Serving the Communities of. Chief s Message INSIDE. Temporary Table Rock Station. Regional Simulation Training House

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Benedict West
5 years ago
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important for our community: 1. Community View (Page 2) 2. 3. 4. The Spotlight (Page 3) 5.

Began using Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) software for dispatching engines; guaranteeing the closest engine from Fire District 3 or Medford Fire-Rescue will be sent to our critical calls.

Received national recognition of a "Firewise Community" in our district and secured access to $300,000 in grants to assist with wildland fuels reduction.

Received a $250,000 grant for the construction of a simulation house to improve public safety training at the White City facility.

In 2016 the following five major Action Items are in our crosshairs: Smoke Alarms Save Lives (Page 4-5) By The Numbers (Page 6) Determine the permanent location for the 8th fire station and

This will provide a permanent facility to house a 3-4 person crew that serves the anticipated growth of Central Point and improves service in the rural areas between Central Point and White

PulsePoint is a mobile app that allows our dispatch system to immediately alert CPR trained bystanders about a nearby sudden cardiac arrest event.

Firewise empowers neighbors to work together to reduce their wildfire risk. Fire District 3 staff assist these communities in becoming active participants in building a safer place to live.

1 FIRE DISTRICT Newsletter INSIDE Chief s Message 2015 marked the first full year of a new three year community driven strategic plan. There were several Action Items completed during the year, however, after voting by the Board of Directors, Budget Committee, and staff the following five items were determined as the most important for our community: 1. Community View (Page 2) The Spotlight (Page 3) 5. Opened the temporary Table Rock station and relocated one of the two engines stationed in Central Point to this new facility. Began using Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) software for dispatching engines; guaranteeing the closest engine from Fire District 3 or Medford Fire-Rescue will be sent to our critical calls. Responded to a record 7,325 emergency incidents in 2015, which is a 9.1% increase over Received national recognition of a "Firewise Community" in our district and secured access to $300,000 in grants to assist with wildland fuels reduction. Firewise demonstration gardens were also established at several fire stations. Received a $250,000 grant for the construction of a simulation house to improve public safety training at the White City facility. Temporary Table Rock Station 2016 will be another productive year in our quest to reduce your risk. The full strategic plan is available on our website. In 2016 the following five major Action Items are in our crosshairs: Smoke Alarms Save Lives (Page 4-5) By The Numbers (Page 6) Determine the permanent location for the 8th fire station and begin the formal planning for construction. This will provide a permanent facility to house a 3-4 person crew that serves the anticipated growth of Central Point and improves service in the rural areas between Central Point and White City. Evaluate the use of PulsePoint for our community. PulsePoint is a mobile app that allows our dispatch system to immediately alert CPR trained bystanders about a nearby sudden cardiac arrest event. The District wants to see the entire county engaged on this platform. Develop at least two additional Firewise communities. Firewise empowers neighbors to work together to reduce their wildfire risk. Fire District 3 staff assist these communities in becoming active participants in building a safer place to live. Award the home sprinkler system to one lucky resident of our rural community. Through a partnership with Claudio Alvarez Construction, the District will install a self-contained home sprinkler system from Talco Fire Systems. Build the simulation house and expand the burn containers. Our training facility will continue to provide exceptional training opportunities for Southern Oregon Public Safety. The simulation house provides clean training in a residential home environment while the burn containers allow us to conduct live fire training in a growing village of shipping containers. We invite you to stop by our stations or make contact with our staff if you have any questions regarding the activities of the District. My door is almost always open to discuss the activities of the District and I am especially proud of the work our people are doing for the community. Respectfully, Residential Burn Permit (Page 7) Regional Simulation Training House The Spotlight Continued (Page 8) Dan Petersen Fire Chief, Fire District 3 Serving the Communities of Agate Lake, Central Point, Dodge Bridge, Gold Hill, Eagle Point, Sams Valley, White City, and the VA-SORC

2 Community View SEE WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING Smoke Alarm Saves A Life On January 15, 2015 Acting Captain Lockwood, Engineer Haynes and Firefighter Jeffs responded in 7706 to a medical call in Eagle Point; the patient was transported to the hospital. Prior to leaving the residence the crew observed that there was only one smoke alarm in the residence. The crew tested the smoke alarm and found that the battery was in need of replacement and replaced the battery while on scene. On January 16, 2015 a supervisor from Mercy Flights received a phone call from the occupant, Mrs. Companion; a 49 year old female, who wanted to thank the crew of 7706 for making sure the smoke alarm was working. It saved her life. That night Mrs. Companion returned from the hospital and went to bed. She woke up to the newly serviced smoke alarm warning her of danger. Mrs. Companion went to the kitchen to find a pan with oil sitting on the lit burner and without hesitation, removed it from the flame. Upon removal, flames shot up to the ceiling so high, and she quickly acted by placing the pan in the empty sinks next to the stove. She next turned on the water and quickly doused the flames, luckily putting out the olive oil fire. Mrs. Companion describes the scene as an absolute acute split second situation, with no time but to remain calm. She was successful at putting out the fire and did not call the fire department but is certain that if it wasn t for the crew replacing the battery in her smoke alarm, the situation could have taken a drastic turn. The residence is an apartment structure that is a single story with neighbors on either side. Four units that are two stories with tall trees surround her unit. Fire District 3 does an awesome job, said Mrs. Companion. She is thankful for the thoughtfulness and care that the crew displayed and says if it wasn t for them the fire could have continued through her neighbor s walls and the whole apartment complex could have burned down.

The Spotlight LOOKING AT THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE A Career Perspective Rod Edwards, Rural Communities Chief for Fire District 3 (FD3) and Jackson County Fire District 4 (JCFD4), will be retiring

While in high school he considered following in his father s and grandfather s footsteps; working at the Weyerhaeuser Company in timber manufacturing located in Klamath Falls.

After careful consideration Edwards decided that he wanted to work in a field where he could help others in need.

Upon graduation he began working for Crater Lake National Park where he stayed for three years before returning to his home town to pursue EMT training.

3 The Spotlight LOOKING AT THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE A Career Perspective Rod Edwards, Rural Communities Chief for Fire District 3 (FD3) and Jackson County Fire District 4 (JCFD4), will be retiring from FD3 as of December 31, Chief Edwards is a native Oregonian, born in Klamath Falls. While in high school he considered following in his father s and grandfather s footsteps; working at the Weyerhaeuser Company in timber manufacturing located in Klamath Falls. His father advised against this predicting that the jobs that had once been available would not be around much longer. After careful consideration Edwards decided that he wanted to work in a field where he could help others in need. He started volunteering one day a week at the local ambulance company and realized he had found what he was looking for. Upon graduation he began working for Crater Lake National Park where he stayed for three years before returning to his home town to pursue EMT training. Rod Edwards, Rural Communities Chief His emergency services career began in 1984 when he was hired as an EMT for Peace Ambulance in Klamath Falls. He spent the next three years commuting to the Rogue Valley in pursuit of higher level medical training. The hard work and long commutes paid off when he obtained his paramedic status in Once Edwards received his paramedic license, he pursued work in the Rogue Valley, where he was hired by Medford Ambulance. In February of 1989 he made a career switch and began working for Fire District 3 as a firefighter. Edwards has been with FD3 for 27 years and has served in various roles including Firefighter, Battalion Chief, and Rural Communities Chief. When asked what some of his greatest accomplishments with FD3 were, he noted, Some of my greatest accomplishments aren t measured in projects completed, promotions, time in grade, or things of that sort. I believe that my greatest accomplishment or contributions happened when I was able to help someone in distress by making that moment in time a little bit more bearable for them. Retirement with FD3 does not mark the end of Edwards fire career as he will be stepping into the role of Fire Chief for JCFD4. I have had a wonderful experience working with JCFD4 as part of my duties with FD3 and I look forward to continuing in that role, said Edwards. Edwards will be fully retired from fire service in the not-to-distant-future and looks forward to enjoying time with his family. He and his lovely wife are blessed to have young triplets! He looks forward to spending time raising them and watching them grow. He will also be pursuing his passion of whitewater rafting and pontoon boating. To all the young firefighters who are pursuing or hope to pursue a career in fire service Edwards reminds them to never lose the excitement and the enthusiasm that brought you here. Continues on back page

5 Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Here's what you need to know! Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test your smoke alarms every month. When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years

By The Numbers WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Trending Incidents The District is ever changing and in a constant flux when it comes to the data collected each year.

Fire Emergent Medical Less than Emergent Medical Service Call Good Intent Haz Mat Condition Motor Vehicle Collision/Rescue INCIDENTS BY TYPE (2015) 3.02% 3.21% 17.61% 7.48% 16.37% 1.

Although the Central Point station alarm volume is expected to decrease, the Central Point engine is expected to see in an increase in the number of responses.

Although the number of calls has increased, there is not a proportional increase in the severity of the calls.

6 By The Numbers WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Trending Incidents The District is ever changing and in a constant flux when it comes to the data collected each year. The District has experienced an increase of over 2500 calls from the year This is attributed to the increase in population served in the District. Fire Emergent Medical Less than Emergent Medical Service Call Good Intent Haz Mat Condition Motor Vehicle Collision/Rescue INCIDENTS BY TYPE (2015) 3.02% 3.21% 17.61% 7.48% 16.37% 1.67% 45.01% 5.64% With the opening of the temporary Table Rock station, there will be a more timely response to the population density on the east side of Interstate 5. Although the Central Point station alarm volume is expected to decrease, the Central Point engine is expected to see in an increase in the number of responses. Incidents by fire station have also increased from 2014 to Aside from the increase in population, there has become a greater reliance on public services. Although the number of calls has increased, there is not a proportional increase in the severity of the calls. With the increase of infrastructure in the District and in the surrounding areas, we have seen a 22% increase in responses to motor vehicle crashes. This may be related to a combination of factors including traffic congestion and distracted driving. The increase in commercial and industrial facilities add to the number of cars on the road resulting in a higher number of motor vehicle related incidents.

Fire District 3 8383 Agate Road White City, OR 97503 Business Office: (541) 826-7100 Residential Burn Permit Inside The Spotlight Levi Swillinger, currently a firefighter at Fire District 3 (FD3),

He attended Rogue Community College (RCC) and attained his associate s degree in fire science.

He was officially hired at the District May 18, 2015.

student firefighter program made the transition to career firefighter much easier, as it provided me the fundamentals I needed to build upon once I became hired, said Swillinger.

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and life outside of work is key to Swillinger as he strives to keep persistence and perspective in all areas.

8 Fire District Agate Road White City, OR Business Office: (541) Residential Burn Permit Inside The Spotlight Levi Swillinger, currently a firefighter at Fire District 3 (FD3), began his journey as a student firefighter. Swillinger entered into the student program with high hopes, eager to learn and be part of the team. He attended Rogue Community College (RCC) and attained his associate s degree in fire science. Through the partnership between FD3 and RCC he was able to get an inside look at the fire service, allowing him to learn necessary skills and perform his duties in a professional setting. He was officially hired at the District May 18, Levy Swillinger Firefighter Board of Directors President - Jim Gillin Vice President - Colin Fagan Secretary/Treasurer - Cindy Hauser Director - Harvey Tonn Director - John Dimick Being part of the student firefighter program made the transition to career firefighter much easier, as it provided me the fundamentals I needed to build upon once I became hired, said Swillinger. He is thankful and attributes his successful transition to the student program, persistence and good study habits. Maintaining a healthy balance between work and life outside of work is key to Swillinger as he strives to keep persistence and perspective in all areas. Swillinger is grateful for those in his life, especially his father, who has been such a big catalyst in his success. The encouragement, instilled values and morals have helped to shape who he is today. He hopes to continue to be passionate about the work he does and to have a successful career with Fire District 3. Since stepping into the position of career firefighter, some of my biggest highlights come with spending more time with likeminded individuals who strive to improve themselves every day in order to provide the best service possible to the patrons of our District, said Swillinger. Being part of a professional and progressive organization like FD3 has challenged and help make Swillinger better in his career. Swillinger urges all current and prospective students to take the opportunity of being a student firefighter and explore all aspects of the fire service to ensure that it s a path in line with their personal goals and core values. Executive Team Fire Chief - Dan Petersen Operations Chief - Mike Hussey Fire Marshal - John Patterson Division Chief/Training - Dave Blakely Chief Finance Officer - Stacy Maxwell

Jackson County Fire District 3 Strategic Planning. Community Meeting on November 20-21, 2014

Jackson County Fire District 3 Strategic Planning Community Meeting on November 20-21, 2014 1 Today Review our Vision, Mission and Overview of District 2012 Strategic Plan and the Strategic Planning process