The Spark

JUNE-JULY Edition 2012

DFD Promotes Two New Assistant Chiefs Edward Reid Promoted to Fire Marshal In this In your opinion, what are the 3 most Issue The Congratulations to our important qualities of a firefighter? SparkSparkSpark newest Fire Marshal and Accountability, desire to learn, and a Staff Assistant Chief Edward willingness to share. Editorial What is your pet peeve? pg.2 Reid, who was promoted Editor on April 16, 2012 to the Lack of personal accountability Local 668 ►Batt.Chief office Ken Crews vacated. What is on your DROID X? Update Tamala Fire Marshal Reid will be There are too many to list here, but Pg.3 Wilson featured in the next issue the artists in my playlist for running are: Ke$ha, Cascada, Train, Rihanna, Chiefs mes- sages Writers Chris Iannuzzi Promoted to Assistant Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, pg.4-6 ►Capt. Chief of Planning and Administration Brittney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Taio Richard Cruz, Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo, May and June Ray LMFAO, Gym Class Heroes, Jay STARS Sean, Lady Gaga, Usher, Flo Rida, pg.8 ►Capt. Car- How long have you been ol Reardon with DFD? Jessie J, Afrojack, Neon Trees, Pit- Griff cartoon/ ►Sierra 16 years, one of the infa- bull, Havana Brown, Jennifer Lopez, Cooks Corner Jackson mous Academy IX. Carly Rae Jepsen, and One Direction. Pg 9 What is the most challeng- Favorite artists: Male – Billy Joel;

Female – Ke$ha. Quick Drill ing issue you have had to Pg 12 Artist deal with in your new posi- What is the best book you have ever ►Capt. Da- tion? read? Haz Mat Up- vid Development of the fiscal year 2013 budget. Two-way tie between How To Win date Griffith What is the most memorable experience that Friends and Influence People, by pg.13 Dale Carnegie; and How To Have has happened to you in your career here? Run Totals Photogra- Unfortunately it is a sad memory while driv- Confidence and Power When Dealing pg.14 pher ing Engine 3. Engine 1 was dispatched to a With People, by Les Giblin. ►Sierra 10-50 , vehicle on fire, at Avondale and Cam- Something people would be surprised Jackson den. I believe they responded from Jackson to know about me is…. St. We got into the truck and pulled out onto I don't like running. Design the apron because we knew where Engine 1 What is your favorite all time movie? ►Sierra was coming from. The medic arrived and be- Another two-way tie: My Cousin Jackson gan screaming that the vehicle was on fire and Vinny and Christmas Vacation. people were burning alive. We took off and How do you view your new role in arrived with Engine 1. I helped pull the line, the department? but we were too late. The cab was engulfed in I view my new role as a support po- flames. All three people in the van had died in sition. I need to collect information the front seat. One died of massive head trau- and put it together in a way that gets ma, The other two were trapped and died from the department the resources it needs the fire. The men were painters, and a gas can to operate. Once we have the re- inAssistant the back Chief of theChris van spilledIannuzzi and is ignitedour new as Assistant a sources Chief in ofplace, Planning it becomes and my job resultAdministration. of the accident. In keeping The SUV with driverour tradition was ofto interviewing make sure theyAssistant are being used okay.Chiefs, Because we asked of himthat toaccident answer I thenever following fill the questions:properly so we can keep getting them gas can for the mowers unless I am alone in and add new ones as needed. the car. My goal is to provide everyone in this department with the resources needed The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 2 (Continued pg. 1) to succeed in protecting yourselves and the citizens of expected to occur in January. There will be another captain Durham. Recently we put together a budget that will allow us promotional process this fall to fill the remaining vacancies. (subject to City Council approval on June 16th) to replace The promotional process will remain the same for this over 100 sets of turnout gear, purchase new headsets, keep group. I also want to welcome again our two newest em- trucks in service a greater percentage of the time, improve effi- ployees, Susan Mangum and Barry Jackson. Both of them ciency in fire inspections, and increase training opportunities. are exceeding our expectations. We have made changes to ensure acting pay stays current and I do not have room in this edition to cover everything I overtime is calculated correctly by MUNIS. We will be mak- would like to tell you, but I will use my column in the fu- ing needed structural repairs to many stations. A new burn ture to inform and educate as best as I can. building was approved and hopefully will be in service by next spring. A conceptual drawing of Station Nine is on display in the administration building lobby, and groundbreaking is now

Take Advantage Of Local Fitness Deals

Editorial by Tamala Wilson advantage of them as often as possible. Remember we are I was reading the Spring 2012 issue of Carolina Fire Rescue allowed time every day to work out, so if you are a fire- EMS Journal last month when I came across a statement ex- fighter, ask your captain if your crew can check out your plaining the results of a recent survey. “Rates of overweight local gym. Just remember, this is a privilege and we don’t and obese individuals in the fire service are higher than those want to do anything that would “push the envelope” or found in general public, ranging from 73% to 89% of fire- break the rules, such as bringing friends/family along or fighters”. Wow! That seems really high, especially if you are trying to get someone else in with your ID. Find out what looking at our department. We are fortunate to have a fitness the rules or preferences are and adhere to them. We are program in place as well as adequately furnished exercise lucky to have these opportunities. rooms in our stations. Some of you may not be aware, howev- HERO RUSH and CLIMB FOR LIFE events er, that 13 of 16 fire stations have fitness facilities in their dis- Two great events are coming up in October that we can par- tricts which offer either free or super-reduced fees just for us. ticipate in as DFD teams or as individuals. HERO RUSH- These are; the firefighter themed obstacle race and experience- makes Station 1: YMCA- FREE on duty its N.C debut Oct.20 2012 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Station 2: Station Nine Apartments-FREE on duty Created by veteran firefighters, Hero Rush is as authentic as Station3: No gyms available you can get without responding to a call. Each of the 15-20 Station 4: NCCU-FREE on duty obstacles is designed to simulate a real emergency. Runners Station 5: YMCA-FREE on duty climb ladders, crawl through windows, slide poles, climb Stations 6,12, and 16: Fitness World on HWY 54- $10 a through debris in a hoarder’s basement, and navigate a month with one year contract . On or off duty use. Open to all smoky attic. A hazmat scenario requires people to climb city firefighters regardless of where stationed. through slippery goo and a high rise building simulation Stations 7 and 14: Hall of Fitness on Guess Rd.-$129.00 per forces runners to make a tight, wet, vertical climb. A person per year with one year contract. On or off duty. Open “smoke jumper” obstacle even incorporates a zip line. It is to all city firefighters regardless of where stationed. all done within a 5K (3.1 miles). Check out the website Station 8-No gyms currently available www.herorush.com/nc to see a short video of folks running Station 9-Academy fitness room-FREE on or off duty the course. The organizers are dedicated to giving back to Station 10-Southwind Rehab on Sparger Rd.- FREE on duty the fire service and has partnered with the National Fallen Station 11- Jewish Community Center on Cornwallis Rd.- Firefighters Foundation. FREE on or off duty with picture ID membership card. You CLIMB FOR LIFE for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be must be stationed at 11. held on Oct. 27, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Building in down- Station 13-RTP Fitness on S.Miami Blvd.-$99 per year on or town Raleigh. The DFD is putting together a team to climb off duty. 28 floors, 56 flights, 1019 steps, to cure cystic fibrosis. Station 15- No gyms available Captain Swain is the contact for both of these exciting Many of these offer low cost memberships for spouses/family events. as well. With privileges such as these, we should be taking The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 3

Local 668 Update- By Sean Boone The Local will continue honoring our retirees with a The Union has elected officers for dinner and plaque ceremony. Because it has been a 2012-13. couple of years since the last one we are planning to President- Sean Boone, L-2A have two separate dinners. They will be on Sept-26th Vice President- Mark Urbano, E-3B and Nov-7th. Secretary- Carl Hamlin, L-1B MDA “Fill the Boot” will be in late summer. Our Lo- Treasure- John Barnes, E-2B cal will continue to support Jerry’s Kids. Sgt. at Arms- David Swain, Training We are planning to have a night of fellowship at the Durham Bulls game. More information to come. First I would like to thank the outgoing officers who put We are planning to have meetings 4 times a year in- a lot of time and effort into the Union over the past few stead of trying to make one each month. Hopefully years. They include President Jimmy Reardon (Ret), this will allow for more participation from the mem- Vice President Bill Towner (Ret) and Secretary Elaine bers. Towner. A charity golf tournament is planned for Sept. 10th at The new E- Board of Local 668 in very excited to be Willowhaven. More information to follow. involved in our department’s future. The Local wants to We are also looking into bringing in some well-known be there for the members as well as help be a bridge be- outside instructors to teach some fire and rescue clas- tween the field and administration. One way to do this is ses that will be free of charge to the Local members. to start back with the monthly meetings with Chief Pa- If anyone is interested in joining or would like more gan and Chief Curia. We are also going to send out information feel free to contact an E- Board member. newsletters to our members keeping them updated on Thank you. the goings on.

Station 4 Gets New Engine The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 4

From the Desk of Fire Chief Pagan By now many of you have heard that I in the upcoming budget, including the addition of two plan to retire on December 1, 2012. By firefighter positions, the funding of the Strategic Plan- that date, I will have already served ning Manager position (the previously-named Accred- more than thirty-two (32) years with the itation Manager position), increased funding for turn- City of Durham. I have enjoyed a mem- out gear purchasing, approval of a new records man- orable career highlighted by working agement system for the department, automation of Fire with an outstanding group of profes- Prevention’s activities, new David Clark headsets for a sional men and women during that third of our apparatus (with additional purchases time. With your assistance, participa- planned for FY 14 and FY 15), a new Port-A-Count tion and cooperation, we have accom- tester for respiratory fit testing, and second year fund- plished a tremendous amount and each of you should be ing to complete the replacement of fire helmets. To proud of that fact. This was not a solo act, but instead an ex- say the department had a very successful budget sea- ample of teamwork and cooperation while being focused on son would be an understatement! In the midst of these shared goals and objectives. Thank you. positive developments, it is important to step back and During the next few months, my priority will be to continue to analyze what we did differently so we can replicate support and lead our mission in order to allow us to be the that in the future. In looking at the process and how best fire department that we can be. Our strategic plan out- we prepared, I think the difference comes down to one lines our road map by providing our goals and objectives for word – alignment. the next 3-5 years. We will begin addressing the initiatives In discussing the impact of alignment on the budget and measures by developing action items to accomplish these process, it is first worth noting that the Fire Depart- goals and objectives. Please review the strategic plan at your ment’s Strategic Plan revision was adopted by the City earliest convenience. Manager at the end of March; this document serves as As an accredited agency, we have committed to adopt and a roadmap of where the department would like to go in embrace the concept of continuous process improvement. the next one to three years. You can access the plan by This means that we will review our procedures, processes, going to the K Drive and then navigating to the Strate- guidelines, and policies to look for better ways to deliver our gic Plan folder. As each department in the City devel- services to the citizens. I envision that we will remain diligent ops its strategic plan, it is essential that the department and focused on this organizational model. align its document with the emerging City of Durham Thank you for all that you do to make the Durham Fire De- Strategic Plan. As you review our plan, you will notice partment second to none. Please continue to make all mem- that we align closely with the overall City goals of bers, active and retired, proud to be associated with this or- Safe & Secure Community, Well Managed City, and ganization. Stewardship of the City’s Physical Assets. With our document completed and approved, the next logical From the Desk of Deputy Chief Curia step was to meet with all our assistant chiefs to devel- Alignment op goals for each division; these goals are (again) I hope as you read this issue of The Spark, aligned with the City and FD plans in order to provide you are busy making summer plans for a clear path from the overall goals of the City down to family vacations, cook outs, and time to how you deliver service to our customers. We are in just sit back to relax and recharge. The the process of prioritizing the goals that the chiefs work you do is stressful and demanding; listed for each division; the intent with this is to have a any time you can take to decompress is map of where we would like to go and a plan on how beneficial. Even out at Administration, we to get there. Some of the long range goals that we are are breathing a collective sigh of relief prioritizing include placing thermal imaging cameras that the budget process is nearing comple- on all units, transitioning the department to EMT-I tion. In fact, all the Fire Department’s delivery in all districts, providing continuing educa- presentations are done and we are looking forward to decom- tion programs for our chief officers, and the move to a pressing – for a short time. There are lots of things to be done as new records management system for the department. It we move the department forward and we cannot be content to is important to note that many of these goals are still take our foot off the gas now! There are so many exciting things The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 5

(Continued pg. 4) From the Desk of Assistant Chief of Operations in the planning stages and have yet to be presented to the Hall City Manager’s Office. By approaching our budget presentations with the intent of showing how the depart- ment is going to function within the City’s framework, Let me start by thanking everyone for we show a clear picture of how we intend to support City all of the effort that has been put into objectives and values. completing evaluations that were due as To accomplish the alignment, we made a conscious deci- a result of both annual evaluations and sion to rely on empirical data to state our case. Using the transfer evaluations. We have made two new firefighter positions as an example, the depart- considerable changes with staffing as- ment was able to show that our effective response force signments in the operations division and times to structure fires inched up by one minute last year, continue to look at ways to increase our resulting in 7% fewer fires being contained to the room productivity and efficiency. of origin. As a result of the increased response times, the Updates City experienced an additional $1,513,378 in property -We have been approved to receive two additional FTE’s loss. On the EMS side of our emergency responses, we in this budget process and with some other moves this will saw response times to cardiac arrests rise from seven allow us to return the fourth FTE to Engine-11. minutes to slightly greater than eight minutes. When us- -We have been working closely with Carl Stearns and ing this information and overlaying our staffing issues, Sean McKnight to develop a database that will increase we could show that an additional two firefighters posi- the reliability of our hydrant records. This database is tions and a funded Strategic Manager position would net close to completion and once it is finalized we will sched- the Operations Division three positions. Those three posi- ule our hydrant testing. New hydrant books have been tions, coupled with the judicious use of overtime funds, created along with hydrant identification books which will would decrease by 36% units out of service due to staff- assist with properly identifying make/model of hydrants. ing shortages. Looking at the big picture, we were able to -We will continue the “split con-ed” format this month in show a huge benefit to the City for a small monetary an effort to provide all three shifts the opportunity to ex- commitment (relative to the benefit received). perience this type of training. Please make sure that you This approach would not have been possible if not for the check with the training division if you plan to utilize the efforts of everyone in this department. Chief Iannuzzi training grounds due to the increase of usage by multiple and Firefighter Ratliff deserve special recognition for de- agencies and departments. veloping the information on the Administration side of -Efforts are still being made to have Locution in place and things. Of course, everyone at Administration had to en- operational by the end of this fiscal year and we still do dure me constantly starting my sentences with “I wonder not know how this will affect us completely. if we could approach things this way…” Typically, they -Quotes are being received on MDT’s which will allow us were one step ahead of me and had already considered different approaches. In order to pull data from our com- From the Desk of Assistant Chief of Accreditation puter systems and turn it into useful information, our bat- Bunnell talion chiefs, captains, fire technicians, and firefighters had to take the time to complete quality, detailed reports This is not my first trip down the train- for over 18,000 incidents. Quite simply, if it were not for ing road but it has been a few years. I your efforts, the department could not have embarked on am coming in at an exciting time with th this approach. Last, Chief Pagan’s mantra of constant Academy 24 starting on June 25 . It was organizational improvement provided both direction and always exciting to me to have the first support in this endeavor. opportunity to shape and mold the ca- Alignment – it is a simple word that is paying huge divi- reers of new firefighters. Along with the dends for us. new firefighter training, I undertake the Take care, stay safe, and I will see you soon. responsibility of continuing the training of all firefighters in the DFD very seriously. I am looking for- ward to the challenge of bringing relative and needed training to the department. Listed below are some of the goals that I have for the Training Division: The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 6 (Continued pg. 5)

• Bring the state Driver Operator program in for all our driv- form them of issues we find with fire equipment, ers locating sprinkler shut offs or anything that may • Revamping the relief driver program hinder us from doing our jobs. This includes all • Incorporating certification training in monthly con-ed state properties located inside the city limits. Addressing the issues of attending classes while on-duty New construction plan reviews are continuing to If anyone has any ideas on new training or updating current keep us busy. Here are some other new projects training, please meet with me or send me an email. Again, I am that are waiting for permits: looking forward to working with everyone in the future on all · Maureen Joy Charter School will be restoring the department’s training needs. the old YE Smith School at 107 S. Driver St. · Duke School of Nursing is adding a 3 story From the Desk of Assistant Chief Reid addition · Page Road Apartments at Langdon and Com- Over the next month, the Fire Preven- stock Roads – 13 new buildings with retail tion Division will be continuing to · Barbee Chapel Apartments (Alta Springs Ex- make every effort to meet our fiscal pansion) – 4 new buildings year goals. Right now we should meet · 727 N. Mangum St. – building under total or exceed each of our controlled objec- upfit tives. I am currently working with the · Duke LSRC Annex – Multistory lab and of- Finance Department in gauging where fice building we stand with the revenue that has · Gateway Terrace – Watkins Rd – 4 new been collected by the city. Last month buildings in cluding 4-story hotel, restaurant /retail we had two inspectors assist in investi- · Southeastern Freight Lines – new terminal gating fire cases that led to warrants being issued. One and truck service center – 4363 S. Alston inspector recently testified to the Durham County Grand · Heights at Meridian Apartments – 2543 Jury on a case from March. Meridian Pkwy – 6 new buildings and multi In the June command staff meeting, I spoke about a con- vehicle garages versation I had with the Department of Insurance – Risk · Marriott Residence Inn (Old NC Eye & Management/Real Estate Division about an incident that Ear Hospital) – 1108 W Main St. – 5 story happened at NCCU. The State wants to ensure us that hotel they support our efforts in mitigating and investigating incidents on state property. They also asked me to in-

Departures:

Andy Ivins-May 18

Ernie Jannetta-July1

Next Open Command Staff Meeting: September 6, 2012 at 0800 hours The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 7

Durham Families Gear up for Annual Junior Fire Marshal Program by Sierra Jackson

Twenty-two Durham families with youth ages 11-15 The program ran from April 9th-12th. According to Reid, chose the Junior Fire Marshal program as their spring the program has so many activities and information to break activity this year. offer, it had to be extended an hour daily, previously “Parents made calls and stopped by the fire adminis- starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3p.m. to this year’s 9 trative building to drop off applications early this a.m.- 4 p.m. release time. year.” Says Fire Marshal Edward Reid. “They are just The program was held between Parks and Recreation’s as excited as kids are about participating in innovative Lyon Park at 1309 Halley Street and Fire Administrative ways to learn and retain fire safety messages.” building at 2008 East Club Boulevard.

Events

The 5th annual Guns and Hoses softball tournament was held May 4th and 5th, 2012 in Chapel Hill. Unfortunately, our DFD team lost two games in a row against Garner FD and Newton Fire and Safety to be eliminated but Captain Swain reported that the games were close.

DFD’s next Awards Ceremony will be held on September 14, 2012. There is a June 30 deadline for submitting nominations. Send them to Chief Cu- ria’s personal DFD e-mail address using the proper form. Also, further questions can be directed to Captains Cole, Reardon, and Hamlin on B- shift, as well as captain Boone on A-shift. Page 8

The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition

Congratulations DFD May and June Stars!

Maria Ratliff has spent additional hours outside of DFD to facili- tate departmental strategic plans, and training city staff on meth- odology for the City’s Strategic Plan Process. This is NOT a part of her job description; however, she volunteered and has shared her knowledge as well as become a primary reason for the plan’s success. Pete Harris John Archer

Maria Ratliff Julius Richmond Sierra Jackson Tim McKoy

DFD Divisions Recognized for Teamwork This group of people came together to put on the 2012 Jr Fire Mar- shal Program. As a team made from 2 different departments and several divisions of those departments made this program enjoya- ble and a learning event for the 21 youths that attended. The kids and their parents all had positive comments and expressions of gratitude for the program. Some of the quotes from some par- ents: "Excellent program. I would recommend it for all youths" and "Excellent job with the kids".

Matt Weaver Jerald Whittington

Jody Morton Terry Paschall Ron Rogers Lennis Harris Derik Abney The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 9

COOKs corner

Gullah Shrimp and Grits Submitted by: Levy Smith (Levy’s Soul Café’)

Cook on Medium heat until done. 1 cup or ½ lb. of peeled shrimp Sprinkle 2 TBSP all purpose flour over 2 TBSP. of fresh lemon juice veggies mix until flour browns. Cayenne pepper and salt to taste Mix contents in a bowl and put in Add shrimp and 1 cup of chicken/veggie fridge. stock. Cook evenly, stirring often. If the gravy needs thinning, use additional 3 TBSP. fresh heated bacon grease stock until desired consistency is Add 1 large finely chopped onion and reached. bell pepper Serve over yellow or white grits and en- joy! The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 10

CANCER, what a horrible word. myself, but the fund raising portion involves you. When you hear that word associat- So, you choose, maybe add a couple together or just ed with a loved one, it is devastat- give whatever you can. Keep in mind that The Leuke- ing. Kailey is the 6 year old daugh- mia & Lymphoma Society is a great organization. ter of fellow Firefighter Captain Your donation will help pay for research, medications, Brian and Carey Eaton. She has family support groups, and more. The money will be been diagnosed with Leukemia. well spent. In fact, seventy-six cents out of every dol- As some of you may have already lar goes directly to their mission to cure leukemia, heard, I will be participating in a lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and to Triathlon September 22nd as a member of The Leu- improve the quality of live of patients and their fami- kemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Pro- lies. gram. I’ll be running in Honor of Kailey Eaton. The Make your check out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma race will consist of 1500 Swim, 12 Mile Bike, and a Society, and mail it to: 5k Run. By committing to raise at least $1,900 I will Mark D Macenas travel to Wilmington, NC to compete in the Wilming- 50 Glen Oaks Dr. ton YMCA Triathlon. The idea of participating in a Youngsville, NC 27596 triathlon to raise money to fight blood-related cancers You can also donate on my Team In Training website: interested me for several reasons. When I found out http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/YMCATri12/ about Kailey and many other friends and family with mmacenas this disease, I've wanted to some how do something I thank you for your support. If you give in this effort, to help so it was an easy decision to join the team. I will never, ever hit you up again for a donation in my My commitment involves fundraising, running, bik- lifetime. ing or swimming on my own almost every day, meet- Sincerely, ings, deadlines, and getting up at 5:45 am every Sat- Mark D. Macenas urday that I'm not at the Firehouse for long “Team” training. Most of these commitments I can handle

Congratulations to our newest Relief Driver: Matt Periera-June 1 The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 11

Station 11-B Shift crews train on RIT procedures Ladder 11-B Shift rescues one of their own

Engine 11-B Shift trains on confined space hose advancing

B-Shift crews at recent TRT training SQ2 and E-7- B Shift crews execute proper rigging for a rescue The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 12

Durham Fire Department

The Engine Company Firefighter by Capt. Richard Ray

Becoming a great engine company firefighter just tremely volatile and ventilation limited. It is critical to doesn’t happen. It requires a positive attitude, disci- understand that if the ventilation is not coordinated with pline, training, teamwork, experience, sweat and the attack catastrophic events will happen. By under- blood to become a great engine firefighter. It also standing the contemporary fire environment one is able takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. If you ride to make informed decisions that will lessen the chance the engine where do you fall on the scale; are you of injury or death during fire extinguishment. great, good, mediocre, or terrible? We all want to be Training – Great engine company firefighters are con- great but have you put the effort, time, and energy to stantly training. The core function of the engine compa- achieve that level? We all know that good reputations ny is stretching hose lines, advancing hose lines, and are hard to build and easy to lose but a bad reputation water delivery on the fire. Our most fundamental func- is easy to get and sticks with you throughout your ca- tions are stretching and advancing. Unfortunately, not reer. So how can one become a great engine compa- all engine company firefighters can do this. Too many ny firefighter? Great engine company firefighters un- times I have heard stretching hose is boring. It is the derstand the following……………. same old same old when we are stretching hose on the Preparation – Are you prepared each shift to go to training grounds. Think about this…why not stretch a battle? Preparation starts with checking your PPE hoseline on an alarm call? Or when you are in your dis- and equipment. Do you have all of your PPE? Is it in trict, find a vacant house or building and stretch to it. good working order? Does your PPE include a radio, Do you flow water when hose training? Understanding 2 flashlights, door chocks, webbing, and pliers? In- nozzle reaction and back pressures while training pre- spect your gear and check your SCBA. Does your pares us for when we are doing battle. How well can SCBA work? Good engine company firefighters you advance a charged hoseline? The hose stretch sets check their SCBA at the beginning of each shift to up the advance. Stretch the first 50-100’ of hose in a ensure operational efficiency and adequate air supply. straight line near the entry point for a smooth advance. From there, check each piece of equipment on the ap- The key with training is that it has to be realistic, contin- paratus. Were there any problems with equipment on uous, fundamental, and hands on. It must be repetitious the previous shift? Is anything missing? Good en- and muscle memory forming. "Amateurs train until gine company firefighters know equipment locations, they get it right. Professionals train until they can’t get uses, and specifics about each piece that is on the ap- it wrong!” Anonymous paratus. Check the booster tank, hoses, and nozzles. It takes more than these three areas obviously to Make sure discharge caps are hand tight. Lastly, is become great at engine company work. However, it is a the apparatus clean and we do this for operational rea- great way to get started. Complacency and laziness are sons and pride. Being prepared before the call comes firefighter killers! Today’s fire service is continually is the start of success for the engine company. changing. We must be proactive and stay ahead of the Environment – How well do you understand the fire game. The bottom line is citizens expect us to be able to environment? This is an absolute necessity. Good handle their problem with professionalism, knowledge, engine firefighters have to understand the environ- ability, and speed. If we fail to do those then we have ment that they are operating in. They must know how failed the citizens that we serve. There is more to the building is going to react to the fire and how the come……….. fire is going to react to the building? The ability to Stay Safe! understand smoke conditions and the building con- struction is an advantage to being successful with your fire attack. Today’s fire environment is ex- The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition Page 13

Haz mat Updates by Carol Reardon

Members from the Hazmat Team attended training from bombs have exploded in the past month in the Phoenix MSA on the SAFESITE detectors. The equipment will area. The bombings have been random and at this time detect a variety of threats, including gamma radiation no one has given demands or messages. The bombs have VOCs, combustible gases and chemical warfare agents. been identical and have been placed inside a flashlight. The detectors are ideal for a great number of applications The explosive was rigged to trigger a blast once the including public event protection, perimeter monitoring, flashlight was turned on. The ATF has declined to give emergency response and mass transportation. the explosive material. The chemical components of a HRS Captain T. Peek and HRS B. Browning attended bomb are easy to find and purchase. Some examples be- training in Pueblo, CO. They attended training at the Se- ing acetone, nail polish remover, first aid cold packs, curity and Emergency Response Training Center, which sour salt, camp stove fuel, pool chemicals, flour, anti- is part of the Homeland Security Training Centers. They freeze, and various chemicals from chemical supply attended the Highway Emergency Response Specialist 5 stores. Chemicals may be found in cool and dry areas; in day - 40 hour class. tightly sealed containers. Most chemicals do not require For further information regarding available training: refrigeration, but may be stored there. All chemicals can www.nccrimecontrol.org be purchased over the internet. New Equipment: While responding to investigations of a “strange odor”, SENSIT GOLD combustible gas indicator was placed on make good notes and watch for possible bomb making Hazmat 13 and Engine 3. The unit will detect LEL, oxy- equipment and products. Watch for grinders used in the gen, carbon monoxide and Hydrogen Sulfide. The unit production of ammonium nitrate mixtures, black powder does have an internal pump which fulfills any confined or chlorate/perchlorate mixtures. Mixers and Stirrers are space entry. used to physically blend the components or to combine The MSA SAFESITE units have been placed on Hazmat liquid components. These are used to make hydrogen 13 in two large pelican cases, which makes deployment peroxide mixtures and urea nitrate explosives. Watch for much easier. suspicious buckets and plastic ware with possible resi- A digital Ludlum Rad meter was placed on Engine 3 and due. Be aware of possible ice baths used to cool mixtures a Altar 4 gas meter was placed on HM-3. that generate heat. The bath water could be ice and salt- For any questions regarding Calibration or use and care ed water or a dry ice mixture with acetone. Distillers will of your gas meters located on your apparatus, please feel concentrate chemical components with low-level heat. free to contact your Hazmat Team members for assis- Examples of a distiller could be a slow cooker or a hot tance. Remember to calibrate your meters the first of plate. Filters separate the solids from the liquids used in each month! The calibration sheets are located on the K the production of HMTD, TATP, and urea nitrate. Safety drive in Hazmat folder. equipment will provide personal protection and it may In the news today is a warning about a series of flashlight prevent the formation of a physical indicator such as bombs in Phoenix, Arizona. Homemade explosives, also whitening skin. On-scene personnel should be able to known as improvised explosives, can be made from com- determine if they are dealing with a potentially dangerous monly available commercial chemicals with relatively situation. Obtain a basic understanding of typical materi- minimal effort. All explosives are sensitive to heat, als, chemicals and equipment associated with the manu- shock, friction, and electrostatic discharge; sensitivity facturing of an IED. will vary based on the type of explosive. Three flashlight

Page 14 The Spark JUNE-JULY Edition

April/May 2012 Run Totals

B3 238 B2 223 B1 183 SQ1 378 SQ4 308 SQ2 235 E3 354 E7 331 E4 243 E1 235 E2 225 E12 215 E6 178 E9 175 E16 163 E8 157 E11 155 E5 145 E13 134 E10 115 E14 80 E15 47 Welcome Barry Jackson and Susan Mangum! L1 250 L2 239 Barry is our new Supply Specialist and Susan is our new L12 142 Administrative Assistant. L11 97 SAF1 164 MS1 137 HM13 16 T7 2

Spark deadline: August 8, 2012