Although there is no progress without change, not all change is ...

Although there is no progress without change, not all change is ... Although there is no progress without change, not all change is ...

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THE Editor: Diane Parker, Secretary Spring/Summer/Fall 2009 (April—November) ISSUE #54 Although there is no progress without change, not all change is progress. Inside this issue: Thank You, to 2-4 Congratulations, to 5-7 Administration Div. 8-10 Operations Div. 11-12 I am happy to mark the closing of this calendar year during the season of thanksgiving, benevolence and good will. I am thankful our department will continue to progress without the loss of any more positions for the 2010 budget year. Through the hard work and commitment of our employees, we were able to continue to meet new initiatives while maintaining a high level of administrative and emergency services for our citizens. The empathy and concern you have shown toward our community members has been displayed in the many letters I received on your behalf, praising your job performance. For many members of our community 2009 has been a rough year and your participation in our community dinners, our food drive, and our Toys for Tots initiative helped to ease some of their pain. My holiday wishes are that 2010 begins with cordial relations and cooperative spirits as we mark the successful completion of our negotiations in December. With our recent spate of retirements, we have many new department members and we will be continuing our training theme of “returning to the firefighting basics” to ensure their safety, the safety of their more seasoned peers, and, as always, the protection of our citizens. I am thankful for everything we have received and completed in 2009 and look forward to a fresh and energizing 2010. I wish each of you a happy holiday season and a great new year. Stay safe! CHIEF’S CORNER EMS Section 13-14 Community Volunteers 15-16 Charles R. Bogle Fire Chief

THE<br />

Editor: Diane Parker, Secretary<br />

Spring/Summer/F<strong>all</strong> 2009 (April—November) ISSUE #54<br />

<strong>Although</strong><br />

<strong>there</strong> <strong>is</strong><br />

<strong>no</strong><br />

<strong>progress</strong><br />

<strong>without</strong><br />

<strong>change</strong>,<br />

<strong>no</strong>t <strong>all</strong><br />

<strong>change</strong> <strong>is</strong><br />

<strong>progress</strong>.<br />

Inside th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>sue:<br />

Thank You, to 2-4<br />

Congratulations, to 5-7<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Div. 8-10<br />

Operations Div. 11-12<br />

I am happy to mark the closing of th<strong>is</strong> calendar year<br />

during the season of thanksgiving, benevolence<br />

and good will. I am thankful our department will<br />

continue to <strong>progress</strong> <strong>without</strong> the loss of any more<br />

positions for the 2010 budget year. Through the<br />

hard work and commitment of our employees, we<br />

were able to continue to meet new initiatives while<br />

maintaining a high level of admin<strong>is</strong>trative and emergency<br />

services for our citizens.<br />

The empathy and concern you have shown toward our community members<br />

has been d<strong>is</strong>played in the many letters I received on your behalf, pra<strong>is</strong>ing your<br />

job performance. For many members of our community 2009 has been a rough<br />

year and your participation in our community dinners, our food drive, and our<br />

Toys for Tots initiative helped to ease some of their pain.<br />

My holiday w<strong>is</strong>hes are that 2010 begins with cordial relations and cooperative<br />

spirits as we mark the successful completion of our negotiations in December.<br />

With our recent spate of retirements, we have many new department members<br />

and we will be continuing our training theme of “returning to the firefighting basics”<br />

to ensure their safety, the safety of their more seasoned peers, and, as<br />

always, the protection of our citizens.<br />

I am thankful for everything we have received and completed in 2009 and look<br />

forward to a fresh and energizing 2010. I w<strong>is</strong>h each of you a happy holiday season<br />

and a great new year.<br />

Stay safe!<br />

CHIEF’S CORNER<br />

EMS Section 13-14<br />

Community Volunteers 15-16<br />

Charles R. Bogle<br />

Fire Chief


Thank You To...<br />

SERVICE DOESN’T COME FROM A MANUAL—IT COMES FROM THE HEART<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Scott Einkopf<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic L<strong>is</strong>a Caron<br />

from resident<br />

for the thorough way which you responded<br />

to a potential hazardous materials incident<br />

at h<strong>is</strong> home<br />

Senior Fire Inspector Justin Chase<br />

Fire Inspector Mark Whorton<br />

from Loyd Contracting Company<br />

for your help to ensure the construction process<br />

ran smoothly<br />

during the construction of Benton House<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Rodney Perry<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Chad Lindqu<strong>is</strong>t<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Bobby Crocker<br />

from Kr<strong>is</strong>ta Colquhoun for your outstanding and<br />

exceptional service when you were c<strong>all</strong>ed to meet<br />

emergency medical needs of her father<br />

Operations Chief Mike Woodward<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Chief Scott Gaenicke<br />

Fire/EMT/Training Chief Bob Allard<br />

Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Dave Williams<br />

Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Jeff Harr<strong>is</strong><br />

Driver Operator/EMT John McIntyre<br />

Firefighter/EMT Don Pierce<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Josh H<strong>all</strong><br />

Firefighter/EMT Brian Hahn<br />

Log<strong>is</strong>tics Special<strong>is</strong>t Frank Canada<br />

Public Life Safety Special<strong>is</strong>t Reggie Belle<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>trative Secretary Kathy Mosley<br />

Secretary Diane Parker<br />

Office Ass<strong>is</strong>tant II LaWanda Park<br />

Fire Volunteer Catherine Simkins<br />

Dev. Technician Brenda McGovern<br />

from Fire Chief Chuck Bogle<br />

for contributing your time and energy<br />

to serve 139 dinners at the<br />

Harry T. Moore<br />

Social Services Center in April<br />

Cooking<br />

Special<br />

Thanks to<br />

Lynn Cody,<br />

cake<br />

maker, and<br />

Jayden<br />

Woodward,<br />

server<br />

Preparing<br />

Caring<br />

Serving<br />

Cleaning


Thank You To...<br />

SERVICE DOESN’T COME FROM A MANUAL—IT COMES FROM THE HEART<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Bill Feagan<br />

DO/Paramedic David Higginbotham<br />

DO/Paramedic Tiffany C<strong>all</strong>ahan<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Josh H<strong>all</strong><br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Johnson<br />

Firefighter/EMT Don Pierce<br />

from D<strong>is</strong>patcher April W<strong>all</strong>er<br />

for providing such an informative, fun, and enjoyable,<br />

Fire Service Communications Class<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Chief Scott Gaenicke<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Brook Smith<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy<br />

from Mad<strong>is</strong>on Middle School<br />

for a job well done regarding your contribution<br />

and participation in their annual<br />

Career Day/Reality Fair<br />

Operations Chief Mike Woodward<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Chief Scott Gaenicke<br />

Fire/EMT/Training Chief Bob Allard<br />

Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Mike Chiles<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Roland Carpentier<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Brian Litterillla<br />

Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Frank Neeld<br />

DO/Paramedic Randy Moore<br />

DO/Paramedic Jeremy House<br />

DO/Paramedic Jeff Harr<strong>is</strong><br />

DO/Paramedic Brook Smith<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Josh H<strong>all</strong><br />

Firefighter/EMT Brian Hahn<br />

Firefighter/EMT Lucas Senger<br />

Firefighter/EMT John Hustoles<br />

from the MacInn<strong>is</strong> Family<br />

for your hard work in fighting a lightning strike<br />

fire in their townhouse<br />

Fire/EMS/Training Chief Robert Allard<br />

from Astronaut High School’s<br />

Health Science Director Sandy Chamberlain<br />

and Coordinator L<strong>is</strong>a Schuler thanking you<br />

for your superv<strong>is</strong>ion of the internship of EMT student<br />

Samantha Padilla and the development and<br />

maintenance of their emergency health program<br />

Public Life Safety Special<strong>is</strong>t Reggie Belle<br />

from Mrs. Kirk of Sculptor Charter School<br />

for your efforts in teaching life safety and injury<br />

prevention skills<br />

to the children in their<br />

Family Fit Fest 2009<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Brian Litterilla<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Brook Smith<br />

Firefighter/EMT John Hustoles<br />

from Marcucci Family<br />

for your quick response and caring actions in treating<br />

them after their vehicle accident<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic Gregory Sutton<br />

from CPR class member<br />

William Rotella<br />

for your professional<strong>is</strong>m, integrity, and<br />

attention to detail<br />

Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship<br />

Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Jeff Harr<strong>is</strong><br />

Firefighter/EMT Brian Hahn<br />

from Chief of Operations<br />

Mike Woodward<br />

for your superior efforts in <strong>no</strong>t giving up<br />

while in extreme and dangerous conditions<br />

of lighting, torrential rain, and<br />

50 m.p.h. wind gusts<br />

Titusville Fire & Emergency Services<br />

from Fire Chief Fran Murphy of the<br />

City of Cocoa Fire Department<br />

for your coverage of our City of Cocoa<br />

while our firefighters attended a funeral<br />

Firefighter/EMT Bobby Crocker<br />

from Lieutenant Bill Feagan<br />

for your quick action in stopping while off-duty<br />

to ass<strong>is</strong>t citizens injured in a vehicle accident


Thank You To...<br />

SERVICE DOESN’T COME FROM A MANUAL—IT COMES FROM THE HEART<br />

Office Ass<strong>is</strong>tant Ruth Miller<br />

from Daniel O’Nell, of the Florida Department<br />

of Business Professional Regulation<br />

for d<strong>is</strong>playing exemplary ass<strong>is</strong>tance to<br />

customers (and v<strong>is</strong>itors) of the city<br />

Secretary Diane Parker<br />

from Fire Chief Chuck Bogle<br />

for your reorganization of the vault area making<br />

it orderly, spacious, and easier to find files<br />

Fire Lieutenant Gerald Ford<br />

Driver Operator/EMT W<strong>all</strong>y Kohler<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic David Neeld<br />

from John and Regina Messina for your<br />

ass<strong>is</strong>tance in getting him into the hospital after<br />

h<strong>is</strong> accident<br />

Operations Div<strong>is</strong>ion Chief Mike Woodward<br />

from Apollo Elementary School<br />

for your willingness to participate in their recent<br />

Walk to School Event<br />

Operations Chief Mike Woodward<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Chief Scott Gaenicke<br />

Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Rusty Carpentier<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Brian Strong<br />

Secretary Diane Parker<br />

Office Ass<strong>is</strong>tant II LaWanda Park<br />

Office Ass<strong>is</strong>tant Ruth Miller<br />

Development Technician Brenda McGovern<br />

from Fire Chief Chuck Bogle<br />

for giving of your time to serve the Citizens of Titusville<br />

at the Community Dinner on November 19th<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones<br />

Senior Fire Inspector Justin Chase<br />

from Bridgette Clements<br />

for your flexibility during a public education event to<br />

render ass<strong>is</strong>tance to her mother<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>trative Div<strong>is</strong>ion Chief Scott Gaenicke<br />

from Andrew Jackson Middle School<br />

for your presentation to the students for<br />

Fire Prevention Week<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Div<strong>is</strong>ion Chief Scott Gaenicke<br />

Life Safety Special<strong>is</strong>t Reggie Belle<br />

from the Principal at Mims Elementary School<br />

regarding your participation in “Walk Th<strong>is</strong> Way”<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones<br />

Driver Operator/Paramedic Brian Strong<br />

Firefighter/EMT Johnny Higginbotham<br />

from a resident who appreciated the crew’s “kindness,<br />

respectfulness, and politeness” while inst<strong>all</strong>ing her<br />

smoke detectors<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Brian Marfitt<br />

Driver Operator/EMT Chr<strong>is</strong> Hitt<br />

Firefighter/EMT Adam Vaknin<br />

from the lady you ass<strong>is</strong>ted with a flat tire<br />

Community<br />

Dinner<br />

pictures<br />

at the<br />

Harry T. Moore<br />

Social Service<br />

Center in<br />

November<br />

We person<strong>all</strong>y served dinners to 108 of our citizens, served second<br />

helpings to many, packaged dinners to go for delivery to the<br />

homebound and also delivered our remaining food to the Salvation<br />

Army for d<strong>is</strong>tribution among the community members they ass<strong>is</strong>t. Your<br />

willingness to participate in our department project to provide meals for<br />

the struggling members of our community was very much appreciated.<br />

A special thanks to employee family members and two of our retirees,<br />

Dave Williams and Don Pierce, who also provided additional<br />

ass<strong>is</strong>tance. Kudos especi<strong>all</strong>y to Head Chef Dave Williams whose<br />

chicken and rice with black beans was pra<strong>is</strong>ed by many!


April<br />

2009<br />

Firefighter<br />

Paramedic<br />

Michael<br />

Abernathy<br />

Firefighter/Paramedic<br />

Michael Abernathy<br />

won the<br />

City Employee of the Month<br />

Award for April<br />

In March 2009, Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy<br />

delivered a “9 week” premature baby in the back of<br />

Rescue 24. H<strong>is</strong> quick thinking and correct assessment<br />

provided <strong>all</strong> with a positive outcome.<br />

May<br />

2009<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>trative<br />

Secretary<br />

Kathy<br />

Mosley<br />

Adm. Secretary Kathy Mosley prepared the Hazard<br />

Mitigation Grant for wind-retrofitting of <strong>all</strong> of our fire<br />

stations as well as headquarters. She was able to coordinate<br />

gathering <strong>all</strong> of the information needed through the<br />

Public Works Dept., Support Services Dept. and our own<br />

Fire Dept. personnel with a very short time schedule.<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>trative Secretary<br />

Kathy Mosley<br />

won the<br />

City Employee of the Month<br />

Award for May<br />

July<br />

2009<br />

Log<strong>is</strong>tics<br />

Coordinator<br />

Frank<br />

Canada<br />

Immediately after a citizen’s request you took it upon<br />

yourself to replace m<strong>is</strong>sing hydrant markers within the<br />

citizen’s entire neighborhood. It took 5 minutes to handle<br />

th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong>sue, make th<strong>is</strong> citizen happy, and to make h<strong>is</strong><br />

neighborhood a safer place. Th<strong>is</strong> instance <strong>is</strong> only one of<br />

the many ways you step up and ass<strong>is</strong>t <strong>no</strong>t only our<br />

citizens but your fellow employees.


August<br />

2009<br />

Firefighter<br />

Paramedic<br />

David<br />

Neeld<br />

Log<strong>is</strong>tics Special<strong>is</strong>t<br />

Frank Canada<br />

won the<br />

City Employee of the Month<br />

Award for July<br />

In July, FF Neeld shined more than once and we wanted<br />

to let you k<strong>no</strong>w that your public contact skills and abilities<br />

are very much appreciated. There <strong>is</strong> a great deal of<br />

difference between performing a public service and<br />

servicing the public, and you excel at serving the<br />

public well.<br />

September<br />

2009<br />

Office Ass<strong>is</strong>tant I<br />

Ruth Miller<br />

Office Asst. Ruth Miller was chosen in September<br />

because of the superior customer service skills she<br />

d<strong>is</strong>plays while serving as our department’s primary<br />

reception<strong>is</strong>t. She was commended for her cons<strong>is</strong>tent<br />

d<strong>is</strong>play of exemplary ass<strong>is</strong>tance to customers (and<br />

v<strong>is</strong>itors) of our city each and every day.<br />

October<br />

2009<br />

Fire Lieutenant<br />

EMT<br />

Brian Litterilla<br />

Fire Lieutenant/EMT<br />

Phil Jones<br />

was awarded the<br />

Bronze Medal of Valor<br />

in August at a ceremony at<br />

Melbourne-Palm Bay Area<br />

Chamber of Commerce<br />

for h<strong>is</strong> actions in late<br />

December 2008<br />

Lt. Brian Litterilla has spent several hours and used h<strong>is</strong> personal equipment<br />

to clean and paint the apparatus bays at Station 10. Th<strong>is</strong> extra<br />

effort made it possible to restore the bay area to like new conditions,<br />

with the only cost to the City being for the paint for the w<strong>all</strong>s and the<br />

floor. Th<strong>is</strong> type of extra effort by our employees, during the current<br />

eco<strong>no</strong>mic environment, <strong>is</strong> truly an asset to the City, as well as an<br />

example for others to follow.


Pictures were taken at the Pinning Ceremony


Some are<br />

<strong>no</strong>w<br />

enduring<br />

extreme<br />

cold<br />

Re<strong>no</strong>vations to Fire Headquarters and<br />

Station 11 have been underway since<br />

October. Both buildings have had longstanding<br />

<strong>is</strong>sues with mo<strong>is</strong>ture buildup<br />

and poor air quality due to inefficient and<br />

improperly inst<strong>all</strong>ed HVAC systems. The<br />

scope of the work includes mold<br />

removal, HVAC replacement with<br />

computer controlled temperature<br />

sensors, rebuilding the <strong>no</strong>rth w<strong>all</strong> at<br />

Headquarters, replacing with concrete block, and<br />

removing the glass. Other work being done<br />

includes ra<strong>is</strong>ing the office w<strong>all</strong>s and lowering the<br />

ceiling at Headquarters, which will give each<br />

office a fully enclosed space with<br />

individu<strong>all</strong>y controlled lighting.<br />

Ultimately the entire building will be<br />

repainted inside and out. During the<br />

re<strong>no</strong>vations, the entire Headquarters<br />

Some are<br />

<strong>no</strong>w<br />

tolerating<br />

<strong>no</strong><br />

air<br />

conditioning<br />

staff from clerical to the Fire Chief had to<br />

relocate from their individual work spaces and<br />

offices to the cozy confines of the multi-purpose<br />

room and other areas upstairs at Headquarters.<br />

We were origin<strong>all</strong>y told that th<strong>is</strong> would be a twoweek<br />

stay but it <strong>is</strong> <strong>no</strong>w December and some are<br />

still working out of their temporary work spaces. It<br />

looked a lot like the work area from the TV show<br />

“The Office”. I think we <strong>all</strong> learned a little<br />

something about each other while we were stuck,<br />

I mean impr<strong>is</strong>oned, <strong>no</strong> wait.. pleasantly grouped<br />

together in an atmosphere of peace and love!<br />

The project <strong>is</strong> scheduled for completion<br />

towards the end of December. No one<br />

better say that the fire department<br />

can<strong>no</strong>t handle<br />

<strong>change</strong>—or we<br />

just might bite<br />

them.<br />

Some are<br />

asking<br />

when will it<br />

<strong>all</strong> end<br />

The Multi-Purpose Room became the Mad House with phones ringing everywhere<br />

The firefighters<br />

trained and slept<br />

in the same room<br />

Log<strong>is</strong>tics Frank was<br />

put in lockup in the<br />

warehouse<br />

We had to<br />

endure going<br />

from one<br />

budget year<br />

to the next<br />

in a box<br />

Pub Ed Spec. Belle<br />

was sequestered in<br />

Pub Ed storage<br />

Fire Chief Chuck<br />

Secretary Diane<br />

Admin<strong>is</strong>tration Chief Scott<br />

EMS Chief Bob<br />

Off.Asst. LaWanda<br />

Printer<br />

Office Asst. Ruth<br />

Adm. Sec. Kathy<br />

Inspector Mark<br />

Inspector Justin<br />

Operations Chief Mike<br />

One had to<br />

endure a<br />

broken leg<br />

The Battalion Chiefs<br />

were sent to their<br />

bedroom to stay for<br />

the duration<br />

No one had any<br />

drawers to put<br />

anything in<br />

The Firefighters had<br />

to sleep in the<br />

Training Room


In the month of January we received a $32,149.00<br />

grant from the Florida Department of Transportation<br />

to help with our occupant protection and safety<br />

program. We purchased a trailer, two shelter<br />

toppers, 136 carseats, education materials, and also<br />

received training funds to attend a Life Savers Conference<br />

in Tennessee. I received instruction on how<br />

to transport<br />

special needs<br />

children safely<br />

sponsored by<br />

Riley Children’s<br />

Hospital of<br />

Indiana at the<br />

conference. The<br />

purchases from<br />

th<strong>is</strong> grant have<br />

enabled us to<br />

haul <strong>all</strong> supplies<br />

to our events and re<strong>all</strong>y helped the department put<br />

on a quality event.<br />

Our Pub Ed Task Force, who are members of the<br />

department<br />

that help with<br />

Pub Ed<br />

events, participated<br />

in<br />

EMS week<br />

which was a<br />

great success<br />

for us<br />

and the<br />

community.<br />

We were<br />

able to<br />

partner with the SPCA and<br />

other vendors to have “Bark in<br />

the Park” and “EMS” together.<br />

Estimated attendance of more<br />

than 1000 citizens came out to<br />

take part in the event.<br />

We were asked to share a<br />

booth with the Florida Department<br />

of Transportation at<br />

Orange County Civic Center<br />

promoting safety. We had the<br />

opportunity to instruct summer students, working<br />

with the 4-H Clubs, on various safety lessons like<br />

Baby Sitting. Many are <strong>no</strong>t aware of the information<br />

a teen should k<strong>no</strong>w before taking responsibility.<br />

We provided Fire Safety on-the-job training for the<br />

employees at the Hampton Inn of Titusville. The<br />

ones that attended the training re<strong>all</strong>y enjoyed the<br />

information that they were given, learning never to<br />

ig<strong>no</strong>re a fire alarm. They also understand that<br />

they should always report any suspicious activities<br />

to help fight<br />

arson.<br />

The Day of<br />

Dance with<br />

Parr<strong>is</strong>h at Sand<br />

Point Park was<br />

a<strong>no</strong>ther great<br />

community<br />

event with many<br />

vendors. The<br />

American Police<br />

H<strong>all</strong> of Fame<br />

and T.F.E.S.<br />

worked together to provide the citizens of Titusville<br />

a great event concluding Fire Prevention<br />

Week th<strong>is</strong> year. We saw more than 6000 students<br />

and v<strong>is</strong>ited more than 14 school locations, providing<br />

two “Walk Th<strong>is</strong> Way” events at Apollo and<br />

Mims Elementary. We also partnered with the<br />

YMCA while teaching Fire Safety to school students.<br />

That same weekend we were at the Hunt<br />

for Reds in October, where more than 1500<br />

people attended the two-day event. We had Fire<br />

Engines on d<strong>is</strong>play and Pub Ed Task Force<br />

members were at both events.<br />

Our department employees also helped to<br />

increase the number of CPS /Child Passenger<br />

Safety Technicians for our department. Three<br />

new nation<strong>all</strong>y certified techs helping to check the<br />

safety of children in our community <strong>is</strong> a very good<br />

thing.<br />

Department engine crews and members of Lowes<br />

store staff also conducted a door-to-door d<strong>is</strong>tribution<br />

program in manufactured home communities<br />

to help test and inst<strong>all</strong> smoke detectors and CO<br />

detectors.


♦<br />

Prevention did receive a grant from Wal-Mart and a<br />

mini-grant from the local Pilot Club for the purchase<br />

of bike helmets. We d<strong>is</strong>tributed about 80 bike<br />

helmets to one elementary school and 80 more bike<br />

helmets to a<strong>no</strong>ther school at their family fitness fest.<br />

There was a safety day at Timber Trace Apartments<br />

and a Safety Day at Home Depot. Child safety<br />

seats were checked and d<strong>is</strong>tributed, as well as bike<br />

helmets, and safety tips for people of <strong>all</strong> ages.<br />

Senator Thad Altman attended the Home Depot<br />

event in support of the Booster Seat Bill.<br />

It <strong>is</strong> so important that one<br />

should always understand the<br />

cost of an item does <strong>no</strong>t<br />

matter if you do <strong>no</strong>t k<strong>no</strong>w how<br />

to properly use it. A parent<br />

told me the other day that she<br />

paid over $200.00 for her<br />

child’s seat - she didn’t need<br />

for it to be checked. In our<br />

county over 90% of children are<br />

traveling at r<strong>is</strong>k each day.<br />

Titusville<br />

citizens<br />

and v<strong>is</strong>itors<br />

can get<br />

their safety<br />

instruction<br />

for free.<br />

66 Plans Reviewed<br />

79 Preliminary Inspections<br />

973 Commercial Inspections<br />

36 Other Inspections<br />

182 Re-inspections<br />

On Sunday, October 18, 2009<br />

we ho<strong>no</strong>red<br />

the<br />

122 F<strong>all</strong>en Firefighters<br />

who gave the ultimate sacrifice<br />

of their lives to protect us<br />

On-Going Community Service Projects<br />

We ask you for your continuing support.<br />

To date, city employees and community members have donated<br />

more than 624 pounds of food to our Food Drive Project. The food<br />

was delivered to the local food pantries for d<strong>is</strong>tribution. Drop off<br />

points for food items include bins at City H<strong>all</strong>’s main and second<br />

floors and any Titusville fire station, including Headquarters.<br />

For more information, go to:<br />

http://www.titusville.com/News.aspNewsID=279<br />

We have also volunteered to serve as official drop-off points for the Marine Corp Reserve TOYS for TOTS<br />

program. Through December 18 th , new, unwrapped gifts can be<br />

dropped off at any Titusville fire station or at Headquarters for d<strong>is</strong>tribution<br />

to local children by TOYS for TOTS in time for Chr<strong>is</strong>tmas. For<br />

more information, go to:<br />

http://www.titusville.com/News.aspNewsID=285


As part of our hiring process, firefighters<br />

must also complete and pass the combat<br />

ch<strong>all</strong>enge. Recently, candidates were<br />

put through the “ch<strong>all</strong>enge” which<br />

cons<strong>is</strong>ts of the Ke<strong>is</strong>er sled, dragging a<br />

dummy, ladder climbing, and hose drag,<br />

to name a few.<br />

Ben Lees<br />

Naudere Ghajar-Dowlatshahi<br />

William Woznicki<br />

Zackery Boone<br />

Jesse Benton<br />

As a result of our recent hiring<br />

process, these five young men were<br />

selected to fill our open firefighter<br />

positions. Not only did they pass the<br />

combat ch<strong>all</strong>enge, but also a written<br />

test and interview board.<br />

Congratulations, gentlemen, and<br />

welcome!


In April of th<strong>is</strong> past year, as<br />

heavy rain and lightning storms<br />

were passing through our area,<br />

lightning struck th<strong>is</strong> apartment<br />

complex on Riveredge Drive.<br />

The fire was contained to one<br />

unit with only mi<strong>no</strong>r smoke<br />

damage to two adjoining units.<br />

In September crews were c<strong>all</strong>ed to<br />

a possible structure fire after<br />

lightning struck a residence.<br />

Our fire crews were c<strong>all</strong>ed<br />

out to a plane crash in<br />

September at Space Coast<br />

Regional Airport. A freak<br />

accident (stuck throttle)<br />

sent th<strong>is</strong> sm<strong>all</strong> engine<br />

plane barreling across a<br />

runway and into the<br />

breezeway of the Jet<br />

Center. Fortunately <strong>no</strong><br />

one was on board and <strong>no</strong><br />

injuries were reported.<br />

Stat<strong>is</strong>tic<strong>all</strong>y speaking:<br />

Jan. 1 – Nov. 30, 2009<br />

Aircraft Incidents = 1<br />

Lightning Strikes = 8<br />

(*Note: The 8 lightning strikes reported resulted in<br />

fire of either vegetation/woodlands or structures.)


TFES Firefighters recently completed Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) training. Th<strong>is</strong> cons<strong>is</strong>ts of a simulator<br />

aircraft which <strong>is</strong> set on fire via remote control while using clean burning propane fuel. The firefighters<br />

must clear a path through burning debr<strong>is</strong> and rescue potential victims still aboard the aircraft. In conjunction<br />

with Space Coast Executive Airport staff, Firefighters from Orlando-Sanford International Airport and Melbourne<br />

International Airport, ARFF training has our crews well prepared for an incident of th<strong>is</strong> type.<br />

1 2 3<br />

Our firefighters also completed annual Search & Rescue / Mayday!!<br />

training. Th<strong>is</strong> exerc<strong>is</strong>e hones their skills on teamwork under ment<strong>all</strong>y<br />

and physic<strong>all</strong>y ch<strong>all</strong>enging conditions (photo #1), black out conditions<br />

(photo #2 & #3), and of course search and rescue with “victim” removal<br />

(photo #4). Mayday!! training helps firefighters prepare for the worst<br />

possible scenario–a trapped, injured or lost firefighter and the tasks and<br />

skills needed to ass<strong>is</strong>t in their own rescue from a life-threatening atmosphere.<br />

Communications, air supply and escape procedures are also<br />

rehearsed to enable firefighters to overcome panic and stress for their<br />

own survival.<br />

4


One skill our crews demonstrate excellence in <strong>is</strong> vehicle extrication. Quick access and<br />

removal of a trauma victim from tw<strong>is</strong>ted wreckage <strong>is</strong> a must in meeting the “golden hour”<br />

time window. Th<strong>is</strong> “clock” starts ticking at the time of impact, and providing the patient<br />

with advanced medical treatment within 60 minutes including delivery for surgical<br />

intervention may mean the difference between a positive versus a negative outcome.<br />

TFES recently received a grant from the Space Coast EMS<br />

Adv<strong>is</strong>ory Committee for the purchase of the EZ-IO Bone Gun<br />

Injector. What may sound painful re<strong>all</strong>y <strong>is</strong>n’t, and th<strong>is</strong> advanced<br />

skill <strong>is</strong> a must for certain patients to have a chance of<br />

survival in certain instances. Specific<strong>all</strong>y, patients who may<br />

have a comprom<strong>is</strong>ed access to IV sites due to burns or large<br />

amounts of blood loss, our Paramedics can access the bone<br />

marrow in the lower “shin” area. Lifesaving IV fluids for blood<br />

volume replacement and medications can be given the same in<br />

an IV site as in the hand or arm. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> also a valuable tool for<br />

IV access in the unresponsive pediatric patient who may have<br />

limited sites for Paramedics to provide fluids and medications.<br />

Th<strong>is</strong> tool replaces the traditional method of “boring in” manu<strong>all</strong>y.<br />

A<strong>no</strong>ther item purchased with the grant money <strong>is</strong> the RAD-57<br />

Carbon Mo<strong>no</strong>xide Pulse Oximetry monitor. Research has<br />

revealed new and more specific numbers of carbon mo<strong>no</strong>xide<br />

(CO) produced during interior structural firefighting. Despite the<br />

protective breathing apparatus, firefighters still incur levels of<br />

CO po<strong>is</strong>oning, which before had gone undetected. Every firefighter<br />

<strong>no</strong>w <strong>is</strong> measured upon exiting the burning structure and<br />

must meet required outcomes before returning to combat duties.<br />

Currently, TFES <strong>is</strong> the only department in the <strong>no</strong>rth Brevard<br />

region to provide th<strong>is</strong> evaluation to its personnel, as well<br />

as other agencies that may be ass<strong>is</strong>ting at the same scene.<br />

We will also utilize th<strong>is</strong> on patients for diag<strong>no</strong>stic purposes.<br />

TFES EMTs and Paramedics operate on scene under a written set of “standing orders” or “protocols”.<br />

Each year under the direction of our Medical Director, the countywide protocols are assessed for<br />

needed additions or deletions based on the standard of care nationwide. New techniques coming into<br />

place are post arrest cold therapy and we will be adding new medications for cardiac problems our<br />

patients may incur. Our rescue teams remain very proactive in research and providing top care.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!<br />

Jody Shipton Dec 13<br />

John DeVoss Jan 27<br />

I would like to take th<strong>is</strong> time to thank each and every one of you<br />

for <strong>all</strong> that you do throughout the year. Your service to th<strong>is</strong><br />

department <strong>is</strong> invaluable. We are blessed that each of you <strong>is</strong> a<br />

part of our team!<br />

I would also like to w<strong>is</strong>h you a very Merry Chr<strong>is</strong>tmas and a joyous<br />

and prosperous New Year!<br />

Again, Thank You!<br />

LaWanda Park<br />

KAREN RESHEL<br />

Karen Reshel has been a member of our volunteer staff<br />

since April 2005. Every Wednesday morning from 9–<br />

12 you can find Karen at the reception<strong>is</strong>t desk answering<br />

phones, ass<strong>is</strong>ting customers, sorting mail, faxing<br />

documents, and filing. Karen and her husband Al have<br />

three children and four grandchildren. Her previous<br />

work included working for the Federal Government for<br />

30 years, beginning with the Department of Agriculture<br />

in Washington, D.C. and retiring from Cape Canaveral<br />

AFS in 1994. She <strong>is</strong> a singer in the First Presbyterian<br />

Church choir. Her volunteer<strong>is</strong>m with our department <strong>is</strong><br />

invaluable. Thank you for <strong>all</strong> you do, Karen!<br />

Our Favorite Recipes<br />

Hot Crab Dip<br />

1 pound fresh lump crab meat<br />

3/4 cup mayonna<strong>is</strong>e<br />

1-1/4 cups grated mild Cheddar cheese<br />

1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning<br />

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce<br />

1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard<br />

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine mayo, 1 cup<br />

cheese, and seasonings and mix well. Gently fold in crab<br />

meat. Spoon mixture into 1 qt. Casserole and top with<br />

remaining cheese. Sprinkle with dash of Old Bay. Bake<br />

15 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble around the<br />

edges. Serve with crackers or petite slices of French<br />

bread.<br />

Beer Cheese Spread<br />

1 8-oz package shredded Colby/Jack cheese (room temp)<br />

1 8-oz package sharp Cheddar cheese at room temp.<br />

1/2 cup beer<br />

1 tsp. garlic powder<br />

1 tsp. dry mustard<br />

1/8 tsp. salt<br />

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce<br />

1/4 tsp. Tabasco<br />

In bowl, combine first nine ingredients. Cover and chill for<br />

8 hours. Cut the top fourth off a round loaf of bread.<br />

Carefully hollow out bottom of loaf, leaving about 1/2 inch<br />

shell. Fill shell with dip. Serve with bread from the hollow,<br />

and or crackers and veggies. Yields 6 cups.


Volunteer Awards Luncheon<br />

TFES Community Volunteers were ho<strong>no</strong>red with a<br />

luncheon for their service to the department at a cookout<br />

held at Station 11. Th<strong>is</strong> year’s theme was<br />

“Our Treasured Volunteers”. The admin<strong>is</strong>trative clerical<br />

staff provided themed decorations and food.<br />

The community volunteer program was initiated in 1995<br />

and has become essential to department operations. In<br />

2008, volunteers contributed 1,678 hours of service from<br />

January to December. They performed various tasks<br />

including reception<strong>is</strong>t, cartographer, log<strong>is</strong>tics special<strong>is</strong>t,<br />

author, proofreader, party planner, filing special<strong>is</strong>t,<br />

spreadsheet enthusiast, photo h<strong>is</strong>torian, and much more.<br />

Our volunteers continue to be one of our<br />

most valued assets.<br />

Community Volunteers<br />

Chaplain John DeVoss<br />

Volunteer since 1996<br />

Anne Oliver<br />

Volunteer since 2003<br />

Olga Gomez<br />

Volunteer since 1996<br />

Jody Shipton<br />

Volunteer since 2002<br />

Bonnie Smith<br />

Volunteer since 2003<br />

Jane Williamsen<br />

Volunteer since 2004<br />

Catherine Simpkins<br />

Volunteer since 2007<br />

Karen Reshel<br />

Volunteer since 2005<br />

Entertainment was<br />

provided by<br />

grillmasters/firefighters<br />

extraordinaire, Bob Allard,<br />

Mike Woodward, and<br />

Daryle Blankenship.<br />

Trevor Canada<br />

Volunteer since 2008<br />

Leslie Morgan<br />

Volunteer since 2009

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