annual report-2008.pdf - The City of Titusville, Florida

ANNUAL REPORT—2008TITUSVILLEFire and Emergency ServicesDepartment

Motto: Service doesn’t come from amanual—it comes from the heart.As Titusville Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief, it is with great pride that I present ourdepartment’s 2008 Annual Report. This report provides an overview of the services that yourfire department provides and identifies our accomplishments over the past year. It is ourhope that this report helps our community better understand the various responsibilities andactivities that we are challenged with every day in protecting you and your property from “allhazards” that can affect your quality of life.This past year presented many challenges, particularly Amendment 1, which resulted in theloss of a few key positions within the department. As our calls for service continue toincrease and revenue sources continue to decline, it is becoming increasingly more difficult tomanage our budgets to the bottom line while providing for the safety of both our personneland our citizens. We will continue to do the best we can to serve you with the resources withwhich we are provided.One of the ways we continue to provide some of our services is through the assistance of ourcommunity partners. Due to their support we have been able to take proactive measures atno cost to the public, to better ensure our community’s safety by providing injury prevention,fire prevention, child safety seat installation, and CPR classes. We also provide vials of life,bicycle helmets, and carbon monoxide and smoke detector installations.Our department volunteer program also assists the department in meeting many of our day today office activities. Without their contributions, we would not be able to do what we do in fireheadquarters. Our fire prevention division does a wonderful job of ensuring our businesscommunity remains vigilant in their fire safety practices and that new constructing meets allfire codes—codes that protect both our fire fighters and our citizens from the detrimental impactsof a fire.None of the accomplishments in this report could be obtained without the dedicated men andwomen in our department who daily perform to the best of their abilities and put themselves inharms way while protecting you, your families and your property. It is my honor and privilegeto lead this department and it is my fervent hope that you will never need our services.However, in the event you ever do need us we will make your situation better by the serviceswe provide.In your service,Charles R. BogleFire ChiefPost Office Box 2806 Titusville, FL 32781-2806 (321) 383-5708 www.titusville.com

VISION STATEMENTTitusville Fire and Emergency Services Departmentshall be the leading provider of emergency servicesin the community it serves.MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Titusville Fire and EmergencyServices Department is to provide the community withemergency services by highly trained, professional personnelin an expedient and effective manner. Furthermore, it is ourduty to protect and promote the health, safety and overallwell being of the community we serve.Our commitment is to:GUIDING PRINCIPLES• Promote teamwork• Respect others• Be open-minded• Be progressive and responsive to change• Encourage input• Foster a positive and safe work environment• Encourage and recognize initiative and creativity• Set goals and achieve results

FireChiefFireChaplain(Volunteer)AdministrativeSecretary(Temporary)Division Chiefof OperationsDivision Chief ofAdministrationClericalAssistant IISecretaryCommunityVolunteersLogistics SpecialistEMS/TrainingChiefBattalionChief(3)Station 10Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (3)Station 11Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (4)Station 12Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (4)Station 13Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (3)Senior InspectorInspector I(Contractual)Life SafetySpecialistClericalAssistant I(P/T)1

Executive leadership of the Fire and Emergency Services Department is the responsibility of the FireChief. Visioning, planning, managing and successfully positioning the department to meet the currentand future emergency needs of our community are vital functions of this position.Fire Chief Charles R. BogleFire Chief Chuck Bogle joined Titusville Fire and Emergency Services as afirefighter in 1986, promoting through the positions of Lieutenant, BattalionLieutenant and Acting Operations Chief. He achieved the rank of DivisionChief/Fire Marshal, overseeing the fire inspection and the public educationsections of the department. As division chief, he also served as thedepartment’s Financial Manager, monitoring the expenditures of the departmentand assisting with long range budget forecasting. As division chief, he servedas the second-in-command of the Fire and Emergency Services Department.At the request of the City Manager, he assumed the position of CommunityDevelopment Director in mid-2005, overseeing the functions and activities of the Building, Planning,Engineering, Economic Development and Neighborhood Services divisions. He served in this capacityfor 2 years before accepting the position of Fire Chief in November of 2007.As Fire Chief, Chief Bogle also fulfills the function of the city’s Emergency Manager, directing emergencymitigation, response and recovery efforts city-wide. His education credentials include a B.S. Degree inBusiness Administration, A.S. Degree in Fire Science, State of Florida Fire Inspector, State of FloridaFire Officer I, State of Florida Pump Operator, and State of Florida Emergency Medical Techniciancertification.Administrative Assistant Kathy Mosley, a 36-year department member, providesdirect support assistance to the position of Fire Chief and to the division chiefs. A partof the department’s executive leadership team, she leads and completes specialprograms and assignments in support of the leadership, management and visioningfunctions of the department. Officially retired during mid-2008, she returned to assistthe department under temporary contract, working directly with the fire chief andassisting with city emergency management functions.Fire Chaplain John DeVoss, one of our department’s community volunteers, hasserved in this support role since mid-1996. He is available 24/7, providing aid andcomfort to our community members in times of crisis. He also aids and counsels ouremployees after particularly difficult emergencies and participates with us in specialprograms and on department committees.2

The Operations Chief oversees the operational aspects of the departmentand directly supervises the EMS/Training Chief, the shift Battalion Chiefsand the Volunteer Coordinator. Operations Chief Mike Woodward, whohas 16 years of fire service experience, leads the division. He is a memberof the department’s executive leadership team and also serves as the FireBranch Director under the City’s Emergency Plan.Clerical Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator LaWandaPark leads the clerical support component of the Operations Division. As VolunteerCoordinator, she directs the work and functions of our cadre of citizen members whoserve the department as community volunteers. She is also the department’sdesignated computer power user, assisting team members with overcomingcomputer challenges and is the administrator of our statistical data-base program.Division Chiefof OperationsBattalionChief(3)Clerical Assistant IIThe Operations Division contains the largest staffingcomponent of the department. It is responsiblefor the management and response to emergencysituations, the training and skills maintenance of itsmembers, the maintenance of its apparatus andequipment and the supervision of the clericalpersonnel assigned to support its functions andresponsibilities.Station 10Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (3)Station 11Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (6)Station 12Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (3)Firefighters (6)Station 13Lieutenants (3)Driver-Ops. (6)Firefighters (6)CommunityVolunteersEMS/TrainingChief3

The majority of our resources, tangible and human, are dedicated to the Operations Division. We are recognizedas one of the most aggressive interior fire organizations in our county. Our firefighters are willingto push the envelope to maintain the safety of those requiring emergency service. But, we are also notafraid to show our “softer side”, displaying empathy and compassion to those in need. It’s all aboutproviding what is needed by our citizens to support their needs and respond to their emergencies..The effectiveness of this division, however, is dependent upon all the other support elements of ourdepartment. This necessitates a high degree of teamwork among the divisions and between the variouslevels of our organization.Titusville’s firefighters operate on a rotating 24-hour shift, grouping personnel in 3 shifts, calledbattalions. During each 24-hour period, the control of shift activities is overseen by a battalion chief, whosupervises the activities of four fire stations and their personnel, and provides command presence atemergency incidents. The immediate supervision provided at each station is by the station lieutenant.The crew under the lieutenant’s command is comprised of driver-operators and firefighters. (The totalnumber of crew personnel on duty in a fire station is typically 3-4 personnel.)Battalion ChiefRod DonhoffBattalion I—Station #10L-R: Driver-Operator Richard Irvine, Lieutenant RobertSteinmetz, Firefighter/Paramedic Chris ColonA 6-year employee, with 21 years offirefighting background, BattalionChief Donhoff leads the activities ofBattalion 1. Also qualified as aparamedic, his additional responsibilitiesinclude monitoring and overseeingthe ordering and stocking of thedepartment’s emergencymedical supplies and equipment.4

Driver Operator/ParamedicAlan ColquhounJuly 21, 1975—February 13, 2009Our department cultivates working relationshipsand enters into assistance agreements withother fire service agencies in our area. Whenthe emergency is unusually large in scope or ifmultiple events are occurring simultaneouslyrequiring additional personnel and resources,mutual aid is requested from other localjurisdictions and agencies.Battalion 1—Station #11L-R: Lieutenant Rodney Perry, Firefighter Bobby Crocker,Firefighter/Paramedic Danny Ellis, Driver-Operator/Paramedic Alan ColquhounAid Provided to Brevard County: 35• Structure Fires: 1• Motor Vehicle Accident: 7• EMS: 9• Motor/Vehicle Fires: 3• Wildfires: 2• Trash/Rubbish/Grass Fires: 2• Other: 11Aid Received from Brevard County: 5• Structure Fires: 2• Motor Vehicle Fire: 2• Wildland fires: 1Aid Received from Other Agencies: 2• Wildland Fires: 1• Water Rescue: 1Battalion 1—Station #12L-R: Firefighter/Paramedic Tommy Duncan, Driver-Operator/Paramedic Chad Lindquist, Driver-Operator John McIntyre(not pictured: Lieutenant Mike Chiles)5

2008 Calls By 24 Hour Clock2008 Calls By Day8-12 p.m. 15%12-4 a.m. 10%4-8 a.m. 10%Fri14%Sat16%Sun12%Mon14%4-8 p.m.21%12-4 p.m.22%8-12 a.m.22%Thu14%Wed15%Tue15%Battalion 1—Station #13L-R: Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Hall, Driver-Operator/Paramedic Tiffany Callahan, FirefighterDon Pierce, Lieutenant/Paramedic Dave Williams,Driver-Operator/Paramedic David CodyNumber of vehicleaccidents:310EMS2008 Fire & Emergency CallsTotal Calls: 64631328OtherFire203Poisonings/Drug Ingestions: 45Carbon Monoxide Incidents: 249326

Battalion ChiefChris ThrelkeldBattalion 2 is led by Battalion Chief Threlkeld. He has 18years of fire service experience, 15 of which have been withTitusville. Also certified as a paramedic, he has been asupervisor for 8.5 years. His position responsibilities alsoinclude oversight of our vehicle and equipment maintenanceand repair.Incident Response by Station - 2008250032%2000150017%29%22%Station 10Station 111000500Station 12Station 13HQ0Station10Station11Station12Station13HQObstetrical Calls: 15Battalion 2—Station #10L-R: Driver-Operator/Paramedic Brook Smith, Lieutenant Brian Litterilla,Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Barna7

2008 Fire Calls28106554Natural Vegetation FiresSpecial FiresRubbish Fires46Vehicle FiresStructure FiresBomb Threats/ WMD Calls: 3• Educational Inst.(Sports Venue): 2• Commercial: 1Animal Rescues: 6Battalion 2—Station #11L-R: Driver-Operator/Paramedic Jeff Harris, Firefighter JohnHustoles, Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski, FirefighterMatt Bowman1995 to 2008 Fire Response Statistics30025020015010050095 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08YearNumber of drownings: 08

The combat members of the Operations Division work a 24-hour shift. The recurrence of these shiftsduring a 6-week schedule is based on a unique rotating “school schedule”. This allows firefighters theability to continue their college education on their off-duty days on rotations normally adopted bycolleges. Battalion I can take advantage of Tuesday/Thursday classes, and Battalion 2 can availthemselves of Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes.Titusville’s Fire Fighters:# of Battalion Chiefs: 3 # also Paramedics: 26 (51% of combat)# of Lieutenants: 12 # also EMT: 25 (49%of combat)# of Driver-Oper.: 15 Average Age: 37 years# of Firefighters: 21 Years of Service: 12.3 (averaged)2-Year Degrees: 21 4-Year Degrees: 6Battalion 2—Station #12L-R: Lieutenant Frank Neeld, Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Abernathy, FirefighterRoss Griffith, Driver-Operator/Paramedic Randy Moore• During 2008, 2 aircraft-relatedemergencies occurred, with 3deaths reported.• The department also providedflight stand-bys for landing of16 large-capacity jet liners, aswell as on-site support for theValiant Air Command ShowNumber of Community BloodPressures Checked:1254Our department provides blood pressure checks at every fire station. In addition, on Sunday morningsfrom 10-11 a.m., we staff 4 community locations to provide this free health service throughout ourcommunity:Publix Store, Inc.: 1925 Knox McRae Dr.Searstown Mall: 3550 S. Washington Ave.Publix Store, Inc.: 3265 Garden StreetTitusville Towers: 405 Indian River Avenue9

Of structure fires responded to in2008, smoke detectors were presentin only 29% of the structures. Ofthose present, 34% failed to signaloccupants of the presence of firebecause of missing/dead batteries.Battalion 2—Station #13L-R: Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Johnson, Driver-Operator/ParamedicDavid Higginbotham, Lieutenant Bill Feagan, Firefighter/ParamedicLucas Senger, Driver-Operator/Paramedic Jeremy HouseThrough the generosity of partneragencies, such as Parrish MedicalCenter and Wal-Mart Supercenter,the department provides free smokedetectors and carbon monoxidedetectors to low income families.Titusville’s Fire and Emergency Services Department is an all-hazard department, responding todiverse emergency and service situations ranging from fires to vehicle accidents to medicalcalls and bio-hazard emergencies. Our department also prides itself on its level ofnon-emergency services to our community members, such as patient lift assists, emergencywater shut-offs and “rescuing cats in trees”.Our motto:Service doesn’t come from a manual—it comes from the heart.Fire Dept Calls for Service700060004995 49495168 53255862 60506259 6394 646350004000300020001000000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 0810

Battalion ChiefDaryle BlankenshipBattalion 3—Station #10L-R: Firefighter/Paramedic Greg Sutton, LieutenantRoland Carpenter, Driver-Operator Chris HittBattalion Chief Blankenship is in chargeof Battalion 3. He has a total of 28 yearsof firefighting experience, 25 of whichhave been with Titusville and 6 in a supervisorycapacity. Chief Blankenship is alsoresponsible for the maintenance andupkeep of department facilities.Battalion 3—Station #12L-R: Lieutenant Phil Jones, Firefighter JohnnyHigginbotham, Firefighter/Paramedic Lisa Caron,Driver-Operator/Paramedic Scott EinkopfBattalion 3—Station #11L-R: Firefighter David Neeld, Driver-Operator Wally Kohler,Lieutenant/Paramedic Jerry Ford, Firefighter Brian Hahn11

Battalion 3—Station #13L-R: Firefighter Adam Vaknin, Firefighter ShawnHolbrook, Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Strong, Driver-Operator/Paramedic Doug Chamberlain, Lieutenant/Paramedic Brian MarfittA Firefighter’sday isn’t agame ofcheckersIn the middle of the twentieth century, we allwatched Beaver visit his friend, Gus theFireman, and watched as they played arousing round of checkers. But, the jobresponsibilities of a Firefighter in the twentyfirstcentury is no longer a game.Number of bicycle accidents: 8• Bicycle versus motor vehicle: 2• Falls from bicycles: 5• Bicycle versus pedestrian: 1• Average age of bicyclist: 31 yearsPedestrian accidents: 9We often refer to our fire department as an“all hazards” department. That means ourfirefighters don’t sit around the fire housewaiting for the fire bell to go off. Titusville’sfirefighter job responsibilities consist ofmultiple disciplines: structural firefighting,vehicle accidents, medical services, confinedspace rescues, water rescues, hazardousmaterials responses, aircraft responseand rescue, wildland fires, public educationand community services. When a firefighteris not dealing with an emergency call, thereare equipment, station maintenance, andtraining, training, training, training .When community and firefighter lives are atstake, it’s no game.12

EMS/Training Chief Robert Allard is a 4 year employee with over 26 years ofexperience. In addition to his responsibility overseeing the emergency medicalresponses of our department and providing training in all disciplines to divisionalpersonnel in skills maintenance of mandated and desired training areas, he isalso our department’s Medical Quality Assurance Officer, Safety Officer andInfectious Disease Control Officer.20%2008 EMS CallsBy Patient Age15%10%5%Average median patient age of emergency medical servicecalls in 2008 was 58 years of age: Titusville’s medianpopulation age is 41 years (2000 census)0%0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99 100-+Age76.3% of emergency calls responded toin 2008 by our department fell withinthe emergency medical service fields.All Titusville fire stations and all of ourfirst-run units provide Advanced LifeSupport (ALS), an enhanced level ofemergency care for our community.◙ Of 1068 trauma calls, 801required transport to ahospital facility by groundtransportation◙ 80 trauma calls were severeenough to call a “traumaalert” and 72 were transportedto a certified traumacenter via helicopter (31%were vehicle v.s. motorcyclecrashes)◙ Level 1 Trauma Centertransport was initiated for 15patients with severe burns(>10% body surface area)◙ Treated 20 gun shot wounds◙ Responded to 31 stabbings◙ Present at 15 obstetricalevents◙ Conducted 10 water rescues◙ Responded to 232 pediatriccalls (0-14 years of age)6412319062008 EMS CallsTotal: 49321594797340Other Medical CVA IllnessTrauma Respiratory Cardiac RelatedNOTE: OTHER MEDICAL includes such emergencies as: dizziness, insect stings,heat-related injuries, lightning strikes, patient lift assists, snake bites, etc.13

There is a vast difference in the scope of practice providedbetween Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).Roughly put, an EMT can treat the outside of a patient, whereas aParamedic can also treat the inside of a patient. More specifically,an EMT is able to provide basic life support such as bleedingcontrol, splinting, oxygen and compressions. However, theParamedic provides advanced life support in the form of IV’s,cardiac respiratory medications, advanced internal airway proceduresand cardiac defibrillation or pacing. An EMT completes aone-semester program with 225 contact hours with clinical experiencein the field and emergency room before being eligible forParamedic school. The Paramedic program is 1500 contact hoursover the course of one-year, with the student completing clinicalrotations in every facet of patient care within the hospitalsetting, as well as an intensive field internship. As an extension ofthe emergency room, the scope of practice provided by Paramedicsinclude skills utilized by nurses and respiratory therapists, and98% of their decisions and treatments are made without the adviceof the physician, by operating under approved and adoptedstanding orders and protocols. (Immediate ER physician contact isavailable 24/7 for direction, if needed.)Coupled with ALS, a rapid response to the emergency medicalscene and transport of the patient to the appropriate facility isvital for a positive outcome for the patient. In 2008, TitusvilleFire and Emergency Services averaged a 4.36 minute emergencyresponse time within the city. The national standard is to maintainan 8.00 minute or less response time, with national averagesactually being higher than the desired standard. The AmericanHeart Association states “advanced life saving procedures mustoccur within 4-6 minutes to assist any basic life support procedures(CPR) already in place”. A rapid response, assessment andappropriate ALS treatment by a Paramedic allows for immediateintroduction of defibrillation, cardiac pacing and medications suchas nitroglycerin and morphine so that a patient doesn’t have towait for later arrival at the hospital emergency room to havethese treatments applied. The Paramedic is also able to interpretadvanced 12-lead EKG’s and jump start the ER’s process ofmobilizing their cardiac heart catheterization team.As partners with Parrish Medical Center’s Acute CoronarySyndrome Team, this advance notification has PMC leading the wayin ”door to balloon” times, with their average time drastically lessthan the required state and national requirements. The same goesfor the Paramedic assessment and recognition of the patient experiencinga stroke. PMC’s accredited “stroke center” statuspermits patients to be expressed through the ER for furtheradvanced diagnostics and rapid intervention.As the population of Titusville ages, specialized training in elderlycare is emphasized in the education of Paramedics. Providing theALS level of service and rapid response and partnership with PMC,this group of cardiac and stroke patients are experiencing morepositive outcomes than ever. In 2008, Titusville Fire and EmergencyServices had a 27.9% success rate in resuscitation of our cardiacarrest patients; this compares to a national average of 1-2%, and42 patients were neurologically assessed and classified as “strokealert status” by on-scene emergency Paramedics. With theintroduction of post-arrest cold therapy implemented in the prehospitalsetting, along with PMC’s extended cold therapy treatmentfrom the ER to ICU, even better outcomes are predicted in thefuture. Nationwide cold-therapy studies have shown this new procedureis very favorable in the reduction of neurological deficit outcomesfor the patient.Advanced life support, rapid response times and a hand-in-handpartnership with PMC provides the best opportunity for our citizensand guests in Titusville when the unexpected emergency medicalincident happens. Community outreach programs such as Women’sHeart Health, Vials of Life, CPR for Citizens and First Aid/CPR forbabysitters helps ensure the chain of survival is afforded to all.ᄋ♥ 797 (16% of medical calls) werecardiac-related calls♥♥86 (10.8% of cardiac-related calls)involved cardiac arrest24 (27.9%) arrested patients weresuccessfully resuscitated by TitusvilleFire and Emergency Services personnelᄋ 42 patients were issued Stroke AlertStatus and transported to ParrishMedical Center14

Distribution of Training Hours2008(17,961.51 Hours)69%6%25%Admin/Misc. Fire EMSTraining categories include:• Confined space rescue• Vehicle extrication• Aircraft rescue/firefighting• Driver training• May Day training• Hazardous materials training• Emergency medical training• Water rescue• Firefighting skills/practices• Biohazard exposure/response• Wild fire training• Other specialized or specifictraining categoriesF.Y.I.:Training/Education Requirements⇒ Firefighter standardscertification requires 480hours⇒ Emergency medical techniciancertification (EMT) requires225 hours⇒ Paramedic certification (PM)requires up to 1500 hoursDepartment Training Hours200834%36%30%Battalion 1 = 5360.11 Battalion 2 = 6473.30Battalion 3 = 6128.1015

A firefighter’s job requires numerous training hours, both practical and classroom, to maintaincompetency levels in the most dangerous profession in the United States.Professionalism and firefighter safety can only be attained through diligent training—learning newskills and undergoing refresher training for previously mastered skill sets. State and federalrequirements also mandate continual training in the diverse areas that now comprise theresponsibilities of Titusville’s modern firefighter.We are called upon to do much more with fewer people and fewer budgetary resources. Weendeavor to overcome these challenges through a variety of initiatives. Department administrativetraining and support personnel and our field members are partners in our training and educationalprograms. Training initiatives run the gamut from formal classroom and field training byspecialized instructors, to battalion and crew training by the EMS/Training Officer, battalion chiefsand station lieutenants, to individual-driven training.The training calendar, developed by the EMS/Training Chief, is published annually and delineatesthe major training subjects and requirements for the year. We have been fortunate in securingtraining through cooperative agreements with other fire departments, outsideagencies and specialized private instructors.Helicopter Transport TrainingWater Rescue TrainingWherever possible, we havealso replaced expensive outsideinstruction with web-basedinteractive learning tools thatallow for self-paced individualfirefighter training. These havebeen very successful in meetingcompetency-base requirements,especially in meeting recertificationC.E.U. requirements.Time itself has also become apremium. As our emergencycall volume continues toincrease and additionaltraining mandates are added,the available hours in which totrain are continuing to beadversely affected.Live Fire TrainingPhysical ConditioningDriver-Operator TrainingWater DraftingFirefighter Rescue Training16

Our department initiated its community volunteer program in 1995 and ithas become an integral part of our administrative functions, essential toour department operations. In the past 13 years, volunteers have logged16,866.25 hours of service. A dollar cost values these accrued volunteerhours at $279,473.76*. Although priceless in our eyes, it is amazing thatour department has been enriched by more than a quarter of a milliondollars of donated services since the program started.These talented and valued individuals contribute their personal time to assistwith varied tasks and duties: receptionist, cartographer, logistics specialist,author, proofreader, party planner, filing specialist, spreadsheetenthusiast, photo historian and much more! In 2008, they worked 1,634 hours.*Adjusted 2008 wage base of $16.57 per hour—Bureau of Labor Statistics-Florida Salary Compensation Survey).Community Volunteer Hours Donated1995-20073,050.001,550.0050.0088.00574.001,205.75712.00403.25154.25192.25203.752,539.50 3,401.501,544.002,127.251995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20082,086.751,634.0017

Service doesn’tcome from amanual—itcomes fromthe heart!Neil Burnett11/24/23—1/13/09A volunteer for four years,Neil helped transform ourmap and complex books,converting them from handdrawnto software driven. Hewill be missed.Mariel SissonA volunteer for four years,Mariel spread cheeramong us all. She endedher volunteer time during2008 due to health issues.18

The Administration Services Division consists of three sections:Fire Prevention/Inspections, Public Education and Budgeting/Logistics.The Division is led by Administration Division Chief ScottGaenicke. Chief Gaenicke has been involved in the fire service for23 years and is a 21-year veteran of Titusville Fire and EmergencyServices. He also serves as our department’s Public InformationOfficer.The Division Chief of Administration provides management andoversight of the three sections, serves as our department’s chieffinancial officer and leads our budgetary team. He is a member of thefire chief’s executive management team. In addition to his regularlyassigned duties, Chief Gaenicke also serves as the OperationsSection Chief for city-wide emergency management functions.♦♦♦♦♦♦The primary focus of the sectionswithin theAdministration Division :PREVENTION!Fire Prevention/Inspection SectionSaves firefighter livesEnsures operating occupant emergencynotification and egressSupports business sustainability by minimizingdevastation from firesPublic Education SectionPrevents emergencies through awareness,education and responseTeaches appropriate responses whenemergencies do occurAdvocates safety practices throughout thecommunityBudgetingSectionAdministrativeSecretaryLogistics CoordinatorPublicEducationSectionLife SafetySpecialistDivision Chief ofAdministrationFirePrevention/InspectionsSectionArson Fires: 5Estimated Dollar Loss: $351,000Senior Fire InspectorFire InspectorClerical Assistant IP/T19

Fire prevention must be the primary focus for thereduction of fire losses, whether human orstructural. An accidental fire that is prevented fromstarting is a success. Fire codes are designed toprevent fires and limit the spread of accidental firesthat do occur to protect human life and minimizeproperty damage. This division enforces the city fire and life safety codes through proactive plans reviewprocesses, construction/system inspections, pre-licensing and annual commercial life safety inspections.Our customers expect enforcement of the fire codes to prevent the horrific tragedies of our past nationalexperience. This division also follows up on false alarms initiated by automatic alarm systems, addresses thecorrection of such system malfunctions and works in concert with our police department for investigation/prosecution if malicious intent is involved or is a result of chronic failure to address system problems.Plans ExaminedSenior Fire InspectorJustin ChaseFire InspectorMark WhortonFire Inspectors Chase and Whorton, with 14 years of combinedexperience within our department, perform commercial life safety,preliminary license, hood system and alarm system inspections.Their responsibilities include examination of site, building and firesuppression system (fire sprinkler, alarm and hood) plans.They are also instrumental in validating the continued safety of ourschools. Working in conjunction with the Brevard County SchoolBoard, they conduct annual fire safety inspections of our city’seducational facilities.• Site Plan: 73• Building Plans: 33• Sprinkler Plans: 23• Alarm Plans: 25• Hood Plans: 12• Rezoning, CUP, 0Variances :System Inspections• Sprinkler: 67• Alarm: 58• Hood: 18Clerical Assistant I (P/T)Ruth MillerClerical Assistant Ruth Miller hassupported our department for 6years (4 as a community volunteer)She provides direct support to thissection and maintains our commercialfire inspection records—dataentrythrough billing and collection.She also supports the activities ofthe Public Education Section.EDUCATIONENGINEERINGENFORCEMENT20

Commercial InspectionsF.Y.I.1441307AnnualCommercialInspectionsPreliminaryLicenseInspectionsFire inspections areconducted whenever abusiness/commercial occupancychanges and on an annual basis to ensureemergency exit lighting, fire extinguishers,building construction modifications,hazardous occupancy protections, etc.continue to meet fireprevention codes in order toprevent needless firesand protectour citizens.F.Y.I.Commercial cookingequipment requires theinstallation of a hoodsuppression system...whenflames become too highor too hot, the automatedsuppressionsystem activates andextinguishes theflames.System Inspections0186758Sprinkler InspectionsAlarm InspectionsHood InspectionsOther Inspections25,000False Alarm Billings in Dollars23,200False fire callscomprise a needless danger to ourfirefighters who respond in emergency modeto the alarm.20,00015,00010,0005,000017,98013,2505,2201,050 9002003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008In 2008, the department responded to a total of324 false fire calls, resulting either from maliciousintent or malfunctioning automatic fire alarms. Itis our mission to stop false calls, either throughprosecuting the perpetrators or mandating repairof alarm systems that continue to malfunction.Those structures which result in3 or more false calls within a 9-monthperiod are assessed a falsealarm fee for each additionalalarm.21

A 27-year employee, LifeSafety Specialist Reggie Belleleads, conducts and manageslife safety and injury preventionprograms within Titusville.Our department is proactive in developing and providing injury prevention and safety strategy programs tohelp protect the members of our community. Working with local partners in both civic and business arenasand through other state grant opportunities, we are able to offer a wide range of prevention programs dealingwith fire, weather emergencies, elder safety, vehicle occupant protection, bicycle and pedestrian safety. In2008, our department formed a Public Education Task Force, comprised of administrative and firefighting fieldpersonnel to address the increasing need for public education injury prevention classes and presentations.It is vital that our community is properly educated on injury prevention and life safety responses. The beststatistic to measure a successful public education program is no statistic at all. A statistical numbermeasures an accident, a fire, a bicycle injury that has occurred—what can’t be measured is effective lifesafety and injury prevention skills that prevents an incident from occurring.Safety Education Presentations35030025020015010050019981999200020012002200320042005200620072008As partners with ParrishMedical Center, ourdepartment initiated freecommunity-based C.P.R.classes to citizen membersover the the age of16. On-scene citizenC.P.R. is the vital firstlink in the chain of survivalfor cardiac victims.Station Tours Injury P revention Public Education Presentations22

Early detection of fire or abuild-up of carbon monoxideis critical to escape from theirdevastating effects. ThePublic Education Sectioncontinues its educationalprograms on fire safety—howto prevent them and what todo when faced with a fire orcarbon monoxide exposure.F.Y.I.Low incomefamilies use moredangerous alternateheating and lightingsources, such as ovens,portable heaters andcandles, which createsmore opportunities forhome fires to start. Inaddition, these homeshave a lower percentageof smoke detectors andsprinkler systemsinstalled, making theoccupants more vulnerableto injury and death.Through partnerships with Parrish MedicalCenter and funding from WalMart , Inc.,we have been able to continue our programof providing smoke and carbon monoxidedetectors free to low-income familiesDetector Distribution - 200830107Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide DetectorDistributionSmoke DetectorsCarbon Monoxide Detectors20015010050019981999200020012002200320042005200620072008F.Y.I.Carbon monoxide is a colorless,odorless silent killer.Even low levels of carbon monoxidecan have cumulativeeffects. If you have gas appliances,install a carbonmonoxide detector today!Smoke DetectorsCarbon Monoxide Detectors23

2008 Childseat Inspections and Installations22492ChildseatInstallationsChildseatInspections8007006005004003002001000Childseat Safety409424229269345158 224253 230124 157922003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008YearChildseat Installations Childseat InspectionsOur department provides freeclasses to teach parents andcaregivers everything about childrestraint seats: why they areneeded, their proper installation,the laws governing them, andhow to safely restrain infants andchildren in them.Low income families may alsoqualify under grants to purchasechild seats at reduced pricing.Through donations and grants, ourdepartment is able to distributefree bicycle helmets to localschool children.Bicycle Helmets Distributed in 2008: 26824

Secretary Diane Parker, a 13-year member of the department,provides clerical support for theAdministration Chief and theBudgeting Unit.She supports the financialaspects of the department, handling the purchasing,reconciliation, payroll and maintenance of thedepartment’s fiscal records.Logistics Specialist Frank Canadahas a 23-year background in the fireservice and facilitates the maintenance/repairof our buildings and theoperability of our systems, assuresmaintenance of personal protectiveequipment (PPE) and uniform clothingissues, along with the operability of radio and communicationequipment. He also maintains the apparatus,ladder, hose and equipment records.The budgeting unit handles all procurements for goods and services, unlimited purchaseorders from contracts, procurement of professional services, grant reconciliations andemployee payroll/payroll records. The logistic units oversees ordering and maintenance offirefighting protective equipment, radio and communication equipment, facilitymaintenance and maintains the department’s equipment and apparatus records.Department's General Fund BudgetComparison: Wages/Benefits Line Itemsto Operating Cost Line Items2004$4,382,9572005$4,645,9352006$5,000,6522003$4,283,8752007$5,322,3682008$5,943,404$6,000,000$5,000,000$4,000,000TotalOperatingCost$3,000,000$2,000,000TotalWages &Benefits$1,000,000Funding resources for our department are derived fromthree major sources: 1) City General Fund/CapitalOutlay; 2) Grants and Community Donations; and3) First Responder Fees from Brevard County.$-2002200320042005200620072008Our department manages to the bottom line, ensuring that we provide the levels of service established by our CityCouncil within the budgetary parameters approved. Approximately 88% of our general fund budget covers personnelcosts, with the remaining devoted to operating costs. This creates a growing concern since funding allocations foroperating expenses must remain relatively flat in order to meet the imposed budgetary bottom lines.25

FIRST RESPONDER FEE PROGRAMFirst Responder Fees are received through acontractual agreement with Brevard County FireRescue. As the first responding unit on the scene$89,534.09of a medical emergency, our personnel arrive on1999scene an average of 3 minutes before BCFR transportunits and initiate needed medical treatment for2000$86,827.032001$105,663.27the patient, package them for transport and, in the2002$134,120.83case of ALS calls, often provide continuity of care ofthe patient in the ambulance to the hospital.2003$145,631.43Regardless of the amount of personnel, equipment2004$160,340.98and supplies expended by the first respondingagency, no mechanism was in place to recoup our2005$173,923.70costs—only the transporting agency (BCFR) was2006$175,976.85receiving the transport availability fees paid by taxpayersand the reimbursement of the ambulance2007$183,605.31transport cost by the insurance companies.2008$196,823.90Because of these inequities, the municipal fire$0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 chiefs negotiated the First Responder Fee program,which structured a formula for cost reimbursementsfor first responder unit responses, medical directionbased on call volume and medical service level. The First Responder Fee program provides the majority of our departmentfunding to maintain the emergency medical care provided to our community.Life safety and injury prevention educationare critical components in preventing orminimizing catastrophic events or injuriesexperienced by our citizens.As our budgetary resources havediminished over the years, we transitionedthe funding and maintenance of these vitalprograms to resources outside of city funding.Grants, donations, partnerships andin-kind services are the foundation andsupport of our public education programs.$400,000.00$350,000.00$300,000.00$250,000.00$200,000.00$150,000.00$100,000.00$50,000.00$0.002008Grants/Donations/Goods & Services200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996$160,000.00$140,000.00$120,000.00$100,000.00$80,000.00$60,000.00$40,000.00$20,000.00$0.00Parrish Medical Center20092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996The partnership between Parrish MedicalCenter and Titusville Fire and EmergencyServices has been a constant since 1996.We have worked together to improve andenhance emergency medical services inour community through improved training,equipment, apparatus, and enhancedcommunity services.Note: This chart assigns a dollar figure to quantifythe value of the funds, equipment, and suppliesprovided by Parrish Medical Center to ourdepartment.26

In this year’s annual report, we are providing a brief overview of the department’spast twenty-five years, highlighting service enhancements, major initiatives andemergency response call loads. Statistical evaluations over the past 25 yearsproved interesting:1984 2008Population 36,701 45,688Response Area in Sq. Miles 17.73 30.45Number of Employees 59.00 60.50Transition fromBLS (EMT) to ALS (Paramedic)Service Delivery Directed byCity CouncilTransition toDepartmentwideBLS (EMT)Service DeliveryLevel Begins4th Fire Station (#12)Opened, Increased FFStaffing by 12, FirstAerial ApparatusPurchasedElimination of 5positions due tobudget cutsDepartment HazMatRecognitionResponse ProgramBeginsCommunityVolunteerProgramBeginsInjury Prevention/PublicEducationProgramsExpandedCity-wideEmergencyManagementSystemInitiated & Ledby Fire ChiefPublic Safety Referendum(Fire StationReplacements/ Repairs)Passes—All FacilitiesBegins 1999-Completed2002Thermal ImagingCameraCapabilityBeginsLimited WaterRescue Capability(Jet Skis)BeginsInitiatedElectronicdata-base(FIREHOUSE)Implementedelectronic softwarefor training84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 086000500040003000200010001984 to 2008 Response Statistics(Fire / EMS / Other / Total Responses)084 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08*Fires Other EMS Total CallsThe call load for emergencyrespones byour department hasincreased by 240%over the past 25 years.However, we arepleased to report thatfire calls haveremained (relatively)flat over the same timeperiod. This isattributable to firecode restrictions,improved product andtechnologicaladvances in fireprotection and ourstrengthened fireinspection and publiceducation programs.27

Over 250 years ago, Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Over the lastquarter century, our department has worked diligently to enhance the services provided to our citizens within the lifesafety and injury prevention fields. A diligent fire-prevention program and rapid response when fires do occur ensureseconomic sustainability. By preventing a fire from occurring through the elements of education, engineering andenforcement (fire triangle) and combat personnel trained, equipped and positioned to arrive timely and aggressivelyextinguish fires that do occur, businesses are kept from being destroyed. Effective fire prevention keeps businesses inbusiness, consumers able to continue to buy their goods or services and businesses able to sustain their revenues andprofits, which allows them to continue payments of taxes and permits to local, state and federal entities. Effective fireprevention keeps businesses in businessEducation of our citizenry in fire and injury prevention actions and responses and the diligent use and practice ofengineered protective measures such bicycle helmets, child seats, seat belts, fire sprinkler and smoke and carbonmonoxide detector installations, the use of Vials of Life, blood pressure monitoring and training in CPR and first aid allhelp to avoid or drastically mitigate the effects of fires, injuries and death.We have been able to accomplish much with little in the last quarter of a century. Our robust public education andinjury prevention programs have been sustained for the past decade (and, in some areas, enhanced) solely throughgrants, community donations and partnerships. But our emergency call load has increased over 240%, while ourcurrent staffing has declined through budget reductions to the levels of 25 years ago. It appears inevitable that ourability to maintain service delivery levels will be affected by the current and widespread economic downturn. Whileresources have been trimmed and will continue to be scrutinized, we recognize the challenging economic times facingour citizens. We are in this together and are as prepared as ever to respond when our citizens need us the most.EMERGENCY RESPONSE CALL LOAD1984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008*700065006000550050004500400019841985198619871988PERSONNEL LEVELS19891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008*35003000250020008070605040302028

The Employee of the Year Award is presented to amember of the department who, during the past year,has made the most significant contributions to themission and goals of the departmentThe Meritorious Service Award recognizes amember who, under adverse conditions, saves the lifeof another or otherwise performs their duties in anexemplary manner.ANNUALAWARDSThe Chief’s Choice Award is awardedat the discretion of the Fire Chief forexceptional or outstandingservice and performance by a member.The Exceptional Duty Award is in recognition of ahighly creditable accomplishment, which bringsacclaim to that member or the department as a whole.This award may be the result of training, devotion toduty, outstanding service to the public, etc.29

An HONORABLE SERVICE AWARD is awarded to member(s) for a credible act in theline of duty which is unusual in nature and shows initiative and or accomplishment.Note: Some employee’s received more than one Honorable Service Award for the current year. The number in the upper right of the picture denotes total number received bythe employee during his employment with the department.30

A UNIT CITATION AWARD is given to a company, a station, or a battalion for outstandingduty as a group. The duty may be a part of any fire service, rescue, or EMSrelatedaction.8/23/08 Motor Vehicle Accident @ S. Washington Avenue and Garden StreetBattalion ChiefDaryle BlankenshipFirefighter/EMTAlex BarnaFirefighterRoss GriffithDO/ParamedicJeff HarrisFF/EMTJohnnyHigginbothamLieutenant/PMBridget KozielskiLieutenantBrian LitterillaLieutenantFrank NeeldFF/ParamedicLucas SengerDO/ParamedicBrook Smith31

6/10/08: Vehicle Roll-over on I-95FF/ParamedicMichael AbernathyFirefighter/EMTAlex BarnaFF/EMTJohnnyHigginbothamDO/ParamedicDavidHigginbothamFirefighter/EMTShawn HolbrookDO/ParamedicJeremy HouseLieutenantPhil JonesLieutenantBrian LitterillaLieutenantFrank NeeldFF/ParamedicLucas SengerDO/ParamedicBrook Smith3/1/08: Aircraft Collision, Arthur Dunn AirparkEMS/Train. ChiefBob AllardLieutenantMike ChilesFF/ParamedicChris ColonDO/ParamedicAlan ColquhounFF/ParamedicBobby CrockerBattalion ChiefRod DonhoffFF/ParamedicDaniel EllisAdmin. ChiefScott GaenickeLieutenantPhil JonesDO/ParamedicChad LindquistDriver-OperatorJohn McIntyreLieutenantRodney PerryLieutenantBob SteinmetzOperations ChiefMike Woodward32

12/27/08: Structure FireFF/ParamedicMichael AbernathyBattalion ChiefRod DonhoffFirefighterRoss GriffithDO/ParamedicJeff HarrisFirefighterJohn HustolesFF/EMTJohnnyHigginbothamDO/ParamedicJeremy HouseFF/ParamedicMatt JohnsonLieutenantPhil JonesDO/ParamedicRandy MooreFF/ParamedicDavid NeeldLieutenantFrank NeeldFF/ParamedicLucas SengerDO/ParamedicBrook SmithOperations ChiefMike Woodward6/30/08: Capsized Vessel in Indian RiverFF/EMTJohnnyHigginbothamDO/ParamedicScott EinkopfDriver-OperatorWally KohlerElectronic Complex Book ProjectFire InspectorJustin ChaseDO/ParamedicDavid CodyCommunityVolunteerNeil Burnett33

All levels of the department’s organization have the opportunity to nominate asubordinate, peer, or supervisor to be considered for Employee of the Month.JANUARY 2008Fire InspectorJustin ChaseFEBRUARY 2008LieutenantBrian LitterillaMARCH 2008EMS/Training ChiefBob AllardAPRIL 2008DO/ParamedicChad LindquistMAY 2008LieutenantMike ChilesJUNE 2008Life Safety SpecialistReggie BelleJULY 2008Firefighter Don PierceLieutenant Mike ChilesAUGUST 2008FF/Paramedic Greg SuttonDO/Paramedic Jeremy HouseSEPTEMBER 2008DO/ParamedicBrook SmithOCTOBER 2008LieutenantBrian LitterillaNOVEMBER 2008Clerical Assistant IRuth MillerDECEMBER 2008Firefighter John Hustoles, DO/PM JeffHarris, DO/PM David Higginbotham34