OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
2017 ANNUAL REPORT This report is the property of the Omaha Fire Department. If you would like to use the report in its entirety or any of the content within it, please contact: Omaha Fire Department Headquarters 1516 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-5700 www.omaha-fire.org
Omaha Fire Department Mission Statement It is the mission of the Omaha Fire Department to protect lives, property, and the environment of our community through preparation, prevention, and protection in a competent and courteous manner.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6
Message from the Mayor
8
Message from Chief Olsen
10
Services Overview
11
Personnel Statistics
12
Budget Overview
13
Personnel Highlights
14
Coverage Area Map
15
SERVICE AREA OVERVIEW
16
Omaha Fire Stations
18
Emergency medical services
20
Fire Investigation unit
22
Fire prevention division
24
Public education program
26
Safety & Wellness division
28
Information services division
30
Technical Services division
32
Training Division
34
Special Operations Program
36
Community Impact
37 Acknowledgments
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
6 | Omaha Fire Department
Dear citizens of Omaha, Our biggest responsibility and first priority is public safety. The mission of the Omaha Fire Department is to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community through preparation, prevention, and protection in a competent and courteous manner. These are the expectations of the citizens we serve. The Omaha Fire Department responds to emergency calls, firefighters work to prevent fire emergencies, educate the public and keep our community safe. We are continually upgrading emergency response equipment, communications and training . We have replaced five medic units, three truck companies, four engine companies, and seven Battalion Chief vehicles. We are replacing station alerting systems in all 24 fire stations and we are planning for the construction of two new fire stations to replace aging facilities. These are all important improvements to provide excellent emergency services. I hope the citizens of Omaha will join me to thank the men and women of the Omaha Fire Department for the services they provide to our community. Sincerely,
Jean Stothert Mayor, City of Omaha
2017 Annual Report | 7
MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF
It is my privilege to present the 2017 Omaha Fire Department Annual Report to Mayor Jean Stothert, respected members of City Council and the citizens of Omaha.
8 | Omaha Fire Department
As Fire Chief, I strive to produce a department that is serving our community at its highest potential; one that performs with the best interests of our community at the forefront and exudes professionalism at all times. Our goal is to carry out the message of our mission statement by serving in a competent and courteous manner. My responsibility as Fire Chief is to support the members of our department as they serve our community’s needs at the highest degree, doing so in a fiscally responsible manner. This past year, enhanced focus has been placed on our department’s community engagement efforts. Immersing ourselves in our community’s efforts to enhance public safety is an extremely worthy endeavor and I have personally raised the bar in terms of partnering with multiple community groups to further expand our impact. Interaction with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and having a voice at the Omaha 360 Collaboration meetings are prime examples of our current efforts that are geared toward increasing community trust and risk reduction. As stated in last year’s annual report, our department is recognized as an industry leader in terms of technology. Last year, it was reported that the Omaha Fire Department’s Electronic Patient Care Reporting (EPCR)
process, including our experience in the assessment, treatment, and transport of patients suffering from highly infectious diseases (Ebola), has allowed our department to set industry standards. It is humbling to know that other departments around the country are reviewing our processes and utilizing them as a template for their own successes.
and was placed back into service in the fall of 2017 after having been removed from service in 2011 due to budgetary reasons. Medic Unit 78, along with surrounding Medic Units, serves the Northwest corridor of Omaha and the territory of the Elkhorn Suburban Fire District. With the addition of Medic Unit 78, there are now sixteen Advanced Life Support Medic Units serving the To highlight some of our accomplish- Citizens of Omaha, the Millard and ments in 2017, it is with enthusiasm I Elkhorn Suburban Fire Districts, and report that once again, our department surrounding communities. maneuvered through with a conservative fiscal philosophy in mind. Work To conclude, I want to share the pride I began to replace our department’s Fire feel as I recognize efforts of the memStation Alerting System which was bers of our department. Their dedication found to be aging and at its end-of-life. to our community’s wellbeing is unwavThis project has been made possible ering and I personally applaud their thanks to the generous understand- efforts. I would also like to express my ing displayed by Mayor Stothert, the sincere gratitude to our city’s leaders Douglas County Commissioners, the who have selected public safety as their Omaha City Council Members, the number one priority. Our city’s Mayor, Douglas County voters, as well as the Cabinet Team and distinguished City cooperative efforts between Douglas Council members have all thrust their County 911 Communications and our support behind our efforts, allowing us department. Funding sources for this to achieve the level of preparedness project include the Public Safety Bond that we are currently relying on to serve and the Capital Improvement Program, the citizens of this great city. each of which are shining examples of the cooperative efforts of both city and Very Respectfully, county government. Another highlight of 2017 included the return of Medic Unit 78 to service after a long hiatus. Medic Unit 78 is housed at Daniel C. Olsen Fire Station 78 (2909 North 144 Street) Fire Chief, Omaha Fire Department
2017 Annual Report | 9
7
BATTALIONS #4
#7
FIRE STATIONS
646
PERSONNEL
#2
#1
#5 #6
24
#3
SERVICES OVERVIEW The Omaha Fire Department is comprised of individuals filling roles in suppression who actively provide fire and EMS response, as well as individuals working in an administrative capacity to oversee fire suppression activities.
Fire Management is currently comprised of a Fire Chief and four Assistant Fire Chiefs. Three of the Assistant Fire Chiefs are assigned a suppression shift (A, B or C), and a single division to oversee. An administrative Assistant Chief oversees the remaining three divisions.
The administrative aspect is divided into six divisions: Each division is led by a Battalion Chief who reports to the members of Fire Emergency Medical Services Management. Fire Investigation Unit The OFD service area is divided geoFire Prevention Division graphically into seven battalions. Each Public Education Program battalion also has a Battalion Chief assigned to oversee all suppression Safety & Wellness Division personnel for each shift that is assigned Information Services Division to their battalion. Technical Services Division Training Division Special Operations Program
10 | Omaha Fire Department
The Omaha Fire Department currently operates out of 24 stations throughout Omaha. Each day there is a minimum of 177 suppression personnel on duty to adequately protect the citizens of Omaha.
PERSONNEL STATISTICS SWORN PERSONNEL
CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
1 Fire Chief
1 Secretary I
4 Assistant Chief
1 Secretary II
27 Battalion Chief
1 Account Clerk
1 Assistant Fire Marshal
1 Senior Clerk
3 EMS Shift Supervisor
1 Special Projects Coordinator
131 Fire Captain
1 Public Education Specialist
110 Fire Apparatus Engineer
6 TOTAL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
350 Firefighter 19 Probationary Firefighter
646 TOTAL SWORN PERSONNEL 2017 Annual Report | 11
2017 BUDGET OVERVIEW 6%
Services & Equipment $6,396,575
94%
Personnel $94,465,665
$100,862,240 Total 2017 Budget
DEPARTMENT ALLOCATIONS Fire Emergency Response Operations $85,615,592 Fire Administration $7,851,257
12 | Omaha Fire Department
84.79% 7.78%
Fire Emergency Response Training $2,303,523
2.28%
Fire & Life Safety Education/Prevention $2,109,073
2.09%
Fire Investigation Unit $1,268,944
1.25%
Firefighter Safety, Health & Wellness $944,221
0.93%
Technical Services $769,630
0.76%
PERSONNEL HIGHLIGHTS RETIREMENTS
PROMOTIONS
Name Date # Years
Name Date Promoted Rank
AC Steve Ausdemore
1/31/17
25 Years Charles Trofholz
1/27/17
Captain
AC Shane Hunter
4/25/17
20 Years Joseph Pulte
1/27/17
FAE
FAE Nicholas McDonald
6/10/17
12 Years Matthew Mathouser
1/27/17
FAE
FAE Bruce Newton
10/7/17
20 Years Jon Burke
1/27/17
FAE
Capt Gary Franks
10/10/17
23 Years James Narak
1/27/17
FAE
Capt Michael Green
11/8/17
27 Years Donald Phillips
1/27/17
FAE
BC Lloyd Rupp
11/18/17
27 Years John Wiskus
1/27/17
FAE
Justin Porta
1/31/17
FAE
New Hires
Scott Peterson
7/12/17
FAE
Name Date Rank
Jeff Driscoll
7/18/17
FAE
Jase Blunt
11/27/17
Captain
Tim McCaw
11/28/17
Assistant Chief
Kathy Bossman
11/28/17
Assistant Chief
Joseph Salcedo
11/28/17
Assistant Chief
Mark Smith
11/28/17
FAE
Andreas Bierbrauer
11/28/17
Captain
Steve Swan
11/28/17
Battalion Chief
Chris Langlois
12/5/17
Battalion Chief
Gary Rice
12/5/17
Battalion Chief
Scott Fitzpatrick
12/5/17
Battalion Chief
John Healey
12/18/17
Captain
John Farmer
12/20/17
Captain
Chris Draft
12/20/17
Captain
Greg McClung
12/20/17
Captain
Jason Orduna
12/21/17
FAE
Reggie Barent
1/30/17
PFC
Brandt Esterling
1/30/17
PFC
Che Garcia
1/30/17
PFC
Jonathan Gatlin
1/30/17
PFC
Connor Gelecki
1/30/17
PFC
Jacob Lee
1/30/17
PFC
Vincent Lombardo
1/30/17
PFC
Kevin Ohri
1/30/17
PFC
Jens Petersen
1/30/17
PFC
Justin Rodgers
1/30/17
PFC
John Routt
1/30/17
PFC
Sergio Sanchez
1/30/17
PFC
Janel Souza
1/30/17
PFC
Joel Swetala
1/30/17
PFC
Joseph Tisthammer
1/30/17
PFC
Elizabeth Wallace
1/30/17
PFC
Jerrison Wells
1/30/17
PFC
Patrick Wolf Jessie Nielsen
1/30/17 2/3/17
PFC PFC
2017 Annual Report | 13
14 | Omaha Fire Department
OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT COVERAGE MAP
SERVICE AREA OVERVIEW The State of Nebraska has a population of 1,826,341 with 517,110 people residing in Douglas County. Douglas County encompasses a territory of 339.6 square miles and is comprised of six cities with a total population of 517,110. The largest city in Douglas County is the City of Omaha with a total population of 408,958 people.
STATE OF NEBRASKA
DOUGLAS COUNTY
CITY OF OMAHA
1,826,341
517,110
408,958
total population
total population
total population
Reference: 2010 Census Information - http://censusviewer.com/state/NE
OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE AREA The Omaha Fire Department covers a service area of 192 square miles, serving a population of 506,022 and a diverse response territory that includes urban, suburban and rural areas of Omaha, Sarpy County and Douglas County. The service area is broken down into seven battalions, with a total of 24 fire stations spread throughout the service area.
BATTALION SERVICE AREAS Battalion
Fire Stations Service Area
Battalion 1
Central, 3, 5
Battalion 2
21, 22, 23, 24 Northeast
Battalion 3
30, 31, 33, 34 South Central
Battalion 4
41, 42, 43
North Central
Battalion 5
52, 53, 56
West Central
Battalion 6
60, 61, 63, 65 Southwest
Battalion 7
71, 77, 78
Southeast
#2
#4
#7
#1
#5 #3 #6
Northwest
2017 Annual Report | 15
OMAHA FIRE STATIONS Station 1 | 1516 Jackson Street
Station 3 | 3126 S. 16th Street
Station 5 | 2209 Florence Blvd
Station 24 | 2304 Fontenelle Blvd
Station 30 | 6936 F Street
Station 31 | 4702 S. 25th Street
Station 42 | 3120 N.102nd Street
Station 43 | 5505 N. 103rd Street
Station 52 | 10727 Pacific Street
Station 61 | 11111 I Street
Station 63 | 16736 S. Street
Station 65 | 7010 S.142nd Street
16 | Omaha Fire Department
Training | 11616 Rainwood Road
Pub Ed Office | 1608 S. 50th St
Headquarters | 1516 Jackson St
Station 21 | 3454 Ames Avenue
Station 22 | 6310 Lindbergh Plz
Station 23 | 9090 N. 30th Street
Station 33 | 3232 S. 42nd Street
Station 34 | 956 S. 42nd Street
Station 41 | 4515 N. 61st Street
Station 53 | 18001 Dodge Street
Station 56 | 16410 Pacific Street
Station 60 | 2929 S. 129th Ave
Station 71 | 20474 Laramie Road
Station 77 | 20220 Atlas Street
Station 78 | 2909 N. 144th Street
2017 Annual Report | 17
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division is responsible for ensuring that all OFD paramedics and EMT’s are properly equipped and trained to provide high quality emergency medical services to the community. The EMS Division is overseen by a Battalion Chief and staffed with three Paramedic Shift Supervisors, an EMS Supplies Manager, a QA Officer, a Training Officer, and one civilian secretary. In addition, the EMS Division receives oversight from a civilian Medical Director who is assisted by three physicians, one for each shift. Every sworn OFD employee is either a licensed paramedic or EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), trained to provide either Basic (BLS) or Advanced (ALS) Lifesaving Techniques prior to hospital transport. This means that each OFD apparatus, including all fire trucks and engines, is staffed with personnel who can provide medical support, resulting in a higher level of protection for all citizens of Omaha. If a fire truck or engine can respond more quickly to a medical call than a medic unit, the citizen will still receive medical treatment from that responding company until the nearest medic unit can arrive for hospital transport, if that service is necessary.
Photo courtesy of Mike Connor
Lucas CPR DEvices
RETURN OF MEDIC 78
TRAIN THE TRAINER
In 2017, the Omaha Fire Department received a grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to place twelve LUCAS 3 Mechanical CPR Devices into service. The LUCAS Chest Compression System is designed to help improve the outcomes of cardiac arrest victims and in turn, also improve medical operations.
After a six year hiatus, Medic Unit 78 returned to service in September 2017. Medic 78 is housed at Fire Station 78 near 144th & West Maple Road and serves the growing neighborhoods of northwest Omaha. With the return of Medic 78, the total number of Omaha Fire Department Advanced Life Support Medic Units is now at 16.
In September EMS personnel prepared and delivered classes for the Omaha Police Department on the topic of Narcan administration. Classes were conducted to train OPD personnel how to train other personnel in the correct method of assessing, recognizing and treating an Opioid overdose patient with Narcan.
18 | Omaha Fire Department
46,416
medic unit dispatches in 2017
296
trained paramedics
16
medic units in service
One EMS Division staff member utilized approximately 280 hours to research, update, write and/or rewrite EMS-related monthly training assignments for all OFD personnel in 2017. House Captains and Lead Medics assigned to each station were advised to teach the following topics on a monthly basis: January - March Training Topics BVM Ventilation, Suctioning, Triage, MCI, Advanced Coronary Syndromes, AED PRO, CPAP Delivery, Stroke Care, Medical/Legal Issues, CHF Management
April - June Training Topics Pediatric OHCA Part 1, Part 2, Pediatric Transport Issues, Geriatric Assessment, RACE Stroke Scale, Suction, Excited Delirium, Lifting and Moving, Traction Splint
July - September Training Topics Altered Mental Status, Peer Support, ResQPod, Drowning, Infectious Disease, Medical Assessment, Duo-Dote-Mark 1 Kit, Helmet & Shoulder Pad Removal, Pediatric Trauma
October - December Training Topics EMS Roles & Responsibilities, ResQPod, Triage, 12-LEAD Basics, LUCAS Device, Opioid OD, EMT Well-Being, Patient Refusal Documentation
Photo courtesy of Mike Connor
Mission Lifeline Award OFD received the Gold Plus Award from American Heart Association’s Mission Lifeline program. Mission Lifeline seeks to acknowledge the work, training and commitment by EMS agencies to improve overall quality of care for the STEMI (heart attack) patient, by directly influencing the STEMI System of Care. Photo courtesy of UNMC’s Facebook page
2017 Annual Report | 19
FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT OVERVIEW
FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT
The Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) investigates all structure and vehicle fires to determine origin and cause. Fire Investigators are responsible for scene documentation, evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews, and courtroom testimony. If a fire is determined to be incendiary in nature, a criminal investigation is conducted and could potentially end in the arrest of a suspect. If a fire is determined to be accidental, the investigation can aid in the establishment of fire codes, building codes and help with the recall of unsafe appliances through the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The FIU consists of one Battalion Chief, seven Fire Investigators, and one Arson Detection Canine (ADC). There are an additional 14 active duty personnel in reserve investigator status. All 22 are certified law enforcement officers (LEO) who graduated from the Omaha Police Department training Academy.
FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT TRAINING Introductory training opportunities give Investigators experience with real-life situations encountered in police work while providing them the opportunity to work with officers on the Omaha Police Department. All newly sworn LEO personnel complete: • A five-week field training and evaluation program with the Omaha Police Department Uniform Patrol Bureau. • A two-week introduction program with the Omaha Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau. All law enforcement-certified employees receive further training, certification, and continuing education (CE) in the field of Fire Investigation from the National Fire Academy, International Association of Arson Investigators publications, and the National Association of Fire Investigator publications. FIU employees are required by the state of Nebraska to receive 20 continuing education training hours on an annual basis. FIU training topics include: • Law Enforcement
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Incident Command
• Fire-Related Training
746
22 Law Enforcement Employees completed 746 CE hours in 2017
total continuing education hours
292
hours completed by FIU investigators
20 | Omaha Fire Department
Of the 746 hours, FIU Investigators completed 292 CE hours in 2017
STATISTICS
HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2017, FIU conducted:
ALLEY THE ARSON DOG
355
FIU added a 7th Fire Investigator in July 2016 with a primary role of an Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC) handler.
Out of the 355 total investigations:
The ADC is a Labrador named Alley who is trained to sniff for chemicals used in starting arson fires including gasoline, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, etc.
total investigations
88
cases were classified as arson
28
cases were cleared by arrest *
5
arrests made not relating to arson
29
total criminal arrests made by FIU
16
fires started by juveniles
0
personnel fatalities
2
civilian fatalities involved ** In 2017, 28 cases were cleared by arrest, which equates to a 32% Arson Clearance Rate. This is double the national average for cities with a population comparable to Omaha.
Alley is a very valuable tool for the FIU in determining if a fire was caused by a person with an intent of an illegal act. The ADC team attended 200 hours of training in Brunswick, MA learning the important task of accelerant detection during fire scene examinations. Since the ADC team was placed in service, it has assisted in at least two cases which resulted in two arrests of arson suspects, one of which occurred while aiding an outside agency.
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES The FIU in conjunction with the City of Omaha Permits and Inspection Division has developed a Vacant/Dangerous Structure Reporting system. The purpose of this reporting system will make our neighborhoods, citizens, and firefighters safer
Alley the Arson Dog & her handler, Fire Investigator David Sobotka
FIU VISION
It is the vision of the Omaha Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit to conduct truthful and unbiased analysis of fires and explosions by executing unprejudiced origin and cause investigations and adminThe Portal One system and the SAFE istering fair and factual reports. Evidence Management system have provided Fire Investigators with more The Omaha Fire Department Fire streamlined working methods. Last Investigation Unit will continue to train year’s upgrades have allowed FIU to and educate all Fire investigators effectively and more efficiently handle of current investigative techniques fire investigation report writing, evi- in order to maintain a high standard of service to those we serve. dence handling, and data checks.
PLANNING FOR 2018
The FIU will continue to seek ways to reduce fires and improve safety through training, education, and policy improvements. As Fire Investigators and Law Enforcement Officers, the FIU team is committed to enhancing the quality of life through a reduction in crime, fear, and disorder for the citizens of Omaha.
2017 Annual Report | 21
FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION The Omaha Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division (FPD) is responsible for conducting certified inspections while enforcing the applicable life safety codes and fire protection standards within the 192 square miles of territory in the Omaha area. In addition, the FPD oversees the Fire Management Zone program, in which suppression companies visit and familiarize themselves with occupancies within their particular response territory. The goal of the OFD Certified Fire Inspectors is to minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire by observing, enforcing, and eliminating hazardous conditions. As of December 31, 2017, the FPD had a total sworn complement of ten inspectors, all of whom report to an Assistant Fire Marshal who helps coordinate and evaluate their activities. Six of these inspectors specialize in one of the following areas: tanks, schools, daycares, residential, plan reviews, and state re-inspections. The remaining four inspectors are assigned to conduct inspections in one of the four quadrants of the city: southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest.
PRE-PLAN PROGRAM
ACCELA SOFTWARE
PRE-PLAN PROGRAM
In 2017, suppression companies conducted over 590 ** detailed occupancy fire pre-plans. When conducting familiarizations, companies observe and note specific information about the building and familiarize themselves with the building’s fire protection equipment including fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and kitchen hood systems. Suppression companies also conduct assembly inspections throughout the year to check the maximum occupancy load for a structure as well as perform holiday inspections of retail occupancies .
FPD continued using the Accela software in 2017 which has greatly increased the efficiency in how inspections and fees are documented and how information is shared with other City Departments.
The Risk Management Zone (RMZ) program was also very successful in 2016, whereby suppression companies conducted over 3,200 ** familiarizations of occupancies within their response territories. When conducting familiarizations, companies observe and note the following information: addresses on the structure, fire department access, fire department connections, fire hydrant locations, status of the building (in use or vacant), construction type, exits and exit signage, conditions of stairways and doors, and emergency lighting.
22 | Omaha Fire Department
ALLEY THE ARSON DOG Alley the Arson Dog is assigned to the Fire Investigation Unit and is used extensively at school and community public education events. She is a huge hit with children and adults alike!
FMZ Familiarizations
Inspection Activities
3,273
7,427
FIRE INSPECTION & CODE ENFORCEMENT
Follow-Up Inspections Liquor Commission Referrals Hazardous Conditions Corrected Remodel Inspections State Licensed Facilities Hazardous Conditions Ordered Corrected Daycares/Preschools Complaints Fire Protection Equipment Tests Notices Issued Certificate of Occupancy Inspections Schools Inspections Follow-Up Inspections Field Permits/Inspections General Inspections Plan Reviews Tank Inspections
92 105 119 148 195 228 242 253 275 287 338 480 605 663
874
1486
2149
In conclusion, the FPD continues to serve the citizens of our community through a well-managed, progressive approach to fire prevention and education. FPD has streamlined internal processes and increased public education efforts to include a community-wide risk-reduction program. This effort includes a new pre-planning process designed to increase safety to both the public and OFD firefighting personnel. Accomplished in 2016 included the full implementation of the Acella software which greatly increased the efficiency in how inspections and fees are documented and information shared with other City Departments. Due to this transition, all FPD and Pub Ed statistics included in this report are approximate.
2017 Annual Report | 23
PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM The Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education (Pub Ed) Program is responsible for spreading the message of fire safety to individuals of all ages within our community. This mission is critical, as oftentimes the public’s first impression of the OFD comes from a public education activity or presentation. The goal of the Pub Ed program is to take a proactive approach to raise awareness and educate the public on fire safety and how to protect their home, business, or family in the event of a fire or catastrophe. Pub Ed takes a community-prevention approach, enlisting the help of volunteer and community organizations to promote this message.
FREE DETECTOR PROGRAM
HARD OF HEARING ALARMS
An integral part of the Pub Ed program is the smoke and carbon monoxide detector outreach component. The OFD is committed to keeping our citizens safe, and through the generosity of the First Responders Foundation, OFD personnel are able to install smoke/CO detectors in homes throughout Omaha free of charge. In the event that the home already has a working smoke detector, personnel will replace the battery for free instead. The First Responders Foundation donates each smoke/CO detector installed by OFD personnel. With their support, the OFD was able to install 887 smoke/CO detectors for the citizens of Omaha in 2017.
In addition to providing combination Smoke/CO detectors, thanks to an Assistance to Firefighter Grant, free smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing have been added to OFD’s inventory and OFD provides free installation of this equipment, as well.
24 | Omaha Fire Department
YOUTH FIRE SETTERS
PUBLIC INformatioN
A federal grant allowed OFD to hire a part-time Youth Fire Setter (YFS) Coordinator in 2015 and certified nine OFD personnel as Youth Fire Setter counselors. Certified YFS personnel conduct and Assist in classes.
The OFD places a high level of importance on educating the public about fire safety. One of the ways this is executed is by having an OFD Pub Ed employee assigned to the role of Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO is the point of contact for all media relations pertaining to OFD activities. This individual is responsible for all press releases and press conferences and is also the spokesperson for the OFD at all second alarm or greater fire incidences. Any interviews or media contact with suppression personnel is coordinated through the PIO. Additionally, the PIO speaks to community groups and neighborhood associations on behalf of the OFD.
These classes are taught by the YFS counselors with the assistance of the Volunteer Fire Corps, Omaha Police Department and the Nebraska Medicine Burn Unit to educate Omaha youth who have played with or shown interest in matches and lighters or who have been caught or arrested for starting fires. Certified personnel attended 35 Youth Fire Setter activities in 2017.
Children learning the importance of having two ways out during an all school assembly presentation!
2017 Annual Report | 25
SAFETY & WELLNESS DIVISION The Omaha Fire Department recognizes that firefighting is inherently dangerous and that it is vitally important to continuously evaluate safety concerns to prevent injuries or more serious consequences. The Safety and Wellness Division (SWD) works to ensure that each OFD employee goes home safe and healthy at the end of each day. This division is comprised of one Battalion Chief, one sworn Fire Services Personnel Manager, and one civilian secretary. Major responsibilities of the SWD are to ensure that safety procedures are being followed in all aspects of the job, to coordinate these safety efforts, to perform follow-up action on safety concerns, to ensure that State and Federal regulations are being met, and to implement policies that adhere to fire department standards, guides, codes, and regulations. Furthermore, the SWD coordinates all associated paperwork and reassignments for personnel injured on-duty or those with long-term illness or injury. Workplace safety is always a major focus area for the SWD.
safety database
occupational health
Safety committee
In 2017, the Safety & Wellness Division continued to develop a Safety Wellness Database. This database tracks personnel events: IOD’s, Vehicle Accidents, Hazardous Material Exposure and Biological exposures. It is HIPAA compliant from entry to storage on the internet while allowing for accurate tracking by both SWD management and personnel.
In 2017, the SWD managed the occupational health needs of over 646 firefighters for TB, Hearing, N95 fit testing, SCBA Face piece fit testing, managing immunization records, Flu shots, Haz Mat physicals and Infectious Disease exposures.
SWD actively manages the OFD Safety Committee meetings and has been designated as the OFD representative on the City of Omaha’s Safety Committee, as well.
26 | Omaha Fire Department
Looking forward, in 2018, the SWD’s biggest project is with the OFD Information Services Division and the University of Nebraska at Omaha to develop a SWD personnel database. This database will track personnel events such as accidents, injuries and exposures. It will also track tests such as hearing, TB testing, fitness testing and immunizations, allowing the capability to effectively track personnel health events as well as allow personnel access to their records at will. Other goals for the upcoming year include continuous improvements to the Health and Wellness Program; seeking more efficient medical exams and ensuring consistency in performance metrics. SWD also will continue to review SOP’s to ensure current smart practices and national standards of Safety, Health and Wellness are reflected. Each goal and program implemented by the SWD is geared toward keeping the health and safety of OFD personnel in the forefront while seeking cost saving measures to provide these services as efficiently as possible to the City. SWD will continue to seek ways to reduce workplace injuries and improve safety through training, education, and policy improvements in 2017.
2017 Annual Report | 27
INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION The Information Services Division (ISD) is responsible for providing technical support for the OFD’s many computer programs and hardware/software specific to the fire department. While the OFD receives computer and IT support from the Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm), as do all City departments, there are programs maintained and overseen exclusively by the ISD. It is crucial that OFD data is properly maintained and tracked to remain compliant with fire service standards and State and National requirements. ISD is staffed with sworn personnel filling the following roles: one Fire/EMS Information Specialist and two Information Systems/Research Specialists. This division is overseen by the Safety and Wellness Division Battalion Chief. The ISD staff were successful in many areas throughout 2017, attending education events, representing OFD at technology demonstrations, and assisting many divisions with data management and project facilitation.
Databases
Patient Care Reports
iPads & CHECKLISTS
ISD continues to use the most current tools in data reporting. These tools enable the OFD to submit NFIRS exports to the National Fire Protection Association and update the NFPA 1710 data model to better reflect the wide array of services and quality of protection provided by the OFD. OFD is also able to develop and deploy data models using online data reporting.
Electronic Patient Care Reporting System (ePCR) continues to improve our patient care continuity with the area hospitals. The standardized transfer of patient information from Medic unit arrival at the patient through discharge continues to evolve via HL7. HL7 is the federally mandated standard that ensures HIPAA security and patient care information portability.
ISD also implemented a new online database to replace excel asset-tracking. This technology advancement enabled Mobile Asset Tracking, allowing OFD to efficiently track millions of dollars of assets, and a Safety Wellness Database to track accidents, injuries, exposures, immunizations and all other pertinent medical testing information. This advancement makes all data easy to query and allows personnel to access their personal data. It also allows OFD to efficiently maintain data for the required 30 years post-employment period for personnel.
OFD has been working closely with local hospitals and Zoll Medical to integrate a fully digital reporting system that inserts patient care information directly from Medic Unit laptops into the hospital patient care report making it nearly instantly available to the physicians at the hospital.
A federal grant purchased over 60 iPads to be used for the enhancement of public safety in 2016. The iPads serve to increase both the services and efficiency with which we serve the public in Fire Prevention. The iPads are used to replace paper documents with electronic input. Examples of improved efficiencies are smoke detector requests/installations, submission of electronic checklists, preplan of target hazard occupancies, and preplans of all commercial occupancies. When submissions are made, the system is updated citywide and within seconds and all of that data is available to Incident Commanders at active incidents.
28 | Omaha Fire Department
The planned evolution of the Omaha HL7 project is a closed loop feedback system. This feedback loop will allow OFD and all participating groups to ensure best practices by comparing field interventions with patient outcomes, post hospital discharge.
ISD has been working with an outside vendor to develop electronic checklists via a Java web application. The application will allow OFD to electronically submit the many required daily and monthly checklists. This will result in a significant improvement in the efficiency of maintenance and tracking equipment, stations and other assets.
FIRE STATION ALERTING
RADIO UPGRADES
Partnerships
In 2017, a Request for Proposal was submitted to select a vendor to replace all the current Omaha Fire Department Fire Station Alerting system. Fire Station Alerting (FSA) is a comprehensive system that alerts the stations (activates alert tones, alert lighting and selected station functions) over both Ethernet (IP) connectivity and radio transmission, and provides for dispatch operator announcements over the main fire voice radio channel.
New Portable Radios were ordered to replace current inventory, which was over 10 years old and nearing their end-of-life. This process began in 2015 with a grant application filed. Notification of the grant award occurred in June 2016 and the radios were ordered in 2017. The radios will be put in use by early 2018 after an evaluation of the new radios in field use has been completed.
Extensive data capabilities has enabled OFD to partner with the Academic community for the benefit of the Citizens of Omaha. The ISD has formed partnerships with UNMC College of Public Health, University of Nebraska at Omaha GIS Division, and University of Nebraska at Lincoln Biostatistics Division
RACOM and U.S. Digital Designs were selected as the vendor for this project and installation of the new FSA system is set to begin in early 2018. The FSA system will be installed in all 24 OFD fire stations and the administration office.
OFD also committed to replacing all mobile vehicle radios in 2017 and this project is slated to be completed by the summer of 2018. This replacement will take advantage of the Douglas County 911 technology upgrades on its communication system.
The new alerting and automation system will provide a more suitable integration with existing Douglas County 911 (DC911) dispatch, and existing Public Safety communications infrastructure, and provide enhanced fire station functions, with the goal of reducing critical response times to emergencies and reduce firefighter stress.
Sample photos of the Phoenix G2 Fire Station Alerting System provided from the U.S. Digital Designs Website.
ISD represented OFD on the national stage for education, presentations and participating in technology forums including the Zoll Summit in Denver, Colorado. In addition to this, OFD has been active with the State of Nebraska in exploring the possibility of a Public Safety Broadband Network in Nebraska. The State committee regularly solicits input from the OFD. OFD members are also consistently sent as representatives to various national meetings, furthering our strategic partnership with the State of
GIS IMPLEMENTATION ISD continued to strengthen OFD’s working relationship with the Douglas County GIS Division, with the new iPad program being the most recent development in the GIS program. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) implementation has improved OFD’s efficiency and the services rendered to the citizens of Omaha by utilizing Maps and Business analytics. The GIS system contributes to response times by evaluating how OFD responds to specific fire zones and pre-plan high value target hazards, determining best placement of resources such as engines and medic units and how we determine best placement of new fire stations.
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TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION DIVISION OVERVIEW & EQUIPMENT UPGRADES The primary responsibility of the Technical Services Division (TSD) is to keep all vehicles, equipment, and buildings in working order by serving as the department liaison with Fleet Management, Facilities Management, and contracted vendors. TSD also works with Douglas County 911 communications and DOTComm regarding communications equipment and telephone services. As of December 31, 2017, TSD had a total complement of four sworn personnel: one Battalion Chief who oversees the division, one Logistics/Repair and Delivery Coordinator, one Fire Apparatus Coordinator Foam/ Water Supply Specialist, and one Facilities and Turnout Gear Specialist. TSD is responsible for the repair and replacement of firefighting gear and equipment. This includes but is not limited to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), saws, extrication equipment, forcible-entry tools, ropes, ladders, hand lights, nozzles and hoses. When possible, equipment is fixed in-house by TSD staff. If unable to fix equipment in-house, TSD utilizes vendors that handle such repairs.
Testing & Maintenance Throughout 2017, TSD personnel assisted with research, testing and maintenance of several pieces of equipment for the Omaha Fire Department including the following items: Research TSD researched firefighting equipment, new cost-effective/eco-friendly house supplies, the NASPO ValuePoint State Pricing for Apparatus Purchases, an Independent Service Provider for Personal Protective Equipment, and submitted a fleet replacement schedule for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Testing & Maintenance TSD personnel received certification in order to maintain Holmatro rescue equipment in-house. TSD personnel also tested and repaired 3,000 feet of fire hose and provided preventative maintenance for fans, saws, power units, portable generators, lawn mowers, snow blowers, spreaders, cutters, and rams.
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Personal Protective Equipment
In 2017, several significant steps were taken in an effort to adopt more recommendations from NPFA-1851 in terms of the selection, care and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All OFD Battalion Chiefs are certified in NFPA-1851 Advanced Inspections allowing them to efficiently and effectively inspect PPE.
EQUIPMENT UPGRADES Extractor Washing Machines Four additional Extractor Washing Machines were installed in 2017, bringing the total to nine for the department and providing each battalion with at least one extractor. PPE Turnout Gear 2017 saw the completion of the second year of a three year bunker coat/pant contract with Lion Total Care (LTC). The Velcro warranty has provided longevity to the bunker gear and cost savings to the department. Lion Total Care (LTC) Our most common repair needed on turnout gear is Velcro. With the last specifications written, a Velcro warranty was added, requiring the vendor to replace any Velcro that was damaged beyond use within the first five years. In 2017, 64 pieces of turnout gear were “refurbished� with new Velcro by the manufacturer at no cost to the City. This saved the City $7,776 in repair costs. Thermal Imaging Cameras The Assistance to Firefighters Grant awarded the Omaha Fire Department a $192,000 grant for the purchase of 16 new Thermal Imaging Cameras in 2017. A committee was formed to complete testing on the cameras at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center and a recommendation was sent to Purchasing.
APPARATUS PURCHASES
UPCOMING STATION UPGRADES
Four new Demers Medic Units have been ordered and are scheduled to be delivered to our apartment at the end of 2017.
The project to upgrade Fire Station 5 has been awarded to Rife Construction Company and will begin in early 2018. This remodel will create individual bedrooms at this station. The next station selected for a bedroom remodel is Station 41 and this project is set to begin in 2019.
Two new ladder trucks are also in the process of being purchased through the NASPO ValuePoint state pricing site. TSD personnel are putting together specifications to match the CIP dollar amount allocated for the purchase of these trucks. The next apparatus purchase will be three new engines which will begin once the ladder trucks have been ordered.
Fire Station 5
Fire Station 41
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FIRE TRAINING DIVISION The Omaha Fire Department Training Division’s mission is to ensure that safe and effective emergency service professionals are trained to effectively serve the City of Omaha. The Training Division accomplishes its mission by preparing probationary fire candidates for assignment to suppression forces and ensuring they will successfully complete the confirmation process; providing reality-based training opportunities to all OFD personnel; researching and acting as a proving ground for all proposed upgrades in firefighting technology and innovations in fire service strategy and tactics as reflected in the Standard Operating Procedures; and acting as the leader in providing professional growth and employee development opportunities to the members of the OFD.
TECHNIQUES
New Recruits
Training Topics
The Training Division is disseminated through multi-company school education and reality-based training scenarios. Numerous training techniques are utilized for the purpose of suppression personnel obtaining professional development and mastery of the latest innovations in the strategy of extrication, hose advancement, ventilation, and search and rescue.
The Omaha Fire Department Training Division welcomed 19 recruits in January of 2017. Phase 1 of the training required the recruits to go through 16 weeks of training. The recruits graduated from the academy on May 19, 2017. The recruits then started Phase 2 of their training which includes assignment to a Field Training Officer for a period of one year.
In 2017, each member of the Omaha Fire Department received Fire and Special Operation continuing education and skill development training. This continuing education and professional skill development training was coordinated by the Training Division personnel. This specialized training included various topics and techniques, as listed below.
Traffic Incident Management
SCBA Confidence Maze
Trench Rescue Training
Down Firefighter CardioPulmonary Resuscitation
MAYDAY Procedures
Water Rescue Training
“Save Yourself” Self-Rescue Techniques for Structural Firefighting
Emergency Vehicle Operations
New Engine Training (Engines 1, 5, 21 & 33)
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Rope Rescue Training
LOCAL Event PLANNING
NEW RADIO TRAINING
HOSTED EVENTS
The Training Division completed Incident Action Plans for the College World Series and the U.S.A. Triathlon. These IAP’s provided by the Training Division were completed for the purpose of improving the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of fire department emergency operations.
In 2015, the Omaha Fire Department received a grant to purchase new portable radios to replace aging inventory throughout the entire department. The Training Division assisted with field testing and the evaluation of the radios prior to the radios going into service.
Douglas County Health Department Full Scale Exercise
AssESSMENTS The Training Division also participated in other events including assisting with the Fire Apparatus Engineer promotional testing and the Candidate Physical Ability testing. In addition to this, the Training Division also assisted with live fire testing and the assessment of possible new Thermal Imaging Cameras for the department.
In addition to testing the new radios, the Training Division also coordinated all training efforts for suppression and division personnel. Training personnel developed a Battalion Wide Training curriculum to prepare suppression and division personnel for the transition from the old radios to using the new equipment. All personnel were educated on the use of the new radios through instructor-led classroom and practical skills training efforts.
OFD Peer Support Group Training Scotts SCBA Certification Training NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection Care and Maintenance of FF Gear National Fire Academy Command and Control of Incident Operations Fire & Life Safety Educator 1 Course Police and Fire Action Day Firefighter I State Testing Firefighter II State Testing Local Area Volunteer Fire Department Training Events
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SPECIAL OPERATIONS Program The Special Operations Program, a program within the OFD Training Division, provides OFD personnel with training for emergency situations that require specialized skills. The Special Operations Program is overseen by the Training Division with several personnel assigned specifically for this program. The Special Operations Program continued to sustain its core capabilities by staying current with technology through regular ongoing training and maintenance of special operations equipment. The Special Operations Program continued its partnership with multiple agency’s within Omaha and the surrounding areas and continued to demonstrate its joint operational capabilities by conducting and participating in numerous joint training, exercise and events with a multitude of different agencies. The Special Operations Program continuously schedules training that strengthens the operational and response capabilities of the Omaha Fire Department. The program continues to meet or exceed federal, state, and local standards with an emphasis placed on NFPA 1006, 1670 and 472, as well as meeting the needs of Omaha Fire Department Special Operations personnel. Continuing to meet and exceed these standards will allow the Special Operation members to maintain as well as increase the operational and response capability of the department, emphasizing the training required to maintain the specific disciplines to effectively respond not only within the city of Omaha but as part of the mutual aid system and regional response for the state of Nebraska.
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SPECIAL OPERATIONS TRAINING EVENTS
NEMA Workshops
In 2017, the Omaha Fire Department’s Special Operations Program moved forward with multiple training courses, environmental and security coverage of several high profile event, grant funded training, and equipment purchases:
State Homeland Security Grant Investment Justification State Homeland Security Grant Threat and Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Ice Rescue Hovercraft training with Council Bluffs Fire Department
Hazardous Material Area Rae Metering with 72nd CST
Tri-County Threat and Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment Workshop
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher Training
Ammonia Response training with Papillion Fire Department
Hazardous Material Decontamination training with NEMA & CERFP
Continued Task Book training on Special Operations
Hazardous Material Identification and Defensive Operations Training
Special Ops HIGHLIGHTS
Task Book training including: technician level rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, and rapid intervention
Weapons of Mass Destruction Response Training
Provided environmental monitoring for the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s College World Series
Joint Water Rescue training with NETF-1 and USAR on Missouri River
Structural Collapse/Shoring Training
Swift Water Rescue Training
Trench Rescue Refresher Course
Public Safety Dive training conducted at local lakes & swimming pools
Rescue Boat Sonar Training with Papio NRD, IA NRD, & DCSD
Grant funds purchased, MX4’s, Ammonia, T40 Rattlers and Sensors
NEMA Incident Management Team
OFD/NETF-1 members responded to both Houston & Florida during the 2017 hurricane emergencies Conducted numerous fire and emergency pre-plans for high profile facilities in Omaha Conducted “Big Rig Rescue” Training for surrounding Fire Departments
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COMMUNITY IMPACT Omaha Fire DEPARTMENT CHARITABLE EVENTS Each year, the Omaha Fire Department participates in various donation drives including the following events: Food Bank for the Heartland Food Drives Numerous times per year, OFD partners with local organizations for their food drives and each OFD fire station acts as an official drop-off location where citizens can drop off their donations. Salvation Army Toy Drive Each winter, OFD partners with the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program to collect toys for needy children in the Omaha community. Each OFD fire station acts as an official drop-off location where citizens can drop off new, unwrapped toys. Salvation Army Adopt-A-Family Program Each year during the holiday season, OFD personnel collaboratively adopt multiple individuals and families via the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program. In 2017, a large family was adopted for the holiday season. In addition to this, three aged adults were also adopted through the Early Nebraska Office on Aging
A donation box from the 2017 Toys for Tots campaign - donations were accepted at all OFD stations.
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Omaha Fire Department crew arrives at home of sponsored Adopt a Family to deliver gifts to the children.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thank you for viewing the Omaha Fire Department’s 2017 Annual Report. We hope this report provided a detailed overview of the services provided by the men and women of this department and highlighted notable achievements and activities performed in 2017. If you would like further information on our services, or to view a current phone list for each division, please visit our website at www.omaha-fire.org.
The Omaha Fire Department is grateful for every contribution we receive, and we would like to extend a special thank you to the First Responders Foundation for their steadfast dedication in helping to maintain OFD programs that assist the citizens of this community. In particular, we would like to thank their hardworking Chairman of the Board, Mr. Jim Hansen, and their committed President/CEO, Mr. Al Batschelet. For further information on this organization, please visit www.firstrespondersomaha.com.
Moving into 2018, the Omaha Fire Department will continue to focus on increasing community engagement efforts and recruiting practices. A Community Engagement Committee has been assembled, consisting of OFD personnel and City of Omaha Human Resources personnel, with a purpose and vision of building and strengthening relationships within Omaha. The committee will be reaching out to community groups throughout Omaha to provide support and to increase awareness regarding the resources provided by the Omaha Fire Department. The committee will also be in attendance at multiple community meetings and events including the Empowerment Network’s weekly Omaha 360 meetings, the South Omaha Violence Intervention and Prevention (SOVIP) meetings, and other various community outreach events. If you would like to request a member from the Omaha Fire Department to attend your organization’s event, please contact our Public Education Department at 402-444-3560.
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Integrity. Professionalism. Compassion.