Multi Vehicle Accident On The 91 Freeway. Four Patients Requiring Extrication
By Jackawa Jackson | October 18, 2009
At 1:30 on the morning of October 18, 2009, LBFD responded to a multiple vehicle accident on the eastbound 91 freeway just before the 710. Engine 12 arrived on scene and reported two vehicles involved across multiple lanes of traffic. CHP was called to close down all eastbound lanes of traffic on the 91. The Captain on Engine 12 called for additional resources including a Truck 11 to provide extrication for trapped patients. It appeared as though an SUV and a compact car had collided trapping occupants inside both vehicles. Engine 12 crewmembers forced the door open on the SUV and began treatment of the driver who had suffered a major head injury. The compact vehicle contained 3 patients: the driver with major injuries and both passenger who suffered moderate injuries. The crew from Truck 11 used the Jaws Of Life to cut all three individuals from the wreckage while Engine and Rescue personnel provided patient treatment. Numerous Rescues on scene transported the injured to area trauma centers. Responding units included E12, E11, T11, R12, R11, R9, R17, BC3, and BLS 16. There were no other injuries reported to civilians or firefighters. The eastbound section of the 91 freeway remained closed until the patients were transported and the wreckage could be cleared from lanes of traffic.
Topics: Incidents, News | 23 Comments »
The Great Asparagus Container Fire Of 2009
By JJohnson | October 16, 2009
On the morning of Tuesday, October 13th a call came into Long Beach Fire Department for reports of a container on fire in the Port of Long Beach. The location was at the entrance to the ITS terminal at the end of Queensway Drive.
Engine 6 was the first engine on scene and reported that there was no container on fire, but some significant heat was coming from the front of the container. The shipping manifest stated that the cargo was pallets of canned asparagus. The container was lifted off of the trailer and set on the ground for more of a stable platform. USAR6, Truck 1 and Hazmat and Engine 24 were also on scene to assist E6.
T1 and E6 firefighters used the Partner saw to cut into the sides of the container. They cut 2 holes to get a hoseline into the container and check if there was any active fire. They found a couple of smoldering pallets full of canned asparagus and quickly dowsed and cooled them down.
Total units on scene: BC1, Engine & USAR 6, Truck 1, Hazmat & Engine 24, PIO4
Topics: Incidents, News | No Comments »
Fire Ambassador Installation Dinner At The Reef Restaurant
By Jackawa Jackson | October 15, 2009
On the evening of October 9, 2009, the Long Beach Fire Department Ambassadors held their annual installation dinner at the Reef Restaurant. This dinner serves as an official recognition of the new officers and a chance to recognize the commitment and dedication of the fire ambassadors in general. The fire ambassadors travel to schools all over the city, giving invaluable fire safety instruction to 3rd grade classes. The incoming officers who took up the mantle of the out going were:
Chairman – Marsha Chapman
1st Vice Chair – Kathleen Wilaby
2nd Vice Chair – Barbara Anders and Stan Eiler
3rd Vice Chair – Tacy Hunter
Secretary – Nancy Nash
Prior to the start of the event, Fire Boat 20 graced the event with a water display that thrilled all in attendance including 5th district councilwoman Gerrie Schipske. This much anticipated event is always a highlight of the Fire Ambassador Program.
Topics: Events | 36 Comments »
City Officials and the Long Beach Fire Department Encourage participation in the Great Shake Out Drill 2009
By frhayes | October 12, 2009
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, other City Officials and the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) encourage all city employees, residents, businesses, and schools to participate in the “Great Southern California Shakeout”. This event, similar to last years event, will be one of the largest earthquake drills ever planned and simulated in Southern California, and aims to be one of the nations largest public earthquake preparedness activities ever conducted.
At 10:15 A.M. on Thursday, October 15, 2009, millions of people in government offices, homes, businesses, schools, and public places all over southern California will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” as we practice a community-wide simulated drill of what we would do during a “Real” earthquake. During this drill the LBFD will be specifically focusing on “First Line” operations, including the dispatch of resources, reconnaissance of specific areas with emphasis on checking critical faculties and structures, and ensuring effective communications. Organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance, this simulated earthquake drill will help us better understand how an earthquake of this magnitude could affect our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. It will provide us with valuable information on what we are doing right, and how we can make improvements to be better prepared in the future.
An earthquake of this magnitude could shake for as long as two minutes, with a sharp jolt of a few seconds before the strong shaking occurs. This is why it is imperative to act immediately at the first signs of an earthquake. Unprecedented damage would occur, with the potential for a large loss of life, numerous injuries, and a long-lasting disruption of services.
To get started and participate in this great event go to: www.shakeout.org at this site you will be able to register, you will be added to the total number participating, and you will receive updates and information in regard to the drill. At the site there is also specific information for businesses, schools, families, individuals, a calendar of events, and how you can go even farther with your participation.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, the Long Beach Fire Department, and the City of Long Beach please visit: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness.php
http://www.oes.ca.gov/ https://firechannel.org/blog/or http://www.longbeach.gov/
Topics: Public Safety | 36 Comments »
Fire Chief David Ellis Announces His Retirement by Years End to City Manager Patrick West
By frhayes | October 12, 2009
no images were found
On Wednesday October 7, 2009, Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Fire Chief David Ellis, the 15th Chief in the 112-year history of the LBFD announced to City Manager Patrick West his impending retirement by years ends. Chief Ellis an almost 30 year veteran of the fire service, currently responsible for an over 90 million dollar budget, and approximately 550 employees began his career in the city of Glendale in 1980. In 1982 he “Came Home” to Long Beach where as a child he grew up and attended Fremont Elementary School, Jefferson and Rogers Middle Schools, Wilson High School, and graduated from the California State University of Long Beach. He has served as the Fire Chief since 2004.
Chief Ellis’ educational background includes his participation in the Harvard Leadership Program, he has attended the National Fire Administration Executive Leadership program, served as a peer review panelist for the Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, and is a graduate of “Leadership Long Beach”. Chief Ellis has also visited the Gulf States to lend his support and to learn after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and has visited Israel to learn ways to better protect our Airport and Port.
A few of his primary goals as the Chief has been to focus on professional and efficient service delivery to the community while ensuring that the LBFD is prepared to respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Chief Ellis’ contributions to the LBFD include the Facilities Master Plan; this has included the opening of new Fire Station 24, Fire Station 6, the new Fire Headquarters, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port for improvements to two boat stations, and ensuring gender accommodations. Under his leadership there have also been great strides in replacing apparatus and equipment. Chief Ellis has moved the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) program into a nationally recognized program, initiated the Basic Life Support Program and Hazardous Materials Program, and instituted a department wide wellness program.
Chief Ellis’ involvement within the department and community are great and he has been recognized by many different organizations for these contributions. One issue that he is passionate about is cancer prevention, early detection, support, and proper treatment. Chief Ellis is a cancer survivor and by sharing his story, bringing in guest speakers, encouraging early screening for early detection, he has helped members of the LBFD and the community. He has been actively involved with the Boy Scouts and in 2007 received the Distinguished Citizen Award for “embodying the commitment, dedication, and ideals of the Boy Scouts of America”.
The Chief has also been recognized by the NAACP, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor and City Council members for promoting understanding respect in Long Beach’s diverse community, and for his dedication, commitment, and outstanding effort towards the advancement of “All People”. Family and children’s advocates have also characterized him as a “Champion of the Children”. As a fire ground commander he was also recognized for his outstanding leadership during one of the largest fires in the LBFD’s history (Paradise Gardens).
The Chief will be assisting in any way possible to help with the selection of a new Fire Chief and will ensure a smooth transition occurs. He would like to express his appreciation for all of the support and hard work from every member of the LBFD. The Chief would like to express that he has enjoyed in working with city officials, city management, and with all the employees throughout the City. He will surely be missed.
Chief Ellis looks forward to spending more time with family and friends and welcomes the challenges ahead.
Topics: News | 29 Comments »
