2023 November FFS Magazine

THE PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

November 2023 • VOLUME 31 NUMBER 11

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Florida Fire Service is the monthly publication of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) members, by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone: (850) 900-5180 Email: info@ffca.org • www.ffca.org

FROM THE SECTIONS Message from the FFCA President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Message from the Foundation Chair . . . . . . . . . . . .10

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10 FEATURES

FFCA Staff Ngoc Huynh - Interim Executive Director Denise Holley - Office Manager

FFCA Board of Directors Harold Theus - President Michael Choate - 1st Vice President Trip Barrs - 2nd Vice President Douglas Riley - Immediate Past President Carlos Aviles - Secretary/Treasurer Ryan H. Crawford - Northwest Region Director Brady Rigdon - Northeast Region Director Michael Johansmeyer - East Central Region Director Chantal Botting - Southeast Region Director Ian Kemp - West Central Region Director Gregory DeWitt - Southwest Region Director Ngoc Huynh - Interim Executive Director James White - Foundation Chair Leland Greek - Senior Member

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The Art of Active Listening . . . . . . . 12 Firefighter Morale: Is it Time for an Attitude Change? . . . . . . 24

FURTHERMORE DO THE RIGHT THING . . . . . . . . . 8 FFCA New Members . . . . . . . . . . 8 South Walton Crews Improve

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Fireground Tactics . . . . . . . . . . 14 Seminole County Acquires Multi-Use Rescue Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Local Heroes Respond Swiftly to Hazmat Incidents . . . . . . . . 18 Hillsborough County State-of-the-Art

Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 32nd Annual Firefighter

Advertising Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org (386) 717-0055

Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Pinellas Park Citizens Academy . . 28 South Walton Celebrates Fire Prevention Week . . . . . . . . . . 30

Subscription rate for members is $36, which is included in member dues. Archived electronic monthly editions of Florida Fire Service magazine are available at www.ffca.org. Log in as a member and click on the Publications tab.

Featured Vendor. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lack of Enforcement Could Cost Your Department . . . . . . . 32 In brief . . . news from

Florida Fire Service November 2023, Volume 31, Number 11 USPS # 016-759 Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Florida Fire Service, 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303.

Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of FFCA. Copyright 2023 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.

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around the state . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Home Fire Safety Record Set . . . 36 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Harold Theus, Fire Chief FFCA President

Hello all, hope you are doing well.

It has been a very busy month for the FFCA, as we have been active in ensuring the Florida Fire Service is well represented. As many of you know, Public Emergency Medical Transport (PEMT) is a program sponsored by the FFCA that brings in millions of dollars in revenue to our departments who provide ambulance transport. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is the entity of the federal government responsible for the disbursement of those funds. Over the last several weeks, our partners from Public Consulting Group (PCG) and us have held several meetings to improve and streamline the

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process. I would strongly encourage all departments who provide ambulance transport to reach out to PCG and be involved in the PEMT program. It is intended to provide cost recovery for ambulance transports covered by Medicaid. You may be surprised by how much revenue is available to your department. If you are not participating, reach out to an FFCA Board member or PCG for more information.

Our legislative team continues to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Your Legislative Committee and our lobbyist Eric Prutsman are meeting regularly to develop strategies on advocating for bills that benefit our service. The session this year convenes on January 9. Several bills are focused on providing benefits to entice more people to enter the public safety field. On October 26, we attended a listening session at the Florida Fire College.

The topic was “Out of State Firefighting Certificate of Compliance” program. The FFCA is supportive of streamlining the process of evaluating out-of-state candidates and language that recognizes standard equivalencies from other states for Fire Certificate Compliance testing. Everyone recognizes we need more certified firefighters in the State to meet the

rapid growth of our departments.

The Association continues to build relationships with its partners. On October 16, Board Member Ian Kemp provided opening marks on behalf of the FFCA at the Federation of Fire Chaplains Convention in Orlando. On November 6, FFCA Board Member Jim White provided opening remarks at the Urban Search and Rescue Medical Special Operations Conference in Orlando. And on the same day, I provided opening remarks at the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association’s, 75th Annual Conference in Gainesville. At the FFMIA conference, CFO Patronis also provided opening remarks and since the event was in Gainesville, he took the opportunity to make some questionable comments about the Florida Gators…we’ll see what happens on November 25, #GoGators! We also recognize how important our FFCA Cadet Section is as Cadet Fest took place on November 11 in Palm Beach County.

Our most significant event this month was the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony in Ocala on November 17. This event is always touching as we honor those who were dedicated to serving the public and have fallen before us.

On November 14, I represented the FFCA at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Chiefs Forum in at the NFPA Headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts.

In closing, the Florida Fire Conference registration is open and what a lineup we have!

You and the members of your department will not want to miss this conference that runs from January 8-12. It kicks off with two days of HOT Classes followed by three days of conference, competitions, and trade show. We have some of the best speakers in the nation including Andy Sumpf, Gordon Graham, and Frank Leeb.

The trade show will be spectacular along with the ALS Competitions, Firesled Extreme Challenge, and Florida RIT Operations Group Competition.

As you can see, it has been a busy month. I hope that everyone has a safe and restful Thanksgiving Holiday.

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By Rick Spence

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was recently at a meeting with some regional fire chiefs and I noticed several of them had a type of sadness in their eyes. I have been in the profession long enough to know that there are no easy jobs in the fire service, despite what many people think. I knew several of their situations, some were dealing with contract negotiations and being caught between their administration and the FD union. Another one was dealing with an ongoing dispute within the department, the community, and some local politicians. Another chief was struggling with his own health issues, as well as the health of several close family members. Several other chiefs were struggling with the inability to hire and retain firefighters and the pressure that comes with that dilemma. The one thing that each of these men and women had in common was that they took the issues facing them and within fire departments personally. They felt the frustration of having to choose between several mediocre and unappealing decisions in which there was no winner. They have felt the

wrath of some of their firefighters and the community when there was a negative outcome to particular calls and situations. I believe each of them thought they were in a situation where they were single handedly facing an overwhelming mob and were in a situation where you were unable to make any of the participants happy.

I have never been in a situation like that as a fire chief. But I have been in a similar situation as a union officer. That also is often a no win situation and no one is happy with the outcome of your decisions. It took many years and much heartache before I finally learned that you are never going to be able to please some people.

EVER. That doesn’t mean you don’t stop trying; you just continue to do the next right thing. In the long run, doing the right thing for the people in your department, family, or community is what is going to be remembered.

If you continue to do the next right thing, you will hold the moral high ground and be able to stand upright when the attacks come at

Christopher Abaldo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Harold Alcalde . . . . . . . . . . . .Coral Springs Parkland Fire Department Craig Blum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Robert Campos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Scott Devito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orange City Fire Department Matthew Dyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DeLand Fire Department James Frye . . . . . . . . . . .Lake County Board of County Commissioner Brittney Glassman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Robby Harper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. John’s County Fire Rescue David Jacobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City of Fort Myers Fire Department

Kenneth Kurth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alachua County Fire Rescue Tara Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hedrick Brothers Construction Brian Pollack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Andrew Rayfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Lucas Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Johns County Fire Rescue Patrick Staab . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coral Springs Parkland Fire Department Amy Stafford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hendry Co Public Safety Matthew Turnbach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Daniel Waldrep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Matthew Zahara . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City of Fort Meade Fire Department

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

November 2023

you. You may also find that what you are doing is winning over most people around you. I believe people still value someone who consistently does the right thing. Eventually, the vocal minority will be seen for what they are: someone who is most likely pursuing a selfserving agenda. It may take longer than we would like, and it might be painful at times, but the noise makers will be exposed and eventually ignored. My grandfather used to always tell me you can’t go wrong by doing right. That is something that makes sense and withstands the test of time. Paul summed up this perspective best in his letter to the Church in Galatia, Galatians 6:9,10. “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap the harvest of righteousness, if we do not give up.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…”

Happy Thanksgiving Rick Spence retired as Assistant Chief from the Reedy Creek Fire Department after 30 years. He is currently the Chaplain for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Reedy Creek Fire Department, Lake County Fire Department, Clermont Fire Department, Maitland Fire Department, and the Florida Professional Firefighters. He serves as Sergeant of Arms for the Florida Professional Firefighters and International Association of Firefighters. He was selected Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year in 2018. He has been married to his wife Alecia for over 30 years.

James White, CFO Foundation Chair

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ast month my article touted how the American fire service remains the absolute best job in the world. Being in the industry for more than forty years, each day brings me new and amazing ways to prove to myself, and others, that I’m right. Here is just one more example of how this generational love of the job manifest itself in today’s crazy work environment.

In October my professional travels took me back to my hometown of Arlington, Virginia.

Many who know me well know that I was born and raised inside the Capital beltway. I called Virgina my home, but never really appreciated all the area had to offer. My father, after returning from his Army service in World War II, became a volunteer firefighter in Arlington. While his “real” job was as a letter carrier with the US Postal Service, I think something inside him longed to make the fire service his career. Back then, while jobs were plentiful, good salaries were not. He and my mother kept the huge fire department radio on in their bedroom and we lived close enough to the fire house to hear the siren calling for the volunteers to respond. When I was old enough, some would agree I hadn’t reached that age yet, I rode along with dad to those late-night fires and sat up in the cab of the pumpers watching and waiting for him to return and head home. His safety, health, and training never really crossed my mind.

When my brother graduated from college, he too was seeking a career that would set him up for his adult life. In the early 80’s he applied and was hired as a career firefighter with ACFD. I was so excited for him and couldn’t wait for my turn to apply and get on the job. I joined our local volunteer cadet firefighter program. I watched and learned how to do the job. While these firefighters never realized it, they were mentoring me and setting

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me up for future success through their actions. I may have failed to mention this part, that for reasons still unknown to me now, or at the time, I was not chosen off two eligible lists for open firefighter positions with my dream department. I was so devastated that while on a brief vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC, I applied for a career firefighter position. I was almost hired on the spot, and the rest I guess is history.

So why is my message this month all about me? Most of you know that nothing in my life is about me. I could actually make that statement about most firefighters. We are selfless, servant leaders in both our families and communities. Back to last month. I was in town for the annual retirees gathering of the Arlington County Fire Department. I attended as my brother’s guest (he retired as an Assistant Chief several years ago). I knew I wanted to see my mentors, some of them I hadn’t seen in more than 40 years. It was so awesome. Kind of like a ground-hog day for me. While these men had grown old and were a shell of the strong leaders I once knew, my presence took them back to that time when I was growing up in the fire department. These people were like gods to me. I learned so much from them all in a very short period of time. So again, why now, why this story?

Often times we never

really know the impact we as leaders and mentors have on our young people. Setting the example, watching our words, and guiding people with our careers is only one way we all can mentor the next generation.

It’s easy to say, what’s wrong with these kids today? You heard it, I heard it, and we say it today over and over again. I know that when I see someone today joining the fire services, I stop myself and first look in the mirror. They may just be that way because I haven’t been the mentor or example to them that I should have been. My message today is that it’s never too late to mentor. It’s never to late to set a positive example for the next generation of firefighters. Some day you’ll realize that it was something you did or said that made a difference in someone’s life.

Your Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation is here for you. We offer numerous opportunities to be that servant leader, to be that example, to be that mentor that our industry needs to get our next generation on the right track to further the best job in the world, being a firefighter.

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By Shawn M. Hanson

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ave you ever experienced a situation where you felt like your message was heard, but not listened to or understood? Or perhaps you felt like the person you were communicating with was distracted and uninterested in your message? This is a common problem that can be attributed to a lack of Active Listening – a critical component of successful communication skills.

Active Listening is a way of showing the speaker that you are fully present and engaged in the conversation and is essential for mindful communication. It enables you to understand the speaker’s message more comprehensively and respond appropriately. This skill is not only important in the business world, but also in personal and everyday interactions, training, community presentations, and incident scenes.

Think back and reflect on your most recent conversations with family, friends, community members, and co-workers; did they feel you received their message with empathy or did you fall victim to one of the many distractors out there that can steal the attention away from the person speaking to you?

Consider the unintended consequences of not being an Active Listener; they indicate that what the speaker is saying is not important, or even worse, that they are not important enough to the listener to deserve their undivided attention. These distractors can be destructive and if practiced routinely, have the potential to really jeopardize the relationship that you have with the person.

The higher you are in the

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rank structure of your organization, the more valuable your time is perceived to be. The greatest gift to a firefighter might just be that they were able to have your attention and undivided focus for even just a limited time.

Whether a firefighter, payroll specialist or logistics technician, everyone wants to feel that they were heard, seen, understood, and valued; all hallmarks of the human spirit.

To bring back The Art of Active Listening and be an Active Listener, it is crucial to eliminate distractions and give the speaker your undivided attention. Avoid looking at your phone, watch, clock, or computer, even if you hear or receive a notification. Make and maintain eye contact and use non-verbal cues such as open posturing, nodding, or smiling to show that you are engaged.

Short verbal cues like “yes” or rephrasing the speaker’s comments in your own words can provide positive feedback and show that you understand their message. Maintain an open and inviting posture even while engaging in the conversation through verbal cues and avoid interrupting or finishing the speaker’s sentences.

It is also important to allow moments of silence to give both the speaker and listener time to process the message. Finally, ask timely and thoughtful questions to show that you are an active participant and engaged in the conversation.

With practice, Active Listening can be developed into a valuable skill that enhances your leadership skills, promotes more effective coaching and mentoring, creates a sense of belonging, and improves your communication

in all aspects of your life. So, remember to show your speaker some kindness and compassion by engaging in the skills that convey interest and empathy; lean in with an inviting posture that offers a welcoming ear, pay attention, and above all else, value the person that is in front of you.

Shawn M. Hanson is a 22-year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, Collier County, FL, and Everglades City, FL. Her association and committee involvement includes the IAFC Fire & Life Safety Section (FLSS) Board of Directors, IAFC Human Relations Committee (HRC), the IAFC Women Chiefs Council (WCC), the IAFC Diversity and Executive Development Program (iDELP) Fellow graduate, Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs (SEAFC), serves on multiple NFPA technical committees, the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association’s (FFMIA) Legislative Committee, Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) ESLI graduate, and represents FFMIA on the Florida Firefighters Employment, Standards, and Training Council and the Florida Fire and Emergency Incident Reporting System Technical Advisory Panel.

Chief Hanson has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the IAFC’s SEAFC H.D. Crossnine, the FFCA and FFMIA Florida Fire Marshal of the Year, Tenzinga Excellence in Leadership, and Florida Special Districts Technology Innovation.

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By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer, South Walton Fire District

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outh Walton firefighters are making the switch to a new hose line on suppression apparatus starting October 2023. Based on annual training and equipment testing, firefighters believe this is a valuable change that will pay dividends for residents and personnel during structure fire incidents.

In the past, SWFD crews have used a 2.5” hose line when responding to commercial and residential fires.

This line can become heavy and cumbersome during an incident, especially when the incident results in hours of on-scene operations.

Firefighters are replacing that line with a 2.25” hose on all suppression apparatus after conducting evaluations on equipment and areas for improvement.

“This may seem like a small change, but this hose flows the same amount of water while weighing 80 pounds lighter than its predecessor,” said SWFD District Chief Chris Kidder. “The 2.25” line is more

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maneuverable, it’s lighter, and more efficient for us.

We also think it reinforces an ‘attack line’ mindset we know is necessary to preserve as much property and life as we can during a major fire.”

District Chief Kidder, as well as Lieutenant/Paramedic Chris Powell and Division Chief of Training David Stone, worked together to lead firefighters through the in-service training on the new hose.

After a month’s worth of training sessions, crews were able to place the hose into service and begin utilizing it on structure fire responses.

“It’s important to us to make sure our residents understand we are always trying to make advancements to our equipment, gear, and apparatus in order to better serve them,” Kidder said. “They deserve to know our crews are always working and training to be better for the community we serve and this new hose line is an example of that.”

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

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Seminole County Fire Department Acquires High-Water/Flood and Multi-Use Rescue Vehicles

By Doreen Overstreet, APR, Public Safety Information & Education Officer, Seminole County Fire Department

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he Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) recently acquired two new highwater/flood and multi-use rescue vehicles.

The purchase of the two 6x6 high-water vehicles (Acela Monterra GL Cassis Cabs) was paid for by ARPA dollars – or American Rescue Plan Act funds – which are federal dollars.

The new vehicles replaced the two older 6x6 vehicles that were built in 1968. Due to the need for continued natural disaster

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preparedness and response in the County for wildfires and other emergencies, in April 2023 the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase (a little over half a million).

“I would like to thank our entre Seminole County Board of County Commissioners and County Management for their support in this purchase and investment in public safety,” said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley.

“With Hurricane Ian, the Seminole County

Fire Department along with law enforcement agencies and the National Guard responded to saving residents in flood-prone areas in Seminole County. We utilized our high-water vehicles, which are over 55 years old. The new vehicles have such increased capabilities that will help specifically in our flood response.”

The trucks can also be converted for brushfire fighting capabilities, which makes these assets extremely versatile throughout the year.

Features include: • 50-inch water fording capability • Ability to transport 28 people with ample room for pets • Hydraulic lift gate to help those who are disabled • Quickly convertible to include brush firefighting capabilities with a 650-gallon water tank • 21,000-pound tow load capability Both of the new fire vehicles are housed at the Seminole County Fire Department’s Training Center and are currently in service.

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Local Heroes Respond Swiftly to Back-to-Back Hazmat Incidents in Land O’ Lakes and Zephyrhills I

n a testament to their unwavering dedication, Pasco County Fire Rescue, alongside Pasco Sheriff's Office and mutual aid assistance from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, demonstrated exceptional professionalism during two back-to-back hazardous materials incidents this week. The incidents, involving a suspicious substance and a chlorine leak, emphasized the critical role our local first responders play in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

The first incident occurred on October 24, when a suspicious substance was discovered at Land O’ Lakes High School, prompting an immediate response from Pasco County Fire Rescue's specialized Hazardous Material Response Team and Pasco Sheriff's Office.

Their swift and coordinated efforts swiftly

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By Jeremy Sidlauskas, Public Information Officer, Pasco County Public Safety Administration resolved the situation, reassuring the school community.

However, the challenges for our first responders did not end there. The very next day, a chlorine leak occurred at a different location in the City of Zephyrhills, necessitating an urgent response. Pasco County Fire Rescue's expert Hazmat team, equipped with specialized training and equipment, promptly contained the leak, preventing any potential harm to the area.

Additionally, two days in a row, Land O’ Lakes High School received suspicious packages, raising concerns and requiring immediate attention from our local authorities.

Pasco County Fire Rescue, Pasco Sheriff's Office, and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue worked seamlessly to investigate the packages, ensuring the safety of all involved.

"We commend the bravery and professionalism exhibited by our Pasco County Fire Rescue team and Pasco Sheriff's Office, as well as our colleagues from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Their ability to respond swiftly and effectively underscores their dedication to our community's safety," stated Anthony Perez, Fire Chief at Pasco County Fire Rescue.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergency response work. Our local heroes, supported by their extensive training and commitment to public safety, alongside our mutual aid partners, remain vigilant and prepared to handle any situation that arises.

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

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Hillsborough County Partners with USF for State-of-the-Art Training

By Rob Herrin, MSFES/DM, Public Safety Information Section Chief, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

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illsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) has partnered with the University of South Florida and the USF Health-Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS).

HCFR and USF are working together to train HCFR’s paramedics in a day-long advanced airway class. Instructed by physicians, our paramedics experience a mix of advanced airway lectures and hands-on skills station practice during the first half of the day. Topics covered include various airway management skills, the difficult airway, and airway pharmacology. In the afternoon, our paramedics ran through various scenarios using the CAMLS state-of-the-art simulation mannequins. Over the next year, HCFR will rotate nearly 100 of its personnel, primarily rescue officers, through the advanced class.

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32nd Annual Firefighter Challenge

By Cory Pippin, Community Relations Liaison, Martin County Fire Rescue

M

artin County Fire Rescue (MCFR) was proud to host and participate in the 32nd Annual Firefighter Challenge World Championship, held October 3-8 at Stuart Beach.

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MCFR Division Chiefs joined local and state officials in leading the event's opening ceremony on Saturday, October 7, and 19 of our firefighters joined hundreds of other competitors from 17 different countries on the course.

The Firefighter Challenge course showcases the talents, skills, and athleticism of today's firefighters by testing their abilities in multiple activities, such as a high-rise pack carry, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and victim rescue.

Each firefighter was timed and had to complete the course while adhering to strict guidelines; an achievement ESPN has declared "the toughest two minutes in sports".

The following MCFR personnel participated and placed in the event:

Third Place Female Team Showdown: Melissa Reilly, Hannah Abell, Hannah Helton, Samantha Grimm, and Shana DeWitt Third Place 40 and Under Female Tandem: Hannah Helton and Hannah Abell.

Third Place Female Team Relay: Melissa Reilly, Hannah Abell, Hannah Helton, Samantha Grimm, and Carol Giuffrida (Southeast Region Record).

Individual Female Under 40: Hannah Abell (16th) and Samantha Grimm (17th).

Individual Male 40-44 - Joshua Hileman (7th).

MCFR would like to thank the First Responder Institute and Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism for organizing the event, and Florida Representatives Brian Mast, Toby Overdorf, John Snyder, and Martin County Commissioners Ed Ciampi and Doug Smith for attending.

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

23

By Bruce Bjorge with www.lexipol.com

M

andatory overtime. Poor leadership.

Tight budgets. Challenging crew dynamics. A less-than-ideal shift or station assignment. There’s no shortage of factors that can influence firefighter morale, regardless of rank. And it’s easy to allow immediate events and outside influences to get us down. If we’re not careful, before long we’re dreading coming to work – and whether we realize it or not, our attitude is affecting other members, too.

We’re taught that everything the fire department does should revolve around Mrs. Smith. Whether it’s mopping the floor or polishing chrome or putting in 100% when you train, everything we do should be done so we can better serve Mrs. Smith when the call comes in. That “why” never goes away – but it’s easy to lose focus on it when we’re struggling with poor morale.

So what do we do? Do we continue to allow ourselves to get wrapped up in the negative thoughts? Do we become the station Eeyore?

Or do we push back, look inside, and find a way to make things better, internally and externally?

Attitude Is a Choice If you’re feeling negative about your job right now, you probably don’t want to hear that “attitude is a choice.” And of course, life is not as simple as just choosing to be happy all the time. But attitude is within our control. The mood in which we come to work, how we view

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things, whether we decide we’re going to give 100% or just 50% — these are all our choice.

You’ve heard the question, “Would you want you rescuing you?” It’s not just about physical fitness and tactical readiness. That question goes to the heart of your morale as a firefighter. If the answer is no, you have a choice: You can change you or can continue to be part of the problem.

If you’re ready for an attitude change, it starts by simply admitting you need the change.

Be willing to take an introspective look: “I’m not happy with what’s going on in my fire service career.” Maybe it’s a lack of training, or you’re having a hard time getting along with the crew. Maybe you’re dissatisfied with your fitness level, your educational achievements, or the opportunities for promotion. Just saying it aloud can be liberating.

Once you’ve admitted the problem, don’t just keep it inside. Be willing to share those challenges with other people so they can support you and help you get better. If your department has a peer support team, this can be a good place to start. But don’t limit yourself to the department. Friends, colleagues and counselors outside the fire service can provide an equally important perspective.

Start small. When your morale is flagging, you don’t want to set a mountain-sized goal in front of you. Instead, pick something small to work on that is within your control. Maybe you

simply commit to come to work with a positive attitude. If you pick up coffee on the way to work, be pleasant. Just start doing that. If you’re at the station and the complaints start, step away or try to divert the conversation. If you’re being held over on overtime, think about how you sound before you call your spouse to let them know. If you let it get you down, it’s going to get them down, too.

When Things Are Not in Your Control At this point, you might be fighting with me in your head. “Bruce, that’s great to say, but let’s face it, there’s so many things we don’t control. I want to have a good attitude, but I have to deal with X, Y, Z.” There is a limitation to how much you can change in any department. Some things are beyond your control. And it’s important for everyone’s health and wellness to recognize when you’ve passed the point of no return. But even then, we can do something. You might be able to change to a new station or even a new department. In some instances, a change of scenery – living in a new city or joining a new organization – is what’s needed to go from a negative to a positive attitude.

It goes back to that moment of introspection. Are you the problem? Or is the organization the problem? And if you conclude it’s the organization – and it’s not something you can work to change – it’s OK to leave.

See MORALE page 25

MORALE continued from page 24 Take professional development as an example. If promoting is important to you but it’s not an option at your current department, you can bang your head against the wall saying they should give you professional development opportunities, or you can choose to do something about it. Start looking around at other departments – maybe a place where there’s been a lot of retirements and there may be more opportunities to promote. Professional development requires the right timing of where the member is at and where the organization is at. If those two elements aren’t aligned, you might need to go somewhere else.

If leaving your department isn’t an option and you can’t change the negative influencers, look for an outlet to release it. Learn a language, take up fishing. You might be surprised how much this allows you to let go of the negativity. It feels good to learn a new skill and invest time and energy in a way that has a positive outcome.

Are You Giving Too Much?

As firefighters, we often expect the job to be everything to us – and for us. But that’s unrealistic and unhealthy. This job will never love you as much as you love it.

If you’re struggling with poor morale, ask

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yourself, is your dissatisfaction coming from giving too much? We need to set boundaries; we need to give ourselves the grace not to invest every moment of our lives in the job. We need outside interests and passions. Yes, being a firefighter is not just a job; it’s who you are. But there’s a you outside the fire service – and you’re going to need to know that person to successfully weather the ups and downs of your career and find happiness in retirement.

There’s a quote I return to often to keep centered: “If you put this job in front of everything else, you will be disappointed. Stay humble, have fun and do your job at the highest level. But never put the job above everything else.”

What Are You Going to Do Today?

The great Alan Brunacini said that everyone in public safety – regardless of rank, position, years of service, etc. – shares three things in common: 1. We chose to come into this business.

2. We chose it because it’s important. If we’re not there, who will do this job?

3. When people are having their worst day, we can reduce those negative consequences, which people in the community appreciate.

That makes us feel good.

And that’s why it’s always possible to have a

positive attitude as a firefighter.

So one final question for you: What are you going to do today to have a positive impact on you, your crew, your organization and your community?

Bruce Bjorge’s fire service career includes more than 38 years of experience in command and training positions with career, combination, volunteer and military fire agencies. Currently, he is a Battalion Chief with the Western Taney County Fire District in Branson, Mo., and has also served as a company officer and Assistant Chief of Training.

Bruce is also the Director for Fire Policy Sales at Lexipol. He formerly was the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Specialist for the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute where he managed their Mobile ARFF and other live-fire training programs. He has also served as a Training Developer for Lexipol. He holds Training Officer certification from the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Training Program Management course. Bruce has been an active instructor and evaluator for the past 28 years and is a regular presenter at state, regional and national conferences and training events.

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PPFD Showcases Operations at Pinellas Park Citizens Academy

By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator, Pinellas Park Fire Department Pinellas Park Fire Department went all out to showcase the department at the Pinellas Park Citizens Academy held at Fire Station 35 on October 25. The evening began with a catered dinner followed by an introduction from Fire Chief Brett Schlatterer and special presentations about our Fire Cadet Program and CARES (Community Assistance through Resources, Education, and Safety) program.

The 40 academy participants then formed small groups and rotated through various interactive stations where they learned about fire safety and prevention, emergency management and preparedness, CPR, EMS, and the day-to-day operations of the fire department. Some of the highlights for attendees included trying on bunker gear and watching a live fire demonstration. The night wrapped up with a surprise appearance by “Sparky” who helped hand out diplomas and gifts to the “graduates” of the academy.

Thank you to our fire department staff, 28

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departments through classroom lecture and hands-on activities. By participating in the Pinellas Park Citizens Academy, residents gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to run the City of Pinellas Park.

firefighters, and leadership who worked hard to make this a memorable experience for the group, and to Fireground 24 Photography for capturing the event. A special thanks to the City of Pinellas Park, FL, for providing our residents with such an engaging and fun way to learn about their city!

The Pinellas Park Citizens Academy is a sixweek program that offers residents a behindthe-scenes look at how their city government operates. One night each week, residents in the academy learn about the functions of city

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

29

South Walton Celebrates Fire Prevention Week with Pancake Breakfast

By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer, South Walton Fire District

P

ancakes, bounce houses, fire engines, oh my! The South Walton Fire District hosted its annual Pancake Breakfast event on Saturday, October 7, in celebration of Fire Prevention Week. The event also included a birthday party theme, as the agency is celebrating its 40-year anniversary.

For five dollars, attendees enjoyed all-youcan-eat pancakes and plenty of family-friendly activities, such as a bounce house, face painting, sidewalk chalk stations, fire apparatus tours, and firefighter demonstrations.

“This event is all about connecting with our community in a non-emergency setting,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “Parents, children, and local officials enjoy fellowship with us and of course, delicious pancakes, which everyone loves. We could not have been happier with how the turnout was for this year.”

Based on the number of wristbands sold, SWFD estimates more than 500 people attended the event, which is the biggest crowd to date for the breakfast.

Year after year, the event also serves as an opportunity for personnel to educate residents related to the National Fire Protection Association’s designated Fire Prevention Week themes.

Educational opportunities include providing fire safety lessons for children, visits with the

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Fire Pup mascot, and handing out NFPAthemed items like coloring books. These interactions with the public allow the SWFD Fire and Life Safety Division to reach even the youngest of attendees with fire prevention information.

“The support for this year’s event was incredible, but reaching our residents and reminding them about fire safety is what truly makes the difference in the long run,” Sanchez said. “The money we raised will go back into our community as we use it to purchase fire prevention materials for kids and smoke alarms that we can give to those in need.

Thank you to everyone who supported our event this year.”

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31

Safe Fleet: Fire, EMS, & Industrial Safe Fleet Fire, EMS & Industrial is a leading global provider of safety solutions to the firefighting industry. Safe Fleet Fire, EMS & Industrial is comprised of four industry leading

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By Daniel Arce

C

onsider that a significant high-rise fire in your city causes death, injury, and extensive damage. Who is to blame? What if the after-incident report finds that the fire grew from a containable blaze into an inferno due to one or more faulty fire doors? Subsequently, Investigators found a lack of enforcement by your personnel of the fire code that requires property owners or managers to have their fire doors inspected and tested at least annually.

Insurance adjustors, attorneys, and other Interested Investigators looking for someone to blame and sue will want to see the required annual fire door inspection paperwork. The fire department is responsible for requesting proof that this inspection was completed.

You may ask, what about qualified immunity for fire service; doesn’t that prevent a lawsuit?

The answer is no! Qualified immunity protects firefighters and other officials from civil liability for following rules set forth by laws they are sworn to enforce. Qualified immunity does not apply when non-enforcement of specific codes results from failure to instruct fire prevention

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and protection inspectors to request building managers to produce their annual fire door inspection report.

In 2016, the “Ghost Ship Fire” in Oakland, CA, killed 36 people. In 2020, the city of Oakland settled a civil lawsuit for $33 million.

In 2022, a Bronx High-Rise Fire took the lives of 19 and hospitalized 45. The NYCFD was named in the lawsuits asking over two billion dollars…and the list goes on and on.

When your department conducts annual fire inspections, proof of fire door inspections is part of the job. Inspecting all the fire, smoke, and egress doors is not your Inspector’s job.

Frankly, it’s just too big a task. Many buildings have hundreds of fire doors; it is impossible to inspect every fire safety door as required! That is why the Florida legislators changed the Fire Code in 2011 to make the building owners/managers responsible for having their fire doors Inspected and tested once a year at least annually as proof of compliance.

It’s as simple as instructing your Inspectors to ask these eight little words, Could I see your fire door inspection report? Afterward, a follow-up review of the report, setting a deadline for repairs or replacement as noted in the report.

Daniel Arce, CFDI, is the CEO of National Firedoor, llc., and a fire door safety Instructor with over two decades in the commercial fire door industry. He can be reached at Info@NationalFireDoor.com or 786-239-8563.

Seminole County Fire Marshal Christina Diaz Named East Central Director of FFMIA

By Doreen Overstreet, Public Safety Information Officer

Palm Coast Hosts 22nd Annual ‘Hall of Terror’

By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer The Palm Coast Fire Department hosted the 22nd Annual ‘Hall of Terror’ on October 30 and October 31. This year’s theme was the Ghostface from the popular ‘Scream’ movie franchise. The Hall of Terror featured a maze replica of set locations from the films, providing all the fun and scares that the series is known for.

“The Hall of Terror continues to be something that we all continue to look forward to year after year,” said Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. “With each year that goes by, we see an increase in attendance, and we are happy to provide a Halloween event that is free, safe, and fun for the whole family,” said Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill.

The Hall of Terror started in 2001 when then Captain Gerard “Jerry” Forte and Firefighter Rich Cline began setting up Halloween decorations inside former Fire Station 21. The first year they attracted 50 kids to visit the fire station. What started out in the lobby of the fire station as a few scary props rapidly grew, overtaking the fire station. In 2008, prior to the demolition of the former fire station, the fire department took over the entire building for an all-out haunted house. For the past fourteen years, the Hall of Terror has remained at Fire Station 21. The last twenty-two years have seen thousands of residents attend the events each night. This year’s event saw a record attendance of nearly 4,000 people over the two-day span.

The Hall of Terror is coordinated by Lieutenant Dan Driscoll, a fifteen-year veteran of the fire department.

Panama City Beach Constructing New Stations Great things are happening that will enhance the level of service Panama City Beach Fire Rescue can provide to the citizens and visitors of Panama City Beach.

Fire Station 31 will be located at 17121 Panama City Beach Parkway, the current site of old Fire Station 31.

Fire Station 32 will now be located at 11911 Hutchinson Boulevard, which is West of its old location.

Both Fire Station are slated to be completed towards the end of 2024.

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The Seminole County Fire Department’s Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief Christina Diaz was recently elected as the East Central Director of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA).

Diaz was sworn into her new leadership role at the 75th Annual Fire Prevention Conference in Gainesville on November 8, 2023.

During her two-year term, she will serve as one of six regional directors to help lead the 1,600 members at FFMIA. The organization serves residents in Florida by providing top-tier leadership for life safety strategies through inspection, investigation, public education, and code management.

“We are extremely proud of Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Diaz for her leadership and work ethic, not only at the Seminole County Fire Department, but for helping advance the fire prevention profession in terms of education and leadership,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “She is extremely passionate about fire prevention and knows that residents and businesses adhering to fire codes can ultimately help save lives.”

Assistant Chief Diaz has served at the Seminole County Fire Department since 2016 and prior to that served a decade at the Orange County Fire Rescue Department as a Fire Inspector I and then Fire Inspector II. She was named as the State of Florida Fire Marshal of the Year in 2020 by FFMIA. In addition, she has been awarded the Seminole County Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Employee of the Year in 2017 and honored in 2020 with the Community Excellence Award by the Lake Mary Rotary.

Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Welcomes Eight New Firefighter/Paramedics

By Michael Moser, BAS, CFO, Deputy Fire Chief The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department is excited to welcome eight new firefighter/paramedics, who began their new careers on October 9, 2023.

These young men and women will now enter our internal new-hire training academy for their first 10 weeks.

During these 10 weeks, they will be participating in a jampacked curriculum filled with various administrative and operational processes to ensure success in their future.

EMS protocols, fire procedures, policy review, dispatch familiarization, and various search and rescue operations are just a few of the things covered in their orientation. One of our favorite parts of this process is “Family Night”, which prepares the families for the first responder lifestyle, and to answer any questions the families may have about the new career their loved ones are entering.

The final two weeks of this program will bring them to the fire stations to observe and become acclimated to the station lifestyle and expectations of the final steps of their probation: the field training officer (FTO) process.

Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill Recognized with Tony Gasparino “Lest We Forget Award”

By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer The Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Assembly 2810 and Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church recognized Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill with the Tony Gasparino “Lest We Forget Award.” Attending the ceremony with Berryhill was his wife Danielle and children, along with Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin.

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 2810 has hosted the Tony Gasparino Veterans Day Celebration and Lest We Forget awards since 2019. Anthony Gasparino was a Vietnam Veteran and past Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the councils.

The Knights of Columbus recognizes Active-Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Fire Rescue, as well as other first responders, for their commitment and service to the Nation and their communities. They selected Berryhill for the award in honor of his outstanding services to our country with the Palm Coast Fire Department and his significant contributions to the Palm Coast Little League.

Mayor Alfin said, “It was an honor to stand beside Chief Berryhill as he received this well-earned award. Chief Berryhill’s dedication to our community and his exceptional service with the Palm Coast Fire Department exemplify the values of selflessness and commitment that this award represents. We are proud to have him as a leader in our city, and I congratulate him on this welldeserved recognition.”

Fire Chief Berryhill added, “It is a great honor to accept this award. This recognition is not about me, but a tribute to the brave and dedicated men and women of the Palm Coast Fire Department. They are the true heroes, and it’s their courage, sacrifice, and exceptional work each day that make our city safer.”

Ocean Rescue Visits Pineapple Cove Academy

By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS During the week of October 23, Brevard County Ocean Rescue’s Captain Shiloh Dragon and Lifeguard Jackie Allen visited Pineapple Cove Academy’s 10th grade class to educate the students on First Aid and Fitness. Topics addressed were physical requirements to be met in order to become a lifeguard such as swimming 500 yards in less than 10 minutes, completing a one-mile run in under 10 minutes, and perform a physical agility test which includes push-ups. Captain Dragon and Lifeguard Allen demonstrated the lifeguard rescue equipment, and the training that goes along with each piece of equipment.

Students were also taught about lighting safety, and what to do in a case of a lightning strike, how to recognize rip currents, and what to do in case they or someone are caught in one, and how to care for BLS injuries such as jellyfish stings and lacerations.

NAEMT EPC Course Held in Brevard County

By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) recently hosted the NAEMT Emergency Pediatric Care Course (EPC). The material focuses on critical pediatric physiology, illnesses, injuries, and interventions to help EMS practitioners provide the best treatment for sick and injured children in the field. The course stresses critical thinking skills to help practitioners make the best decisions for their young patients.

BCFR personnel were in attendance alongside some of our municipal partners, with seven of the attendees obtaining their

Meet Pinellas Park’s New Deputy Fire Marshal

By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator Pinellas Park Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of Fire Prevention Coordinator Chris Astleford to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal for the City of Pinellas Park. Chris has worked in the Fire Prevention Division since 2016 conducting construction plan reviews, fire inspections, and fire investigations. His new role will include supervising the dayto-day functions of the Fire Prevention Division, managing the fire prevention staff, and overseeing the smoke alarm installation program and pre-plan development schedule.

Prior to joining Pinellas Park Fire Department, Chris was a volunteer firefighter in in Pasco County and worked for MedFleet Ambulance Service as the Administrative Manager. He holds a BS degree in Fire Administration/Fire Investigation and is working toward a Master’s degree in Fire Executive Leadership/Emergency Services Management. In 2018, Chris was voted Professional Services Employee of the Year for the City of Pinellas Park for his outstanding service to the community.

NAEMT Instructor Certification.

Submitting Articles Please submit your article as a MS word document and include a high resolution jpeg image as an attachment (do not embed photo in document).

Try to keep submissions under 300 words if possible. E-mail files and pics to: magazine@ffca.org. All articles must have a title or headline and a byline as part of the article (please note format in above briefs) - if no byline is suppliedthe article will run without.

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35

Seminole County Fire Department, Sanford Fire Department and American Red Cross of Central Florida Set Home Fire Safety Record

By Doreen Overstreet, APR, Public Safety Information & Education Officer, Seminole County Fire Department

T

he American Red Cross of Central Florida, the Seminole County Fire Department and the Sanford Fire Department recently set a record in the Greater Orlando for smoke alarm installed. The group installed 372 free smoke alarms in 196 homes in Carriage Cove, a manufactured homes community in Sanford.

The effort was part of Fire Prevention Month and more than 80 volunteers participated, including: Three Lockheed Martin Volunteers 15 Youth Red Cross Volunteers 12 Red Cross Volunteers 24 MIRA USA Volunteers 26 Seminole County/Sanford Fire Department Staff “Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of

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death from home fires in half,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley of the Seminole County Fire Department. “We thank the American Red Cross of Central Florida for their valued partnership in helping keep our Seminole County citizens safe.”

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