ITA at 7th Street and Ximeno Ave.
By frhayes | November 18, 2008
On Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 6:02 PM units from the Long Beach Fire Department responded to the intersection of 7th Street and Ximeno Avenue for the reports of an Injury Traffic Accident (ITA).
Engine 4 the first unit on scene met a retired LBFD Firefighter who was rendering aid, and reported a multiple vehicle accident at this location. A hose line was placed into operation for protection and the crew began triaging and treating patients as required. The Captain from Engine 4 requested additional resources including a Truck Company for extrication, and additional Rescue units to treat multiple serious injuries.
A total of 5 vehicles were involved in the accident and 3 patients required transportation to local hospitals for their injuries. One of the victims was in very critical condition and while units were on scene went into “traumatic full arrest”. Paramedics began advanced life saving measures on scene including endotrachel intubation (ET) intravenous fluid infusion (IV) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This patient was the grandmother of a young child who was riding in the vehicle with her, the mother of the child arrived on scene (not involved in the accident) and accompanied the child (who’s injuries were not life threatening) to a local hospital for treatment.
The Long Beach Police Department closed down multiple streets in this area and redirected traffic to preserve the scene for their continuing investigation. A total of 10 apparatus and 24 personnel responded to this incident, including:
E4, E14, E8, T14, R17, R2, R1, BC2, BLS 4, & PIO1
This incident occurred in council district # 3
Information on this incident has been sent to the local media, with no interviews given as of 8:30 PM.
Topics: Incidents | 23 Comments »
Employee Of The Year Ceremony
By Jackawa Jackson | November 18, 2008
This year’s employee of the year ceremony will be held at Headquarters in the training room on Friday November 21st at 800am. The recipients will also be honored at the City Council meeting on December 2nd at 5:00pm.
In January, a request was submitted for Employee of the Year nominations. As in past years, there were a number of outstanding nominations submitted and it was difficult for the Selection Committee to recommend only two employees. After a review of their selections, Fire Captain Steve Garcia and Plan Checker Tim Buzbee have been selected to receive these honors.
Sworn Employee of the Year – Captain Steve Garcia:
Captain Steve Garcia managed the overall training, planning and exercise components of the Homeland Security Grant Program and is known as one of the State’s experts in this field. Captain Garcia oversaw the purchase and deployment of detection and protection equipment, participated in numerous Operational Area and Regional training programs, and was involved with numerous City and outside agency exercises. Steve was also responsible for overseeing approximately $1.2 million dollars in training funds and assisted with training requirements (NIMS 100 and 700) with several City departments. Steve secured an additional $265,000 of grant funds based on his reputation of “doing it right”. He also played an integral role in the upgrading and “typing” of the Urban Search & Rescue program. Based on his involvement, commitment, and success with the Homeland Security Grant Program, I am pleased to announce that Steve Garcia is the 2007 Sworn Employee of the Year.
Civilian Employee of the Year – Tim Buzbee:
Tim Buzbee was hired in 1990 as the Fire Department’s second Civilian Plans Reviewer. Over the years, he has reviewed thousands of plans for buildings and projects ranging from barbershops to high-rise buildings. Tim is currently assigned to the CUPA Section of Fire Prevention, which has oversight of all tank sites within Long Beach, as well as facilities that store, handle and use hazardous materials. Tim is very conscientious and thorough. It is because of his hard work and dedication to the Department and to the Long Beach community that he is awarded the Civilian Employee of the Year Award.
Steve Garcia’s name will be added to the Sworn Employee of the Year plaque and Tim Buzbee’s name will be added to the Civilian Employee of the Year plaque and both will be displayed at Headquarters. Let us all join in congratulating Steve Garcia and Tim Buzbee on their selections as Employees of the Year for 2007.
Topics: Events | 30 Comments »
Long Beach Fire Department Strike Team Update Covered in the Press Telegram
By frhayes | November 18, 2008
LBFD adds 2nd wildfire strike team
Staff reports
Article Launched: 11/17/2008 10:15:45 PM PST
The Long Beach Fire Department has dispatched two full strike teams – more than 40 firefighters – to the Los Angeles and Orange County fire zones, said Capt. Jackawa Jackson.
“Typically they’ve been assigned to structure protection detail and mop up,” Jackson said. “Right now they’re being held in case there’s any flare ups.”
A strike team consists of five fire engines each with four firefighters, and a battalion chief vehicle, Jackson said. A captain also has been dispatched as a supervisor, he said.
The first strike team left Wednesday morning to help with the fires in northern Los Angeles County, and the second team went Saturday to Yorba Linda in Orange County, Jackson said.
No injuries to Long Beach firefighters have been reported, he said.
Topics: News | 31 Comments »
Southern California Offshore Powerboat Elite Donation
By frhayes | November 17, 2008
Recently the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) received a very generous donation from the members of the Southern California Off-shore Powerboat Elite (SCOPE). This donation of $24,321 will go to the Friends of Long Beach Firefighters non-profit organization 501(c)(3).
“Friends” supports the Department’s Junior Lifeguard program; the Fire Ambassador program; the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); the LBFD Kids program; the Rescue Youth (mentor) program; and has contributed to worthwhile charity campaigns such as the “smoke detector give away days”. They also support charitable organizations including the Interval House, the Young Horizons, the Long Beach Library Foundation, the American Red Cross and many more throughout the greater Long Beach area.
With the ever-increasing costs and the likelihood of expanding some of these programs needs and services this timely donation will ensure continuous support and demonstrates once again the SCOPE’s commitment to support our community far beyond the “Water Front”.
What is the Southern California Offshore Powerboat organization all about?
Each year S.C.O.P.E. members participate in a number of fun and interesting road trips to such places as Lake Havasu and Lake Mead. They’re always a lot of fun for everyone. A great way to relax and enjoy your boat with others who want to do the same.
S.C.O.P.E. is made up of members from all walks of life – iron workers to corporate officers. There are well known racers and others new to boating. Performance boating has brought us all together in what we feel is the best power boating participants club on the west coast.
Whether on the ocean or during a road trip, S.C.O.P.E. members are a fun loving group who take their boating seriously and responsibly. S.C.O.P.E. is very family friendly, and safety is always important to our members.
Do you enjoy high performance boating – done responsibly? Do you enjoy being around other enthusiasts who enjoy their boating time as much as you? If you would enjoy being a part of a light hearted group of down to earth powerboaters – then the SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OFFSHORE POWERBOAT ELITE is looking forward to meeting you!
The Long Beach Fire Department thanks the SCOPE organization for their continued support and looks forward to a long partnership into the future.
For information on SCOPE, please click on the link provided:
Topics: News | 23 Comments »
Big Rig Roll-over on the 405
By Jackawa Jackson | November 17, 2008
At 11:48am on November 13, a big rig carrying dry cement overturned on the transition road from the north bound 710 to the south bound 405. The 27 year old male driver was trapped in the wreckage and half of his load of product was spilled across all lanes of the on ramp. It took approximately 15 minutes to free the driver from his truck. He was transported to an area trauma center with moderate injuries. The freeway transition road remained closed for hours while clean-up crews removed the truck and the cement. There were no other vehicles involved and no other injuries reported.
Topics: Incidents | 30 Comments »