HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 24-25 DECEMBER
2024 | DECEMBER FISCAL YEAR 24-25
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501
HILO, HAWAI’I 96720
FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
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 ........................................................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ..................................................................................................... 6
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................................................... 6
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi .................................................................................................................. 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 ..................... 13
Emergency Communications ......................................................................................................... 13
Information Technology Highlights ............................................................................................ 14
Safety Specialist Report ............................................................................................................................ 14
A Hui Hou ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 3
A DMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals December
YTD Goal
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 92% 95% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 100% 99% 95%
Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $22,477,500 $5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received $0.00 $ 488,722.63 $5,000,000
Budget Category Adj
Appropriation
YTD
Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 40,078,922.00 20,891,715.75 52.13 54.17
6221-6225 OCE 6,143,148.96 3,424,987.36 55.75 50.00
Equipment 3,820,919.61 2,557,459.09 66.93 50.00
Grants & Misc S&W 661,520.09 257,161.00 38.87 54.17
6226 OCE 1,327,882.56 66,538.39 5.01 50.00
Equipment 697,875.20 448,011.00 64.20 50.00
EMS S&W 15,630,607.00 7,570,641.07 48.43 54.17
6227 OCE 2,889,425.33 1,072,527.75 37.12 50.00
Equipment 3,220,637.02 3,113,843.53 96.68 50.00
Ocean Safety S&W 5,483,856.34 2,284,742.52 41.66 54.17
6228 OCE 328,845.49 257,104.65 78.18 50.00
Equipment 522,905.32 291,868.93 55.82 50.00
Total Budget 80,806,544.92 42,236,601.04 52.27
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. In bid review process.
FY 2021 AFG We are procuring items for the Fire Base Station Refresh Project.
The grant is 100% obligated as of 12/31/24.
FY 2023 AFG
Appropriation of $488,722.63 posted to general ledger. Grant awarded to establish a Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident Command
and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and
efficient HFD emergency response Operations.
FY 22 USDA Volunteer Fire Capacity Project Brush truck for volunteer station 20A was delivered in December. Is at the Maintenance Shop getting ready to place on the line.
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 in the first quarter of 2025.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair
Share Funds)
Bid awarded to Newport Laminates, Inc. Delivery expected
within one year.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 4
ADMIN DIV: HR B RANCH R EPORT
Program Budget Goals December YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 30 764 100%
Recruitment Actions < 30days 5 50 90%
Promotion Actions < 30days 2 53 100%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 20 580 90%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Fire/EMS Specialist II Five (5) promotions effective 12/16/24.
Fire/Hazardous Materials Specialist Assessment held on 12/20/24.
Supervising Fire Communications Officer
Employee selected (promoted); start date 01/01/25.
Battalion Chief (Emergency Operations)
Recruitment opened 12/01/24 and closed on 12/10/24; DHR to
verify employment dates and E&E. Pending notification.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Program Support Technician
DHR referred list of five (5) names. Interviews scheduled for
01/14/25.
Clerk III (Auxiliary Service Branch)
Selected candidate resigned effective 12/06/25. DHR referred five
(5) names. Interview set for 01/17/25.
Fire Maintenance Worker Applicant selected; start date 12/16/24.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) PAE scheduled for 02/02/25.
Fire/EMS Recruit PAE scheduled for 02/02/25.
Professional Development Trainee I (Temp) (ISA I) Applicant selected; start date 12/16/24.
Automotive Storekeeper DHR referred four (4) names; pending interviews.
Professional Development Trainee (Grants Specialist)
Recruitment opened on 12/08/24 and closed on 12/17/24.
Pending referral of names.
Professional Development Trainee (Info and Education Specialist)
Received approval of position and position description from DHR
on 12/24/24. Open recruitment scheduled for January 2025.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 5
O PERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 December % YTD %
Fire 90 3% 861 3%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 5 0%
Rescue and EMS 2026 71% 22797 73%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 14 0% 196 1%
Service Call 207 7% 2073 7%
Good Intent calls 451 16% 4747 15%
False Alarm / False calls 35 1% 414 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 6 0%
Special Incident Type 7 0% 41 0%
Other (not completed yet) 6 0% 6 0%
Totals 2836 100% 31143 100%
Response Times CY 2024
Statistic Dec. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:40 (80 sec.) 16.85% 2:55 (80 sec.) 13.42%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:11 (60 sec.) 16.18% 2:19 (60 sec.) 15.44%
Statistic Dec. % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 11:16 13.33% 11:16 13.33%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:08 19.68% 9:08 19.68%
Fire Impacts CY 2024
Call Type December YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 21 164
Acres burned 16 318
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 7 61
Property and Contents - Loss $548,000.00 $5,721,816.00
Property and Contents - Save $1,310,700.00 $6,409,700.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 62 636
Property and Contents - Loss $0.00 $1,849,102.00
Property and Contents - Save $0.00 $40,102.00
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Total Calls 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 6
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
• 11/28, Inc# 28191; Structure Fire: Val Hala Apartments/District 1, 1 civilian
injured no fatalities.
• 11/30, Inc# 28334; Rescue: Off Old Volcano Road/District 19, lost hunters, 3
parties extricated no injuries
• 12/4, Inc# 28655; Fire: Hopue Road, Mt View/Dist. 5, no injuries or fatalities
• 12/23, Inc#30445; Rescue: Volcano National Park/District 19, 1 person extricated
from steam vent, no injuries or fatalities.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
• 12/15, Inc# 25659; Structure Fire: Kainaliu/District 12.
• 12/22, Inc# 30388; Aircraft Emergency: Cessna Hard landing/District 9. No
injuries
• 12/23, Inc# 30408; Brush Fire: Upolu Point/Dist. 15. 100’x100’ no injuries or
damage
Special Events
• 12/7/24 Waimea Christmas Parade
• 12/14/24 Waikoloa Christmas Parade
• 12/14/24 Kailua Kona Christmas Parade
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
• New Hazmat 4 IFB awarded to Hughes Fire.
• X-4 & X-21 status: currently at Upfitter to install aftermarket accessories
• Haz-Tech class scheduled for Jan 6-17. 24 personnel selected.
Ocean Safety
• WSO promotional recruitment E&E update: Met with DHR and made additional
amendments.
• Met with HGEA on Hilo tower staffing proposal, tentative approval reached, and
awaiting formal response to proceed.
• Received numerous donations for services and PPE for Ocean Safety Personnel in
S. Kohala (Jackets and shorts) and Kahaluʻu (office trailer remodel).
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 7
Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue equipment purchases being made
• Sayre funded equipment purchases started
• X-2 & X-7 status: currently at Upfitter to install aftermarket accessories
Incident heat map and YTD stats for December 2024
Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 8
S UPPORT S ERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
CPR Training Center Faculty Recertification
Captain M. Lam facilitated a renewal class for the American Heart Association CPR
Training Center Faculty (TCF). As a result, all of our department’s TCF members have
successfully been recertified and will play an active role in the department-wide
recertification process.
Ambulance Service Licenses
We have received and distributed the 2025 State of Hawaiʻi Ambulance Service Licenses.
Paramedic Class Training Progress
The Fall 2024 paramedic class has successfully completed their didactic portion of
training. They will begin their clinical and internship training in January 2025.
Medical Standby at Community Event
EMS Branch personnel assisted with a medical standby on Friday, December 20th at the
West Hawaiʻi Civic Center’s Christmas community event.
Airon Ventilator Training and Distribution
We have received the new Airon ventilators. EMS Branch personnel and EMS equipment
committee members received in-service training on these vents. Distribution and in-
service training will be implemented shortly. Community Paramedicine Program
The Community Paramedicine program continues to care for individuals island wide. Narcan Awareness Public Service Announcement
EMS Branch personnel teamed up with HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and
Honolulu Emergency Management personnel for a community education public service
announcement on Narcan awareness. This public service announcement will be aired on
local TV channels beginning in January 2025.
Community Education Project with Kona Community Hospital
EMS Branch personnel partnered with Kona Community Hospital in a community
education project. This project focused on creating folders with helpful medical
information that will be useful in prehospital emergencies. These folders will be
distributed to our local community members.
Pulsara for Stroke Care
Pulsara continues to be utilized at both Queens North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital and
the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for suspected stroke patients. During this brief period of use, there has been a substantial improvement in patient care to individuals suffering a
stroke on Hawaiʻi Island. We are currently working with Kona Community Hospital to
standardize stroke care across Hawaiʻi Island. Due to the positive results, various
agencies are interested in partnering with the Hawaiʻi Fire Department to expand the
scope of use to include other cases, such as heart attacks, sepsis, and trauma.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 9
Training Services Branch
Firefighter Combat Challenge
The 53rd recruit class participated in a firefighter combat
challenge. The combat challenge is a demanding 5-event
physical challenge that firefighters throughout the world
participate in and try to complete with the fastest time. The
events were modified by the Training Branch to fit the needs
of the recruit training program. The events included seven
skills stations which consist of donning PPE, a stair climb with
a high rise pack, hose hoist, the Keiser sled (simulating forcible entry), single firefighter 24-foot extension ladder
throw, a four-inch hose drag, and a victim rescue. The
primary purpose for the Firefighter Combat Challenge is to
incorporate firefighting skills, promote physical fitness, and
stress the effort required during an emergency.
Fire Ground Survival Program
The 53rd recruit class completed the Fire Ground Survival program. The IAFF Fire
Ground Survival (FGS) program is the most comprehensive survival skills and Mayday
prevention program currently available within the fire service. Incorporating federal
regulations, proven incident management best practices, survival techniques from
leaders in the field, and real case studies from experienced firefighters, the FGS program
aims to educate all firefighters to be prepared if the unfortunate happens.
Fire Ground Survival
Rapid Intervention Training
The 53rd recruit class completed one week of Rapid Intervention Training. Rapid Intervention Training teaches firefighters how to rescue themselves and other
firefighters. This training covers SCBA emergencies, MAYDAY, disorientation
emergencies, emergency escape techniques, emergency air supply, searching for a
firefighter, assessing and packaging a firefighter, drags and carries, ladder rescues from
entanglements, breaches, below grade and restricted areas.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 10
ICS 300 and 400 Training
Fourteen HFD personnel along with partner agencies (Civil Defense, National Parks and
DOFAW) attended ICS 300 and 400 training at Haihai Training Classroom. ICS 300
prepares personnel to function in the Command or General Staff positions during a large, complex incident or event, or personnel who are or would likely be part of a local
or regional Incident Management Team during a major incident, whether single agency,
multiagency, or Unified Command. ICS 400 prepares personnel who would function as
part of an Area Command, Emergency Operations Center, or Multiagency incident.
Volunteer Training Section
1-A (Pepeʻekeo)
Volunteer Company 1A participated in “Heroes and Helpers” at Target and was able to
get five children what they wanted for Christmas. Co. 1A also performed vehicle and station maintenance.
5-B (Hawaiian Acres)
Volunteer Company 5B assisted with fire suppression operations in one structure fire
and another fire that involved multiple vehicles.
5-D (Fern Acres)
Volunteer Company 5D responded to four calls in December, acquired one new
probationary volunteer firefighter, and participated in numerous community outreach
events, including food distribution.
5-C (Fern Forest)
Volunteer Company 5C was dispatched to two fires and continued to participate in joint
trainings with their neighboring volunteer companies.
7-B (Kalaoa)
Volunteer Company 7B was dispatched to a total of six calls and focused their training
on hose deployment tactics for exterior structure firefighting and wildland fires, PPE training, water supply operations, and driver training.
8-A (Paʻauilo)
Volunteer Company 8A was dispatched to four fires and provided manpower and water
supply to Company 8 Honokaʻa. Co. 8A also performed driver training, station
maintenance, and online training.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 11
9-B (Kanehoa)
Volunteer Company 9B performed apparatus equipment checks and inventory,
participated in the Waimea Christmas parade, trained in wildland hose deployment drills in the urban interface, and trained with various hose deployment packs to see which fits
their company best for faster hose deployments. Co. 9B also participated with Co. 7B in
practicing three apparatus forward hose lays and maintained a Firewatch from 1700 -
0130 hrs. on New Year’s Eve.
10-D (Ainaloa)
Volunteer Company 10D added one new volunteer to their ranks and focused on PPE
training and vehicle maintenance.
14-A (Kohala)
Volunteer Company 14A had several personnel complete required online trainings to
ensure their continued response capabilities for the community.
16-B (Puʻuanahulu)
Volunteer Company 16B performed 19.25 hours of training on fire suppression, repairs
to their brush truck, and station maintenance. 19-A (Volcano)
Volunteer Company 19A performed driver training and vehicle maintenance during the month of December.
Fire Prevention Branch
Fire Inspections
Our current fire inspectors are conducting business inspections on a rotating calendar
schedule. Currently for this month in District 1,3 and 7 and 9, utilizing EPR Fireworks and
adding properties as inspections are completed.
Community Outreach, Events & Social Media
Dec. 4- Fire Prevention Captain Tyson Goo and Fire Inspector John Requelman assisted a
home adult care company in their Home Fire Evacuation Plan and Basic Fire Extinguisher
Education. Members got education on emergency evacuation, fire safety and fire extinguisher use and education.
Dec. 10- Captain T. Goo assisted the training division for Fireground Survival at the
Wong Stadium grounds to be featured in a future Fire Academy Episode. During
Fireground Survival Training, fire recruits learn skills and tactics on how to survive in a
structure if they become lost, disoriented or trapped. The recruits learn a lot about
themselves and how to deal with their emotions.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 12
Dec. 13- The Hawaii Fire
Department along with the East Hawaii Fire Prevention
Office hosted The Magic of
the Season event at the
East Hawaii County
Building. There was live
music and entertainment,
craft tables for the keiki,
food trucks, and a special photo booth area where
attendees could take
pictures with Marshall the
fire dog from Paw Patrol
and/or Darth Vader.
Dec. 14- Fire Inspector J. Requelman, Fire Prevention Clerk Jordyn Carter and Fire
Administration Clerk Jordyn Mantz attended Waiakea High School’s Health and Safety Fair. Attendants received information on fire safety, home escape plans, smoke alarm
education and general fire sprinkler information. Students also received pencils, stickers
and our 2024 Firefighter Safety Guides.
Dec. 18- Fire Inspector J. Requelman was at The Arc of Hilo for a special event and got
to share topics on fire safety and our 2024 Firefighter’s Safety Guide, with the group of
attendees. Our Firefighter’s Safety Guide teaches some fire safety tips and general safety
tips in a fun way for keiki and adults alike. Our firefighter’s safety guide is shared every year to each student from kindergarten to grade 6. We have a few left, so stop by our
fire prevention office and get one.
Plan Review / Active Construction
All plans in both digital and paper construction plans have been reviewed and completed within the allotted 14-day turnaround period for the month of December.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 13
Fire Investigations
12/5: Residential Structure fire in
District 5
12/15: Commercial Structure Fire in
District 6
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
• Support services is interviewing for PST and Clerk III positions • Fire ordering for Shopify o 368 customers o 47 orders for the month of November o Approximate gross order sales, 30.8K of products • Canopy tent for stations 15 and 7 are in the works • The equipment for Engine 14 has gone to STN. 14 • Apparatus and equipment repair • Two hundred and thirteen (213) total repairs/service. • Forty (40) service calls or trouble calls. • Eight (8) contracted out and tows
Emergency Communications • One interview conducted for the Supervising Fire Communications Officer
Position. The position was offered to FCO II Richard Arias, who accepted and
began Jan 1, 2025. • Multiple meetings have continued for the progress and preparing for the move
to the new communication center (HCECC). There have been many contributing
factors for further delays with no new “go live” date set. • Chief Domingo has re-established meetings with our Spillman (CAD) rep to have
weekly discussions regarding building response plans into Spillman. • Discussions with the Fire Chief and HR continue progress towards the filling of
the Fire Captain-Emergency Communications positions.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 14
Information Technology Highlights • Professional Trainee ISA I position filled. Malia Jardine started on 12/16/24. • MDT equipment installation for new E14 with assistance from Mechanic Shop. • Meeting with Panasonic support team. Windows 11 upgrade has been completed
on some of the medic MDT’s. • Additional work on FireWorks Inventory and Item Checks. • Joint Communications Center meetings. iNET fiber installation is delayed which
will delay the completion of the JCC being ready for live 911 calls. • Continued work on at Joint Communications Center. • Installation of battery backups and switches in server room. • Additional dispatch consoles CAD computer, monitors, and wiring completed.
S AFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
December was an active month for Hawaii Fire Department safety initiatives, with
progress in respiratory protection, aviation safety, and operational support.
Respiratory Protection Program Progress
The Respiratory Protection Program made strides with east-side fit testing data nearing
upload to MSA’s FireGrid software. Captain Mantz and Captain Boteilho completed fit
testing for A & B shifts, with C-shift underway, moving us closer to compliance.
Aviation Safety Initiatives
Aviation safety remains a priority. A December 19 meeting with pilots and maintenance
personnel addressed key issues, leading to actionable outcomes. Development of the
Flight Safety & Survival training continues, with pilot video content set for early 2025
completion. We are also exploring enhancements to long-line and aerial firefighting
training. Return-to-Work Policy and Reporting Updates
Feedback from HR on the Draft Return-To-Work Policy and Incident, Accident, and
Damage Reporting training video is under review, with updated processes for incident
reporting pending approval. Effluent testing from Haihai’s gear extractor confirmed
expected contaminants from bunker gear and plans to install extractors at additional
stations include filtration measures to protect groundwater.
December Reports Summary
December saw five new Incident/Accident reports, four Vehicle/Property Damage
reports, and one resolved aviation event.
Upcoming Safety Actions
Key upcoming actions include finalizing the HFD Process for Reasonable Suspicion
Drug/Alcohol Testing with DHR and completing the required Hazardous
Communications program. We remain focused on advancing safety and preparedness for all department members.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 15
A HUI HOU
Fire Captain Eric Loyola
Captain Eric Loyola retired on Dec. 30 following a 30-year career in the Hawaiʽi Fire
Department. His last assignment was the South Kohala Fire Station. Capt. Loyola is pictured with crew after a structure fire Dec. 15.
Fire Captain Van Medeiros
Captain Van Medeiros retired on Dec. 30 following a 25-year career. His last assignment
was the South Kohala Fire Station.
2024 | DECEMBER PAGE 16
Senior Account Clerk Jason Ueda
Jason retired on Dec. 30 after over
34 years of service. He is pictured
with Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, Accountant IV Nikol Lonokapu, and
Accountant I Nikki Konanui.
Mahalo to all for your extraordinary service.
We wish you all the best in your well-deserved
retirement!
In Memoriam
Human Resources Specialist II Jean Viernes passed
away December 12. She dedicated over 35 years of
service to the County of Hawaii. A service was held
Jan. 5 that was well-attended by HFD personnel.
You are missed, Jean.
END REPORT