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Service, Safety, Dedication, Professionalism & Diversity

2 Annual Report

Mission Miami Township Fire-Rescue provides superior fire

protection & prevention, rescue and emergency

medical care to the residents of and visitors to Miami

Township, Yellow Springs and Clifton. We provide

opportunities for volunteerism and professional

growth for our residents and members.

Welcome

ince being appointed as Fire Chief in 1994, I have had the honor and privilege to lead the firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians of Miami Township Fire-Rescue and experience firsthand their unceasing compassion, courage, dedication

and professionalism. These brave men and women make sacrifices every day in order to serve the community. We faced many challenges and opportunities during 2010, and our members consistently rose to meet them. Emergency incidents increased by just over three percent to 907, reversing a prior decline. Primarily due to attrition, we responded to these calls with a substantially reduced volunteer staff, taxing those who continue to serve. In the spring, we took delivery of Engine 82, a 2010 Seagrave custom pumper which replaced a 26 year old model. This state-of-the-art unit will serve the Township for the next twenty years. Throughout the year, our members continued to exhibit the dedication, heroism and professionalism that have earned them the respect and admiration of all Township residents. From fire suppression to Emergency Medical Services to public education, this annual report describes the highlights of the year at MTFR. I am proud to lead these dedicated men and women and congratulate them all on another year of outstanding service to our community.

Colin S. Altman Chief

S

3 Annual Report

MTFR Core Values Service, Safety, Dedication, Professionalism &

Diversity

Services Provided We provide a broad range of critical public safety emergency and non-emergency services: Firefighting Traditional structural firefighting, vehicle fires, brush fires, and rescues related to these incident types. Medical Emergencies We provide state-of-the-art pre-hospital care and transportation of the sick and injured at the Advanced Life Support level. Prevention We provide fire safety inspection and prevention education, preparedness information, fire code enforcement, as well as health, safety and CPR & first aid instruction. Environmental Protection As a delegated authority agency for the State of Ohio, we inspect and regulate Underground Storage Tanks (USTs). As first responders to hazardous materials incidents, we play a key role in mitigating there types of situations. Special Rescue Enhanced training and specialized equipment enable members to perform rescues at technical rescue incidents involving ropes, climbers, and confined spaces. Our members respond to mitigate emergencies involving vehicles and machinery in which victims are trapped. Emergency Management We plan for and respond to special events, including the Yellow Springs Street Fairs, Independence Day celebrations, and the AACW Blues Fest. We assist the community in all weather and natural disasters, including storms, floods, blizzards, tornados, and heat waves.

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MTFR Members

The continued dedication of our volunteers and paid staff continues to exceed all expectations. Members gave their time and effort throughout the year to provide service for emergency responses, trainings, and community events. Our thirty-seven members represent all walks of life and come from throughout the Township and from around the Miami Valley. They respond at all times of the day and in all types of weather; they truly embody our Core Values. And they respond with significantly fewer members than at any time over the past several years; our numbers are thirty-eight percent below our maximum authorized strength of sixty.

MTFR Members (as of January 31, 2011) Chief Colin Altman Asst. Chief Denny Powell Lt. Aimee Maychack Lt. Jordan Wescott Sgt. Lee Gillespie Sgt. Chris Kitts Sgt. Michael MacVane Safety Officer Paul Abendroth Safety Officer Dave Finster Safety Officer Jack Lebold Firefighter Ken Lovejoy Chaplain/EMT David Hanford Firefighter Ted Wasserman Paramedic Jeff Reich Firefighter/EMT Steve McFarland Firefighter/EMT-I Steve Morse Firefighter/Paramedic Tristan Walker EMT Melissa Partee EMT-I Rebecca Mark Firefighter/Paramedic Liz McCoucha Firefighter/EMT Kris Collins Firefighter/EMT Bob Cooper Firefighter/EMT Jeremy Rea Jake Kintner Firefighter/EMT Dave Collins Elizabeth Tobey Firefighter Michael Duncan EMT Sarah Bales Firefighter Nate Ayers

Firefighter/EMT Mark Murphy Firefighter/EMT Jason Powell Firefighter/EMT Elizabeth Morrow EMT Sandy Oyer EMT Wanda Schnee Firefighter/EMT-I Simon Bonerigo Firefighter Alex Wendt Dave Meister Firefighter/EMT Jason McIntosh Firefighter Jeff Kerr Explorer Post 800 Capt. Carter Collins Sgt. Zak Kimmet Nick Miller-Jacobson Joey Flores Cayden DeFusco Aaron Harshaw Dennis Misik Medical Directors Dr. Linda Bailey, MD Dr. Steve Dixon, MD Department Physicians Dr. David Hyde, MD Dr. Paul VanAusdal, MD

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Our members and explorers represent over 325 years of service to the Township. During 2010, our members performed the following:

7,594 hours spent on incidents, training, and activities

14,398 hours spent by volunteers on call

9,094 hours spent by staff on shift (paid) Several members moved on to exciting new chapters in their lives during 2010. Simon Bonerigo joined the Columbus Fire Division; Kevin Dougherty entered medical school in Colorado while Chris Artigas started PA school. Alban Holyoke travelled to Nepal on a Fulbright Scholarship, Al Schlueter retired after eight years of service, and Marlene MacVane went on long-term leave following the birth of her and husband Michael’s new baby. Several members gained new certifications during the year.

Paramedic: Liz McCoucha

EMT-Basic: Sandy Oyer

Firefighter 1: Alex Wendt

Firefighter 2: Nate Ayers, Simon Bonerigo, Dave Collins, Jeff Kerr & Jason Powell

Instructor: Lee Gillespie & Chris Kitts

Incident Safety Officer: Kris Collins, Bob Cooper, Lee Gillespie, Michael MacVane, Steve McFarland, Steve Morse & Jeremy Rea

Members also began new certification programs during the year which will conclude in 2011.

EMT-Intermediate: Kris Collins, Michael MacVane & Jason Powell

Firefighter 1: Sarah Bales & Sandy Oyer

2010 Award Recipients

Fitness Achievement Ted Wasserman Explorer of the Year Zak Kimmet Recruit of the Year Alex Wendt Warren Watson EMT of the Year Jason Powell Ralph Overton Firefighter of the Year Nate Ayers Emergency Responder of the Year Dave Collins Top Responder of the Year Jeremy Rea Harold Finn Award for Meritorious Service Aimee Maychack, Steve McFarland & Jeff Reich Awards are given based on nominations received from department members and are presented at the Department’s Holiday Party & Awards Ceremony every December.

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Performance Indicators Key performance indicators for 2010 continued to show improvement in critical areas. Engine and medic response times continued to improve despite decreased staff. Turnaround times at area hospitals decreased by 9% from 2009 resulting in greater ambulance availability. Eighty-four percent of the time a Miami Township medic unit arrived on the scene within five minutes of the initial call. This represents a three percent improvement over 2009’s times. Response times are a primary benchmark for fire & EMS services and the averages calculated include both emergency and non-emergency responses, but do not include responses to mutual aid requests.

Key Indicators

First Engine 2008 2009 2010

Reaction time (tone to response) 5:12 4:40 4:53

Response time (tone to on scene) 9:27 8:42 8:20

First Medic 2008 2009 2010

Reaction time (tone to response) 3:49 3:43 3:43

Response time (tone to on scene) 8:06 7:23 7:11

Time spent on-scene 16:51 16:40 15:40

Turnaround time at hospital 34:50 28:00 25:45

Emergency Medical Service 2008 2009 2010

Paramedic first call availability 86% 94% 94%

Calls handled at ALS level 88% 77% 83%

Calls handled at BLS level 12% 23% 17%

Medic unit on scene ≤ 5 minutes 72% 81% 84%

Fire 2008 2009 2010

Dollar loss from fire $241,430 $49,650 $127,531

Value of property saved $0 $460,537 $151,615

Involved structure value saved 0% 90% 54%

* Township-wide average, all shifts, in minutes & seconds

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Incident Statistics – Trends Emergency incidents increased by almost four percent when compared to 2009’s statistics, reversing an annual decline in incident numbers. MTFR members responded to 907 total incidents; EMS incidents remained static at 608, while fire/rescue incidents increased eleven percent to 299.

Incident Statistics – EMS Miami Township medic units responded to 608 emergency medical incidents during 2010, treating 524 patients and transporting 394 to area hospitals. The average age of our patients was 56; below are 2010 transport destinations:

683 715

674

608 608

375 406

362

269 299

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

EMS

Fire

77%

16%

2% 2% 2%

1%

Greene Memorial

Springfield Regional

Kettering

Miami Valley

Children's

Wright Patterson

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47%

31%

9%

6%

3%

4%

EMS Incident Type

Medical

Trauma

Cardiac

Mental Health

Fire Standby

Other

76%

2%

10%

5%

1% 2%

4%

EMS Incident Location

Yellow Springs

Clifton

Twp. West

Twp. East

Antioch College

Park/Glen/Gorge

Mutual Aid

Medical-related calls for assistance made up the bulk of our EMS calls, accounting for 47% of our volume. Medical-related problems include breathing problems, strokes, diabetic emergencies, and illnesses. Cardiac-related calls tripled from the previous year, while mental health related calls doubled. The majority of our EMS incidents continue to occur in the Village of Yellow Springs. In fact, EMS incident distribution varied little from 2009.

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11%

50% 8%

4%

19%

8%

Fire Incident Type

Fires

Rescue/EMS

Hazardous Conditions

Service Call

Good Intent Call

False Alarms

59%

0.50%

14%

8%

3% 5%

10%

Fire Incident Location

Yellow Springs

Clifton

Twp. West

Twp. East

Antioch College

Park/Glen/Gorge

Mutual Aid

Incident Statistics – Fire Firefighters responded to 299 fire-related incidents in 2010. The majority of these fell into the Rescue & EMS category which includes medic assists, motor vehicle crashes, and other types of rescue incidents. Responses to actual fires increased by 37% from the previous year. Compared to 2009, fire incidents increased in Yellow Springs by 3.5% while decreasing in Clifton by two-thirds. Fire activity in the eastern portion of the Township decreased by 20%.

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Training In addition to the new certifications attained during the year, MTFR members attended 2,665 combined hours of in-house training. In-house training covered broad topics in firefighting, emergency medicine and rescue, ranging from geriatrics to aquatic injury management to structural fire attack.

Rabbit Run Farm Burn Down In August, MTFR members, joined by firefighters from Xenia and Sugarcreek Townships, conducted live fire training at Rabbit Run Farm. The day began with a series of small fires inside the house, and finished with a total burn of the structure. This type of training provides an outstanding opportunity for members to gain real experience with fire control, water supply, and other fireground skills. The training was made possible through the generosity of Vernay Labs who donated the structure.

Prairie Fires During the spring, MTFR conducted prescribed burns of two prairies in the Township: one owned by Bud Marsh on Hyde Road, and the other at Morris Bean & Company. Prairies are managed and maintained by prescribed burns. During each burn, non-native plants are removed, allowing prairie plants more nutrients and room to grow. Prairie plants can survive fires since they have deep roots and grow from a point underground. A prescribed burn is a crucial component in prairie restoration. These fires provide our firefighters with valuable training in brush fire management. Top: Fire engulfs the prairie at Morris Bean & Company Bottom: Crews observe as the main fire and back fire race towards each other at the Marsh prairie.

Firefighter Dave Collins protecting exposures at the Rabbit Run Fire

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Sgt. Chris Kitts & Explorer Nick Miller-Jacobsen oversee the Kids Kombat Challenge

Prevention & Education Services Fire prevention and safety education are critical components of what we do. Our prevention and education services include fire and underground storage tank (UST) code enforcement, public education activities, and American Heart Association (AHA) CPR & first aid training. To further this, full-time member Chris Kitts’ position was reclassified from Firefighter/Paramedic to Fire Prevention Officer. This change in title reflects the responsibilities of his position, in which he oversees the department’s prevention and code compliance activities.

Fire & UST Code Enforcement Fire code enforcement efforts are geared towards ensuring public safety through compliance with the Ohio Fire Code. Our certified fire safety inspectors are responsible for the issuance of fire safety permits and periodic fire safety and prevention inspections of commercial and public assembly structures as well as special events. Activities in 2010 included:

191 fire inspections

1 UST upgrade inspection

12 plans review

38 fire code permits issued Our UST code enforcement program operates under delegated authority from the State, and assists in the regulation of petroleum USTs.

Public Education Fourteen public education events were held, including open houses, safety trainings, and station tours. A popular event is the Kids Kombat Challenge, pictured at right, which are held during our Open Houses. During these events children get to experience firefighting tasks in a fun manner.

AHA Training Center Our AHA Training Center trained over 400 people in CPR, first aid, and advanced cardiac life support. Members of the public, firefighters, police officers, teachers and the freshman class at Yellow Springs High School were among those who received our training. Training Center Coordinator Asst. Chief Denny Powell serves as the chair of the AHA’s Ohio Regional Committee. This committee oversees all AHA training, quality assurance and quality improvement in Ohio.

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57%

4% 2%

3%

6%

5%

3%

12%

8%

Fire & EMS Levy Expenditures

Personnel

Other

Training

Repairs & Maintenance

Facilities

Contracted Services

P&L Insurance

Operating Supplies

Motor Vehicles

35%

65%

EMS Transport Billing Expenditures

Personnel

Operating Supplies

Budget MTFR’s operating budget runs on a fiscal year of January 1 through December 31st and is derived from two sources. The first and largest is the fire & EMS property tax levy, which is used to fund all department operations. The second source is EMS transport billing, which is paid by insurance companies to cover the costs of ambulance transport to the hospital. We are proud to be prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars. The appropriated budget through the fire & EMS levy was $611,353, including carryover from the previous year. We ended the year with 15% remaining. Our appropriated budget from EMS transport billing was $92,000. This fund is used exclusively for emergency medical purposes; it pays for patient care supplies, EMS training, and staff salaries. Early in the year, a new state of the art cardiac monitor/defibrillator was purchased from this fund.

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New Fire Engine In May, we took delivery of our newest piece of fire apparatus, Engine 82. Designed and built by Seagrave Fire Apparatus to specifications developed by Asst. Chief Denny Powell, Engine 82 replaced a 26 year old engine. Engine 82 is intended to serve the township for at least the next 20 years. Its specifications include:

Seating for six firefighters

750 gallon water tank

30 gallon class A foam tank

1,250 gallon per minute water pump

Stainless steel construction

Cummins turbo-diesel engine

Advanced safety features

Purchased through Command Seagrave of Cincinnati for $450,000

Seagrave Fire Apparatus, based in Clintonville, Wisconsin is America’s oldest continuous manufacturer of fire apparatus. Engine 82 is our second fire engine from Seagrave.

Apparatus Fleet Our apparatus fleet consists of nine pieces which are all mission-specific. When we determine the need to replace apparatus we do so with the intent to design the safest and most cost effective modern apparatus that meets our needs.

Engine 81: 1996 Seagrave

Engine 82: 2010 Seagrave

Brush 82: 1983 Chevrolet/Reading

Rescue 81: 2004 Ford/Lifestar

Tanker 81: 1986 Ford/FMC tanker

Medic 81: 2005 Ford/Braun

Medic 82: 2006 Ford/Lifestar

Squad 81: 2008 Dodge Dakota

Command 80: 2004 Ford Explorer

Engine 82’s cab takes shape at the plant in Clintonville, WI

Engine 82 lettered and in service

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Explorer post members ready for action at the Marsh prairie fire. Left to right: Aaron Harshaw, Carter Collins, Nick Miller-Jacobson, Elizabeth Tobey

Top: Staff prepares to serve food at the May open house Bottom: Fire engine rides at the open house

Explorer Post 800

Our Explorer Post continued to operate successfully throughout the year. Fire Service Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women between 14 and 18 years of age. It is designed to help youth gain insight into the fire service through experiential learning. Our Explorers participate in training sessions, meetings and ride along on emergency incidents. During 2010 our Explorers rode along with crews for a total of 1,141 hours. In addition, they attended 26 post meetings. Explorer post members Carter Collins and Zak Kimmet were promoted to post leadership positions in recognition of their skills and dedication. Collins was promoted to Captain and Kimmet to Sergeant.

Firefighter’s Association

Our firefighter’s association continued to function in support of fire department operations throughout the year. The Association organized the May open house which allowed community members to visit the station, see the equipment and take rides on a fire engine. A dedication ceremony was held for Engine 82, in which department members pushed the new engine into its bay.

Pulled pork sandwiches, prepared by Trustee Mark Crocket were served. During the Yellow Springs Street Fair in October, the Association sold bottled water to raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Firefighters in pink shirts raised over $1,000 for the cause.

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Fire Station 81/Township Office Master Plan

The Yellow Springs Fire Station (Station 81) and Township Administration Office was built in 1955 and added onto in phases over the years. The fire station was designed and built prior to the development of modern emergency apparatus and safety standards. Our apparatus purchasing is limited due to size constraints in the station; we have sub-standard living spaces for volunteers and part-time staff who work overnight shifts; and our administrative, training and public spaces are inadequate. Due to space limitations, EMS patient care supplies share space with training supplies and bio-hazardous contaminated equipment. Firefighter turnout gear is stored on pegs on the walls of the apparatus bay where it is subject to degradation due to diesel fume exposure. Members are exposed to diesel fumes due to the lack of an adequate exhaust removal system. The fire department operates state-of-the-art paramedic ambulances out of a space designed for smaller converted hearses. With these issues in mind, the Board of Trustees charged MTFR senior staff with conducting a process to select an architect to conduct a master plan for the construction of a new fire station and township administration office. Chief Altman, Asst. Chief Powell, Association President Kris Collins and Firefighter/EMT Bob Cooper evaluated three firms through an in-depth process of site visits, reference checks and interviews. In the end, Michael Schuster Associates (MSA) Architects of Cincinnati was selected and recommended to the Board of Trustees. The Board entered into a contract with MSA in February 2011. Under the contract, MSA will perform the following services for us:

Conduct an evaluation of the current facility in terms of space, layout, efficiency, etc.

Conduct mapping of historical and projected emergency incident data

Conduct an evaluation of community growth and demands for services

Examine potential building sites and assist in selection through incorporation of response mapping and other criteria

Provide conceptual facility designs We believe that MSA possesses the skill, experience, and staff to help us identify the most appropriate location for a new facility, and to conduct a space needs analysis for future construction. We are impressed by the firm’s portfolio of government building designs, their innovation, their attention to detail and professionalism, and the praise they have received from previous clients.

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MTFR in Pictures

MTFR members perform the ceremonial push-in of Engine 82 at its dedication

MTFR members assisted by Cedarville firefighters rescue an injured man from John Bryan State Park

At the Rabbit Run burn down. Left to right: Nate Ayers, Asst. Chief Denny Powell, Jason Powell

MTFR crews providing care to a patient with CareFlight staff at a Memorial Day rollover accident

Members set up a decontamination corridor during a training session at Gaunt Park

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Members prepare for the Marsh Prairie Fire. Left to right: Dave Meister, Bon Holyoke, Nate Ayers, Ted Wasserman, Simon Bonerigo & Dave Collins

Dave Collins at the tanker ops drill

Chief Altman & Sgt. Gillespie with state troopers at a light plane crash on Tanyard Road

Sgt. Kitts lighting fires at the Morris Bean Prairie prescribed burn

Tanker operations drill on Polecat Road. MTFR trained with mutual aid partners Hustead and Xenia Township Fire Departments

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MTFR 2010 Annual Report Written By Chief Colin Altman Edited By Asst. Chief Denny Powell Firefighter/EMT Alex Wendt Photos By Colin Altman Kris Collins Dave Collins Wanda Schnee Denny Powell Springfield News-Sun Yellow Springs News

Happy Holidays at MTFR! Left to right: Kris Collins, Elizabeth Tobey, Zak Kimmet, Chief Altman, Joey Flores, Alex Wendt, Sgt. Kitts On the Cover: Jeremy Rea at the Rabbit Run burn down

Miami Township Fire-Rescue Station 81 225 Corry Street Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Station 82 141 Clinton Street Clifton, OH 45316 (937) 767-7842 Email: info@mtfr.org Find us on the web at www.mtfr.org

Miami Township Fire-Rescue

@MTFR80 Annual Report 2010 © 2011 Miami Township Fire-Rescue

Special Response Team members Kris Collins and Jason Powell set up a hauling system