Fire Department

I hereby submit the following report in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 48, Section 42:

The following is the Mission Statement of the Southborough Fire Department:

It is the mission of the Members of the Southborough Fire Department to provide the highest level of service and professionalism to the Community. We, as a united team, shall respond to a wide variety of Fire, Rescue and Emergency calls in a timely manner. The image of a dedicated, skilled, honest, proud, loyal and cohesive group is a common thread in all the members.

It is our mission to minimize and prevent fire from occurring through fire prevention and public education. We to come to the aid of the sick and injured by responding with certified EMTs and Paramedics; and by serving as a community resource by offering CPR and First Responder training. The Fire Department participates within the community in a wide variety of activities.

The Southborough Fire Department provides a wide-variety of 9-1-1 and emergency response services, inspections and code enforcement, as well as public fire and life safety education under the auspices of Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 48, 111c, and 148. Such services are provided 24/7/365. The name Fire Department for our department implies that we only respond to fires. Over the years, the Fire Service in Southborough and across America has evolved into an Emergency Services, or Public Safety Department. Such Emergency Services responses include, but are not limited to:

Fires;
Explosions;
Over pressurization;
Medical emergencies and vehicle crashes;
Hazardous materials incidents (e.g.: spills, leaks and releases);
Rescues (e.g.: vehicle entrapment, confined space incidents, structural collapse, stranded elevators, water rescues and incidents, etc.)
Hazardous conditions (e.g.: electrical wires down, electrical arcing within a building, carbon monoxide build-up in homes and structures, etc.):
Service calls (e.g.: water leaks, emergency lock-outs, etc.)
Alarm calls (e.g.: fire, carbon monoxide and medical assist alarms);
Severe weather emergencies and incidents (e.g.: trees down, flooding, etc.).

The following graph compares Southborough to the other Worcester County , and Commonwealth of Massachusetts communities for emergency responses in 2006, which is the last year that statistics were available:

It should be noted that some communities report fire statistics only and not all categories

The emergency medical services (EMS) component of the emergency response system consists of trained firefighter/emergency medical technicians (EMTs) at the paramedic, intermediate and basic level of services, under the direction of a medical control physician located at U-Mass Marlborough Hospital .

In order to remain proficient as our firefighters face new and difficult challenges in all aspects of emergency response, training is a major component during times while standing-by for emergency responses to occur.

On-duty staff also performs daily equipment checks and minor maintenance and repairs.

The Southborough Fire Department responded to 1,305 emergency calls in 2007. This number represents an increase of 114 (9.57%) emergency responses over 2006. Additionally, the Department conducted 927 inspections, plan reviews and public education programs, an increase of 15.6% over 2006.

The following is a breakdown of the emergency responses:

Fire and Emergency Responses 503

Medical Emergencies and Motor Vehicle Accidents 801

The Department is comprised of the following personnel:

· 1 Full-time Fire Chief

· 1 Administrative Secretary/Dispatcher (32 hours/week)

· 19 full-time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

· 5 Call Firefighter/EMTs

· 5 Call Firefighters

· 2 Call EMTs

· 1 Call Safety Officer

· 1 Call Chaplain

It is important to note that 90% of the Full-Time members, and 19% of the on-call members live outside of Southborough. This results in longer response times for fire apparatus that requires off-duty and call personnel to drive.

The following personnel changes occurred in 2007:

New members:

· Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic David Cobb (replaced FF/EMT-P Derek Hirons)

· Firefighter/EMT-Basic Jason Neal (replaced FF/EMT-P Victor Robidoux )

Members that resigned from the Department:

· FF/EMT-Paramedic Derek Hirons

· FF/EMT-P Victor G. Robidoux

· FF/EMT-P Peter J. Phaneuf

Four, 42-hour work shifts are required to cover the 168 hours in each week in order to provide fire, rescue, and emergency medical services 24/7. A minimum of four FF/EMTs are assigned to Headquarters per shift. Due to collective bargaining agreement requirements, there are two shifts with five personnel, and two shifts with four. This staffing is still below the 2000 Fire and Police Staffing, Equipment and Facilities Study recommendation of six per shift. Full-time firefighters are augmented by an on-call staff. The current staffing configuration allows us to adequately handle a majority of the routine emergency calls; however, major incidents and multiple calls occurring simultaneously place a serious strain on our response capabilities and require the recall of all off duty and on-call personnel, as well as the use of mutual aid. Any reduction in staffing would greatly impact the services which we provide the residents of Southborough.

Once again, the members of the Southborough Firefighters Association sponsored the annual Children’s Halloween Party, as well as presented scholarships to local high school seniors. Members of the Department under the direction of Susan Chorey worked with the Southborough Family & Youth Services and the Salvation Army of Framingham to collect toys for the less fortunate during the holiday season. Thank you for your support.

FIRE PREVENTION/PUBLIC EDUCATION DIVISION

(Captain Joseph C. Mauro, Fire Prevention/Public Education Officer)

· A total of 927 inspections, plan reviews and public education programs were conducted in 2007. The following is a breakdown of inspections:

2007 2006

108 26F Smoke detector (home resale) inspections 109

8 26F Re-inspection 12

52 26B Smoke detector (new home) inspections 42

6 26B Re-inspection 9

162 26 ½ Carbon Monoxide Inspections 117

9 26 ½ Re-inspections 11

60 Oil burner inspections 57

5 Oil burner re-inspections 4

27 Propane inspections 28

3 House number re-inspections 0

48 School inspections and fire drills 37

34 Annual town license renewal inspections 35

42 Commercial building inspections 45

2 Tank Truck inspections 527CMR 8.00 32

1 Pre-blast survey 1

0 Blast Observations 3

2 Underground Tank removal observation 12

19 Misc. safety inspections (insurance, etc.) 16

7 Complaints Investigated 23

7 License Renewal Follow-up Inspections 7

21 Follow-up Inspections 14

0 Unvented Heater Inspection 0

2 In-service Inspection 10

2 Underground Storage Tank Installations 5

10 Residential Sprinkler Inspection 0

2 Aboveground Storage Tank Installation 0

· The following programs were presented to the public:

97 School Fire Prevention programs 57

14 Misc. Fire and Safety Programs 16

22 Fire Station tours for groups 21

· The number of plans reviewed were as follows:

71 Residential Smoke Detector plans (new 75

Construction & renovation)

41 Commercial plans (new construction, fire 40

Alarm, sprinkler, site plans, etc.)

20 Site Plans Reviewed 12

6 Construction Meetings/Inspections 12

17 Plan Review Meeting 0

FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAMS PRESENTED

· The National Fire Protection Association’s Learn Not to Burn curriculum was once again presented to the kindergarten and first grade classes at the Finn School . This program was presented in 4 separate modules throughout the school year. The students were presented with information such as match and lighter safety, stop-drop-roll, and crawling in smoke. The final module involved bringing the department smoke trailer to the school and demonstrating the effects of smoke in a burning house. The students were also given the opportunity to have some fun by using a fire hose to extinguish a mock fire in a prop constructed of plywood.

· The annual Fire Department Open House was once again held on Heritage Day this year to coincide with the Heritage Day activities. The fire department was open to the public with many activities for the kids as well as interactive demonstrations for the public. This year Heritage Day coincided with National Fire Prevention Week and this years theme was Practice Your Escape Plans. Many activities were demonstrated to show the importance of practicing escape plans and crawling low and go were presented. Although it was a rainy day, a large number of residents came through the fire station and were able to see the services that the fire department provides.

· Several fire safety presentations were delivered throughout the year and included presentations to the faculty of the New England Center for Children, Southborough Senior Citizens, the cub scouts and various pre-schools. A 3-hour program was once again successfully delivered to the students and faculty of St. Mark’s and Fay School in September and involved awareness about dorm fire safety practices. The program included an interactive demonstration of common fire hazards and ways to prevent fire incidences from occurring. Since the program was first presented 6 years ago, the number of accidental fires caused by the residential boarders at St. Mark’s, as well as Fay School , has been zero. Additionally, a program was presented to the students of the Algonquin sophomore Health Education classes on safe driving, drugs and alcohol.

PLAN REVIEWS, INSPECTIONS, and FIRE INVESTIGATIONS

· The number of inspections over the past year has remained consistent with a slight increase over the past year. The residential housing market has remained consistent with re-sale and new starts being about equal to the 2006 year. Commercial inspections building inspections remained consistent with several renovation projects completed in existing commercial occupancies.

· This year was the second year of enactment for the new carbon monoxide law, know as “Nicole’s Law”. The law was originally intended to ensure installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential occupancies but has been expanded to include day care centers and hotel & motel type occupancies. Various systems are required depending on the size and number of occupants being protected.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIVISION

(Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic Kenneth Strong, EMS Coordinator)

Dr. Taryn Kennedy, Director of Emergency Services at Marlborough Hospital , continues to provide oversight and support to the Department. Within her role as Medical Director to the department she presents Quarterly Morbidity or Mortality rounds for the EMT's, and the Doctor is actively involved in training and the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement program.

The Departments two ambulances are fully equipped with cardiac monitors that have 12 lead ECG capabilities. This allows the Paramedics to confirm an acute myocardial infarction and notify the receiving hospital. The ambulances are equipped with 30 Advanced Life Support (ALS) medications that the Paramedics can administer. Each ambulance is equipped with Epi-pen auto injectors used by EMT's for acute allergic reactions/anaphylactic reactions. Semi-Automatic defibrillators are carried on all front line fire apparatus.

The following is a list of classes and training approved by the Office of Emergency Medical Services and held at the Department during 2007:

4 hours Morbidity and Mortality rounds with Dr. Kennedy.
3 hours smart tag triage system
8 hours Pediatric Advanced Life Support
3 hour Anaphylaxis and the Epi-Pen
48 hours Paramedic Refresher
8 hour Advanced Life Support
3 hour splinting Ked and Traction splint exercise

Total of 77 classroom hours.

Calendar year 2007 proved to be a busy and challenging year. The department had an increase in EMS call volume as well as an increase in the severity of calls. This increase in severity meant for a greater need for Paramedics to perform life saving skills. Some of which include needle chest decompression and synchronized cardioversions. As well as numerous endotracheal intubations.

TRAINING DIVISION

(Lieutenant/EMT-Paramedic Christian P. Dano, Lt./EMT-Intermediate James P. Peltier)

The Southborough Fire Department goal is to achieve 2 hours of in-service (on duty) training per shift. We train on all aspects of the job, both fire and EMS related emergencies. The fire/EMS service is very dynamic and technology alone requires us to stay up-to-date with the latest equipment, techniques, and medicines that help make our job more affective. Training is probably one of the most important aspects of our job so we can be ready to face almost any emergency that may occur.

The following is a summary of the training accomplished in 2007.

· Hovercraft/ice rescue training

· Use of air bags and vehicle extrication

· District/street familiarization

· Ground ladders

· SCBA (air pack) training

· Pumps and hydraulics

· Fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, and standpipes

· Rapid intervention (saving trapped firefighters)

· Building construction

· Mayday procedures

· Forcible entry

· Search and rescue

· EMS skills maintenance and protocol review

· Vehicle familiarization and operation

· Fire behavior

· Rescue over ladders

· Town target hazards

· Advancing hose lines

· Railroad Emergencies

· Etc.

The members of the Department continue to train as a Department; however, the number of sessions was reduced due to the current budget situation.

SENIOR CITIZEN LIAISON and CPR COORDINATOR

(Lieutenant/EMT-Paramedic Christian P. Dano)

The Southborough Fire Department designates an officer of the department to handle relations with the senior citizen population of the town. Working hand and hand with elder services at the senior center, we make sure that our seniors get the proper care and services needed. We check in with elder services to let them know if we should meet someone who might need a lifeline alert system, meals on wheels, or who might benefit from socialization at the senior center.

In 2007, I also visited the senior center on a monthly basis to socialize with our elder population. It is important that they feel comfortable with the members of the fire department and we try to deliver the message that we are happy to serve them in any way we can. In many cases people will drive themselves to the hospital or go without services because they think they are “bothering” the fire department or are embarrassed to call us.

The fire department also maintains the “File for Life” program which allows us to quickly access important information like medical history and medications, family contacts etc. This is done using a magnetic pouch on their refrigerator that holds all the important info.

In conclusion, we also attend several social events sponsored by the senior center which include cookouts and a fashion show.

CPR Instructors: - FF. Anthony Alessi

- LT. Christian Dano

- LT. James Peltier

- FF. Kenneth Franks III

- FF. Neal Aspesi

- FF. Jason Roach

The Southborough Fire Department attempts to teach at least one CPR class per month. The classes are taught for the public as well as allied health care professionals. In 2007, we taught 14 classes with over 50 students in all.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE

(FF/EMT-Intermediate Neal P. Aspesi)

The Southborough Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) are the two agencies in Town tasked with identifying, preparing for, mitigating and recovering form hazards and disasters (natural, man-made or technological) with the mission of improving community safety, saving lives and ensuring the communities quick return to normal function following disasters. Additionally, the LEPC is responsible for maintaining information on and developing emergency response plans for locally used/stored Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) and those that travel through town via road and rail.

SEMA and the LEPC strongly encourage each citizen and employee of the Town of Southborough to take the time and steps to learn about the hazards and disasters that threaten our area, learn how to individually prepare you and your family, implement steps to ensure your safety (including a Family Disaster Kit and Evacuation Plan) and educate yourself on the Town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

SEMA and the LEPC are devised of department heads from each town department, town management officials, representatives from all town educational facilities, members of the local business community and volunteers, as well as representatives from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). These members meet on a bi-monthly base at the Town’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to discuss historical and emerging hazards threatening or which could threaten our area, develop mitigation and response plans and coordinate resources should an event occur. Each meeting also consists of training modules related to emergency preparedness.

SEMA and the LEPC made significant advances in 2007 towards addressing our mission. To start the year the Town’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan was completely updated and improved. This document guides Southborough’s response to various small and large-scale disasters and is the bases of coordination with MEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when their assistance is required.

Emergency response plans were developed to address: (sample list)

· Citizen evacuation and emergency sheltering

· Pet and large animal evacuation and sheltering

· Pandemic flu and other health related outbreaks

· Identification and prioritizing special populations

· School emergency incidents

· Providing meals in event the Meal on Wheels program is unable to deliver

· The town is in the final stages of becoming one of only a few towns in the state to be StormReady certified by the National Weather Service. The StormReady program is a comprehensive national program to improve weather knowledge and safety.

· Additionally SEMA is in the process of working with each town department to develop Continuity of Operation Plans (COOP) for each department and a town-wide master COOP to ensure effective operations of the Town during and rapid recovery following disasters.

Major advancements were made to improve the Town’s Emergency Notification System through coordination with the Town Cable Public Access Committee and Worcester County Sheriff’s Department. (Public information will be provided in early 2008).

SEMA was awarded several competitive State and Federal Homeland Security grants in 2007. The funding from these grants was used to: (Sample List)

· Purchase and construct (through volunteered hours of SEMA and Fire Department members) a Mobile Command and Communications Trailer. The capabilities of this unit include: a back-up to the Town’s Emergency 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, interoperable communication abilities with various agencies through out the state, an on-scene incident command post, on-scene research capabilities, incident rehabilitation for responders, support for mass-casualty incidents and transport of disaster supplies.

· Purchase the Town Cable Override System

· Update and expand the Emergency Response aspects of the Town’s Geographical Information System (GIS)

· Purchase Emergency Disaster Support and Shelter Supplies.

· Purchase incident support equipment including generators, a mobile heating unit, a mobile potable-water transport trailer and a mobile lighting unit.

SEMA would like to express its sincere thanks to all town citizens, employees and local businesses who dedicated their time and resources throughout the year to help the Southborough Emergency Management Agency work towards achieving our mission goals.

Please visit our website for important educational and preparedness information on disasters of all types and sizes at www.southboroughfire.org – click the Emerg. Management link or call our office at 508-485-3235 ext. 437.

CONCLUSION

I would like to thank all of the members of the Southborough Fire Department and their families for the dedicated service that they provide to you, the citizens of Southborough. I would also like to thank the members of the Board of Selectmen, all of the Town’s Department heads and Town Boards and Committees for their continued cooperation, assistance and support.

The residents and businesses of Southborough are a constant source of donations of time, material and/or funds to aid us in serving the citizens and visitors of Southborough. Thank you very much for your valuable contributions.

Please visit our web site for continuous updated department and safety information: www.southboroughfire.org.

Respectfully Submitted,

John D. Mauro, Jr.,

Fire Chief