April 2024 Staff Report
Photo of a cake with the words “Thank you, Elizabeth Fire Dept!” on it delivered to the crews from the grateful family of a patient
Fire Chief's Report
Calls for Service Analysis
As of the report date, we are on call #284 for the year. We are currently averaging 4.33 calls per day with an annual pace of 1582. If the pace keeps up, it will be a record year for calls. At the end of this year, we will evaluate the number of calls per thousand citizens to see if our ratio has changed.
Correspondence
Photo of thank you card delivered by the family who delivered the cake
Staffing
I sent a staffing update email to our entire staff this month that explains the changes, promotions, and new hires that we were able to complete this month. I am super excited to be in our position with new energy and lots of smiles.
Lt. Nate Einarsen has been promoted to permanent A-Shift Lieutenant. Nate brings to us a tremendous ability for organization and has strong tactical skills for our daily operation. We are excited to see what Nate can do in this position.
Director of Finance and HR Sarah Fischer celebrated her 5-year anniversary this month. We were so lucky to poach her when we did, and she has done an incredible job of changing the way we look at financials and employee care. Happy Anniversary and thank you for choosing us, Sarah!
From left to right, photo of A-Shift Lieutenant Nathaniel Einarsen and Director of Finance and HR Sarah Fischer
Facilities
General
- We are still evaluating the bids for cameras and locks. We are waiting on 1 more bid and then evaluating whether to move forward with a single purchase option or look at subscription-based services. The world record for the longest time holding one’s breath underwater is 24 minutes and 37 seconds.
Administrative Office
- The original furnace at Admin finally stopped trying. We accepted its resignation and replaced it with a more exciting and energetic furnace.
Station 271
- I submitted for the DOLA grant to replace the sewer line at 271. Now, we wait for spring to move forward.
- We had an overhead door malfunction that caused damage to our BC unit and the door. We were able to get the door repaired but it will need to be replaced. We made a claim to insurance and plan to have repairs completed quickly.
Station 272
- Station 272 seems to be the only station holding together. The crew at 272 are doing a great job keeping the place up.
Station 273
- The well issues at Station 273 have been solved after an $8600 expenditure. While treating the water to rid the Bacteria, we decided to replace the pump and piping since they were 10 years old. This issue should be solved.
- Now, we can move on to the septic. I am really hoping that we can pump the tank more frequently until the DOLA grant comes through to replace the septic field. We are currently sitting at $25000 for this project but DOLA will pay 50% if we get it.
Apparatus
- We have signed the paperwork for the new BC truck, which means that we are very close to delivery. I’m really hoping we see this truck by early next week at the latest.
ELCO Fire Chiefs
The Chiefs had the Sheriff and the Coroner at our last meeting along with the County Manager. We discussed an issue with the Sheriff and the Coroner about the FPDs getting caught between their investigations, which keeps us out of service for longer than needed. They were both very receptive to looking at options that would streamline their process. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the same luck with the County Manager. While we tried to address the communication issue between stakeholders and the county, the Manager became very defensive, and the discussion got heated. We tried to focus him on the lack of communication, but we were unsuccessful. The Chiefs decided after that discussion to write a letter to the Commissioners expressing our frustration with the county and with the Manager. I am happy to share the letter with the board if needed.
Strategic Planning
Our first group of meetings with the crews were very productive. During those meetings, we discussed our values and vision/mission. Taylor has those compiled and will now be moving onto the next set of meetings. This process will take a little longer than past processes, but it will be sure to include our staff in the many decisions necessary to complete the plan.
Community Leaders and Area Managers (CLAMS)
Our April CLAMS meeting will be hosted at Elizabeth Fire and should be a small meeting. I anticipate that we will be discussing how to increase communications among stakeholders.
Congressman Buck Meeting
Well, my past meeting with his staff was less productive than I even imagined. We now have Greg Lopez in that role. Congressman Lopez lives in Elizabeth and has worked with us in the past on other small projects. I’m not sure if he will retain Congressman Buck’s staff or get his own. Regardless, I don’t expect much support for our grants now that this change is in effect.
ECCA
We have made some progress with our radio programming concerns and may get what we want with our radios in the future. I expressed my concern about ECCA radio people making operational decisions about our radio programming, and that we needed to develop a committee of users to decide how our radio banks will look in the future. I believe we may be getting our way.
Colorado Fire Leadership Series
Our monthly leadership program presented by Applied Leadership Partners is a very big success so far. We are maintaining a solid roster of over 200 people. Our second session was “Foundations of Leadership,” and they had as many engaged questions as the first one. This has been a fun project with Taylor. Probably because she is handling the entire thing very successfully and I just show up and smile.
Legislative
I’m being stingy in the number of legislative bills that we share simply to save paper and your time. The bills below seem to affect us the most. I will happily forward a couple of trackers to you upon your request.
- HB24-1016 - Defines Emergency Dispatchers as First Responders and frees up funding from 911 fees for training of dispatch personnel (Governor signed).
- HB24-1104 - Adds firefighters to the list of people that can request that their personal information be protected from publication on the internet by public entities. This bill was something I was trying to get introduced last year to protect our people when dealing with grumpy members of the public. I couldn’t get it done but I’m glad someone did. It looks like this one should pass with few problems or amendments. It still does not have a calendar date.
- HB24-1155 – This is a bit of a cleanup bill. Current law regarding the authority over wildland fires is not aligned with current practice for managing wildland fires in the state. The bill aligns the statutes that address the management of wildland fires with current practice (Awaiting Governor Signature).
- HB24-1168 Equal Access to Public Meetings. This bill requires state and local public bodies (public bodies) to ensure that certain accessibility requirements are implemented by July 1, 2025. It revolves mostly around video conferencing access, which we are providing now, so if it passes, we should be able to comply with little effort. (No calendar date yet)
- HB24-1219 First Responder Health Benefit Trust. The bill makes 2 principal changes to current firefighter benefit programs. First, the bill expands state funding for the firefighter heart and circulatory malfunction benefits program to include paid part-time and volunteer firefighters. Second, the bill provides state funding for the firefighter cancer benefits program for eligible firefighters.
- HB24-1239 – Requires County or Municipality to adopt a code that allows up to 5 stories of a multifamily residential building to be served by a single exit. Kara did a great job testifying against this and the bill has been tabled (usually means it is going to fail).
- HB24-1299 reclassifies short term rental properties as non-residential. This would place them in the 29% tax bracket. This doesn’t affect us very much as we only have a few known vacation rentals. It will be good for destination areas such as mountain communities. (Not on calendar)
- HB24-1302 – Requires taxing authorities to submit, with their annual certification of levies, the following information: (Not on calendar)
- The rate of each levy that it imposes;
- Any adjustments from the prior year's levies;
- Whether the levy is fixed or floating;
- The applicable statutory or constitutional limits on annual levy or revenue increases, and whether the taxing authority is exempt from or has waived these statutory or constitutional limits;
- The annual rate of growth of the levy; and
- The mechanism for determining the annual rate of growth of the levy.
- SB24-063 Confidentiality of Group Peer Support Services. The bill prohibits a peer support team member or recipient of group peer support services from being examined as a witness without the consent of the person to whom the examination relates. This bill is timely as we expand our peer support program (Not on calendar).
- SB24-089 - The bill removes the ability of a firefighter employer to select accident insurance, self-insurance, or a self-insurance pool as options to provide statutorily required monetary benefits to a firefighter who has experienced a heart and circulatory malfunction. As a result, a firefighter employer must participate in a multiple employer health trust to provide such benefits. This bill would affect how we are currently doing business.
- BEST OF ALL – SB24-194 Special District Emergency Services Funding. Authorizes a fire district to impose an impact fee on certain new construction (without conferring with their county) and to levy a sales tax to generate additional revenue for district services. I have been begging for this bill since our 2016 Impact Fee bill was passed. It’s not perfect, but it sure allows us to look at other funding mechanisms as they continue to mess with our property tax revenue.
Grants
- Assistance to Firefighters Grant: This grant is substantially complete. We are just waiting for the RIT packs to be delivered before full implementation.
- EMTS Grant: Chief Mackall did a great job in Round 1 of the grant hearings. We now wait for Round 2 in May.
- Google: We are starting on Round 2 of the funding and will be implementing additional training, mitigation, and PPE funding for rural departments.
- DOLA - Energy Impact: As stated above, I changed direction on the DOLA Energy Impact Grant and will be asking for a micro grant to repair/replace septic and sewer systems at 271 and 273. This grant has been submitted and we are awaiting approval.
- Congressionally Directed Spending: I have no idea where this is at. I thought I had some help through Ken Buck’s office but that came to a screeching halt. I will stay tuned.
- Firehouse Subs: We received the funding for this grant and have placed orders for new rescue equipment. It is currently being received and should be in service on schedule.
Division Chief
Prevention/Administration
- One building of the Pine Ridge Apartments on Elizabeth Street has been cleared for occupancy.
- Taylor, Ryan, and Erin have been working together to create a new page on our website called “Wildfire Ready” for fire mitigation grant funding and education. We have a portal for homeowners to sign-up to be a part of the grant and information about the grant. An email has been sent to all the homeowner associations informing them of the website and where to sign up. Erin will start education on mitigation this month to make homeowners aware of the importance of home mitigation and hardening.
Photo of part of the Elizabeth Fire Protection District’s “Wildfire Ready” webpage
- Ryan has been finalizing the 2024 business inspections, which should be assigned to the shifts in April. We will continue to work on pre-planning buildings within our District.
- I testified at the capital opposing the single stair legislation that was introduced a few weeks ago. It would require all jurisdictions in Colorado to allow single stairways in R-2 up to 6 stories. The proponents are constantly coming up with new amendments. It will be voted on by committee next week.
- We had a residential structure fire that started in the kitchen area and is under investigation. The house was vacant at the time of the fire.
- I have met with the school on a program called School Safe that can patch our radio system with the school radios. In our District, School Security has our channels in their radios so the patch may not need to be utilized for immediate response but more internally within the school district.
Fire and Life Safety Education (Erin Loeks)
This month was an education month for me!
- This year is my renewal for my Car Seat Tech certification. I went and took a class for some of my continuing education hours.
- I was lucky enough to get together with my Risk Reduction peers from all over Colorado to attend a youth firesetter workshop. This workshop, led by YFS experts Dr. Brad Jackson and Dr. Lavita Nadkarni, gave an opportunity to learn about common trends in youth firesetting behavior and provide updates in the field of YFS Intervention. In this YFS Workshop, we analyzed several case studies and were provided the opportunity to network with other YFS Specialists and discuss/ask questions pertaining to common issues in the field of YFS Intervention.
- I also renewed my CPR instructor certificate. It is good for two years.
- We are going to have two babysitting classes this summer. The first one is on June 1st. The second one will be in July.
Photo of Pre-Application Meetings
Finance & Human Resources
- This month, we interviewed 3 people for the reserve program, and we are moving 1 to the ride-along part of the process. We also held orientation for 2 new part-time paramedics. They will be working through their Field Instructor process and hopefully complete that in a couple of months.
- I was able to complete one more part of the SCBA grant. We received reimbursement for the batteries and chargers we ordered. The last part is to file for an amendment for RIT packs. I hope this is completed by the end of April.
- We did receive the Prams from the CO-EMTS grant. I have requested reimbursement for the 50% match. The money should be in by the end of April.
- I met with our BOK business bankers at the end of the month, and they offered a few more options for investing our money. I will continue to review and see what we can do.
- I did have to move our term balance with CSIP back into our liquid account for the months of March and April. I plan to move this money back to a term later in April for more investment income.
- We did receive the paperwork to apply for a lease for the Silverado we ordered for the Battalion vehicle. This vehicle will be in the first part of April.
EMS collection for March $58,132.28.
Development and Impact Fees:
Zone 1 $455,228.30
Zone 2 $15,545.15
Zone 3 $18,416.05
Gift Agreement $223,750.00
Infrastructure Fund $85,146.00
From left to right, photos of new Part-Time Paramedics Fielding Lucas and Matthew Jones
Battalion Chief of Operations
- All front-line apparatus are currently in service. The Tenders have had their yearly PMs completed, the Medics have had their yearly inspections, 6-month oil changes, and a few repairs made, and Brush trucks are currently rotating through for their PMs. We have had a few extra repairs on brakes to a few of our apparatus, and the tires on all of the Brush trucks are being replaced due to age.
- The new NFIRS Reporting SOP and procedure has been completed and implemented beginning April 1. There is very little change for the members making the reports, but the primary quality assurance for most of our calls for service will be completed by the shift Lieutenants. I have provided training to all of them and will be supporting them while they get accustomed to this new responsibility. The BCs will be reviewing all higher acuity calls, such as fires, technical rescues, etc.
- It looks like CAD-to-CAD dispatching may finally become a reality. I have a meeting with the Chiefs, Douglas Regional Dispatch, and South Metro Fire Dispatch next week. I know there will be some challenges with this, but I am confident we will work through them, and this will ultimately result in fewer delays in dispatching between jurisdictions. This could involve more changes to some background items in our response plans, but from what I’ve heard so far, I don’t believe there will be major changes needed.
- I met earlier this week with the Chiefs and Sarah, and we have come up with a plan for my time before and after surgery, and before being released back to duty. I am working on a training outline that I will be presenting to all acting BCs during a shadowing program. This should give them a good idea of the job responsibilities and prepare them for the testing and ultimately the hiring process. The first part of the training will be going over the Position Descriptions, Chiefs Leaders Intent document, and the BC checklist we have put together. The second part of the training will get more involved in the specific duties, such as NFIRS reporting, CAD duties, fleet maintenance and resources, SOP evaluation and process, documentation, budget, etc.
- Lastly, thanks to everyone for the support during my injury. Everyone has really stepped up to cover shifts and take care of duties while I’m out for a bit. I also appreciate the ability to still be involved with tasks I can complete during this process.
Photos of crews during shift trainings
Battalion Chief of Training
- Our new MSA packs are in service. B-Shift was able to use them on a structure fire on the second day they were in service. We found that we need to train on adjusting the way we communicate via radio while on air. The STOs will work with each shift to hone those skills. A big "thank you" to B-Shift for doing everything to get the new equipment prepped and put in service.
- Matt Sheikh is working to get our handheld radios programmed to be Bluetooth capable. Once that is complete, B-Shift will program the new SCBAs to pair with radios. We will most likely do a trial period to test the Bluetooth capabilities. Castle Rock Fire ran into some issues with the communications. Chief Steck and I will gather information and come up with a plan.
- The Academy members have all passed their HM-Ops State practical. They take the written test on Saturday (4/6). Next up is the FFI portion.
- ROI should be picking up our old Scott SCBAs and cutting us a check in the next few weeks.
- I'm on the FFI/FFII written and practical review committee. We went through both written test banks and made a few minor adjustments to the questions and answers. Next up, we are working on the JPRs. We have to comply with the new NFPA 2024 standard by June 30, 2026. This is a huge project, but I'm lucky to be a part of it.
- Our crews continue to take advantage of the outside training opportunities that are offered throughout the metro area. Some of the upcoming trainings that our members are attending include a bomb training in New Mexico, ground ladders, and forcible entry.
Photos of 2024 Academy
Battalion Chief of EMS
- Stryker performed the annual service on all Lifepak-15s, AEDs and Lucas devices. Some minor repairs were completed, and batteries replaced, but all in all everything looked good.
- Our ambulance license renewal application has been submitted; we are now waiting for the County to authorize the inspection. This process has been somewhat delayed with the appointment of a new County Emergency Manager. The license inspections need to be done before the end of April. This is the last license renewal we will need to go through the county for, as the State is taking over the process, which I’m actually relieved.
- We had our RETAC (regional) review of the ambulance grant, which went well; the review board had some good questions that we were able to answer to further justify our case. The State review will take place in May.
- We interviewed three paramedic applicants and hired two to fill vacancies in our part-time roster. They’ve been through orientation and will start their field instruction process in April. Both employees have previous experience in fire/EMS and will be a great addition to our staff. Congratulations and welcome Matt Jones and Fielding Lucas!
- ETO Gamboa created a semi-annual EMS skills verification process for all members. This will be a valuable tool to document EMS skill competency, direct training needs, and aid in recertification requirements. The first round of verification will be in April and the second in August. Thanks Tommy for putting this together.
- Sarah and I met with CORHIO again to start the implementation of the “patient 360 inbox”. As mentioned in the last update, this feature will import patient information directly to select users to be used for billing and follow ups. I’m hoping it will go live in early April…but we (and every other agency) are still dealing with the aftermath of the Centura split that disconnected the Advent hospital group from the CORHIO database. This is completely out of our hands but both parties are well aware of the problem and working on a solution.
EMS Calls (excluding "no patient"):
- Mar 2023 = 64 (42 Transports/66%)
- Mar 2024 = 66 (44 Transports/67%)
Department Shoutouts
“I wanted to give Chief G a big shout out for her situational awareness this morning during the investigation stage of a residential structure fire. Chief G voiced her safety concern about a structural support beam that was failing while a crew was working directly above with a saw on the roof. Her attention to detail and situational awareness helped keep the crews safe this morning. Thanks for always having our backs, Chief Gerczynski!”