Park Ridge Fire Department Annual Report 2011 In memory report1.pdf · This increase represented an 11 percent increase in call volume over 2010. Further, during ... plan utilizing

Park Ridge Fire DepartmentAnnual Report

2011

In memory of all those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

www.parkridgefd.org

In memory

Table of Contents

Message from the Chief

1

Incident Responses 3

Administration 9

Building Maintenance 11

Public Education 13

Fire Prevention Bureau 15

Health and Safety 16

Training Division 17

Emergency Medical Services 20

Personal Protection Equipment 22

Apparatus and Equipment 23

Fire Investigation 27

Dive Team 32

Hazardous Materials Team 36

Technical Rescue Team 38

Community Emergency Response Team 41

Fire Explorers 43

Firefighter of the Year Committee 45

Honor Guard 47

September 11 Memorial 50

Organization Chart 51

Seniority/Age Breakdown 52

Shift Photos 53

Selected Customer Satisfaction Surveys 56

1

Mayor David F. Schmidt and City Council As your Fire Chief and on behalf of the men and women of the Park Ridge Fire Department, I respectfully submit for your review, the Fire Department Annual Report for 2011. The mission of the Park Ridge Fire Department is to limit the loss of life and property through planning, prevention and response by providing exemplary fire and emergency medical services to our community, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 2011 proved to be a very challenging year for the Fire Department. Emergency call volume rose to the third highest level in Park Ridge history, with the Department responding to 4,308 emergency calls. This increase represented an 11 percent increase in call volume over 2010. Further, during 2011, the Department operated with three vacant positions due to retirement and long-term disability. In the midst of these challenges, the Fire Department continued to provide full service and an all hazards approach to fire and rescue services. Fire Department special response teams consisting of Hazardous Materials Response, Technical Rescue Response and Dive/Swiftwater Rescue Response trained monthly with area mutual aid partners as part of the MABAS Division III Special Response Teams. The combined resources of the MABAS Division III Special Response Teams provide highly trained, well-equipped and cost effective response teams to a large portion of the metropolitan area. Division III serves an area from Lake Michigan on the east, Des Plaines to the west, the border of the City of Chicago on the south and as far north as Highland Park. In 2011, Fire Department Command Staff designed and implemented one of the most significant operational changes in the Department’s history. Beginning in September, the Department changed the order of vehicles responding from Fire Station 36, located at Oakton and Greenwood. The response change involved removing one engine from front-line service and shifting the personnel to the Ladder Truck, which prior to this change, responded with only one firefighter on the vehicle. The Ladder Truck, known, as Tower 36 is a fully equipped Quint-type apparatus, equipped with a pump, fire hose, 300-gallon water tank, hydraulic rescue tools, 95-foot Tower Ladder and a full compliment of advanced life support paramedic equipment. This vehicle provides the City of Park Ridge with the most versatile fire suppression and emergency medical services response capability rolled into one unit. Fire Command Staff continue to monitor and evaluate the performance of this operational change on a daily basis and stand ready to make adjustments to this response model if deemed necessary. The Fire Department was awarded a grant of $25,000 from the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, which was used to purchase much needed self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and training equipment.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF Michael A. Zywanski, Fire Chief

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Another significant highlight for 2011 involved the initiation of collaborative efforts with the North Maine Fire Protection District. Beginning in October of 2011, Fire Department command staff embarked on a three-month beta test project with North Maine, to determine the effectiveness of potentially sharing personnel resources on a daily basis. The project involved dual response of both the Park Ridge Battalion Chief and the North Maine District Chief into both the North Maine Fire District and the City of Park Ridge for all emergency incidents requiring an Incident Commander. The data acquired during the three-month project has been analyzed and a report to the City Council will be delivered within the second quarter of 2012. Moving forward, 2012 will prove even more challenging in the current fiscal climate. Staff will continue pursuing collaborative efforts with our neighboring departments with the goal of reducing long-term operating costs, without compromising the high quality fire and rescue services our community receives. At the time of this correspondence, staff is preparing for a full assessment of our fire department, water supply system and 911 Dispatch Center by the Insurance Service Office (ISO), which is scheduled for May 29 - June 1. Upon completion of that, staff will be preparing for our third re-accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). As part of the accreditation process, the department will be revising the Strategic Plan for the delivery of fire and EMS services, as well as updating the Community Risk Analysis and Standards of Response Coverage for our community. Fire department staff will be submitting grant applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in pursuit of funding through the SAFER (Staffing Adequate Fire Emergency Response) and the Fire Prevention and Safety grants. These efforts are just some examples of the continuous pursuit of excellence in our service delivery and fiscal accountability. Respectfully submitted,

Michael A. Zywanski Fire Chief

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2011 Incident Summary During the past year, personnel responded to 4,309 incidents, which made 2011 the third busiest year on record in the history of the Park Ridge Fire Department.

INCIDENT RESPONSES Battalion Chief John Hanson

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Incident Characteristics Incidents are classified as one of four types: Code 1: Emergency Medical Service Call (vehicle accidents, cardiac issues, falls, etc.)

Code 2: Service Call (car fire, carbon monoxide alarms, lockout, etc.)

Code 3: Fire Call (fire alarms, garage fires, structure fires, etc.)

Code 13: Request for Aid from another community (Rosemont, Des Plaines, Niles, etc.)

As shown above, Code 1’s were the majority of our responses and accounted for 2,478 of our incident responses for the year.

The chart above shows the top five (5) departments we give and receive aid from (Code 13s). We do our best to make sure that the response is balanced so not to put an increased burden on our neighboring departments.

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The top seven (7) types of property we responded to are displayed in the graph below. Given the demographics of our City, it makes sense that residential properties were the bulk of the type of property that we responded to. Incident Time and Day Statistics Incidents occur at all times of day and days of the week. The two graphs below show the number of incidents by the time of day and the day of the week.

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Station and Apparatus Statistics During 2011, the incidents responded to by each station was very close to 50/50. This is a statistic that Command Staff looks at annually to make sure that incident response districts are balanced ensuring response times will remain as low as possible for our citizens.

The graph below illustrates the number of incidents each apparatus responded to during 2011. For the most part, incidents are equally divided between the Stations. However, this year Engine 36 appears to have significantly less calls than Engine 35. This was due to the fact that Tower 36 replaced Engine 36 as the front line suppression apparatus at Station 36 in late September.

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Concurrent Incidents Due to the high amount of calls for service during 2011, we also had a corresponding increase in concurrent incidents. A concurrent incident is defined as another call for service while there is already an incident being handled. With the exception of Code 3 incidents, our department can easily handle one concurrent incident. However, when the number of concurrent incidents exceeds one, we begin to have delayed response times and need to rely on mutual aid from our neighboring departments. As the graph shows below, we did have an increase in 1,2,3,4 and 5 concurrent incidents during 2011.

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Response Performance To measure our performance in response to incidents, we examine the “Call to Arrival Time” statistic. This time is measured when 911 is notified of an emergency, to when the fire department arrives on scene. Each year, we work with North Suburban Emergency Communications Center (NSECC) and Fire Department personnel, to see where improvements can be made to reduce that time and make adjustments if necessary. The goal for this response time is under 6 minutes (360 seconds), and as the graph shows below, our department comes in under that time on a regular basis.

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It is the goal of the Fire Department Administration to deliver the most effective and efficient fire suppression and emergency medical services possible to the community. The Park Ridge Fire Department is a professional, caring, and pro-active provider of these services. We remain committed to help the community by not only responding to emergencies, but through fire prevention and emergency preparedness efforts. The various City Departments work together collaboratively preventing hazardous conditions and in preparing the community for emergencies and potential disasters. In 2011, the Park Ridge Fire Department went to great lengths to better prepare for these types of emergencies in our community through regular planning sessions with the organizations in our community. We take great pride in the partnerships created with the Park Ridge Park and School Districts, the private and faith-based schools, the local hospitals as well as many volunteer organizations within our community. Additionally, Fire Department Administration was successful in the following areas:

Achieved various expenditure reductions through revised budgeting and cost control measures.

Worked with fire departments in surrounding communities to improve efficiencies and maintain effective fire suppression and emergency medical services levels.

Organized official communications with department members through the Official Department Correspondence (ODC) system.

Developed and coordinated response plans with Lutheran General Hospital for emergencies on their campus.

Coordinated staffing and emergency preparedness, and developed Incident Action Plans (IAPs) for special events in our community.

Coordinated emergency response staffing and resident communications during the blizzard/ weather event in February.

Conducted severe weather and fire drills in order to exercise the Emergency Action Plan for City Hall.

Developed a committee representing all stakeholders to review all personal protective equipment and make future recommendations and specifications for purchasing.

Developed inter-governmental agreements with Maine South High School and the Park Ridge Park District, resulting in the use of cooling centers for the power failure/ heat emergency in July.

Negotiated a labor agreement with Local #2697 through the year 2014. Implemented a preventative maintenance program for existing Fire Department facilities (3). Utilized Cook County Sherriff’s SWAP program to provide labor for exterior painting project at

Station #35 and to renovate the grounds of the station. Developed and implemented a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) activation

plan utilizing the new mass notification system (Everbridge). Increased equipment and training opportunities for our CERT responders.

ADMINISTRATION Deputy Chief Jeff Sorensen

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Utilized CERT for many community events and weather emergencies. Utilized our mass notification system to communicate with citizens during severe weather

events in February and July. Participated in the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in November. Developed new guidelines for emergency weather siren activation by the 9-1-1 Center. Secured a piece of the World Trade Center Steel for the City of Park Ridge. Planned and coordinated with various organizations to run Hopefest 2011, commemorating

lives lost on 9/11/2001 Established effective communications and response procedures for volunteer resources

through the Park Ridge Citizen’s Corps Council. Applied for federal, state, and local grants to the extent possible, resulting in additional assets

for emergency response and the training division. Attended meetings at the Youth Campus to better communicate and prepare for emergencies. Provided 140 flu shots to city employees and family members. Managed the fire hydrant testing program in a cost efficient and effective manner, utilizing

summer help. Participated in various community outreach events with the Park Ridge Chamber of

Commerce, the Youth Commission, Park Ridge Park District, and community service organizations including the Park Ridge Kiwanis Morning and Noon clubs.

Began a student internship program with Maine South High School as a youth outreach initiative and to have an additional resource for administrative tasks at the Fire Department.

Worked to provide emergency planning for School Districts # 64, 207. Provided guidance for safety committees at District #64, Maine South and Maine East High Schools.

Began entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic candidate testing process in August, with expected new hires set to begin employment in 2012.

The goals of Fire Department Administration for 2012 are: Obtain re-accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and complete

ISO review of fire protection capabilities. Work with the 9-1-1 center (NSECC) on selecting a new dispatch software vendor and assist

in the implementation of the new system. To completely update the policy and standard operating guidelines manual. To pursue all available sources of funding for fire prevention and emergency response

initiatives. Pursue innovative strategies for public outreach, including fire prevention and safety

education, and emergency preparedness for the community.

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The Park Ridge Fire Department responds out of two fire stations and an administration headquarters. These facilities serve a variety of purposes and include the following: Fire Administration Building Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief,

Senior Administrative Assistant, Conference facility.

Fire Station 35 Fire Engine 35, Ambulance 35, Squad 35,

Reserve Fire Engine, Rescue Boat 35.

Fire Station 36 Fire Engine 36, Ambulance 36, Tower 36,

Battalion 35, Reserve Ambulance.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE Lt. John Ortlund

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Our department is continually striving to provide each facility with a high degree of professionalism in building maintenance. Our firehouses are integral parts of the community. We routinely interact socially with our neighbors and welcome them to tour the facilities that exist for their protection and safety. We also share our facilities with other city departments and community response organizations for meetings and training. The fire department members conduct all routine facility maintenance on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. This maintenance program increases our facilities’ efficiency by utilizing our member’s maintenance skills, requiring less outside contractor repairs. Because of our member’s constant diligence, our facilities experienced no major failures this year, thereby decreasing any potential additional costs. Our focus is on maintaining our current facilities to the highest standard possible. Given that our firehouses are over forty years old, we are continually looking for ways to improve the facilities efficiency and effectiveness. Current and future projects include: Video conferencing between fire department facilities, in order to improve efficiency of our operation. This measure would also increase the amount of training and communication between stations. Continuation of a semi-annual environmental appliance maintenance program to increase the longevity and efficiency of current climate control appliances. Purchase of new “green” technology appliances to decrease the amount of resources used as well as our carbon footprint. We welcome our neighbors and visitors to come tour our facilities. The fire department looks forward to hosting its annual open houses at each of our facilities in the fall of 2012.

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For nearly thirty years, the Park Ridge Fire Department has made a major commitment to public fire and life safety education, as fire remains a major threat to the well being of our community. The focus of fire prevention is to educate the public and provide continuing education as advances in technology change the fire hazard of a building or dwelling. Lightweight construction and man-made materials significantly increase the danger of fire while changes in technology bring about advances in fire protection. The use of residential fire sprinklers significantly reduces the life safety risk posed by fire. Our city has mandated these sprinklers in new construction since 2001. Budgetary constraints have severely limited public education and outreach for the Fire Department. As a result, the only portion of the school program that still exists is the 8th grade fire extinguisher program. This year the Department trained over 500 School District #64 students in the proper use of a fire extinguisher. We did not visit any other grades in the schools this year. Our fire station tours have also significantly decreased due to budgetary constraints. We currently offer station tours during regular business hours, which often times does not work for the various groups requesting tours. The outlook for bringing back many programs previously offered is uncertain due to budgetary and staffing issues. The Department has provided CPR and First Aid training to the public for almost thirty years and the demand for quality CPR and First Aid instruction is continually increasing. Last year, the Department provided instruction to 523 individuals. In addition to courses provided to the general public, the Department conducts annual CPR training for all Fire Department employees, as well as training for the Police Department, Library, Public Works, and City Hall employees. The Department also provides car seat installation/inspections in which individuals can make an appointment with a certified car seat technician. This service is free to the public. In 2011, 236 car seats were checked for proper installation. The Fire Department hosted our annual Open House (traditionally held the first Saturday in October) at Station 36. The Fire Safety House, automobile extrication and fire extinguisher demonstrations took place. All vehicles and equipment were on display and staff was ready to assist with questions. The Metropolitan Emergency Support Services (MESS) distributed refreshments including fresh popped popcorn. This year’s event was well attended by our residents, with over 550 visitors. Also, Station 35 held the annual Open House the day after Thanksgiving as part of the City’s Winterfest. Residents were treated to fresh popcorn, cookies, fruit snacks, water bottles, juice boxes and hot cider. Children and adults alike were given tours of the apparatus as they toured the fire station and the equipment. This year’s event was the busiest it has ever been, with an estimated attendance of over 1,000 residents- twice as many as usually attend. In 2011, the Fire Department partnered with the Park Ridge Pubic Library’s reading program. On the last Monday of most months, one or more Department members choose several books to read to the

PUBLIC EDUCATION Lieutenant/Paramedic Kevin Plach

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children. The children really enjoyed the interaction with department personnel and were encouraged to ask questions.

Reading at the Park Ridge Public Library

October Open House

Winterfest photos

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The goal of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to provide a reasonable level of fire and life safety in the community. The Bureau uses three strategies to achieve this goal. The first strategy is to educate the public on good fire safety practices. The second is to review building plans paying particular attention to fire protection features and exit requirements, to assure that buildings are designed according to approved fire and life safety code standards. The third strategy is to conduct inspections of new construction and existing commercial, institutional, educational and multifamily residential occupancies, in order to insure compliance with applicable codes and standards. A fire lieutenant and a part-time civilian fire inspector staff the Fire Prevention Bureau. The Fire Prevention Bureau conducted 168 plan reviews and 231 construction inspections during 2011. Even in this challenging economy, the City has seen several new businesses open. Some of the projects that directly involved the Fire Prevention Bureau in 2011 include Chipotle (new business), numerous projects at Lutheran General Hospital, a fire alarm system in the Pickwick Theater, a re-model of The Summit of Uptown and an addition to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. The Fire Marshal continues to work with local as well as national developers to assure projects comply with local fire codes. In 2011, the Fire Prevention Bureau completed 602 annual fire and life safety inspections and 520 follow-up inspections. We are pleased to report many of the business owners take fire safety seriously and work collaboratively with the Fire Prevention Bureau to assure safety in their buildings. The Fire Prevention Bureau has several goals for 2012. A few of these include working closely with Community Preservation & Development (CP&D) to find ways to streamline the permit and inspection process for developers and contractors alike. Also, we are working closely with the training division to provide drills that will help familiarize firefighters with specific buildings in town by providing walk through tours and construction information. Finally, the Fire Prevention Bureau will also be assisting with the upcoming Insurance Service Office (ISO) and Accreditation processes.

Residential Sprinkler Piping

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU Lieutenant/Paramedic Kevin Plach

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The Park Ridge Fire Department takes an active role in assuring the safety of all personnel through a proactive safety program. The safety program is managed and overseen by the Fire Department Safety Committee under the direction of the Department’s Director of Training & Safety. This committee has been in place for over 25 years and is represented by a cross section of personnel and assignments, including both management and labor. The Safety Committee is charged with the responsibility of reducing or eliminating occupational injuries through the implementation of administrative and engineering controls. Examples of administrative controls include reviewing incidents, implementing policy and procedures, training, and incentive and disciplinary recommendations. Examples of engineering controls include recommending and field-testing new equipment and personal protective gear, upgrades and changes to apparatus and facilities, and review and modifications of firefighting tasks.

The Director of Training & Safety is responsible for coordinating the annual physicals for the department Divers, HAZMAT Technicians, Technical Rescue Technicians, and non-union supervisors. In addition to these exams, all of the firefighters that are required to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus must undergo an annual OSHA respirator user evaluation. In the past, the city’s occupational health provider conducted these evaluations at their office. This year we were able to contract with a new vendor with a mobile facility that was able to perform all of the physicals and evaluations at our Station 36. By making this change we were able to eliminate all of the overtime costs for this program.

The Park Ridge Fire Department experienced a slight decrease in the number of “OSHA recordable” injuries during 2011. Of the six (6) reportable injuries, only one shift day of time was lost as a result. An OSHA recordable injury is defined as, “ an injury that occurred on duty and required medical treatment”. In 2010, there were 7 injuries resulting in zero shift days of lost time.

Summary of 2011 recordable injuries:

Exposure/bodily fluids

Lower back strain

Pressure/water in ears

Exposure/needle stick

Jammed right thumb/Water in ears

HEALTH AND SAFETY Battalion Chief Scott Sankey

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Through research, development, and implementation, the Training Division facilitates the advancement of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of our firefighters and officers. All of the Department’s training is designed around the requirements specified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, U.S. Department of Labor, National Fire Protection Association, the Insurance Service Office, the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, and the Secretary of State’s Office.

Daily Training Each day the Training Division assigns one of several different tabletop drills to be discussed during the morning roll call meeting. These assignments include various Quick Drills, Policy Reviews, Firefighter Near Miss Reports, Word of the Week definition reviews, and map drills. The goal of these short drills is to spark some meaningful training related conversations to start the day.

Online Training We continued to use online training as a means to supplement our program in 2011. Through an online portal,

department members are assigned new topics on a monthly basis. While nothing can take the place of hands-on training, we have found this to be very effective for delivering refresher training and delivering many of the annually mandated non-fire related compliance courses. Cornerstone Program Each year the Illinois Fire Service Institute provides grant money for fire training through its Cornerstone Program. Park Ridge was able to host two cornerstone programs for each shift this year, Truck Company Operations and New Vehicle Technologies.

Acquired Structure Training The Training Division continued to coordinate and conduct hands-on training evolutions. This year we were fortunate to have had two acquired structures to practice ground ladder deployment and vertical ventilation techniques. Mutual-Aid and Automatic-Aid Training Park Ridge personnel participated in three weeks of training in the spring and fall at NIPSTA with all of the other MABAS Division III fire departments. The spring drills included a forcible entry obstacle course, live fire training with an emphasis on standpipes & aerial operations, and a classroom session covering trench rescue emergencies.

TRAINING DIVISION Battalion Chief Scott Sankey

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The fall drill was one large scenario based on a post tornado incident. The companies trained on debris removal, search using USAR markings, live fire, multi-vehicle extrications, relay pumping with master streams, and communications using NIMS terminology. Automatic aid training was conducted with the Niles Fire Department at an acquired structure in Niles. Fire companies conducted search and rescue operations in simulated fire conditions. Automatic-Aid training was also conducted with the North Maine Fire Protection District at Maine East High School. NFPA 1410 evolutions were completed using our Tower Ladder and their Engine. NFPA 1410 evolutions are nationally recognized, timed, minimum company standards. Lastly, Park Ridge Fire Department hosted a walk through for each shift of the Lutheran General Hospital campus for the Niles and Des Plaines Fire Department and the North Maine Fire Protection Department.

Officer Training All Department command staff members completed the Blue Card Command Certification program. Blue Card is a nationally recognized program developed by retired Phoenix Fire Chief Alan Brunacini. The Blue Card Command Certification program teaches incident commanders and other fire officers how to standardize incident operations. The program consists of 50 hours of online training followed by 24 hours of scenario based practical training. We are currently in the process of certifying all of our company officers as well. Several members attended outside officer development courses:

Fire Service Instructor II (40 hours)—FF/PM Malcomson Fire Prevention Principles (40 hours)—FF/PM Sempoch Management III (40 hours)—FF/PM Malcomson Management IV (40 hours)—FF/PM Malcomson

Special Teams Training Several special team members received specialized training in their respective disciplines:

HAZMAT Incident Command (16 hours)—FF/PM Herling, FF/PM Isom, FF/PM Kuzmanovich HAZMAT Technician Level A (40 hours)—FF/PM Cleary Swift Water Rescue Technician (24 hours)—FF/PM Smaha Structural Collapse Operations (40 hours)—FF/PM Villari Confined Space Operations (40 hours)—FF/PM Skinner Rope Operations (40 hours)—FF/PM Sempoch

Summary In closing, during 2011 we continued to transition the responsibility for the delivery of training from the Training Division to the individual company officers. We hosted several grant-funded courses for our personnel and our neighboring departments. We were also able to secure grant funding for the purchase of a new forcible entry prop, a smoke machine, and three rescue training manikins. All personnel should be commended for their commitment to self-improvement and loyalty to the community and residents that they protect on a daily basis.

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THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING

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Park Ridge Fire Department emergency medical personnel responded to 2,548 EMS incidents in 2011. These incidents included ambulance requests for cardiac and other medical problems, trauma, mutual aid, and a myriad of other potentially life-threatening emergencies. Ambulance personnel also responded to more than 1,760 fire and rescue calls in addition to the EMS incidents. EMS incidents in 2011 represented 59.1% of the Park Ridge Fire Department’s total responses. Of these, Advanced Life Support (ALS) calls accounted for 66.7% of the EMS incidents. An ALS call involves some type of advanced intervention; for example, an IV insertion, drug administration, endotracheal tube insertion, cardiac monitor application, or 12-lead EKG. We continue to be extremely proud of the skills and professionalism that our paramedics demonstrate everyday, which allows us to deliver the highest quality services to the citizens of Park Ridge. The Fire Department is constantly striving to provide the absolute best service possible. To this end, we send a customer satisfaction survey to Park Ridge residents transported to the hospital along with the bill for EMS service. This survey polls the recipient’s satisfaction in seven specific areas of service, allows for customer comments and provides for follow-up contact by the medical officer. We are also extremely proud to be able to say that in 2011 we received over 345 EMS survey responses, with an outstanding average rating of 4.88 out of 5. This year, the emphasis for EMS was concentrated on patient care and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) updating. A few of the highlights for 2011 were:

We again precepted three Saint Francis Hospital Emergency Medical Services System (SFHEMSS) paramedic students who successfully completed paramedic school and graduated in September 2011. Precepting these students involved 600 hours of contact time with their Fire Department preceptors. The preceptors provided instruction, education, and guidance, as well as a challenging learning environment for the students to ensure their success.

In order to continue to ensure that our cots and cardiac monitors operate effectively and are serviceable for as long as possible, we continued our annual preventative maintenance program.

We implemented the computerized Zoll Tablet PCR patient care reporting system in April. This program has allowed us to track all in-field skills performed by our paramedics, provide valuable quality improvement feedback, and improve the transmission of billing information to our third party billing vendor.

We have provided invaluable assistance to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital (ALGH) in their pursuit of Resource Hospital status through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Once ALGH receives the go ahead, which should be sometime in the spring of 2012, we will be joining the

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICESBattalion Chief Tim Norton

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Lutheran General Hospital Emergency Services System (LGH EMSS) and leaving the St. Francis Hospital Emergency Services System. This means we will be returning to the Region IX EMS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and leaving Region X. This should result in a more efficient EMS administration and a very positive outlook for the future of EMS in Park Ridge.

We applied for grant funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to assist in the purchase of 2 new ambulances due to increasing mechanical issues with the current ambulances, and to replace our 5 cardiac monitors with new state-of-the-art monitors capable of transmitting 12-lead EKGs to our receiving hospitals from in the field.

Park Ridge Fire Department personnel attend to an accident victim.

As we move forward into 2012, we will once again strive to provide our EMS personnel with best possible equipment and training so that we may continue to provide the very best emergency medical service to the citizens of Park Ridge.

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SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)/ Air Packs In March 2011, two individuals from the Park Ridge Fire Department attended a one-day class to maintain their certification as Draeger repair technicians. The class is required for individuals who perform service to the Draeger air packs and also for those who perform the annual flow tests of the equipment. During the class, the repair technicians completely dismantle the air pack and then put it back together again. At the conclusion of the class, the individuals are then taught the proper way to perform the annual flow test. Each year the SCBA must be tested as required by the manufacturer and the Illinois Department of Labor for the proper flow and operation of each component of the SCBA. This includes the measurement of the airflow at selected breathing rates and also the audible measurement of the low-pressure alarm. In addition to these tests, each individual within the Department must be fit tested to ensure they have a properly fitting face piece. If an SCBA breaks or has an air leak, the SCBA is then evaluated by one of our technicians and a determination is made as to whether or not it should be sent back to the manufacturer for repairs or repaired in house. Most repairs are covered by a warranty, but in some instances they are not. If the repair is not covered under the warranty, the technicians will attempt to make the needed repairs in house to save on the cost vs. sending the item out and being charged for parts and labor. The Park Ridge Fire Department was also able to secure a grant this past year for three new complete air packs and three spare cylinders. These air packs were much needed, especially when crews were sent out to training exercises, because they would need to take an air pack off of a reserve vehicle for the time they were at the training exercise. Additionally, when we had more than two air packs out of service, we did not have any additional air packs as back up. This would leave reserve fire apparatus short of SCBA during that time of training or when more than two air packs were out of service.

“Fit Testing in March 2011”

Personal Protection Equipment Lieutenant/Paramedic John Boeringa

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To successfully resolve any emergency situation in the City of Park Ridge, we need to have apparatus that will quickly and safely get personnel to the scene, and equipment that will work properly when it is called upon. Thus, the Park Ridge Fire Department and Public Works Service Center put a high priority on the upkeep and maintenance of our fleet and equipment. Our entire fleet is checked for correct operation on a daily basis. A more thorough and detailed examination of our fleet is conducted weekly and all equipment is inventoried and checked for proper operation. By adhering to this strict maintenance schedule, we are able to trouble shoot problems in their early stages, so that we do not incur an expensive repair later, or more importantly a failure during an emergency. Currently our fleet consists of the following apparatus:

Identifier Year Type Make Model Purpose

F-26 1998 Command Van Ford E-350 4x4 Van Incident Command

F-31 2005 Ambulance Ford E450 Ambulance ALS/BLS Treatment and Transport



F-35 2001 Rescue Squad E-1 Rescue Squad Special Team Equipment and Air Cascade

F-41 1995 Reserve Engine Pierce Saber Engine Fire Suppression and ALS/BLS Treatment

F-42 1996 Front Line Engine Pierce Saber Engine Fire Suppression and ALS/BLS Treatment

F-43 2005 Reserve Engine E-1 Typhoon Engine Fire Suppression and ALS/BLS Treatment

F-45 2001 Platform E-1 95’ Aerial Platform Elevated Rescue, Fire Suppression & Extrication

F-47 1994 Training Vehicle Ford F350 4x4 Crew Cab Utility Vehicle

Engine 36 (F-43)

Reserve Engine (F-41)

Tower 36 (F-45)

APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT Battalion Chief John Hanson

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Repairs Although we try to be as proactive as possible in regards to keeping the fleet ready to respond, our vehicles do occasionally need unscheduled repairs. It is important to realize when these vehicles are called upon to respond, they are put under extreme operational conditions. They go from rest to high RPMs in under 90 seconds and are often subject to long periods of operation at incident scenes (we have had incidents in the past where our Engines and Truck will pump water for hours without stopping). Below is a graph showing the number of unscheduled maintenance items performed on each vehicle and the nature of the repairs.

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Apparatus Testing In addition to performing proactive checks on the vehicles, the Department also coordinated annual testing of fire apparatus by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) to make sure the pumps met the minimum requirements as outlined by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Underwriters Laboratories (UL) completed our annual pump testing in April. All Park Ridge apparatus with pumps (F-41, F-42, F-43, and F-45) were tested to make sure they could still pump water at their rated capacity (our fleet ranges from 1250 gpm to 2000 gpm). The testing of each apparatus took approximately three (3) hours to complete and all of the pumps performed to their rated capabilities. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) also handled our aerial ladder and ground ladder testing. Testing includes a detailed examination looking for any cracks or wear on the parts that could lead to a failure. Ground ladder testing entails checking over 273 feet of ladder. The aerial ladder is tested with a weight load to ensure the tower is still operating within its designed specifications. No issues were discovered during the one-day of Aerial testing, nor were there any issues discovered with our ground ladders. Successful completion of these tests is a reflection of the daily care, inspections, and maintenance that are performed by Fire and Public Works personnel.

Engine F-42 Pump Test

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Apparatus Purchases Planned for 2012 Last year a committee worked to develop a specification for a new fire apparatus that will replace Station 35’s frontline Engine. The committee met with multiple vendors and developed a specification that will meet the City’s need now and in the future, and will have a planned service life of 15 years. Depending on budget approval, the Department plans to go out for bid on the new Engine in spring of 2012, with the goal of signing a contract with a vendor during the summer. Once the contract is signed, it will take 9 to 12 months for the delivery of the new engine.

During 2012, the Department will also see the replacement of the Command Vehicle (F-26), which is currently a 1998 Ford E-350 van. At the time of this report, Command Staff is working with the Public Works Service Center on specifying a Ford Expedition that will be purchased through the government contract. We are planning the purchase for May, with the hope of having it in service before the end of the summer.

Ford Expedition Fire Command Vehicle

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The Park Ridge Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Team is comprised of eight members. Each team member is certified by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as a fire investigator. Additionally, three team members are also certified as arson investigators. Below lists the members of the Fire Investigation Team by their shift assignment. Black Shift Fire/Arson Investigator John Ortlund Fire Investigator Aaron Blane Red Shift Fire/Arson Investigator Derek Decker Fire/Arson Investigator Bill Petersen Fire Investigator Ray Wolff Gold Shift Fire Investigator Kurt Skinner Fire Investigator Brian Pavone Fire Investigator JD Bruchsaler Being certified as a fire investigator requires an initial 120 hours of training. Being certified as a fire investigator qualifies one to determine the origin and cause of a fire by conducting a thorough investigation in accordance with industry standards. Being certified as an arson investigator requires fire investigator certification as well as an additional 200 hours of training in the law enforcement field by attending a police academy. Each arson investigator is authorized to carry a firearm in accordance with state law and exercise their police powers while investigating an arson or arson-related offense. Each arson investigator is responsible for conducting the criminal investigation in cooperation with the Park Ridge Police Department’s Investigations Division once a fire has been determined to be intentionally set. Education In 2007, the OSFM instituted a recertification program that requires each investigator to accrue 100 points over a 4-year period that is determined by the investigator’s original date of certification. Of the 100 points needed to qualify for recertification, a minimum of 70 points need to come from classroom training (1 point/hour of training). Additionally, each investigator shall accrue a minimum of 10 points through live, hands-on fire scene investigation experience (1 point/investigation completed).

FIRE INVESTIGATION Lieutenant Derek Decker

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In 2011, five members of the Team successfully recertified through the OSFM and continue to investigate the origin and cause of fires. The Team continued their education during 2011 by attending monthly seminars sponsored by the Illinois Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention’s Fire Investigators Strike Force. The Team also completed online training provided by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Certified Fire Investigator website (CFITrainer.net) as well as in-house training on NFPA 921, Guide to Fire and Explosion Investigations. This combined training provides our investigators the opportunity to refresh their knowledge and learn about new trends in the field of fire investigation. Topics covered in the various training sessions during 2011 include:

Investigation report writing Criminal report writing Polygraph examinations Investigating restaurant fires Evidence collection Investigating fires involving natural gas appliances Digital photography Arc mapping Fire scene diagramming Investigation terminology

By combining the educational opportunities, case review forum and fire scene investigations, the Fire Investigation Team members increased their knowledge base and experience to ensure they remain qualified to effectively conduct investigations.

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Investigation Statistics The Fire Investigation Team investigated 33 fires during 2011 with an estimated total dollar loss amount of $367,400. The fire loss estimate from 2011 was 50% of the total loss in 2010. Upon completion of a fire investigation, fires are classified as accidental, incendiary, natural (mother nature) or undetermined. The two charts below identify how the fires within the City of Park Ridge were classified and the dollar loss associated with each classification.

Fires by Classification

17

2

14Accidental

Incendiary

Natural

Undetermined

Fire Loss by Classification

$256,000

$106,400Accidental

Incendiary

Natural

Undetermined

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Fires do not discriminate and involve all types of properties. The chart below illustrates the various types of properties within the City of Park Ridge that the Fire Department responded to for fires. Fires involving residential occupancies accounted for forty-two percent (42%) of the fires in the City totaling sixty-seven percent (67%) of the total dollar loss.

In order to identify possible trends in fires within the City, the Fire Investigation Team tracks the actual causes of fires. Identifying trends can provide the Department with information to share with the public so they can be educated on how to take action to reduce or eliminate the risk of losing a life or property because of fire. The chart below illustrates the various causes of the fires that were determined within the City of Park Ridge in 2011. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the fires whose cause was determined were the result of human act, either intentional or unintentional.

Fires by Cause

4

1

1

4

3

2

2

Equipment Failure

Misuse of Matieral

Improper Disposal/SmokingMaterials

Improper Care/Maintenance

Improper Storage

Cooking

Arson

Fires by Property Type

14

27

10Residential

Commercial

Vehicle

Outside

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Investigation Photographs

Diagramming a fire scene is an essential component of scene documentation Improper disposal of construction materials can lead to fire

Auto fires present great challenges to determining cause Location and extent of char can lead investigators towards the origin of the fire

MABAS Division III Fire Investigation Task Force Every member of the Park Ridge Fire Investigation Team holds affiliation with the MABAS Division III Fire Investigation Task Force. The Task Force was created to establish mutual aid resources for all Division III departments when there is a need for fire investigators. Incendiary fires, fires resulting in fatalities and fires resulting in a large loss are examples of incidents where the Task Force can be activated. Summary The Fire Investigation Team is the most commonly utilized specialty team the Fire Department has in operation. Its members are highly qualified and always strive to become better investigators through continuing education and hands-on fire scene experience. Making every effort to accurately identify the causes, classifications and trends of fires can have a direct impact on the public’s safety. Furthermore, finding and holding the person(s) responsible for a fire if found to be incendiary, serves to safeguard the whole community. By making concerted efforts to come to definitive conclusions as to the origin, cause and classification of fires within the City of Park Ridge, the Fire Investigation Team continues to serve as an extremely valuable entity of the Fire Department.

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The goal of the Park Ridge Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team’s (URRT) is to provide the highest trained certified divers ready to respond to all water hazards within our City’s borders and to neighboring communities within MABAS Division III. We have the ability to maintain this goal through the dedication of team members and the consistent support from the City and the Department.

“Ice Rescue Training in January”

Training and Certifications The team is comprised of six members who are trained certified public safety rescue divers, rescue boat operators, ice divers, and swift water technicians. It takes approximately two years, over one hundred training hours and several specialized technical dives to reach this level. All of the Park Ridge URRT members meet or exceed the MABAS Division III training and certification requirements. In order for a diver to maintain their diver status within Division III, they must participate in several training dives throughout the year. Monthly, Division III schedules training sessions that focus on a specific dive related topic. During 2011, the Park Ridge Fire Department hosted a night training dive held at Axe Head Lake, a local body of water within the City of Park Ridge.

Aside from training with the other teams from Division III, the team plays a major role in all water safety and rescue training for the Park Ridge Fire Department. In 2011, team members held training sessions that included lessons on the use of personal floatation devices, dive support operations, diver tending and surface ice rescue.

DIVE TEAM (URRT) FF/PM Frank Villari, Dive Master

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Sonar In 2006, the Division III Dive Committee recognized the benefits of using sonar as a tool to enhance dive rescue and recovery operations. Fortunately, advances in technology have made the sonar systems smaller and more affordable. In 2007, the committee was able to purchase a sector scanning sonar device and later that year formed the MABAS Division III Sonar Team. The team is comprised of Division III divers that are trained as Sonar Techs. Sonar can be used to safely locate a victim in bodies of water or conditions that may be too hazardous to be searched with a diver. This system also has the capability of creating a map of the bottom surface of lakes, ponds or rivers. In addition, submerged objects that may be hazardous to divers during dive operations can be located and noted on these maps. In the past objects such as automobiles, barrels, large trees, concrete rebar, and picnic benches were found in the bodies of water in and around Park Ridge. Two of the Division III drills that were hosted by Park Ridge were sonar teams drills. During these drills, the Sonar Team was able to scan and map the bottom of Axe Head Lake. It is the plan of the Park Ridge Dive Team to continue to host sonar drills that will produce maps of all Park Ridge's water hazards. Park Ridge currently has one member on the Division III Sonar Team.

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FF/PM Frank Villari Team Leader

Dive Team Member for 16 years

FF/PM Zeke Kuzmanovich Assistant Team Leader


FF/PM Ken Weingart Rescue Diver


FF/PM Robert Sempoch Rescue Diver


D I V E T E A M P E R S O N N E L

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FF/PM Tony Zermeno Rescue Diver


FF/PM Bill Smaha Rescue Diver


Dive Responses The Park Ridge URRT responded to several water related emergencies in 2011. On August 27 and again on September 2 members of the team responded to Lake Michigan to assist another fire department within MABAS Division III. The first incident was to Wilmette to assist in the rescue of the young male that had been swept into the water by high waves. We returned to the lake the following month to assist Evanston in the search for a missing swimmer at one of the public beaches. The team also responded to several small-scale emergencies in 2011 and continues to be one of the busiest special teams in the department.

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The Park Ridge Hazardous Materials Response Team (HAZMAT) continues to provide outstanding hazardous materials and environmental response services to the residents of the City of Park Ridge. Our HAZMAT team members provide detection and mitigation for chemical spills and releases and safeguard the residents from biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The Park Ridge Fire Department maintains a highly trained core of hazardous material technicians that undergo training of over 80 hours annually. The team is available to respond to emergencies 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Members of the team also respond to seventeen different communities that comprise MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Division III. This system shares resources and personnel, which will respond to any stricken community within our division. Members of the team also respond to other surrounding divisions when they exceed their own divisional resources. Furthermore, the team also maintains one member that is on the statewide response team for MABAS. The Park Ridge Fire Department has provided these services to the City of Park Ridge beginning in 1988. HAZMAT IIII

HAZMAT TEAM Lieutenant Tim Debs, Team Leader

HAZMAT SUIT DECON III

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Team Leader, Lt. Tim Debs

FF/PM Chris Herling

FF/PM Mike Isom

FF/PM Chris Cleary

FF/PM Zeke Kuzmanovich

FF/PM Matt Jarka

H A Z M A T P E R S O N N E L

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The Park Ridge Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team (TRT) consists of eight members. The team maintains eight (8) rescue technicians who are trained in high angle, confined space, structural collapse and trench rescue. These technicians are required to be members in good standing with the MABAS Division III TRT and maintain their active status per Division III policy and the Special Teams Audit Committee (STAC). The STAC has set guidelines for training and education requirements for the Division Team. These training requirements are set forth in a point system for operation and technician designations. Currently, the Park Ridge Team has two technicians and six operations trained members. The operations level members are currently working toward the technician level. Our team is currently able to utilize grant funds made available through the Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF) for the Office of the State Fire Marshal certified training classes. These classes will enable our operations level members to attain the technician level of certification and better serve our community and surrounding communities, all through grant funding. To assure that the TRT is able to maintain its required level of readiness, the team follows direction from the audit committee and ITTF. Should a vacancy become available, that spot can quickly be filled and the new member is placed on the grant list to expedite the education and training requirements. The process to fill that vacancy will minimally compromise the team’s level of readiness. The Park Ridge Fire Department’s TRT is coordinated by a team leader, FF/PM Bill Petersen, who is also coordinator of training for MABAS Division III TRT and a member of Illinois Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. The team leader also attends planning meetings and oversees team development, equipment purchases and training. Other members include, FF/PM’s Greg Garland, Joe Ascione, Mike Isom, Dave Malcomson, Kurt Skinner, Frank Villari and FF Tony Zermeno.

“Trench rescue”

TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM Firefighter/Paramedic Bill Petersen, Team Leader

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TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAMS - USAR CAPABILITY An evolving capability is Technical Rescue Team Resources (TRT) also known as “USAR” Light (Urban Search and Rescue). Through the Statewide Mutual Aid Resource Flow Plan, an inventory of local TRT capabilities was achieved. Accordingly, 37 TRTs were identified which are currently capable to respond to any specialized rescue anywhere within the state. There are several TRTs within the state working to meet this high level of training and achieve this classification. Technical Rescue Teams provide capabilities for victim extrication from below grade, high angle and structural collapse where entrapments exists. USAR deployment will occur through the TRT organizational structure statewide. TRAINING The Technical Rescue Team has achieved many goals over the last year. The Team members have dedicated themselves to train, respond and rescue people in need, showing true commitment. Park Ridge carries its specialized rescue equipment on Rescue Squad 35 and cross-trains firefighters in the use of this technical rescue equipment. Some examples of the benefits of this cross training and functionality of our specialized equipment were demonstrated in a MABAS response to Skokie for two workers trapped in a trench collapse. This type of incident can occur in any community, and the MABAS Division III team stands ready to respond.

“Skokie rescue”

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In the photo below, Park Ridge TRT members along with Division III TRT members, worked to safely stabilize a vehicle that had driven into a construction scene. The TRT worked to stabilize the trench using two different shoring tools made by Paratech and Airshore. This was an excellent training opportunity for the Division Team to work together in a realistic scenario. This drill was conducted in Evanston.

MABAS III MABAS Division III includes the North Shore communities bounded by Highland Park on the north, Evanston and Skokie on the south, Park Ridge and Prospect Heights on the west and Lake Michigan on the east. Currently, 17 departments belong to MABAS Division III, providing service from 35 stations with over 750 firefighters. The MABAS response system allows departments to serve citizens in ways far beyond the capabilities of any individual municipality. MABAS Division III shares cost effective specialized teams for hazardous material spill control, underwater rescue and recovery and technical rescue.

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Park Ridge Community Emergency Response Team is to provide citizens with an ability to help themselves during an emergency, prepare citizens for hazards that impact their area, assist neighbors following an incident where professional responders are not immediately available, and to foster a relationship with the emergency personnel of the City of Park Ridge.

Purpose Statement

The Park Ridge Community Emergency Response Team (PRCERT) program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the Park Ridge area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, PRCERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or area of work, in turn helping the City of Park Ridge following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. PRCERT may also be requested to assist local or regional agencies during major incidents and be able to assemble into small teams ready to be deployed.

The conditions which would require a PRCERT activation for the City of Park Ridge as recommended by FEMA are, but not limited to a natural disaster, a manmade disaster, flood relief or any other critical incidents where emergency services including their mutual aid recall systems have become overwhelmingly depleted.

PRCERT is an asset to be utilized during a critical incident in Park Ridge because their training includes; displacement center operations, traffic control, crowd control, team and organization awareness, hazard recognition, and other subjects, which are related to any disaster incident.

2011 Participation

The Park Ridge Emergency Response Team (PRCERT) program is organized by Police Officer Michael Luehr and Park Ridge Firefighter/Paramedic Zeke Kuzmanovich. PRCERT was activated multiple times in 2011 for a blizzard, flooding, power outages, and planned events such as the fireworks, parades, Taste of Park Ridge, and Fire Department and Winterfest Open Houses. PRCERT assisted with traffic control operations during the five Maine South home football games by crossing pedestrians at Talcott and Hamlin.

PRCERT participated in two exercises in 2011;the spring exercise was conducted for flood relief operations and the fall exercise was an evidence/search operation of a local forest preserve.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) FF/PM Zeke Kuzmanovich

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For more information on the PRCERT, contact FF/PM Kuzmanovich at the Park Ridge Fire Department at (847) 318-5284 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

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The Park Ridge Fire Explorer Post #3536 has had another very productive year in 2011. The Fire Explorers are a group of young men and women aged 14 to 20, who have an interest in the fire service. Meetings are held bi-monthly in the classroom at Station 36, to learn about the fire service. Examples of meeting topics include: truck operations, engine operations, search and rescue, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) company operations and CPR & First Aid. After learning the basics of what firefighters do, Explorers are able to ride along with a shift and observe on actual emergency and non-emergency calls. Explorers also assist the department at events such as Open House and also assist in various non-emergent activities like filling sandbags during flooding and shoveling out buried hydrants during the winter.

This year, the Explorer Post has seen some significant changes. In October 2011, Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Blane stepped down as the Lead Post Advisor after serving eight (8) years in that position. Without his stewardship, the Post would not have continued to be one of the best Explorer programs in our surrounding area. Firefighter/Paramedic Jeremy Knautz volunteered to take on the vacated role. Firefighter/Paramedic Knautz gained interest in the fire service after becoming an Explorer himself in the Park Ridge Post, almost 16 years ago. He felt it was important to give back to the program that started his career. Firefighter/Paramedic John Piltaver and firefighters from neighboring towns help assist him (most being Park Ridge Fire Department Explorer Alumni).

FIRE EXPLORERS FF/PM Jeremy Knautz

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There are currently 21 Explorers in the program. Meetings average attendance is approximately 10-15 Explorers. Meetings are held in many locations and we have been fortunate to be able to use a training tower in Elk Grove Village, which has smoke and flame simulators. We also had a meeting at Des Plaines FD Station 1 where they had a door simulator for us to practice entry and breaching techniques. In June, 11 explorers and 4 advisors went to IFSI for their Explorer Hands On Training (H.O.T.) weekend. This event continues to be the highlight of the year for the explorers. They get to train in live fire exercises with IFSI instructors and are able to do many training evolutions that we are not equipped to do around here.

The Explorer program continues to be a great jump-start for these young adults to prepare them for a career in the fire service. Currently, we have several Explorers who are beginning their careers in local fire departments and gaining experience on private ambulance companies. Another Explorer has been accepted into the Fire Academy at Bensenville. The career pathway of an Explorer once they “graduate” from our program is a great indicator of how well the program is doing.

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The City of Park Ridge Fire Department had many incidents during 2011 that warrant the recognition of many of its fine firefighters and paramedics. The Department chose a group of four whose actions are, without a doubt, deserving of the award. The members selected as the 2011 recipients are Firefighter/Paramedics Aaron Blane, Chris Herling and John Scott along with Firefighter Anthony Zermeno.

FF/PM’s Aaron Blane, Christopher Herling, John Scott and FF Tony Zermeno

Incident Summary At 19:30 on 17 March 2011, Firefighter/Paramedics Aaron Blane, Chris Herling and John Scott along with Firefighter Anthony Zermeno responded for an accident involving a pedestrian and a car. They arrived less than 2 minutes later to find a 16-year-old boy lying in the street after a car traveling 40 mph. struck him. The child was found in critical condition with signs of severe head trauma and a possible spinal injury. The patient was unresponsive, actively seizing, posturing and had a decreased respiratory effort. Advanced life support was quickly initiated while taking precautions for the potential spinal injury. Routine trauma protocol was followed to assess and treat the life threatening injuries sustained from the accident. The patient was transported to Lutheran General Hospital arriving at the trauma center 15 minutes after the time of dispatch. The 16-year-old patient survived the accident, walking out of Lutheran General Hospital’s Pediatric ICU a week later on his own two feet. The quantity and quality of care provided by this crew in a 12-minute period of time can only be described as exceptional. The knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine that Firefighter/Paramedics Aaron Blane, Chris Herling, John Scott and Firefighter Anthony Zermeno displayed during the highly stressful March 17 response had a direct impact on the positive outcome for the child. The actions of this crew are consistent with the high standards of excellence of the City of Park Ridge Fire Department.

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Lt. Derek Decker

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They were formally recognized at a ceremony held on March 12, 2011 at the Park Ridge V.F.W. Post. The ceremony will commence at 1900 hrs.

Thank you, Aaron, Chris, John and Tony for a job well done!

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Honor Guard Firefighter/Paramedic David Malcomson Mission The Park Ridge Fire Department Honor Guard has been established to honor our fallen brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is our intention to assist all firefighters and their families during their time of need. The Honor Guard will promote honor, professionalism, and integrity through its conduct and image at all times holding the department’s core values to the highest degree. Members FF/PM David Malcomson – Commander FF/PM John Piltaver FF/PM Tim Schneider FF/PM Bill Smaha FF/PM Chris Cleary Today While our primary function is the Line of Duty Death (L.O.D.D.) activation, the Honor Guard also participates in non-Line of Duty Death funerals and memorial services for our brothers and sisters. The Honor Guard also participates in local parades and ceremonies, such as 9/11 commemorative activities. The Park Ridge Fire Department Honor Guard is unique in that both the Park Ridge Fire Department and the Park Ridge Firefighters IAFF Local #2697 work together to support the Honor Guard. It is because of this cooperation, that the Honor Guard is able to perform many of its functions.

September 11, 2011 This year marked a milestone for our country and our community. 10 years ago, 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 NYPD police officers, and 37 Port Authority police officers made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to rescue trapped civilians from the World Trade Center. To emphasize the importance of this memorial, this year’s ceremony was paired with Hope Fest, at Maine East High School. Hope Fest was designed to reclaim 9/11 as a day of hope. The ceremony was organized by the Hope Fest planning committee and the Park Ridge Fire Department and Park Ridge Police Department Honor Guards.

HONOR GUARD FF/PM Dave Malcomson

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A very solemn component of the ceremony was the unveiling of the City’s newly acquired piece of the World Trade Center steel. The six-foot, 200-pound I-beam was on display, during Hope Fest, for people to see and touch.

The 7:30 am ceremony had approximately 200 people in attendance with speakers from local churches and military personnel. The ceremony concluded with Amazing Grace, performed by the Chicago Highlanders.

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Park Ridge Honor Guard Pictured left to right: FF/PM John Piltaver FF/PM Bill Smaha FF/PM Tim Schneider FF/PM David Malcomson – Commander FF/PM Chris Cleary

Bagpiper from the Chicago Highlanders.

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The City of Park Ridge Fire Department is now the proud owner of a 200-pound piece of World Trade Center Steel. The unveiling of the steel beam took place at a ceremony on September 11, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. at Maine East High School. The artifact was transported on an engine to the front steps of the school and was accompanied by a police and fire honor guard. The artifact was guarded by a “silent guard” during a Hopefest, which took place directly after the unveiling. Visitors were allowed to see and touch the piece as well as pay their respects. Currently, members of the city’s Public Art Commission are meeting to find firms to develop a September 11 memorial in front of Station 35 at Cumberland and Devon.

SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL Senior Administrative Assistant Jennifer Steurer

Fire Chief

Battalion Chief Battalion Chief Battalion Chief

Station 36Lieutenant






Firefighter

Firefighter/Paramedic











Firefighter






Firefighter




Firefighter








Deputy Chief

Fire Marshall

Part-TimeInspector

AdministrativeAssistant




Park Ridge Fire Department Organization 2011



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Years of Service

0-2 years7% 3-5 years

13%

6-10 years26%

11-15 years26%

16-20 years11%

21-29 years13%

30+4%

Age of Employees

20-309%

31-4047%

41-5035%

51-607%

61-702%

SENIORITY/AGE BREAKDOWN OF PERSONNEL Senior Administrative Assistant Jennifer Steurer

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BLACK SHIFT

FRONT ROW: FF/PM’s Villari and Malcomson

BACK ROW:

FF/PM’s Blane, Lazenby, B/C Sankey, FF/PM’s Jarka, Woodford, Lt. Boeringa, FF/PM’s Falco, Buckley and Smaha

Absent from photo:

Lt. Ortlund, FF/PM’s Isom and Hohmeier

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RED SHIFT

FRONT ROW: FF/PM’s Herling, Knautz, Kuzmanovich, FF Kelly, FF/PM Wolff, B/C Hanson, Lt.’s Decker,

Debs, FF/PM’s Harris, Schneider and Explorer Butler.

Absent from photo: FF/PM’s Garland, Mleko, Petersen and Scott.

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GOLD SHIFT

FRONT ROW: FF/PM’s Weingart, Laube, Naffziger, Lt.’s Krause and Portell, FF/PM’s Skinner and Pavone.

BACK ROW:

FF/PM’s Sempoch, Piltaver, Cleary and Ascione.

Absent from photo: B/C Norton, FF/PM’s Bruchsaler and Bieniek.

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58

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Documents

Park Ridge Fire Department Annual Report 2011 In memory report1.pdf · This increase represented an 11 percent increase in call volume over 2010. Further, during ... plan utilizing