ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Dan Brown
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/28/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1220 East Pacific
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99202
NARRATIVE: On the afternoon of April 28th at 3:45 pm The City of Spokane Fire department responded to a reported structure fire at 1220 East Pacific. Smoke could be seen from a ½ mile away by the first responding companies. Upon arrival the first apparatus reported heavy black smoke and flames showing from a 1st wood frame house. Fire from the fully involved house was impinging on the house to the east. Fire attack leads were advanced to the interior and to cover the exposure to the east. Roof ventilation was completed and a search was conducted. No one was found inside. It took about 20 minutes to extinguish the main body of the fire and 3 hours to complete overhaul and final extinguishment. The house and contents were total loss. Red Cross was called to assist 5 adults who were displaced. No injuries to report. The cause of the fire was determined to be an accidental.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Accidental cooking fire
DAMAGE EXTENT: House and contents total loss.
DOLLAR LOSS: 80,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Bob Green/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2614 E Euclid
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus to 2614 E Euclid at 1:31 in the afternoon on Sunday, April 27th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire crew reported light gray smoke issuing from the roof vents of a single story wood/frame dwelling. As other apparatus and crews arrived on scene they immediately forced entry into the structure to simultaneously search the dwelling for occupants and endeavor to locate the source of the smoke still coming from the roof vents. A primary and a secondary search of the house revealed no one in the home, and the investigation into the cause of the smoke found smoldering blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic space. The ceilings in some of the rooms were pulled down and they revealed that this smoldering fire had completely burnt through 2 or 3 of the roof trusses at the ceiling and that 2-3 more of the trusses had been seriously damaged. Crews remained at the scene for more than an hour as they worked to remove the still smoking insulation to the outside of the structure where it could be completely extinguished. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept. The damage to the house was confined to the attic space, the roof trusses, and of course the ceilings in the rooms where the sheetrock had to be removed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The attic space, several of the roof trusses, living areas where sheetrock on the ceilings were pulled down.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2614 E Euclid
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: The Spokane City Fire Dept. responded fire fighting apparatus to 2614 E Euclid at 1:31 in the afternoon on Sunday, April 27th, for a reported structure fire. The first arriving fire crew reported light gray smoke issuing from the roof vents of a single story wood/frame dwelling. As other apparatus and crews arrived on scene they immediately forced entry into the structure to simultaneously search the dwelling for occupants and endeavor to locate the source of the smoke still coming from the roof vents. A primary and a secondary search of the house revealed no one in the home, and the investigation into the cause of the smoke found smoldering blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic space. The ceilings in some of the rooms were pulled down and they revealed that this smoldering fire had completely burnt through 2 or 3 of the roof trusses at the ceiling and that 2-3 more of the trusses had been seriously damaged. Crews remained at the scene for more than an hour as they worked to remove the still smoking insulation to the outside of the structure where it could be completely extinguished. There were no reported injuries to any of the firefighters. The cause of this fire is being investigated by the Special Investigation Unit of the Spokane City Fire Dept. The damage to the house was confined to the attic space, the roof trusses, and of course the ceilings in the rooms where the sheetrock had to be removed.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The attic space, several of the roof trusses, living areas where sheetrock on the ceilings were pulled down.
DOLLAR LOSS: 15,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Fire Press Release
SSUING OFFICER: Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1923 West Shannon Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 4:21 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Dan Brown responded to an unknown type structure fire at 1923 West Shannon Avenue.
Firefighters were initially dispatched to a large amount of smoke and fire coming from behind the address. While enroute, the first-due company upgraded the alarm to a working fire due to the close proximity of the adjoining addresses to the incident and large amount of fire showing on arrival.
To access the fire, the first two companies had to force gates and remove a privacy fence to obtain entry to the fire's location. They encountered a single story garage at the rear of the address with live utility (Avista) wires down and arcing. There was an intense fire that had consumed the majority of the structure and was impinging on a neighbor's home.
It took 21 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the spread of fire to the building of origin and limit additional damage to the adjoining homes and property. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The incident has been determined to be incendiary. More information regarding the investigation will be released when available.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents are a total loss. Adjacent property received limited damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/27/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1923 West Shannon Avenue
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 4:21 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 3 Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Pumper/Ladder and 1 Senior Ladders under the direction of Battalion Chief Dan Brown responded to an unknown type structure fire at 1923 West Shannon Avenue.
Firefighters were initially dispatched to a large amount of smoke and fire coming from behind the address. While enroute, the first-due company upgraded the alarm to a working fire due to the close proximity of the adjoining addresses to the incident and large amount of fire showing on arrival.
To access the fire, the first two companies had to force gates and remove a privacy fence to obtain entry to the fire's location. They encountered a single story garage at the rear of the address with live utility (Avista) wires down and arcing. There was an intense fire that had consumed the majority of the structure and was impinging on a neighbor's home.
It took 21 Firefighters just 30 minutes to knock down the fire and control the incident. Firefighters were able to limit the spread of fire to the building of origin and limit additional damage to the adjoining homes and property. No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the incident.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of this incident is under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The incident has been determined to be incendiary. More information regarding the investigation will be released when available.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The garage and contents are a total loss. Adjacent property received limited damage.
DOLLAR LOSS: 10,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 21
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Friday, April 25, 2008
INVITATION TO ATTEND THE DEDICATION OF THE “SPOKANE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT & FIREFIGHTER’S MEMORIAL MONUMENT” DEDICATION – MAY 15, 2008
April 25, 2008
Dear Firefighters and family members,
INVITATION TO ATTEND THE DEDICATION OF THE “SPOKANE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT & FIREFIGHTER’S MEMORIAL MONUMENT” DEDICATION – MAY 15, 2008 – 2 PM AT RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK
We cordially invite you to join us and family members of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty in law enforcement and fire in unveiling the eighth monument that commemorates the people and events that have helped make Spokane history. This event is being sponsored by the Fairmount Memorial Association in conjunction with the Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and the SPD History Book Committee to honor the men and women of the public safety sector who have protected our community for the past 127 years and those who have lost their lives while performing that duty. Spokane County has lost 39 officers, all male, in line of duty deaths. There have been 23 law enforcement officers and 16 firemen.
Spokane County statistics show that eight firemen died as a result of falls, two due to accidents occurring on the way to a fire, two due to health related problems, two due to building collapses, one due to electrocution, and one to smoke inhalation. On the law enforcement side, 13 officers died due to gunfire, 8 due to vehicle-involved accidents, one was beaten to death and one due to health related problems. To our knowledge we have never lost a volunteer law enforcement or fire department officer. The Spokane Police Department has lost the most officers with 14, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office – 4, Washington State Patrol – 2, Cheney Police – 1, Waverly Police – 1, Spokane county Game Department – 1.
As the committee continues to research our rich history, while completing work on the book “Life behind the Badge” they will continue to identify and immortalize those deserving citizens who have made Spokane the city it is today.
Please join us in celebrating the lives and the sacrifice of the public safety officers and their families. We are pleased to have the Spokane County Sheriff, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane Fire Department Honor Guards take part in this ceremony.
Please contact Susan S. Walker at (509) 477-6449 or at sswalker@spokanepolice.org, if you would like to attend this ceremony, and how many will be attending. She can give you directions as to where the ceremony will take place and let you know places to stay in the area if that is needed.
Sincerely,
Susan S. Walker, Chairperson, SPD History Book Committee Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and Fairmount Memorial Association
Dear Firefighters and family members,
INVITATION TO ATTEND THE DEDICATION OF THE “SPOKANE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT & FIREFIGHTER’S MEMORIAL MONUMENT” DEDICATION – MAY 15, 2008 – 2 PM AT RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK
We cordially invite you to join us and family members of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty in law enforcement and fire in unveiling the eighth monument that commemorates the people and events that have helped make Spokane history. This event is being sponsored by the Fairmount Memorial Association in conjunction with the Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and the SPD History Book Committee to honor the men and women of the public safety sector who have protected our community for the past 127 years and those who have lost their lives while performing that duty. Spokane County has lost 39 officers, all male, in line of duty deaths. There have been 23 law enforcement officers and 16 firemen.
Spokane County statistics show that eight firemen died as a result of falls, two due to accidents occurring on the way to a fire, two due to health related problems, two due to building collapses, one due to electrocution, and one to smoke inhalation. On the law enforcement side, 13 officers died due to gunfire, 8 due to vehicle-involved accidents, one was beaten to death and one due to health related problems. To our knowledge we have never lost a volunteer law enforcement or fire department officer. The Spokane Police Department has lost the most officers with 14, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office – 4, Washington State Patrol – 2, Cheney Police – 1, Waverly Police – 1, Spokane county Game Department – 1.
As the committee continues to research our rich history, while completing work on the book “Life behind the Badge” they will continue to identify and immortalize those deserving citizens who have made Spokane the city it is today.
Please join us in celebrating the lives and the sacrifice of the public safety officers and their families. We are pleased to have the Spokane County Sheriff, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane Fire Department Honor Guards take part in this ceremony.
Please contact Susan S. Walker at (509) 477-6449 or at sswalker@spokanepolice.org, if you would like to attend this ceremony, and how many will be attending. She can give you directions as to where the ceremony will take place and let you know places to stay in the area if that is needed.
Sincerely,
Susan S. Walker, Chairperson, SPD History Book Committee Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and Fairmount Memorial Association
Thursday, April 24, 2008
From February's Paramedic Meeting...
This is a little late and I apologize. You may have caught this on Channel 95 already. You can probably log 2 minutes of CPR instruction, extrication and interpersonal relationship development in the FDM Training Module, after watching this. Probably. Maybe not.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2727 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just after 4 pm on April 17, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a detached single car garage that was reported to have had a couple of young males running from the area just before the fire was noticed. The garage fire occurred at 2727 E. Sanson. Fire investigators were called to investigate the fire and interviewed some of the witnesses at the scene. If you have any further information relating to this fire please call the Spokane Fire Department at 625-7000.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss to the garage
DOLLAR LOSS: 12,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/17/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2727 E. Sanson
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99207
NARRATIVE: At just after 4 pm on April 17, 2008 the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to a detached single car garage that was reported to have had a couple of young males running from the area just before the fire was noticed. The garage fire occurred at 2727 E. Sanson. Fire investigators were called to investigate the fire and interviewed some of the witnesses at the scene. If you have any further information relating to this fire please call the Spokane Fire Department at 625-7000.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under Investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Total loss to the garage
DOLLAR LOSS: 12,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Friday, April 11, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Joel Fielder/Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/10/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1303 East Rowan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Thursday, April 10, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:00 PM to 1303 East Rowan on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene reported heavy smoke coming from the front door of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. Aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom on the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052. However, preliminary examination indicates the possibility of children playing with matches' ignited bedding in a bedroom located on the main floor of the house with fire spreading from that location.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/10/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 1303 East Rowan
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP:
NARRATIVE: On Thursday, April 10, the Spokane Fire Department responded at approximately 11:00 PM to 1303 East Rowan on a reported structure fire. The first crew on scene reported heavy smoke coming from the front door of a 1-1/2-story, wood framed house. Aggressive interior attack by on scene fire crews confined the majority of the fire to a bedroom on the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the structure. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire is under investigation by Spokane Fire Investigator Captain Kevin Smathers and he can be contacted at 625-7052. However, preliminary examination indicates the possibility of children playing with matches' ignited bedding in a bedroom located on the main floor of the house with fire spreading from that location.
DAMAGE EXTENT: Fire damage was confined to the main floor with heat and smoke damage through out the residence.
DOLLAR LOSS: 25,000.00
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman / Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3711 W. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 1030 am Saturday April 5, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded with 20 Firefighters on 7 apparatus to a single family house at 3711 W. Queen for a reported structure fire. The first Fire Department apparatus on scene, Engine 16, reported light smoke coming from roof vents. A quick search of the house indicated that everyone was out and the fire was above the ceiling in the attic area. Using a thermal imaging camera along with overhaul equipment a portion of the ceiling in both the living room and kitchen were removed along with the insulation to determine the extent and spread of the fire. Some of the roof trusses were burned as were areas of the attic insulation. With careful removal of the insulation and a diligent investigation on the amount of burned insulation, all spread of the fire was stopped and damage minimized to the structure. There was very little water damage or smoke damage to the living area of the house. Utilities were left on and the windows remained intact so the resident was able to occupy the house immediately after the fire. Cause was determined to be electrical. The resident had replaced a blown fuse and heard a crackling noise. Upon exiting the house smoke was seen coming from roof vents. At this time the Fire Department was called. It was also determined that the incident was accidental and nobody was hurt. To minimize the chance of fire when a breaker trips or a fuse blows, you should determine the reason for the failure and correct any problems in the system. An electrician can be very helpful in running down electrical problems.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical (accidental)
DAMAGE EXTENT: Some structural damage to roof trusses, living room ceiling and a small portion of the kitchen ceiling.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
DATE OF INCIDENT: 4/5/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 3711 W. Queen
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: At 1030 am Saturday April 5, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department responded with 20 Firefighters on 7 apparatus to a single family house at 3711 W. Queen for a reported structure fire. The first Fire Department apparatus on scene, Engine 16, reported light smoke coming from roof vents. A quick search of the house indicated that everyone was out and the fire was above the ceiling in the attic area. Using a thermal imaging camera along with overhaul equipment a portion of the ceiling in both the living room and kitchen were removed along with the insulation to determine the extent and spread of the fire. Some of the roof trusses were burned as were areas of the attic insulation. With careful removal of the insulation and a diligent investigation on the amount of burned insulation, all spread of the fire was stopped and damage minimized to the structure. There was very little water damage or smoke damage to the living area of the house. Utilities were left on and the windows remained intact so the resident was able to occupy the house immediately after the fire. Cause was determined to be electrical. The resident had replaced a blown fuse and heard a crackling noise. Upon exiting the house smoke was seen coming from roof vents. At this time the Fire Department was called. It was also determined that the incident was accidental and nobody was hurt. To minimize the chance of fire when a breaker trips or a fuse blows, you should determine the reason for the failure and correct any problems in the system. An electrician can be very helpful in running down electrical problems.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Electrical (accidental)
DAMAGE EXTENT: Some structural damage to roof trusses, living room ceiling and a small portion of the kitchen ceiling.
DOLLAR LOSS: 3000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 20
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
Thursday, April 03, 2008
State Patrol Finds Nothing in Todd's Computers...
So, I guess the big question is whether they will have Todd come back to work before or after the inspection work is done!
Congratulations Todd! All of us are happy to see justice start to prevail. We're sure you will finish the job.
Congratulations Todd! All of us are happy to see justice start to prevail. We're sure you will finish the job.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
New CP Freq.
Here you go scanner geeks (OK, I'll admit I'm one) - the new city primary frequency:
154.055
New amber is the old primary, so no need to erase it.
Program this in right away, so you won't miss any BBQ smoke, skunk odor, cigar smoke, flag flapping, sunset/sunrise, roof dew evaporation, lawn sprinkler mist, dryer vent steam, television set flickering , Christmas light flashing or inflatable lawn ornament calls!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
From Paul Binkoski...
March 25, 2008
Search OrlandoSentinel.com Web enhanced by
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Orange County ends Rural/Metro contract, to allow firefighters to take over ambulance transport duty
Christine Show and David Damron | Sentinel Staff Writers
March 19, 2008
Orange County leaders voted unanimously Tuesday to dump a private ambulance company and take over the service using firefighters.
Fire officials and the Orange County Comptroller's Office said taxpayers could net $6 million to $13.8 million in added revenues over five years by taking over the service from Rural/Metro Ambulance.
Company officials questioned those projections and said commissioners may regret the takeover move later.
Currently, county firefighters are the first to respond to emergencies in unincorporated Orange County. Rural/Metro workers arrive later and take patients to a hospital. But sometimes, Rural/Metro workers are tied up or arrive late, and firefighters handle hospital transports as well.
County leaders liked the added revenue potential but also wanted a more seamless system so patients were not handled by multiple emergency responders.
"Even if we just break even, I think the continuity of care is worth it," Commissioner Bill Segal said.
County firefighters already handle both patient response and hospital transport in the north and east parts of the county. One smaller slice of the west side of the county is served by another company.
Dozens of firefighters applauded the commission's decision. Many said the takeover was necessary for the well-being of patients.
Jason Brown, president of the department's union Orange County Professional Firefighters, said the workload will increase, but the plan, which takes effect Oct. 1, will smooth out the transport process.
"We no longer have to wait for commercial services to come. There won't be any delay," he said. "It will bring better service for the community."
A Rural/Metro executive said Tuesday's unanimous vote reflected takeover support from the firefighters union, a sometimes potent political force.
"There was clearly a short-term political decision" at play, said Rural/Metro official Robert Heffner.
The company declined to release its Orange County revenues.
Rural/Metro manager Roger Duryea said the loss of county patient-transport business would not put its workers out of jobs, saying they would be added to crews that handle the contracts for hospitals and the city of Orlando.
A spokesman for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said there are no plans to drop Rural/Metro, but officials will watch how the county's takeover plays out.
Christine Show can be reached at cshow@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5735. David Damron can be reached at 407-420-5311 or ddamron@orlandosentinel.com
Search OrlandoSentinel.com Web enhanced by
Login or register
Orange County ends Rural/Metro contract, to allow firefighters to take over ambulance transport duty
Christine Show and David Damron | Sentinel Staff Writers
March 19, 2008
Orange County leaders voted unanimously Tuesday to dump a private ambulance company and take over the service using firefighters.
Fire officials and the Orange County Comptroller's Office said taxpayers could net $6 million to $13.8 million in added revenues over five years by taking over the service from Rural/Metro Ambulance.
Company officials questioned those projections and said commissioners may regret the takeover move later.
Currently, county firefighters are the first to respond to emergencies in unincorporated Orange County. Rural/Metro workers arrive later and take patients to a hospital. But sometimes, Rural/Metro workers are tied up or arrive late, and firefighters handle hospital transports as well.
County leaders liked the added revenue potential but also wanted a more seamless system so patients were not handled by multiple emergency responders.
"Even if we just break even, I think the continuity of care is worth it," Commissioner Bill Segal said.
County firefighters already handle both patient response and hospital transport in the north and east parts of the county. One smaller slice of the west side of the county is served by another company.
Dozens of firefighters applauded the commission's decision. Many said the takeover was necessary for the well-being of patients.
Jason Brown, president of the department's union Orange County Professional Firefighters, said the workload will increase, but the plan, which takes effect Oct. 1, will smooth out the transport process.
"We no longer have to wait for commercial services to come. There won't be any delay," he said. "It will bring better service for the community."
A Rural/Metro executive said Tuesday's unanimous vote reflected takeover support from the firefighters union, a sometimes potent political force.
"There was clearly a short-term political decision" at play, said Rural/Metro official Robert Heffner.
The company declined to release its Orange County revenues.
Rural/Metro manager Roger Duryea said the loss of county patient-transport business would not put its workers out of jobs, saying they would be added to crews that handle the contracts for hospitals and the city of Orlando.
A spokesman for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said there are no plans to drop Rural/Metro, but officials will watch how the county's takeover plays out.
Christine Show can be reached at cshow@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5735. David Damron can be reached at 407-420-5311 or ddamron@orlandosentinel.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Never in our wildest dreams...
Never in our wildest dreams would we have expected to see Todd sandwiched between Chico the monkey and Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island. Yet, it happened today on KREM 2's website.
On a more serious note, looks like Todd has cleared his name. Thank God. It still makes you wonder about the people that the WSP has prosecuted that were also innocent, but didn't have Todd's tenacity and resources. It should send a chill down every American's spine.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Click here to see photos from the stair climb...
Thanks to Jesse Ayotte's wife, Jennifer, for these great pictures. As usual, her photography is top-notch!
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Mike Inman Battalion Chief
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/9/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4610 N. Maple
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On March 8th 2008 at 6:27 pm the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 4610 N. Maple. The house sat at the intersection of two major arterials in north Spokane creating a traffic concern. The first apparatus on scene, Pumper Ladder 13, reported heavy smoke coming from a 1 story approximately 900 square foot single family residence. As the first crew inside advanced a pre-connected hose line into the basement they found fire in the area of the furnace where combustibles had been stored. The crew did a fast knock down of the fire then proceeded to determine if the fire had spread to any other areas or into the structure. The fire was contained to the one area. Simultaneously a search of the house found that everyone had gotten out safely. Two adults and 3 children were assisted by Red Cross as the house was not safe to occupy due to the heavy smoke damage. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. There were no injuries reported to civilians or Firefighters. The Fire Department is not saying that combustibles to close to the furnace was the cause of this fire but caution should be practiced when storing anything in the vicinity of any type of heating appliance.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Contents in basement, heavy smoke damage throughout the structure
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/9/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 4610 N. Maple
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99205
NARRATIVE: On March 8th 2008 at 6:27 pm the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 4610 N. Maple. The house sat at the intersection of two major arterials in north Spokane creating a traffic concern. The first apparatus on scene, Pumper Ladder 13, reported heavy smoke coming from a 1 story approximately 900 square foot single family residence. As the first crew inside advanced a pre-connected hose line into the basement they found fire in the area of the furnace where combustibles had been stored. The crew did a fast knock down of the fire then proceeded to determine if the fire had spread to any other areas or into the structure. The fire was contained to the one area. Simultaneously a search of the house found that everyone had gotten out safely. Two adults and 3 children were assisted by Red Cross as the house was not safe to occupy due to the heavy smoke damage. The fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department. There were no injuries reported to civilians or Firefighters. The Fire Department is not saying that combustibles to close to the furnace was the cause of this fire but caution should be practiced when storing anything in the vicinity of any type of heating appliance.
PROBABLE CAUSE: Under investigation
DAMAGE EXTENT: Contents in basement, heavy smoke damage throughout the structure
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 23
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Fire Press Release
ISSUING OFFICER: Battalion Chief Steve Sabo
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2627 South Southeast Blvd.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: At 10:05 this morning, March 6, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 27th Avenue and Southeast Blvd. for smoke reported in the area. Upon arrival, the first engine investigated and found a 2 ½ story, single family house with smoke issuing from the basement. A full structure alarm was requested, responding four additional engines, a ladder, a rescue truck, and two Battalion Chiefs. Crews forced entry and attacked the fire, while other crews ventilated and searched for victims. The were no occupants home at the time of the fire. The fire was knocked down within ten minutes, but complete overhaul of the burned area took nearly three hours. There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors. There were no firefighter injuries. The homeowner arrived while crews were still on the scene. The homeowner lives alone, and will be unable to occupy the house until repairs are made. The American Red Cross is assisting him with lodging.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be a wood stove in the basement, installed with its chimney too close to a combustible wall surface.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/6/2008
INCIDENT TYPE: Structure Fire
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 2627 South Southeast Blvd.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99223
NARRATIVE: At 10:05 this morning, March 6, 2008, the Spokane Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 27th Avenue and Southeast Blvd. for smoke reported in the area. Upon arrival, the first engine investigated and found a 2 ½ story, single family house with smoke issuing from the basement. A full structure alarm was requested, responding four additional engines, a ladder, a rescue truck, and two Battalion Chiefs. Crews forced entry and attacked the fire, while other crews ventilated and searched for victims. The were no occupants home at the time of the fire. The fire was knocked down within ten minutes, but complete overhaul of the burned area took nearly three hours. There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors. There were no firefighter injuries. The homeowner arrived while crews were still on the scene. The homeowner lives alone, and will be unable to occupy the house until repairs are made. The American Red Cross is assisting him with lodging.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause of the fire was determined to be a wood stove in the basement, installed with its chimney too close to a combustible wall surface.
DAMAGE EXTENT: There was heavy fire and smoke damage to the basement and additional heat and smoke damage to the upper floors.
DOLLAR LOSS: 30,000
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 24
MUTUAL AID: None Given
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002
END OF RELEASE
Video from Local 257 Meeting...
It looks like their meetings are a little more lively, but not as well attended.
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