ANNUAL 2017 REPORT
Excellence through each individual act WELCOME From the Chief
The Denver Metro area has experienced tremendous growth in recent years—a trend that also rings true for North Metro Fire Rescue District. As a result, our fire district continues adjusting to the growing needs of the community while preparing for the future.
My priority as fire chief is to listen to our residents and continue progressing as a department to meet our customers’ expectations. Looking back, I’m proud to report that as we enter the final year of our 5-year strategic plan, we have achieved and exceeded most of our goals, which community members helped develop.
One such goal involved launching a new website, which incorporates customer-focused features that allow online payment and ambulance membership renewals, online registration for CPR and training classes, and electronic plan submittals for developers.
Additionally, North Metro Fire implemented a new records management system that allows the District to perform a more thorough analysis of emergency medical calls to ensure we are providing the best patient care, to study the impacts of implementing new technologies and techniques, and to make enhancements where needed.
North Metro Fire has also dedicated many resources to prepare for large oil and gas developments projected in the north area of our district.
As we set our eyes on the year ahead, we will begin developing a new strategic plan in partnership with our community. I look forward to working with you on this plan as we keep pace with the growth and needs of this community.
Sincerely,
David Ramos Fire Chief North Metro Fire Rescue District District’s Busiest Station Gets a Remodel
In 2017, North Metro Fire began a large traffic from a smaller residential street and renovation of Station 63 on Irma Drive providing quicker access to the response in Northglenn. The original structure was area. constructed in 1963 and has remained North Metro Fire’s smallest station, despite The firefighters’ living quarters were built being its busiest station. above the apparatus bay, and a fire pole from the second story was added to Remodeling Station 63 has been a long- provide a quick descent when called to an term goal for the fire district in order to emergency. make essential safety upgrades and provide a better working and living space The renovation also resulted in a larger for the firefighters residing there. office space, kitchen and fitness area to allow the firefighters to work more The renovation transformed the entire efficiently. layout of the fire station, adding an enlarged apparatus bay to house a fire Through strategic financial initiatives, the engine and ambulance as well as a District remodeled the station using its specialized emergency response vehicle capital improvements fund and did not in the future. The new bay now opens take on debt for the project. up onto Irma Drive, diverting emergency Large Increase in Call Volume
North Metro Fire continues to experience a steady increase in call volume. In the last year alone, the District saw an 11% increase in emergency calls.
273 7 North Metro firefighters responded to nearly 12,000 697 calls in 2017.
Fires 273 2,368 Ruptures Explosions 7
EMS Rescues 8,237
334 Hazmat Special Ops 334 8,237 Service Calls 2,368
Alarms - 697
5-Year Call Volume Growth 11,916 10,732 9,835 9,882 27% 9,404 Increase in Call Volume Over 5 Years
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 A Focus on Training
North Metro firefighters certifed and skilled in swiftwater rescue trained all of the District’s firefighters last year on Clear Creek in Boulder to practice real-life scenarios in fast-moving water.
Holmatro Selects North Metro Fire Tech Rescue Academy and Officer Training Center Brings in National as Sole Host in North America for Development Classes Enhance Fire Experts to Offer Training for Extrication Training Firefighters’ Expertise Area Firefighters
Over 100 firefighters from nearly North Metro Fire makes training Last year, North Metro Fire’s 20 agencies received hands-on a priority for its firefighters, so they Training Division hosted several extrication training through the may gain the experience necessary experts from across the nation Holmatro Rescue Experience to work efficiently and provide to train firefighters on a variety of hosted at North Metro Fire’s effective leadership on scene. topics. Training Center in October. In 2017, members of the District’s One such class was taught by Expert instructors taught the latest technical rescue team participated Dr. David Griffin, who spoke on techniques using heavy rescue in a Rigging for Rescue course, important lessons learned from and extrication tools and trained where they learned about different a warehouse fire his department firefighters on a variety of simulated rope and rigging systems for use in responded to that killed nine fellow incidents. rescue situations. firefighters.
Firefighters also learned about Also last year, several North Metro Another class was taught by FDNY medical trauma response from firefighters participated in the Battalion Chief John Salka on Dr. Andrew Stevens, physician North Area Officer Development leadership and changing practices member of the Holmatro IndyCar Program to prepare as individuals within a fire department to enhance Safety Team. for the role of company officer. safety. When Natural Disasters Strike
Many people think of firefighters as the ones who respond to structure fires, auto accidents and emergency medical calls. However, North Metro Fire Rescue District also trains and equips specialized teams that respond to wildland fires, technical rescues and hazardous materials incidents, all of which are resource intensive events. Firefighters on these teams receive extensive training in their area of specialty and may deploy to large-scale incidents across the nation at any given time.
For large natural disasters, no one department, even with the help of neighboring fire departments, can handle the incident with their resources while still providing emergency coverage for their own city or district. It takes a regional and often national response. By deploying teams from other areas, the government is able to cover the response needs for the disaster without taxing any one department too much.
Wildfire Deployments of 2017
· Lilac and Thomas Fires in southern California · Sutherland Canyon Fire in Washington State · Eagle Creek Fire in Oregon · Orleans Complex Fire in California · Deep Creek Fire in Routt County, Colorado · Gutzler Fire in Eagle County, Colorado · Elk Run Fire in Custer, South Dakota · Dead Dog Fire in northwestern Colorado · Parker 2 Fire in California · Logan Fire in Logan County, Colorado · Devils Lake and Bear Butte Fires in Oregon · Wagonwheel Gap Fire in Boulder County, Colorado
All expenses associated with wildland deployments ordered by state or federal agencies are reimbursed to North Metro Fire. Wildfires Cause Havoc in Western U.S.
The past year was a busy year for wildland deployments. North Metro Fire sent firefighters to 13 different wildfire areas from the West Coast to the Great Plains. They also deployed crews within Colorado and locally to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to service firefighting aircraft.
As part of their tasks, crews would attack active fire areas, provide structural protection to homes and businesses, and support local fire departments whose wildland resources were spread thin. Additionally, North Metro firefighters with certain qualifications were deployed as individuals to serve as division supervisors and heavy equipment operators.
Over the years, North Metro’s wildland firefighters have gained essential experience and knowledge working large wildfires that have enabled them to develop safer and more efficient operational strategies for attacking grass fires back home.
North Metro Firefighter Joins CO-Task Force 1 for Rescue and Recovery Efforts in Hurricane Disaster Areas
While wildfires brought the majority In the Florida Keys, LaFleur style Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) of deployments for North Metro and his team conducted and being isolated from modern firefighters in 2017, they weren’t structural searches, canvassing amenities. the only disasters requiring a neighborhoods looking for any national response. stranded residents who hadn’t LaFleur said the experience evacuated prior to the hurricane’s allowed him to truly empathize with North Metro Fire Engineer Brian arrival. the local residents and provided LaFleur was deployed with CO-Task additional motivation to keep Force 1 for three weeks to Texas They conducted health evaluations working the long hours each day. and Florida to assist residents to determine the needs of each recovering from Hurricanes Harvey individual and also assessed larger When he returned to Colorado, and Irma. structures for structural integrity, LaFleur applied the lessons he blocking off buildings and houses learned to develop emergency His team partnered with the Air deemed unsafe to inhabit. response pre-plans for a range National Guard in Texas to run an of hazards. As part of his plans, evacuation center that assessed Task force members experienced he ensured the potential needs residents for medical conditions the conditions as the locals did, of residents would be met during and provided essential resources spending the majority of nights such events. to meet their basic needs. sleeping outside, eating military-
Oil and Gas Preparation
In early 2016, North Metro Fire became aware that oil and gas developers were planning to construct large multi-well oil and gas sites within the fire district. Since that time, North Metro Fire has been actively involved in preparations for potential emergency responses to these facilities.
Enhancing response through collaboration
Oil and gas well sites are not new to North Metro Fire. However, Broomfield is one of the latest areas where these larger multi-well sites may be developed. As a result, the fire district collaborated with oil and gas experts, emergency management personnel and city officials within the District on response plans and community outreach.
In 2017, North Metro Fire became a member of the Front Range Emergency Response Co-Op (FRERC), an organization comprised of oil and gas developers and first responders, who work together on improving emergency response plans, conducting appropriate training and identifying necessary emergency response equipment and supplies.
While none of these sites have been developed yet in Broomfield County, North Metro Fire will continue to plan, train and prepare to handle potential emergency incidents. Keeping residents and first responders safe requires the collaboration of all parties involved, and it continues to be a top focus of the District.
• Began attending community meetings on oil and gas development • Engaged with oil and gas developers to review emergency response plans 2016 • Established a timeline for research, collaboration and training to address the proposed multi-well sites
• Formed internal Oil and Gas Committee consisting of a petroleum engineer, air monitoring specialist, hazardous materials specialist and senior operations personnel to address concerns and needs 2017 • Visited well sites in Weld and Adams Counties during each stage of development to learn about the construction and operational processes • Continued community discussions and collaborations with developers
• Hosting Oil and Gas Response for First Responders class for all North Metro firefighters developed by the FRERC • Participating in two large-scale training exercises with firefighters and oil and 2018 gas operators • Making enhancements to emergency response plans for oil and gas developers and creating oil and gas response guidelines and protocols for firefighters • Planning additional training exercises • Procuring specialized equipment and supplies for oil and gas response More Growth Comes to Fire District
While cities analyze growth using their own measurement tools from one year to another, the fire district measures growth primarily in two ways: number of emergency calls and number of plans reviewed and permits issued. Last year, the Fire Prevention Division saw a slight decrease in the number of plans reviewed, but it still accounted for the second busiest year for the division in the past five years.
New in 2017, the Fire Prevention Division began offering customers the ability to submit their plans electronically using the fire district’s new website. Since implementing the new feature in October, over 52% of the plans received by the District were submitted online, and that percentage is expected to rise in 2018.
New Construction Inspections 874
Plan Review Letters Written and Permits Issued 694
Fire Prevention Division’s Pam Kutchen delivered 46 business programs, 82 community programs, 103 youth programs and 53 senior programs in 2017, all aimed at enhancing safety in the community through education. North Metro Fire Trains More Santa Event at Station 62 North Metro Fire Partners Than 300 Citizens in CPR and Draws a Crowd and Toys for with Veterans and Scouts AED Use A Precious Child Through Community Events
Two years ago, North Metro Fire More than 200 people visited North North Metro Fire was proud to began offering free non-certification Metro Fire Station 62 in December participate in numerous community CPR classes to the community. to see Santa and drop off toys for events last year that honored Since that time, hundreds of A Precious Child. It was the largest veterans and the nation. citizens have been trained in CPR, toy drive event hosted by the District and 2017 was the largest year yet. and was a big hit with families. From Memorial Day to Flag Day More than 300 residents attended and Veterans Day, North Metro Fire the Family & Friends® CPR classes Kids got to work on holiday crafts, was represented with honor guard held throughout the year. In 2018, meet Santa for a photo, and tour members, firefighters and staff at the fire district will also offer Stop the fire station and climb inside the each event. In June, the District the Bleed classes in addition to the fire engine--all while supporting A hosted one of its biggest Flag CPR instruction. Precious Child. Retirement Ceremonies at Station 61 with over 150 in attendance. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
North Metro Fire values strategic, sustainable fiscal stewardship as the fire district continues to improve its financial stability. In keeping with its promises to the community, North Metro Fire remains committedto rebuilding its reserves. In 2017, the District added an additional $2.1 million to its General Fund and Capital Improvements Fund reserves. The reserve funds, together with the annual property tax revenues, enable the completion of capital projects included in the long-range financial plan without adding any additional debt.
The District used last year’s property tax revenue to invest $3 million in capital purchases. The capital purchases included $670,000 for equipment to protect North Metro firefighters and assist with emergency service response, including bunker gear, cardiac monitors and cancer prevention measures in the stations. The District also began the remodeling of Station 63 and expended $2.2 million on this project. The District also expended $100,000 for other capital purchases including staff vehicles and computer equipment.
2017 REVENUES TOTAL $27,410,939
$22,117,121...PROPERTY TAXES
$2,391,945...EMS TRANSPORT FEES
$1,840,359...SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAXES
$335,287...WILDLAND DEPLOYMENT
$107,131...PERMIT FEES
$476,510...OTHER INCOME
$142,586...NET INVESTMENT EARNINGS
2017 EXPENDITURES & INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL RESERVES TOTAL $29,379,817
$17,958,302…SALARIES & BENEFITS
$3,331,441...SUPPLIES & SERVICES
$3,128,022...CAPITAL PURCHASES
$142,889...INSURANCE
$619,163...DEBT
$4,200,000…INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL RESERVES North Metro firefighters set a new record, raising more than $63,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2017. Thanks to the generous support of community members who donated to the cause, children and adults with muscular diseases will benefit from more research and patient programs.
North Metro Fire Rescue District 101 Spader Way CONNECT WITH US Broomfield, CO 80020 facebook.com/northmetrofire Phone: 303-452-9910 twitter.com/nmfirepio Email: [email protected] Website: www.northmetrofire.org