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2015 - Operations Valley Bureau Annual Report
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4960 Balboa Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
[email protected] 818 728 9921
818 728 9931 Fax /lafdvalley @lafdvalley
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 3 LAFD OVB
CONTENTS 04 STAFF
06 OVERVIEW
07 BATTALIONS
08 FIRE STATISTICS
09 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
10 BUREAU ACTIVITIES
12 COMMUNITY CONNECTION
17 BUREAU INITIATIVES
19 ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS
21 CHALLENGES
22 GOALS
Operations Valley Bureau
continually strives for
operational excellence
by actively engaging our
business and community
partners, increasing our
political alignment and
connectivity, employing
administrative efficiency
a n d i m p r o v i n g
communications with our
internal clients.
OVB VISION STATEMENT
The LAFD Strategic Plan
concentrates on nine goals with
corresponding strategic actions
providing direction and initiatives
to drive decisions and actions
designed to guide the
Department into 2018. Enacted
as a foundational document,
the Strategic Plan serves as the
guiding principle for the
establishment of the Four Bureau
Reorganization Plan.
LAFD STRATEGIC PLAN
LAFD STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Provide Exceptional Public Safety and Emergency Service
Implement and Capitalize on Advanced Technologies
Identify Cost Effective Solutions to Manage Expenditures
Enhance Qualities of Leadership, Management and Project Delivery
Enhance LAFD Risk Management Systems
Strengthen Community Relationships to Improve Infrastructure and Enhance Resiliency during
Emergency Events
Implement Green Initiatives that will Improve Emergency Systems and Reduce Impact
Recruit, Develop and Retain a Professional and Diverse Workforce
Support New Business and Improve Development Services
666
555
444
777
888
999
111
222
333
“Our key priorities focus on improving our service delivery, implementing advanced
technologies, employing sound budgeting practices and enhancing our leadership.”
~ Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas
LAFD Strategic Plan 2015-2017
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 4 LAFD OVB
The Bureau Training Support Specialist (TSS) acts as an extension of the In Service Training Section of
the Training and Support Bureau. At the Department level, the TSS plays an integral part in
developing professional training provided to the sworn membership. At the Bureau level, the TSS is
responsible for coordinating and delivering Department mandated as well as Bureau specific
training as determined by the Bureau Commander.
TRAINING OFFICER CAPTAIN II
The Management Analyst performs professional staff work by researching, assembling, analyzing,
and interpreting data and by preparing correspondence and reports with recommendations to
management on a wide variety of administrative, fiscal, grants, budgetary, personnel, legislative
and managerial problems; may supervise or act as a lead worker to staff involved in a central
agency, operating department, or bureau administration; and related work.
MANAGEMENT ANALYST II
The Secretary performs secretarial duties and difficult clerical work requiring the use of independent
judgment and knowledge of the functions of the organizational unit. Additionally, the secretary
participates in preparing correspondence for a variety of projects and reports. The secretary assists in
the management, coordination, and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Bureau.
SECRETARY
The primary responsibility of the Operations Valley Bureau Commander is to manage the day-to-day
oversight of five battalions; 38 fire stations and 1117 personnel assigned across three platoons. This
position also holds the responsibility of responding to significant incidents, the interpretation and
implementation of Department policies, coordination of Bureau programs and community
outreach including social media engagement; political and allied agency coordination; conduct
meetings and conduct field inspections of personnel, fire stations and apparatus.
DEPUTY CHIEF BUREAU COMMANDER
Assigned normal business hours, the Staff Assistant Bureau Commander assists in the overall daily
management of the Valley Bureau. As an adjunct to the Bureau Commander, this position often
works on behalf of the Bureau Commander to build relationships with various community alliances.
Additionally, this position initiates and manages key strategic projects relative to the goals of the
Valley Bureau and the Department.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDER
STAFF
EMS/RESILIENCE OFFICER CAPTAIN I
The EMS Captain position has evolved to create an effective avenue for
communication, training and performance evaluation. By regularly hosting EMS specific
meetings, the Captain is able to address performance trends, operational concerns
and service improvements. OVB utilizes the EMS Captain position proactively—thereby
increasing the training opportunities for field resources and training Paramedic interns.
Christal Chacon
Daryl Arbuthnott
Trevor Richmond
Richard Fields
Danny Wu
Aggie Rodriguez
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 5 LAFD OVB
PLATOON DUTY ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDERS
The Adjutant is a fire
captain who works a 24-
hour platoon duty schedule
and responds to the scene
of emergencies to assist the
Incident Commander with
mit igat ion th rough
accurate situation and
resource status along with
coordinating command
post operations. The
Adjutant may be assigned
to fill a Command or
General Staff position on an
incident management
team or an operational role.
Assigned as part of the
Bureau staff, the Adjutant
assists with Bureau
programs, staffing details,
deployment, stakeholder
contacts, meetings, and
general liaison with
community stakeholders
including: neighborhood
councils, the Los Angeles
Police Department and
elected officials.
PLATOON DUTY ADJUTANTS CAPTAIN I
Three Assistant Bureau
Commanders are assigned
by platoon to OVB (i.e.
“Command 42”). These
Assistant Commanders
work a 24-hour platoon-
duty schedule and are
each paired with a
Captain/Adjutant. One of
two City-wide on-duty
c omma n d t e am s
(Command 42 and 22),
they provide immediate
response and around-the-
clock command and
control coverage for all on-
duty LAFD field resources.
The initial response to
significant emergency
incidents includes the
closest 24-hour Command
Team with subsequent
notifications to the
re spect i ve Bu reau
Commander and staff.
Command 42 is staffed under the platoon duty
system with an Assistant Bureau Commander
(Assistant Chief) and an Adjutant (Captain)
paired as a command team. After business hours
and on weekends, Command 42 shares
emergency response coverage for half of the
City which includes both West and Valley
Bureaus. Command 42 is housed at Fire Station
88 in Sherman Oaks.
COMMAND COMMAND COMMAND 424242
Andrew Fox
Emile Mack
Gregory Reynar
Scott LaRue
Xenophon Gikas
Charles Boswell
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 6 LAFD OVB
OVERVIEW
On Monday, January 11, 2015, the Los Angeles
Fire Department (LAFD) implemented one of
the most significant organizational changes in
its 129-year history. The concept of
reorganization had been a discussion topic for
several years. The “Four Bureau Re-
Organization Plan” was again, reintroduced
through a consultant firm recommending
realignment consistent with the Los Angeles
Police Department (LAPD) organizational
bureaus. The goal of this alignment was to
provide a decentralization of tasks and
responsibilities thereby bringing the LAFD into a
closer collaborative public safety partnership
with the local communities. This realignment
supports the Department’s efforts of refocusing
and directly connecting with important
community needs following emergency
incidents. The resilience efforts performed by
Operations Valley Bureau (OVB) have proven
to offer affected community members
guidance and support following a crisis. Some
of these efforts include connecting city and
other available resources to reduce the
recovery time.
OVB encompasses nearly 240 square miles of
the San Fernando Valley. Serving a population
of 1.8 million residents and business commuters,
OVB is directly accountable for the 38 fire
stations that responded to 139,444 calls for
service in 2015.
Within OVB, there are five geographic Battalion
offices each supervising between seven to nine
fire stations. Additionally, there are five EMS
Battalion offices splitting 24-hour platoon, or
4/10 work schedules. Each station houses
multiple apparatus, equipment, and 4 to 16
personnel each day. OVB is responsible for
managing the operational and administrative
needs of all assigned fire stations, personnel
and resources.
In its short year of existence, OVB has quickly
become part of the San Fernando Valley
landscape woven into its unique communities
from North Hollywood to Encino to Sylmar to
Granada Hills. OVB has become the
communities’ “go-to” point of contact for fire
department-related matters. In turn, OVB is
proud to be serving each resident and business
entity within the San Fernando Valley.
OVB is one of two Bureau offices assigned a 24-
hour command and control response
capability for managing complex, large-scale
emergency incidents or events.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGORGANIZATIONAL CHANGORGANIZATIONAL CHANGEEE
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 7 LAFD OVB
BATTALIONS
••• 1.6 million residents1.6 million residents1.6 million residents
••• 8 Council Districts8 Council Districts8 Council Districts
••• 33 Neighborhood 33 Neighborhood 33 Neighborhood CouncilsCouncilsCouncils
••• 38 Fire Stations38 Fire Stations38 Fire Stations
••• 139,444 Responses139,444 Responses139,444 Responses
Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka,
Woodland Hills Fire Stations: 72 ● 73 ● 84 ● 93 ● 104 ● 105 ● 106
Chatsworth, Granada Hills, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Northridge Fire Stations: 8 ● 18 ● 28 ● 70 ● 87 ● 96 ● 103 ● 107
Beverly Crest, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Sherman Oaks, Studio City,
Valley Village Fire Stations: 60 ● 78 ● 86 ● 89 ● 97 ● 102 ● 108
Arleta, La Tuna Canyon, Lake View Terrace, Missions Hills, Pacoima,
Panorama City, San Fernando City, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar,
Tujunga Fire Stations: 7 ● 24 ● 74 ● 75 ● 77 ● 91 ● 98
Bel-Air, Beverly Glen, Encino, Encino Hills, Lake Balboa, North Hills, Panorama
City, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Van Nuys Airport Fire Stations: 39 ● 81 ● 83 ● 88 ● 90 ● 99 ● 100 ● 109 ● 114
BATTALION BATTALION BATTALION 121212
BATTALION BATTALION BATTALION 101010
BATTALION BATTALION BATTALION 171717
COMMUNITIES SERVED
BATTALION BATTALION BATTALION 151515
BATTALION BATTALION BATTALION 141414
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 8 LAFD OVB
NORTH HOLLYWOOD FIRE, BATTALION 14
FIRE STATISTICS
In January of 2014, the Department implemented
FireStat to assist in analyzing operational and
administrative effectiveness while ensuring
accountability. FireStat closely mirrors the Los
Angeles Police Department’s CompStat model
whereby data is examined and evaluated
representing a variety of performance areas
throughout the Department. The initial emphasis
focused on response and turnout times (the
amount time personnel take to leave the fire
station following an alarm). Viewed as a cultural
challenge, this measurement became a pivotal
component for determining operational
effectiveness. The current model requires a
quarterly review for each Battalion to discuss
specific data and follow up efforts. Each session
promotes a productive discussion with senior
Department staff to define ways for improving
performance and efficiencies.
Overall, OVB has continually strived to improve in
every area measured through FireStat.The level of
engagement by the Battalion Commanders
clearly demonstrates their taking ownership in the
effectiveness and efficiency of their respective
Battalions. As FireStat moves forward, other
measurable areas that focus on effectiveness are
under development.
OVB METRICS 2015 GOAL
Fire Fatalities 4 20%
decrease
Firefighter Injuries (IOD) 284
25% decrease
OVB Dep. Involved Traffic Accidents 7
20% decrease
Citizen’s Complaints 55* 20%
decrease
LIVESTOCK RESCUE
2015
EMS Responses 117,348
Structure Fires 1277
Automatic Alarms 1259
Smoke Alarm Canvassing 1399
Fire Prevention 97%
Training Hours 163,710
Pulse Point 6630
2016
* +/- 5% variance due to staff transfer
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 9 LAFD OVB
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
2015 STATISTICAL SUMMARY
1. Engine 7 Panorama City 13.1
2. Engine 39 Van Nuys 12.8
3. Engine 91 Sylmar 12.5
4. Engine 93 Tarzana 10.5
5. Engine 72 Reseda 10.2
6. Engine 102 Valley Glen 9.9
7. Engine 81 Panorama City 9.4
8. Engine 88 Sherman Oaks 9.3
9. Engine 89 North Hollywood 9.2
10. Engine 105 Woodland Hills 8.5
TOP 10 FIRE RESOURCESTOP 10 FIRE RESOURCESTOP 10 FIRE RESOURCES (Incidents/Day)
1. Sick (No Specific Complaint) 14,188
2. Fall 12,779
3. Difficult Breathing 11,546
4. Unconsciousness/Fainting (near) 10,767
5. Traffic/Transport Accident 10,311
6. Chest Pain 9,942
7. Unknown Problems (Person Down) 8,786
8. Overdose/Poisoning 4,285
9. Convulsions/Seizures 4,192
10. Assault/Taser/Pepper Spray 3,743
TOP 10 EMS CALLSTOP 10 EMS CALLSTOP 10 EMS CALLS (Total Incidents)
1. RA889 North Hollywood 12.9
2. RA881 Panorama City 12.8
3. RA39 Van Nuys 12.6
4. RA89 North Hollywood 11.6
5. RA98 Pacoima 11.3
6. RA873 Reseda 11.3
7. RA81 Panorama City 10.9
8. RA7 Panorama City 10.6
9. RA860 North Hollywood 10.6
10. RA898 Pacoima 10.6
TOP 10 RESCUE AMBULANCES TOP 10 RESCUE AMBULANCES TOP 10 RESCUE AMBULANCES (Incidents/Day)
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 10 LAFD OVB
BUREAU ACTIVITIES
Early discussions regarding the four Bureau concept included how the dispersion of
workload would occur and how emergencies, community outreach, political
engagement and internal customer needs would be managed. Almost immediately OVB
recognized where the most value would come from—investing in its internal customers
who are charged with having direct daily contact with residents. The Bureau emphasizes
proficiency of its members in handling emergencies, proactive community outreach
efforts, and responsive communications with local elected officials.
444
The OVB Bureau Commander conducts thorough
inspections of each fire station within individual
battalions ensuring the condition, preparedness
and cleanliness of apparatus, personal protective
equipment and quarters are in good working
order. An added benefit of this longstanding
tradition is the value of sharing pertinent
Department information with each LAFD
member.
ANNUAL INSPECTIONANNUAL INSPECTIONANNUAL INSPECTION
Although demanding, one of the best methods
for understanding issues that matter most to the
field troops is to meet with them directly. During
2015, the OVB Bureau Commander dedicated
each Friday morning to meet with 38 individual
fire stations on various platoons. Several changes
were implemented based on information
gathered from these meetings which have
continued in 2016.
444 STATION VISITSSTATION VISITSSTATION VISITS
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 11 LAFD OVB
444
One of the more significant changes
incorporated into the four Bureau reorganization
change was the direct reporting of Battalion
Chiefs to the Bureau Commander. To ensure
Commanders are provided consistent
information, OVB conducts at least one Chief
Officer meeting, per platoon, each month which
totaled more than 30 meetings last year.
BATTALION COMMANDERSBATTALION COMMANDERSBATTALION COMMANDERS MEETINGMEETINGMEETING
888
Fire Station 81 doubles as one of two Department
recruit training academies charged with entry-
level firefighter training. During 2015, OVB staff
participated in three recruit graduations at Drill
Tower 81. This opportunity for officers to meet
their new employees and their families helps
ensure a more effective transition from a learning
environment to their respective field assignment.
RECRUIT GRADUATIONRECRUIT GRADUATIONRECRUIT GRADUATION CEREMONYCEREMONYCEREMONY
444
Held weekly to provide updates and share the week’s workload. OVB meetings include the OVB staff
and 24-hr Assistant Bureau Commanders. The greatest value of this administrative reporting change is
that it ensures the most current information is provided to Chief Officers within the Bureau; thereby
eliminating variations of interpretation. The ABCs remain closely involved in every issue affecting the
Bureau regardless of platoon and have a heightened awareness of matters pertaining to their specific
platoons.
OVB STAFF MEETINGOVB STAFF MEETINGOVB STAFF MEETING
444
The Bureau Commander institutionalized another
change that directly impacts communication by
the establishment of a Captains Meeting. The
Commander meets with Company Officers to
discuss their concerns and exchange information
and ways to improve performance. These
meetings occur at least twice a year, per
platoon.
CAPTAINS MEETINGCAPTAINS MEETINGCAPTAINS MEETING
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 12 LAFD OVB
Within four months of its inception, OVB identified prominent
business and community leaders to establish a community-
based advisory committee to assist the Bureau Commander.
This group meets quarterly and has proved to be a valuable
asset to the Bureau’s growth and presence in the San
Fernando Valley. The meetings involve discussing a multitude
of contemporary fire department challenges. The intent is to
solicit input and recommendations provided by community
leaders with a span of education and expertise. The
assortment of backgrounds from the committee members
offers a unique perspective into solving challenging
department problems. To date, this committee has advised
the OVB Bureau Commander with input to improve social
media outreach and recruitment efforts for the Department.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Once operational, OVB launched into high gear engaging its constituents.
Within a few months, residents and business communities became aware of
LAFD’s increased presence. Many of these organizations experienced an
unequaled LAFD presence where collaborative public safety dialogue
dominated each interaction. Fire safety education, community preparedness
and public safety awareness became top discussion topics. Through consistent
attendance at business commerce organizations, homeowner’s group meetings
or neighborhood council meetings, OVB staff seized every opportunity to create
new, innovative ways in which to interact with local communities.
The San Fernando Valley is
home to 33 Neighborhood
Council groups, numerous
homeowner associations and
the City of San Fernando. During
2015, OVB Chief Officers
attended more than 125
meetings. The Bureau has
established a solid presence in
both the residential and
business communities through
attending these meetings.
666 NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETINGSCOUNCIL MEETINGSCOUNCIL MEETINGS
Pu l sePo in t ’ s smar tphone
application alerts bystanders to
the exact location of a cardiac
emergency so lifesaving CPR
can start minutes before EMS
teams arrive. OVB has actively
promoted PulsePoint in the
valley community with a 2015
growth rate from 665 to 6630
subscribers.
111 PULSEPOINTPULSEPOINTPULSEPOINT
VALLEY PUBLIC SAFETYVALLEY PUBLIC SAFETYVALLEY PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY ADVISORY ADVISORY COMMITTEECOMMITTEECOMMITTEE
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
999 111
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 13 LAFD OVB
The Fire Cadet Program provides youth with an
exciting opportunity to learn about firefighting
and emergency medical services as future
career choices. Cadets are young men and
women ages 14 though 20 from all areas of the
community that participate in fire department
training activities, meetings, and as ride-alongs,
once they are “ride-along” certified. OVB
currently supports five active cadet programs in
the Valley and this youth program has proven to
be useful for not only identifying future LAFD
employees but teaching leadership and life skills
to the participants. In 2015, the Valley Cadet post
participated in approximately 26 OVB events
supporting the department.
888 666 CADET PROGRAMCADET PROGRAMCADET PROGRAM
Large-scale emergency events are supported by
the efforts of the LAFD’s Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) program. Their selfless
dedication is truly representative of the finest
traditions in the LAFD. OVB has continued this
relationship through active involvement with the
key training events and utilization of the call-out
process for use at the scene of emergencies. The
CERT program has proven to be critical in filling
routine incident gaps that are vital to the overall
success of an emergency. OVB established three
teams, coordinated by Battalion, to support
significant incident management. In 2015,
refresher training, held annually, had
approximately 170 participants.
666 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMSRESPONSE TEAMSRESPONSE TEAMS
Consistent with the Fire Chief’s vision, OVB has
continued to look for creative ways to attract
viable and representative members to the fire
service profession. In 2015, OVB was active in
recruitment efforts using social media, “Valley
View” newsletter, the VPSAC, other creative
measures. OVB hosted the first recruitment expo
with an emphasis on under-represented groups.
at fire station 81 where a variety of department
resources participated to display the fire
department family and show the benefits of a
career with the LAFD.
888 BUREAU RECRUITMENTBUREAU RECRUITMENTBUREAU RECRUITMENT
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 14 LAFD OVB
Collaborative public partnerships are crucial in building community trust. Working with the local
business community has proven to be mutually beneficial for both the business owner and the
Department. Through these new relationships, OVB secured commitments from business owners to
commit to becoming part of the public safety response effort. OVB is confident these relationships will
continue to grow and provide a unique level of response during events where the whole community
must become part of the solution.
Endorsed by the LAFD,
MySafe:LA has provided
multiple levels of support to the
Department. Most significant
during the 2015 calendar year
was support for fire safety
education and free smoke
detector installations to Valley
residents. MySafe:LA aided
OVB Battalions with scheduled
community canvassing, smoke
alarm giveaways and after-
incident resiliency efforts by
ensuring residents had the
appropriate alarm devices
and in many cases, performed
installations in individual
households.
MYSAFE:LAMYSAFE:LAMYSAFE:LA
Consistent with the smoke alarm
-canvassing program, the
American Red Cross supported
OVB with after-incident efforts
including temporary housing,
food, shelter and other
resilience and recovery needs.
The LAFD continues to enjoy the
longstanding partnership with
the Red Cross and OVB is
looking for other opportunities to
strengthen our partnership.
AMERICAN RED CROSSAMERICAN RED CROSSAMERICAN RED CROSS
RESILIENCY PARTNERSHIPS
Supplying Aid to Victims of
Emergency (SAVE) is a new
program established by the
California Fire Foundation in
collaboration with the United
Firefighters of Los Angeles City
that enables first responders to
offer immediate relief and
comfo r t t o v i c t ims o f
catastrophic loss due to fire or
other natural disasters. Incident
commanders on scene are able
to provide $100 gift cards to
those who have suffered a
minimum of 25% damage to the
property where they reside. This
program works with other
resources such as the Red Cross
and Council District Offices to
help families initiate the
recovery effort after an
unfortunate incident. In 2015,
OBV was able to assist seven
households with SAVE cards.
SAVE CARDSAVE CARDSAVE CARD
SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATION BY VOLUNTEER
666 999
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 15 LAFD OVB
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
OVB opened the last fire station purchased and
constructed under the “Prop F” Bond. FS 7 serves
Panorama City and houses an Assessment Engine
and one Paramedic Ambulance.
FIRE STATION 7FIRE STATION 7FIRE STATION 7———GRAND GRAND GRAND OPENINGOPENINGOPENING
Through an established partnership with LAFD’s
Fire Foundation, OVB has participated in multiple
community fundraising events. Grateful Hearts
(Battalion 17) is an annual event organized by the
Warner Center Property Management staff. This
event is a street fair for the business community
to support LAPD and LAFD organizations through
the LAFD Fire Foundation. Donations are used to
purchase tools and equipment for fire stations.
GRATEFUL HEARTS STREGRATEFUL HEARTS STREGRATEFUL HEARTS STREET FAIRET FAIRET FAIR
The second Saturday of each May is designated
“Fire Service Recognition Day.” The community is
invited to learn may learn about LAFD services,
interact with firefighters, increase fire safety
knowledge and enjoy family fun. There are
station tours, disaster preparedness literature
and free smoke alarms available. The title
“Honorary Fire Chief” is bestowed to deserving
community members recognizing their support
of the LAFD in a ceremony sponsored by OVB. In
2015, two community members were selected to
represent the Valley.
FIRE SERVICE RECOGNIFIRE SERVICE RECOGNIFIRE SERVICE RECOGNITION DAYTION DAYTION DAY
666 999
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 16 LAFD OVB
Distributed bi-monthly, the OVB newsletter,
“Valley View,” contains current events that may
be of interest to our community. By soliciting
input from internal as well as external
stakeholders, OVB crafts an information medium
that responds to the needs of our community.
Both educational and informative, Valley View is
a useful point of discussion when interacting with
the local community organizations.
OVB met its 2015 target, publishing six issues per
year, which established a solid framework and
timeline for on-time publishing. Valley View
newsletters are distributed at community events
including homeowner associations, business
organizations and other noteworthy events.
Currently, electronic distribution is the primary
method of distribution with greater efforts of
moving towards targeted community outreach
through use of social media/network
technologies. Subscriptions for the newsletter
increased steadily with close to 700 subscribers
thus far.
OVB staff remained progressive with an innovative spirit in its approach to social media campaigns
striving to connect with Valley residents and business communities. Social media has proven to be an
excellent medium to inform and educate our valley neighbors on current events from while also
providing constructive feedback for increasing viewers.
In 2015, OVB posted real-time targeted messaging to San Fernando residents and topical inclusive
appeals to a broad-base in our community using other languages in addition to English such as
American Sign Language and Spanish. Safety messages on all matters took precedence over simply
reporting fires. Topics have included scalding/burns, pedestrian safety and El Nino preparation/
flooding. Specifically, OVB’s PulsePoint, Twitter, and Facebook accounts soared well above all
expectations during its first year of operation.
OVB NEWSLETTER OVB NEWSLETTER OVB NEWSLETTER VALLEY VIEWVALLEY VIEWVALLEY VIEW
The QR Code was created for easy access to our contact information, social networks and PulsePoint app with a quick scan using a smart phone.
QR CODEQR CODEQR CODE
SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTERTWITTERTWITTER
48.33k Avg. Impressions
1129 Followers
9.66k Avg. Engagement
1012 Avg. Engagement
958 Avg. Impressions
1276 Followers
FACEBOOKFACEBOOKFACEBOOK
222 666
666
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 17 LAFD OVB
BUREAU INITIATIVES
Independent and assisted living facilities are
rapidly becoming a familiar sight in the Valley
with new and existing expansions starting in 2016.
LAFD EMS responses to these facilities increased
significantly over the past several years. For a
variety of reasons the LAFD is responding to these
facilities with very little information regarding the
disposition of the patients. Unfortunately,
corporate policy in many instances is driving how
this vulnerable aging population is cared for.
Foreseeing the elderly community increasing in
the coming years, OVB initiated efforts with the
LA Department of Aging and Council offices to
determine available options. Foundation to this
matter was the idea that better care and
oversight is needed to protect this vulnerable
population.
Based on the concept that end-user input is vital to LAFD operations, OVB developed the Leadership
Empowerment Advisory Panel to remove organizational barriers that often stifle the creative input
offered by its own members. Volunteers from the Department are given instruction on how to think
critically and then given contemporary department challenges to discuss. This provides members an
opportunity to offer real solutions to the problems and promote them when they are implemented.
During this past year, OVB held two separate meetings where incredible insights were given that will
help the Department create reasonable and effective policies. While in session, these meeting ignore
the department rank structure thereby encouraging participants to speak freely.
444 LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT ADVISORY PANELLEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT ADVISORY PANELLEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT ADVISORY PANEL
SENIOR CARE FACILITY SENIOR CARE FACILITY SENIOR CARE FACILITY INITIATIVE INITIATIVE INITIATIVE
Increasing concerns about the rising homeless
population, the City has begun to look for
solutions that may, locally, solve this social
problem. The OVB office secured a coveted
position on the San Fernando Mental Health
Committee that meets monthly to establish
policy and distribute available financial
assistance those with mental health issues which
is a significant portion of the homeless
demographic. This committee discusses homeless
issues and develops strategies to address this
growing concern. In addition, OVB has worked
with multiple council offices to assist in mitigating
homeless encampment matters and to provide
resiliency measures such as El Nino literature to
those same encampments.
666 111 HOMELESSNESSHOMELESSNESSHOMELESSNESS 111
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 18 LAFD OVB
The City of Los Angeles enjoys
an active outdoor community
that visits numerous hiking trails
throughout the City on a daily
basis. The Santa Monica
Mountains provide exceptional
access to numerous trailheads
used frequently by LA City
residents. One concern is that
many hikers are not aware of
the potential danger of a brush
fire moving into their area. With
u p - t o - d a t e w e a t h e r
forecasting, we are aware of
dangerous fire conditions
before they arrive, therefore
OVB reached out to various
City Council staff to seek
support for installing warning
signage at each entrance to
main trail heads. This signage
would indicate the level of fire
danger for that day. Signage
would indicate the level of fire
danger and brief instruction on
how to prepare for their hike.
This pro-active approach
cautions hikers to reconsider
their activities during “extreme”
or “red flag” fire weather
conditions, thereby increasing
their safety and welfare.
On October 19, 2016 the LAFD
provided a Fast Response
Vehicle (FR-401)to OVB through
the City’s Innovation grant. The
intent was to use this vehicle for
workload relief in the northeast
part of the Valley. Data
supported the need to add
resources into Fire Station 91
(Sylmar) district as it has one of
the highest percentages for
“cross-in” calls (resources
responding into vacant
neighboring districts). OVB’s
efforts were successful in
activating (trial resource) FR 401
while also ensuring a resource
remains available during times
of operation. Our intuitive
suspicion was supported by the
preliminary data which points to
a significant decrease in
response times, time-to-patient
and a reduction in cross-in calls.
One of the greatest values of
the FR-401 is that it allows
resources at Fire Station 91 to
remain available for handling
other emergency calls within
their district. During this trial
period, efforts to test a better
vehicle platform resulted in OVB
securing approval from the Los
A n g e l e s C o u n t y F i r e
Department and the LAFD to
test alternative vehicles.
Recognizing the potential
multifaceted use for Unmanned
Aerial Systems (UAS)—drones,
OVB established a work group
to explore the best use of UAS
during Department activities.
Some of the identified uses
i nc lude : non-emergency
training exercises, Department
sponsored events, community
damage assessment surveys,
fire prevention brush inspections
a n d eme r g e nc y - b a s e d
inc ident s t hat i nc lude ,
h a z a r d o u s m a t e r i a l s
investigations, USAR, confined
space rescue operations and
scene surveys during active
shooter incidents. The UAS work
group is collaborating with the
In-Service Training section, the
Bureau of Fire Prevention,
Anaheim Fire Department and
t h e F e d e r a l A v i a t i o n
Administration (FAA).
111 222 555
UNMANNED AERIAL UNMANNED AERIAL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMSSYSTEMSSYSTEMS 111 666
FAST RESPONSE FAST RESPONSE FAST RESPONSE VEHICLEVEHICLEVEHICLE
HIKER ALERT HIKER ALERT HIKER ALERT SIGNAGESIGNAGESIGNAGE
666 111
ALISO CANYON GAS ALISO CANYON GAS ALISO CANYON GAS LEAKLEAKLEAK
In late 2015, the Aliso Canyon
natural gas facility experienced
a four month-long gas leak with
thousands of residents being
temporarily relocated. OVB
attended daily briefings with
SCGC, partnered closely with
other public safety partners and
handled numerous inquiries from
our affected communities.
555
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 19 LAFD OVB
ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OVB continues to look for ways to be administratively efficient. Over the past year,
several initiatives were implemented to maximize employee productivity, resulting in
improvements for department members. Consistent with the Strategic Plan, OVB
leveraged the use of advanced enterprise technologies to assist in the daily
management of the Department. In both instances, these initiatives have been
adopted by the entire department.
OVB launched a new program designed to
expedite the reporting of fire prevention activities
while eliminating a 30-year-old paper report
practice. The new web-based reporting system
was developed within a month and involved a
collaborative effort between the Bureau of Fire
prevention and OVB. This use of existing
technology removed an average of 12-days for
reporting fire prevention activities, at no
additional cost. Now senior staff can immediately
view and retrieve fire prevention activity data
and determine if goals are being met. From the
end user perspective, this application has
simplified of data-entry department-wide.
111 222
Another existing problem was determining
resource availability for mutual-aid agreements
through the Resource Ordering and Status System
(a computer program used by dispatch). In an
effort to streamline the reporting of availability for
department members, OVB staff developed a
web-based application that streamlines the entry
of this information. The result is an accurate
representation of members committed to a
fourteen-day deployment department-wide. This
expedites the formulation of Strike Teams for
immediate need requests and reduces the
amount time needed for staff to verify
deployment status.
WEBWEBWEB---BASED 14BASED 14BASED 14---DAY DAY DAY DEPLOYMENT APPLICATIDEPLOYMENT APPLICATIDEPLOYMENT APPLICATIONONON
A significant cost to the City is the expense of
treating and caring for injured members. In
certain cases, the Department modified policy to
prevent similar accidents. OVB took the initiative
to assist department staff in crafting meaningful
policy to require additional review and additional
research regarding injuries or illnesses related to
duty causes. This new process is intended to
investigate and recommend actions to protect
our members and prevent future accidents.
333 INJURY PREVENTION INJURY PREVENTION INJURY PREVENTION INVESTIGATION PROGRAINVESTIGATION PROGRAINVESTIGATION PROGRAMMM
222 WEBWEBWEB---BASED FIRE PREVEBASED FIRE PREVEBASED FIRE PREVENTION NTION NTION ACTIVITY & TRACKING SYSTEMACTIVITY & TRACKING SYSTEMACTIVITY & TRACKING SYSTEM
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 20 LAFD OVB
444
OVB established a work group to evaluate the
current assessment process for chief officers. The
goal is to improve and enhance the review of
chief officer’s performance. The new assessment
process considers the “whole” performance by
providing a comprehensive “beginning to end”
assessment that clearly defines levels of
performance through scheduled interactive
meetings throughout the chief officer’s rating
period. This is an example of OVB working
towards improving the organization as a whole.
EXECUTIVE APPRAISAL REVIEW EXECUTIVE APPRAISAL REVIEW EXECUTIVE APPRAISAL REVIEW WORK GROUPWORK GROUPWORK GROUP
666
One of the Fire Chief’s strategic goals is
“Strengthen Community Relations to Improve
Infrastructure and Enhance Resiliency during
Emergency Events”. This pointed to ensuring both
the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments
planned and trained together to establish
operational efficiency. In fact, both Operations
Valley Bureau Commanders (LAPD and LAFD)
worked closely together to bring their respective
command staffs together to build relationships
and trust within each agency’s discipline. During
2015, both agencies conducted two joint training
sessions and regularly attended community
meetings throughout the Valley.
999
JOINT PUBLIC SAFETY JOINT PUBLIC SAFETY JOINT PUBLIC SAFETY TRAININGTRAININGTRAINING
111
Training is the cornerstone of effectiveness.
During the past year, OVB initiated several
strategic training exercises. One method LAFD
Chief Officers practice operational effectiveness
is through department approved “Green Cell”
training. This training closely reproduces real-time
emergencies that require commanding officers
to make quick decisions regarding incident
strategy. OVB initiated and will continue to
provide this type of virtual training for its
command level officers.
TRAINING AND PROFESSTRAINING AND PROFESSTRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL IONAL IONAL DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
JOINT COOPERATION WITH WILDLAND SERVICE
Operating in the Mutual Threat Zones (MTZ) can
be difficult with a variety of local, state and
federal agencies responding to the same
emergency event. Communications and
strategies are often dissimilar between the
different responding agencies. During this past
year, OVB coordinated training events between
all of these agencies that focused on effective
communications during a large scale brush fire.
OVB companies worked alongside local, state
and federal firefighters and reconciled the
variety of different tactics that are often
associated with these individual agencies. This
exercise covered not only command
considerations but also the tactical nuances of a
complex operation.
LAPD ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE
999 666 MUTUAL THREAT ZONESMUTUAL THREAT ZONESMUTUAL THREAT ZONES
444
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 21 LAFD OVB
� New Facility Funding
� Additional Bureau Staffing
� IT and Technology Support
� Establishment of Bureau Expense
Account
� Span of Control
CHALLENGES Looking ahead to 2016, the OVB office has set goals consistent with and
complementary to the Department’s Strategic Plan. While many challenges lay
ahead, OVB is dedicated to maintaining its course with a strategic posture that
supports the LAFD and serves the needs of our community.
Valley West Central South Total
Population 1,600,000 313,000 768,000 1,200,000 4,081,000
Size (square miles) 235.2 119 50.1 65.8 470.1
Fire Stations 39 20 23 24 106
Battalions 5 3 3 3 14
Daily On-Duty Staffing 339 185 226 212 962
24-Hour Response A/C 1 - 1 - 2
Staff A/C 1 2 - 1 4
Direct Reports (Chiefs) 20 12 12 10 53
Council Districts Represented 8 4 3 4 15
Neighborhood Councils 33 19 22 25 99*
LAPD Divisions 7 4 6 4 21
Specialized Section/Division Air Ops LAWA - LA Harbor 3
*NC District Crossovers
FOUR BUREAU SUMMARY
OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Page 22 LAFD OVB
HIGHTOWER BRUSH INCIDENT, BATTALION 12 E-AWARDS 2015
GOALS
• Meet Department’s Strategic Plan
benchmarks
• Secure OVB Facility Funding
• Update the Continuity of Operations Plans
(COOP) for OVB facilities
• Restructure OVB’s reporting model to match
Bureau’s needs
• Restoration of Resources
• Engine 73 and 75
• Emergency Incident Technicians
(Battalions 14 and 17) • Staff Wildland Fuel Management Unit,
One Captain I and 6 Firefighter/Heavy
Equipment Operator
• Staff Nurse Educator position
OVB GOALSOVB GOALSOVB GOALS
LAFD/LAPD ST. BALDRICK’S FUNDRAISER
Produced by
Christal Chacon
Trevor Richmond
Danny Wu
Photos by
Jon Brown
Greg Doyle
Juan Guerra
Laura Lichter
Rick McClure
David Edwards
Mike Meadows
Jeremy Oberstein
Sydney Chambers
Adam VanGerpen
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Operations Valley Bureau would like to thank the
following staff, city colleagues and partners for
supporting the implementation of Operations Valley
Bureau.
HONORABLE MAYOR Eric Garcetti
COUNCILMEMBERS
CD 2 ● Paul KREKORIAN
CD 3 ● Bob BLUMENFIELD
CD 4 ● David RYU
CD 5 ● Paul KORETZ
CD 6 ● Nury MARTINEZ
CD 7 ● Felipe FUENTES
CD 11 ● Mike BONIN
CD 12 ● Mitch ENGLANDER
FIRE COMMISSION
Delia IBARRA, Esq., President
Andrew GLAZIER, Vice President
Jimmy H. HARA, M.D., Commissioner
Rebecca NINBURG, Commissioner
Jimmie WOODS-GRAY, Commissioner
FIRE CHIEF Ralph M. TERRAZAS
LAPD DEPUTY CHIEF Robert GREEN
City of SAN FERNANDO
MYSAFE:LA