City of Corona Fire Department ANNUAL REPORT Mission Statement

City of Corona Fire Department 2006 ANNUAL REPORT Mission Statement: T he mission of the Corona Fire Department is to protect lives, property and the environment in the City of Corona by providing comprehensive, integrated, "All Risk" fire protection, emergency medical services and other emergency services that result in social, economic and environmental benefits for the people of Corona. Fire Chief Michael Warren Message From the Chief: On behalf of all the members of the Corona Fire Department, I am very pleased to bring to you our annual report. 2006 brought many new, exciting, and challenging events for the department. The most notable change was the funding approval and hiring of staff for Ladder 7. Another milestone was the ordering of our first Red Fire Engine since the 1960’s. As of this writing the new engine has been delivered and should be in service in the next several weeks. We experienced another year of significant mutual aid responses. All of us can be extremely proud of our firefighters, prevention staff, and support staff. Even though not everyone responded on these calls, those that stayed behind made it possible for those who did respond to save lives and help others in their most desperate time of need. 2006 also brought to us another busy year of emergency calls in the City of Corona. Although we did not break the 10,000 call number we responded to 9833 emergency calls for service. We answered over 90% of those calls in less than 6 minutes, with no serious accidents or injuries. (continued on page 5) ANNUAL RESPONSES 1996-2006 ANNUAL RESPONSES 1994-2004 Insert bar graph? Ladder 7 Contact Information: City of Corona Fire Department 400 South Vicentia Avenue Corona, CA 92882-2187 (951) 736-2220 • FAX: (951) 736-2497 • Email: fire@ci.corona.ca.us www.discovercorona.com/depts/fire 2006 Annual Report Page 2 OPERATIONS DIVISION The Operations Division provides protection for our citizens and Operations Accomplishments visitors with a full service response force. This includes protection of life and property from the destructive forces of fire and the protection of life, environment, and property from hazard- ♦ Provided a rapid response force at 7 fire stations on a constant, 24-hour basis. ous materials releases. It also provides advanced and basic life ♦ Responded to several major emergencies throughout support at medical emergencies, participates in search and resSouthern California such as the Day Fire, the Esperanza cue operations, responds to other catastrophic events, and proFire, the Shekall Fire, the Nowhere Fire, the Emerald vides other life saving measures as needed. This division also Fire, the Golf Fire, the Soboba Fire, and the Sierra Fire. provides mutual aid throughout the State and automatic aid and ♦ Assisted the U.S. Forest Service with family support and contractual aid with surrounding communities. funeral planning after the tragic deaths of the 5 mem2006 Activity bers of Engine 57. ♦ Participated in numerous public education and fire preBuilding Fires 145 vention activities, including Fire Safety Trailer presentaOther Type Fires 338 tions to all 3rd graders in the City. ♦ Maintained fire facilities, apparatus, equipment and EMS/Rescue 6,759 personnel in a state of readiness for emergency responses and non-emergency requests for service. Hazardous Materials 199 ♦ Worked cooperatively with surrounding jurisdictions for Public Service 448 incident preplanning and logistical coordination. ♦ Coordinated, collaborated, and planned with other City False Alarms/Good Intent 1,812 departments such as Police, Public Works, and Water & Power for emergency responses and customer service Other 132 within the City. Total Incidents 9,833 ♦ Placed Ladder 7 into service. TRAINING DIVISION Training is responsible for managing all aspects of training related to the department. This is accomplished by maintaining all training records, extensive involvement in course and instructor development and presentation, maintaining and updating training manuals and libraries, administering skill maintenance testing and instruction, providing required training records and documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and development of goals and objectives. The program assists in setting standards, recruiting, and testing for positions within the Suppression Division. The program also assists with community education, outreach programs and preparedness for emergencies. Training Accomplishments ♦ Tactical Presentations to all fire crews on the following topics: Residential Ventilation Vehicle Extrication Firefighter Survival Interior Search Techniques Victim Rescue & Rapid Intervention Crew Live Fire & Incident Command Exercise in an acquired structure Firefighter Safety Stand Down focused on Driving Safety Initial Action Incident Commander ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Administration of Health & Wellness Program Completed Probationary Testing for 11 new Firefighters New Hire & Promotional Exams for Firefighter (500 candidates), Engineer (4 candidates), and Captain (7 candidates) 4-week Recruit Academy for 9 recruit firefighters Facility Improvements including the Fire Behavior Demonstrator Reinstitution of Evaluated Drills Community CPR presentations, certified 172 students. 2006 Annual Report Page 3 ADMINISTRATION DIVISION Administration consists of the Fire Chief, Administration/Deputy Fire Chief, Senior Management Analyst, and clerical support staff. They provide management and budgetary oversight and clerical support for the department. This section provides clear direction to all employees regarding performance of the Department’s Mission and Corporate Plan. They endeavor to research facility, apparatus, and staffing needs to keep current with the changing fire protection needs of the community. “Admin” reaches out to continue cooperative relationships with our neighboring jurisdictions. The Emergency Medical Services Delivery System and Apparatus and Communications Division are also managed by Admin. Administration Accomplishments EMS DIVISION EMS is responsible for managing the pre-hospital emergency medical care delivery system within our City. This includes our department’s Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician programs. In order to maintain an effective and efficient delivery system, EMS plans, coordinates, and implements a Continuous Quality Improvement Program for the system. EMS Accomplishments ♦ 4 firefighters graduated from Paramedic School. ♦ Continued implementation of CQI Plan ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Conducted recruitments and background investigation to hire nine new firefighters and four other employees. Reorganized the Office Support Staff and added a new position utilizing existing Fire Department funds. Performed upgrades to our Administrative Offices to better utilize existing space. Allocated funds and planned projects that will enhance our Mobile Data Computers and Computer Aided Dispatch so that by the end of 2007, Fire Department Units will be automatically dispatched to emergencies based on their real time location. with new programs: Field Observation, Peer Review, Customer Survey. Completed PCR Documentation Guidelines. Entered into a joint EMS Agreement with Norco FD to provide EMS services. Patients treated totaled 6,697. We treated the following: Altered Level of Consciousness Cardiac Arrest Chest Pain Stroke/CVA Difficulty Breathing/Respiratory Arrest Trauma (Major) EMERGENCY SERVICES The Emergency Services/Disaster Preparedness Program ensures that the City is ready for major emergencies. This is accomplished through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), regular training and exercises, and overall coordination of the City’s preparedness efforts. Areas covered include Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), the EOP, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation. APPARATUS & COMMUNICATIONS The Apparatus Maintenance Division is responsible for the preventative and routine maintenance and repair of our fire apparatus fleet and related tools and equipment. The Communications Section is responsible for the installation and maintenance of radio equipment and other types of communications devices. Apparatus & Communications Accomplishments Emergency Services Accomplishments ♦ Disaster Preparedness Planning Team re-implemented. Each ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ City Department is represented in a bi-monthly meeting discussing and planning preparedness efforts. Emergency Services attained division/program status within the Fire Department. Assisted City Departments on Disaster Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Metropolitan Water District Lake Mathews Dam Inundation tabletop exercise at County EOC in March 2006. Trained City volunteers in American Red Cross Shelter Operations in April 2006. Assisted a Regional Committee on Creation of “Mass Care and Shelter Guidance”. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ (continued on page 6) In March we placed into service a new KME Pumper at Fire Station 1. In October we welcomed Robert Bell as our new Fire Apparatus Mechanic 1. In June we welcomed Charles Patterson who filled a vacant Radio/Safety Technician position. Implemented a Simulcast Radio System and Microware Radio System preventative maintenance program. Managed an Apparatus/Communications contract with the City of Norco Fire Department. 2006 Annual Report Page 4 CORONA FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION LOCAL 3757 Members of the Corona Firefighters’ Association once again have demonstrated their commitment to the community for which they serve. One of the highlights of 2006 was receiving the “Outstanding Nonprofit Award” at the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership Meeting. We had two outstanding fundraisers which included a golf tournament and our 29th Annual Auto Extrication Seminar. The money raised is redirected back into our community. Bringing happiness to Honorary Firefighter DJ Thane and his family continues to be a primary focus for the CFA. We participated in two “Fill the Boot” campaigns. Several thousand dollars were raised for the MDA and for the families of the 5 firefighters who were tragically killed at the Esperanza Fire. We put together an outstanding “Relay for Life” team and raised money for the American Cancer Society. Our members are active in the Inland Empire Burn Institute and several have recently served as camp counselors at the special burn camp for kids. For the second year in a row, the CFA adopted Eisenhower Elementary and provided personal dictionaries for every third grader. We acquired office space at the Historic City Hall and now have a place to conduct business and call home. We finished the year with an extraordinary “Spark of Love” toy drive for underprivileged children within our community. We wish to thank our fire department and city leaders, the business community, and the citizens of Corona for their strong support of the Corona Firefighters’ Association. Outstanding Nonprofit Award Winter Camp DJ Thane’s 16th Birthday Auto Extrication 2006 Annual Report Page 5 PREVENTION DIVISION The Prevention staff is responsible for enforcement of the California Fire Code and partners with property owners to develop compliance strategies and timelines to meet these requirements. Major activities include reviewing building construction plans, inspection of new construction, conducting Fire Safety Education programs, administration of the City’s Hazardous Materials Disclosure program, and fire safety inspections performed by engine companies. This division is also responsible for conducting investigations of all suspicious fires. Activity Bureau Inspections Engine Company Inspections Permits Issued Plan Checks Public Education Presentations Fire Investigations Hazmat Permits Issues Number 1691 1728 253 1724 130 Prevention Accomplishments ♦ Coordinated the inspection of occupancies for compliance with fire and life safety requirements. ♦ Performed reviews of construction plans, improvement plans, permit operation plans, development plans, and fire protection system plans for compliance with adopted codes and national standards. Conducted associated field inspections during construction. Completed inspection and sought abatement of properties deemed a fire hazard and required fuel modification in new developments. Inspected State Regulated Occupancies for Health & Safety Code compliance. Provided public information and education to reduce the top three preventable fire causes. Surveyed all businesses for use of hazardous materials above threshold reporting quantities. Field verified disclosures, maintained accurate electronic inventories, business emergency plans, and issued hazardous materials permits to local businesses. Participated in our annual Fire Service Day and Fire Prevention Week activities. Reduced fire injuries and deaths to 50 percent less that the national average for 2006. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 41 733 FIRE SERVICE DAY ♦ (Continued from Message from the Chief—Page 1) This fact is directly attributable to the extensive training and the outstanding leadership of our Chief Officers and Company Officers (Captains). Our Fire Prevention Division and suppression staff handled more inspections, plan checks, and hazardous materials issues than ever before. Due to their tireless, dedicated efforts working along side of other city departments, our community has some of the safest buildings for a community our size. This leads to the safety of the public as well as our firefighters who may have to enter these structures under extreme conditions. Our commitment to serving our community never ceases to amaze me and make me proud. That commitment has become the hallmark of the Corona Fire Department. Our treatment of one another with respect and dignity spills over into how we treat the public; and it is noted and appreciated by all. One of the most notable facts is the way all members of the department pull together to help each other and the community to provide our services. The services we provide, from Fire Suppression to Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials response, Disaster Preparedness, Fire Prevention, and Public Education, are what helps make Corona a great place to live and work and leads to our collective and individual success. From our Administrative Staff, who often times are the only contact the public may have with our department and sees to it we are supported in our efforts, to our Communication and Apparatus Maintenance personnel, who ensure we can communicate when necessary and that our vehicles are safe and in proper working order, to our Training Division, who keep our personnel trained and current, to our EMS personnel, who ensure our emergency medical skills and supplies are the very best, to all of the Chief Officers, who provide the effective leadership, they all make up a truly remarkable team and define the fire service family here in Corona. The continued success of the department depends on the collaborative support and interaction with the community and each of us everyday doing our part, staying focused and always remembering “to do what’s right”. Our department continues to enjoy the tremendous support from our City Council and City Manager. Without their continued support and cooperation, our department would not have the success it achieves and our community would not be the safe community it is with one of the lowest loss rates and lowest insurance rates of any city our size. In closing, I wish to extend my personal appreciation to all of the members of the Corona Fire Department and their families, whose support makes our success possible. “Everyone Goes Home” 2006 Annual Report Page 6 PROMOTIONS Terrie Villalpando Jackie Vandagriff Office Manager Sr. Administrative Assistant Kelley Harper NEW HIRES Office Assistant Office Assistant Office Assistant Emerg. Svcs. Assistant Radio/Safety Equip Tech Mechanic Inspector 1 Inspector 1 Volunteer Volunteer Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Leandra Hendrix-Garcia Tammy Gonzalez Gina Perez Service Years Chuck Patterson Robert Bell Laura Bednar Kimberly Powers Charlotte Duffy Scott Allen David Bognacki RETIREMENT Name Rank Radio/Safety Equip Tech Bob Laag 19 FIRE SAFETY TRAILER 121 classroom presentations given to 2,413 students and 154 teachers and staff members during 2006. Plus numerous visitors on Fire Service Day and Park Days. Chad Easter Brian Edmisten Alex Giffin Marcus Haney Michael Leckliter Paul Miramontez Brett Panceroff (Continued from Emergency Services-Page 3) ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Corona Emergency Operations Center Tabletop Exercise on Mass Care and Evacuation in May 2006. National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-700 and other federal requirements implemented for National compliance. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training offered to the community in the Spring and Fall. An additional 34 persons were trained. Disaster Operations for City Workers training began, encompassing ICS –100, 200, and 700. Attended County and Regional Emergency Management meetings. Welcomed Gina Perez, Emergency Services Assistant. Jamie Pirritano RECRUIT ACADEMY #31 FIRE SERVICE DAY October 7