BOCA FIRE RESCUE NET - City of Boca Raton

A publication by the staff of the City of Boca Raton Fire-Rescue Services Department
March 2009
BOCA FIRE RESCUE NET
http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/fire/newsletters.shtm
Fire Chief Report
By:
Thomas R. Wood,
CFO
Annual Awards Luncheon
Congratulations to 36 of our employees
who were honored on Wednesday, February
4, 2009, at the 32 nd Annual Employees’
Leadership Awards Luncheon.
The “2008 Service Awards” awardees
are as follows:
10 Years – Michael Davanzo, Eric
David, Philip Santa Maria and Michael
Young.
15 Years – Ellen Beckman, John Luca,
Michael Lucas and Aaron Oatley.
20 Years – Bruce Angier, Donnie
Craig, Cheryl Freeman, Mitch Greenberg,
Randy Hunsinger, John Johnson,
Scott Johnston, Gary Keidel, Bob Lemons,
Frank Montilli, Donnie Mullens,
Michele Murphy, Bob Nelligan, Gerry
O’Brien, Jim Pingrey, Bob Schade,
Gary Swedenborg and Doug Webb.
25 Years – Randy Bautista, Dan Coine,
Brett Lea, Vinny Rubio and Todd Stewart.
30 Years – Paul Ceresa, Marc Estridge,
Michael Loeb and Tom Sova.
35 Years – Michael McCormick.
We had one big award winner…Amy
Ross won the city-wide 2008 Part-time
Employee of the Year. Congratulations
Amy!!! (See Amy’s Excellence
Award below)
The following employees were nominated,
but unfortunately did not win in
their categories:
Supervisor of the Year - Tom Sova.
Executive of the Year – David Woodside.
People's Choice Award for Commitment
– Joanne Barnes. (See Joanne’s
Excellence Award below)
People's Choice Award for Teamwork
– John Treanor.
Excellence Award – Amy Ross
Amy has committed herself to Fire Rescue
Services with each assignment that
comes her way. Currently her responsibilities
include:
• Managing the Department’s CPR
program as Training Center Coordinator
and American Heart Association
liaison
• Processing requisitions, invoices and
receivers; processes work orders for
Fire Department facilities to internal
and external providers
• Provides data entry support for our
Fleet Maintenance division
Amy is a self-motivated individual who
strives for accuracy in all she accomplishes.
As a result, Amy is eager to
learn from her co-workers in all departments.
Although Amy normally works
twenty-five hours a week, she is willing
to adjust her schedule. It is not unusual
for Amy to stay late, work on weekends
or change her schedule to meet the
needs of the department for training or
other special projects. When Amy is not
in the office, she is also available by
telephone or email to answer any questions
that may arise.
Amy has created worksheets to track the
flow of our requisitions and work orders.
Through these management tools,
the Logistics and Support Division is
able to manage projects through to completion.
For example, the work order
system is now more efficient due to her
system of phone and email verifications.
Since our work order system is the
“backbone” of our maintenance operation;
this improved system is invaluable.
Amy has a great attitude and is highly
respected by her fellow employees. She
continuously assists the staff at Fire Support
with various projects and assignments.
Since Amy’s job responsibilities
changed during her tenure at BRFR, she
is constantly called upon by her peers as
a resource to answer any questions and
she does so without complaint.
Since being assigned to Fire Support,
Amy has promoted camaraderie and
teamwork within the division. She encourages
her co-workers to attend and
participate in activities sponsored by the
Employee Development Team and Fire
Rescue Services. She also coordinates
birthdays, lunches, and brunches. With
Amy’s positive attitude and contributions,
the Logistics and Support Division
personnel are today an efficient and cohesive
team.
Amy Ross’s overall contributions are
above and beyond the call to serve and
that is why she won the city-wide “Part-
Time Employee of the Year” award and
the “Department Excellence Award.”
Congratulations Amy!!!
Excellence Award – Joanne Barnes
Joanne Barnes
is the person
in our office
who takes the
initiative to
perform the
tasks that others
either don't
want to do, or
don't think
about doing. While some may seem
insignificant, I think it speaks well of her
character, her caring interest of her co-

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
workers, and commitment to always
project a positive image of the City.
Joanne is the person who is always attentive
to the special needs of others,
such as collecting money to send flowers
when a member of the Department
is hospitalized or suffers the loss of a
family member. For the past several
years, Joanne has been the driving force
behind our “Adopt a Family Program”
during the holiday season. She collects
monetary donations from our department
employees, works with a local
church or nonprofit organization to select
a family in need, and spends her
own time to purchase, wrap, and deliver
the gifts. Joanne also donates her time
and works tirelessly to assist with our
“Annual Softball Burn Tournament.”
Recently we had to adopt a new software
reporting program to comply with
State EMS reporting regulations. This
software is used daily by Joanne for
EMS billing purposes and to say it’s
been a challenge is an understatement.
Through the worst of it, Joanne worked
with IT, our personnel, the EMS billing
vendor, and the software vendor to correct
issues and find solutions. It hasn’t
been an easy transition, and even in the
most frustrating times, Joanne was calm
and worked to find the solution. In the
past year she has also dealt with numerous
difficult and sensitive collection
issues. Joanne is always composed and
professional when dealing with the
community we serve. She certainly
understands and demonstrates daily the
mission of the City to provide the highest
quality service not only to the community,
but to the employees of the
City as well.
For these reasons, Joanne Barnes has
been chosen to receive the “Department
Excellence Award.” Congratulations
Joanne!!!
Brush Fire Season Update
As of January 5, 2009, the Keetch
Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Palm
Beach County was listed at 614 on a
scale from 0 to 800. As of February 2,
2009 the KBDI had climbed to 674.
And as of March 2, 2009 the KBDI is
707.
Until next month…be safe.
Administration
By: Glenn Joseph
Deputy Chief
The first thirty days in Administration
has been nothing if not interesting and a
learning experience. I must thank the
team in Administration, Assistant Chiefs
Woodside and Travieso and the Fire
Department staff of Susan Sova, Cheryl
Freeman, and Kim Bunting for their
patience and assistance while I am getting
oriented to my new assignment.
According to a good friend, I may make
many mistakes, but my goal is to learn
from them so that they are not repeated.
I would also like to welcome Assistant
Chief Michael Gergora to Chief Wood’s
Executive Staff. His experience and
enthusiasm adds a new dimension to our
team that will improve our effectiveness
and help us meet our current and future
organizational challenges. Glad to have
you aboard Mike.
Well its time to look forward towards
planning our budget for the next fiscal
year. I would like to thank everyone
that submitted suggestions. I will respond
to each suggestion after March 6,
2009, to update everyone on the status
of their submission.
Well, till next month’s newsletter, Be
Professional, Be Competent, Be Safe.
Operations
By: John Johnson
Deputy Chief
The last few weeks have been very
busy with the swapping of Deputy
Chiefs and the moving of offices. The
division has many challenges and we
look forward to approaching these with
a positive attitude. We hope to inform
all personnel of any policies or procedures
that will assist us in providing the
highest level of service possible.
The first procedure that we learned
about is how Human Resources verifies
all employees’ driver licenses. Each
quarter, they do a search of all City
employees whose birth date falls within
that quarter. This is to ensure that all
employees have a valid driver’s license.
This past quarter showed that Fire Rescue
Services had two employees with
expired licenses. The Department advised
one of the individuals to renew
their license before they returned to
work. It’s a good idea for everyone to
check their license renewal date on a
regular basis.
This month the Operations Division
will be working with Lt. Jim Muro to
standardize the labeling of the station
lockers and bunker gear storage cages.
The station bids are in place and about
85% of Fire Rescue employees have a
home at one of the stations. We will
utilize the same materials for all stations
to provide uniformity. This will
also enhance the appearance of our stations
and provide pride and ownership
for our employees. The nameplates

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
will be removable and can be used at
any station. Thanks should be given
to Jim for suggesting and organizing
this project.
Logistics & Support
By: Raul Travieso
Assistant Chief
I am pleased to announce the construction
project at Station 5 remains
on schedule with all the roof tiles installed
and exterior texture coating
ongoing. All the drywall is installed
and it’s being prepared for painting.
The drop-ceiling will be installed during
the third week in March (see attached
picture).
The construction of the CVS store
adjacent to Fire Station 6 is progressing
on schedule and the first phase of
the project which includes extending
our west driveway so we can drive
around the back of the building will
be completed by the third week in
March. Phase two includes the actual
construction of the CVS facility followed
by the third phase which will
relocate our current main entrance to
the front of the fire station (see attached
picture).
Ground ladder testing has been completed
by the technicians from Fire
One. Ladders were tested, repairs
were made as required, and all halyards
on extension ladders were replaced
with the exception of the new
ladders on Truck 4.
The new order of 100% cotton pants
has been distributed. Each person
received an additional 3 pairs of trousers
for this year.
⇑ Fire Station 5 ⇓
Photos by Raul Travieso
Fire Station 6
Clint Moore Road
&
Military Trail

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
Boca Beach Club
Fire and Life Safety
By: David Woodside
Assistant Chief
Boca Beach Club
The Boca Beach Club received its Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy and opened its door to guests during Presidents’
Day weekend. The renovated modernized facility contains
upgrades to the fire sprinkler system and a new voice
evacuation alarm system. There are additional significant
changes throughout the interior of the building.
alarm panel and the annunciator contain points for the entire
building including the cabanas around the pool. The garage
has a separate alarm room and panel located on the second
story garage level on the east side of the garage entrance.
The new fire pump is located in a new pump room east of the
garage marked with an alarm strobe to identify its location.
The pools at the Cabana were remodeled and a pool bar was
added to the area. The bar serves light snacks and beverages.
The Cabana Restaurant provides a nice view of the ocean and
activities of the pool area. The restaurant, through its open
design, allows for a beautiful display of natural sunlight and
houses a small coin pool, which adds a relaxing tropical ambiance.
Everyone should take the time to become familiar with the
new Boca Beach Club.
The main entrance to the Beach Club is at the third story
level of the structure. The driveway to the main entrance is
designed to accommodate the weight of all fire apparatus
including the aerial truck. Vehicles for guests are removed
via valet service and parked in the six-level parking garage,
located just to the north of the main entrance.
Each wing of the hotel has two exit stairways, remotely
located from each other, leading to the outside of the building.
The grand stairway, located off the lobby also provides
exit from the building to the pool deck, which would serve
as an area of refuge. Single station smoke detectors were
installed in each room, furniture replaced, and fixtures and
accessories upgraded.
The alarm room has remained in the same location. However,
direction to access the alarm room has changed. The
03/01 Shannon Frederick
03/02 Lenny Marraffino
03/05 Chad Kozlowski
03/05 James Barry
03/10 Michael Francis
03/17 Dave Hobson
03/19 Donald West
03/21 Marc Estridge
03/21 Daryl Scott
03/21 Michael Brown
03/23 Warren Hunt
03/24 Raul Chacon
03/25 Keith Metcalf
03/25 Thomas Sova
03/25 Joseph Brooks
03/27 Mike Gressinger
03/27 Brian Shapins
03/29 Jeffrey Rupp
03/30 Scott Ward
03/31 Dan Coine
04/01 Michael Barker
04/01 Dave Woodside
04/05 Mitch Greenberg

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
Planning
By:
Michael Gergora
Assistant Chief
Save the
Date
April 4 & 5,
My office is open and ready for business!
I have been working on several projects
over the past month and I have been
receiving quite an education in the
process. Let me share with you some
of the issues I am currently working on
for the department.
Accreditation: I have been given the
mission of preparing our department for
an evaluation through the Center for
Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). The
CPSE utilizes the Commission on Fire
Accreditation International (CFAI) to
conduct the evaluation of fire departments.
Before we go any further, let’s
explain just what Accreditation is. Accreditation
is not just an inspection and
then you get a “merit badge”, it’s about
achieving organizational and professional
excellence. This is done through
a self-assessment model, CFAI review,
and for our organization to be committed
to an effort of continuous quality
improvement and enhancement of the
delivery of service to our community
and each other. Wow! That’s quite a
mouth full. I am sure that you can
imagine that this task is not something
that is easily achieved. This will require
a commitment from all of us over
the next year or two to get prepared for
our review. I am eager to get to work
on this project and begin the enhancement
process. I will be attending an
Accreditation Managers Workshop on
March 11 th and 12 th in preparation for
the work ahead. I believe we can
achieve this goal and grow together!
Mutual Assistance and Automatic Aid
Agreements: The more common term
is Mutual Aid agreements. Our current
Mutual Aid agreements with Boynton
Beach Fire Rescue, Delray Beach Fire
Rescue, Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue,
and Palm Beach Fire Rescue County
will expire on September 30, 2009. State
law only allows the agreements to have
a duration of seven (7) years. We are
proposing to add some language to augment
the agreements.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU):
The City and FAU have been negotiating
over their Comprehensive Development
Plan. Fire Rescue has been included
in the process and we have
shared our anticipated impacts on our
ability to provide service to the proposed
new development. This includes
a new Football Stadium and additional
student housing. There are some exciting
opportunities we are working on for
the department! I’ll keep you posted as
they develop further.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Relocating: The EOC is relocating
temporarily to 6500 Congress Avenue.
Guess Where? You’re right! Right here
on the second floor. We have been busy
planning and coordinating for the move
and we welcome the City Staff to our
home. So the next time you are in the
building, you might run into some unfamiliar
faces working toward getting
things done before June 1 st .
Please stop by my office when you are
in the building. Until Then - Stay Safe
and Professional!
Boca Burn Tournament
By: Brett Lea
Battalion Chief
The Boca Burn Tournament will be
held on April 4 & 5 (Saturday & Sunday)
to benefit the South Florida Children's
Burn Foundation. We expect
to have 25 fire department teams from
the South Florida area competing in one
of the best run charity softball tournaments
in the country. To make it another
successful event, we will need
numerous volunteers throughout the
weekend, but especially on Saturday,
as we will be combining our Annual
Fire Department Family Picnic with
the traditional complimentary Players
Picnic hosted by the Benevolent.
For those that can volunteer a few hours
or the whole weekend, please contact
Brett Lea at bclea@bellsouth.net or
756-6854. Thank you.
Emily Swedenborg brought her daddy,
Gary, in for a visit.

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
EMS
By: Bob Nelligan
Division Chief
Where has the Avian Flu gone?
The stimulus for this update
was my recent attendance at
the International Disaster
Management Conference in
Orlando on February 20-22.
While there, I met and discussed this
topic with Danitza Tomianovic of the
Miami Quarantine Station for the CDC.
Assessment of the current situation
from the CDC
The highly pathogenic avian influenza
A (H5N1) in Asia, Europe, the Near
East, and Africa is not expected to diminish
significantly in the short term. It
is likely that H5N1 virus infections
among domestic poultry have become
endemic in certain areas and that sporadic
human infections resulting from
direct contact with infected poultry and/
or wild birds will continue to occur. So
far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person-to-person
has been very rare, limited
and unsustainable. However, it
continues to pose an important public
health threat.
Map: Affected areas with confirmed human
cases since 2003
The World Health Organization (WHO)
has reported human cases of H5N1 in
Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the
Near East. Indonesia and Vietnam have
reported the highest number of H5N1
cases to date. Overall mortality in reported
H5N1 cases is approximately
60%. The majority of cases have occurred
among children and adults aged
less than 40 years old. Mortality was
highest in cases aged 10-19 years old.
Studies have documented the most significant
risk factors for human H5N1
infection to be direct contact with sick
or dead poultry or wild birds or visiting
a live poultry market. Most human
H5N1 cases have been hospitalized late
in their illness with severe respiratory
disease. The current cumulative number
of confirmed human cases of H5N1 is
408; 255 of which have died. Despite
the high mortality, human cases of
H5N1 remain rare to date. There is little
pre-existing natural immunity to H5N1
virus infection in the human population.
If H5N1 viruses gain the ability for efficient
and sustained transmission among
humans, an influenza pandemic could
result with potentially high rates of illness
and death worldwide.
Now that I have
your attention!
Some Facts:
• Although low pathogenic avian
influenza (H5N2) has been reported
on very rare occasions in humans in
the United States, the highly pathogenic
avian influenza A viruses have
never been detected among wild
birds, domestic poultry, or people in
the U.S.
• You cannot get avian influenza
from properly handled and cooked
poultry and eggs.
• Studies done in labs suggest that
prescription medicines approved for
human influenza viruses should work
in treating avian influenza infection
in humans; however, influenza viruses
can become resistant to these
drugs so these drugs may not always
work.
Is there a vaccine available to protect
humans from the H5N1 virus?
Yes. The H5N1 vaccine, approved in
April 2007 by the FDA, was developed
as a safeguard against the possible
emergence of an H5N1 pandemic virus.
However, the H5N1 virus is not a pandemic
virus (yet!) because it does not
transmit efficiently from person to person,
so the vaccine is being held in the
U.S. Strategic National Stockpile rather
than being used by the general public.
Summary
The World Health Organization, in cooperation
with countries all around the
world, is keeping a watchful eye on this
potential pandemic virus. Human cases
are being monitored and treated aggressively.
New cases among humans were
down by 50% in 2008 from the previous
year. Domestic and wild birds are
being tested for H5N1 infection on a
broad scale around the world in an effort
to keep it in check. In the United
States, the CDC and USDA have
banned the importation of birds from
areas where H5N1 has been documented.
The federal regulation states
that no person may import or attempt to
import any birds, whether dead or alive,
or any products derived from birds
from the specified countries. For further
and continuous updated information on
the Avian Influenza, go to the web sites
of the World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/
avian_influenza/en/index.html and the
Center for Disease Control http://
www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm.
Not to be outdone by Emily, Clay Fredrick
brought his mom, Shannon, in for a visit.

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
Communication
By: Mike O’Neil
Division Chief
Apparatus Computers
The Fire Department received 30 replacement
laptop computers. These
laptops will replace the current Data
911’s and allow easier updating of our
Mobile CAD software. We ordered the
laptops with an internal AVL card and
will soon be able to view unit locations
on our mapping system.
OSSI CAD
I recently attended a two day Computer
Aided Dispatch Software (CAD) Administrator’s
class hosted by our CAD
vendor, OSSI. In class we built a CAD
system as part of the training. This included
entering all streets and address
ranges, divisions, stations, units, unit
recommendations, employees, run areas,
and maps for a very small city.
This class demonstrated the complexity
and just how all the modules interact
together for a functioning CAD system.
What our personnel see on the MCT’s
is just the output of hundreds of hours
in data input and design.
Rebanding
The Communications Division is beginning
to program the newly assigned
frequencies into test radios. The Fire
Department will have some test radios
programmed around the first or second
week of March. The test group will be
monitored for any issues before programming
the rest of our radios. We
will not notice any difference in our
operation until we switch the radio system
controllers over to the FCC assigned
frequencies. We do not have a
firm cutover date yet but will have
training before the switch to cover all
locations of frequencies and Talkgroups.
Special Ops
By:
Scott Johnston
Division Chief
Picture of personnel from multiple agencies working a rope system.
We recently hosted a workshop put on by Petzel and Safety
Solutions, which highlighted several new pieces of hardware
now being used in the Fire Service, as well as the
“Petzel XO” personal bail-out system.
The XO bail-out system was designed as a joint venture
between FDNY and Petzel in response to the tragic deaths
of three FDNY members, and several others critically injured
when they were forced out of a 4 th floor window due
to fire overcoming the apartment they were in. Look up
“Black Sunday” and you can read the complete story of the
heroic efforts of these men. (You can find out more about
Black Sunday at http://www.nypost.com/seven/01142009/
news/regionalnews/i_could_feel_fire_150069.htm)
In attendance during this workshop were firefighters from Dade County Fire
Rescue, Broward County Fire Rescue, Ft. Lauderdale Fire Rescue, Boynton
Beach Fire Rescue, Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, and Boca Raton Fire Rescue.
All personnel were extremely impressed with our new training facility and
appreciative of our hospitality. This event so far is the largest multi-jurisdictional
event to date held at our new training tower.
Two groups were formed: one to get the chance to review the XO system and
actually do some bailouts, and the other group got to use some new belay devices
which makes evolutions such as victim pick offs extremely easy to switch
between haul and lower systems.
At the end of the workshop, Petzel presented us with a “Petzel ID” belay device
worth approximately $150. This piece of equipment will be added to our High
Angle Rescue equipment.

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
Training & Safety
By: Patrick Kelly
Division Chief
Hello once again.
We recently conducted our first
“Fastest Team SCBA Competition”.
This was incorporated into SCBA training
and was a competition to determine
which three person team could collectively
don their SCBA’s the fastest.
Each member of the team was timed
separately, penalty time was added for
deficiencies, and then all three times
were added together for a cumulative
team time. The winners in the Medic
unit category are: Lieutenant Jason
Stout, FF Sherry Griffith and FF Sean
Moss. The winners in the Fire Apparatus
category were: Captain Pat Rea,
FFD Chris King, and FF Mike Sember.
Congratulations to all 6 individuals. We
have procured a plaque and the six
names will be inscribed along with the
year. Each time the competition is held
the new winners will be added below.
We cannot let a month go by without
discussing training records. The good
news is that compliance and accuracy
are significantly increased. Please keep
up the good work in spite of your heavy
workload. When conducting a Date
Range Search for your individual records,
you must click the “Continue” tab
on the left side of the screen then the
Training List at the bottom of the page.
If you wish to print the document click
“Continue” again and then print the
document. Also, personnel are entering
Building Surveys under Fire Prevention
which is incorrect. ANY training that is
coordinated and conducted at the company
officer level should be recorded
under Company Training. Once again,
thanks for your effort.
On February 11 th , we participated in
Safety Day in the Park, an annual event
held at Patch Reef Park which is aimed
at increasing safety awareness throughout
the city. We conducted Extinguisher
Training at our booth for all
city employees who visited. An enjoyable
and informative time was had by
all. This year several of our units were
able to attend and hopefully received
their free lunch. Thanks to Mitch
Greenberg, Warren Cann and Adam
Elliott for their time and effort at the
booth.
Till next time, be safe.
Thinking Green
March and St. Paddy’s Day is the perfect time to be
thinking green. If any of you have any great green ideas
for saving the environment, please send them in to the editor.
Anyone and everyone is invited to participate.
Faster Team SCBA Plaque

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
Boca Raton Fire Explores Win Again At Annual Fire Explorer Challenge
Boca Raton Fire Rescue Explorers attended the Annual Explorer Conference & Challenge hosted by Margate, Lauderhill and
Coral Springs Fire Rescue Departments. The two day event was held on February 13 th and 14 th at the Coral Springs Fire Academy.
The conference and firematic competition brought 11 teams from as far south as Miami and north to Palm Coast to attend the
conference and compete in nine different events. These events help to promote teamwork and help test the team’s skill in Hose
Deployment, Search & Rescue, Ladder Raise, Combat Challenge, Trauma, First Aid & CPR and other events. Teams also come
together to share ideas and network on training and education.
Boca Raton Explorers won 3 – First Place, 2 – Second Place trophies, and took third place for overall points scored. Seven Explorers,
four of them new to the post and to competition made up the Boca team. The Explorers practiced three times a week for
almost three months for this competition. This is the fifth time Boca Raton Fire Explorer Post # 315 has competed and won in
Broward County competitions.
Competition Events
1st place: Boca Raton Post 315
Hose roll
Combat challenge
Hose deployment - 1 into 2
2nd place Boca Raton Post 315
Bucket brigade
Ladders
3rd Place Boca Raton Post 315
Overall points
Team Picture above – left to right: Standing - Advisor Jesus
Barrera, Explorers Joe Berry, Chief of The Post Jonathan Vought,
Explorer Casey Gugliotta, Mike Harrison, Mike Slatery and Lead
Advisor Frank Correggio
Kneeling – Explorers Kimberly Vought, Stephanie Kujowa, Sara
Jacobson
Explorer Chief Vought prepares the ladder for climbing in the ladder
competition event
Explorer Joe Berry learns to rappel.
Photos by Frank Correggio

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BOCA FIRE RESCUE
In the News…
By:
Frank Correggio
PIO
Fire Boat 3 Reaches Brush Fire Off Lake Wyman
On January 26, 2009, at approximately 2:30 pm, firefighters were
called to a smell of smoke in the area of the James A. Rutherford
Park on 600 NW 24th Street. After further investigation, fire crews
located the smoke approximately ¼ of a mile south of the pier and
the boardwalk area. The fire was situated deep in the mangroves
along the shore of Lake Wyman. Due to the remote location, it
took firefighters almost twenty minutes to locate the fire. Unable
to effectively attack the fire from their location, Fire Rescue Boat 3
was called and located the column of smoke from the Intra-coastal.
Crews stretched over 300 feet of hose from the boat onto the shore
and into the mangroves to fight the fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished
the fire which had burned about ¼ of an acre of land.
Crews remained on scene for almost two hours putting out spot
fires in the thickly wooded area. There were no injuries reported
and no homes or businesses were in danger. The cause of the fire
is unknown at this time.
New S.W.A.T Medics Are Sworn In
On Wednesday, February 11 th , Boca
Raton Fire Rescue Services had the
honor of seeing two of their Firefighter
/ Paramedics sworn in as Police
Officers. Boca Raton Police
Chief Daniel Alexander asked Firefighter
/ Paramedics Brian Ward, an
eleven year veteran, and Mike
McBrien, a five year veteran, to raise
their right hands and take the Police
Services Oath. Ward and McBrien
became two new police officers, who
will be assisting on the Boca Raton
Police Service S.W.A.T team.
Officer Ward had the honor of being
named squad leader, and Officer
McBrien received the class Marksmanship
Award and was awarded the
Academic Achievement Award by
Palm Beach Community College,
Photo by Jay Bell
where both men graduated from the
Law Enforcement Academy. Fire
Chief Tom Wood was on hand to present the two men with the Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services Excellence Award.
Gas Line Rupture Near East Boca Home
On February 13, 2009, at approximately 2:55 pm, Boca Raton Fire Rescue responded to a call for a gas line rupture at 701 NE
Broadview Drive. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find gas escaping from a one inch gas line that had apparently been
ruptured by workman. Fire crews worked quickly and used a special clamp to secure the line. There were no injuries and no
damage to any of the homes in the area. Florida Public Utilities was called in to repair the broken pipe.

Page 11
BOCA FIRE RESCUE
Photo by Frank Correggio
Vehicle Fire on I-95
On February 18, 2009, Boca Raton firefighters responded to a
call for a vehicle on fire on I-95. Firefighters arrived to find a
1990 Nissan Stanza with flames coming out from under the
engine compartment. Apparently the driver heard a “pop”
and saw smoke and pulled over in the northbound lane of I-
95, right across from MUVICO. Fire crews used special rescue
tools to open the hood and quickly extinguished the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and no injuries
were reported.
Firefighters Battle Multiple Fires on I-95
On February 27, 2009, at approximately 1:40 pm, Boca
Raton Firefighters responded to a call for multiple brush fires
along I-95. Fire crews arrived just south of Palmetto Park
Road and worked quickly to bring the two fires under control.
Firefighters noticed that the fire had burned to the top of
some trees and embers were being carried over the privacy
wall. Additional crews were dispatched and located fires
behind 1700 and 1701 NW 13 Street. Firefighters used over
600 feet of hose to reach and extinguish the two fires in that
area. Delray Beach Fire Rescue responded with their water
tanker to supply water to Boca Raton Fire Rescue’s trucks
and brush truck. There were no injuries reported and there
was no damage to any homes in the area. Fire officials estimated
approximately an acre of land was burned. Fire crews
from Boca Raton also assisted Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue
with a brush fire at the southbound exit ramp of I-95 at Hillsborough
where approximately ½ acre was burned. Fire officials
are calling these fires suspicious.
Photo by Jay Bell
Rollover on I-95 Sends Driver To Hospital
On February 19, 2009, Boca Raton Firefighters responded to
a call for a vehicle rollover on I-95. Firefighters arrived
within minutes to find the 2000 Saturn in the grass
southbound on I-95, south of Glades Road. It appears that
the driver lost control of his vehicle and swerved across the
lanes of traffic rolling over as he left the roadway. Rescue
crews had to extricate the driver from his vehicle through the
passenger door. The male driver was transported in stable
condition to Boca Raton Community Hospital for further
evaluation.
Photos by Frank Correggio
Pictured l.r. – Firefighter / Paramedic Jack Culligan and Paramedic
/ Lieutenant Loyd Putnam inspect vehicle damage
Meet Your Firefighters Day at B’Nai Israel School
FF/Paramedic Sean Migone receives “high-5s” from students
after teaching them about fire safety

Smoke Detectors
Save Lives
Thomas R. Wood, CFO
Fire Chief
Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services
6500 Congress Avenue, Suite 200
Boca Raton, FL 33487-2808
Boca Burn Tournament
April 4 & 5, 2009
Patch Reef Park
See page 5