THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MENOMONEE FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Transcription

1 The MFFD Hot News THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MENOMONEE FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT January, 2009 Volume 13, Issue 1 And the Award goes to...! It s that time of year again! Planning is underway for the annual MFFD Awards Banquet! All are invited to attend, from our new recruits to our retired members. Guests are welcome. We will take time to honor members, reflect on last year s experiences, socialize, eat and drink. Details to follow in the February Hot News! Thank You Bernice By Debby Coon We would like to give special recognition to Bernice Busch, a senior volunteer who helps in the office at MFFD most Wednesday mornings. She has been doing this for a number of years now and do we appreciate it. One project that Bernice has faithfully helped in is getting the Hot News folded, inserted and stuffing those that are to be mailed. Since Tuesday nights were always a busy night for me, when Bernice started assisting us on Wednesdays, I could leave part of the Hot News project for her, knowing it was in good hands and I could be to bed at a reasonable hour. Bernice we are truly grateful and thankful for the time and effort you have given us at MFFD. Thanks again! Have a safe and prosperous 2009!

2 NEWS FROM THE TRAINING BUREAU By: Captain Jim Taylor Spring Semester Classes Anyone who has not registered for classes or has not come in to fill out the commitment form needs to do so as soon as possible. Many of the classes for the Spring Semester are full, but there are some that still have openings. Check with me for availability. Mandatory Training For 2009, there will be more emphasis on documenting completion of mandatory training. Many of you have already received s from me requesting records for past training. This is an attempt to make sure the department has clear documentation of all required trainings and to keep your files as accurate as possible. I apologize for any inconvenience. In addition to previously mandated courses, all members need to complete the ICS 200.a class provided online by FEMA. This course, entitled ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents is free and available online. The course can be accessed at This class builds on ICS 100 and should make the NIMS system easier to understand. When you have passed the test, FEMA will send you an with a link to your certificate. Just forward that to me, and I will take care of updating your file. All members need to have this course finished by June 30, Menomonee Falls Fire Department Monthly Incident Counts By Station for 2008 Station # Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Percent % % % % Total Runs by Month Jan 229, Feb 254, Mar 208, Apr - 223, May - 225, Jun 235 Jul 221, Aug 216, Sep 214, Oct 204, Nov 191, Dec Grand Total Runs: 2677

3 Upcoming Hot Events JANUARY 6-9AM Fire Trng - Ice Rescue Classroom at Sta 3 7PM Fire Trng Sta 1 - Ice Rescue Classroom at Sta 3 Sta 2 - Ice Rescue Classroom at Sta 3 Sta 3 - Ice Rescue Classroom at Sta 3 Explorer Training - 12 CPR School Dist Sta AM Fire Trng - BBP, TB Skin Test at Sta 3 7PM Fire Trng - Sta 1 - BBP, TB Skin Test at Sta 3 Sta 2 - BBP, TB Skin Test at Sta 3 Sta 3 - BBP, TB Skin Test at Sta 3 14 CPR School Dist Sta 3 15 ALL Read TB Skin Tests at Sta 3 Proby Class Final Written Exam at Sta AM Fire Trng - Ice Rescue Practical at Sta 3 7PM Fire Trng - Sta 1 - Protecting Evidence/ Fire Cause Sta 2 - Traffic Incident Management Sta 3 - Ice Rescue Practical Proby Class Final Practical Exam at Sta PM Officers Meeting 27-9AM EMS Trng - Defib/ Combitube at Sta 3 7PM EMS Trng - Sta 1 - CPAP Course at Sta 1 Sta 2 - CPAP Course at Sta 1 Sta 3 - Defib/ Combitube at Sta 3 Proby Class Module 1 at 7PM at Sta 4 JANUARY MFFD BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES January Birthdays 01/01 Joel Anderson 01/04 Richard Burgess 01/09 Aaron Koepke 01/14 Pat Keller 01/19 Brandon Schauz 01/26 Kevin Budzien 01/30 Donna Schneider Thought For the Month A happy New Year! Grant that I May bring no tear to any eye When this New Year in time shall end Let it be said I've played the friend, Have lived and loved and labored here, And made of it a happy year. ~Edgar Guest Trivia Question During the four-year period of , U.S. fire departments responded to how many home fires per year that started with Christmas trees? A. 240 B. 510 C. 860

4 MFFD - HAPPENINGS OF INTEREST DECEMBER /01/08 Dispatched for stove fire at residence on Longwood St. Fire Department crew were met at the front door by owner who stated that she was cooking food in oven when it began to smoke. She then called her neighbor who arrived in the kitchen and found the inside of the Electric stove sparking with some small flames. The neighbor extinguished the small flames with an ABC extinguisher. He then pulled the oven away from the wall and unplugged it from the wall assisted the owner with opening a door and window in the house to help rid the kitchen and living room from smoke. 12/15/08 - Dispatch called station 2 and informed us of police aid request for assistance at an animal rescue - a goose was stuck in the ice at the pond at Kohl's Corporate. Filled water cooler with warm water and took 2752 non-emergent to Kohl's Corporate. Upon arrival, found a goose with it's feet, belly, and wings frozen in the ice near the center of the pond. Police aids were trying to use shovel to chip away ice. Used axe to cut the ice around the goose and brought the goose on the loose chunk of ice up to the dry land. Continued to free goose using pick and warm water. Goose was finally freed from ice and placed in crate for aid to take to animal hospital. 12/18/08 - Dispatched for a report of a structure fire on Stonefield Rd. Upon arrival 2772 found a two story wood frame house with no smoke nor flame visible made entrance to the house and found a light haze of smoke on the first floor and a moderate amount of smoke in the basement of the structure. The cause of the smoke appeared to be coming from the ash collection area of the chimney. A small access door was opened to gain access to the collection area where smoke and embers were visible. A garden trowel, flat shovel, and a bucket were used to remove smoldering debris from the ash collection area. A water pump can and a pressurized water extinguisher were used to extinguished the embers in the ash collection area. A negative pressure fan was set up at the top of the basement stairs and all windows were opened to aid in the removal of smoke. 12/25/08 Responded to two mutual aid calls for residential fires. First request was in the morning for a fire in Brookfield. Later in the afternoon 2791 was requested to assist Germantown at a residential fire. TRIVIA ANSWER A. 240 Compiled by: Donna Schneider During the four-year period of , U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries, and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually. Fortunately, these fires are not common, but when they do occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 15 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death. Fifty-nine percent of the home Christmas tree fires occurred in December; 24% occurred in January. Source: NFPA's Fire Analysis and Research Division

5 Is he smiling because it is his last full day before retirement? Chief Coon s Retirement By Deputy Chief Kroop Chief Coon, from the beginning of his career at MFFD has set an example for dedication and commitment to excellence in the fire service. From his first position as a Paid On Call member to the ultimate Chief position he has experienced every level on the department except a volunteer on Standby. A more organized person I have never met. He has spreadsheets and files for most every aspect of the fire department personnel and operations. If there was a question regarding a policy that was implemented in 1995, Chief Coon could produce a copy of the original without hesitation. There is no doubt that there will be changes at MFFD in the future. However, most members of the department have benefited in some way by Chief Coon s presence over the years. I for one appreciate having worked with and been influenced by him as a member of the fire department. Chief, enjoy your free time in retirement.

6 Heating Equipment Fires Facts and Figures In 2005, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,200 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 670 civilian deaths, 1,550 civilian injuries, and $909 million in direct property damage. In 2005 heating equipment fires accounted for 16% of all reported home fires (second behind cooking) and 22% of home fire deaths. Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (32%) of the home heating fires and three-fourths (73%) of home heating fire deaths in Excluding small confined fires, heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, is by far the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) and home heating fire deaths (53%). Source: NFPA s Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment report by John R. Hall, Jr., November Foolproof Chocolate Fudge 3 (6oz) packages semisweet chocolate morsels 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk Dash of salt Congratulations! On December 13, 2008 Aaron and Kristin Koepke became the proud parents of a 9 lb 13 1/2 oz bouncing baby boy named Benjamin James. 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt morsels with condensed milk. Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients. Spread evenly into wax paper-lined 8- inch square pan. Chill 2 to 3 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off paper and cut into squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.