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Recruit Live Fire Training Burn - B Barber Photo
Rescue Tech Training - B Barber Photo
2
Table of Contents
Message from the President ......................................................................................................................... 4
Mission Statement...................................................................................................................................... 4
Meetings ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Response Highlights with Monthly Run Activity .................................................................................... 5
January ................................................................................................................................................ 5
February............................................................................................................................................... 5
March ................................................................................................................................................... 6
April....................................................................................................................................................... 6
May ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
June ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
July ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
August .................................................................................................................................................. 9
September ......................................................................................................................................... 10
October .............................................................................................................................................. 11
November .......................................................................................................................................... 11
December .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Box 15’s Fleet Grows............................................................................................................................... 12
Financial Performance............................................................................................................................. 13
Benefactor Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................ 14
Partnerships & Alliances ......................................................................................................................... 14
2013 Firefighter Awards .......................................................................................................................... 14
Membership............................................................................................................................................... 16
Training ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Charitable support .................................................................................................................................... 17
Other Noteworthy Items .......................................................................................................................... 17
Vital Statistics............................................................................................................................................ 18
Service Area.............................................................................................................................................. 19
Executive Board for 2014 ........................................................................................................................ 20
Action Shots .............................................................................................................................................. 20
3
Message from the President
We are pleased to present our Annual Report for 2013. Box 15’s 66th year in existence was
full of highlights, challenges, milestones and opportunities. While our run totals were slightly
below 2012’s numbers, we still were able to maintain a high level of service. Invoking
“extreme weather” protocols, where we automatically respond to all working incidents during
periods of high heat index and low wind chill conditions, has met with enthusiastic
acceptance by the firefighters and Incident Commanders. While this does put a strain on
our volunteer resources, the end results have been very positive.
Our relationship with the Columbus Fire Auxiliary continues to produce some very positive
results. We continue to work closely with them, as well as the Central Ohio Fire Museum &
Learning Center. In addition, our commitment to supporting other charitable and community
functions has raised the awareness of Box 15 and our mission, throughout Central Ohio.
For the 4th year in a row, we worked with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at their Battle of the
Badges and this was our second year to work with the American Lung Association’s stair
climb event. On top of these, we assisted with Mifflin firefighters Torres Trail 5K run, the
Annual Military Veteran’s Parade (our 5th year with them) and ongoing support of the Fire
Fighter Cancer Foundation, the Annual Ohio Arson School, and various other activities. Box
15 strongly believes in being a good community neighbor. While our mission has always
been to support the men & women of the fire service, Box 15 has transformed itself from
“Central Ohio’s best kept secret” to being an integral part of the firefighting community that is
developing a lot of respect from the public, in general.
We hope you find this report informative and as always, we welcome your questions,
comments and suggestions.
Brett Barber
Mission Statement
The Box 15 Club, Inc. is dedicated to providing Canteen and
Firefighter Rehab Services and to support, as best we can, in every
practical way, the work of our “first line of defense against the
ravages of fire” - the men and women of the fire service.
Meetings
Box 15 meets on the last Tuesday of every month, except December. Our meetings are
held at various locations, mostly at area Fire Stations. Meeting times are generally at 7:00
PM (19:00 hours); however certain meetings have associated activities and begin at 6:00
PM. Information about meeting dates, times & locations can be requested by e-mailing
[email protected].
4
Response Highlights with Monthly Run Activity
January
Our first response of the year did not occur until
the 5th of January. One unit of a 4-unit condo
structure was completely destroyed, with
significant damage done to the remaining three.
Box 15 was on scene for 2 hours. On the 20th,
we went to CFD’s Training Academy to provide
rehab for a “Saving Our Own” drill for on-duty
companies. The weather then turned cold and
we invoked our cold weather protocol for
January 22 & 23. During those 2 days, we
responded to three working fires. That closed
Saving our own training - C Klein Photo
out the month.
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident Type
5-Jan-13
13:46
3834 Lakedale Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
20-Jan-13
10:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
22-Jan-13
9:57
1782 Eastern St.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
23-Jan-13
0:30
3757 Peak Ridge Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
23-Jan-13
3:32
1128 E. Twenty First Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
February
February’s activity began on the 2nd with the
American Lung Association stair climb at the
Rhodes State Office tower. Later that same
day, we responded to two working fires.
Things were quiet for two weeks until the 17th,
when we were requested by Violet Township at
a house fire. On the 22nd, we worked with a
Columbus Fire recruit class during evolutions
at the Ohio Fire Academy. The following day
was the Cystic Fibrosis “Battle of the Badges”
stair climb event at the Rhodes Tower. Box 15
and the Columbus Fire Auxiliary joined forces
Busey Road house fire – J Gibson Photo
to provide rehab and other support effort
throughout the 40+ floor building. We finished the month by providing rehab for the Columbus
recruits during live fire evolutions at a house on E. Broad Street.
5
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
2-Feb-13
8:00
30 E. Broad St.
Columbus
Columbus
Civic Event
2-Feb-13
14:10
3051 S. High St.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
2-Feb-13
20:39
1700 Haul Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
17-Feb-13
14:38
10530 Busey Rd.
Canal Winchester
Violet Twp.
Working Fire
22-Feb-13
8:30
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Training Support
23-Feb-13
8:00
30 E. Broad St.
Columbus
Columbus
Civic Event
27-Feb-13
8:30
6517 E. Broad St.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
March
March was very slow, with only two fires – a
2nd alarm in an apartment complex and a
working fire in a large single family home.
Refugee Rd apartment 2 Alarm - CFD Aux photo
Date
Time
11-Mar-13
9:58
4595 Refugee Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
2 Alarm Fire
31-Mar-13
4:50
478 Meadow View Dr.
Lewis Center
Orange Twp.
Working Fire
April
We did a lot of training support during April. On the
Fourth, while returning to quarters from a Northwest
Area Strike Team drill, Rehab 2 diverted to a fire at a
large auto dealership. Although the fire was primarily
on the roof, there was extension down into the shop
and warehouse area of the structure. The remaining
four responses were in support of the Columbus Fire
recruit class – twice at the Columbus Training
complex and twice at the Ohio Fire Academy.
Recruit Training at the Burn Building - B Barber Photo
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
4-Apr-13
10:00
825 S. Sunbury Rd.
Westerville
NAS-T
Training Support
4-Apr-13
11:15
7250 Sawmill Road
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
15-Apr-13
16:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
16-Apr-13
11:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
17-Apr-13
9:00
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Training Support
30-Apr-13
9:00
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Training Support
6
May
When May began, the warm weather had not yet taken hold, but we were relatively active. On
the 5th, a rehab unit was requested to respond to a significant house fire in Pickerington. As the
crew was about to clear that incident, Columbus had fire that involved several units of a multicar garage with extension into the living quarters. Then on the 15th, we had simultaneous runs
– a police involved shooting investigation at Fire Station 19 and a structure fire in Georgesville.
Two days later we responded to two separate fires. One was in the early morning and one late
that night. We closed out the month with a fire in a restaurant in the far north end of Columbus.
Rambling Brook – J Gibson Photo
Date
Time
Preswicke Mill 2 Alarm = J Gibson Photo
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
5-May-13
11:54
447 Rambling Brook Dr.
Pickerington
Violet Twp.
Working Fire
5-May-13
15:19
132 Preswicke Mill Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
2 Alarm Fire
15-May-13
11:00
3601 N. High St.
Columbus
Columbus
Police Investigation
15-May-13
11:43
2730 Sandusky St.
Georgesville
Pleasant Twp.
Working Fire
17-May-13
0:57
3545 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
17-May-13
22:18
5616 Frawley Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
23-May-13
0:40
525 Lazelle Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
June
In June, we finally put new Rehab 1 in service. The 1991 Sentinel was renamed Rehab 3,
which is supposed to move up to Delaware County as soon as we find a facility where it can be
housed. Warm weather arrived, which was a factor in our first response of the month. A fire in
a vacant house, where a child was playing caused a
single member response, as the temperature was in the
low 90’s and it was very humid. Another first for us was
rehab support for the Franklin County Sheriff deputies
at an Active Shooter drill. We provided a lot of rehab
support for training evolutions, including a Mass
Casualty Drill at the Rickenbacker airport. We also took
our first official run into Delaware City for a stubborn fire
in a historical structure. The 3rd Saturday in June was
New Rehab 1 - B Barber Photo
7
the Central Ohio Antique Fire Apparatus muster
& flea market at the Ohio Fire Academy. Box
15 put all three rehab units on display. The
final run for the month was a two alarm fire in
an office warehouse structure. Due to key
personnel being committed to the incident, we
had to cancel our meeting scheduled for that
evening. Box 15 also taught our first
Firefighter Rehab class for the Franklin County
CERT volunteers.
Krieger Ct. 2 Alarm – CFD Photo
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
5-Jun-13
14:57
1635 Hamilton Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
16-Jun-13
9:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
16-Jun-13
9:00
146 Galloway Rd.
Prairie Twp.
Prairie Twp
Training Support
19-Jun-13
16:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
20-Jun-13
6:30
7400 Alum Creek Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
21-Jun-13
9:00
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Training Support
21-Jun-13
15:12
69 N. Franklin St.
Delaware
Delaware
2 Alarm Fire
22-Jun-13
8:30
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
22-Jun-13
9:00
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Civic Event
23-Jun-13
14:50
2100 Fitzroy Pl.
Columbus
Columbus
SWAT response
25-Jun-13
15:41
5320 Krieger Ct.
Columbus
Columbus
2 Alarm Fire
July
July turned out to be a bit crazy – with three gas
transmission mains ruptured by construction
crews, a pair of 3 Alarm fires, a 2 Alarm fire and
three working fires, plus a cancelled response
into Licking County. The working fires were all
on days when we had invoked our hot weather
protocol,
as was one
of the 3
Alarm fires.
The first
Rehab area at Bigelow Ave 3rd Alarm - B Barber Photo
of the 3
Alarms’ was into neighboring Madison County, where Box
15 was mutual aid to Union County’s Rehab unit, in place
of Madison County Rehab 49. Rehab 1 went straight from
there to a 2 Alarm in a large home in Genoa Township,
Cleveland Ave. Tire Shop - CFD Aux Photo
8
backed up by Rehab 2. The second 3 Alarm fire of the month was at an RV dealership in Berlin
Township in Delaware County. Both Rehab 1 and 2 responded to that incident.
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
13-Jul-13
12:30
W. Broad St @ Woodlawn Ave.
New Rome
Prairie Twp.
Gas Line Rupture
13-Jul-13
15:18
94 Cotterew Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
16-Jul-13
14:14
7755 N. High St.
Columbus
Columbus
Gas Line Rupture
16-Jul-13
16:14
Karl Rd. & Schrock Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Gas Line Rupture
18-Jul-13
14:38
351 W. Bigelow Ave.
Plain City
Pleasant Valley
3rd Alarm
18-Jul-13
16:38
7662 Rolling Ridge
Westerville
Genoa Twp.
2 Alarm Fire
23-Jul-13
2:01
75 Granview Rd. (Twp Rd. 143)
Granville
Granville
Wrk Fire Cancelled
25-Jul-13
2:45
505 Pittsfield Dr.
Worthington
Worthington
Working Fire
25-Jul-13
14:12
3569 Cleveland Ave.
Clinton Twp
Clinton Twp
Working Fire
25-Jul-13
20:33
6700 E. S.R. 37
Berlin Twp
Berlin Twp
3 Alarm Fire
August
When we got to August, Columbus had
launched a Rescue Technician class and
Box 15 was asked to provide rehab for
several days’ worth of strenuous
evolutions. The classes would run through
August, into September. In all, we were
there for 12 days of hands on training that
included everything from auto extrications
to water rescue to trench rescue and
building collapse. Other activity for the
month included a day of rehab for inservice companies at a live burn, four
Rescue Tech Auto Extrication - C Maupin Photo
working fires and two more gas mains
ruptured by construction crews. In all, we were out 19 times during the month.
Rescue Tech Class - B Barber Photo
9
Shoring Evolution - Trench Rescue - B Barber Photo
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
3-Aug-13
10:00
2727 Agler Road
Columbus
Columbus
Training support
6-Aug-13
13:00
2211 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
7-Aug-13
10:00
2211 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
8-Aug-13
9:30
1950 Refugee Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
9-Aug-13
9:30
5511 Stahl Rd.
Orient
Columbus
Rescue training
14-Aug-13
4:09
20 Summit St.
Westerville
Westerville
Working Fire
16-Aug-13
12:01
1400 Walcutt Rd.
Columbus
Prairie Twp.
Working Fire
16-Aug-13
12:44
4081 Peregrine Pass Dr.
Gahanna
Mifflin Twp.
Gas Line Rupture
20-Aug-13
9:00
5203 Sunbury Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
20-Aug-13
11:30
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
21-Aug-13
9:00
5203 Sunbury Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
21-Aug-13
11:30
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
22-Aug-13
10:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
23-Aug-13
9:11
68 N. High St.
New Albany
Plain Twp.
Gas Line Rupture
26-Aug-13
14:00
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Rescue training
27-Aug-13
10:00
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Rescue training
28-Aug-13
10:00
1250 Fairwood Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
29-Aug-13
12:44
Club Ridge Dr. @ Worthington Club Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
30-Aug-13
13:19
1208 E. Twenty Sixth Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
September
Things began to slow down in September, mostly
because the hot weather had subsided. Due to a
miscommunication, Box 15 cancelled from the
working fire on Bowman Meadows Drive. Rescue
Tech training continued and we also took part in
two days of training with the Central Ohio Strike
Team. In addition we served at two working fires.
Franklin Lane 2 Alarm – CFD Photo
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
5-Sep-13
13:02
4234 Bowman Meadow Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Wrk Fire cancelled
10-Sep-13
10:00
393 Belvidere Ave
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
11-Sep-13
8:00
1526 Franklin Ln.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
11-Sep-13
10:00
393 Belvidere Ave
Columbus
Columbus
Rescue training
15-Sep-13
15:53
4878 Smoketalk Ln.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
18-Sep-13
13:00
6245 Evans Rd.
New Albany
COST
Training Support
19-Sep-13
10:00
6245 Evans Rd.
New Albany
COST
Training Support
10
October
The month began with Rehab 2 participating at
the Delaware “First Night” event, promoting Fire
Safety. At the same time, Columbus Fire had a
3 Alarm Fire/Hazmat in an industrial plant on the
northeast side. Two days later, we hosted an
Open House at the Central Ohio Fire Museum,
in conjunction with Columbus Fire’s annual
Memorial Ceremony. On the 10th, we had two
simultaneous fire responses. Things were
quiet until the 26th when we were requested at a
fatal fire on Columbus’ east side. Other than
that, we finished the month with four days of
Woodland Ave. 3rd Alarm Fire - CFD Aux Photo
rehab for training evolutions, including one in
Galena with the BST&G Joint Fire District.
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
4-Oct-13
17:00
Williams & Sandusky St.
Delaware
Delaware
Civic Event First Night
4-Oct-13
17:08
1711 Woodland Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
3rd Alarm
6-Oct-13
12:00
260 N. Fourth St.
Columbus
Columbus
Civic Event COFM
10-Oct-13
18:02
314 Hidden Ravines Dr.
Powell
Orange Twp.
Working Fire
10-Oct-13
18:49
5522 Jennybrook Ln.
Hilliard
Norwich Twp.
Working Fire
22-Oct-13
7:30
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Training Support
26-Oct-13
23:24
5453 Red Bird Ct.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
27-Oct-13
9:00
37 High St.
Galena
BST&G
Training Support
28-Oct-13
16:00
3663 Parsons Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Training Support
29-Oct-13
8:30
8895 E. Main Street
Reynoldsburg
Columbus
Training Support
November
November was very quiet. We came out to
support the Military Veterans Association for their
annual Veteran’s Day Parade and one member,
who lives in Bucyrus provided rehab support at a
house fire in that community. Box 15 members
are encouraged to offer rehab services whenever
and wherever the need arises.
Rehab 1 at Veterans Day Parade - B Barber Photo
Date
8-Nov-13
11-Nov-13
11
Time
8:15
22:20
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
Nationwide Blvd & McConnell Drive
Columbus
Columbus
Civic Event
415 Kaler Ave.
Bucyrus
Bucyrus
Working Fire
December
Cold weather arrived with a vengeance. During
an overnight “cold weather standby”, Rehab 1
responded to an apartment fire on Tennyson Blvd
on the far southeast side, followed a couple of
hours later by a significant single family dwelling
fire in Gahanna. On Saturday, December 14, we
deployed both Rehab 1 and 2 to serve the Charity
Newsies volunteers at as many intersections as
we could reach. Later that same day, we took in
two working house fires. Then on Christmas Day,
Columbus had a working fire/hazmat at a paint
manufacturing facility. Box 15 initially responded Box 15's Joe O'Brien & Charity Newsies’ Jon Hale - J Hale
but was cancelled enroute. The final run for the
Photo
year was a 2 Alarm in an apartment building in
southeast Columbus.
Date
Time
# Street
Community
Jurisdiction
Incident
11-Dec-13
20:00
2730 Tennyson Blvd
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
12-Dec-13
2:28
1008 Arcaro Dr.
Gahanna
Mifflin Twp.
Working Fire
14-Dec-14
09:00
Various - Charity Newsies
Columbus
Columbus
Civic Event
14-Dec-13
11:48
770 Sunbury Rd.
Columbus
Columbus
Wrk Fire cancelled
14-Dec-13
13:02
2046 Penrose Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
Working Fire
25-Dec-13
15:24
1920 Leonard Ave.
Columbus
Columbus
Wrk Fire cancelled
27-Dec-13
4:15
2213 Courtside Dr.
Columbus
Columbus
2nd Alarm
Box 15’s Fleet Grows
When Madison Township (Franklin County) put
reserve Medic 183 up for disposal, we
approached Chief Robert Bates to consider
donating it to Box 15. After discussions with the
Madison Township Trustees, the decision was
made and we received the keys to the 2001
Ford/Horton unit in February. Volunteers
immediately went to work making the necessary
modifications and doing a thorough sanitizing of
the vehicle. After having some necessary repairs
made and getting it lettered, we finally put it in
Madison Twp. Fire Chief Bates hands over the keys to Box service at the end of June. The truck includes an
15's Kevin Shop - B Barber Photo
additional 70 cubic feet of cabinet space as well
as 12 additional square feet of interior floor space over the previous unit. This additional
capacity allowed us to increase the amount of equipment that we can carry as well as increase
our serving capacity.
12
Financial Performance
Apparel sales continues to be the source of the bulk of our revenue, however product costs are
creeping up, necessitating adjustments in some of our prices. These may reflect a drop off in
total sales in the future. In 2013, we did introduce two new product lines – the Fire Fighter
Cancer design and the “dry-fit” fabric in the Columbus Division of Fire design.
Our financial performance in 2013 wasn’t as robust as we would have liked, however most of
the loss that we incurred was related to expenses associated with putting the 3rd rehab unit in
service. The bulk of those were one-time expenses that will not impact our bottom line in the
future.
Revenue (rounded to nearest $)
Apparel Sales
Sales Tax & Shipping
Donations
Dues, Fees & Assessments
Recognition Dinner
Badge Deposits
50/50 Raffle
Dividends
Misc. Income
Total
33831
1189
4938
1546
1837
100
88
11
472
44012
Expenses (rounded to nearest $)
Fund Raising
Apparel Expense
26789
Credit Card fees
435
Sales Tax & shipping
1009
Operations
Licenses & Insurance
2982
Tools & Equipment
5986
Repairs & Maintenance
8222
Consumables
1473
Miscellaneous
80
Administrative
Postage & Office Exp.
205
Background Checks
91
IFBA dues, Convention
50
Awards Dinner, Certificates
1585
Donations
2804
Cookout
144
Admin Misc.
587
Total
52442
Net Loss
($8430)
13
Benefactor Acknowledgments
Box 15 would be hard-pressed to provide our level of service without the generosity of others.
We would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the following for their support:
 Columbus Firefighters Local 67
 Thompson Building Associates - supplying bottled water since 2005
 Ohio Fire Expo
 Fire Chief’s Association of Central Ohio
 Delaware County Fire Chief’s Association
 Columbus Division of Fire
 Violet Township Fire Department
 Jerome Township Fire Chief Scott Skeldon
 Norwich Township Fire Department & Norwich Township Ladies Auxiliary
 CME Federal Credit Union
 Washington Township Fire Department
 Central Ohio Trauma Systems
 Plus several individual donors
In 2013, we welcomed Niagara Water as a new supplier. Niagara opened a bottling plant in
Franklin County in late 2012. Early in 2013, they approached the fire service community
offering to provide bottled water (damaged or incorrect labeling or packaging, etc.) at no cost.
Box 15 met with their representative and took the lead in getting the word out to more than 50
fire departments and related agencies throughout Central Ohio.
Partnerships & Alliances
Cooperation is essential in life, especially in the fire service. Fire departments have formal
Mutual Aid agreements. We are fortunate to share cooperative efforts with both the Columbus
Fire Auxiliary and the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center. We would also like to
acknowledge the cooperative efforts between Box 15 and several other fire rehab services
throughout Central Ohio, including the Union County EMA, Box 49 in Madison County, Box 65
in Pickaway County, Box 13 in Champaign County and Support 401 in western Licking County.
We also appreciate the cooperative effort with the Delaware County EMS Service. We couldn’t
do what we do without the efforts of all these groups.
Box 15 is pleased to have affiliations with the Fire Chief’s Association of Central Ohio, the
Franklin County Fire Chiefs Association, the Delaware County Fire Chief’s Association, the
Volunteer Organization Coordinating Council, Northwest Area Strike Team and the Central Ohio
Strike Team.
2013 Firefighter Awards
On Sunday, May 6, Box 15 held our Annual Awards dinner at IAFF Local 67’s “Station 67”. A
crowd of more than 80 gathered to honor two outstanding firefighters. The Max Haverman
Outstanding Columbus Firefighter award was presented to Firefighter Steven Siegwardt of
Station 14. The Larry Parlett Outstanding County Firefighter award was presented to
14
Battalion Chief Greg Collier with the Norwich Township Fire Department. Both honorees are
true professionals and set excellent examples of service for their fellow firefighters.
Steven Siegwardt is a 21 year veteran with Columbus Fire.
Battalion Chief Richard Gall, in his nomination letter stated, “I first met firefighter Siegwardt
while he was in our academy in August of 1992. I was teaching hose evolutions and from the
start, Steve impressed me as a natural leader and someone you could count on to get things
done. In the twenty–plus years since, my impression hasn’t changed”. “Steve is still a leader.
Whether working as a preceptor for our Paramedic Program or volunteering as an instructor in
our Training Academy, Steve’s knowledge and professionalism are heavily relied upon”. “At
busy Station 14, where he has been assigned nearly his entire career, Steve always finds time
to mentor our new firefighters.”
“As his Battalion Chief for over 13 years, one of the
many things that impress me about Steve is his
compassion. The “difficulty breathing” patient on his 26th
run of the shift at 3:30 in the morning gets the same
treatment as his first run of the day. And he has kept
that positive attitude over his entire career. When other
men his age are looking to slow down, Steve is
volunteering to give back to the career he loves so
much.”
Firefighter Siegwardt - S Lewis Photo
“Most of all, Steve Siegwardt is a good and honest man.
He is loved by his family and all of us who are privileged
to work with him. I am honored to call him my friend“.
Firefighter Siegwardt was also nominated by Captain
James Lewis
Norwich Township Bn Ch Greg Collier (retired)
Steve Siegwardt "on the job" - C Klein Photo
Chief Collier was nominated by Lt. George Sorge and
Fire Chief Robert Kaufman. In their letter, they wrote “Chief
Collier’s career has definitely represented the fine tradition of
this esteemed award. His dedicated service to the citizens of
Norwich, Brown, Jerome Townships, Plain City and the City of
Hilliard has extended for over 30 years. Greg has served at all
levels from Firefighter to Fire Chief and his professionalism
has had a huge influence on both fellow firefighters and area
citizens”.
“He has demonstrated what “brotherhood” really means by
consistently making himself available for families going
through difficult times. Greg has freely shared the battle his
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Bn Ch Greg Collier – S Lewis Photo
Photo
own brother, Jeff Collier, endured with lung cancer in an effort to help other families who have
also been confronted with this disease. He is there to support them and guide them through;
Greg is a true servant, not only for his fire service family but for civilian families as well”.
“Battalion Chief Collier has used both his fire service experiences and his personal experiences
to share both the positives and the “what I could have done better” with others. Always thinking
of those in need, Greg has been actively involved with the
Muscular Dystrophy Association and also helped get
Norwich Firefighters Local 1723 involved as well”.
“While Battalion Chief Collier has filled every rank in the fire
service, perhaps his greatest and most passionate position
is as a teacher”.
“For example, one class that Chief Collier instructed was
Vent-Enter-Search, in which he taught the tactic step by
step to all members of the department. Then in the early
morning hours of September 6, 2010, Norwich Township
Fire Companies preformed vent-enter-search on a
residential fire with multiple people trapped. One person
was found and removed, thanks to the vent-enter-search
tactic previously taught by Battalion Chief Greg Collier”.
B/C Collier and close friend Fire Chief Scott
Skeldon, who was the first Larry Parlett
Award recipient - B Barber Photo
Membership
For the most part, Box 15’s membership remained steady with a mix ranging from seasoned
veterans (old guys) to energetic young people. During the year, Shaun Woods moved from
Active to Affiliate member and both Ed Woods and Keith Kraut resigned from affiliate
membership. We welcomed Skip Clegg and Pamela Murphy as new active members.
We currently stand at 22 Active members, 13 Affiliate members and 9 Life members.
Training
Not only does Box 15 take an active role in supporting
firefighters during their training evolutions, training is an
integral process for us, as well. Beginning in 2013, we
changed our meeting format to alternate between business
meetings and training meetings. We continually cover topics
such as radio operations protocols, documentation, equipment
deployment, driver training and new member orientation.
Each year, we conduct a hazardous materials operations level
training with Columbus’s Captain Wm. Brobst. For 2013, we
concentrated on decontamination operations.
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Box 15's Brett Goldstein in Level A Suit B Barber Photo
Charitable support
Box 15 also believes in giving back to the community. Each year we participate in several
public and civic events. During 2013, we were involved with or donated to the following causes:
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American Lung Association – Stair Climb (rehab service)
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Stair Climb (rehab service)
National Fallen firefighters – golf outing (donation)
Ohio Arson School (donation)
Stefanie Spielman Fund (donation – apparel sale proceeds)
Fire Chiefs Association of Central Ohio (donation – apparel sale proceeds)
Torres Trail 5K (rehab service)
Firefighters 4 Kids (donation)
Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation (donation – apparel sale proceeds)
Military Veteran’s Association (modified rehab service)
Other Noteworthy Items
During the year, Box 15 was featured in two news stories. Channel 6 did a story on us
operating at the 2 Alarm fire on Krieger Court and then Channel 10 highlighted our services
while on scene at the 2 Alarm fire in Genoa Township. Both were hot & humid days and we
were able to demonstrate how important rehab is to firefighters during hot weather.
Earlier on the same day as the Genoa Township fire, Box 15 responded to Plain City during a 3
Alarm fire in a printing plant. We went in as mutual aid for Union County’s rehab unit. Working
with them, along with the decon trailer from Norwich Township (which served as a great air
conditioned environment) we were able to serve more than 100 firefighters at the incident.
In an effort to modernize the Box 15 fleet, we
have recently installed iPads in two of our
vehicles. The iPads will allow us to enter Run
Reports immediately, process credit card
apparel sales via the Square Register app and
by using Active 911, we now have CAD based
dispatching capabilities that can be used by any
Agency to call us out. Active 911 allows us to
be instantly notified; we can mark “responding”
and view the location of other members that use
Active 911, and get voice-based turn-by-turn
directions to the incident scene. Additionally,
using a messaging app, we are able to reduce
radio traffic by sending text messages to other
iPad "MDC" in Rehab 2 – S Lewis Photo
members.
Congratulations to the Stark County FDRU (Fire Department Rehab Unit) in northeast Ohio,
who began operations out of Alliance Ohio in 2013. Box 15 is pleased to be able to help them
get established.
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Vital Statistics
Berlin Township
Civic/Other
Columbus Battalion 2
Columbus Battalion 5
Columbus Fire Training
Academy
Genoa Township
Norwich Township
Pleasant Township
Violet Township
Columbus Police
Runs by severity:
3 Alarm
2 Alarm
Working Fire
Gas Line Rupture
Hazmat
Police
Training Support
Civic Events & Other
1
7
8
1
32
Runs by Jurisdiction:
BST&G
Clinton Township
Columbus Battalion 3
Columbus Battalion 6
COST
1
1
6
8
2
Bucyrus
Columbus Battalion 1
Columbus Battalion 4
Columbus Battalion 7
Delaware (City)
1
1
3
4
2
1
1
1
3
2
Mifflin Township
Orange Township
Pleasant Valley
Westerville
Franklin County Sheriff
2
2
2
1
1
NAS-T
Plain Township
Prairie Township
Worthington
1
1
2
1
3
6
34
5
1
3
36
7
More Statistics
Fire & Police Personnel served
Vehicle In service hours (runs)
Member “in-service” hours (runs)
Miles Travelled
Generator Hours
Misting Fan Hours
Runs per Unit & Severe Weather Deployments
Rehab 1
46 Rehab 2
25 Rehab 3
9 POV
Cold weather standby (12 hour shift) (also crew hours)
6 shifts
Hot weather standby (8 hour shift) (also crew hours)
13 shifts
3822
410 Hours
1031+ hours
3182
41
13
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156 crew hours
184 crew hours
Member Activity Level
2013 activities (runs, special duty, shirt sales, work details, etc.) Does not include casual
apparel sales, attending meetings or running errands.
Barber
91 Gibson
66 Hess
48 Lewis
39 O’Brien
Shop
28 Woods, S
26 Goldstein
25 Keaton
17 Fuhrmann
Henderson
13 Phillips
13 Northrop
11 Clegg
10 Meyer
Fricke
5 Murphy
4 Wilson
3 Kuczek
3 Maupin
Hennosy
2 Scott
1 Lowery
1
Bottled water
Sqwincher (gallons)
Ice (pounds)
Food items:
Cookies (dozen)
Bananas
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Consumables:
7123 Bulk water (gallons) used
39 Hot chocolate (cups)
2831 Rehab towels
6 Donuts (dozen)
50# Hamburgers
154 Coffee (gallons)
170 Granola bars (2/pkg)
322
2 Sheet Cakes
75 French Fries
36
13
5
2
35
1151
2
75
Service Area
Box 15 serves all Public Safety Agencies in Franklin County, Fire Departments in Franklin and
Delaware Counties, as well as Violet and Bloom Townships in Fairfield County and neighboring
townships in Pickaway County. We are available to assist other Fire Departments throughout
Central Ohio, upon request. Licking, Madison and Union Counties are served by their own fire
rehab units, but Box 15 is available to back them up as requested.
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White – Box 15 response area
Yellow – Cooperative coverage with Union County EMA
Light Blue – Cooperative coverage with Madison County EMA (Box 49)
Pink – Cooperative coverage with West Licking Support 401
Light Green – Cooperative coverage with Box 65
Gray – Box 15 is available if requested
Executive Board for 2014
President – Brett A. Barber (7th term)
Trustee – Joshua Gibson (1st term)
Vice President – Robert Hess (1st term)
Trustee – Greg A. Northrop (3rd Term)
Secretary – Joseph O’Brien (1st term)
Past President – John Kuczek (3rd Term)
Treasurer – Lisa Phillips (2nd term)
Action Shots
Cover Photo – all 3 Rehab units at CFD Fire Station #1 – B Barber Photo
Lakedale Square Condo Fire - S Lewis Photo
Smoketalk Lane MFD – J O’Brien Photo
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Rich St. Working house fire - K Shop Photo
Frawley Drive multi-family – B
Goldstein Photo
Jennybrook Rd. Fire - B Goldstein Photo
W. G. Grinders fire – J Gibson Photo
Pittsfield Dr., Worthington – J Gibson Photo
Columbus Fire Auxiliary member in Rehab - Krieger Court
2 Alarm - B Barber Photo
Demorest Ave. - B Goldstein Photo
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Franklin Ave. Delaware OH – K Shop Photo
Cornhole Tournament at Ohio Fire & EMS Expo - C Ell
Photo
Box 15's Josh Gibson taking care of a rescue – B Goldstein Photo
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