Fire Rescue Department - cityofmiltonga.us · Milton Public Safety Foundation awarded the department a Blastmask grant support fire-fighter health and wellness ... New construction

Annual Report

2017

Fire–Rescue Department

City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department

678-242-2541 (Headquarters)

750 Hickory Flat Road, Milton, Georgia 30004

www.cityofmiltonga.us/government/fire/

[email protected]

https://www.cityofmiltonga.us/government/fire/

mailto:[email protected]

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Table of Contents 2. Contents

3. Acknowledgements

4. Mission and Core Values of the Milton Fire-Rescue Department

5. Introduction from Chief Robert Edgar, EFO, CFO

6. 2017 Accomplishments

7. 2017 Accomplishments (Continued)

8. Fire-Rescue Department Organization

9. Stations and Equipment

10. Operations Overview

11. 2017 Operations Call Volume

12. Fire Prevention Overview

13. Prevention and Plan Review Statistics

14. Fire Education Overview and 2017 Statistics

15. Fire and EMS Training Overview and 2017 Statistics

16. EMS Program Overview and Statistics

17. Emergency Management and CERT

18. Five Year Strategic Plan

19. Strategic Plan (Continued)

20. 2018 Goals

21. 2018 Goals (Continued)

22. Promotions, Retirements, and New Employees




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Acknowledgements

2017 City Council

Mayor Joe Lockwood

Karen Thurman

Matt Kunz

Bill Lusk

Burt Hewitt

Joe Longoria

Rick Mohrig

2018 Council-Elect

Peyton Jamison

Laura Bentley

City Administration

Steven Krokoff, City Manager

Stacey Inglis, Assistant City Manager

Carter Lucas, Assistant City Manager




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Mission

The Milton Fire-Rescue Department takes

responsibility to provide exceptional life safety

and community services through a commitment

to our neighbors, our businesses, and our internal

and external partners!

Core Values

Respect

Integrity

Collaboration

Bold Leadership

Responsiveness

Knowledge

Professionalism

Excellence

Fire Service Tradition




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Introduction from Chief Robert Edgar, EFO, CFO

Thank you for reviewing our 2017 Annual Report. This has

been one of the most challenging years in the City of Milton

Fire-Rescue Department’s history. Our department not only

adapted to the many retirements, but also the addition of

several new employees to our fire service family.

As the environment continues to change, our department

and our service will continue to adapt to effectively meet

the challenges and demands of our community. As Milton

continues to grow, our responsibility to provide the highest

level of care and first-class service remains a constant.

One of our most significant endeavors is to continue to pur-

sue innovative programs such as the Community Paramedicine Program, which provides

added value and customer service.

Being prepared to respond to and successfully manage both man-made and natural disas-

ters continues to be a priority as well. Our team is prepared, and have acquired the latest

technologies to protect our citizens from the unthinkable occurrences that our community

could potentially endure.

Providing a membership that is healthy, physically fit, and emotionally prepared to perform in

a dangerous stressful environment is paramount. We have establishing initiatives that will as-

sist us in our battle against the effects of cancer in the fire service. We continue to offer our

wellness program to enhance the overall performance, effectiveness, and longevity of our

most valuable resource; our members.

The City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department provides vital services to the community. From the

collective efforts of our firefighters and administrative staff working with city management,

other city departments, elected officials, neighboring fire departments, and the citizens of our

community, we will continue to ensure that City of Milton Fire-Rescue Department meets the

inevitable challenges that are a part of sustaining a first-rate municipal fire-rescue depart-

ment.

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Milton Fire-Rescue’s 2017 Accomplishments Implemented a career development plan and completed pre-promotion training and

mentorship program for all ranks through Battalion Chief

Implemented the City’s new benefits package, including conducting research, implement-

ing policy changes and the associated organizational changes

Purchased new dump tanks for drafting/training

Purchased/deployed an automatic hose roller for our large-diameter hose

Set up a new pharmaceutical program for our EMS system

Raised $79,347.26 for MDA during the annual boot drive—highest in the State! We also

raised over $7,000 in a one day collection for hurricane relief.

Upgraded communication capability in our apparatus by adding Cradlepoint Modems

Replaced base radios in all stations with 100% TDMA Compliance with radios

Hired 10 new employees (and had several retirements)

Due to the retirements, we promoted:

1 – Battalion Chief

4 – Captains

6 - FAOs

Began an in-house paramedic training program to enhance our EMS capabilities

Added Search and Recovery (K9) capabilities

Purchased new battery-operated extrication—more efficient than 2007 gas-operated tools

Increased staffing on R-42 using current staffing levels, allowing it to run calls independently

Several firefighters received college degrees

Completed outfitting all city vehicles with AEDs as part of the “Heart Ready City” program

Four victims of cardiac arrest treated by Milton Firefighters walked out of the hospital

Milton Public Safety Foundation awarded the department a Blastmask grant support fire-

fighter health and wellness

Awarded a $19,000 grant from the Firehouse Subs Foundation for purchasing bullet-resistant

vests




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Milton Fire-Rescue’s 2017 Accomplishments

Added a job-share public educator in Fire Administration to coordinate our very active

community outreach program

Assistant Fire Marshal earned certification as a peace officer in support of his arson inves-

tigation and code enforcement duties and completed MPA at Reinhardt University

Added Sparky the Fire Dog to our public education program and made his popular de-

but in the schools during the October fire safety education blitz

Conducted a record number of new construction and annual inspections in 2017

Reached a record number of adults and children through the Fire Safety Education

reached a record number of adults and children in 2017, with more than 8,800 attending

programs, a 50% increase over the previous year and 15% higher than 2014 (the previous

record-holding year)

Launched a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program for Milton

citizens

Received FEMA approval for a 5-year plan update on the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Miti-

gation Plan, conducted in conjunction with AFCEMA, GEMA, and the several Fulton

County jurisdictions, school systems, and authorities

Responded to and recovered from a January snow storm, Hurricane Irma, and the De-

cember 8, 2017 winter storm, including three full EOC activations, one of which resulted in

a federal disaster declaration

Installed a “Weather Bug” station on Fire Station 43 in partnership with AFCEMA

Enhanced honor guard program and trained new members

Installed Fuel Master Systems at Fire Stations 41 and 43 to better mange gas/diesel distri-

bution.

Participated in the “World CPR Challenge”

Implemented Community Paramedicine Program in late 2017, 13 Community Paramedi-

cine visits since December 1st and approximately 25 participants in the program overall

Added a job share Logistics / Support Services position, increasing our efficiency

Prepared specifications a mobile fire training facility and received council approval for

ordering the unit

8

Fire-Rescue Department Organization

The Fire-Rescue Department is comprised of two main divisions, supervised by the Fire Chief:

Operations—which provides front-line service to Milton’s community and visitors in the form of fire

suppression, emergency medical services, special operations, and other community-service activi-

ties. These are the firefighters that respond to emergencies and service calls in Milton.

Administration—provides preparedness and prevention-related service, including firefighter train-

ing, fire inspection and plan review, fire/arson inves-

tigations, coordinating public education, budget-

ing, strategic planning, and departmental logistics.




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Stations & Equipment

Milton Stations:

Station 41 (Arnold Mill Rd. and New

Providence Rd.) This station primarily

serves the Crabapple area.

Station 42 (Thompson Rd). This is the first

response engine for the Highway 9 area

and for the northeast portion of the

City. This station also houses Rescue 42.

Station 43 (Hickory Flat Rd). This is the

first response engine for the Birmingham

area. This station also houses our TLAER

unit, Fire Administration and Prevention.

Automatic Aid Station: Alpharetta Sta-

tion 81 (Webb Bridge Road). This station

serves the City of Milton through Auto-

matic Aid with Alpharetta Engine 81,

and also houses Milton’s Ladder Truck.

Proposed Station: This station will serve the Highway 9/Deerfield area. Design is currently in

progress.

Emergency Response Vehicles:

Engine 41 (2007 Pierce Enforcer)

Truck 41 (2016 E-One Cyclone)


Rescue 42 (2014 Ford F-450 Ambulance)


Battalion 4 (2014 Ford Expedition)

Reserve Engine (2010 Pierce Contender)

Quint Truck (2008 Pierce Dash) - Reserve/Status under review

TLAER ( 2002 Chevy C7500) - donated Technical Animal Rescue Vehicle

Support/Service 43 (2014 Ford F-250) - Tow vehicle/reserve rescue unit

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Operations Overview

Deputy Chief A Shift Battalion Chief B Shift Battalion Chief C Shift Battalion Chief

Mark Stephens Danny Elliott Roth Hutcheson Richard Bushman

Operations provides service to the community 24-hours a day on a three-shift rotation.

Each shift of 18 firefighters is overseen by a Battalion Chief. Each station is supervised by a

Captain. Milton’s staffing supports three engines and a ladder truck, each with a mini-

mum of three personnel on a daily basis as well as a rescue-ambulance staffed with two

firefighters. Our minimum daily staffing is 15, including supervisors.

As the backbone of Milton Fire-Rescue, operations personnel provide fire and emergency

response, basic and advanced emergency medical care, and general service call re-

sponse throughout Milton and to our automatic/mutual aid partners in surrounding juris-

dictions.

Firefighters also conduct extensive public outreach and education activity and train a

minimum of 240 hours a year to maintain certifications. They conduct pre-incident plan-

ning of all business, parks, and schools in the city annually and service every fire hydrant

at least once a year. They are also responsible for maintaining their equipment and sta-

tions, and have numerous special projects and assignments they participate in to keep

the department running professionally.




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2017 Operations Statistics

Over the past year, fire-

rescue call volume continues

it annual upward trend, with

2017 showing a 9% increase

over 2016.

This annualized number is

based on calls that result in

case numbers (usually

through 911) and do not

reflect self-initiated activi-

ties such as pre-plans,

public outreach, or other

non-response activities.

Emergency Medical and

Rescue responses remain

the highest area of response

for our department, compris-

ing 46% of our total respons-

es in 2017. Fire—our highest

risk responsibility—comprised

4% of the overall calls, but

resulted in 128 individual sup-

pression apparatus respons-

es.

Fire

4%

Overpressure or

Hazardous Conditions

4%

EMS

46%Service Call

14%

Good Intent

22%

False Alarm

9%

Other

1%

Fire-Rescue Calls by Type in 2017

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Prevention Overview and Statistics

Fire Prevention is responsible for:

New construction plan reviews,

New construction or alteration inspections,

Annual business inspections,

Fire investigations, and

Public education.

Fire Marshal’s staff includes the Deputy Chief of Administration who

serves as the Fire Marshal and the city’s Emergency Manager. Fire

Prevention is rounded staff out by the full-time Assistant Fire Marshal as

well as the Fire Education coordinator, which is a part-time/shared position that also con-

ducts Logistics/Support Services for the department.

The firefighters in Prevention are tasked with eliminating as many threats to life safety

through education, safety engineering, and fire code enforcement. The number of inspec-

tions continued to rise in 2017 due to the addition of commercial buildings, businesses and

new construction. Every new business that undergoes plan reviews and inspections during

the construction process results in at least one—if not multiple—new businesses which must

be inspected annually. We continue to look for additional ways to professionalize our in-

spection and plan review program to keep the community safe and support business in Mil-

ton.

Milton Fire Prevention staff are also certified to perform fire investigations from both the crim-

inal and non-criminal side. All fires involving structural damage result in full investigations as

do many other fires or other fire-related incidents that occur around the city annually.

Additionally, Prevention is responsible for coordinating the firefighters’ pre-incident planning

program. Through this program, an engine or truck crew visits each business, school, or fa-

cility in their territory at least once a year. This ensures that our crews know the community

and buildings they may be called to before an emergency occurs. It also provides our fire-

fighter the opportunity to get to know the Milton business community in a non-emergency

setting.

Deputy Chief Matt Marietta

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Inspection and Plan Review Statistics

Fire inspection and plan review

activity has been increasing

every year, with 2017 posting

the highest number of new con-

struction inspections, alterations,

annual inspections, pre-

development consultations,

and plan reviews.

Additionally, new construction

building plans are reviewed by

a third-party contract and are

not counted in these totals.

Prevention activities conducted by the

Deputy Chief of Administration and the

Assistant Fire Marshal are tracked by indi-

vidual activity type, and include follow-

ups and reinspections for those businesses

or projects that had safety violations not-

ed on their first time through the inspec-

tion process.

Engine companies in the field also assist with certain

prevention-related functions, including conducting pre-

incident plans of all businesses/schools in the city once

a year and servicing all of the hydrants in Milton.

The Deputy Chief and the Assistant Fire

Marshal are also mandated to investigate

all fires.

2014 2015 2016 2017

Total 469 723 791 844

469

723791

844

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

NU

MB

ER O

F IN

SPEC

TIO

NS/

PLA

NS

Fire Marshal's OfficeInspection / Plan Review Activity

Fire Inspections / Plans Breakdown

2014 2015 2016 2017

Inspection Activities 2 1 25 50

Plan Reviews /

Consultations / Plans 100 275 320 322

Inspections (Annuals) 367 447 446 472

Total 469 723 791 844

Fire Investigations and Loss

2014 2015 2016 2017

Investigations 18 20 16 12

Loss Estimate $2,592,741 $1,704,812 $3,098,925 $2,922,530

Company-Level Prevention Activity

2014 2015 2016 2017

Hydrant

Mainte-

nance

2344 2345 2446 2525

Company-

Level Pre-

Plans

319 375 399 410

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Public Education Overview and Statistics

One of Milton Fire-Rescue’s core functions is public ed-

ucation and community engagement. Since 2007 we

have sought to reach more adults and children and to

make more connections with community groups and

business to foster a safe environment for residents and

visitors alike.

In 2017, we saw the addition of a public outreach posi-

tion (which also oversees department equipment and

logistics) to the Fire Administration staff. This position is

tasked with increasing our reach for community risk re-

duction measures such as our annual kindergarten/pre

-school education blitz, business training programs,

“touch a truck” community visits, and the numerous city events throughout the year. It is our

hope to use each citizen interaction as an opportunity to educate.

2017 Public Education Statistics

2014 2015 2016 2017

Total 166 333 278 376

Total, 376

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Num

be

r of E

vent

s

Calendar Year

Public Education and Outreach

Events

2014 through 2017

Citizens Reached Through Education

Campaigns

In-Person Events Online

Adults Children Social Media

2,852 5,982 24,187




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Training Overview and 2017 Statistics

The Training Bureau is responsible for ensuring compliance with certification

standards for Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council and Geor-

gia EMS requirements for core licensure requirements. Milton also seeks to

meet NFPA training benchmarks and ISO standards.

Training is responsible for basic training and on-boarding of new personnel,

promotional prerequisites compliance, and keeping up with not only the

evolving standards by various state and national organizations, but also the

changing understanding of fire science and prehospital medicine.

In addition to basic certification requirements and promotional prerequisites, Milton Firefighters

complete approximately 240 hours of training per firefighter, per year. This training covers basic

skills as well as specialized driver, officer, hazardous materials, and other job-specific continuing

education. Additionally, maintaining EMS certification (EMT or Paramedic) requires an addition-

al 100 hours per year, depending on the level of certification.

Total 2017 Training Hours: 14,759

Training Chief, Jason Baswell

Training Benchmark 100% Compliance with NFPA/ISO Training Standards

March, 2017 December, 2017

Required Completed Compliance

Rate Required Completed

Compliance

Rate

Firefighter 1 / EMT 57 57 100% 58 58 100%

Firefighter 2, Hazmat

Awareness, Hazmat

Operations

57 52 91% 58 47 81%

Fire Apparatus Opera-

tor 15 15 100% 16 15 94%

Fire Officer 1 20 13 65% 20 18 90%

Fire Officer 2 6 1 17% 6 4 67%

Fire Officer 3 NA 0 NA NA 6 NA

Fire Officer 4 / EFO NA 1 NA NA 3 NA

*Note: This analysis is based on NPQ/National Training standards. ISO is less stringent and therefore rates are higher.

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Emergency Medical Services

EMS Overview

Milton Fire-Rescue provides both basic and advanced life support service to the communi-

ty. All firefighters are either certified to the Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic

level and are equipped to provide medical care on our engines, our truck, and on our staff

vehicles.

We also have a transport-capable rescue that can be used to take a critical patient to the

hospital when the private ambulance company, contracted by Fulton County, does not

have a unit in close proximity.

Milton is also a “Heart Ready City”

with CPR trained staff and with Au-

tomated External Defibrillators

(AEDs) in public places and all fire,

police, and city vehicles. We also

teach CPR at local schools and

provide bystander CPR training on

Saturdays to maximize the number

of people who know what to do

until EMS arrives if someone has a

heart attack.

Community Paramedicine

In 2017, Milton also began a community paramedicine program, providing EMS outreach,

home safety education, and support to seniors and others in the community who have spe-

cial medical needs. This voluntary program was initially deployed just prior to Hurricane Ir-

ma, during which paramedics conducted well-being checks on members of the commu-

nity who had enrolled in the program. Our EMS Coordinator-Paramedic is spearheading

the program and hopes to expand it in 2018 to improve the quality of life for all of Milton’s

residents. At the end of 2017, we have approximately 25 people participating in this pro-

gram.

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Emergency Management The City of Milton works with local partners, the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Manage-

ment Agency (AFCEMA) and state and federal emergency management agencies to plan

for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Emergency Management is about planning for a resilient community that can weather

large-scale incidents. It is also about preparing our police officers, firefighters, public works,

and other city departments to work together on infrequently faced problems.

Since 2007, Milton has experienced three federally-declared disasters, a tornado touch

down, and several severe winter events. Each of these events was larger than the usual

daily duties of our police, fire, and public works personnel, and required a unified response

from our city and community.

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Fire Department Strategic Plan

Provide a highly professional, safe, and healthy environment:

1. Conduct an ongoing staffing analysis for the Fire and Rescue Operations

Major analysis complete. This item is tied to station distribution, apparatus plans,

and ISO evaluation action items.

2. Develop a behavioral health and wellness initiative

Initial Training complete. Additional action items pending.

Embrace changes in the emergency services profession while meeting the

needs of Milton's unique environment:

1. Ensure fire codes embrace the unique Milton community while providing

effective community risk reduction

Analysis of rural development complete and presented to staff and/or Council.

Additional design standards being developed in conjunction with UDC.

2. Ensure fire facilities meet forecasted needs

Major analysis complete. This item is tied to development patterns, apparatus

plans, staffing, and ISO evaluation action items. Support documentation assem-

bled and forwarded for review.

3. Develop strategies to maintain/improve the Fire Department's ISO rating

Major analysis complete. This item is tied to de velopment patterns, apparatus

plans, staffing, and facility location action items. Support documentation assem-

bled and forwarded for review.

4. Conduct a staffing analysis for the Fire Prevention Bureau

Complete. Supporting documentation being assembled.




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Fire Department Strategic Plan (continued)

5. Conduct a staffing needs analysis for Fire Support Services

Completed July of 2017. Position filled in September 2017. Position implemented as a

“job share” with prevention staffing. Workload analysis in progress.

6. Ensure fire apparatus needs meet future challenges and current station/

operational needs

Major analysis complete. This item is tied to development patterns, ISO/NFPA guide-

lines, staffing, and facility location action items. Support documentation assembled

and forwarded for review. Programming for new engine in accordance with plan

currently in progress.

7. Develop Barn Safety Class for the citizens

Developed a training program for the public in fall of 2016.

Additional personnel receiving train-the-trainer program.

Ensure a resilient and disaster ready community:

1. Enhance our Fire Department Community Safety Education Program

Completed as of July of 2017. Position filled in September 2017. Position implemented

as a “job share” with prevention staffing. Workload analysis in progress.

2. Implement Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) program

Program deployed fall of 2017. Initial class will graduate in early 2018.

3. Develop an emergency preparedness outreach program for the citizens

and business community

Still pending. Emergency Plan undergoing revision at this time.




20

Fire Department 2018 Goals

General Projects

Work with the architects and city staff on the design of the new Highway 9 Fire Station

(Station 44)

Continue to pursue the Department’s goal of an ISO Class 1

Find additional ways to improve the EMS delivery system within the City

Purchase an off-road vehicle for patient access and extrication and EMS delivery on trails/

parks

Ensure the Department’s apparatus fleet continues to meet the ever changing response

needs of the community

Complete the design and specifications for the purchase of a new pumper

Maintain an active hiring roster throughout the year

Explore tenure incentives to reduce turnover

Improve marketing of Milton outreach programs using social media and internal communi-

cations

Research and develop a plan for the FY2019 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

replacement

TLAER and Equestrian Goals

Train additional personnel to the operations and technician level

Expand the barn safety program and the partnership with the equestrian community

Hold live barn evacuation exercises

Fire Prevention and Safety

Develop a bridge marking system with residential addresses for bridges that have been cer-

tified by an engineer and marked as safe passage for a fire apparatus

Develop strategies to meet the increased demand in fire code enforcement, plan reviews,

and annual and new construction inspections

Continue to assess the Department’s long-term delivery model and capital plan as it relates

to development patterns and future needs of the community

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Fire Department 2018 Goals (continued)

Training

Develop program and training on decision-making skills on the fire-ground for company of-

ficers, drivers, and firefighters utilizing the new mobile fire training facility

EMS Training – Continue to provide EMS training to all fire personnel that meets state and

National Registry requirements, totaling a minimum of 108 hours per person

Develop wilderness-type training for the extrication of injured from our park system. This train-

ing is geared toward patient safety, comfort, and the provider’s safety

Conduct a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training exercise (active shooter) with the Milton

Police Department

Train personnel on pipeline emergencies

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Complete training for the first City of Milton CERT Team, which provides citizens with the

basic skills needed to protect themselves, their family, and neighbors, and respond to the

immediate needs of the community in the aftermath of a disaster

Provide specialized skill training so that CERT members may be deployed on emergency in-

cidents as support personnel

Provide means of communication for/with CERT members

Graduate our first CERT Team and work on expanding the program

Community Paramedicine

Increase enrollment in the Community Paramedicine Program using marketing with local

medical providers, local hospitals, social media updates, and word of mouth

Complete National Certification for Community Paramedicine for five fire employees

Deploy new training facility and introduce more practical drills

Expand Community Paramedicine Program

Honor Guard

Increase the Department’s Honor Guard presence in the community.

Obtain ceremony items such as flags, flag stands, pike poles, etc.

Develop an SOP and a training schedule

22

2017 Retirements, Promotions, and New Members

Retirements

Firefighter Mike Melson

Firefighter Thomas Mickens

Firefighter Jeff Humphrey

FAO Greg Foster

Captain Bill Garrett

Battalion Chief Bill Bourn

Promotions

FAO Jeff Jones

FAO Greg Carter

FAO Russ Womack

FAO Glen Addison

FAO Brian Murtaugh

Captain Mark Haskins

Captain Marc Brown

Captain Shane Black

Captain Timothy Murray

Battalion Chief Richard Bushman

New Members

Firefighter Kayla Boucher

Firefighter Kelli Duncan

Firefighter Nicholas Armenta

Firefighter Robert Slattery-Hall

Firefighter Brandon Carey

Firefighter Cody Hall

Firefighter Derek Hofmann

Firefighter Matthew Puckett

Firefighter Steven Roberson

Firefighter Bartholomew Ritchie

Administrative Assistant Jennifer Stephens




23

City of Milton

Fire-Rescue Department 678-242-2541 (Headquarters)


www.cityofmiltonga.us/government/fire

Documents

Fire Rescue Department - cityofmiltonga.us · Milton Public Safety Foundation awarded the department a Blastmask grant support fire-fighter health and wellness ... New construction