Fire Department Newsletter October 2018

Volume 2 Issue 4 October 2018

MANY THANKS, HFD

As I write this newsletter article, the first thing that comes to my mind over the past few months centers on “thank you.” It has been a very busy year so far for our department. Not only with public education events, but increased call volume. So, as your chief, I want to reflect on some of those other items that deserve a “thank you.” THANKS: for all the hard work in completing risk assessments in over 2300 commercial buildings. An undaunting task that will pay huge dividends in the future of this city, district #2, and HFD. THANKS: for all the hard work in completing flow testing on every fire hy- drant in the city and color coding them to NFPA standards for easy identi- fication of estimated gallons per minute. This was a task that has never been completed before and surprised many of us on how good our water system is. THANKS: for all the report entries, data, and key information needed to improve our ISO rating. This, alone, is an undaunting task. It is with this effort that hopefully we will have great news soon. THANKS: for all the hard work in raising over 23,000 dollars in school sup- plies for our children. In the end, 23 schools benefited from your efforts. See all the personal thank you that are published in this newsletter from various schools. Your efforts in this campaign do not go unnoticed.

[continued - Fire Chief Steven Beer]

THANKS: for raising almost $8,000 for MDA in “Fill the Boot” campaign. This is an important cause in curing this terrible disease. THANKS: for what each of you do and the impact that each of you have on our community. You get thrown new challenges each day that you come to work as an HFD member and always mitigate any situation. THANKS: to the HFD members who called me and offered to drop everything and come to Wisconsin to help in any way needed after a tornado did damage to my old house that my daughter and son in law live in. THANKS: for all the little things not mentioned above that are completed on a daily basis. Each of you bring a unique skill set that makes our department thrive. These are the little things that are done when nobody else is looking or when helping our citizens and giving them the best possible care and comfort. Firefighters are traditionally proud individuals. We don’t expect much from people in return. However, it is important to understand you do have a huge impact on our community. We will never please everyone 100% of the time, however, smile, and don’t take life to serious. Enjoy your family, your friends and THANK YOU for what you do in our great community! Yours in Safety, Fire Chief, Steven R. Beer

Truck 3 The department has taken delivery of a new 100-foot Plat- form Fire Truck to replace Truck 3, a 1998 Platform. Several changes occurred in this design and boy did it turn out beau- tiful. But how does it get to this point?

It all begins years in advance with a 20-year equipment replacement plan. Truck 3 was slated to be replaced in 2017 but was pushed back a year during budget discussions. In August of 2017, the City Council approved the 2018 budget which included the replacement of Truck 3. A committee was formed that consisted of: Deputy Chief Doug Hanen, Battal- ion Chief Rex Albright, Captains Chad Allen, Justin Holzrichter, and Craig Walle, and Fire Fighters Edvar Aquir- re, Ian Arndt, and Dalton Black. This committee came up with a wish list of items for the new truck. Working with our Pierce Dealer, Conrad Fire Equipment, a 187-page specification document was developed. This covered all aspects of the truck from motor size, water tank size, compartment details, paint and graphics among other items. On December 19, 2017 the contract was signed with Pierce Manufacturing to begin building our new apparatus.

[continued - Deputy Chief Doug Hanen]

At Pierce the specs are turned into drawings and engineers begin looking at the specifications and determining if there would be issues during the construction of the apparatus. On February 20, 2018 four members of the truck committee flew to Appleton, Wis- consin to review the specs, answer questions from the engineers, and pick the new col- or scheme and graphics package.

Once they narrowed it down to 2 colors of gray, it was determined that there were two apparatus at the plant with the colors that were picked. The committee members braved the Wisconsin cold in February and made their way to the back lot where the two sat close to each other. The sun was shining, and each had its own character about it as it sparkled in the sun. Once back inside they found out that Emporia was running one of the grays. The committee wanted to bring something special back to Hutchinson, so they chose the other gray. Gray #672 and Red #100, which is the red on all the other units, was the final selection.

It was on to graphics from there. The new patch design was placed on the front doors and the new monogram was paced on both sides of the basket. A black stripe, that changes gray when light reflects off of it, has placed down the side. A last-minute change of painting the ladder cylinders red was decided on. The graphics team took it from there leaving a colored picture on the table for the committee team to get their first look at their new truck the next morning. A few upgraded latches and the specifications were signed off on as the team left the factory to return to Hutchinson.

[continued - Deputy Chief Doug Hanen]

Engineering reviewed the specs one last time. Fabricators took it from there, they began cutting the metal and welders began putting the pieces together. In the middle of June all the pieces had arrived, and the truck began its journey through the assembly line. At this point we were able to watch our apparatus come to life as updates were posted on the website each Friday.

Final Inspection was set for August 21st. Four committee members went to Appleton to inspect their new apparatus to ensure it me all the specifications set out. Once they arrived on the blue floor, members were able to put their eyes on their new machine for the first time. But the work was just beginning.

[continued - Deputy Chief Doug Hanen]

The first day consisted of going through all the options and standard equipment, a 16- page document. Members ensured they were installed and functioning correctly.

Day two, the truck was on a lift when they arrived in the morning and an under-carriage inspection was done looking for loose wiring and any other items out of place. Once this was completed the unit was back outside and the cab was lifted to inspect the motor. Then the committee had the opportunity to fly the ladder and pump the apparatus check- ing for any defects along the way.

Day three, a road test was conducted on the apparatus. Once they returned, the entire apparatus was looked over from head to toe for any blemishes or marks in the paint.

[continued - Deputy Chief Doug Hanen]

Day four, we met with the quality control team and developed a list of items that need repaired or corrected. This is also a time to add anything that may have been overlooked during the specification portion. Overall, 57 items were found that needed atten- tion. This is an average number of items found. These can be anything from minor issues of a loose wire needs secured up to a scratch in the paint. This ensures your apparatus is exactly the way you want it on delivery.

[continued - Deputy Chief Doug Hanen] The day everyone looks forward to is delivery day. Under some pressure from us, Con- rad was able to meet our request and have it here by September 10th, so we could dis- play it at Emergency Preparedness Day at the Kansas State Fair. The compliments came in droves as the crew proudly showed it off.

Over the next month, equipment will be mounted, and the entire department will receive training on the vehicle. In service date will be October 18th at 5pm after a community “Wet Down” ceremony.

**This Month’s newsletter for Gold Crew was provided by Captain Walton and covers the enhancements and continued efforts to improve HFD’s capabilities in regards to water rescue events. **

By taking advantage of available grant money and training opportunities, HFD has been able to significantly increase our water rescue capabilities over the course of the last year. Through Task Force 5 we took delivery of a 16’ Connector boat with a 60HP Mercury outboard. This boat has been specially designed to function effectively as a rescue boat by itself but it is also capable of connecting to similar boats in several different configurations in order to form a vessel better suited for the job at hand. GOLD These boats are utilized by many water rescue teams throughout the CREW country. The Connector boat is most effective in larger bodies of water with limited flow. The second boat we have received is a 14” inflatable rescue boat with a 30HP motor. This boat was received through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This boat can be utilized is most effective in swift water but can also be used in surface water. This boat replaces a light duty inflatable boat that was donated to the department several years ago. The Connector and inflatable are transported on a trailer that has a special lift system designed to load the boats in a double decker fashion. This trailer was included in the Connector boat delivery.

[continued - Battalion Chief Rex Albright]

Our final water rescue vessels are two 10’ kayaks. These kayaks have a lot of potential for use on our local Arkansas River. Arkanoe, a recreational kayaking business, generously donated these to HFD. With water recreation becoming more popular on the Arkansas, these will be very helpful in reaching people that are only accessible by the river.

Through Task Force 5 and HFD we have been able to send 11 people to training that earns them a FEMA boat operator’s certificate. This entails a 3-day course, with the final day being held at River Sport Rapids in Oklahoma City. We now also have three individuals who are certified swift water technicians. This was a 5-day course through Oklahoma State University. The hands on portion was also conducted at River Sport Rapids.

Compared to where we were just a couple of years ago, we have made great strides in the area of water rescue. With a continued commitment by the department and available resources from supporting agencies, we will continue to train and learn how to be most effective.

As I prepare for this quarter’s newsletter, I think about[continued all -the Red Crewpeople - Battalion that Chiefvisited William our Lang Captaincity Heller during was the able fair. to I bring ask myself back thewhat following are the informationtop reasons frompeople a vendorattend hethe visited fair? with.So, I Captainturned Heller states,to the “trustyOne of internet the many and benefits googled, of attending “top 10 FDIC reasons was forthe attendingopportunity theto visit Kansas with differentState vendors Fair? to” seeRemember, what new if products, it is on the technology, internet itand must techniques be true, are right? available As you that probably enable us perform our jobs safer and more efficiently.” One of the vendors we visited with was the glove guessed, some of the reasons for attending the fair are as follows, which is not all- manufacturer Pro-Tech. Pro-Tech was giving demonstrations on how to properly clean and decon fire glovesinclusive after structure or in any fires. particular The materials order: from The protective food, the clothing fair might can become provide contaminated a reason for with cancerpeople causing to try chemicals something absorbed they from might the never smoke eat and otherwise. toxic fumes Midway released Rides during and fires. Reducingattractions. our exposure Whatto’ sthese new carcinogensfor the year, is aThis major gives concern companies for fire from fighters, not onlyand untilKansas recently but fire gloves were often overlooked as a source of that exposure. Since our return we have been surrounding states to show off their new products or equipment. Every year it seems RED instructing the members of our department on the proper technique to clean gloves and reduce their exposurelike to farmthese equipmentcarcinogens continuallyabsorbed by thegets material. larger and As anmore added advanced benefit, inthis technology. new technique You of CREW glove cleaningare probably greatly asking extends yourself their usable at this life. point where are you going with this Chief Lang?

CaptainIn White the recent also attended months, this members year’s FDICof the andbunker FDTN gear (Fire committee Department have Training been testing Network). or Captainsoon White will brought be testing back thenew idea products of an additional in the fire door service. prop. Captain The department White states. has The been idea given for this propthe came opportunity from when to wear some-test of new us attended products classes before at we FDTN. decide to We purchase. thought itThis would gives be beneficial to have a door to force open, like in an apartment complex. Edvar Aguirre and I both thoughtthe it beneficial members in and the thetraining department tower. the ability to put this gear or equipment to the test to see how or if it will fit into the department. Ed called me on the phone and said he wanted to start the door project. He already had a design in mind toOne build of it. the I had products scrap metal some available members to build have the been door wear inexpensively.-testing is Welight used weightsome of bunkerthe Task Forcegear. 5 equipmentThis gear asis awell. single Edvar-layer Aguirre, garment, Justin which Holzrichter, is different Caleb from Miller, our and typical Breck bunker Heller started workinggear. This on it gear on Sunday, is for non May-fire 28. calls We were and able will to gethelp the reduce door made the that wear Sunday. and tear At onmy our residence, I cut some pieces for it. Edvar took the door to his residence and finished welding. structural gear. This new light weight gear will cost approximately half of what a Chief Martin supplied the materials for us to build the door frame. Next Sunday, June 4, we installedstandard the door setat the of structuraltraining facility gear wouldtower. cost.

The reasonThis wegear installed is dual - ancertified upstairs door,to NFPA was to 1951 simulate and forcing a door in an apartment fire. Firefighters1977 would and can have be to worn force onthe approximately door in low visibility 90% to reinforce the skill that we learned from the FDTNof class. our calls, It’s easier including to force extrication, a door in daylight motor with no smoke or heat upon you, but it’s more difficult to force when one is in low visibility and heat. We’ve already discussed building vehicle accidents, and medicals to name a another door in the garage door prop for the tower. few. This gear offers more protection than a Special stationthanks to uniform,Edvar Aguirre. but less He put cumbersome in a lot of time than during this project. Many thanks to Breck Heller, Caleb Miller, Brian Goble, Jeff Sinclair, and Justin Holzrichter. structural gear. This gear can also be utilized for training. By wearing the light weight gear this will help minimize the risk of heat stress and fatigue. This gear, however, cannot be worn on structure fires or incidents with the chance of a flammable atmosphere, as this gear does not have the vapor/moisture barrier or thermal barrier that standard bunker gear provides.

[continued - Battalion Chief William Lang]

[continued - Red Crew - Battalion Chief William Lang

Captain Heller was able to bring back the following information from a vendor he visited with. Captain Heller states, “One of the many benefits of attending FDIC was the opportunity to visit with different vendors to see what new products, technology, and techniques are available that enable us perform our jobs safer and more efficiently.” One of the vendors we visited with was the glove manufacturer Pro-Tech. Pro-Tech was giving demonstrations on how to properly clean and decon fire gloves after structure fires. The materials from protective clothing can become contaminated with cancer causing chemicals absorbed from the smoke and toxic fumes released during fires. Reducing our exposure to these carcinogens is a major concern for fire fighters, and until recently fire gloves were often overlooked as a source of that exposure. Since our return we have been instructing the members of our department on the proper technique to clean gloves and reduce their exposure to these carcinogens absorbed by the material. As an added benefit, this new technique of glove cleaning greatly extends their usable life.

Captain White also attended this year’s FDIC and FDTN (Fire Department Training Network). Captain White brought back the idea of an additional door prop. Captain White states. The idea for this prop came from when some of us attended classes at FDTN. We thought it would be beneficial to have a door to force open, like in an apartment complex. Edvar Aguirre and I both thought it beneficial in the training tower.

Ed called me on the phone and said he wanted to start the door project. He already had a design in mind to build it. I had scrap metal available to build the door inexpensively. We used some of the Task Force 5 equipment as well. Edvar Aguirre, Justin Holzrichter, Caleb Miller, and Breck Heller started working on it on Sunday, May 28. We were able to get the door made that Sunday. At my residence, I cut some pieces for it. Edvar took the door to his residence and finished welding. Chief Martin supplied the materials for us to build the door frame. Next Sunday, June 4, we installed the door at the training facility tower.

The reason we installed an upstairs door, was to simulate forcing a door in an apartment fire. Firefighters would have to force the door in low visibility to reinforce the skill that we learned from the FDTN class. It’s easier to force a door in daylight with no smoke or heat upon you, but it’s more difficult to force when one is in low visibility and heat. We’ve already discussed building another door in the garage door prop for the tower. A second product that members will soon be wear-testing are new structure boots. Special thanks to Edvar Aguirre. He put in a lot of time during this project. Many thanks to Breck These boots are notHeller, your Caleb typical Miller, structure Brian boot. Goble, These Jeff Sinclair, boots look and Justinlike your Holzrichter. normal boot until you look at the sole. These boots are considered to have state-of-the-art sole technology to perform better on a wet or icy surface. These boots have two times more slip resistant on wet ice than current boots on the market. Globe boots have introduced the Vibram Arctic grip Pro. Recently, Globe invited firefighters to play a friendly game of hockey to compare Globe boots with this new sole technology versus standard firefighting boots. The video can be seen by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fapJ1JH5j70.

[continued - Battalion Chief William Lang]

Both of these items deal with improving firefighter safety. Although they might seem[continued minimal, - Red Crew we - Battalionneed to Chiefdo whatWilliam Langwe can to be proactive when it comes to safety. As you can see by the data provided by NFPA, there were 62,085 firefighters injuries thatCaptain were Hellerreported was in ablethe toUnited bring States back during the following 2016. Without information reiterating from aall vendor the facts, he visitedthe reported with. Captain Heller states, “One of the many benefits of attending FDIC was the opportunity to visit with number of injuries have decreased by 8.8% from 2015. As of right now, the statistics for 2017 are not compiled and different vendors to see what new products, technology, and techniques are available that enable us available. The full fact sheet can be seen below. perform our jobs safer and more efficiently.” One of the vendors we visited with was the glove manufacturer Pro-Tech. Pro-Tech was giving demonstrations on how to properly clean and decon fire gloves after structure fires. The materials from protective clothing can become contaminated with cancer causing chemicals absorbed from the smoke and toxic fumes released during fires. Reducing our exposure to these carcinogens is a major concern for fire fighters, and until recently fire gloves were often overlooked as a source of that exposure. Since our return we have been instructing the members of our department on the proper technique to clean gloves and reduce their exposure to these carcinogens absorbed by the material. As an added benefit, this new technique of glove cleaning greatly extends their usable life.

Special thanks to Edvar Aguirre. He put in a lot of time during this project. Many thanks to Breck Heller, Caleb Miller, Brian Goble, Jeff Sinclair, and Justin Holzrichter.

On July 27th, 2018, HFD was informed by FEMA that we had won a $80,000 grant to upgrade Station 4 and 6 with a state-of-the-art diesel exhaust removal system. This will make great strides in keeping our firefighter clear of the harm- Just surpassing my 18-year anniversary on this department, I can’t helpth but to ful reflect cancer on-causing the past agents and see from just dieselhow far exhaust. we have come On September over the years. 12 , We 2018 have the projectbuilt was multiple awarded new fireto Plymovent. stations, upgraded The completion our fleet of firedate engines,is set for placed the end new of Novembertechniques 2018. and policies into action, made some great promotions, and accepted into our department, an outstanding new Fire Chief. The future looks bright. Plymovent provides vehicle exhaust extraction systems which ensure clean air In order for us to have this bright future, we must all BE PRESENT. Don’t let in the work environment of vehicle mechanics and fire fighters. yourself be passive, don’t let yourself fall into the shadows. We all must step Dieselforward engines, and used give in this fire department trucks, produce the best a sidemixture of us. of toxic We shouldgases and share particu- the BLUE latesknowledge from the we combustion have. We shouldprocess. mentor These the hazardous ones that inspirevehicle toexhaust be like emissions us. We should share our time, thoughts, and efforts, to keep the path to the future bright. CREW in a fire station are one of a firefighter’s most significant cancer health risk and a serious legal liability for the fire department. It is essential to create healthy and safe working conditions by reducing these risks. Protective measures are an important aspect of this. Fire Station 4 will receive exhaust systems for 7 vehicles and Fire Station 6 will receive systems for 3. Each system will be on a rolling track that moves with the vehicle until the vehicle has cleared the door way. This ensures that the exhaust boot is on for the maximum amount of time. Each exhaust boot is equipped with a magnetic receiver which aids in attachment and removal of the exhaust tubing. The system is activated by a wireless remote system that turns on the exhaust system when the batteries are switched on in the vehicle. This ensures that the system is running before the vehicle starts to produce exhaust. This system can capture virtually 100% of vehicle exhaust. Equipping the remaining stations is a goal we will be working towards in the future years. Everything we can do be it little or big, will help give our firefighters the best chance possible to retire healthy and cancer free.

THE “25” Research regarding cancer in firefighters has made considerable headway in the past few years. The fire service has gained a better understanding of how firefighters are being exposed to harmful chemicals and carcinogens, as well as, learning how to implement new corresponding preventive techniques. Many fire departments across the country have begun working on their cancer preventive initiatives, just like us, here at HFD. Some fire departments recognize the need for change but aren’t quite sure where to start. “The 25” checklist was created by Firefighter Cancer Consultants, LLC with the intent of assisting departments in evaluating their current practices compared to the best practices on reducing the risk of receiving an occupational cancer diagnosis. The intention of “The 25” checklist should be used as a resource on how to assess and implement firefighter occupational cancer preventive measures. As we all know, this is not an overnight process due to budgetary constraints and cultural pushback, “The 25” is intended to help departments evaluate their policies and procedures and implement change according to what resources are available. There are a lot of changes that can be made that have little to no cost but rely on a cultural change within rank and file. On the flip side, there are changes that can be made that do carry a price tag (PPE extractors, exhaust systems, etc.) and are truly proven to reduce cancer diagnosis within firefighters keeping us healthy and going home to our families. Using this checklist helps departments properly evaluate and plan for needed change based on what they deem appropriate and possible. The main priority should be training fellow firefighters about how significant a threat occupational cancer is. Department members will be more supportive about procedural and cultural changes if they have been educated beforehand on why this change is necessary for the betterment of their lives and their families. Firefighter cancer training should consist of firefighter cancer awareness, prevention, and support. There are a multitude of training options available throughout the country. Any chance to make these trainings personal to the members will also increase buy-in. Attacking this problem means that departments need to do a true self evaluation of their policies and procedures against “The 25” checklist and putting the effort forward to conduct real change. This problem is real and without proper acknowledgment of its existence the fire service will forever be scarred by a truly horrific disease that steals loved ones from us daily, it is our time to make real changes that will make the fire service a better place for generations of firefighters to come. If you are on a fire department and reading this article take a copy of the attached checklist and evaluate your departments policies and procedures. This is a group effort and a huge cultural change for us, but our health literally depends on how we move forward. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the needed changes won’t happen overnight but talking about it keeps it in the forefront. I would like to say thank you and reference Jim Burneka Jr. from firefightercancerconsultants.com for the use of his checklist in helping us effect change within the Hutchinson Fire Department.

Jesse Martin Chief of Training

[continued - Training Chief Jesse Martin]

Many new and exciting things have been happening in the Hutchinson Fire Department! We have a new department scramble, new uniforms, a new promotional process, and we are working on improving our ISO rating. Another first is the development of the Hutchinson Fire Department Peer Support Team. I want to take a moment a fill everyone in on where we are with team development. First let’s review some of the activity over the last 18 months. Last May, I attended a two-day peer support training in Lenexa, KS. Upon my return, I presented a peer support plan to Chief Beer that focus on helping the members of this department with behavioral health needs. Last July, in training group sessions, we talked about specific challenges we face as firefighters regarding our behavioral health. Two members from our employee assistance provider, EMPAC, met and spoke with us about how they can support us and how to contact them. In August of last year, Captain Holzrichter and I attended a two-day IAFF peer support training in Wichita. We made sure every fire station posted EMPAC's contact information on the station bulletin board. Last October, I attended the Federation of Fire Chaplains course, “Essentials of Fire Chaplaincy”, so I could get better equipped to serve as your Chaplain.

The next step in the peer support program is recruiting and training a team. I am excited to report that Captain Jeff Miller, Firefighter Matt Young, Captain Justin Williams, Firefighter Ian Arndt, Captain Justin Holzrichter and retired Captain Wes Stewart have all committed to being part of the Hutchinson Fire Department Peer Support Team! On November 10th, we will attend a Mental Health First Aid course through Horizons Mental Health Center. This course will help equip our team to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to offer and provide initial support, and how to guide a person toward appropriate treatments and resources. I believe that this is a big step toward reaching the goal we laid out as a department in our strategic plan: to equip Hutchinson firefighters to do their job and lead healthy and well balanced professional and private lives. Prior to the official launch of the Hutchinson Fire Department Peer Support Team, please know that I am available to every member of this department as your Chaplain, and a fellow firefighter who cares greatly about the quality of life that we all are able to lead. I pray for the members of this department regularly and will continue to do so. I leave you with some wisdom from the book of Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”, it is only by working together and supporting each other that great things can be accomplished. Sincerely Yours, Daniel Smith Department Chaplain

June July August

2018 2018 2018

Fire Alarm and EMS (Emergency Medical Service) 275 286 317 Public Assist 134 159 117

Total 409 445 434

Building Loss $1,000 $40,500 $17,000 Content Loss $300 $8,000 $6,550 Vehicle Loss $0 $21,400 1,500

Total $1,300 $69,900 $25,050

Structure Fires (Residential) 3 2 1 Structure Fires (Commercial) 0 0 0 Outbuilding/Bridge Fire 0 1 1 Other Fire with Value 1 4 2 Vehicle Fire 0 5 1 Grass, Tree, Brush, Crop Fire 7 12 4 Rubbish Fire 4 6 4 Overpressure Rupture, Explosion (No Fire) 0 0 1 Rescue and Emergency Medical Service 260 256 287 Hazardous Condition, Standby Calls 16 23 33 Service Call 45 43 45 Good Intent Calls 42 46 41 False Alarm and False Calls 28 14 14 Special Incident/Severe weather 3 33 0

Total 409 445 434

Public Appearances Inspections Training for Fire Staff

[continued - Red Crew - Battalion Chief William Lang

Captain Heller was able toRETIREMENT bring back the following information from a vendor he visited with. Captain Heller states, “One of the many benefits of attending FDIC was the opportunity to visit with different vendors“ toTHANK see what YOU new FORproducts, YOUR technology, SERVICE and” techniques are available that enable us perform our jobs safer andYOU more WILL efficiently. BE MISSED!” One of the vendors we visited with was the glove manufacturer Pro-Tech. Pro-Tech was giving demonstrations on how to properly clean and decon fire gloves after structure fires. The materials from protective clothing can become contaminated with cancer causing chemicals absorbed from the smoke and toxic fumes released during fires. Reducing our exposure to these carcinogens is a major concern for fire fighters, and until recently fire gloves were often overlooked as a source of that exposure. Since our return we have been instructing the members of our department on the proper technique to clean gloves and reduce their exposure to these carcinogens absorbed by the material. As an added benefit, this new technique of glove cleaning greatly extends their usable life. Captain White also attended this year’s FDIC and FDTN (Fire Department Training Network). Captain White brought back the idea of an additionalCaptain door prop. Wesley Captain WhiteStewart states. The idea for this prop came from when some of us attended classes at FDTN. We thought it would be beneficial to have a door to force open, like in26 an apartmentYears with complex. HFD Edvar— AguirreEngine and #7I both thought it beneficial in the training tower. Ed called me on the phone and said he wanted to start the door project. He already had a design in mind to build it. I had scrap metal available to build the door inexpensively. We used some of the Task Force 5 equipment as well. Edvar Aguirre, Justin Holzrichter, Caleb Miller, and Breck Heller started working on it on Sunday,PROMOTION May 28. We were able to get the door made that Sunday. At my residence, I cut some pieces for it. Edvar took the door to his residence and finished welding. Chief Martin supplied“ theCongratulations! materials for us to build” the door frame. Next Sunday, June 4, we installed the door at the training facility tower. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. The reason we installed an upstairs door, was to simulate forcing a door in an apartment fire. Firefighters would have to force the door in low visibility to reinforce the skill that we learned from the FDTN class. It’s easier to force a door in daylight with no smoke or heat upon you, but it’s more difficult to force when one is in low visibility and heat. We’ve already discussed building another door in the garage door prop for the tower. Special thanks to Edvar Aguirre. He put in a lot of time during this project. Many thanks to Breck Heller, Caleb Miller, Brian Goble, Jeff Sinclair, and Justin Holzrichter. Travis Kerschner Promoted to Captain 10 years with HFD

Hand-Crafted “Thank You” Cards from Mrs. Winters’ 4th Grade class at Morgan Elementary.

PetSmart Recalls Strip Lights for Reptile Cages Due to Fire Hazard: Recall Summary Name of Product: Reptile strip light fixtures Hazard: The strip light’s fluorescent bulb can overheat causing the hood on the light fixture to ignite, posing a fire hazard. Remedy: Refund Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled light fixtures and return them to any PetSmart store for a full refund. Consumer Contact: PetSmart toll-free at 888-839-9638 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or online at www.petsmart.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

Vornado Air Re announces Recall of Electric Space Heaters Following Report of Death; Fire and Burn Hazards: Recall Summary Name of Product: VH101 Personal Vortex electric space heaters Hazard: The electric space heater can overheat when in use, posing fire and burn hazards. Remedy: Refund, Replace Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Vornado for instructions on how to receive a full refund or a free replacement unit. Consumer Contact: Vornado toll-free at 855-215-5131 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.vornado.com and click on “Recalls” in the lower right corner of the homepage or www.vornado.com/ recalls and click on the VH101 Personal Heater recall button for more information.

Xtava Recalls Allure Hair Dryers Due to Fire, Burn and Electrical Shock Hazards Recall Summary Name of Product: Allure and Allure Pro hair dryers Hazard: The hair dryer and power cord can overheat and catch on fire, posing fire, burn and electrical shock hazards. Remedy: Replace Consumers should immediately stop using the hair dryers and contact Xtava to receive a free replacement hair dryer. Consumer Contact: Xtava toll-free at 877-643-8440 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, online at www.xtava.com and click on “Product Recalls” or https://recall-xtava-allure.expertinquiry.com for more information.

Koehler-Bright Star Recalls Flashlights Due to Explosion Hazard: Recall Summary Name of Product: WorkSafe 3-D cell flashlights Hazard: The flashlights are missing an encapsulation on a circuit board component which protects the flashlight from igniting an explosive environment, posing an injury hazard to the user or bystander.

Remedy: Replace Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled flashlights and inspect the flashlights for a missing date code on the body of the flashlights. If the recalled flashlight does not have a date code, contact Koehler-Bright Star for free replacement parts.

Consumer Contact: Koehler-Bright Star at 800-788-1696 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at [email protected] or online at www.koehlerlighting.com and click on the Contact Us tab for more information.

Ultimate White Chicken Chili

HFD Firehouse

2 Tbsp butter 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour In a Dutch oven melt butter and stir in flour. 3 cups chicken broth Cook for 2 minutes. 1 cup half-and-half Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. 1 rotisserie chicken, Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, until thickened. skin removed, meat pulled off bones and chopped Add remaining ingredients and cook for an additional 10 to 2 (15-oz) cans white kidney beans, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. rinsed and drained 1 (11-oz) can white corn, When serving put the chili over crushed corn chips and a drained dollop of sour cream on the top with chopped green 2 (4-oz) cans chopped green onions chilies, undrained 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes 1/4 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp cumin **For this recipe you can use chicken breasts, but I would recommend a rotisserie chicken that is de-boned ** 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese This newsletter’s recipe is provided by Training Cream Cheese (as much as you Captain Jesse Martin, specifically requested by want to melt in for flavor Fire Chief Beer. and thickness)