October - Clackamas Fire District #1

Clackamas Fire’s Community Newsletter
Clackamas Fire District #1 www.clackamasfire.com October 2012
Message from the Chief, Fred Charlton Helping the community to learn more about the services we provide on a daily basis is an overarching goal of
Clackamas Fire. We had the opportunity on October 12 to host our first Clackamas Fire Community Academy. For
our first academy, we invited elected officials from the county, cities we serve, public safety advisory committees, and
our Board of Directors to visit our Training Center for the morning. During this time, we were able to demonstrate and
explain the many services we provide beyond just firefighting. This included describing how a call to 9-1-1 is
processed and dispatched, the hands-on use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), hands-on
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), demonstrations on how we safely and effectively suppress residential fires,
the use of a fire extinguisher, and many other demonstrations. Our plan is to present another academy in the spring
of 2013 for additional community members.
October was Fire Prevention Month, and to celebrate it we hosted Saturday open houses at fire stations throughout
the District. These were met with enthusiasm from the community as citizens were able to tour their community fire
stations and learn more about fire safety from our Fire Prevention staff, as well as career, and volunteer firefighters.
The Board of Directors appointed John Blanton to fill the board vacancy upon the resignation of board member Toby
Forsberg. Director Blanton will be sworn in at the November 19th board meeting.
Cardiac Code Save On October 14, 2012, Clackamas Fire crews were dispatched to a 60 year-old
male who had collapsed on a school field while playing in a soccer game.
Bystanders rushed to the patient’s aide and found him unconscious and not
breathing. Bystanders, included a doctor and off-duty paramedic, who called
9-1-1, initiated CPR and retrieved a nearby automatic external defibrillator
(AED) from the school gym. Using the AED, bystanders were able to deliver
one life-saving shock, bringing the patient back into a viable heart rhythm.
Clackamas Fire crews provided advanced life support to stabilize the patient
on-scene before he was transported to Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center by
American Medical Response.
Inside this issue Chiefs Message…………….…………..1 Board of Directors ....................... 2 Public Education………………………..2 Employee Highlights .................... 3 Community Events ...................... 4 Fire Prevention ............................ 5 Station Activities…………….…………6 This event demonstrates the importance of knowing and utilizing CPR. In this
case, the AED that was used from the school was purchased in part by
Clackamas Fire’s Foundation in an attempt to centralize AED’s throughout the
community. Clackamas Fire would like to encourage people to be
prepared and learn CPR. For more information about learning CPR,
please visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.
1 Message from the Board of Directors At the board meeting on October 15, the Board of Directors
appointed John Blanton to fill the vacancy due to the resignation
of Director Toby Forsberg. Director Blanton has lived and been
active in the North Clackamas community for over 20 years. He
worked for Clackamas Community College and the State of
Oregon in Workforce Development and was the former business
owner of Quiktime Signs in Milwaukie. Director Blanton has
also served as a board member and been involved in a number
of community and professional organizations including the
Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation, the North
Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce and Sunnyside
Community Church. He and his wife Jody are retired.
Director John Blanton
Director Blanton’s term will expire on June 20, 2013. He will be sworn in
at the board meeting on November 21, 2012 at the Mt. Scott Fire
Station.
Safety/Public Education October is Fire Prevention Month and traditionally a very busy time for
the Fire District. This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme was “Have 2
ways out,” which emphasized the importance of families having a
home fire escape plan that prepares them to think fast and get out
quickly when the smoke alarm sounds.
Clackamas Fire also hosted eight community fire station open houses,
which actually began on August 23rd and will continue through
November 3rd. The schedule included stations located throughout the
Fire District. The last one will be held on:
November 3rd- Open House (1:00-3:00pm) – Pleasant
Valley Fire Station (10921 SE 172nd, Happy Valley)
Capt. John Hopkins talking with Tony
Lopez at the Happy Valley open
house.
The fire station open houses are a way for the Fire District to say “thank you” to
the community for its continued support and are designed to let residents meet
their local firefighters, tour the fire stations, view fire apparatus, and increase their
personal and fire safety knowledge. Visitors of the open houses are also able to
participate in an interactive fire safety house demonstration, get photos taken with
a fire engine and enjoy refreshments. The open houses are free and fun for all
ages. One enthusiastic little boy attending a Fire Station Open House stated,
“This was the best! It was better than cool!”
(Above) Tony Lopez
trying on a set of
turnouts.
Firefighter Scott Kohler giving an
engine tour at the Oregon City Fire
Station open house.
Deputy Fire Marshal Kari Shanklin and
Fire Inspector Alex McGladrey teaching
about fire safety at the Oregon City Fire
Station Open House.
2 Health and Safety It’s Late, Turn Off the Computer (or Kindle, or iPad…) (Excerpt from the September 2012 Wellness Update)
The LED backlit screens now on most computers, including tablets (such as the iPad and Kindle Fire) and
smartphones, as well as many flatscreen TVs, emit blue light. As people spend more and more hours using
these devices, especially at night, the blue light may interfere with their sleep.
Exposure to light through the eyes helps regulate the body’s sleep/wake cycle by affecting the pineal glands
secretion of melatonin. This hormone is produced at night and promotes drowsiness; exposure to light and
notable blue light, suppresses it. This is one way sunlight contributes to alertness and why lack of light at night
helps increase sleepiness.
The potential problem is that LED screens produce enough blue light that, when the devices are used close to
bedtime, they can greatly reduce melatonin, increase alertness and thus delay the onset of sleep and reduce
deep sleep. The less sunlight you get during the day, the more sensate you become to the melatoninsuppressing effects of light at night.
Bottom Line: If you are having sleep problems and use a device with a LED screen a lot before bedtime, try
using it earlier or at least dim it as much as possible (in a dark room even a dimmed screen appears quite
bright). One basic “sleep hygiene” step is to use your bed only for sleep. That means not using your device in
bed, especially if you are very sensitive to blue light. Try to reserve the hours before bedtime for calming, lowkey activities, perhaps reading a paper book. There are special amber-tinted eyeglasses that block blue light,
but there’s not clinical evidence showing that they improve sleep. You could also try low-dose melatonin at
bedtime, but only for occasional use.
Employee/Volunteer Highlights Information Technology Director Oscar Hicks
I have been with CFD1 for seven GREAT years! I am responsible for the direction
and sustainment of information operations ensuring the goals, values, and mission
of the District are met in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
I have always enjoyed serving the public, whether through coaching youth sports,
volunteering in neighborhood associations, or serving my country as a United
States Marine. The fire service is a special group that like the military does not
seek
self-gratification; however, it seeks to help others first without expectations
in return.
I am blessed to have a loving wife and four incredibly gifted daughters. With two
teenagers and two middle-schoolers, there are always plenty of events going on
year-round.
Oscar Hicks
I am one of the coaches of Olympic-style wrestling at the Peninsula Wrestling Club in Northeast Portland. I
grew up in this community, and this is my way of giving back. I also enjoy watching football with my wife,
fishing for steelhead and salmon, and riding my motorcycle on “dry” days.
Something that people may not know about me is that I love eating peanut butter straight out of the jar. All I
need is a spoon, a glass of juice and all is right with the world!
Volunteer Services President Chris Bell
I have been with CFD1 for approximately 10 months, but prior to the Volunteer
Associations merging, I was with Boring Fire District for two years. My current
rank is Firefighter assigned to Station 148. In addition to my duties at Station
148, I’m the contact person at the station for any activities, questions, concerns or
logistic needs. I’m also the Volunteer Association President.
I always felt the need to help others, but I never knew if I could do it until I thought
about two events that happened to me. One was coming upon a MVA rollover on
the freeway and the other was witnessing a pedestrian hit by a car. In both
cases, I stopped to help the victims until emergency crews arrived.
My wife Tara and I have been married for seven years and have two beautiful
little girls—Sophia who is 6 and Madison who is 18 months old.
Chris Bell
3 Employee/Volunteer Highlights (cont.) Any special projects or organizations I’m involved in are part of the fire service such as Operation Santa Clause
and volunteer recruitment. Any spare time I have between my full-time job as a civil engineer that I’ve had for
the past 11 years and my dedication to the fire service, I spend with my family.
I enjoy photography, hiking and camping. If you ask my wife, it is also finding ways to frustrate her.
Something that people may not know about me is that I almost enlisted in the Air Force ROTC during college.
Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like and if I would still be in the military today.
Welcome Our New Employee Welcome Patty Rooney!
I would like to begin by saying that I am so excited and very honored to be given
the opportunity to work for such a highly respected and accredited organization.
The staff here is truly amazing and has made me feel a part of the family from the
very beginning.
I am a proud mother of two teenagers, Tyler who is 15 and Ally who is 14. They
are my reason for living and always will be as everything I do, I do for them, even if
they haven’t realized it yet!
Patty Rooney
I have been working in the temporary position of Receptionist at the Admin Office
for the Fire District since June 2011. Before coming to CFD1, I worked for 10 years for a wholesale distribution
company where I performed a variety of responsibilities within the company that included sales, billing,
accounts receivable, purchasing, inventory control and collections, just to name a few.
I am really looking forward to many years ahead with the Fire District.
And just one more thing…..GO DUCKS!
Community Events Clackamas Fire Community Academy
On Friday October 12, 2012, Clackamas Fire hosted its first “Clackamas Fire Community Academy” to
demonstrate the life-saving services that Clackamas Fire provides. This half-day event was attended by 11
local elected officials and community members. During this four-hour event held at the District’s Training
Center, participants were given an overview of the fire service, learned
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation(CPR)
(Left) Participants moving from the
Ladder truck to the top of the training
tower.
(Right) Participant being given a tour
of a fire engine.
and took part in three different "Hands On" firefighting and rescue
scenarios. Participants walked away at the end of the event with a better understanding of the type of work
firefighters perform on a daily basis as well as the services Clackamas Fire provides. An extra emphasis was
placed on fire prevention, as Friday October 12th marked the last day of National Fire Prevention Week.
4 Community Events (cont.) Oregon City Bridge Re-Opening
The Clackamas Firefighters Pipes and Drums participated in the reopening ceremonies for the Oregon City to West Linn Bridge on Sunday, October 14, 2012. Participants include (from left to right):
Back row — Lieutenant Don Maxwell
Front row—Lieutenant Shawn Campbell, Firefighter Bob
Lowther, Firefighter Tyson Lowther, Firefighter Pat DeLair
and Lieutenant Brian Baker
Fire Prevention Date: 10-4-12 20:07
Address: 16242 Tracey Lee Ct.
Investigator(s): Olson
Type of Fire: Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin: Outside area, other
Fire Cause: Unintentional
Estimated Dollar Loss: $ 500.00
Special Notes: Juvenile smoking in back yard,
juvenile released to parents by OCPD.
Date: 10-5-12 10:04
Address: 10411 SE Cook Ct.
Investigator(s): Colvin
Type of Fire: Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin: Dining room in apartment 379
Fire Cause: Accidental (combustibles to close to a
heat source)
Estimated Dollar Loss: $900,000
Special Notes: Strong winds aided in the rapid
progression of fire spread. Fire wall between 6
plexus maintained integrity. Lost cat located in
apartment 380 was found alive inside apartment two
days later.
Date: 10-08-12 20:31
Address: 618 Brighton Ave
Investigator(s): Nowlin
Type of Fire: Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin: Outside area, other
Fire Cause: Unintentional
Estimated Dollar Loss: $62,000.
Special Notes: Property of origin and the exposure
on the bravo side both had significant damage.
Date: 10-14-2012 03:15
Address: 5135 SE El Centro Way
Investigator(s): McGladrey
Type of Fire: Building Fire
Fire Area of Origin: Laundry Room
Fire Cause: Undetermined
Estimated Dollar Loss: $116,000 Building,
Contents Unknown
Special Notes: During the investigation I received
multiple compliments on how Clackamas Fire Crews
were professional and heard many neighbors who
were thankful their houses were saved. Great job
guys!
5 Station Activities Clackamas Fire District #1
Station Summary Reports According to the Cities/Towns in the District
September 2012
(Including Mutual Aid Given)
Beavercreek/Clarkes Area
Station 10 - Beavercreek Fire Station
 Station 10 installed two address signs.
 Fielded numerous walk-in and telephone requests for assistance during the month of September such as directions and smoke alarm advice.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 10 in September = 66
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 30
Number of Fires = 10
Other = 26
Station 13 – Clarkes Fire Station
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 13 in September = 7
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 4
Number of Fires = 0
Other = 3
City of Milwaukie Area
Station 1 – Town Center Fire Station
 Station 1 in several National Night Out Functions in the Overlook and Johnson Creek neighborhoods along with
our Hat and Badge Program.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 1 in September = 190
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 101
Number of Fires = 17
Other = 72
Station 2 – Milwaukie Fire Station
 Station 2 provided blood pressure checks at Hillside Manor.
 Attended a 9/11 memorial remembrance.
 Attended the Royalton Place appreciation luncheon.
 Attended the National Night Out event for Historic Milwaukie Neighborhood Association.
 Participated in the Ardenwald Neighborhood Parade.
 Hosted the Station 2 public open house.
 Participated in the Feed the Hungry event at St. John’s Catholic Church.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 2 in September = 153
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 93
Number of Fires = 14
Other = 46
6 Station Activities (cont.) Station 3 – Oak Grove Fire Station
 Station 3 conducted four station tours.
 Provided three citizen ride-a-longs.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 3 in September = 301
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 205
Number of Fires = 17
Other = 79
Station 4 – Lake Road Fire Station
 Station 4 provided a station tour for two adults and one child.
 Provided a station tour for five adults and three children.
 Conducted an oral interview question and answer with a Volunteer candidate.
 Participated in the annual Public Safety Fair in Oregon City.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 4 in September = 125
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 73
Number of Fires =17
Other = 35
City of Happy Valley Area
Station 5 - Mt. Scott Fire Station
 Station 5 hosted several Volunteer riders, many of whom were working on completing their Field Training
Evaluation Program (FTEP) evaluations so they could be cleared to function at their EMT level when responding on future calls.
 Attended the “Pink Cares” event in front of Wal-Mart on 82nd Ave. The event brings focus and raises funds to
help with not only breast cancer, but women’s health as a whole. There are several pink fire engines that cross
the country for this worthy cause.
 Assisted with the MDA Fill the Boot event on Sunnyside Road.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 5 in September = 142
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 79
Number of Fires = 18
Other = 45
Station 6 – Happy Valley Fire Station
 Station 6 fielded numerous walk-in and telephone requests for assistance during the month such as smoke/Co
alarm advice, recreational burn advice and driving directions.
 Many smoke alarms were tested at the completion of calls.
 Conducted a fire station/engine tour for preschool students and teachers.
 Conducted a fire engine tour and safety talk with students at Spring Mountain Elementary School.
 Assisted DFM Captain Shanklin with a fire station open house. The event was well attended. This provided the
community to meet with firefighters and learn about safety in a fun environment.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 5 in September = 77
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 42
Number of Fires = 10
Other = 25
7 Station Activities (cont.) City of Happy Valley/City of Damascus Area
Station 7 – Pleasant Valley Fire Station
 Station 7 attended pink fire trucks at New Seasons Market.
 Conducted two station tours for Scouters Mountain School for 40 people each.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 7 in September = 78
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 32
Number of Fires = 20
Other = 26
Station 8 - Clackamas Fire Station
 Station 8 conducted boat rides/tours for members of the public.
 Participated in a service dog public relations event at Station 8. Assisted the organization with exposing service dogs to emergency service personnel and equipment.
 Participated in the Safety Fair at Kadel’s Auto Body store in Clackamas.
 Assisted Portland Fire personnel with a controlled burn on Elk Rock Island.
 Participated in the Oregon City Safety Fair.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 8 in September = 119
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 63
Number of Fires = 10
Other = 46
Logan/Redland Area
Station 11 - Redland Fire Station
 Station 11 helped with citizen drop-ins such as blood pressure checks, directions, burning information, etc.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 11 in September = 54
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 19
Number of Fires = 14
Other = 21
Station 12 – Logan Fire Station
 Station 12 provided miscellaneous citizen contacts when staffed.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 12 in September = 13
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 4
Number of Fires = 5
Other = 4
8 Station Activities (cont.) City of Oregon City Area
Station 9 - Holcomb Fire Station
 Station 9 went to a pre-school and gave a tour for 30 children and two adults.
 Assisted a female motorist who had a flat tire put on her spare and get her back on her way.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 9 in September = 80
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 41
Number of Fires =13
Other = 26
Station 15 - John Adams Fire Station
 Station 15 provided a station tour for five children.
 Provided a station tour for 16 people
 Participated in the pink fire engine tour.
 Participated in the Oregon City Safety Fair.
 Participated in a fire drill for a community church school and provided a truck tour.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 15 in September = 133
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 78
Number of Fires = 16
Other = 39
Station 16 - Hilltop Fire Station
 Station 16 conducted station tours.
 Participated in the Oregon City safety Fair.
 Participated in Communication Field Day.
 Participated in the Pinkfiretrucks.org event at the Farmer’s Market.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 16 in September = 150
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 98
Number of Fires = 10
Other = 42
Station 17 – South End Station
 Station 17 participated in the annual Safety Fair held at the new Safeway in Oregon City.
September
Total Number of Responses for Station 17 in September = 55
Number of Medical Aid Calls = 30
Number of Fires = 10
Other = 15
District-wide
Total number of calls during September
Total number of calls January – September 2012
2011
1,372
12,094
2012
1,415
12,528
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