HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 24-25 AUGUST
2024 | AUGUST FISCAL YEAR 24-25
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
Honoring Heroes ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Admin Div: Fiscal Branch Report .............................................................................................................. 4
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................................................... 4
Budget ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Grants ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Admin Div: HR Branch Report .................................................................................................................. 5
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................................................... 5
Internal Recruitment within Department ..................................................................................... 5
Open-Competitive Recruitment ..................................................................................................... 5
Classification .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Operations ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Emergency Operations ........................................................................................................................... 6
Emergency Operations Highlights ..................................................................................................... 7
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi .................................................................................................................... 7
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi .................................................................................................................. 7
Special Events ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Special Operations ................................................................................................................................... 8
Support Services ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Emergency Medical Services Branch ................................................................................................. 9
Training Services Branch ...................................................................................................................... 11
Volunteer Training Section ................................................................................................................. 13
Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................................................... 14
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ..................... 14
Logistics ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Emergency Communications ......................................................................................................... 15
Information Technology Highlights ............................................................................................ 15
Safety Specialist Report ............................................................................................................................ 15
Other Updates .............................................................................................................................................. 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 3
HONORING HEROES
The 27th Annual Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Awards Dinner, held on August 31, 2024, at the Fairmont Orchid, was a night of celebration and recognition for the Hawaii Fire Department’s finest. The evening honored those who have risked their lives for the safety of others, while also raising funds for life-saving equipment and training needed by the Hawaii Fire Department. The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, created after Frank and Laura Sayre tragically lost their son in a hiking accident in 1997, has since played a pivotal role in supporting Hawaii’s first responders. Over the years, the foundation has raised over $30 million, which has been used to purchase rescue equipment such as fire trucks, helicopters, and other critical tools. A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to the Hawaii Fire Department personnel who were recognized for their exceptional service. These honorees were chosen for their heroism in situations that required going beyond the call of duty: HFD Volunteer Captain Steve Grasso HFD Volunteer Firefighter Dylan “Sparky” Springmeier HFD Fire Rescue Specialist Tay Soares HFD Firefighter Keoni Soares HFD Fire Rescue Specialist Edward McClellan HFD Fire Rescue Specialist Ryan Kihara HFD Firefighter/Acting FRS Sean Soriano HFD Chopper 1 Pilot Paul Darryl HFD Chopper 2 Pilot Kalei Gregory HFD Fire Rescue Specialist Jonathan Ucker HFD Fire Rescue Specialist Kevin Kapsky HFD Fire Medical Specialist II Timothy Fredrickson HFD Fire Medical Specialist I Chad Wissing HFD Emergency Medical Technician Joshua Coston HFD Ocean Safety Officer Kyle Ching These stories, shared during the awards presentations, moved attendees and highlighted the extraordinary courage and dedication of Hawaii’s fire and rescue personnel. The event not only honored their bravery but also underscored the continuing need for community support to ensure the Fire Department has the resources to perform life-saving missions. The evening’s fundraising efforts included live and silent auctions, with proceeds going toward much-needed equipment like water safety craft, rescue boards, AEDs, and firefighting supplies. This annual event continues to be a significant occasion for the Hawaii Fire Department, honoring both the sacrifice and dedication of first responders, while ensuring they have the tools necessary to continue their vital work.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 4
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals August YTD Goal
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 88.82% 94.41% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 100% 100% 95%
Dollar value of grants applied for $22,433,000 $22,433,000 $5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received $ 488,722.63 $ 488,722.63 $5,000,000
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 40,078,922.00 7,835,873.52 19.55 20.83
6221-6225 OCE 6,661,560.96 1,651,061.07 24.78 16.67
Equipment 3,362,507.61 1,395,007.51 41.49 16.67
Grants & Misc S&W 257,161.00 203,007.90 78.94 20.83
6226 OCE 1,105,012.00 4,209.41 0.38 16.67
Equipment 659,560.45 417,324.74 63.27 16.67
EMS S&W 15,630,607.00 2,882,095.87 18.44 20.83
6227 OCE 2,889,425.33 465,542.56 16.11 16.67
Equipment 3,220,637.02 1,710,892.11 53.12 16.67
Ocean Safety S&W 5,437,913.00 900,473.50 16.56 20.83
6228 OCE 327,305.82 205,071.35 62.65 16.67
Equipment 462,905.32 165,736.95 35.80 16.67
Total Budget 80,093,517.51 17,836,296.49 22.27
Grants Update
2023 CDBG The bid was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for three (3) Brush Trucks $625,693. Delivery pending CDBG- MIT Wildfire Mitigation The Planning Department is tasked with acquiring this equipment.
FY 2021 AFG We are procuring items for the Fire Base Station Refresh Project. The grant is 94% obligated as of 8/31/24. Amendment granted to extend closing date from 8/28/2024 to 2/28/2025.
FY 2023 AFG
Awarded $488,722.63 to establish a Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident Command and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient HFD emergency response Operations. Chief Springer is the project manager. FY 22 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project The bid for one brush truck for volunteer station 20A awarded, pending delivery by the end of the calendar year. FY 23 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project The bid was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for two (2) Brush Trucks $411,097. Delivery pending
Kohanaiki Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share funds) Delivery expected at the end of the year.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share Funds) Requisition with specs submitted to Purchasing. Expected to go out to bid in August.
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
This grant funds three Fire Captain and six Fire Fighter positions. As of 8/31/2024, we have expended 100% of the grant funds.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 5
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals August YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 83 583 100%
Recruitment Actions < 30days 3 31 90% Promotion Actions < 30days 1 38 100%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 110 467 90%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief (Fire Prevention Branch) Submitted request for an internal recruitment within the department.
Fire/Hazardous Materials Specialist Pending interview/Assessment Center schedule.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Classification • Reallocation of Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) to Fire Fighter (Temp) effective August 1, 2024. • Reinstatement to permanent class from Water Safety Officer I to Water Safety Officer II effective August 16, 2024. • Allocation of two Fire Communications Officer II (1/2T) effective September 1, 2024. • Extension of temporary reallocation from Accountant I to Professional Trainee effective September 1, 2024.
Position Status Report
Water Safety Officer I Conditional offers that were sent out to eight candidates were rescinded.
Professional Trainee I DHR referred 10 candidates. Interviews scheduled for September 10-11, 2024.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) Submitted request for an open recruitment.
Fire/EMS Recruit Submitted request for an open recruitment.
Account Clerk (Temp) The three candidates were not selected. Amended Request to Fill requesting new open recruitment. Pending referred list.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 6
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 August % YTD %
Fire 72 3% 530 2%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 5 0%
Rescue and EMS 1875 71% 15312 65%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 33 1% 141 1%
Service Call 190 7% 1351 6%
Good Intent calls 434 16% 3079 13%
False Alarm / False calls 38 1% 284 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 4 11%
Special Incident Type 7 0% 26 0%
Other (not completed yet) 1 0% 1 0%
Totals 2650 100% 20733 100%
Response Times CY 2024
Statistic Aug. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 3:05 (80 sec.) 5.63% 2:51 (80 sec.) 12.93%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:17 (60 sec.) 14.19% 2:20 (60 sec.) 15.48%
Statistic Aug. % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 12:53 9.72% 11:02 12.27%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 8:55 20.75% 9:10 19.22%
Fire Impacts CY 2024
Call Type August YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 12 120
Acres burned 132 288
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 6 44
Property and Contents - Loss $331,500.00 $3,725,316.00
Property and Contents - Save $621,000.00 $3,456,000.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 54 439
Property and Contents - Loss $15,000.00 $1,833,602.00
Property and Contents - Save $0.00 $40,100.00
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 (est.)
Total Calls 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,100
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 7
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
• 8/6, Inc #18700, Structure Fire: 28th Ave/District 18, structure fire with no injuries
or fatalities.
• 8/14, Inc #19374, Rescue/MVC: Wainaku Bridge/District 1, vehicle over bridge,
rescued 1 injured person from vehicle on the stream bed.
• 8/15, Inc #19470, Brush Fire: S. Point Rd/District 11, brush fire with nearby
structure protected. Fire contained within a few hours. No injuries reported.
• 8/21, Inc #19966, Rescue:
Kamaili Rd/District 10, Lost Hiker, rescued 1 injured hiker lost for over a day.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
• 8/6, Inc# 18710; Structure
Fire: Mauna Lani Condos,
started by golf cart. Company
14 extinguished. Minimal
damage to structure.
• 8/23, Inc# 20157; Brush Fire:
Waikoloa Rd. 40 acres, no
threat to any communities or
structures.
• 8/28 Inc# 20581 Aircraft
Emergency: Upolu Airport Dist
15. Hard landing. 1 Pt. refusal
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 8
Special Events
• 8/24 Joy Mills Special Needs Surf Day – Special Service
• 8/24-25 Hurricane Hone impacts
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
• Ludlum Radiation Meters sent for calibration
• 2 personnel attended a Maritime Firefighting workshop on Oahu on August 22.
• Final Specification Review completed for new Hazmat 4, ready for IFB
Ocean Safety
• Jr. Lifeguard State championships held on Aug. 10 in Hapuna. Hawaii Island Jr.
Lifeguards won the State Championship. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
• IFB for Ocean Safety pickup truck for Punalu`u WSO III opened Aug. 26.
• IFB For replacement Leleiwi Tower opened on Aug. 23.
Rescue
• USCG SAREX planning ongoing and scheduled for September 10 & 12 for West
HI
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 9
• Discussions ongoing for replacement Light Rescue vehicles. Preparing to build
out the specifications.
• Radon Fuel Tank replacement nearing completion with Riddle Marine.
Incident heat map and YTD stats for August 2024 Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Hawaiʻi Fentanyl Task Force Summit Participation EMS Branch personnel participated in the Hawaiʻi Fentanyl Task Force Summit held on August 5, 2024, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Captain M. Lam was featured as a keynote speaker at this conference, which was attended by 200 people.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 10
Hands-Only CPR and AED Training at Waiakeawaena Elementary School Approximately 140 Waiakeawaena Elementary School staff participated in a Hands-Only CPR and AED training. This training was a collaborative effort with the State Department of Health Keiki Nurses and EMS Branch personnel. Transition to New EMS Supply Online Ordering System We will be transitioning our current EMS supply ordering process over to the new e-commerce online ordering system. This new ordering system will begin on September 1, 2024. We would like to thank Program Support Technician Camie Takamune for all her hard work with this process. Upcoming Annual Ambulance Audits and License Renewals The EMS Branch has been in multiple meetings with the State Department of Health regarding our upcoming annual ambulance audits and license renewals. These audits are to ensure that we are in compliance with all of the applicable provisions of Title II, Chapter 72 administrative rules enforced by the State Department of Health. More details regarding our mandatory audits will be made available shortly. Congratulations to the Fall 2023 Paramedic Class We would like to congratulate our Fall 2023 paramedic class listed below. They have worked very hard over the past year and have successfully met all national and state requirements to become licensed paramedics in the state of Hawaii.
• Francis Blas III
• Tobe Kailimai
• Bran Keopuhiwa
• Caleb Laa
• Imiola Lindsey
• Garrett Nicolaisen
• Michael Presiados
• Mitchel Shintani
Fall 2024 Paramedic Class Enrollment We have five personnel enrolled in the Fall 2024 paramedic class which began on August 26, 2024.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 11
Pulsara In-Service Training Sessions Multiple in-service online training sessions for Pulsara were held in the month of August. Pulsara is a unified telehealth platform for communication among EMS staff, hospitals, and specialists. It allows real-time sharing of patient information, reducing delays and improving coordination which leads to more positive patient outcomes. Currently, Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital is actively using Pulsara. The Hilo Benioff Medical Center will be going live with Pulsara on September 1, 2024. Community Paramedicine Program Update The Community Paramedicine Program continues to flourish. CP teams made 20 patient contacts during the month of August. These patient contacts focused on high utilizers of the 911 system. Ambulance Cellphone Upgrade Project Completion We have completed the ambulance cellphone upgrade project. The new iPhones through AT&T have the option of being used as a hotspot and are FirstNet equipped. These phones were also uploaded with Handtevy, Pulsara, Hawaiʻi State Standing Orders, Bryx, and our EMS Shopify Website.
Training Services Branch
Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training The National Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training was held at the Bob Herkes Gym in Pahala. FEO Darrick Iida, FEO Owen Tomori, FMSII Tyson Pili, FMS II Aaron Knell, and FF Shane McCormick attended. 53rd Fire Fighter Recruit Class The 53rd Fire Fighter Recruit Class began on August 1, 2024 with 13 HFD Firefighter Recruits, one HFD Fire/EMS Recruit, and one HI-DOT ARFF Firefighter Recruit. Truck Operations Training and Live Fire Observation The 53rd Fire Fighter Recruit Class participated in Truck Operations Training and a Live Fire observation lab at PTA August 27-29, 2024. Recruits also interacted with U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, sharing the story of what motivated them to join the fire service. Showcasing Recruit Class Progress Fire Inspector Tyson Goo has been following the current recruit class to showcase their progress, growth, and development through the first month of training. He also sat down for the HFD “The Hot Seat” podcast to share viewpoints on leadership, mentorship, and his career path.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 12
Fire Academy Recruit Class 53 | Episode 1 | Weeks 1-2 “Limits” Fire Academy Recruit Class 53 | Episode 2 | Weeks 3-4 “Perseverance” The Hot Seat Episode 2: Chief Patrick Springer
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 13
Volunteer Training Section
1-A (Pepeʽekeo) Due to consistent issues with trespassing and vandalism, a security fence will soon be installed along Kumula Street. 5-D (Fern Acres) Fern Acres conducted equipment maintenance, testing, and training and added one new volunteer to their ranks. 6-B (Kona Paradise) Kona Paradise responded to the South Point brush fire. 7-B (Kalaoa) Kalaoa responded to 1 brush fire call and 1 structure fire call. They conducted training on hose lays, communications, defensive and offensive tactics, water supply, and district familiarization to acquaint themselves with hydrant locations, other water sources available, safety zones, and escape routes. 9-B (Kanehoa) Kanehoa held two company trainings, one with a forward lay and forcible entry on a shipping container, and another training focused on “fast water” for runaway brush fires. 10-D (Ainaloa) Ainaloa responded to a residential fire and conducted routine vehicle and station maintenance. 10-D received materials from the Ainaloa Community Association to repaint its 30,000-gallon water catchment tank. 11-A (Naʽalehu) VFF Kehau Kalani acquired her DCC (Driver’s Competency Certificate), a step toward becoming a volunteer FEO. 11-C (Discovery Harbour) Discovery Harbour assisted with the 8/15 brush fire and its subsequent flare-ups on South Point Road. VFF Anthony Adams acquired his DCC.
Quarterly Captains Meeting hosted by 9-A on August 9, 2024
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 14
11-D (Pahala) Pahala assisted with the 8/15 brush fire on South Point Road. 16-B (Puʽuanahulu) Puʻuanahulu logged 37 man-hours over 4 training days, which consisted of wet drills, vehicle repairs, and maintenance. 19-A (Volcano) Volcano provided 36 man-hours of time. One crew member passed the EVOC competency course and is working toward acquiring his DCC. 20-A (HOVE) HOVE responded to the South Point brush fire.
Fire Prevention Branch
Fire Investigations The Fire Prevention Branch investigated one structure fire during the month of August. The fire was in a residential occupancy, in District 18. No injuries or fatalities were reported at the incident. The homeowner was home during the fire, the origin was in a plastic storage shed.
Public Education Our Youtube Channel and other Socials are continuing to grow. We are looking at a 5% increase a month in new views. Check us out here: www.youtube.com/@HawaiiFireDepartment
Project Updates Plan review continues to be conducted at 100% within the 14-day review window as dictated by our Key Performance Indicators. The buildout of the EPR Property list is taking shape. The Prevention Branch is working with IT and the EPR crew to enhance the reporting and streamline the data available. We are hitting our target of a minimum of 30 EPR Inputs a month.
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Logistics • Water filling stations are being installed at various stations. • Fire ordering site for August
o 343 customers
o 87 orders for the month of August
o Approximate gross order sales, 25.7k of products • Brush truck 15 issues resolved by mechanic shop and is now in service
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 15
• Ice machines have come in and will be installed at stations 6, 8, and 9 • Apparatus and equipment repair
o One hundred and fifty-seven (157) total repairs/service.
o Thirty-two (32) service calls or trouble calls.
o Eight (8) contracted out and tows
Emergency Communications • Beginning in the month of August, we had Capt. Wilson shadowing in the FCCC to learn about the operations in dispatch. • The 53rd Recruit class had the opportunity to get an overview of the FCCC with a presentation and visit into dispatch. FCO II’s were able to share about the job and educate the recruits on how calls are received and processed. • Progress is being made towards the implementation of Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), which will streamline call taking for all fire and rescue calls. • BC Domingo and Capt. Wilson had the opportunity to attend a training conducted by AT&T where we learned about tools and resources that are available in the event that communications are impacted. Information Technology Highlights • EMS Shopify store site launch. • Revised press release form to a fillable PDF. New form is located at \\hawaiicounty.gov\depts\FD\FD\battalions\All Battalions\0PERATIONS\Press Release Form\ • Meetings and site visits for Joint Communications Center. Tentative building completion and occupancy date of mid-September. Dispatch operational date TBD. • Static Public IP for E01 CradlePoint requested and configured. Testing of CradlePoint hardware VPN to be done when Department of Information Technology is ready.
SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
The Safety section continues to proactively address health and safety concerns within the Hawaii Fire Department. Significant progress was made on several key initiatives this month. The Mold Awareness Training/Procedure was finalized and uploaded to the department's training platform for implementation. This training will help ensure that personnel can adequately identify and respond to mold issues. Additionally, Safety initiated discussions with the County Physician to explore options for health monitoring evaluations for personnel potentially exposed to mold at the Waiakea fire station, where an on-site inspection revealed extensive water damage and a high likelihood of mold growth. Temporary protective measures have been implemented, and requests for remediation have been submitted to the Department of Public Works. The Joint HFD/HFFA Safety Committee met in August to review the status of the Respiratory Protection Program, water rescue operations, and in-station decontamination processes. The committee also discussed the potential revival of the Joint-Labor Wellness Initiative to promote the overall health and well-being of department personnel.
2024 | AUGUST PAGE 16
Preparations for the October 17th Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise are ongoing. The focus is on a hypothetical earthquake scenario that coincides with National Great Shakeout Day. This exercise will help ensure that the department maintains essential functions during a significant disruption. Lastly, Safety has initiated a comprehensive NFPA 1851 Risk Assessment for the department's protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the appropriate gear is utilized for the various risks encountered. This proactive measure will help optimize the protection and safety of our personnel. Questions or feedback from department leadership and personnel are always welcome. * Additional reports for August are anticipated.
OTHER UPDATES
Update on Custom Enforcer HFD Pumper As of August 9, 2024, the Pumper is completing assembly.
END REPORT