Township of Lower Merion Fire Department Annual Report

Transcription

1 Township of Lower Merion Fire Department 2016 Annual Report

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3 Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 A Letter from the Chief Fire Officer 3 Fire Department Staff 5 Mission and Creed 6 Building Fire Location Map In Lower Merion Township 7 Building Fires By Alarm Date-In Lower Merion Township 8 Building Fires By Alarm Date-In & Out of Lower Merion Township 9 Incident Type Summary Chart 10 Thirty Year Statistics 11 Number of Incidents By Alarm Hour In One Hour Time Frames 12 Incident Responses By Day of Week Year Consolidated Statistical Report 14 Training Information 15 Fire Company Response District Map 17 Fire Companies Information and Statistics Photo Highlights 25 2

4 A Letter from the Chief Fire Officer Ernie B. McNeely, Township Manager Dear Mr. McNeely, It is my pleasure to present you with the Lower Merion Fire Department s 2016 Annual Report which provides a detailed account of the past year s accomplishments and highlights. The Fire Department continues to work diligently to protect the citizens of Lower Merion Township and 2016 was no different. I am happy to report that the Fire Department scored the highest of all Township Departments with a 98% approval rating in the most recent National Citizen Survey that was distributed townshipwide. This rating ranks our fire service in the higher bracket of all fire departments in other municipalities that we were compared to nationwide. In 2016, the Fire Department moved to a new reporting database, namely Emergency Reporting. This database is the new Pennsylvania State reporting system and allows more grant opportunities while also showing an overall budgetary savings. The new database also allows for easier and more detailed reporting by our fire companies, as well as additional reporting features. The transfer of information from the old system to the new however was very labor intensive. A true team effort amongst a task force of our volunteer firefighters and some of their career staff, the Townships Information Services department, as well as my dedicated staff allowed us to accomplish this task and we made the switch to Emergency Reporting on July1, In 2016, the Fire Department conducted 643 building inspections. In addition, 85 plan reviews were conducted, 15 land development meetings were attended, and staff participated in 106 code consultations and requests with the Township s Building and Planning Department and the Public. Members of the Fire Department Office visited both public and private schools in the Township to encourage fire prevention and in partnership with these schools conducted 70 fire drills Township-wide. Lower Merion s firefighters responded to a total of 2542 incidents. Of these, 2,158 incidents occurred in the Township of Lower Merion, 80 in the Borough of Narberth, 271 in Radnor Township, and an additional 33 calls in other surrounding municipalities. Contained within this total were 11 building fires with a property value of $36.95 million. Because of our firefighters heroic responses, the resulting property value saved was $35.10 million, totaling a property value loss of $1.85 million. There were no firefighter casualties in 2016, but sadly we did witness one civilian casualty in a house fire located in the Bala Cynwyd section of the Township. In addition, there were five firefighter injuries sustained during firefighting operations and another five civilian injuries. 3

5 A Letter from the Chief Fire Officer The Township continues to support our fire companies with facility repairs and upgrades to the fire stations as well as with apparatus replacement through the Townships Capital Improvement Program. In 2016, the facility repairs and upgrades included a complete rehab of the fire tower burn building. New HVAC systems were installed in the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore and the Belmont Hills Fire Company. We replaced sidewalk and curbing at the Bryn Mawr Fire Company. In addition, we also started a roof replacement project at Union Fire Association but due to weather this will be completed in There were no apparatus purchases in 2016, but the Township did approve funding for a new Rescue truck to be ordered for the Belmont Hills Fire Company with expected delivery in late The Township also began the process of reviewing the current apparatus policy as required with the Lower Merion Fire Department Board of Directors in order to evaluate the current and future need of fire apparatus in the Township. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers and career staff for their dedicated service over the past year. It is also appropriate to note appreciation for your leadership and that of our Board of Commissioners, as well as the support of our entire Township organization, which has enabled us to provide a first-class fire service to the citizens and visitors of Lower Merion Township. Respectfully Submitted, Charles J. McGarvey, Sr., M.S., EFO, CFO, MIFireE Chief Fire Officer / Fire Marshal 4

6 Lower Merion Township Fire Department Staff Chief Fire Officer / Fire Marshal Charles J. McGarvey, Sr., MS, EFO, CFO, MIFireE Deputy Fire Marshal Frank Hand Deputy Fire Marshal Matthew Maguire Deputy Fire Marshal James McCoy 5

7 Our Mission It is the mission of the Fire Department to provide the highest level of fire protection coordination necessary to minimize life and property losses through stringent regulations, fire prevention and improved suppression capabilities. Our Creed It is our DUTY to train ourselves to be the best we can be in order to protect life and property. It is an HONOR to be able to give back to our communities and to serve you. We understand and accept the SACRIFICE and time constraints we must make in order to perform our duties. 6

8 Building Fire Locations (In Lower Merion Township) Alarm Date Between January 1, 2016 and December 31,

9 Building Fires by Alarm Date/Time (In Lower Merion Township) Alarm Date Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Incident # Alarm Date Alarm Time Location /16/16 20:19:19 49 E. City Ave. /Bala Cynwyd, PA /23/16 12:54: Chestnut Ave./Ardmore, PA /24/16 23:30: Panorama Rd. /Villanova, PA /08/16 23:50:43 18 Raynham Rd. /Bala Cynwyd, PA /24/16 03:47: W. Indian Creek Dr. /Wynnewood, PA /16/16 16:10: Simpson Rd. /Ardmore, PA /05/16 15:17: Righters Mill Rd. /Penn Valley, PA /11/16 02:32: Revere Rd. /Merion Station, PA /21/16 02:06: Summit Rd. /Penn Valley, PA /23/16 21:03: Revere Rd. /Merion Station, PA /09/16 10:49: Grays La. /Haverford, PA /16/16 10:01: Presidential Blvd. /Bala Cynwyd, PA TOTAL: 12 TOTAL PROPERTY AT RISK - $36,954,971 TOTAL ACTUAL LOSSES - $1,850,711 TOTAL PROPERTY SAVED - $35,104,260 8

10 Building Fires by Alarm Date/Time (In & Out of Lower Merion Township ) Alarm Date Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Incident # Alarm Date Alarm Time Location /05/16 09:05: Markley St. / Norristown, PA /16/16 20:19:19 49 E. City Ave. /Bala Cynwyd, PA /23/16 12:54: Chestnut Ave./Ardmore, PA /24/16 23:30: Panorama Rd. /Villanova, PA /06/16 12:04: Wood St. /Conshohocken, PA /08/16 23:50:43 18 Raynham Rd. /Bala Cynwyd, PA /18/16 18:59: N. Essex Ave. /Narberth, PA /29/16 10:59: Gulph Ln. /Upper Merion, PA /10/16 15:00: Lincoln Ave. /King of Prussia, PA /24/16 03:47: W. Indian Creek Dr. /Wynnewood, PA /07/16 04:20: Dekalb St. /Norristown, PA /13/16 02:00: W. Main St. /Norristown, PA /25/16 08:45: Highview Dr. /Upper Merion, PA /08/16 18:15: New Dehaven St. /West Conshohocken, PA /21/16 12:20: W. 6th Ave. /Conshohocken, PA /01/16 17:35: E. Matsonford Rd. /Upper Merion, PA /16/16 16:10: Simpson Rd. /Ardmore, PA /28/16 08:03: Campwoods Rd. /Villanova, PA /05/16 15:17: Righters Mill Rd. /Penn Valley, PA /11/16 02:32: Revere Rd. /Merion Station, PA /21/16 02:06: Summit Rd. /Penn Valley, PA /02/16 09:47: Chain St. /Norristown, PA /05/16 09:21: River Rd. /Upper Merion, PA /18/16 20:11: Pine Tree Rd. /Wayne, PA /19/16 17:03: Barr Harbor Dr. /W. Conshohocken, PA /31/16 22:53: Lancaster Ave. /Villanova, PA /11/16 16:21: W. Airy St. / Norristown, PA /23/16 21:03: Revere Rd. /Merion Station, PA /09/16 10:49: Grays La. /Haverford, PA /16/16 10:01: Presidential Blvd. /Bala Cynwyd, PA TOTAL: 30 9

11 Incident Type Summary Alarm Date Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 MAJOR INCIDENT TYPE # INCIDENTS % of TOTAL Fires % Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat - no % fire Rescue & Emergency Medical Service % Hazardous Condition (No Fire) % Service Call % Good Intent Call % False Alarm & False Call % Severe Weather & Natural Disaster % Special Incident Type % TOTAL % 10

12 Thirty Year Total Loss Fire Statistics (All Townships) Type Building Fires Vehicle Fires Total Fires Other Calls Township Calls Out of Town Total Calls Dollar Loss in Thousands Type Building Fires Vehicle Fires Total Fires Other Calls Township Calls Out of Town Total Calls Dollar Loss in Thousands Type Building Fires Vehicle Fires Total Fires Other Calls Township Calls Out of Town Total Calls Dollar Loss in Thousands M M M M M M M M 11

13 Number of Incidents by Alarm Hour Alarm Date Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, NUMBER OF CALLS HOUR # of CALLS 00:00-00: :00-01: :00-02: :00-03: :00-04: :00-05: :00-06: :00-07: :00-08: :00-09: :00-10: :00-11: :00-12: :00-13: :00-14: :00-15: :00-16: :00-17: :00-18: :00-19: :00-20: :00-21: :00-22: :00-23:

14 Incident Responses by Day of Week Alarm Date Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 310 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday DAY OF THE WEEK # INCIDENTS Sunday 349 Monday 357 Tuesday 363 Wednesday 390 Thursday 394 Friday 342 Saturday 347 TOTAL

15 10 Year Consolidated Statistical Report ITEM Routine Inspections Alarm System Testing/ Follow Up Code Violations Citizen Contact / Complaints Plan Reviews/ Land Development Meeting Fire Code Requests/ Consultations Fire Marshal Signs Training Programs Apparatus Testing Revenue Accounts Blasting Supervision Fire Report Requests File Searches Car Seat Inspections $4, $4,300 $5,250 $3350 $4,230 $4,200 $4,525 $3,850 $3,695 $2,

16 Training Information Professional training continues to be a critical element of the Fire Department. The Fire Department Office continued its ongoing training with the National Incident Management System, code enforcement, various fire investigation and arson courses, fire alarm and plan review, sprinkler systems and tactics and strategies in suppression operations, attended various programs at the National Fire Academy, as well as took part in national conferences. The fire training grounds continue to be used on a regular basis by our fire companies. This training enables firefighters to participate in live fire training evolutions, allowing them to enhance their firefighting skills in a controlled atmosphere a crucial function of our fire service. Deputy Fire Marshals prepared and participated in 24 supervised firefighter-training sessions with 292 firefighters in attendance, averaging approximately 12 firefighters per training session. In addition, several vehicle extrication and technical rescue drills were also conducted at the fire training grounds. The Township Fire Department acquired the use of 8 structures in 2016 to be used for specialized training before the homes were demolished. These sites provided us with the opportunity to teach hands-on classes in overhaul, forcible entry, ventilation and search and rescue techniques. During this training our firefighters practiced the proper use of hand tools such as axes, pry bars and ceiling hooks. These tools are commonly used during the overhaul process required at all building fires. STAFF SUPERVISED TRAINING ***Training Tower was not in service from January 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016.*** Total Training/Drills 24 Number of Firefighters Attending 292 Average Firefighter per session Average Length per Drill 3.1 Hrs. SUPERVISED DRILLS PER COMPANY Station 21 Penn Wynne/Overbrook Hills 3 Station 22 Belmont Hills 4 Station 23 Bryn Mawr 4 Station 24 Gladwyne 5 Station 25 Merion of Ardmore 3 Station 26 Narberth 2 Station 28 Union Fire Association 5 TRAINING DRILLS BY INDIVIDUAL COMPANY Station Station * Station 22 0 Station Station Station Station * No records input into the Fire Department Database 15

17 Training Information CIVILIAN AND SCHOOL FIRE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS Fire Department personnel presented over 57 Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Programs to students, Community groups and campers in our Elementary and Middle Schools. In addition, the fire department office conducted fire drills in schools and medical facilities. Over 11,000 students, residents and day campers were present and took part in these presentations and drills. As always, the Fire Prevention Trailer continues to be a great asset to our fire prevention program in Township schools and with the general public. At the request of our residents, the fire department office conducted ten (10) Home Safety Inspections. In addition, the department also delivered and installed twenty-six (26) smoke detectors to residences in our township and will continue to provide this service. Additionally fire department staff conducted 102 car seat installations and inspections for our residents. 34 Fire Safety Training Classes were presented to the following: Day Care Centers Resident Groups (Condo s) School Staff Scout Groups Nursing & Security Staff at institutions Surgical Centers 16

18 Fire Company Response District Map 17

19 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Station 21 Penn Wynne Overbrook Hills Fire Company 1440 Manoa Road Wynnewood, PA (610) Chief: John T. Fallon President: John P. Derham Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Heavy Rescue Truck 1 Engine 1 Utility Truck 1 Incident Support Unit Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure 18 Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses = 254

20 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Station 22 Belmont Hills Fire Company 4 S. Washington Avenue Belmont Hills, PA (610) Chief: Patrick P. Fusaro President: Rocco J. Burdo, Jr. Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Heavy Rescue Truck 1 Squad Engine 1 Utility Truck Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses =

21 The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department The Fire Department of Lower Merion Township Station 23 Bryn Mawr Fire Company 901 Lancaster Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA (610) Chief: Daniel V. Kincade President: Daniel J. Cuff Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Squad Engine 1 Engine Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses =

22 The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Station 24 Gladwyne Fire Company 1044Black Rock Road Gladwyne, PA (610) Chief: Blaine W. Leis President: Kevin P. Gallagher Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 2 Engines 1 Utility Truck 1 Air/Light Truck 1 Special Service Unit (Water Rescue) 3 Marine Units 1 Duty Officer SUV Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses =

23 The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Station 25 Merion Fire Company of Ardmore 35 Greenfield Avenue Ardmore, PA (610) Chief: Thomas C. Hayden, Jr. President: H. Brooke McMullen Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 2 Engines 1 Utility Truck Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses =

24 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Station 26 Narberth Fire Company 100 Conway Avenue Narberth, PA (610) Chief: Francis N. Dixon President: William J. Henderson Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 3 Engines 1 SUV Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure 23 Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses = 306

25 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department Station 28 Union Fire Association of Lower Merion 149 Montgomery Avenue Bala Cynwyd, PA (610) Chief: James F. Hornung President: Rob Carovillano Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 2 Engines Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure 24 Rescue / EMS Assist Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 Total Responses = 405

26 2016 Photo Highlights 2016 was not without some serious challenges putting our firefighters to the test with several fire, vehicle accidents, and severe storms. 25

27 2016 Photo Highlights 26

28 2016 Photo Highlights 27

29 Lower Merion Fire Department The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection A badge of honor, its story and tradition is hundreds of years old When a courageous band of Crusaders, known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war. It wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracens weapon was fire. As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the Saracens city, glass bombs containing naphtha struck them. When they become saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful fiery deaths. Thus, these men became the first firefighters; and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters and first aiders. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor, a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today. Since the Knights of John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross became known as the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection.. It means the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down their life for you, just as the Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. Maltese Cross, a firefighters badge of honor signifying that he or she works in COURAGE, PRIDE and HONOR a rung away from death. Township of Lower Merion Fire Department 75 E. Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA