L A F D I SSUE 8
VALLE VALLEY YVie iew w O PERATIONS V ALLEY B UREAU
M AY /J UN 2016
CHIEF’S MESSAGE
COMMAND CHANGE It was not long ago that I assumed the helm of the San Fernando Valley representing your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as the Valley’s Fire Chief. If you recall on January 11, 2015, the LAFD reorganized its administrative model to mirror that of the Los Angeles Police Department. Prior to the reorganization, administrative control primarily existed Downtown along with the several layers of bureaucracy. Under the old model, business and community concerns rarely received the appropriate level of attention or reached the correct person.
BUREAU COMMANDER DEPUTY CHIEF Daryl Arbuthnott
ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDERS ASSISTANT CHIEF Trevor Richmond Andrew Fox Emile Mack Gregory Reynar
TRAINING OFFICER CAPTAIN II Richard Fields
EMS OFFICER CAPTAIN I Danny Wu
OFFICE 4960 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-728-9921 818-728-9931 Fax
lafd.valleybureau @lacity.org
LAFD Valley
The reorganization caused the LAFD to grow and revisit its methods for connecting with the communities it serves. Since the reorganization, your Valley Bureau engaged the community, businesses, public safety partners and local public officials on every level. The list of initiatives and accomplishments include activating a Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) in the Sylmar area; securing political support through City Council Motions for recreational hiker warning signage to be activated during extreme fire weather; and the establishment of a senior care facility ordinance aimed at regulating care facilities housing seniors; we created a newsletter and effectively used social media to reach you at every turn. (See Change continued on Page 2)
RECRUITMENT Captain II Kristine Larson The LAFD recruitment campaign started in January with the theme, “Wear Your Strength On Your Sleeve”, reflecting our extensive efforts in recruiting the next generation of firefighters. OVB is highlighting firefighters in our bureau to help guide community members who may be considering a career in fire service. Kris Larson has been with the Los Angeles Fire Dept. for 25 years since graduating from UCLA on a full athletic scholarship. She is currently assigned to Fire Station 74 in the Tujunga/Sunland community as a Captain II. WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE GETTING ON THE DEPARTMENT?
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND HOME LIFE?
My greatest challenge was that I did not know much about what it meant to be a firefighter before I began my career. I went to the library to research the specifics of the job, and then attended a recruitment event to get even more information. I was confident in my ability to handle the physical requirements of the job, but I had no idea what the all-encompassing job of a firefighter truly entailed.
I try not to work too many consecutive days because it takes a toll on my sleep habits. I am currently enrolled in graduate school so I’m focused on completing my master’s degree. I also try to recharge my batteries whenever possible by taking mini-vacations and spending time with friends and family on my off days. (See Larson continued on Page 3)
Proudly serving: Arleta, Bell Canyon, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, City of San Fernando, Encino, Granada Hills, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Noho Arts District, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland/Tujunga, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Universal City, Van Nuys, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.
LOS
A NGELES
F IRE
D EPARTMENT
SAFETY MESSAGE
EARTHQUAKE TIPS for Commuters & Public Transit Riders An earthquake can happen at any time and at any place. Be prepared at home, work, school, and also in transit. HAVE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN YOUR CAR: • Basic first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food like nuts and energy bars, extra medication, flashlight, and basic tool kit. • An extra change of clothes including a jacket, shoes and a blanket. IF YOU TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MAKE SURE YOU CARRY: • Mini flashlight, water, extra medication, and a non-perishable snack. • Hard copy of important contact numbers. TIPS FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT RIDERS BEFORE THE SHAKING STARTS: • Look around and observe your surroundings on your commute each day. Some pathways, areas and places may be safer. • Notice stairs and exits, read posted emergency signs and procedures at transit station, bus stop or platforms. WHEN THE SHAKING STARTS ON PUBLIC TRANSIT: • On a bus or train, stay where you are, hold on and protect your head and neck. At a transit station, bus stop or platform, drop to ground, cover your head and neck with your arms.
Be a Hero You know the difference early CPR and defibrillation can make in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event. Fifty-seven percent of U.S. adults say they’ve had CPR training, and most would be willing to use CPR or an AED to help save a stranger’s life. Yet only 11% say they’ve used CPR in an actual emergency—that’s a number we can increase together. When that emergency call comes in your team will be ready. But what if someone was already at the scene, applying lifesaving CPR and defibrillation until the EMS team arrived? With PulsePoint, your dispatch system immediately alerts CPRtrained bystanders about a nearby SCA event through the free PulsePoint Respond mobile app, and lets them know the location of the closest AED. Download the app below and save a life!
https://www.pulsepoint.org/download
AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS: • Check yourself for injury and assist others—prepare for aftershocks.
2016 ANNUAL REPORT
(Change continued from Page 1)
Other community engagements include the participation in “Days of Dialogue”, town hall meetings related to El Nino and the Aliso Canyon Gas Company leak. There are actually hundreds of events where your Valley Bureau team participated in support of the community.
Operations Valley Bureau completed its first Annual Report which was presented to the LAFD Board of Commissioners in early May. To take a look at our accomplishments and learn where OVB is headed, please view our first Operations Valley Bureau Annual Report for 2015 at the link below:
https://issuu.com/lafd/docs/ annual_report_2015_final
As I reflect on the past 18-months, humility is the single word that describes my overall experience. I am humbled by each community and businesses’ support for the LAFD. I am humbled by the collective organization of the Valley’s many community groups including neighborhood councils and homeowner’s groups. I remain humbled by the cohesive cooperation between City Departments and allied agencies. I value our close partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department, and I have been proud to represent the work of your Firefighters who without hesitation are willing to place their lives on the line.
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This journey serving the citizens of Los Angeles will be embedded in my heart for the remainder of my life. Thank you for allowing me to serve you!
Daryl Arbuthnott
YOUR NEW OVB DEPUTY CHIEF It is our pleasure to introduce Trevor Richmond, your new OVB Bureau Commander. Trevor has been with the LAFD for 27 years and is currently an Assistant Chief serving as the OVB Administrative Assistant Bureau Commander. He will bring his invaluable OVB experience into his new role as Deputy Chief, and looks forward to serving the San Fernando Valley communities with courage, integrity, and pride.
O PERATIONS
V ALLEY
B UREAU
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
STROKE AWARENESS BBQ Operations Valley Bureau joined Sherman Oaks and Encino Medical Centers to provide a community, family-oriented “Stroke Awareness & Chili Cook-off” on April 30, 2016 at Fire Station 83. The focus was to raise awareness about stroke and provide information on the risk factors, warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency. Free chili tastings were provided as well as educational information on stroke awareness, heart health, senior services and other hospital service lines. Community members were able to get free blood pressure checks, face painting, balloon art, free home safety items and more. During the cook-off participants enjoyed live music, fire and police apparatus displays and a silent auction. Chili Cook-Off winners: 1st Place
Fire Station 39, Van Nuys
2nd Place
Dr. Jason Greenspan Chef Eric Greenspan, Emergent Medical Associates
3rd Place
Paul Scrivano, Blue Dog Tavern
Fire Stations 39, 83, 88, 78, 102, and OVB were participants in the event that highlighted stroke awareness education and the opening of Sherman Oaks/Encino hospitals' Stroke Centers. Additionally, all proceeds from the event benefited the participating fire stations and OVB via the LAFD Foundation.
Congratulations to Class 15 15--3!
(Larson continued from Page 1)
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW CANDIDATES TRYING TO JOIN THE LAFD? My best advice would be to make sure your background is solid. Enlist friends and family members who are willing to be contacted to speak about your character. In addition, start preparing for the physical nature of the job. Increase your upper body strength as much as possible, and then focus on high intensity workouts. Passing the CPAT is not necessarily a reliable predictor for how well you will do in the academy, which is an intense 20 weeks of both physical and academic work. But most importantly, be prepared to begin the best job in the world.
Five new female firefighter graduates with Fire Chief Terrazas
The Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcomed the agency’s 48 newest members, including five women, at the well-attended graduation ceremony for LAFD Recruit Class 15–3, held at the Fire Department’s Valley Recruit Training Academy Thursday, April 28, 2016.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING AN LAFD FIREFIGHTER PLEASE VISIT:
WWW.JOINLAFD.ORG
Fire Station 81 doubles as one of two recruit training academies charged with entry level firefighter training. This opportunity for officers to meet their new employees and their families helps ensure a more effective transition from a learning environment to their respective field assignment. 3
L OS A NGELES F IRE D EPARTMENT — O PERATIONS V ALLEY B UREAU
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
LAFD FIRE SERVICE DAY On Saturday, May 14, 2016 the LAFD kicked off “Fire Service Recognition Day” where the community was invited to learn about LAFD services, interact with firefighters, increase fire safety knowledge and enjoy family fun. There were station tours, disaster preparedness literature and free smoke alarms available. This year’s theme, “Wear Your Strength On Your Sleeve,” reflects our extensive efforts in recruiting the next generation of firefighters. The title “Honorary Fire Chief” was bestowed to deserving community members recognizing their support of the LAFD in a ceremony sponsored by OVB/Operations Valley Bureau. The 2016 Honorary Chiefs were:
ALISO CANYON
GAS LEAK UPDATE
Tricia Ercoli
Encino Hospital and Medical Center/ Sherman Oaks Hospital
The Southern California Gas Company Customer Resource Center, which is ADA accessible and multilingual, provides a one-stop portal of information for all members of the public at 19731 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch
Leslie Nishanian
Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton
Please visit:
Victor Pena
Vic Fire and Water Restoration
Honorary Fire Chief Leslie Nishanian with Deputy Chief Arbuthnott
https://secure.scheduleonce. com/socalgas-crc to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be available:
COUNCIL MOTIONS
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
OVB Seeks City Council Support SENIOR CARE ORDINANCE
Independent and assisted living facilities are rapidly becoming a familiar sight in the Valley with new and existing expansions starting in 2016. LAFD EMS responses to these facilities increased significantly over the past several years. Unfortunately, corporate policy in many instances is driving how this vulnerable aging population is cared for. Foreseeing the elderly community increasing in the coming years, OVB initiated efforts with the LA Department of Aging and Council offices to determine available options.
HIKER SIGNAGE
Santa Monica Mountains provide exceptional access to numerous trailheads used frequently by LA City residents. One concern is that many hikers are not aware of the potential danger of a brush fire moving into their area. With up-to-date weather forecasting, we are aware of dangerous fire conditions before they arrive, therefore OVB reached out to various City Council staff to seek support for installing warning signage at each entrance to main trailheads. This signage would indicate the level of fire danger for and brief instruction on how to prepare for their hike. This proactive approach cautions hikers to reconsider their activities during “extreme” or “red flag” fire weather conditions, thereby increasing their safety and welfare.
EVENTS Fire Service Day
May 14
All LAFD Fire Stations
Fahrenheit 2016
May 21
Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center
Pancake Breakfast and Car Show Benefitting Widows & Orphans Fund
May 22
Fire Station 87 Granada Hills
To request LAFD resources at public events (community fairs, school visits, etc.) , please send an email to LAFDrequest@lacity.org with the details of your event (date, time and duration, location, etc.). As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.
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Walk-in assistance is available Thursdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The office is closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit:
https://www.alisoupdates.com/ need-assistance for more information on assistance. To report a smell or potential gas leak, call SoCal Gas Company at (800) 4272200 and call the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) at (800) 288-7664 or go online:
http://www.aqmd.gov/contact/ complaints