The National Weather Services has forecasted a Heat Wave this weekend in L.A. County starting Thursday October 2nd through Sunday October 5th. Temperatures are forecasted to reach near 90’F in the coastal areas and even hotter inland, with areas of  inland L.A. County reaching into the triple digits. furthermore a Santa Ana wind event (See Graphic Above) will create dangerous fire weather as well. For a list of Cooling Centers in L.A. County click Here

Forecast via Surfline.com:

A 3-5ft SW groundswell is also expected to fill into L.A. County Beaches beginning thursday 10/2 in the afternoon and lasting through the weekend into Sunday 10/5. This swell will cause a HIGH risk of rip currents along all L.A. County Beaches.

Always check in with a Lifeguard before going swimming!

The Los Angeles County Fire Department would like to remind the public to be safe in the hot weather!

 Heat Safety Messages:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Avoid arduous work or athletics in the peak daytime hours when it is the hottest
• Wear plenty of sunscreen when outdoors for extended periods
• Avoid hot, enclosed places, such as cars.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a car parked in the sun!

Planning to beat the heat at the beach? Visit our Beach Safety Page Here

Steps to Take After Recognizing Heat-Induced Illness

1. Call 911.
2. Get the person out of the sun and into a cool area. An air-conditioned area is ideal, but moving someone into the shade will also help.
3. Apply water to help the person cool off.
4. Apply ice to the neck or armpits, where large blood vessels are close to the surface.
5. Remove any heavy clothing.

The post L.A. County Heat Wave & SW Swell Thur 10/2 – Sun. 10/5 appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

At the September 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervising Fire Prevention Engineering Assistant Mahendra (Mike) Visnagra was honored as the recipient of this year’s Perpetual Fire Prevention Award of Excellence. Board Chairman Don Knabe presented Visnagra with a five-signature scroll on behalf of the Board, as Fire Chief Daryl Osby, Deputy Chief John Todd, Assistant Chief Phil Cocker, and Visnagra’s family and friends were in attendance to congratulate him as he received this special recognition.

“When I first found out that this award will be presented to me, I was so happy and humbled. I have been nominated for this award before, and it was a great pleasure that I was awarded this year,” said Visnagra, following the ceremony. “I want to give a special thanks to my immediate supervisor, Section Chief Jim Bailey, who hired me and gave me the opportunity to start my County career. I also want to thank Jim Barger and Chris Soto, who are my amazing colleagues, along with my family and in-laws for all their support.

Visnagra started his career 26 years ago as a design engineer for a fire sprinkler consulting company, where he worked for several years. He then moved to Southern California and worked as an engineer for a mid-size company. In 1993, Visnagra was hired by the Department as a Fire Prevention Engineering Assistant I, working in the Sprinkler Plan Check Unit. In 1994, he was promoted to Fire Prevention Engineering Assistant II and was promoted to the position of Supervising Fire Prevention Engineering Assistant in 2006.

Visnagra’s drive to learn about new technologies has made him the Department’s expert in fire protection engineering, including fire sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarm and smoke management systems. His duties include the review and analysis of alternate means of protection requests, engineering studies, unique fire protection situations, maintaining an efficient timeframe for the Unit’s plan reviews, as well as meeting with architects, engineers and city and county officials. He is also the subject matter expert for the fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems computer-generated review corrections in the Electronic Development and Permit Tracking Systems (eDAPTS).

Visnagra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, and he is also a registered Professional Engineer in Fire Protection Engineering by the State of California. Some of his other accomplishments include serving as an instructor for the Fire Prevention Academy and a member of the California Fire Alarm Association.  Notably, he has contributed to the Fire and Life Safety Analysis for the future Harry Potter project at Universal Studios, and also approved the fire sprinkler system for the Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Visnagra has also handled numerous County fire station projects, Catalina Island projects. He serves as Local 1014′s Union steward for Fire Prevention Engineering Personnel, and is a member of the Indian Gujarati Temple of Norwalk.

Visnagra’s list of accomplishments, loyalty to the Department and dedication to public safety establishes him as an outstanding selection for Fire Prevention’s 2014 Perpetual Award of Excellence.  The award was first established in 1993, with Thomas Little as the inaugural recipient. All Fire Prevention employees are eligible to receive this annual award.

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Every July 24 for the past six years, Pam Nua, often accompanied by her husband James, has brought a card and gifts to personnel at Fire Station 84 in Quartz Hill to express their gratitude for saving her life.  The story began on  July 24, 2008, when Pam and James were preparing for a family vacation with their children to Lake Mead. James had only returned three and a half months ago from serving a tour of duty with the National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom Seven. He was three minutes into his commute to Castaic Lake for dive training as part of his job with the Los Angeles Port Police. Suddenly something extraordinary happened. As he neared Bouquet Canyon Road which has no cell service, his boss called him and made an offer he had never heard in 22 years and hasn’t heard since: “Hey J., I know you and Pam are going on vacation. You just got back from Iraq. Just take the day off.” Astonished, James accepted the offer and turned around for home.

James and Pam Nua in March 2008 when he returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom 7

When he got home, he found it odd that Pam was still in bed, since she habitually was an early riser, especially when getting ready for vacation. Pam explained, “I smoked for 30 years. I was in the garage having my morning cigarette. I smoked it, and I didn’t feel right. I didn’t know James was coming home. So I walked back in the house thinking I’ll lie down, feel better, and then get up and pack for the trip.” James returned home, hooked up their boat to the vehicle, and then walked inside to find Pam in bed. He said to Pam with an annoyed tone, “Hey, I got the day off; let’s get going.” Pam responded, “Let me lie here a bit. My chest hurts.”

“At this point, I turned into a total jerk,” said James. “I looked at her and rolled my eyes. I asked her if she wanted to go to the doctor and she said ‘Yeah.’” So James unhooked the boat, came back in and found her lying on the bathroom floor. She said, “My chest really hurts and my arm hurts.”

James called 911, and sent his kids out to breakfast. He knew emergency personnel were coming to their home and he didn’t want his kids to see that. James continued, “The 911 dispatcher did a tremendous job. He told me to get Pam in a sitting position and get her some aspirin. The AMR ambulance guys show up and do an assessment. Then the paramedics from 84s show up and hook Pam up to EKG and monitor her.”

Pam was in cardiac arrest. “It was the most painful thing ever. I gave birth to three children, and I would rather do that a hundred more times then have another heart attack. The pain was intense and I couldn’t get a breath. My heart wasn’t pumping. It was really scary. They did CPR.” Fire Fighter Paramedic David Mendiola gave her compressions.

“I was standing there thinking, oh my God, I am watching my wife die,” explained James.

The paramedics then used the defibrillator on her. As AMR personnel and two paramedics went with Pam to the hospital in the ambulance, Captain Thomas Matthews tried to encourage Pam’s husband by saying he had his best paramedics with her and they were doing all they could. James recalls, “That meant to me ‘Get ready, because I don’t think she is going to make it.’” At that point James started praying, “I remember quite vividly saying, ‘God, I know you don’t make many mistakes, but this could be real close to being a mistake, leaving me in charge of three children. I don’t know how well that will work.’”

The Nuas later learned at the hospital that the compressions given by Mendiola opened the blockage, sending a rush of blood to Pam’s heart that sent her into vTAC. They shocked her to get her heart beating in normal rhythm. Fire Fighter Shawn Gallagher explained that the shock “is like doing a control, alt, delete on the heart to reset it.”

James is very grateful to these personnel for saving his wife.  He praised the “professionalism and just how smooth and seamless these guys held together. No one got in anyone’s way.” Pam continued, “For us, you can’t not believe in God, or a God, after this experience, because everybody was where they needed to be in order for me to live. That doesn’t just happen. It was meant to be.” James explains that, “I have been in law enforcement  for 22 years, and I have never, ever, ever had my boss call me and say, ‘Hey, why don’t you take a vacation day.’ It was the one day I needed to be at home, and I got the call three minutes before I would have been over Godi hill, where there is no cell reception. It was a wake up call for us to appreciate each other and life, and all that is given us. “

Pam says, “Had James driven me to the hospital, I would be dead. Everything was a matter of timing. Them being there on time. Saving a life comes down to a matter of seconds. When we see emergency vehicles, we pull over, because someone is waiting for that emergency vehicle. Had these guys not arrived when they did and been as professional and known what to do, I absolutely would not be here.” James adds, “Only six percent of people with cardiac arrest, death pose, and vTAC survive. That’s why every July 24, without fail, one or both of us goes to 84s. We make sure they understand it was not one day of gratitude, it is not just for the guys at that one station at that time, it’s for the whole Los Angeles County Fire Department, which as far as I know, is as professional and as cool under fire as those guys.” Pam adds, “If personnel ever complain, ‘Another training class!’  because it is boring and repetitive, that training is why my life was saved, because it was second nature to these guys. It is muscle memory.”

Lance, Erica, Grace, James and Pam Nua at Sterling College, Kansas for Erica’s Graduation May 2014

Pam continued to recount how our personnel acted, “There was no hesitation, there was no second guessing. They just did what they were trained to do.” James added, “If I can get one thing across to all the staff, the dispatchers, the people who ensure that they have equipment to use, those who make sure the vehicles are up and running. Yes, the paramedics were there at the house and saved Pam’s life, but there are so many other support people. If it wasn’t for the whole Department, they could not do what they did. We saw the tip of the spear. But without those providing the vehicles, the equipment, the payroll, there is no tip of the spear.”

Pam calls July 24 her second birthday and adds, “Needless to say, I quit smoking that day.” After Erica, Pam’s oldest child, learned her mom was okay, and her dad asked how she was doing, she joked, “Dad, I’m doing okay. I just want to let you know, if she goes, I get her jewelry.”  Then their son Lance joked, “Dad, I guess we’re not going to the lake?”

Mendiola commented, “Every year the Nuas show us their gratitude and it’s awesome.  We enjoy it. It’s always great to be able to save a life. We’re just doing our duty. The Nua’s gratitude just makes our day. Only about six percent of people who suffered what Pam suffered survive.”

Among our coworkers who saved Pam Nua’s life are Retired Captain Thomas Matthews, Captains John Santero and Ron Sharp, Mendiola (at 84s for 15 years!), Fire Fighter Specialist Kevin Hardie and Fire Fighter Paramedic Matthew Strittmatter.

The post Grateful Hearts: Quartz Hill Couple Thanks 84s Six Years in a Row appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

On October 16, our Department will participate with over nine million Californians in “The Great Shakeout” Earthquake Exercise. Developed by a multi-disciplinary group, including members of our Department, the ShakeOut Earthquake Exercise focuses on testing, evaluating and improving California’s earthquake readiness. The ShakeOut drill began in 2008 in Southern California to educate the public on how they can prepare and protect themselves during a large earthquake. In 2009, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger designated “The ShakeOut” as an annual statewide exercise. It is now the largest disaster exercise in the world. Currently over 19 million global participants are registered for the 2014 Great ShakeOut Exercise.

Unlike hurricanes and other natural hazards, earthquakes strike suddenly without warning, and can have catastrophic and sweeping effects on communities. This annual exercise provides a timely and relevant opportunity for communities to get prepared and practice conscious safety procedures. During the exercise participants will simulate actions to be taken during an actual earthquake.

Our Department continuously assists our communities with emergency preparedness. During National Preparedness Month in September, our personnel worked with our County’s Community and Senior Services Department, encouraging California residents to turn awareness into action by creating disaster plans and supply kits for themselves, family and coworkers.

With this year’s theme being “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare,” Inspector Keith Mora presented hands-only CPR training to residents that attended National Preparedness Workshops in their cities. After leading a conga line to the tune of “Staying Alive” and demonstrating the proper techniques for CPR at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, Mora said “the most important thing for seniors to have before a disaster strikes is a plan ­­- and to share that plan with family, friends and neighbors.”

How we prepare before an earthquake will determine how our lives will be after an earthquake. It is important to react quickly, and to do so involves practicing techniques such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold.” Our Department will participate in all three shifts, where we will discuss how to take protective measures to ensure personnel safety, assess administrative site damage, and respond to local conditions resulting from a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas Fault or any other disastrous quake that may strike Los Angeles County.

Awareness and preparation are keys to survival. Our Department encourages all personnel to share the lessons learned from the “ShakeOut” with family and friends, as well as encourage them to participate in the public ShakeOut Exercise on October 16. To obtain more information, including a downloadable version of the Los Angeles County Survival Guide, visit the following websites:

1. http://www.daretoprepare.org
2. http://www.dropcoverholdon.org
3. http://www.lacoa.org/PDF/EmergencySurvivalGuide-LowRes.pdf
4. http://www.shakeout.org

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Located at Van Nuys Airport, our Department’s Tanker Base is the home for our Contract Aircraft Program, which is more than 20 years old.  Our Contract Aircraft Program provides additional firefighting weapons to the standard arsenal of our Air and Wildland Division. Department Historian retired Captain David Boucher explained that the Tanker Base was originally located at another part of the airport but because it was too close to the runway, it was moved to the Burbank Airport. Several years later, it returned to the Van Nuys Airport to  a safer location.

This Varney Flying Service Stearman Biplane was the first in LA County history to drop water on a fire. This photo was staged on Mt. Lukens on September 9, 1956, although the plane did drop water on the burning part of the mountain earlier in the day. USFS photo from Captain David Boucher’s book Ride the Devil Wind.

Currently, Fire Captain Paul Stump and Fire Fighter Paramedic John-Patrick “J.P.” Reardon manage our two contractors, the Province of Quebec, Canada, which provides two Super Scooper airplanes, and Erickson Inc., which provides the Helitanker, a helicopter with a 2,650-gallon tank capable of holding water and flame retardant. At the direction of County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, our Department began leasing the Super Scoopers in 1994. We started to lease the Helitanker in 2007 to further boost our air attack program. Our Department has come a long way since the first biplane dropped 120 gallons of water on Mt. Lukens in 1956.

The Super Scoopers are operated by a Quebec team of eight pilots, two mechanics and one avionics technician. Avionics are the electronic systems on a plane which facilitate communications, navigation and the display and management of multiple systems. The Helitanker is operated by Erickson’s team of two pilots, three mechanics and two truck drivers – one for fuel and the other for a service truck full of parts and tools for maintenance and repairs. Erickson Mechanic Troy Ophieken says he enjoys traveling around the world to save lives by keeping the Helitanker in top mechanical condition.

Crew of Quebec’s Super Scoopers: Copilot George Progakis, Captain Carl Villeneuve, Copilot René Geoffroy, Mechanic Daniel Simpson, and Avionics Tech. Jean-Guy Couture. Photo by Douglas Morrison. Click image to see larger size.

Super Scooper Chief Pilot Carl Villeneuve shared, “We enjoy coming here in the winter.  For some of us, it is hard, because we have young children.” Villeneuve explained an interesting fact about the Super Scoopers.

“The wheels of the plane can only take so much weight, so when we fill up with water on a hard runway, we only take 1,000 gallons, but when we land in a lake, we don’t have to use the wheels, so we can scoop up 1,600 gallons,” he said. Reardon reported that there are usually nine scooping sources scattered throughout the County, but because of the drought, Lakes Elizabeth and Hughes are dried up. Santa Fe Dam has too much vegetation it. Bard Lake is also unavailable because of a fear that aircraft may contaminate it with mussels or other living things. Since the Helitankers do not need deep water, they have many more water sources.

Crew of Erickson Helitanker: Mechanics Troy Ophieken and Butch Sober keep the Helitanker well maintained and repaired so Pilots Mel Cecanti and Dave Sistek can safely attack fire. Photo by Doug Morrison.

The Helitanker fills its tank with water in three ways. The first way is while it is moving; it must keep moving when getting water from the ocean because the salt spray can damage it. After reaching a speed of about 45 knots, it lowers a “sea snorkel” into the ocean and pressure from the rushing water fills the 2,650 gallon tank in just 10 seconds. When the Helitanker takes off with a full tank of fuel, 8,400 pounds, it can hold 1,000 gallons or water. As it uses up the fuel, about 550 gallons per hour, it can hold more water, up to 2,600 gallons.

The second way the Helitanker fills its tank is with a “pond snorkel,” where the Helitanker hovers over a pond or something similar, lowers the snorkel and a hydraulic pump moves the water into the tanks. This takes about 25 seconds. The third way is when it is sitting still on an airport runway with a hose attached to it. The Super Scooper gets water from a hose while on land, or after it lands in water; while it is moving forward, the pressure of the water fills the tanks.

Reardon said, “It is very satisfying to play a small part in our Department’s Air Operations mission with these unique contract aircraft. When these aircraft show up at brush fires, along with our Department’s own helicopter fleet, it is an impressive arsenal. With these air attack resources overhead and our crews of Fire Suppression Aids and firefighters on the ground battling these fast-moving blazes, they can be controlled before growing too large in size. Our Department has developed an equally impressive reputation around the world for our ability to do this. Each year at Van Nuys airport, when our contract aircraft arrive, the stage is set for another busy fire season. As the second busiest non-commercial airport in the United States, the Van Nuys Tanker Base is the perfect place to house these aircraft as they go to work in the busiest wildland fire area in the world.

The post Van Nuys Tanker Base appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Our Department mourns the loss of Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Tom Barnett, who passed away on October 15 at the age of 61, following a short-term illness. Barnett joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division on June 1, 1997, and most recently served in the Southern Section of the Lifeguard Division. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers, as we all continue to cope with his loss.

“The Board of Supervisors, President Ken Haskett of the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association and I pass along our deepest condolences and sympathies to the entire Barnett Family,” wrote Fire Chief Daryl Osby in an internal briefing released on October 16.

The Department has activated the Memorial Management Team, including four members of the Lifeguard Division, to bring honor to Barnett and support his family in their time of sorrow.

Barnett is survived by his wife Ellen, sons Philip and Nolan, his mother Bea, his brother Steve, and many other family members and friends. Services are pending and will be shared in an upcoming briefing.

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“Trust in your dreams and don’t be afraid to step outside of the box to achieve them,” said Battalion 16 Chief Veronie Steele-Small to members of Girl Scout Troop 4701 during their visit to Fire Station 44 on October 7. As a part of the tour, these young scouts were given positive career advice by an accomplished female role model. Steele-Small expressed that “one of the keys to achieving your dreams is to not use your situation as an excuse.” She  shared stories about her own obstacles she endured to become the community leader she is today. Because she was a five-foot-three-inch petite model, she did not fit the profile of a firefighter.

“Honey, I don’t think this job is for you!” is one of the first comments she heard when she began her career journey. Remembering her father’s encouraging advice, she didn’t let that one person’s words of discouragement deter her from pursuing her goals; it actually fueled her desire to persevere and led her to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Steele-Small shared that it wasn’t easy, but anything worth accomplishing is rarely easy. She believes that with the right attitude and continued hard work will lead to the achievement of goals.

“If we continue to introduce young ladies to the possibilities then we invalidate the perception of what women can’t do. Within any career field, not only the fire service, it is important to understand that whatever they don’t know they have the ability to be trained.  They can be taught the knowledge and skills necessary to perform. Don’t limit yourself,” Steele told them.

Although there was an overwhelming sense of “girl power,” in the station, Steele-Small’s personnel were informative and fun as they provided a guided tour for the visiting scouts. Exemplifying the core value of “community,” the firefighters focused their attention on the possibilities of who may become our future firefighters. As a result of their visit, each member of Troop 4701 earned a patch for respecting authority.

The post Girl Scouts Meet Role Model at Fire Station 44 appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

As we change our clocks one hour back on Sunday, November 2, 2014, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reminds residents to change the batteries in every smoke and carbon monoxide detector device in their home.

Carbon monoxide detectors are required by SB-183 to be installed outside of each sleeping area in traditional dwellings.  For maximum protection against CO gas, the Los Angeles County Fire Department also recommends that a CO device be installed in each sleeping room.

Follow these simple tips when handling and maintaining smoke detectors:

• Test your smoke alarms for proper operations at least twice each year.
• Clean your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors so they are free of lint and dust build up.
• Change the batteries in every smoke and carbon monoxide detector device in your home at least twice each year when you change your clocks.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms are now required by law in California. (SB-183)
• Most importantly!  Have two (2) planned escape routes from your home with a designated meeting place outside for all members of your family, and conduct fire drills at home regularly.

The post Change Your Clock / Change Your Batteries appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Fire Fighter Specialist Ricardo Rodriguez, who passed away after a long-term illness on Friday, October 24. Rodriguez joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department on April 23, 1992. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers, as we continue to cope with his loss.

“Rick was an extremely friendly person; he had the personality to meet someone and become friends instantaneously. He was able to turn a stranger into a friend. He often talked about his wife and how fortunate he was to have her. He was a family man, friendly guy and was proud to be a firefighter; those are the three main things that describe Rick.” said Fire Captain Cesar Cano.

Rodriguez’s last assignment was at Fire Station 150 as an engineer. He is survived by his wife Sandra and adult children, Adrian and Alana. Services are pending and will be shared in an upcoming briefing.

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L.A. County’s Safe Surrender Program celebrates another success of a safely surrendered newborn baby girl on the night of October 25 at Fire Station 136 in Palmdale. This was the second infant in less than two weeks to be safely turned over for adoption. On October 17 a baby was also safely surrendered to a hospital in Tarzana.

After determining the baby was one day old, Fire Captain Daniel Rodriguez, who normally works at Station 93 but was working overtime at Station 136, accepted the baby girl from a couple.  He then medically evaluated the baby and gave the couple a questionnaire, fact sheet, self-addressed envelope and identification bracelet as he explained the procedure and placed a matching identification bracelet on the baby. The unidentified male told Rodriguez that he and the mother agreed to the policies.  He went on to explain that they understood the law because they had contacted the Safe Surrender Hotline before coming to the station. They only had one request, and that was to name the baby Danielle. The request was granted, added to the Patient Care Report, and shared with the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services.  Rodriguez said, “It was a courageous act of sacrificial love to give up their baby. I’m very appreciative that our Department, under the leadership of Chief Osby, supports this program because it does make a difference.”

Supervisor Don Knabe released a statement following the event to remind the public about the law. “It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to give up a child, but this mother bravely made the better choice for her baby girl—No shame. No blame. No names. Alhough we’ve been able to save the lives of 124 babies so far, we need to continue spreading the word that there is a safe, secure and anonymous way for mothers who find themselves in a desperate situation, to get their baby into safe hands—at any fire station or hospital, any time—and protect them from abandonment.”

Captain David Haley of Fire Station 146, Battalion 19, knows the success of the Safe Surrender program very well. He experienced a similar incident in Walnut on the evening of October 24, where a newborn boy was left at the door of his fire station. This time, because the baby was older than the 72-hour window to quality as a Safe Surrender, “it is one of the best options for parents who are experiencing uncertainty in keeping their baby,” he said.

From the time the California Safely Surrendered Baby Law went into effect on January 1, 2001, through March 31, 2014, 621 newborns have been surrendered statewide. Since March 31, 15 more newborns have been safely surrendered. The California Department of Social Services is currently working to improve data gathering and statistics for abandoned infants in order to monitor and improve the effectiveness of the Safely Surrendered Baby Law, which exists to prevent infant abandonment. In Los Angeles County, every hospital and fire station are Safe Surrender sites. For more information on the Safe Surrender Program, go to babysafela.org.

The post Newborn Safely Surrendered at L.A. County Fire Station 136 appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

2014 has been the busiest year on record for the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division. Beginning January 1 through November 3, Los Angeles County ocean lifeguards have performed 14,331 ocean rescues. This year’s count broke the previous mark of 14,096 set back in 1997. This is the largest number of rescues in the history of our organization. Lifeguards performed 4,500 more rescues than our 20-year average with nearly two months still remaining in 2014. Three main weather-related reasons account for the increase.

 “For one, the lack of rain and extended periods of unseasonably warm weather this year brought an increase of activity to L.A. County beaches,” said Acting Chief Lifeguard Steve Moseley. “Secondly, the frequency of larger than normal surf created beach erosion causing inshore holes along our shoreline. The combination of consistent surf and inshore holes caused rip currents to form more frequently along our coast. Thirdly, ocean temperatures in L.A. County have been unseasonably warm for most of the year. Temperatures rarely fell below 60 degrees this winter, and have hovered near 70 degrees and above from early spring through October.”

According to Moseley, the Lifeguard Division has reached an important milestone as 2014 has been the busiest year on record for the Lifeguard Division.

“This milestone is one that we can proudly celebrate today and positively reflect upon in the years to come. I would like to commend the men and women of the Lifeguard Division for their hard work and service to the public,” he said.

For the Lifeguard Division’s full statistics for 2014 follow the link: 2014 Lifeguard Statistics

The post L.A. County Lifeguards Break Record for the Highest Number of Ocean Rescues in a single year in 2014. appeared first on Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class was held on Catalina Island over the weekend of October 24-26 in the City of Avalon. At 6 p.m. on Friday evening, class members gathered to begin their instruction. It was a productive weekend as motivated residents were ready to recharge their efforts for our Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).  Over the next several months, Sheriff’s deputies plan to continue to work with these local residents to register several into the Sheriff’s Department Volunteer Program. LASD plans to build this cadre into the leadership core of our joint CERT efforts on the island by March 2015 to have a solid team ready to launch into the spring/summer season.

“This was an outstanding partnership of agencies,” said Laura Walters, community services representative. “The training team looked forward to arriving on Catalina and providing a high quality CERT course customized to serve island residents. The students had a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, network, expand and revitalize CERT.”

The weekend covered modules and practical skills training on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Triage and Treatment in a Disaster Medical Operations Environment, “Light” Search and Rescue, the CERT Organization, the Incident Command System (ICS), Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism. This class was focused on training citizens to be ready to help one another and aid in response efforts to minimize the overall impact of a disaster and aid in expediting recovery efforts. An additional goal of this training delivery was to provide additional tools, as well as State and local guidelines for effective management and sustainable CERT program on Catalina.

The revitalization of the Catalina CERT program will:

• Keep a cadre of 10-20 Sheriff Volunteer CERT members engaged as a lead group to work with City, County Fire, Sheriff and the Hospital;
• Have additional training and understanding of ICS and relationships with multiple agencies and island services;
• Develop a team image so they are clearly recognizable as Catalina Island CERT, and
• Network and communicate with other community CERT-trained members who would be available to aid and augment resources as needed.

LASD will use other existing CERT models to work with to make this work effortlessly. They will work in liaison with all parties to manage the team, address follow-up training, and actively support the Sheriff Station Volunteer Coordinator as the point of contact for the Island. During brush fires on Catalina, the LASD activates their CERT volunteers on the island to assist both of our Departments.

The formation of this Joint Agency Training Cadre gave a strong class delivery, with an additional strong message of the support and education to island residents who volunteered to take this class. Islanders took the challenge and were willing to be part of aiding their Catalina community in time of need, and promote ambassadorship to residents and travelers of the need to be prepared, ready to respond and recover. Two local hospitals, Catalina Island Medical Center at St. Mary Medical Center, were also proud to participate in coordination of this class. Thanks to the Avalon Fire Department, LASD, Long Beach Fire Department and members of our Department for the team effort and coalition building for Catalina.

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Fourth District County Supervisor Don Knabe hosted his Annual Public Safety Recognition Luncheon on October 30 at Pacific Palms in the City of Industry, where firefighters and law enforcement personnel were all honored for their service to the unincorporated communities of Whittier, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights. Every year, the “Homeland Heroes” event draws over 600 local community leaders and business representatives to show community-wide support for their local public safety agencies. The East Regional Operations Bureau is proud to see four firefighters selected as Firefighter of the Year:

A 16-year member of our Department, Fire Captain Marvin Dorsey began his career in the fire service 21 years ago with the Arcadia and Upland Fire Departments. Previous training as a firefighter while serving in the Marines transformed his interest of becoming a physician to that of a firefighter and paramedic. A 29-year member of our Department, Fire Captain Jim Wheeler began his career as a firefighter in 1985. Prior to becoming a firefighter, he served seven and a half years in the Air Force and was assigned as a Federal Firefighter. A Fire Captain since 2009, Wheeler is currently assigned to Fire Station 120. He worked many years and became very familiar with the Rowland Heights community as a Fire Fighter Paramedic at Fire Station 119 on Pathfinder Road.

Fire Fighter Dryw Waite has provided lifesaving and emergency services for our Department for the last two years. He has faithfully served the citizens of Whittier and Unincorporated Whittier while working at Fire Station 28 and enjoys serving the community where he was born and raised.

Fire Fighter Paramedic David Michel is an eight year veteran of our Department. He has served the unincorporated community of Whittier for five years while assigned to Fire Station 28. He also served with the United States Marine Corps for four years and was deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom. The East Regional Operations Bureau, Divisions 4 and 8 are grateful to the Supervisor for recognizing those who serve the unincorporated communities of Whittier, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights. Congratulations to all four of this year’s honorees – a job well done!

Pomona Council Member Thanks Camp 19 for Keeping Ganesha Hills Fire Safe

On May 18, Battalion 15 personnel responded to a small brush fire in the Ganesha Hills area of Pomona. Fortunately the fire was quickly extinguished and posed no threat to the residents of this peaceful neighborhood. While attending the Pomona City Council meeting, Division 8 Assistant Fire Chief Dave Stone was approached by Council Member Debra Martin whose council district represents Ganesha Hills. Martin expressed concern over brush clearance and the potential for a major brush fire in the hillside community. Residents living here have never forgotten the Ganesha Hills Fire that began on a September afternoon in 1970, eventually destroying 13 homes.

Stone began working with the City of Pomona, Battalion 15 personnel and Assistant Fire Chief Vince Pena from the Air and Wildland Division to begin collaboration on a Ganesha Hills brush clearance project. With the assistance of the Camps Battalion Chiefs Mike Inman and Steve Olson, Camp 19 Superintendents Lance Schoeman and Curtis Wisman, Camp 19 crews began the difficult task of clearing Ganesha Hills. The task at hand was not easy, not to mention Camp 19 personnel and crews spent several weeks during the summer’s hottest months to complete this difficult project.

Expressing an interest in thanking Camp 19, Martin offered to provide an appreciation meal for those involved. On Thursday, October 23, Camp 19 personnel and crews gathered in the Ganesha Park Pavilion, where lunch was served to all.  Martin thanked Camp 19, letting the crews know that their hard work and efforts did not go unnoticed and, because of them, residents of Ganesha Hills can now rest a little easier.

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Fire Captain Pete Finnerty of Fire Station 27 in Battalion 3 was honored as 2014 Firefighter of the Year by the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club during an awards banquet held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the City of Commerce on October 29.  Finnerty has served our nation’s fire service for the past 24 years, including 19 as a member of our Department.

Finnerty has had the honor of serving as a Fire Fighter Paramedic in the City of Bell and Bell Gardens. He promoted to Captain in 2006 and was assigned to the East Los Angeles area. He is currently assigned to Fire Station 27 in the City of Commerce, where he has proudly served this community for the past two years.

In addition to serving the local community, Finnerty is actively involved in our Department’s Recruit Mentor Program, Memorial Management Team, EMS Strategic Plan Task Force and is also the Liaison Officer for Incident Management Team 1. Over the years, he has been involved in many Fire Department programs that have directly contributed to the safety of our residents. One example is his service as the Hands Only CPR Coordinator for Battalion 3, providing training classes for local residents in Commerce and Bell Gardens. He has also taken the lead in evacuation training for local businesses and senior centers to help prepare for large scale emergency incidents.

Fire Captain Pete Finnerty was joined by Assistant Fire Chief Nick Duvally and personnel from Fire Station 27, including Fire Fighter Mike Ryan, Fire Captain Ernie Lopez, Fire Fighter Paramedic Robert Reinhold and Fire Fighter Specialist Allan Anolin.

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Giving back is a value all of our personnel uphold through their daily work, but in special cases this virtue is twofold. In light of Veterans Day coming up on November 11, our Department would like to show appreciation for those who serve our local communities daily through the Fire Department and our country through their tireless work as members of the U.S. military.

“Both careers have allowed me to serve my community, whether on a local, state, national or worldwide level. It has allowed me to ‘give back’ for all the blessings I have been provided throughout my life,” says Fire Captain Tony Durán, HazMat coordinator at Fire Station 1. Duran, who retired from the Air Force in 1997 with 23 years of active duty service as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank attainable by an enlisted member, has continued his military service since 2006 as a member of the California State Military Reserve, Air Wing.

Although Duran admits that fulfilling both service roles does present challenges, the moral benefit of protecting and serving his community in any capacity outweighs those drawbacks. Many of our public safety responders share the rewarding experience of serving their country and their community.

Ocean Lifeguard Michael S. Gavola, who has been in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves for over three years. He was activated and deployed for one of those years in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He agrees that the dual responsibility can be overwhelming at times but also motivating.

“Being able to make an impact in my local community daily and defending my country is the most rewarding,” says Gavola.

In honor of all the men and women who serve or have served in the branches of our U.S. military, our Department would like to formally recognize those individuals within our own organization who have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of their community and country.

Thank you for your superior service and commitment, Fire Captain Antonio E. Duran, Fire Captain Richard D. Mullen, Fire Captain Raymond L. Perez, Ocean Lifeguard Steven Acosta, Ocean Lifeguard Daniel Behrens, Ocean Lifeguard Scott T. Bender, Ocean Lifeguard Keith J. Benzer, Ocean Lifeguard Agustino Camello, Ocean Lifeguard Jim A. Darling, Ocean Lifeguard Don Elezar Garcia, Ocean Lifeguard Michael Gavola, Ocean Lifeguard Jordan Brett, Ocean Lifeguard John McGuire, Ocean Lifeguard Benjamin Miller, Ocean Lifeguard Damian Minicucci, Ocean Lifeguard Matthew F. Mohagen, Ocean Lifeguard Richard D. Neitz, Ocean Lifeguard Carlos Pena, Ocean Lifeguard Robb Raffaelli, Ocean Lifeguard Malcom A. Reid, Ocean Lifeguard Andres Sandoval, Ocean Lifeguard Benjamin Vail, Truck Driver Roderick D. Baker, Fire Fighter Andrei Mostovoj, Fire Fighter George H. Navarro, Jr., Fire Fighter Raul J. Salazar, Fire Fighter Jonathan B. Sleigh, Fire Fighter Thomas M. Thompson, Fire Fighter Josh DeJournett, Fire Fighter Rafael A. Ortiz, Fire Fighter Jason Siemen, Fire Fighter Scott A. Smith, Fire Fighter Robert Torres, Fire Fighter Glenn A. Wright, Fire Fighter Joel Cruz, Fire Fighter Michael Keeney, Fire Fighter Frank Loaiza, Fire Fighter Aaron Morris, Fire Fighter Clint A. Mosley, Fire Fighter Alejandro V. Palomino, Fire Fighter Eric S. Taylor, Fire Fighter Adam M. Vanhaaster, and Fire Fighter Specialist Mark A. Brown.

Editor’s Note:  The Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announces the addition of U.S. Vets, a one-stop service center for Los Angeles County military, veterans and their families.  On Monday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m., the new service center will open at the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, 1st floor atrium, located at 1816 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. The move of U.S. VETS, a non-profit organization that provides housing, employment and counseling to veterans, brings together a network of service agencies providing collaborative and coordinated services under one roof. U.S. VETS is the final veterans service organization to make the move into the historic building, joining the already established American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and others. A news conference is scheduled at that time to make the public announcement. Veterans from all across the County will be in attendance, along with County leaders and representatives of organizations serving our military.

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Our Department was formally recognized by Fifth District Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich for our work in launching the PulsePoint app in Los Angeles County. Joining Fire Chief Daryl Osby to receive this special recognition was Richard Price, founder of the PulsePoint app and director of the PulsePoint Foundation, and personnel involved in the launch project. As previously reported in Size-Up, PulsePoint is a lifesaving app for CPR-trained citizens to download and use to receive notifications that someone within one quarter of a mile is in need of CPR. Since our Department’s launch last August, over 25,000 citizens have downloaded the app in Los Angeles County. Our Department is also finalizing plans to help train all 100,000 County employees in Hands-Only CPR and PulsePoint. Congratulations to those involved in this game changing project to engage our communities in our mission to save life.

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Our Department mourns the loss of Ocean Lifeguard Specialist (OLS) Tom Barnett, who passed away on October 15 at the age of 61, following a short-term illness. OLS Barnett had 32 years of dedicated service as an Ocean Lifeguard with the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. We coordially invite all to come and join the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division as we celebrate the life of Tom Barnett at the following events:

Barnett is survived by his wife Ellen, sons Philip and Nolan, his mother Bea, his brother Steve, and many other family members and friends. The entire family greatly appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Bottom Photo taken by Harry Varnas. Top Photo Unknown

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This award was largely for Jones’ efforts and leadership in rewriting an entire section of the California Health and Safety Code dealing with business plans and inventory requirements (known as the “Hazardous Materials” program element). During this four-year process, Jones chaired and led an effort that at times involved over 100 participants from local and State government, unified program agencies, prosecutors, the farm bureau, schools and universities, businesses and industries with facilities throughout the State, including larger retailers, utilities, manufacturing and others required to comply with the law.

Hazardous Materials Division Chief Bill Jones accepts the Environmental Excellence Award from the Industrial Environmental Association of San Diego on behalf of the CUPA Forum Board. (Photo submitted by Bill Jones)

L-R: Nadine Spertus, president of the Industrial Environmental Association, Health Hazardous Materials Division Chief Bill Jones, County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Division Chief Mike Vizzier and Mike Rogge of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. (Photo submitted by Bill Jones)

The changes involved two bills (SB 483 effective January 2014 and SB 1261, effective January 2015 by Senator Hana Beth Jackson) sponsored by environmental health directors, Cal Chiefs and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (who joined in sponsoring SB 1261). The changes were broad and sweeping, updating provisions, removing areas no longer applicable, and consolidating similar sections that included provisions scattered throughout the chapter. Other improvements include new electronic reporting requirements, the exclusion of businesses and chemicals that the group felt should no longer be included in the program, the addition of new definitions, a clearer definition of remote site requirements, and the addition of certain enforcement provisions.

In this collaborative effort, thousands of hours by a multitude of workgroups and breakouts led a State Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials consultant to describe it as a “model approach to legislation.” At the awards luncheon, a short video highlighted the efforts of the CFB and all stakeholders involved in the process.

“This award is the Los Angeles County Fire Department serving as a leader in California and engineering our future in hazardous materials regulatory requirements,” said Jones.

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Two members of our Department were recently honored by their communities!  In Division 5, Fire Fighter Specialist Robert Garcia of Fire Station 33 was honored at the recent Leadership and Public Service Awards event held at the City of Lancaster Museum of Art and History for his service as a community leader. In another community-based event in Division 8, Fire Captain Frank Garrido of Fire Station 187 was honored as the Walnut Valley Rotary Club Firefighter of the Year at a celebration at the Diamond Bar Golf Course.

Fire Fighter Specialist Robert Garcia is Making a Difference in the Antelope Valley

By: Carmen Mackey

Fire Fighter Specialist Robert Garcia, joined by his lovely wife Trisha, was honored as a Community Leader and Agent of Change at the recent Leadership and Public Service Award event held at the City of Lancaster Museum of Art and History.  Honorees have made a positive impact in the Antelope Valley and with the young adults involved in the program.

Fire Station 33 firefighters joining honoree Garcia include Battalion Chief Mark Tolbert, Captains Ken Garcia, Scott Polgar and Scott Jersek, Fire Fighter Specalists Don McLaughlin and Steve Corbett, Fire Fighters Dan Thompson, Riley Simonds, Nick Cunningham, Dan Thompson, and Marshall Montazari, and Fire Station 117 Call Fire Fighter Anthony Godde. Congratulations!

Walnut Valley Rotary Club Firefighter of the Year is Fire Captain Frank Garrido

By: Leticia Pacillas

Fire Captain Frank Garrido of Fire Station 187 has been selected as the 2014 Walnut Valley Rotary Club Firefighter of the Year. On November 4, the Walnut Valley Rotary Club held its annual Firefighter and Deputy of the Year recognition event at the Diamond Bar Golf Course, where Assistant Fire Chief Dave Stone and Battalion Chief Carl Flores shared highlights from Garrido’s career, and why he was selected. Surrounded by his crew, Garrido received additional accolades from the Rotarians, Congressman Ed Royce, the Office of Senator Bob Huff, and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tye from the City of Diamond Bar. This recognition event is held every November as a way for the Walnut Valley Rotary Club to thank public safety members responding to the Walnut and Diamond Bar communities.

On June 10, 2000, Garrido reported to the Los Angeles County Fire Department as a new recruit firefighter. Having spent eight months prior working as a firefighter for the City of Huntington Beach, the move to Los Angeles County was something he was happy to pursue. Since being hired by the County 14 years ago, Garrido has quickly promoted, serving the Department as a Paramedic, Engineer, Fire Prevention Inspector, Public Information Officer and his current rank of Captain.

A Captain now for five years, he has spent the past year assigned to Fire Station 187, located on Temple Avenue in Pomona. Although Station 187 is located in the City of Pomona, its location is unique because it is home to Quint 187, which is also known as the “truck company” that responds to calls in the cities of Diamond Bar and Walnut.

Working truck operations is different than working on an engine, but it’s something Garrido enjoys. He says he finds the position rewarding, it’s given him additional learning opportunities and exposes him to different command experiences.

During his career, a memorable experience that he will never forget was traveling to Ground Zero one month after September 11th, where he and others assisted with the recovery efforts of fallen firefighters.

An active member of the Department, Garrido has served as a member of the Department’s Peer Support Team, PIO on incident management teams, and as part of a EMT Cadre Team, just to name a few. Demonstrating a passion for learning and knowledge, future goals include being promoted to the rank of battalion chief.

Off duty, Garrido enjoys spending time as a Crew Chief for a NASCAR Super Truck Series and working on cars. Family time is very important too, and has been married to his wife Kim for 11 years. They have two children, daughter Victoria (age 7) and son Anthony  (age 4). Division VIII congratulates Captain Garrido!

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On November 6, members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department Family Support Group gathered with Fire Chief Daryl Osby and special guests at the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum in Bellflower to celebrate 30 years of providing support and comfort to surviving members of our Department’s fallen.

Laura Herman, widow of Fire Fighter Steve Herman and the group’s current coordinator, accepted a commemorative gift from the Fire Chief, along with his thanks for serving fellow Fire Department families for three decades. “We will never forget your sacrifices,” he said.

As members ate a delicious lunch prepared by Firehouse Chefs, Nancy Baker, the group’s coordinator from 1992-2002, shared an account of the group’s history.

“I’ve been asked to talk to you today about the history of the L.A. County Family Support Group. I’m going to squeeze 30 years of history into about eight minutes,” Baker began. “When Candy Wilson and Angie Baquet lost their L.A. County firefighter husbands in 1984, they both lived in Huntington Beach, had small children and were able to cling to each other through their grieving process. They decided that they could help future women whose firefighter husbands died while on the job. They named the group and made a proposal to the Fire Chief at the time, John Englund, who welcomed the idea with open arms. So, the support group was born.”

Baker went on to share that the group’s purpose is to have a place where a new widow or widower can ask questions of others who have been through the same life-changing challenges, and to provide emotional support and guidance for those who have lost firefighter family members.

“Candy would attend the funeral and then was in touch with the widow,” she explained. “She was then back in touch with the widow and eventually would invite her to a luncheon, where the group would gather once a month.”

In the 30 years since, the group has welcomed over 60 women. In more recent years following the recruitment of women into the Department’s firefighting ranks, a few widowers also joined. Baker says that the group is there for everyone. Some join for just a few months and then move on, but friendships formed keep them close.

“We have many in our group who have been with us for many years. I’ll call this our core group, and I’d like to recognize them as they also work for the continuation of our group,” she said, as she asked them to stand as each was recognized. “Nancy Howe, Joann Davis, Ingrid Weiss-Salveson, Chris Moiseve, Barbara Rubick, Donna Russell, our present coordinator Laura Herman, and Kristina Hajjar and Roxanne Benavides-Ortega, our liaisons from the Fire Department.  Thank you, all of you.”

Although Wilson was not able to join the anniversary celebration, Retired Fire Chief John Englund and his son, John Englund, Jr., were in attendance. In an email sent to Rubick the following day, he expressed pride in the fact that the group was still meeting and growing after all these years.

“It was both an honor and pleasure to be with you,” Chief Englund wrote. “I really enjoyed spending time and talking with all of you. My wife Irene and I met with Candy Wilson and Angie Baquet when they were trying to get the Family Support Group started up. They asked Irene to attend a meeting with them which she did. Irene would have been honored to have been able to attend this anniversary luncheon. After 30 years, it was inspiring to me to see that the group is still viable and providing a valuable service to families.”

While the group’s primary mission is to provide individual support, they have accomplished a few key projects along the way. Most notably, the group assisted the L.A. County Fire Department Memorial Committee formed in the mid-1990s with its plan to design and construct a permanent memorial wall at Department headquarters in East Los Angeles. The group was given three votes as committee members and attended meetings for years while the planning took place.  Another notable accomplishment was the creation of the Family Support Group Survivors Handbook, now given to all surviving spouse to help navigate the many benefits and resources available to them following the death of a firefighting spouse. The handbook is filled with advice and also aims to provide comfort.

Since turning over the reins 12 years ago, Baker’s successors include Sue Schmidt (widow of John Schmidt, coordinator from 2002-2003), Ingrid Weiss Salveson (widow of Dale Weiss, coordinator from 2003-2010) and Laura Herman (widow of Steve Herman, coordinator from 2012 to the present).

“We are fortunate to have the blessing and moral support of our Fire Chief, Daryl Osby, and before him, Chief P. Michael Freeman. We are honored to be small part of the L.A. County Fire Department family. Will everyone who is or has been a member of the Family Support Group please stand?” asked Baker, as she watched just about everyone in the building rise from their seats.

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