Fire & Rescue - Annual Report 2020

MOORESVILLE FIRE-RESCUE

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Mooresville Fire-Rescue Priorities FULFILL OUR MISSION To safeguard life, property and the environment.

PURSUE OUR VISION To be recognized as a premier, highly rated and respected full-service fire department with a focus on safety and public education.

L I V E O U R VA L U E S TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S MESSAGE FROM FIRE CHIEF DEATON . . . 3 COMMAND STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . 5 COVID-19 RESPONSE . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mooresville Fire-Rescue respects the rights and dignity of all citizens, maintains the highest level of integrity and professionalism, and involves the community in activities that directly affect quality of life. MFR values each employee with respect for their individual contribution to the organization and encourages open communication and growth.

ANNUAL BUDGET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 RESPONSE TIMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 TRAINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

S U S TA I N C O R E S E R V I C E S

Fire Suppression

SPECIAL OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Medical Response

FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Technical Rescue

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hazardous Materials Response

RECOGNITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/Drone Program

HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Fire Prevention & Life Safety Education

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Message from Fire Chief Deaton Mayor, Board of Commissioners, Manager, and Residents, Mooresville Fire-Rescue’s most important mission, serving our residents, was faced with many challenges as we lived through the worst pandemic in more than 100 years in 2020. Our year started out as any other, but soon, MFR was turned upside down as the pandemic caused drastic changes in the way we responded to calls, including being affected by nationwide shortages in personal protective equipment. Faced with unprecedented times, our department adapted and continued to keep the residents of Mooresville safe.

The pandemic may have changed the way MFR responded to incidents, but our department overcame the obstacles, including staffing shortages due to COVID-19, and continued to deliver our services to those who needed us. Our department has worked tirelessly, not only with our regular duties, but also assisting with vaccine clinics to help address the effects of pandemic in our community.

Additionally, this year, we responded to several large incidents in the county, including a large ammonia leak in Statesville (with MFR on scene for four days), several storms in our area, a large warehouse fire, a hurricane along the North Carolina coast, and a tragic flooding event in Alexander County. Our members stood strong and courageous in each of these events, serving our residents with pride, despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.

With more residents moving to Mooresville every day, MFR and the Town are being proactive to ensure our community stays safe and vibrant for years to come. Our department is in the process of growing to meet Mooresville’s needs, with the construction of an additional station north of town (Station 6), a fire training center building, and a new Engine 3. We hope to receive several grants to offset the cost to taxpayers and assist in staffing Station 6, along with additional funding to replace our USAR truck.

MFR is proud of what the members of our organization do for our community every day. We are grateful that our residents, Mayor, Board of Commissioners, and Town Manager allow us the ability to do what we all love and serve them in their time of need. Thank you for all the support the Town gives this department in their mission to safeguard lives, property, and the environment through pride, integrity, and commitment.

Curt Deaton Mooresville Fire-Rescue Chief

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Command Staff Deputy Chief Shane LaCount oversees the day-today operations of fire administration, suppression, public safety activities and fire ground command. The Deputy Chief provides management and direction of the department delivery system; assists with hiring and personnel decisions; researches, recommends, and implements departmental guidelines and procedures; and assists with budget preparation and procurement of equipment.

Assistant Fire Chief Ben Hess is responsible for coordination of department training activities and assists the risk management division with implementing departmental safety programs.

The Assistant Fire Chief coordinates and trains personnel to maintain required certifications; implements training for new recruits; reviews accident and injury reports for the department; assists with assessment centers for promotion; and proposes recommendations for equipment, facilities and training needs for OSHA, NFPA and NIMS compliance.

DEPUTY CHIEF SHANE LACOUNT

ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF BEN HESS

ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF NEEL BRAWLEY

FIRE MARSHAL GEOFF WOOLARD

BATTALION CHIEF JAMIE BARRIER

BATTALION CHIEF ROB COLVERT

Assistant Fire Chief Neel Brawley is responsible for the administrative planning and management of logistical needs for public fire protection services.

The Administrative/Logistics Chief coordinates all facilities maintenance and repairs; automotive and fleet maintenance; specifications and testing of apparatus and equipment; departmental procurements; and maintains department assets.

Fire Marshal Geoff Woolard coordinates fire prevention and education, as well as fire service planning. Mooresville Fire-Rescue provides fire prevention services of public education, plans review, code enforcement, and fire investigations. The Fire Marshal ensures compliance with State and Local fire laws, codes, rules, and regulations; supervises commercial and retail inspections; and implements fire prevention and safety education.

Battalion Chiefs perform the supervision of daily protective services and administrative work for fire suppression and rescue service on an assigned shift.

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BATTALION CHIEF KELLY ROBINSON

About the Department Mooresville Fire-Rescue (MFR) is made up of three divisions: Administration, Operations, and Fire Prevention/ Inspection. The Administrative Division consist of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, two Assistant Fire Chiefs, and two Administrative Assistants. The Operations Division has 84 full-time personnel and includes the ranks of Battalion Chief, Captain, Engineer, Senior Firefighter and Firefighter.

Suppression operates on a 24-hour shift schedule: on shift for a full day followed by two consecutive days off. Squad 1, a Rapid Response Vehicle, operates during peak call volume, Monday through Friday, with a Captain, Engineer and Senior Firefighter.

Fire Prevention/Inspection consist of a Fire Marshal and four Assistant Fire Marshals. The Fire Marshal’s Office coordinates fire prevention and fire service planning for MFR. These services include plan reviews, permits, inspections, investigations, enforcement, and fire & life safety education.

MFR responds from five fire stations comprised of five engine companies, one ladder company and a rapid response vehicle. MFR’s district includes industrial and manufacturing facilities, motorsports venues and complexes, shopping centers, hospitals, assisted living facilities and residential neighborhoods.

May 19, 2017: Mooresville Fire-Rescue was awarded the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 public protection rating – the highest possible inspection rating for fire departments. The ISO rating determines insurance premiums for homes and businesses. MFR is preparing for the 2022 re-inspection.

NUMBER OF INCIDENTS

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL INCIDENTS

145

2%

12

<1%

4,211

56%

253

3%

689

9%

1,641

22%

False Alarm & False Call

535

7%

Severe Weather & Natural Disaster

58

<1%

Special Incident Type

9

<1%

7,555

100%

MAJOR INCIDENT TYPE

Fires Explosion, Overheat, or Overpressure Rupture (No Fire) Rescue & Emergency Medical Service Hazardous Condition (No Fire) Service Call Good Intent Call

TOTAL

Mooresville Fire-Rescue utilizes Emergency Reporting to document run activity. Information collected is based on the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). MFR was dispatched to 7,555 calls for service in 2020. Actual fires accounted for 2% of all MFR calls, while medical and rescue calls (including motor vehicle accidents) comprised 56%.

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Calls for Service (CFS) decreased 2.46% from 2019 to 2020; an insignificant decrease attributed to the adjusted response protocols to aid in reduction to COVID-19 exposures. Overall, the 5-year trend suggest a steady increase in call volume. CFS have increased 34% since 2016. Town of Mooresville estimated population has increased 18% during that same time.

CALLS FOR SERVICE (2016-2020) 7741 7082

5658

5628

2016

2017

7555

34% INCREASE IN CALLS OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS

2018

2019

2020

TOWN OF MOORESVILLE ESTIMATED POPULATION (2016-2020) 40,203

41,131

43,380

45,244

47,488

18% INCREASE IN POPULATION OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS

2016

2017

2018

SOURCE: IREDELL CO. PLANNING DEPARTMENT

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2019

2020

COVID-19 Response

ADDITIONAL ACTIONS:

In early March, the rapidly unfolding COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges for Mooresville Fire-Rescue. Addressing those challenges included MFR command staff adjusting daily operations and response protocols to align with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommendations. Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies were acquired to maintain essential services and safeguard personnel. Enhanced sanitation and decontamination procedures for apparatus, equipment and stations were implemented. The training division began online instruction and single company training with guidelines in place to comply with social distancing. The Fire Marshal’s Office provided information to businesses to ensure compliance with Executive Orders.

To monitor and remain current with this evolving situation, MFR participated in bi-weekly virtual meetings with all Town of Mooresville department managers. These coordinated efforts were instrumental in determining policies and procedures to limit workplace exposure to COVID-19. These virtual meetings also provided vital information for department heads to disseminate to employees.

MFR was fundamental in procuring PPE and masks for the Town. MFR provided masks and PPE to neighboring fire departments, hospitals and assisted living facilities. FEMA provided free masks through NC Emergency Management to all Iredell County fire departments. MFR received and distributed 10,000 of these free masks to the public.

In December, MFR began assisting Iredell County Emergency Management and the Health Department with vaccination distribution. Fifty-plus vaccination sites are currently scheduled for 2021.

Fire Stations closed to public uspended public appearances, S station tours, Citizens Fire Academy, car seat installations, Community Emergency Response Team, Explorer Program, Pipes & Drums performances, Fill the Boot campaign, Camp Blaze and retiree breakfasts Face covering policy implemented nhanced station cleaning twice E a day ersonnel’s temperature taken at P beginning of each shift educed number of personnel R who directly interact with patients at medical-related incidents L evel 1, Level 2, Level 3 PPE protocols revised and reviewed with personnel Quarantine policy established I nitiated virtual meetings and online training ire Marshal’s Office incorporated F digital plans review requent hire-backs to maintain F minimum staffing requirements due to quarantines

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Annual Budget As a department within the Town of Mooresville, Mooresville Fire-Rescue operates in the parameters of the Town’s revenue and budgetary guidelines. MFR’s actual budget for fiscal year 2020 was $10,891,225. Personnel costs (salaries and benefits) accounted for $7,839,778 or 72% of the department’s budget. The remaining 28% was used to support the daily operations of its five stations, the fire training center, apparatus, support and staff vehicles, and was broken down as follows: Operations & Equipment $1,562,768 (14%) and Capital $1,488,680 (14%).

B U D G E T S U M M A RY FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

ACTUAL

ACTUAL

ACTUAL

ACTUAL

ACTUAL

APPROVED

Budget

$9,239,832

$10,335,628

$8,886,980

$9,437,124

$10,891,225

$10,887,107

Staffing

93

93

94

95

95

98

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FY20 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS Mooresville Fire-Rescue relies on the five-year Capital Improvement Plan to ensure adequate funding for large capital acquisitions such as construction projects, equipment, and vehicles. Capital purchases are items costing more than $5,000 and having a useful life of one year or more.

Fire Station 6 Site Plan Design: Fire Station 6 will provide service to the northeast section of Town, to meet the increasing demand for service due to population and commercial growth. Groundbreaking for Station 6 was held in April 2021.

Fire Training Center Site Plan Design: Fire Training Center expansion will provide areas for instruction, training and decontamination. The plan also includes space to maintain and store the department’s large cache of equipment.

Staff Vehicles (4): Two new Fire Marshal vehicles, Squad 1, and a Logistic Chief vehicle were put into service in 2020. The Fire Marshal pick-up trucks offer more storage space for fire investigative equipment and a secure space for evidence collected. Squad 1 responds to medical calls and provides nonemergency services to our citizens, such as installing smoke alarms during peak call times. The Logistic Chief’s truck accommodates the various equipment requiring transport between five stations and the Fire Training Center.

Fire Engine 3: To maintain a response-ready fleet of fire apparatus, MFR follows the Town of Mooresville’s Fleet Department replacement program schedule and the National Fire Protection Association’s recommendations for fire apparatus replacement. A new Engine 3 was put into service to replace an older truck. The older truck transitioned to a dependable reserve truck.

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Response Times The National Fire Protection Association allows 240 seconds (four minutes) of travel time for the first arriving Engine Company.

This is in addition to a 60-second turnout time, equaling five minutes total time from dispatch to arrival.

Mooresville Fire-Rescue has identified two areas of immediate concern that exceed the desired travel time of four minutes or less. The northeast section along Highway 801 and the southern central area along Highway 115 and Langtree Road. The addition of proposed Station 6 and Station 7 will provide service to these two areas, where increasing demand for service (due to population and commercial growth) exists.

US Fire Administration defines fire loss as an estimation of the total loss to the structure and contents, in terms of replacement in like kind and quality. This estimation of fire loss includes contents damaged by fire, smoke, water and overhaul. It does not include indirect loss, such as business interruption. The purpose for collecting property and content losses helps define the magnitude of the fire problem, provides an additional indicator of the incident severity, and can be used to evaluate the progress made in fire protection.

Overlapping incidents (separate calls occurring at the same time) significantly impact department resources and daily operations. Overlapping incidents play a key role in future operational plans, primarily the requests for additional staff and stations to keep up with the demand for service.

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PRE-INCIDENT VALUE

LOSSES

Property

$168,544,640

$1,677,940

Content

$30,576,602

$24,002

TOTAL $199,121,242

$1,701,942

YEAR

OVERLAPPING COUNT

PERCENT OVERLAPPING

TOTAL CFS

2020

3,537

46.82%

7,555

2019

4,343

56.1%

7,741

2018

3,775

53.5%

7,082

Turnout DISPATCH TO ENROUTE

ENROUTE TO ARRIVAL

Travel

DISPATCH TO ARRIVAL

TURNOUT GOAL

TRAVEL GOAL 4 minutes or less

TOTAL GOAL

5 minutes or less

MFR’S AVERAGE TURNOUT

MFR’S AVERAGE TRAVEL

MFR’S AVERAGE TOTAL

Day: 1 minute or less Night: 1.5 minutes or less

0:55 for day (07:30-19:59) 1:27 for Night (20:00-07:29)

4:07

4 Minute Response Areas Without Stations 6 & 7

Total

5:13

4 Minute Response Areas With Stations 6 & 7

Areas in white are outside of the 4 minute response time.

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Training

MFR FACILITATED 25,782 TRAINING HOURS IN 2020, AN AVERAGE OF 331 HOURS PER FIREFIGHTER: Company: 8,376 hours Driver Operator: 5,368 hours Fire Inspector: 487 hours Fire Investigator: 71 hours Mooresville Fire-Rescue provides recruit training for new firefighters and conducts ongoing, in-service training for all members. Training is managed by an Assistant Chief and supported by state-certified instructors. MFR is certified by the N.C. Department of Insurance as a Direct Delivery Agency for fire and rescue training. Delivery Agency status allows MFR to conduct certification in the following disciplines: Fire & Rescue, Structural Collapse, Confined Space, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Vehicle Driving, Incident Command and NIMS, Emergency Medical Technician, Trench Rescue, Surface/ Swift Water Rescue, Technical Rescue, Driver Operator Pumps & Aerials, and Fire Officer.

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HazMat: 1,992 hours Mutual/Automatic Aid: 16 hours New Driver/Operator: 71 hours New Recruit: 3,501 hours Officer Training: 2,558 hours Other: 234 hours Rescue: 310 hours

BLUE CARD COMMAND TRAINING PROGRAM Blue Card provides Mooresville Fire-Rescue with a training and certification system that trains company and commandlevel officers on how to standardize local incident operations across the department. This training and certification program teaches Incident Commanders to make better decisions that will potentially eliminate the lethal and/or costly mistakes that cause injury, death, and unnecessary fire losses. MFR has seven certified Blue Card instructors.

There are four main components of the Blue Card Training and Certification program:

Completion of the 40-50 hours of online training

Completion of the Simulation Evaluation Session

Continuing Education and three year recertification process

Instructor training and support program

TRAINING EVENTS

Joint Public Safety Response to Active Shooter Seminar

Managing the Inland Search Function

Search & Rescue Topo Class (conducted by NC Emergency Management)

Advanced Boat Operator Course

Recruit Class 010

Talbert Road Live Training Burn

HazMat Level A Suit Donning/Doffing Procedures

Quick Hit

Swift Water Rescue

Propane IQ – Above the Line/Below the Line Class

Technical Rescue Operations

Rescue Taskforce Training

Tower Rescue

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Special Operations Mooresville Fire-Rescue Specialized Response Teams include Technical Rescue, HazMat, Water Rescue, Wilderness Land Search and Rescue, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/Drone Program, and Bike Medic Team.

Technical Rescue employs knowledge, proficiency and equipment that exceeds what is normally reserved for firefighting. Technical Rescue incidents involve a high degree of risk because of their infrequency, yet still requires skills that are practiced frequently. Technical Rescue includes Confined Space, Trench Rescue, Extrication, High Angle, and Structural Collapse/Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Operations. In 2020, MFR responded to 13 Extrication calls for service and one Structural Collapse.

MFR’s Hazardous Materials Response Team consists of firefighters who have specialized training in the prevention and mitigation of incidents involving hazardous materials.

Our HazMat Team responded to 253 incidents in 2020.

Swift Water and Surface Water comprise MFR’s Water Rescue program. The Swift Water Rescue Team members are certified SRT Basic or SRT Advanced. Team members attend training on the Nantahala River and the Bridgewater Training Site in Morganton. Surface Water Rescue Team skills include search techniques, patient care, and dive recovery. In 2020, MFR responded to 14 watercraft, swift water, and swimming rescues and 58 severe weather, natural disaster, and flooding incidents.

MFR is credentialed by North Carolina Emergency Management in Land Search. MFR utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on all USAR deployments, as well as non-emergency assignments. In 2020, drones were deployed for 24 incidents, including one land search.

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In 2020, MFR responded to 14 watercraft, swift water, and swimming rescues and 58 severe weather, natural disaster, and flooding incidents.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 15

Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Marshal staff members coordinate the fire prevention and fire service planning efforts for Mooresville Fire-Rescue.

Services provided by the Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) include:

Construction Permits, Plans Review & Inspections – For any new construction or upfit project within Town limits that requires a building permit, a FMO review is required. During 2020, 328 construction plans were reviewed, resulting in 7,250,820 square feet of new or renovated construction.

Fire/Arson Investigations – According to State law, every fire in North Carolina must be investigated. At each fire scene, the Incident Commander begins the investigation and may refer the investigation to the FMO. Fires within Town limits may be investigated with the assistance of the Mooresville Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The FMO investigated 23 fires in 2020.

Fire Inspections & Enforcement – Annual fire prevention inspections are performed throughout the Town by the FMO. Periodic fire code inspections are required by the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code for all premises (except one and two-family dwellings) and are scheduled based on type of occupancy. In 2020, 1,801 inspections were completed.

Public Fire & Life Safety Education/Tours/Events – Programs provide information about MFR. Curriculum is age or group specific.

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P U B L I C E DU C AT I O N E V E NTS Events Presented Number of Participants Smoke Alarms Installed C0 Detectors Installed Batteries Installed Car Seats Installed

2020

2019

2018

2017

18*

162

209

204

328*

5,990

104

126

448

87

11

19

25

11

912

804

2,076

194

4*

68

42

25

15,529 20,679

* Cancelled programs due to COVID-19 resulted in significant decline in participants

2020 I N S P E C T I O N A C T I V I T I ES New Occupancy Fire Inspections

181

Violations Written

1,448

Fire Complaint

63

School Inspections

34

Significant Events JANUARY MFR’s Hazmat Team responded to a deadly ammonia leak in Iredell County. Crews continued to monitor the cold storage warehouse for days following the leak.

MFR responded to the Timber Road Warehouse Fire, a metal warehouse containing 1,000 straw bales.

FEBRUARY MFR provided mutual aid to Mount Mourne Volunteer Fire Department and Shepherds Volunteer Fire Department for structure fires at Mackwood Road and Shinnville Road. A vehicle observed at both scenes led to the arrest of three suspects. Further investigation linked one suspect to the Timber Road warehouse fire and two vehicle fires in the Coddle Creek Highway area in January. The investigation led to multiple charges in several fires in surrounding counties.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 17

MARCH A structure fire at Brentwood Apartments required assisting two residents from their secondfloor apartment. Estimated damages: $35,000

MAY During a severe storm, MFR responded to 17 weather related calls for service in a four-hour time span.

MFR typically responds to 21 calls for service in a “normal” 24-hour period.

AUGUST MRF’s Swift Water Team deployed during Hurricane Isaias to Brunswick County.

The team supported local agencies with damage assessments, determining access routes, and assisting the public.

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SEPTEMBER Four homes were struck by lightning in two separate storms. Lightning strikes from a passing storm struck three homes in the early morning hours. A fourth home was struck in a later storm, resulting in a working fire.

OCTOBER Annual smoke alarm canvasses at Villages at Oak Tree and Johnson Manor, two 55+ communities. A total of 577 batteries were replaced.

NOVEMBER The Swift Water Team deployed to Alexander County amid a catastrophic flooding event.

Thirty-one people were rescued.

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Awards, Recognitions & Celebrations 2 0 2 0 P E E R - N O M I N AT E D A W A R D S Each year, the department recognizes personnel who have been nominated by fellow staff members for their hard work and dedication.

Firefighter of the Year: Engineer Justin Sigmon Fire Officer of the Year: Captain Chris Thompson Fire Chief’s Award: Captain Brian Yon

firefighter of the year

ENGINEER JUSTIN SIGMON

LI F E SAVING C O M M E N D AT IO N Members of Engine 1 A-shift were awarded MFR’s Life Saving Commendation for their performance on a child not breathing. Due to their hard work, in conjunction with Iredell County EMS, the child was revived. Pictured from left to right: Deputy Chief Shane LaCount, Senior Firefighter Jeff Russell, Captain Brian Yon, and Engineer Jason Blackwell.

fire officer of the year

CAPTAIN CHRIS THOMPSON

f i r e c h i e f ’s a w a r d

CAPTAIN BRIAN YON

E XCHANGE C L UB O F M OORESVIL L E / L AK E N O RM A N F I REFIGHTER O F T H E YE AR Congratulations to Battalion Chief Jamie Barrier for being recognized as 2020 Firefighter of the Year by the Exchange Club of Mooresville/Lake Norman.

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MISSION L IFE L IN E GO L D PL US AWARD Mooresville Fire-Rescue, in conjunction with Iredell County EMS, received the 2020 Mission Lifeline Gold Plus Award from the American Heart Association. This award recognizes the application of the most up-todate evidence-based treatment guidelines for improving cardiac care and patient outcomes in our community.

R E C R U I T C L A S S 010 Recruit Graduates: Colby Reid, Shawnjay Holtham, Riley Donahue and Scott Hauck

ENGINE 3 D E D IC AT IO N & PU SH-IN C E RE M O N Y MFR welcomed a new Engine 3. The “pushin” ceremony dates to the late 1800s, when fire departments used horses to pull fire apparatus. After fighting the fire, crews would wash and ready the horses and the apparatus, in preparation for the next call. They would then push the apparatus into the station’s bay.

F O O D L I O N HO L I DAY COMMERCIAL Fire Station 5 and Ladder 5 were featured in Food Lion’s “The Best Tradition Is The One You Share With Your Neighbors” holiday commercial.

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R E P UBL ICAN N AT IO N AL CONVENTION Mooresville Fire-Rescue’s Battalion Chief Jamie Barrier and Technology & Innovation’s Jeff Martin were handpicked by Emergency Management to support the City of Charlotte’s communication network during the Republican National Convention.

E N GINEER K E L LY C L O N T Z R E TIR EMENT After 16 years of dedicated service at MFR, Engineer Kelly Clontz retired.

TW O FEAT URE S IN T H E N AT I O NA L F I R E SPRINK L E R AS S O C IAT IO N N E W S L E T T E R MARCH 2020 “Spotlight on Fire Sprinklers” A grease fire ignited in a hotel kitchen and then quickly spread to nearby cardboard boxes. The fire was successfully extinguished by the fire sprinkler system. The hotel’s occupants and the $11 million building were protected.

JUNE 2020 MFR was recognized in the National Fire Sprinkler Association newsletter. The fire sprinkler system in an industrial cardboard packaging facility controlled a fire, enabling 30 employees to safely evacuate. $150 million in property and contents were also protected.

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History The inception of Mooresville Fire Department began December 1885 when the Town of Mooresville paid $275 for a hand pump, fire hose, a hook, and a ladder.

Twenty-five years later on May 10, 1910, Mooresville Fire Department was officially organized under the direction of its first Fire Chief, J.H. McLelland, and included a twelve-person volunteer force. By 1920, the department resided in the Town Municipal Building on Broad Street. Members of the department established the Mooresville Rescue Squad in 1953, the third rescue squad in North Carolina. In 1970, the fire department organized the Mooresville Ambulance Service, serving the Town and southern Iredell County. The Mooresville Rescue Squad became its own entity in 1974, staffed and operated by volunteers.

When Iredell County Emergency Medical Services began providing service to the southern end of the county in 1986, Mooresville Fire Department was forced to disband its ambulance services and cut its staff.

In the years that followed, as industry and population grew, so did the fire department. In 2010, the department became a heavy rescue provider and transitioned to Mooresville Fire-Rescue. Today, the department operates five stations, the Fire Training Center, and employs ninety-five personnel. The addition of a sixth Station and expansion of the Fire Training Center are currently underway, as MFR continues to serve the diverse needs of the community.

Mooresville Fire Department located in the Town Municipal Building, Broad Street. Circa 1920

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457 North Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 664-1338 www.MooresvilleNC.gov

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