Fort Lupton Fire Protection District Annual Report · Fort Lupton Fire Protection District Annual Report 2009 Page 6 Recruitment, Training, and Safety The Fort Lupton Fire Protection

Fort Lupton Fire Protection District Annual Report 2009

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I take this opportunity to submit to the Board of Directors and the Community members the 2009 Annual Report for the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District. I hope that this document has proven to provide valuable information about the District’s activities over the preceding year and the goal of providing an exceptional service to the residents of the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District. The department is considered a combination department and is comprised of 10 career staff, two (2) office personnel, a maintenance staff, 23 in district volunteers, and 32 out of district volunteer firefighters. The fire district staffs career firefighters to provide 24-hour on duty staff coverage with immediate response. New volunteer members of the department are recruited year around and are required to complete a fire academy, hazardous materials awareness course, and medical First Responder training. They must also complete a one-year probationary period while successfully completing driving and pump operation skills, CPR, and complete at least 36 hours of ongoing training yearly. Specialized training for members includes Paramedic School, Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Operations/Technician, high and low angle rope rescue, ice rescue, vehicle extrication, farm extrication, and incident command training. Membership with the department requires a strong commitment to the community. The department provides basic life support (BLS) services for immediate life threatening emergencies. The Advanced Life Support (ALS) response unit is Weld County Ambulance Service (WCAS) Paramedic 3 is located in Fort Lupton at Fire Station 2. There is always a Paramedic and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on the ambulance. They transport patients to the nearest appropriate hospital for diagnosis and treatment. When WCAS is not available then Platte Valley Ambulance and Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District Ambulance will provide backup ALS services. Two helicopter transport agencies provide air transport they are Air Life Denver and North Colorado Med Evac. The Fire District is also responsible for the completion of Juvenile Fire Setter evaluations, inspections of businesses, investigations of fires, provides smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, free gun locks to families in need, child safety seat inspections, and oversees the storage and handling of hazardous materials. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) sets the Public Protection Class (PPC) rating for properties within the District’s jurisdiction based upon an evaluation every five years. This is how your insurance rates are assigned. The District has a 5/8B/10 rating. Properties have to be within five (5) miles of a station and have an ISO approved hydrant within 1000 feet to receive the Class 5 rating. Properties in the District that are within five miles (5) travel distance are assigned a Class 8B rating because there were no hydrants in the area. Any properties outside of five miles travel distance receive a rating of Class 10. I hope the information is informative and delineates the dedication and professionalism of the career and volunteer staff that are committed to the mission of the District. Respectfully Submitted, Phil Tiffany Fire Chief


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District Staff Board of Directors Mr. Larry Leinweber, President Mr. Mark Davis, Vice President Mr. Chuck Rankin, Deceased Mr. Frank Brozovich, Director Mr. Don Patton, Treasurer Mr. Gordon Alexander, Director Command Staff Phil Tiffany, Fire Chief Gordon Alexander, Assistant Chief Greg McGinn, Captain, Fire Prevention Shaun Austin, Captain Joe Arambula, Captain Chris Ceretto, Lieutenant Josh Tapia, Lieutenant Carl Craigle, Training Lieutenant Taw Tamlin, Training Coordinator Administrative Staff Nona Schaefer, Admin. Secretary Allyson Tkadlec, Secretary Ron Rabas, Maint. Technician Jason Stapleton, Maint. Technician Peggy Hull, Part Time Custodial Career Firefighters Corey Ceretto Chris Cross Mike Dittman Ben Ibarra Staughton McCann Troy Norby Kenny Rosales In District Volunteer Firefighters Scott Alexander Jerry Andrews Jerry Bangert Brandon Ceretto Justin Ceretto Jim Coursey Lee Crowe Rick Flos

Mark Grajeda Keith Legg James Mayor John McWilliams Lloyd Miller Daquiri Mintle Don Patton Joe Perales Matt Sandoval Tricia Toussaint Out of District Volunteer Firefighters Walter Adams Amy Atencio Casey Baker Michael Boyer Brandan Brauch Ben Cloyd Brian Gourdin Dan Greer Mike Kilgore Kevin Kite Alex Lepler Mark Mahan Luke Meier William Onken Jared Orton Justin Perry Nick Rauch Jaimie Regan Jason Rife Antonio Riofrio Jr. Ken Rosales Juan Samora Wade Seely Rand Sheldon Doug Stottlemyer Brian Vanbeber Ben Ware Michio Watanabe Mike Wisneski Brian Wise


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Response Statistics In 2009, the fire department responded to 1005 incidents. This is the highest total in District history. The types of calls included fire, EMS, and other such as hazardous materials and smoke odor investigations. The average reaction time from the dispatch to en route time was 1 minute 59 seconds in 2008. This time remained the same in 2009. The goal for 2009 was to react (first unit en route) in less than 1 minute and thirty seconds. Reducing this time to 1 minute and thirty seconds will remain the same goal for 2010. The average response time from dispatch time to arrival time of the first unit for the district was 6 minutes and 59 seconds. This is a reduction of 20 seconds from the 2008. Matching the same numbers for 2008, the district averaged eight firefighting personnel turning out per response in 2009. The City of Fort Lupton accounted for 60.87% of the total calls for the district and the remaining 39.13% were the in the rural areas outside of the city limits. The estimated fire losses in 2009 for the district were $285,000.00. An estimated $161,000.00 of this damage was in residential fires, $50,000.00 for commercial and $74,000.00 in vehicle and other type fires. Total losses were decreased by close to $1.6 million in 2009, largely due to a fire and explosion at DCP Midstream that resulted in significant losses in 2008.

March 10, 2009 residential fire, WCR 6.

Renewable Fiber mulch fire, March 2009.


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Response Statistics

68%12%

20%

2009 Call BreakdownEMS Fire Other

883

976

934

963

1005

820

840

860

880

900

920

940

960

980

1000

1020

Call Totals

2005 to 2009 Call Trends

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009


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Recruitment, Training, and Safety The Fort Lupton Fire Protection District is considered a combination fire department due to a career staff of 10 and 54 volunteers in the area of fire suppression. The agency has a strong commitment to maintaining an effective volunteer force while providing immediate response with a career crew supplemented by out of district volunteers, who are required to complete 36 hours of shift time at the station on a monthly basis. During 2009, the out of district volunteers completed 4831 hours of shift time at the station, which exceeded 2008 total of 4633 hours. This is equivalent to approximately 1.75 FTE firefighters working 2756 hours per year compared to 1.68 FTEs in 2008. New members are hired twice yearly in January and June. Applications for membership are accepted throughout the year. In 2009, 14 new volunteer members joined the department. Six volunteer members resigned from the department and two employees retired. The Fort Lupton Fire Protection District completed two Firefighter I Academies in the spring and the fall of 2009. The in house fire academy included 22 participants from Southeast Weld Fire Protection District, Hudson Fire Protection District, Greater Brighton Fire Protection District, and 16 recruits were from Fort Lupton. Each trainee completed 200 hours firefighter specific training in order to obtain their Colorado State Firefighter I certification. They also completed a hazardous materials operations course as part of the academy. A Firefighter II Academy was offered and nine Fort Lupton Firefighters completed this four-week course. There were a total of 1,640 training hours offered during the year and 9,058 training hours completed by all members. The highest number of training hours completed was 319.5 hours. The average was 124 hours per firefighter.

Fall 2009 Firefighter I Academy.


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Firefighter Safety

During 2009, there were three reportable injuries for firefighters incurred in the performance of their duties. This number was decreased from five in 2008. Two were from overexertion and one from an ankle sprain. One was an overexertion due to the heat stress during extrication training while a second was an overexertion during a hazardous materials decontamination operation. An ankle sprain occurred during firefighter rescue training. Of these injuries, 33.3% (one) occurred while on a call and 66.6% (two) occurred during a training exercise. A goal for 2010 is to reduce the number of firefighter injuries to zero. Twice monthly, a safety program is presented to the department to address firefighter safety and increase situational awareness in order to eliminate preventable injuries. In 2010, an incident rehabilitation standard operating guideline has been adopted to minimize fatigue related injuries. In addition, each firefighter receives a comprehensive physical every three years to assess their health and wellness.

Training on 2616.


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Apparatus

2601 1991 Pierce Dash Engine Seating Capacity: 6 Pump Capacity: 1,250 Tank Capacity: 750 Condition: Good Mileage: 27,444.6

2602 1998 Spartan Engine Seating Capacity: 6 Pump Capacity: 1,250 Tank Capacity: 1,000 Condition: Good Mileage: 43,586

2603 1986 Pierce 4 X 4 Engine Seating Capacity: 3 Pump Capacity: 1,000 Tank Capacity: 750 Condition: Fair Mileage: 12,896

2604 1981 GMC Firecat Engine Seating Capacity: 6 Pump Capacity: 1,250 Tank Capacity: 750 Condition: Poor Mileage: 47,317


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Apparatus

2605 2007 Pierce Dash 4 X 4 Engine Seating Capacity: 6 Pump Capacity: 1,250 Tank Capacity: 750 Condition: Excellent Mileage: 9,504

2616 2004 Pierce Dash Aerial/Platform Seating Capacity: 6 Pump Capacity: 2,000 Tank Capacity: 300 Condition: Excellent Mileage: 8,331

2620 1999 Freightliner FL-70 Rescue Seating Capacity: 3 + rear Pump Capacity: N/A Tank Capacity: N/A Condition: Good Mileage: 21,906

2621 1990 Chevrolet 3500 Series Brush Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: 300 Tank Capacity: 350 Condition: Fair Mileage: 17,999


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Apparatus

2622 2002 Ford F-550 Squad Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: 500 Tank Capacity: 400 Condition: Good Mileage: 25,910

2630 1990 Chevrolet 3500 Series Brush Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: 300 Tank Capacity: 350 Condition: Fair Mileage: 15,204

2631 2005 Ford F-450 Brush Seating Capacity: 4 Pump Capacity: 500 Tank Capacity: 400 Condition: Excellent Mileage: 3,751

2640 1983 Chevrolet C-70 Tender Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: N/A Tank Capacity: 2,000 Condition: Fair Mileage: 8,486


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Apparatus

2641 2002 Kenworth Commercial Tender Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: N/A Tank Capacity: 3,000 Condition: Good Mileage: 4,808

2642 1984 International Commercial Tender Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: N/A Tank Capacity: 3,000 Condition: Fair Mileage: 212,513

2643 2006 Kenworth Commercial Tender Seating Capacity: 2 Pump Capacity: N/A Tank Capacity: 3,000 Condition: Good Mileage: 3,673

Special Operations Trailer 2007 Interstate Cargo Trailer Seating Capacity: N/A Pump Capacity: N/A Tank Capacity: N/A Condition: Excellent Mileage: 0


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Additional Apparatus

2650-2003 GMC Yukon, 36,700 miles, Good condition. 2651-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 83,896 miles, Good condition. 2652-2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, 39,000 miles, Excellent condition. 2654-2000 Chevrolet Suburban, 52,695 miles, Good condition 2655-2003 Chevrolet S-10, 38,752 miles, Excellent condition. 2656-2005 Chevrolet 1500, 17,470 miles, Excellent condition. 2657-1988 Chevrolet 1500 Snow Plow, 76,264 miles, Poor condition. 2658-2003 Ford F 350, 35,201 miles, Good condition. 2005-Yamaha ATV with snow plow. 1930- Ford Model A, Antique. Foam Trailer. Rescue Trailer Carries the boat, water rescue, and other specialized rescue equipment.


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FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

The Fort Lupton Fire Protection District believes that Fire Prevention Programs are an integral part of preventing fire related deaths and injuries in our community. Therefore, we put effort in not only responding to the emergencies but also preventing them. In 2009, Fire Prevention Services Captain Greg McGinn was hired and he is responsible for fire prevention and enforcement of the 2003 International Fire Code.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

Car Seat Safety Inspection FREE car seat inspection by a certified car passenger safety technician.

Car seats are available for a donation. Inspections are also available by appointment Monday through Friday

Call (303) 857-4603

In 2009, there were 44 child safety seat inspections.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

In 2009, due to budget limitations by the school district, fire safety education classes for the Second grade classes from Twombly and Butler Elementary Schools were provided at the

schools. This included a fire prevention class that includes viewing a video, demonstration of fire equipment from firefighters. The students will learn how to be fire safe at home and

Freddie the Fire Truck will talk to the students about fire safety. Each student will receive a plastic fire helmet and materials to take home to go over fire safe habits at home.

Classes are conducted at each elementary school for third and fourth grade students.

SCHOOL DISTRICT

The firefighters ensure that fire evacuation, lockdown, and tornado drills on a monthly basis throughout the year at all schools.

Staff also presents various type fire prevention programs to a range of students as requested

during the school year.


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FOR AGING ADULTS

Provide classes for Aging Adults and events to educate them on how to be fire safe in their homes. The Ft. Lupton Fire Protection District offers smoke detectors and carbon monoxide

detectors with installation at no charge for those families in need.

SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR PROGRAM

The Ft. Lupton Fire Protection District offers smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with installation at no charge for those families who cannot afford to purchase them.

In 2009, there were six smoke detectors installed in homes that did not have or that had a

smoke detector that was not functioning.

RURAL ADDRESS SIGNS

The Ft. Lupton Fire Protection District offers emergency 911 reflective address signs to anyone

within the Fire District for $8.00 each. These signs are 6” x 18” double side 100% aluminum. They will aid us in quickly locating addresses during any emergency.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The Ft. Lupton Fire Protection District participates in the annual event organized by the Fort Lupton Police Department. We hand out fire prevention materials conduct fire

prevention and equipment demonstrations.


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BUSINESS COMMUNITY

We offer fire extinguisher classes for employees. Handle the Knox Box requirements for residences and businesses.

Coordinate fire sprinkler and fire alarm pre-plans and complete all final inspections. Complete all general inspections of new and current businesses with firefighters.

The Fort Lupton Fire Protection District has adopted the 2003 International Fire Code.

In 2009, there were 837 inspections and re inspections of businesses within the district to ensure compliance with the 2003 International Fire Code.

JUVENILE FIRE SETTER PREVENTION PROGRAM

Complete juvenile fire setter risk surveys for court ordered fire setters and their families.

BURN PERMITS

Issue Weld County burn permits, valid for two weeks, for areas outside the city limits of Fort Lupton. The approved items for burning are weeds and small branches (less than 1 inch in

diameter). There is no charge for this service. Items that cannot be burned include trash, plastics, furniture, woodpiles, etc.

FIRE WORKS PROGRAM

Coordinate the City’s Annual Fire Works show.

Regulate and handle all permits for sales of legal fireworks outside the city limits.

GUN LOCKS

To increase gun safety, free gunlocks are provided.

STATION TOURS

Station tours are available to groups of any size by calling 303-857-4603 for information and scheduling.


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TAX REVENUE INFORMATION

The Fort Lupton Fire Protection District is a Special District and collects tax revenues based upon a mill levy of the assessed value of property within the borders of the fire protection district. Periodically, the residents of each fire protection district vote to approve or deny mill levy increases during regularly scheduled elections. These requests for increases, although infrequent, assist the District in the purchasing of equipment and hiring of personnel needed for adequate fire protection and safe operations for fire personnel. The annual budget for the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District in 2010 is $1,754,847.00, the assessed valuation is $287,114,980.00, and the current mill levy is 6.112 for general operating expenses. There is also a bond, which was approved by the voters in 2002 for the construction of Station 2, which equals 1.879 mills. This bond is scheduled to be repaid in 2022 and that mill levy will no longer be collected. In 2009, the Budget for the district was $1,920,185.00 and the assessed valuation was $226,838,180.00. Although the assessed valuation increased by $60,276,800.00, the District’s revenues were reduced by $165,338.00 in 2010. This decrease was largely attributed to a reduced amount of specific ownership taxes and the lowering interest rates because of the declining economy. Another decrease is expected in 2011. The Fort Lupton Fire Protection District would like to thank the taxpayers for their continued support of the Fire Department. The residents of the fire district have always been supportive of the fire department and our mission. Below you will find a comparison of the taxes levied with surrounding districts in Weld County. This information shows that by comparison to district size and services provided, we continue to provide a high level of service while collecting lower tax revenue.

3.537 3.824

5.764 6.074 6.112

9 9.464

11.36 11.747

13.774

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

2009 Mill Levy Comparison by DistrictInformation provided by Weld County Assessors Office.

2009 Mill Levy


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2009 Accomplishments

January 2009-Purchased a Zodiac type 5-person inflatable boat for water rescues. January 2009-Fire Marshal Larry Richardson retired after 45 years of service. January 2009-Crews began pre fire planning presentations to the department on target

hazards in the district. January 2009-In and Out of District Volunteers continued with firefighter safety

presentations two times per month to increase firefighter safety. February 2009-Completed 20 year Master Plan for the District through ESCi. February 2009-Hogelin Memorial Award presented to John R. Dent for his contributions

to the community. February 2009-Adam I Volunteer Firefighter Award presented to Captain Shaun Austin. February 2009 to May 2009-Joint Firefighter Academy conducted with Brighton,

Hudson, and Southeast Weld Fire Protection Districts. June 2009 Twenty-two graduates. February 2009-Community participation in the rec center men’s basketball recreation

league. March 2009-Installed new rubber flooring and carpet in the weight room at Station 1. April 2009-Participated in the 9 Health Fair. April 2009-Participated in the High School Career Day. April 2009-Participated in the Every 15 Minutes Program teen drinking and driving

presentation for the Fort Lupton High School. May 2009-Tornado Siren installed at Buffalo Ridge as part of a regional grant for early

warning devices. May 2009-Applied for Assistance to Firefighter Grant for a new Class A Engine to replace

1981 Engine. May 2009-Replaced office computers and upgraded to Vista operation system. May 2009-Purchased new heavy-duty set of Hurst® Jaws of Life and four Ram Spreaders. June 2009-Fire Chief Phil Tiffany visits the FDNY Training Academy. June 2009-Captain Greg McGinn hired as the Captain of Fire Prevention Services June 2009-Conducted Firefighter II Academy with 10 candidates. July 4, 2009-Participated in the 2009 Greeley Independence Stampede parade. July 2009-Purchased a 14-foot water rescue trailer to carry the rescue boat and motor

to accomplish water rescues. July 2009-Maintenance Technician Ron Rabas Retires after 13 years. July 2009-Applied for Assistance to Firefighters Grant for remodel of Station 1. July 2009-Purchased Haz Mat Decontamination equipment with a $25,000.00 donation

from Suncor. July 2009-Vehicle Rescue Team completed a benefit BBQ at Station 1, which earned

$1300.00. August 2009-Submitted application to DOLA for an Energy and Mineral Grant for

$200,000.00 for a new Engine. July 2009- Re organized the fire safety business inspection process. August 2009- Hired Jason Stapleton as the Maintenance Technician. August 20, 2009-Vehicle Rescue team Competes in International TERC (Transportation

Emergency Rescue Committee) Competition in Washington State. August 22, 2009-Memorial for District Board Member and Past Fire Chief Chuck Rankin.


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August 2009-Backup generator as part of a regional grant installed for the training center to support Incident Command Center Operations.

August 2009-Participated in the National Night Out Community event. September 2009- Collected $6000.00 for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). September 2009- Hired 12 new In and Out of District Volunteers. September 2009- Participated in the Annual Trapper’s Day Parade. September 2009- Conducted second Firefighter I Academy in 2009, with 21 candidates

from Greater Brighton and Fort Lupton Fire Protection Districts. September 24, 2009- Director Gordon Alexander was appointed to the Board of

Directors. October 7, 2009- Assisted State Farm in conducting an Insurance Adjustor training

regarding fraudulent insurance claims that was shown on FOX 31 News. October 14, 2009- Chief Phil Tiffany elected to the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors. October 2009- Provided in school Fire Prevention Program at Butler and Twombly

Elementary Schools during Fire Prevention Week. October 2009- Installed new carpet in the Station 1 meeting room and radio room. October 2009- Minor repairs completed on the roof at Station 1. October 2009- Completed training for all career crews at Sand Hill Lake on the new

rescue boat. November 11, 2009- Participated in the filming of a fire department video documenting

the history of the department. November 13, 2009- Two members participated in Air Life Denver helicopter education

and ride along program. November 12, 2009- Training burn of the modular home at the donated WCR 8 property

owned by the Fire Protection District. November 2009- Purchased new chairs for the Station 1 meeting room. November 2009- Entered two teams in the City of Fort Lupton Recreation flag football

league. November 2009- New Personnel Handbook for the volunteers incorporated into the

existing handbook. November 2009- Installed Mobile Data computers in six front line trucks. December 2, 2009- Hosted groundbreaking for the Colorado National Guard Readiness

Center. December 2009- Met with Congresswoman Betsy Markey to discuss fire service issues. December 2009- Started a Facebook© page to aid in communicating our District

message and recruitment for the Fire District. December 2009- Completed two volunteer recruitment videos to assist in recruiting

new volunteer applicants. December 2009- Merged fire department and fire district into one organization. 2009-Participated in Haz Mat Technician joint training with Frederick-Firestone Fire

Protection District, Greater Brighton Fire Protection District, and Mountain View Fire Protection District.

2009- Completed 1,005 total calls for service. A new record total for the agency.


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Mission Statement

TO PROVIDE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THOSE IN A TIME OF NEED WITH A SENSE OF

INTEGRITY, PRIDE, AND COMPASSION FOR WELL BEING.

Firefighter Code of Ethics

As a firefighter, my fundamental duty is to serve humankind by safeguarding lives and property from the ravages of fire.

As a professional, I am on-call for some of the most difficult and trying circumstances. When disaster strikes, I will do my duty to aid the victim and rescue the helpless.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, develop self-restraint, and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws

of the land and regulations of my Department.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feeling, prejudices, or animosities to influence my decisions.

I recognize my position as one of public trust and understand as such that I am looked upon as

an individual of high moral character I will constantly strive to live by these standards and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession … fire protection.


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Contact Information

Fort Lupton Fire Protection District 1121 Denver Avenue

Fort Lupton, CO 80621 303-857-4603 District Office

303-857-6619 Fax

EMERGENCY CALL 911

Fire Chief Phil Tiffany [email protected]

Web Site: http://www.fortluptonfire.org/

Historical photo of training at the High School on First Street and McKinley Avenue.

Congresswoman Betsy Markey Visits FLFD.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.fortluptonfire.org/

Fort Lupton Fire Protection District Annual Report · Fort Lupton Fire Protection District Annual Report 2009 Page 6 Recruitment, Training, and Safety The Fort Lupton Fire Protection

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