1st District Report
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| Tim Strack |
Rancho Cucamonga Hosts Fire Ops 101
City leaders had a chance to see what it's like to be a firefighter after Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters Local 2274 held their first Fire Ops 101 in June.
Sponsored jointly by the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District and Local 2274, the event was well attended by the entire City Council, along with Mayor Dennis Michael, the city manager, police chief and other city officials.
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| Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Curatolo and City Manager Jack Lam at Rancho Cucamonga's Fire Ops 101. |
"Local 2274 wanted to allow an opportunity for participants to ask questions and experience hands-on what some of the requirements were for the fire district," said Local 2274 Secretary Steve Brown. "The focus was on demonstrating how the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District is an 'all risk' agency. We wanted to let the policy makers really understand what their money is being used for and why."
The day-long event gave participants the opportunity to experience three scenarios. The first was a full residential structure fire assignment with a civilian rescue. Observers witnessed how and why the fire department sends the equipment that they do.
"We wanted them to understand the best way to mitigate the escalation of an emergency is to aggressively neutralize the incident and this takes manpower," said Brown.
The second scenario was an auto extrication with a trapped victim. Here crews rushed in and aggressively secured the scene, stabilized a real patient and loaded them onto Upland Fire Department's H-165 helicopter, where they were taken up for a flight over Rancho Cucamonga.
The last scenario was a full cardiac arrest scenario. Observers witnessed the initial time it took for dispatch to be notified and the dialogue that took place between caller and the communications center. Firefighters then incorporated a four-minute response time and demonstrated that a cardiac arrest scenario truly is an "all-hands" emergency. San Antonio Hospitals Dr Parks discussed STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) protocols, as well as the up-and-coming hypothermia treatment for post-cardiac arrest patients that RCFD will be implementing.
The day ended with helmet presentations as well as certificates to all members who participated.
"The event proved to be successful for the entire city of Rancho Cucamonga and is why the City is maintaining well during such difficult times," Brown said.
Newport Beach Hosts California Firefighter Summer Olympics
Firefighters from across our great state convened July 10th-15th to attend the California Firefighters Summer Olympics in Newport Beach. The event celebrates its 41st year.
This year, Newport Beach Firefighters Association Local 3734 was the proud host local.
Governed by the California Firemen's Athletic Association, the California Firefighters Summer Olympics began in 1970 as an opportunity for all California firefighters to get together, encourage camaraderie and promote physical fitness.
"It's a great event and we're very pleased to be hosting the event in our town this year, especially as our local celebrates its 100th year of service," said Local 3734 President Brian McDonough.
Over 30 competitive events were held from softball and basketball to surfing and dodgeball. This year, they've added stand-up paddleboarding as a new event.
They even held a Kids Olympics one evening at the host hotel. Kids could jump in the bounce houses, compete at games and enjoy snow cones and popcorn.
All of the proceeds from the Olympics were donated between the Children's Hospital of Orange County, Grossman Burn Foundation, the City of Newport Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Newport Beach Firefighters Association Benevolent Fund, which is a 501(c)(3) organization.
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| Newport Beach firefighters play dodgeball at the California Firefighter Summer Olympics. |
Norco Fire Department Suffers Draconian Cuts
The city of Norco is attempting to solve its budget deficit, on the backs of its city firefighters.
In the past several months, the Norco Fire Department budget has been slashed from $4.3 million to $2.9 million. Staffing has dropped from four to three. Three firefighters have been laid off. And at the time of this publication, they are considering litigation with the City for refusing to implement their 3 at 50 benefit, which was part of the terms of their current contract, effective June 30, 2011.
In addition, the city imposed terms on the fire department for one year, reducing salaries by 22 percent on average, across the board. For some firefighters, that's meant a loss of as much as 32% of their salary for the next year.
"They took away everybody's longevity and education incentives," said Norco Firefighters Local 3806 President Ron Laursen. "It's not been an even playing field. City officials haven't reduced salaries for any other city employees. Other bargaining units are paying 4% of their PERS instead of 9% as we have been asked to do. I think some council members have an underlying agenda."
And just when Norco firefighters thought it couldn't get any worse, the Norco City Council voted to send out requests for proposals for fire protection and emergency medical services to neighboring cities and counties in June.
At the time of this publication, the City Council has not decided whether to contract their fire services.