Farewell to an Outstanding Public Servant

Transcription

1 Kitsap County Fire District 18 (360) Visit us on the web at: Poulsbofire.org Is your address clearly visable from the road? Through a generous grant, the Poulsbo Fire Department is able provide house number plaques. House numbers, clearly displayed, are an important aid in a quick response time. Every minute is crucial during an emergency and valuable time can be lost if a rescuer is searching for a house number. It s cheap insurance (free) to find the house the FIRST time we come to your driveway, says Chief of Operations Thomas O Donohue. This is available to every home in our district. To order yours call (360) Help Us Help You! An easy to find house number can save your home and family. Farewell to an Outstanding Public Servant Linda Gunby, who served as Fire Commissioner for Poulsbo Fire Department from January 2004 until her death June 28, will be greatly missed. Gunby, who had a keen ability for visionary strategic planning, took an active role on last year s staffing committee. Linda, along with the Board, evaluated where the department was and where the department should go in light of our area s tremendous growth, said Fire Chief Jim Shields. We are changing from a small town department to a larger community department, with call volumes almost doubling in the last 10 years and up almost 16% in 2006 alone. Change is inevitable, but Linda, along with the staffing committee, had the foresight to see the need for reorganization. This new staffing structure started to position us for anticipated growth and a streamlined flow of command, said Chief Shields. In addition to her responsibilities as Fire Commissioner, Gunby had a passion for the fire service. This is reflected in her quilt, proudly displayed in station 77. Operations Chief Thomas O Donohue recalls, When I first took this position I received a call from Linda, who was in her hospital room. She was calling to congratulate me. What an incredibly caring individual. Linda s husband, Al Gunby, reflected at her memorial she found the opportunity to give back to the community, in a deeply fulfilling way, by serving as an elected commissioner.

2 New Employees Bryson Eader Jake Gillanders Matt Peschon Matt worked for Trimed Ambulance service, in South King County, before hiring on at Poulsbo in January. Matt graduated from the Bates firefighter program, was a volunteer in Steilacoom, then a resident firefighter in Gig Harbor before attending the state fire fighter academy. Bryson is a paramedic who came to us from Mason County Fire District 2. He began as a volunteer firefighter for Poulsbo. His colorful work history, combined with a degree in paramedicine, includes a strong medical background in ambulance services. He flew as a helicopter paramedic. I love being back in the fire service. Chad Equatore Dan Sobole Dan s several years in construction helped him earn his way through the Bates firefighter program. After his associates of technology degree, he continued his education in fire science. Dan came on board in January. Chad has been a member of the Department for many years. He began here in 1999 as a mechanic and volunteer firefighter. After working with the Puget Sound Federal Fire Service, and remaining active as a volunteer firefighter in Poulsbo, Chad was hired as a firefighter in January. His next goal is to become a paramedic. Deputy Chief of Operations Thomas O Donohue Jake also came to us from Mason County Fire District 2. He began as a volunteer for Mason, and then worked for private ambulance services in Seattle and Bremerton. He earned a bachelor of science in paramedicine. Jake says, I was going to be a teacher, but fell in love with the fire service. Ryan Sommers Ryan comes to us from the Mason District #2 Fire Department, where he was employed as a paramedic. Ryan began his career as a resident firefighter for South Kitsap Fire Department and as a paramedic in Yakima. He has a degree in paramedicine from Central Washington. Shane Keely Shane was hired in January and says he s loving every minute of it. Shane began as a volunteer for Black Diamond Fire Department and later worked for King County Traffic Control. He says My job is every little boy s dream. I still can t believe I m getting paid for something I enjoy. Jody Matson Jody is the new Public Information Officer/Public Educator. With her background in public education and a degree in communications, Jody is delighted to be a part of the Department and says I am passionate about prevention and honored to work with a professional team. Susan Gibbs Thomas O Donohue began his fire service at the age of 22 serving as Firefighter, Captain, Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief before coming to Poulsbo Fire. As our new Deputy Chief of Operations; Chief O Donohue places a strong emphasis on fire-fighter safety, enhanced emergency resource management, reduced response times, excellent customer service, personal and financial accountability to Susan joined our department in our taxpayers, the department and to ourselves. Before comaugust. She recently worked for ing to Kitsap County, Chief O Donohue was the President the Poulsbo Inn as a sales manof the South Pacific County Fire Chiefs Association from ager and served on the Board for 2002 through 2006, Board member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and will continue to serve on the Poulsbo Chamber of Comthe Board of Directors for the Washington Fire Chiefs which he has done since September I am merce. Sue recieved training in pleased to become part of the Poulsbo Fire Department and look forward to a rewarding career with administration while enlisted in some of the most professional people I have ever worked with. The level of dedication demonstrated the United States Navy. She had by this department says we are proud of what we do and how we do it, says Chief O Donohue. He an interesting career, traveling to enjoys time with family and photography, bicycling and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. New Zealand and Antarctica.

3 Greetings to residents of the greater Poulsbo area. It is with great pride our fire department presents the 2006 newsletter and annual report for A large section of this year s information deals with new employees to your fire department. During the majority of 2005, our fire department devoted extraordinary effort to updating our strategic plan for fire protection and medical services. This process involved developing specific goals and objectives for the upcoming year. In addition, a staffing committee was formed to provide recommendations for staffing needs. The committee reviewed current response activities, evaluated new and proposed commercial and residential construction projects and anticipated population increases. Based on predicted increases in emergency request activity, the committee made recommendations for acquiring additional personnel. * Three paramedics and four firefighters were hired in 2005 and several in-house promotions were made with the net result of three 24-hour shifts with 11 personnel on each shift. This new command and staffing configuration greatly enhances the response capabilities of the Poulsbo Fire Department, and starts to position us for anticipated future growth. Growth is inevitable, as the City of Poulsbo alone has in excess of 1,700 new housing units in the permit stage. Additional commercial and residential drawings are being submitted almost daily. Growth in our small community is at an all time high and the Poulsbo Fire Department is working diligently to respond to that growth and the corresponding new demands for service. Beginning in the fall of 2006, our department will initiate a citizen s planning committee. This committee will evaluate conditions and make recommendations for a long-range financial plan. This plan will insure a fiscally responsible, sustainable and stable budget that accommodates today s, and future service requirements. Each and every member of the Poulsbo Fire Department staff is working hard and is totally committed to provide you with the highest level of emergency medical, fire, rescue, and prevention services possible. On behalf of all the men and women of our organization, thank you again for your unwavering support and please know we stand ready to serve you and your families when called. *(Note: as of July 31, 2006, our call volume activity has increased by more then 16% over the same period in 2005) Jim Shields, Chief Poulsbo Fire Department Type of Calls The majority of our calls are related to the emergency medical needs of our community. Second is false alarms and good intent calls such as a call for a fire which turns out to be approved outdoor burning. Service related calls are not life threatening and include assisting an elderly person who has fallen. Fire related calls, fortunately, amount to a smaller portion of our alarms. Interested in restoring a piece of history? Thanks to the donations of citizens and businesses in the greater Poulsbo area, the fire department was able to acquire a 1918 American LaFrance antique fire engine. This LaFrance engine is the exact duplicate of the very first fire apparatus purchased by the City of Poulsbo in 1936, the year the fire department was officially organized. The purchase price then was $ Plans for this vintage fire engine call for restoration, including new paint and mechanical repairs. This antique will be driven in local parades, utilized in fire prevention education in the school district, and displayed at other civic functions in and around the greater Poulsbo/North Kitsap area. The fire department is currently seeking funds and hands-on expertise to make this restoration a reality. Together, we can bring our first fire truck back to the future and proudly display an important piece of our local fire department s heritage. For information contact Chief Shields Budget Emergency Operations $2,933,839 70% Administration $730,216 18% Facilities/Vehicle Maint $172,915 4% Safety/Training $178,751 4% Prevention $112,600 3% Volunteer Program $40,869 1%

4 Number of Calls Incoming Calls 3,300 This chart represents the number of calls we received over the past five years. This boost in calls led to our increase in staffing. With over 1700 new residential permits in the process, our call volume is expected to increase substantially. 3,200 3,100 3,000 2,900 2,800 2,700 2,600 2,500 2, Funding for the Poulsbo Fire Department comes from three primary sources; property taxes, medical billing, and miscellaneous contracts. The Department does not receive any funding from Kitsap County, Washington State or the Federal Government. I-747 caps the amount that fire districts can increase revenue at 1% annually. That does not keep pace with inflation or the disproportionate rising cost of fuel, medical supplies, and insurance. Funding Sources Strategic Long-range Financial Planning During the past 18 years, the Poulsbo Fire Department has managed to maintain its budget with the existing tax rate. The department has worked hard to have an outstanding financial history. This is reflected in perfect state audits for the past twelve years. Unfortunately, the commissioners and staff realize they cannot continue to provide the same quality of service, and meet new demands for assistance within the existing budget. The Board of Commissioners and senior staff are seeking to assemble a citizen s advisory committee. This committee will establish a long-range strategic financial plan which likely will involve funding options. The current tax limitations combined with a disproportionate increase in items like fuel and the rising cost of healthcare, make it imperative that we actively pursue a solution to this problem. Citizens interested in volunteering for this citizen s advisory committee may do so by calling (360) Meet Your Commissioners Chairman of the Board Jim Ingalls Jack Woodard Darryl Milton David Ellingson Conrad Green

5 Your Department Chief James E. Shields Deputy Chiefs Tom Huddleston Thomas O Donohue Battalion Chiefs Jim Gillard Kurt Krech* Chris Morrison Bruce Peterson Jeff Russell Captains Shane Anderson Bob Brooks Dave Russo* Don Stevens* John Warnke Deputy Fire Marshal Jerry Cooper Lieutenants Chris Rahl Kurt Serwold John Strong* Ed Wright* Joe Vlach* Justin Zeigler Paramedics Craig Becker Bryson Eader Steve Engle George Epperly Jake Gillanders Ed McLaughlin Andy Plenge Brian Ramey Ryan Sommer Firefighters Continued... Chad Equatore Allison Fresh* Tevya Friedman Chad Gillespie* Alan Green* Tom Harvey Trevor Holmberg Carl Johnson Brent Jolly Shane Keeley Frank Leamer Bruce Lowrie Denise Marx* Kendra McLaughlin* John Melrose* Dave Musselman Justine Pedersen* Matthew Peschon Tim Quitslund* Anthony Rhead* Matthew Rosenquist* Daniel Sobole Chris Strickland Kevin Vay* Kristi Wlodarchak Mechanic Fleet Mgr Brett Annear Part time mechanic Parker Lowrie Admin Services Mgr Lise Alkire Finance Assistant Wendy Glebe Office Assistants Susan Gibbs Kathy Narte Fun for All Local firefighters reach out to the community in more ways than the usual medical and fire response. Pictured below, the Poulsbo Fire Department works to make one child s birthday extra special. Why do they do this? The reason is simple according to Lieutenant Chris Rahl, It s my way to be involved and give back to the community. One of the six firefighters who volunteer for this event, Steve Behal says, The kids just love it, but I think the adults may love it even more! It s really a lot of fun for everyone. These parties, which occur about five times a year, are donated by the Poulsbo Fire Department. The parties are auctioned off and the money goes to help local charities and school fundraisers. Likewise, the fire department receives donations. Recently, the Jewel Box Theatre Company donated over $1700 towards the department s community action fund. We were honored to have such a wonderful, caring organization come along side us and support us in our efforts, said Behal. The action fund was set up to aid families when they are in a crisis situation and they do not have the funds to meet their basic needs. One example of this is when a patient has no way to get home after having been rushed to the hospital. Because of the action fund, firefighters are able to give a card good for a free taxi ride. Firefighters Dave Adams Brian Arcement* Steve Behal Patricia Bronson* Dustin Bunt* George Calbert* Trista Dawson* Zac D Len* Dave Donnelly* PIO/Public Educator Jody Matson Chaplains Gary Coykendall* Skip Kongela* Ken Lundgren* Ken Robinson* Dave Rommen* *volunteer member

6 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tacoma, WA Permit # l NE Liberty Road Poulsbo, WA Provide Quality Service Our mission will be accomplished through preparation, prevention, and the provision of emergency medical, fire, and rescue services.