LBFD Swiftwater Rescue California Task Force 12 Deployment to Louisana
By frhayes | September 3, 2008
On Sunday, August 31, 2008 the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) received an emergency request from the State of California, Office of Emergency Services (OES) asking us to respond our SwiftWater Rescue Task Force to the State of Louisiana, in response to anticipated damages, and possible rescues required due to Hurricane Gustav, and subsequent Hurricanes. On Monday, September 1st at 3:00 A.M. the LBFD swift water rescue task force, known as California Task Force 11, consisting of 14 members (7 Firefighters and 7 Lifeguards), who are specially equipped and trained for swiftwater rescues, and technical search operations departed the city en route to Louisiana.
The California Office of Emergency Services sent eight swift water rescue teams to the areas possibly affected by the hurricanes. The LBFD swift water rescue team met teams from Sacramento City, Sacramento Metro, and Ventura in the City of Blythe where they traveled together to meet the other teams in the City of Baton Rouge at the State Police Training Center. This deployment is being completely funded through the State of Louisiana, and staffing levels as well as swiftwater rescue members and equipment are still present and able to respond to any incidents within the city.
In New Orleans, which was largely spared by a disorganized, and weakened Hurricane Gustav which came on shore about 72 miles southwest of the City on Monday morning, and an improved levee system. Mayor Ray Nagin has advised evacuees that they would have to wait a few days before they returned to their homes. Even though conditions appear to be stable at this time, memories of Katrina have placed officials in a cautious, proactive condition.
Due to the passing of Hurricane Gustav causing minor issues, on Tuesday, September 2nd most of the swiftwater rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams had been canceled or demobilized. However the LBFD swift water rescue team this morning, September 3, 2008 was deployed 80 miles North of Baton Rouge in anticipation of bad weather from the hurricanes just off the Atlantic coast line. Reports from the team indicate that they will be assigned as a “stand by” swift water rescue team if weather conditions deteriorate, and possible search and rescue operations if significant damage to structures occurs. Conference briefings continue to occur on a daily basis and as additional information, and developments occur, details will be disseminated.
Topics: Incidents | 87 Comments »
Long Beach Police & Fire 911 Memorial Service
By frhayes | September 3, 2008
September 11, 2008 marks the 7th anniversary of the tragic event that unfolded in New York City in 2001. To recognize this date, the Long Beach Police and Fire Departments will once again host the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony adjacent to City Hall.
The event will begin promptly at 6:30 A.M., on September 11th. It is advisable to arrive early. The event will feature a moment of silence, then the Fire Chief, Mayor and Police Chief will place wreaths at the base of the memorial. Following the wreath placement, we will provide the traditional “Last Alarm” bell ceremony. Once this is complete, we will have a bagpiper on site to play Amazing Grace to conclude the ceremony. Candles for the vigil will be provided on site for all in attendance. There will be no speeches.
The event will be held at the Police and Fire Memorial adjacent to City Hall, on Chestnut Street, south of Broadway. Command Staff members will wear dress uniforms all other members shall wear service uniforms, civilians should dress appropriately for the occasion.
Topics: Events | 19 Comments »
Garage Fire on El Jardin Street
By frhayes | August 25, 2008
On August 24, 2008 East Side units responded to a reported garage fire on El Jardin Street. Upon arrival, E17 found a detached rear garage fully involved with fire. Engine 17 pulled a 1-3/4″ hotline and attacked the main body of the fire while Engine 22 protected the exposures. Engine 14 assisted E17 by pulling an additional hotline off of Engine 17. Truck 14 went to the roof of the house and removed the shake shingles that were involved due to the radiant heat. Because of the size of the structure and the roof composition, Truck 19 was dispatched to provide additional support. Additionally, foam had to be applied to the fire due to the ruptured full tank of the vehicle stored in the garage.
It appears the cause of the fire was a ruptured fuel line of the vehicle stored in the garage. The owner stated he stores his vintage (1967) Rolls Royce in the garage and starts it up once a week. After the vehicle had been running for approximately 10 minutes, a neighbor notified the owner that his garage was on fire.
Fire loss was limited to the garage and contents, the rear portion of the house and 2 vehicles. Along with the Rolls, the other vehicle damaged was a 1973 Jaguar. Both vehicles were a total loss, totaling over $100,000. The total loss of the incident was approximately $180,000.
Health, Arson and PIO were all notified. One firefighter received a small cut to his finger during overhaul that did not require medical treatment.
Topics: Incidents | 10 Comments »
“Biggest Loser” Awards Ceremony and Wellness Program Information
By frhayes | August 19, 2008
On Tuesday, August 19th at 9:00 A.M. in the Headquarters Gym, the “Biggest Loser” contest awards ceremony was hosted by the Contest Organizer (Exercise/Nutritionist Corey Howe M.S.), members of the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Command Staff, and members of Local 372. Winners were announced and presented with their awards.
Corey organized and developed the “Biggest Loser Challenge” with several goals towards the increase in Wellness, Fitness, Nutrition, Education, and Safety for our members of the LBFD. Corey saw a direct need associated with the extreme physiological and psychological demands of the job that are dramatically imperative to being Healthy and Fit in order to be successful, safe, and decrease injuries in the LBFD. In addition the “Biggest Loser Challenge” was a direct way to make a fun concept spread into our stations as an enjoyable competitive based challenge.
The “Biggest Loser Challenge” was a 16-week challenge consisting of percentage of body fat loss, percentage of weight loss, and percentage of lean muscle mass gained. LBFD members could compete in either the individual or team category (4 members) making it a fun competitive atmosphere between individuals, stations and crews. Participates were encouraged to use the help and guidance of Corey with fitness education, setting individual/team goals, workout programs, motivational support, nutrition, diet, and tips. The participants were also encouraged to workout with Corey during the challenge at the one of a kind New Headquarters Fitness Center Gym.
Corey stated “My goal with this challenge was to motivate individuals to make the necessary changes to lead a healthier and injury free lifestyle. Also, I was hoping those changes would spread throughout the department, which they have. There is a waiting list for the next challenge starting in January and I’m booked with appointments 3 weeks out!” There were over 80+ members of the LBFD that participated in this challenge and the top 25 lost over 10% in body Fat and lost over 15 pounds of fat.
The Long Beach Fire Department is 1 of only 6 departments in the Nation that have a dynamic Wellness Program and Fitness Gym. The LBFD Wellness program is unique in having their own Exercise Physiologist position, along with Santa Ana College Fitness Assessment program. This program has several components, which are strictly confidential, and is comprised of medical evaluation (blood draw), fitness evaluations, and educational workshops.
Specifically the blood draw has identified coronary artery disease as well as some types of cancers in their early stages in other fire departments where immediate treatment has served to save lives, which based on statistics the LBFD should expect to encounter in the future.
The fitness assessment consists of a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) a graded exercise treadmill test, resting and exercise blood pressures, pulmonary test, body composition and flexibility tests, and muscular strength and endurance components.
The Santa Fitness Assessment program along with the Exercise Physiologist position directly complements the success of our Wellness program. Also, through the direct partnership between labor and management over the last few years. The program has made great advancements since it’s inception in 2001, when 395 members enrolled in the program, with only a select number participating in all of the components available. This year the majority of all sworn and civilian employees have enrolled in the program and participated in the beginning stages of the seminars and blood draw.
The wellness program is intended to improve the quality of life for all firefighters, and our civilian employees, the investments that have been made, and that will be made in the future to maintain a healthy, fit, and capability workforce are well worth the effort, and costs associated. Again with the extreme physical, physiological, and psychological demands of the job it is imperative that all members take advantage of this great program and that funding is appropriated in the future for it’s continued advancement.
Topics: News | 35 Comments »
LBFD VS LBPD Softball Game at Blair Field
By frhayes | August 14, 2008
The Long Beach Armada is hosting a “Guns N Hoses” night on Saturday August 16th at 7:00 P.M. at Blair field, when they play the Edmonton Cracker Cats.
Before the baseball game there will be an exhibition softball game between our Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) softball team against the Long Beach Police Department’s (LBPD) softball team. The softball game will begin at 4:00 P.M. After the softball game there will be a buffet provided by Naples Rib Company.
All City employees can purchase game tickets for only $5 on August 13 and August 15 when the Armada representatives come to the basement of City Hall! Tickets will be available both days between 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in the Council Lounge (lower level)
Bring your friends and family and come enjoy the last Saturday game of the season with the Long Beach Armada, fun activities scheduled include:
- All night giveaways
- Kid Zone w/a Moon Bounce
- Mid-inning Games
Come out and say “Thank You” to the men and women who serve on our local Police and fire Departments. Antique Fire Trucks will be on display in front of the stadium, and there will be live music starting at 5 pm with the Blue Steel Police Band
Contact Katrina Reynolds (570-6707) in the Mayor’s office if you have any additional questions.
Blair Field is located at 4700 Deukmejian Drive near 10th & Park (562-570-1725).
Topics: Events | 25 Comments »