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Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report

2015

Serving the Cities of Tacoma, Fircrest and Fife/Fire District #10 City of Tacoma

1/1/2015

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Tacoma Fire Department 2015 Annual Report 2015

CITY OF TACOMA OFFICIALS 2015

Marilyn Strickland Mayor

Anders Ibsen Councilmember, Position 1

Robert Thoms Councilmember, Position 2

Lauren Walker Councilmember, Position 3

Marty Campbell Councilmember, Position 4

Joe Lonergan Councilmember, Position 5

Victoria Woodards Councilmember, At-Large Position 6

Deputy Mayor David Boe Councilmember, At-Large Position 7

Ryan Mello Councilmember, At-Large Position 8

T.C. Broadnax City Manager

CITY OF FIRCREST OFFICIALS 2015

David M. Viafore Mayor

Mathew Jolibois Councilmember

Shannon Reynolds Councilmember

David R. Goodsell Councilmember

Hunter T. George Councilmember

Denny Waltier Councilmember

Jason Medley Councilmember

Rick Rosenbladt City Manager

CITY OF FIFE/DISTRICT 10 OFFICIALS 2015

Tim Curtis Mayor, Position 2

Bryan Yambe Councilmember, Position 1

Barry Johnson Councilmember, Position 3

Pat Hulcey Deputy Mayor, Position 4

Rob Cerqui Councilmember, Position 5

Winston Marsh Councilmember, At-Large Position 6

Lew Wolfrom Councilmember, Position 7

David K. Zabell City Manager

Greg Wambold Fire Commissioner

Dan Nelson Fire Commissioner

Dorthy Kephart Fire Commissioner

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Contents

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Community Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................6

2015 Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Office of the Fire Chief ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Operations Bureau .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Administration Bureau .................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Personnel Highlights ....................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Performance Indicators ................................................................................................................................................................... 39

THE CITY OF TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS FORMED IN 1880. THE

TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT IS LEGALLY ESTABLISHED AS A

DEPARTMENT THROUGH WASHINGTON STATE CONSTITUTION ARTICLE

XI, SECTION 10, AND TACOMA CITY CHARTER ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.11.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Tacoma Fire Department provides vital services to the community. From the collective efforts of our

firefighters and administrative staff working with city management, other City of Tacoma departments,

elected officials, neighboring fire departments, and the citizens of our community, we will continue to ensure

that TFD meets the inevitable challenges that are a part of sustaining a first-rate municipal fire department.

KEY OBJECTIVES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout 2015, TFD continued to identify and implement operational efficiencies. One example was the

concentrated effort to reduce non-emergency response. FDCARES program intervention reduced high-

utilizer participant’s use of the 9-1-1 system by 97 percent.

Other highlights include:

Mitigated six environmental hazards related to derelict marine vessels.

Reduced call processing time at the Fire Communications Center

Increased our preparedness for a response to a crude oil incident.

Started a paramedic training class.

Created an “opt-in” emergency notification system for emergency management.

Educated over 2,000 participants through our CPR program.

From left to right: AC Pat McElligott, DC Tory Green, Chief Jim Duggan, DC Faith Mueller,

AC Mike Mitchell, AC John Pappuleas

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FACTS AND FIGURES

Fire departments commonly report on two distinct sets of data: incidents by initial dispatch type and

incidents by the final situation found. To best understand departmental activities, it is important to evaluate

both our workload (dispatched incidents) and what services were actually provided (final situation found).

Workload data is critical for establishing appropriate staffing levels and the necessary resources to meet

requests for emergency service. Final situation found data most accurately explains the frequency that

various types of incidents occur within our community and guides prevention efforts. For the sake of

consistency and except where clearly noted, the data in this annual report will be based on final situation

found data.

Dispatched Incidents by Initial Dispatch Type

Month

Initial Situation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand Total

Fire Auto/Alarm 299 274 317 327 358 491 701 418 317 375 361 281 4,519

EMS 3,039 2,780 3,156 3,026 3,083 3,016 3,232 3,059 2,964 3,155 3,009 3,212 36,731

Other* 298 278 338 275 329 334 376 370 320 357 349 392 4,016

Grand Total 3,636 3,332 3,811 3,628 3,770 3,841 4,309 3,847 3,601 3,887 3,719 3,885 45,266

Dispatched Incidents by Final Primary Situation Found

Month

Final Situation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Grand Total

Fire 47 45 77 78 118 206 332 145 65 70 64 59 1,306

EMS 2,568 2,323 2,597 2,466 2,521 2,445 2,647 2,506 2,527 2,662 2,572 2,718 30,552

Other* 1,021 964 1,137 1,084 1,131 1,190 1,330 1,196 1,009 1,155 1,083 1,108 13,408

Grand Total 3,636 3,332 3,811 3,628 3,770 3,841 4,309 3,847 3,601 3,887 3,719 3,885 45,266

*Examples of “other” incidents include search and rescue, hazardous conditions, technical rescue and hazardous materials.

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EMS

In 2015, our citizens called 9-1-1 over 61,000 times to request help. We dispatched over 71,000 companies to

provide assistance with those incidents. One company is a fire engine or ladder truck staffed with three

firefighters, a squad staffed with two firefighters, or a medic company staffed with two

firefighter/paramedics.

What types of problems did we help with? The majority were emergency medical situations. We assessed

and treated over 31,000* people last year. The top five reasons for requesting help—getting hurt, feeling sick,

breathing problems, heart issues, and losing consciousness.

*Some EMS incidents had multiple patients, so the patient count is greater than the total EMS incidents

Patients = 31,337

Administered Medicine = 8,073

IV's = 4,929

EKG's = 6,302

Oxygen Therapy =3,100

Airway Intubation = 349

Spinal Immobilization = 583

Blood Pressures = 24,239

Total ALS Transports = 6,400

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FIRE

Citizens also called upon us to extinguish 1,329* fires last year—an average of 3.6 times per day. Despite our

notoriously “rainy” Northwest weather, the majority of our fires occurred outdoors (e.g., grass, brush, and

trees) in the summer months.

*Some fire incidents involved more than one of these type codes, so the total is greater than the dispatched by final situation found.

Structure Fires

• 310

Outdoor Fires and Prohibited Burns

• 852

Vehicle Fires

• 167

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COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

COMPOSITION

The City of Tacoma was incorporated in 1884. From its humble origins of less than 1,000 residents, the city

has grown in population to roughly 205,000 today. TFD also provides contracted fire and EMS protection to

the cities of Fircrest and Fife, as well as Pierce County Fire District 10, for an additional population of

approximately 18,000.

The city, like many established communities, is a mixture of old and new. Recently constructed high-rise

condominium buildings contrast with century-old single-family residential neighborhoods. The city’s

economic base is comprised of a wide variety of industries—healthcare, education, retail, gaming, and the

industrial Port of Tacoma.

There are 62.1 square miles of land within the city limits and contract areas, along with 44 miles of shoreline,

and 25 square miles of saltwater. The city is divided by Interstates 5 and 705 along with State Routes 16 and

509.

2015 BUDGETED RESOURCES

Budgeted Personnel

357 commissioned personnel 32.5 noncommissioned personnel

389.5 total positions Staffing 69/67

Stations and Apparatus

15 fire stations 13 engine companies 4 ladder companies 5 medic companies

2 squad companies (one-staffed daytime only) 1 safety officer

1 technical rescue unit, cross-staffed 1 hazardous materials unit, cross-staffed

2 fireboats, cross-staffed

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2015 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Fire Chief

Operations Bureau

Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services

Special Operations: Technical Rescue

Hazardous Materials

Marine FF and Rescue

Fire Communications

Safety

Administration Bureau

Fire/EMS Prevention & Emergency Management

I.T. & Grant Management

Training, Fire Garage, Electrical

Human Resources, Volunteer Services,

Finance & Budget,

Public Relations

Harbor Master, Facilities and Supplies

Administartive Support

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OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF

BUDGET, FINANCE AND STRATEGIC PLANNING

Responsibilities in the section include the development and implementation of departmental priorities, goals,

objectives, measures, policies and procedures. Staff in this section also supports the development and

maintenance of the biennial budget and provide financial oversight.

Budget and Finance

Preliminary final 2015 expenses of the Fire Department totaled $66,648,114. This was an increase of

$1,057,560 or 1.6% from the 2014 total.

Going forward, 2015-2016 budgeted staff levels totaled 388.2 FTEs, about 1.3 FTE less than the 2013–2014

budgeted average. Since the 2011–2012 biennium, staffing declined by 58.1 FTEs. Commissioned staffing was

reduced by 53 positions. Due to the addition of a 15-person fire recruit academy during 2015, the department

operated on average at budgeted staffing level.

2007/08 2009/10 2011/12 2013/14 2015/16

442 443 446

389 389

All Funds- Budgeted FTE's

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General Fund, Actual and Preliminary Final

Actual Actual Actual Actual Preliminary Percent

Expenditure Type

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Change

Subtotal, Personnel

43,617,113 40,953,223 36,612,060 39,440,014 42,657,199 8.2%

Subtotal, Maint & Operating

3,793,200 3,507,052 4,142,028 5,357,707 4,835,100 (-9.7%)

Subtotal, Assessments

1,071,124 889,078 1,013,437 1,164,322 927,003 (-20.4%)

Other Expenses

3,159 8,946 210,120 63,231 216,000 240%

Capital Outlay

12,620 - - 64,114 99,492 55.2%

TOTAL

48,497,217 45,358,300 41,977,645 45,962,926 48,734,794 6%

All Funds, Actual and Preliminary Final

Actual Actual Actual Actual Preliminary Percent

Expenditure Type

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Change

Subtotal, Personnel

55,170,627 54,529,534 50,685,704 53,687,448 56,200,031 4.7%

Subtotal, Maint & Operating

5,440,891 5,333,759 6,289,090 7,188,113 6,907,566 (-3.9%)

Subtotal, Assessments

1,434,606 1,209,064 1,465,075 1,663,142 1,479,081 (-11.1%)

Other Expenses

497,582 449,603 408,478 345,393 559,660 62%

Capital Outlay

1,377,363 416,893 4,019,921 2,706,458 1,501,776 (-44.5%)

TOTAL

63,921,070 61,938,854 62,868,268 65,590,554 66,648,114 1.6%

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Strategic planning

TFD’s 2014–18 Strategic Plan rests on four foundational components. The department has developed goals, strategies, objectives and outcomes to accomplish our desired results during the reporting period. Top priorities include:

The 2015 Work Plan

Since objectives are small measurable steps, in our Strategic Plan they are devised, implemented and evaluated on an annual basis through a work planning document. The 2015 Work Plan identified 50 key objectives and the goals they supported.

Each year, the department highlights a few core objectives from the Work Plan that align and support the

overall goals of the Tacoma City Council, City Manager, and the citizens we serve. In 2015, the following five

core objectives were selected.

Goal 1: PROVIDE SERVICES

EFFECTIVELY

Goal 2: INVOLVE

EMPLOYEES FULLY

Goal 3: ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY COMPLETELY

Goal 4: STEWARD

THE PUBLIC'S RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY

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Reduce non-emergency response

TFD focused on an initiative to provide citizens with the most appropriate resources for their request for

service and that reduced the overall number of nonemergency responses.

TFD has implemented the first of a three-part program designed to

reduce the impact of non-emergent calls for assistance on emergency

response resources. The Fire Department Community Assistance,

Referral and Education Services (FDCARES) program is designed to:

(1) connect high-utilizers of the 911 system with

more appropriate resources; (2) provide

preventative health literacy education to those

living in areas or facilities of high 911 utilization;

and (3) provide low-acuity in-home follow-up

care to those recently seen by EMS professionals

or discharged from local hospitals and clinics. In

2015, program intervention reduced high-utilizer

participant’s use of the 9-1-1 system by 97%

percent.

Hire and train a firefighter recruit class

In 2015 we hired and trained a recruit class of 15 to Firefighter 1 and EMT level. As we are expecting 130

retirements over the next ten years, we are developing a long-term recruitment strategy that includes

establishing a cadet program and continuing to work with the school district to provide internships.

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Aluminum Wiring

We conducted an educational awareness campaign regarding

the dangers of aluminum wiring.

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires

in the United States. Less well known is the specific hazards

the aluminum wiring represents. Homes wired with aluminum

manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely to have an

electrical connection become a fire hazard than homes wired

with copper.

Outreach included developing a web page, posting the

information on Tacoma 311 and TFD fire station reader

boards, and providing the details to all Neighborhood

Councils.

Building Inspection Program

In June, we implemented a building inspection fee program for all commercial businesses and buildings in

Tacoma. Firefighters conduct inspections to ensure compliance with adopted Fire Code and to help protect a

business’s property and the safety of their employees and customers.

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All-Hazards Risk Assessment

Risk hazard identification and profiles were established for the major hazards in TFD’s service area. Included

in the report are details regarding those hazards the department typically responds to—Fire Risk, Emergency

Medical Risk, and Special Risk such as hazardous materials, technical rescue and marine firefighting and

rescue. Additional risk factors identified include natural and technological hazards such as geological

(earthquake, lahar), meteorological (flood, high wind) and “man-made” (civil disturbance, terrorism).

Additional accomplishments

Additional accomplishments from the 2015 Work Plan include:

Mitigated six environmental hazards related to derelict marine vessels.

Reduced call processing time at the Fire Communications Center.

Increased our preparedness for a response to a crude oil incident.

Started a paramedic training class.

Created an “opt-in” emergency notification system for emergency management.

Educated over 2,000 participants through our CPR program.

Installed a Burn Tower at our training center.

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OPERATIONS BUREAU

WHO WE ARE

The Operations Bureau’s responsibility is to provide fire, medical, hazardous materials, marine, and technical

rescue services within our response area. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Faith Mueller, this bureau

includes personnel who staff our stations: the battalion chiefs, 13 engine companies, 5 medic companies, 4

ladders companies, and 2 squad companies. Operations personnel also cross-staff 2 fireboats, 1 hazardous

materials team, and 1 technical rescue team. In 2015, the minimum staffing was 69 station personnel during

the day and 67 station personnel at night. This bureau also includes EMS, Special Operations Division, Safety

Division, and the Fire Communications Center.

WHAT WE DO

Firefighters in the Operations Bureau respond to emergency requests from the public for:

Fire—residential and commercial structure, high-rise, vehicle, grass, and brush.

Medical Aid—from general feelings of being sick, to trauma, falls, heart attacks, and strokes.

Technical Rescue—vehicle, water, confined space, industrial building collapse, high-angle rope.

Hazardous Materials Incidents—transportation, industrial, environmental, and terrorism.

Fire - 1508 S.19th St. - April 16, 2015

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

TFD has a 41–year history of providing advanced life support (ALS) services to the community. The first group

of firefighters received paramedic training in 1973, and the department began transporting patients in 1991.

In 1994, we started our in–house, fully accredited paramedic program to train members of our department as

well as professional firefighters from neighboring jurisdictions. In addition to classroom time, the program

includes hospital/clinical rotations, and field work.

In 2015, firefighter/paramedics staffed five medic companies and three ALS engines. There were 6,400 ALS

transports.

11,519

7,335

3,652

3,034

3,027

2,246

1,714

1,625

1,288

756

298

237

- 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000

Trauma

Sick/Unknown

Unconscious

Cardiac

Respiratory

Neurologic

Psychiatric

Abdominal/Back Pain

Overdose

Diabetic

Environmental

Gynecologic/Birth

EMS service by dispatch type

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CPR Program

TFD is strongly committed to improving the safety of our

community. In 2015, our firefighters trained over 2,500 citizens and

City of Tacoma employees on how to perform CPR and use an

automated external defibrillator. “CPR Sunday” is the department’s

annual mass training. Over 800 participants learned adult, child, and

infant CPR with defibrillator practice at the one-day event.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The goal of TFD’s Hazardous Material Team (Hazmat) is to respond

to potential releases of hazardous materials with the purpose of preventing, containing, or stopping the

release. In addition, the Hazmat Team responds to confirmed or suspected incidents involving chemical,

biological, radiological, or nuclear agents.

All Tacoma firefighters are trained to the Hazmat Operations level, with 27 firefighters certified to the

Technician level. Core competencies for the Hazmat Team include the recognition and identification of

hazardous materials, response chemistry, environmental regulations, radioactive materials, toxicology, air

monitoring and equipment, decontamination procedures, spill control and containment, as well as medical

monitoring. The full Hazmat Team responded to 19 incidents in 2015.

TECHNICAL RESCUE

The TFD Technical Rescue Team provides the necessary skills and

equipment to react quickly in extreme rescue situations. The team

members are currently trained in the following five technical

rescue disciplines:

Rope Rescue

Structural Collapse

Confined Space Rescue

Trench Rescue

Technical Extrication

The Technical Rescue Team is comprised of 24 Technician level

personnel and is supported by 50 personnel trained to the

Technical Rescue Operations level. In order to become a Technical

Rescue Technician, our personnel must complete approximately

250 hours of discipline-specific training. All technicians

and operations trained personnel complete monthly Rescue – Container Ship - October, 2015

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training, one shift each month, to maintain proficiency and increase efficiency and safety at technical rescue

events. In 2015, the full technical rescue team responded to 24 technical rescue incidents.

MARINE DIVISION

TFD’s Marine Division’s fleet consists of a surface effect ship, the Commencement, as well as a rapid response

boat, the Destiny. In late 2015, we took delivery of a new fire boat, the Defiance, which will be placed into

service for 2016.

In 2015, the Marine Division responded to 170 incidents, including 41 for the Commencement and 129 for the

Destiny.

FIRE COMMUNICATIONS

TFD operates its own emergency Communications Center and receives calls via the 9-1-1 system, our

municipal alarm system (which is tied to major buildings, schools, and hospitals), as well as from private alarm

companies. The Tacoma Fire Communications Center (TFC) received 73,388 emergency calls and 41,689 non-

emergency (school alarm tests, alarm system on hold, unit status, medical alarm alerts, etc.) calls in 2015.

TFC dispatched a total of

116,954 fire companies and

private ambulances to those

incidents.

TFC is staffed by 17

commissioned personnel. All

dispatchers are certified as

Emergency Medical

Technicians and maintain the

same fire operations training as

their counterparts in the field.

Their experience and

knowledge as firefighters help

them to more effectively

dispatch the proper resources

to emergency incidents,

provide life-saving pre-arrival instructions and seamless on-scene coordination with incident commanders.

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Safety Division

The Safety Division focuses on the health and safety of department members. Through effective

management, education, training, and programs the goal of the division is to prevent accidents, injuries,

illness, and fatalities. Highlights in 2015 included the development of “Safety Flash,” a publication identifying

current industry safety and health trends, the introduction of helmet-mounted flashlights, and updates to a

driving simulator.

Firefighter Loss

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Injury Loss Firefighter*

56 43 41 35 32 65 50

Life Loss – Firefighter

1 - - - 1 - -

*On-job-injuries that resulted in time loss

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ADMINISTRATION BUREAU

WHO WE ARE

Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Toryono Green, the Administration Bureau provides systems and

infrastructure that support TFD operations and firefighters throughout their careers and maintains regulatory

code functions.

WHAT WE DO

Responsibilities in this bureau include Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Public Education, Fire

and EMS Training, EMS Prevention and Outreach, Harbor Code Enforcement, Grant Management,

Information Technology, Apparatus and Vehicle Maintenance, Electrical Maintenance, Departmental Human

Resources, Facilities and Supplies, Budget and Finance, Public Relations, Volunteer Services and

Administrative Support.

Grant Management

TFD continued its pursuit of federal funding to support department operations in 2015. The department

received $3.4 million in awards from various grant programs including Assistance to Firefighters, Staffing for

Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, Port Security and Fire Prevention. These awards funded firefighter

staffing and equipment.

Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Division (FPD) aims to reduce the frequency and severity of fires and other life safety

incidents through a multi-dimensional approach that includes enforcement, permitting, inspections,

engineering, and education.

As mentioned earlier, highlights in 2015 included conducting an informational awareness campaign on the

hazards of aluminum wiring and implementing the Building Inspection Program.

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Fire Investigations

Fire investigators are responsible for determining the origin and cause of all significant fires. TFD responded

to 1,329 confirmed fires in 2015. Of those fires, fire investigators were called in for 89 incidents. Of the

investigated fires, negligence, incendiary/arson and mechanical failure or malfunction were the most

common causes.

Property loss due to all structure fire incidents (310) was an estimated $5,438,453. The estimated value of

those structures was $490,050,417. The value of the property saved was $484,611,964 or 98.9%.

Fire Loss Data (all fires)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total Fire Loss

$8,085,647 $9,609,107 $ 5,824,657 $ 4,663,641

$7,143,223 $7,077,817

12,810,903

Property Loss Only

$6,273,312 $7,903,926 $4,143,405 $3,200,851 $5,533,610 $5,748,545 $6,630,877

Fire Injury Civilian

7 11 5 4 2 12 4

Fire Fatality Civilian

1 3 2 1 2 3 0

Engineering Plan Review and Permits

Plans for new construction are reviewed for adherence to the fire and life-safety codes related to their fire

protection systems. Permits are issued for fire protection systems and other construction-related activity.

High-risk structures or activities such as large public assemblies, the use of explosives, pyrotechnics, liquefied

petroleum gas, and hazardous materials are managed through the permitting and inspecting processes. In

2015, our plan reviewers processed 823 permits, a 29% increase over our 15-year average. Of the 823 permits,

480 were fire protection permits, 270 were building permits, and 73 were land use permits.

Installation Permits Reviewed

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Grand Total 586 578 477 630 563 823

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Installation Permit Inspections

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Grand Total 836 819 649 841 549 676

Operational/Use Permits

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Grand Total 265 332 340 390 479 391

Code Enforcement

TFD is responsible for enforcing the Fire Code within the City of Tacoma. As part of the Building Inspection

Program, Tacoma firefighters conducted 6,122 fire safety inspections in 2015. In addition, Lieutenants

assigned to the FPD as fire inspectors conducted 280 permit inspections and 901 code enforcement

inspections.

Building/Business Inspection Activity

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Annual Company Inspections

6,757 6,299 6,062 5,601 5,381 6,122

FPS Test Inspections

742 658 912 485 456 280

Special FPB Inspections

1,188 653 2,572 829 787 901

Grand Total 8,687 7,610 9,546 6,915 6,624 6,599

Public Education

Public education focuses on educating the community about the benefits of proper safety practices and

eliminating hazardous conditions. Firefighters and fire prevention staff participated in over 300 classes and

events for youth, businesses, and the community, reaching over 16,000 citizens with safety messages.

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Training

The Training Division is responsible for training all new firefighters and conducting ongoing in-service training

for all members of the department. The activities of the Training Division are driven by the specific internal

needs of TFD and the regulatory requirements of external agencies.

Highlights for 2015 included conducting two recruit firefighter classes, and a train-the-trainer Fire Ground

Survival Awareness course for Fire Training Officers to deliver to all operational personnel in 2016-17.

Training Operations Division Staff

Individual Firefighter Standards 20,809 2,351

Reading Assignments 3,702 347

Engine Company Standards 4,425 36

Ladder Company Standards 3,023 43

BC, CTT & Multi-company Training 3,737 3,066

Hazmat Drills 420 1

Marine Services Drills 499 -

Technical Rescue 1,062 19

Fire Communications 782 -

Prevention and Preparedness Division 526 25

Formal Training 9,208 538

Firefighter I 1,008 2

Firefighter II 48 -

Total for 2015 52,714 6,601

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Spotlight on live-fire training

A special highlight for 2015 was the installation of a burn tower at TFD’s training center. Grant funding

supported the acquisition of this

state-of-the-art training facility.

Features include:

(2) Class A burn rooms

Class B burn room

Search and Rescue Maze

Forcible Entry Door

Rappelling Tower

Denver Window Prop

Sprinkler Shut off prop

Variable angle rebar cutting prop

Wall breaching prop

Ceiling pull prop

Pitched roof ventilation prop

Flat roof prop

Bailout window

The burn tower will improve

firefighter skills and also satisfy

TFD’s compliancy requirements for live-fire training established by the State of Washington in 2014.

Emergency Management

Emergency management staff provides disaster

preparedness, plan development, and training to

citizens, businesses, and government to increase our

ability to survive both natural and manmade disasters.

Highlights in 2015 included the on-going development

of Continuity of Operations Plans with City

Departments to ensure that local government

functions in the aftermath of a major disaster,

preparation for a region-wide earthquake drill

(Cascadia rising) and a citywide initiative to increase

citizen preparedness, particularly in communities of

color. From left to right – Mike Davenport, Ute Weber, Tory Green

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Harbor Master

TFD is responsible for enforcing the regulatory aspects of the City of Tacoma Harbor Code. In coordination

with local marinas and the Metro Parks Department, the TFD Harbor Master worked to identify possible

derelict boats, illegally anchored boats, and vessels operating unsafely. In 2015, six derelict vessels were

tagged or removed.

Public Information/Relations

TFD uses social media platforms to provide timely information regarding

department activities, prevention and educational messages, and details

regarding specific emergency incidents.

Social Media Traffic

TFD Blog Twitter Facebook

4.9k users/10.9k page views 1.2m impressions 299.9k unique users

Fire Garage

The Fire Garage is the vehicle maintenance facility responsible for the repair and maintenance of all TFD

ladder trucks, fire engines, medic units, fireboats, and light duty vehicles. Fire Garage personnel are also

responsible for ordering, stocking, and delivering supplies to all TFD facilities via a messenger and supply

delivery service, and the maintenance of all small tools and equipment used by TFD. In 2015, Don Voight was

appointed Fire Garage Supervisor.

Highlights for the year included putting a new Fire Boat, Mass Causality Incident truck, Brush truck, two

squads, one safety officer and one battalion chief apparatus in service. Additionally, staff completed all

ongoing vehicle maintenance, annual pump tests, and UL ladder testing.

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Information Technology

TFD Information Technology (IT) group consists of five Information Technology Analysts, Senior Technicians,

and one Information Technology Analyst,

Senior. IT personnel support a variety of

systems and hardware, including dispatch

systems, applications, databases, e-mail,

and web servers. Customized applications

have been developed for personnel

scheduling, incident reporting, building

inspections, and training. Several mapping

applications used by Fire Dispatch and for

administrative decision analysis are also

maintained.

The IT Division worked diligently during

2015 completing a department-wide

migration project to Windows 7 for all TFD

computers. Additionally, IT staff developed

an Inspection Billing application, created mapping and data for an all-hazards risk assessment, and worked on

the software associated with the South Sound 911 dispatching transition.

Fire Electricians

The TFD Electrical Maintenance Division consists of

four electricians involved in a variety of tasks;

maintaining the municipal alarm system,

maintaining communication equipment, making

electrical repairs and electrical upgrades, and several

other large-scale projects.

The 2015 highlights included ongoing maintenance

and repair work on the department's Vehicle

Exhaust Removal System in all stations, installing

underground power to the Burn Tower at the

training center and under the new parking lot at

Headquarters, the installation of new automated

voice dispatching along with speaker, alert lighting, visual indicator and cabling upgrades at Fire Station #8,

and continued work on dismantling the now decommissioned Municipal Fire Alarm System.

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Fire Buffs Battalion

Tacoma/Pierce County Fire Buff Battalion was formed November 23, 1986,

with the primary mission of supporting firefighters engaged in firefighting

activities. The Tacoma Professional Firefighters Local #31 supports the Fire

Buffs by allowing Tacoma firefighters to contribute to the Fire Buffs with

voluntary payroll deductions. This money is used for insurance and upkeep

for the canteen vehicle and for food supplies.

The Tacoma/Pierce County Fire Buff Battalion is a member of the

International Fire Buffs Association, an organization of local fire buffs clubs in

many cities throughout the US and Canada. The buffs provided assistance at

53 incidents in 2015.

Chaplain

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy (TPCC) provides in-person, on-scene crisis support for victims,

emergency teams, and families in need of emotional and spiritual support.

Chaplain Dr. Russ Peters is an integral part of

the support services provided by TFD. Dr.

Peters leads a team of Chaplains including

Wendy Whitney, Tony Powell, and Cole

Chambers. Each of our chaplains completes a

rigorous training program, are all licensed or

endorsed by their church, and continue their

education through resources provided by the

Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy and the

International Conference of Fire Chaplains.

Last year, the Chaplains from Tacoma Fire

responded to over 240 calls for service,

including fatalities, fires, and funerals. Our

Chaplains also provide care for TFD personnel

and are integrally involved with ways to

support the staff and firefighters of TFD.

From left to right - Wendy Whitney, Tony Powell, Cole Chambers,

Dr. Russ Peters.

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PERSONNEL HIGHLIGHTS

ALBERT NEJMEH AWARD

In May, Lieutenant Dan Elgin received the 2015 Firefighter Albert Nejmeh Memorial Award. Exemplary

characteristics and abilities demonstrated by Lieutenant Elgin included:

Mentorship

Role Modeling

Demonstrating Service to Others

Was a Self-Starter

Promoted Wellness/Fitness

A high level of TFD Involvement

Great at Team Building

“Getting Your Al On!”

Congratulations Dan!

From left to right: Lt. Dan Elgin, Chief Jim Duggan

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PROMOTIONS

Employee Classification

Chris Brink Fire Chief Battalion

Stephen Collins Fire Chief Battalion

Todd Magliocca Fire Chief Battalion

Michael Curley Fire Captain

Tom Hardy Fire Captain

James Lynch Fire Captain

Darren Rivers Fire Captain

Mathew Carlisle Fire Lieutenant

Jeffery Carney Fire Lieutenant

Kristin Elmer Fire Lieutenant

Eric Fossand Fire Lieutenant

Stephen Johnston Fire Lieutenant

William Jones Fire Lieutenant

Daren Rohde Fire Lieutenant

Josh Schlesner Fire Lieutenant

Daniel Stevens Fire Lieutenant

Brad Wesenberg Fire Lieutenant

Kattie Baurichter Firefighter-Paramedic

Anthony Brakebush Firefighter-Paramedic

Peter Chaffey Firefighter-Paramedic

Aaron Combs Firefighter-Paramedic

Brett Tingley Firefighter-Paramedic

2015 NOMINATIONS FOR CHIEF’S AWARD

Clifford Shipp Ann Craig Nate Kaiel William Miller

Michael Oberstar Nels Chandler James Dubree Robert Gauthier

Shannon Gibson Peter Klobutcher Ole Olesen

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PERFECT SCHEDULE

Bryan Anderson Don Crane Samuel Little Patrick Rapozo

Michael Barr James Dubree Steve Little Jordan Rasmussen

Daniel Berg James Duggan Adam Lowrie John Rock

Michael Boulware Ryan Erickson Ray Manglona David Rogan

John Brakebush Allen Estes Patrick McElligott Robert Schiemer

Chris Brink Albert Frank Joseph Meinecke James Scott

Kevin Caillier Jill Gleason Michael Mitchel William Spencer

Douglas Campbell Toryono Green Faith Mueller Thomas Spoonemore

Morris Carter Edward Heisler Kurt Mueller Michael Steinhoff

Peter Chaffey Timothy Jensen Derrick Murrell Bret Tingley

Stephen Collins Michael Johnson Michael Newhouse Miguel Vichot

Lincoln Correa Philip Kagelmacher John Pappuleas Ute Weber

Ann Craig Lee Law Jonathan Quon Andrew Yu

Thomas Zurfluh

NEW EMPLOYEES

Name Rank

James Arnette Firefighter

Bryan Baete Firefighter

Benjamin Baker Firefighter

Jonathan Baker Firefighter

Rene Bourne Financial Assistant

Alexandra Chapman Firefighter

Ryan Colbo Firefighter

Patrice Entenman Firefighter

Brad Fonoimoana Firefighter

James Fort-Johnson Firefighter

Brian Inderbitzin Firefighter

Christine Kim Firefighter

Eriq Law Firefighter

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Eric Lindsay Firefighter

Peter Lyle Firefighter

Slavik Mironchuk Firefighter

Jacob Monroe Firefighter

Ramsey Mueller Firefighter

Janell Murry Firefighter

Skyler Palmer Firefighter

Jacob Pappuleas Firefighter

Jeffrey Polo Firefighter

Daniel Richter Firefighter

Vicente Robles Firefighter

Kathryn Saul Firefighter

Micah Shelley Firefighter

Terrell Smith Firefighter

Jennifer Staley Firefighter

Dinean Stayk-Ahrens Firefighter

Kenneth Stepien Firefighter

Michael Strong Fire/Marine Diesel Mechanic

Joshua Strong Fire/Marine Diesel Mechanic

Stacey Thomas Firefighter

Mikhael Tran Firefighter

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RETIREMENTS

RETIREMENTS

Rueben Baltazar

Firefighter

Class of 1979

Susan Boczar

Deputy Fire Marshal

Class of 1988

Linda Bowen

Administrative Assistant

Hire Date 1979

Sharon Carlson

Lieutenant

Class of 1993 Jolene Davis

Battalion Chief

Class of 1987

Roger Edington

Assistant Chief

Class of 1985 Dyre Fudge

Battalion Chief

Class of 1979

Peter Maehren

Firefighter-Paramedic

Class of 1995

Darin Murphy

Lieutenant

Class of 1983

Thomas Owen

Safety Officer

Class of 1985

William Parnell

Firefighter

Class of 1983

William Pfander

Lieutenant

Class of 1985

Camille Rucker

Firefighter-Paramedic

Class of 1992

Richard Stearns

Fire & Marine Shop Supervisor

Hire Date 1987

James Tunison

Lieutenant/Safety Officer

Class of 1982

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PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS (AS OF DECEMBER 12, 2015 – STATION CAPTAIN UNDERLINED)

Battalion 1 Position A-Shift B-Shift C-Shift D-Shift

BC01 BC Magliocca, Todd A. Kimball, Douglas W. Collins, Stephen S. Correa, Lincoln J.

BC01 ROVLT Wesenberg, Brad G. Fossand, Eric W.

BC01 ROVLT2 Carlisle, Matthew D.

BC01 ROV02 Stayk-Ahrens, Dinean E. Richter, Daniel A.

BC01 ROV03 Stepien, Kenneth G. Lindsay, Eric L.

BC01 ROV09 Thomas, Stacey M.

CSR1 PMFF1 Brakebush, John E. Pollock, Craig H. Brakebush, Anthony P.

E04 OFF Whitney, Troy A. Riley, Sean P. Miller, Dean S. Bouyer, Bruce G.

E04 DR Brown, Kenneth C. Roland, Greg E. McCarty, Klint J. Cunningham, Brian G.

E04 3RD Keyes, Erik V. Bunker, Christopher B. Chandler, Zach S. Simpson, Christian J.

E09 OFF Setunsky, Aaron L. Carney, Jeffrey J. Wake, Justin R. Barthe, Gilbert M.

E09 DR Christensen, Walter Ruijters, Scott R. Horsman, Kenneth L.

E09 3RD Ellis, Cody J. Crane, Don T. Stowell, Marja L.

E14 OFF Wohlfeil, Trent R. Wickstrom, Dennis W. Zurfluh, Thomas D. Langendorf, Michael L.

E14 DR Williams, Gary W. Huiatt, Forrest D. Perrault, James E. Rapozo, Patrick P.

E14 3RD Cylkowski, Andrew F. Stringer, Kristina A. Fish, Duane H. Snode, David A.

E16 OFF Lee, James R. Frank, Albert G. Little, Steve R.

E16 DR Anderson, Bryan G. Teitenberg, Terry A. Jensen, Timothy L.

E16 3RD Little, Samuel A. Steinhoff, Michael L. Brown, Kevin J. Law, Amir D.

E17 OFF Pennington, Gary A. Gorre, Edward O. Sowers, Paul A. Austel, William J.

E17 DR Moore, John W. Baurichter, Bruce D. Pennington, Dale K. Ivy, Russell L.

E17 3RD Montgomery, Gary L. O'Leary, Daniel S. Wells, Robert J. Robak, Christopher A.

E17 4TH Trunk, Nicholas J. Berg, Daniel J. Eubanks, Shane M.

L03 OFF Giuntoli, Dean T. Stevens, Mark A. Gunnell, Jennifer K. Erikson, Philip J.

L03 DR Hammett, Scott W. Elmer, Steven M. Oberstar, Michael J. Hancock, Wayne H.

L03 3RD Brothers, Seth Schneidmiller, Kyle T. Sanchez, Andres R. van den Brandt, Katherine

M01 INCHG Poplin, William T. Knecht, Brian J. Rady, Christopher W. Lynch, James D.

M01 DR Moorman, Pamela J. Pounds, Marquis G. Eichholtz, Randy J. Diedrich, Christine M.

M04 INCHG Turley, Richard H. Kaperick, Barry A. Oswald, Cameron S. O'Brien, Sean P.

M04 DR Purdy, Paul L. Chamberlin, Adam D. Jangard, Brooke M. Diedrich, John E.

SQ13 OFF Curley, Michael N.

SQ13 DR Howerton III, Melborn G.

TA1 T1 McElligott, Patrick R.

TA1 T2 Cutright, Ervin J.

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Battalion 2

BC02 BC Brink, Christopher R. Tackett, Brian T. Hardy, Brian M. Scott, James R.

BC02 BC Flesher, Benjamin H.

BC02 ROVLT Elmer, Kristin M.

BC02 ROVLT2 Leitner, Andrew P.

BC02 ROV05 Baete, Bryan W.

BC02 ROV11 Mironchuk, Slavik L. Colbo, Ryan B. Inderbitzin, Brian P.

BC02 ROV12 Fonoimoana, Brad H.

BC02 ROV13 Chapman, Alexandra E.

BC02 ROV14 Rogan, David A.

CSR2 SAFLT Wilsie, D. Alex

CSR2 HAZOF Wilson, Ronald D.

CSR2 HAZFF Ritch Jr, Larry A. Olesen, Ole C.

CSR2 PMFF1 Spencer, Jason M. Chaffey, Peter A. Baurichter, Kattie D.

E01 OFF Collett, Brett J. Hardy, Tom L. Jasper, Peter J. Chandler, Nels B.

E01 DR Walling, Ryan M. Maki, Craig D. Kagelmacher, Philipp A. Gibson, Shannon L.

E01 3RD Muenz, Alex J. Montgomery, Jared L. Fox, Dillon P. Haia, Joshua D.

E02 OFF Rivers, Darren S. Wilds, Anthony J. Corn, Carl N. Klobutcher, Peter T.

E02 DR Tanner, Mindy J. Wienholz II, Wayne A. Chlipala, Brian A. Kammerzell, Jonathan C.

E02 3RD Olesen, Stephanie N. Cassman, John W. Colwell Jr, William Connelly, Kristin M.

E03 OFF McAuliffe, John P. Maderos, Mark J. Mathews, Peter S. Waterworth, Stacy A.

E03 DR Tackett, Joshua M. Moody III, Bill B. Smith, Conrad M. Wurts, Jennifer SH.

E03 3RD Shipp Jr, Clifford J. Scratch, Frank P. Malsch, Rachel M. Howatson, Mary Claire

E03 4TH Yu, Andrew K. Rasmussen, Jordan R.

E12 OFF Garrison, Deborah L. Sollars, Christopher L. Boulware, Michael F. Stoddard, Paul R.

E12 DR Dideon, Christopher Brown, Nathan P. Ubben, Nanci A.

E12 3RD Hampton, Kristopher Villa, Timothy M. Oakes, Danial T. Fleming, Matthew J.

L01 OFF Brassard, Darren J. Juntini, Scott A. Rohde, Daren R. Dubree, James E.

L01 DR Frank, Matthew A. Wold, Ted S. Hawks, Steven J. Williamson, Wayne A.

L01 3RD Vichot, Miguel A. Roberts, Jamie M. McCormack, Kyle W. Correa, Bryson J.

L01 4TH Noland, Patrick L. Schiemer, Robert L. Quon, Jonathan H. Leigh, Bryan J.

L04 OFF Caldwell, Anthony L. Smith, Warren D. Saxon, Steven A. Blanchard, Laura S.

L04 DR Miller, William J. Tresness, Jeffrey T.

L04 3RD Harrington, Vinis C. Craig, Ann M. Limbrick, Dennis W. Proper, Steven M.

L04 4TH Dougherty, Sean P. Herrera, Ronald Timothy, Justin J.

M03 INCHG Clausen, Richard A. Schroeder, Andrea M. Hupp, Lowell J. Reid, Lee J.

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M03 DR Gordon, Kurt B. Bieker, Ronald F. Hartman, Randal C. Spoonemore, Thomas B.

TA2 T1 Snyder, Mark I. Acton, William T.

TA2 T2 Heseltine, Richard L.

Battalion 3

BC03 BC McRoberts, David Chandler, Jeffery A. Vaughn, Dale L. Manglona, Ray A.

BC03 ROVLT Larsen, Grant R.

BC03 ROVLT2 Stevens, Daniel W. Jones, William H.

BC03 ROV04 Murry, Janell D.

BC03 ROV06 Baker, Benjamin W. Robles, Vicente Palmer, Skyler D.

BC03 ROV10 Jacques, Mandy L.

CSR3 PMFF1 Greatwood, Wade T. Combs, Aaron C. Mudie, Ryan J.

E07 OFF Heisler, Edward B. Carpenter, Shon V. Hall, Randy M. Marroquin, Jeremy J.

E07 DR Binkiewicz, Jordan Stohr, Bret D. Hanna, Craig A. Roberts, Jeffery S.

E07 3RD Ellis, Zachary B. Hesse, Scott S. Wood, Christopher N. Woodall, Andrew D.

E08 OFF Edwards, Dean F. Elgin, Daniel K. England, David L. Mathews, Michael S.

E08 DR Woyak, Terry P. Snodgrass, Dwight C. Mottl, Frank T.

E08 3RD Vietzke, Cory M. Gormanous, Phillip S. Murphy, Marya A. Swenson, Eric A.

E10 OFF Farstad, Ryan M. Kaiser, David A. Yuste, Wilfredo T.

E10 DR Nelsen, William W. Ferguson, Michael R. Barron, Daniel D. Galbraith, Christopher

E10 3RD McCallum, Kelly R. Holden, Neil A. Gutjahr, Joey E. Wilson, Nicholas P.

E10 4TH Anderson, James R. Kaiel, Nate A. Gauthier, Robert L.

E11 OFF Semingson, Damon J. Carter, Morris P. Wurts, Jeffrey R. Dougherty, Brian S.

E11 DR Martinez, Jose Campbell, Douglas W. Becker, James E.

E11 3RD Gleason, Jill A. Murrell, Derrick A. Tolefree, Tory J. Page, Amanda S.

L02 OFF Lawson, Fred H. Jackson, Tad E. Nicholson, Scott G.

L02 DR Beard, Jacob A. Franklin, Brian D. Sumner, Kelly E. Copsey Jr., Paul D.

L02 3RD Hawkins, Rory D. Prida, Zachary L. Nighswonger, Jeffrey W. Woinowsky, George C.

M02 INCHG Barr, Michael R. Novak, Casey J. Johnson, Kristopher N. Schlesner, Joshua E.

M02 DR Esqueda, Judy M. Stallings-Alailima, Sionna Weinman, Matthew W. Bush, Jeffrey D.

M05 INCHG Goddu, John F. Anderson, Ryan W. Hallman, Mary M. Streeper, Scott A.

M05 DR Tingley, Bret K. Stevens Jr, Richard M. McSharry, Matthew Hawkins, Jack R.

SQ15 OFF Perry, Christopher E. Nygard, Mark F. Cabrera, Derek G. Bleasdale, John R.

SQ15 DR Malit, Peter-Glenn A. LoCicero, James A. Ridgeway, Marlon L. Van Meter, Joseph M.

TA3 T1 Powers, Robert J. Schieferdecker, Kurt D.

TA3 T2 Gregory, Edward T.

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Safety Lieutenant

SAF03 SAFLT Shelley, Richard M. Piper, Christopher J. Lipke, James R. Bly, Jonathan R.

Fire Communications

FCCCP Mueller, Kurt A.

FCCCTO Caillier, Kevin E.

FCCOFF Jasmer, Patrick C. Johnston, Stephen M. Elmer, David R. Tucci, Patrick C.

FFDISP1 Lowrie, Adam M. Harkins, Steven C. Ehnert, Craig A. Schumaker, Renate C.

FFDISP2 Drexler, Philip T. Graham, Matt J. Tucker, Baigeh J. Heileson, Edward O.

FFDISP5 Tuttle, David R.

ROVDISP Stephenson, Gerald C.

ROVDISP2 Emond, Patrick S.

Fire Prevention Fire Training

DFM Spencer, William E. EMSED Rock, John C.

INSP Crider, Michael E. CPTRN Law, Lee A.

INSP Hansen, Kenneth M. PMTRN Bambrick, Jeff R.

INSP Pickford, Thomas A.

INSP Porter, Vernon R. Fire Garage

INSP Wagner, Mark H. MECH Bayeur, Brian T.

ADM ASST Davies, Tira MECH Haeger, Carol A.

EOCOR Weber, Ute MECH Howard, Paul C.

EOCOR Davenport, Michael T. MECH Huppert, Theodore K.

Fire Administration MECH Riley, Liam S.

CHIEF Duggan, James P. MECH Sheard, Steven L.

DPCHF Green, Toryono L. MECH Strong, Joshua H.

DPCHF Mueller, Faith M. MECH Strong, Michael S.

ASCHF McElligott, Patrick K. SMECH Voigt, Donald R.

ASCHF Mitchell, Michael S.

ASCHF Pappuleas, John J. Fire Electricians

FMSO Newhouse, Michael E. SPELC Easton, Chris L.

BCSFTY Estes Jr., Allen W. ELECT Atkinson, Christopher J.

CPTSFTY Johnson, Michael S. ELECT Lawrence, John D.

ELECT Zehnder, Martin W.

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HQ Staff

ADMGR Fitzgerald, Michael P.

CRO Meinecke, Joseph E.

ENGN Erickson, Ryan F.

ENGN Seaman, Christopher E.

ASCTY Walter, Melinda M.

ADM ASST Sexauer, Carolyn A.

ADM ASST Bourne, Rene M.

CSREP Chisa, Yvonne M.

FINAST Dundas, Peggy J.

FINAST Johnston, Karen M.

FINAST Milliren, Donna G.

SYSPR Burris, Celeste Suliin

SYSPR Dykas, Veronica C.

SYSPR Lewandowsky, Debra K.

SYSPR McCoy, Sheila M.

SYSPR Nunn, Michael L.

SYSPR Stock, Matthew S.

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PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

RCW 35.103 FIRE DEPARTMENTS—PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The Washington State legislature intends for city fire departments to set standards for addressing the

reporting and accountability of substantially career fire departments, and to specify performance measures

applicable to response time objectives for certain major services. The arrival of first responders with

automatic external defibrillator capability before the onset of brain death and the arrival of adequate fire

suppression resources before flash-over is a critical event during the mitigation of an emergency and is in the

public's best interest. For these reasons, this section contains performance measures, comparable to that

research, relating to the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical

operations, and special operations by substantially career fire departments. The following are TFD’s adopted

performance benchmark goals, and 2015 actual performance at the 90%.

Tacoma Fire Department Response Totals (final situation found)

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Fire 1,057 1,144 1,058 1,029 1,306

% increase/decrease 8.4% 8.2% (-7.5%) (-2.9%) 26.3%

EMS 25,153 26,275 26,923 28,877 30,552

% increase/decrease 0.1% 4.5% 2.4% 7.3% 5.8%

All other 11,520 11,440 11,263 11,993 13,408

%increase/decrease (-5.0)% (-0.7%) (-1.5%) 6.5% 11.8%

Total 37,730 38,859 39,244 41,904 45,266

%increase/decrease (-1.3%) 3.0% 1% 6.8% 8%

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TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT BENCHMARKS

TFD response benchmarks specify the minimum criteria needed to effectively and efficiently deliver fire

suppression, emergency medical services, and special operations response. These response goals protect the

citizens of Tacoma and the occupational safety and health of Tacoma firefighters. For the purposes of this

report, the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), Fire & Emergency Service Self-Assessment

Manual, 8th Edition, and Standards of Cover, 5th Edition was used as guidelines in the development of TFD

response goals.

ANATOMY OF A 9-1-1 CALL

CALL

Citizen Calls 9-1-1

DISPATCH

9-1-1 center processes call and dispatches units

TURNOUT

From when units are dispatched to when crews are dressed in

appropriate protective gear and in the apparatus ready to go

TRAVEL

From when the unit starts moving to arrival on-scene.

Call Processing Time

This measure tracks the time elapsed from the receipt of a 9-1-1 call to the completion of the dispatch directing firefighters to respond. Performance benchmarks are 60 seconds for fire incidents, and 90 seconds for EMS and specialty incidents. (*Actual Performance at the 9oth percentile)

Measured at the 90th Percentile Fire Actual* EMS Actual Haz-Mat Actual Tech Rescue

Actual

Alarm Processing (TFD receipt of call)

Pick-up to Dispatch

1:00 1:35 1:30 1:25 1:30 3:14 1:30 2:37

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Turnout Times

This measure tracks the time elapsed from the receipt of notification of the emergency to the beginning point of travel time to the incident. Performance benchmarks are 60 seconds for critical and urgent EMS incidents and 80 seconds for critical and urgent fire and specialty incidents.

Measured at the 9Percentile Fire Actual EMS Actual Haz-

Mat Actual Tech

Rescue Actual

Turnout Turnout Time 1st Unit

1:20 1:20 1:30 1:38 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:33

Travel Time

This measure tracks the time elapsed from when the company goes en route to arrival on-scene of a critical or urgent emergency incident. TFD travel time benchmarks are based on Fire Management Zone (FMZ) population density criteria as established by CFAI. Performance benchmarks for the first arriving company on-scene of a critical fire or EMS incident are 4:00 in Metro/Urban FMZ’s, 5:00 in Suburban/Limited FMZ’s and 10:00 in Rural FMZ’s or less for 90% of incidents.

Travel time performance benchmarks for the balance of the first alarm (effective response force) arriving on-

scene of a critical or urgent fire or EMS call is 8:00 in the Metro/Urban FMZ’s and 10:00 or less in the Suburban

/Limited FMZ’s and 14:00 or less in Rural FMZ’s or less for 90% of incidents.

Note—due to the high variability in marine incidents there is no fire management zone or effective response

force associated with Marine response at this time.

Travel

Zone Fire Actual EMS Actual Haz-Mat

Actual Tech Rescue

Actual

Travel Time 1st Due

Metro/Urban 4:00 6:15 4:00 6:33 4:00 14:14 4:00 6:04

Suburban/Limited 5:00 8:44 5:00 7:41 5:00 7:06 5:00 -

Rural 10:00 5:07 10:00 13:32 10:00 - 10:00 4:57

Travel Time ERF

Metro/Urban 8:00 10:07 8:00 11:09 8:00 3:38 8:00 7:38


Rural 14:00 11:17 14:00 20:20 14:00 - 14:00 11:26

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Total Response Time

This measure tracks the time elapsed from when TFD receives a 9-1-1 call until units arrive on scene of an emergency incident. Total Response Time is the sum of 9-1-1 dispatch, turnout and travel time and is considered industry best practice in performance reporting.

Total Response

Time (TRT)

Zone Fire Actual EMS Actual Haz-Mat

Actual Tech Rescue

Actual

TRT 1st Due

Metro/Urban 6:20 8:16 6:30 8:51 6:50 26:25 6:50 9:34


Rural 12:20 6:40 12:30 14:58 12:50 - 12:50 -

TRT ERF Metro/Urban 10:20 12:04 10:30 13:16 10:50 5:42 10:50 15:19


Rural 16:20 12:50 16:30 22:08 16:50 - 16:50 -

PREDICTABLE CONSEQUENCES AND PLAN OF ACTION TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE

We expect continuing growth in the demand for Department services.

We expect that response times will remain constant, but not meet our performance goals given our

current level of resources.

The geographical challenges that delay travel time response in Northeast Tacoma and the Tideflats

area will continue until additional resources are added in those Fire Management Zone.

TFD’s plan of action continues to identify and implement operational efficiencies to offset unit availability.

One example is the concentrated effort to reduce non-emergency response. FDCARES program intervention

reduced high-utilizer participant’s use of the 9-1-1 system by 97% percent in 2015. Another noteworthy

efficiency is the reduced call processing time at Fire Communication Center.

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RESPONSE TOTALS BY COMPANY

Company 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

E01 3,470 3,527 3,916 4,111 4,156

E02 2,854 2,769 3,237 3,360 3,238

E03 917 967 1,028 1,074 1,253

E04 2,469 2,592 2,799 2,970 3,150

E06 758 834 76 - 9

E07 2,819 2,995 2,926 3,130 3,332

E08 2,867 2,771 2,956 3,323 3,622

E09 2,745 2,799 2,987 3,065 3,190

E10 3,071 3,298 3,470 3,834 4,328

E11 3,325 3,415 3,473 3,592 4,113

E12 1,863 1,915 2,081 2,212 2,483

E13 1,774 1,809 299 206 145

E14 1,371 1,509 1,392 1,511 1,510

E15 2,325 2,526 810 782 834

E16 2,622 2,904 3,016 3,118 3,177

E17 2,275 2,306 2,439 2,446 2,625

L01 2,119 1,967 2,247 2,306 2,473

L02 1,845 1,676 1,792 1,814 2,183

L03 1,584 1,430 1,664 1,829 1,829

L04 774 814 907 981 1,141

SQ13 - - 1,041 1,233 1,241

SQ15 - - 1,604 1,970 2,182

M01 2,570 2,683 2,606 2,557 2,252

M02 3,372 3,503 3,311 3,327 2,989

M03 1,610 1,642 1,611 1,512 1,429

M04 3,591 3,603 3,632 3,582 3,227

M05 3,525 3,695 3,576 3,315 3,012

B01 752 747 861 892 940

B02 1,265 1,224 1,379 1,355 1,436

B03 814 787 899 919 1,037

Safety 3 1,067 1,246 1,269 1,242 1,362

Fireboats(s) 70 148 111 122 170

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TO PROTECT PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND

THE ENVIRONMENT Tacoma Fire Department

901 S. Fawcett Ave

Tacoma, WA 98402

253.591.5737

www.tacomafiredepartment.org

http://www.tacomafiredepartment.org/

tacoma fire department 2015 annual reportcms.cityoftacoma.org/fire/website 2013/annual report/tfd...

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