, professional standards, background investigations and internal investigations. The two additional DFM are assigned to supervision of inspectors in their respective areas. One DFM is assigned to the Southside of the city, and the other to the Northside. In addition, they are responsible for all fire-related systems tests within the City of Roanoke. The five AFM are assigned across the city, with each being assigned to a specific city quadrant. These positions are charged with the responsibility of conducting fire safety inspections in all commercial, educational, and governmental properties within the city. These individuals play a significant role in ensuring those that live and visit the City of Roanoke can do so in a safe and secure manner. The new administrative professional provides tremendous support to the office by coordinating communication from our constituents to our field staff, coordinating the billing functions or the office as well as managing and developing investigation case files.

Fire Marshal’s Office Staff, October 2021: Fire Marshal: Joey Pugh (Acting)

Deputy Fire Marshals: Becky Smith, Bobby Russell, Noel Gardener (Acting)

Assistant Fire Marshals: Barry Kincer, Josh Hull, Kevin Taylor, Michael Spaulding, Tommy Nash

Administrative Assistant: Ashley Baca

Fire Marshal Law Enforcement Academy

On June 11, Deputy Fire Marshal Rebecca “Becky” Smith graduated from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Fire Marshal Law Enforcement Academy. Becky is the first member of the Fire Marshal’s Office to attend this training. The academy consists of ten weeks of intensive physical and academic training related to the exercise of law enforcement duties as a Law Enforcement Fire Marshal.

National Night Out

On August 3, Roanoke Fire-EMS participated in the annual National Night Out event. Naitonal Night Out aims to bring communities together to promote positive relationships between residents and public safety personnel.

Child Safety Seat Checks

In July, Roanoke Fire-EMS and Carilion Children’s Safe Kids partnered together to bring back monthly car seat safety checks. Child Safety Seat Checks are conducted on the third Thursday of each month at Roanoke Fire-EMS Station 6.

Back 2 School Blast

On August 12, Engine 6 assisted the Rescue Mission of Roanoke with their Back 2 School Blast. They gave out new backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles to local students to help them get ready for the upcoming school year.

To learn more about getting a free smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 540-853-2795.

To schedule a community education event, please contact our Community Risk Reduction Department at 540-853-5785.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Another Busy Year in Emergency Management

The emergency management team continued to support COVID-19 vaccine clinics with the Virginia Department of Health throughout the early months of 2021. Also in early 2021, the department received funds through a “Health Equity” grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The funds helped the City purchase advanced technologies for communications with non-English speaking residents and visitors. The grant funds also allowed the Emergency Management team to purchase and outfit an enclosed trailer with equipment necessary to run vaccine clinics in communities of need.

On June 6, 2021 the City of Roanoke supported the first ever Carillion Clinic Ironman 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This event required over one year of planning with surrounding jurisdictions, state and local agencies and the Ironman Group. Multiple Roanoke Fire-EMS ambulances were staffed throughout the course providing medical coverage. The Swift Water Rescue Team was responsible for providing rescue coverage at Carvin’s Cove for the swim portion of the event.

On August 30, 2021, the City of Roanoke’s Swift Water Rescue Team responded as part of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Region 6 team to Hurley, VA for a significant flash flooding event. The team spent the overnight hours and into the following morning conducting search efforts. They returned home safely on the evening of August 31.

On September 18, 2021, the Emergency Management team assisted the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport conducting a full-scale exercise. The planning for this began in late 2020 and continued throughout 2021. Participants in the exercise included the City of Roanoke’s Hazardous Materials Team, City of Salem’s Hazardous Materials Team, first due fire-EMS companies from the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County, as well as local and state police and the Virginia Department of Health.

Other events and activities throughout the year included:

• Planning team for Roanoke City Schools Tabletop Exercise

• Planning and event command center staffing for Blue Ridge Marathon

• Finalized grant funding for new mass-notification system

• Partnered with Virginia Department of Emergency Management to hold Damage Assessment training for City staff

• Partnered with Department of Technology to add new technology to Mobile Incident Command Unit that was acquired from the Near Southwest Preparedness Alliance

TRAINING

Company Training Highlights

Ladder Operations training was held in the old BKT building in southwest Roanoke. Crews trained on setting ground and aerial ladders, forcible entry, roof ventilation, and 2 ½” hose line advancement.

Pump operations, held at the RTC, was a continuation of the training evolutions taught in 2020. This gave crews a chance to work on higher level pumping operations, while also giving company officers some time to work their crews one on one while out of service.

The live fire Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) training was the first time that we have tested crews RIC knowledge and abilities during live fire conditions. The training was well received and the live fire portions created some added intensity for the participants.

Other Trainings Completed This Year

• Officer I, II, III

• Instructor I & II

• Driver Aerial Operator

• Driver Pump Operator

• NFPA 1403

• National Fire Academy Incident Safety Officer

• Vehicle Extrication Train the Trainer

• Rope Ops Train the Trainer

• Hazmat Operations Train the Trainer

• Surface Water

• EMS CE

• CPR

Total Training Hours in 2021: 51,027

NEW HIRES

Recruit Schools 27 & 28

In 2021, Recruit Classes 27 & 28 graduated from the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire & EMS Academy.

These academy classes began together on January 11th. Class 27, who already held EMT certifications, graduated on April 9. Class 28, who obtained their EMT certification during recruit school, graduated May 27. In all, 41 Firefighter/EMTs joined their respective departments within the valley. 11 of the recruits joined our ranks, with the remaining recruits joining Roanoke County Fire & Rescue, Salem Fire & EMS, and Botetourt Fire & EMS.

Pictured are the newest members of Roanoke Fire-EMS.

Forkin, T. Fair, G. Birriel Hernandez, E. McKinnell, B. Mohler, J. Murray, M. Pado, A. Whalen, T. Ziegler, N. Wynn, J. Healy, C.

Ashley Baca

PROMOTIONS

Roanoke Fire-EMS is proud to announce the promotions of 27 personnel to the ranks of Battalion Chief, Captain, 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant, and Administrative Assistant IV.

Congratulations to everyone who was promoted this year. Thank you for your hard work and leadership.

Lt. S. Webb Lt. S. Wills Lt. K. Wilson 1st Lt. S. Curry 1st Lt. T. Harrington Lt. J. Pruitt Lt. N. Sosik Lt. B. Sweeney Lt. L. Taylor Lt. A. Watkins Admin Assistant IV Jessica Wilkes Lt. R. Hildago Lt. C. Lee Lt. R. Matzuga Lt. J. Metro

1st Lt. D. Noell 1st Lt. R. Phillips 1st Lt. M. Wheeling Capt. J. Adkins Capt. C. Arrington Capt. B. Creasy Capt. A. Helems Capt. T. Meador Capt. M. Peay Capt. B. Wasson B.C. A. Foley B.C. C. Riddleberger

RETIREMENTS

In 2021, Roanoke Fire-EMS had six personnel retire from our department. To all of our retirees, thank you for your years of service, and enjoy retirement. We wish you well in your future endeavors!

D.C. Altman, 1/31/21 J. Thompson (11/1) Capt. Mougin, 4/30/21 Lt. Shelton, 6/30/21 Capt. Wray, 7/1/21 B.C. King, 7/1/21 Courier Foutz

ROANOKE FIRE-EMS 33 Station 1 Administration 704 Franklin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24016 Built in 2006 Station 2 55 Noble Ave., Roanoke, VA 24012 Built in 1950 Station 3 4803 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 24012 Built in 2008 Station 4 3768 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke, VA 24013 Built in 1999 Station 5 1920 Orange Ave., Roanoke, VA 24017 Built in 2010 Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Training Center 1220 Kesler Mill Rd. Salem, VA 24153 Built in 2000 Station 7 1742 Memorial Ave., Roanoke, VA 24015 Built in 2020 Station 8 2328 Crystal Springs Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014 Built in 1928 Station 11 1502 Bennington St., Roanoke, VA 24013 Built in 1964 Station 13 4330 Appleton Ave., Roanoke, VA 24017 Built in 1978 Station 14 1061 Mecca St., Roanoke, VA 24012 Built in 1994 Roanoke Emergency Medical Service (REMS) 374 Day Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016 Built in 1955 Station 6 1333 Jamison Ave., SE Roanoke, VA 24013 Built in 1979

STATIONS

Department Goals 2022

To be an Exceptional Employer

Roanoke Fire-EMS will work to increase retention measures to ensure we have appropriately trained and ready staffing to meet daily requirements. In addition we will ensure recruitment efforts are continual to have a capable workforce on the ready.

Continue to work with Human Resources and City Administration to ensure competitiveness and equity in pay and benefits.

Professional Development

Increase paramedic staffing by implemen ing partnerships with accredited institutions.

Increase the number of Advanced Life Support preceptors and EMS Education Coordinators to ensure availability of classroom educators and field preceptor availability.

Customer Service/Innovation

Roanoke Fire-EMS will implement a new strategic community risk reduction program across the department through creation and implementation of a Community Risk Reduction committee and the development of a departmental CRR plan.

Evaluate the current EMS delivery business model focused on right resourcing care needs.