YYYAAAKKKIIIMMMAAA FFFIIIRRREEE DDDEEEPPPAAARRRTTTMMMEEENNNTTT

AAANNNNNNUUUAAALLL RRREEEPPPOOORRRTTT

222000111000

YYAAKKIIMMAA FFIIRREE DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT AANNNNUUAALL RREEPPOORRTT

22001100

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction: Chief’s Letter to the Citizens of Yakima 1 Administration 2 Organizational Chart 3 Personnel List 4 Retirements & Promotions 5 Rusty Hauber Memorial

Outstanding Achievement Award 6 Operations 7 2010 Alarm Statistics 8-10 HB 1756 Report 2010 11 Training 12 Investigation 13 Support Services

Cover Photo: 2010 Tractor Drawn Aerial apparatus participating in an evening drill at the Larson Building. Photo by Lt. Don Wolterstorff, Yakima Fire Department.

2010 Annual Report designed by Rita Mantey, Department Secretary.

Administration Fire Suppression Fire & Life Safety Division Investigation Division Training Communications

 

City of Yakima Fire Department 401 North Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901

(509)575-6060 Fax (509)576-6356 www.yakimafire.com

2011 To the Citizens of Yakima It is my privilege to write this letter as the Interim Fire Chief of the Yakima Fire Department. In my 27 years of service to the Yakima Fire Department I have witnessed many changes in the City of Yakima and in the Yakima Fire Department. The changes that have occurred in the Fire Department are a direct reflection of the increase in demand for our service as well as the evolution of type of services requested. We are constantly pitting the increased workload against a shrinking financial ability to support this workload. One factor that has never changed in the Fire Service is the never ending drive of firefighters to provide the best possible service with whatever means they have. It will be very important for this department to make plans for the future and expect a slow economic recovery. In the next year it will be of paramount importance to develop a master plan that will help guide us to our long term objectives in the most efficient and expedient manor. In times of economic regression, a lack of planning would be a decisive misstep leading to catastrophic failure. I am proud to say that in 2010 the Yakima Fire Department has served the citizens of Yakima in a most outstanding manner. The citizens can rest assured that they are receiving a better service than can be expected for their tax dollars. Sincerely,

David A. Willson Interim Fire Chief

Yakima Fire Department Administration’s role is to serve the public and employees of the department by providing quality emergency services to the best of the city’s financial ability. The Administration Division is responsible for overseeing a ten million dollar budget. The monies from the budget are used to deliver fire protection, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, airport protection, public safety education, fire investigation and training for department personnel. Administration includes the Fire Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, an Administrative Assistant, and a Secretary II. Administration oversees the Operations Division through personnel services such as shift scheduling, sick leave management, training, wage and benefit negotiations, compliance to local, state and federal laws related to operations, and short and long range goal planning for the department. Other duties of Administration include acting as a liaison between our governmental representatives as well as state, local, and national governmental and private interests. In October 2010, Charlie Hines resigned as Chief of the department to accept the position of Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo, California. Deputy Chief Dave Willson was appointed as Interim Fire Chief effective December 1, 2010. Deputy Chief Bob Stewart assumed the combined duties of two Deputy Chief positions.

ADMINISTRATION

YAKIMA FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

Administration

Chief of the Department Dave Willson - 1984 Deputy Chief - Operations Bob Stewart – 1988 Administrative Assistant Connie Mendoza - 2006 Secretary II Rita Mantey – 1987

Battalion Chiefs Captains Lieutenants

Abel Castilleja – 1982 Mitch Cole – 1988 Tom Sevigny – 1984

Jennifer Norton – 1993 Joe Riel - 1985 Tom Schneider – 1988 Ted Vander Houwen – 1992 Rod Vetsch – 1979 Rocky Willette – 1985

Greg Ahmann – 1990 Don Dexter – 1985 Brandon Dorenbush – 1998 Bruce Drollinger - 1990 Gary Gefre - 1992 Alex Langbell – 1995 Bruce Newell – 1983 Jeff Pfaff – 1995 Jason Ray – 2001 Jeremy Rodriguez – 1996 Hans Solie – 1986 Don Wolterstorff – 1996

Day Positions

Ron Melcher – Deputy Fire Marshal – 1976 Jim Fuehrer – Assistant Fire Marshal – 2005 Bob Burton – Training Captain – 1984

Joe Chinco – Training Assistant – 1993 Mark Frey – Department Mechanic - 1989

Firefighters

JoAnna Albrecht - 1992 Jeff Feen - 2002 Randy Raschko - 1999 Mark Ancira – 1998 Tim Gese - 2005 Russ Reser - 2001 Anthony Anserello - 2008 Travis Hellewell - 2004 Brian Robertson - 2006 Dan Apodaca – 1996 Jonathan Hood - 2006 John Shahan - 2004 Joe Armstrong - 2004 Brad Hopkins - 2005 Kory Simmons – 1993 Brent Bauer – 1996 Marcus Hudson - 1996 Nick Sloan - 2006 Andrey Belza - 2007 Dan Jensen - 2004 Brian Smillie - 2009 Bob Benner – 1998 Jeff Jones - 2000 David Stark – 1996 Kari Brown – 1994 Tim Kerns - 2004 Kris Stark- 1989 Ty Brown – 2002 Brian Kneisler - 2001 Jeremiah Stilley - 2005 Joe Burbank - 1998 Bill Kotzin – 1997 Jeff Stone - 2004 Cody Burton - 2007 Bil Lealos - 2006 Mike Trujillo - 2003 Chris Casey - 1992 Steve Lockwood - 2006 Mike Wagner - 2004 Pete Day - 2006 Chris Manion – 1997 Beau Watson - 2004 Adrian de Mestre - 2007 Dan Mansfield – 1996 Brian Williams - 2002 Charlie Derrick – 2000 Ed Moore - 2002 Chad Williams – 2004 Travis Dexter - 2007 Shannon Needham - 1997 Rob Williams - 2005 Pete Duthie - 2001 Kai Nishida - 2003 Jason Wilson - 2008 Jay Elmo – 1988 Harlan Petersen – 1988

Reserve Force Members

Stephanie Black

Jim Erixson

Sandra McLoud

Laurel Sherman Bill Cornwell Amanda Estes Danielle McNulty April Stadler Rhonda Cornwell Heather Jordan Delbert Miles Eric Tejeda Kim Cornwell Michael Lefthand Kevin Quantrell Travis Vinsant Steve Elenich Maureen McCormick Betsy Ross

Lieutenant Ron Johnson retired on October 31, 2010 after 32 years, 7 months of service. Ron joined the department as a Firefighter on March 13, 1978 and continued to serve in that position until April 1, 2004 when he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. Ron was assigned to Station 94 for several years, specializing in Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting. Ron served as a department historian, organizing and preserving historical photos, log books and news articles on the Yakima Fire Department. Ron also served several terms as President of IAFF Local 469.

Following the retirement of Lieutenant Ron Johnson, Firefighter Jeremy Rodriguez was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Jeremy joined the department as a Firefighter on October 1, 1996. He is an active member of the Tri-County Hazardous Materials Response Team, a representative on the YFD Safety and Accident Review Committee, an OTEP Instructor for Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services, and currently serves as President of IAFF Local 469.

RETIREMENT

PROMOTION

Firefighter Tim Kerns was the recipient of the Rusty Hauber Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award for 2010. Firefighter Kerns has been a member of the Yakima Fire Department since 2004. Firefighter Kerns has organized numerous projects and volunteers many hours for our community. He volunteered his personal time to assist in the development and implementation of the Skills USA State and Regional Competition, the organization of the

annual Adopt a Family program and the annual fire department spaghetti feed. In addition to participating in several Red Cross fundraisers, Firefighter Kerns also contributes his time to the community by serving on the YV Tech advisory board and as a Local 469 Union Executive Board representative. An example of Firefighter Kerns’ commitment to his community is evidenced through his leadership at the 2010 annual spaghetti feed. Initially this event was canceled by the previous sponsor. Because this community relations and fundraising event has always been highly popular, Firefighter Kerns took action to keep it alive. Through his initiative, the Yakima

Fire Department partnered with a new organization, the Children’s Wishes and Dreams Foundation. The 2010 Spaghetti Feed resulted in over $3,000 in proceeds donated to that organization. Firefighter Kerns earned this award through his continued commitment and service to the fire department and our community.

RUSTY HAUBER MEMORIAL OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Operations is the largest division of the Yakima Fire Department, and is responsible for both emergency and non-emergency incidents. The division is under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Operations, with day-to-day activities of the three shifts managed by the on duty Battalion Chief. The division consists of Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Firefighters and the Department Mechanic. The Operations division has a broad range of responsibilities; Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical, Hazardous Materials, Aircraft Crash Fire Rescue, Emergency Scene Management and Interagency Operations. Additional activities include training, public education, station tours, apparatus and station maintenance, equipment maintenance, and pre-incident planning. On duty shift Fire Investigators do preliminary origin and cause determination at fire incidents. The department took delivery of a tractor drawn aerial apparatus, commonly called a tiller, in spring 2010. The new apparatus is designated as Truck-91 and is housed at Station 91.

The Operations Division responded to 10,009 alarms in 2010. The chart on the following page shows the breakdown of these incidents.

OPERATIONS

City of Yakima’s 2010 Crimson Spartan 103’ Tractor Drawn Aerial Apparatus

MAJOR INCIDENT TYPEFiresOverpressure rupture, explosion, Rescue & Emergency Medical Service 7569 75 62%

# % of TOTAL383 3.83%

7 0.07%

Major Incidents - 2010

Rescue & Emergency Medical ServiceHazardous Condition (No Fire)Service CallGood Intent CallFalse Alarm & False CallSevere Weather & Natural DisasterSpecial Incident Type

TOTAL7 0.07%

10009

846 8.45%581 5.80%

2 0.02%

7569 75.62%125 1.25%489 4.89%

Adopted Standards “Every fire jurisdiction shall adopt service delivery objectives in a written statement for all services that are provided in an emergency mode.” These include the following, if appropriate: A. FIRE SUPPRESSION

1. Turnout Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 120 seconds (2:00) for a structure fire incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 183 seconds (3:03) met standard 53%

2. Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard of 240 seconds (4:00) for the arrival of the first engine company to a fire suppression incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 261 seconds (4:21) met standard 86%

3. Initial First Alarm Assignment:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a response/travel time standard of 480 seconds (8:00) for the arrival of the full complement of a 1st alarm response to a fire suppression incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 528 seconds (8:48) met standard 87%

B. EMS

1. Turnout Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 90 seconds (1:30) for an EMS incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 134 seconds (2:14) met standard 63%

2. Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard of 240 seconds (4:00) for a BLS unit, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 284 seconds (4:44) met standard 79% C. SPECIAL OPERATIONS (Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue)

1. Turnout Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 120 seconds (2:00) for a Hazmat incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 175 seconds (2:55) met standard 67%

2. Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard for “Operations” level personnel on scene in 240 seconds (4:00), which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 395 seconds (6:35) met standard 59%

D. AIRCRAFT RESCUE & FIREFIGHTING

1. Turnout/Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 160 seconds (2:00) for an aircraft incident at the airport, which the department should meet 90% of the time. FAA Requirement = 180 seconds (3:00)

• 2010 Average 119 seconds (1:59) met standard 100% 2. Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard of 240 seconds (4:00) for an aircraft incident at the airport, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 190 seconds (3:10) met standard 100% E. WILDLAND

1. Turnout/Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a turnout time standard of 160 seconds (2:00) for a wildland fire incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time. FAA Requirement = 180 seconds (3:00)

• 2010 Average 189 seconds (3:09) met standard 62% 2. Travel Time:

• Goal/Standard: The Yakima Fire Department has adopted a travel time standard of 240 seconds (4:00) for a wildland fire incident, which the department should meet 90% of the time.

• 2010 Average 388 seconds (6:28) met standard 61%

The Training Division works to provide training and education for Yakima Fire Department personnel through needs assessment, course development and project implementation. In 2010 the Training Division was led by Training Captain Bob Burton and Training Lieutenant Joseph Chinco. These members provided training not only for Yakima Firefighters, but also for neighboring departments. In addition, the Training Lieutenant is the instructor for the YV Tech Fire Cadet program.

The Training Division is responsible for supporting the needs of all fire department personnel in accomplishing their career goals along with providing all Firefighters, Officers and Chiefs with their mandatory and non-mandatory training requirements. The Training Division is also the department safety division, which oversees safety issues as well as providing Incident Safety Officers on working fires and other type incidents.

TRAINING

Aerial drill at Yakima Regional Fire Training Center, Fire Station 95

Firefighters prepare to enter the smoke-filled training tower for search and rescue drill.

The Fire Investigation Division had a busy and successful 2010. The division investigated over 200 fires, resulting in nine arrests for incendiary fires. The ongoing trial of the “Mayday Mob” who allegedly set several fires in 2006 and 2007 causing thousands of dollars in property damage, ended in June resulting in a conviction of six counts of second-degree arson for the leader of the “Mob.” Many hours were spent by the Fire Marshals, members of the Investigation Division and the department secretary in preparation for the trial. The Assistant Fire Marshal position was eliminated at the end of 2010 due to budget reduction. This resulted in Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Fuehrer returning to the Yakima Police Department Detective Division. Detective Fuehrer’s contribution to the fire department and the Investigation Division has been invaluable. He was instrumental in following through with several major investigations, resulting in convictions of arson suspects. The Shift Fire Investigators gained a lot of valuable experience during Detective Fuehrer’s years with the fire department.

INVESTIGATION

Deputy Fire Marshal Jim Fuehrer confers with Fire Investigators Dan Mansfield and Greg Ahmann at the scene of a structure fire.

The Yakima Fire Reserve Support group continued to serve the Yakima Fire Department and the community in 2010 by volunteering 1,264 hours of service. There are presently 19 Reserve members. The Reserves respond to incident scenes to support emergency personnel by refilling SCBA bottles, checking vital signs on Firefighters, operating a rehab bus, Chaplain services, and assisting citizens displaced by fires or other emergencies. The Reserves also participate in many non-emergency activities such as the annual spaghetti feed, fire safety presentations, EDITH House, chili cook-off and various fundraising events to support local organizations such as Children’s Wishes & Dreams and the Yakima County Humane Society.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Reserve members receive their instructions at the scene of a water rescue incident