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City of Waterbury Fire Department
Annual Report
2015 - 2016
David J. Martin
Fire Chief
Hon. Neil M. O’Leary
Mayor
Photo: Kevin Czarsty
A Message From the Fire Chief
Mayor O’Leary and Citizens of Waterbury,
Honorable Mayor O’Leary,
The Waterbury Fire Department respectfully submits this annual report for fiscal year 2016
Fiscal Year 2016 was a productive year for the Waterbury Fire Department. Funding secured in the pre-
vious fiscal year for new personal protective equipment (PPE), Hurst extrication equipment and SCBA
allowed the department to take delivery and place those items into service. Additional grant applica-
tions resulted in the department securing funding for washers and extractors for enhanced cleaning of
member’s PPE. Renovations began at Station 6 on Willow St. using CDBG funds. Unfortunately, this
year also saw the expiration of the SAFER grant, which proved to be a substantial benefit to both the
Fire Department and City budgets.
As has been the case over the last few years, the Department continued to make vacancy tracking and
reduction a major focus. Aside from time lost due to multiple members undergoing cancer treatment,
the Department realized further reduction in sick time usage. Time lost due to injury was also reduced
from last fiscal year. Enhanced data tracking programs were developed and implemented allowing for
more efficient monitoring of all types of leave.
A great deal of administrative time was dedicated to research, participation in negotiation, and arbitra-
tion of the collective bargaining agreement with the Fire Union.
Call volume was average as compared to previous years. Of note was the Bristol St. fire, which repre-
sented another example of a large abandoned mill property with unknown or questionable contamina-
tion. Due to the property’s size and many logistical issues, the fire became a long term incident which
lasted multiple days. Medical calls continued to represent the majority of call volume. The Department
enhanced its medical capabilities with the addition of Naloxone (Narcan), a lifesaving opioid antagonist.
The Fire Department has administered this drug to over 200 patients in the first year of use.
As the new fiscal year begins, the Waterbury Fire Department remains committed to providing the citi-
zens and visitors of the City Of Waterbury with the most efficient and highest quality service possible.
Efforts will continue to sustain savings achieved, and to explore new and innovative ways to further
enhance the Department’s operations.
Respectfully Submitted,
David J. Martin
Fire Chief City Of Waterbury
Bureau of Administrative Services
The Bureau of Administrative Services (BAS) is organized to provide policy development, per-sonnel management, logistics, planning and budgeting for the Waterbury Fire Department.
Staffing & Overtime
As always, the Department vigilantly monitored staffing and vacancy in FY 15-16. This task is imperative as Personal Services is the largest portion of the annual budget and vacancy is the biggest single driver of cost. Overtime during the fiscal year remained relatively consistent and comparable to the previous fiscal year. The Department did graduate a recruit academy which allowed for nine new recruits to fill attritional vacancies throughout the Department. Those recruits entered into service in late March of 2016.
Grants
The Bureau of Administrative Services is responsible for grant administration and project management functions. Funding awarded from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) pro-gram has had the greatest impact on operational effectiveness and community safety. Addi-tional grants have been received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the CT State Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
The Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Performance Grant was again awarded to the City of Waterbury to reimburse costs for Emergency Management work. The Department also began work on the interior renovation of Station 6 (Willow St.) from a Community Development Block Grant awarded in a previous FY.
An annual grant cycle for Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) includes application periods for the following areas: operations, training, and apparatus; fire prevention; and staffing. In the first two areas, the federal government provides 90% of the project funding. In the staffing program (SAFER), federal funding completely covers the base wages and benefit costs of newly hired firefighters for two years. In support of hiring veterans, the City was awarded an additional year of funding for firefighters hired under the initial SAFER grant who were vet-erans of the armed services. This additional year of grant funding concluded in March of 2016.
Since 2010, the Waterbury Fire Department has been fortunate to benefit from funding of over $7 million to implement projects in excess of $8 million: and over $10 million since 2001. A
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Year Grant Award
Project
Amount
2010 Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Distribution $97,000
2011 AFG: Turnout Gear for All Personnel $581,965
2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response $2,938,878
2013 AFG: Extrication Equipment and Training $101,626
2014 SAFER 3rd
Year Funding for Eight Veterans $777,616
2014 AFG: SCBA and SCBA Refilling Station $674,610
2015 AFG: Gear Washers and Dryers and Helmets 153,005
TOTAL $8,844,604
Major grant related accomplishments in FY 2015-16 include:
Received Reimbursement of $1,319,363.95 for the Wages & Benefits of 18 SAFER firefighters
Received AFG Reimbursement of $613,282 for SCBA and an SCBA Filling Station
Awarded EMW-2015-FH-00868, a $153,005 project including gear washers, dryers and helmets
Technology
During FY 15-16, the Department made several technology upgrades. A new computer automated dispatch software called NEXGEN was installed in early May 2016. This new software allows for more efficient collection and dissemination of 911 information.
Along with the NEXGEN software, the Department replaced its aging fleet of mobile data terminals (MDT) from Panasonic Toughbooks to a more user friendly Apple Ipad. Addition-ally, this change recognized a large savings. Toughbook replacement was estimated at ap-proximately $3500 per unit for the Department’s 14 units. The replacement Apple Ipads were procured at a price of only $880 per unit. The new NEXGEN IOS software has offered enhanced emergency information for responders while enroute to calls.
Because vacancy is the biggest driver of cost, the Department is ever vigilant in its attend-ance monitoring. To support this mission a computer program was developed by Depart-ment staff that allows for the monitoring of all the Department’s members attendance in real time. This program additionally allows officers to update member information in one central database.
Personnel
The BAS is organized to provide policy management and enforcement of the professional standards as required of all members of the Waterbury Fire Department. Such responsi-bilities include:
Enforcement of collective bargaining provisions OSHA and regulatory reporting, Medical monitoring of members Compliance with existing operating procedure and orders as set forth by the Chief of
Department Tracking of attendance Injury investigation and worker’s compensation claims
Ad
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Ser
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The Waterbury Fire Department continues its effort towards reducing workers compensation claims.
Our effort focuses on the practice of risk management, claim management and formal injury claim re-
view. Additional options utilized to better manage injury claims include maintaining consistent contact
with injured members, as well as establishing a sound partnership with the City’s Workers Compensa-
tion third party administrator. The WFD administration and membership maintain a dedicated commit-
ment to reducing injury.
Worker’s Compensation & Injury Data -Fiscal Year 2015-2016
2015—2016 Injuries Resulting in Lost Time:
Injuries that a member lost time and was placed immediately on light duty by their medical provider:
TOTAL LOST TIME INJURIES TOTAL HOURS LOST AVG. DAYS PER INJURY
23* 3321.6 6.5
TOTAL LIGHT-DUTY INJURIES TOTAL HOURS LOST AVG. DAYS PER INJURY
7 1770 10.82
FY 15-16 Total Injuries Reported = 60
*3 lost time injuries result of Bristol St. Mill fire / 4 injuries result of Engine 8 accident
INJURY TYPE #
Back 8
Abdominal 3
Irritation 3
Neck 2
Arm 2
Eye 1
Fracture 1
Shoulder 1
Knee 1
Exhaustion 1
TOTAL 22
INJURY TYPE #
Back 2
Shoulder 2
Knee 1
Hip 1
Sprain/Strain 1
TOTAL 7
The figures below represent a comparison of workers compensation hours for members placed off-duty
following an injury. These members were immediately placed off-duty or experienced time off-duty due to
their injury. The current administration has worked diligently to reduce these numbers since 2011. There
continues to be a gradual decline in off-duty hours as compared to the previous four years.
FY 13-14 FY 14-15 FY 15-16
4,225hrs. 3,330hrs. 2,970hrs.
During FY 16, the Waterbury Fire Department has begun to track three additional fields as related to inju-
ry statistics and injury claims. Claims Under Review are injuries/illness prompting the submission of a First
Report of Injury but have not yet been accepted by the City’s Workers Compensation Third Party Adminis-
trator. Languishing Injuries are injuries resulting in long term firefighter vacancies. Carry-Over/Old Claims
are injuries reported during a previous fiscal year, with the injured member receiving advanced or contin-
ued treatment for the injury, during the current fiscal year.
Claims Under Review Languishing Injuries Carry-Over / Old Claims
Total Claims: 7 Total Claims: 2 Total Hours: 3,912hrs. Total Claims: 6 Total Hours: 2,184hrs.
ALL WFD EMPLOYEES AUTHORIZED FOR LIGHT-DUTY ARE IMMEDIATELY PLACED BACK TO
WORK IN THAT CAPACITY AS A MATTER OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE. MEMBERS
CLEARED BY THEIR MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR LIGHT DUTY THAT DO -NOT REPORT ARE SUB-
JECT TO DISCIPLINE UNDER THIS POLICY.
THE WATERBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY PROVIDES LIGHT DUTY FOR MEMBERS OF
OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS AS WELL
Worker’s Compensation & Injury Data -Fiscal Year 2015-2016 (Continued)
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
FY 13-14 FY 14-15 FY 15-16
Targeted Safety Initiatives
The Department maintains targeted safety initiatives in an effort to promote safety and provide for a
safe work place. The following targeted safety initiatives were conducted during 2015-2016:
OSHA required medical evaluations for all firefighters
OSHA required medical surveillance for Haz-Mat Team members
Firefighter Health Screening offered for all firefighters
Additional vehicle exhaust system installed at Sta. 1
FIT-Testing for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus face-pieces conducted
Loss Control Management Initiatives For The Coming Fiscal Year
Our long standing belief is that “All Injuries and Accidents Are Preventable”. However, in the fire pro-
tection public safety arena, sometimes injuries occur simply because of the hostile conditions that
members may be thrust into. We will continue to put forth an effort towards reducing workers compen-
sation injury claims by promoting a healthy workforce as well as:
Working with PMA towards a solution to the troublesome areas of “Languishing and Carry-Over/Old
Injuries
Continuing to attend City Executive Safety Committee meetings to share in statistics, trends and rec-
ommendations
Review and update Standard Operating Procedures and Policies related to firefighter safety
Continue to promote department based and city-wide health and wellness initiatives
Incident Safety Officer
The Fire Department operates one Incident Safety Officer (ISO) at every structure fire that exceeds its
initial assignment by two additional engines. The officer is a rank officer, who is usually a Lieutenant or
above. The ISO reports directly to the incident commander with any perceived violations or concerns.
The Safety Officer is dedicated to the sole purpose of ensuring that safety compliance is met.
Bureau of Emergency Services
Fire
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As with any modern fire department, the core mission is to protect the public from fire. The Waterbury Fire Department accomplishes this mission using a team ap-proach that includes all facets of fire safety, fire prevention and fire suppression. to be addressed.
Regardless of size Fire Suppression is a required service for every community. Water-bury Firefighters engage in fire suppression each and every time a fire is ignited. Fire-fighting services are incredibly challenging and tremendously dangerous. The Water-bury Fire Department stands ready to deliver this service by maintaining a firefighting force that is well trained and exhibits bravery and professionalism each and every day.
The fire service has evolved since the first fire department was formally organized in this country. The tradition of protecting and maintaining the city’s tax base, through fire suppression is the responsibility of the Bureau of Emergency Services. Through the years, the modern fire service has reinvented itself to include other services that enhance public safety and quality of life.
The Waterbury Fire Department Proudly Provides These Additional Services:
Hazardous Material Incident Response
Technical Rescue Incident Response
Vehicle extrication
High-angle / Low-angle Rescue
Confined Space
Trench, Cold-Water
Emergency Medical Responder
The Waterbury Fire Department delivers its emergency services utilizing 7 Engine Companies, 3 Ladder Companies, 1 Rescue/Engine/Haz-Mat Company and 2 Chief Officers who serve as Incident Commanders. These fire suppression resources oper-ate from 9 fire stations located throughout the city. Each fire company operates within a primary response area. Fire stations are strategically located to ensure mini-mum response times.
The Waterbury Fire Department is a modern fire department that prides itself on be-ing a well trained workforce that stands ready to immediately respond, assist and aid the public in anyway. These services not only contribute to the safety of the public but also contribute to the stability of our city.
Incident Data
fiscal9/10
fiscal10/11
fiscal11/12
fiscal12/13
fiscal13/14
fiscal14/15
fiscal15/16
Series1 17550 17800 18110 17930 17948 17186 17899
5000
7000
9000
11000
13000
15000
17000
19000
21000
23000
25000
Incident Totals By Fiscal Year
# of Incidents
Saved 77%
Loss 23%
Loss Vs. Saved Property Value FY 15-16
$23,305,702
$7,103,708
Incident Counts By Type of Incident
Building & Structure Fire 747
EMS Assist 3859
EMS Basic Life Support 8106
Motor Vehicle Accident With Injuries 534
Pedestrian Struck by Motor Vehicle 52
Victim Rescue & Extrication 42
Rescue and Motor Vehicle Including Extri-cation 604
Hazardous Condition Investigation & Pro-tection 444
Chemical Spill or Leak 6
Oil or Combustible Liquid Spill 50
Carbon Monoxide 89
Gas Leak 86
Animal Rescue 5
Service Calls 1043
Good Intent (No emergency found) 990
False Alarm 1217
Severe Weather & Natural Disaster As-sessment 1
911 Citizen Complaint 6
Overpressure Rupture or Explosion (no fire) 11
Biological Hazard Investigation 1
Bomb Scare 6
Total Incidents 17899
78% of all WFD responses are less than 5 minutes!
Code 3 = Lights & Sirens Response
Code 1 = Normal Travel Response
8%
23%
25%
19%
11%
6%
4%
2% 1% 1% 0%
Code 3 Response Time Analysis
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Minutes
7%
11%
19%
18%
16%
11%
7%
5%
3% 2% 1%
Code 1 Response Time Analysis
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Minutes
Bureau of Emergency Services
Emer
gen
cy M
edic
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ces
The Waterbury Fire Department is the primary area first responder for emergency medical
assistance. The Department is responsible for the deployment of first responder services at
the Connecticut Department of Public Health licensed Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
level.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) continues to be a primary response type for the Depart-
ment. Companies are organized to deploy from one of nine locations throughout the City
making EMS response times on average less than 5 minutes 78% of the time. This is com-
pared to a national recommended average of 8 minutes. (Source NFPA 1710)
In FY 14-15 the Department trained its members and began deploying Naloxone (Narcan) at
the first responder level. To date this program has been one of the most successful programs
in saving lives that the Department has ever launched. As of the end of the fiscal year the
Department has effectively reversed the effects of deadly opioid overdose in 201 patients
that would have likely died.
The Department’s program was highlighted with a special visit from Senator Chris Murphy.
Sen. Murphy visited with members of Engine 2 and Truck 3 located to discuss their experi-
ences using Narcan in the field and the patients they have treated from this ever-growing
epidemic.
Mayor Neil O’leary has developed an Opioid Task Force for the City of Waterbury with the
Fire Chief serving as one of its members.
During FY 15-16 Dr. Peter Jacoby, the Department’s Emergency Medical Services Program
Medical Director rode with members of Engine Company 2. Dr. Jacoby was given a first hand
look at the street level issues facing Waterbury Fire Department members as they respond-
ed to medical emergencies and provided care to patients.
Bureau of Instruction & Training
The Bureau of Instruction and Training (BIT) is responsible for a wide range of duties including: adminis-
tering department-wide training; promulgating directional materials; managing the department’s haz-
ardous atmosphere monitoring capability; coordinating the selection, care and repair of turnout gear;
respirator fit-testing; maintaining training assets; distributing a list of hazardous buildings for first re-
sponders; and providing Incident Safety Officer coverage.
A Battalion Chief and two officers are assigned to the BIT. To ensure the readiness and safety of depart-
ment personnel, this staff must maintain training programs, monitor department needs, stay abreast of
instructional and fire service developments, and create and implement new programs.
Training
The BIT employs several instructional methods to ensure that personnel are well-prepared to succeed in
their positions. The basis for this effort is a Biennial Training Schedule that meets Conn-OSHA require-
ments for minimum training for the Fire Service (OSHA 1910). The training schedule includes training in
Firefighting, EMS, Hazardous Materials and Rescue Operations. Instruction is delivered via computer-
based applications, exercises and drills, worksheets, and instructor-led classes. The department benefits
from having numerous instructors within its ranks to supplement the BIT staff. Additional training is
provided by contracting third party educators. In addition to in-company training, firefighters logged
over 5,362 hours of additional training.
The foundation for firefighter training is recruit school. Commencing in January 2016, the BIT conducted
a thirteen week recruit program that included certification to Firefighter 1 & 2, Hazardous Materials
Awareness and Operational, Emergency Medical Responder, and Incident Command/NIMS 100, 200,
and 700. Training was conducted at the Wolcott State Regional Fire School utilizing BIT staff and 21 in-
structors drawn from within the department. Nine recruit candidates successfully completed the pro-
gram with an impressive 92% class average on a recently introduced state firefighter test that had and
continues to require extensive retesting in other recruit programs. The recruit program saved the de-
partment over $45,000 in training costs compared to the expense of utilizing the Connecticut Fire Acad-
emy.
Computer-based Quarterly Training facilitates the efficient delivery and recordkeeping of mandated
training to all personnel. Activities are available to be completed on workstations located at each fire
station when personnel are not committed to other duties. Concepts presented via computer-based
method are reinforced and evaluated in drills and exercises. During the last fiscal year, the following
topics were covered through this program:
Water Supply
Fire Suppression
Vehicle Extrication
Fire Prevention and Cause Investigation
On Scene Firefighter Rehabilitation
Building Construction and Fire Suppression Systems
Forcible Entry
Personal Protective Equipment and SCBA
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Exercises and drills most effectively ensure that critical skills are practiced and mastered thus improving the safety and quality of
operations. During fiscal year 2015-16, the BIT collaborated with community partners to conduct exercises and drills addressing a
simulated ammonia leak at a storage warehouse and a Liquefied Natural Gas trucking incident. These activities involved a review of
the concepts while working through an emergency scenario. The BIT provided research, scenario development, scenario execution,
and logistical and safety support to these programs.
When required specialized training necessitates knowledge and resources beyond the department’s capabilities, third party educa-
tors are contracted to provide need specific training. In FY2015-16, the BIT assisted in the coordination and logistical support of the
following training classes conducted by external training entities:
Fire Officer 1 — 6 officers
Hazardous Materials Technician Refresher— 28 members LNG Emergencies attended— 3 officers
Additionally, the BIT coordinated the scheduling of personnel for annual medical examinations and tours of the new dispatch facili-
ty
Directional Materials Developed
Safety Bulletin 15-3: Air Emergencies During Scott SCBA Evaluation
Safety Bulletin 15-4: Air Emergencies During MSA SCBA Evaluation
Safety Bulletin 15-5: On Scene Decon Wipes
Safety Bulletin 16-1: Darling Hydrant Hose Nozzle Recall
Safety Bulletin 16-2: Early Failure of FRP Columns
Hazardous Atmosphere Monitoring
The department’s capability to monitor for hazardous atmospheres (combustible gas, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxy-
gen enriched or deficient conditions) requires a rigorous on-going service program. The BIT coordinates the selection, acquisition,
and maintenance of the department’s operational level atmospheric monitoring assets. The inventory of 18 multi-hazard detectors
is bump tested weekly by personnel serving in the company to which each device is assigned. The detectors are calibrated monthly
in a computer assisted process that maintains records of all detector usage and sensor performance. Routine maintenance includ-
ing sensor and battery replacement is performed by bureau staff.
Turnout Gear
Having assisted in the selection and purchase of new turnout gear for all firefighters in FY 2013-14, the BIT coordinated the mainte-
nance of turnout gear by developing relevant procedures, providing logistical support of laundering resources, and arranging for
repair by certified third party vendors.
Topic Presented Date Firefighter Contact Hours
EMR Recertification March 2016 1128
Pump Operator September 2016 400
Emergency Vehicle Operator December 2016 416
Rescue Operations During Pipe Jacking Ops August 2015 100
TOTAL 2044
ADDITIONAL TRAINING HOURS FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Respirator Fit-Testing
To maximize the respiratory protection provided, individual SCBA facepieces are fit-tested and issued to each firefighter. The BIT
uses a computer-aided fit-test to quantitatively evaluate the fit of each SCBA mask. A proper fit is essential to ensure firefighters
have the full protective capability and working time of the equipment protecting their respiratory system when they enter harm’s
way. The BIT also issues replacement SCBA masks when assigned facepieces are damaged. All records are maintained within a data-
base.
Training Assets
To train firefighters and maintain their mastery of essential knowledge and skills, the Bureau employs a diverse portfolio of training
assets. Principal among these are a three-story residential building, a live burn training simulator, and a computerized driving simu-
lator. These resources afford opportunities to provide readily reproducible training scenarios for all personnel in an efficient, safe
manner. The maintenance of training assets is coordinated by the BIT in collaboration with the Bureau of Automotive Maintenance
and Service and the Department of Public Works.
Hazardous Buildings List
Through the maintenance and issuance of a hazardous building list, the BIT raises responder awareness to dangerous conditions
noted at various sites within the city. Over 110 hazardous buildings are enumerated on the list. Entries are compiled from several
sources including firefighters, building officials, and the Blight Task Force. In addition to providing the list to all fire companies, the
BIT forwards submissions to the Waterbury Emergency Communications Center for entry into the Computer Aided Dispatch sys-
tem. In this way, the information appears on screen when responders are dispatched to any address on the list.
Incident Safety Officer
The role of the Incident Safety Officer is to function at incidents as an independent observer of operations and conditions able to
halt actions to ensure the safety of responders and the public. The staff of the BIT provides this service during business hours and
on an on-call basis after hours. Incident Safety Officers are required to respond to Level One Hazardous Materials calls and fires
requiring more than two fire companies beyond those initially dispatched. Incident Commanders may summon a Safety Officer to
any call. In addition to addressing hazards arising from operations and evolving conditions, Safety Officers collaborate with the
Command Staff to effectively and efficiently resolve emergency situations.
Bureau of Automotive Maintenance & Service
The Bureau of Automotive Maintenance and Service (BAMS) is organized to provide repair and service
for all Department apparatus, vehicles, small engine, rescue and firefighting equipment. The Bureau
serves during active fires and emergencies, as a logistics component for the delivery of air (SCBA) and
fuel. Among many other collateral duties, the BAMS also serves as a central point for the deployment of
oxygen and medical supplies to companies providing emergency medical first responder services.
Apparatus & Vehicles
The BAMS maintains, services, and repairs the Department’s thirteen front line apparatus. To maintain
24 – 7 coverage of services, the BAMS utilizes three spare engines and one spare ladder truck. The BAMS
also maintains a fleet of 20 vehicles used in various bureau and response operations. In FY 2016 the age,
use, and frequent break down of apparatus and vehicles was a main driver in cost to the Department
operating budget. Additionally the BAMS was forced to retire a a spare engine due to unsafe conditions
which were cost prohibitive to repair.
Small Engine Equipment & Repair
The BAMS has instituted a small engine repair matrix to service and maintain the Department’s 60 plus
small engine rescue and maintenance devices. The small engine repair schedule currently services all fire
companies equipped with chain saws, cutters edge saws, K-12 saws, power-mate hydraulic pumps, gen-
erators, and gasoline powered positive pressure ventilation fans.
Hydraulic Rescue Equipment
Each of the three ladder truck companies and the rescue unit employ hydraulic rescue equipment (also
referred to as the “Jaws of Life”). This equipment is used for rescue operations in which cutting, spread-
ing and/or moving metal is essential to free entrapped victims. Each one of these units service is annual-
ly overseen by the BAMS as recommended by NFPA 1936. Through the use of a Assistance to Firefighters
Grant, new hydraulic rescue equipment was purchased and placed into service on Rescue Engine 1 and
Trucks 1, 2 & 3.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
The BAMS currently employs a “clean room” within the East Aurora St. location in which the SCBA fire-
fighter’s wear into hazardous environments are serviced. In FY 15-16 the Department received an addi-
tional Assistance to Firefighters Grant that allowed for the purchase of 75 new Scott 5.5x3 Airpaks, 6
new Rapid Intervention SCBA kits, 16 voice amplifier face pieces, and 201 regular face pieces. This new
equipment should render a significant reduction in services that will be needed in the next year by the
Bureaus in-house technicians.
Central Deployment of EMS and Firefighting Equipment
Because of the valuable and proprietary nature of EMS and Firefighting equipment, it is stored under
security at the BAMS. On duty companies can access equipment replacement and or repair from the
BAMS during normal working hours. Items include all hand tools, power tools, ladder equipment, hose,
dewatering equipment, and hose appliances. In addition, the BAMS maintains the Department’s supply
of both medical oxygen and first responder supplies including electronic medical monitoring devices and
automated external defibrillator supplies.
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Annual Testing & Service
In the FY 2015-2016 the Bureau conducted annual testing on the following :
· Yearly ground ladder testing was completed and 2 ladders were placed out of service and deemed not repairable. Both ladders where replaced.
· Yearly hose testing was performed by the engine companies and failed approximately 20 percent of the department’s hose. Most of the hose that failed nearly 20 years old. All failed hose was replaced.
· All extrication equipment was tested by the manufacturer’s dealer. Only one power unit was deemed unserviceable and was placed out of service and replaced with a spare power unit from stock.
· Seven pump tests were performed and all passed. · Aerial testing was also done over the course of the yea, only small issues were found and those items were repaired. Re-
inspection of listed items was done and all passed. · All S.C.B.A. packs were flow tested. Any adjustments needed to pass were performed by the Department’s in house tech-
nician. All current units are compliant. · All apparatus had D.O.T. inspections, and received major services twice throughout the year. Many small repairs were
done, including items such as lights, gauges, door stops etc. The Bureau has also started to do more major repairs in-house, thereby eliminating the need for third party vendors resulting in reduced cost and down time. A change in shop management has allowed for training the current mechanics in pump and aerial repairs. Many of the suspension repairs were done in-house due to a second set of lifts . An average of approximately 3800hrs of operation was performed. Of those hours -836hrs (22%) were spent on service and the remaining 2964hrs(78%) were spent on repair.
Shop Equipment
Three existing truck lifts were serviced and inspected. Both rotary truck lifts, car lifts passed. The outdated Sefac lifts did not pass.
These were placed out of service and deemed unrepairable due to their age, lack of parts availability, and not meeting today’s
safety standards. The lifts were replaced with a six post rotary style lift that meet all current OSHA standards. The Bureau now has
the capability to work on two ladder trucks simultaneously. The Bureau’s air compressor was also replaced. The new compressor is
an Ingersoll –Rand rotary screw type compressor that produces enough volume of air that there is no down time waiting for refill.
Fire Equipment
In FY 2015-2016 the department put in service new Hurst extrication tools capable of cutting the steel found in modern vehicles .
The old equipment was not able to effectively cut many of the new vehicles that have been placed on the road in the past few
years making extrication time prolonged at scenes. Due to its age and service use, the older equipment experienced more down
time and more frequent repairs.
Radio and MDTs
The department installed new radio equipment in all vehicles. The City moved to a new radio vendor better qualified at installing
the products and providing services that meet the needs of the Fire Department. The Bureau also installed new MDTs and mounts
in all front line vehicles; which has improved the gps capabilities of tracking apparatus and the mapping of the city.
Replenishment of Stock
In Fiscal Year 2015-2016 the department’s stock of parts was thoroughly reviewed. Mechanics removed all stock that was no long-
er compatible with our current fleet and equipment. The department started to stock more suspension, engine, pump, and aerial
parts. Unfortunately, due to fiscal constraints the department was not able to completely stock all parts needed to help cut
“downtime” which reduces the delay between ordering and receiving parts. The Bureau hopes to solve this problem in the up-
coming fiscal year. Due to the fact that most apparatus parts cannot be found on local parts shelves, the stocking of parts will
greatly improve the repairs being done in a timely fashion.
Bureau Management Restructure
The department restructured the management of the Bureau of Automotive Maintenance and Service. The former Battalion Chief
concept was modified and a new fleet supervisor position was created. The new Fleet Supervisor possesses the following qualifica-
tions:
EVT Master Level 1,2 and 3
Qualified brake certification
Qualified 49 CFR certification (D.O.T.)
Hale and Waterous pump certification
Aerial certification
FMCSA inspection training
ASE Master Truck cert
EVT Level 1 Supervisor
The Fleet Supervisor can now provide guidance and oversight to staff mechanics. This restructuring enhances the opportunity for in
-house training and mentoring thereby expanding the scope of services of the Bureau and reducing the cost associated with out-
side vendors. The Bureau continues to explore more opportunities for professional development of staff mechanics to help im-
prove their understanding of the apparatus and associated equipment.
ASSETS UNDER PERVIEW OF THE B.A.M.S.
FIRE APPRATUS
Eng. 1 2007 Pierce Arrow XT Pumper
Eng. 2 2007 Pierce Arrow XT Pumper
Eng. 4 1999 Seagrave TB50DA Pumper
Eng. 5 2006 Seagrave TB70DA Pumper
Eng. 6 2012 Spartan/GK Metro Star Pumper
Eng. 7 2002 Seagrave JB50DA Pumper
Eng. 8 2014 Spartan/GK Metro Star Pumper
Eng. 11 2009 Spartan/GK Gladiator Pumper
Eng. 14 1992 KME Renegade Pumper
Eng. 15 1997 Seagrave JB50DA Pumper
Eng. 18 1997 Seagrave JB50DA Pumper
Truck 1 2008 Seagrave TP05KK 100 FT. ladder
Truck 2 2005 American Lafrance P45-93 platform
Truck 3 2008 Seagrave TP055KK 100FT. ladder
Truck 4 2004 Seagrave Concord 100FT. ladder
Truck 6 1990 E-One Hurricane 100FT. ladder
Rescue 9 2010 Spartan/GK Gladiator Rescue
Hazmat 2000 Freightliner FL106 hazmat
Primemover 2005 Freightliner/Pierce M2106
Command Vehicles
Car 5 2015 Chevy Silverado1500 SSV
Batt. 2 2015 Chevy Silevrado1500 SSV
Car55 2009 Chevy Tahoe
Staff and Bureau vehicles
Car 1 2016 Chevy Tahoe (Chief)
Car 3 2010 Chevy Tahoe (Assistant Chief)
Car 4 2007 Chevy Tahoe (Fire Marshal)
Car 6 2006 Chevy Tahoe (Safety/Training officer)
Car 7 2007 Chevy Tahoe (Fleet Supervisor)
Car 8 2000 Chevy Impala (Wecc Supervisor)
Car 9 2016 Chevy Traverse (Administrative officer)
Car 11 2007 Chevy Malibu Chiefs Aide)
Car 42 2007 Chevy Tahoe (Deputy Marshal)
Car 43 2016 Chevy Impala (Deputy Marshal)
Car 61 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 (Training Dept.)
Car 71 2003 Ford F-350 (fleet on call)
Car 72 2008 Chevy 4500 (BAMS)
Car 411 2006 Ford Taurus (Fire Inspector)
Car 412 2007 Chevy Malibu (Fire Inspector)
Car 421 2006 Ford Crown Vic (Fire Inspector)
Car 422 2009 Chevy Malibu (Fire Inspector)
Car 431 2003 Ford Crown Vic (Fire Inspector)
Car 432 2006 Ford Taurus (Fire Inspector)
F-550 2007 Ford Utility (REg. 5 Hazmat)
Mobile Assets
Trailer 2006 Decon MDT228
Trailer 2006 Hazmat 8524TA3RSX
Trailer 2013 Hazmat N/A
Trailer 2011 Driver sim. TA70
Trailer 2012 light tower 0520MXL06
Trailer 2007 Fire Safety SA-35FRB
Trailer 2010 Live Burn 10046
Trailer 2003 Mobile foam ATF-500
Emergency Communications Center
The Waterbury Emergency Communications Center (WECC) is a state of the art facility which provides communication support to the Fire Department. Its members utilize the latest technology and equip-ment, such as a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, digital radio system, and Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) to communicate with, track, and monitor personnel on the road or at the scene of an emergency. The WECC is also the initial and vital link between the public and first responders. The center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is responsible for receiving and processing 911 and other calls for service in a timely, professional, and courteous manner. Its dispatchers are highly trained individuals, certified by the State of Connecticut as Emergency Telecommunicators. Dispatchers are also certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, which enables them to provide lifesaving instructions to callers before emergency personnel arrive. OPERATIONS Firefighters respond to calls for service from nine fire stations strategically located throughout the city. During the past fiscal year, the WECC dispatched fire personnel to 17,899 incidents, including structure fires, vehicle extrications, emergency medical calls, rescue, and hazardous materials incidents. Overall, the WECC answered 73,506 emergency 911 calls as well as handling over 227,758 non-emergency calls for the combined between the Police and Fire Departments. Since taking over first responder duties in 2009, call volume has more than tripled for the Fire Depart-ment. Even with the increased workload, the citizens of Waterbury have truly benefited from the en-hanced level of service provided. Dispatch times average just less than 2 minutes and response times for medical emergencies average around 4 minutes, well below the industry standard STAFFING The Waterbury Fire Department staffs the WECC with nine (9) uniformed personnel: four (4) firefighter/dispatchers, four (4) dispatcher/supervisors, and one (1) Battalion Chief. The minimum staffing on each shift is one (1) firefighter/dispatcher and one (1) dispatcher/supervisor. TRAINING WECC personnel must be certified by the State of Connecticut as emergency telecommunicators. Initial training consists of a 40 hour class followed by a written certification exam. Personnel stay current through case review with supervisors, annual refresher training, and attending seminars. Dispatchers also must be certified in emergency medical dispatch, as outlined in the Connecticut General Statutes and are encouraged to acquire Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) to remain proficient in their craft. Recertification which is good for 2 years, can be obtained via online testing. OBJECTIVES AND GOALS In FY 2016 the department replaced its fleet of portable and mobile radios with new state of the art EF Johnson Viking VP600 Radios. The new radios are programmed with fireground safety features such as audible and visual “out of range” alert tones, over the air (OTA) updates to the software, and automati-cally locking radio controls to prevent loss of communications from an accidental button press. The department has also changed to a new computer aided dispatch (CAD) program called NEXGEN. This state of the art program has all of the modern mapping, preprogrammed alerts, and the city GIS infor-mation built into it to help companies respond quickly to all locations of the city. In conjunction with the new CAD program the department also replaced its older outdated laptop Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s) in all of the front line apparatus and Chief Officer vehicles. These were replaced with new Apple IPAD-PRO with the NexResponder program. The IPAD’s are the newest state of the art devices to help responders communicate with the WECC and have dispatch information delivered quickly to the appa-ratus in quarters or on the road. Modern mapping programs now also incorporate the city GIS fire hy-drant locations and water main data. The WECC is in the final phase of transferring dispatch services over to a new location and outside ven-dor, Northwest Connecticut Public Safety. The move is projected to save the city 1.3 million dollars over the life of the contract period while reducing overall liability to the City. In addition, both Police and Fire Departments will be able to reassign the trained Firefighters and Police Officers back on the street.
Fire
Pre
ven
tio
n
Bureau of Fire Prevention
The Bureau of Fire Prevention is the enforcement arm of the Waterbury Fire Department. The office is
present to enforce codes and standards intended to reduce the incidence of fire, explosion, and me-
chanical failure resulting in harm, loss of life, and damage to property within the City Of Waterbury.
Convergent with this mission is the investigation of all fire, explosion, the life-safety education of citi-
zens, and continued training of certified Fire Inspectors assigned to the Bureau. Statutory authority to
act as the authority having jurisdiction is granted under Chapter 541,Section 29-291 of the Connecticut
General Statutes.
The BFP is currently staffed with: 1 Fire Marshal, 2 Deputy Fire Marshals, and 6 Fire Inspectors. Clerical
support is provided by two Administrative Support Specialists. There are approximately 11,000 occu-
pancies eligible for inspection under the purview of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
During FY 15—16 all members attended continuing education, a requirement for all certified members.
To serve as a Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, or Fire Inspector one must be certified by the State Fire
Marshal and the Codes and Standards Committee. Certification is accomplished through the completion
of the pre-certification class conducted by the Office of Education and Data Management. This course
consists of three modules which cover: fire investigation, code enforcement, and hazardous materials.
In addition to the successful completion of this requirement, certified individuals are mandated to per-
form 90 credit hours of continuing code, fire, and hazardous material education during a three year cy-
cle.
The City Of Waterbury remains a challenging atmosphere for anyone charged with enforcement of the
Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, as Waterbury offers opportunity to exercise every aspect of the
code. It is the duty of each sworn member of the Bureau of Fire Prevention to pursue compliance to-
wards the goal of a community free from danger of fire, explosion, and mechanical failure.
This year the BFP data has been reformatted to reflect the central permitting process that the City im-
plemented in past years for other inspection based departments. All inspections and fee based services
are now entered into the Cityview program. The advantage to this system is it allows for better work
process flow and streamlined permitting for those who wish to do business, industry, or construction in
the City of Waterbury.
Of note in the BFP activity, is that building still remains consistently high from recession era rates, indi-
cating growth in both construction and possibly the City grand list. Code cases rose by 70 in FY16. De-
spite more active code cases and investigations into violations, the Bureau was still able to complete an
additional 27 complaint inspections and an additional 59 fire investigations.
Emer
gen
cy C
om
mu
nic
atio
ns
Cen
ter
* Does not include re-inspection efforts.
** Inspections conducted during fiscal year.
*** Includes plan review, site inspection, installation inspection.
+ Not included in the annual data, is the number of telephone calls and walk-ins received by the BFP seeking assistance
which do not engage the inspection process or generate a code case, but require research and the attention and time of
personnel nonetheless.
404 Building Plans submitted for review
136 Construction permits issued
62 Certificates of Occupancy issued
387 Complaints/Inspections conducted*
384 Active Code Cases
224 Business Inspections**
28 Blasting Permits issued
60 Blast site inspections (routine/complaint)
214 Fire Investigations
63 Flammable/Combustible Liquid Tank Installations***
33 Flammable/Combustible Liquid Tank Removals***
6 Tent Inspections
2 Firework/Pyrotechnic Display Permits and Inspections
46 Pub Ed presentations.
4 Firehawk Interventions conducted
6 Child Car Safety Seats installed
983 Smoke Detectors issued
BFP ACTIVITY FY 15-16
Emergency Management & Homeland Security
The Fire Department is charged with running the City’s Office of Emergency Management. This
responsibility entails the preparation, planning, response and recovery to natural and man-
made disasters in the City of Waterbury. Additionally, the Department participates in several
CT Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security initiatives.
Emergency Operations Center
Fortunately, the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) saw very few activations over the
course of FY 15-16. The City’s EOC is poised and ready at all times to be available at a mo-
ments notice to become the command hub for the running of emergency response efforts in
times of disaster or crisis. A full activation of the EOC was made during Governor Malloy’s an-
nual Emergency Planning and Preparedness Initiative (EPPI) held in August of 2015. The City
played a major role in testing the abilities of responders in the event that a crisis hit any child
care center.
Mitigation, Preparation, Response, & Recovery
The City’s Office of Emergency Management is the lead for planning and preparation for large
scale events such as hurricanes, winter storms, power outages, health epidemics, and mass
shootings. In FY 15-16 a revision of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan was completed and
approved by the State of Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Se-
curity. This very robust plan accounts for an all-hazards approach for the management of dis-
asters and emergencies that could occur in Waterbury. This update also included revisions to
the School Safety and Security Plan which is mandated under PA-13-3 An Act Concerning Gun
Violence and Child Safety.
Training & Drills
The Office of Emergency Management continues to assist a number of business and industries
throughout the City. Most notably, the office assisted a number of health care agencies includ-
ing both City hospitals, dialysis centers, and psychiatric service centers in building and testing
their emergency operations plans. This allowed for the compliance with both State of CT De-
partment of Public Health regulation and the Joint Accreditation Commission on Healthcare
Organizations (JACHO).
The bulk of Emergency Management duties during FY 15-16 were concentrated on the part-
nership with the Department of Education. Along with the School Safety and Security coordi-
nator, Fire Emergency Management, and Waterbury Police, the team conducted over 70 lock-
down drills and 35 shelter in place drills for every Waterbury public school.
School Safety & Security Program
The Waterbury School Security & Safety Program has become such a success that both the
City’s Emergency Management Director and the School Safety and Security Coordinator were
chosen by the Deputy Commissioner of the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public
Protection to be featured panel speakers at the Emergency Management Symposium hosted
by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. The panel featured Waterbury and four oth-
er Cities that were chosen as examples for best practices and models for their excellence in
school security and safety programs. Waterbury continues to be recognized as the statewide
gold standard for public protection of students, teachers and staff for both public and paro-
chial schools .
