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 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 1,354 emergency calls in 2008. This number represents an increase of 49 (3.8%) emergency responses over 2007. Additionally, the Department conducted 925 inspections, plan reviews and public education programs, a decrease of 0.2% compared to 2007.

The following is a breakdown of the emergency responses:

Fire and Emergency Responses 586

Medical Emergencies and Motor Vehicle Accidents 768

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)

· 3 Call Firefighter/EMTs

· 5 Call Firefighters

· 4 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 2008:

New members:

· Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic Dale Goodspeed (replaced FF/EMT-P Peter J. Phaneuf)

Members that resigned from the Department:

· Call Lieutenant Kevin R. Moran

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 from surrounding communities. Any reduction in staffing would greatly impact the services which we provide the residents of Southborough.

The Town’s 106’ aerial ladder truck, Ladder 26, a 1984 Hahn truck purchased used from the Tenafly, N.J. Fire Department has been removed from service. The truck did not pass certification. Due to excessive repair costs, and the inability to certify the operation of the now 25 year old truck, it was removed from service. A volunteer committee of members of the Fire Department was formed to review all options relating to replacement. A copy of the report can be found on the Fire Department web site: www.southboroughfire.org. Currently, the Department relies on surrounding communities for a ladder truck, when they are available. Unfortunately, this results in a significant delay in rescue and firefighting operations. Another volunteer committee of residents led by Rebecca Waterfall is working to assist fundraising for a replacement vehicle. It is hoped that a significant amount of capital can be raised to offset the impact to residents through taxation. The committee, known as the Southborough Fire Ball Committee will be sponsoring a dance to raise funds on March 7, 2009. For further information, see www.southboroughfireball.org.

Funds for replacing Ambulance 28, a 1999 International/Road Rescue Ambulance were appropriated at the April, 2008 Annual Town Meeting. Delivery of the replacement ambulance is expected mid 2009.

The members of the Department continue to assist the Facilities Department in maintaining the Fire Station facility.

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 925 inspections, plan reviews and public education programs were conducted in 2008. The following is a breakdown of inspections:

2008 2007

80 26F Smoke detector (home resale) inspections 108

13 26F Re-inspection 8

46 26B Smoke detector (new home) inspections 52

3 26B Re-inspection 6

122 26 ½ Carbon Monoxide Inspections 162

7 26 ½ Re-inspections 9

48 Oil burner inspections 60

5 Oil burner re-inspections 5

29 Propane inspections 27

0 House number re-inspections 3

41 School inspections and fire drills 48

36 Annual town license renewal inspections 34

51 Commercial building inspections 42

32 Tank Truck inspections 527CMR 8.00 2

2 Pre-blast survey 1

19 Blast Observations 0

8 Underground Tank removal observation 2

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

22 Complaints Investigated 7

7 License Renewal Follow-up Inspections 7

22 Follow-up Inspections 21

0 Unvented Heater Inspection 0

1 In-service Inspection 2

7 Underground Storage Tank Installations 2

6 Residential Sprinkler Inspection 10

0 Aboveground Storage Tank Installation 2

· The following programs were presented to the public:

80 School Fire Prevention programs 97

24 Misc. Fire and Safety Programs 14

21 Fire Station tours for groups 22

· The number of plans reviewed were as follows:

58 Residential Smoke Detector plans (new 71

Construction & renovation)

45 Commercial plans (new construction, fire 41

Alarm, sprinkler, site plans, etc.)

25 Site Plans Reviewed 20

8 Construction Meetings/Inspections 6

11 Plan Review Meeting 17

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 Prevent Home Fires. Many activities were demonstrated to show the importance of practicing home fire safety. The turnout for this event was very successful once again with several hundred residents attending.

· 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 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 7 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 declined with the fall in the economy and decline in the housing market. The resale of residential housing has slowed and the new housing starts have declined as well. Commercial building inspections remained consistent with several renovation projects completed in existing commercial occupancies.

· With the decline in the economy and the increase in the cost of home heating fuels, a campaign was initiated by the Department of Fire Services to make people aware of the safe use of alternative heating systems. There have been a few requests for information in regards to alternative fuels systems such as bio-diesel and wood boilers. People need to be aware that certain alternative fuel source and equipment need to be approved for use and permits may be required either from the Fire Department, Plumbing Inspector or Building Inspector prior to installation and use. A permit from the Fire Department is required for the storage of any flammable or combustible fuel at any residential or commercial property.

· During the year there were 4 large-scale fires that were investigated by the department during the year. One fire was in a commercial building under renovation and resulted in two civilian injuries. The other fires occurred in residential buildings, 2 houses and 1 detached garage that resulted in no injuries but significant damage to the structures.

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.

Continuing education classes for all levels of EMTs was held throughout the year.

TRAINING DIVISION

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

The Southborough Fire Department goal is to try 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. 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 2008.

-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

-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. The entire Department trained in large diameter hose (LDH) and pump operations held at the EMC campus in June, and the Live Fire Training and Rescue, which was conducted at the Milford Fire Department raining facility also in June. Assistance was provided to the members of the Department at the live fire training, which occurred on one of the hottest days of the year, by the Southborough CERT/MRC team.

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 2008, 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 .

CPR Instructors: - EMT Andrew Gleckel

- 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 2008, we taught 15 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 2008 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.

Southborough Emergency Management held a large-scale table-top exercise involving various town departments, as well as outside agencies including, but not limited to fire, police, sheriff, State Police, Mass Highway, etc. The exercise titled “Operation Double Trouble” assessed the Town’s capability to handle a large-scale local emergency. Quabbin Health Alliance facilitated the exercise, which was held in June. Various recommendations were presented as a result of this training exercise.

Emergency Management assisted the coordinators of Southborough Summer Nights and Heritage Day in planning the events using the Federally-mandated incident command system. Both events went off without a hitch due in part to the planning, and volunteer work of the members of the Southborough Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)!

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

The citizens and Public Safety Community of Southborough lost a great person, leader, and friend when Chief of Police William H. Webber passed away on December 11^th. Billy was an inspiration to so many, and would always look at the bright side of any situation, no matter the severity. It was an honor to know Billy for 28 years, and to work closely with his in his capacity as Chief of Police.

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