northshore fire department€¦ · 18/12/2018 · o staff presentation of a potential scholarship...
TRANSCRIPT
Jim Torpin Kate Hansen Fire Chief Board Secretary
Northshore Fire Department King County Fire Protection District No.16
Board Meeting Materials December 18, 2018
Board of Commissioners
Don Ellis Rick Verlinda David Maehren Ron Gehrke Suzanne Greathouse
Northshore Fire Department Headquarters Station, 7220 181st Street, Kenmore, WA
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda Tuesday, December 18, 2018
5:00PM I. Open Meeting
II. Oath of Office 2.1 Performance of the Oath of Office for recently appointed Commissioner Suzanne
Greathouse. III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Public Comment
V. Board Discussion and Possible Action Items 5.1 Station 57 Remodel Project – Commissioner Maehren
o Board review and discussion on the Station 57 remodel project scope of work and review of requested legal opinions. The Board may take action to expand the scope of work or resume the project as previously approved.
5.2 Audio Recording of Meetings – Commissioner Maehren o Board discussion and possible action to approve the audio recording of Board
meetings. 5.3 Policy 6200 – Chief Torpin
o Review and possible adoption of proposed amendment of Policy 6200. Revised policy would revise Policy 6200 and replace 6200P, 6210, 6210P.
5.4 National Testing Network Fee Waiver Program – Chief Torpin o Staff presentation of a potential scholarship program for low income entry
level firefighter applicants. The program would provide a waiver of fees for testing costs to qualified applicants.
5.5 Fire Chiefs Performance Review Process – Commissioner Maehren o Board discussion regarding the process used to complete the fire chief’s
performance review. 5.6 Proposed revision of Fire Commissioner’s compensation claim form –
Commissioner Maehren. o Board discussion and possible action to revise the commissioner
compensation claim form to include the number of hours spent per claim. 5.7 January 1st scheduled Board meeting – Chief Torpin
o Board discussion and action to cancel or reschedule the January 1st Board meeting.
VI. Board Resolutions
6.1 Resolution 18-11 Declaring Items as Surplus
VII. Reports 7.1 Fire Chief’s Report 7.2 Commissioner Reports
VIII. Consent Agenda 8.1 Approval of Vouchers 8.2 Approval of Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2018
IV. Executive Session 9.1 None
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: January 1st, 2019 (likely to be canceled or rescheduled)
Fire Chief’s Report Submitted by Chief Torpin
December 18, 2018 Administration/Financial: • Representatives from the Washington State Auditor’s Office notified the District
that they will not be ready for the audit exit conference until January. • Chief Torpin and AS Hansen met with new Commissioner Greathouse as part of
the new commissioner orientation. • Chief Torpin attended and facilitated a Zone 1 Fire Chief’s meeting. • Chief Torpin provided required documentation to King County Elections to place
the benefit charge continuation on the ballot of the February 12 Special Election. Human Resources: • Market data was collected for review of the Deputy Chief position’s salary range.
Proposed new salary range was submitted to Chief Torpin for review. • Advertising has been rolled out for January’s Job and Resource Fair including
Facebook, LinkedIn, Next Door, various local papers’ online calendar, and Eventbrite. Flyers have been distributed to participating employers, with plans in place to roll out to further audiences.
• Notice was sent via email to the Admin group regarding Washington’s upcoming Paid Family and Medical Leave. Notice included a brief synopsis of the leave and new pay roll deduction that will begin January 2019 as part of the State’s program. Suppression employees will not be subject to pay into the State’s new program until their current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires.
• Supervisor support continues as we complete the performance appraisal season. • HR Manager Moore met with the new Firefighter recruits (Dec. 14th) to complete
additional HR new hire orientation/training. Training: • Chief Torpin attended and facilitated an East Metro Training Group Policy Board
meeting. • Firefighter Livingston led auto extrication training for the on-duty crews. • Lt. Burrow updated the Probationary Firefighter Handbook. • The North-End drills continued at Station 51 with crews from Northshore, Bothell,
and Woodinville. • Captain Harvey attended a work group to develop 2019 North-End drills that will
include crews from Shoreline. • Captain Harvey developed a training plan for Probationary Firefighter’s Hurn and
Petro during their day shift assignment prior to reporting to regular shift in 2019. • Captain Harvey fielded several questions regarding the 2019 King County Fire
Training Officers Association Pump Academy. • DC Magnuson and Captain Harvey attended Post Incident Analysis of recent C-
shift house fire presented by Lt. Hochstein.
• DC Magnuson, Captain Harvey, and D-shift personnel attended Recruit Academy 8 Combat Challenge for Northshore Recruits Petro and Hurn.
• Captain Harvey and Kate Hansen attended the monthly East Metro Training Group planning meeting.
• Captain Harvey attended an e-Logic (Learning Management Software) implementation work group.
• Captain Harvey continued to participate in a work group to develop 2019 first quarter training.
Operations: • DC Magnuson attended the monthly Zone 1 operations board meeting. • DC participated in Shoreline Paramedic Interviews with Dr. McCoy (Harborview),
AC Nankervis (Shoreline), and DC Noble (Bothell). • DC Magnuson attended East Metro Training Group Academy 8 final evaluation for
recruits Petro and Hurn. • DC Magnuson facilitated bi-monthly All Officer Meeting and BC Staff day. • DC Magnuson facilitated re-certification and credentialing of Emergency Medical
Technician’s (EMT’s) with expiring certifications in 2019. • DC Magnuson continued to work with King County Department of Health to provide
refresher HIPAA training to all staff. • DC Magnuson has been in communication with AMR executives regarding
potential labor action and work stoppage. Contingency response plans have been developed and articulated to Norcom and Northshore officers.
• November response statistics:
Fire Prevention: • The elementary school fire safety program was very active over the last two
weeks. Lt. Burrow delivered nine safety presentations to third grade classes and FI Booth provided fire safety lessons to seven kindergarten classes.
• FM LaFlam attended the official groundbreaking for the Lodge at St. Edward. Washington State and local officials, together with many people who have worked on or supported the project attended the event. The scheduled opening for the Lodge is May 2020.
• FM LaFlam attended the pre-construction meeting for a new building that is being constructed at 68th Ave. and NE 181st St. The five-story building will include covered parking, retail and commercial spaces and 24 residential units.
Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo): • EM Lunak completed the final review of Northshore Utility District’s Comprehensive
Emergency Management Plan. • The NEMCo Governance Board met on 12/12 to review progress made in 2018 by
NEMCo and to establish some training and exercise for 2109. • EM Lunak participated in Puget Sound Energy’s tabletop exercise focused on
communications during power outages. This drill is part of PSE’s effort to prepare for some major work being done to their Eastside distribution system which could result in limited supply of power during construction.
NORTHSHORE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY AND PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES
SUBJECT: Purchasing Policy Number: 6200 Approved By: Board of Commissioners Effective Date: Unknown Revision Date: November 20, 2018 Pages: 3 Attachments: 2
1 PURPOSE 1.1 To establish a uniform purchasing policy that provides a procurement system that
is fair and equitable to all vendors; ensure that supplies and services are procured efficiently and at the best value; and to ensure purchasing actions are in full compliance with state law.
2 REFERENCES 2.1 RCW 52.14.110 – Purchases and public works—Competitive bids required—
Exceptions 2.2 RCW 52.14.120 – Purchases and public works—Competitive bidding procedures 2.3 RCW 39.04.155 – Small works roster contract procedures—Limited public works
process 2.4 RCW 39.04.280 – Competitive bidding requirements – Exemptions 2.5 RCW 39.80 – Contracts for Architectural and Engineering Services
3 RESPONSIBILITY 3.1 The provisions of this policy apply to any individual involved in the purchasing of
goods and services on behalf of the District.
4 POLICY 4.1 The Chief is authorized to manage the necessary expenditures and purchase of
supplies and services necessary for the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment and facilities of the District in accordance with the approved budget. 4.1.1 Expenditures shall be initiated and documented through a properly
completed and approved purchase order. 4.1.2 Contracts and expenditures must be related to a legitimate District
purpose. 4.1.3 Board authorization and legal review is required prior to entering into
contracts above $10,000. 4.1.4 Expenditures within a budget year that are not specifically planned and
budgeted for must be approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners. 4.1.5 Expenditures for equipment, materials and supplies, services and small
works shall be procured in accordance with the provisions of state law. 4.1.6 Records of expenditures shall be documented in a manner that
demonstrates compliance with the provisions of this policy.
Purchasing Page 2 Policy 6200
4.2 Purchases – Equipment, Material, and Supplies
4.2.1 Purchases with an estimated cost below $10,000 shall be made with every effort to ensure the best value is received.
4.2.2 For purchases with an estimated cost between $10,000 and $50,000 the MRSC Vendor List may be used in lieu of competitive bidding. At least three quotations shall be obtained from different vendors from the Vendor List to ensure that a competitive price has been established before the award of a contract or purchase of any materials, equipment or supplies.
4.2.3 Purchases with an estimated cost greater than $50,000 shall be made through a formal competitive bidding pursuant to RCW 52.1.110.
4.2.4 Competitive bidding may be waived for emergency or Sole Source purchases when allowed by RCW 52.14.110, 39.04.280. 5.5.4.1 A Board Resolution shall be adopted detailing the justification for the emergency or sole source purchase.
4.3 Cooperative Purchases 4.3.1 In lieu of competitive bidding, cooperative purchasing (piggybacking)
may be used. If cooperative purchasing is utilized an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the bidding agency must be adopted prior to the execution of any contract or purchase.
4.3.2 Documentation shall be secured and maintained showing: 4.3.2.1 The lead agency properly advertised the bid; 4.3.2.2 The lead agency used a competitive sealed bid process; 4.3.2.3 The lead agency awarded the bid based on the lowest responsible
bid or best value with price as the primary factor; 4.3.2.4 The bid is current and still open for purchases; 4.3.2.5 The bid item is being purchased (minor changes permitted), and 4.3.2.6 Legal counsel opinion is obtained to confirm all legal requirements
have been met 4.4 Small Works Projects
4.4.1 Small works projects with an estimated cost below $20,000 shall be made with an effort to ensure the best value is received.
4.4.2 Small works projects with an estimated cost between $20,000 and $300,000 the MRSC Small Works Roster may be used in lieu of competitive bidding. The requirements of RCW 39.04.155 shall be met when using the Small Works Roster.
4.4.3 A competitive bidding process shall be used for all small works projects with an estimated cost of greater than $300,000 pursuant to RCW 52.14.120.
4.4.4 Prevailing wage compliance for a small works projects is required.
Purchasing Page 3 Policy 6200
4.5 Professional Services 4.5.1 The selection of Architectural and Engineering services shall be made
through a Request for Qualification (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP) process as detailed in RCW 39.80.
4.5.2 The selection of electronic data processing telecommunications services or equipment shall be made through competitive negotiation RFP process as detailed in RCW 39.04.270.
4.5.3 There are no statutory requirements for other professional services such as legal, accounting, etc.
Group Purchasing (Piggybacking) Control Deficiency and Non-Compliance Evaluation
In determining significance/materiality
of issues identified, consider who should
know about the issue?
Did the entity purchase anything above their competitive bid
threshold through piggy-backing?
Use the following decision tree to help determine level of reporting for contract piggybacking control deficiencies and identified non-compliance. Check with your supervisor if you're unsure about judgements about significance or for difficult or unusual circumstances.
understanding controls
See Procurement Planning Guide for
thresholds
Is there evidence of competitive bidding?
Yes No
Items to consider: Did the entity ensure during the procurement process that the vendor followed WA statutes on competitive bidding? Was documentation requested and retained during the decision process to verify the piggybacked contract followed WA statutes? Did the District consult with their attorney before letting the contract? Did the entity consider if federal awards funds were used for the purchase? If so, are federal requirements more restrictive than state or local requirements? If so, did the entity follow federal requirements?
Yes
No Magnitude of non-compliance in current
audit period? (See Note 1)Was non-compliance found? If so,
what is the magnitude of non-compliance in current audit period?
Less than significant
Significant/Material
Exit or Verbal
Management Letter
Less than significant
Significant/Material
FindingManagement Letter or Exit
No
In compliance, no reporting necessary
Remember: Decision to be
made with Program Manager
Involvement
Remember: Decision to be
made with Program Manager
Involvement
See Audit Policy 2310 and the Reporting Level Matrix for
factors to consider
See Audit Policy 2310 and the Reporting Level Matrix for
factors to consider
In compliance, no reporting necessary
This flowchart is intended to be used by the State Auditor’s Office staff. Information presented in this document does not
represent policy or legal guidance. Guidance in this flowchart is subject to change. Effective October 2017.
Group Purchasing (Piggybacking) Control Deficiency and Non-Compliance Evaluation
“Piggybacking” refers to one local government making purchases from contracts awarded by another government or group of governments via an interlocal agreement or contract. Piggybacking is a convenient way to procure goods or services. However, our Office has seen an increasing number of local governments use this alternative method without completing the process properly. National purchasing cooperatives are becoming more widely used, and many of these are based in other states where the laws do not align with Washington law.
The key to maintaining compliance when procuring through piggybacking is to ensure your local government’s own bidding requirements are still met. State law (RCW 39.34.030), which allows for piggybacking, does not relieve any public agency of any obligation or responsibility with respect to purchasing, except for the notice of bids or advertising requirements. As long as the lead agency satisfies its own requirements for advertising and posts the solicitation on the internet, the piggybacking government’s advertising requirements are considered met.
Exercise care when procuring public works projects through piggybacking. In this case, the lead agency’s project and the piggybacking government’s project must be essentially the same. Both governments’ bid specifications should be very specific and include the same type of labor and materials. We would expect the only differences to be quantities purchased.
Our audits will focus on the controls the piggybacking government has to ensure its own bidding requirements were met, and demonstrate your own bid laws were satisfied by the lead government.
-June 2017 Audit Connection Article
Note 1: When considering the magnitude of non-compliance, the auditor should not only consider the decisions made prior to procuring the item but also to what transpired after the procurement was made.
For example, if the entity self-identified the non-compliance after completing the purchase and took steps improve their procurement procedures going forward to prevent future non-compliance, the auditor should consider this in their LOR rationale. Such consideration may result in a lower level of reporting.
This flowchart is intended to be used by the State Auditor’s Office staff. Information presented in this document does not
represent policy or legal guidance. Guidance in this flowchart is subject to change. Effective October 2017.
Rev. 11.28.18
Fee Waiver Program with National Testing Network (NTN)
NTN partners with client agencies (i.e. the Department) to provide a fee waiver program for applicants who cannot afford the testing fee. Applicants that cannot afford the testing fee would submit a request form to NTN and any supporting documentation for consideration of the agency (i.e. the Department) to pay their testing fee on behalf of the applicant. Once received, NTN sends the application and supporting documentation to the Department for a final decision. If the Department decides to award the applicant a fee waiver (in the form of a voucher), this can be done so in either a full or partial amount. The Department would notify NTN of their decision and issue the voucher to the recipient. Testing Costs (as of 2018):
• Fee for full FireTEAM test: $50 • Fee for CPAT (Certified Physical Agility Test): $140 • Transfer fee only: $9.50
In addition to meeting NTN’s eligibility requirements, applicants must:
• Demonstrate to the Department a financial need with supporting documentation. Additional information/documentation may be requested of the applicant to provide clarification and determine documentation is sufficient.
• Be a Washington State resident. • Not have taken their NTN CPAT test within the last six months • Send their profile/test scores to Northshore Fire Department for consideration at
time of test. A committee comprised of Human Resources, the Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief, or designee, will review received waiver form requests. Any amount awarded would be at the discretion of the committee, not to exceed $200 per applicant within a 12-month period. Considerations will include the number of applications received, budget/donation fund amounts available, applicant’s residing proximity to Northshore Fire Department, and support of the District’s diversity goals.
Fee Waiver Request Form
National Testing Network partners with client agencies to provide a fee waiver program for applicants who cannot afford the testing fee. NTN will submit this form and any supporting documentation to the agency for approval.
First Name: Last Name: Address: City, State, ZIP: Phone #: Email: Position Applying: Department Applying: To apply for the waiver you must show proof of financial hardship. Include this information with this form. Some examples of financial hardship are:
• Food Stamp Card (name must be on the card) or Food Stamp benefit letter • Current unemployment check stub or statement • Cash assistance benefit letter from a state agency • Any form from WorkSource or the unemployment office verifying job related hardship
I, _______________________________________________, hereby declare that all information filled out on this form, documentation used to verify that I cannot pay the testing fee, and my financial hardship claim is true and accurate. If not, I understand that any possibility of having my testing fee waived will be voided along with any test scores, regardless of where I am in the testing process.
Signature Date
Please list the specific department/agency from which you are requesting a fee waiver. If applying to
multiple agencies, a separate fee waiver request form must be submitted for each agency. Once received,
along with proper documentation, the request will be forwarded to the department you selected to make
the final decision. The process may take up to two weeks. Submitting a fee waiver request does not
exempt the candidate from meeting testing deadlines.
Please return form and proof of hardship to: Preferred method:
Scan and email to [email protected] *Please blank out any personal information in your documentation that is not safe to be transmitted through email.
Alternate method (Please allow at least 5 business days for our staff to receive the form): National Testing Network
ATTN: FEE WAIVER PROGRAM
18720 33rd Ave. W
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Northshore Fire Department Fire Commissioner Request for Compensation
1630-A1 Commissioner Compensation Request Form
Month: Year: Name: Date Description of Activity Hours
I certify by signing this request for compensation that I have acted on behalf of the Northshore Fire Department in the fulfillment of my duties as an elected Fire Commissioner and that this request for compensation is in compliance with the Northshore Fire Department policy and State Law. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________ Signature Date
Date: December 12, 2018 To: Board of Commissioners From: Chief Torpin Re: Surplus Items The purpose of this memo is to provide the Board with some additional detail regarding Resolution 18-11, Declaring Items as Surplus. The items being declared surplus include the MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment, 30 sets of bunker gear, miscellaneous rope rescue equipment and a pile of used uniform articles. The SCBA equipment is the equipment that was recently placed out of service. The equipment was replaced because it will exceed its maximum service life between February and June of 2019. The equipment will be obsolete and has little to no commercial resale value. It would be my recommendation to donate the equipment. The bunker gear is the protective clothing that is worn by the firefighters during fire related incidents and training scenarios. It provides thermal and vapor protection from the hazardous environments associated with firefighting operations. This type of equipment has a maximum ten year service life. The 30 sets designated as surplus has exceeded that service life. The gear cannot be used in live fire situations and has no resale value. It would be my recommendation to donate the bunker gear. Similar to the bunker gear and SCBA equipment, the rope rescue equipment designated for surplus has met its maximum service life and must be retired. There is little to no value in this equipment and therefore I would also recommend donating this equipment. There are two non-profit agencies that would have interest in getting this equipment, they include: The Washington Network of Innovative Careers (WANIC) has a fire service program for high school students. This program has been highly successful in providing initial exposure and training to students who have interest in fire service careers. They rely on fire department donations of used personal protective equipment and have expressed interest in obtaining some of our surplus equipment. Since they do not engage in live fire situations, the used and obsolete equipment can be utilized by the students. Additionally, there is a Peruvian Consulate in Lake Forest Park who has close ties to the Peruvian fire service. The fire service in Peru is reliant on donations of used fire service
NORTHSHORE FIRE DEPARTMENT “Dedicated to Community Service”
MEMORANDUM
equipment. The fire service in Peru does not have the financial resources to fully comply with the strict safety standards we have in the US. The equipment that has exceeded it service life in the US, but is still functional can be used in Peru. It would be my recommendation to offer WANIC first choice of the equipment that they can use in their training program. WANIC is local program that has an excellent record of providing a strong foundation to a diverse group of high school students. There are many local fire departments that employ former WANIC students. We currently have two firefighters who are former Inglemoor High School Students that have gone through the WANIC program. Any equipment that is not needed by WANIC could then be made available to the Peruvian fire service.
Northshore Fire Department Page 1 of 2 Resolution No. 18-11
___________________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION NO. 18-11 RESOLUTION DECLARING ITEMS AS SURPLUS
________________________________________________________________________ WHEREAS, the administration of King County Fire Protection District 16 has reported to the Board of Commissioners that the items listed below and further described on the attached list has met its expected service life and is now obsolete and no longer needed or necessary for current District purposes.
Miscellaneous MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Assemblies and Components Miscellaneous Articles of Personal Protective Equipment and Uniform Items
Miscellaneous Rope Rescue Equipment WHEREAS, Fire Chief Jim Torpin recommends a declaration to deem the aforementioned equipment surplus and provide authorization for its disposal; and WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners has determined that the equipment listed above has in fact reached its planned service life and is obsolete and no longer needed or necessary for current or future District purposes, and has determined said equipment be declared surplus; and WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners finds that the manner of disposition should best be determined by the Chief of the District; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, by King County Fire Protection District No. 16 Board of Commissioners that the equipment set forth be and is hereby declared surplus to the needs of the District; and it is further RESOLVED, that said equipment shall be disposed of in a reasonable manner to be determined by the Chief of the District.
DATED this 18th day of December, 2018.
KING COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO.16
7220 NE 181st Street KENMORE, WA 98028
BUSINESS: 425-354-1780 FAX: 425-354-1781
Northshore Fire Department Page 2 of 2 Resolution No. 18-11
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS _____________________________ DAVID MAEHREN, Chair _____________________________ RON GERHKE, Member ______________________________ SUZANNE GREATHOUSE, Member ______________________________ DON ELLIS, Member ______________________________ RICK VERLINDA, Member ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of King County Fire Protection District No. 16, held on December 18, 2018 _________________________________ KATE HANSEN, Secretary Board of Commissioners
ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY REASON OOS
Yellow Petzle Helmets 7 ageRed Petzl Helmets 3 ageWhite Petzl Helmets 3 ageCMC Victim Harness 1 ageCMC Pick Off Strap 4 ageCMC Anchor Strap 2 ageCMC PMP 3 ageMisc. Rope Bags 7 damagedMisc Small Bags 6 age/not usedOld Blue Harness Bags 11 age/not usedCMC Dual Sheeve Pulley 1 age/not usedSMC Steel Caribeaners 2 damagedSMC Small Steel Caribeaners 1 damagedCMC Victim Harness 1 damagedGreen Prussiks 24 ageSMC Figure 8 1 age200' Dynamic Rope 1 damaged300' Static Rope 1 agePetzl V2 Bod Harness 2 ageGreen Cord (approx 10m) 3 ageRed Prussiks 2 ageRope Bridle 1 age
SCBA pack frames (8 pack frames are OOS) 30 ageMasks 51 age/damaged45 minute SCBA cylinders 70 age/damaged60 minute SCBA cylinders 7 age/damagedISI SABA manifolds 2 ageSABA escape packs with 15 minute escape cylinders 2 age100’ SABA airlines 6 agebox of miscellaneous SCBA parts 1 obsolete
Bunker Gear 30 sets ageHelmets 10 ageBunker Boots 6 pairs ageMiscellaneous Class B uniform items age/worn
Items to be Declared Surplus Resolution 18-11
Rescue Equipment
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
Personal Protective Equipment and Uniform Items
Monthly Training Assignments
December 2018 Company:__________
SCBA
December Face Piece Check
HOSE
Night Drill
EMS
CBT Makeups
MTA REVIEW
December MTA
Safe and Happy Holidays Team!
RESCUE
Auto Extrication
Monthly Training Calendar
December 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3
4
5
NED
6 7
Auto Extrication
8
Auto Extrication
9 10
Run Review
11
Auto Extrication
12
Officer Mtg
Weekly NED
Auto Extrication
13
Run Review
14
Run Review
15
16 17 18 19
Weekly NED
20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Rescue Swimmer Notice
Members that are trained as rescue
swimmers may enter STILL WATER
up to 1 knot to perform a rescue.
The Sammamish Slough has been
designated as slow MOVING WATER
with less than 1 knot of current, which
adds additional danger and complexi-
ty to water rescues.
Following these designations,
Northshore Surface Water Rescue
Swimmers should not enter the
slough except for a known victim.
New Additions
Jayden and Hans will be completing
Academy on December 13th and
joining their shifts at the end of the
month. Look for more info on them in
the January MTA.
POP QUIZ!
What are these? Discuss as a crew or think on your own… (answer on pg. 8)
North Bend 2018
KC EMS Report
Continued
Continued
SCBA Update
Scott SCBAs and cylinders are now onboard all first-out apparatus.
Four “Snap Change Cylinder Adapters” have been put onto R51. Two of the adapt-ers are in the SABA manifold kit, one adapter is with the air bag regulator and one adapter is with the Strut regulator. These adapters allow the Scott Snap Change Cylinders to supply those systems. The MSA cylinders have been removed and replaced with Scott cylinders.
Expectations
From Lt. John Burrow
We are very fortunate to work for a department committed to delivering effective
training. However, the reality is even with a good Training Division (and crews that
support the vision of our internal and regional training) there is always room for us
to improve. One consideration for improving our culture is to reaffirm the depart-
ment and shift expectations by having a conversation at the beginning of each
year…..but really, it should be an ongoing discussion throughout the year. Benefits
of having defined expectations are; improved personal and crew accountability,
improved communication, avoid/minimize conflict by operating within the expected
boundaries, increase team cohesiveness, and crews move towards common
goals rather than a “popcorn” approach.
The line between good and greatness are in the smaller details. Setting expecta-
tions do more than just outline expected behavior, it allows everyone know what
their role is and how to operate within this role. To maximize this benefit BC’s
should establish expectations to their company officers, CO’s should establish ex-
pectations with their crews, and senior firefighters should reinforce expectations to
their junior counterparts. Some recommended topics could be:
Training
Emergency scene (Fires, AFA’s, MVA. EMS)
Daily tasks and chores
Daily shift life
Use of personal phones at work, including social media
Use of department email
PT
When our probationary firefighters complete the academy they are given this
packet of information [PFF Orientation Guide]. It is recommended that you are fa-
miliar with general expectations given to them as they embark shift-life. Our end
goal is to build on the solid foundation we have in our culture for all employees
and make it better. Setting and reinforcing expectations is one way we can im-
prove. In looking at the upcoming change in our shift alignment for 2019, we have
a great opportunity to start the year by establishing expectations.
And The Answer Is??....
Struts!
Remember to approach cars from the corners, at angles, and be aware of where you are standing! In the pictures below you will see that the
two hood struts have blown into the garage door. #protectyourself
EVIP Awareness
Watch the following video and discuss as a crew.
Thermal Imager Update
From Lt. Ingersoll
The Seek thermal imaging cameras have been put into service.
There are 4 on each engine, 3 on the rescue and 2 on the aid car. They all have their respective apparatus written on them and will be added to the inventories soon.
There are also two charging cords on each apparatus that, when needed, can be plugged into the MDC for charging. The expectation would be to check the battery level at the beginning of each shift and after use and charge when needed.
When carrying the thermal imager please secure it to your person to prevent it from banging around and scratching the screen. Hopefully you took some time to familiarize yourself with the TIC. For more information here is a link to the manual. I think these will be great tools to use with our search and rescue techniques, locating hidden fires and hot spots plus numerous other uses. Let me know if you have any questions.
Forklift Safety
The Safety Committee recently reviewed a safety concern brought to their atten-tion regarding improved fall protection for the forklift. It was determined that the forklift’s existing platform would be replaced it with a heavier duty version with better protection from entanglement with the Forklift mechanism and more stout enclosure for fall protection.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Forklift drivers must complete the appropriate driver train-ing, and personnel cannot move the forklift with people on the platform/basket.
Northshore Fire Department’s Safety Committee meets approximately once a quarter; current members of the Safety Committee includes DC Magnuson, Train-ing Capt. Harvey, VP Ingersoll, and HR Manager Moore. The purpose of the com-mittee is to bring employees and management together in a cooperative effort to promote safety and health in the workplace. This includes helping to develop safe work practices and promoting health and safety issues for all of our employees.
Station Life
Joe Heilman—12 years
Anniversaries
Ryan Davis—December 2nd
Jim Harvey—December 16th
Gene Piana—December 16th
Blake Pritchett—December 16th
Mitch Sauer—December 17th
Anders Hansson—December 17th
Steve Loutsis—December 21st
Mike Morris—December 26th
Birthdays
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Hey—hard work deserves a treat! Congratulations A-BC Hansson!