City of Stevens Point Fire Department 2020 Annual Report

Chief’s Welcome: April 5th, 2021 Citizens of Stevens Point Mayor Wiza City Council Members Police and Fire Commission Members

On behalf of all the members of the Stevens Point Fire Department (SPFD) I proudly present our 2020 Annual Report. The value of this report cannot be overstated as it continues to represent the many accomplishments throughout the year of our dedicated staff. These accomplishments would not have been possible if not for the members of this department, the direction of the Fire and Police Commission, the investment and support of the Common Council and elected or appointed officials, and ultimately the support from the public we proudly serve.

Operational Review: In 2020 SPFD experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, an event that changed the world forever. SPFD was affected as an organization as well of the work and personal lives of all its members. There were many times throughout the year where questions were asked that we did not at first have an answer for and events arose that we had no experience with. While the pandemic is still ongoing and at times, we are still somber, the SPFD has emerged a more experienced and structured organization knowing that we can make it through a life altering time with the protection and public safety provided to the citizens of Stevens Point never faltering.

Over the past year the Stevens Point Fire Department experienced an increase of 37 total calls for service. Ambulance runs were 3,343 total, overall Portage County Ambulance call volume has stayed consistent. The number of fire responses (medical assist, fires, false alarms, accidental alarms, CO responses, etc.) was 1039, an increase of 39 calls compared to 2019. This equals an overall total of 4,382 calls for service.

One of the biggest challenges our department experienced in 2020 was recruitment and retention of new employees. Central Wisconsin and the public safety sector in general suffer from a shrinking applicant pool with many departments competing for the same students who are exiting the technical college system having completed their required education. This makes it difficult to staff apparatus with the NFPA recommended staffing levels.

Summary: Overall, I am very pleased with the way this department has faced adversity in 2020. In 2021, we will continue to evaluate and improve the services we provide, and we look forward to returning to normal operations inside the firehouse. 2021 still presents recruitment and retention issues however, we have still planned another ambitious year. SPFD will continue to seek improvements to serve our citizens in the most cost-effective and equitable manner as possible.

Sincerely,

Robert Finn Fire Chief

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Impact of COVID-19

As news of COVID-19 making its way into the United States spread, it became clear that the world was rapidly changing in a short period of time. The Stevens Point Fire Department immediately made plans to procure PPE, cleaning products, and touchless dispensers to keep department personnel safe while serving on the front lines of the pandemic.

The Stevens Point Fire Department worked closely with other City of Stevens Point Departments, First Responder groups, and healthcare organizations within Portage County to create Emergency Response Plans to ensure services carried on in these unprecedented times. We also coordinated and participated in N95 fit testing for our personnel, County First Responders and area Law enforcement. In addition, we trained area Community Base Residential Facilities and local businesses in the N95 fit testing process so they could fit test their employees. The Department worked with many different vendors and Portage County Emergency Management to ensure that proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was available for our team. One example is the agreement with Battelle to send used N95 mask to Battelle in Madison to be decontaminated for reuse.

In the fall we worked with local clinics and University of Wisconsin Stevens Point to provide COVID-19 testing for our employees.

The Paramedics were able to maintain a high level of patient care and adapt to the ever-changing prehospital COVID-19 environments ranging for donning PPE to decontamination of ambulance. Our partnership with Portage County Health Department strengthened with a Memorandum Of Understanding to assist with scheduled COVID-19 testing for the public along with strike team testing at locations in Portage County where COVID-19 hot spots were found and testing was needed.

The implementation of social distancing changed daily life within the two Fire Stations. Partitions were placed throughout both stations. Daily station decontamination, and sanitation processes changed to mirror guidelines recommended with by Portage County Health and the CDC. The stations stayed separated as possible without compromising our focus on training. The new video conferencing equipment purchased in 2019 played a vital role in maintaining high levels of training for our members while keeping them safe. Administrative staff worked collaboratively to reduce our risk of exposure ensuring smooths operations of the Stevens Point Fire Department. A city-wide burning ban was established in an attempt to prevent contact with others. Once the burning ban was lifted, the department successfully implemented a paperless burning permit system.

One of our citizen soldiers in the Wisconsin National Guard was called up to assist with COVID-19 related operations for the National Guard.

Getting through COVID-19 in 2020 was a challenge and all of Stevens Point Fire Department worked as a team to maintain our standard of excellence to the Public we are in trusted to serve.

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Table of Contents

Mission Statement……………………………………………………………………………………. Page 5 Vision Statement……………………………………………………………………………………….Page 5 Core Values……………………………………………………..………………………………………..Page 5 Strategic Plan………………………………………………………………………………………….… Page 6 Organizational Chart……………………………………………………………………………….…Page 6 City Administration and Alderpersons…………………………………………….………… Page 7 Stevens Point Firefighters IAFF Local 484 Officers………….…………….…………… Page 8 Fire Department Personnel……………………………………………………………….……… Page 9 Personnel Data……………………………………………………………………….………………… Page 16 General Awards………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 17 EMS Response Data…………………………………………………………..……………………… Page 18 Medical Director ………………………………….……………………………………………………Page 20 EMS Service Reports………………………………………………………………..………………. Page 20 EMS Equipment Purchasing……………………………………………………………Page 20 Medication Purchasing………………………………………………………..…………Page 21 Rescue Task Force (RTF) …………………………………………………..……………Page 21 Paramedic Internship Program……………………………………………………… Page 21 Fire Response Data…………………………………………………………………………………… Page 22 Fire Service Reports………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 25 Fire Equipment Purchasing…………………………………………………………….Page 25 Meters…………………………………………………………………………………….……. Page 25 Hose Testing and Purchasing……………………………………………………..…. Page 25 Technical Rescue…….…………………………………………………………..……….. Page 26 Grant Program ……………………………………………………………………………… Page 26 National Fire Incident Reporting System ….…………………………………… Page 27 SCBA/Respirators…………………………….…………………………………………….Page 27 Personal Protective Equipment…………………………………………………….. Page 28 Fire Internship Program………………………………………………………………… Page 28 Fire Prevention Bureau…………………………………………………………………………….. Page 28 Training Division ……………………………………………………………………………………….Page 34 Fleet Maintenance……………………………………………………………………………………. Page 35 Fire Apparatus………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 35 EMS Apparatus…………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 37 Peer Support……………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 39 Building Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………….... Page 39 IT Support………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 39 Radio Communications…………………………………………………………………………….. Page 41 Thank you………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 41

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Mission Statement

The Stevens Point Fire Department exists to improve the fire and life safety of the community through training, education, and risk reduction.

Vision Statement

The Stevens Point Fire Department will strive to be role models in the community and leaders in our profession.

We will be accountable to the community, each other and any emergency organizations we interact with.

We are committed to providing the best public service through innovative training, education, safety, equipment, and care for the resources entrusted to us.

We will take the department into the future through productive, dedicated teamwork and by focusing on the professional development and training of all personnel.

We are committed to our values and mission, and dedicated to our profession.

Core Values

Professionalism We maintain the highest standards while seeking to improve.

Respect We always treat others as they desire to be treated.

Integrity We preserve the trust of those we serve and each other.

Compassion We believe in caring for our community members who are suffering from tragic events in their lives and do all that is within our power to assist in stabilizing the situation with a merciful attitude.

Excellence We strive for excellence in every action we take.

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Strategic Plan

The department’s current Strategic Plan runs from 2020 through 2024. It is available on the Stevens Point Fire Department website.

Organizational Chart

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City Administration and Alderpersons

Mayor Mike Wiza

Alderpersons 1st District Tori Jennings 2nd District David Shorr 3rd District Cindy Nebel 4th District Mykeerah Zarazua 5th District Meleesa Johnson – President 6th District Jeremy Slowinski 7th District Mary Kneebone 8th District Thomas Leek 9th District Polly Dalton 10th District Keely Fishler 11th District Shaun Morrow

Fire and Police Commission Gary Wescott – President Joseph Kirschling – Fire Department Liaison Jerry Moore Robert Ostrowski Ron Carlson Ald. Mary Kneebone Lee Ann Spoon – Administrative Assistant

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Stevens Point Firefighters IAFF Local 484 Officers

President Glynn Novak Vice President Tom Wastart Treasurer Jason Pettis Secretary Jason Karpinski Bargaining Chair Justin Thomson Grievance Chair Tom Wastart

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Fire Department Personnel

Administration Staff

Robert J. Finn Joseph A. Gemza Jr. Jb D. Moody Fire Chief Assistant Chief of EMS/ Assistant Chief of Fire / Date of Hire: October 15, 2007 Paramedic Paramedic Date of Hire: June 3, 1996 Date of Hire: August 16, 2004

Andrew M. Egan Trevor J. Howard Pastor David E. Ficken Fire Marshal/ Paramedic Training Officer/ Paramedic Chaplin Date of Hire: July 13, 2015 Date of Hire: April 7, 2010 June 2016

Amanda F. Simons Administrative Assistant Date of Hire: April 24, 2017

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A Platoon

Captain Ronald J. Heibler Lieutenant Armando F. Ramon Lieutenant Victor G. Kedrowski National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: June 6, 1996 Date of Hire: May 28, 2002 Date of Hire: May, 29 2002

MPO Mark D. Kitowski MPO Benjamin J. Schultz Firefighter Peter T. Ostrowski National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: January 11, 2005 Date of Hire: August 27, 2007 Date of Hire: July 28, 2008

Firefighter Jason C. Pettis Firefighter Jason R. Karpinski Firefighter Quinn C. Warner National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: Sept. 21, 2009 Date of Hire: June 29, 2012 Date of Hire: July 7, 2016 10

Firefighter Daniel M. Brown Firefighter John Klementz V National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: June 1, 2020 Date of Hire: September 1, 2020

B Platoon

Captain Dennis B. Zvara Lieutenant Mark D. Schoeberle Lieutenant Travis J. Koch National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: January 24, 2000 Date of Hire: July 14, 1998 Date of Hire: February 6, 2003

MPO Arthur J. Dahms MPO Justin W. Thomson Firefighter Thomas M. Wastart National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: August 27, 1990 Date of Hire: April 25, 2005 Date of Hire: Sept. 10, 2007

Firefighter Casey J. Bielen Firefighter Shane G. Westphal Firefighter Benjamin A. Molnar National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: May 25, 2009 Date of Hire: June 27, 2011 Date of Hire: June 28, 2012 12

Firefighter Dustin J. Fleisner Firefighter Kraig C. Arndt Firefighter Joey Gemza III National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: July 6, 2015 Date of Hire: January 30, 2017 Date of Hire: July 30, 2019

Firefighter Kyle J. Mollen Firefighter Michael L. Weinke National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: May 18, 2020 Date of Hire: September 21, 2020

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C Platoon

Captain Paul D. Mattlin Lieutenant Tracy A. Aldrich Lieutenant Matthew A. Zander National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: March 14, 1990 National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: July 16, 2002 Date of Hire: October 4, 2010

MPO Larry M. Pingel MPO Glynn C. Novak Firefighter Ross C. Oestreich National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: May 6, 1996 Date of Hire: May 7, 2007 Date of Hire: January 3, 2012

Firefighter Dayton R. Budsberg Firefighter Jeremiah S. Parker Firefighter Ethan J. Przybylski National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: March, 19, 2012 Date of Hire: July 6, 2015 Date of Hire: July 5, 2016 14

Firefighter Devin J. Nikodem Firefighter Connor L. Pelot Firefighter Jennifer M. Petkoff National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic National Registry Paramedic Date of Hire: July 16, 2018 Date of Hire: August 3, 2015 Date of Hire: September 21, 2020

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Personnel Data

Average Years of Service: 12.7 years

Average Personnel Age: 39.6 years old

Deaths Active Firefighters: 0

Retirements: No Retirements

Resignations: Lieutenant David Briggs Firefighter Paramedic Jake Laack Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Monaghan Firefighter Paramedic Cody Volm Firefighter Paramedic Dustin Holton Firefighter Paramedic Alex Knight Firefighter Paramedic Westin Larson

Promotions: Firefighter Paramedic Trevor Howard to Training Officer

Years of Service: Lieutenant Tracy Aldrich 30 Years MPO Art Dahms 30 Years Captain Dennis Zvara 20 Years MPO Mark Kitowski 15 Years MPO Justin Thomson 15 Years Training Officer Trevor Howard 10 Years Lieutenant Matthew Zander 10 Years Firefighter Paramedic Jeremiah Parker 5 Years Firefighter Paramedic Dustin Fleisner 5 Years Fire Marshal Andrew Egan 5 Years

New Employees: Firefighter Paramedic Connor Pelot 5/11/2020 Firefighter Paramedic Kyle Mollen 5/18/2020 Firefighter Paramedic Daniel Brown 6/1/2020 Firefighter Paramedic John Klementz 9/1/2020 Firefighter Paramedic Jennifer Petkoff 9/21/2020 Firefighter Paramedic Michael Weinke 9/21/2020

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General Awards

Lifesaving Award Captain Ronald Heibler received the Lifesaving Award from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office for his actions while off duty which saved the life of a woman at Mitchel International Airport in Milwaukee, WI on February 15, 2020.

Life Saving Medal Captain Ronald Heibler received the Life Saving Medal from the Stevens Point Fire Department for being directly responsible for saving a human life through various actions and going above and beyond the normal duties and responsibilities while off duty for an incident at Mitchel International Airport in Milwaukee, WI on February 15, 2020.

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EMS Service

Distribution of Ambulance Requests in Portage County (Excluding City of Stevens Point and "Other")

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Saint Michael's Hospital Twn of Alban Twn of Almond Twn of Amherst Twn of Belmont Twn Buena Vista Twn of Carson Twn of Dewey Twn Eau Pleine Twn of Grant Twn of Hull Twn of Lanark Twn of Linwood Twn of New Hope Twn of Pine Grove Twn of Plover Twn of Sharon Twn of Stockton Village of Almond Village of Amherst Village of Amherst Jct Village of Junction City Village of Nelsonville Village of Park Ridge Village of Plover Village of Rosholt Village of Whiting

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Total EMS Runs by Year

2020 3343

2019 3345

2018 3632

2017 4491

2016 4480

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000

Total City of Stevens Point EMS Runs in 2020: vvvvvvv2,187

Top 5 Reasons for Ambulance Dispatch in 2020

180 Falls

Sick Person 218 555 Breathing Problem

Medical Transport 309 Traffic/ Transportation 408 Incident

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2020 Portage County EMS Medical Director Report The response to the COVID-19 pandemic dominated EMS activities in 2020. As the pandemic began primary activities focused on information sharing especially around personal protective equipment and changes to medical protocols to minimize EMS personnel exposure. As the local cases increased, numerous collaborative meetings developed including county health sector response, joint long-term care-EMS-hospital meetings for information sharing along with various Northcentral WI Health Emergency Readiness Coalition (NCW HERC) meetings. During the height of the pandemic, there was frequent discussions and recommendations around personnel screening, PPE, testing, and surge planning. Additional protocols were developed around EMS obtaining COVID-10 swabs and administering COVID-19 vaccine.

Additional activities over the year include

• Education on airway management, agitated patients and the use of ketamine • Update of cardiac protocols to reflect the opening of the Ascension St Michaels Hospital • Worked with services to enroll in the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival database. This will allow for comprehensive cardiac arrest data for all EMS services in Portage County going forward

In 2021, EMS protocols for the county services will undergo a comprehensive review and update to align with forthcoming statewide protocols.

- Dr. Michael Clark

EMS Equipment Purchasing

2020 saw us solidifying our relationships with vendors and assuring the best price on equipment. Throughout the year other equipment purchases were to replace any outdated or broken equipment that would come to our attention. A system was set in place to assist me and assure that needed equipment will be purchased and placed into service in a timely manner.

- Captain Ron Heibler

The COVID-19 pandemic added additional concerns to maintaining our EMS supplies. Countless hours were spent with Local, County and State entities to maintain the continuity of operations with no service loss to the residents of Portage County. The additional purchase of electrostatic decontamination sprayers allowed the SPFD to exceed the CDC recommendations for maintaining infection control and cleaning procedures with our EMS equipment.

The Stevens Point Fire Department is proud to continue our aggressive approach in cardiac emergencies within Portage County. Lieutenant Armando Ramon is taking the lead and heading up a cardiac monitor committee to review and evaluate the purchase of new cardiac monitors in 2021.

- Lieutenant Armando Ramon

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Medication Purchasing Stevens Point Fire Department/ Portage County Ambulance collaborates with Ascension Saint Michael's pharmacy, the medical director, and Assistant Chief of EMS, ensuring 52 specific drugs are matched to a patient care protocol.

The department made further upgrades to safeguarding the narcotics and pharmaceuticals at both Fire Stations. This system limits access to authorized users only and provides an audit trail of who has accessed these areas. The department is still currently looking at a possible purchase of a medical supply inventory management system. Having a reliable, effective and efficient inventory management system can help to reduce cost and limit waste.

Inventory control and management software benefits:

• Preventing medical inventory from expiring or being overstocked • Logging the movement or usage of medical inventory • Ensuring that every ambulance is fully equipped with life-saving medications and devices • Inventory control to prevent narcotics diversion • Electronic medication dispensing system

- Lieutenant Armando Ramon

Rescue Task Force (RTF)

2020 found us in our sixth year for RTF (Rescue Task Force) training/collaboration between the Stevens Point Fire Department, Amherst EMS and 2020 was the addition of the Plover EMS, Portage County Sheriff Office, Plover Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, UWSP Police Department and the Wisconsin DNR Wardens. The training for 2020 was completed in February in large part thanks to Sentry Insurance. Sentry allowed us to have 3 days of training at their residence facility prior to the building being razed. All SPFD members were able to get some needed physical, hands on training with breaching doors and walls, elevator rescue as well as practicing team movements and patient treatment in a warm zone.

- Captain Ron Heibler

Paramedic Internship Program

In 2020, the Paramedic Internship committee was comprised of at least one member per crew: A Platoon- FF/PM Dan Brown; B Platoon- Lt. Koch, FF/P Kraig Arndt; C Platoon – FF/PM Ethan Przybylski. An Internship Program Promotional Video was created and used as a recruitment tool. Members from the committee attended Mid State Technical College’s Virtual Showcase and participated in a Q&A session promoting SPFD and its Internship Programs.

The Committee was able to interview two highly qualified candidates for the Paramedic Internship via video conferencing. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns looming daily the Paramedic Internship was put on hold for the remainder of the Spring semester.

- Lieutenant Travis Koch

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Fire Service

Fire Incidents Data

Total Fire Runs by Year 1150

1100

1050

1000

Number of Runs of Number 950

900

850 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Year

Total property costs saved in 2020 was: … ……...$4,723,650

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City Of Stevens Point Fire Response by Incident Type

Incident Number of Type Occurrences Aircraft fire 1 Alarm system activation, no fire - unintentional 18 Alarm system sounded due to malfunction 22 Animal problem, other 1 Animal rescue 19 Arcing, shorted electrical equipment 8 Assist police or other governmental agency 2 Authorized controlled burning 7 Bomb scare - no bomb 1 Building fire 25 Carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO 1 Carbon monoxide incident 5 Central station, malicious false alarm 2 Chemical hazard (no spill or leak) 1 Chemical spill or leak 1 Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue 4 Citizen complaint 1 Combustible/flammable gas/liquid condition, other 1 Cooking fire, confined to container 2 Detector activation, no fire - unintentional 3 Dispatched and cancelled en route 32 Dumpster or other outside trash receptacle fire 1 Electrical wiring/equipment problem, other 2 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury 1 Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition 26 Extrication of victim(s) from building/structure 1 Extrication of victim(s) from vehicle 1 Extrication, rescue, other 1 False alarm or false call, other 43 Fire, other 2 Fires in structure other than in a building 1 Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) 20 Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill 3 Grass fire 2 HazMat release investigation w/no HazMat 30 Heat detector activation due to malfunction 1 Heat from short circuit (wiring), defective/worn 1 Incinerator overload or malfunction, fire confined 1 Lightning strike (no fire) 1 Local alarm system, malicious false alarm 2 Lock-out 3 Malicious, mischievous false call, other 1 Medical assist, assist EMS crew 561 23

mixture fire 3 Mobile property (vehicle) fire, other 1 Motor vehicle accident with injuries 16 Motor vehicle accident with no injuries. 7 Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident (MV Ped) 2 Natural vegetation fire, other 1 No incident found on arrival at dispatch address 6 Oil or other combustible liquid spill 14 Outside equipment fire 1 Outside rubbish, trash or waste fire 1 Overheated motor 3 Passenger vehicle fire 9 Power line down 2 Public service 1 Rail vehicle fire 1 Removal of victim(s) from stalled elevator 1 Rescue or EMS standby 1 Rescue, EMS incident, other 2 Ring or jewelry removal 2 Road freight or transport vehicle fire 1 Search for person in water 2 Service call, other 3 Smoke detector activation due to malfunction 12 Smoke detector activation, no fire - unintentional 11 Smoke or odor removal 1 Smoke scare, odor of smoke 6 Special outside fire, other 1 Sprinkler activation due to malfunction 1 Sprinkler activation, no fire - unintentional 2 Steam, other gas mistaken for smoke, other 1 Swift water rescue 2 Swimming/recreational water areas rescue 1 Trash or rubbish fire, contained 2 Unauthorized burning 44 Unintentional transmission of alarm, other 10 Vehicle accident, general cleanup 1 Water or steam leak 2

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Fire Equipment Purchasing In 2020 we upgraded to a new style truck belt to replace the outdated ones on the trucks, allowing us to work from elevated areas on the fire scene faster. A new 14’ roof ladder for the training grounds was purchased to provide a realistic feel, and safety during roof ventilation training events. The K-Saw blades were replaced with a more aggressive rotary saw blade for roof and forcible entry use. Flashlights, hose appliances, and nozzles were also purchased after many years of needed replacement. We continued to work with our vendors which give us great prices, as well as fast delivery, and great customer service. Throughout the year most of the other equipment purchases were to replace any outdated, or broken equipment during normal fire department operations.

- Captain Ron Heibler

Meters Firefighter/Paramedic Pete Ostrowski now oversees gas meter maintenance. Bump testing the Sensit Meters monthly is now done monthly to address bump test gas issues. A new Sensit HXG-2D meter was purchased.

- Firefighter/Paramedic Pete Ostrowski

Hose Testing and Purchasing

Hose testing went well with only five pieces failing the pressure testing. All three duty crews worked to finish the task of testing just over 200 pieces of hose over a period of three weeks. We were able to test all hose and have only six pieces of hose failed pressure testing. The condition of the hose was evaluated during testing to put together a list of fire hoses that will be pulled out of service once the new fire hose order is ready to go into service.

Spring began with a large order of new fire hose being ordered to replace aged hose that is at or fast approaching the recommended replacement timetable. Thirty-nine pieces of fire hose were ordered, received, and added to our inventory for usage during the next 20-25 years. The oldest pieces of fire hose were pulled from service. This hose was donated to support other agencies with their mission such as making woven beds for police K-9 units to sleep on or replace even older hoses in third world countries like through the Nicaragua Partner City Program. As the new hose arrived, it was inventoried, labeled, and placed into service.

- Lieutenant Mark Schoeberle

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Technical Rescue Each year we focus on two of our technical rescue disciplines and aim for improvement in those disciplines through training and new equipment purchases. 2020 was slotted to focus on water rescue and trench rescue.

Approximately half of our department has been trained in swift water rescue operations. The other half was expected to complete the training in 2020. This class was never scheduled due to the COVID-19 protocol and concerns. This course is expected to be scheduled for 2021. We were still able to upgrade our equipment, including new Personal Flotation Devices, Mustang Ice Water Rescue Suits and other miscellaneous equipment.

A few of our members were also scheduled to attend a train-the-trainer course focused on trench rescue. The members would attend the course and bring back what they learned to teach the entire department. This class was cancelled due to COVID-19 and is anticipated to take place in 2021.

- Training Officer Trevor Howard

Grant Program Each year we compile a list of department and community needs in which we can seek local and federal grant funding. As grants are posted, we focus our efforts to seek out and write for those of the highest priorities. In 2020 we successfully submitted for $27,000 worth of grants. We also submitted for the FY 2019 FEMA AFG Grant for $132,000 to purchase an EMS training aid which was not funded.

DNR Grant

The Stevens Point Fire Department received a $15,000.00 grant through the DNR. Funding from this grant will be used for the purchase of new Nomex hoods for every firefighter, improved radio technology, a new mobile radio and battery-powered chain saws.

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City of Stevens Point Room Tax Grant The Stevens Point Fire Department received a $10,000.00 Room Tax Grant through the City of Stevens Point. This grant will be used towards the construction of burn cells at the new fire department training site located at 3100 Whiting Avenue.

Wisconsin Public Service Grant The Stevens Point Fire Department received a $2,000.00 grant through WPS. Funding was used to purchase new ballistic vests that were placed on front-line ambulances.

- Lieutenant Matthew Zander

National Fire Incident Reporting System The National Fire Incident Reporting System was upgraded at the National and State level in late 2020. All of the department’s fire reports that are imported into the system needed to be reviewed for quality control to ensure that all reports met the current validation requirements set forth by the United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Imagetrend reporting software used to generate reports was modified to ensure that validation requirements were met.

- Captain Dennis Zvara

SCBA/Respirators

The Department was able to acquire several self-contained breathing apparatus from Kronenwetter Fire Department to decrease the cost of maintenance and repairs of our current SCBAs. The allocation of these SCBAs have been used to replace expense electronics integrated within the packs, as well as replace air regulators and reducers.

Due to COVID-19 the Department has conducted fit testing of all members on various manufactures of N-95 face masks to ensure proper fit per OSHA and State Regulations. We also worked with area first responder groups and community agencies in ensure proper testing and fit of N95 masks.

The Fire Investigation Unit acquired half mask respirators for all members based on scientific data published in 2020 by the International Association of Arson investigators to provide protection from the chemical hazards associated with fire investigations. Special P100 filters were also purchased to provide protection from multiple gases that have been found during debris removal at fire scenes.

- Captain Dennis Zvara

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Personal Protective Equipment In 2020, the department has continued to update and follow NFPA 1851 (Long term Carcinogen exposure) that follows a timeline of lifespan of firefighting gear and safe cleaning practices. Replacements to gear that reached the end of its lifespan were made. The department does a continual inspection process to follow confines of NFPA, OSHA and the personal safety of department. Grants such the Wildland DNR Grant were used to expand the capital costs of maintaining department personal protective equipment and turnout gear.

- Lieutenant Victor Kedrowski

Fire Internship Program

Due to Covid-19 the fire internship program has be place on temporary hold.

- Lieutenant Travis Koch

Fire Prevention Bureau

In 2020, The Stevens Point Fire Department continued its overhaul of the Fire Prevention Bureau with updates to organization and technology utilized.

Technology updates focusing on reporting and documentation were of the utmost importance and included four programs that are utilized by the bureau daily:

• Streamline Inspections o Streamline Inspections is a fire inspection management computer program with various improvements to scheduling, violation tracking, self-reporting of violation corrections, and most importantly provides our citizens with a more professional and easily understandable report about fire code violations they may have and how to correct them. • The Compliance Engine o The Compliance Engine is a fire suppression and alarm service reporting portal which creates a cohesive relationship between our local fire system maintenance companies and the department itself. This system allows the fire system servicing companies to alert the department of maintenance issues involving life safety systems so that corrective action can be taken, and education can be provided to the customer about the legally required maintenance that must take place. This program runs at no cost to the Fire Department. • 921 Docs o 921 Docs is a state-of-the-art fire investigation reporting software that ensures our investigations (performed jointly with the Stevens Point Police investigation bureau) are compliant with NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. A standardized reporting software also ensures that all our investigator’s reports meet the expected criteria even if experience levels vary. This maintains the legal credibility of our investigations when they are needed for the prosecution of Arson crimes that do occur in Stevens Point.

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• Online Burn Permits o Due to the COVID-19 restrictions the public was not able to access the Fire Department as normal. It was recognized that citizens coming to our 2 stations to complete burning permit paperwork would not comply with the CDC requirements. Our process was made digital by updating our website and digitizing our burn permit forms so they are in a format that can be emailed to customers. The department still maintains control over burning by requiring a call into the department to receive the emailed permit.

Organizational updates were also made to assist in inspection performance:

• A dedicated fire prevention bureau vehicle was added that can be used for daily bureau duties. • Inspection assignment was updated so that inspections performed by the line staff are in similar geographical locations which reduces time spent traveling, wear on vehicles, and speeds time of inspection completion.

Inspection Division

In 2020, 861 inspections were performed on 1,357 occupancies, an increase of 75 inspectable properties from 2019.

COVID-19 greatly affected the performance of the Inspection Division both from business limiting entrance into their facilities and WI Governor Evers Emergency Order #22 and the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services Emergency Rule 2015 which essentially suspended fire prevention inspections from March 2020 onwards. Inspections were performed sporadically throughout the year per direction from the State but due to COVID-19 surges and local cases not all normal inspections were completed, or violations closed out.

The Inspection Division also organized the distribution of occupant load numbers to many local businesses and calculated through site visits occupant load numbers to businesses who did not have one on file. These occupant load calculations were necessary due to the 25% limitation of interior occupants by State COVID-19 regulations.

The majority of inspections completed were routine fire prevention inspections, but inspectors also conducted:

• Certificate of Occupancy Inspections (New Construction) • Life Safety System Acceptance (Alarm & Sprinklers) Inspections • Occupant Load Consultations • Complaint Inspections

Fire Doors Blocked TOP VIOLATIONS-2020 Open 5% Extinguisher Service Due All Others Extension Cord 18% 50% Violation/Wiring… Extinguisher Alarm Servicing Blocked Exit/Egress Location 5% 8% 6%

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NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS-2020 Certificate of Occupancy Complaint 4% Inspections 1% Re-Inspections Scheduled 10% Inspections 85%

- Fire Marshal Andrew Egan Investigation Division

Members of the Stevens Point Fire Department Investigation Division and Stevens Point Police Investigation Bureau work together as a joint team to determine the cause of a fire: Undetermined, Natural, Accidental, or Incendiary (Intentional). Once the investigation is completed insurance companies may choose to investigate further, when the cause is found to be incendiary, additional criminal investigations may begin. The Stevens Point Fire Department maintained an excellent working relationship with all investigation players in 2020 including the city police department, multiple insurance companies and investigators, and State Division of Criminal Investigation Agents.

Investigators for the Stevens Point Fire Department participated in training opportunities throughout the year:

• 3 Investigators attended the International Association of Arson Investigators Expert Witness Testimony Course. This course is a several day long class and mock trial in which investigators are instructed and tested on their ability to perform in court while giving expert testimony as to fire origin and cause. • The Fire Marshal was certified as an International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician. Several more started the testing process for this certification.

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The Stevens Point Fire Department Investigation Division investigated 18 fires in 2020 with 1 fire determined as incendiary.

Stevens Point Estimated Fire Loss for 2020: $327,997

2020 Top 3 Fire Loss Investigations:

April 1st, 2020 Residential Structure Fire 2132 Madison Street Estimated Loss: $143,100 Cause: Electrical

March 23rd, 2020 Apartment Fire 715 Smith Street Estimated Loss: $75,000 Cause: Incendiary

May 10th, 2020 Residential Fire 308 Wadleigh Street Estimated Loss: $67,400 Cause: Accidental

- Fire Marshal Andrew Egan & Captain Dennis Zvara 31

Public Education Division

The Stevens Point Fire Department believes that prevention and life safety education is an integral part of our mission. We accomplish this through various education presentations and tools and keeping our own training fresh to ensure we are spreading an up to date and effective message.

In 2020 COVID-19 did hinder in person delivery of public education but also provided the Stevens Point Fire Department the opportunity to develop and improve its virtual public education offerings. The Public Education Division was more active than ever this year with Facebook and created new offerings such as a dedicated YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDs-j2VFIoaCDHwmBF2HgGw) with an initial offering of six educational videos covering fire safety and even station tours.

Through these virtual initiatives, we were able to reach an estimated 20,000 views of our fire prevention and life safety messages and videos through our various media channels. We also would like to thank the Stevens Point Community Media office for all of their support and time spent on filming and editing our various projects through 2020.

2020 Facebook Metrics

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In 2020 the Fire Prevention Bureau also updated its most popular piece of teaching material for children, Spark the Fire Dog. This mascot is used heavily during our yearly offerings of fire safety education to many groups including boy and girl scouts, various parades and public gatherings, and during the annual Fire Prevention Week trips to visit all Stevens Point third graders. The original Sparky the Fire Dog was originally purchased in the late 1980’s and was exhibiting wear due to heavy use. The new Sparky the Fire Pup outfit is a modern and updated friendlier design and comes with safety features for the operator including better visibility and cooling fans so that our members can comfortably use the suit during hot weather conditions. The Fire Prevention Bureau decided that discarding the old suit was not in the best interest of our educational mission, so an offer of donation was put out to surrounding departments who currently did not have a Sparky the Fire Dog mascot suit. We are happy to know that our original mascot suit remains in the Central Wisconsin Region and was happily accepted by the Adams County Fire Protection District. Their members were able to make some repairs and for the first time bring Sparky the Fire Dog into the Adams County community where he will continue to provide a fun fire safety message.

- Fire Marshal Andrew Egan & Firefighter/Paramedic Shane Westphal

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Training Division

COVID-19 had a huge impact on our training structure and ability to train in 2020. Beginning in March, our interactions amongst members were limited. We were no longer getting together and training as a company or as a crew. Training was now taking place on an individual basis to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The majority of our training hours were spent on the virology and epidemiology of COVID-19 and how we would combat this virus. Our staff did an amazing job of coming up with a plan, learning about the virus and how to treat it and implementing a new standard of cleaning the station and the ambulances. These new procedures took more time and effort from members, but they were able to adapt and overcome, all while being isolated from one another around the fire station.

In July, the department purchased a new online training platform called Target Solutions. This web-based platform is designed to assist departments in implementing new training, disseminating information and tracking training hours. With COVID-19 and the isolation procedures in effect at the department, Target Solutions allowed us to train the entire department while following COVID-19 protocols.

In September, Firefighter/Paramedic Trevor Howard was promoted to the position of Training Officer. The department had been without this position for 12 years due to a restructure of the department in 2008. Since his promotion, Training Officer Howard has acquired and implemented vertical ventilation pops at the training ground and a forcible entry prop for the department. He has presented multiple trainings since his promotion, including live burn scenarios and practical evolutions at an acquired structure. He has written two new Standard Operating Procedures for the department along with increasing the training hours by 65% per month. - Training Officer Trevor Howard

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Fleet Maintenance

Work has begun on ordering a new 20 for the Stevens Point Fire Department. A committee was organized and the decision-making process has begun. Delivery of the new vehicle is expected in late summer to mid-fall of 2021. We have also begun the challenging process of securing vehicles for the Training Officer and Fire Marshal. The Training Officer position was created in 2020. The vehicle used by the Fire Marshal, 51 Car 6, has been passed between positions for years and is overdue for replacement. We hope to find vehicles for them to use now, while making plans on how to add these needed command cars into our fire fleet for the future.

Maintaining the EMS fleet posed a regular challenge as keeping five ambulances on the road is never an easy thing to do. In cooperation with the mechanics at the Portage County Highway Department Garage, we have maintained our fleet and kept all units running without any major issues. The regular maintenance items like new tires, battery replacement, etc. were completed. No major issues were had this year. We were able to get technology advancements physically onboard by adding tablets to the front of the rigs to allow an easier and safer method of updating dispatch, and being updated by them, while responding to calls.

Our mission in 2020 was the design and planning for the purchase of two new ambulances in January 2021. Fine details were finalized, and blueprints were drawn up, for these two new units which are due to arrive by late summer 2021. One unit will stay with SPFD, and the second one will go into service for the Plover Fire Department. - Lieutenant Mark Schoeberle

Fire Apparatus

Truck 1 Tower 2 2009 Pierce 2009 Pierce Reserve Front Line

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Truck 3 Ice Angel 2000 LaFrance 1999 Windmark Reserve Front Line

Engine 1 Car 1 2019 Pierce Black 2020 Ford Explorer Front Line Front Line

Squad 1 Car 3 2006 International Red 2015 Ford Explorer Front Line Front Line

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Car 6 White 2009 Ford Crown Vic Front Line

Brush 1 2001 GMC Front Line

car 4 Red 2014 Ford F-150 Front Line

EMS Apparatus

Med 1 Car 2 2018 Ford F-550 Red 2018 Ford Explorer Front Line Front Line

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Med 4 2007 IH 4300 Reserve

Med 2 2015Ford F-550 Front Line

Med 5 2007 IH 4300 Reserve

Med 3 2010 IH 4300 Reserve Car 5 2013 Chevy Tahoe Front Line

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Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management

Throughout 2020, Peer Support resources have been made readily available to all Department members and actively utilized by both Retired and Current Department members. Contact with individuals remains confidential to protect the integrity of the program.

The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team remains active and available to respond for Critical Incident Defusing or Debriefing meetings throughout the County.

We continue to partner with the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Coalition of Portage County.

- Lieutenant Travis Koch

Building Maintenance

With the onset of COVID-19, numerous steps were taken around the Stations to prevent and help keep the spread of COVID-19 to a minimum. Touchless paper towel, soap, and hand sanitizer dispensers installed throughout both stations. A Victory backpack and two handheld electrostatic disinfecting sprayers was purchased. These units can disinfect apparatus along with entire stations during routine cleaning. Two touchless water fountains were purchased and installed to maintain a touch free atmosphere. Keyless entry locks were installed at both stations on the medication and supply closets. New clothing washers and dryers were purchased and installed at both stations to handle the influx of gowns and clothing with the new COVID-19 protocols. Automatic air pressure relief devices were added to the station air supply compressors to reduce water build up and increase longevity of the compressors.

- Captain Paul Mattlin

IT Support

IT/Communications

Several members of the Department were on a joint committee to demo and choose a new CAD vendor for the upcoming year. The Committee was responsible for the EMS and Fire section of the CAD software. This included ensuring that the New CAD software integrated with our Fire and EMS reporting software Imagetrend as well as our Phoenix G2 Paging System. The committee was part of larger committee made up of various law enforcement agencies and the Communication Center. 39

All of the Department Ambulances along with Car 5 were upgraded to Getac tablets dedicated to receiving CAD information in the field.

- Captain Dennis Zvara

Aladtec

Throughout 2020 the department has updated and maintaining the Aladtec Scheduling Software for productive and economic efficiency. The department conducts continual education training on the software and works closely with Aladtec Tech Support if any issue arise.

- Lieutenant Victor Kedrowski

Lexipol

In 2020 we entered into a contract with Lexipol, an online platform that provides public safety policy and training solutions for public safety and local government. The project has three phases: 1. Implementing new policies and procedures written by Lexipol, reformat current department policies. 2. Add procedure manual for specific incidents, (single-story residential fire, multi-story residential, high-rise, etc). 3. Reformat current EMS protocol/procedure book To date, Phase 1 is approximately 70% complete and portions of Phase 2 are already underway. Completion of this project is anticipated by the end of 2021. Upon completion the department will have more than 180 new policies, a procedure book, and reformatted EMS protocols.

- Lieutenant Matt Zander

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Radio Communications

Three portable radios were purchased and placed on apparatus to allow for dual scanning and transmission of different radio frequencies should the need arise in large scale operations. These will be utilized by Department Officers in key roles during operations such as active shooter, Multi-level alarm fires, and Technical rescue incidents. The radio inventory of the department was maintained over the course of the year and is in excellent working condition.

- Captain Dennis Zvara

To the Citizens of Stevens Point, Police and Fire Commissioners, Elected Officials, City Administration, and members of the Stevens Point Fire Department Thank You for making 2020 a very successful year!

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