INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM COMMAND DRILL
The Los Angeles County Fire Department held an excellent 3-day Incident Management Team training exercise at the Burbank Fire Department Training Center that culminated with a large scale IMT deployment held this morning. Battalion 14 was invited to attend along with other LAFD members including AC Varela, BC Nowell, BC Bowman and Capt. Roemer. Our members were invited to meet their counterparts from the County and observe the exercise.
Chief Mike Sandamen facilitated the activation of an Incident Management Team that was put into place to manage a large scale wildland interface fire pushed by Santa Ana winds. The training room was turned into a Command Post with all necessary components to manage the incident put in place. Plans meetings were held and briefings were presented to insure that all priorities were addressed and all objectives were met.
Training exercises such as these are critical in preparing for large scale incidents and allow members from multiple agencies, who very well may be working shoulder to shoulder in a Unified Command structure, to discuss the common goals of their respective departments.
Chief Mike Sandamen facilitated the activation of an Incident Management Team that was put into place to manage a large scale wildland interface fire pushed by Santa Ana winds. The training room was turned into a Command Post with all necessary components to manage the incident put in place. Plans meetings were held and briefings were presented to insure that all priorities were addressed and all objectives were met.
Training exercises such as these are critical in preparing for large scale incidents and allow members from multiple agencies, who very well may be working shoulder to shoulder in a Unified Command structure, to discuss the common goals of their respective departments.
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 6/29/05
Battalion 14 responded with E 77, LF 96, E 86, E 81, RA 89 and Batt. 12 to a Grass Fire with E 89 on scene at 11625 Keswick St. in 89s district. Quick action by all companies stopped the fire from extending into exposures. The fire was held to 1 acre.
Battalion 14 also responded to assist the LAPD with a Fireworks Investigation in 98s district and a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at a 1-story Strip Mall at the intersection of Sherman Way and Balboa Bl. in 90s district. During the Fireworks Investigation the LAPD Bomb Squad removed approximately 200 lbs. of illegal fireworks from a single family dwelling. The fire in the Strip Mall was handled by Batt. 10 and the initial assignment .
Battalion 14 also responded to assist the LAPD with a Fireworks Investigation in 98s district and a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at a 1-story Strip Mall at the intersection of Sherman Way and Balboa Bl. in 90s district. During the Fireworks Investigation the LAPD Bomb Squad removed approximately 200 lbs. of illegal fireworks from a single family dwelling. The fire in the Strip Mall was handled by Batt. 10 and the initial assignment .
SAFETY TIP
There have been many design changes made in our Heavy Apparatus in recent years. Many of these changes have dramatically contributed to the overall safety of our members while driving or riding in the new rigs.
Factors that may positively affect our safety include the following:
1. Increased power.
2. Improved handling.
3. Better soundproofing.
4. Better brakes.
Factors that may negatively affect our safety include the following:
1. Increased power.
2. Improved handling.
3. Better soundproofing.
4. Better brakes.
Get the message? Drive carefully and defensively. Expect the unexpected and remember that the best way to improve your response times is to get out of quarters quicker.
Stay Safe!
Factors that may positively affect our safety include the following:
1. Increased power.
2. Improved handling.
3. Better soundproofing.
4. Better brakes.
Factors that may negatively affect our safety include the following:
1. Increased power.
2. Improved handling.
3. Better soundproofing.
4. Better brakes.
Get the message? Drive carefully and defensively. Expect the unexpected and remember that the best way to improve your response times is to get out of quarters quicker.
Stay Safe!
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 6/27/05
Battalion 14 responded to a T/A on the W/B 101 Freeway at Laurel Canyon this afternoon along with TF 60, RA 878, RA 102 and EMS 14. All patients in the 2 vehicle accident were treated and swiftly transported to local hospitals.
QUIZ OF THE DAY
O.K. - One of the stations in Battalion 14 has adopted a dog and put it through a rigorous training program to not only turn into a viscious attack K-9 but also an already legendary USAR Rescue Dog. Friendly and outgoing, this little bundle of energy is like a coiled spring ready to leap into action at a moment's notice. Can you name the dog's handler seen here taking a brief break from USAR training?
For extra credit name the dog. (Hint: It's not Rin Tin Tin)
METRO RAIL DRILL
Battalion 14 companies participated in a Metro Rail drill at the North Hollywood Station on Sunday morning. New Metro Rail guru BC John Quintanar and Division 3 AC Tony Varela oversaw the exercise which consisted of smoke in the tunnel with an associated person down. Nice job by all involved and plenty of lessons learned as a result of the drill.
TRANSFERS IN & OUT
We had a few transfers effective today.
Morgan Englund (21-A to 60-A), Eric Schmidt (21-B to 60-B), Eric Lewis (21-C to 60-C), Chipper Cervantes (72-A to 86-A) and Melissa Galleano (72-B to 86-B) are new to Battalion 14.
Nicholas Gonzales (60-A to 57-A), Elliot Ibanez (60-B to 57-B), Jeffrey Swegles (60-C to 57-C), Thomas Henry (86-A to 64-A), Jeffrey Stevens (86-B to 64-B) and Timothy Halloran (86-C to 64-C) move on their next assignments. Good luck!
Morgan Englund (21-A to 60-A), Eric Schmidt (21-B to 60-B), Eric Lewis (21-C to 60-C), Chipper Cervantes (72-A to 86-A) and Melissa Galleano (72-B to 86-B) are new to Battalion 14.
Nicholas Gonzales (60-A to 57-A), Elliot Ibanez (60-B to 57-B), Jeffrey Swegles (60-C to 57-C), Thomas Henry (86-A to 64-A), Jeffrey Stevens (86-B to 64-B) and Timothy Halloran (86-C to 64-C) move on their next assignments. Good luck!
COOKIE KING
There was a lot of activity at Fire Station 60 Thursday morning involving Battalion 14's latest celebrity. Representitives from the California Professional Firefighters, the Milk Advisory Board, the Daily News, Channel 5 and Channel 7 all descended on the "big house" to rub shoulders with CII Randy Beaty.
Captain Beaty recently submitted the winning recipe for chocolate chip cookies in a fund raiser for the Sacramento California Firefighters Memorial. Besting over 100 entrants, Captain Beaty will appear in next years "Milk and Cookies Calendar" and (here's the best part) won Ice Cream for a year for the crews at Fire Station 60.
We're all looking forward to seeing the calendar with Randy and his "GQ good looks" but most of all we're wondering "WHERE'S THE ICE CREAM!"
Congratulations Randy!
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 6/23/05
Battalion 14 responded to a reported structure fire in the 7000 block of Lankershim Bl. Thursday afternoon and while enroute requested additional resources due to the size of the "loom up" visible over a wide area of the North Valley.
Upon arrival at the corrected location of 11737 Blythe St. members found a detached garage fully involved and extending into three exposures. LF 89 and E 81, supported by additional companies, aggressively attacked the fire and a knockdown was called in 11 minutes.
Upon arrival at the corrected location of 11737 Blythe St. members found a detached garage fully involved and extending into three exposures. LF 89 and E 81, supported by additional companies, aggressively attacked the fire and a knockdown was called in 11 minutes.
QUIZ OF THE DAY
In an effort to provide incentive to all of our members who are actively seeking to promote we submit this photo and the latest "Quiz of the Day".
Can you guess which one of these fine rides belongs to the "A" Platoon Battalion Commander?
The first member to post the answer wins cream and lets the cat out of the bag.
Good Luck!
Can you guess which one of these fine rides belongs to the "A" Platoon Battalion Commander?
The first member to post the answer wins cream and lets the cat out of the bag.
Good Luck!
BROKEN GAS LINE AT CBS STUDIOS
Early in the afternoon of June 21, 2005 the members of Paramedic Engine 78 were dispatched to investigate a reported ruptured line at the CBS Studios in Studio City. Upon arrival PE 78 located a 2" high pressure natual gas line that had been broken during back hoe operations. Captain Carlos Ortega immediately initiated evacuation of exposed structures and requested additional resources including LF 60, E 97 and Battalion 14.
Emergency crews from the Southern California Gas Company responded to the scene and following further excavation placed a closure device on the line in order to control the leak.
Below: Firefighter Joe Manzo, PE 78, places a protection
line into operation prior to Gas Company personnel
controlling a high pressure leak in a 2" Natural Gas line.
Emergency crews from the Southern California Gas Company responded to the scene and following further excavation placed a closure device on the line in order to control the leak.
Below: Firefighter Joe Manzo, PE 78, places a protection
line into operation prior to Gas Company personnel
controlling a high pressure leak in a 2" Natural Gas line.
AIR AMBULANCE
The members of FS 89 are shown assisting Rescue 114 loading the young victim of an Auto vs. Pedestrian traffic accident into Fire 4 prior to transport to Children's Hospital. The patient was swiftly stabilized at the accident scene and transported by RA 89 to the landing site at Fair Avenue Elementary School in North Hollywood for the flight to Children's.
FS 86 PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The members of Fire Station 86 recently hosted a Pancake Breakfast at their station in conjunction with Fire Service Day. The breakfast, organized by Councilman Tom LaBonge's office and local community volunteers, was extremely well received and attended by over 500 citizens. Battalion 14 would like to thank all of the members of 86s for assisting in making this event a great success.
Pictured below are volunteers and dignitaries including
Pictured below are volunteers and dignitaries including
Councilman LaBonge, Council District 4 staff, Liz Bamattre,
BC Richard Kay and members of Fire Station 86.
DIVISION 3 SAFETY REMINDER
Here's a safety reminder from Chief Garcia and the Division 3 office...
In conjunction with practicing the activation of your 800 mhz emergency trigger (and while suited up) try removing your Emergency Escape Canister from the storage pouch on your Turnout Coat and simulate hooking up. Practice this operation with a buddy while going through a buddy breathing operation and simulate fireground conditions.
Just another step we can all take towards safer operations.
Stay Safe!
In conjunction with practicing the activation of your 800 mhz emergency trigger (and while suited up) try removing your Emergency Escape Canister from the storage pouch on your Turnout Coat and simulate hooking up. Practice this operation with a buddy while going through a buddy breathing operation and simulate fireground conditions.
Just another step we can all take towards safer operations.
Stay Safe!
FS 60 RIC DRILL
Battalion 14 attended an excellent RIC Drill this morning at Fire Station 60. Using the station as the fire occupancy members fully suited up (including SCBAs on air) and performed initial fire attack on a stubborn fire located on the second floor of the station. As members were backing out and preparing to go to Heavy Streams they became aware of a "Firefighter Missing".
A RIC team was quickly organized and team members utilized solid fundamental procedures to locate the missing Firefighter and remove him to a safe location. Following the practical portion of the exercise an excellent chalkboard discussion was held giving all members a chance to benefit from the lessons learned.
Great job!
A RIC team was quickly organized and team members utilized solid fundamental procedures to locate the missing Firefighter and remove him to a safe location. Following the practical portion of the exercise an excellent chalkboard discussion was held giving all members a chance to benefit from the lessons learned.
Great job!
JOB WELL DONE
The Battalion 14 Command Teams would like to say "thanks" to all the LAFD members who worked so hard to put together the recent FDIC event here in Los Angeles. BC John Nowell was tasked with an enormous amount of work to be accomplished in a very short time span and put together a team that did our Department proud.
Thanks again for a job well done!
Thanks again for a job well done!
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 6/18/05
Battalion 14 responded to a Physical Rescue in the early morning hours at Moorpark St. X Cahuenga Bl. involving two vehicles. E-60 was first on-scene and requested additional units including a total of 4 ALS Rescue Ambulances. A total of 4 patients in critical condition were swiftly transported to local hospitals.
SAFETY TIP OF THE DAY
Every member should take the time to become familiar with the "Emergency Trigger" on the 800 mhz radio
Try this: Suit up in full PPEs with SCBA and with the radio "off" activate your "Emergency Trigger" with your gloved hand. Try it in different positions (standing up, crouching, lying face down, etc.) and determine the following:
1. Can I get to it?
2. Can I do it?
3. Can I do it with my glove on?
Practice this in a non-emergency controlled situation with other members of your crew so you will be better prepared in an emergency situation. Develop a failsafe method for activation that works for you and don't let your "first time" attempt be in an emergency situation.
*As an added safety measure you should know your radio # .
Remember - Your life may depend on your ability to activate the "Emergency Trigger".
Try this: Suit up in full PPEs with SCBA and with the radio "off" activate your "Emergency Trigger" with your gloved hand. Try it in different positions (standing up, crouching, lying face down, etc.) and determine the following:
1. Can I get to it?
2. Can I do it?
3. Can I do it with my glove on?
Practice this in a non-emergency controlled situation with other members of your crew so you will be better prepared in an emergency situation. Develop a failsafe method for activation that works for you and don't let your "first time" attempt be in an emergency situation.
*As an added safety measure you should know your radio # .
Remember - Your life may depend on your ability to activate the "Emergency Trigger".
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 6/17/05
Battalion 14 responded in the early morning hours to a Physical Rescue assignment to Laurel Canyon Bl. just South of Mulholland Drive involving a single vehicle rollover. Two patients transported by RA 86 and the vehicle was righted by Heavy Rescue 56.
EMERGENCY ACTIVITY 6/16/05
Battalion 14 responded to three incidents yesterday and early this morning. TF 60 and E 86 handled a fire in a detached garage converted to a living quarters with no injuries and two small grass/brush fires were handled by the first units on scene. As you all know we are already starting to respond on brush incidents and the full blown brush sesaon will be upon us soon....be prepared!
SITE PROGRESS
We are currently working to format this site so it can provide current info to all. Look for profiles on the Battalion 14 Command Teams along with links to a Battalion 14 Overview and other related sites. Please be patient and feel free to offer suggestions.
Hi-Rise Fire in Hollywood - BATT 14 enroute
LAFD BATTALION 14 SITE
This will be the new site for Battalion 14 News and Information. Look for future info on posting information to this location. Stay safe!
