Annual Report. Duty Pride Service. Watertown Fire Department 106 Jones Street Watertown, WI

Transcription

1 2012 Annual Report Duty Pride Service Watertown Fire Department 106 Jones Street Watertown, WI

2 Vision Statement The Watertown Fire Department will continuously strive to meet the changing needs of the community by providing a modern and technologically advanced department. We will do this by maintaining a high level of readiness and by focusing on the professional development and training of all our personnel. Motto Duty, Pride and Service Guiding Principals As members of the Watertown Fire Department, we believe in the following principles: The safety of our members and the citizens we serve is paramount. We will provide the highest quality of service to all who call upon us. We believe in duty, pride and service. We recognize and respect the rights of all we serve. We are committed to the preservation of life and property of our citizens. We believe that the professional development of our members will lead to improved quality of service. We will promote a positive environment that inspires teamwork.

3 The Watertown Fire Department is honored to present to you our 2012 Annual Report. The report outlines the programs, services, and accomplishments of the Department throughout the year. From receiving an Assistance to Firefighter Grant for replacement of a 41 year old Grass Rig, to our Fire Prevention Open House, it was an exciting year. In addition to over 2100 emergency responses, fire prevention education was provided to hundreds of children and adults. Fire personnel recorded over 6500 individual training hours, ensuring the most efficient, effective service possible. Through customer surveys, we continue to record high marks from those we have served. We appreciate your feedback and strive to incorporate your experiences into our service improvement. Thank you for your trust and confidence. We strive to respond to your needs as quickly and safely as possible, however, this is only a small part of our primary focus. The Fire Department is comprised of highly skilled, compassionate problem solvers, who are committed to providing the best care possible during often difficult circumstances. Fire Chief Greg Michalek Again, I hope you find this report informative, and I thank you for your interest and support. Mission: The mission of the Watertown Fire Department is to respond to fires, emergency medical incidents, hazardous materials incidents, and rescues on land and water to save lives, property and the environment.

4 Department History The City of Watertown was settled back in The first fire victim occurred one year later, in After experiencing many serious fires over the years, and the citizens and newspapers calling for the creation of a fire department, the fire department was established in By 1868, the City had two fire stations and heard the first call for full-time firefighters. The City purchased its first motorized fire apparatus in In 1926, the City started providing fire protection to the townships of Emmet, Shields, and Watertown. Still today, we provide protection to parts of Emmet, Milford, Shields, and Watertown. In 1930, the City hired the first full-time Fire Chief and three full-time firefighters. In 1940, the City transitioned to a predominately full-time fire department with two 8-man shifts. In 1964, the fire department moved into their current facilities, with 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, and 1 squad. Emergency Medical Services was initiated by the fire department in By 1981, the fire department had 24 full-time members and 15 Auxiliary Paid-on-call members was a historical moment, when the fire department initiated the first paramedic service in the area. The fire department experienced its largest fire, the tire fire, in July of This fire lasted several days with over 100 different fire departments responding. It was, and still is, one of the largest fire responses in the state of Wisconsin. During this fire, the City also had a devastating fire that occurred at St. Paul s Episcopal Church, sparked by a lightning strike. Damage to the church was estimated at 1.5 million dollars. On December 20, 2012, the fire department had its busiest day ever, with over 50 alarms received in a 24 hour period. This was due to a winter storm that dumped over 15 of snow on the area. Prior to the snow, we had freezing rain. At the height of the storm, the entire fire department had been recalled, and every piece of firefighting apparatus was on the street answering alarms. Today, the fire department consists of 22 full-time members and 10 Auxiliary Paid-on-call members.

5 Organizational Chart

6 Department Awards & Commendations Life Saving medals are given to any member who is involved in the successful resuscitation of a patient, who was without pulses and respirations, was resuscitated in the field, and makes a full and complete recovery. In 2012 there were three such calls in which a patient was resuscitated and awards were given. In May 2012 Firefighter/ Paramedics Brad Fox and Bill Adams were awarded the Life Saving Medal for successful resuscitation of a 28 year female. In July 2012 Firefighter/Paramedics Brad Fox, Bill Adams, Todd Christian, Chad Butler and Firefighter Brad Hering successfully resuscitated a 77 year male. In December 2012 Firefighter/Paramedics Ralph Wandersee, Scott Umland, Brad Fox and Firefighters Ken Riggs, Brad Hering, and Jay Blasé successfully resuscitated a 61 year female. Photo by Samantha Christian of the Watertown Daily Times

7 Recap of 2012 Goals 1. Implementation of new job performance requirements for training. Over 20 specific job performance requirements were integrated into our training, as an annual requirement. 2. Replacement of two staff vehicles. Two staff vehicles, one 15 years old and the other 16 years old were replaced. Both vehicles had mechanical and rust issues. 3. Complete promotional testing for assistant chief and lieutenants. Test was completed with one lieutenant being promoted to assistant chief and one firefighter promoted to lieutenant. 4. Develop and implement a program to reduce on the job injuries, lessening workers compensation pay outs and premiums. We contacted our insurance carrier, who provided training specific to us on areas where large lost dollar and time occurred. We have changed procedures and introduced new equipment to lessen injuries. Our safety committee is working to implement further to manage employee safety and health. 5. Develop a hands-on training facility on the airport property. In September we received permission from the State Aviation Authority and the FAA to proceed with the project. The land has been filled in and leveled. Crushed gravel has been set and awaiting spring to proceed with paving. 6. Design and develop a new Emergency Operations Center utilizing the Police Department training room. This project was completed along with some upgrades to equipment. It was utilized for a Water Department tabletop exercise. 7. A grant request was submitted but denied by FEMA. Their focus is the rehiring of laid off firefighters. 8. The Fire Department has smoke detectors available for free to low-income and the elderly. The Fire Department will also install the detectors free of charge. 9. The department has three residential Knox Boxes, which can be loaned out for up to three months. The Knox Box allows the fire department and EMS the ability to gain entrance into a residence without any damage. It is designed for someone who is alone and recently released from the hospital, or someone in transition to assisted living or a nursing home. 10. The Fire Department has carbon monoxide detectors which may be left at buildings. They provide a direct read as of any CO present and saves it on its memory. They will be left when a residential detector activates, but nothing is found by the fire department. Most residential units do not have a direct read or memory function. 11. The Fire Department has developed a strategic plan which was presented to the Mayor and City Council. The plan is also available on the Fire Department website at

8 Fire Suppression / Rescue The fire department consists of well-trained men and women, and their equipment, that will respond to your call for service. Our service area is approximately 101 square miles with one station. The city is square miles with the remainder rural townships. The firefighters work a modified 24/48 hour shift. There are a minimum of 5 firefighters on duty every day, with a maximum of 7. Our fleet consists of three Engines, one Ladder, one Squad, two Tenders, one Brush Truck, one Boat and three advanced life support (ALS) Ambulances. The Watertown Fire Department is a member of the Division 118 Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). Division 118 consists of 12 fire departments in Jefferson County. On a regular basis, communities face emergencies which overtax their own fire and emergency medical service capabilities, as well as their specialty response team capabilities. Being a MABAS member affords invaluable benefits to a stricken community by providing manpower and equipment assistance when needed. MABAS is a mutual aid organization that has been in existence since the late 1960 s. Heavily rooted through out Northern Illinois. MABAS first came to Wisconsin in MABAS Divisions geographically span the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Oregon and the other states i.e. Minnesota, Iowa, and Ohio are considering joining. There are 45 established Wisconsin Divisions who share MABAS with the 67 Divisions established in Illinois.

9 Emergency Medical Services The Watertown Fire Department is celebrating 20 years as a paramedic service. The paramedic program was one of the first in the State of Wisconsin and was a pilot program that was developed by MATC, the University of Madison, Watertown Hospital and Watertown Fire Department. Watertown Fire department had the first paramedics in the Dodge and Jefferson County area. Nine firefighters were sent to this pilot program to complete the program. The $40,000 cost of the training and purchase of equipment was shared by the City of Watertown and the area townships. In addition $23,000 was budgeted for overtime costs related to the training. Two of the nine original paramedics are still paramedics with the City of Watertown; they are Assistant Chief Ralph Wandersee, and Firefighter Scott Umland. When the paramedic program started the paramedics were able to give approximately 20 medications in the field. The current paramedic protocols allows for over 43 medications to be given. The highest level of pre-hospital care is the paramedic. In order to be a paramedic, the individual needs to be licensed as an EMT-Basic first and complete an entrance exam. Once accepted the individual begins a rigorous class schedule that has at least 1200 hours of training. The paramedic is trained in prehospital care and is able to provide as much care to the patient as they would in the first 20 minutes in the hospital emergency department. The paramedics are trained in many skills like inserting a breathing tube in a patient, placing a monitor on a patient and being able to interpret if a patient is having a heart attack, and being able to do some surgical procedures in the field.

10 Fire & EMS Training Becoming an accomplished firefighter takes a tremendous amount of training. Training properly is what keeps our staff alive literally. For this reason, the training is very serious about the type and level of training provided. All full time firefighters spend a minimum of 20 hours per month in training. Many times it is much more than that. Topics of training include: Fire Suppression Auto Extrication Emergency Medical Hazardous Material Water / Ice Rescue Confined Space Rescue Hose Evaluations Apparatus Operations.and much more It is the mission of the Watertown Fire Department Training Division to provide the highest quality training, inspection and evaluations to our members. This is intended to prepare our department to serve our community in the most efficient and effective means possible, and to ensure personal safety as we deliver this service. EMS Training Training is a critical function for any EMS service. As our work becomes more complex and diversified, the knowledge required, professional standards, and government regulations lead to increases in overall training needs for the Department. Documentation and records management are essential elements of that process. Maintenance of existing key programs is vital. Currently the State of Wisconsin requires that 48 hours of EMS training be performed by each Paramedic and 30 hours for each EMT-Basic every two years. The current training schedule is 4 hours a month in EMS training or 96 hours in a two year period. The training is set up by the Director of EMS based on the required hours by the State of Wisconsin and in conjunction with the Medical Director. The crews then are given monthly training schedules in with the subject and training information provided. A member from the crew is given time to prepare for the training. The training provided by the crew members is a review of known subjects. Whenever there is training on new medications or procedures, this training is presented by the medical director. Training that provides new information based on technology and studies is presented by an outside subject expert. Every two years members have to renew their CPR certificate in order to maintain their EMT-Basic or Paramedic license. The paramedics also need to renew their Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification every two years as well. Items identified in the requiring training program development or refresher training include: Medical Assessment Trauma Assessment Airway Pharmacology Venous Access Cardiology 12 Lead Interpretation Obstetrics Weapons of Mass Destruction EMS Operations

11 Public Education The primary goal of the department is to prevent fires and injuries before they occur. Our many programs are designed to educate children and adults alike in methods to prevent accidental fires and personal injuries. Additionally, the public education program strives to educate citizens in methods to deal with actual emergencies before the arrival of profession help. This last year, our Fire Prevention Open House was one of the most successful ever. Even with the constant rain, we had over 600 residents turn out for the event. We look to build upon the event to make it even bigger in 2013 with more interactive activities for children and adults. The following is a list of some of the programs we offer: Grade School Fire Safety - This is an elementary level education program focusing on fire safety and burn prevention. Fire Station Tours - Our fire station is part of the community and throughout the year clubs, local schools and citizens stop by the station for a tour. Lights N Sirens - We have partnered with public and private organizations to host a special day showcasing the services available to the public as well as demonstrations throughout the day. Fire Extinguisher Training - This program is offered to any business and their employees. The program is designed to provide citizens with a better understanding of the proper use of extinguishers and hands-on training to properly extinguish a fire in its earliest stages. Evacuation Drills - Emergency evacuation drills for fire and/or severe weather shelter in place drills are conducted for local businesses, schools and places of assembly. Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest - A poster contest held for all the grade schools. The winners of each age group receive a ride to school in a fire truck. Fire Prevention Open House - A day showcasing fire department equipment with live fire demonstrations and the fire safety house. Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention - Provide specialized counseling for youths who have played with or set fires.

12 Emergency Management During this past year we assisted Jefferson County Emergency Management in the development of a new county wide mitigation plan. It is a look into past incidents, potential incidents and what, if any mitigation plans are in place. The federal government requires such a plan be in place and be reviewed every five years. Without a current plan, federal funding is jeopardized. The City s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was moved to the police training room. This room is large enough to handle the EOC staff, as well as, the necessary support staff for a fully functional EOC. The new EOC was used for a tabletop exercise focusing on a water department event. Tornado Sirens One of the most furious and devastating quirks of nature is a tornado. Tornadoes are created by thunderstorms that develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. A violent tornado can generate winds with speeds greater than 205 mph and their duration can exceed 1 hour. In Wisconsin, peak occurrence is April through June. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3:00 and 9:00 pm, but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night. The City of Watertown has taken measures to help protect it citizens by installing an Outdoor Warning Siren System to provide early warning of impending severe weather conditions. The system is comprised of nine sirens located strategically throughout the city. A steady tone indicates a weather alert. The weather alert will be activated if a funnel cloud has been sighted, or confirmed by local law enforcement official or a trained weather spotter and is headed in our direction. During 2012, all the tornado siren radio receivers were upgraded to be narrow band compliant, in order to meet the mandated January 2013 FCC change. Tornado siren testing was switched to the first Wednesday of the month and is being set off by Jefferson County Dispatch. The siren at 7 th and Main has been replaced after a several year absence. Photo by Samantha Christian of the Watertown Daily Times

13 Incident Statistics Total Calls by Year Calls by Zone Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Town of Emmet Town of Milford Town of Shields Town of Watertown Village of Reeseville Village of Lowell Total Calls by Month

14 Incident Statistics Total Calls by Day Calls by Time of Day Training Hours Full Time Paid on Call

15 Significant Events March 3, 2012 March 12, 2012 April 13, 2012 July 1, 2012 July 1, 2012 July 23, 2012 September 19, 2012 October 22, 2012 November 10, 2012 December 3, 2012 December 8, 2012 December 20, N. Water Street House Fire Cause: Child playing with matches 1068 Bayberry Drive House Fire Cause: Accidental 605 S 2nd Street Multifamily Dwelling Fire Cause: Discarded cigarette 1741 River Drive Plane Crash with Fire Mutual Aid to Oconomowoc Business Fire 321 Summit Avenue Business / Residential Fire Cause: Undetermined W7152 Switzke Road, Johnson Creek Mutual Aid Field Fire (50 Acres) W7496 Mankse Road, Lake Mills Mutual Aide House Fire 7576 Hope Lake Road, Lake Mills Mutual Aid Grass Fire (200 Acres) 1153 Boughton Street Multifamily Dwelling Fire Cause: Electrical N111 Walton Road Barn Fire Cause: Undetermined Snow Storm 50 Emergency Calls Largest one day total of alarms ever

16 Goals & Objectives for Completion of training site. 2. Rope rescue training. 3. Confined space rescue training. 4. Train two members in fire investigations. 5. Work with Plan Commission to incorporate the Fire Department Strategic Plan. 6. Balancing of fire department boundaries with the Townships. 7. Implementation of automatic aid with neighboring departments.

17 Personnel Changes Retirements New Hire FF/Paramedic Todd Christian FF/Paramedic Matt Pieper Promotions Assistant Chief Chad Butzine Lieutenant Ken Riggs Changes in Paid-on-Call New POC Wes Jahnke Former POC Justin Martin Former POC Brian Hoida Former POC Stephen Phillips

18 Acknowledgement This report would not have been possible without the diligent effort of the department s members who, on a daily basis respond and mitigate emergencies, record incidents and dispatch information and educate the citizens of Watertown. We extend our sincere gratitude for their continued support. For more information visit us at or