Annual Report 2012 - Roanoke

013 

ANNUAL REPORT

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department exists to protect and preserve the lives and 

property of residents and visitors of the City of Roanoke from damage or loss due 

to fi re, medical emergencies, environmental hazards and traumatic accidents. 

2

3 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

{ 

David Bowers 

Mayor 

Christopher Morrill 

City Manager 

Sherman Stovall 

Assistant City 

Manager of Operations 

David Hoback 

Fire-EMS Chief 

{ 

2012 DEPARTMENT BUDGET: 

$19,635,134 

Vision 4 

From the Office of the Chief 5 

2012 in Review 6 

Response Summary 7 

Apparatus Response 8 

Reaccreditation 9 

New Technology 10 

Fallen Firefighters Memorial 11 

Significant Incidents 12 

Obama Visits Roanoke 13 

Fired Up for a Cure 14 

New Trucks 15 

Hot Wheels Toys 15 

Training News 16 

Fire Marshal’s Office 18 

Public Education 21 

Big Brother for a Day 23 

Operation Turkey Drop 23 

Department Grants 24 

Awards & Recognitions 25 

Emergency Management 26 

New Recruits 27 

Retirements 28 

Roanoke Fire-EMS Personnel 29 

Organizational Chart 31 

Roanoke Fire-EMS Stations 32

VISION 

The Roanoke City Fire-EMS Department will: 

- Work to prevent emergencies from occurring through fi re code enforcement, investigation, and 

public education. 

- Strive to be the recognized leader in fi re-EMS in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United 

States. 

-Be the department of choice for our employees to work and achieve professional development. 

- Develop innovative training techniques and a research and development program for all aspects 

of emergency service delivery. 

- Be recognized as a resource of chief offi cers for other departments through superior offi cer 

training and development. 

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY 

We are a team of dedicated, hard-working individuals who want to do a professional job. 

We trust, train, empower, and hold each other accountable to accomplish our mission. 

CORE VALUES 

The employees of this department are our most valuable resource. Only through them will our 

mission be accomplished. 

The residents and visitors of Roanoke are our customers. We will constantly strive to provide 

them with the highest quality of service possible. We will consider every contact with them as an 

opportunity to demonstrate our mission and values. 

Employee and customer safety will affect our approach to the services we provide. 

A philosophy of participative management will involve employees in issues that affect them, 

encouraging open dialogue, teamwork, trust, and the sharing of ideas among employees and 

management. 

We will maintain department integrity and longevity through fi scally sound and proactive planning 

and budgeting. 

Through research and development, visioning and creativity, we will constantly strive for better 

ways to fulfi ll our mission in services to our customers. 

4

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF 

“Desire is the key to motivation, but its determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your 

goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” 

— Mario Andretti 

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department exists to protect and preserve the lives and property of 

residents and visitors of the City of Roanoke from damage or loss due to fire, medical emergency, 

environmental hazards and traumatic accidents. For us to be successful in our mission, each 

department member must believe and embrace our purpose. 

In 2012, our community continued to strengthen as new building permits increased and repurposing 

of existing unused buildings grew. With the investment of $3.2 million in capital funding, the 

department implemented a new Fire-EMS alerting system, mobile data system, placed in service 

new ladder 1, medic 7, engine 6 and engine 8. Performance measures were met in all response 

categories and we had a five year low fire dollar loss. Additionally, significant fires remain low 

at 71 for the year. 

The department also achieved re-accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence 

for the third time and underwent a 10 year ISO review. These credentialing agencies guide 

the department’s future, but it is the commitment and determination of the men and women of 

Roanoke Fire-EMS that make this department successful and a nationally recognized department. 

I am very proud to present this annual report and be the Chief of Roanoke Fire-EMS and I am 

looking forward to 2013. 

In the Service, 

David Hoback, 

Chief

6 

{ 2012 IN REVIEW 

{ 

1 Re-Accreditation 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Took delivery of a new ladder truck, 

two engines, and an ambulance 

Received FEMA Assistance to Firefi ghters 

Grant for $144,000 to purchase training props 

Helped coordinate President Obama’s visit 

to the City of Roanoke 

Installed Fire-EMS alerting system 

6 

7 

8 

Battled a three alarm fi re at General Truck 

Body 

Hosted the 2nd Annual Fired Up for a Cure 

Hosted the 5th Annual Fire Offi cer Seminar

SUMMARY OF RESPONSE 

2012 SUMMARY 

Land Area: 43 square miles 

Population: 97,469 

Stations: 11 

PERSONNEL 

Uniformed: 245 

Civilian: 6 

Total: 251 

Fire Related Deaths: 1 

Fire Related Injuries (Civilian): 14 

Fire Related Injuries (Firefi ghters): 15 

Total Fire Loss: $4,633,244 

INCIDENT TYPE TOTAL 2011 TOTAL 2012 

Bomb Threat 8 7 

Medi-Vac Assist 1 4 

Life Threaten-EMS 12,810 13,838 

Critical Life Threaten-EMS 1,552 1,713 

Biological Hazard 0 1 

Non-Life Threat-EMS 2,636 2,665 

Brush/Grass Fire 160 208 

Car/Vehicle Fire 110 124 

CO alarm-with patients 13 18 

CO alarm-without patients 48 44 

Aircraft Emergencies 23 11 

Building Collapse 5 17 

Elevator Rescue 48 44 

Structure Fires-Report 911 760 2,199 

Working Fires * 61 79 

Vehicle Accident-Serious Injury 267 166 

Vehicle Accident-Minor Injury 951 858 

Vehicle Accident-Property 102 578 

Damage 

Public Service-Fire 343 349 

Standby-Fire 3 1 

HazMat Incident 11 16 

Gas/Product Leak 33 32 

Move to Cover 188 138 

Public Service-EMS 659 776 

Standby-EMS 144 150 

Mulch Fire 20 25 

Odor- Unknown 67 97 

Subject Down 695 729 

Quick Dash-CFR Test 7 6 

Spill-Hazardous Product 31 31 

Trash/Dumpster Fire 49 41 

Tactical Rescue Response 7 4 

Wires Down-Hazard 440 886 

TOTAL CALLS 23,590 25,758 

*A “working fire” is the designation given to fire calls when the arriving officer sees smoke or flames coming from the 

structure. By notifying “radio control” of the “working fire”, additional resources are dispatched to the scene. 

7

8 

APPARATUS 

RESPONSE 

ENGINE COMPANIES 

Engine E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E8 E11 E13 E14 COWG1 COWG7 SAEN2 Total (city) 

Total Calls 1,790 1,717 1,595 955 1,641 1,236 1,161 737 1,573 999 73 75 5 13,557 

Day/Average 4.90 4.70 4.37 2.62 4.50 3.39 3.18 2.02 4.31 2.74 .20 .21 .01 2.84 

LADDER COMPANIES 

Ladder L1 L2 L5 L7 L901,902,903 Total 

Total Calls 1,042 754 946 1,201 15 3958 

Day/Average 2.85 2.06 2.59 3.29 .04 2.11 

MEDICAL UNITS 

Medical Unit MU1 MU2 MU3 MU4 MU5 MU6 MU7 MU8 MU101 MU151, 152, 153, 901, 

902, 903, COM7 

Total Calls 2,767 2,773 2,591 2,310 3,077 2,884 2,250 2,152 1,396 554 22,754 

Day/Average 7.58 7.60 7.10 6.33 8.43 7.09 6.16 5.90 3.82 .19 6.02 

Total 

OFFICERS 

Offi cer CH1 CH2 CH3 BC1 BC2 BC3 RS1 Total 

Total Calls 7 26 11 934 992 1 1,878 3849 

Day/Average .02 .07 .03 2.56 2.72 .003 5.15 1.52 

OTHER UNITS 

Other Unit Hazmat-1 Investigation Unit HTR6 FM1/FM2/FM3 Total 

Total Calls 20 107 59 35 221 

Day/Average .05 .29 .16 .03 .13

RE-ACCREDITATION 

Roanoke Fire-EMS is pleased to announce that the department has been internationally 

re-accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Commission on Fire Accreditation 

International (CFAI). 

The department began preparing for a peer assessment site visit last year. Four peer assessors 

visited the department in May, 2012 and found that the department was credible in all ten categories 

ranging from fi nance to fi re suppression, training, EMS, fi re prevention and much more. 

Members of the Offi ce of the Chief along with Assistant City Manager Sherman Stovall attended the 

Accreditation Commission hearing on August 1 in Denver, CO. 

Roanoke Fire-EMS is one of only 143 accredited departments in the world and one of only 9 in the 

Commonwealth of Virginia.

10 

Roanoke Fire-EMS is pleased to announce the completion of two major technology projects that will 

help our fi refi ghters do their jobs even better! 

The Department has completed the installation of a new mobile data solution. This project was 

funded by an Assistance to Firefi ghters Grant from FEMA and the Department of Homeland 

Security. The Department received $213,600 in federal money to install the mobile data units in all of 

the front line apparatus (ex: fi re engines, ladder trucks and ambulances). The purchase of 

mobile data equipment will allow Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel to complete reports, access GIS 

mapping, access pre-fi re plans and change unit status by push button technology without using radio 

time which will leave the airways clear for important messages such as a mayday fi refi ghter down 

alert or other pertinent information. 

And those of you that listen to the scanner have probably noticed a “robotic” type voice during the 

dispatching of calls. This is our new fi re-EMS notifi cation system. This system, manufactured by Locution 

Systems, Inc. has been installed in all of our Fire-EMS Stations. This system allows for three 

important elements: 

1- Improved reaction times 

2- Reduced workload for 911 dispatchers 

3- Reduced stress for fi rst responders 

NEW TECHNOLOGY 

Roanoke Fire-EMS is very excited about these new technological advances in our department. We 

hope that this will allow us to better serve our community. A local show called “Deet the Geek” 

highlighted the department’s technological advancements in the Fall of 2012. This show can be 

found on youtube.

FALLEN FIREFIGHTER’S MEMORIAL 

The annual Virginia Fallen Firefi ghters Memorial Service was held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the 

Richmond International Raceway Complexes Old Dominion Building. Six fi refi ghters who died in the 

line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the last year were honored 

for their bravery and dedicated public service. 

Firefi ghter/ Paramedic David Palmer, and Battalion Chief Bobby Slayton from the Roanoke Fire-EMS 

Department were honored at this event. Members from the Offi ce of the Chief along with both 

Palmer’s and Slayton’s families attended. The Honor Guard for the event was also made up of 

Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel. 

BATTALION CHIEF SLAYTON’S FAMILY 

FIREFIGHTER PALMER’S FAMILY 

11

12 

3 ALARM BLAZE 

On Saturday, July 21, 2012, Roanoke Fire-EMS 

responded to a 3-alarm fi re at General Truck Body in NE 

Roanoke. When crews arrived heavy smoke and fl ames 

were showing. 60 Fire-EMS personnel responded 

including 9 engines, 4 ladder trucks, 5 

ambulances and 8 command/other vehicles. Vinton 

Ladder 2 also responded and Roanoke County Fire & 

Rescue and Salem Fire-EMS helped staff some of the 

city’s other stations to ensure the rest of the City 

received adequate coverage. Roanoke Emergency 

Medical Services responded with rehab support. Roanoke 

Police assisted in the evacuation of 20-30 residents who 

lived in close proximity to the blaze and the American Red 

Cross also responded to help those who could not 

immediately return home. The Western VA Water 

Authority worked with crews to divert more water to make 

master streams more effective. The building was a total 

loss. Two fi refi ghters were transported to Carilion 

Roanoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening 

injuries and several fi refi ghters on scene were treated for 

heat related injuries. The fi re was determined accidental. 

HANOVER AVE. 

On Monday, April 2, 2012, Roanoke Fire-EMS responded 

to a structure fi re on Hanover Ave. Four engines, 1 

ladder, 3 ambulances, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 2 

Administrative Chiefs, the Fire Prevention Specialist, the 

Investigation Unit, the Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, 

Assistant Fire Marshal and 3 off duty Roanoke 

fi refi ghters responded to the scene for a total of 39 

personnel. Arriving crews found a two story home fully 

engulfed. The fi re was also threatening adjacent houses 

and two vehicles. Crews made sure that no one was inside 

and began to extinguish the fi re. One fi refi ghter was 

transported to the hospital with minor burns. He was 

treated and released. One civilian was treated on scene 

and released with minor injuries. There were three people 

at home when the fi re started. The fi re started on the front 

porch and spread throughout the home. The house 

sustained major fi re, water and smoke damage. The 

house located next to this address sustained heat 

damage. The cause of the fi re was accidental. 

Damage estimates are approximately $81,000. The 

American Red Cross assisted the displaced residents.

13 

PRESIDENT OBAMA VISITS ROANOKE 

{& HISTORIC STATION #1} 

Friday, July 13th, was a big day for the Star City as 

Roanokers anticipated the arrival of President 

Barack Obama. It was a busy week for Roanoke 

Fire-EMS and the Roanoke Police Department as 

preparations were made for the President’s arrival 

and for his speech in front of Historic Fire-EMS 

Station 1. Members of the department worked 

closely with the Secret Service and the FBI to 

ensure the President’s safety while in Roanoke. 

Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner 

introduced the President to thousands of citizens 

who braved the heat and lined the streets to hear 

Obama’s campaign speech.

On Saturday, September 22nd Roanoke Fire-EMS along with our many community partners teamed 

up to help “extinguish” breast cancer! The 2nd Annual Fired Up for a Cure 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, 

Kids Fun Run, & Community Fun Day was even bigger and better this year with over 318 run/ 

walk participants and more than 28 vendors! There was something for everyone: free kids activities, 

Zumba with Sara Bremer and her team from Just Dance Roanoke, free ice skating, fi re safety demonstrations, 

health displays, free food and tons of fun! Over $8,000 was raised during the event. All 

proceeds were donated to Every Woman’s Life, (an organization that provides free mammograms 

and pap smears to those in need) and the American Cancer Society. The Chesapeake Fire Department 

even made the trek down to the Star City with their wonderful pink fi re truck! It was defi nitely an 

exciting day. To further show support to the women in our lives and our community, Roanoke Fire- 

EMS fi refi ghters donned pink duty shirts during specifi ed days during the month of October for the 

second year. Check out pictures from the event at the facebook page, FiredUpForaCure and mark 

your calendars for September 28, 2013 for the 3rd Annual Event! 

“Don’t think CANCER, 

think CAN Survive!” 

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ROANOKE FIRE-EMS ROLLS OUT NEW APPARATUS 

On, July 25, Roanoke Fire-EMS invited members of the media to take an up close and personal look 

at four new department apparatus: Ladder 1, a new tiller ladder truck went into service in late June. 

It’s housed at Station 1 located on Franklin Road, SW. Engine 6 and Engine 8 hit the streets in late 

July. They are housed at Station 6 located on Jamison Avenue, SE and Station 8 located on Crystal 

Springs Avenue in SW. Medic 7 went into service in June and is housed at Station 7 on Memorial 

Avenue, SW. 

SPEAKING OF NEW TOYS... 

Roanoke Fire-EMS and the City of Roanoke are featured in 

one of the latest “Main Street” Hot Wheels Toy Car Collections! 

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Hot Wheels Corvette is available in 

local stores throughout the United States. It’s very exciting to 

be chosen by a large company like Mattle and “highlighted” for 

the entire country to see.

TRAINING DIVISION 

The Roanoke Fire-EMS Training Division is located at the Roanoke Valley Regional 

Fire-EMS Training Center,1220 Kesler Mill Road, Salem. The Training Center is used to 

train personnel from four jurisdictions: Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Vinton and 

Salem. A variety of training is conducted at this facility, from the Roanoke Regional 

Fire-EMS Academy to continuing education for fi re and emergency medical services. 

Roanoke Fire-EMS Participates in Rescue Challenge 

The Roanoke Valley Regional Technical Rescue Team traveled to Richmond, VA on May 

6 to take part in Rescue Challenge 2012. The team consisted of 16 personnel, 5 from 

Roanoke Fire-EMS, 6 from Roanoke County Fire & Rescue and 5 from Salem 

Fire-EMS. The team participated in eight rescue scenarios over the course of four days. 

Rescue scenarios covered all aspects of technical rescue including rope rescue over 

water at Kings Dominion, extrication from motor vehicles and heavy machinery, 

confi ned space rescue, breaching and breaking rescue, and a heavy obstacle moving 

course relying on teamwork and basic mechanical advantages to complete. The 

Roanoke Valley Regional Technical Rescue Team was able to complete all 8 scenarios 

in the time frame of the Rescue Challenge, sponsored by the Central Virginia region, 

which hosted this year’s event. Rescue Challenge is now in its 18th year of providing 

simulated complex rescue scenarios based on actual rescues performed by various fire 

departments throughout the state. Next year’s event will be held in Northern Virginia May 

6-10, 2013. 

Heavy Technical Rescue Training 

In late February, Roanoke Fire-EMS took part in a unique training scenario along with 

the FAA. The Technical Rescue Team performed Tower Rescue Training at the light 

towers off of Frontage Road on the Countryside property in NW Roanoke City. The team 

conducted different scenarios depicting high angle rescue exercises. A manikin was 

suspended from the light tower and “rescued”. This was great training for all involved and 

we hope to partner with the FAA in the future to participate in additional training.

Roanoke Fire-EMS Trains with Troutville Fire Department 

During the month of March, Roanoke Fire-EMS trained 

with the Troutville Fire Department on firefi ghter 

safety while fi ghting structure fi res. Troutville recently 

won the Governor’s Award in Training for their 

state-of-the-art Rapid Intervention Training Building. 

This building, located behind the Troutville Fire 

Department, allows fi refi ghters to train on rescuing 

other fi refi ghters should a fi refi ghter become injured 

while conducting interior fi re fi ghting operations. 

Channel 7 and Channel 10 also came out and suited up 

to see what it takes to rescue a fellow fi refighter. This is 

a great training partnership with Troutville. To see more 

pictures and video, check out the department’s 

Facebook page at: 

Facebook.com/RoanokeFireEMSDepartment. 

2012 Training Hours 

2012 Category Monthly 

Fire 

Training 

Personnel 

Number of Personnel 

Attending Classes 

Varies: Numbers provided 

are dept. totals & team 

member totals 

Monthly 

CE & EMS 

Classes 

Fire 

Invest. 

Haz- 

Mat 

HTR SWRT EMT-1 Admin 

Moodle 

Recruit 

School 

#15 

Additional 

Fire 

Classes 

240 240 14 24 62 36 6 240 240 9 240 1351 

Man Hours Personnel Training Hours 8220 5108 2376 2907 4464 864 3808 2976 1440 4454 6625 43242 

Source: Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Training Center 

Total 

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CITY OF ROANOKE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE 

FIRE PREVENTION/ CODE ENFORCEMENT 

Fire safety inspections are conducted pursuant to authority granted in the Code of Virginia. The City of Roanoke 

adopted the “Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code” in the early 1990’s. The City of Roanoke Fire Marshal and 

sworn assistants are granted local authority to enforce the provisions of the fi re prevention code to include local 

amendments within the City of Roanoke, in accordance with §27-97 of the Code of Virginia. 

The goal of the Fire Prevention Code Enforcement is to ensure public safety through compliance with 

various fi re safety regulations. In 2012, there was one reported fi re death of a citizen. The most common 

hazards noted during regular fi re safety inspections include blocked exits, overcrowding, storage quantity and 

height, improper use of extension cords and non-working emergency lighting. 

The Fire Marshal’s Offi ce prioritizes inspections by potential for injury or loss of life. Public assembly 

buildings,such as restaurants, meeting halls, and theaters, as well as public and private educational facilities, 

represent the greatest threat to life safety. These are followed by inspections of institutional buildings such as hospitals 

and correctional facilities, factory and industrial buildings, locations that, store or sell extremely hazardous 

substances (EHS), fl ammable and combustible liquids or liquifi ed petroleum gas (LPG). The Fire Marshal’s Offi ce 

is also mandated by the Code of Virginia to issue permits for operations involving the 

transportation, storage and use of commercial explosives. In 2012 the Fire Marshal’s Offi ce completed: 

TYPE OF INSPECTION 

Fire code inspections 

Re-inspections 

Fire protection system tests 

Plan reviews 

Other related inspections 

Total 

NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS 

1717 

1780 

428 

319 

1344 

5588

PLANS REVIEW 

The Fire Marshal’s Offi ce is tasked with the review of construction site plans. The objective of careful and concise 

building plan reviews is to identify design defi ciencies that could result in operational emergency response issues 

once a project is completed. Plans are reviewed for fi re department access, hydrant location, FDC location, Knoxbox 

location and other issues that affect fi re department operations. Many of the design issues corrected during 

review are relevant to emergency vehicle access to a building or a community. 

The Fire Marshal’s Offi ce, in conjunction with the Building Commissioner’s offi ce, is tasked with the review of fi re 

protection system plans. The Fire Marshal’s offi ce performs all new fi re protection system acceptance testing. In 

2012, 319 plan reviews were completed and 428 fi re protection system tests were completed. 

FIRE INVESTIGATIONS 

Pursuant to §27-31 of the Code of Virginia, all fi res and explosions are mandated to be investigated for the 

purpose of establishing the cause. Fire and/or explosion cause determination is needed for many reasons: A fi re 

may be set intentionally; this constitutes incendiary fi res, which are crimes against the state and can result in 

criminal prosecution as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A fi re or explosion may occur unintentionally by way 

of a human act or equipment malfunction. This would be an accidental event which, through investigation, may 

determine the need to increase public awareness to prevent a future occurrence or to identify product defi ciencies 

which require redesign. A fi re can result by way of nature’s process, such as a lightning strike. In some cases, 

the actual combination of a fuel and a heat source nor its location can be determined; these fi res are classifi ed as 

undetermined. 

Each year there are numerous fi re related incidents that occur. In 2012, 109 fi re related incidents required the 

response of the Fire Marshal’s Offi ce for an investigation. The cause determination breakdown is listed below: 

CAUSE 

Accidental 

Incendiary 

Undetermined 

Total 

Arrests 

50 

40 

19 

109 

14 

NUMBER 

19

ROANOKE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 

20

SHARING FIRE SAFETY IN HONOR OF DR. KING 

On Monday, January 16, Roanoke Fire-EMS, Roanoke Police, the American Red Cross and nearly 

50 volunteers from Hope Worldwide “canvassed” parts of NW Roanoke to share fi re safety 

messages with the community. We went door to door in the Melrose/Orange Avenue area of the 

City between 21st & 11th Streets as well as Essex & Moorman Avenues distributed 200 fi re safety 

door hangers and several hundred smoke detector batteries. The project was part of a National Red 

Cross event that helped celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by giving back to the community. We 

hope to partner up for campaigns like this in the near future. 

CELEBRATING FIRE PREVENTION MONTH 

Roanoke Fire-EMS was very busy during the 

month of October sharing fi re safety 

information with our community. During this 

nationally recognized month, the department 

participated in 54 events that included fi re truck 

visits, fi re station tours, fi re safety trailer 

visits, puppet shows and community events! The 

theme for the month was “Have 2 Ways Out” 

reminding residents about the importance of 

having two ways out no matter where you are 

should a fi re break out. We talked with 

thousands during this month. We also took part 

in WDBJ-7’s 1st ever “Weatherfest” event on 

October 19th and 20th at the WDBJ-7 television 

station. During those two days over 3,000 

people went through the fi re safety house 

including school groups from all over SW 

Virginia as well as Scout Troops, home schooled 

groups and families. The month ended with a 

reminder to everyone to change their smoke 

detector batteries when they changed their 

clocks on November 4th. Energizer sent the 

department several hundred 9 volt batteries to 

hand out to the community at our stations. We 

hope that our community will practice fi re safety 

everyday by making sure they have working 

smoke detectors on every fl oor and that they 

practice a fi re drill. For more information about the public education programs the department offers, 

check out our website at: www.roanokeva.gov/fi re-ems. 

21

22 

8th ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK ART CONTEST 

On Tuesday, November 6th, Roanoke Fire-EMS hosted a party for the winners of the 8th Annual Fire 

Prevention Week Art Contest. Fourteen winners, their families and teachers were invited to Station 

5 and treated to dinner and prizes. The winners were recognized by City Council at the November 

meeting. The winners are students from various Roanoke City Public Schools. Many thanks to our 

sponsor, the Rockingham Group and to Chick-Fil-A, Firehouse Subs and Walmart for their food 

donations! 

BIKE RODEOS 

Last summer, Roanoke Fire-EMS teamed up with Carilion, Safe Kids Roanoke, Roanoke Police, 

Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Brain Injury Services of SW Virginia and Underdog Bikes to host 

three bike rodeos for children in our City. The rodeos are part of a Virginia Department of Health 

Grant. One hundred fi fty bike helmets were provided as well as bike maintenance and bike safety 

scenarios. Our goal was to make sure kids wear their helmets every time they ride their bikes or 

scooters to help prevent traumatic brain injuries. 

LOWE’S DONATES TO OUR COMMUNITY 

Roanoke Fire-EMS teamed up with the Roanoke Police Department and Lowe’s, to canvass four 

neighborhoods in our area to give out some early Christmas presents! On Friday, December 14th, 

these agencies hit the streets in all four quadrants of our City that have been designated as needing 

additional fi re safety information. As part of Lowe’s Heroes Program, the store donated 600 smoke 

detectors, 300 fi re extinguishers and 9 volt batteries that were distributed in 300 homes within the 

City of Roanoke, 75 homes per quadrant (NE, NW, SE, SW). Lowe’s employees from stores at 

Rutgers St., Route 220, Salem and Bonsack joined forces with fi refi ghters and police offi cers and 

went door to door sharing fi re safety information and distributing donated items valued at over $5,000!

“BIG 

BROTHER” 

FOR A DAY 

On Friday, January 6, Chief Hoback served as a “Big Brother” for his “little brother” Mitchell. Mitchell 

is an 11 year old boy that spent a few hours at the station - he got to ride on the fi re truck, got a one 

on one tour of Station 1, helped raise the ladder and had lunch with the fi refi ghters. Mitchell said it 

was the best lunch he had ever had! This program is made possible by Big Brothers Big Sisters. We 

had a great time and hope that Mitchell comes back to visit very soon! 

For the 5th year in a row, Fellowship Community Church in Salem, VA has truly shown the meaning of 

Thanksgiving by doing a good deed for their community. This church fed every one of our fi re stations 

on Thanksgiving - and we’re talking a full dinner including turkey and all of the fi xin’s! Not only does 

this church feed the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department fi refi ghters on shift along with their families, they 

also take care of Salem Fire-EMS, Roanoke County Fire & Rescue, local Police Departments, 911 

dispatchers and the hospitals! Our department is truly thankful for these wonderful people who took 

time out of their busy holiday schedules to prepare a meal for the fi refi ghters! 

OPERATION 

TURKEY 

DROP 23

{GRANTS 

{ 

REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER RECEIVES 

FEMA ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT 

On February 3, 2012, Roanoke Fire-EMS received notifi cation that we have received the FY 2011 

Assistance to Firefi ghters Grant totaling $144,000. These funds will be used to purchase training 

props for the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Training Center. The training props include: a 

propane car prop (to simulate a car fi re), pilot box, propane tank prop, paint locker and a Christmas 

tree prop as well as a 28 ft. enclosed trailer with on board propane so that the training could 

become mobile if needed. We are very excited about this regional grant! It will be safer and help to 

reduce our carbon footprint while performing training scenarios for our fi refi ghters. 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN GRANT 

Roanoke Fire-EMS is pleased to announce that we have received a grant totaling $2,000 from 

Norfolk Southern. This grant was used in the Fire Prevention Division to purchase a panoramic 

camera that will assist during fi re investigations. 

FIREHOUSE SUBS 

PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT 

Roanoke Fire-EMS received notifi cation in 2012 

from Firehouse Subs that the department would 

be given two thermal imaging cameras! These 

cameras cost over $9,000 and allow our 

fi refi ghters to check for fi re that might be in walls 

or also to check for a person that might be 

unresponsive during a fi re. These are valuable 

tools for our fi refi ghters and our community! The 

department also received notifi cation that we 

would receive $30,000 from the VA Department 

of Emergency Management to purchase items 

for the Regional Hazardous Materials Team, one 

of the items being a very important camera that 

can be used during hazardous situations. 

24

25 

{AWARDS 

{ 

CHIEF HOBACK APPOINTED TO GOVERNER’S BOARD 

Chief David Hoback has been appointed by Governor Bob McDonnell to the State Emergency 

Medical Services Advisory Board. This Board advises the State Board of Health concerning the 

administration of the statewide emergency medical care system and emergency medical services 

vehicles maintained and operated to provide transportation to persons requiring emergency medical 

treatment, and for reviewing and making recommendations on the Statewide Emergency Medical 

Services Plan. Congratulations Chief Hoback! 

BRADBURY RECIEVES CAR SEAT 

INSTRUCTOR DESIGNATION 

Fire Prevention Specialist Tiffany Bradbury has received her Car Seat Instructor Designation from 

Safe Kids Worldwide. This will allow her to help instruct others on becoming child passenger safety 

technicians. This was a tedious process that ended with a four day class that Bradbury had to help 

teach. Roanoke Fire-EMS along with Roanoke Police, the Roanoke Sheriff’s Offi ce, the VA 

Department of Health and Carilion host a monthly child safety seat check on the third Thursday of 

each month from 4pm-6pm at Station 6 located at 1333 Jamison Ave., SE.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

HAZMAT DRILL 

On September 12,13, & 14th, Roanoke Fire-EMS, Roanoke Emergency Management, Roanoke Police, 

the EPA, the State Police, Salem Fire-EMS and other agencies took part in some very “real” life training at 

the 9th St. Industrial Park. This training was made possible through grant funding and allowed fi refi ghters 

and police tactical units an opportunity for hands-on training. The training scenarios centered around a 

large “meth” lab as well as a room fi lled with other drugs, simulated explosions and explosive devices and 

other hazardous situations. The training was featured on two local news stations and was a very valuable 

training resource for everyone involved. 

BLUE STAR BEDLAM 

On August 9-10, 2012, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) conducted a 

full-scale exercise entitled Operation Blue Star Bedlam, for VDEM’s Region 6 localities and their State and 

federal partners. The purpose of the exercise was to validate key resources in the collaborative 

implementation of response and recovery strategies of Virginia Western Community College (VWCC); the 

City of Roanoke; and federal, state, and local governments in dealing with a man-made incident. 

There were 398 participants present over the course of the two day exercise. Day 1 consisted of an active 

shooter incident campus. On day 2 of the exercise a family assistance center (FAC) was set up at Jefferson 

College of Health Sciences to assist the families of “victims”. 

DERECHO 

On June 29th, severe weather struck the Roanoke Valley. The derecho storm left paths of destruction and 

displaced many people from their homes. 

- More than 50,000 AEP customers within the City of Roanoke were without power for more than 72 hours 

during a heat wave. 

- This was the 1st locally declared disaster in over ten years. 

- Over 2,600 tons of vegetative debris fell and were removed within four months of the event. 

- FEMA is in the process of reimbursing the City over $680,000 in costs and damages incurred. 

- Human and pet shelters were activated and staffed with Human Services and Joint City/ 

County EMS personnel, 24-hours a day for 5 days at the Roanoke Civic Center. 

DERECHO 

HAZMAT DRILL 

BLUE STAR BEDLAM

27 

Yashika Brooks 

Brian Amend 

Jeff Cannon 

Stephen Curry 

Nathan Bryant 

Jacob Wilkerson 

Christopher 

White 

RECRUITMENTS 

On Friday, July 20th, 17 new fi refi ghters 

graduated from Roanoke Valley Regional Recruit 

School 15! This is a regional recruit school for 

Roanoke Fire-EMS, Roanoke County Fire and 

Rescue, and Salem Fire-EMS. Congratulations to 

these new recruits & 

welcome to the 

family!

& 

Retirements 

Mark Ingvaldsen 

June 1, 2012 

Baron Gibson 

July 1, 2012 

Brian Riddle 

November 1, 2012 

Roy Bedwell 

December 1, 2012 

Mike Armstrong 

January 10, 2012 

Stacy Boothe 

September 1, 2012 

Roanoke City Fire-EMS would like to thank 

you for your time in the department and for 

helping better serve our community. You 

are very much appreciated and we wish 

you the best in your futures. 

Best wishes! 

28

FIREFIGHTERS 

J. Abel 

Firefighter/PM 

J.B. Adkins 

Lieutenant 

T.W. Adkins 

Battalion Chief 

M. Akers 

Firefighter/EMT I 

B.S. Alford 

1st Lieutenant 

W.O. Altman 

Deputy Chief 

B.M. Amend 


J. Anuskiewicz 


M. Armbrister 

Firefighter/EMT 

C.J. Arrington 


J.C. Arrington 


K.S. Atkins 

Support Assistant 

A.P. Austin 

Captain 

J.L. Austin 


M.A. Bailey 


S.D. Bailey 


D.P. Barker 


J.W. Beckner 


T.A. Bedwell 

Captain 

J.K. Bell 

Captain 

J.K. Bennington 

Lieutenant 

S.B. Berry 


D.A. Bishop 


D.A. Bocok 

Lieutenant 

R.C. Bolton 


S.B. Boone 


K.L. Bradbury 

Lieutenant 

T.T. Bradbury 

Fire Prevention Specialist 

S.E. Bradford 

Lieutenant 

J.B. Brads 


K.J. Branch 

Lieutenant 

L. Brickey 


M.K. Brock 

EMS Training Specialist 

B.C. Brooks 


Y.L. Brooks 


M.D. Brown 

Lieutenant 

T.W. Brown 


A. Bryant 


M.E. Burden 


D.M. Burnett 


J.E. Burrows 


J.L. Cady 


T.G. Cady 


K.M. Campbell 


R.W. Campbell 

Deputy Fire Marshal 

D.M. Cannon 


C.A. Champney 


G. Ciaffone 


D. Clingenpeel 


D. Coleman 


T.W. Collins 


J.D. Compton 


B.P. Conner 

Captain 

G. Crabb 


M.A. Craft 

Lieutenant 

L.B. Creasy 


D.L. Croft 


J.L. Crouch 

Lieutenant 

S.W. Curry 


M.A. Curtis 


C.T. Decker 

Lieutenant 

M.D. Dewhirst 

Captain 

P.A. Dillon 

Captain 

B. Dinwiddie 


J.W. Dixon 


J.D. Dudley 


G.S. Duncan 


R.L. Early 

Captain 

J.C. East 


S.M. East 


K.F. Edwards 


L.K. English 


B.L. Ferguson 

Lieutenant 

J.A. Firebaugh 


R.M. Fleitz 

Lieutenant 

A.L. Fleming 

Firefighter/EMT 1 

L.R. Flora 

Captain 

R.T. Flora 

Captain 

T. Focht 


A.L. Foley 


N.P. Foutz 

Lieutenant 

C.T. Fowler 

Lieutenant 

C.J. Franklin 

Lieutenant 

J.P. Fuhrman 


G.M. Fulton 


K.L. Furrow 

Captain 

M.R. Furrow 


H.D. Gabelmann 


N.C. Gardner 


D.V. Garito 


T.G. Gherman 

Lieutenant 

J.F. Gish 


B.S. Glidden 


D.S. Goodwin 

Lieutenant 

G.S. Graham 

Captain 

H. Green 


M. Guzo 

Emergency Manager 

W. Hammons 


T.E. Harrington 


G.A. Harris 


M.T. Harris 


T.S. Harris 


T.M. Hauck 

Lieutenant 

D.L. Hayes 


S.P. Heatherington 


A. Helems 


H.D. Hoback 

Chief 

J.G. Hodgin 

Lieutenant 

B.H. Hudson 

Lieutenant 

D.P. Hughes 


J.A. Hull 


W.E. Humbert 

Lieutenant 

D.L. Hurd 

Captain 

K. Inman 


M.S. Jenkins 


P.W. Jesse 


P.W. Johnson 

Lieutenant 

R.A. Jordan 

Lieutenant 

S.W. Jordan 

Lieutenant 

T.A. Jordan 

Lieutenant 

R.W. Joyner 


B. Kasongo 


J. Kaylor 


M.D. Kesterson 

Captain 

B.A. Kincer 


T.L. King 


T. Landis 

Support Administrator 

X.N. Lee 


B. Lewis 


R.L. Lipes 


D.M. Lucas 


E.R. Manuel 


A. Martin 


C.E. Martin 

Captain 

P.C. Matthiessen 


C. Matzuga 


G.A. McCoy 

Lieutenant 

B.D. McDonald 


S.D. McFaden 

Lieutenant 

C.T. McFall 

Lieutenant 

K.H. McIlhany 

Captain 

J.J. McKelvey 


D.A. McKinney 


T.J. McSherry 

Captain 

T.L. Meador 


G.E. Miller 


A.G. Mitchell 


R. Mitchell 


J. Mone 


J. Moomey 


P. Moomey 


T.J. Mougin 


K. Mulford 


A.L. Murray 


L. Murray 


P. Murray 


D.A. Muse 


S.K. Mutter 

Captain 

B. Myers 


D.A. Noell 


Z.R. Obenchain 


T.C. O’Brien 

Lieutenant 

J.A. Palmer 


R. Parker 


J.E. Parry 


T.D. Parry 

Captain 

J.A. Peay 

Lieutenant 

ROSTER AS OF MARCH, 2012* 

M.A. Peay 


A. Perdue 


G.D. Perdue 

Lieutenant 

29

FIREFIGHTERS 

R.D. Perdue 

Captain 

B. Phillips 


E.B. Plaza 


C.D. Price 

Lieutenant 

J.F. Price 


J.M. Proulx 


J.D. Pruitt 


J.B. Pugh 

Acting Assistant Fire Marshal 

D.J. Rakes 

Fire Marshal 

B.D. Reger 


R. Reid 

Lieutenant 

T.A. Reighley 


J.D. Reynolds, Jr. 


A. Richards 


C.A. Riddleberger 

Captain 

J.L. Rivers 


R.E. Roach 


S.D. Rorrer 

Captain 

M.W. Rose 

Captain 

N.D. Russell 

Lieutenant 

M.L. Sanders 


T. Saunders 


B.G. Scott 

Lieutenant 

C.S. Sellers 

Captain 

T.W. Shannon 


C.G. Sharp 

Lieutenant 

K.W. Shelton 

Lieutenant 

B.L. Simmons 

Lieutenant 

T.A. Simmons 

Lieutenant 

A. Slaughter 


Z.S. Slayton 


S.D. Sloan 


R.A. Smith 


M.A. Smith 

Lieutenant 

R.E. Smith 


R.R. Smith 


K.R. Snead 


D.W. Songer 

Lieutenant 

C.J. Stafford 

Lieutenant 

S.T. Stone 

Captain 

B.S. Stores 

Administrative Assistant III 

J.B. Stovall 


S.P. Stump 


D.R. Surratt 


C.E. Swecker 

Captain 

B.S. Sweeney 


B.T. Sweeney 


R.E. Tartaglia 

Deputy Chief 

L.R. Taylor 


J.D. Thompson 


K.R. Thompson 


L.W. Thompson 

Captain 

A.S. Troutt 


C.L. Trussler 

Captain 

J. Tryal 


D.D. Turner 


C. Turpin IV 

Captain 

P. Uzelac 


J.P. Van Dam 


W.F. Van Damme 

Captain 

B.L. Vaughan 


E.P. Voudren 


F. Wall 


C. Walshe 


T.J. Washington 


B. Wasson 


J. Watkins 


S.H. Weaver 

Lieutenant 

A. Webb 


K.R. Weeks 

Captain 

W.K. West 

Lieutenant 

B.A. Wheeler 


M.P. Wheeling 


A. White 


T. White 


K.E. Whitlow 

Lieutenant 

J.T. Wilkerson 

Firefighter/ EMT 

J.R. Williamson 


J.R. Wines 

Captain 

R.U. Winter 


B.H. Wray 

Lieutenant 

D.A. Wray 


ROSTER AS OF MARCH, 2012* 

30

ROANOKE FIRE-EMS ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 

31

Fire-EMS Station #1/ 

Administration 

704 Franklin Rd., SW 

Roanoke, VA 24016 

Built in 2006 

Historic Fire-EMS 

Station #1 

13 East Church Ave., SE 


Built in 1906 

Fire-EMS Station #2 

55 Noble Ave., NE 


Built in 1950 


4803 Williamson Rd. 


Built in 2008 


3763 Peters Creek 

Rd., SW 


Built in 1999 


1920 Orange Ave., NW 


Built in 2010 


1333 Jamison Ave., SE 


Built in 1979 


1742 Memorial Ave., SW 


Built in 1922 


2328 Crystal Springs 

Ave., SW 


Built in 1928 


1502 Riverland Rd., SE 


Built in 1964 


4330 Appleton 

Ave., NW 


Built in 1978 

Roanoke Valley Regional 

Fire-EMS Training Center 

1220 Kesler Mill Rd. 

Salem, VA 24153 

Built in 2000 


161 Mecca St., NE 


Built in 1994 

Roanoke Emergency 

Medical Service (REMS) 

374 Day Ave., SW 

Salem, VA 24016 

Built in 1955

713 Third Street, SW 


(540)853-2327 

www.roanokeva.gov/fi re-ems 

fi re-ems@roanokeva.gov 

To stay up to date with what’s going on at the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department: 

like us on facebook: 

RoanokeFireEMSDepartment 

OR 

follow us on twitter: 

twitter.com/RoanokeFireEMS

Annual Report 2012 - Roanoke

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