Fire Chief Linual White - the City of Lompoc!

Fire Chief Linual White2005An All - Hazard, All - Risk, Full Service Fire DepartmentServing the Lompoc Community Since 1875

CITY COUNCILMayor Dick DeWeesCouncilman DeWayne HolmdahlCouncilwomen Janice KellerCouncilman Will SchuylerCITY ADMINISTRATORGary KeefeFIRE CHIEFLinual A. White, Jr.Councilman Mike Siminski2

TABLE OF CONTENTSChiefs Message ………………………………………………….. 4Goals of the Fire Chief ….………………………………………. 5Mission Statement ………………………………………………. 6Department Picture …………………………………………….. 7Department Roster ……………………………………………… 9Experience Matrix ………………………………………………. 10Demographics …………………………………………………. 11OperationsFire Investigations ……………………………………… 12Fire Prevention …………………………………………. 13Response Statistics ……………………………………. 14Public Education and Fire Camp ……………………… 17Emergency ServicesDisaster Planning ………………………………………… 20Hazardous Materials Team …………………………….. 21Confined Space ……………………………………….. 22Training/EMSTraining ……………………………………………….… 24Building and Fire SafetyNew Construction ……………………………………….. 30Inspections ………………………………………………. 33Plan Review …………………………………………….. 35Lompoc Firefighters Foundation ……………………………… 38International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1906 ……… 39Community RecognitionElks Club Fire Fighter of the Year ……………………. 42Promotions ……………………………………………………… 433

A MESSAGE FROMFIRE CHIEF LINUAL A. WHITE, JR.On behalf of the men and women of the LompocFire Department, I am pleased to present our 2005Annual Report. The contents of this report are thedirect results of the hard work and the commitmentto excellence that each and every memberpossesses.The Lompoc Fire Department continues to rise tothe occasion by providing the highest level ofservice in the areas of fire suppression, emergencymedical services, building and fire safety, publiceducation, and disaster preparedness.It is anticipated that increased service demands resulting from community growthand shrinking funding sources will challenge us to be more efficient and creativein our service delivery system. We know that with the support of the electedbody regarding long range planning that these future challenges will be met.I would like to thank the Council, the City Administrator, fellow department headsand the men and women of the Lompoc Fire Department for their support andcommitment to serving the citizens of Lompoc.Linual A. White, Jr.Fire Chief4

LOMPOC FIRE DEPARTMENTGOALS OF THE FIRE CHIEF1. To design and implement the mission, goals, objectives, and policies of thedepartment.2. Provide the citizens of Lompoc with the highest level of service givenavailable funding.3. Provide a safe working environment given the inherent danger of ourprofession.4. Make the office of the Fire Chief accessible to the citizens, departmentmembers, and other city employees.5. Establish a “We Are Here to Help” philosophy throughout the organization.6. Treat employees as valued members of the fire service family.7. Empower members of the department to make decisions.8. Increase accountability and reward members for creativity andaccomplishments.9. Create a sense of ownership and trust between the department, its members,and the community.10. Establish a teamwork approach to problem solving.11. Maintain open communications between all levels of the department.5

LOMPOC FIRE DEPARTMENTMISSION STATEMENTThe Lompoc Fire Department is dedicated to professionalism and acommitment to excellence, providing the highest level of servicepossible, safeguarding life, property, and the environment. Throughemergency preparedness, emergency response, and through thecoordination and enforcement of all building, fire, and housing codesestablished by state and local regulations.CORE VALUES OF THE LOMPOC FIRE DEPARTMENTPEOPLETreating people as we want our families treated and caring for theirproperty as if our ownTEAM AND FAMILYWorking as a team and caring as a family at all levels of the organizationINTEGRITYAmongst ourselves and with those we contactCOMMITMENTTo give our individual and departmental bestRESPONSIBILITYFor our duties, responsibilities, and actionsSAFETYThrough personal awareness and responsibility in preventing unnecessaryinjury and illness6

MEN AND WOMEN OF THE LOMPOCFIRE DEPARTMENTPhotography by Mike CollinsCITY OF LOMPOC FIRE DEPARTMENT 20057

Building and Fire Safety Division StaffEach member of the Division is dedicated in providing professional andcourteous service for the development community, home and business owners,and the public at large. We would all like to thank the City and the citizens ofLompoc for the opportunity to serve you.RICK CURTZEBUILDING OFFICIAL /FIRE MARSHALSUSAN CARRILLODEVELOPMENTSERVICE ASSISTANTKALVIN PACKETTSENIOR BUILDING INSPECTORBOB ARMETSENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR8

LOMPOC FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER2005FIRE CHIEFLinual A. White, Jr.ADMINISTRATIONCynthia HavensBATTALION CHIEFSAndrew Densmore** Robert Kovach Stan HartCAPTAINSMike Brown Jeff States Carl EdwardPaul Hill Mark Bray Scott NunezRoy Belluz*ENGINEERSJohn Moore Mark Clayton Chuck RudaChris Slavens Jeff Edman Steve TerronesFIRE FIGHTERSFred Halucka Sarah Marshall Dena FooseKyle Dodds Brian Federmann Matthew OsborneAnthony HudleyGus JureBUILDING/FIRE SAFETYRick CurtzeSusan Carrillo Bob Armet Kalvin Packett* Retired August 18, 2005** Retired December 30, 20059

DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCEBYPOSITIONRANK TOTAL AVERAGE AGE AVERAGE EXPERIENCE_____________________________________________________________Fire Chief 1 50 29.00 years _OSA IV 1 - 34.00 years _Dev Svrs Asst 1 - 6.00 years _Battalion Chief 3 50.30 26.67 years _Captains 6 45.00 18.17 years _Engineers 6 41.84 18.67 years _Fire Fighters 9 31.13 7.38 years _BO/FM 1 49.00 9.00 years _Sr Bld Inspect 2 52.5 7.00 years10

DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICSRANK TOTAL GENDER ETHNICITYFemale Male African Hispanic WhiteChief 1 1 1OSA IV 1 1 1Dev Srvs Asst 1 1 1Battalion Chief 3 3 3BO/FM 1 1 1Captain 6 6 1 5Engineer 6 6 6Fire Fighter 9 2 7 1 8Sr Bld Insp 2 2 2TOTAL 30 4 26 1 1 28Community Demographics, (Lompoc Valley Community Profile 2004)African American 7.3%Hispanic 37.3%White 65.8%11

OperationsOPERATIONS DIVISIONBATTALION CHIEF STAN HARTThe Operations Division is responsible for; daily firedepartment operations, fire investigations, personneltesting, OSHA compliance, self contained breathingapparatus program, Fire Camp, public educationprograms, policies and procedures, and budgeting andpurchasing.Battalion Chief Stan Hart was hired onto the Lompoc Fire Department in 1997.Previously he had worked for Santa Barbara City Fire Department for eighteenyears and the United States Forest Service for two years. He currently hastwenty-nine years of fire experience. He works a fifty-six hour work schedule andmanages one of three battalions working a twenty-four hour shift.The Lompoc Fire Department provides a multi-hazard emergency response to allthe citizens of the City. This response capability includes medical response,rescue operations, and fire control. One of our greatest challenges ismaintaining pace with the increased volume of emergency calls we haveexperienced. As can be seen by the following graphs our call volume hasincreased tremendously while our staffing levels have remained the same. Thishas created a unique problem whereby our dependency on outside fire agencieshas increased. While there are no simple solutions to this problem the city andthe department are vigorously looking for ways in which to increase staffinglevels to meet these increased demandsFire InvestigationsThe fire department is required under the California Fire Code to investigate thecause and origin of all fires that occur within the jurisdiction. These investigationsare usually performed by the engine company Captains or whoever is availablewith the experience to do it. In the last several years we have begun creating aninvestigation team for this purpose. This is the first year we have receivedfunding for the team. With this funding we have been able to purchase ahydrocarbon detector, investigation tools, and jumpsuits for the investigators andother specialized items that help determine fire cause. We are also sending ourinvestigators to specialized training. Currently there are three investigators one ofwhich is also a Peace Officer.During this last year the team has investigated over 50 fires. These ranged inseverity from structure fires, vegetation fires, vehicle fires, and rubbish fires. Theteam has begun compiling statistics that will show crime similarities, locations,frequency and other valuable information.12

As our skills and equipment increase we will be able to reduce any burdenplaced on the Police Department who currently assist us with largeinvestigations.Fire Prevention Company Inspection ProgramThe Lompoc Fire Department has been proactive in preventing devastating firesin our business community. Nationally, it is reported that 80% of all businessdamaged by a serious fire never reopen, which is a loss to the owner, theemployees, and the citizens in general. The department uses three tools tominimize the tragic effect of business fires and they are as follows:‣ Public education‣ Self inspection program for low risk business‣ Engine company inspectionsCompany Inspection Schedule for 2005Station 1 A Shift B Shift C ShiftPermit Inspections 33 44 3060 Month Inspections 27 20 5724 Month Inspections 83 30 7012 Month Inspections 83 103 78SUBTOTAL 193 153 205Station 2 A Shift B Shift C ShiftPermit Inspections 24 40 1960 Month Inspections 1 8 1524 Month Inspections 70 63 4012 Month Inspections 99 102 96SUBTOTAL 170 173 151TOTAL 363 326 356PERMIT FEES COLLECTED AS OF 6/30/2005 $28,357.8013

Lompoc Fire Department Responses28283000266328002600215322892448240020322200186819311941200018001524165415301641 1701167316001400120010001991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005EMERGENCY RESPONSESLOMPOC FIRE DEPARTMENTLompoc Fire Department Service Area11.3 sq. milesPopulation 43,284Full Time Responding Fire Personnel 24Ratio of “on duty” personnel to populationEngine Company per population (daily)1 per 5,410 persons1 per 21,642 personsFire Fighters per 1,000 population . 55Fire Department Budget $ 3,147,797Cost per Capita $ 72.7214

Santa Barbara County Fire Agency Calls for 2005 Page 1Population as Number of HazardousFire Agency Yearof 1/1/05 Fire StationsTotal Calls % Change EMS Calls FIRE CallsConditionsMisc. CallsCarp/Summerland FPD 1999 x 2 1,331 x 574 74 165 5182000 x 2 1,295 -2.7% 843 162 102 1882001 x 2 1,341 3.6% 822 66 236 2172002 x 2 1,353 0.9% 816 71 199 2672003 x 2 1,451 7.2% 887 76 198 2902004 x 2 1,341 -7.6% 830 64 69 3782005 21,000 2 1,427 6.4% 927 60 71 369Guadalupe City 1999 x 2 226 x 192 33 0 12000 x 2 230 1.8% 152 41 3 342001 x 2 323 40.4% 207 43 7 662002 x 2 341 5.6% 207 35 3 492003 x 2 308 -9.7% 235 20 18 352004 x 2 307 -0.3% 211 33 22 412005 6,296 2 392 27.7% 298 18 30 46Lompoc City 1999 x 2 1,851 x 1,157 158 30 5062000 x 2 2,032 9.8% 1,192 169 31 6402001 x 2 2,153 6.0% 1,503 170 65 4152002 x 2 2,290 6.4% 1,582 226 63 4192003 x 2 2,493 8.9% 1,686 194 87 5262004 x 2 2,828 13.4% 2,007 161 115 5452005 42,320 2 2,663 -5.8% 1,931 153 106 473Montecito FPD 1999 x 2 914 x 343 28 0 5432000 x 2 933 2.1% 447 14 0 4722001 x 2 1,045 12.0% 498 55 64 4282002 x 2 1,003 -4.0% 509 67 46 3812003 x 2 1,218 21.4% 576 73 91 4782004 x 2 1,145 -6.0% 598 63 63 4212005 9,500 2 1,118 -2.4% 548 55 65 450Orcutt FPD 1999 x 1 453 x 291 71 1 902000 x 1 474 4.6% 320 71 8 752001 x 1 424 -10.5% 282 68 4 702002 x 1 322 -24.1 % 207 35 23 572003 x 1 278 -13.7% 177 33 11 572004 x 1 261 -6.1 % 154 59 5 432005 4,725 1 242 -7.3% 139 68 7 28Santa Barbara City 1999 x 8 5,993 x 3,408 231 622 1,7322000 x 8 5,878 -1.9% 3,331 237 583 1,7272001 x 8 5,981 1.8% 3,808 232 472 1,4692002 x 8 7,313 22.3% 4,068 629 668 1,9482003 x 8 6,680 -8.7% 4,281 273 498 1,6282004 x 8 6,933 3.8% 4,458 329 488 1,6582005 90,518 8 6,934 0.0% 4,537 285 480 1,63215

Santa Barbara County Fire Agency Calls for 2005 Page 2Population as Number of HazardousFire Agency Yearof 1/1/05 Fire StationsTotal Calls % Change EMS Calls FIRE CallsConditionsMisc. CallsSanta Barbara County 1999 x 15 7,768 x 4,972 637 311 1,8482000 x 15 8,159 5.0% 5,131 687 344 1,9972001 x 15 8,359 2.5% 4,485 585 1,040 2,4162002 x 15 8,735 4.5% 4,596 461 333 3,3452003 x 15 9,423 7.9% 4,742 465 162 4,0542004 x 15 9,549 1.3% 5,497 651 527 2,8742005 153,460 15 9,613 0.7% 6,240 956 547 1,870Santa Maria City 1999 x 3 4,199 x 2,708 267 335 8892000 x 3 4,577 9.0% 3,191 347 159 8802001 x 3 4,894 6.9% 3,443 307 177 9672002 x 3 5,454 11.4% 4,046 335 150 9232003 x 3 5,659 3.8% 4,231 345 178 9052004 x 3 6,232 10.1% 4,553 351 178 11502005 88,793 4 7,152 14.8% 5,296 273 172 1,403Solvang City 1999 x 1 282 x 206 28 8 402000 x 1 340 20.6% 219 40 17 642001 x 1 336 -1.2% 239 28 18 512002 x 1 348 3.6% 229 39 9 712003 x 1 378 8.6% 259 36 38 452004 x 1 388 2.6% 274 41 27 462005 5,429 1 435 12.1 % 301 33 6 95Vandenberg AFB 1999 x x x x x x x x2000 x 6 1,160 x 490 61 109 5002001 x 6 881 -24.1% 412 47 126 2962002 x 6 1,393 58.1 % 561 88 327 7142003 x 6 4,310 209.4% 1,149 826 1,433 9022004 x 6 3,639 -15.6% 948 710 1,312 669(population not in totals) 2005 16,992 63,218 -11.6% 878 665 1,146 629TOTAL 1999 x 36 23,017 x 13,851 1,527 1,472 6,1672000 x 42 25,288 9.9% 15,623 1,733 1,524 6,4082001 x 42 25,737 1.8% 15,699 1,601 2,209 6,3952002 x 42 28,552 10.9% 16,821 1,986 1,821 8,1742003 x 42 32,198 12.8% 18,223 2,341 2,714 8,9202004 x 42 32,623 1.3% 19,530 2,462 2,806 7,8252005 422,041 42 33,194 1.8% 21,095 2,566 2,630 6,99516

Public Education and Fire CampPublic education is an invaluable tool in teaching the public in how to be safe. Wehave continued to make this a strong priority in the Lompoc Fire Department.We accomplish this goal by performing safety drills for schools and businesses,teaching fire safety to every school in Lompoc, doing safety talks and offering ourrenowned Fire Camp to the children in the valley.Fire Camp has been a tremendous success.Other fire departments have modeled similarprograms of their own after ours. Children whoattend the Fire Camp receive a cap and tee shirtexactly like the ones the firefighters themselveswear. The kids practice very serious activities,under supervision of course, in a very fun way.They climb a seventy-five foot ladder, rappel offa building, search for victims, put out fires, andshoot water out of fire hoses. The last day of FireCamp is set up for the kids to compete, ride the fire truck, and show their parentswhat they have learned. This year we had over sixty children attending.Since this program began, the Lompoc Fire Department has introduced over 400children to the exciting world of firefighting while teaching them fire safety at thesame time.This is just another way our Firefighterscan make our world just a little bit safer.17

Leadership Lompoc Valley 2005 visiting Fire Station 1 for safety demonstrations.Emergency ResponsesInterior of mobile home fire.18

Vehicle fire that was intentionally set.Santa Ynez River flooding its banks19

EMERGENCY SERVICESBattalion Chief Robert KovachBattalion Chief Robert Kovach manages the EmergencyServices Division with over 26 years of experience in theLompoc Fire Department. The Emergency ServicesBattalion Chief is responsible for the following administrativefunctions: Assistant Emergency Services Coordinator /Disaster Planning, Hazardous Materials Team Coordinator,Confined Space Rescue Coordinator, Urban Search andRescue Coordinator, Community Emergency ResponseTeam (CERT) Coordinator, Automatic and Mutual AidAgreements, New Apparatus Specifications & Purchase,Hazardous Materials Business Plan Inspection Program, Computer AidedDispatch, Records Management and Public Education for Disaster Preparednessand Planning. The Emergency Services Battalion Chief is assigned to a 56 hourshift schedule and manages one of the three shifts providing 24 hour ChiefOfficer coverage for emergency response.Disaster Planning:During the months of January & February, the areareceived significant rainfall. The Santa Ynez River wasflooding bank to bank with no major issues reported.River Park campground was evacuated for one day inboth January and February as a precautionary measure.The city EOC was not activated and ongoing contact wasmade with Santa Barbara County Office of EmergencyServices.The department completed a Hazard Mitigation Plan that was approved by StateOES and FEMA. The plan goes through a Hazard Identification and RiskAssessment process and recommends mitigation needs to reduce the impact ofa disaster. The department also updated the City Multi-Hazard Functional Plan,which outlines city wide response efforts to potential disasters.West Nile Virus was detected in Santa Barbara County during 2005. Our agencyprovided information to the public on West Nile Virus through public accesstelevision and resource links in the City web site.20

Community Emergency Response Team - CERT:A 20-hour CERT course was held in February throughMarch with a total of 24 students graduating. It was thethird graduating class since the program began. Thestudents went through a final scenario exercise set up as aearthquake disaster with drama students from CabrilloHigh School role playing as victims. The scenario allowedthe students to utilize the skills taught from the course. The evaluations of thecourse indicated a successful program with excellent reviews. The studentswere presented with a certificate of graduation at the April 5 th City Councilmeeting.Terrorism Working Group:The Santa Barbara County Terrorism Working Group met to determine goals andexpenditures of the 2005 Homeland Security Grant. The grant amount was$1,063,585 with funding for a North County Bomb Squad as a priority. Lompocreceived equipment from the 2003 & 2004 grants to include: a communicationsvan, a reverse 911 system, a radio interoperability system, portable and fixedmounted satellite phones, Urban Search and Rescue equipment, laptopcomputers, Mass Casualty response equipment and Hazardous Materialsresponse equipment with a response trailer.Hazardous Materials:Specialized Hazardous Materials response training islengthy and costly to obtain. Our agency currently has11 personnel trained to the Hazardous MaterialsSpecialist or Technician level, which is 240 or 160 hoursof specialized training. The trained personnel are part ofthe Northern Santa Barbara County Hazardous MaterialsResponse Team. The team is a multi-agency responseforce for any incident within our City or surroundingareas.Several of our Hazardous Materials personnel alsoattended Weapons of Mass Destruction courses throughthe Office for Domestic Preparedness. The courses were held in Alabama andNevada covering Radiological and Chemical/Biological responses. Captain PaulHill continues to instruct Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness toapproximately 35 City workers annually. All fire personnel that are not part of the21

specialized Hazardous Material Team training are required to maintainHazardous Material First Responder Operational (FRO) certification. EngineerMark Clayton oversees the Hazardous Material First Responder Operationaltraining for our agency.Confined Space Rescue / Urban Search And Rescue:The department is fully trained to 40 hours of specializedConfined Space Rescue Operations. Annual refreshertraining is required to maintain certification. EngineerSteve Terrones oversees the program along withcoordinating the needed training.In 2005, the department developed an Urban Search and Rescue program. Thegoal was to obtain medium level Urban Search and Rescue capabilities, which isconsidered rescue operations in collapse of heavy wall construction, high anglerope rescues, and trench & excavation rescue. The department purchased over$58,000 of Urban Search and Rescue equipment from city funds and HomelandSecurity Grant funds. The city also purchased a 24’ Urban Search and Rescueresponse trailer. Departmental members completed the layout and shelving ofthe trailer. In addition to the Urban Search and Rescue Medium trailer,equipment was purchased to bring three (3) fire engines to Urban Search andRescue Light capability.Currently six (6) department members are fully trained to Urban Search andRescue Medium level, which is 144 hours of specialized training in four (4)different courses. The goal is have 100% of departmental members trained toMedium level. The department will be requesting Office of Emergency Service(OES) Urban Search and Rescue Medium Certification. The certification is usedfor State wide mutual aid responses.Automatic / Mutual Aid Agreements:The department has a cooperative agreement with the Los Padres NationalForest. The agreement allows departmental personnel to assist with incidentsthroughout the nation, with all costs reimbursed. In 2005, the department sentpersonnel to 14 separate incidents throughout California and other states. Oneof the heaviest activities involved personnel assisting at various Forest ServiceDispatch centers from our local Los Padres Forest to Southern and NorthernCalifornia Operations Centers.The agreement also allows our personnel to participate in an IncidentManagement Team. Battalion Chief Kovach is part of the Los Padres IncidentManagement Team, which responded to several incidents throughout the year toinclude a 30-day assignment for Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. In addition, theteam responded to manage a series of fires on the San Carlos IndianReservation in Arizona. Several other personnel responded as single resourcesto the incident in Arizona.22

The department also has Automatic Aid Agreements with Santa Barbara CountyFire Department and Vandenberg Air Force Base Fire Department. Theagreements are used on a regular basis to provide and receive aid on largerincidents.Lompoc Fire Department respondedto a well involved structure fire inMission Hills and assisted the SantaBarbara County Fire Department inextinguishment of the fire.We received mutual aid from Santa BarbaraCounty Fire and Vandenberg Fire Departmentfor two separate brush fires; one by theUnited States Penitentiary shooting rangethat was 5.7 acres and one by Allan HancockCollege area of 6.8 acres. Multipleresources were utilized to include brushtrucks, dozers, water tenders, handcrews, and helicopters.In addition, both agenciesassisted our agency throughoutthe year for significant structurefires to include; an apartment fireon the second floor of a four (4)unit apartment building and a fullyinvolved mobile home fire.23

TRAINING / EMS DIVISIONBattalion Chief Andy DensmoreBattalion Chief Andy Densmore manages the Training andEmergency Medical Services Division. He has served withthe Lompoc Fire Department for more than 27 years. Heholds an Associates Degree in Fire Technology and is aState Certified instructor in several disciplines includingStructural Firefighting, Flammable Gas and LiquidFirefighting, Vehicle Extrication and Technical RopeRescue. B. C. Densmore is an instructor at Allan HancockCollege in the Fire Academy and has instructed courses invehicle extrication throughout the state. As the ChiefOfficer assigned to one of three shifts, he works a 56-hour per week schedule,affording 24-hour Chief Officer Coverage.As the Training Officer, his responsibilities include ensuring that all requiredcertifications for fire personnel are maintained and that mandated trainingrequirements are met and documented. Battalion Chief Densmore is alsoresponsible for tracking the career development of our firefighting personnel andsecuring training opportunities for them as they occur.In addition to the above-mentioned training, there is on going departmentaltraining that must be facilitated in order for this department to remain proficient inthe large number of skills that are necessary to safely mitigate the variety ofemergencies that we respond to. Battalion Chief Densmore is responsible fordeveloping and providing training opportunities and programs, which will assurethat the Lompoc Fire Department continues to set the benchmark with regard tofire and emergency medical service delivery.2005 was a good year for Firefighter training overall. This year our personnellogged more than 4,000 hours of training. Unique training opportunities andscheduled training resulted in hundreds of training hours for our department aswell as for departments from the surrounding area. While our training focusremains on operational capabilities and skills maintenance, we were also able toprovide training opportunities for our personnel in the areas of career andpersonal development.24

LIVE FIRE TRAININGIn 2005 we were able to conduct Live Fire Training exercises in two houses thatwere scheduled for demolition.This unique opportunity affordedLompoc Fire and Santa BarbaraCounty Fire Department crewstraining and experience that isextremely difficult to obtain withouta training facility. The trainingincluded fire behavior classes, fireattack classes, fire rescue classesand live fire ventilation training.Over 100 training hours wereattributed to the exercises.Being responsible for the mitigation of several types of technical rescues,firefighters spent numerous hours improving skills and competence levels in suchareas as Advanced Vehicle Stabilization for Extrication, Confined Space Rescue,and Low Angle Rescue Rope Systems.25

ADVANCED VEHICLE STABILIZATION AND EXTRICATIONWe acquired advanced vehiclestabilization equipment through anOffice of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant,and firefighters quickly becamecompetent in their uses.LOW ANGLE RESCUEAll Fire personnel participated in Low Angle Rescue exercises in which theyconstructed rope rescue systems that allowed them to safely descend to a“victim” that was in needof “rescue”. Once thevictim was stabilizedand packaged, thepersonnel retrieved thevictim and the over-theside rescuers using animprovised mechanicaladvantage rope system.FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL / RAPID INTERVENTION CREWFirefighter Survival and Rapid InterventionCrew (RIC) training was conducted in abuilding that is scheduled for demolition.Firefighters were able to improvecompetence in building search andrescue procedures, and performedseveral firefighter survival / self rescuetechniques.26

URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUEThe Department is in the process of training personnel to provide an UrbanSearch and Rescue (USAR) response capability. We sent several Firefighters tospecialized training in 2005, and we currently have 6 personnel certified to USARqualifications. Several others are signed up to attend the USAR training in 2006.MANDATED PROGRAMSAll Lompoc Firefighters completed mandated requirements for maintenance ofqualifications in several areas. The training included:• Confined Space Rescue Operations (Each shift was required to completethree confined space entries for rescue and utilizing specializedequipment.)• Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational• Emergency Medical Technician / Basic• Emergency Medical Technician / Optional Skills• CPRSAFETYAll personnel attended several safety presentations during the year that wereprovided by this Department. The presentations included:• Wildland Fire Safety and Shelter Deployment• Electrical Safety• Terrorism and Consequence Management• Blood Borne Pathogen SafetyCOMPANY OFFICER DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATIONOther training for the year included several firefighters taking advantage ofCompany Officer Certification courses, which help to prepare them foradvancement in rank and increase their value to the department. The coursesinclude weeklong classes on:• Fire Command• Fire Prevention• Fire Investigation• Intermediate Incident Command Systems (I-300).27

CHIEF OFFICER DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATIONA new focus for some of our personnel is the quest for Chief Officer Certificationthrough the State of California training program. The courses consisted ofseveral week-long Level-2 classes in which the attendees were trained to themanagement level in such areas as:• Management 2A: Organizational Development and Human Resources• Management 2B: Fire Service Financial Resources• Management 2C: Personnel Issues and Labor Relations• Management 2E: Contemporary Issues and Concepts• Command 2A: Multiple Unit CommandThere are personnel already enrolled in Level-2 courses that will be deliveredthroughout 2006. These courses will help to prepare our personnel to advance inrank to Battalion Chief and beyond. One of our personnel has nearly completedthe requirements for his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration.THE FUTURELompoc Fire has recently been granted a C.E.U. Provider Number, which willallow our Training Division to award Continuing Education Units to its personnelfor training in areas pertaining to Emergency Medical Service Delivery. Personnelcan use the C.E.U.s for credit toward EMT re-certification.All in all, the Lompoc Firefighters are well trained and prepared to deal with mostemergencies. As personnel attain greater levels of competence, new standardsmust be developed for maintenance of those levels. The standards should bemeasurable and set high enough to provide for the highest level of service thatwe can provide to the citizens of Lompoc.28

Building and Fire Safety2005 SUMMARYThe 2005 calendar year (consistent with the past twobudget cycles) has seen a dramatic increase in buildingactivity. Due to the increased building activity, demands forcounter services, permits, inspection and plan reviewshave been significant. La Purisma Highlands, CrownePointe, Walnut Village, Portobello and O Street Apartments(just to name a few) projects, have been serviced andfinaled by this Division.Although building construction activity has been very high, staffing/resourcelevels have actually been smaller than past years. For example, during for the1980’s through early 1997 the Division had a full time Plans Examiner on staff.During most of these same years a full time Plans examiner, at least two BuildingInspectors, Assistant Building Inspector, and Building Official positions werefunded even though construction valuations were significantly lower than morerecent years. In order to maximize efficiency and effectiveness ofpersonnel/resources, Building Division staff successfully implemented moderntechnologies and insightful management tools in order to maintain satisfactorylevels of service. The Building Division has been successful in maintainingsatisfactory, efficient, and professional service by having dedicated andprofessional staff. It should be noted however, that there have been days thatinspections were required to be postponed due to limited staff levels. As statedwithin the “Building and Fire Safety Mission” everyone in our Division believesthat the public should receive and deserves the finest service possible. ThisDivision will continue to strive to provide professional and courteous service withlimited staffing and limited resources.Permit and Counter ServicesAdopted State and local codes requires a permit for certain work or constructionprojects. The Building and Fire Safety Division has been charged to enforce andmanage these code requirements for the City. Applications, plans, specifications,computations, and other data often is required to be submitted to the City andthen reviewed by the Building Official before a permit may be issued. In additionto traditional building permit operations, our Division has also been given theresponsibility of helping the public with annual business inspections, fire codepermits, and applications.29

Fees are also assessed and collected in accordance with adoptedcodes/resolutions by this Division for the various permits, plan reviews orinspection services required by adopted codes. An important part ofimplementing these processes is the retention of plans, documents, applicationsand approvals again required within adopted codes.An important aspect of this Division’s permit/counter services is the coordinationof all approvals; plan submittals and various other application processes with theCity, State, and County government agencies. Once again the Building and FireSafety Division has been charged in the implementation and oversight of routingof plans, documents, and applications to the various City Departments, Divisions,and other governmental agencies on the permit applicant’s behalf. Graphs anddrawings have been provided to help exhibit the routing and various approvalscurrently required by the City for a typical development permit.30

2005 Monthly Gross Permit Totals250200150100Monthly GrossPermit Totals500JanuaryMarchMayJulySeptNovember2005 Monthly Totals for Each Permit Type(Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical)140120100806040200*Numbers provided by the IS DivisionJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptOctober32NovemberDecemberBuildingElectricPlumbingMechanical

InspectionsBuilding and Safety inspectors have conducted more than 5,800 building inspectionswithin the 2005 calendar year. On average any individual inspector is conducting 22inspections per day for just new construction projects. These numbers do not include firecode or code enforcement inspections. It should be noted that the Insurance ServiceOffice (ISO) recommends that no more than ten inspections per inspector per day shouldbe conducted to insure quality control and quality inspections. The International CodeCouncil also has a similar recommendation highlighting that inspectors must haveadequate time at each construction site in order to conduct a thorough inspection.Building and Fire Safety Division inspectors are qualified by an extensive and rigorouscertification process and by many years of experience. Your inspection staff is continuallyattending classes, seminars, and reading, to remain up to date with the constantlychanging building codes. Experienced and qualified inspectors help assure thatinspections are conducted with knowledge, experience and in a professional manner. Itshould also be noted that each member of the Building and Fire Safety staff complieswith the mandatory certification and education requirements stated within State Law.The Building and Fire Safety Division has implemented a 24-hour inspection hotline inorder to maximize convenience for the permit applicant. Most building departmentsrequire at least a 24-hour notice prior to obtaining a building inspection. Your BuildingInspection Division only requires that the permit applicant call in prior to 6:00 a.m. of thesame day a particular inspection is needed.General Inspection Requirements:Construction or work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by Buildingand Fire Safety staff. The permit applicant is required to have all work accessible andexposed for inspection purposes. Inspections by City staff assure the applicant that workcomplies with adopted building codes and therefore is safe.The permit applicant is responsible to request inspections and to not proceed with thevarious phases of construction until a building inspector provides approval. Adoptedbuilding codes require that the Building Official (or authorized representative) provide thefollowing inspections (not a complete list);a. Foundation Inspectionb. Concrete slab or under floor inspectionc. Frame inspectiond. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systemse. Lath and or wallboard inspectionf. Building service equipment (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment)g. California Building Code amendments (energy and disabled access systems)h. Other inspections as required by the Building Official/Fire Marshal(special or other building systems may be required to be inspected toassure safe occupancy of a building)i. Final inspection.33

700600500400300Inspection Totals*2001000Jan.Feb.MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.* The totals provided in graph do not include code enforcement or firecode/prevention inspections. The numbers above reflect new constructioninspections only. (Information provided by the IS Division)34

Plan ReviewFor most projects State and local building codes direct a permit applicant tosubmit plans, engineering calculations, and other pertinent information to theBuilding and Fire Safety Division for review and processing. In many cases StateLaw requires that a licensed professional prepare these documents. The plansand other data required with the permit application are intended to describe andgraphically depict the construction work to be done. Once the Building Officialdetermines that the information filed is complete and the plans/documentationscomply with adopted codes, a permit then may be issued.The Building and Fire Safety Division processed and reviewed more than 300projects (these numbers do not include fire code reviews or “DevelopmentReview”) during the 2005 calendar year. On average, staff reviewed andprocessed (see previous graphs) 25 project plans a month. Plan check feescollected for the 2005-year amounted to more than $210,000. Although some ofthese plans were outsourced to a qualified plan review consultant, the vastmajority were plan reviewed “in-house”.6050474034 343020252122242529281622Plans Reviewed100JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember*Numbers provided by the IS Division35

More than 300 plans reviewed and processed within the 2005 calendar year (#sdo not include fire sprinkler, alarm, project “Development Review” or site grading.These reviews are also conducted by Building Division’s staff and are in additionto the #s shown previously)Administration of Building/Fire CodesDuring the 2005 calendar year, Lompoc City Council adopted several new codes.Most of these codes were State of California mandates required to be adopted or“codified” within the City’s Municipal Code. The newest editions of the NationalElectrical Code as well as new exceptions to when permits are required are justsome of the codes enacted by City Council.A number of permit software systems were extensively researched in order tofind the very best system for the City. CRW Permit Systems was chosen due toit’s wide range of capabilities, growth potential and of course ease of use. Thispermit streamlining system will allow the building community to have moreaccess to information using the Internet and also increase access to citypersonnel. It is anticipated that this new software will vastly improve the entiredevelopment review process.The Building/Fire Safety Division successfully recruited a highly qualified Sr.Building Inspector. This position had been vacant for more than two years. Atemporary contract inspector was used in order to complete the daily inspectionsexpected by contractors and the general public prior to October of this year.During the 2005 calendar year this Division plan reviewed, permitted andinspected projects in excess of $33,470,789.47 in construction valuation. As inpast years, revenues collected for these same services soared beyond actualDivision expenditures. The following graph details the revenues collected for newconstruction projects. The amounts only include new building, plumbing,mechanical, and electrical fees collected and do not include fire code, fireinspections, fire plan review or business inspection revenues. It should be notedhowever that these fees have also increased during 2005 as well as the last fourprior years. Total fees collected for the 2005 calendar was more than $640,000.36

$160,000.00$140,000.00$120,000.00$100,000.00$80,000.00$60,000.00$40,000.00$20,000.00$0.00Total MonthlyFees/NewConstructionJanuaryMarchMayJulySeptNovember*Numbers provided by the IS DivisionGraffiti AbatementThanks to some very special individuals, Lompoc has been able to keep graffiti ata minimum. These very few unselfish and generous few give their time andsweat abating graffiti within city limits. This partnership between the City and itscitizen volunteers has become known, as one of the most successful programs ofit’s kind. This terrible blight and vandalism will never have an opportunity toprosper as long as the “Graffiti Busters” patrol the neighborhoods andbusinesses of Lompoc. It has been the pleasure of the Building and Fire SafetyDivisions staff to oversee this program in 2005. To all the wonderful volunteers in2005, a job well done, and please continue the good work.37

LOMPOC FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION2005 Year End Report Lompoc Firefighter FoundationHistory:The Lompoc City Fire Department held their 3rd Community EmergencyResponse Team (CERT) class during the first quarter of 2005. Six individualsfrom this class questioned the instructors about purchasing equipment for ourCERT team. We found that the firefighters were in need of emergency andrescue equipment, in addition to the equipment for the CERT team. This led tothe realization that a non-profit organization was the best way to serve the needsof CERT, City Fire Department and the citizens of Lompoc. The LompocFirefighters Foundation was officially founded in June 2006. Our purpose is toprovide the City Firefighters with the resources, equipment, training and supportthat they need to perform their jobs.Accomplishments:The Foundation has promoted the Foundation and City Firefighters throughcommunity awareness and fundraisers at the Old Town Market, a BBQ with theassistance of the Kiwanis Club, candy sales, and basketball game at LompocHigh School. Funds raised by these events and donations from local citizens,have enabled us to purchase and present to the Firefighters;• A cardiac defibrillator,• Pediatric stretcher,• A ditch rescue pulley,• Fire finder,• Four Body Mass Hydration Monitors,• Oak baseboards, Station 1 entry,• New carpeting for two rooms and stairs in Station House One.Goals for 2006:Our current goal is to raise funding to purchase the high end thermal imagingcamera and an adult stretcher. We are planning an Inaugural Fire & Ice Ball onFebruary 18, 2006. This will hopefully become an annual fundraising tradition forthe Lompoc Firefighters Foundation and our City Fire Department.Respectfully,Judy L. Delp, RNPresident38

Lompoc City Firefighters115 South G Street Lompoc, CA 93436Telephone (805) 736-4513 Fax (805) 735 -4256Local 19062005 has been an eventful year for the Lompoc City Firefighters, InternationalAssociation of Fire Fighters Local 1906. We donated $600.00 dollars insponsorships to local sports and $500.00 to the annual Burn Relay in support ofthe Burn Foundation, raised $11,000.00 dollars for Muscular DystrophyAssociation through fill-the-boot and $1,000.00 for the repair of Huyck Stadiumthrough a benefit basketball game.Local 1906 performs two fundraisers each year; selling cotton candy at theSpring Arts Festival and the Fourth of July Show. The money we use to sponsorlocal sports teams, and donate to the Burn Foundation, comes from our twofundraisers and member’s dues.Thanks to the citizens of the Lompoc Valley, our annual “fill-the-boot” effort was ahuge success. Members of Local 1906, in partnership with our brothers andsisters from Vandenberg Fire Department, raised $11,000.00 in our one-dayevent. Local firefighters dodged vehicles in the intersection of Central and HStreets to collect spare change for Muscular Dystrophy Association.In November, members of Local 1906 played members of the Lompoc PoliceOfficers’ Association in a basketball game to raise money for the repair of HuyckStadium. The Lompoc Firefighters Foundation sold baked goods to add to thefundraising effort. It was an entertaining game. We were able to donate$1,000.00 to the Huyck Stadium repair committee. Unfortunately, the PoliceOfficers’ Association took home the trophy.The Lompoc Firefighters Foundation organized this year. They are a group ofindividuals, mostly from recent CERT classes, that formed to assist the FireDepartment obtain some unfunded needs. Local 1906 has been working closelywith them to assist in their effort. They are a group of hard charging, dedicatedindividuals, with the goal of improving public safety in the City of Lompoc. Weare honored to have their support.39

In August, Brother Roy Belluz retired after 28 years of service to theLompoc Fire Department. Local 1906 co-sponsored his retirement party.Family, friends and other Lompoc retirees attended. We wish Roy a happyand healthy retirement.Local 1906, like many other locals, work to protect our members’ safetycompensation and retirement. This year all locals had to fight off a politicalpower play to silence union workers’ voices. In a time when money is tight,Governor Schwarzenegger wasted taxpayer’s dollars on a special electionto silence the voice of labor, but not large corporations. Firefighters, PoliceOfficers, Teachers, Nurses, and the majority of California voters rejected hisspecial election ballots. We would like to thank all those who supported usand voted against these measures. With your support, labor’s side of theissues can still be heard.The members of Local 1906 have, and will continue, to provide the citizensof Lompoc with the highest level of service possible. We strive to operate ina positive and professional manner. We continuously work with City andFire management with the goal of improving public safety for the City ofLompoc.Local 1906 hope 2006 is a safe a prosperous year for each of us.Sincerely,Mark BrayPresident, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 190640

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR2005Firefighter Matthew Osborne was the 2005 Elks Firefighter of the Year. Matthewis seen here receiving his award from Chief White and the ElksExalted Ruler, Lodge #227441

PROMOTIONSChuck Ruda was promoted to the Rank ofEngineer and received his badge from ChiefWhite at a ceremony held at Fire Station One.Susan Carrillo was promoted from Office StaffAssistant II/III to Development Service Assistant.Kalvin Packet was promoted from BuildingZoning Inspector to Senior Building ZoningInspector.Scott Nunez was promoted to Captain with his family and friends in attendance.Scott is second generation Firefighter and his father, Assistant Chief Nunez ofthe Guadalupe Fire Department was there to congratulate his son on hisaccomplishments.42