Chief’s Column

Ever vigilant

Page 2

Skin Health

Nurse Tiffany Kline

Page 3

Memories of a

32-year Career

District Chief

Tom Buckley

Page 4

Ops Update

Chief Nick LoCicero

Page 5

Firefighter Education and

Training

Chief Sue Tamme

Page 6

Fire Marshal’s Update

John Reed

Page 7

Public Service Loan

Forgiveness

Wes Adwell

Page 8

Let’s Get Physical Outdoor Fitness Station ready for use

T ampa Fire Rescue’s Peer Fitness

Team saw one of their ideas

brought to life following a dedica-

tion ceremony of the Outdoor Fitness Sta-

tion at the TFR training grounds August

24. Tampa’s First Responders’ Outdoor

Fitness Station was conceptualized by the

Peer Fitness Team as a functional fitness

model that employs the firefighter’s own

body weight and body mechanics to per-

form exercises outdoors. This program

and equipment reduces the risk of injury,

promotes heat acclimatization, and builds

the strength and endurance needed on the

fireground and the emergency scene. The

fitness station was designed by retired

Captain Tim Hayes, and the firefighters

that built it donated their own time and

expertise. Firefighter and Peer Fitness

Trainer, Stacy Fleming has developed

workout routines incorporating the fitness

station for individuals and groups.

“Firefighting is such a physically de-

manding occupation that also requires a

great deal of endurance,” Fleming said.

“This fitness station is a great tool for us

to use to help train and get that maximum

workout to keep firefighters in great

shape to perform on scene.”

The Peer Fitness Team continues to set

the standard for maintaining firefighter

health and safety. There are already plans

to incorporate the fitness station into re-

cruit training in addition to being utilized

for veteran firefighters. “You don’t need

a fancy gym or weight room to get a good

workout,” Fleming said. “Some quality

time on this station works wonders!”

What’s Inside

3rd Quarter 2017 Volume 4, Issue 3

From left: Retired Captain Tim Hayes, Driver Engineer Eddie Ortiz, Captain Jeremy Finney,

Firefighter Stacy Fleming and Driver Engineer Chris Shipp show off the new Outdoor Fitness

Station at the TFR Training Division August 24. Photo by Jason Penny

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 2

I t was a sad day when we learned of

the worst mass shooting in modern

history. What caused a man to take

aim and murder innocent people attending

a music festival that evening in Las Vegas

is still under investigation and may never

be known. But what is known is that first

responders played a key role in reducing

the number of fatalities and injuries that could have been much

worse if not for their diligence and willingness to place them-

selves into harm’s way.

For years it had been standard practice during shooting

scenes for paramedics to wait until a scene was completely

cleared by the police before going in to treat victims. But fol-

lowing events like the massacre at Columbine High School in

1999, experts in law enforcement and the fire service conclud-

ed that many of the victims could have been saved if medics

were able to get to them. In the time it took for police to clear a

scene, some victims bled out or perished in the absence of

medical attention. Since then there has been a shift in how law

enforcement and medical first responders approach mass shoot-

ings. In Nevada, the police and fire departments have been

working since 2010 to come up with best practices for working

together during critical incidents. According to a recent article

in The Washington Post, the Las Vegas first responders had

task forces that included armed police officers who would sur-

round a group of paramedics and move in unison while going

from victim to victim. This allowed the paramedics to treat the

patients while the police officers provided cover.

Tactics like these are similar to how our own Tactical Medi-

cal Response Team (TMRT) are trained to operate during a

critical incident. While our specific tactics may vary based on

each event or materiel requirements, we, like Las Vegas, have

a close relationship with our brothers and sisters in law en-

forcement. Our TMRT works with Tampa Police Department

officers regularly, whether during training or in real scenarios

such as serving warrants. The time our police and firefighters

spend with each other will pay dividends during any critical

incident.

We continue to mourn the losses that occurred during these

tragic events. However, it is our job to be as prepared as possi-

ble and increase the chances of saving lives. It is what we have

committed our professional lives to. I hope no one ever again

has to experience such a horrific event as the one that played

out in Las Vegas, but we can certainly be as prepared as we can

if it does. Stay safe, and be ever vigilant.

Fully Involved

Tampa Fire Rescue Chief: Chief Tom Forward

Public Information Officer: Jason A. Penny

Contributors: Chief Nick LoCicero, Fire Marshal John Reed, Chief Susan Tamme, Chief Todd Alt, Tiffany Kline, District Chief Tom Buckley (ret.),

Capt. Wesley Adwell (ret)

The content of this newsletter is prepared, edited and provided by the Tampa Fire Rescue Public Information Office. Fully Involved is an authorized

publication for members of the Tampa Fire Rescue department and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official view of the City of

Tampa or Tampa Fire Rescue and do not imply endorsement thereof.

From the Chief: Ever vigilant

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 3

T ampa Fire Rescue hosted two very special guests

earlier this summer July 7, Dr. Milan Lombardi and

his nurse, Carol. During their visit they performed

skin screenings free of charge for Tampa Fire Rescue per-

sonnel. Dr. Lombardi is a graduate of Cornell University

Medical College and completed a residency in dermatolo-

gy at Washington University. He is currently the owner

and medical practitioner at the Lombardi Institute of Der-

matology in Tampa. His screenings with Tampa Fire Res-

cue were comprehensive, as he scanned for indications of

skin cancer and provided an array of advice on other skin-

related medical concerns, from sunburn to rashes. Fire

Chief Tom Forward met with Dr. Lombardi and expressed

his sincere commitment to the health and safety of fire-

fighters and an interest in prevention and early detection of

skin cancers and skin-related illnesses for all personnel.

Many do not take the time to consider that the skin is the

human body's largest organ. The importance for firefighters

to protect their skin goes largely unrecognized. The skin is

responsible for critical biological functions. It is the key to

providing a barrier to toxins and pathogens and functions in

the regulation of body temperature. Yet we rarely consider

the care and protection of our skin.

Until recently, the focus in the fire service has been on

breaks in the skin, and not the inherent nature of how toxic

material crosses this vital barrier. The introduction of blood

into a wound, or the absorption of toxic byproducts of com-

bustion, can have consequences that can add to the potential

for cancer or other disease. With this understanding, Tampa

Fire Rescue has added visual skin screening to its annual

physicals, is evaluating Nomex hoods and gear that contain

carcinogen barriers, and has initiated the process for all fire

stations to be able to order fire wipes for decontamination of

the face, neck, arms, and hands on the emergency scene.

The Occupational Health Office is enhancing the focus on

skin health through education, screening, barrier protection,

and decontamination. This is a solid start to ensuring a life of

healthy skin. However, there is much that needs to be done

by each individual for the optimization of health and risk

reduction.

Here are some tips for personal skin care:

1. Protect yourself from the sun. One of the most important

ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A

lifetime of sun exposure can cause a multitude of skin prob-

lems as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection use a broad-

spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sun-

screen generously, and reapply every two hours ,or more of-

ten if you're swimming or perspiring.

Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,

when the sun's rays are strongest.

Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly-

woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed

hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an

additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number

of washings, or special sun-protective clothing which is spe-

cifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Treat your skin gently. Daily cleansing and shaving can

take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle, limit shower time.

Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your

skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm rather

than hot water.

Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip

oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.

Shave carefully. To protect your skin, apply shaving cream,

lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a

clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not

against it.

Pat dry. After washing or showering, gently pat or blot

your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on

your skin.

Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer

that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer

that contains SPF. This helps with skin integrity, not just ap-

pearance.

3. Eat a healthful diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables,

whole grains and lean proteins. Minimize sugar and pro-

cessed foods.

4. Manage stress. Uncontrolled stress can make your skin

more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin

problems. To encourage healthy skin, and a healthy state of

mind, take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits,

scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you

enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

Skin health and disease prevention By Tiffany Kline, R.N., C.O.H.N.

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 4

Memories of a 32-year career By Tom Buckley

I begun my service with what was known then as the

Tampa Fire Department on July 15, 1985. Memories

stand out of a hot and humid summer, seasoned firefight-

ers, really old fire trucks from the 60s and 70s (some with

manual transmissions), riding backwards in open cabs, wash-

ing sugar sand from everything, and hanging hose in the hose

tower. Old Station 3 was still open with an engine and till-

ered ladder truck. Station 4 had a Snorkel (a truck company

in today’s terminology), and a hose truck. Old Station 5 was

still open with an engine only, and Old Station 2 was still

open as the Supply Division. Station 13’s rescue, which had

recently been placed into service, was by far the slowest res-

cue in the city; a sweet spot and a respite for weary paramed-

ics looking to slow down a bit. Firefighter starting pay was

$6.31 hourly, $17,062.24 annually. My first paycheck was

for $328.12. After F&P pension contribution and federal

withholding tax, net pay was $270.81— the exact amount of

my truck payment at the time. Top pay for district chiefs was

$27,364.48 in 1985. That’s right, the whole pay scale ranged

from $17,062.24 to $27,364.48. Getting a raise of 31 cents

the next fiscal year. ACLS algorithms resembled a straight

line of progression and not multiple branches. EMS was

more hands on - you actually had to put jell on your paddles,

charge the defibrillator, holler “clear”, and “shock em” your-

self. There were no computers, no cell phones, no 911 sys-

tem. Until 1988 the only number to report emergencies to the

fire department was 223-4211. During fiscal year 1985 the

number of alarms dispatched at TFD was 23,566. Tampa’s

skyline was less than half of what it is now.

Other memories of the job are:

Coming on with Hurricane Elena, on duty at Station 1 Sep-

tember 2, 1985 and going out with Hurricane Irma, on duty

at Station 1 September 10, 2017.

Running my first cardiac arrest as an acting lieutenant on

the rescue with an EMT.

Running a code at TIA Blue Arrival baggage claim with

300-plus on-lookers.

The week-long mulch fire in south Tampa that resembled

working inside of a volcano, as I imagined. All companies

rotated through the scene throughout the week.

During the Ybor City fire, loading all the hose back onto

Engine 12 myself when my crew went down the street to the

post office that became fully involved.

Working for hours at a gasoline tanker fire on Eisenhower

Blvd. and Independence Parkway, then 45 minutes later re-

sponding to a two-alarm warehouse fire in Drew Park, spend-

ing the rest of the night there and being relieved at the scene.

The ethanol train derailment which blocked the entrance to

the Port of Tampa with 14 tank cars derailed 11 of which had

overturned, some actively leaking ethanol.

Observing almost flawless execution of a high-rise re-

sponse to the roof of the Marriott Waterside Hotel which was

lit up like a 27-story candle.

On duty at Station 14 watching the Buccaneers win Super

Bowl XXXVII.

Boot drives for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and

the great boot drive for New York City firefighters following

the attacks on the twin towers on 9/11/2001. The public was

so generous that day that 10 and 20 dollar bills were being

clipped beneath windshield wipers on the engine.

Complete radio silence while on a call late at night know-

ing full well that you are the only Tampa Fire unit out on the

road.

Placing number one on the driver engineer promotional

list.

Placing number four on the fire captain promotional list.

Placing number three on the district chief promotional list.

Being selected and serving at Chief 1 as the shift com-

mander for three years.

Memories, 5

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 5

Operations Update: If today be the day... By Chief Nick LoCicero, Assistant Chief– Operations

W hile I had a different article

planned, in light of the

some of the current events

happening locally and abroad I would

be remiss if did not offer my perspec-

tive. It is so very important to prepare,

know, and understand our respective

assignments that will ultimately bring

order to chaos in the hour of need. Our

jobs are not easy, and nobody said it

would be, but proficiency and focus will be a prime com-

modity in responding to escalating and complex events.

While current events are in the forefront of our minds it

should not take a major incident to bring this to mind, hence

the title of the article. “If Today Be the Day”- begs the ques-

tion: are you prepared as best you can be? It is extremely

important for all of us to understand our responsibility to our

individual crew and to the public. We have to understand

what our specific duties and operational task responsibilities

are before an incident takes place. We do this by following

the tenant of the fire service and to know and apply the Inci-

dent Command System (ICS). If the ICS system can be im-

plemented with timely focus it has an enormous impact on

the mitigation process and can quickly bring order to chaos.

Just think about it, within the last 30 days we have sus-

tained a hurricane that impacted our state and community

while responding to several multi-alarm fires. What should

not be lost is that through all of these demanding incidents

we took care of the city without fail, which brings me back to

the title of this article. For company officers, regardless of

the incident type, are you prepared by knowing, and how you

will apply the ICS process? What does your mental Incident

Action Plan (IAP) look like? Quickly identifying your inci-

dent priorities is a big step in the mitigation process. Just like

the recent incident in Las Vegas, and the incidents in Orlan-

do and San Bernardino before, core elements ring true for a

better way forward in the face of those escalating events.

Early establishment of core elements are imperative and in-

clude: establishment of command and early establishment of

branches as required; declaring a mass casualty as well as

clearly identifying a staging area; requesting specialties as

needed; and the establishment of medical branch assignments

such as the Triage Officer, Treatment Officer, and Transpor-

tation Officer.

Vigilance and situational awareness in these days and

times are a must. Know that fire and EMS personnel are inte-

gral to the mitigation response. Everyone needs to be mind-

ful of these mass casualty circumstances before they occur

because if today be the day, you will be the one to bring or-

der to chaos. Please take note of the quote below, I refer-

enced this back in 2015, and it still applies.

“Rise to the level of your training or sink to the level of your

skill”

—Lt. Col Dave Grossman, U.S. Army Special Forces, (Ret.)

Until next time stay safe.

“Officium Paratus”

The privilege and awesome responsibility of being an of-

ficer for half my career, over six years as captain and over

nine years as chief officer. Having served predominately in

District 4, just under 25 years to be exact.

Working with both fathers and sons that served on the job

together, most of whose sons were not even born yet at the

start of my career, and in one case mother and

son.

Having really good working relationships with TPD offic-

ers and command staff on all levels.

The satisfaction of arriving first on scene and getting a

quick knockdown of a fire.

Taking command and running a well-organized fire scene

as safely as possible.

Just generally organizing chaos throughout my career.

Since 1985 our department has taken a quantum leap. It

added a 911 system coupled with computer aided dispatch,

computers, laptops, cell phones, accreditation, outstanding

occupational health services, paramedics everywhere, Quan-

tum everything— Quantum engines, trucks, hazmat and

quint.

Thank you to those that selected me back in 1985 to serve

this city and to work with the great Tampa Fire Rescue team.

I will be forever indebted to those that have worked with me

over 32 years. To my supervisors, both captains and chiefs,

who had my back when entering burning buildings on a hose

line. To all the personnel that rode with me, drove me, and

worked in my district and on my shift, I will be forever grate-

ful for the efforts you gave each and every day. I have dis-

covered this job will make you grow and develop as a per-

son. I certainly am a far better person than I was when I

came on the job back in 1985.

Always remember to stay focused, pay attention to what

you are doing, and pay attention to detail. Go the extra mile

and give really great service to everyone you meet. That’s

what I always aspired to do and I thoroughly enjoyed coming

to work every day. And in the end you will leave this job

with a great sense of personal satisfaction.

MEMORIES, continued

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 6

T raining and education are fundamental measures of a

firefighter’s proficiency. Training provides a meas-

ure of a firefighter’s abilities and focuses on job per-

formance requirements (JPR) and prepares a firefighter for

broad situations and emergencies. Education provides a

standard measure of a firefighter’s knowledge and is a struc-

tured preparation for the firefighter with increasing problem-

solving situations which prepares the firefighter toward ad-

vancing leadership responsibilities.

Where to Start?

Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2 (EMT). These are the badges of

your Training/Education when you are hired as a Tampa Fire

Rescue Firefighter.

EMT-P (Paramedic). This is the most important and first

certification that you earn in your career; required within

your first three years.

A college degree means money! The State of Florida has a

Supplemental Compensation Program for firefighters who

earn an associate degree or higher which is related to the

duties of a firefighter or officer. The financial compensation

is awarded quarterly and the amount of money varies with

the level of degree. Over the life of a firefighter’s career this

additional payment can add up.

Then what? What does your learning blueprint look like?

Fire Apparatus Driver and Operator Coursework and Certifi-

cation. These courses enhance firefighter training by provid-

ing the theoretical knowledge needed to understand the prin-

ciples of hydraulics, water flow and fire pump operation:

Fire Service Hydraulics and Fire Apparatus Operations. Per-

sons must pass a State of Florida written exam to be certi-

fied. Tampa Fire Rescue requires the additional course of

Aerial Operations before a firefighter can begin the Driver

Proficiency Booklet.

Fire Officer Coursework and Certification. This is an ad-

vanced training and certification program designed for fire-

fighters having supervisory and management responsibili-

ties. The foundation of this program is based on the National

Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Standard for Fire

Officer Professional Qualifications (2009). There are four

levels of Fire Officer; Fire Officer I, II, III, and IV. Each

level has a task book, which is signed by a supervisor to ver-

ify certain managerial skillsets. The learning is validated

upon passing a written exam for certification through the

State of Florida. This is a voluntary program.

Fire safety Inspector I, II. An individual must successfully

complete a minimum of 200 hours of basic training for In-

spector I which includes Fire Prevention Practices, Private

Fire Protection Systems I, Fire Service Building Construc-

tion, Construction Documents and Plans Review, and Codes

and Standards. Inspector II includes these additional classes:

Origin and Cause, Fire Chemistry, Prevention Systems II,

Public Information Officer. There is a written exam and this

certification requires continuing education for recertification

over a four year period.

Fire Investigator – This training program is designed for cer-

tified firefighters, certified law enforcement officers, law

enforcement crime scene technicians, and certified fire safe-

ty inspectors who have fire investigation responsibilities.

Along with some classes included in the Fire Safety Inspec-

tor certification, there are additional classes of Latent Inves-

tigation, Arson Investigation, Post Blast Investigation and

Legal Issues for Investigators. There is a task book and exam

for validation of learning.

Firefighting is a profession and the public expects quali-

fied, competent, and knowledgeable personnel to respond to

emergencies. Your fellow firefighters expect qualified, com-

petent coworkers to stand beside them. These certification

pathways coupled with hands-on training and experience

confirm that each Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter meets rigor-

ous national standards and is an indisputable mark of one’s

performance as a fire service professional.

If you are interested in growing as professional firefighter,

contact the Training Division to schedule an appointment to

discuss your unique educational blueprint.

From the Training Division Education and Training for the Professional Firefighter By Chief Susan Tamme

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 7

T hat time of year will soon again be upon us when

the leaves are supposed to change and the cool

weather comes…but wait, we know we live in Flor-

ida and three more months of summer is a definite. Octo-

ber, however, is just around the corner which means Fire

Prevention Week will soon be here. The dates this year are

October 8-14. The theme is “Every Second Counts, Plan

Two Ways Out!” I know you are busy with many Pub-Ed

events this time of year. The messages we deliver to our

residents are so important and we are very proud of our

Public Education Program. I would like to make sure that

we, as members of Tampa Fire rescue, don’t forget to prac-

tice what we teach in our own homes. Daylight savings will

end on Sunday, November 5. I encourage everyone to

change the batteries in your own smoke alarms. We’ve all

heard the saying “The painters house always needs paint-

ing.” Please make sure to encourage all your family mem-

bers to change their batteries when they change their

clocks.

The 2017 Great America Teach In will occur on Novem-

ber 16th. For years TFR has shown up and shown out for

this annual event which highlights career awareness for the

children of Hillsborough County schools. For several years

we have seen between 8,000 -9,000 kids on this one day,

and November 16 looks to be another opportunity for YOU,

the firefighter, to make children aware of emergency re-

sponders’ responsibilities and routines. In addition to ca-

reer information you have been so good to share the fire

safety and injury prevention messages with the students

while you are transfixing them with your role at TFR. If

you plan to serve in this year please get your requests to

Public Ed by November 1 to assure delivery of supplies to

your location. Please email Patri-

cia.Dempsey@tampagov.net with the following information:

Your name and station

Number of students

Grade level you are visiting

Please break down the grades as we try to send age appropri-

ate items.

The Fire Prevention Division remains extremely busy.

Just in the month of August over 300 sets of plans were re-

viewed for construction projects in the City of Tampa and

over 700 inspections were performed on existing structures.

The Investigations Division has also been busy. Two arrests

were made in August for separate incidents involving arson.

Arson investigation continues to remain a vital component

our services.

One of the new voices you may here when contacting Fire

Prevention is Gabrielle Williams. Gabrielle has been with

the Division since April and is often the first contact custom-

ers have with our group. Please welcome Gabrielle if you

haven’t done so already.

Fire Watch events have picked up as football games begin

to resume and the fall schedule for special events continues

to grow. Several of you are trained to work Fire Watch. The

Fire Prevention Division will soon be hosting a Places of

Assembly class. We are working with Chief Tamme to final-

ize the details of the class and hope to have it available in the

next few weeks. This training will be a requirement to re-

ceive approval to work Fire Watch events. We will update

everyone as soon as the class is ready.

I personally want to take the opportunity thank everyone

for the support I have been given as your new fire marshal. It

is an honor to serve with such a great department and I look

forward to working with all of you. I also look forward to

visiting the stations and please don’t hesitate to stop by

CMOB and say hello. I am confident that the Fire Prevention

Division will thrive as we move ahead and I appreciate the

efforts that the prevention staff put forth every day!

Fire Prevention Update: Fire Prevention Week October 8-14 By Fire Marshal John Reed

Mrs. Gabrielle Williams has been with the Fire Prevention

Division since April 2017.

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 8

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

T here is a little-known benefit that will soon be

available to public service employees to help

with stu-

dent debt. It’s

called the Public

Service Loan For-

giveness Program.

This program of-

fers complete for-

giveness for your

student loans if

you’re a govern-

ment employee at

the federal, state

and even local

level. That means

that if you have

any sort of job

connected to the

government (at

any level), you

may be eligible for one of the best federal student loan

forgiveness programs on the market. The first for-

giveness of student loan balances under the Public Ser-

vice Loan Forgiveness Program goes into effect for

government employees in October 2017.

The PSLF program is intended to encourage individ-

uals to enter and continue to work full time in public

service jobs, including the military, in lieu of seeking

higher-paying private sector jobs after graduation. Re-

alizing that many of these jobs have lower salaries than

other careers, the PSLF program is designed to help

offset the cost of education and the post-graduation

salaries offered by many public-sector employers.

There are caveats. Only loans received under the

William D. Ford Direct Student Loan Program, also

known as direct loans, are eligible for the PSLF pro-

gram. The bad news is that loans through the Federal

Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Perkins Loan pro-

grams or any other programs (including private student

loans) don’t qualify. However, there is some good

news, the FFEL and/or Perkins loans can be consoli-

dated into a direct student loan to qualify for the pro-

gram. Unfortunately, private loans don’t qualify and

there is no way to convert a private loan into a federal

one.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for-

gives the remaining balance on your direct loans after

you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments un-

der a qualifying repayment plan while working full-

time for a qualifying employer (City of Tampa).

Any non-default Direct Loan is eligible for loan for-

giveness including Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct

Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans - for parents

and graduate or professional students, and Direct Con-

solidation Loans.

To apply, after you make your 120th qualifying pay-

ment, you will need to submit the PSLF application for

qualification. The application is under development

and will be available prior to the date when the first

borrowers will be eligible for PSLF Program for-

giveness in October 2017. You must be working for a

qualified public service organization at the time you

submit the application for forgiveness and at the time

the remaining balance on your loan is forgiven.

This is potentially a great opportunity for some to

eventually eliminate their educational debt.

For more information on the program go to https://

studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-

cancellation/public-service

By Capt. Wes Adwell, (ret)

July-October 2017 Fully Involved Page 9

Around the Department

Driver Engineer Scott Jung presents a check for $2,835 to Chief Tom Forward October 10. The money was raised from t-shirt

sales in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. From left: Capt. Joe Greco, Capt. Steve Suarez, Driver Engineer Scott

Jung, District Chief Ken Huff, and Chief Tom Forward.

Visitors from Southeastern Guide Dogs MacDill Puppy Raiser Group stopped by Station 14 on C-Shift July 26 for puppy

training. The dogs, all less than one year old, were exposed to the sounds of the station including the trucks, sirens and horns.

In all, nine dogs and 12 handlers were treated to a tour of the station and apparatus. This particular group specializes in

training dogs to be paired with military veterans.