American Canyon Fire Protection District News 'Ladder' April 2024

A Message from the Chief

Welcome to April, the start of spring!

March was a whirlwind of activity for the Fire District. We marked the remarkable 20-year service anniversary of Captain Jose Martin, celebrated International Women's Month honoring all the incredible women of AmCan Fire, witnessed the culmination of Academy 24-01, and proudly presented the 2023 Annual Report to the American Canyon Fire District Board of Directors. This report encapsulates the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of every member of our district throughout the past year. I highly encourage you to peruse it in its entirety.

As we continue our commitment to community outreach, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Captain/Paramedic Chad Pilkington and Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Billeci for their collaboration with American Canyon High School. Together, they have integrated life-saving skills such as 'Hands-Only CPR' and the proper usage of 'Automatic External Defibrillators' (AEDs) into the physical education curriculum. This ongoing partnership ensures that nearly 500 freshmen annually acquire these invaluable skills.

With the arrival of spring, it's time to prepare for the growth of grass and weeds. Safeguard your home and property by trimming and clearing brush, weeds, and debris Clearing gutters facilitates water flow and reduces the risk of embers igniting your home

April promises to be another eventful month as probationary firefighting testing and training persist. Assistant Chief Campbell and Public Information Officer Provencher will engage with the Senior Class at American Canyon High School this Friday through the 'Citizen's Academy,' enlightening them about potential careers in the Fire Service.

Lastly, as we approach the 10th anniversary of our Advanced Life Support program, we invite you to share your stories. If you or someone you cherish has received exceptional care from our responding Engine crews, please reach out to us on social media or via email at lprovencher@amcanfire.com. We eagerly await your narratives!

Stay safe and enjoy the blossoming spring season!

Geoff Belyea

Fire Chief

American Canyon Fire Protection District

Operations Division

Operational report numbers are cumulative YTD.

24-01Fire Academy

We are excited to announce the successful completion of the 24-01 Academy by the American Canyon Fire Protection District. On Friday, March 15th, after an intense 4-week all-hands training program, our dedicated team of recruits emerged ready to serve our community with excellence.

The academy curriculum was comprehensive, covering essential skills such as hose deployments, engine evolutions, confidence courses, proper donning of safety equipment, live fire training, extrication techniques, equipment and facility familiarization, as well as thorough understanding of our policies and procedures.

Assistant Chief Campbell, who led the academy, expressed immense pride in the commitment and effort demonstrated by each member of our District to the success of the newest members. He aptly captured the spirit of unity and determination with his words: "If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles." Indeed, our AmCanFire family paddles together towards success.

As we welcome our newest recruits into the fold, we eagerly anticipate the continued progress and achievements that lie ahead. Together, we are stronger, safer, and more prepared to fulfill our duty of protecting and serving the American Canyon community.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

The American Canyon Fire Protection District presented its 2023 Annual Report to the Board of Directors on March 26th The report highlights the collective efforts of personnel throughout the year, providing insights into total calls for service, breakdown of call types, budget, community engagement, and achievements against short and long-term goals outlined in their strategic plan

It emphasizes community risk reduction, detailed training examples, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the people they serve

The full report is available for viewing at https://issuu com/cityofamericancanyon/do cs/2023 draft acfpd annual report.

Women's Month I N T E R N A T I O N A L

In March we highlighted, celebrated, and recognized the women of #AmCanFire for International Women's Month. Chief Belyea said 'Women play a vital role in protecting and leading the American Canyon community, please help me recognize them this month. But let us continue to remember their contributions every day. I am honored to work alongside these talented individuals.'

Captain Jose Martin

FOR 20 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

CAPTAIN MARTIN PICTURED WITH HIS FAMILY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND HIS PEERS AS HE WAS PRESENTED HIS SERVICE AWARD AND PIN AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MARCH 26TH, 2024.

SUCCESS WITH SAFETY

April-ImportanceofHouseNumbersDuringAnEmergency

House numbers aren't just convenient; they're vital for the safety of everyone in our community. In emergencies, seconds count, and clear, visible house numbers are crucial for our fire, ambulance, and police teams to locate those in need swiftly.

Our firefighters at American Canyon Fire Protection District are equipped with cutting-edge tools to reduce response times. However, clear numbering is indispensable for quick identification. The easier it is for us to find your address, the faster we can get to you in times of crisis.

Consider this: take a drive around your neighborhood after dark and try to find an unfamiliar address. It's not easy. Emergencies can strike at any moment, whether it's during a rain storm or in the dead of night.

SUCCESS WITH SAFETY

April-ImportanceofHouseNumbersDuringAnEmergency

We urge all community members to take a moment to install or inspect their house numbers. Here are some guidelines from the Live Safe Foundation:

House numbers should be numerals. Fancy or spelled-out numbers may look nice but are hard to read.

Numbers should be at least four inches tall and in a color that contrasts with the background. Brass or bronze numbers can be difficult to spot.

Display numbers prominently on the front of your home, visible from the street.

If your home is more than 45 feet from the street, display numbers on a gate post, mailbox, or another location visible from all directions. This is especially important for ADU’s, or additional residences located at one address. Ensure numbers aren't obstructed by shrubs, trees, or decorations.

Do your part to aid emergency responders: ensure your house numbers are prominently displayed near your front door, well-lit, and easily visible from the street.

Clear, visible house numbers can be a matter of life and death. Don't let poorly displayed numbers delay help reaching you in an emergency. Take the time now to ensure your house numbers can be seen clearly from the street. Help us HELP YOU!

EXPLORER CORNER CORNER

March Drills

Knots and Crosslays

March has been an eventful month for the American Canyon Fire Protection District Explorer Program. Our explorers have been diligently honing their skills, and each drill has served as a stepping stone towards mastering the art of firefighting and rescue.

On March 10, our explorers delved into the fundamental aspect of fire service knots. While seemingly simple, knots play a crucial role in various scenarios encountered in firefighting operations. However, their significance extends beyond just tying ropes together; they form the bedrock of rope rescue systems, particularly in dynamic rescue situations.

The first drill of the month focused on familiarizing our explorers with different types of knots commonly used in fire service. Attention to detail and precision were emphasized, as these skills are paramount in ensuring the safety of both victims and rescuers during emergencies.

Why knots, you may ask? Well, knots serve as the backbone of rope rescue systems, which are essential in scenarios such as high-angle rescues or confined space extrications. In dynamic rescue situations where time is of the essence, the ability to tie and untie knots swiftly and accurately can mean the difference between life and death. By mastering the art of knot tying, our explorers are not only building a strong foundation for their future as firefighters but also cultivating a mindset of preparedness and adaptability. Each knot they learn is a building block for the next level of skills they will acquire, paving the way for their progression within the program and beyond.

As we delve deeper into the month of March, the American Canyon Fire Protection District Explorer Program continues to forge ahead with our commitment to excellence in firefighting skills. Our latest drill, held on March 24, centered on a crucial aspect of fire suppression: hose deployment, specifically preconnected cross lays.

EXPLORER EXPLORER CORNER CORNER

Preconnected cross lays are more than just a configuration of hoses; they are a pivotal skill in the arsenal of every firefighter. This drill focused on equipping our explorers with the proficiency to efficiently deploy hoses, flow water effectively, and reload the hose for swift redeployment—a trifecta of skills essential for successful fire suppression operations.

During the drill, our explorers immersed themselves in the intricacies of hose deployment, guided by seasoned firefighters who shared their expertise and experience. From the initial flaking out of the hose to the precise movement required for efficient deployment, every step was meticulously practiced and perfected.

Efficiency was the name of the game as our explorers learned to swiftly deploy the hose, ensuring a rapid response to fire incidents. The ability to flow water effectively is not only vital for extinguishing flames but also for ensuring the safety of both occupants and firefighters alike.

However, the drill didn't end with water flowing. Our explorers also focused on reloading the hose, a task that demands speed and precision. Reloading the hose efficiently ensures that it is ready for quick redeployment, minimizing downtime and maximizing firefighting effectiveness.

By mastering the art of preconnected cross lays, our explorers are not only building their technical skills but also cultivating a mindset of readiness and adaptability. These skills are the backbone of effective fire suppression operations and are essential for ensuring the safety of our community.

As we reflect on the lessons learned from the March 24 drill, let us remember that proficiency in hose deployment is not just about physical prowess but also about teamwork, communication, and dedication to the mission. We commend our explorers for their commitment to mastering this vital skill and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and excel in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the American Canyon Fire Protection District Explorer Program. Together, let us continue to strive for excellence and uphold the noble tradition of serving our community with valor and dedication.

Stay safe and stay inspired!

NAPA 4 THANK YOU DISPATCHERS

NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY

TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

APRIL 14 - 20, 2024

NEVER SEEN ALWAYS HEARD THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US HERE AT AMCANFIRE

What is ACCERT?

ACCERT, American Canyon Community Response Team, is a program that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live.

ACCERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills such as:

Fire Safety

Light Search and Rescue Team Organization

Communication

March UPDATE: On Thursday, March 14th, ACCERT participated with Napa CERT and AMR to train 256 7th grade students at Silverado Middle School with the Life-Saving skill of Hands-Only CPR and the proper usage of an Automatic External Defibulator, also known as an ‘AED’.

On Saturday, March 23rd, ACCERT participated with Napa CART (Community Animal Response Team) in a day long training learning sheltering, answering hotline calls, dispatch, communication skills, and an activation drill.

CERT teams exist to “fill the gaps” emergency services may have during a disaster response. We’re happy to be a resource, even when needs change.

If you are interested in seeing what ACCERT is all about, please contact info@americancanyoncert.org

Monday, April 8th @