Firefighter/Paramedics - Grayslake Fire Protection District

Table of Contents
Statements .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Board of Trustees .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Board of Fire Commissioners ........................................................................................................................ 3
Chief’s Report................................................................................................................................................ 4
Deputy Chief’s Report ................................................................................................................................... 5
Organizational Chart ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Retirement .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Firefighter of the Year ................................................................................................................................... 8
Administration .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Battalion Chiefs ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Lieutenants ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Firefighter/Paramedics – Black Shift ........................................................................................................... 11
Firefighter/Paramedics – Red Shift ............................................................................................................. 12
Firefighter/Paramedics – Gold Shift............................................................................................................ 13
Part Time Firefighters ................................................................................................................................. 14
Part Time Firefighters cont. ........................................................................................................................ 15
Training Division.......................................................................................................................................... 15
Health & Safety Report ............................................................................................................................... 18
Medical Officers Report .............................................................................................................................. 20
Apparatus Report ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Apparatus .................................................................................................................................................... 22
Apparatus (cont.) ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Specialized Operations................................................................................................................................ 24
Chaplains Report ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Dispatch Center........................................................................................................................................... 26
Public Education.......................................................................................................................................... 27
Fire Prevention Bureau ............................................................................................................................... 28
Fire Investigations / Juvenile Fire Setters Program .................................................................................... 31
Years of Service ........................................................................................................................................... 32
Call Statistics ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Honor Guard ............................................................................................................................................... 35
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Statements
MISSION STATEMENT
• To reduce and control fire losses in the Grayslake Fire Protection District through a comprehensive
program of prevention, public education, fire suppression and training
• To provide emergency medical services and education to the citizens of the community
• To maintain emergency preparedness to handle a variety of potential life or property threatening
situations in order to provide exceptional levels of safety for the community
• To engage in fire prevention planning efforts to ensure the most cost effective system of community
fire protection, both now and in the future
• To establish and maintain a relationship with other departments and outside agencies, so as to be
able to give or receive reciprocal support to accomplish an assigned mission
VISION STATEMENT
The Grayslake Fire Department will continue to be a proactive organization providing safe and efficient
service to the citizens and visitors of the Grayslake Fire Protection District through emergency
response, prevention, education and cooperation.
STATEMENT OF VALUES
• The Grayslake Fire Department will maintain an unwavering commitment to provide the safest and
most efficient emergency response to the community
• The Grayslake Fire Department will maintain an atmosphere that fosters respect of all individuals and
their property
• The Grayslake Fire Department will maintain a staff of well trained, professional emergency
responders who will selflessly perform their duties with integrity and honesty
• The Grayslake Fire Department will maintain an attitude of fiscal responsibility
• The Grayslake Fire Department will maintain a workplace that respects the employee and
understands the importance of every individual
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Board of Trustees
Lester Stang
Ellen Dimock
Terry Toth
President
Treasurer
Secretary
Karen Wojciechowski
Bonnie Richtman
Greg Koeppen
Commission Chair
Commissioner
Commissioner
Board of Fire Commissioners
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Chief’s Report
I am proud to present the Annual Report for 2013 on
behalf of the Grayslake Fire Protection District’s Board
of Trustees, Board of Commissioners, Full and Part
Time Staff as well as our shareholders, and the
residents of the District. Consistent with most public
safety agencies, the Fire District routinely encounters
challenges on both operational and fiscal fronts. The
operations of the District continue to be facilitated by
an exceptional staff that is focused on the mission of
the organization. No matter what type of emergency
response is requested, the firefighters respond in a
swift, safe, and professional manner while always
taking into account the best interests of our residents, business owners, and visitors.
The District experienced yet another increase in emergency responses during 2013. Personnel responded to 3,671
emergencies in 2013 which was a 3.5% increase over the call volume in 2012. Remarkably, a 21% increase in
emergency responses has been seen between 2010 and 2013. As projected, the call volume has increased as the
Fire District grows and our population ages. The philosophy of our organization revolves around taking care of
everyone. Realizing that the perception of an “emergency” lies in the individual calling 9-1-1, we stand ready to
respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all requests made to us.
The Fire District continues to aggressively research and apply for available grant opportunities. In 2013, the District
was awarded a grant through the Illinois Public Risk Fund for the purchase of two new multi gas monitors, which will
be used to detect and identify hazardous gases. In addition, the award included additional safety equipment and
electrical cords in the apparatus bays that service Stations #1 and #2. This opportunity allowed for other capital
needs to be addressed that would not have been possible if only property tax revenues were available. The federal
grant received in 2012 for video conferencing in all three stations was completed and functional in 2013. This
conferencing system allowed for enhanced communication between stations without the loss of personnel coverage
in areas of the District.
With the financial assistance of Advocate Condell Hospital, the District implemented an Electronic Patient Care
Reporting System that is utilized on every emergency medical response. This state of the art system allows the
paramedics to electronically produce patient reports that are immediately available for analysis by receiving hospitals.
Further, the electronic statistics allows for a more comprehensive review of patient statistics and trends. The results
of these reviews are included in public education programs with risk management programs developed to meet the
needs of the community. There will also be a tremendous value in this system in the future as the demands in
emergency medical services increase.
Relationships with the communities we serve is vital and we have worked very hard to engage our villages, schools,
and other taxing bodies in promoting safety and risk management to all of our residents. As part of our core mission
we also partner with civic organizations to grow community awareness of the danger of fire, injuries and illnesses,
and open water and ice. Our staff is committed to these endeavors and work hard to share their knowledge and
expertise. Our public education efforts continue to expand to meet the needs and goals of our organization and
communities.
I would like to thank the Board of Trustees of the Grayslake Fire Protection District, the Board of Fire Commissioners
and our entire staff for all of their continued hard work and dedication. The successes we continue to see within the
District would not be possible without the combined efforts of all.
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Deputy Chief’s Report
Providing the most efficient and effective
emergency service relies on dedicated and
engaged responders. During 2013, Grayslake
Fire Protection District personnel logged
123,584 hours protecting area residents and
visitors. Each hour worked by emergency
responders represents the risk of injury or
death in the line of duty, a reality that is everpresent in public service.
As will be evident in this report, this
organization expends tremendous effort to prevent injury and illness to emergency responders.
Through the efforts of many, new initiatives have been put into place and training has been
delivered to help ensure that our personnel are safe.
To provide better response to requests for emergency medical service, our department, in
cooperation with Advocate Condell Medical Center, moved to electronic patient care reporting.
These electronic care reports provide comprehensive reports that are easy to read and follow
the patient throughout their stay in the hospital. An added benefit of the electronic patient
care report is the design features that make it easier to create a thorough record of the
patient’s treatment.
2013 also saw the first full year of service from Fire Station 3. Fire Station 3 has greatly
enhanced the response to the southern area of our district. A response time to critical medical
calls has decreased dramatically and lives have been saved.
Throughout this report, please pay close attention to the individuals who make up our
organization. Through hard work and dedication, these professional, emergency responders
provide excellent service to the community every minute of every day. Every challenge that our
department has faced has been overcome by ingenuity.
Going forward you can expect our personnel to exceed the expectation of the community with
a focus on safety and efficiency.
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Organizational Chart
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Retirement
Firefighter Jim Foster – 27 Years of Dedicated Service
Firefighter Jim Foster began his career in
1986 as a paid on call firefighter. Jim juggled
this position with his full time firefighter
position working for Abbott Laboratories. Jim
gathered knowledge both in the field and off
quickly distinguishing him as a leader. Jim is
extremely active in Northern Illinois especially
dealing with Hazardous Materials and is often
sought out for advice. As a highly respected
member of the Grayslake Fire Department he
often taught and gave advice to area
firefighters. In 2013 Jim was made Fire Chief
for Abbvie, a position he currently holds
today. Jim remains very close with the
members and still serves on the Grayslake
Fire Department Awards Committee. We
salute Firefighter Jim Foster and thank him
for his 27 years of dedicated service to the
citizens and businesses of the Grayslake Fire
Protection District. He will truly be missed.
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Firefighter of the Year
2013 Firefighter of the Year - Lieutenant Jason Brooks
Lieutenant Brooks began working for the Grayslake Fire Protection District in 1999 as a paid on call
firefighter. Jason instantly knew being a firefighter was the career for him and soon took a position with
the Countryside Fire Protection District while still maintaining his part time position with Grayslake. In
2002 Jason was offered a full time career position with the Grayslake Fire Protection District and jumped
at the chance to come back to the place he called home. In 2012 Jason was promoted to Lieutenant and
has been working on Gold Shift at Fire Station 2. Among Jason’s many achievements he obtained a
Bachelors of Science degree in Fire Science from Southern Illinois University and is a key member of the
Lake and Mchenry County SRT team as a diver and an SRT technician.
In the summertime Jason and his family enjoy wakeboarding, a hobby he takes very seriously
and is extremely talented at doing. Jason has a beautiful wife Nikki and children Anthony (16) and Cora
(4). To get an idea of how much a family man Jason is you only need to hear the answer to the question I
posed to him for this article. When asked what are your hobbies his reply was Wakeboarding and
spending as much time with my family as possible.
Jason was chosen by his peers as the 2013 Firefighter of the Year. His skill, knowledge and
dedication is admired by all. Please join us in congratulating Jason. Keep up the great work!
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Administration
John Christian
Fire Chief
Greg Formica
Dan Pierre
Ingrid Skidmore
Deputy Fire Chief
Division Chief of Training and Safety
Administrative Assistant
Battalion Chiefs
Jim Weidman
Jon Cokefair
Joris Lillge
Battalion Chief - Black Shift
Battalion Chief - Red Shift
Battalion Chief - Gold Shift
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Lieutenants
Mike Rutkowski
Lieutenant
Chris Ramel
Lieutenant
Dave Torkilsen
Lieutenant
Doug Slazes
Lieutenant
Mike Ofsanik
Lieutenant
Mike Higgins
Lieutenant
Rodney Buckley
Lieutenant
Mike Lakins
Lieutenant
Jason Brooks
Lieutenant
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Firefighter/Paramedics – Black Shift
Sam Frankson
Ryan Cramer
Frank DeMasi
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Mike Otterson
Eric Muhlbach
Gerry O’Sullivan
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Mauricio Galarza
Firefighter/Paramedic
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Firefighter/Paramedics – Red Shift
Mark Burkinshaw
Pat O’Connor
Tom Sheridan
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Ian Mandigo
Jason Lobue
David Bocox
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Griffin Byers
Firefighter/Paramedic
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Firefighter/Paramedics – Gold Shift
Greg Quentin
Rob Danesi
Jim Howell
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Dave Auer
Ross Guerin
Chris McLaughlin
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
Jose Sanchez-Vega
Firefighter/Paramedic
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Part Time Firefighters
Bob Chiappetta
Scott Burgett
Jim Appleman
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/EMT
Firefighter/EMT
Frank Vole
Justin Brooks
Tony Brueuscher
Firefighter/EMT
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/EMT
Brian Buchek
Wiley Post
Ian Kennedy
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/EMT
Firefighter/Paramedic
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Part Time Firefighters cont.
Adam Schlick
David Radtke
Josh Peregrin
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter/EMT
Firefighter/EMT
Not Pictured:
Firefighter/Paramedic Brett Henne
Firefighter/EMT Matthew Formica
Firefighter/EMT Joseph Dahlstrom
Firefighter/EMT Lori Stoller
Firefighter/EMT Don Jay
Jeff Paul
Firefighter/Paramedic
Firefighter / Paramedic Carlos Perez
Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Willen
Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Graham
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Training Division
The Training Division is managed by the fire department’s Training Officer whose primary responsibility is
to organize, develop and schedule training for all department member in compliance with federal, state or
local requirements. The goal of the Training Division has been, and will continue to be, to provide all
members with quality and meaningful training that is specific to their job description and needs, yet
provides them with the knowledge, skills and abilities to fulfill the mission of the fire department.
Training hours for 2013 accumulated a robust 10,550 hours but was down from the previous year. (Figure
1) Great job, but I know we can strive to be better.
In 2013, we continued to follow our training goals of getting all personnel transitioned to the new firefighter
certifications. We now have 52 of the 64 members (81%) that are certified to the Basic Operations
Firefighter level. We continued to guide personnel from the “basic” certification to the eventual goal of
Advanced Technician Firefighter.
The training division was able to certify 4 more personnel to the “Advanced” certification. The fire
department now has 11 members that are certified as Advanced Technician Firefighters and several more
that completed their coursework in early 2014.
The department was able to send two small groups through Vehicle Machinery Operation classes this year
to establish instructors that would be able to teach a class to department personnel in the fall of 2014.
Overall, the fire department was able to certify 47 personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal in 12
certification types for 2013. (Figure 2)
Additionally in 2013, we had 2 private family residences that were donated to the fire department to conduct
live fire training in. In April, we had a “burndown” at 354 Garfield Blvd. in which live fire training evolutions
were practiced for the week. In early November, we had the other live fire training exercise at the former
Parker Farmhouse of 21238 Washington St. Both the exercises were successful in their goal and, more
importantly, no personnel were injured at either burndown. A special thanks to Lieutenant Buckley for all
his hard work and numerous hours to prepare the buildings to be compliant with NFPA 1403 Standard on
Live Fire Training Evolutions. As the burndown coordinator, Lt. Buckley makes sure that the buildings are
structurally sound and safe for department personnel during live fire training.
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Training Hours per Year
Figure 1
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
0
Training Hours per Year
2013
10550
2000
2012
12640
4000
6000
2011
11570
8000
2010
12143
10000
2009
7326
12000
14000
2008
6418
2007
5484
2013 Office of the State Fire Marshal Certifications
Fire Apparatus Engineer (4)
11%
Basic Operations Firefighter (11)
7%
Haz-Mat Operations (4)
9%
24%
4%
Technical Rescue Awareness (6)
4%
Structural Collapse Technician (1)
9%
2%
2%
2%
Fire Service Vehicle Operator (6)
13%
13%
Trench Technician (1)
Rescue Specialist- Vertical 2 (1)
Incident Safety Officer (2)
Fire Officer 1 (2)
Advanced Technician Firefighter (4)
Figure 2
Vehicle Machinery Operations (5)
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Health & Safety Report
During 2013, the Grayslake Fire Protection District had 15 reported injuries ranging in severity from minor to serious
with 8 lost days of work with more accumulating in 2014. Most of the reported injuries occurred during an emergency
response. Comparatively speaking, in 2012 we had 2 reported injuries and 4 days of lost work due to injury or
illness. There were no reported illnesses.
The following actions were taken this year to help promote health and safety within the Grayslake Fire Department:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Annual medical exams were performed on all firefighters
Influenza vaccines were offered to every employee to combat seasonal flu strains
Daily vehicle inspections, SCBA and semiannual personal protective gear inspections continued to highlight
areas in need of repair. These inspections help to expose a variety of safer work practices and needs
Courage to be Safe training has been offered and delivered to members of the department. This training is
based from the 16 life safety initiatives which were developed by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
for Everyone Goes Home campaign
3 new sets of turn out gear were purchased and placed into service from last year’s IPRF grant to replace
old, worn gear. An additional 3 sets of turn out gear were purchased to replace old, worn gear
Each fire station received an annual fire inspection
Each fire station received a monthly general safety inspection and a quarterly comprehensive safety
inspection
A turn out gear grant was applied for with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. If this grant was to be
funded, it would provide 10 new sets of turnout gear and 22 new flashlights to replace old, worn out turnout
gear and broken flashlights
A Fire Station Alerting System for all three fire stations was applied for as an AFG grant. The proposed
system would alert personnel with cardiac-kind tones and reduce stress levels of the responders
The fitness program has continued through the leadership of Lieutenant Jason Brooks. Lt. Brooks has
officially completed his Certified Personal Trainer from ACE in 2013. The fitness program can help
members develop fitness goals and a strategy to achieve those goals. Please see Lt. Brooks if you need a
fitness goal or a strategy
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Insect
Bite /
Sting (1)
7%
Eye Injury (1)
Diving 7%
2013 Injuries and Illnesses
Torso / Back
Injury (2)
13%
Injury (1)
7%
Groin /
Pelvis
Injury (2)
13%
Lower Extremity
Injury (4)
27%
Upper
Extremity
Injury (3)
20%
Head Injury (1)
6%
2013 Lost days from Injury
4
3
2
1
0
Lost days from Injury or
Illness
Back
Strain
Pelvis /
Abdomina
l Injury
Diving
Injury
2
4
2
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Medical Officers Report
Department paramedics responded to 2,498 requests for EMS in 2013, accounting for 68% of all department
responses. Our ALS providers treated each call for help with professionalism and compassion, often turning dire
circumstances into positive outcomes for many within the district.
To maintain a high level of care and stay informed on the latest in
EMS, department paramedics receive regular training from our
resource hospital, Advocate Condell Medical Center.
Department members Deputy Chief Greg Formica and Lieutenant
Mike Higgins were recognized by Northwestern Medicine Lake
Forest Hospital, by being presented with the “A Cut Above” Award
for their role in the implementation of electronic patient care
reporting for the 8 department Advocate Condell EMS System. The
pen was exchanged for a stylus, as the system looked to improve
data collection to gauge effectiveness of treatment, and using this
information to continually seek to improve patient outcomes. This
work is yet another example of the department continuing to seek to
be a leader in the EMS region.
The department wrapped up the year by launching the inaugural
“Give the Gift of CPR” campaign. In an effort to get more district
residents comfortable enough to act in the time of need, American
Heart CPR Anytime Kits were made available for purchase at a
discount. Being that 80% of sudden cardiac arrests happen in
private or residential settings, family, friends, and neighbors are
going to be called upon to preserve life until we arrive with our ALS
interventions. This is where a weakness lies, as American Heart
Data shows that 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac arrest. By seeing this as an opportunity and
combating this helplessness through education, we know that our save rates will go up as a department. The fire
service has a long proud tradition of doing what it
takes to “save their own”, and we think this
applies to families in their homes as well. We
strongly encourage our residents to seek out
education in these life saving techniques. Kits will
remain available at Grayslake Fire Station 1, and
more formal CPR education can be found on the
Grayslake Park District website www.glpd.com
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Apparatus Report
While keeping all our apparatus maintained can be challenging, our Apparatus Division makes sure our equipment is
ready to respond to all Citizens in the Fire District. Our entire staff works tirelessly to ensure that when there is a call
for service our fleet will make that round trip safely. This is done through countless hours of inspecting and cleaning
the equipment our community has graciously afford us.
All front line fire apparatus passed their annual pump service test meeting the NFPA standard of 1911. Underwriters
Laboratories tested all ground ladders. They successfully met the NFPA standard of 1932. Our 105 foot aerial ladder
was also tested by Underwriters Laboratories and passed its NFPA standard of 1914. This outstanding effort by our
staff has assisted us in making fiscally responsible decisions that allow our department to extend the life of our aging
fleet.
Tools
There was no major tool purchases this year as we tried to navigate our way through tight budgetary constraints. In
doing so we were able to sell off and repurpose some surplus equipment that will service other fire communities
around the United States. This allowed us to fund the minor repairs needed to keep our equipment in pristine
condition. Like the Apparatus Division, the Tool Division kept our tools, hand and motorized, ready for all our
emergency needs.
Hose Testing
All our fire hose was put through its annual service tests meeting the NFPA standard of 1962. While there were
several lengths of hose that did not meet the standard and were destroyed, there was no need to purchase additional
hose this year.
Please join me in thanking all of the Officers and Firefighters of the Grayslake Fire Protection District for putting forth
an effort that is second to none to ensure our community’s assets are well maintained and ready to press into service
at a moment’s notice.
As we look forward to 2014, we are committed to continue a high level of safety and maintenance standards that
allow us to provide exceptional quality service using state of the are equipment. We are also committed to delivering
a well-rounded fiscally responsible vehicle replacement program to ensure that same exceptional service for years to
come.
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Apparatus
Engine 2717
Engine 2722
Quint 2737
Engine 2715 (Reserve)
Tender 2761
Command Unit 2797
Ambulance 2741
Ambulance 2742
Ambulance 2740
Ambulance 2744
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Apparatus (cont.)
Utility 2794
Brush 2795
Boat 2757
Zodiac 2753
Utility 2796
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Specialized Operations
As a member of the Lake & McHenry County Specialized Response Team, the Grayslake Fire Protection District
helps cover an area that is over 1,100 square miles. The Specialized Response Teams are made up of 47
departments in Lake & McHenry County, and provide special services like, Hazardous Materials Mitigation, High
Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Structural Collapse response, Wildland Firefighting, Below Ground rescue
and Water Recovery.
The Grayslake Fire Protection District continues to be deeply committed to supporting the Lake and McHenry county
Specialized Response Teams, including members who are in leadership roles with their respective teams. The
Grayslake Fire Protection District increased the number of members that participate on the SRT teams this year to 17
members. In order to become a member of one of the disciplines inside the SRT, an individual must receive between
100-200 hours of specialized training and many hours of continuing educations every year.
On June 18th, 2013, the Grayslake Fire Protection responded to Grayslake for the report of a canoe that had tipped
over and had three people holding onto the side of the boat. Boat 271 was able to launch and make a rescue of the
three individuals and help them tow their boat to shore.
Team Responses:
Water Rescue:
April 16th, 2013 Responded to Waukegan Fire with Team Leader for Side Scan Sonar
May 20th, 2013 Responded to Wheeling with 1 sonar technician
June 26th, 2013 Responded to Barrington with 2 divers.
September 17th, 2013 Responded to Antioch with 2 divers and a boat for a water rescue.
Haz-Mat Team:
July 8th, 2013 Responded with 1 technician and team leader to Barrington
December 19th, 2013 Responded with team leader to Barrington
Wildland – No responses
SRT – No responses.
Current Team Members
SRT
Lt. Mike Rutkowski – Team Leader
Lt. Jason Brooks
FF/PM C. J. McLaughlin
Water Rescue
Lt. Rodney Buckley – Team Leader
B/C Joris Lillge
Lt. Brooks
FF/PM Demasi
FF/PM James Howell
FF/PM Ian Mandigo
Haz-Mat Team
B/C Jim Weidman – Team Leader
FF/PM Mark Burkinshaw
FF/PM Greg Quentin
FF/PM Dave Auer
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Chaplains Report
It was my privilege to continue as the Chaplain for the Grayslake Fire
Department in 2013. This year I have attended several Fire Chaplain
meetings/classes at the Fire Department in Carol Stream. I also
shared with the Fire Department some of the information I learned at
these classes – for example I gave a class on the history of Fire
Department symbols.
As Chaplain one of the fun experiences is to be present at promotions
and other special ceremonies to give the benediction. I had that
privilege again this year for example offering the benediction at the
Exchange Club breakfast. I look forward to new experiences and
spending more time with this great department in 2014. Next year I will be participating with several Illinois Chaplains
as the group reorganizes itself through MABAS into a certified group. Chaplain certification will be a multiyear
process and insure some standardization not currently in place. My goal will to become certified and learn as much
as I can about the Fire Service.
Rev. Dr. Jane Clark—Grayslake Fire Chaplain
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Dispatch Center
FoxComm E9-1-1
Emergency Communication Center
Operations Report
Our Goal
It is our Goal to encourage interoperability and offer our services to area agencies assisting with the
operational costs while providing new technology and a quality service to the public safety agencies and
the communities they serve.
FoxComm Enhanced 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Center provides the following E9-1-1 services:
•
•
•
•
Receipt of emergency and non-emergency complaints and alarm notifications
Assignment and dispatch of police, fire and ambulance response units.
Acquisition and recording of information and records for various supplement agencies used by service
departments (Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Health, EMS Systems, etc.)
Provide quality staff certified in the required certifications through the various governing state organizations
including but not limited to Illinois Department of Health (IDPH), Illinois State Police (ISP) and National
Crime Information Center (NCIC).
FoxComm serves the Grayslake, Fox Lake and Lake Villa Fire Protection Districts as well as the Fox Lake, Lake Villa
and Lindenhurst Police Departments.
2013 FoxComm Fire Activity by Incident
2523,
26%
3282,
35%
12934,
16%
Fox Lake FPD
Grayslake FPD
3671,
39%
2013 FoxComm Phone Activity
Lake Villa FPD
911 Lines
67513,
84%
Admin Lines
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Public Education
Here at the Grayslake Fire Department, we take a very proactive approach to Public Education in our community.
Although the bulk of our Public Education activities took place during Fire Prevention “Month” (occurring midSeptember through early November), the Department’s Public Education activities continued on throughout the entire
year including: numerous fire station tours; visits to and from various schools & pre-schools, scouting groups and
various other community organizations; and several donated firetruck rides for area school fundraisers. During the
year we also distributed FREE “My Medical Information” kits to senior citizens throughout our District as part of a
county-wide distribution program. We also partnered with the Illinois “Yellow Dot” Program to provide materials to our
residents which help emergency responders identify important medical information of vehicle occupants in the event
of an emergency while traveling in their vehicles.
We began 2013 with a series of Winter Ice Safety Presentations at both Grayslake High Schools. In the spring, we
encouraged our District residents to put new batteries in all their smoke alarms as part of the “Change Your Clock,
Change Your Battery” campaign. We participated in the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Annual Kids Safety Fair
with our Public Education Safety Trailer (which is filled with FREE safety information/handouts, coloring books, kids’
fire hats, and fire badge stickers), a Fire Truck, an Ambulance, and our Rescue Boat. We also participated in the
annual Lake County Fire Chief’s Fire Safety Expo at Gurnee Mills, again highlighting our Public Education Safety
Trailer. We finished out the spring with a group presentation of the “Remembering When” Senior Citizen Fire & Fall
Prevention Program.
During the summer months, we sent a fire engine to participate in the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Annual Burn Camp
(“Camp I Am Me”) Parade, an annual event designed for child burn victims/survivors. We also participated in the
annual “Taste of Grayslake/4th of July Fireworks” community event, once again highlighting our Public Education
Safety Trailer. Finally, during the summer months we also attended numerous neighborhood block parties and
various community events with our firefighters and equipment.
In the fall months, in observance of Fire Prevention “Month”, we launched an aggressive Public Education campaign
in the schools, pre-schools, and daycares throughout our District. We also conducted numerous tours of our fire
stations, all of which included a complete fire prevention & safety presentation as well. We also held our annual Open
House in conjunction with the Grayslake Exchange Club pancake breakfast, once again highlighting our Public
Education Safety Trailer among other static displays. We encouraged all our District residents to put new batteries in
all their smoke alarms as part of the fall “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” campaign. We finished out the
fall with another group presentation of the “Remembering When” Senior Citizen Fire & Fall Prevention Program.
During the holiday season (the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day), we participated in the annual “Keep
the Wreath Red” program, where we placed a Christmas wreath with all red light bulbs at all three of our fire stations.
If any fire during this time period were determined to be caused by holiday decorations, we would replace a red bulb
with a white one in our wreaths, with the goal being to “Keep the Wreath Red”. We are pleased to report that there
were no holiday decoration-related fires in 2013, and therefore we were able to “Keep the Wreath Red”.
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Fire Prevention Bureau
Deane Walker
Jeff Heyer
Fire Inspector
Fire Inspector
The Fire Prevention Bureau (Bureau) is supervised by Deputy Chief Formica who provides overall direction regarding
the day-to-day operations of the Bureau and its two full-time personnel, Fire Inspectors Walker and Heyer.
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Fire Safety Inspections are conducted on all "new" developments/buildings and business tenant improvements
within the Fire Protection District. Fire Safety Inspections are also conducted on existing businesses as part of an
Annual Inspection Program. Fire Inspectors Walker and Heyer make every effort to work diligently with property
owners/managers to create a fire safe environment for their employees, tenants, customers, and other buildings
occupants. During 2013, the Bureau maintained an aggressive inspection campaign that involved more than 1460
separate inspections, including Annual Fire Inspections/Re-Inspections; 50 Inspections of the fire pump, sprinkler
system risers, holding tank levels, etc. at Station #3; and, a multi-day inspection of the College of Lake County’s
Grayslake Campus. In addition, over 220 additional “Special” or “Other-type” Inspections conducted by Fire
Inspectors Walker and Heyer throughout the year pertained to New Construction (such as fire sprinkler systems, fire
alarm systems, life safety issues, etc.), Remodeling Project Inspections, Occupancy Inspections, Special Events
(such as Grayslake’s Annual Family Picnic & Independence Day Fireworks Display; Lake County Fair; Farmers’
Markets; Grayslake Days; & other Outdoor Events), Fire Hydrant issues, etc.
FIRE PREVENTION PLANNING
The Bureau reviews plans for all new developments, commercial and industrial buildings within the Fire Protection
District. Requirements are established in cooperation with the local Municipality utilizing its adopted Codes along with
the State and nationally recognized standards to provide a high degree of life safety and property protection. The
entire Village of Grayslake plus portions of six other municipalities including Unincorporated Lake County, Round
Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park, Hainesville, and Third Lake are provided with our plan review services
and fire prevention/live safety expertise.
In addition to the currently-applicable building and fire prevention/safety codes as adopted by each of these
municipalities, the Bureau also provides assistance with the local interpretation/enforcement of other
requirements/standards as follows: “State Minimum Standard” - 2000 Edition of the National Fire Protection
Association’s Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) per the Fire Investigation ACT (425 ILCS 25); Various additional Statemandated requirements as published/enforced through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM); Illinois School
Code and various Building/Fire Prevention Codes as adopted the Illinois State Board of Education/OSFM; and,
Various additional requirements per Ordinances as adopted by the Fire District’ Board of Trustees.
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During 2013, over 140 plan reviews were completed. A sample of the types of plans, documents, and/or conditions
reviewed included Building & Special Use Permits, New Construction, Tennant Build-outs, Remodeling Projects,
Establishment of Occupant Loads, Residential Fire Pit Requirements, Prescribed Burns/Open Burning, and various
other items.
Notable New Construction and Remodeling Projects with which the Bureau was involved in various ways during the
past year (Plan Reviews, Construction/Progress Inspections, Acceptance Testing, Final Occupancy Inspections, etc.)
were as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lake Front Residences/Independent Senior Living Facility Attic sprinkler conversions to Anti-freeze systems
following a January 2013 pipe freeze/water damage incident
Northwestern – Grayslake’s 3-story Atrium and Medical Office Building Addition
FedEx Distribution Facility Building Expansion & Vehicle Maintenance Garage Construction
Renovations at 1 E. Belvidere (formerly Rockenbach Chevy) to Nordic Properties’ Corp. Offices
Relocation/expansion of Primetime Daycare at the Country Faire Plaza
Grayslake North High School - Locker/Weight Room Addition
OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
Continuing Education was also a high priority in 2013 for Bureau personnel who completed many hours of training.
Fire Inspectors Walker and Heyer both maintained licensed paramedic, firefighter, and fire investigator certifications
plus actively participated in the Northern Illinois Fire Inspectors’ Association along with the Fire Investigators’ Strike
Force Organization. Both also stayed current, monitored trends, progress, and significant developments in fire
prevention/life safety through various programs provided by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Illinois Fire
Inspectors’ Association, Automatic Fire Alarm Association, and Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.
Fire Inspector Walker completed NFPA’s, 4-day, Certified Fire Plan Examiner class along with the subsequent
Practicum Phase to earn the CFPE credential which he officially received in January 2014. He again served as
Training Committee Co-chair for the Northern Illinois Fire Inspectors’ Association and maintains his Certified Safety
Professional credential along with his memberships in the NFPA, International Fire Marshals’ Association Section,
National Fire Sprinkler Association, and International Code Council. Fire Inspector Walker also remains active on the
District’s Health & Safety Committee.
Fire Inspector Heyer received his Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I Certification from OSFM in March 2013,
actively participated on the Northern Illinois Public Education Team (N.I.P.E.T.) and continued to serve as the
Northern Illinois Liaison to the OSFM for its Senior Citizen Fire and Fall Prevention (“Remembering When”) Program.
He also maintains a National Fire Sprinkler Association membership.
During 2013, the Bureau was involved with numerous other activities which deserve mention as follows:
• Public Education as described elsewhere in this Annual Report
• Fire Investigations/JFIS as described elsewhere in this Annual Report
• Assisted with Plan Review/Inspection Fee billing, etc. including the collection of $7,456.40
• When needed, Bureau personnel supplemented Duty Crews by responding to emergency calls and
assisting on special detail projects. Fire Inspectors Walker and Heyer assisted crews on multiple
emergency responses (Fire Alarms, Fire Sprinkler Activations/Breaks, Possible Structure Fires, Water
Rescue, etc.) and other non-emergency responses throughout the year. Some particularly significant
events were:
o Assisted in monitoring of Prescribed Burns/Notices, follow up, etc. for private properties in the
Prairie Crossing Subdivision in conjunction with Prairie Crossing Homeowners’ Association and
Village of Grayslake requirements
o Assisted with Paramedic Standby for the Motocross Event during the Lake County Fair
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o
Assisted the Lake County Fairgrounds’ Director of Safety and Security with daily issues/concerns,
NIMS Briefings, etc. during the Fair plus other large events
•
KaBooM!/Discover/S.E.D.O.L.
Foundation/Gages Lake School
Playground Build Event – Along with
the Lake County Sheriff’s
Office/S.E.D.O.L. School Resource
Officer, Fire Inspector Walker
participated in weekly planning
meetings, Incident Action Planning,
a Safety Briefing for “Build Captains”
and an All-day Standby for the Event
involving approximately 500
participants
•
Numerous building-familiarization
tours were conducted for the Duty
Crews in new and remodeled buildings, for new or upgraded fire protection/alarm systems, etc
•
The Bureau spent hours witnessing Fire Drills at the District’s more than 20 Public and Private Schools plus
Day-care facilities in accordance with state requirements along with additional Fire/Evacuation Drills at the
Prairie Medical Building and Comfort Suites Hotel
•
Provided oversight of the District’s Alarm Contractor (Chicago Metropolitan Fire Prevention Co.) and its Fire
Alarm Transceiver network
•
Fire Inspector Walker assisted Chief Christian with his continued efforts in urging the Village of Grayslake to
update its Building and Fire Codes with regard to residential and other fire sprinkler requirements/
thresholds
•
Assisted with information gathering on various buildings as part of the District’s ongoing Pre-plan update
project
•
Assisted with replies to several GLFD Website inquiries throughout the year regarding fire prevention
codes/life safety issues
•
Researched & Responded to at least 15 separate F.O.I.A. Requests
•
Coordinated maintenance of various systems/equipment at all three Fire Stations plus rigs/vehicles
including: Annual Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections & maintenance; Knox “Keysecure” Unit orders for
vehicles; Post-use recharge of Portable Extinguishers; Annual Fire Sprinkler System Inspections; SemiAnnual Kitchen Hood/Duct System Inspections; Annual Backflow Preventer Inspections; etc
•
Coordinated with Grayslake High Schools on pre-notifications to the District regarding large events at H.S.
facilities
•
Developed then distributed several Firefighter Building/Safety Alerts to Officers/Members throughout the
year
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Fire Investigations / Juvenile Fire Setters Program
The Fire Department is required and authorized per the Fire Investigation ACT (425 ILCS 25) to promptly investigate
the cause, origin and circumstances of each fire occurring in the Fire Protection District involving loss of life or injury
to a person or destruction of property. The Department has trained individuals in the aspects of Fire/Arson
Investigation. These State-certified Fire Investigators must complete a continuous 4-year cycle/100 point renewal
process through the OSFM. Examples of some of the many Continuing Education training classes that our
investigators completed included those conducted through the monthly meetings of the Fire Investigators’ Strike
Force plus its Fall/Spring Seminars along with additional courses conducted through various other organizations. In
April, three of our Investigators participated in training fire “investigations” coordinated by Fire Inspector Walker as
part of other live fire training conducted at the “Burndown” House on Garfield Avenue. The current list of Fire
Investigators is as follows:
FF/PM Breuscher, FF/PM Frankson, FF/PM Henne, Fire Inspector Heyer, Lt. Ofsanik, Division Chief Pierre, Lt.
Ramel, Lt. Slazes, Fire Inspector Walker, FF/PM Willen
In the course of one minor house fire/smoke investigation, it was determined that the family dog (hungry for some
food left on the stove) actually had turned on a burner causing the food to overheat and fill the house with smoke.
Fortunately, properly working smoke detectors in the home alerted us humans and the incident was quickly mitigated
– See the “offender” and his “re-enactment” below…
During 2013, as reported elsewhere in this Annual
Report, the Department responded to more than 50
fire-related incidents (including 7 Building Fires, most
of which required full origin and cause investigations).
The decrease in fire-related incidents during 2013
versus 2012 appears directly related to the more than
30 grass/brush fires which occurred during the
extreme summer drought conditions of 2012.
The “Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Program”
provides assistance to children involved with the
inappropriate use of fire. This fire safety awareness
and prevention education program is provided for
juveniles and their parents/guardians. It also
includes a referral mechanism, when appropriate, to
counseling professionals. The Juvenile Firesetter
Intervention Specialist (JFIS) training is a 2-day
program along with ongoing on-the-job
training/supervision. Our current JFIS-trained
personnel are: FF/PM Chiappetta, FF/PM Demasi,
Fire Inspector Heyer, Lt. Slazes
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Years of Service
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Call Statistics
Incidents Totals by Year
Incidents Totals by Year
3700
2005
3556
2006
1%
7%
3529
2007
3636
3151
2008
2009
3235
3041
2010
2011
3671
3547
2012
2013
Incident Type Summary 2013
1%
10%
Fire
EMS
10%
Hazardous Conditions
Service Calls
68%
3%
Good Intent
False Alarm
Special Incident
2013 Emergency Incidents by Shift
Black Shift (1257)
Red Shift (1252)
32%
Gold Shift (1163)
34%
34%
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Honor Guard
The Grayslake Fire Department Honor Guard; founded in December 2008, consists of 9 members who
through training will be able to assist with funeral details, promotion and retirement ceremonies, posting of
colors for other fire department events as well as events in the community.
These members include David Torkilsen (Commander), Robert Danesi (Deputy Commander), Joris Lillge,
James Weidman, and Bob Chiappetta as founding members. The Grayslake Honor Guard for 2014 would
like to welcome; Ross Guerin, Gerry O’Sullivan, Mike Otterson, and Kevin Tracz to our ranks.
These members are practicing once a month on the 2nd Wednesday for one hour from 1900 to 2000.
Training will consist of the basics of facing movements, marching, use of flags and weapons, funeral
details as well as working on the department manuals for honor guard ceremonies and procedures.
The Grayslake honor guard is tasked by the fire chief to handle the deaths of department members, both
active and retired, as well as for support personnel to the fire district. The Grayslake Fire Department Honor
Guard will represent the Grayslake Fire Department at funerals for our fallen brothers and sisters in the fire
service at the direction of the fire chief.
The honor guard will maintain a state of readiness; through training, for department and community events
as instructed by the fire chief. The Grayslake Honor Guard is proud to post colors for the Lake County Farm
Bureau Annual Meeting.
Only those persons who are highly motivated and maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance and
conduct and show aptitude for ceremonial duty are considered for the honor guard. These members provide
honor to those who gave the ultimate sacrificed, without hesitation. To carry on the tradition set forth before
us, with dignity, pride, respect and professionalism. So one day, this tradition will be carried on for us!
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