HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 NOVEMBER
2023 | NOVEMBER FISCAL YEAR 23-24
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
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2023 | NOVEMBER
In Memoriam .......................................................................................................... 2
Admin Div: Fiscal Branch Report ................................................................................. 3
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................... 3
Budget ........................................................................................................... 3
Grants ............................................................................................................ 3
Admin Div: HR Branch Report ..................................................................................... 4
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................... 4
Internal Recruitment within Department ................................................................ 4
Open-Competitive Recruitment ........................................................................... 4
Operations ............................................................................................................ 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 6
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 6
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 6
Special Events .................................................................................................. 6
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 6
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 8
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 8
Training Services Branch ....................................................................................... 9
Volunteer Training Section .................................................................................... 10
Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................... 11
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 12
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 12
Vehicle Maintenance Shop ................................................................................. 12
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 12
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
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2023 | NOVEMBER
IN MEMORIAM
Volunteer Captain Steven Grasso, 1966-2023
November 14, 2023, marked a day of profound sorrow for all who knew and cherished Steve, a
remarkable individual who dedicated his life to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter since
2007. Steve's passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, but his legacy as a selfless and heroic
firefighter will forever burn brightly in our memories.
Steve was more than just a firefighter; he was a pillar of strength and unwavering dedication in times
of crisis. Throughout his 16 years of service, he exemplified the true essence of bravery and
selflessness, facing danger with a resolute spirit that inspired everyone around him. His commitment to
the safety and well-being of others was unwavering, and he was always willing to put himself in harm's
way to protect his community. His calming influence and good-humored nature were the cornerstones
of his personality.
Beyond his remarkable service as a firefighter, Steve was known for his kindness, compassion, and the
warmth of his friendship. He had an infectious smile that could light up a room and a heart that
radiated love and generosity. Steve had a unique ability to make people feel safe, cared for, and
valued, whether he was in his firefighter gear or simply sharing a cup of coffee with a friend.
Steve's impact extended far beyond the boundaries of his firefighting duties. He was a loving husband,
father, and friend who touched the lives of many. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations
of firefighters and community servants to embrace the values of courage, dedication, and service.
As we mourn the loss of Steve, let us also celebrate the incredible life he led and the countless lives he
saved and touched. We honor his memory by continuing the work he started, by being there for one
another, and by carrying forward the spirit of selflessness and heroism that defined his life.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held January 13, 2024 at Waikii Ranch.
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2023 | NOVEMBER
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals MONTH YTD GOAL
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 93.1 90.99 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 100.0 87.5% 95%
Records Retention Schedule 0 0% Mid-Year
Transition to Electronic Records 25.0 25% 25% Qtr
Option Years for Contracts 100.0 100% 45-Days
Budget Category Adj
Appropriation
YTD
Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 36,921,218.00 13,517,461.98 36.61 37.50
6221-6225 OCE 5,960,567.32 2,510,882.41 42.12 33.33
Equipment 1,909,736.89 455,280.71 23.84 50.00
Grants & Misc S&W 1,385,051.00 345,087.89 24.92 37.5
6226 OCE 286,225.00 57,355.26 20.04 33.33
Equipment 637,669.04 454,320.94 71.25 50.00
EMS S&W 14,799,686.00 4,823,725.32 32.59 37.50
6227 OCE 2,610,639.77 776,694.61 29.75 33.33
Equipment 1,510,417.50 113,439.18 7.51 50.00
Ocean Safety S&W 4,791,124.00 1,431,896.22 29.89 37.50
6228 OCE 306,302.83 197,054.33 64.33 33.33
Equipment 248,789.31 69,125.31 27.78 50.00
Total Budget 71,367,426.66 24,752,324.16 34.68
Grant Update
2023 CDBG
The bid for two brush trucks will open on December 4, 2023, and will close
on January 4, 2024. The brush trucks will be purchased for the Ka‘ū and
Puna volunteer fire stations.
CDBG- MIT Wildfire
Mitigation
This grant will be used to purchase a brush truck for Ka‘ū , Kea‘au, and
Laupahoehoe fire stations.
FY 2021 AFG We received our order of 17 extractors and 21 dryers. Installation pending.
The grant is 71% expended as of 11/30/23.
FY 22 USDA Volunteer
Fire Capacity Project
The bid for one brush truck for volunteer station 20A awarded, pending
delivery.
FY 23 USDA Volunteer
Fire Capacity Project
This grant will fund three brush trucks for our volunteer fire stations. The
requisition was sent to Purchasing.
Puna Geothermal
Venture (PGV) funds The Bauer mobile breathing apparatus unit was received.
Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER)
This grant funds three Fire Captain and six Fire Fighter positions. As of
11/30/2023, we have expended 71.18% of the grant funds with 14 months
remaining.
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2023 | NOVEMBER
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
PROGRAM BUDGET GOALS NOVEMBER YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 24 119 100%
Recruitment Actions >30days 4 11 90%
Promotion Actions >30days 7 16 90%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 18 128 10%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief Interview/Assessment Center scheduled on December 19, 2023 for three
candidates.
Fire Captain FEO Christopher Gomes promotion effective November 16, 2023.
Fire/EMS Specialist II Fire/EMS Specialist I Branden Calicdan, Fire/EMS Specialist I David De
Carvalho, Fire/EMS Specialist I Levi Key, Fire/EMS Specialist I Tyson Pili,
and Fire/EMS Specialist I Sheldon Uyetake promotion effective November
16, 2023.
Fire Equipment Operator Fire Rescue Specialist Scott Shiroma promotion effective November 16,
2023.
Fire Rescue Specialist 17 candidates were referred. MQ review completed. Pending
Interview/Practical Assessment.
Fire Training Specialist 2 candidates were referred. MQ review completed. Pending
Interview/Assessment Center.
Chief Mechanic Recruitment opened on November 12, 2023 and closed on November 21,
2023. One candidate was referred. MQ review deadline is December 8,
2023.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Fire Communications Officer I
30 candidates participated in the Realistic Job Preview held on
November 15, 2023. Interviews/Assessment Center is scheduled
during the week of December 11-15, 2023.
Fire Equipment Mechanic Recruitment opened on November 19, 2023 and is on continuous
recruitment. Pending Interview/Assessment Center.
Program Support Technician Recruitment opened on November 26, 2023 and will close on
December 5, 2023.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) PAE scheduled on December 10, 2023.
Fire/EMS Recruit (Temp) PAE scheduled on December 10, 2023.
Water Safety Officer I Pending assignment to positions. PAE needs to be scheduled for one
candidate.
Clerk III (Auxiliary Service
Branch) Interview scheduled for one candidate on December 8, 2023.
Clerk III (Ocean Safety Branch) Interview scheduled for one candidate on December 1, 2023.
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OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023 Nov. % YTD %
Fire 97 4% 1020 4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 3 0%
Rescue and EMS 1,858 71% 20,470 72%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 23 1% 248 1%
Service Call 144 6% 1,809 6%
Good Intent calls 412 16% 4,339 15%
False Alarm / False calls 39 1% 333 1%
Severe Weather 2 0% 11 0%
Special Incident Type 0 0% 16 0%
Other (not completed yet) 0 0% 0 0%
Totals 2,575 100% 28,249 100%
Response Times CY 2023
Statistic Nov. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:44 (80 sec.)
12.90%
2:34 (80 sec.) 15.05%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:28 (60 sec.) 18.43% 2:15 (60 sec.) 17.31%
Statistic Nov. % that meet 4 min. YTD % that meet 4 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 2:37 16.49% 2:31 13.25%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 2:07 22.58% 2:14 20.81%
Fire Impacts CY 2023
Call Type Nov. YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 21 199
Acres burned 0 3,422
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 5 79
Property and Contents - Loss $289,500.00 $6,370,030.00
Property and Contents - Save $00.00 $1,685,515.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 71 742
Property and Contents - Loss $44,000.00 $193,300.00
Property and Contents - Save $5,000.00 $18,000.00
Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Est. 2023
Total Calls 25,331 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,737
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2023 | NOVEMBER
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
11/9, Inc#26516; Rescue: Kaʻawalii Gulch, Oʻokala/District 17, uninjured lost hunters,
located next day and extricated, without treatment or transport.
11/17, Inc#27176; Rescue: South Point/District 11, uninjured lost hiker, located and taken
to her vehicle, without treatment or transport.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
11/9, Inc# 26529; Brush Fire: PTA fire, assisted with water supply.
11/20 Inc# 27428; Rescue: Missing Person Old A’s. 65 female went missing, 3 day
search on land and water with assistance from CG. Personal items found along the
beach and in the water. Search suspended after 3 full days on 11/23 with negative
findings.
11/29 Inc# 28154, Structure Fire: District 6, units responded to a residential, remodel
construction, home. Fire and damage was limited to outside garage, storage area, and
20% of home. One party went POV to KCH for burn injuries.
Special Events
• Various companies have participated or have plans to participate in Christmas Parades
• Units participated in Kona ARFF triennial Exercise on 11/13 & 17
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Nothing significant to report for Hazmat
Ocean Safety
WSO III and V positions continued to be worked with DHR and HGEA.
Working to complete a make up PAE and interview for 1 WSO I candidate, then hiring
process will commence.
Planning for next WSO I recruitment cycle for Summer hires and additional vacancies.
Rescue
Rescue companies conducted familiarizing training with new Chopper 2
Annual off duty Swiftwater training also brought back and have been starting up again
Continue to proceed with Radon and back up Force repairs/procurement
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2023 | NOVEMBER
Incident heat map and YTD
stats for November 2023
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2023 | NOVEMBER
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
MICT Class Update
The Fall 2023 MICT class has completed MICT 171 and students have begun MICT 181.
Active Shooter Training
Active shooter training was held on November 7th – 9th at the Hawaii
Community College Campus. This multi-agency training involved the
Hawaii County Police Department and the Hawaii County Fire
Department. A total of 50 personnel participated in this training.
Recertification
Process
The state licensing and NREMT recertification process has commenced.
Statewide Collaboration
EMS Branch personnel are currently assisting the State Department of Health with
development of a template for EMS agencies statewide to submit requested data at the
quarterly EMSAC meetings. This statewide collaboration from all of our EMS providers will
lead to a stronger EMS system for all four counties.
Product Presentation
EMS Branch personnel attended a
product update presentation at the
Physio Control headquarters in
Redmond, Washington. The focus of
this visit was to evaluate new products
that will be on the market in the near
future. Our current EKG lease plan ends
at the end of December 2024.
Annual Ambulance Inspections
The EMS Branch has been assisting the
State Department of Health with their annual ambulance inspections. This essential process
should be completed by the first week of December. Thank you to everyone who has been
involved with these inspections.
Wellness Event Participation
The EMS Branch participated at a wellness event at the West Hawaii Community Center in
Kona. At this event, personnel assisted with blood pressure screenings and diabetes
awareness.
EMS Advisory Committee Meeting
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2023 | NOVEMBER
EMS Branch personnel attended the quarterly Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee
meeting held on Monday, November 20th. We would like to congratulate Captain Michael Lam
for being officially appointed as an EMSAC board member.
Procurement Training
EMS Branch personnel participated in procurement training hosted by our County of Hawaii
Finance Department and Corporation Counsel personnel.
Training Services Branch
Recruit Class 52 Updates
Hawai’i Fire Department Recruit Class 52 completed Rope Rescue Week led by FEO Paul Kekela
and supported by numerous rescue company personnel from Stations 2 and 7. The class
learned about ropes, knots, harnesses, anchor systems, rappelling, and raising/lowering
victims.
Recruits completed three days of
Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid
Response Training (ALERRT) active
shooter training alongside current
HPD recruits. Instruction was
provided by the HPD training staff
and our EMS Branch. The training
was held at Hawaii Community
College, which assisted their
security forces in preparing their
respective campus emergency
response plans.
The International Association of Firefighters provided one week of instruction and Pro-Board
certification in Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations for the current recruit class.
Recruit class 52 completed “Swim Week” led by FEO Paul Kekela and FRS Daniel Okumura.
The class finished this grueling week of water rescue training with their HFD Aquatics
Competency Certification at the Operations level.
Recruits assisted the Surfer’s Healing Foundation event at Wai’uli Beach Park in collaboration
with Recreation Technician Kalani Kahalioumi of Parks and Recreation. This heart-warming
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2023 | NOVEMBER
event provides youth with various challenges the opportunity to catch waves with professional
surfers. A video link of the event is provided below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Ds3qiuk3f/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Annual Driver Audits
Many personnel are completing their Annual Driver Audits as part of maintaining their Driver’s
Certificate of Competency to operate department vehicles.
2023 HFCA Conference
BC Springer attended the Hawaii Fire Chief’s Conference with BC Hara, BC Provencal, and
Chief Todd. Lectures and workshops attended included sessions on fire suppression flow
testing, standpipe operations, fire service leadership, the mission mindset, mentorship, officer
development, wildland fire mitigation, and battery emergencies. Vendor displays included
various tools, equipment, protective equipment, suppression agents, and cutting-edge
technological emergency management innovations.
Repair Technician Certification
Twelve personnel were certified as MSA G1 SCBA repair technicians through a two-day course
held at Makalei Fire Station. This will allow HFD to stay up to date with breathing apparatus
testing and maintenance.
HIOSH
Training fulfilled one HIOSH request for training, health, and safety records.
Volunteer Training Section
Mahalo to First Responders Participation
Volunteer Companies 7B-Kalaoa, 8A- Pa’auilo, 9A-Waiki’i, 9B-Kanehoa, 14A-Kohala, and 16B-
Pu’uanahulu attended the Mahalo to First Responders event put on by the Waimea Community
Association.
5-B (Hawaiian Acres)
Longtime volunteer captain Sheldon Lehman retired, and volunteer Abraham Antonio Senior
was elected to be the new captain by his peers
7-B (Kalaoa)
Conducted three wet drills focusing on pumping operations and hose evolutions. They also
performed station maintenance and maintenance on their apparatus’. Co. 7B participated in
both day and night training with Kona ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire-fighting) in their Triex
exercise. Co. 7B also responded to a rubbish fire and smoke visible call out.
9-A (Waiki’i)
Volunteer Captain Steve Grasso unexpectedly passed away while at home on November 13.
Captain Grasso is remembered as a selfless, courageous, and dedicated individual. Captain
Grasso’s role along with the Sayre Foundation was instrumental in the acquiring of the 2 new
fire apparatus’ Co. 9A inherited in 2022 (Brush truck 9A) and 2023 (Tanker 9A). His loss is
truly felt by the community and the department.
9-B (Kanehoa)
Conducted three drills in November, focusing on wildland firefighting operations.
10-D (Ainaloa)
10-D has been focusing on directly interacting with their community by supporting the Ainaloa
Community Association with additional personnel to assist with the processing, & issuing of
300 newly installed mail boxes. During this time 10-Delta has had the opportunity to field
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2023 | NOVEMBER
questions & educate the public, in addition to receiving several applications from interested
people. 10-Delta has currently helped 86 neighbors into the much-needed postal boxes & will
continue to assist the association whenever possible.
16-B (Pu’uanahulu)
Conducted 10 hours of training on four Saturdays and performed eight hours of equipment
maintenance and driver training.
Fire Prevention Branch
Highlights
Investigations
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires during November. The fires were
located in districts 6 and 20. The fire in District 6 was determined to be Accidental while the
structure fires in District 20 was deemed Undetermined.
Complaints
Ten complaints are being investigated on the east side and ten complaints are being
investigated on the west side. Majority of these complaints are due to overgrown or unsafe
flora on residential property or on large landowner property.
Community Outreach
The hfd_bigisland Instagram account has posted Safety Tips for Turkey frying, Holiday
Shopping Safety and Security Tips, Kona Low Weather System information, and the Medical
Health Information Form that was initiated by Fire Inspectors Tyson Goo and John Requelman
and completed with the help of the EMS Branch and FEO/MICT Jeremy Tekurio as the
spokesperson on IG.
Fire Prevention Inspections
Inspection Type November FYTD
Fireworks Site and Storage 1 13
Certificate of Occupancy 8 25
Commercial 31 168
Re-Inspections Commercial 11 96
Educational 7 22
Re-Inspections Educational 0 2
Fire Protection System Acceptance
Testing
19 89
Complaint Investigation 20 114
DOH Ag Burn Site Inspection 0 0
AST/UST/LPG Site Inspection 18 24
Tent Site Inspection 2 10
Occupancy Load Enforcement 1 1
Total 118 564
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Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Control Center Updates
The four FCO I continue to make progress with FCO mentors, they are currently working live
call taking and dispatching.
Purchasing Updates
Bids have gone out for various projects, extrication tools, ice machine, and replacement beds.
Clerk III Vacancy
We are actively working to fill the clerk position in auxiliary services.
Final Inspections
Extractors and dryers for the stations have come in. AC2 is actively working to get some
installation issues resolved.
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates:
Type November
Repairs/Service Completed 91
Service/Trouble Calls 17
Contracted Out and Tows 10
Information Technology Highlights
EPR FireWorks transition meetings.
Setup and break down for EPR in person training at Department of Information
Technology Kinoole St. location.
EPR FireWorks in person training.
Fiberoptic network connection for Kaumana Fire Station completed.
Joint Communication Center meeting.
County GIS planning meeting.
END REPORT