City of
Sycamore
Fire Department
FY 2012 Annual Report
Table of Contents
Department overview .................................................................. 2
Year in review emergency response activity............................ 3
Administrative Division activities .............................................. 4
Operations Division activities .................................................... 9
Operations Division response statistics ................................. 13
Emergency Service calls .......................................................... 14
Emergency response by Fire Station location .......................... 15
Emergency Medical Service responses FY 05-12 .................... 16
Emergency Medical Service activity FY 12............................... 17
Fire and non-fire Incidents FY 12 ............................................. 18
Fire suppression response FY 12 ............................................. 19
Non - fire responses FY 12 ....................................................... 20
Fire loss history FY 05-12 ......................................................... 21
Training hours FY 12 ................................................................ 22
Special activities/events ........................................................... 23
Fire Department organizational chart ..................................... 27
Fire Department shift assignments ......................................... 28
pg. 1
Department Overview
The City of Sycamore is located approximately 60 miles west of the City of Chicago in
the center of DeKalb County. The Sycamore Fire Department provides Fire
Suppression, Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials First
Responder, Fire Prevention, and Public Education services to approximately 20,000
people. This service area includes the City of Sycamore (17,519) and the Sycamore
Fire Protection District (approximately 2,500). Overall, we service an area of
approximately 62 ½ square miles (City of Sycamore - 5.57 square miles).
The Sycamore Fire Department is a combination Fire Department providing 24 - hour
emergency response, operating out of two fire stations with 38 sworn and 1 civilian
employees. The Department is divided into two divisions; an administrative division and
an operations division. The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating for the City of
Sycamore is a Class 4 and the ISO rating for the Sycamore Fire Protection District
(unincorporated area outside the city) is a Class 8B.
Fire Department Mission statement
The Sycamore Fire Department Mission Statement is to deliver quality emergency
services, respond to disasters, create prevention programs that save life and property,
selflessly serve our customers and create excellence through education, training and
community involvement.
Fire Department budget and authorized strength
The Fire Department budget for FY 12 was $2,682,868. Personnel account for 91% of
the budget ($2,550,768). Commodities, contractual services, other services, and
equipment accounted for $132,100.00 (9%). The Department’s authorized personnel
strength is as follows: Fire Chief -1, Assistant Fire Chief - 2, Fire Lieutenant - 7,
Firefighter/Paramedic - 19, Paid - on -call Firefighter - 18, and Fire Secretary - 1.
Overview of emergency activity
Requests for emergency service increased 3% (+59 incidents) from last year.
Emergency medical service incidents increased 6.7% (+101) with a slight decrease in
fire (-15) and non-fire (-27) incidents. Emergency medical responses account for 81%
and fire/non-fire account for 19% of all Fire Department emergency activity.
The Fire Department responded to 1,595 ambulance requests, treated 1,812 patients,
and transported 1,152 patients to the hospital. The total number of patients seen by the
Fire Department increased by 7.2% (122 patients) and patient transported to the
hospital increased by 2.6% (+29). For those patients (1,152) transported to the hospital,
the Fire Department provided Advanced Life Support (ALS) care in 71% (808 patients)
to 29% (344) Basic Life Support (BLS) care.
The Fire Department responded to 64 fire suppression responses and 306 non-fire
responses. This activity level has remained fairly constant for the past three fiscal
years. In FY12, the Fire loss was $414,875 which is well below the seven year average
fire loss of $1,070,563.
pg. 2
Year in review emergency response activity
Fiscal Year 2011 – 2012
Requests for Emergency Services
1,965
Total Emergency Medical Service Responses
Total Fire and Non-fire Responses
1,595
370
81%
19%
EMS Responses
1,595
Patients seen
1,812
Patients Transported
1,152
BLS Transports
344
29%
ALS Transports
808
71%
Patients not transported
660
Care given
43
Refused care
615
Advanced life support provided to
neighboring jurisdiction
2
Fire Suppression Responses
Structure Fire
Vehicle / Motor home
Cooking (confined to container)
Outside (rubbish & equipment)
Refuse (dumpster, trash contained)
Brush Fire
Chimney
Non-fire Responses
False / Malicious Alarms
Good Intent
Burning Complaints
Hazardous Conditions
Service Calls
64
35
7
7
5
5
4
1
306
128
63
18
68
29
Additional response information
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Extrications
10
Mutual Aid & Automatic Aid Given
Mutual Aid & Automatic Aid Received
179
91
44
Total Fire Dollar Loss = $425,125.00
pg. 3
Administrative Division activities
pg. 4
Administrative Division activities
Administrative Division - overview
The Administration Division consists of the Fire Chief, two Assistant Fire Chiefs, and
one Administrative Secretary. The Administration Division provides the support for the
Operations Division activities which includes: facility repairs and maintenance, vehicle
and equipment repair and maintenance; computer system and related software support,
fire prevention program including public fire education; grant application and
administration; special event planning; fire and emergency medical service continuing
training.
Personnel changes - retirements
The Fire Department said farewell to three members in 2011-2012.
• Fire Lieutenant Tom Pritchett was awarded a duty disability pension on August
10, 2011. Lt. Pritchett had almost 26 years of service with the Sycamore Fire
Department and was disabled to a job related health condition
• POC Firefighter Kevin Sergeant retired on September 1, 2011, with 30 years of
service
• Fire Chief Mark Kessler retired on March 31, 2012 with over 26 years of service
Personnel changes - resignation
• POC Firefighter Trevor Chilton left service on September 15, 2011.
Personnel changes - new hires
In FY12, the Fire Department welcomed some new faces.
• Daniel Franklin started as a POC Firefighter/Intern on July 8, 2011
• Eric Saxton started as a career Firefighter/Paramedic on February 1, 2012
• Joseph Jacober, Michael Lorence, and Sarie Turner started as a POC
Firefighters on February 1, 2012
Personnel changes - promotions
The Fire Department celebrated on promotion of a firefighter. Firefighter/Paramedic
Paul Rubeck was promoted to Fire Lieutenant on October 27, 2011.
Years of service awards
Annual service awards were presented to City employees at the December 5, 2011 City
Council Meeting. The following Fire Department personnel were recognized:
• Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Carlson
5 years
• Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Hardesty
5 years
• Firefighter/Paramedic Ian Wheeler
5 years
• Fire Lieutenant Shaun Penn
15 years
• Fire Secretary Becky Hepker
15 years
• POC Firefighter Kevin Sergeant
30 years
Grant funding - Fire Protection District support
The Sycamore Fire Protection District graciously provided $25,000 for emergency
response equipment and pledged an additional $35,000 in support of the purchase of a
replacement ambulance planned to be replaced during FY 2012-13. In addition, the
Fire Protection District in conjunction with the DeKalb County Farm Bureau sponsored a
pg. 5
Grain Bin Rescue class for Sycamore Fire Department and area Fire Departments. As
part of this technical rescue training initiative, the District purchased a specialized grain
bin rescue tube to be used county-wide for grain bin rescues. With the $25,000 Fire
Protection District monies, the Fire Department purchased the following items:
• replacement brush fire pump - skid unit for Brush #2
• replacement atmospheric monitoring instrument for Engine #2
• a quick attack deluge monitor for Engine #2
• replacement roof vent chain saw for Engine #2
• various wild land firefighting hand tools and nozzles for Brush #1 and #2
• light weight 20’hard suction hose (6”) for Engine #2 and #3
• metal cutting circular saws for Engine #1 and #2
Grant funding - Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) 2010 Grant
In early February 2010, the Fire Department applied for an AFG grant. In April, 2010,
the Fire Department was awarded a fire equipment grant totaling $37,060. As part of
the grant criteria, the City of Sycamore is required to contribute a 5% match to the
federal grant. With the grant monies available, the Fire Department purchased the
following items:
• 2,800’ of replacement 1 ½” and 2 ½” attack fire hose
• 1,800’ of replacement 3” and 5” supply fire hose
• a quick attack deluge monitor for Engine #1
• replacement roof vent chain saw for Engine #1
• a structural fire gear washer/extractor for Fire Station #2
• the installation of intercom communication system including headsets on Engine
#3
• replacement computer laptop for fire prevention presentations
• replacement atmospheric monitoring instrument for Engine #1
• various wild land firefighting hand tools for Brush #1 and #2
• various firefighter training video and fire training video program
• various IFSTA training manuals
Quartermaster program
Lt. Darrin Hepker serves as the Department’s Quartermaster. He facilitates the
procurement of uniforms and structural fire gear for new and existing employees.
Vehicle maintenance program
The Fire Department currently has a fleet of four fire engines, three ambulances, two
brush fire vehicles, one rescue squad, three Chief cars, one semi-rigid inflatable boat,
and one reserve pool vehicle. In addition, the Fire Department stores the MABAS
Division #6 Decontamination unit, an all terrain vehicle (ATV--six wheeler), and a light
tower. Assistant Fire Chief Marc Doty oversees the Department’s vehicle maintenance
program. Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Anderson serves as the Department’s Mechanic
Coordinator and Lt. Dan Marcinkowski serves as the Mechanic Assistant. In FY12, we
performed periodic preventive maintenance in-house on all Fire Department vehicles
and performed or facilitated repairs as needed to various vehicles in the fleet. The most
noteworthy activities were:
• Annual fire pump testing of all fire engines (4)
• Annual ground ladder testing of all ground ladders
• Engine #1 - rebuilt ladder rack, replaced brakes, and front springs
pg. 6
•
•
•
•
•
•
Engine #2 - repaired radio head set system, replaced two worn front tires, and
repaired throttle cable
Medic #1 - repaired fuel filter,
Medic #2 - repaired power supply and strobes,
Car #2 - repaired rear differential, pinion bearings, and parking brake
Car #3 - repaired two hub bearing assemblies
Annual service on the hydraulic rescue tools
Fire Station - facility maintenance
Assistant Fire Chief Peter Polarek oversees the Department’s facility maintenance and
repair program. Maintenance and repair of the building is performed by the Mechanic
Coordinator, the Mechanic Assistant, Public Works personnel, and outside contractors.
The most noteworthy repairs during FY12 were:
• Public works installed a concrete step in the apparatus bay at Fire Station #1 to
raise the breathing air compressor and storage bottles of the main floor.
• The City’s Engineering Department oversaw the rebuilding of the rear and east
parking lots with new asphalt surface and striping
• Major repairs to the Fire Station #1 boiler system were performed
• Repairs were made to the Station #1 ice machine
Fire Station - facility improvements
When the Police Department moved to their new building, the space that the Police
Department formerly occupied became vacant. The offices that formerly housed the
Detectives were painted and new carpeting was installed. The Administrative Secretary
and Assistant Fire Chief- Administration occupied the new spaces. Carpeting was also
installed in the foyer by the new Fire Department main administrative entrance. The
department’s copier and office supplies were moved into the Administrative Secretary’s
former office. As a result of the changes, visitors to the Fire Department can proceed
directly to the Administrative Secretary’s office to be greeted and then directed to the
appropriate staff member. Public Works installed signage on all of the exterior entry
doors. A sewage ejector pit was installed in the lower level to alleviate potential sewage
back up from significant rain events. As a result, we have confidence that the basement
space shall remain clean and dry.
Fire Department - Police Department garage swap
The Fire Department and Police Department worked together to find a mutual benefit to
the use of the garages behind the Fire and Police Departments. This collaboration
resulted in the Fire and Police Department swapping space in the back garages. Police
functions were consolidated in the west garages and Fire Department functions were
consolidated in the east garages. A large overhead door was installed in the former
evidence area (east garage) to allow the storage of emergency vehicles.
Computer system improvement
Assistant Fire Chief Peter Polarek oversees the Department’s computer system
including software and hardware. Working closely with the City’s IT contractor, the City
and the Foreign Fire Insurance Fund collaborated funding to purchase and install 5 thin
client computers at Station #1 and #2. This effort greatly improved the existing
computer software performance and thus greatly reducing the frustration of personnel
when entering fire and patient care reports.
pg. 7
Fire Prevention Program
Assistant Fire Chief Peter Polarek oversees the Department’s Fire Prevention program
which includes public fire education. Throughout the year, various fire prevention needs
are addressed which include: review of building plans for new construction for fire
prevention code compliance; the management of the Knox box (secure key box)
program, dealing with code enforcement/fire safety issues as they arise, monitoring third
party fire alarm, sprinkler system, and hood/duct inspections for compliance and follow
up, if needed.
Fire Prevention - public education activities
Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Ward serves as the Department’s Fire Prevention Education
Coordinator. He coordinates all public fire education activities and oversees the four
members performing various presentations. Throughout the year, the Public Education
group provides presentations to various age groups at outside locations and at each of
the fire stations. A new effort was initiated this year provide a monthly fire prevention
press release to the local media with various fire safety and seasonal safety messages
to the public. A significant portion of the public fire education effort is Fire Prevention
Week. October 9-15, 2011 was designated as the national Fire Prevention Week. With
the heavy demand for fire prevention presentations during this five day window, our
local fire prevention week has expanded to almost the entire month of October. We use
the national Fire Prevention Week theme as the foundation for the month long activities.
This year’s theme was “Protect your family from fire”. For a better part of three weeks,
the Fire Prevention Team members made presentations to children from pre-K to 5th
grade. They visited every grade school and in many cases, had the pre-K children
come to the fire station for a tour and presentation. During the month of October, we
estimate that we make contact with about 3,000 school children. In addition to the
presentations, a fire drill was conducted and successfully completed in every
elementary school.
In addition to presentations for school children, the public education group did over 10
senior and adult fire safety presentations and events which included fire extinguisher
training, senior fire safety, general safety and health presentations, as well as
presentations for special needs individuals. Over 30 CPR and First Aid courses were
taught to citizens by various Sycamore Firefighter/Paramedics.
Fire Prevention - juvenile fire setter program
This year, the Public Education group began an effort to deal with juvenile fire setters.
Fire Prevention Education Coordinator Jim Ward led the development of a coalition of
individuals and agencies that have become increasingly concerned with juvenile fire
setters. Firefighter Ward initiated and facilitates monthly meetings to develop the
Juvenile Fire Setter coalition which has created awareness with DeKalb County Fire
and Police Departments, the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s office, local social
service agencies, and Sycamore School District staff. During FY 12, eleven individuals
were processed through the Juvenile Fire Setter program through various sources of
referral.
Special event permit review
The City of Sycamore permits approximately 60 special events a year ranging from the
temporary closure of a downtown city street to catered events on private property.
Assistant Chief Polarek provides the Fire Department safety review of all special event
permit requests as part of a overall city review during the special event season (MayNovember).
pg. 8
Operation Division activities
pg. 9
Operation Division activities
Emergency operations overview
Emergency responses have been trending up over the past two fiscal years from a low
in 2010. Emergency medical responses have been the large portion of the increase in
activity, while fire and non-fire responses have remained flat.
Emergency medical services
The Fire Department operates three Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances. The
Sycamore Fire Department participates with the Kishwaukee Hospital Emergency
Medical Services System and operates under the medical direction of the Emergency
room physicians at Kishwaukee Hospital. Assistant Fire Chief Marc Doty oversees the
Emergency Medical Services program with the assistance of Firefighter/Paramedic Bill
Reynolds who serves as the Department’s Paramedic Coordinator.
Emergency Medical services continuing training
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requires all certified paramedics to
successfully complete 20 hours of continuing education each year. The required
continuing medical education is provided to Fire Department Paramedics and
Emergency Medical Technician -Basic level by Kishwaukee Hospital EMS System staff.
Fire basic and continuing training
Assistant Fire Chief Marc Doty oversees the Department’s fire training program which
includes both in-house and outside training schools. While most of the training is
performed in-house, a small amount of the training is provided through recognized fire
training academies. For in-house training, Assistant Chief Doty assigns various
monthly continuing fire education training topics, provides supporting training
information, and the required training is delivered through the company officers to shift
personnel. For outside training, we sent three firefighters to two outside required basic
training courses (Fire apparatus Engineer, Vehicle and Machinery Operations). In
FY12, we documented over 3,500 hours of in-house training. Much of this documented
training provides reinforcement and refresher (continuing education) training of
achieved fire service certifications. Training hours are divided into four categories: Fire,
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Special Teams, and Other training. As a result of
the training activities, a number of fire department personnel attained fire certifications
through the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office. The newly achieved certifications (29)
were for Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, Fire
Service Vehicle Operations., Technical Rescue Awareness, Fire Apparatus Engineer,
Fire Officer I, Vehicle and Machinery Operations, Firefighter II and Basic Operations
Firefighter.
Personnel - POC Firefighter program
The Paid on call Firefighter program is designed to supplement the career staffing of the
Fire Department. In FY 2012, we evaluated our existing Paid on call (POC) Firefighter
program and initiated some improvements. These improvements include: minimum
training requirements; minimum activity requirements; required ride time. Under the
improved program, we advertised and hired three new POC Firefighters in February,
2012. The Fire Department currently employs eight POC Firefighters (including two
Chaplains classified as POC Firefighters)
pg. 10
Personnel - POC Firefighter/Intern program
The Intern program is a three year term where POC Firefighter/Interns agree to work
four - 24 shifts per month with an assigned firefighting shift in addition to attending a full
college course load. Over the course of three years, Firefighter/Interns are required to
successfully achieve Firefighter II, Emergency Medical Technician - Basic, and
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic certifications. In FY 2012, we also reevaluated our existing Paid on call (POC) Firefighter /Intern program and made some
adjustments. We advertised and hired one new POC Firefighter/Intern in August, 2011.
While the Fire Department is authorized up to six college interns, we currently employ
one POC Firefighter/Intern.
Special Teams
The Sycamore Fire Department participates with the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System
(MABAS) Division #6 Special Teams. We have fire Department personnel participating
with the Hazardous Material Response Team and four personnel participating with the
Technical Rescue Team.
Fire Station and emergency vehicle maps
Lt. Darrin Hepker maintains all of the Fire Department map books and response maps
for both fire stations and fire department emergency vehicles.
SCBA maintenance and repair
FF/P Scott Flatter oversees the maintenance and repair of all of the Department’s self
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). This effort includes the required flow test of all
SCBA air packs (24), RIT packs (3), the required annual SCBA face piece testing with
each firefighter (37), and the required quarterly breathing air quality testing of the
breathing air compressor.
Atmospheric monitoring instruments/thermal imaging camera maintenance and
repair
FF/P Eric Carlson oversees the maintenance and repair of all of the Department’s
atmospheric monitoring instruments and thermal imaging cameras. He calibrates the
atmospheric monitoring instruments quarterly to ensure of dependable and accurate
response.
Special events - Sycamore Car show
The Fire Department actively participated in the safety review of the Annual Car Show
layout as well as the implementation of an event first responder emergency response.
During the event, the Fire Department provided two fire personnel strategically placed in
the middle of the downtown area, which provided an event first aid station along with
ability to provide first response within the car show area. It is estimated that the Car
Show attracts approximately 20,000 visitors to this event.
Special events - Sycamore Pumpkin Fest
The Fire Department actively participated in the planning and implementation of the
emergency response to the annual Sycamore Pumpkin Fest special event. Ten Fire
Department emergency personnel, staffing two ambulances and two staff vehicles
provided emergency response for the Pumpkin Run which drew almost 1,000
participants. For the Pumpkin Parade, twenty-five personnel staffing 3 Chief vehicles,
3 fire engines, 3 ambulances, a rescue squad, brush truck, and ATV provided
emergency response capability from three strategically placed staging sites just off of
the Pumpkin Parade route. The Fire Department was prepared to respond to any
pg. 11
issues during the weeklong Festival including the Pumpkin Parade. It is estimated that
the five day Pumpkin Festival event attracts approximately 150,000 visitors to
Sycamore.
pg. 12
Operations - emergency response statistics
pg. 13
Requests for Emergency Service FY05 – FY12
Emergency Service Calls
2300
2200
2146
2100
Requests
2000
1965
1954
1929
1923
1906
1900
1791
1800
1695
1700
1600
1500
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009*
2010
2011
2012
Fiscal Year
In FY12, we received 1,965 requests for emergency service. This was a 3.1% (+59
incidents) from the previous fiscal year.
2009 * On January 1, 2009, the Fire Department changed its Dispatch Guidelines. This
change was made to conform to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
Prior to 2009, we would give separate incident numbers for a fire and EMS unit
dispatched to an emergency. In FY09, this change reduced our incident numbering by
153. This means that we responded to 70 fewer emergency calls in FY 2009 than in FY
2008.
pg. 14
Emergency calls by Fire Station location
Seventy-five percent of our initial responses were from Station 1, with a call volume of
1,495. This station response area is the most populated, and this station is dispatched
for Automatic Aid and Mutual Aid fire calls.
The dividing line between Station #1 and #2 runs east and west. From the west
heading east - all land north of and including Route 64, including the intersection of
Route 64 and Peace Road, Peace Road north of Rt. 64 to the South Branch of the
Kishwaukee River. The Kishwaukee River east to a point north of the Stone Prairie
subdivision and then the line moving east to County Line Road south of Mt. Hunger
Road.
Station 2 responded to 496 calls as the initial response station. This number does not
reflect all incident responses from this station, only the calls originally dispatched to this
station.
pg. 15
Emergency Medical Services responses FY 05-12
Emer g ency Ser vice R esp o nses
F Y 0 5 - F Y 12
1700
1600
EMS
1500
1400
Number of Calls
1300
1200
1100
1000
900
Non-Fire
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
Fire
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Year
YEAR
Fire
EMS
Non-Fire
TOTALS
2005
68
1384
339
1791
2006
95
1405
429
1929
2007
74
1438
442
1954
2008
68
1554
524
2146
Prior to Incident numbering change
2009
64
1421
438
1923
2010
66
1338
291
1695
2011
79
1494
333
1906
2012
64
1595
306
1965
After Incident numbering change
We have seen a 6.7% increase in EMS incidents, while fire and non-fire calls this past
fiscal year remained relatively flat for the past 4 fiscal years.
pg. 16
Emergency Medical Services activity FY 12
Non-transport Refused Care 615
34%
ALS Intercepts 2
0%
Non-transport Care Given 43
2%
ALS Transports 808
45%
BLS Transports 344
19%
Emergency Medical Services activity FY 05-12
EMS Activity
2000
1812
1800
1690
1600
1400
1595
1554
1384
1405
1494
1438
1421
EMS Incidents
1423
1338
1200
Number
Total Patients seen
1123
1152
Total Transports
1000
931
800
ALS Transports
759
674
600
808
660
571
Treated and Released
483
400
359
344
BLS Transports
257
200
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Fiscal Year
We responded to 1,595 ambulance requests during FY12. The fire department treated
1,812 patients and transported 1,152 patients to the hospital.
The total number of patients seen by the Fire Department increased by 7.2% (122
patients) from FY 11. Patient transports increased by 2.6% (+29 transports).
We began tracking the level of service given for ambulance transports, treat and no
transports, and patient counts in fiscal year 2010.
pg. 17
Fire and Non-Fire Incidents FY 12
Fire Suppression Responses
Structure Fire
Vehicle / Motor home
Cooking (confined to container)
Outside (rubbish & equipment)
Refuse (dumpster, trash contained)
Brush Fire
Chimney
64
35
7
7
5
5
4
1
Non-fire Responses
False / Malicious Alarms
Good Intent
Burning Complaints
Hazardous Conditions
Service Calls
306
128
63
18
68
29
Fire and Non-Fire Incidents FY05-12
Total Fire and Non-Fire Incidents
FY 2005 - 2012
Non-Fire
Fire Suppression
700
600
68
Total Incidents
500
400
95
74
64
68
79
66
300
64
524
200
429
442
438
339
291
333
306
2011
2012
100
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Year
pg. 18
Fire suppression responses FY 12
Refuse Fires (contained)
5
8%
Brush Fires
4
6%
Chimney Fires
1
2%
Outside Fires
5
8%
Cooking Fires
(contained)
7
11%
Structure Fires
35
54%
Vehicle Fires
7
11%
Fire suppression responses FY 05-12
FY05 - FY12 Fire Suppression Activity History
45
40
Structure Fires
35
Outside Fires
Incidents
30
Brush Fires
25
Vehicle Fires
20
15
Refuse Fires
(contained)
Cooking Fires
(contained)
Chimney Fires
10
5
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Fiscal Year
pg. 19
Non - fire responses FY 12
Fiscal Year 2012
Non-fire Responses
S er vice Calls
29
9%
F a l se / M a l i c i o u s
H a z a r dous C ondi t i ons
Ala r ms
68
12 8
22%
42%
Bur ni ng Compl a i nt s
18
6%
Go o d I n t e n t
63
2 1%
Non - fire responses FY 05-12
Non-Fire Incidents
Fiscal Year 05 - 12
250
200
150
False / Malicious Alarms
100
Hazardous Conditions
Good Intent
50
Service Calls
Burning Complaints
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
pg. 20
Fire Loss History FY05 – FY12
FIRE LOSSES
$4,101,000
$1,306,500
$753,920
$861,900
$299,252
$414,875
$529,100
2005
2006
2007
2008
Fiscal Year
$297,955
2009
FIRE LOSSES
2010
2011
2012
Seven Year Average Fire Loss = $1,070,563
pg. 21
Training hours FY 12
Our fire department members attained twenty-nine fire certifications in this fiscal year.
These certifications were for Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Fire
Service Vehicle Operations., Technical Rescue Awareness, Fire Apparatus Engineer,
Fire Officer I, Vehicle and Machinery Operations., Firefighter II and Basic Operations
Firefighter.
3,632 training hours were performed by Fire Department personnel. Training hours are
divided into four categories: Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Special Teams,
and Other training.
Training Hours
Fire
EMS
Special Teams
Other
376
10%
1,500
42%
924
25%
832
23%
Fire training - includes fire equipment, fire apparatus, building construction, electric
vehicle response, driver’s training, fire operations review, fire investigation, and various
fire drills.
Emergency medical service (EMS) training - includes required continuing monthly
medical training in various areas which enable the paramedics to meet the hourly
requirements by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Special Teams training - included hazardous materials and technical rescue response
training.
Other training – this category includes the review of SOG’s, Policy, and Procedures,
review of streets, required NIMS training, firefighter and officer orientation, and safety
training.
pg. 22
Special activities/events
pg. 23
Special activities/events
Community activities - “Operation Prom” presentation to the Sycamore High
School
On May 20, 2011, Sycamore Firefighter’s Local 3046 led by FF/P Brian Thompson
organized a pre-prom event designed to create awareness of the dangers of drinking
and driving prior to the Sycamore High School Prom. The presentation of the Mock
DUI/accident program was provided by on duty personnel assisted by off duty
firefighters.
Community activities - Breast cancer awareness fund raising
For two events in June, 2011, Sycamore Firefighter’s Local 3046 supported the Breast
Cancer Awareness by selling pink firefighter breast cancer t-shirts at the DeKalb County
Relay for Life and Sycamore Pink Ladies Night Out events. This effort led by FF/P
Adam Honiotes made over $2,700 for the American Cancer Society. On June 9, during
Sycamore Pink Ladies Night Out, Sycamore Firefighters sold out of almost 250 pink
firefighter t-shirts in less than two hours. Just over a week later, on June 17, 2011,
Sycamore Firefighters volunteered to provided emergency medical response to the
twenty four hour DeKalb County Relay for Life event held at Sycamore Park. During the
Relay, there was a great demand of the distinctive pink firefighter t-shirts by the
participants at the event.
Community activities - MDA fill the boot.
On August 12 and 13, 2011, Sycamore Firefighter’s Local 3046 members took to the
streets to collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Firefighters
armed with fire boots were located at various intersections in Sycamore and collected
over $1,700.
Community activities - Sycamore High School Home Coming Powder Puff
Football game
On September 23, 2011, as part of the High School Homecoming celebration,
Sycamore Firefighter’s Local 3046 member FF/P Brian Thompson and Lt. Tal Hickey
organized and coached the two teams of high school junior and senior girls for a football
game. The Thompson Senior girls won the challenge by beating the Hickey Junior girls
21-7.
Community activities - Meals on wheels
During the entire month of November, 2011, a number of Sycamore fire personnel
volunteered to deliver the Voluntary Action Center Meals on Wheels to Sycamore
residents.
Community activities - Welcome home escorts to returning military veterans
Periodically throughout the year, the Fire Department participated in the escort of
returning military veterans to their home in Sycamore. The Patriot Guard Riders and
Warrior Watch Riders organized a number of Welcome Home Veteran events with the
returning veteran escorted in a Sycamore Fire Engine along with a Fire Department
staff vehicle. Off duty Sycamore Firefighters volunteered to provide this important
service to honor our returning military veterans.
pg. 24
Firefighter’s Honor Guard
The Sycamore Firefighter’s Local 3046 Honor Guard is a dedicated group of firefighters
that volunteer to help to provide dignified and honorable funeral and memorial services
to active and retired firefighters and their families.
Fire Ops 101 Training
On March 24, 2012, Sycamore Firefighter’s Local 3046 sponsored a day long training
program to educate elected officials, appointed government officials, and the local
media on the physical and emotional demands placed upon firefighters along with the
demands and requirements of the Sycamore Fire Department. Sycamore Mayor Ken
Mundy, State Representative Robert Pritchard, 2nd Ward Alderman Pete Paulson, City
Manager Brian Gregory, and Human Resources Director Susan Willey participated in
the training. The training consisted of a short classroom orientation followed by hands
on activities which included auto extrication, self contained breathing apparatus use in a
search environment, and hose handling in extinguishing small fires.
Foreign Fire Insurance Fund
The Foreign Fire Insurance Fund is set by state law for the benefit and maintenance of
all members of the Fire Department. The Sycamore Foreign Fire Insurance Board
(commonly known as the 2% Fund) administers tax proceeds collected from insurance
companies doing business within the State of Illinois, but the insurance company is
located outside the State of Illinois. The Sycamore Foreign Fire Board is comprised of 7
(six are elected) members who represent all of the membership of the Fire Department.
The Board administers approximately $25,000 per year. Listed below is a highlight of
some of the larger purchases made in FY 12:
• Sponsored “Everyone Goes Home” safety seminar at Fire Station #1
• Donated $1,000 toward Station #2 flag pole purchase
• Purchased ice machine for Station #2
• Funded 50% of cost of the Thin Client computer system for Station #1 and #2
• Purchased replacement work out equipment for Station #1
• Purchased replacement microwave and dishwasher for Fire Station #2
• Participated in the purchase of classroom chairs for the Station #1 classroom
Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) Fire Science program
The Sycamore Fire Department actively participates with the Kishwaukee Education
Consortium (KEC) Fire Science program. The KEC Fire Science program is a
vocational training program for High School students interested in the fire service as a
possible career. The Sycamore Fire Department provides classroom use during the
school year, provides garage storage space for the KEC Fire Science trailer and training
equipment, and allows the student use of the facility and access to the fire apparatus.
FF/P Scott Flatter serves as the Sycamore Program Coordinator and a select number of
off duty Sycamore Firefighters serve as instructors.
Pension Fund
The Sycamore Firefighter’s Pension Fund Board oversees and manages all of the
assets of the Sycamore Firefighter’s Pension Fund. This Fund covers the sworn active
and retired career personnel of the Fire Department. The Board consists of a President,
Vice President, Secretary and two members. The Board manages all of the assets of
the Fund contributed by the firefighter employee and the City of Sycamore.
pg. 25
September 11 memorial service
This past year marked the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11,
2001. Assistant Chief Marc Doty helped to facilitate the Memorial Service Program held
at Kishwaukee Community Hospital’s Healing Garden on September 11. Members of
the Sycamore, DeKalb, and Cortland Fire Departments participated in the ceremony.
The keynote speech was delivered by Fire Chief Mark Kessler.
Tim Getzelman Memorial flagpole and plaza
On February 21, 2010, POC Firefighter/Intern Tim Getzelman and his girlfriend Lexi
Weber were tragically killed in an automobile accident. To honor their memories, the
Getzelman and Weber families along with their friends with the support of the City of
Sycamore, erected a flag pole and plaza at Fire Station #2. Construction on the flag
pole and plaza was begun in the spring, 2012 by the Getzelmen and Weber families,
friends, and volunteers. A dedication of the site is planned for the summer, 2012.
.
pg. 26