Spring/Summer/Fall 2009 (April—November) ISSUE #54

Thank You, to 2-4

Congratulations, to 5-7

Administration Div. 8-10

Operations Div. 11-12

EMS Section 13-14

Community Volunteers 15-16

Inside this issue:

Although there is

no progress without change, not all

change is progress.

THE

I am happy to mark the closing of this calendar year during the season of thanksgiving, benevolence and good will. I am thankful our department will continue to progress without the loss of any more positions for the 2010 budget year. Through the hard work and commitment of our employees, we were able to continue to meet new initiatives while maintaining a high level of administrative and emer-gency services for our citizens. The empathy and concern you have shown toward our community members has been displayed in the many letters I received on your behalf, praising your job performance. For many members of our community 2009 has been a rough year and your participation in our community dinners, our food drive, and our Toys for Tots initiative helped to ease some of their pain. My holiday wishes are that 2010 begins with cordial relations and cooperative spirits as we mark the successful completion of our negotiations in December. With our recent spate of retirements, we have many new department members and we will be continuing our training theme of “returning to the firefighting ba-sics” to ensure their safety, the safety of their more seasoned peers, and, as always, the protection of our citizens. I am thankful for everything we have received and completed in 2009 and look forward to a fresh and energizing 2010. I wish each of you a happy holiday sea-son and a great new year. Stay safe!

CHIEF’S CORNER

Editor: Diane Parker, Secretary

Charles R. Bogle Fire Chief

Thank You To...

SERVICE DOESN’T COME FROM A MANUAL—IT COMES FROM THE HEART

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones Driver Operator/Paramedic Scott Einkopf

Firefighter/Paramedic Lisa Caron from resident

for the thorough way which you responded to a potential hazardous materials incident

at his home

Senior Fire Inspector Justin Chase Fire Inspector Mark Whorton

from Loyd Contracting Company for your help to ensure the construction process

ran smoothly during the construction of Benton House

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Rodney Perry Driver Operator/Paramedic Chad Lindquist

Firefighter/Paramedic Bobby Crocker from Krista Colquhoun for your outstanding and

exceptional service when you were called to meet emergency medical needs of her father

Operations Chief Mike Woodward Administration Chief Scott Gaenicke Fire/EMT/Training Chief Bob Allard Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship Fire Lieutenant/EMT Dave Williams

Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski Driver Operator/Paramedic Jeff Harris Driver Operator/EMT John McIntyre

Firefighter/EMT Don Pierce Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Hall

Firefighter/EMT Brian Hahn Logistics Specialist Frank Canada

Public Life Safety Specialist Reggie Belle Administrative Secretary Kathy Mosley

Secretary Diane Parker Office Assistant II LaWanda Park Fire Volunteer Catherine Simkins

Dev. Technician Brenda McGovern from Fire Chief Chuck Bogle

for contributing your time and energy to serve 139 dinners at the

Harry T. Moore Social Services Center in April

Serving

Cleaning

Caring

Preparing

Cooking

Special Thanks to

Lynn Cody, cake

maker, and Jayden

Woodward, server

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones Fire Lieutenant/EMT Bill Feagan

DO/Paramedic David Higginbotham DO/Paramedic Tiffany Callahan

Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Hall Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Johnson

Firefighter/EMT Don Pierce from Dispatcher April Waller

for providing such an informative, fun, and enjoyable, Fire Service Communications Class

Operations Chief Mike Woodward Administration Chief Scott Gaenicke Fire/EMT/Training Chief Bob Allard Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship Fire Lieutenant/EMT Mike Chiles

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Roland Carpentier Fire Lieutenant/EMT Brian Litterillla

Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski Fire Lieutenant/EMT Frank Neeld

DO/Paramedic Randy Moore DO/Paramedic Jeremy House

DO/Paramedic Jeff Harris DO/Paramedic Brook Smith

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Hall

Firefighter/EMT Brian Hahn Firefighter/EMT Lucas Senger

Firefighter/EMT John Hustoles from the MacInnis Family

for your hard work in fighting a lightning strike fire in their townhouse

Firefighter/Paramedic Gregory Sutton from CPR class member

William Rotella for your professionalism, integrity, and

attention to detail

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Brian Litterilla Driver Operator/Paramedic Brook Smith

Firefighter/EMT John Hustoles from Marcucci Family

for your quick response and caring actions in treating them after their vehicle accident

Fire/EMS/Training Chief Robert Allard from Astronaut High School’s

Health Science Director Sandy Chamberlain and Coordinator Lisa Schuler thanking you

for your supervision of the internship of EMT student Samantha Padilla and the development and

maintenance of their emergency health program Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Bridget Kozielski

Driver Operator/Paramedic Jeff Harris Firefighter/EMT Brian Hahn

from Chief of Operations Mike Woodward

for your superior efforts in not giving up while in extreme and dangerous conditions

of lighting, torrential rain, and 50 m.p.h. wind gusts

Titusville Fire & Emergency Services from Fire Chief Fran Murphy of the

City of Cocoa Fire Department for your coverage of our City of Cocoa while our firefighters attended a funeral

Firefighter/EMT Bobby Crocker from Lieutenant Bill Feagan

for your quick action in stopping while off-duty to assist citizens injured in a vehicle accident

Administration Chief Scott Gaenicke Driver Operator/Paramedic Brook Smith Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy

from Madison Middle School for a job well done regarding your contribution

and participation in their annual Career Day/Reality Fair

Public Life Safety Specialist Reggie Belle from Mrs. Kirk of Sculptor Charter School

for your efforts in teaching life safety and injury prevention skills

to the children in their Family Fit Fest 2009

Thank You To...

SERVICE DOESN’T COME FROM A MANUAL—IT COMES FROM THE HEART

Secretary Diane Parker from Fire Chief Chuck Bogle

for your reorganization of the vault area making it orderly, spacious, and easier to find files

Thank You To...

SERVICE DOESN’T COME FROM A MANUAL—IT COMES FROM THE HEART

Operations Chief Mike Woodward Administration Chief Scott Gaenicke Battalion Chief Daryle Blankenship

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Rusty Carpentier Driver Operator/Paramedic Brian Strong

Secretary Diane Parker Office Assistant II LaWanda Park

Office Assistant Ruth Miller Development Technician Brenda McGovern

from Fire Chief Chuck Bogle for giving of your time to serve the Citizens of Titusville

at the Community Dinner on November 19th

Fire Lieutenant Gerald Ford Driver Operator/EMT Wally Kohler

Firefighter/Paramedic David Neeld from John and Regina Messina for your

assistance in getting him into the hospital after his accident

Office Assistant Ruth Miller from Daniel O’Nell, of the Florida Department

of Business Professional Regulation for displaying exemplary assistance to

customers (and visitors) of the city

We personally served dinners to 108 of our citizens, served second helpings to many, packaged dinners to go for delivery to the

homebound and also delivered our remaining food to the Salvation Army for distribution among the community members they assist. Your willingness to participate in our department project to provide meals for the struggling members of our community was very much appreciated. A special thanks to employee family members and two of our retirees,

Dave Williams and Don Pierce, who also provided additional assistance. Kudos especially to Head Chef Dave Williams whose

chicken and rice with black beans was praised by many!

Community

Dinner pictures

at the Harry T. Moore Social Service

Center in November

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones Senior Fire Inspector Justin Chase

from Bridgette Clements for your flexibility during a public education event to

render assistance to her mother

Operations Division Chief Mike Woodward from Apollo Elementary School

for your willingness to participate in their recent Walk to School Event

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Brian Marfitt Driver Operator/EMT Chris Hitt Firefighter/EMT Adam Vaknin

from the lady you assisted with a flat tire

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones Driver Operator/Paramedic Brian Strong Firefighter/EMT Johnny Higginbotham

from a resident who appreciated the crew’s “kindness, respectfulness, and politeness” while installing her

smoke detectors

Administration Division Chief Scott Gaenicke Life Safety Specialist Reggie Belle

from the Principal at Mims Elementary School regarding your participation in “Walk This Way”

Administrative Division Chief Scott Gaenicke from Andrew Jackson Middle School

for your presentation to the students for Fire Prevention Week

April 2009

Firefighter Paramedic

Michael Abernathy

July 2009

Logistics Coordinator

Frank Canada

May 2009

Administrative Secretary

Kathy Mosley

In March 2009, Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy delivered a “9 week” premature baby in the back of

Rescue 24. His quick thinking and correct assessment provided all with a positive outcome.

Adm. Secretary Kathy Mosley prepared the Hazard Mitigation Grant for wind-retrofitting of all of our fire

stations as well as headquarters. She was able to coordi-nate gathering all of the information needed through the Public Works Dept., Support Services Dept. and our own

Fire Dept. personnel with a very short time schedule.

Immediately after a citizen’s request you took it upon yourself to replace missing hydrant markers within the

citizen’s entire neighborhood. It took 5 minutes to handle this issue, make this citizen happy, and to make his

neighborhood a safer place. This instance is only one of the many ways you step up and assist not only our

citizens but your fellow employees.

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Abernathy

won the City Employee of the Month

Award for April

Administrative Secretary Kathy Mosley

won the City Employee of the Month

Award for May

August 2009

Firefighter Paramedic

David Neeld

October 2009

Fire Lieutenant EMT

Brian Litterilla

September 2009

Office Assistant I Ruth Miller

Logistics Specialist Frank Canada

won the City Employee of the Month

Award for July

Lt. Brian Litterilla has spent several hours and used his personal equip-ment to clean and paint the apparatus bays at Station 10. This extra effort made it possible to restore the bay area to like new conditions, with the only cost to the City being for the paint for the walls and the floor. This type of extra effort by our employees, during the current economic environment, is truly an asset to the City, as well as an

example for others to follow.

In July, FF Neeld shined more than once and we wanted to let you know that your public contact skills and abilities

are very much appreciated. There is a great deal of difference between performing a public service and servicing the public, and you excel at serving the

public well.

Office Asst. Ruth Miller was chosen in September because of the superior customer service skills she displays while serving as our department’s primary

receptionist. She was commended for her consistent display of exemplary assistance to customers (and

visitors) of our city each and every day.

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Phil Jones

was awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor

in August at a ceremony at Melbourne-Palm Bay Area

Chamber of Commerce for his actions in late

December 2008

Pictures were taken at the Pinning Ceremony

Fire Chief Chuck

Operations Chief Mike Off.A

sst. L

aWan

da

EMS Chief Bob

Adm. Sec. Kathy

Office Asst. Ruth

Inspector Justin Inspector Mark

Secretary Diane Administration Chief Scott

Printer

Logistics Frank was put in lockup in the

warehouse

Pub Ed Spec. Belle was sequestered in

Pub Ed storage

The Battalion Chiefs were sent to their

bedroom to stay for the duration

The Firefighters had to sleep in the Training Room

The Multi-Purpose Room became the Mad House with phones ringing everywhere

No one had any drawers to put

anything in

The firefighters trained and slept in the same room

One had to endure a

broken leg

We had to endure going

from one budget year to the next

in a box

staff from clerical to the Fire Chief had to relocate from their individual work spaces and offices to the cozy confines of the multi-purpose room and other areas upstairs at Headquarters. We were originally told that this would be a two-week stay but it is now December and some are still working out of their temporary work spaces. It looked a lot like the work area from the TV show “The Office”. I think we all learned a little something about each other while we were stuck, I mean imprisoned, no wait.. pleasantly grouped together in an atmosphere of peace and love! The project is scheduled for completion towards the end of December. No one better say that the fire department

cannot handle change—or we just might bite them.

Renovations to Fire Headquarters and Station 11 have been underway since October. Both buildings have had long-standing issues with moisture buildup and poor air quality due to inefficient and improperly installed HVAC systems. The scope of the work includes mold removal, HVAC replacement with computer controlled temperature sensors, rebuilding the north wall at

Headquarters, replacing with concrete block, and removing the glass. Other work being done includes raising the office walls and lowering the ceiling at Headquarters, which will give each office a fully enclosed space with individually controlled lighting. Ultimately the entire building will be repainted inside and out. During the renovations, the entire Headquarters

Some are now

enduring extreme

cold

Some are asking

when will it all end

Some are now

tolerating no air

conditioning

In the month of January we received a $32,149.00 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to help with our occupant protection and safety program. We purchased a trailer, two shelter toppers, 136 carseats, education materials, and also received training funds to attend a Life Savers Con-ference in Tennessee. I received instruction on how to transport special needs children safely sponsored by Riley Children’s Hospital of Indiana at the conference. The purchases from this grant have enabled us to haul all supplies to our events and really helped the department put on a quality event. Our Pub Ed Task Force, who are members of the

department that help with Pub Ed events, par-ticipated in EMS week which was a great suc-cess for us and the community. We were able to

partner with the SPCA and other vendors to have “Bark in the Park” and “EMS” together. Estimated attendance of more than 1000 citizens came out to take part in the event. We were asked to share a booth with the Florida Depart-ment of Transportation at Orange County Civic Center promoting safety. We had the

opportunity to instruct summer students, working

with the 4-H Clubs, on various safety lessons like Baby Sitting. Many are not aware of the informa-tion a teen should know before taking responsibil-ity. We provided Fire Safety on-the-job training for the employees at the Hampton Inn of Titusville. The ones that attended the training really enjoyed the information that they were given, learning never to ignore a fire alarm. They also understand that they should always report any suspicious activities to help fight arson. The Day of Dance with Parrish at Sand Point Park was another great community event with many vendors. The American Police Hall of Fame and T.F.E.S. worked together to provide the citizens of Titus-ville a great event concluding Fire Prevention Week this year. We saw more than 6000 students and visited more than 14 school locations, provid-ing two “Walk This Way” events at Apollo and Mims Elementary. We also partnered with the YMCA while teaching Fire Safety to school stu-dents. That same weekend we were at the Hunt for Reds in October, where more than 1500 people attended the two-day event. We had Fire Engines on display and Pub Ed Task Force members were at both events. Our department employees also helped to increase the number of CPS /Child Passenger Safety Technicians for our department. Three new nationally certified techs helping to check the safety of children in our community is a very good thing. Department engine crews and members of Lowes store staff also conducted a door-to-door distribu-tion program in manufactured home communities to help test and install smoke detectors and CO detectors.

On-Going Community Service Projects We ask you for your continuing support.

To date, city employees and community members have donated more than 624 pounds of food to our Food Drive Project. The food was delivered to the local food pantries for distribution. Drop off points for food items include bins at City Hall’s main and second floors and any Titusville fire station, including Headquarters. For more information, go to: http://www.titusville.com/News.asp?NewsID=279 We have also volunteered to serve as official drop-off points for the Marine Corp Reserve TOYS for TOTS

program. Through December 18th, new, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at any Titusville fire station or at Headquarters for distribu-tion to local children by TOYS for TOTS in time for Christmas. For more information, go to: http://www.titusville.com/News.asp?NewsID=285

♦

66 Plans Reviewed 79 Preliminary Inspections 973 Commercial Inspections

36 Other Inspections 182 Re-inspections

Prevention did receive a grant from Wal-Mart and a mini-grant from the local Pilot Club for the purchase of bike helmets. We distributed about 80 bike helmets to one elementary school and 80 more bike helmets to another school at their family fitness fest.

There was a safety day at Timber Trace Apartments and a Safety Day at Home Depot. Child safety seats were checked and distributed, as well as bike helmets, and safety tips for people of all ages. Senator Thad Altman attended the Home Depot event in support of the Booster Seat Bill.

It is so important that one should always understand the cost of an item does not matter if you do not know how to properly use it. A parent told me the other day that she paid over $200.00 for her child’s seat - she didn’t need for it to be checked. In our county over 90% of children are traveling at risk each day. Titusville citizens and visitors can get their safety instruction for free.

On Sunday, October 18, 2009 we honored

the 122 Fallen Firefighters

who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to protect us

As part of our hiring process, firefighters must also complete and pass the combat challenge. Recently, candidates were put through the “challenge” which consists of the Keiser sled, dragging a dummy, ladder climbing, and hose drag, to name a few.

Ben Lees Naudere Ghajar-Dowlatshahi

Jesse Benton

William Woznicki Zackery Boone

As a result of our recent hiring process, these five young men were selected to fill our open firefighter positions. Not only did they pass the combat challenge, but also a written test and interview board. Congratulations, gentlemen, and welcome!

In April of this past year, as heavy rain and lightning storms were passing through our area, lightning struck this apartment complex on Riveredge Drive. The fire was contained to one unit with only minor smoke damage to two adjoining units.

In September crews were called to a possible structure fire after lightning struck a residence.

Our fire crews were called out to a plane crash in September at Space Coast Regional Airport. A freak accident (stuck throttle) sent this small engine plane barreling across a runway and into the breezeway of the Jet Center. Fortunately no one was on board and no injuries were reported.

Statistically speaking: Jan. 1 – Nov. 30, 2009

Aircraft Incidents = 1 Lightning Strikes = 8

(*Note: The 8 lightning strikes reported resulted in fire of either vegetation/woodlands or structures.)

Our firefighters also completed annual Search & Rescue / Mayday!! training. This exercise hones their skills on teamwork under mentally and physically challenging conditions (photo #1), black out conditions (photo #2 & #3), and of course search and rescue with “victim” removal (photo #4). Mayday!! training helps firefighters prepare for the worst possible scenario–a trapped, injured or lost firefighter and the tasks and skills needed to assist in their own rescue from a life-threatening atmos-phere. Communications, air supply and escape procedures are also rehearsed to enable firefighters to overcome panic and stress for their own survival.

TFES Firefighters recently completed Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) training. This consists of a simu-lator aircraft which is set on fire via remote control while using clean burning propane fuel. The firefighters must clear a path through burning debris and rescue potential victims still aboard the aircraft. In conjunction with Space Coast Executive Airport staff, Firefighters from Orlando-Sanford International Airport and Mel-bourne International Airport, ARFF training has our crews well prepared for an incident of this type.

1 2 3

4

One skill our crews demonstrate excellence in is vehicle extrication. Quick access and removal of a trauma victim from twisted wreckage is a must in meeting the “golden hour” time window. This “clock” starts ticking at the time of impact, and providing the patient with advanced medical treatment within 60 minutes including delivery for surgical intervention may mean the difference between a positive versus a negative outcome.

TFES recently received a grant from the Space Coast EMS Advisory Committee for the purchase of the EZ-IO Bone Gun Injector. What may sound painful really isn’t, and this ad-vanced skill is a must for certain patients to have a chance of survival in certain instances. Specifically, patients who may have a compromised access to IV sites due to burns or large amounts of blood loss, our Paramedics can access the bone marrow in the lower “shin” area. Lifesaving IV fluids for blood volume replacement and medications can be given the same in an IV site as in the hand or arm. This is also a valuable tool for IV access in the unresponsive pediatric patient who may have limited sites for Paramedics to provide fluids and medications. This tool replaces the traditional method of “boring in” manually.

Another item purchased with the grant money is the RAD-57 Carbon Monoxide Pulse Oximetry monitor. Research has revealed new and more specific numbers of carbon monoxide (CO) produced during interior structural firefighting. Despite the protective breathing apparatus, firefighters still incur levels of CO poisoning, which before had gone undetected. Every fire-fighter now is measured upon exiting the burning structure and must meet required outcomes before returning to combat du-ties. Currently, TFES is the only department in the north Bre-vard region to provide this evaluation to its personnel, as well as other agencies that may be assisting at the same scene. We will also utilize this on patients for diagnostic purposes.

TFES EMTs and Paramedics operate on scene under a written set of “standing orders” or “protocols”. Each year under the direction of our Medical Director, the countywide protocols are assessed for needed additions or deletions based on the standard of care nationwide. New techniques coming into place are post arrest cold therapy and we will be adding new medications for cardiac problems our patients may incur. Our rescue teams remain very proactive in research and providing top care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Jody Shipton Dec 13 John DeVoss Jan 27

KAREN RESHEL

Hot Crab Dip 1 pound fresh lump crab meat 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1-1/4 cups grated mild Cheddar cheese 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine mayo, 1 cup cheese, and seasonings and mix well. Gently fold in crab meat. Spoon mixture into 1 qt. Casserole and top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with dash of Old Bay. Bake 15 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble around the edges. Serve with crackers or petite slices of French bread.

Beer Cheese Spread 1 8-oz package shredded Colby/Jack cheese (room temp) 1 8-oz package sharp Cheddar cheese at room temp. 1/2 cup beer 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. dry mustard 1/8 tsp. salt 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp. Tabasco In bowl, combine first nine ingredients. Cover and chill for 8 hours. Cut the top fourth off a round loaf of bread. Carefully hollow out bottom of loaf, leaving about 1/2 inch shell. Fill shell with dip. Serve with bread from the hollow, and or crackers and veggies. Yields 6 cups.

Our Favorite Recipes

Karen Reshel has been a member of our volunteer staff since April 2005. Every Wednesday morning from 9–12 you can find Karen at the receptionist desk answer-ing phones, assisting customers, sorting mail, faxing

documents, and filing. Karen and her husband Al have three children and four grandchildren. Her previous

work included working for the Federal Government for 30 years, beginning with the Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. and retiring from Cape Canaveral AFS in 1994. She is a singer in the First Presbyterian Church choir. Her volunteerism with our department is

invaluable. Thank you for all you do, Karen!

I would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you for all that you do throughout the year. Your service to this

department is invaluable. We are blessed that each of you is a part of our team!

I would also like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year!

Again, Thank You! LaWanda Park

Community Volunteers

Volunteer Awards Luncheon TFES Community Volunteers were honored with a

luncheon for their service to the department at a cookout held at Station 11. This year’s theme was

“Our Treasured Volunteers”. The administrative clerical staff provided themed decorations and food.

The community volunteer program was initiated in 1995 and has become essential to department operations. In 2008, volunteers contributed 1,678 hours of service from

January to December. They performed various tasks including receptionist, cartographer, logistics specialist,

author, proofreader, party planner, filing specialist, spreadsheet enthusiast, photo historian, and much more.

Our volunteers continue to be one of our most valued assets.

Chaplain John DeVoss Volunteer since 1996

Trevor Canada Volunteer since 2008

Jane Williamsen Volunteer since 2004

Olga Gomez Volunteer since 1996

Karen Reshel Volunteer since 2005

Bonnie Smith Volunteer since 2003

Jody Shipton Volunteer since 2002

Leslie Morgan Volunteer since 2009

Anne Oliver Volunteer since 2003

Entertainment was provided by

grillmasters/firefighters extraordinaire, Bob Allard,

Mike Woodward, and Daryle Blankenship.

Catherine Simpkins Volunteer since 2007