Fire Department

Table of Contents

City Overview Population and area statistics…………………………. 3 Demographics and Highway Networks ..…………..… 4 Airport and Railroad Systems ……………………….. 5

Department Overview History…………………………………...………….. 6,7 Today’s Department..……………………………….. 8 Organization Chart…….……………………….…… 9 Shift Calendar………………………………………. 10 Fire Administration …………………………………… 11 Administrative Services Division……………………. 12 Risk Management……………………………………. 13 Operations Division………………………………….. 14 Rank Structure……………………………………….. 15 Hazardous Materials Team………………………….. 16 Technical Rescue Team……………………………… 17 West Tennessee Rescue Team………………………. 18 Station Locations……………………………………. 19 Personnel……………………………………………. 20 Retirements, Awards, Recognitions………………… 21 Promotions, Work Comp, Injuries…………………. 22 Training……………………………………………. 23,24 Fire Prevention…………………………………….. 25,26 Incident Responses…………………………………. 27,28,29

2009 Accomplishments Fire Explorer Post……………………………………….. 30 Lateral Entry Program, Facebook……………………….. 31 Dispatch Cross Training………………………………… 32 Public Relation Events………………………………….. 33

2010 Projections Apparatus Lease Program………………………………. 34,35 Reserve Firefighter Program ………………………… 36 Safety & Risk Management, Station 7……….………. 37 Citizens Fire Academy, First Responder…………….. 38 ISO Survey…………………………………………… 39 Conclusion…………………………………………… 40

2 City of Jackson Overview

City of Jackson Overview Jackson is located in Tennessee's Madison County, about 76 miles from Memphis and 103.0 miles from Nashville. Jackson is home to legendary Carl Perkins, Casey Jones Village, the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant, The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, the NAIA Division 1 Women’s National Championship basketball tournament, and much more. Jackson is also known for it’s many industrial and manufacturing businesses. Numerous large, complex industrial sites are situated within Jackson’s city limits along with, 3 colleges, 2 hospitals and numerous medical, retail and restaurant facilities. The City of Jackson serves as the county seat for Madison County and has a resident population of 62,711 people and a total land area of 49.5 square miles. Second only to Memphis, Jackson serves as the largest metropolitan area in West Tennessee and serves as the main service and trade hub for Madison County plus the 12 surrounding counties in West Tennessee. Through the 90's Jackson's population grew by about 22%. It is estimated that in the first 5 years of this decade the population of Jackson has grown by about 4%.

The Jackson and West Tennessee area has an excellent highway system, which makes commuting to Jackson for employment; retail shopping and medical care a daily event for thousands of the 395,418 trade area residents. The result provides Jackson with a much larger daily transient population and a stronger market than typical similar-sized cities.

3 City of Jackson Overview

Demographics The racial makeup of the city of Jackson is 55.13% White, 42.07% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races. The median income for a household in the city is $33,194, and the median income for a family is $40,922. The per capita income for the city is $18,495. 17.1% of the population and 14.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 23.0% of those under the age of 18 and 11.5% of those 65 and older live below the poverty line (*1). The unemployment rate for the Jackson Madison County area as of October 2009 is 10.7%. (*2) *1 Source Economic Expert.com/ *2 Tennessee Department of Labor

Highway Networks Numerous major highways radiate from Jackson. U.S. 70 and U.S. 412 provide east-west routes while U.S. 45 and U.S. 45 Bypass provide north and south routes. State routes include Highways 18, 198, and 223. Ten interchanges on Interstate 40 provide access to Jackson. All industrial parks are served with direct interchange access. The state also is making substantial investments in the West Tennessee highway network, mainly to upgrade highways from two lanes to four lanes including:

• U.S. 412 connecting Interstate 40 with Interstate 55, two of the country's major interstate highways. • The widening of the U.S. 45 Bypass from Interstate 40 to U.S. 45. • U.S. 45 East from north Madison County to the Tennessee- Kentucky state line.

The central location and extensive Highway network makes Jackson accessible within a day's drive of 76% of the Unites States' major markets. More than 100 trucking companies provide service to and from and 40 companies have established trucking terminals in Jackson.

4 City of Jackson Overview

Railroad Systems

Jackson and Madison County are also well connected with the United States rail system through three railroad systems – one short line and two Class I railroads. West Tennessee Railroad connects Madison County via direct daily interchanges with both CXS and Norfolk Southern.

Airport

McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport is located in Jackson and the geographical center of West Tennessee. The airport was established by the U.S. Government in 1941 as a military aviation training center and was given to the City of Jackson and Madison County after WWII for civilian use. Over the years additional land has been purchased, now totalling more than 800 acres. All airport property is owned jointly by the City of Jackson and Madison County.

The airport has daily scheduled regional airline service and meets the same FAA safety and security requirements as much larger facilities. It has a 6,000-foot grooved-surface primary runway with a category 1 instrument landing system plus a 3,500-foot secondary runway. The airport control tower is operated from 7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. daily under the FAA Contract Tower Program using FAA certified controllers.

5 Department Overview

History

1882 was a landmark year for the City of Jackson's Fire Department. On March 7, the citizens met at the courthouse to discuss the need for an organized fire company and improved fire fighting equipment. It was this meeting that led to a special meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to begin immediate means of an improved fire protection for the city. This led to the purchase of new equipment, more water cisterns being built in strategic areas around the city, an alarm system, and the organization of the Fire Department. On March 15, 1882, the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department was created by an ordinance; and in early 1893, the city established a paid Fire Department.

July 1, 1885, was a milestone in history of fire prevention for the City of Jackson with the completion of the long-awaited water works. Fire hydrants were placed on most street corners within the fire limits of the city providing 80 pounds of pressure, which eliminated the need to hand pump water at fire sites. In this same year the City Council bought four hose carts and 500 feet of hose and new hose reel houses were built and placed throughout the city. Volunteers who lived near the hose houses could quickly respond with their hose reel and hook it to the hydrant closest to the fires. On November 6th, the City's Fire and water Works Committee sold the hand water engine and purchased more fire hoses and reels which marked the end of pumping water by hand in the City of Jackson.

6 Department Overview

History

In 1912, the City of Jackson bought an American LaFrance Pumping Machine for nine thousand dollars. The city purchased the first motorized firefighting apparatus for Jackson that was also the first in the State of Tennessee. In 1923, when the City of Jackson observed its centennial year, the Fire Department consisted of the 1912 pumping engine, a 1918 White pumping engine and a Ford Model T automobile chemical/ladder wagon. The Fire Department built this apparatus in 1921 by extending the frame of the Model T and attaching a horse-drawn wagon. With Jackson's becoming a city and the increase of population and city land size, the demand increased for better fire protection. As the city expanded northward, the need and completion of another Fire Station with equipment opened March 2, 1925. The increase of train traffic and the growth of the city eastward also caused an increased problem of trains blocking stations and equipment that brought about the opening of Fire Station #3 on May 18, 1949. The 1970's created the increased need for more efficient communications and dispatching of emergency equipment. The Communications Division appointed the first full-time dispatchers who implemented an improved system of dispatching. The fire department was brought from the horse drawn equipment to the most modern versatile firefighting apparatus. The Jackson Fire Department has grown far beyond its historical role established over 100 years ago. Today, in addition to fire suppression and emergency medical response, firefighters are trained in water rescue, hazardous materials response, and confined space and rope rescue. The Rescue Squad was formed in 1989 and is trained in the use of special rescue equipment with special focus in rescuing trapped motorists after accidents. With continual training and the use of modern equipment, the goal of the department is to provide the finest possible service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The Jackson Fire Department strives to improve in Fire Suppression, Technological Rescue, Vehicle Extraction, and Hazardous Materials. The department offers service personnel complete and progressive training required to perform the job they are entrusted to - the protection of the lives and property of the citizens they serve. The staff monitors the activities of the state organizations to stay abreast of mandated changes in training and certification requirements.

The pictures above were taken from Jackson Fire Department: A History of Success. This pictorial history of the Jackson Fire Department was published in 1993 and is available for purchase.

7 Department Overview

Today’s Department The City of Jackson Fire Department is committed to provide the highest level of life and property safety in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Department strives to meet this task by providing the following programs: Fire Suppression, First Responder Emergency Medical Services, Public Fire Education and Fire Prevention Services, Fire Investigation, Hazardous Materials Response and Special Rescue Operations. The department employs 156 competent, highly trained professional personnel and is devoted to providing continued training opportunities for them to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The Jackson Fire Department operates under a traditional fire department organizational structure with the Fire Chief as the highest-ranking officer. A Deputy Fire Chief serves under the Chief and is responsible to discharge the duties of the Chief in his/her absence. The department consists of four divisions, Administration, Administrative Services (fire prevention/training), Risk Management and Operations.

The Department staffs twelve (12) pieces of firefighting equipment 24/7, 365 days a year. The equipment and personnel are housed in six (6) fire stations that are strategically placed throughout the city. Station crews are assigned specific primary response territories and back-up territories. Fire apparatus from each station respond with each other to ensure there are an adequate number of personnel on the scene. If multiple calls come in simultaneously, equipment and personnel are shifted to other areas of the city to maintain adequate coverage. Mutual aid agreements with police, sheriff, local area fire departments, emergency management and EMS, allow for adequate responses to any situation regardless of the size or complexity.

8 Department Overview

JACKSON FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL

Fire Chief a Operations Deputy Chief

Health and Administrative Safety Assistant

Administrative Service Chief Operations 3 Shifts

Receptionist

Fire Prevention Training Public Fire Dispatch Public Safety Bureau Division Education Communication Garage Urban Search Firefighter Liaison and Rescue Reserve Region 10 Program

3 Inspectors 3 Instructors Pub Ed Officer 10 Cross Trained FF’s 50 Member 25 Reserve Rescue Team Firefighters

Battalion 1 Battalion 2 Commander Commander

Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Station 7

Engine 12 Engine 22 Engine 32 Engine 42 Engine 53 Engine 62 Engine 72 5 Persons 5 Persons 5 Persons 5 Persons 5 Persons 5 Persons 5 Persons

Engine 13 Truck 2 Quint 4 Truck 5 Brush 6 Quint 7 5 Persons 4 Persons 4 Persons 4 Persons E - 62 4 Persons Personnel

Snorkel 1 Brush 2 4 Persons E - 22 Personnel

Haz Mat 1 E -13 Personnel

10 Department Overview

Fire Administration

The administrative branch of the department is made up of three full time employees and part-time employee. This branch includes the offices of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief, Administrative Assistant and Special Operations Coordinator.

The Fire Chief is responsible for overall administration and management of the Department's personnel, programs, property, and budget. The position is key in providing vision and leadership to the members and in providing a healthy environment for employee development. It is the Fire Chief's responsibility to provide direction to the organization and evaluating the capabilities of meeting the specific needs of the community.

The Deputy Chief is responsible for the daily operations of the Department. The duties for this position include the evaluation of firefighting strategies and tactics, fire suppression procedures, and firefighting equipment for effectiveness and efficiency, as well as assuring that all of the Department's buildings; fire apparatus and equipment are properly maintained. In supervising the Department's six Battalion Chiefs, the Deputy is accountable for coordinating the activities of these shift commanders.

The Administrative Assistant works under the direction of the Fire Chief and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the administrative offices. The job duties include payroll, accounts payable, entering requisitions and receiving purchases along with many other important functions.

The Special Operations Coordinator works under the direction of the Fire Chief and is responsible for special project research, development, and implementation. The job duties include the evaluation of departmental processes and strengthening public and departmental relations.

11 Department Overview

Administrative Services Division The Administrative Division administers all of the Department’s training, fire prevention, fire investigation and public education programs. The Training and Fire Prevention Divisions are grouped into the Administrative Services Division. The Division provides training, coordination and general support to all operations of the Jackson Fire Department as well as provides valuable fire prevention and public education services to the public. The division consists of 9 personnel who each play a key role in maintaining the performance level of the department. This branch includes the Administrative Services Chief, 3 Fire Inspectors, 3 Instructors, 1 Public Education Officer and 1 Receptionist.

The Administrative Services Chief takes direction from the Fire Chief and or Deputy Chief. The Administrative Services Chief is responsible for the management, direction, budgetary controls and daily operations of fire training, fire prevention and public education services. The Administrative Services Chief also oversees the operation and quality of the Department's preplan program.

The Fire Service Instructor is responsible for preparing and delivering training courses to both Department personnel and members of other Departments. Each Instructor provides courses in such a manner as to help students meet the requirements of their jobs, establish a high degree of student self-confidence, and prepare students for professional growth and development.

The Fire Inspector conducts inspections of new and existing buildings, equipment and processes for compliance with the fire prevention codes as adopted by the City of Jackson and investigates the cause, origin and circumstances of accidental and incendiary fires.

The Public Education Officer plans and implements fire and life safety education programs and activities for schools, day care centers, health care facilities, businesses, homeowner groups and the community as a whole; provides instruction identifying and correcting potential fire and life safety hazards in the home.

12 Department Overview

Risk Management The primary purpose of the Risk Management Division is to support the principal operations of the Department by reducing the risk of injury to employees or members of the public. This mission is accomplished by controlling the frequency of accidents and limiting the subsequent loss of resources, thereby allowing the Department to remain focused on primary goals. The Safety/Risk Management Officer serves employees and managers of the Department by using a pro-active approach to the job hazards and mitigates them to provide a safe working environment for each employee, regardless of the duties involved. This not only involves the obvious dangers at emergency incidents but also the less dramatic, but potentially equally devastating, dangers in the routine functions of every employee’s job.

The Safety/Risk Management Officer works under the general guidance and direction of the Fire Chief /Deputy Chief, and attaché to City of Jackson Risk Management. The responsibility includes performing a variety of supervisory, technical, and administrative work in the areas of health and safety, fire prevention, in-house and outside training activities, public fire education, communications and public relations of the fire department. Evaluates effectiveness of all programs and develops strategies to provide continuous improvement. The position also ensures the Department operates with the highest levels of safety and health for all members, with the prevention and reduction of accidents, injuries and occupational illnesses being the ultimate goal.

13 Department Overview

Operations Division The Operations Division is the largest division within the Jackson Fire Department. The Operations Division is currently staffed by 143 firefighters based at 6 fire stations. Firefighters work a 24 hour, three platoon schedule. The Operations Division is divided into two Battalions. Firefighters respond to a wide variety of 911 calls that include; structure fires, wildland fires, motor vehicle accidents, vehicle extrication, hazardous material incidents, technical rescue incidents, and aircraft rescue and firefighting.

The Operations Division operates 8 engine companies, 1 quint and 3 aerial companies and 2 Battalion Chiefs per shift. The following equipment is cross staffed : 2 wildland firefighting vehicles and 1 hazardous materials unit. Two of the engine companies serve a dual purpose and are equipped with heavy rescue equipment. A rescue crew is available in each of the Battalion response areas.

• Company- is the basic unit. The Company is made up of a single piece of apparatus and it’s crew. The company is supervised by an officer, either a Captain or Lieutenant. If the Officer is off duty for some reason, (vacation, illness etc.) the Driver will often move up and take their place. The Driver would be referred to as an “Acting Captain or Lieutenant” for the day.

• Battalion- each Battalion is made up of predetermined response area, several stations and the companies that are quartered within the response area. Each Battalion of vehicles and personnel is supervised by a Battalion Chief.

14 Department Overview

Rank and Responsibilities

• Battalion Chief - (BC) - Operational supervisor over specific territory, several stations and companies. The highest ranking officer on duty on a 24 hours basis.

• Captain - (Capt.) - This officer commands a single company but also is the ranking officer at a station that may have several companies. He may have one or more lieutenants working at the station with him. This officer is often the initial command at emergencies and can be called upon to fill in for the Battalion Chief during his or her absence.

• Lieutenant - (Lt.) - This is usually the officer over a single company. There might be more than one Lieutenant assigned to a station.

• Driver - This is the person who drives the vehicle and operates the pump or aerial. The Driver is a specialist who knows everything about that piece of apparatus.

• Firefighter - (FF) -Basic worker. Usually 1 -3 in most companies.

15 Department Overview

Hazardous Materials Team

The Jackson Department Hazardous Materials Response Team (Haz-Mat) was founded in the 1980’s and was the first fire department hazardous materials response team in Madison County. The Haz-Mat team members have been extensively trained and equipped to respond to the threat and/or deployment of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The 64 certified hazardous materials technicians who make up the team (including Firefighters, Drivers, Lieutenants and Captains) are specialists with advanced training in hazardous materials and each member brings various skills to the team.

The Haz-Mat team is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Team not only responds to calls within the City, but throughout the western third of state.

A minimum of eleven (11) Haz-Mat team members are on duty at all times. In addition, the department has additional firefighters certified as hazardous materials technicians who are not currently assigned to the Haz-Mat team. These firefighters are available for assignment to the team if needed.

16 Department Overview

Technical Rescue Team

The Jackson Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team was organized in 1989. The purpose is to provide the community with highly trained personnel to mitigate specialized rescue incidents. The Technical Rescue Team is capable of responding to the specialty type rescues throughout the city as well as our neighboring communities.

While the entire department continues to receive technical rescue training, a core group of firefighters representing each shift are on duty 24/7. These individuals have advanced training in the rescue specialties. The City of Jackson has two vehicle extrication rescue units. Engine 12 personnel, located at Station #1, provide vehicle extrication services to the southern half of the City. Engine 53 along with Truck 5 personnel, located at Station #5, provide vehicle extrication services to the northern half of the City. Engine 53 and Truck 5 personnel also provide other specialized rescue services such as high angle and confined space rescues throughout the entire City.

17 Department Overview

West Tennessee Technical Rescue Team

The February 5, 2007 tornado placed a real strain on local emergency services and identified the need for a coordinated specialized and jointly trained regional Urban Search and Rescue Team that is capable of responding to large scale emergencies in the West Tennessee Region. In conjunction with several of the surrounding counties, the Jackson Fire Department has begun work on implementing, facilitating and coordinating the efforts to establish such a program.

The highly trained Urban Search and Rescue Team will consist of members from the Jackson Fire Department and several of the surrounding counties. The forty (40) member team continue to participate in extensive, highly specialized technical rescue training programs. The initial and sustaining training has begun and is funded through grants obtained from the Department of Homeland Security. The Urban Search and Rescue Team will be a huge asset to all of the Counties in West Tennessee. Combining resources and providing immediate access to additional highly trained personnel and specialized heavy rescue equipment will reduce the need and urgency for each county to develop and fund their own special rescue programs.

18 Department Overview

Locations

Fire stations are strategically placed throughout the city in order to meet adequate response times to emergency situations.

Station 1 Station 2 440 East Chester Street 550 Westwood Avenue Engines 12, 13, Engine 22, Truck 2, Brush 2 Haz Mat 1, Snorkel 1 Opened 1967 Opened 1967

Station 3 Station 4 15 Rosevelt Parkway 1526 South Highland Ave Engine 32 Engine 42, Quint 4

Opened 1999 Opened 1967

Station 5 Station 6 50 Vann Drive 1261 Ashport Road Engine 53, Truck 5 BC 2 Engine 62, 63 Opened 1980 Opened 1996

19 Department Overview

Personnel

• Due to recent retirements and the financial impact of the economy, the current staffing levels of the Operations Division dropped to one hundred fifty four (154) of the one hundred sixty eight (168) previously budgeted positions, thus dropping the available manpower of the department fourteen (14) positions.

• (1) Fire Inspector and (1) Instructor were added to the Administrative Services Division. These positions were part of the department reorganization. The positions were filled from transfers from the Operations Division without the addition of new personnel.

• (1) Risk Management/Safety Officer position was created. The position addition was part of the department reorganization. The position was filled from within without the addition of new personnel.

• (1) Director of Training position was eliminated and all Instructors along with Inspectors were assigned to the newly formed Administrative Services Division under the direction of (1) Administrative Services Deputy Chief.

• Five (5) new Recruit Firefighters were hired in the January to fill openings due to retirement. Four (4) Lateral Entry Firefighters were hired in November.

20 Department Overview

Retirements

The Jackson Fire Department honored its 2009 retirees and members with a Retirement and Awards Banquet at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The retirees have a total of 287 years of combined service to the community. The retirees who were honored at the banquet included:

Tommy Day Michael Fincher Kinley Hullom Captain Firefighter Captain 26 years 27 years 37 years

Richard Johnson James May Roger Montgomery Captain Captain Firefighter 25 years 30 years 27 years

James More Harrison Smith Sammy Stanfill Driver Captain Captain 32 years 32 years 27 years

Vernon Smith Firefighter 24 years

Awards & Recognitions

2009 Firefighter of Year Award

Jackson Kiwanis Club Jackson Rotary Club Lt. Brian Bowers Lt Carlos Perry

Jackson Fire Department who are guardsman with the are:

Jonathan Harrison Marques Marshall David Dorris Mark Christensen Joshua Collins Thomas Mitchell

21 Department Overview

Promotions

Lieutenant Promotions (9)

Albert Jackson Carlos Perry Sally Strawn Robert Tipler Michelle Grice Jonathan Harrison Randy Hayes Brain Bowers Peter Hahn

Driver Promotions (3)

Ben Benfield Neal Towater James Denis

Work Comp / Service Injuries

The Fire Department had 15 injuries from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 that were severe enough to require medical attention and were placed on, On the Job Injury status “OJI” for a total of 3,284 hours or 136.83 shifts of missed work.

Total Injuries 15 Missed Work Injuries 15 Paid “OJI” Wages $49,065.02

22 Department Overview

Training

The Fire Department is proud of its fire-training complex. The training center located at 720 S. Highland. The Center is the largest training facility between Memphis and Nashville. The Tennessee State Fire School has designated the training center as a regional training center for the state. The center provides the best possible training for city firefighters as well as regional firefighters. The Center is equipped numerous outdoor and indoor training props, classrooms and conference room facilities. The only significant revenue generated by the Fire Department comes from training provided to local industries and surrounding volunteer departments.

Firefighter Recruits

In 2009 the Training Division trained 5 new firefighter recruits. Each group has or will successfully complete fourteen weeks (560 hours) of intensive firefighting, rescue and medical first responder training. The curriculum was based on requirements outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications.

In-service and Specialized Training

The Training Division has accrued 9,517 contact hours of training to members of the Jackson Fire Department. The Training Division also has conducted training for various outside agencies including Procter & Gamble, Jackson-Madison County EMS, Jackson-Madison County EMA, TEMA, CERT and Owens Corning Fiberglass Company.

23 Department Overview

Specialized Contract Training

Instructor 3/9/09-3/13/09 40 Hours 21 Students Arson Detection 9/28/09-10/2/09 15 Hours 6 Students Strategy & Tactics 10/3/09-10/4/09 15 Hours 9 Students Leadership I 10/24/09-10/25/09 15 Hours 5 Students Leadership II 11/14/09-11/15/09 15 Hours 5 Students Leadership III 12/12/09-12/13/09 15 Hours 5 Students Officer 1234 128 Hours 17 Students Incident Safety Officer ______Total 243 Total 68

State Firefighting Commission Certifications

Firefighter I 134 Firefighter II 131 Firefighter III 31 Instructor 84 Instructor II 2 Officer I 61 Officer II 6 Apparatus Operator 4 Pumper/Driver Operator 60 Safety Officer 7 Fire Life Safety Educator I 3 First Responder 92 Fire Life Safety Educator II 2 EMT-Paramedic 2 Fire Safety Compliance 2 EMT-IV 12 Haz-Mat Awareness 36 Haz-Mat Operations 39 Haz-Mat Technicians 76

24 Fire Prevention

Fire Safety Inspections

The Fire Inspectors conducted an estimated three hundred fifty (350) routine fire inspections on existing buildings during the fiscal year 2009. Items inspected are exit doors, proper operation of exit doors, proper number of exits, emergency lighting, hazardous materials storage, fire suppression systems, fire hydrants, and fire alarm systems.

Fire Inspectors also followed up on two hundred fifty seven (257) fire code violations identified by the preplan program and review site plans in conjunction with the Planning and Building Departments. The Fire Marshal reviews the plans for proper access to the facility, number of fire hydrants, size of water main, and any hazards existing to hinder fire suppression activities. The Jackson Fire Department also monitors open burning for the City of Jackson.

Public Fire Education

Members visited over one hundred (100) locations throughout the City of Jackson with emphasis on promoting fire safety through public fire education. The program reached over twenty five- thousand (25,000) people during the year 2009.

25 Fire Prevention

Revised Preplan Program

After being suspended for six months for revisions the Department’s Preplan Program was placed into service on October 1, 2009. The newly revised Preplan Program allows the Jackson Fire Department to schematically and periodically examine specific target occupancies throughout the City. The Preplan Program now focuses more on firefighter safety, life safety and property preservation. The program captures unique information associated with a building’s construction, processes and operations. The data is placed into a diagram that that can be viewed in both hardcopy and electronic format. All documented preplans contain useful information that can assist with fire ground operations, strategies and tactics.

The Preplan surveys are conducted by Operations Division personnel with oversight and follow-up inquires are conducted by Members of the Fire Prevention Bureau. During the last quarter of the year 2009 the Operations Division conducted 408 preplan surveys. . Fire Investigations

The Fire Prevention Bureau investigated twenty (20) suspicious or incendiary structure fires within the City and assisted Madison County with nine (9) others. Nine (9) fires were ruled incendiary and resulted in arrests five (5) total arrests, two (2) in the city and three (3) in the county. The other incendiary and suspicious fires are still being investigated. There was one (1) fatality and one (1) injury from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.

26 Incident Responses

The Jackson Fire Department uses the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS) to report each emergency incident. TFIRS is a member of the National Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). Our incident response statistics are compiled with all other Fire Departments at the state and national level. These statistics can be utilized to focus on current problems and to predict future ones within the fire service.

The average response time for the first arriving apparatus on an incident was approximately six minutes and twenty two seconds (6:22) from time of dispatch. The estimated fire loss for the City of Jackson was $ 3,919,826 and the total property value saved was $38,204,809. The three most extensive fire losses were the Longhorn Steakhouse fire on Vann Drive $1,552,500, a house fire on Gillman Lane valued at $275,000 and a house fire on Dustin Drive valued at $150,000.

2003-2009 Incident Overview

2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Total Calls Fires False Calls

27 Incident Responses

2003-2008 Fire Types 200 150 100 50 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Structure Vehicle Outside of Structure Brush/Trash/All Other

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Structure 140 120 90 135 192 154

Vehicle 101 98 71 97 87 71

Outside of Structure 103 98 116 145 19 20

Brush/Trash/All Other 46 38 57 48 126 92

Total 390 354 334 425 424 337

28 Incidents Responses

Responding Apparatus Report 2009

======Average Average Average Times turnout response total time

Apparatus dispatched time time on scene ======

BC1 762 00:01:45 00:06:34 00:16:30 BC2 675 00:01:56 00:06:56 00:16:48 Brush 2 49 00:01:53 00:05:34 00:22:15 Brush 6 9 00:02:02 00:08:22 00:29:32 Engine 12 686 00:01:57 00:06:05 00:19:22 Engine 13 815 00:01:53 00:05:57 00:22:46 Engine 22 646 00:01:58 00:06:04 00:22:58 Engine 32 388 00:02:01 00:05:51 00:23:48 Engine 42 242 00:02:00 00:05:36 00:22:04 Engine 53 828 00:02:06 00:06:36 00:22:44 Engine 62 280 00:02:14 00:07:13 00:21:21 Engine 63 442 00:02:15 00:07:55 00:15:03 Haz Mat 1 28 00:02:22 00:08:43 00:44:07 Haz Mat 2 1 00:00:06 00:00:09 01:36:14 Quint 4 73 00:01:37 00:04:21 00:25:42 Snorkel 1 417 00:02:06 00:05:57 00:20:20 Truck 2 278 00:02:06 00:05:56 00:16:34 Truck 5 504 00:02:15 00:07:07 00:16:41

Miscellaneous Facts

Engine 53 is the busiest company in city with a total of 828 responses.

Average personnel per call- Fire 11.26 EMS- 4.79

The Fire Department responded to an average of 6 calls for service a day.

One (1) fire death and one (1) fire related injury occurred in 2009.

Of the One hundred fifty four (154) structure fires, One hundred thirty (130) occurred in residential properties.

29 2009 Accomplishments

Explorer Post 343

The Jackson Fire Department re-established it’s Fire Explorer Post in 2009. The Fire Explorer Post is a youth organization sponsored by the Jackson Fire Department and chartered by the Boy Scouts of America. Jackson Fire Department’s Explorer Post 343 is open to young adults aged 16-21, who are interested in "exploring" the field of Fire / Rescue. Post 343 is a specialized Explorer Post that focuses exclusively on the Fire & Rescue service. Exploring is a Coed Division of the Boy Scouts of America. The purpose of this specialized Explorer Post is to expose young adults to a possible career in fire and rescue. The learning opportunity will help the Explorers to determine if this is an area they want to pursue as a career.

30 2009 Accomplishments

Firefighter Lateral Entry Program

Four firefighters were hired through the newly created Lateral Entry Program. The program is designed to fast track the employment and training process for people who have already obtained the Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications and have at least 180 hours of Basic Firefighting Training through an accredited program.

Facebook Page

The Fire Department developed a Facebook page in early October 2009. The intent of the page is to promote the message of fire safety as well as inform the citizens of Jackson of the activities, incidents and news involving the Jackson Fire Department. The page has generated a lot of interest and support from the citizens of Jackson and surrounding areas. In the short time since it’s development the page has enlisted approximately 1,200 members. The page can be veiwed at: http://www.facebook.com/JacksonFireDepartment

Fire Department-City of Jackson

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2009 Accomplishments

Dispatch Cross Training

In an effort to assist Central Dispatch with expensive overtime costs the Fire Department crossed trained twelve (12) firefighters in emergency dispatch operations. The twelve (12) members received eighty (80) hours of emergency dispatch training at no additional costs to the City. The trained members will be available for call back in the event of a major emergency and will also be able to staff dispatch vacancies due to holidays, vacations or illness.

2009 Accomplishments

Public Relation Events

• Annual Smoke Detector and Battery Program • Flags for Freedom Event, Union University • Numerous School and Public Appearances • National Night Out • Fire Prevention Festival and Parade • Lane Homecoming Parade • Christmas Parade • West Tennessee State Fair • Community Emergency Response Team • Relay for Life • Retirement and Awards Banquet • Firefighter Tuff Man Challenge

2010 Projections

Apparatus Lease Program

The fire apparatus lease purchase program will allow the City of Jackson an efficient way to purchase much needed fire apparatus while managing cash flows. The program provides the opportunity to own and use an asset immediately, while distributing the payments over the asset's useful life. The lease can be an important element of a capital-improvement program by offering the opportunity to preserve cash for other projects where lease/purchase isn't an option. Along with allowing the ability to manage cash flows the program also offers many more benefits.

• Creates an apparatus replacement schedule for new apparatus.

• Standardizes all fire apparatus over a period of 10 years.

• Standardizes maintenance schedules and allows Mechanics to become familiar with a specific model rather then several models.

• Ensures the fleet is updated before it becomes inefficient and maintenance expenditures increase. .

• There’s no large, up-front capital investment because no down payment or a security deposit is required. 100 percent of the costs are capable of being financed. The repayment schedule is structured to fit the specific needs our budget. Apparatus is paid out over a period of 10 years.

• Lease payments can be budgeted as operating expenses rather then capital, therefore no long-term debt.

• Gives the City the ability to avoid future price increases by acquiring new apparatus at today’s favorable prices and financing rates.

• Reduces the costly expense of maintaining older equipment.

• Ownership- with the standard lease the City of Jackson will own the equipment at the end of the lease for $1 payment.

• Better leverage with manufacturer as vehicle lease can be terminated at anytime. Apparatus comes with a 5-year bumper to bumper warranty.

2010 Projections

5 Year Apparatus Maintenance Expenses

$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 FY 05-06 FY 06-07 FY 07-08 FY 08-09 FY 09-10 Parts & Labor $86,766 $108,522 $110,802 $97,790 $71,332

Current Apparatus Makes and Models

0 Pierce HME Pirsch Seagrave Maxim Make 8 4 3 1 2

2010 Projections

Reserve Firefighter Program The implementation of a Reserve Firefighter Program will allow the Jackson Fire Department to utilize a combination of resources to meet the needs of the organization while operating within its budgetary constraints. The Program focuses on utilizing both full-time and part- time personnel to meet the objectives and goals of the Department while increasing firefighter safety as well as service programs offered to the citizens of Jackson. The Reserve Firefighter Program will provide the City of Jackson Fire Department with a pool of twenty-five competent, well-trained persons that can be utilized to supplement full time vacancies due to illness, injury, vacation or training. The Reserve Firefighters will increase recommended standard manning levels and provide additional resources during times of extreme emergency.

The military's concept of reserve forces ensures there are no double standards. If you're trained in a technical specification in the reserves, you're expected to perform that level of training when you go on active duty. The Reserve Firefighting program applies the same basic concept. Building a strong reserve force will increase the efficiency of the Department as well as build a strong community-wide emergency network and support system.

Reserve Firefighter trainees will be recruited under a competitive testing process. Candidates are required to pass the Department’s Physical Agility Test and doctor's physical, possess a valid driver's license and submit to a background check. In addition, a written test and an oral interview will be given and must be passed. The ultimate goal is ensure all Reserve Firefighters are trained to the level of Firefighter I and II at which time they will be fully capable of performing all firefighting tasks.

2010 Projections

Safety & Risk Management

The Fire Department provides a variety of emergency and non- emergency services, which involve operations that could result in an undesirable outcome, including death or injury to it’s members. Other undesirable outcomes include loss or damage to the department’s apparatus, equipment, or facilities. The Jackson Fire Department plans to continue to develop and implement a safety and risk management plan, which involves a process of identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, and controlling risks, which can impact our resources, including the members and the activities of our organization. The goals and objectives of the plan are as follows:

1) To limit the exposure of the fire department to situations and occurrences that could have harmful or undesirable consequences on the department or its members.

2) To provide the safest possible work environment for the members of the fire department, while recognizing the risk inherent to the fire Department’s mission.

The Safety and Risk Management Program will incorporate a full range of control measures that may be used to limit, reduce, or eliminate the anticipated hazards.

Station #7

The new and proposed annexations in the northwest area will eventually require one (1) new fire station and 15 additional firefighters. The proposed Station #7 will fill a void in the city's emergency response zones that are currently covered by Station # 5 and # 6, located five (5) and seven (7) miles away . The proposed Fire Station # 7 will help JFD to more efficiently deliver fire and emergency services to citizens in the affected areas.

2010 Projections

Citizens Fire Academy The Citizen’s Fire Academy will be one of the newest training programs offered by the Jackson Fire Department. This program is designed for community leaders and other citizens who have a genuine desire to reduce the number of lives lost and the amount of property damage in our city. This program covers Departmental policies, procedures, staffing and the "why’s" of Fire Department operations. This dynamic program will provide knowledge in fire prevention, rescue, communication, hazardous material identification, extinguisher training, basic first aid, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Citizens will be allowed to participate in practical drills, both firefighting and emergency medical exercises. Participants will complete this course being more conscious of their environment and safety oriented. Certificates will be awarded during graduation exercises to be held at the completion of this course.

Medical First Responder In a joint venture with Medical Center EMS, The Jackson Fire Department will begin a non-transport medical first responder program the early part of 2010. The Department will assist Medical Center EMS by responding to major medial emergencies and providing basic pre- hospital emergency medical care. Firefighters render basic first aid until an ambulance arrives and then turns care over to the ambulance crew. This extremely valuable service has the potential to save many lives in our community, especially in the areas of trauma such as motor vehicle accidents.

The majority of the firefighters are currently trained to the level of First Responder and are certified through the State of Tennessee Department of Medical Services. This program only makes good sense for both emergency service agencies in the City of Jackson to work together to provide the fastest emergency medical care for the citizens of Jackson and it’s visitors.

2010 Projections

ISO Survey

The Jackson Fire Department will continue to focus on preparations for the upcoming Insurance Service Office (ISO) survey that is planned to take place in December 2010. The extensive evaluation of the Fire Department, combined with the evaluation of the City of Jackson’s water supply, Dispatch Center and Building/Fire Code Enforcement will establish a fire protection classification for the City. The ultimate goal is to lower the public protection classification thus potentially lowering insurance premiums for the property owners within the City of Jackson.

Insurance Service Office (ISO) collects information on municipal fire- protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). ISO then assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program doesn't meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

By classifying communities' ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the communities evaluate our public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.

Conclusion

I would like to give thanks to Mayor Gist, Members of the City Council and the Citizens of Jackson for allowing me to serve in the capacity of Fire Chief over the past year. This past year has been a very difficult and challenging economic period for the City of Jackson. It has forced us to implement and plan for several new and innovative cost saving approaches for the delivery of fire protection services. It is my goal to continue to safely progress our Fire Department into the future while working within it’s designated budgetary constraints. I look forward to many years of service and plan to continue forging ahead through these financially difficult times.

With the utmost respect,

Fire Chief James Pearson