GREENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT Station 41

2020 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Statements…..………………………………………………………………………………… 2 From the Desk of Chief Kais ……………………………………………………………. 3-4 Organizational Chart ………………………………………………………………………. 5 Personnel ………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Budget …………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Emergency Responses – Past 10 Years ……………………………………….…. 8 Emergency Response Stats …………………………………………………………… 9-11 Emergency Run Stats ……………………………………………………………………. 12 Little Changes Lead to Big Progress ………………………………………………. 13 2020 Dealing with COVID ……………………………………………………………… 14 Ems Operations and Training ………………………………………………………… 15-16 Fire Operations ……………………………………………………………………….……. 18 Fire Department Training ……………………………………………………………… 20-21 Apparatus and Equipment ……………………………………………………………. 22-26 Fire Inspections ……………………………………………………………………………… 27-28 “The End of an Era” ………………………………………………………………………. 29 Community Education and Fire Prevention ……………………………………. 30-31 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus ………………………………………………. 32 Car Seat Inspection Program ………………………………………………………….. 33

Mission Statement

The mission of the Greendale Fire Department is to protect the lives and property of Greendale residents, visitors, and all who call upon us with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

Our mission shall be accomplished through proactive fire prevention, education, and inspection efforts. We shall focus on training and be prepared to provide emergency medical, fire suppression, and special services when called upon.

Vision Statement

The Greendale Fire Department will continually evaluate trends, assess the needs of the community, and make changes to the services we provide to meet and exceed community expectations.

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From the Desk of Chief Kais

Trustees, Commissioners, Department Heads, and Citizens of the Village of Greendale – we made it through 2020!

This past year was full of movement at the Fire Department. I was appointed Fire Chief on January 6 following the retirement of Tim Saidler after 33 years of service to the Village and the last ten of those as your Fire Chief. Captain Dean Kozelek retired after 25 years of service. And, with those retirements came promotions. Jeremy Childers was promoted to Captain in charge of EMS Training and Operations and Jeff Sczerzen was promoted to Lieutenant, helping with training, IT and EMS supplies. We filled the open firefighter position by hiring Tim Couillard who has a strong EMS background working in upper management at Bell Ambulance along with firefighting with the Tess Corners Fire Department.

2020 was both unique and challenging. With two months under my belt as Fire Chief, we were hit with an unprecedented global pandemic. In addition, this year brought about challenges in the form of racial equity, civil unrest, and whether or not to vaccinate. I would like to walk you through some of these challenges from the Fire side of things. I believe we have made great strides in dealing with these issues.

COVID-19 started in March 2020. I was in meetings on average four hours per day, six days a week, with Health Department officials, Milwaukee County Chiefs, Milwaukee County Operations and Milwaukee County Medical Director, Dr. Ben Weston. Every day at the beginning, new information came out: PPE concerns, should we continue to transport people to the hospital or should we do evaluations and try and keep people isolated to their homes, and how we were going to protect ourselves.

The variety of daily changes has been taxing on our Dispatchers as I was giving them different information every other day on what our responses should look like. The Dispatchers were taxed with asking COVID questions on each and every call, ensuring the safety of all.

One of my priorities upon coming to Greendale was to obtain a Lucas Device, a mechanical CPR machine, which we did toward the end of the year.

Early on in the pandemic, Milwaukee County Fire Department designated COVID-19 response rigs. Greendale Fire Department members took part in this response, and some of us ran out of Franklin’s station on the COVID med rig. Questions quickly came up - how do we disinfect our rigs after each call, what do our members wear and how do we stay safe. After about 3 months of changes, the Fire service got a handle on common protocols on how we will dress, how we will respond and how transports to the hospitals would be handled. We continue to take precautions on every call we go on; we use the proper PPE for every patient we encounter, N-95 masks, eye protection, gloves and gowns when needed. We wear masks in the firehouse during our normal day.

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For the most part, we remained healthy and fully staffed; we had three members who tested positive and we had members who quarantined themselves because family members tested positive. I would personally like to thank the Health Department for offering test kits to us and for offering the vaccine. We have 64% of our staff at this time that has gotten the vaccine with the rest of our members having access should they choose.

Protests and civil unrest issues certainly have come to our attention. We have developed protocols, trainings, and round table discussions. We have worked with our Police Department and will continue to coordinate on these matters.

2021 will bring us new and exciting challenges as COVID-19 continues. We will be entering into shared services with the other Milwaukee County Fire Departments and we will be bringing on our Flex Firefighter...stay tuned!

Kenten Kais Fire Chief Greendale Fire Department

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2020 PERSONNEL

Appointed Fire Chief Kenten Kais FF Tim Couillard

Promoted Jeremy Childers- Captain Jeff Sczerzen- Lieutenant

Retired Chief Tim Saidler- 33 years Captain Dean Kozelek- 25 years

Resigned None Demoted None Terminated None

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2020 FIRE BUDGET

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE 10 YEARS

YEAR TOTAL EMS FIRES CO FIRE ALARMS CALLS LOSS 2020 2,195 1,905 57 25 $22,500 2019 2,016 1,701 29 $515,800 2018 2,110 1,810 23 $79,010 2017 2,288 1,974 40 $263,440 2016 2,204 1,949 39 $883,200 2015 2,029 1,819 44 $284,650 2014 2,031 1,790 36 $208,400 2013 1,897 1,652 35 $65,110 2012 1,749 1,501 38 $70,000 2011 1,625 1,400 47 $405,000 2010 1,646 1,398 55 $27,500

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EMERGENCY RUNS

Monthly Call Volume

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EMERGENCY RUNS Mutual Aid Given

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EMERGENCY RUNS Mutual Aid Received

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EMERGENCY RUN STATS

Mutual Aid Aid Given 290 calls (Up 111 runs from 2019) Aid Received 184 calls (Same as 2019)

Overlapping Calls 450 calls 21% of total calls (Two or more at once)

Lights and Siren – Average Response Time (Dispatch to Arrival)

EMS 4:44 min/sec Fire 6:34 min/sec Average 4:58 min/sec

Lights and Siren – Average Turnout Time (Dispatch to Enroute)

EMS 1:58 min/sec

Fire 2:14 min/sec

Average 1:57 min/sec

Average Time on Scene - 17:37 min/sec

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LITTLE CHANGES LEAD TO BIG PROGRESS Lieutenant Jeff Sczerzen

2020 will go down as the year that has shown all of us that the way we operate and function as a society and as an organization needs to change. Here at the Greendale Fire Department we were no different. The pandemic showed us that as a whole we need to find better ways to be more efficient and effective in the way we conduct administrate tasks, more specifically the process for which we bill for ambulance transports and the technology we use to do so.

For the past 10 years or so, the Greendale Fire Department has had one of the lowest billing rates in Milwaukee County. A county that has the same ambulances, that provide the same level of care, under the same medical direction that the Greendale Fire Department has. These rates are broken down as BLS (basic life support) calls and ALS (advanced life support) calls. These calls are also broken down further with different rates for those who are residents in the Village of Greendale and those who reside outside the villages boundaries.

With the new progressive leadership of Chief Kais came a more focused strategic vision for the Department. Chief Kais went to the Village Board and persuaded them to increase the billing rates that the Department charges for its transports and other supplies.

The Village Board agreed and passed the measure after the Chief presented the Board with the amount of revenue that was currently being lost and the figures of the revenue that would continue to be lost into the future with no action.

Going along with the rate increases for ambulance calls, the Greendale Fire Department also switched its third-party billing company who handles billing for these ambulance calls. The Department previously used a company that charged a 6.5% flat fee of the total amount of revenue collected by the Department. To maximize the returns of billing for ambulance calls, the Department located a company that is the provider for the software used to document and bill on each and every ambulance call to which the Department responds. This company only charges a 6% flat fee of the total amount collected and offered an array of other services and customer support. This switch to a different third-party billing company allows the Department to have all of its documentation and billing for our ambulance calls through one company. This allows for a much sleeker and streamlined service delivery that offers better security, oversite, and also an added cost savings in the long term.

Though these increases and cost savings may be small on paper, they will end up making a major positive impact in the years to come. Especially as the calls for Greendale’s ambulance continues to increase. The extra revenue that is brought in by the Greendale Fire Department is deposited into the general fund which allows the Village of Greendale to keep offering and maintaining their high level of services our residents have come to expect.

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DEALING WITH COVID-19 Lieutenant Kyle Kierzak

In March of 2020, COVID changed the way we operate. Greendale and the entire world dealt with problems not witnessed in modern times. Schools closed, businesses shut down, social distancing and the wearing of masks became our new normal.

The COVID pandemic impacted everything we do and we have had to adjust our procedures. From closing our station to public access, to adding more PPE for medical calls, increased decontamination everywhere we go, and adopting new response protocols meant to lower exposure of our personnel as we dealt with COVID. These added responses with increased precautions came at a significant increase in spending to ensure we followed CDC guidelines and did our best to keep everyone safe.

CORDLESS ELECTROSTATIC BACKPACK SPRAYER The Village purchased a Victory Innovations Cordless Electrostatic System which places a positive charge on the liquid before entering the nozzle, allowing the maximum levels of liquid to be charged and sprayed at negatively. The Electrostatic spray is kept at the Fire Station and used by Fire Department personnel throughout the Village as needed.

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EMS OPERATIONS & TRAINING Captain Jeremy Childers 2020 was an exciting year of firsts for the Greendale Fire Department. The Village hired our first Paramedic Chief. Chief Kais came to us with years of experience as a paramedic with Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls. With that extensive experience, Chief Kais has been able to provide a new perspective on advanced equipment that provides cutting edge patient care in the field.

One of the most exciting additions was our first Lucas mechanical CPR device. This CPR device allows paramedics to place the patient on the machine while concentrating on other critical life-saving measures. The Lucas device performs the high-quality mechanical CPR at the best rate and depth for patient survival.

The Greendale Fire Department is an advanced life support provider. This means that we operate at the paramedic level. The Department is under the medical direction of the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with Dr. Ben Weston as the medical director. Our paramedics operate under standing orders from the medical director. This means that our paramedic ambulances bring the emergency room to your home.

EMS Operations Greendale’s Paramedic Ambulances run with 2 paramedics for basic life support calls and 2 paramedics along with 2 additional firefighters on advanced life support calls. Critical life-saving interventions are completed on scene. Once patients are stabilized, they are transported either to the hospital of their choice or the closest, most appropriate hospital. This year our EMS providers responded to 1,804 calls for service. This represents 82% of the Department’s total calls for service.

EMS Training The state of Wisconsin requires each paramedic to have a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education for paramedic renewal, but all paramedics at Greendale receive well over 60 hours of continuing education. Continuing education is provided by Milwaukee County OEM. Each Paramedic is trained in the following American Heart Association disciplines: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and CPR.

The EMS trainings that each of our Paramedic received in 2020: Ventilation, Capnography, Oxygenation, Post-Resuscitation Care, Ventricular Assist Devices, Stroke, Cardiac Arrest, Pediatric Cardiac Arrest, Congestive Heart Failure, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Trauma Triage, Central Nervous System (CNS) Injury, Hemorrhage Control, Fluid Resuscitation Special Healthcare Needs, OB Emergencies, Infectious Diseases, Medication Delivery, Pain Management, Psychiatric and Behavioral Emergencies, Toxicological Emergencies – Opioids, Neurological Emergencies – Seizures, Endocrine Emergencies – Diabetes, Immunological Emergencies, At-Risk Populations, Ambulance Safety, Field Triage— Disasters/MCIs, EMS Provider Hygiene, Safety, and Vaccinations, EMS Culture of Safety, Pediatric Transport, Crew Resource Management, EMS Research, Evidence Based Guidelines

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LVAD TRAINING Lieutenant Brian Peterson

Emergency Medical Training Paramedics from the Greendale Fire Department participated in a training session provided by experts in the Cardiology Department of St Luke’s Hospital. Paramedics were educated on the new LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) units.

The LVAD is a mechanical pump that is implanted inside a person’s chest to help a weakened heart pump blood. Unlike a total artificial heart, the LVAD does not replace the heart, rather it helps it do its job.

As we became aware of several patients in the area with LVADs, it was important that we understand the operation and capabilities of these units and also learn the skills to trouble shoot these devices in an emergency situation.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS Lieutenant Michael Schmitt

The Greendale Fire Department experienced several changes in our operations in 2020. Fire Chief Tim Saidler retired and Kenten Kais replaced him as the new Fire Chief in January 2020. Chief Kais immediately began working on moving the Department forward.

Some initial key operational goals for 2020 were: • new standard operating guidelines (SOGs), • expand our training capabilities, • purchase and train on some much-needed EMS and fire equipment, and • evaluate the Department’s capabilities moving forward. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country in March 2020, emergency services across the nation had to adapt. Greendale was no different. Through the pandemic we continued to deliver full- time 24-hour emergency medical and fire services and we remained fully committed to the safety and well-being of the residents of the Village of Greendale.

Chief Kais developed a COVID-19 SOG and response plan as well as an organizational chart to help the Department navigate the quicky developing pandemic. We also developed a cleaning and decontamination process for ensuring our apparatus, equipment, and station remained as COVID free as possible. Much of our fire and EMS operations remained unchanged from previous years with the exception of using the extra precautions recommended by the CDC and our local Health Department.

While operations were shifted towards focusing on COVID -19 responses, we were still able to make headway in other operational areas. All six company officers as well as the Chief worked on developing SOGs to replace our outdated ones. We developed SOGs such as cancer prevention, carbon monoxide responses, gas leaks, elevator emergencies, fuel spills/foam use, and turnout gear cleaning procedures. We developed 30 new SOGs in 2020 to streamline department operations. The SOGs provide guidance and directives that officers and firefighters can follow. The SOGs allow for all members to operate with the same knowledge and expectations during an emergency. All SOGs will be reviewed annually and revised as needed to maintain best accepted practices.

The Greendale Fire Department is committed to providing the best services possible to the residents of Greendale and surrounding communities. We will work with neighboring fire departments to ensure all emergency calls get answered in a timely manner with the best resources available.

We look forward to expanding our department operations into 2021 and beyond while maintaining fiscal responsibility and all department services.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING Lieutenant Michael Schmitt

2020 presented many challenges for the Greendale Fire Department with regards to fire training. The year started fairly normal with the first two months consisting of routine fire training. In March, COVID hit the country and most fire training came to a sudden halt. Our Department focused much of the spring of 2020 ramping up our COVID response and operations. Due to the distancing and mask mandates created by the pandemic, fire training was forced to adapt. We continued to train as much as possible despite the pandemic requirements. In addition, a heavy call volume, EMS training, routine cleaning, and fire inspections all consumed a large part of our daily routines.

Despite the obstacles presented in 2020, we found a way to complete many fire-related trainings. Greendale Fire is very fortunate to have our own training tower and training room that we were able to utilize during the pandemic. The training room allowed for shift trainings but allowed for ample room to meet COVID distancing guidelines set out by the CDC and our local Health Department. We utilized the training room for webinars, policy reviews, watching fire-related videos, medical training, and hands on reviews of new equipment. The training tower and apparatus floor were used to deliver trainings such as search and rescue, forcible entry, hose line deployment, and firefighter survival skills. The hose tower was used for ground ladder raises, ropes and knots, hose line deployment, and aerial ladders operations/rescues.

Greendale Fire was again blessed with the opportunity to train at two vacant structures in the City of Greenfield. Members were able to perform essential skills such as vertical ventilation, hose line deployment, fire attack, search and rescue, and firefighter survival skills. There is no replacement for training in an acquired structure that is unfamiliar to our firefighters. Our firefighters were able to practice critical fireground activities in structures while not having to worry about causing damage to those structures.

Greendale Fire hosted the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) Hazardous Materials Team in fall of 2020. The training was set up by Chief Kais and was delivered by MFD Haz-Mat team members over three days. We reviewed Haz-Mat operations, equipment, and the role of Greendale Fire in a hazardous materials incident. MFD is our regional hazardous materials team, and they would respond to any incidents in our Village. Chief Kais was a member of the MFD Haz-Mat team for 13 years and was very proud to coordinate this training opportunity.

Greendale Fire was fortunate to get the opportunity to practice extrication on three vehicles that were donated to the Department. Department members delivered the training at the Water Department parking lot over three days. We practiced techniques such as door removal, stabilization, roof removal, complete side removals, and various other techniques commonly used during vehicle extrications. While vehicle extrication is very rare in Greendale, the skills practiced and learned are critical to our success. Rapid patient removal is vital to good outcomes when it comes to traumatic vehicle accidents. This training emphasized rapid extrication while maintaining a safe environment for both the patient and firefighters.

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Some additional trainings our Department members participated in: ➢ Hose line deployment of a new hose lay utilized by the Department ➢ Forcible Entry including Job Performance Requirements (JPR’s) ➢ Vertical ventilation and power saw basics ➢ Firefighter survival skills ➢ Ice water rescue equipment review ➢ Stokes basket rescues utilizing the aerial ladder ➢ Walkthroughs of new buildings under construction ➢ Review of high-rise fire equipment and tactics ➢ New equipment familiarization This is a small portion of the trainings completed in 2020. Many officers and firefighters also attended training on their own or held impromptu shift trainings covering a variety of topics.

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APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT Captain Mike Wojnowski

The apparatus and equipment of the Greendale Fire Department provide daily service to the Village. Excellent purchasing decisions along with a consistent maintenance and repair program ensures equipment will have a full-service life, and many times exceeding the expected service life.

Apparatus inventory

The current fleet of apparatus in service consists of 1 engine, 1 ladder truck, 2 ambulances, 1 utility truck and 1 Chief’s vehicle.

Engine 41 • A 2013 Pierce Arrow XT with an extended and raised cab that shares many similarities with Truck 41. • It has a 2000gpm pump but carries 750 gallons of water on board, giving this engine the largest water supply of any engine in our history. • A 30 gallon on board foam supply and pump improves versatility and efficiency. • All doors are roll up style, and a large hydraulic generator with LED scene lighting provide incredible illumination at emergency scenes. • Engine 41 is powered by a Detroit DD13 Turbocharged Diesel engine with an Allison ESU 6 speed automatic transmission, features Pierces TAK 4 front suspension with stability control and ABS disc braking. • The polished Alcoa aluminum wheels are identical to Truck 41. • New TNT extrication equipment replaced the old and outdated Hurst equipment that was carried on Engine 401. A full set of airbags completes the extrication equipment. • Engine 41 will respond to all vehicle accidents and heavy rescue calls and will also respond to working fires in the Village and any mutual aid requests for an engine. • The features and capabilities of Engine 41 are too numerous to list in a few paragraphs, but the engine compliments Truck 41 perfectly and will serve the Village for many years to come. • Engine 41 had $7,821.44 in repairs in 2020: new front tires at $1,883.00 and replacement of a new fuel tank and radiator hoses and fluid change at $5,938.44. Truck 41 • A 2009 Pierce 2000 gallon per minute quint aerial ladder on a Pierce Arrow XT cab with a Pierce 100’ Aluminum Ladder. • This vehicle was assigned a “Truck” title because of Greendale’s participation in the MABAS system.

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• Truck 41’s aluminum ladder was chosen because of many significant advantages over steel: higher tip load, greater water flow capacity, narrower out rigger footprint and to get the strength the ladder is wider and railings are taller giving a more substantial climbing platform, all of these features and advantages while reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity. Reduced weight and lower center of gravity results in less chance of tipping or rollover and improved stopping and handling characteristics. • The cab features seating for six firefighters and is air conditioned for rehab of overheated firefighters. A computer-controlled stability system is a proactive accident-avoidance system that controls road speed, braking and turning. • The pump can flow 2000 gallons of water a minute and has an on-board dual class foam system for instant foam application. • Cabinets are roll up style doors that allow for easier opening. • The Truck is powered by a Detroit series 60, 6-cylinder turbocharged Diesel and Allison ESU 6 speed automatic transmission. This power train was the top drive train available and has become the standard for heavy duty Fire service aerial ladders. • The chassis is a heavy-duty chassis with tandem rear axles and a Tak 4 independent front suspension with front disc brakes. The Tak 4 front suspension is Pierce’s latest design that dramatically improves maneuverability and reduced turning radius. • Truck 41 had $10,344.67 in repairs 2020. This unit is over 10 years old and needed its main hydraulic lines and filters replaced. This cost also including adjusting all ladder cables and plastic slides replaced.

Two 2015 Ford E450 Lifeline Ambulances • These 2 units, put into service in December 2015, are powered by the Triton V-10 gasoline engines. They are similar in size to our previous units however, this is the first time that ambulances were purchased specifically as Paramedic units. • The interior layout was designed by Greendale Fire Department members for our specific needs. • The new units carry all the advanced life support equipment and as always, the ambulances meet all State of Wisconsin standards and are equipped identically. • Some new equipment was also purchased that will improve service including a power stretcher and stair chair. • Currently M44 has 67,000 miles and is our first out Med Unit. M45 has 27,000 miles and is the second unit out to respond to calls. The plan is to run M44 out first until 2022 and then start running M45 out first in 2022. The goal is to replace M 44at the end of 2022 or sometime in early 2023, at a cost around $300,000.00. • M44 had repairs of replacement power steering gear and new tires at $3,213.63. • M45 had repairs of $109.95 for 2020.

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Utility 41 • A 2011 Chevrolet Silverado three-quarter ton 4-wheel drive with a 4-door crew cab. • Powered by a 6-liter gasoline V8 and an automatic transmission. • The unique addition to Utility 4 is a 6-door rear service body that greatly improves efficiency and can carry significantly more tools and equipment. • U41 can supply manpower at an incident or deliver the confined space trailer, and necessary personnel to a confined space incident. • U41 had repair cost of $78.95 in 2020. Fire Chief vehicle • Car 41 is an all-wheel drive 2012 Chevrolet Equinox equipped with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine. • This vehicle provides transportation for the Fire Chief to any emergency incident. • Outfitted with some of the tools and equipment to command and coordinate an emergency incident, this vehicle can also serve as an initial command post. • This unit should be replaced in 2022. • C41 had $847.37 in repairs in 2020.

Special equipment inventory

• A set of Rescue 42 jacks were purchased for Engine 41. These jacks are typically used to stabilize a vehicle that is on its side or upside down after an accident and the patient needs to be extricated. The system offers remarkable stability and safety by eliminating the chance a vehicle could move or roll while rescue teams are tending to a patient. • Two Thermal imaging cameras were replaced in 2020. These units replaced the TIC cameras we had that were over 10 years old. Both cameras use military technology to allow firefighters to see in zero visibility. It has uses in structural firefighting for search and rescue, locating the seat of the fire and helping firefighters maintain orientation in unfamiliar zero visibility situations. It also can be used in certain hazardous materials incidents by thermally indicating product volumes of containers and vessels. • Communication equipment. All base, mobile and portable radios have been replaced with a trunked 800 MHz system. This required some changes to our standard operating guidelines. Truck 41 and Engine are dual equipped with an 800 and a VHF radio this allows us to be compatible with the recently implemented MABAS system of mutual aid. Greendale is also now regularly using cellular phones, internet, fax and 2-way radio technologies. These resources allow firefighters to gain vital information needed to mitigate an emergency or obtain the resources needed to solve the problem. • Gasoline powered saws. The Greendale Fire Department has a predominantly Husqvarna power tool inventory. A variety of gas-powered chain and circular saw tools allow firefighters to ventilate or gain access in almost any situation in only moments. Both E41 and the T41 (aerial ladder) carry chain and circular saws. An additional large gas-powered extrication saw with a demolition style blade was purchased. Most of our saws are over 10 years old and we should start to think about replacing them with battery operated units. • A 25 KW emergency standby generator. A continuous power supply is mandatory for any emergency services unit to operate reliably. This unit starts automatically upon a power failure and operates off natural gas. This generator will ensure that continuous power is available to operate lights, telephones, radios, overhead doors, battery chargers and any other equipment required to respond to an emergency without delay. Without this generator, delays in responding and the loss of reliability of specialized equipment could result during a power loss.

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• Atmospheric monitoring equipment. A variety of meters that firefighters must use to determine if environments are safe or hazardous. Four new gas meters were purchased in 2019 and are used regularly during the heating season to inspect residences and businesses for hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. They are also an essential tool at a confined space incident, natural gas emergencies or any emergency where the air quality could be affected. These meters need to be replaced about every three to four years. • TNT hydraulic heavy rescue tools. This equipment is used primarily at automobile accidents to remove trapped occupants. In 2020 we placed a battery powered combi tool cutter and spreader on T41. • In 2020 we switched over to electric powered fans. Ventilation is a key element at any hazardous atmosphere. These high-powered fans allow firefighters to ventilate out hazardous gasses and introduce fresh air. Improving the chance of a successful rescue and making working conditions safer for firefighters. • Hand and power tools. A wide variety of special tools allow firefighters to complete the broad range of tasks they encounter. Ranging from a simple screwdriver to complex hydraulic spreaders and electronic equipment, all firefighters must of a solid understanding of the use of all these tools.

Care and maintenance

• As in the past, Fire Department personnel complete all maintenance and minor repairs in-house. An increasing amount of highly technical equipment requires a large amount of time and effort to keep things running. A computerized inventory and maintenance schedule eases some of the difficulties. Significantly, less down time and of course very large cost savings. Despite the effort, recently some repairs are sent out because of the increasing complexity of the repair and the limited time available because of the quickly increasing run volume.

• When we can, repairs are completed at the fire station. Once again this improves operations and cost savings through reduced expenses and overtime. Examples of repairs are air and fluid leaks, chassis repairs, electrical and computer repairs. In some situations, repairs must be sent out, as in warranty work or when time and tools available are inadequate for the required repair.

• Specialized areas. o A few fire fighters assist in specific areas to assist with fundamental tasks. This includes battery checks, flashlights, HVAC filter replacements, maps and first aid equipment inventory.

• Repair shop and related tools. o The basic tool inventory of the Greendale Fire Department provides the basic tools required for service and maintenance work. However, apparatus and equipment have evolved into very complex pieces of machinery and many times the department must rely on the DPW and personally owned tools to complete various maintenance and service tasks. The Department is quickly getting to the position of having to start purchasing specialty hand tools, for example the new ambulances need specific tools simply to complete basic service work.

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• Annual Fire pump service testing. o Pump testing is performed by an independent outside contractor. 1500 gallon a minute pumps were difficult for on-duty firefighters to test, but with the addition of two 2000gpm pumps, it became impossible with our test equipment to safely conduct these tests.

• Annual ground and aerial ladder testing. o An independent unbiased outside contractor conducts this testing and helps ensure the reliability and safety of all ground ladders.

The Greendale Fire Department’s apparatus and equipment provide excellent service to the community. A considerable amount of hard work, time and dedication goes into maintaining and repairing it, allowing it to serve the community in a safe and reliable manner. Continued service combined with daily, weekly and periodic checks will help the fleet continue to serve the Village of Greendale for many years to come.

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FIRE INSPECTION Captain Mike Wojnowski

This year was very interesting. In order to keep our staff safe and healthy, we suspended in-person inspections for about four months due to State of Wisconsin DHS recommendations.

The Fire Inspection Bureau completes inspections along with plan reviews of all public buildings throughout Greendale. We are required to inspect all residential [greater than duplexes], schools, churches, apartments, mercantile, and industrial buildings per Wisconsin State Statute 101.14.

These inspections rely primarily on educating occupants / owners on inspection items that need to be fixed or repaired to meet compliance to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Greendale Fire code standards. When these codes are not met, fines and fees may be issued to bring these occupancies up to compliance. Our goal is to get resolution through voluntary compliance through education and understanding by the building’s owners and occupants. We are also able to generate revenue through fire inspection efforts by charging businesses a fee through Village ordinance 12.15 and collecting 2% fire insurance premiums through the State of Wisconsin statute 101.583.

Along with using Fire Standard Compliant Inspections (FSCI) to do plan reviews and alarm testing, we also are using a company at no cost to us to send out notifications to businesses to inform them when their fire protection systems are up for testing. Once the business has their system tested, the company doing the testing sends in the records to them and they notify us of the results. They also will do follow up letters if the businesses don’t take care of their systems and have them tested in a timely matter. If there is a deficiency in the protection system, the company will send them a letter to make sure the problem is taken care of. We will not see the full effect of this until January of 2022. Once this is up and running, we will be able to see all the businesses located in Greendale to make sure all fire protection systems are working properly even before we head out to inspect them.

In 2020, the Fire Department completed 693 inspections including the 90 walk-around inspections of all apartment and condo complexes in Greendale that do not have common areas. This is about 300 less inspections this year due to COVID-19. These walk-around inspections are done to make sure the fire alarm systems are working correctly and there are no gas or charcoal grills above the first floor or within 10 feet of the building. These inspections are divided up between the three work shifts. Each shift’s Lieutenant is responsible for completing and logging these inspection reports to keep us in compliance with the State of Wisconsin. They also must keep updating the occupancies contact information.

We rotated the inspections in 2020 so all employees have a chance to inspect all different types of occupancy. • “A Shift” inspects all the schools, Industrial, churches and Broad Street. • “B Shift” inspects Southridge area and the 76-Street corridor. • “C Shift inspects all apartments and multifamily units in Greendale. In 2020, while doing these inspections, we were able to have 58 violations corrected to make Greendale a safer place for the residents and the people who visit the Village of Greendale.

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We were not only busy doing inspections of buildings and businesses already in Greendale, but also reviewing plans of new businesses and buildings coming to Greendale. Along with the Building Department, we inspected and completed plan reviews of new businesses and remodels throughout Greendale. These require time looking at alarm and sprinkler plans to make sure they follow the NFPA and local fire codes.

Southridge Mall keeps us busy every year due to the high turnaround of store staff. It is very important to have updated contact information of all stores moving in or changing store managers in case we need to contact stores after hours of operation.

Since 2014, all three shifts are using i-Pads for their shift inspection to go paperless by emailing the occupancy their inspection results. It took some time to work some kinks out, but all shifts can complete inspections in less time. In January of 2017, we started doing fire inspections on Emergency Reporting software and continue with it today. By using this program, we maintain up to date information and make more accurate reports, when needed.

Turn Out Gear

In 2020, we replaced 10 sets of turn-out gear to keep up a rotation of replacing all gear every 10 years to keep us compliant with the NFPA standard 1971. These 10 sets were bought using capital budget money. We are trying to get 2 complete sets of gear for every employee which will make us safer as members can wash and clean their gear after all smoky fire conditions to ensure all cancer carcinogens are off the gear. Our goal is to replace 4 sets of gear every year to eliminate the high cost for replacing every one’s gear at one time. We are still able to purchase gear at a reduced price by being a member of the State buying group.

Fire Hose Testing 2020

Every year we must test all fire hose to be NFPA 1962 compliant. Over the last few years, we have been updating our fire hose so we can test it and repack it back onto the rigs thus saving us time. In the past every shift would have to test the hose, which was very time consuming usually taking each shift over a month to complete. In 2015, we hired a hose testing company to test our hose and they were able to complete the testing in a day and a half allowing us more time to handle the increased call volume and giving us more time to train. In 2020, it took this company 8 hours to test all 10,950 feet of hose, where 50 feet of hose had failed which was taken out of service.

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THE END OF AN ERA Lieutenant Brian Peterson

The story of Greendale Engine 401

The Greendale Fire Department proudly took delivery of Engine 401 in October of 1994. E401 was built right here in the proud State of Wisconsin, in the City of Appleton at Pierce Manufacturing. E401 replaced a 1969 Mack that was in poor condition and was quite out of date.

I must state up front, that this fire engine has been and always will be near and dear to my heart as we took delivery of her two weeks after I started my full-time career with the Greendale Fire Department. This piece of equipment was a huge upgrade as the Department pushed forward in modernizing and updating the tools we as firefighters depend on.

E401 literally became the toolbox on wheels for the Greendale Fire Department. She was outfitted to respond to structure fires, vehicle fires, hazardous material incidents and respond to motor vehicle crashes. It also carried our new Jaws of Life, as well as being outfitted with a state of the art (for its time) lighting system and diesel generator.

In 2013, Engine 401 was transitioned to a spare/backup apparatus, as we took delivery of the new Engine 41 which became our Department’s new do-all apparatus.

A second life

On November 13, 2020, E401 was sold and sent to her new home as a front-line engine for the Town of Monico Volunteer Fire Department located in Northern Wisconsin.

While it was personally a sad day for me to watch her leave our Department, it was great to see and experience the pride and excitement of her new department members. As a small rural department, they were amazed at the upgrade in their department’s equipment and functionality. It was with pride I showed off Engine 401. I explained and taught her new caretakers how everything on this engine functioned and even told of her idiosyncrasies.

I was proud to serve almost my entire career with Engine 401, and excited to see her reborn as a front- line Fire Engine again serving the citizens of Wisconsin.

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION & FIRE PREVENTION Captain Jeremy Childers

The Greendale Fire Department provides fire and safety education in the form of CPR training and Fire Prevention assemblies. An important part of education also revolves around station tours. This year station tours were suspended, but we were still able to visit schools and daycares to do outside show and tells.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic started, another way we were able to reach out to the community was with birthday and special occasion drive-bys. This was a very meaningful way for us to engage our community. You can see a video of one of our birthday drive-bys by visiting the Department Facebook page.

In addition to the drive bys, we were also able to participate once again in many of the Village events including the Fourth of July fireworks and the Christmas tree lighting. Santa once again got a ride to the Christmas tree on the top of the Greendale fire truck.

Fire Prevention October 2020 was fire prevention month. This year’s theme was “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”. With students being in virtual classes during the month of October, we were not able to present our fire prevention show. Typically, our fire prevention team visits each elementary school in Greendale and presents an entertaining show that relays the fire safety message. This year we decided to record a firehouse tour that included fire safety, especially focusing on this year’s theme of “Serving up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”. The video was posted to You Tube for all teachers to either assign as a virtual assignment or show in their classrooms once students returned to face-to-face classes. The video can be seen by visiting the following link on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW4jzcYO_zU&feature=youtu.be

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CPR The Fire Department offers American Heart Association CPR classes through Greendale Park and Recreation. The Department normally offers CPR classes 4 times per year. This year classes were suspended due to COVID-19.

Our current AHA instructors are:

• Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Hintz CPR • Firefighter/Paramedic Andy Browning CPR, ACLS, PALS • Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Jeremy Childers CPR, ACLS, PALS • Firefighter/Paramedic Jarod Kimber CPR, ACLS, PALS • Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Schwnekner CPR, ACLS, PALS • Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Sczerzen CPR, ACLS, PALS • Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Eversum CPR • Probationary Firefighter Tim Couillard CPR, ACLS, PALS • Chief Kenten Kais CPR

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SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS Lieutenant Kyle Kierzak The Greendale Fire Department uses the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) every time we enter a possible contaminated atmosphere. We use the Firehawk model that is manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances (MSA).

Our SCBAs were purchased in 2013 from a shared grant with several surrounding communties. These SCBAs should be in service until 2027.

All airpacks are regularly inspected, all bottles receive hydrostatic testing, and all members receive individual quantitative fit testing to ensure proper sizing and seals.

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CAR SEAT INSPECTION PROGRAM Captain Jeremy Childers

The Fire Department currently has two technicians certified through Safe Kids Wisconsin providing car seat safety checks for residents of the Village of Greendale.

Car seat inspection numbers were down in 2020 due to suspension of the program for part of the year. However, we were able to do some inspections virtually and when weather permitted, we performed the inspections outdoors.

CPS (child passenger safety) technicians and instructors use their considerable knowledge and expertise at a variety of community-based activities, such as child safety seat checks, where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance. CPS technicians and instructors also keep up to date on the latest technical information about child passenger safety through seminars and other continuing education opportunities

CPS certification expires after two years. Technicians and Instructors are required to successfully complete the recertification process before current certification expires.

To recertify, the following must be recorded on each technician’s online profile: • Conduct all five different types of seat checks. • Participate in at least one community education (checkups, community workshop, educational session) • Participate in at least six continuing education units (CEUs). As part of ongoing quality assurance, technicians may be randomly selected for a CEU audit. Inspectors must keep proof of content and completion of CEUs handy for three months after they recertify. Technicians can monitor their audit status in your online profile. • Instructors must, complete 20 Certification/Certification Renewal Testing Course teaching hours. At least 10 of the 20 hours must be earned through lecturing or hands-on teaching of the full Certification Course. The other 10 may be earned from mentoring or teaching the Certification Renewal Testing Course.

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Ready for 2021!

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