Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone, I hope you continue to have a great holiday week / weekend.  Even with the short week, there is a few things to bring everyone up to speed on, so let’s get started…

• New W4 Policy---there has been some discussion on what is allowed, accepted, or expected of the W4 signal.  First and foremost, the intent is to protect our members by sending fresh crews into overhaul, correctly rehabbing and documenting v/s and exposures, and getting you back to the station as soon as possible to get all that stuff off your skin.  As to some common questions here are my  responses:
  • One bottle policy?  If you are actively fighting the fire, have at it.  Whether it’s one bottle or two, I don’t want to change the offensive strategy or attack of the fire.  The idea is, once the signal 77 has been given, and you have been sent to Rehab, let a fresh crew come in and overhaul.  That’s where the one and done comes in.  This is for 40 minute or more active firefighting and operations.  If it’s a quick knockdown, then the same crews can overhaul but you must be on air.
  • Can I call for a W4 to get the Rehab, Rescue, and Air truck but what if I don’t need the extra engine and ladder?  Then cancel those two units.  The idea is that we (the administration) will send you a baseline assignment to help with overhaul.  You can always change it by adding to (send two ladders and 2 engines) or just send an extra ladder, or downgrading the W4 assignment.
  • I called Command but then downgraded the assignment, does the Rescue Chief (HSO) still have to ride in?  No, only if a true Incident Command is set up (for 5 or more units).  If you call W3 and Command, then change it to a W2 or W1, then the HSO can cancel.
  • What about 2^nd Alarms?  All 2nd alarms will require a formal Rehab group and therefore by definition will require a W4 signal.  If you have enough fresh crews on scene (quite possible), then alter the assignment to include the Rehab, Rescue, and Air 5 only; or whatever the IC wants.

• Fire 9—has moved to Station 21 on Wednesday.  The official station responsibilities will change this Sunday morning.  The changes include:
  • Fire 9—lost 54 but gained 7 & 21
  • Fire 4—lost 7 & 21 but gained 12 & 20
  • Fire 3—lost 12 & 20 but gained 54  and new 62.
  • None of the responses for the Chiefs have changed.  All first, second, third, and fourth due are the same.
  • Fire 9 will now be the HazMat Chief and Fire 4 is responsible for Special Operations.
  • All HazMat & Special Operations calls will require both Fire 4 and Fire 9. One will manage the specialty part, the other the specialty Safety Officer position. (This is different than the ISO or HSO)

• New recruits---their last weekend ride is this weekend.  Next Friday, they will be assigned to a permanent station.  Look for the next 30 new hires to come sometime in January.

• The Clock for Suppression Lieutenants test—has stopped.  As soon as you see a Provisional Lt. on a Friday bulletin, you know it has started again.  Same with the Engineers list. 

• New MDT’s---the bids are about the hit the street.  The new MDT’s for the Chiefs and Rescues will have full size screens and keyboards.  This should help with some issues.  Realistically a PO will be cut for the winner of the bid by the end of January.

• New Rescues—the specs are about to hit the streets as well and something new is we will be purchasing two 4x4 units this time:  R71 and R40….pretty cool.

• New Accountability Riding Cards--- are being tested by certain companies.  They involve testing a 3 x 5 index card, a custom riding list, or just RMS daily staffing printed from the station computer each day.  Once the chiefs let me know what works best for you all, we will go with that.  The success of the accountability system rest firmly on the company officer and chief officer.  If you have seen the movie Burn, then you saw dramatic footage on how quickly things can change for the worse.  The riding lists are just another way for the incoming companies to account for everyone missing or injured.

• Outstanding Reports---still exist.  Please continue to help in this matter.

Time to give some thanks to our hard working crews:

• To Chief Hooten and everyone at the 2^nd Alarm on Monday.  We started the week off with a bang and it hasn’t slowed down from there.  Strong command presence from all the chiefs and from all the crews.  Well done and thank you.
• To everyone at 800 Cesery Terrace.  Great job!
• To the crews who fought two fires in District 9 on Wednesday…busy day!
• To all the crews who managed another MCI on Prudential and Hendricks.  You all make this look easy…
• To everyone who managed the W3 on Thanksgiving Day in District 34…great job!
• To Chief Rounds and everyone who responded to the W4 in 41’a territory this morning.  Well managed and a job well done by the crews.
• To each one of you that came to work while everyone else was at home or shopping this holiday.  Thank you for keeping everyone safe.

I want to end this week by telling you what I’m personally thankful for this year.  My wife and clean PET scans, my family and friends, my co-workers, and the opportunity to serve you in this capacity.  I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend and I’m pretty sure the 5lbs I lost in the last few weeks has found its way back into my life (funny how that happens).

As always, we thank you for what you do (kicking-butt and taking names), why you do it ( some genetic abnormality), and for always showing why you are truly the best Fire Department in the Country.

Very Respectfully,

Chief of Operations
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department