Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report
2015
Serving the Cities of Tacoma, Fircrest and Fife/Fire District #10 City of Tacoma
1/1/2015
1 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
CITY OF TACOMA OFFICIALS 2015
Marilyn Strickland Mayor
Anders Ibsen Councilmember, Position 1
Robert Thoms Councilmember, Position 2
Lauren Walker Councilmember, Position 3
Marty Campbell Councilmember, Position 4
Joe Lonergan Councilmember, Position 5
Victoria Woodards Councilmember, At-Large Position 6
Deputy Mayor David Boe Councilmember, At-Large Position 7
Ryan Mello Councilmember, At-Large Position 8
T.C. Broadnax City Manager
CITY OF FIRCREST OFFICIALS 2015
David M. Viafore Mayor
Mathew Jolibois Councilmember
Shannon Reynolds Councilmember
David R. Goodsell Councilmember
Hunter T. George Councilmember
Denny Waltier Councilmember
Jason Medley Councilmember
Rick Rosenbladt City Manager
CITY OF FIFE/DISTRICT 10 OFFICIALS 2015
Tim Curtis Mayor, Position 2
Bryan Yambe Councilmember, Position 1
Barry Johnson Councilmember, Position 3
Pat Hulcey Deputy Mayor, Position 4
Rob Cerqui Councilmember, Position 5
Winston Marsh Councilmember, At-Large Position 6
Lew Wolfrom Councilmember, Position 7
David K. Zabell City Manager
Greg Wambold Fire Commissioner
Dan Nelson Fire Commissioner
Dorthy Kephart Fire Commissioner
1 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Community Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................6
2015 Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Office of the Fire Chief ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Operations Bureau .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Administration Bureau .................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Personnel Highlights ....................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Performance Indicators ................................................................................................................................................................... 39
THE CITY OF TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS FORMED IN 1880. THE
TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT IS LEGALLY ESTABLISHED AS A
DEPARTMENT THROUGH WASHINGTON STATE CONSTITUTION ARTICLE
XI, SECTION 10, AND TACOMA CITY CHARTER ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.11.
2 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Tacoma Fire Department provides vital services to the community. From the collective efforts of our
firefighters and administrative staff working with city management, other City of Tacoma departments,
elected officials, neighboring fire departments, and the citizens of our community, we will continue to ensure
that TFD meets the inevitable challenges that are a part of sustaining a first-rate municipal fire department.
KEY OBJECTIVES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout 2015, TFD continued to identify and implement operational efficiencies. One example was the
concentrated effort to reduce non-emergency response. FDCARES program intervention reduced high-
utilizer participant’s use of the 9-1-1 system by 97 percent.
Other highlights include:
Mitigated six environmental hazards related to derelict marine vessels.
Reduced call processing time at the Fire Communications Center
Increased our preparedness for a response to a crude oil incident.
Started a paramedic training class.
Created an “opt-in” emergency notification system for emergency management.
Educated over 2,000 participants through our CPR program.
From left to right: AC Pat McElligott, DC Tory Green, Chief Jim Duggan, DC Faith Mueller,
AC Mike Mitchell, AC John Pappuleas
3 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
FACTS AND FIGURES
Fire departments commonly report on two distinct sets of data: incidents by initial dispatch type and
incidents by the final situation found. To best understand departmental activities, it is important to evaluate
both our workload (dispatched incidents) and what services were actually provided (final situation found).
Workload data is critical for establishing appropriate staffing levels and the necessary resources to meet
requests for emergency service. Final situation found data most accurately explains the frequency that
various types of incidents occur within our community and guides prevention efforts. For the sake of
consistency and except where clearly noted, the data in this annual report will be based on final situation
found data.
Dispatched Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type
Month
Initial Situation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand Total
Fire Auto/Alarm 299 274 317 327 358 491 701 418 317 375 361 281 4,519
EMS 3,039 2,780 3,156 3,026 3,083 3,016 3,232 3,059 2,964 3,155 3,009 3,212 36,731
Other* 298 278 338 275 329 334 376 370 320 357 349 392 4,016
Grand Total 3,636 3,332 3,811 3,628 3,770 3,841 4,309 3,847 3,601 3,887 3,719 3,885 45,266
Dispatched Incidents by Final Primary Situation Found
Month
Final Situation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand Total
Fire 47 45 77 78 118 206 332 145 65 70 64 59 1,306
EMS 2,568 2,323 2,597 2,466 2,521 2,445 2,647 2,506 2,527 2,662 2,572 2,718 30,552
Other* 1,021 964 1,137 1,084 1,131 1,190 1,330 1,196 1,009 1,155 1,083 1,108 13,408
Grand Total 3,636 3,332 3,811 3,628 3,770 3,841 4,309 3,847 3,601 3,887 3,719 3,885 45,266
*Examples of “other” incidents include search and rescue, hazardous conditions, technical rescue and hazardous materials.
4 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
EMS
In 2015, our citizens called 9-1-1 over 61,000 times to request help. We dispatched over 71,000 companies to
provide assistance with those incidents. One company is a fire engine or ladder truck staffed with three
firefighters, a squad staffed with two firefighters, or a medic company staffed with two
firefighter/paramedics.
What types of problems did we help with? The majority were emergency medical situations. We assessed
and treated over 31,000* people last year. The top five reasons for requesting help—getting hurt, feeling sick,
breathing problems, heart issues, and losing consciousness.
*Some EMS incidents had multiple patients, so the patient count is greater than the total EMS incidents
Patients = 31,337
Administered Medicine = 8,073
IV's = 4,929
EKG's = 6,302
Oxygen Therapy =3,100
Airway Intubation = 349
Spinal Immobilization = 583
Blood Pressures = 24,239
Total ALS Transports = 6,400
5 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
FIRE
Citizens also called upon us to extinguish 1,329* fires last year—an average of 3.6 times per day. Despite our
notoriously “rainy” Northwest weather, the majority of our fires occurred outdoors (e.g., grass, brush, and
trees) in the summer months.
*Some fire incidents involved more than one of these type codes, so the total is greater than the dispatched by final situation found.
Structure Fires
• 310
Outdoor Fires and Prohibited Burns
• 852
Vehicle Fires
• 167
6 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
COMPOSITION
The City of Tacoma was incorporated in 1884. From its humble origins of less than 1,000 residents, the city
has grown in population to roughly 205,000 today. TFD also provides contracted fire and EMS protection to
the cities of Fircrest and Fife, as well as Pierce County Fire District 10, for an additional population of
approximately 18,000.
The city, like many established communities, is a mixture of old and new. Recently constructed high-rise
condominium buildings contrast with century-old single-family residential neighborhoods. The city’s
economic base is comprised of a wide variety of industries—healthcare, education, retail, gaming, and the
industrial Port of Tacoma.
There are 62.1 square miles of land within the city limits and contract areas, along with 44 miles of shoreline,
and 25 square miles of saltwater. The city is divided by Interstates 5 and 705 along with State Routes 16 and
509.
2015 BUDGETED RESOURCES
Budgeted Personnel
357 commissioned personnel 32.5 noncommissioned personnel
389.5 total positions Staffing 69/67
Stations and Apparatus
15 fire stations 13 engine companies 4 ladder companies 5 medic companies
2 squad companies (one-staffed daytime only) 1 safety officer
1 technical rescue unit, cross-staffed 1 hazardous materials unit, cross-staffed
2 fireboats, cross-staffed
7 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
2015 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Fire Chief
Operations Bureau
Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services
Special Operations: Technical Rescue
Hazardous Materials
Marine FF and Rescue
Fire Communications
Safety
Administration Bureau
Fire/EMS Prevention & Emergency Management
I.T. & Grant Management
Training, Fire Garage, Electrical
Human Resources, Volunteer Services,
Finance & Budget,
Public Relations
Harbor Master, Facilities and Supplies
Administartive Support
8 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
BUDGET, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Responsibilities in the section include the development and implementation of departmental priorities, goals,
objectives, measures, policies and procedures. Staff in this section also supports the development and
maintenance of the biennial budget and provide financial oversight.
Budget and Finance
Preliminary final 2015 expenses of the Fire Department totaled $66,648,114. This was an increase of
$1,057,560 or 1.6% from the 2014 total.
Going forward, 2015-2016 budgeted staff levels totaled 388.2 FTEs, about 1.3 FTE less than the 2013–2014
budgeted average. Since the 2011–2012 biennium, staffing declined by 58.1 FTEs. Commissioned staffing was
reduced by 53 positions. Due to the addition of a 15-person fire recruit academy during 2015, the department
operated on average at budgeted staffing level.
2007/08 2009/10 2011/12 2013/14 2015/16
442 443 446
389 389
All Funds- Budgeted FTE's
9 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
General Fund, Actual and Preliminary Final
Actual Actual Actual Actual Preliminary Percent
Expenditure Type
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Change
Subtotal, Personnel
43,617,113 40,953,223 36,612,060 39,440,014 42,657,199 8.2%
Subtotal, Maint & Operating
3,793,200 3,507,052 4,142,028 5,357,707 4,835,100 (-9.7%)
Subtotal, Assessments
1,071,124 889,078 1,013,437 1,164,322 927,003 (-20.4%)
Other Expenses
3,159 8,946 210,120 63,231 216,000 240%
Capital Outlay
12,620 - - 64,114 99,492 55.2%
TOTAL
48,497,217 45,358,300 41,977,645 45,962,926 48,734,794 6%
All Funds, Actual and Preliminary Final
Actual Actual Actual Actual Preliminary Percent
Expenditure Type
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Change
Subtotal, Personnel
55,170,627 54,529,534 50,685,704 53,687,448 56,200,031 4.7%
Subtotal, Maint & Operating
5,440,891 5,333,759 6,289,090 7,188,113 6,907,566 (-3.9%)
Subtotal, Assessments
1,434,606 1,209,064 1,465,075 1,663,142 1,479,081 (-11.1%)
Other Expenses
497,582 449,603 408,478 345,393 559,660 62%
Capital Outlay
1,377,363 416,893 4,019,921 2,706,458 1,501,776 (-44.5%)
TOTAL
63,921,070 61,938,854 62,868,268 65,590,554 66,648,114 1.6%
10 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Strategic planning
TFD’s 2014–18 Strategic Plan rests on four foundational components. The department has developed goals, strategies, objectives and outcomes to accomplish our desired results during the reporting period. Top priorities include:
The 2015 Work Plan
Since objectives are small measurable steps, in our Strategic Plan they are devised, implemented and evaluated on an annual basis through a work planning document. The 2015 Work Plan identified 50 key objectives and the goals they supported.
Each year, the department highlights a few core objectives from the Work Plan that align and support the
overall goals of the Tacoma City Council, City Manager, and the citizens we serve. In 2015, the following five
core objectives were selected.
Goal 1: PROVIDE SERVICES
EFFECTIVELY
Goal 2: INVOLVE
EMPLOYEES FULLY
Goal 3: ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY COMPLETELY
Goal 4: STEWARD
THE PUBLIC'S RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY
11 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Reduce non-emergency response
TFD focused on an initiative to provide citizens with the most appropriate resources for their request for
service and that reduced the overall number of nonemergency responses.
TFD has implemented the first of a three-part program designed to
reduce the impact of non-emergent calls for assistance on emergency
response resources. The Fire Department Community Assistance,
Referral and Education Services (FDCARES) program is designed to:
(1) connect high-utilizers of the 911 system with
more appropriate resources; (2) provide
preventative health literacy education to those
living in areas or facilities of high 911 utilization;
and (3) provide low-acuity in-home follow-up
care to those recently seen by EMS professionals
or discharged from local hospitals and clinics. In
2015, program intervention reduced high-utilizer
participant’s use of the 9-1-1 system by 97%
percent.
Hire and train a firefighter recruit class
In 2015 we hired and trained a recruit class of 15 to Firefighter 1 and EMT level. As we are expecting 130
retirements over the next ten years, we are developing a long-term recruitment strategy that includes
establishing a cadet program and continuing to work with the school district to provide internships.
12 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Aluminum Wiring
We conducted an educational awareness campaign regarding
the dangers of aluminum wiring.
Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires
in the United States. Less well known is the specific hazards
the aluminum wiring represents. Homes wired with aluminum
manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have an
electrical connection become a fire hazard than homes wired
with copper.
Outreach included developing a web page, posting the
information on Tacoma 311 and TFD fire station reader
boards, and providing the details to all Neighborhood
Councils.
Building Inspection Program
In June, we implemented a building inspection fee program for all commercial businesses and buildings in
Tacoma. Firefighters conduct inspections to ensure compliance with adopted Fire Code and to help protect a
business’s property and the safety of their employees and customers.
13 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
All-Hazards Risk Assessment
Risk hazard identification and profiles were established for the major hazards in TFD’s service area. Included
in the report are details regarding those hazards the department typically responds to—Fire Risk, Emergency
Medical Risk, and Special Risk such as hazardous materials, technical rescue and marine firefighting and
rescue. Additional risk factors identified include natural and technological hazards such as geological
(earthquake, lahar), meteorological (flood, high wind) and “man-made” (civil disturbance, terrorism).
Additional accomplishments
Additional accomplishments from the 2015 Work Plan include:
Mitigated six environmental hazards related to derelict marine vessels.
Reduced call processing time at the Fire Communications Center.
Increased our preparedness for a response to a crude oil incident.
Started a paramedic training class.
Created an “opt-in” emergency notification system for emergency management.
Educated over 2,000 participants through our CPR program.
Installed a Burn Tower at our training center.
14 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
OPERATIONS BUREAU
WHO WE ARE
The Operations Bureau’s responsibility is to provide fire, medical, hazardous materials, marine, and technical
rescue services within our response area. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Faith Mueller, this bureau
includes personnel who staff our stations: the battalion chiefs, 13 engine companies, 5 medic companies, 4
ladders companies, and 2 squad companies. Operations personnel also cross-staff 2 fireboats, 1 hazardous
materials team, and 1 technical rescue team. In 2015, the minimum staffing was 69 station personnel during
the day and 67 station personnel at night. This bureau also includes EMS, Special Operations Division, Safety
Division, and the Fire Communications Center.
WHAT WE DO
Firefighters in the Operations Bureau respond to emergency requests from the public for:
Fire—residential and commercial structure, high-rise, vehicle, grass, and brush.
Medical Aid—from general feelings of being sick, to trauma, falls, heart attacks, and strokes.
Technical Rescue—vehicle, water, confined space, industrial building collapse, high-angle rope.
Hazardous Materials Incidents—transportation, industrial, environmental, and terrorism.
Fire - 1508 S.19th St. - April 16, 2015
15 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
TFD has a 41–year history of providing advanced life support (ALS) services to the community. The first group
of firefighters received paramedic training in 1973, and the department began transporting patients in 1991.
In 1994, we started our in–house, fully accredited paramedic program to train members of our department as
well as professional firefighters from neighboring jurisdictions. In addition to classroom time, the program
includes hospital/clinical rotations, and field work.
In 2015, firefighter/paramedics staffed five medic companies and three ALS engines. There were 6,400 ALS
transports.
11,519
7,335
3,652
3,034
3,027
2,246
1,714
1,625
1,288
756
298
237
- 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
Trauma
Sick/Unknown
Unconscious
Cardiac
Respiratory
Neurologic
Psychiatric
Abdominal/Back Pain
Overdose
Diabetic
Environmental
Gynecologic/Birth
EMS service by dispatch type
16 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
CPR Program
TFD is strongly committed to improving the safety of our
community. In 2015, our firefighters trained over 2,500 citizens and
City of Tacoma employees on how to perform CPR and use an
automated external defibrillator. “CPR Sunday” is the department’s
annual mass training. Over 800 participants learned adult, child, and
infant CPR with defibrillator practice at the one-day event.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The goal of TFD’s Hazardous Material Team (Hazmat) is to respond
to potential releases of hazardous materials with the purpose of preventing, containing, or stopping the
release. In addition, the Hazmat Team responds to confirmed or suspected incidents involving chemical,
biological, radiological, or nuclear agents.
All Tacoma firefighters are trained to the Hazmat Operations level, with 27 firefighters certified to the
Technician level. Core competencies for the Hazmat Team include the recognition and identification of
hazardous materials, response chemistry, environmental regulations, radioactive materials, toxicology, air
monitoring and equipment, decontamination procedures, spill control and containment, as well as medical
monitoring. The full Hazmat Team responded to 19 incidents in 2015.
TECHNICAL RESCUE
The TFD Technical Rescue Team provides the necessary skills and
equipment to react quickly in extreme rescue situations. The team
members are currently trained in the following five technical
rescue disciplines:
Rope Rescue
Structural Collapse
Confined Space Rescue
Trench Rescue
Technical Extrication
The Technical Rescue Team is comprised of 24 Technician level
personnel and is supported by 50 personnel trained to the
Technical Rescue Operations level. In order to become a Technical
Rescue Technician, our personnel must complete approximately
250 hours of discipline-specific training. All technicians
and operations trained personnel complete monthly Rescue – Container Ship - October, 2015
17 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
training, one shift each month, to maintain proficiency and increase efficiency and safety at technical rescue
events. In 2015, the full technical rescue team responded to 24 technical rescue incidents.
MARINE DIVISION
TFD’s Marine Division’s fleet consists of a surface effect ship, the Commencement, as well as a rapid response
boat, the Destiny. In late 2015, we took delivery of a new fire boat, the Defiance, which will be placed into
service for 2016.
In 2015, the Marine Division responded to 170 incidents, including 41 for the Commencement and 129 for the
Destiny.
FIRE COMMUNICATIONS
TFD operates its own emergency Communications Center and receives calls via the 9-1-1 system, our
municipal alarm system (which is tied to major buildings, schools, and hospitals), as well as from private alarm
companies. The Tacoma Fire Communications Center (TFC) received 73,388 emergency calls and 41,689 non-
emergency (school alarm tests, alarm system on hold, unit status, medical alarm alerts, etc.) calls in 2015.
TFC dispatched a total of
116,954 fire companies and
private ambulances to those
incidents.
TFC is staffed by 17
commissioned personnel. All
dispatchers are certified as
Emergency Medical
Technicians and maintain the
same fire operations training as
their counterparts in the field.
Their experience and
knowledge as firefighters help
them to more effectively
dispatch the proper resources
to emergency incidents,
provide life-saving pre-arrival instructions and seamless on-scene coordination with incident commanders.
18 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Safety Division
The Safety Division focuses on the health and safety of department members. Through effective
management, education, training, and programs the goal of the division is to prevent accidents, injuries,
illness, and fatalities. Highlights in 2015 included the development of “Safety Flash,” a publication identifying
current industry safety and health trends, the introduction of helmet-mounted flashlights, and updates to a
driving simulator.
Firefighter Loss
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Injury Loss Firefighter*
56 43 41 35 32 65 50
Life Loss – Firefighter
1 - - - 1 - -
*On-job-injuries that resulted in time loss
19 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
20 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
ADMINISTRATION BUREAU
WHO WE ARE
Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Toryono Green, the Administration Bureau provides systems and
infrastructure that support TFD operations and firefighters throughout their careers and maintains regulatory
code functions.
WHAT WE DO
Responsibilities in this bureau include Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Public Education, Fire
and EMS Training, EMS Prevention and Outreach, Harbor Code Enforcement, Grant Management,
Information Technology, Apparatus and Vehicle Maintenance, Electrical Maintenance, Departmental Human
Resources, Facilities and Supplies, Budget and Finance, Public Relations, Volunteer Services and
Administrative Support.
Grant Management
TFD continued its pursuit of federal funding to support department operations in 2015. The department
received $3.4 million in awards from various grant programs including Assistance to Firefighters, Staffing for
Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, Port Security and Fire Prevention. These awards funded firefighter
staffing and equipment.
Fire Prevention
The Fire Prevention Division (FPD) aims to reduce the frequency and severity of fires and other life safety
incidents through a multi-dimensional approach that includes enforcement, permitting, inspections,
engineering, and education.
As mentioned earlier, highlights in 2015 included conducting an informational awareness campaign on the
hazards of aluminum wiring and implementing the Building Inspection Program.
21 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Fire Investigations
Fire investigators are responsible for determining the origin and cause of all significant fires. TFD responded
to 1,329 confirmed fires in 2015. Of those fires, fire investigators were called in for 89 incidents. Of the
investigated fires, negligence, incendiary/arson and mechanical failure or malfunction were the most
common causes.
Property loss due to all structure fire incidents (310) was an estimated $5,438,453. The estimated value of
those structures was $490,050,417. The value of the property saved was $484,611,964 or 98.9%.
Fire Loss Data (all fires)
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Total Fire Loss
$8,085,647 $9,609,107 $ 5,824,657 $ 4,663,641
$7,143,223 $7,077,817
12,810,903
Property Loss Only
$6,273,312 $7,903,926 $4,143,405 $3,200,851 $5,533,610 $5,748,545 $6,630,877
Fire Injury Civilian
7 11 5 4 2 12 4
Fire Fatality Civilian
1 3 2 1 2 3 0
Engineering Plan Review and Permits
Plans for new construction are reviewed for adherence to the fire and life-safety codes related to their fire
protection systems. Permits are issued for fire protection systems and other construction-related activity.
High-risk structures or activities such as large public assemblies, the use of explosives, pyrotechnics, liquefied
petroleum gas, and hazardous materials are managed through the permitting and inspecting processes. In
2015, our plan reviewers processed 823 permits, a 29% increase over our 15-year average. Of the 823 permits,
480 were fire protection permits, 270 were building permits, and 73 were land use permits.
Installation Permits Reviewed
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Grand Total 586 578 477 630 563 823
22 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Installation Permit Inspections
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Grand Total 836 819 649 841 549 676
Operational/Use Permits
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Grand Total 265 332 340 390 479 391
Code Enforcement
TFD is responsible for enforcing the Fire Code within the City of Tacoma. As part of the Building Inspection
Program, Tacoma firefighters conducted 6,122 fire safety inspections in 2015. In addition, Lieutenants
assigned to the FPD as fire inspectors conducted 280 permit inspections and 901 code enforcement
inspections.
Building/Business Inspection Activity
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Annual Company Inspections
6,757 6,299 6,062 5,601 5,381 6,122
FPS Test Inspections
742 658 912 485 456 280
Special FPB Inspections
1,188 653 2,572 829 787 901
Grand Total 8,687 7,610 9,546 6,915 6,624 6,599
Public Education
Public education focuses on educating the community about the benefits of proper safety practices and
eliminating hazardous conditions. Firefighters and fire prevention staff participated in over 300 classes and
events for youth, businesses, and the community, reaching over 16,000 citizens with safety messages.
23 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Training
The Training Division is responsible for training all new firefighters and conducting ongoing in-service training
for all members of the department. The activities of the Training Division are driven by the specific internal
needs of TFD and the regulatory requirements of external agencies.
Highlights for 2015 included conducting two recruit firefighter classes, and a train-the-trainer Fire Ground
Survival Awareness course for Fire Training Officers to deliver to all operational personnel in 2016-17.
Training Operations Division Staff
Individual Firefighter Standards 20,809 2,351
Reading Assignments 3,702 347
Engine Company Standards 4,425 36
Ladder Company Standards 3,023 43
BC, CTT & Multi-company Training 3,737 3,066
Hazmat Drills 420 1
Marine Services Drills 499 -
Technical Rescue 1,062 19
Fire Communications 782 -
Prevention and Preparedness Division 526 25
Formal Training 9,208 538
Firefighter I 1,008 2
Firefighter II 48 -
Total for 2015 52,714 6,601
24 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Spotlight on live-fire training
A special highlight for 2015 was the installation of a burn tower at TFD’s training center. Grant funding
supported the acquisition of this
state-of-the-art training facility.
Features include:
(2) Class A burn rooms
Class B burn room
Search and Rescue Maze
Forcible Entry Door
Rappelling Tower
Denver Window Prop
Sprinkler Shut off prop
Variable angle rebar cutting prop
Wall breaching prop
Ceiling pull prop
Pitched roof ventilation prop
Flat roof prop
Bailout window
The burn tower will improve
firefighter skills and also satisfy
TFD’s compliancy requirements for live-fire training established by the State of Washington in 2014.
Emergency Management
Emergency management staff provides disaster
preparedness, plan development, and training to
citizens, businesses, and government to increase our
ability to survive both natural and manmade disasters.
Highlights in 2015 included the on-going development
of Continuity of Operations Plans with City
Departments to ensure that local government
functions in the aftermath of a major disaster,
preparation for a region-wide earthquake drill
(Cascadia rising) and a citywide initiative to increase
citizen preparedness, particularly in communities of
color. From left to right – Mike Davenport, Ute Weber, Tory Green
25 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Harbor Master
TFD is responsible for enforcing the regulatory aspects of the City of Tacoma Harbor Code. In coordination
with local marinas and the Metro Parks Department, the TFD Harbor Master worked to identify possible
derelict boats, illegally anchored boats, and vessels operating unsafely. In 2015, six derelict vessels were
tagged or removed.
Public Information/Relations
TFD uses social media platforms to provide timely information regarding
department activities, prevention and educational messages, and details
regarding specific emergency incidents.
Social Media Traffic
TFD Blog Twitter Facebook
4.9k users/10.9k page views 1.2m impressions 299.9k unique users
Fire Garage
The Fire Garage is the vehicle maintenance facility responsible for the repair and maintenance of all TFD
ladder trucks, fire engines, medic units, fireboats, and light duty vehicles. Fire Garage personnel are also
responsible for ordering, stocking, and delivering supplies to all TFD facilities via a messenger and supply
delivery service, and the maintenance of all small tools and equipment used by TFD. In 2015, Don Voight was
appointed Fire Garage Supervisor.
Highlights for the year included putting a new Fire Boat, Mass Causality Incident truck, Brush truck, two
squads, one safety officer and one battalion chief apparatus in service. Additionally, staff completed all
ongoing vehicle maintenance, annual pump tests, and UL ladder testing.
26 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Information Technology
TFD Information Technology (IT) group consists of five Information Technology Analysts, Senior Technicians,
and one Information Technology Analyst,
Senior. IT personnel support a variety of
systems and hardware, including dispatch
systems, applications, databases, e-mail,
and web servers. Customized applications
have been developed for personnel
scheduling, incident reporting, building
inspections, and training. Several mapping
applications used by Fire Dispatch and for
administrative decision analysis are also
maintained.
The IT Division worked diligently during
2015 completing a department-wide
migration project to Windows 7 for all TFD
computers. Additionally, IT staff developed
an Inspection Billing application, created mapping and data for an all-hazards risk assessment, and worked on
the software associated with the South Sound 911 dispatching transition.
Fire Electricians
The TFD Electrical Maintenance Division consists of
four electricians involved in a variety of tasks;
maintaining the municipal alarm system,
maintaining communication equipment, making
electrical repairs and electrical upgrades, and several
other large-scale projects.
The 2015 highlights included ongoing maintenance
and repair work on the department's Vehicle
Exhaust Removal System in all stations, installing
underground power to the Burn Tower at the
training center and under the new parking lot at
Headquarters, the installation of new automated
voice dispatching along with speaker, alert lighting, visual indicator and cabling upgrades at Fire Station #8,
and continued work on dismantling the now decommissioned Municipal Fire Alarm System.
27 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Fire Buffs Battalion
Tacoma/Pierce County Fire Buff Battalion was formed November 23, 1986,
with the primary mission of supporting firefighters engaged in firefighting
activities. The Tacoma Professional Firefighters Local #31 supports the Fire
Buffs by allowing Tacoma firefighters to contribute to the Fire Buffs with
voluntary payroll deductions. This money is used for insurance and upkeep
for the canteen vehicle and for food supplies.
The Tacoma/Pierce County Fire Buff Battalion is a member of the
International Fire Buffs Association, an organization of local fire buffs clubs in
many cities throughout the US and Canada. The buffs provided assistance at
53 incidents in 2015.
Chaplain
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy (TPCC) provides in-person, on-scene crisis support for victims,
emergency teams, and families in need of emotional and spiritual support.
Chaplain Dr. Russ Peters is an integral part of
the support services provided by TFD. Dr.
Peters leads a team of Chaplains including
Wendy Whitney, Tony Powell, and Cole
Chambers. Each of our chaplains completes a
rigorous training program, are all licensed or
endorsed by their church, and continue their
education through resources provided by the
Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy and the
International Conference of Fire Chaplains.
Last year, the Chaplains from Tacoma Fire
responded to over 240 calls for service,
including fatalities, fires, and funerals. Our
Chaplains also provide care for TFD personnel
and are integrally involved with ways to
support the staff and firefighters of TFD.
From left to right - Wendy Whitney, Tony Powell, Cole Chambers,
Dr. Russ Peters.
28 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
29 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
PERSONNEL HIGHLIGHTS
ALBERT NEJMEH AWARD
In May, Lieutenant Dan Elgin received the 2015 Firefighter Albert Nejmeh Memorial Award. Exemplary
characteristics and abilities demonstrated by Lieutenant Elgin included:
Mentorship
Role Modeling
Demonstrating Service to Others
Was a Self-Starter
Promoted Wellness/Fitness
A high level of TFD Involvement
Great at Team Building
“Getting Your Al On!”
Congratulations Dan!
From left to right: Lt. Dan Elgin, Chief Jim Duggan
30 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
PROMOTIONS
Employee Classification
Chris Brink Fire Chief Battalion
Stephen Collins Fire Chief Battalion
Todd Magliocca Fire Chief Battalion
Michael Curley Fire Captain
Tom Hardy Fire Captain
James Lynch Fire Captain
Darren Rivers Fire Captain
Mathew Carlisle Fire Lieutenant
Jeffery Carney Fire Lieutenant
Kristin Elmer Fire Lieutenant
Eric Fossand Fire Lieutenant
Stephen Johnston Fire Lieutenant
William Jones Fire Lieutenant
Daren Rohde Fire Lieutenant
Josh Schlesner Fire Lieutenant
Daniel Stevens Fire Lieutenant
Brad Wesenberg Fire Lieutenant
Kattie Baurichter Firefighter-Paramedic
Anthony Brakebush Firefighter-Paramedic
Peter Chaffey Firefighter-Paramedic
Aaron Combs Firefighter-Paramedic
Brett Tingley Firefighter-Paramedic
2015 NOMINATIONS FOR CHIEF’S AWARD
Clifford Shipp Ann Craig Nate Kaiel William Miller
Michael Oberstar Nels Chandler James Dubree Robert Gauthier
Shannon Gibson Peter Klobutcher Ole Olesen
31 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
PERFECT SCHEDULE
Bryan Anderson Don Crane Samuel Little Patrick Rapozo
Michael Barr James Dubree Steve Little Jordan Rasmussen
Daniel Berg James Duggan Adam Lowrie John Rock
Michael Boulware Ryan Erickson Ray Manglona David Rogan
John Brakebush Allen Estes Patrick McElligott Robert Schiemer
Chris Brink Albert Frank Joseph Meinecke James Scott
Kevin Caillier Jill Gleason Michael Mitchel William Spencer
Douglas Campbell Toryono Green Faith Mueller Thomas Spoonemore
Morris Carter Edward Heisler Kurt Mueller Michael Steinhoff
Peter Chaffey Timothy Jensen Derrick Murrell Bret Tingley
Stephen Collins Michael Johnson Michael Newhouse Miguel Vichot
Lincoln Correa Philip Kagelmacher John Pappuleas Ute Weber
Ann Craig Lee Law Jonathan Quon Andrew Yu
Thomas Zurfluh
NEW EMPLOYEES
Name Rank
James Arnette Firefighter
Bryan Baete Firefighter
Benjamin Baker Firefighter
Jonathan Baker Firefighter
Rene Bourne Financial Assistant
Alexandra Chapman Firefighter
Ryan Colbo Firefighter
Patrice Entenman Firefighter
Brad Fonoimoana Firefighter
James Fort-Johnson Firefighter
Brian Inderbitzin Firefighter
Christine Kim Firefighter
Eriq Law Firefighter
32 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Eric Lindsay Firefighter
Peter Lyle Firefighter
Slavik Mironchuk Firefighter
Jacob Monroe Firefighter
Ramsey Mueller Firefighter
Janell Murry Firefighter
Skyler Palmer Firefighter
Jacob Pappuleas Firefighter
Jeffrey Polo Firefighter
Daniel Richter Firefighter
Vicente Robles Firefighter
Kathryn Saul Firefighter
Micah Shelley Firefighter
Terrell Smith Firefighter
Jennifer Staley Firefighter
Dinean Stayk-Ahrens Firefighter
Kenneth Stepien Firefighter
Michael Strong Fire/Marine Diesel Mechanic
Joshua Strong Fire/Marine Diesel Mechanic
Stacey Thomas Firefighter
Mikhael Tran Firefighter
33 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
RETIREMENTS
RETIREMENTS
Rueben Baltazar
Firefighter
Class of 1979
Susan Boczar
Deputy Fire Marshal
Class of 1988
Linda Bowen
Administrative Assistant
Hire Date 1979
Sharon Carlson
Lieutenant
Class of 1993 Jolene Davis
Battalion Chief
Class of 1987
Roger Edington
Assistant Chief
Class of 1985 Dyre Fudge
Battalion Chief
Class of 1979
Peter Maehren
Firefighter-Paramedic
Class of 1995
Darin Murphy
Lieutenant
Class of 1983
Thomas Owen
Safety Officer
Class of 1985
William Parnell
Firefighter
Class of 1983
William Pfander
Lieutenant
Class of 1985
Camille Rucker
Firefighter-Paramedic
Class of 1992
Richard Stearns
Fire & Marine Shop Supervisor
Hire Date 1987
James Tunison
Lieutenant/Safety Officer
Class of 1982
34 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS (AS OF DECEMBER 12, 2015 – STATION CAPTAIN UNDERLINED)
Battalion 1 Position A-Shift B-Shift C-Shift D-Shift
BC01 BC Magliocca, Todd A. Kimball, Douglas W. Collins, Stephen S. Correa, Lincoln J.
BC01 ROVLT Wesenberg, Brad G. Fossand, Eric W.
BC01 ROVLT2 Carlisle, Matthew D.
BC01 ROV02 Stayk-Ahrens, Dinean E. Richter, Daniel A.
BC01 ROV03 Stepien, Kenneth G. Lindsay, Eric L.
BC01 ROV09 Thomas, Stacey M.
CSR1 PMFF1 Brakebush, John E. Pollock, Craig H. Brakebush, Anthony P.
E04 OFF Whitney, Troy A. Riley, Sean P. Miller, Dean S. Bouyer, Bruce G.
E04 DR Brown, Kenneth C. Roland, Greg E. McCarty, Klint J. Cunningham, Brian G.
E04 3RD Keyes, Erik V. Bunker, Christopher B. Chandler, Zach S. Simpson, Christian J.
E09 OFF Setunsky, Aaron L. Carney, Jeffrey J. Wake, Justin R. Barthe, Gilbert M.
E09 DR Christensen, Walter Ruijters, Scott R. Horsman, Kenneth L.
E09 3RD Ellis, Cody J. Crane, Don T. Stowell, Marja L.
E14 OFF Wohlfeil, Trent R. Wickstrom, Dennis W. Zurfluh, Thomas D. Langendorf, Michael L.
E14 DR Williams, Gary W. Huiatt, Forrest D. Perrault, James E. Rapozo, Patrick P.
E14 3RD Cylkowski, Andrew F. Stringer, Kristina A. Fish, Duane H. Snode, David A.
E16 OFF Lee, James R. Frank, Albert G. Little, Steve R.
E16 DR Anderson, Bryan G. Teitenberg, Terry A. Jensen, Timothy L.
E16 3RD Little, Samuel A. Steinhoff, Michael L. Brown, Kevin J. Law, Amir D.
E17 OFF Pennington, Gary A. Gorre, Edward O. Sowers, Paul A. Austel, William J.
E17 DR Moore, John W. Baurichter, Bruce D. Pennington, Dale K. Ivy, Russell L.
E17 3RD Montgomery, Gary L. O'Leary, Daniel S. Wells, Robert J. Robak, Christopher A.
E17 4TH Trunk, Nicholas J. Berg, Daniel J. Eubanks, Shane M.
L03 OFF Giuntoli, Dean T. Stevens, Mark A. Gunnell, Jennifer K. Erikson, Philip J.
L03 DR Hammett, Scott W. Elmer, Steven M. Oberstar, Michael J. Hancock, Wayne H.
L03 3RD Brothers, Seth Schneidmiller, Kyle T. Sanchez, Andres R. van den Brandt, Katherine
M01 INCHG Poplin, William T. Knecht, Brian J. Rady, Christopher W. Lynch, James D.
M01 DR Moorman, Pamela J. Pounds, Marquis G. Eichholtz, Randy J. Diedrich, Christine M.
M04 INCHG Turley, Richard H. Kaperick, Barry A. Oswald, Cameron S. O'Brien, Sean P.
M04 DR Purdy, Paul L. Chamberlin, Adam D. Jangard, Brooke M. Diedrich, John E.
SQ13 OFF Curley, Michael N.
SQ13 DR Howerton III, Melborn G.
TA1 T1 McElligott, Patrick R.
TA1 T2 Cutright, Ervin J.
35 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Battalion 2
BC02 BC Brink, Christopher R. Tackett, Brian T. Hardy, Brian M. Scott, James R.
BC02 BC Flesher, Benjamin H.
BC02 ROVLT Elmer, Kristin M.
BC02 ROVLT2 Leitner, Andrew P.
BC02 ROV05 Baete, Bryan W.
BC02 ROV11 Mironchuk, Slavik L. Colbo, Ryan B. Inderbitzin, Brian P.
BC02 ROV12 Fonoimoana, Brad H.
BC02 ROV13 Chapman, Alexandra E.
BC02 ROV14 Rogan, David A.
CSR2 SAFLT Wilsie, D. Alex
CSR2 HAZOF Wilson, Ronald D.
CSR2 HAZFF Ritch Jr, Larry A. Olesen, Ole C.
CSR2 PMFF1 Spencer, Jason M. Chaffey, Peter A. Baurichter, Kattie D.
E01 OFF Collett, Brett J. Hardy, Tom L. Jasper, Peter J. Chandler, Nels B.
E01 DR Walling, Ryan M. Maki, Craig D. Kagelmacher, Philipp A. Gibson, Shannon L.
E01 3RD Muenz, Alex J. Montgomery, Jared L. Fox, Dillon P. Haia, Joshua D.
E02 OFF Rivers, Darren S. Wilds, Anthony J. Corn, Carl N. Klobutcher, Peter T.
E02 DR Tanner, Mindy J. Wienholz II, Wayne A. Chlipala, Brian A. Kammerzell, Jonathan C.
E02 3RD Olesen, Stephanie N. Cassman, John W. Colwell Jr, William Connelly, Kristin M.
E03 OFF McAuliffe, John P. Maderos, Mark J. Mathews, Peter S. Waterworth, Stacy A.
E03 DR Tackett, Joshua M. Moody III, Bill B. Smith, Conrad M. Wurts, Jennifer SH.
E03 3RD Shipp Jr, Clifford J. Scratch, Frank P. Malsch, Rachel M. Howatson, Mary Claire
E03 4TH Yu, Andrew K. Rasmussen, Jordan R.
E12 OFF Garrison, Deborah L. Sollars, Christopher L. Boulware, Michael F. Stoddard, Paul R.
E12 DR Dideon, Christopher Brown, Nathan P. Ubben, Nanci A.
E12 3RD Hampton, Kristopher Villa, Timothy M. Oakes, Danial T. Fleming, Matthew J.
L01 OFF Brassard, Darren J. Juntini, Scott A. Rohde, Daren R. Dubree, James E.
L01 DR Frank, Matthew A. Wold, Ted S. Hawks, Steven J. Williamson, Wayne A.
L01 3RD Vichot, Miguel A. Roberts, Jamie M. McCormack, Kyle W. Correa, Bryson J.
L01 4TH Noland, Patrick L. Schiemer, Robert L. Quon, Jonathan H. Leigh, Bryan J.
L04 OFF Caldwell, Anthony L. Smith, Warren D. Saxon, Steven A. Blanchard, Laura S.
L04 DR Miller, William J. Tresness, Jeffrey T.
L04 3RD Harrington, Vinis C. Craig, Ann M. Limbrick, Dennis W. Proper, Steven M.
L04 4TH Dougherty, Sean P. Herrera, Ronald Timothy, Justin J.
M03 INCHG Clausen, Richard A. Schroeder, Andrea M. Hupp, Lowell J. Reid, Lee J.
36 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
M03 DR Gordon, Kurt B. Bieker, Ronald F. Hartman, Randal C. Spoonemore, Thomas B.
TA2 T1 Snyder, Mark I. Acton, William T.
TA2 T2 Heseltine, Richard L.
Battalion 3
BC03 BC McRoberts, David Chandler, Jeffery A. Vaughn, Dale L. Manglona, Ray A.
BC03 ROVLT Larsen, Grant R.
BC03 ROVLT2 Stevens, Daniel W. Jones, William H.
BC03 ROV04 Murry, Janell D.
BC03 ROV06 Baker, Benjamin W. Robles, Vicente Palmer, Skyler D.
BC03 ROV10 Jacques, Mandy L.
CSR3 PMFF1 Greatwood, Wade T. Combs, Aaron C. Mudie, Ryan J.
E07 OFF Heisler, Edward B. Carpenter, Shon V. Hall, Randy M. Marroquin, Jeremy J.
E07 DR Binkiewicz, Jordan Stohr, Bret D. Hanna, Craig A. Roberts, Jeffery S.
E07 3RD Ellis, Zachary B. Hesse, Scott S. Wood, Christopher N. Woodall, Andrew D.
E08 OFF Edwards, Dean F. Elgin, Daniel K. England, David L. Mathews, Michael S.
E08 DR Woyak, Terry P. Snodgrass, Dwight C. Mottl, Frank T.
E08 3RD Vietzke, Cory M. Gormanous, Phillip S. Murphy, Marya A. Swenson, Eric A.
E10 OFF Farstad, Ryan M. Kaiser, David A. Yuste, Wilfredo T.
E10 DR Nelsen, William W. Ferguson, Michael R. Barron, Daniel D. Galbraith, Christopher
E10 3RD McCallum, Kelly R. Holden, Neil A. Gutjahr, Joey E. Wilson, Nicholas P.
E10 4TH Anderson, James R. Kaiel, Nate A. Gauthier, Robert L.
E11 OFF Semingson, Damon J. Carter, Morris P. Wurts, Jeffrey R. Dougherty, Brian S.
E11 DR Martinez, Jose Campbell, Douglas W. Becker, James E.
E11 3RD Gleason, Jill A. Murrell, Derrick A. Tolefree, Tory J. Page, Amanda S.
L02 OFF Lawson, Fred H. Jackson, Tad E. Nicholson, Scott G.
L02 DR Beard, Jacob A. Franklin, Brian D. Sumner, Kelly E. Copsey Jr., Paul D.
L02 3RD Hawkins, Rory D. Prida, Zachary L. Nighswonger, Jeffrey W. Woinowsky, George C.
M02 INCHG Barr, Michael R. Novak, Casey J. Johnson, Kristopher N. Schlesner, Joshua E.
M02 DR Esqueda, Judy M. Stallings-Alailima, Sionna Weinman, Matthew W. Bush, Jeffrey D.
M05 INCHG Goddu, John F. Anderson, Ryan W. Hallman, Mary M. Streeper, Scott A.
M05 DR Tingley, Bret K. Stevens Jr, Richard M. McSharry, Matthew Hawkins, Jack R.
SQ15 OFF Perry, Christopher E. Nygard, Mark F. Cabrera, Derek G. Bleasdale, John R.
SQ15 DR Malit, Peter-Glenn A. LoCicero, James A. Ridgeway, Marlon L. Van Meter, Joseph M.
TA3 T1 Powers, Robert J. Schieferdecker, Kurt D.
TA3 T2 Gregory, Edward T.
37 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Safety Lieutenant
SAF03 SAFLT Shelley, Richard M. Piper, Christopher J. Lipke, James R. Bly, Jonathan R.
Fire Communications
FCCCP Mueller, Kurt A.
FCCCTO Caillier, Kevin E.
FCCOFF Jasmer, Patrick C. Johnston, Stephen M. Elmer, David R. Tucci, Patrick C.
FFDISP1 Lowrie, Adam M. Harkins, Steven C. Ehnert, Craig A. Schumaker, Renate C.
FFDISP2 Drexler, Philip T. Graham, Matt J. Tucker, Baigeh J. Heileson, Edward O.
FFDISP5 Tuttle, David R.
ROVDISP Stephenson, Gerald C.
ROVDISP2 Emond, Patrick S.
Fire Prevention Fire Training
DFM Spencer, William E. EMSED Rock, John C.
INSP Crider, Michael E. CPTRN Law, Lee A.
INSP Hansen, Kenneth M. PMTRN Bambrick, Jeff R.
INSP Pickford, Thomas A.
INSP Porter, Vernon R. Fire Garage
INSP Wagner, Mark H. MECH Bayeur, Brian T.
ADM ASST Davies, Tira MECH Haeger, Carol A.
EOCOR Weber, Ute MECH Howard, Paul C.
EOCOR Davenport, Michael T. MECH Huppert, Theodore K.
Fire Administration MECH Riley, Liam S.
CHIEF Duggan, James P. MECH Sheard, Steven L.
DPCHF Green, Toryono L. MECH Strong, Joshua H.
DPCHF Mueller, Faith M. MECH Strong, Michael S.
ASCHF McElligott, Patrick K. SMECH Voigt, Donald R.
ASCHF Mitchell, Michael S.
ASCHF Pappuleas, John J. Fire Electricians
FMSO Newhouse, Michael E. SPELC Easton, Chris L.
BCSFTY Estes Jr., Allen W. ELECT Atkinson, Christopher J.
CPTSFTY Johnson, Michael S. ELECT Lawrence, John D.
ELECT Zehnder, Martin W.
38 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
HQ Staff
ADMGR Fitzgerald, Michael P.
CRO Meinecke, Joseph E.
ENGN Erickson, Ryan F.
ENGN Seaman, Christopher E.
ASCTY Walter, Melinda M.
ADM ASST Sexauer, Carolyn A.
ADM ASST Bourne, Rene M.
CSREP Chisa, Yvonne M.
FINAST Dundas, Peggy J.
FINAST Johnston, Karen M.
FINAST Milliren, Donna G.
SYSPR Burris, Celeste Suliin
SYSPR Dykas, Veronica C.
SYSPR Lewandowsky, Debra K.
SYSPR McCoy, Sheila M.
SYSPR Nunn, Michael L.
SYSPR Stock, Matthew S.
39 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
RCW 35.103 FIRE DEPARTMENTS—PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Washington State legislature intends for city fire departments to set standards for addressing the
reporting and accountability of substantially career fire departments, and to specify performance measures
applicable to response time objectives for certain major services. The arrival of first responders with
automatic external defibrillator capability before the onset of brain death and the arrival of adequate fire
suppression resources before flash-over is a critical event during the mitigation of an emergency and is in the
public's best interest. For these reasons, this section contains performance measures, comparable to that
research, relating to the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical
operations, and special operations by substantially career fire departments. The following are TFD’s adopted
performance benchmark goals, and 2015 actual performance at the 90%.
Tacoma Fire Department Response Totals (final situation found)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Fire 1,057 1,144 1,058 1,029 1,306
% increase/decrease 8.4% 8.2% (-7.5%) (-2.9%) 26.3%
EMS 25,153 26,275 26,923 28,877 30,552
% increase/decrease 0.1% 4.5% 2.4% 7.3% 5.8%
All other 11,520 11,440 11,263 11,993 13,408
%increase/decrease (-5.0)% (-0.7%) (-1.5%) 6.5% 11.8%
Total 37,730 38,859 39,244 41,904 45,266
%increase/decrease (-1.3%) 3.0% 1% 6.8% 8%
40 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT BENCHMARKS
TFD response benchmarks specify the minimum criteria needed to effectively and efficiently deliver fire
suppression, emergency medical services, and special operations response. These response goals protect the
citizens of Tacoma and the occupational safety and health of Tacoma firefighters. For the purposes of this
report, the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), Fire & Emergency Service Self-Assessment
Manual, 8th Edition, and Standards of Cover, 5th Edition was used as guidelines in the development of TFD
response goals.
ANATOMY OF A 9-1-1 CALL
CALL
Citizen Calls 9-1-1
DISPATCH
9-1-1 center processes call and dispatches units
TURNOUT
From when units are dispatched to when crews are dressed in
appropriate protective gear and in the apparatus ready to go
TRAVEL
From when the unit starts moving to arrival on-scene.
Call Processing Time
This measure tracks the time elapsed from the receipt of a 9-1-1 call to the completion of the dispatch directing firefighters to respond. Performance benchmarks are 60 seconds for fire incidents, and 90 seconds for EMS and specialty incidents. (*Actual Performance at the 9oth percentile)
Measured at the 90th Percentile Fire Actual* EMS Actual Haz-Mat Actual Tech Rescue
Actual
Alarm Processing (TFD receipt of call)
Pick-up to Dispatch
1:00 1:35 1:30 1:25 1:30 3:14 1:30 2:37
41 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Turnout Times
This measure tracks the time elapsed from the receipt of notification of the emergency to the beginning point of travel time to the incident. Performance benchmarks are 60 seconds for critical and urgent EMS incidents and 80 seconds for critical and urgent fire and specialty incidents.
Measured at the 9Percentile Fire Actual EMS Actual Haz-
Mat Actual Tech
Rescue Actual
Turnout Turnout Time 1st Unit
1:20 1:20 1:30 1:38 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:33
Travel Time
This measure tracks the time elapsed from when the company goes en route to arrival on-scene of a critical or urgent emergency incident. TFD travel time benchmarks are based on Fire Management Zone (FMZ) population density criteria as established by CFAI. Performance benchmarks for the first arriving company on-scene of a critical fire or EMS incident are 4:00 in Metro/Urban FMZ’s, 5:00 in Suburban/Limited FMZ’s and 10:00 in Rural FMZ’s or less for 90% of incidents.
Travel time performance benchmarks for the balance of the first alarm (effective response force) arriving on-
scene of a critical or urgent fire or EMS call is 8:00 in the Metro/Urban FMZ’s and 10:00 or less in the Suburban
/Limited FMZ’s and 14:00 or less in Rural FMZ’s or less for 90% of incidents.
Note—due to the high variability in marine incidents there is no fire management zone or effective response
force associated with Marine response at this time.
Travel
Zone Fire Actual EMS Actual Haz-Mat
Actual Tech Rescue
Actual
Travel Time 1st Due
Metro/Urban 4:00 6:15 4:00 6:33 4:00 14:14 4:00 6:04
Suburban/Limited 5:00 8:44 5:00 7:41 5:00 7:06 5:00 -
Rural 10:00 5:07 10:00 13:32 10:00 - 10:00 4:57
Travel Time ERF
Metro/Urban 8:00 10:07 8:00 11:09 8:00 3:38 8:00 7:38
Suburban/Limited 10:00 12:11 10:00 11:42 10:00 19:13 10:00 -
Rural 14:00 11:17 14:00 20:20 14:00 - 14:00 11:26
42 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
Total Response Time
This measure tracks the time elapsed from when TFD receives a 9-1-1 call until units arrive on scene of an emergency incident. Total Response Time is the sum of 9-1-1 dispatch, turnout and travel time and is considered industry best practice in performance reporting.
Total Response
Time (TRT)
Zone Fire Actual EMS Actual Haz-Mat
Actual Tech Rescue
Actual
TRT 1st Due
Metro/Urban 6:20 8:16 6:30 8:51 6:50 26:25 6:50 9:34
Suburban/Limited 7:20 10:50 7:30 9:59 7:50 10:39 7:50 -
Rural 12:20 6:40 12:30 14:58 12:50 - 12:50 -
TRT ERF Metro/Urban 10:20 12:04 10:30 13:16 10:50 5:42 10:50 15:19
Suburban/Limited 12:20 13:34 10:00 14:07 10:00 23:46 12:50 -
Rural 16:20 12:50 16:30 22:08 16:50 - 16:50 -
PREDICTABLE CONSEQUENCES AND PLAN OF ACTION TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE
We expect continuing growth in the demand for Department services.
We expect that response times will remain constant, but not meet our performance goals given our
current level of resources.
The geographical challenges that delay travel time response in Northeast Tacoma and the Tideflats
area will continue until additional resources are added in those Fire Management Zone.
TFD’s plan of action continues to identify and implement operational efficiencies to offset unit availability.
One example is the concentrated effort to reduce non-emergency response. FDCARES program intervention
reduced high-utilizer participant’s use of the 9-1-1 system by 97% percent in 2015. Another noteworthy
efficiency is the reduced call processing time at Fire Communication Center.
43 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
RESPONSE TOTALS BY COMPANY
Company 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
E01 3,470 3,527 3,916 4,111 4,156
E02 2,854 2,769 3,237 3,360 3,238
E03 917 967 1,028 1,074 1,253
E04 2,469 2,592 2,799 2,970 3,150
E06 758 834 76 - 9
E07 2,819 2,995 2,926 3,130 3,332
E08 2,867 2,771 2,956 3,323 3,622
E09 2,745 2,799 2,987 3,065 3,190
E10 3,071 3,298 3,470 3,834 4,328
E11 3,325 3,415 3,473 3,592 4,113
E12 1,863 1,915 2,081 2,212 2,483
E13 1,774 1,809 299 206 145
E14 1,371 1,509 1,392 1,511 1,510
E15 2,325 2,526 810 782 834
E16 2,622 2,904 3,016 3,118 3,177
E17 2,275 2,306 2,439 2,446 2,625
L01 2,119 1,967 2,247 2,306 2,473
L02 1,845 1,676 1,792 1,814 2,183
L03 1,584 1,430 1,664 1,829 1,829
L04 774 814 907 981 1,141
SQ13 - - 1,041 1,233 1,241
SQ15 - - 1,604 1,970 2,182
M01 2,570 2,683 2,606 2,557 2,252
M02 3,372 3,503 3,311 3,327 2,989
M03 1,610 1,642 1,611 1,512 1,429
M04 3,591 3,603 3,632 3,582 3,227
M05 3,525 3,695 3,576 3,315 3,012
B01 752 747 861 892 940
B02 1,265 1,224 1,379 1,355 1,436
B03 814 787 899 919 1,037
Safety 3 1,067 1,246 1,269 1,242 1,362
Fireboats(s) 70 148 111 122 170
44 | P a g e
Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015
TO PROTECT PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND
THE ENVIRONMENT Tacoma Fire Department
901 S. Fawcett Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.591.5737
www.tacomafiredepartment.org