2019 Annual Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE CHIEF ______________________________________________ 4

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW _______________________________________ 5

Stations ________________________________________________________________ 6

Apparatus _______________________________________________________________ 6

2019 DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS _________________________________ 7

Leadership Changes ______________________________________________________ 7

Fire Engine Replacement __________________________________________________ 7

Insurance Services Office Rating_____________________________________________ 7

Station 64-1 Renovations ___________________________________________________ 8

Cancer Prevention Precautions ______________________________________________ 8

Garage Bay Exhaust Systems _______________________________________________ 9

Towable Sign Board _______________________________________________________ 9

Citizen’s Fire Academy ___________________________________________________ 10

Public Safety Day ________________________________________________________ 11

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) __________________________________________ 11

Annual Awards __________________________________________________________ 12

Fire Station #3 __________________________________________________________ 13

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ______________________________________ 14

Response Times & Manpower ______________________________________________ 15

Calls by District _________________________________________________________ 15

Incident Types __________________________________________________________ 16

Emergency Medical Response _____________________________________________ 17

NON-EMERGENCY OPERATIONS ________________________________ 18

Fire Prevention __________________________________________________________ 19

Fire & Life Safety Education _______________________________________________ 21

Community outreach Services ______________________________________________ 23

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ____________________________________ 26

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) ________________________________________ 26

Planning & Training ______________________________________________________ 26

TRAINING ____________________________________________________ 27

3

Child Car Seat Technician _________________________________________________ 27

IAFC Recruitment & Retention Coordinator Certification _________________________ 27

Incident Command System (ICS) 300 & 400 ___________________________________ 28

Forcible Entry Training ____________________________________________________ 28

VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY ___________________________________ 29

Volunteer Duty Program (VDP) _____________________________________________ 29

2020 OBJECTIVES _____________________________________________ 30

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FROM THE CHIEF

Thank you for taking the time to review 2019 with us. A brief

look back shows a busy year, with the highest call volume in

department history, even while welcoming back old programs

like the Citizen’s Fire Academy, and tackling new projects

such as the installation of garage bay exhaust systems,

purchased through a sizeable federal grant.

With the completion of 2019 came the end of a decade; a time

for reflection of our past, gratitude for how far we’ve come,

and excitement as we look toward the future. In 2019, we saw

the most significant change our organization has faced in

thirty-seven years with the retirement of our long standing fire

chief. On June 10th, as I stood prepared to take lead of the

organization, I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I am for a department with a steady foundation, a

robust workforce, and a council with dedication to public safety and their community.

In partnership with councilmembers, township and fire administration, we wasted no time in

evaluating the current state of our organization. While there are many programs and service areas that

we will strive to maintain such as inspections, outreach, and fire prevention, we searched for

opportunities of improvement. This group identified key areas such as response times, fleet

management, and staffing, in which we will focus over the next ten years to ensure we are adequately

meeting township growth.

As we enter this new decade, one that will bring new challenges of providing public safety to a rapidly

growing community, I am confident that we are prepared for the task. When I look at the men and

women that make up the Peters Township Fire Department, the dedication and determination that they

display every day, I know that we stand eagerly prepared to continue our uncompromising tradition of

service to our community.

Thank you to the Peters Township community, Township Council, and management for the

unwavering support of this fine organization. Thank you to our incredible firefighters for their sacrifice

in order to serve others, and thank you to their families who graciously share their loved ones with us.

On behalf of our entire organization, it is my honor to present the 2019 Peters Township Fire

Department Annual Report contained in the following pages.

Michael R. McLaughlin

Fire Chief & Emergency Management Coordinator

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

When a group of residents grew concerned about fire protection in Peters Township, they

decided to do something about it, and founded the Peters Township Volunteer Fire Company

in 1937. A fully volunteer organization, they provided

fire protection and rescue services to the growing

township for many years. After realizing the need for

an increased staffing level, especially during daylight

hours, paid staffing was added in the 1980’s to fully

meet the needs of the Township.

Today, The Peters Township Fire Department’s 50-

person roster is comprised of both career and

volunteer firefighters that staff our stations with a

minimum of 2 firefighters 24/7, 365 days per year.

This staffing ensures that no matter the time of day, a

fire engine will respond immediately, as soon as a

911 call is received. The Department operates a total

of nine fire apparatus – 3 engines, 1 specialized

rescue/engine, a 109’ aerial ladder truck, and specialized squads, as well as a boat, and

specially outfitted UTV for rescuing patients from wooded areas and the trail. These fire and

rescue apparatus are housed in two fire stations - the headquarters on East McMurray Road

near Washington Road, and the Substation at the intersection of Bebout and Sugarcamp

Roads.

Peters Township Firefighters are a team of highly trained and

dedicated professionals, committed to providing the

highest standard of emergency service to our community. We

stand ready to provide fire suppression, rescue, fire

prevention and education, and emergency medical care. We will provide these essential

services promptly, safely, and compassionately to all who

need them in Peters Township and surrounding communities.

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Stations

The Peters Township Fire Department currently operates out of two stations fire stations.

Station 64-1 is located at 245 East McMurray Road and is staffed 24/7/365 to ensure rapid

response for emergencies. Station 64-2 is located at the intersection of Bebout and Sugar

Camp Roads and is primarily a “home response” station. Volunteer & off-duty career

firefighters respond to this station from their homes for significant incidents.

Apparatus

Peters Township Firefighters maintain a fleet of 10 total vehicles: (3) fire engines, (1)

specialized rescue/engine, (1) 109’ aerial ladder truck, (3) specialized squads, (2) utility

trucks, and (1) command vehicle assigned to the chief. Additionally, the department utilizes

two small boats, and one all-terrain UTV for areas that are difficult for vehicular access.

Station 64-1 Station 64-2

Truck 64 (left), our

newest fire apparatus

purchased in 2018

next to Wagon 64-2, a

1988 pumper to be

replaced in 2020.

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2019 DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Leadership Changes

In June of 2019, after serving Peters Township for over 40 years, long time Fire Chief Dan

Coyle retired. At a ceremony in council chambers on June 10th, Coyle was honored and

Michael McLaughlin Jr. was officially installed as the Fire Chief of Peters Township. Captain

David Caputo was also promoted to fill Chief McLaughlin’s former role as Deputy Fire Chief.

Fire Engine Replacement

Specifications for a new fire engine were established and bids were received to replace a

1988 fire engine that is due for replacement and has passed its useful life. The Township

accepted a bid from Toyne Fire Apparatus for a pumper that was delivered in late 2019 and

will be put in-service in early 2020.

Insurance Services Office Rating

In preparation for our Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating in 2020, Peters Fire

Administration took measure to prepare information and update documentation to ensure we

are properly prepared for the evaluation. Our ISO rating can affect insurance costs, especially

for commercial occupancies.

Left: Chief Coyle addresses the

council and department

Right: PTFD’s Command Staff

(L-R) Deputy Chief David

Caputo, Chief Michael

McLaughlin Jr., and Asst. Chief

William Gaughan

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Station 64-1 Renovations

As part of a multi-year project to upgrade our facilities

Station 64-1, our fitness center and bunkrooms were

relocated and upgraded. Through a combined effort

between public works and Peters Fire crews, this work

resulted in an expanded fitness area, and private

bunkrooms and locker rooms to accommodate male and

female firefighters. The fitness facility is available for use by

all township employees.

Cancer Prevention Precautions

Cancer rates among firefighters throughout the United

States have continued to rise at an alarming rate due to the

toxins that firefighters are exposed to during fire and

emergency operations. Peters Township Fire Department

continues to research this issue and implement practices

that will reduce the risk of cancer for our team. As part of

this proactive initiative, the fire union offered to purchase

an infrared sauna for use by the entire organization. Research

has suggested that the use

of a sauna on a continued

basis, especially after

fighting a structure fire and

being exposed to toxins will

significantly reduce cancer

potential.

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Garage Bay Exhaust Systems

As part of a $60,000.00 grant from FEMA for firefighter health and safety, PTFD was able to

install exhaust removal systems in both of our fire stations. These systems (pictured right)

remove harmful emissions caused by diesel and gas vehicles and prevent accumulated

carcinogens on firefighters’ gear and equipment. Approximately 10% of the cost, not covered

by the grant, was paid for by funds from the volunteer fire company annual fund drive.

Towable Sign Board

In an effort to enhance our emergency management capabilities and

information sharing with the public, we budgeted for and purchased a

towable LED Sign Board. This board will be a township-wide

resource, available to all departments if needed. It will be beneficial

during any prolonged emergency road closures, training exercises,

and township events such as public safety day and community day.

Our goal is always providing quick and accurate information to the

public, and this device will enhance our capabilities!

Truck 64 pictured in its garage by while

attached to the exhaust system. The vent

is magnetically connected to the exhaust of

the truck and moves with the truck as it

exits the garage.

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Citizen’s Fire Academy

PTFD was thrilled to reintroduce its Citizen’s Fire Academy

(CFA) in the fall of 2019! The CFA was originally debuted in

2012 and although successful, was unable to become an

annual offering due to the significant resources it required.

To combat this challenge, PTFD partnered with the North

Strabane fire Department to once again offer this program

through a joint effort to both communities.

The class began in October and ran for seven weeks, including a

final graduation celebration. The course was designed to increase

public awareness of our organizations and their offerings, train

citizens on the proper handling of

emergency situations, and spark

interest in volunteer firefighting.

Thanks to the partnership with

North Strabane and the

outstanding feedback from

participants, this course will be

offered annually.

“I am a lifelong Peters Township resident and had no idea how involved our fire department is in every aspect of our community! I not only learned a lot but came away with a true appreciation for our fire department and the members.” -Judy M.

“The experience was something I never dreamed I would have in my lifetime. Who knew that a 66-year-old woman would be able to put on genuine fire gear and not only ‘pretend’ to be a firefighter, but actually experience some ‘real’ moves that you all make on a daily basis. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” –Becky S.

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Public Safety Day

Peters Township Fire, Police, and EMS came together

to present the township’s first Public Safety Day in

October. These agencies flawlessly work together daily,

and this event is meant to showcase that together, in

one location. Education and activities were provided for

both children and adults, as well as a food truck. This

event will take place once again in the spring of 2020!

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

Throughout 2019, Chief McLaughlin worked to review and update the Emergency Operations

Plan for Peters Township, which is required by the State of Pennsylvania. The Emergency

Operations Plan is an all-encompassing manual for the complete handling of a significant

emergency within our community. The Peters Township Council officially adopted the plan as

prepared by Chief McLaughlin in 2019.

(L) Lt. Holovack reads to children

while FF/Medic Catto (R) reviews fire

extinguishers during Public Safety

Day.

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Annual Awards

Each year, the department gathers a group with their significant others and community

leaders to celebrate the accomplishments of the previous year. This event serves as one of

the only days throughout the year where we’re able to focus on our fellow firefighters, and

highlight individual accomplishments with the following awards:

Volunteer Firefighter of the Year – Nicholas Nye

Firefighter Nye was chosen for this award due to his dedication

to the development of his fire service career over the past year.

Nick has put significant time into furthering his knowledge and

certifications while also performing duty shifts for station

coverage and responding to calls.

Ironman of the Year – Keith Runt

Firefighter Runt was awarded Ironman of the Year for his

continuous dedication to public safety and the fire service. Keith

retired as a Deputy Chief with Swissvale Fire Department and

decided to volunteer when he moved to Peters Township.

Keith’s fire experience and calm approach to handling

emergencies provides great example to probationary firefighters.

Medal of Gallantry Award – Christopher Chiprich

This honor has only been awarded five times in department

history. The Medal of Gallantry is awarded to a firefighter who,

at great personal risk, has been instrumental in rescuing and

saving another from possible death.

During a December structure fire that resulted in one civilian

fatality, Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Chiprich displayed incredible acts of courage and

professionalism when two firefighters that were searching for the victim became disoriented

and transmitted a mayday. FF/Medic Chiprich undoubtedly took on great personal risk to

ensure those on his team were safe.

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Fire Station #3

In an effort to meet rising call volumes and

ensure that the same standard of

emergency response is delivered

township-wide, Peters Township Council

began exploring the potential of building a

third fire station.

In a collaborative effort, Peters Fire

Administration worked with township

management and council to determine the

most appropriate location to allow for rapid

response to the Venetia District of the

township.

Additionally, a mutli-year plan was devised to

ensure 24/7/365 staffing of this station, to meet

the model that is currently followed at Station

#1 on East McMurray Road.

Not only will the addition of this staffed fire

station drastically reduce response times

to life-threatening emergencies, it will also

have a positive effect on our ISO rating

that results in lower insurance costs.

Above: current distribution with (2) fire

stations. The green circle represents the

staffed fire station, while the blue circle

represents the home-response station.

Below: proposed distribution with (3) fire

stations. Again, green circles represent the

staffed stations, while blue represents

home-response.

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Peters Township Fire Department’s primary purpose is to respond to various

emergencies throughout our township and surrounding communities in order to reduce and

eliminate hazards to people, property, and the environment. Peters Fire personnel are trained

and equipped to respond to a wide range of emergency incidents that include, but are not

limited to: fire, rescue, and emergency medical. Over the past five years, PTFD has seen a

steady rise in emergency incidents.

As indicated above, we observed a 28.5% increase in overall call volume over the past

decade. A number of factors play into this increase, among them are significant population

growth and expansion of both residential and commercial building. Additionally, as

emergency services evolve, fire departments have been tasked to handle a multitude of

functions and are involved in most emergency responses. These responses range from

significant police incidents to medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and animal

rescues.

1173

952995

11511215 1247 1239

1338 1350

1507

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

CALL VOLUME

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Response Times & Manpower

With rapid response and mitigation of emergencies at the forefront of our mission, the

accurate tracking and evaluation of data such as response times and manpower in crucial to

organization. Below you can find information regarding our response times and number of

personnel for response to emergencies. These statistics are broken down per district and

display a reduced response time in an emergent mode (with lights and sirens) to both districts

in 2019. Additionally, the department saw an increase in the average number of personnel on

each call between the hours of 7am and 11pm.

Calls by District

The graph to the right depicts the breakdown of

calls per district in 2019. Peters Township

maintains a long-term mutual aid agreement

with North Strabane Township that allows both

departments to respond mutually on fire alarms,

structure fires, and accidents with entrapment.

The breakdown of calls per district within Peters

Township continues to support our goal of

Building a third staffed station in District 2 to

reduce response times for this growing area.

Average Manpower per Time of Day

2018 2019

0700-1500 5 7

1500-2300 6 7

2300-0700 3 3

Average Response Time by District

2018 2019

District 1 4:29 4:10

District 2 7:54 7:24

District 1: All areas south of Valley Brook Road and West of Thomas Road

District 2: All areas north of Valley Brook and East of Thomas Road

Peters Twp. District 1

48%

Peters Twp. District 2

32%

North Strabane

16%

Cecil Township

2%

Canonsburg1%

Other1%

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Incident Types

The Peters Township Fire Department

responds to a wide range of

emergency calls. The chart to the right

provides a two-year comparison of

incident type and frequency per year.

This information is valuable to us for a

number of reasons. One of which is

steering the focus our public fire and

life safety education programs in order

to reduce community risk.

This data is evaluated on a regular

basis to monitor for trends. As trends

are observed, further research is

performed to look for common factors

such as neighborhood and age group.

Based on the results, we are able to

target education and community

outreach to specific age groups,

neighborhoods, or business types in

an effort to reduce the frequency of a

given emergency and ultimately

increase public safety.

Incident Type 2018 2019

Structure Fire 21 30

Structure Alarm 355 376

North Strabane 269 232

Mutual Aid 34 59

Rescue 21 15

MVA – no entrapment 84 82

Hazardous Condition 66 140

Public Utility Emergency 66 90

Vehicle Fire 5 6

Brush Fire 9 12

Other Fire 6 7

Smoke / Odor Condition 17 7

Medical 257 296

Landing Zone 14 21

Weather Related 19 2

Miscellaneous 107 132

TOTAL 1350 1507

Did you know?

Emergency Apparatus in Peters Township, including police, fire, and EMS vehicles are equipped

with special devices that communicate with traffic lights. If an emergency vehicle has this device

activated, it will turn all lights red with the exception of the direction the vehicle is traveling, which

will stay green. This system allows us to maintain quick response times regardless of traffic

volume and provides safer travel for both our first responders and other drivers.

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Emergency Medical Response

The Peters Township Fire Department is

one of few fire departments in the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is

certified under the Department of Health as

an Advanced Life Support Quick Response

Service (QRS). A QRS certification allows

the department to respond to emergency

medical calls when an ambulance has a

delayed response or there is a high priority

call such as an unconscious patient. PTFD has three fire apparatus certified as Advanced Life

Support QRS vehicles, meaning they carry all of the equipment that an ambulance has, with

the exception of being able to transport a patient. This equipment allows our personnel who

are cross trained in both fire and EMS as EMTs and Paramedics to administer life-saving

medications and interventions prior to the arrival of an ambulance. These capabilities coupled

with our strong relationship with Peters Township Police and EMS cultivates a team approach

when caring for critically ill and injured patients and contributes to positive patient outcomes.

150196

277 257296

10971043 1061

1093

1211

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Fire/Rescue vs. EMS Calls

Medical Fire/Rescue

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NON-EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

The Peters Township Fire Department prides itself on the aggressive proactive approach

taken on the prevention of emergencies before they happen. This is accomplished through a

multitude of services including residential and commercial inspections and safety

consultations, public fire & life safety education, and a strong presence within the community.

The following pages will review

these non-emergency operations

as well as other areas of

community outreach and public

relations. The below chart

highlights these non-emergency

services.

547 530559

776

657

772

524

460 450

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

2017 2018 2019

Fire & Life Safety Education, Community Outreach and Fire Drills

Fire Inspections & Code Enforcement

Car Seat Installations

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Fire Prevention

Fire Inspections & Code Enforcement

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, PTFD

assigns one firefighter as the fire inspector. This

firefighter works closely with the Peters Township

Planning Department to ensure all codes are

strictly adhered to. This is accomplished not only

through plan reviews prior to construction, but

throughout the building process, and with final

testing and inspection once the building is

complete. Duty crews also assist in routine

annual inspections of occupancies to ensure all

fire and life safety standards are continuously

being met.

Fire Pre-Planning

Preparing for an emergency before it happens is important to the preparedness that we

as an organization believe in. Planning for an emergency prior to its occurrence allows

us to gather necessary information and calculations in controlled environments,

making them available at a moment’s notice via our tablets in each fire apparatus. The

time and effort put into this planning pays off in a multitude of ways and ultimately

keeps the public and our firefighters safer

when a fire does occur. PTFD has a crew

specifically assigned to oversee the

development of pre-plans for commercial

buildings.

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Fire Drills

Throughout the course of a year, the department

conducts a number of other inspection and prevention

activities. On a monthly basis, all personal care

facilities, child care centers, preschools, and

educational institutions must undergo a supervised

fire drill. PTFD crews conduct these drills and test

both occupants and staff on their reaction to a fire

alarm activation. Additionally, these drills allow us to

test the alarm systems and the companies who

monitor them to ensure that they are working properly

and will notify us quickly in case of a fire or

emergency.

Fire Department Connections

On a quarterly basis, Peters Fire Crews conduct

routine maintenance inspections on all Fire

Department Connections (FDC) within the connection.

Buildings equipped with sprinkler systems will have an

FDC on the exterior of the structure for use by the fire

department to increase the flow water into a building

in the case of a fire.

Residential Fire & Life Safety Consultations

Peters Firefighters often conduct consultations in

residential homes as well. Crews work with the

homeowners to identify hazards within the home and

mitigate them as soon as possible. Topics discussed

include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire

extinguishers, what to do in the event of a fire, trip

hazards, etc. Residents can schedule these

inspections by calling the fire department.

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Fire & Life Safety Education

Fire Prevention: Early Age – Early Teens

Peters Township Fire Department is very active in

the many school sand early childhood

education/daycare programs within the community.

In addition to the monthly fire drills, all students

receive fire prevention lessons geared at

familiarizing them with firefighters and their gear,

discouraging the use of matches or heating

materials, and what to do in the event of a fire. We

frequently see this training put in action during actual

emergencies.

Fire Prevention: Adult – Senior Citizen

PTFD offers a number of opportunities for adults to receive fire education throughout

the year. As mentioned in the annual highlights, the Citizen’s Fire Academy has

returned and will continue annually. In

addition to this opportunity, PTFD offers

educational opportunities to various

community groups, social clubs, and

housing communities. Programs are also

offered for senior citizens in semi-assisted

living facilities.

Firefighter Sherri Bayer

interacting with children

during a fire prevention class

2019 Citizen’s Fire Academy

pictures on orientation night

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Staff Training

Peters firefighters provide training for multiple public and private entities ranging from

township and school district employees to daycares, teachers, and nurses. These

courses are normally

catered toward the

profession and experiences

of the group receiving the

training, and are offered

upon request.

Medical Training

Peters Township Firefighters offer CPR/AED, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed training to

multiple community groups including boy and girl scouts, medical professionals, parent

groups, and many more. The only cost associated with these programs is the cost of

the CPR card. Our goal is to

educate and train as many

people as possible with

basic life-saving skills so

that they can drastically

extend the survival of a

loved one or neighbor in the

event of a cardiac arrest.

A Peters Township School

District Employee approaches a

fire with his extinguisher during

staff training

Firefighter/Paramedic DeRoss and Firefighter/AEMT Barton

educating Boy Scouts about CPR and First Aid

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Community outreach Services

Without our community, we wouldn’t be here! Our firefighters take an active role in our

community and truly engage with our residents any time they have the opportunity. We

participate in a number of events

each year to maintain and

continue building our relationship

with our community members,

and we’re always open to new

opportunities!

Car Seats & Car Fit

The Peters Township Fire Department has long been one of the Commonwealth’s

busiest car seat installation centers, and the holds true today! In 2019, we installed

over 450 car seats, ensuring that children are properly restrained while in the car.

Some studies suggest that up to 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly, leaving a

child susceptible to unnecessary injury. In 2019, we also had the opportunity to certify

two more car seat technicians, bringing our total to nine car seat technicians.

An addition to children’s car seats, we are able to offer a

“car fit” check for elderly drivers to ensure they are

seated properly in their car. In the event of a vehicle

accident, it’s important that an occupant is seated in a

way that the seat belt will properly restrain them and not

cause harm.

Truck 64 pictured at Peters Township

High School to support the varsity football

team before the state playoffs!

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Station Visits and Event Requests

PTFD receives many requests throughout the year for tours of our station and for our

crews to attend events. While emergency calls are our main priority, we make every

effort to accommodate these requests. The opportunity to get to know our residents

and their families in a controlled environment and not on the scene of an emergency is

very important to us.

Fire Department Open House

This event has quickly become a favorite of both our firefighters and the community. To

celebrate the kick-off of Fire Prevention Month, we invite community members to join

us on the last Saturday of September for great good,

music, activities and education for all ages!

Attendees have the opportunity to tour our station

and fire trucks, see and use equipment up close, and

watch live demonstrations.

FF/AEMT Barton

supervising the “Jaws

of Life” station at

Open House

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Additional Community Events

PTFD takes part in a number of other events including Relay for Life, Public Safety

Day, Touch A Truck, Muscular Dystrophy Associations Collections, Wreaths Across

America, and many others.

Firefighters collecting for MDA PTFD participated in Wreaths Across

America for fallen Soldiers

Peters Firefighters presenting

at McMurray Elementary

Peters Firefighters with Santa

just prior to the Tree Lighting

Local dance group in front of

Truck 64 on Halloween PTFD presenting a check

to MDA of Pittsburgh

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Under the direction of Peters Township Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator

Mike McLaughlin Jr., PTFD performs the Emergency Management functions for Peters

Township. Emergency management is the managerial function charged with creating the

framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with

disasters. Emergency management seeks to promote safer, less vulnerable communities with

the capacity to cope with both man-made and natural hazards and disasters.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

A township-wide emergency operations center (EOC) is located at Station 64-1 on East

McMurray Road. The EOC is essential to the continuum of emergency services during natural

or man-made disasters. It provides a unified location for the management and command of

incidents and depending on the type and size of incident, includes representatives from

police, fire, EMS, emergency management, public works, and township officials.

Planning & Training

A key role of the emergency management team is the preparation for all disaster types. The

emergency management team acts as the liaison and combining force between all agencies

involved in a potential incident. As mentioned in the highlights, the Emergency Operations

Plan (EOP) was updated and adopted by council. In addition, throughout 2019 we continued

planning for these events in conjunction with Peters Township Police and EMS, as well as the

Peters Township School District.

A large-scale drill was held at Peters Township High School over the summer that involved all

Peters Township Emergency Services as well as the School District and the Washington

County Department of Public Safety.

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TRAINING

Training is crucial to the success of a fire department as

our industry is ever changing, expanding, and evolving.

In 2019, Peters Township Firefighters spent nearly 4,000

hours attending training. Every Monday night, PTFD

gathers for in-house training during which our crews

work together to review and practice skills. Depending

on their current level of training, Peters Firefighters also

attend regional, state-level, and sometimes national

courses that further expand their knowledge and skillset.

Child Car Seat Technician

PTFD had the opportunity to host this course in December for police, fire, and EMS

from throughout the region. Two Peters Township Firefighters also participated in the

course and became certified technicians.

IAFC Recruitment & Retention Coordinator Certification

PTFD was honored to host the International Association

of Fire Chiefs and their certification course for

Recruitment and Retention Coordinator. It was a great

opportunity to bring a national course to a regional level,

and many departments from across the Northeast were

able to benefit from it.

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Incident Command System (ICS) 300 & 400

As part of our emergency management initiatives, PTFD hosted an ICS 300 & 400

course for both in-house personnel, as well as Peters Township Police Officers. These

classes expand knowledge of the incident command system for those that may be

working a large-scale disaster.

Forcible Entry Training

1-800 Board-Up provided training props and education

for forcible entry training at Station 64-1. This

opportunity provided firefighters with a great review of

difficult access situations.

Peters Firefighters gain valuable experience when

given the opportunity to train in a structure before it

is demolished. Below, PTFD trains in a building that

formerly housed Justabout kids in Peters Township.

Crews filled the building with smoke in order to

imitate real fire conditions. If you or someone

you know is demolishing a building, please

consider allowing our personnel to train in it.

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VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

The Peters Township Fire Department was built by volunteers and they remain a strong and

necessary force within our organization today. In a combination fire department comprised of

both career and volunteer firefighters, mutual respect and camaraderie is essential for the

greater success of the organization, and we are thankful to have that here.

Volunteer Duty Program (VDP)

The VDP was originally established in 2009 as a way for volunteer firefighters to work side-

by-side with career firefighters on duty. Through this program, firefighters sign up for a four-

hour time block in which they will staff the station, participate in training, and other operational

duties. Not only does this program increase personnel in-station, but it further strengthens the

already steady relationship between crews.

Total VDP by Shifts and Personnel Hours

Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Shifts 585 979 881 645 711

Hours 2340 3916 3524 2580 2844

30

2020 OBJECTIVES

As we look forward to a new year, we plan to achieve the following objectives:

Finish the up-fit of the new Engine 64-1 and place in service

Complete and institute an “all – call” system with the intent of increasing home

response by off-duty career and volunteer firefighters overnight

Hire one additional firefighter and institute a new line officer structure

Continue preparation for ISO evaluation in April

Reorganize shift structure and enhance Volunteer Duty Program to allow for the

most efficient emergency response

Continue the collaboration with other township entities regarding emergency

planning and preparedness and execute large scale drill

Complete Station #1 Mansard Replacement

Continue ongoing evaluation and revision of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG)