Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue
2019 Annual Report
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 2
Letter from the Chief
It is a pleasure to provide the 2019 Annual Report of Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
2019 saw CVFRD break the “Thousand Call” threshold for the first time. I am regularly asked, “what is the
cause of the increase?” There is no simple answer other than the fire service continues to be expected to respond
in our community’s time of need. A long, long time ago when I became a firefighter, my expectations were that
I would put out fires when they were threatening life and property. As I grew in the fire service, those
expectations grew to include the provision of care to victims suffering illness and injury. As public servants, we
continue to embrace the opportunity to serve those in their time of need. 2019 again saw CVFRD go above and
beyond the expectation of performing life saving measures to victims of fire, illness and injury.
The personnel of Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to 203 incidents that were categorized as
“Other” because they just didn’t fit as a fire or EMS related incident. Examples of these included animal
rescues, searches for missing persons, vehicle and home lock outs, lift assists and numerous other public service
calls to assist “our community.” What fills me with pride is the fact all of these were responded to by volunteers
with the same sense of courtesy and professionalism expected had they been responding to the most critical of
emergency incidents.
Not only did they respond to incidents, CVFRD members participated in numerous community activities in
2019. Our staff attended Community Council and Homeowner Association meetings. We played host to scouts,
churches, and schools. We visited schools, hosted an open house, and attended community activities where we
took advantage of groups of community members to educate, appreciate, collaborate and most importantly build
community equity.
I assert 2019 saw our commitment to “Train and Grow” have a positive influence on numerous aspects of the
CVFRD operation. Recruitment and retention efforts have seen a consistent number of members. The additions
to our training area are improving our abilities. Our members are seeking out opportunities illustrating their
focus on our community and the CVFRD leadership is realizing that our most important resource IS our
members. The mantra “We are here for them!” fits our members and leaders alike.
Thank each one of you reading this for making CVFRD the best volunteer fire department in Alaska!
Tim Benningfield
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 3
MISSION STATEMENT
The Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co., Inc. is dedicated to preserving the lives and property of the citizens of Chugiak. We promote safety through community education and our professionally trained volunteers will deliver superior emergency medical services, fire suppression and rescue throughout
our community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Chris Steeves Vice-President Chris Wilkins
Director Gary Davis Director Claude Denver Director Andrew Sather Secretary Robin Robbins
Treasurer Jessica Della Croce
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Craig Lance, Seat A Ronni Sullivan, Seat B
Bill Stoltze, Seat C
FULL-TIME STAFF
Chief Tim Benningfield Training Coordinator Chris Wilkins
Administrative Specialist Renee Mackey Maintenance Specialist Keith Koehler
COMMAND STAFF
Assistant Chief John Della Croce Assistant Chief Clifton Dalton
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Herman Ellemberger
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 4
2019 Duty Crews Active Members
Crew 1 Captain Zachary Sullivan LT. Andrew Sather Timothy Robbins Robin Robbins Joanne Meyer Amber Havoc Will Mouracade Collin Johanknecht Will Fontana Aaron Hall Jamie Miller Steven Beelmann Lisa Ingulli Haylee Huck Quincy Lynch Chris Steeves
Crew 2 Captain Keith Koehler LT. Kit McCutcheon Quinn Bailey River Heisler Spencer Marsh Risa Pearcy Andy Parker Brendan Blossom Logan Igtanloc Jacob Thompson Destiny Woko Brie Hockersmith Matt Clausen Chris Wilkins
Crew 3 Captain Wes Raley LT. Jesse Lynch Brianna Feyen James Donadio Daniel Mendez Kaylee McClain Ned Murphy Kinzee Kroeker Jack Gilbertsen Mallory Garbe Ryan Odsather Ryan Butler Kenneth Brown Andrea Knowles
Crew 4 Captain Sven Hall LT. Melissa Cunniff Alec Hazelton Darin Swain Madison Bouwens Paul McBride Andrew Kaiser Alex Konev Ben Woods Aly Ward Cory Fairclough Marlee Lawley Harley Venrick Pete Carpenter Steven Meyer
Affiliate Members
Life Members still responding Chaplain Mark Roberts Claude Denver Gary Davis
Reserve Members Ash Lauer Bob Thomas Jessica Della Croce Terry Drake
Junior Members Samuel Neff Caitlin Fueg Ethan Fox Mae Lawson Montanna Kroeker Elijah Lotton Austin Chase Michael Ives Trenton Ives Russell Holden Jazmin Hamby
Crew 1 LT. Brian Dunlevy Andrew Watts Andrew Spencer Shelby Dolan Kyle Stangl Zach Kovach Dmitri Trihub Cole Abarr
Crew 2 LT. Danyell Bird David Meyer Sterling Anderson Sarah Walker Brad Smothermon Molly Swanson Tabitha Jordan
Crew 3 LT. Zak Overmyer Brian Coy Jason Fink Everett Bostick Colt Coady Nick Morelli
Crew 4 LT. Brenda Sattler Glenn Hamby Jamie Peacock Ryan McCormick Jessica St. Laurent Tatianna Martinez David Phillips Suzie Doll
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 5
Responses and Staffing CVFRDs 107 members volunteered over 61,500 hours and responded to 1078 calls for service which was a significant
increase over prior years. Nearly 70% of incidents were EMS or rescue in nature. CVFRD once again was able to provide ambulance transport to the community with Advanced Life Support providers.
Equipment
2019 witnessed the continuation of our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) replacement program. We were able to purchase 15 sets of “Turn-Out Gear” ensuring that all interior rated firefighters are once again compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards. This is one of the most significant recurring costs that a fire department incurs.
The standard requires that all personnel operating inside an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere should wear PPE that is less than 10 years old.
The close of 2019 saw us order a 2020 Pierce Pumper\Tender which will be housed in Station 33. This replacement will
see the retirement of 3 apparatus in the aging fleet. Operationally, the reduction will have no effect on delivery of service but is expected to reduce cost as three 1990s model apparatus will be replaced by one.
Tender 33 Prelim.
999
924
1078
800
900
1000
1100
Annual Responses
Three Year Trend
2017 2018 2019
Responses by Type
FIRE 11% EMS 69% OTHER 19%
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 6
Facilities
Two years ago, the leadership re-focused training to build proficiency for the types of calls expected in communities such as Birchwood, Peters Creek, Chugiak, and Eklutna Village. As part of that endeavor, the need for improvements in
our training facilities was evaluated and a plan put into place. This year saw the addition of a Two-Story Live Fire Training Tower and a Roof Prop added to the “search and rescue” facility that was put in place last year.
Training Tower
Ventilation Roof Prop
Taking care of the members is an important part of our success. The additional equipment and facilities ensure adequate operational support. However, we have found that the little things make a difference as well. 2019 saw a much-needed face lift to one of our oldest buildings, Station 32. We were also happy to add to the capabilities in keeping the “family” nourished while crews spend countless hours at Station 31
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 7
Station 32 Exterior Paint
Station 31 Food Prep Area
Training
CVFRD is benefitting from several new State or National credentials conferred upon its members this year, including: 19 - Firefighter I
5 - Fire Service Instructor I 2 - 1403 Live Fire Instructors
1 - Fire Officer II 1 - Fire Officer IIII
9 - Emergency Medical Technician
A grand total of 8859 training hours were achieved internally, in addition to a significant amount of training done outside of CVFRD by our members. CVFRD was represented at the State Fire Conference in Ketchikan, the EMS
Symposium in Anchorage, the EMS World Expo in New Orleans and at FDIC in Indianapolis.
1076
2884
220
4679
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Training byType
Internally Conducted Training
Fire Hours Rescue Hours EMS Hours Other Hours
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 8
Training cont…
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 9
Awards
All of our members sacrifice much in order to serve the communities that make up the Chugiak Fire Service Area. Every year, efforts to recognize individuals are tougher because so many stand out. The intent of our Annual Installation
Ceremony and Awards Banquet is to give something back to every member in the form of an evening of celebration where we recognize the members, their families and our community.
Those who excelled were recognized for their efforts at the
CVFRDs 2nd Annual Installation Ceremony and Awards Banquet as follows:
Peer Award - Ben Woods
Junior FF of the Year - Caitlin Fueg Rookie of the Year - Mallory Garbe Most Photogenic - Molly Swanson
EMS Provider of the Year - Jesse Lynch Firefighter of the Year - Zak Overmyer
Company Officer of the Year - Sven Hall Member of the Year - Andrea Knowles
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to:
Lisa Ingulli - Medical Supply Andrew Spencer - Fire Supply
Brenda Beaty – Fire Prevention Jess Della Croce - Junior Advisor
Mark Roberts - Chaplain
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4174 was recognized as the Community Supporter of the Year related to years of charitable giving to the Chugiak Community and in particular for their significant support to CVFRD this year.
A Special Community Support Award was presented to Elmendorf’s 773rd LRS, Combat Mobility Flight for their work on
the Wood\Art project presented to the 2019 Fire Academy Instructors.
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 10
Length of Service awards were presented to: Andrew Sather - 5years
Pete Carpenter – 10 years
Gary Davis was honored for 35 years to the CVFRD with a plaque dedicating Engine 31 in his name.
The CVFRD Life Saver Medal is awarded to a member or members whose skilled and timely intervention contributed to
the preservation of the life of a patient or victim who otherwise reasonably could have expected to die without such
intervention. Examples include things like Code 99 resuscitation, quick extrication of severely injured automobile crash
victims, removing someone from a burning building, etc. This award was presented to 11 members for their successful
provision of patient care to a patient suffering respiratory failure.
Life Saver Medal Recipients
The CVFRD Campaign Medal Campaign is awarded to a member who serves the department or other related agency in
an assignment outside the service area. Such deployments must exceed 24 continuous hours. Examples include state
and national wildland assignments, hurricane relief, etc. This award was presented to 15 members in recognition of
service during the McKinley Wildland Fire in August of 2019.
Brianna Feyen Mallory Garbe Andrew Kaiser Andrea Knowles
Keith Koehler Kinzee Kroeker Jesse Lynch Kaylee McClain
Ned Murphy Ryan Odsather Wes Raley
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 11
McKinley Campaign Medal Recipients
McKinley Pre-Deployment
Junior Firefighters Our Junior Firefighter Program is designed to provide training and involvement for students between the ages of 14 and
18. These members train weekly and are allowed to respond in certain situations. We currently have 12 high school students participating in the program with an eye towards their future.
Brieanne Hockersmith Jesse Lynch Haylee Huck Jacob Thompson Andrea Knowles
Jessica St. Laurent Tim Robbins Ryan Odsather Kinzee Kroeker Will Ducham
Zak Overmyer John Della Croce Aly Ward Molly Swanson Kaylee McClain
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 12
Community Outreach CVFRD participated in numerous community activities in 2019. Command Staff attended monthly meetings of the Birchwood and Chugiak Community Councils. We attended the Thunderbird Falls Annual HOA meeting. We hosted several scouting groups for education programs and tours. We visited six schools during Fire Prevention Week in
October where we talked to approximately 900 students and handed out educational material. We hosted an open house in October and were also able to attend community activities such Boo at the Beach where we handed out over
600 bags of fire prevention material. Additional examples include: Grad Blast, MacStravaganza, Winter Wonderland, and several others.
Boo at the Beach Winter Wonderland Fire Prevention
Community Support
CVFRD is grateful to all of the groups, families and individuals who help us in carrying out our mission. This year saw significant support again from the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Chugiak Lions Club. We were pleased to reward the
family of Colonel Dick Lochner with a “Family Dinner” which he purchased at auction at the Chugiak Senior Center’s “Silver Gala.”
Dick Lochner Family Fraternal Order of Eagles Chugiak Lions Club
As always, we appreciated the continued support of our community Businesses and Groups. A special thanks was given to the following at the Annual awards Banquet:
773rd LRS Combat Mobility Flight Bear Mountain Espresso Bella Vista Pizzeria & Restaurant Birchwood Community Council Bobby's Café Chugiak Community Council Chugiak Lions Club Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center
Coho Contractors Conoco Phillips Escape Anchorage Fraternal Order of Eagles Fred Meyers Hilltop Recycling Incorporated Sunset Auto Body Three Bears Alaska
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 13
Support cont… As always, CVFRD would like to recognize our State and National Delegations for their continued support. Whether
during our travels to Juneau or during their limited time here at home, they are always willing to listen to our message.
State Senator Reinbold State Representative Jackson State Representative Tilton
Governor Dunleavy State Senator Hughes and US Senator Sullivan
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 14
Fire Stations
Latimer Station 31
17124 Old Glenn Highway
Gilmore Station 32 19424 Inlet View Drive
Hill Station 33 21616 Settlers drive
Wallace Station 34 20581 Birchwood Spur road
Bill Lowe Station 35 14080 Old Glenn Highway
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 15
2019 Firefighter I Academy
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 16
4th of July Christmas 4 th of July
Thanksgiving September 11 Memorial
Christmas Party
Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 17
The Installation Ceremony in February witnessed some new officers accepting leadership roles along with several
returning to accept the challenge in 2020 to build STRENGTH!
Chief Tim Benningfield Assistant Chief John Della Croce
Assistant Chief Zach Sullivan
Captain 1 - Zak Overmyer Lieutenant 1 – Haylee Huck Lieutenant 5 - Brian Dunleavy
Captain 2 - Keith Koehler Lieutenant 2 - Tim Robbins Lieutenant 6 - Cole Abarr
Captain 3 - Jesse Lynch Lieutenant 3 – Kit McCutcheon Lieutenant 7 – Danyell Bird
Captain 4 - Sven Hall Lieutenant 4 – Andrew Sather Lieutenant 8 - Brenda Beaty