STILLWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Est. 1872
ANNUAL REPORT
2007
MISSION STATEMENT Our commitment is to protect life and property through dedicated service to the community.
2
COMMUNITIES SERVED
CITY OF STILLWATER
Mayor Ken Harycki
City Council Robert Gag Wally Milbrandt Adam Nyberg Mike Polehna
City Administrator Larry Hansen
City Clerk Diane Ward
CITY OF GRANT
Mayor Tom Carr
City Council Scott Fogelson Nancy Levitz
Brad Hinseth Kim Linner
City Clerk Kim Points
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
Township Supervisors Linda Countryman Jim Doriott David Johnson Sheila-Marie Untiedt Jim Hiniker
Township Clerk Pat Bantli
MAY TOWNSHIP
Township Supervisors Bill Voedisch John Pazlar John Adams
Township Clerk Linda Klein
3
JURISDICTION The Stillwater Fire Department (SFD) provides emergency services to a sixty-one (61) square mile response area. Our borders extend as follows:
Highway 36, Southern Border 150th Street, Northern Border St. Croix River, Eastern Border Keats Avenue North, Western Border
The Stillwater Fire Department’s response area is vast and hosts a multitude of geographic and demographic aspects.
Demographics include: Historic Downtown Stillwater, single and multi-family residential, high-rise, commercial, industrial and rural. Geographic logistics include: highways, various transportation routes, railways, cliffs, bluffs, ravines, rivers, lakes, swamps, agricultural and forested areas, recreational trails and park lands.
SFD responds to the following communities: City of Stillwater; Stillwater Township; a portion of May Township and a portion of the City of Grant. In addition, SFD provides mutual aid when requested to multiple surrounding communities.
4
Ladder truck utilized at structure fire to cut hole in roof to ventilate home.
Captain Chad Jansen and Firefighter/Engineer Bill Peltier talked with preschool children on fire safety.
SFD and Lakeview EMS respond to a motor vehicle accident with injuries.
SERVICES PROVIDED Fire Suppression Structure – Residential/Commercial Wildland/Grass
Marine Auto First Responder Emergency Medical Services Medical Emergencies Assist Lakeview EMS Blood Pressure Checks Code Enforcement/Inspections New Construction Commercial Multi-Family Residential Day Care Special Event Heavy Rescue Auto Extrication High Level Rope Water/Ice Rescue Surface Dive Boat Maintenance City Fire Hydrants Fire Station Trucks/Equipment Fire Prevention School Visits Open House Senior Center Fire Education In-service Training for Business Drills and Exercises Civic Support Community Events Station Tours
5
STILLWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS
Fire Chief Stuart Glaser
Deputy Fire Chief
Fire Marshal/Code Enforcement Tom Ballis
Assistant Chiefs
Personnel Management Tom Linhoff
Training and Education
Tom Crotty
Captains Apparatus Maintenance
Ron Johnson
Station Maintenance Chris Zeuli
Facility Supplies
Chad Jansen
Apparatus Specifications John Buckley
Safety Committee
Jeff Cutler
Fire and Life Safety Officer Rob Zoller
Lieutenants Joe Buckley John Nobles Jeff Roettger
Firefighter/Engineers Firefighters Jon Bell Don Rigney Mike Aspengren Joe Marchetti Tim Bell Sara Rugloski Jake Bell Mike Mondor Bob Kroening Ken Schmitz Brian Berube Mike Peltier Ken Olson Jim Swanson Daniel Catt Rob Peltier Bill Peltier Steve Zoller Jeff Conley Tim Peltier Phil Gresafe Rob Poutre’ Janet Hausken Ken Stanley Tim Jozefow Ray Valley Jonas Werpy Administrative Support
Linda Thompson
6
STILLWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2007 STAFF ROSTER NAME POSITION YEARS Mike Aspengren Part-time Firefighter 4 Tom Ballis Full-time Deputy Chief 6 Jacob Bell Part-time Firefighter 1 Jon Bell Full-time Firefighter/Engineer 21 Tim Bell Part-time Firefighter/Engineer 38 Brian Berube* Part-time Firefighter 2* John Buckley Part-time Captain 26 Joe Buckley Part-time Lieutenant 22 Dan Catt Part-time Firefighter 2 Jeff Conley Part-time Firefighter 4 Tom Crotty Part-time Assistant Chief 17 Jeff Cutler Part-time Captain 20 Stuart Glaser Full-time Chief 21 Phil Gresafe Part-time Firefighter 1 Janet Hausken Part-time Firefighter 1 Chad Jansen Full-time Captain 3 Ron Johnson Full-time Captain 25 Tim Jozefow Part-time Firefighter 2 Bob Kroening Part-time Firefighter/Engineer 17 Tom Linhoff Part-time Assistant Chief 33 Joe Marchetti Part-time Firefighter 1 Mike Mondor Part-time Firefighter 1 John Nobles Part-time Lieutenant 12 Ken Olson Full-time Firefighter/Engineer 5 Mike Peltier Part-time Firefighter 17 Rob Peltier Part-time Firefighter 7 Tim Peltier Part-time Firefighter 13 Bill Peltier Full-time Firefighter/Engineer 28 Rob Poutre’ Part-time Firefighter 4 Don Rigney Part-time Firefighter/Engineer 17 Jeff Roettger Part-time Lieutenant 8 Sara Rugloski Part-time Firefighter/Engineer 8 Ken Schmitz Part-time Firefighter/Engineer 20 Ken Stanley Part-time Firefighter 7 Jim Swanson Part-time Firefighter/Engineer 13 Linda Thompson Part-time Secretary/Dispatcher 8 Ray Valley Part-time Firefighter 1 Jonas Werpy Part-time Firefighter 2 Chris Zeuli Full-time Captain 16 Rob Zoller Part-time Captain 25 Steve Zoller Full-time Firefighter/Engineer 13 TOTAL COMBINED YEARS OF SERVICE 492+ *Resigned/Retired from service in 2007
7
Annual Run Response Trend
1140 11921286 1325
1459 1498
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
RESPONSE SUMMARY The Stillwater Fire Department prides itself on providing rapid, professional service to the communities we protect. The following charts and data depict run response trends for the SFD over the past several years. As seen in the bar chart below, SFD’s total call volume has increased over (31.5%) in the past six years. With the increase in population and popularity of the Stillwater area, SFD anticipates this trend to continue into the coming years.
The pie chart below indicates 2007 calls by district. As indicated by the data, the majority of calls (85%) occur within the City of Stillwater where the largest population base resides. The remaining 15% occur within our contract areas and responding to mutual aid requests.
2007 CALLS BY DISTRICT85%
5%3% 5% 2%
CITY OF STILLWATER - 1276
STILLWATER TOWNSHIP - 81
CITY OF GRANT - 50
MAY TOWNSHIP - 68
MUTUAL AID - 23
8
0100200300400500600700800900
1000
FIRE RESCUEEMS
SERVICE FALSEALARM
MISC.
TOTAL CALLS BY CATEGORY
2007 - Total calls - 14982006 - Total calls - 14592005 - Total calls - 1325
In 2007 SFD responded to numerous structure fires throughout the district. The estimated market value of the homes and contents from these fires was $18.8 million dollars. Through SFD’s professionalism and quick response over $16.8 million dollars of property and contents were saved. The chart below depicts a breakdown by types of calls over the last three years. As indicated by the data, fire calls increased by 15%, EMS/Rescue calls decreased by 3%, false alarms decreased by 1%, service calls increased 19%, and miscellaneous calls increased 5% in 2007.
Fire Response Structure 26 Vehicle 10 Grass/Brush 22 Other 20 TOTAL 78
False Alarm Malfunction 38 Unintentional 15 Malicious 6 Other 82 TOTAL 141
Rescue EMS Medical Call/Assist 857 Extrication/MVA 54 Other 3 TOTAL 914
Miscellaneous Smoke Scare 12 Arcing/Shorts 22 Spills/Leaks 39 Carbon Monoxide 32 Power Line Down 24 Other 94 TOTAL 223
Grand Total 1,498
Service Calls TOTAL 119
Note: Mutual aid responses accounted for 23 calls in 2007.
9
City of Stillwater Stillwater Fire responded to 1,276 calls within the City limits of Stillwater in 2007. This accounts for 85% of the total call volume for the Department. As the City continues to develop and complete the orderly annexation currently in progress this call volume is expected to increase.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900N
UM
BER
OF
CA
LLS
FIRE RESCUEEMS
SERVICE FALSEALARM
MISC.
CALLS BY CATEGORY
2007 - Total calls - 12762006 - Total calls - 12442005 - Total calls - 1074
Fire Response Structure 15 Vehicle 6 Grass/Brush 6 Other 16 TOTAL 43
Rescue EMS Medical Call/Assist 771 Extrication/MVA 32 Other 3 TOTAL 806
False Alarm Malfunction 34 Unintentional 13 Malicious 6 Other 69 TOTAL 122
Miscellaneous Smoke Scare 12 Arcing/Shorts 19 Spills/Leaks 34 Carbon Monoxide 26 Power Line Down 18 Other 81 TOTAL 190
Grand Total 1,276
Service Calls TOTAL 115
10
City of Stillwater
Left – Firefighter works to extinguish fire on the deck and back side of a home on Echo Lane.
Right – Crews responded for the Zephyr train that rolled off the end of the track downtown at 601 North Main Street.
Left – Firefighters begin to extinguish a structure fire that spread to the outside of the home in the 1300 block of South 6th Street.
Right – Slippery roads led to a vehicle hitting a power pole and causing electrical arcing on 3rd Street and Pine Street.
11
CONTRACT SERVICES The City of Stillwater contracts fire services with the City of Grant, May Township, and Stillwater Township. These contracts allow the Stillwater Fire Department to provide professional fire and rescue services to the citizens that live in and visit these communities. City of Grant SFD currently protects 43% of Grant and a population of approximately 1,614 residents. The chart below depicts the breakout of emergency calls for the City of Grant for 2007.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
NU
MB
ER O
F C
ALL
S
FIRE RESCUE EMS SERVICE FALSE ALARM MISC.
CALLS BY CATEGORY
2007 - Total calls - 502006 - Total calls - 692005 - Total calls - 87
Fire Response Structure 6 Vehicle 1 Grass/Brush 6 Other 0 TOTAL 13
Rescue EMS Assistance 13 Extrication/MVA 6 Other 0 TOTAL 19
Service Calls TOTAL 0
False Alarm Malfunction 3 Unintentional 0 Malicious 0 Other 4 TOTAL 7
Miscellaneous Smoke Scare 0 Arcing/Shorts 1 Spills/Leaks 2 Carbon Monoxide 0 Power Line Down 4 Other 4 TOTAL 11
Grand Total 50
12
City of Grant
SFD responded to a grass fire out of control on Kismet Avenue North. This fire also burned the owners out building and hot tub. Fire crews stopped the fire before it reached the home.
SFD works to extinguish a car fire with heavy damage to the engine compartment.
SFD responded to a gas main break on Lake Elmo Avenue. Crews stood ready while Xcel gas worked to shut the gas main down.
13
May Township Stillwater Fire protects 47% of May Township and a population of approximately 1,885 residents or 8% of the Township’s total population. The chart below depicts the breakout of emergency calls for May Township over the last three years.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45N
UM
BER
OF
CA
LLS
FIRE RESCUE EMS SERVICE FALSE ALARM MISC.
CALLS BY CATEGORY
2007 - Total calls - 682006 - Total calls - 592005 - Total calls - 62
Fire Response Structure 4 Vehicle 1 Grass/Brush 2 Other 1 TOTAL 8
False Alarm Malfunction 0 Unintentional 2 Malicious 0 Other 3 TOTAL 5
Rescue EMS Medical Call/Assist 37 Extrication/MVA 7 Other 0 TOTAL 44
Grand Total 68
Miscellaneous Smoke Scare 0 Arcing/Shorts 1 Spills/Leaks 0 Carbon Monoxide 3 Power Line Down 2 Other 4 TOTAL 10
Service Calls TOTAL 1
14
May Township
Left - Stillwater Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle at the intersection of 122nd Street and Manning Avenue North.
Above - SFD checks for fire in the exterior wall after a chimney fire which occurred on Paragon
Avenue North. Above - SFD extinguishes a grass fire after a vehicle accident knocked the power pole over and electrical lines started a fire
in the 14000 block of Manning Trail North.
Left - SFD responded for a garage fire that started from homeowner burning in a barrel that was left unattended on the 14000 block of Ozark Avenue North.
15
Stillwater Township Stillwater Fire protects 100% of Stillwater Township and a population of approximately 2,553 residents. The chart below depicts the breakout of emergency calls for Stillwater Township over the last three years.
0
510
1520
2530
3540
45
50
NU
MB
ER O
F C
ALL
S
FIRE RESCUE EMS SERVICE FALSE ALARM MISC.
CALLS BY CATEGORY
2007 - Total calls - 812006 - Total calls - 732005 - Total calls - 80
Fire Response Structure 1 Vehicle 2 Grass/Brush 8 Other 3 TOTAL 14
False Alarm Malfunction 1 Unintentional 0 Malicious 0 Other 6 TOTAL 7
Rescue EMS Assistance 36 Extrication/MVA 9 Other 0 TOTAL 45
Miscellaneous Smoke Scare 0 Steam/Mistaken 1 Spills/Leaks 3 Carbon Monoxide 3 Power Line Down 0 Other 5 TOTAL 12
Grand Total 81
Service Calls TOTAL 3
16
Stillwater Township
Above - SFD crews responded for a motor vehicle accident on Manning Avenue North.
Above - SFD responded for motor vehicle accident involving a power pole on Otchipwe Avenue North.
Left - Crews work to extinguish heavy fire in a home. Natural gas supply to the home had burned through and made extinguishment difficult until the utility company was able to shut the gas main down on Penfield Avenue North.
17
BUDGET The Stillwater Fire Department’s 2007 operating budget was 9% of the City of Stillwater’s total general fund budget.
2007 FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
14%
71%
15%
CAPITAL OUTLAY - $ 189,500
PERSONNEL - $896,488
OPERATIONS BUDGET-$ 178,392
The budget is broken down into three basic areas:
Personnel – costs associated with staffing the Department • Salaries • Insurance • Benefits Operations – costs associated with daily Department operations • Training and Education • Safety Equipment • Maintenance Contracts Capital Outlay – costs associated with large purchase items • Vehicle Replacement • Station Upgrades • Technology Upgrades
The Department recovers some operating costs through contract for services, actively seeking grant funding opportunities, and other methods when available. 2007 costs recovered include:
• Contract for services – City of Grant, Stillwater and May Townships $271,200.00 • Assistance to Firefighter’s Act Grant - 800 Mhz Public Safety Radio $ 65,776.78 • Response Billing – Wildland Fires/Illegal Burns $ 6,084.50 • Sale of outdated or unused capital items $ 4,000.00 • Permit Fees $ 150.00
Total: $347,211.28
18
PERSONNEL SELECTION PROCESS The Stillwater Fire Department (SFD) is a combination full-time/part-time Department. The Department maintains nine full-time personnel, thirty-three part-time on call staff, and one part-time secretary. The process for becoming a Stillwater Firefighter is intense and requires a committed individual to proceed. The firefighting profession is one of the most trusted public positions an individual in our society can hold and candidates must be beyond reproach. The following requirements and process is followed for each new employee hired by the Stillwater Fire Department. Minimum qualifications for an entry level part-time firefighter position
• High School Graduate or G.E.D. Equivalent • Minimum of 18 Years of Age • Valid Driver’s License • Reside within 10 miles of Stillwater Fire Station • Ability to Attend Required Training, Drills, and Call Responses
Selection process
• Submit City of Stillwater Employment Application • Successfully Pass Written Aptitude Exam • Successfully Pass Physical Agility Exam • Complete Employment Interview
Upon completion of the employment interview selected candidates will proceed to complete
• Thorough Criminal Background Investigation • Psychological Screening • Health Exam and Drug Screening
Once the candidate has successfully completed all aspects of the pre-employment process they receive a conditional offer of employment. Once the candidate officially accepts the job offer a hire date will be selected. Once hired the candidate must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period where they will attend numerous hours of training, drills and emergency response requirements.
• Attend a Minimum of Two Department Drills per Month • Successfully Complete Firefighter I & II Training (approximately 120 hours) • Successfully Complete Emergency Medical First Responder Training (40
hours) • Comply with Department Run Response Requirements of 20% of Department
“All Calls” per Quarter
For individuals who are dedicated and seeking a rewarding career, the fire service is the best job in the world!
19
PERSONNEL UPDATES 2007 was another active year for the Department, which included several changes in personnel. Part-Time Promotions Jeff Roettger and John Nobles were assigned to the position of Lieutenant.
New Part-Time Employees The Department welcomed several new part-time employees in 2007 and looks forward to the contributions they will make in the coming years.
Phillip Grasafe Janet Hausken Joe Marchetti Mike Mondor Ray Valley
Resignations
Brian Berube resigned from the Department after serving two years for the community. Brian was very active in fire prevention/education and community events. Brian moved out state and has applied as a firefighter for the City of Plantation, Florida.
Lieutenant John Nobles
Lieutenant Jeff Roettger
20
Employee Recognition In April of 2007 the Department was proud and honored to award years of service pins and recognition to the following individuals for their dedication and commitment to the Stillwater Fire Department. The awards given in 2007 recognize completed milestones of service achieved through 2006. 25 Years of Service - John Buckley
20 Years of Service - Jon Bell
Stuart Glaser
15 Years of Service - Chris Zeuli 5 Years of Service - Tom Ballis
Certificate of Excellence: All part-time personnel are required to meet minimum quarterly response requirements. Fire Fighter/Engineer Tim Bell responded to 256 calls for service and went above and beyond and averaged over 76% call response for the year, and was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the Highest Run Percentage made in 2006. Congratulations and thank you Tim for your dedication to the Stillwater Fire Department and the citizens we serve.
35W BRIDGE COLLAPSE Highest Run Percentage 2006 – Tim Bell
Above - Assistant Chief Tom Linhoff awards Chief Stuart Glaser a Certificate of Recognition for 20
years of service.
Above - Assistant Chief Tom Linhoff awards Captain John Buckley a Certificate of Recognition
for 25 years of service.
21
MEMORABLE EVENTS 2007
Kismet Avenue North Right - On April 16, 2007, SFD responded to a grass fire that was out of control caused by homeowner burning.
324 Main Street South Left - On August 22, 2007, SFD was called for water pouring from the front doors of a business on Main Street. Upon investigation for source SFD found the roof had collapsed onto the second floor due to excessive weight from water build up on the flat roof.
Echo Lane Left - On May 3, 2007, a neighbor reported smoke and fire coming from the house next door. Crews work to extinguish the fire.
Penfield Avenue North Right - July 10, 2007, SFD was dispatched for a structure fire, called in by the homeowner. Upon arrival crews found the entire home fully engulfed in flames. The home was a total loss and the probable cause of the fire was improper disposal of stain rags.
22
Above – Uniform citation bar awarded to responders of the 35W
Bridge Collapse by the City of Minneapolis.
35W BRIDGE COLLAPSE
On August 1, 2007, SFD along with the Washington County Fire Department Dive Team was requested to respond to the 35W bridge collapse. Thirteen units from the Washington County Fire Department Dive Team responded. Soon after arriving on scene Minneapolis Fire Department water rescue units requested our team to check several vehicles under the water. Two teams were sent out with Minneapolis Fire personnel to begin checking vehicles. While checking vehicles, divers stated currents were strong and conditions were extremely poor. Once divers checked the cars in question, Hennepin County Sheriff’s office advised that conditions were too dangerous to put divers in the water and all dive activities were stopped.
Left – Rescue boats search for victims of bridge collapse.
Right – Rescue workers await news on survivors as surface/dive operations continue.
23
UPGRADES & IMPROVEMENTS SAFER Grant The Stillwater Fire Department was fortunate to be selected as a recipient of the 2007 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. This grant is awarded to fire agencies to assist them in hiring adequate personnel to perform fire and emergency response services for their communities. Stillwater applied for the grant with the approval of City Council in June of 2006. The request was for two full-time firefighters to help SFD meet safety requirements and national staffing standards. The grant is a five year commitment with funds declining each year until the new personnel are absorbed into the general operations of the Department. The dollar amount of the grant was for $207,000.00. Unfortunately the City Council declined acceptance of this grant from the Department of Homeland Security and it was returned. No additional full-time staff was hired and no grant funding was awarded to the City or Fire Department. 800 MHz Public Safety Radio System Stillwater Fire is included in the Washington County Public Safety radio project scheduled to go on line in 2008. Preparations for this new radio system have been in development for several years. In 2007 through a regional grant award from the Department of Homeland Security all Washington County Fire Departments received funding to purchase the needed radio hardware to operate on the new 800 MHz system. Stillwater Fire received $65,776.78 toward this project. Vehicle Upgrades In 2007 the Department replaced a 14 year old inflatable zodiac boat with a RescueONE 16’ aluminum rescue boat. This boat will allow SFD to provide fire suppression on lakes and rivers, enhance dive rescue capabilities and increase responder safety. This boat is equipped with a 40h.p. Mercury engine with center console steering and engine controls, dive platform and lightbar with searchlight. This vehicle will enhance operations with the capacity to carry eight personnel or personnel and patients safely.
24
Above - After refurbishing the inside of the trailer. Several work areas and communications stations created.
The Stillwater Fire and Police Departments worked cooperatively to build a new mobile Emergency Command Post for the City in 2007. Working cooperatively with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Washington County Emergency Management and the City’s IT Department a new Emergency Command Post was constructed. The trailer was purchased from FEMA for $1,000.00 and Washington County Emergency Management provided over $21,000.00 dollars in grant funding to help equip the trailer. Staff from fire, police and IT spent hundreds of hours installing equipment and designing the Command Post’s layout. The Command Post has multiple communication capabilities and the ability to operate and be self sustaining for several hours. This Command Post is invaluable during extended or large scale emergency operations. In fact, the City of Stillwater’s Emergency Command Post was put into operation several times soon after it was completed. The Command Post responded to a request for mutual aid to the devastating flooding in Southern Minnesota last fall and also to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office when requested. In addition the Command Post plays a vital role in our annual Lumberjack Days celebration for Incident Commanders managing the event.
Above - Before refurbishing the inside of the trailer.
25
Above - High level rope rescue training class with mutual aid fire departments on the bluffs
of the St. Croix River.
STAFF TRAINING In 2007 staff devoted over 3,654 hours developing their skills. This was an 8% increase from the previous year. Training for a multitude of different calls such as structure fire, vehicle extrication, cardiac arrest, high angle rescue, boat accident or hazardous materials release kept all personnel busy throughout the year. Personnel train several times a month and attend training courses and professional development programs throughout the year. Currently the Stillwater Fire Department has several members working toward degrees in fire science.
Above - Cold water ice rescue training in the St. Croix River.
Above - Yearly physical ability testing.
Above - Annual respirator fit testing.
26
Fire Department Connection cap missing. Frayed electrical wiring.
Improper storage of flammable liquids.
Open electrical outlet.
Electrical breaker doors not closed.
CODE ENFORCEMENT Stillwater Fire Department personnel conducted over 382 building inspections during 2007. Inspections consisted of new construction, commercial business, multi-family residential, daycare providers, special event reviews and general company fire inspections of existing structures. 2007 was the beginning of several large projects within the City. The Washington County Government Center began its expansion project which is slated to be completed in 2010 and the Millbrook housing development, which will include nearly 300 townhomes and single family residential structures, began. Both projects will require hundreds of hours from staff to review plans, conduct inspections and certify acceptance testing.
The pictures below depict some of the more common fire code violations found during inspections.
Above - North view of the future Washington County Government Center Project.
27
FIRE PREVENTION & LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION ACTIVITIES The Stillwater Fire Department spends hundreds of hours and numerous activities to make up the Department’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Education program. Being proactive in preventing fires and educating the public on personal injury safety is the most progressive and cost effective activity the Fire Department can provide.
Fire Prevention/Education Statistics 2007 Activity/Event Contacts Staff Hours
Station Tours 323 29Extinguisher Training 165 16School Visits 1,082 82Employee Recognition Breakfast 55 8Open House 1,500 68Big Truck Extravaganza 200 18Speeches 80 4Awareness 1106 69Smoke Alarm Program 257 58
Total 4,768 352 2007 was another big year for Fire Prevention and Life Safety Education. SFD has increased contacts in all areas throughout the year and had an additional 900+ contacts than 2006. Fire Education has the single greatest effect to reduce fires within our community. SFD members take pride in working with students and residents to reduce the risk of fire and injury.
Above - Captain Rob Zoller talks to students and teachers about the importance of testing smoke
alarms and what to do should one activate.
Left – Firefighter/Engineer Steve Zoller assists students practicing their escape plan by exiting through a window.
Above - Firefighter Phil Gresafe teaches students how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
28
Fire Prevention Week Fire Prevention Week was held October 7 - 13. This year’s safety slogan “Practice Your Escape Plan” was emphasized in all activities SFD participated in. It was also advertised in the local media and to area business owners. This year SFD had contacts with over 4,700 people in hands on training and prevention awareness, presentations, tours, and several other activities pertaining to Fire Education and Prevention. School Visits Stillwater Fire Department visited five area schools giving fire presentations to over 1,000 students. It starts with kindergarteners learning not to play with matches. First graders practice “stop, drop, and roll” and a home escape plan. Fifth graders are taught the responsibility of being a fire safe person and the consequences if they are not through slide shows and video reenactments. The Stillwater Fire Department spends hundreds of hours and numerous activities to make up the Department’s Fire Prevention and Education program. Being proactive vs. reactive in preventing fires and educating the public is the most progressive activity the Fire Department can conduct.
Right - City Staff is treated to a warm breakfast during Fire Prevention Week. Each year the fire Department hosts breakfast to staff to heighten fire prevention week.
Above - Students practice Stop, Drop and Roll. Above - Firefighter Rob Poutre, Brian Berube, Captain Rob Zoller and Freckles pose for a picture
for the school.
29
Fire Department Open House The 2007 Fire Department open house kept all SFD personnel busy with over 1,500 in attendance. Visitors of all ages were kept busy and had the opportunity to take a station tour; hands on fire extinguisher training; child fingerprinting I.D. cards; fire safety smoke house; child car seat safety information; blood pressure checks; spraying a fire hose; sitting in the fire boats; music from the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band; touring the mobile emergency command post; seeing the LifeLink helicopter land and tour the helicopter, and all children were able to pick a pumpkin donated by area farmers. Many agencies contributed to the growing popularity of our open house making 2007 the largest to date.
Above - LifeLink helicopter landing during the Fire Department’s open house.
Above - Firefighter Joe Marchetti demonstrates the proper way to use a hose stream.
Above - Alex Zeuli helps with face painting. Above - Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band.
Above - Good weather combined with plenty of activities contributed to a large turnout.
Above - Firefighter/Engineer Tim Bell staffing the inflatables.
30
Above - Picture board painted and donated by Stillwater Area High School art students to SFD.
Left - Freckles the fire dog visits with area residents during Cub Foods Community Day.
Right - Captain Rob Zoller, Freckles and Ernie talk with students about the hazards of playing with matches.
31
LUMBERJACK DAYS Lumberjack Days 2007 was held July 19 - 22 and the Stillwater Fire Department was on hand to provide emergency services to those in need. To ensure safety for residents and visitors at this fun City festival, the Stillwater Fire Department spends hundreds of hours planning and staffing this event. During this four day event all full-time employees are required to work and many additional hours are provided by the paid on-call staff. Total staff hours for planning, response and staffing Lumberjack Days 2007 were 657 hours. On Friday, July 20, 2007, SFD responded for a pungent smell in the area of the Stihl supply trailer. Upon investigation, crews found sulfuric acid leaking from batteries that were connected to on-board chargers. SFD cleared spectators from the area and crews removed melting/smoldering batteries from the trailer and treated a patient overcome by fumes. During this event, the concert continued and most spectators were unaware that emergency crews had secured a portion of the park.
The Stillwater Fire Department was on hand this year to staff the Stihl Timbersports Series World Championship and concerts in the park by Deep Blue
Something, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Jonas Brothers, Papa Doo Run Run and The New Cars.
Services provided and coordinated by the Stillwater Department for Lumberjack Days 2007 include:
Preplanning of venue for participant safety and emergency response. Preplanning emergency evacuation considerations. Briefings with multiple agencies to ensure coordinated response. Inspection of vendors to ensure safety and fire code compliance. Inspection of fire works launch site to ensure safety and fire code compliance. Pre-deployment of fire suppression equipment in strategic downtown locations. Downtown Command Center for logistics and response operations during the festival. Crews stationed at the North and South end of Lowell Park for rapid response. Rolling crews available on golf carts for first aid in the park during the event. Crews stationed on the St. Croix River during concerts for water rescue and boat
emergencies. Crews at Public Works facility to cover calls west of town. Increased crews at the station to cover EMS and fire calls for the rest of the City. Crews at the 5k and 10 mile run providing EMS services and water. Participation in the Lumberjack Days Parade with multiple crews and fire apparatus.
32
Left – Boats fill the river in anticipation for the evening concerts.
Left - SFD provided EMS standby throughout the Stihl Timbersports Series World Championship. Competitors compete in the boom run finals.
Right – Fireworks display is inspected by SFD staff for code compliance and safety.
Right – SFD staff work in the park to provide EMS and fire response.
33
Firefighter/Engineer Jon Bell distributes smoke alarms at Cub Foods Community Day.
Fire personnel distribute smoke alarms and fire education material and talk with neighborhood groups during
2007 National Night Out.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & VOLUNTEERING The Stillwater Fire Department devotes hundreds of hours each year to community events, volunteer opportunities and fundraising. Personnel live and work in the community they serve and proudly represent the City and Department at numerous venues. Here are some of the highlights for 2007.
National Night Out
Calendar Fundraiser
Summer Tuesdays
School Patrol Picnic
Big Truck Extravaganza
Cub Foods Community Day
Special Olympics Basketball
St. Mike’s Fun Fest
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Stillwater Criterium Bike Race
Fight The Fire 5K
Santa Escort after Thanksgiving
Stillwater Elks Christmas Tree Sale
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Liberty on the Lake Fourth of July Community Parade
Annual Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Twinkle Parade
34
Salvation Army Bell Ringing Right – Firefighter Rob Poutre poses while bell ringing. SFD assists the Salvation Army by bell ringing each year during the holiday season.
Criterium Bike Race SFD staffed the bike race and provided EMS to all race participants and spectators.
Annual School Patrol Picnic Left to Right – Chief Stuart Glaser, Captain Chris Zeuli, Firefighter/Engineer Tim Bell and Firefighter/Engineer Jon Bell stand with the winning recipients of bikes donated by the Stillwater Firefighter’s Relief Association for the school patrol picnic.
35
APPARATUS INVENTORY The Stillwater Fire Department maintains an inventory of high quality apparatus ready to respond to an emergency on a moments notice. All the apparatus is maintained and checked daily by the on-duty crew. Any major repairs or required maintenance is coordinated through the maintenance captain who schedules, documents and ensures the equipment is in sound working condition. Stillwater Fire’s apparatus inventory consists of:
6105 Heavy Rescue Truck 1989 Ford L8000 Chassis Heavy Rescue Vehicle. 6105 carries a compliment of rescue tools for extrication, high angle, ice/water rescue, cribbing stabilization, EMS/first aid equipment and is a support vehicle used for dive/water rescue and air cascade system for on scene breathing apparatus filling, as well as a rehabilitation station for firefighters at emergency incidents.
6106 Water Tanker
1989 Ford L9000 Chassis Water Tanker. 6106 carries 1,800 gallons of water for rural firefighting applications and water shuttling operations. 6106 is capable of pumping 300 gallons per minute from a power take off driven pump.
6107 Quick Attack Pumper 2004 Ford F550 crew cab, 4x4 chassis w/ 6.0L V-8 diesel engine. 6107 carries 250 gallons of water, 30 gallons of class A foam, portable front and rear winch, portable rescue tool, air reel, on-board generator and has a CAF’s (Compressed Air Foam) system. 6107 also carries EMS/first aid equipment, AED and technical rescue equipment.
6108 Rescue/Engine Company
1996 Pierce Lance Chassis Rescue/Engine Company. 6108 is a Rescue/Engine carrying 500 gallons of water, hoses, ladders, ventilation equipment, 1,750 gallon per minute single stage pump, water rescue, high-level rescue, EMS/first aid equipment including an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and an electric powered Hurst extrication tool along with attachments.
6109 Engine Company 1986 Ford L9000 Chassis Engine Company. 6109 carries 500 gallons of water, hoses, ladders, ventilation equipment, and a two stage 1,250 gallon per minute pump used for structural firefighting applications.
6110/ 4x4 Grass Rigs 6111 2007 Ford F350 4x4 Grass Trucks. 6110/6111 both carry 150 gallons of water and
have 8 gallon foam tanks, wildland firefighting equipment and a 150 gallon per minute pump with a booster hose and hand lines for wildland/grass firefighting applications.
6112 105’ Heavy Duty Aerial Ladder
2002 Pierce Dash Chassis Heavy Duty Aerial Ladder. 6112 carries a 105’ steel ladder with a pre-piped waterway, 500 gallons of water, 1750 gallon per minute single stage pump, hoses, ground ladders, ventilation equipment and the capability of all wheel steering.
36
6113 10’ Zodiac Boat Zodiac Boat. SFD maintains one Zodiac rescue boat for water rescue situations on small ponds or lakes with no access. The Zodiac boat is light and maneuverable for access to hard to reach ponds and ice rescue situations.
6114 16’ RescueOne Boat 2007 RescueONE Boat. 16.5’ x 6.5’ aluminum rescue boat, 40h.p. Mercury engine,
command console with steering, seat and engine controls, dive platform and light bar mount. This vehicle will be used on lakes and the river for dive operations, fire suppression and rescue.
6115 Suburban Utility Vehicle 1993 Chevrolet Suburban. 6115 is used for transporting crews and equipment to emergency scenes and emergency medical calls.
6116 Special Operations Trailer
2004 14’ Haulmark Trailer. 6116 is used for fire prevention and life safety activities as well as support operations during incidents. The trailer contains fire investigation tools and equipment and can be used for many different purposes as necessary.
6118 Chief’s Command Vehicle
2002 4x4 Chevrolet Tahoe. 6118 is equipped as a command vehicle for fire officers to manage emergency incidents. An incident command board, accountability board, EMS first aid kit, hazardous materials reference procedures, maps and contact information are readily available for use by the incident commander.
6119 Deputy Chief’s Vehicle 2001 4x4 Chevrolet Blazer. 6119 is assigned to the Deputy Chief of the Department and is available for response to and from emergency scenes.
Above – SFD’s new 2007 RescueONE Connector boat with 40 h.p. engine,
trailer, dive platform and command console.
37
STILLWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2007 Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence - P.R.I.D.E.
38
2007 was a year of continued growth and opportunity for the Stillwater Fire Department. A total of 1,498 calls for service were answered by SFD personnel. The addition of several new pieces of equipment and on-going continuing education improved safety for both response personnel and the citizens served. What does 2008 have in store for the Department and communities protected? Budget constraints and the ever increasing request for services will challenge the Department like never before. The addition of the Millbrook housing development, the upgrade of County Road 15 to a four lane highway, the upcoming Republican National Convention, along with numerous other special events will continue the increased demand for services on the Department and its personnel. Stillwater Fire is proud of the services provided and will continue to serve our community with P.R.I.D.E.: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence!
Stillwater Fire Department 216 North Fourth Street
Stillwater Minnesota 55082 651.351.4963
www.ci.stillwater.mn.us