BATTALION 14 News & Information

You can learn a lot about radio communication by listening....both good and bad. Next time you are at an incident, if you are in a position to do so, listen to the radio communications from the members who are talking while inside the structure and suited up in their protective equipment. Although it's always tougher to clearly understand radio transmissions when members are talking with their facepiece on you can usually pick out someone who seems to sound clear and is easy to understand.

Most likely the member who you can easily understand had practiced and determined what method of talking on the handi-talki with a facepiece on works the best. The level of your voice, the location that you hold the microphone and the pace of your transmissions all affect how well you may be heard and understood over the radio in these conditions.

Next time you're at a fire or a drill find the member who sounds the best when talking with a facepiece on and have them show you how they do it. Try it. Most likely their method will help you improve yours and you will be more easily understood. When it comes to good radio communication....

Listen and Learn!

The Battalion 14 Great Race is coming on May 6, 2006!

This will be your chance to show what you know!

During a review of the fire in Battalion 10 the other day (see below) Division 3 "B" Platoon Commander Rick Garcia passed along this training tip...

"Anytime you have a reported fire in a large Apartment Complex like this "Oakwood" style building the first company to the roof can help out the I.C. in locating the fire. In many cases that company can spot the smoke and locate the fire quicker because there are fewer obstructions and better visibility of the complex from the roof".

"In communicating that info to the I.C. be sure to make it clear and understandable...for example: "Your fire is midway down the "B" side with smoke showing from the inside court 3rd floor balcony". This will really help the I.C. place companies".

Based on the fact that often times the first arriving companies can have a significant fire in these types of occupancies without any visible signs from ground level this tip can be invaluable in achieving a succesful outcome.

Here are a couple of pics showing the progress our LAFD, LA County FD volunteers and friends are making on the Barn Raising for the family of Denny Silgen in Montana. This is what firefighters are about...helping others in need.

Shown above is a tired but happy crew of volunteers after an 18 hour day. The picture doesn't do justice to the beautiful Montana sunset. Guys, if you see this we'll say it again...

We're all very proud of you!

Several Key Points were emphasized in Chief Rueda's presentation given this morning.
Key points for officers to consider include:

1. Members inside are counting on us (officers) to perform.

2. An EMS Captain assigned as a Group or Branch Leader is handicapped by lack of a Staff Assistant.

3. Incident Objectives = "Your needs" (officers)

4. The public expects more from us now. (than in the past)

5. Other agencies look for us to lead in many types of incidents.

6. NEW* To maintain proper supervision of his crew a Captain II has 3 options when first-in at a fire incident: (while assuming incident command)

a. Designate an Acting Captain.
b. Keep entire crew to perform Command Post functions.
c. Pass crew to another officer.

7. NEW* Declare whether fireground operations will be "Offensive" or "Defensive". Declaration should be made over the radio to companies on scene and OCD. Cover this decision with members.

8. When arriving on scene, give Size-Up to OCD before getting on the Tac Channel.

9. NEW* Utilize and require "CAN" reports from companies on scene. "CAN" is an acronym for: "Conditions", "Actions" and "Needs".

10. Insure a proper balance when it comes to "Strategy vs. Risk".

11. Anytime there are multiple companies inside a building someone (Division) needs to be watching out for them.

12. Division or Group Supervisors normally should operate outside the structure.

13. If building is a Hi-Rise use Hi-Rise IC System.

14. IMPORTANT* If lives are at stake "Risk alot", If property is at stake "Risk a little", if nothing can be saved "Risk nothing".

On Monday, April 24, Bureau of Emergency Services Commander Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, assisted by members of the Tactical Training Group, gave a presentation of his Operational Expectations to the Command Teams of Division 3.

Chief Rueda, pictured with Division 3 "A" Platoon Commander Assistant Chief Tony Varela, gave a Powerpoint classroom presentation followed by a field exercise featuring two challenging fire command scenarios.

With a focus on Command at emergencies, the Operational Expectations covered in Chief Rueda's presentation and field exercise are designed to let all Officers, including Captains, Battalion Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, know exactly what should be considered and accomplished at every emergency incident.

With a goal of establishing a uniformity that will improve both the efficiency of our operations and the safety of our members and the public the presentation is invaluable in getting all of the Officers and Command Teams "on the same page" when it comes to handling an emergency.


All of the Officers on the Department will receive this training and Operational Expectations presentation. The Expectations include several things that are "new" to our operations and are designed to improve our operations on the fireground and provide for an increased level of safety to our personnel.

The importance of this training is best underscored by Chief Rueda's comment, repeated several times during the presentation;

"We need to very good at what we do as officers...our people both deserve it and expect it of us".

Fire behavior that many may be unaware of was graphically displayed during the Major Emergency in Battalion 10 (See video below). Shown above is Battalion 14 Staff Assistant Cristian Granucci, who performed Fire Attack at the incident while working on RA 39. S/A Granucci is standing in the hallway on the fire (3rd) floor of the apartment complex. Behind S/A Granucci (to the left in picture) is an area of the hallway approximately 20 feet long that is open to the outside (courtyard) area of the complex.

As firefighters began to attack the fire unit, which is approximately 50 feet to S/A Granucci's right (towards the camera), the fire and heavy smoke was extending out of the short hallway to the apartment entrance and down the main hallway towards where S/A Granucci is standing. It was also extending down the hallway in the opposite direction. (See video of fire here)

What is important to note is that the 20 foot opening (shown in the video) DOES NOT provide a means for the fire to vent to the exterior in a manner that would slow or stop the advance of the fire down the hallway. In fact, as you can see in the picture (evidenced by the smoke line on the walls), the fire and smoke continued down the hallway past S/A Granucci's position at the opening and actually turned in both directions at the intersection of the connecting hallway (a distance of approximately 100 feet).

The companies assigned to Fire Attack on this incident successfully contained the fire by ventilating over the fire, placing lines on both sides of the fire unit and agressively attacking the fire.

All members should take note of the fire behavior detailed above and consider it when operating in a similiar environment.

On Saturday April 22, 2006, Battalion 14 responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire in Battalion 10 at 15440 Sherman Way. First units arriving on scene reported smoke showing from the roof of a large 3-story "Oakwood" style apartment complex and requested additional companies for assistance.

(Video)

Battalion 14 was assigned as Rapid Intervention Group Leader on dispatch and eventually worked with LF 89, USAR 88, HR 56 and RA 100 to prepare for RIC ops if needed.















Above: Capt. Henry Amparan prepares his
Company for RIC ops. Note the occupancy
layout and company assignments chalked
out in the street to prepare for deployment.

Investigating companies reported heavy fire and smoke conditions on the third floor of the apartment with fire advancing down the hallway in both directions from the fire unit. In addition the initial Incident Commander, Battalion 10 Commander Richard Markota, was informed that there were civilians who had jumped or were threatening to jump from upper floors.

An excellent job was done by companies at this incident in addressing the challenges that faced them in difficult conditions. With no water supply available deep inside the complex the initial Fire Attack teams, including E 90, E 7, E 39, RA 90 and RA 39, railroaded a 2 1/2" supply line with gated wye over 300' to the base of the courtyard stairwell below the fire to establish the water supply that would supply the Hi Rise Hose Packs that were used as the initial attack lines. In addition, multiple companies smartly worked in concert to put the first attack line into operation.

In reviewing the emergency actions of all companies at the scene shortly after knockdown it was very apparent that solid fundamentals provided the foundation for the very succesful final outcome at this challenging incident.

On April 20, 2006, 16 LA City and LA County Firefighters traveled to Montana to build a dream barn for Laura Silgen. Laura is the Wife of Denny Silgen. Laura and Denny had moved to Montana following Denny's retirement in 2000. Denny had planned for many years to build a barn for his family.

Tragically last year Dennis Silgen passed away on Flathead Lake. Denny was appointed to the LAFD in 1972 and retired after surviving the tragic LAFD Fire 3 helicopter crash. During the crash Denny was seriously injured as he attempted to shield other passengers from the impact.

The following Fire Department members, who are being helped by several friends, travelled to Montana this year to pay tribute to Denny and build the Silgen's dream barn;

Denny's son Tod, who is a Firefighter for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Retired LAFD members Gary Cramer, Bud Molle, Murray Ames and Rick Massey.

Active LAFD members Denise Jones, Pat Butler, Doug Graft, Steve Shelp, Bob Munoa, Don Carter and Vince Manzo.

The Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association was generous and supplied the materials for this great project. As you can see by the above photos the project is coming along nicely and the finished product should be beautiful.

We will keep you posted with additional photos and info as it comes in so you can admire the fine work of these members...members who are gladly taking their own time to help the family and honor the memory of one of our best. Also...rumor has it that the "barn raisers" quickly turned back into "fire fighters" at a local incident. Look for pics/info in coming posts.

On behalf of the Battalion 14 members and all of the members of the LAFD...You make us proud!

Shown above is a short video that shows an incident that was more thoroughly covered in a previous post on this site. The video may take a moment to load depending on your internet connection. During that incident a Unified Command consisting of members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and various local agencies, made the decision to burn over 70 sticks of highly unstable dynamite inside a commercial building.

Because the dynamite could not be moved, burning in place was the only option that would eliminate the hazard. As detailed in the previous post, many steps were taken to insure that the mission could be accomplished while limiting damage to the targeted occupancy inside the multi-occupancy commercial building.

The operations of the LAPD SWAT and BOMB SQUAD officers, as well as their commanders, was professional and highly coordinated. The assistance of additional agencies insured that every contingency was addressed. The steps that were taken by the numerous LAFD companies involved to abate the hazard resulted in a highly successful operation.

The very professional German Fire Service web site that normally posts exclusively in German has posted their first story in English.

The story (here) features a fire apparatus that uses a pre-loaded and removable hose reel attached to the tailboard for remote hose lays.

The individual that hosts the web site posted a story covering Fire Station 98s River Rescue that featured a link to the story on our web site (see story below). This resulted in a number of "hits" on the Battalion 14 site from not only Germany but many other countries as well.

Shortly after we e-mailed him to thank him for the link he responded and posted the first English Language story.

It's interesting to also note that some of our Battalion 14 members who have visited Germany and observed their Fire Service training and equipment have commented that they are very professional, highly dedicated and have first class training and equipment.

To our friends in Germany and to all of you....Stay safe!

O.K. Follow along. This is a classic. This kind of goes in reverse order (for reasons that will become obvious) .

This is a brand new mess fund box at a station in Battalion 14. Pretty neat, huh?

It has a combination lock for security.









This is the old mess fund box at the same station. It has been destroyed. For some reason the combination lock suddenly didn't work.

Forcible entry had to be performed by the troops. Afterall, you eat...you pay.

I wonder why the usual combination wouldn't work?






Here is the old mess fund box, the one that suddenly wouldn't open using the trusty combination, shortly after the lads had to use forcible entry techniques to force it open.

Oh look, there's a note inside the box that wouldn't open. Maybe it's a clue. It's a shame they had to destroy the old mess box to get inside and find out what the note says.

Once again...this note was inside the locked box.
I wonder what the note says?





Unbelievable.

I wonder who wrote the note?

I wonder what station this is?

I wonder why the new combination (that was locked inside the box) is 060?

Before you key your radio and speak at an emergency, take a moment to listen for traffic on your channel. (Listen before you leap)

It sounds simple, but if you fail to so the following may happen:

1. Your message, however important, may not be heard.
2. The other message (the one you "stepped on") may not be heard.
3. Command and Control of the incident may be negatively impacted.

A review of emergency incident radio traffic indicates that this is a common problem that we can easily correct by just taking that extra moment to "listen before you leap".

One thing that we can all agree on is that when it comes to emergency communications, or more specifically fireground radio communications, our performance can always be improved.

Effective radio communication can be a lifeline when it comes to firefighter safety. Whether it involves the placement of companies or the tracking of our resources the proper use of our radios during emergency operations is essential if we are to insure safe and effective operations.

In an effort to help improve our radio communications we will be starting a new series of posts on the Battalion 14 web site titled "Communication Tips". We would like to make this series interactive. The Battalion 14 Commanders are strongly requesting our readers contributions to this series by asking you to provide input on this subject to us via Department e-mail or by sending your contributions to esema@aol.com. Although we will do our best to give you as many of our tips as we can, we definitely value your input and will post your info.

Many of our Communication Tips will be fundamental in nature. Our first Tip is a prime example. We strongly believe that to become truly proficient we need to build on our fundamentals. Just imagine how our radio communications would improve if everybody observed the first tip. We'll keep things simple at first and build from there.

Let's all work together to improve our radio communications. Our lives may depend on it!

On Tuesday, April 18, Battalion 14 was proud to host a visitor from "Back East" when Lieutenant Rob Kight from the Prince George's County Maryland Fire/EMS Department dropped by Fire Station 60.

Rob got the opportunity to "ride-a-long" on emergency responses and observe our field operations. In addition, Rob requested and was given a DVD on Firefighter Self Rescue produced by the members of Fire Station 89.

Prince George's County, Maryland is a diverse and multicultural community bordering the eastern edges of our Nation's Capital. Annual call volume for the Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department in 2003 exceeded 133,000, with emergency medical responses accounting for nearly 70 percent of the services. Over 1,900 active career and volunteer personnel staff 44 Fire/EMS stations, which protect a population of over 833,000 residents, creating a jurisdiction larger than five states.

Rob....Thanks for the visit and stay safe out there!

It's always nice to have visitors at the Fire Station and today two very special visitors dropped by Fire Station 98 in Battalion 12. The two young girls (above) that were rescued by the members of 98s from the waters of the Pacoima Flood Control Channel (see story below) surprised their rescuers with cookies and home made "Thank You" cards today.

Much drier and warmer than when last seen, the two happy girls, along with family members, toured the station and chatted with the members who saved their lives. Knowing that the incident could have resulted in a tragedy there were smiles all around on what was an unexpected and very happy occasion.

The girls had traveled over 3 miles in the 20 mph current before being rescued and knew the gravity of their situation. Battalion 12 Chief Mike Bowman stated "The girls told me that they thought they were going to die, were swallowing water and were losing strength from the cold. They were so happy that our members were there to rescue them." Chief Bowman also remarked "I am so proud of our crew. It was like everything was in alignment. Engine 98 did everything perfect and if they hadn't it would have been a much different outcome".

Division 3 "A" Platoon Assistant Chief Tony Varela acted as the Incident Commander during the rescue out of the Division 3 Headquarters. Following the rescue Chief Varela visited the rescue site and spoke with the members of Fire Station 98. Chief Varela commented that "It's because of the quick actions, knowledge and experience of the members of 98s that the girls are alive today".

In checking our web site stats we noticed that we have been getting visits from all over the world. This really demonstrates that Battalion 14 truly is on the "worldwide web".

A great number of the visits to our site were from various cities in Germany. A little research indicated that they were accessing the Battalion 14 site from a link posted in an article on the above German website "Feuerwehr". This is an outstanding site that focuses on "Fire Brigades" in Germany and around the world.

The article was basically a commentary on the Swiftwater Rescue that occurred yesterday in Battalion 12. During that rescue the crew from Engine 98 used outstanding teamwork and individual efforts to save two children from serious injury or death as they sped down the Pacoima Flood Control Channel. (See post below)

A rough translation of the German article is that LAFD members demonstrated excellent operations as a result of sound tactics and training and that it was good to see that the crew's efforts were being acknowledged and praised on the Battalion 14 site.

Thanks again to 98s for the great save and thanks to our fellow firefighters in Germany and around the world for supporting our efforts in recognizing jobs well done.

Battalion 14 participated in a Red Line Drill on Sunday. Staff Assistant Chris Granucci (shown above) was able to talk Metro authorities at the ROC into letting him drive the Rescue Train. During the post-drill critique S/A Granucci was asked about his once in a lifetime opportunity and stated " I had a real swell time. It was really neat ".

Asked to comment about his Staff Assistant Chief Williams stated "I think the picture speaks for itself ".

THE BATTALION 14 GREAT RACE IS COMING !

On Saturday, April 8, 2006, Battalion 14 responded along with a Physical Rescue assignment to a reported Traffic accident with the LAPD involved at Laurel Canyon X Cantara in Fire Station 89s district.

Initial companies arriving on scene found an LAPD Squad Car that had collided with a civilian mini-van. Both vehicles had sustained heavy damage. Both police officers were treated and transported with moderate injuries and the driver of the civilian vehicle was treated and transported with more serious injuries.

Initial reports indicated that the mini-van had been stolen and that the driver had attempted to cross Laurel Canyon Bl. at Cantara St. and had failed to obey the Stop Sign. The civilian vehicle was struck as it crossed directly in front of the Squad Car.

Battalion 14 responded with a River Swiftwater assignment to a report of 2 victims in the Pacoima Wash on Saturday, April 8, 2006.

Engine 98 was first to arrive on scene at their designated Rescue Point for the Pacoima Wash just South of the Del Sur Pedestrian Footbridge (Del Sur X Haddon). They positioned their apparatus as a "hard point" adjacent to the trapazoidal channel as Firefighter Mike Celestino, FS 98 "A", ran to the edge of the channel to check for victims.

Looking up the channel he saw two young girls in the water rapidly approaching E 98s position. Firefighter Celestino, already having donned proper protective gear including life vest, tennis shoes and helmet, grabbed E 98s Life Ring as the members of the crew secured him with a line to the hard point.

As he scrambled down the concrete channel wall Firefighter Celestino knew that he would only get one chance to rescue the girls.

As they reached him he leaned out over the water and extended the life ring to the oldest girl.

The 16 year old girl grabbed the ring as Firefighter Celestino began to run down the edge of the channel to lessen the force of the rapidly moving water. The younger girl, who was 11 years old, was holding on to her friend and was unable to grab the ring.

As they moved down the channel Firefighter Celestino was able to pull both children to the waters edge and attempted to hold them until additional rescuers could assist. As he held them he noticed that the younger girl was losing her grip on the older girl and could be swept away at any second. At that point Firefighter Celestino made the decision to partially enter the water in order to capture the younger girl.

Firefighter Celestino was successful in his rescue attempt and both girls were brought to dry land, evaluated and transported by Rescue Ambulance for follow up care in reletively good condition.

This was an outstanding effort by all involved. Excellent training and sound tactics by a company working as a team most surely contributed to the successful outcome of what easily could have been a tragedy. As one member stated "If we would have arrived 30 seconds later we wouldn't have been able to save them".

The Battalion 14 Commanders congratulate all of the members who performed the rescue and specifically the members of Engine 98 and Firefighter Mike Celestino.

It happens to all of us someday....we work our last shift on the Fire Department. Most of us would like to have a memorable last day... visit with friends... ride around our district one last time... get some calls from co-workers... that kind of stuff.

It would be really nice if the lads at OCD could wish us well during the 0800 taps. All of these things put together would really make for a great last hurrah... a memorable last day.

Battalion 14 Chief Rick Kay was able to experience all of this and more when he worked his last day on the job last segment. In addition to "all the above" Rick's family came by Fire Station 60 to celebrate and help the transition into retired life.

As if all this wasn't enough Rick came back to Battalion 14 headquarters in the afternoon and was greeted by a super-line-up consisting of the entire Battalion, apparatus and personnel, all there to pay Rick their respects.

But the best thing of all... and we all know that this almost never happens... was that Rick's last run after 32 years was to a structure fire in a commercial on Ventura Bl. Rick made the most of it (above) and even went up the aerial one last time.

Footnote: Rick's last fire was also the first fire for the "A" shift rookie.

Once again, good luck in your retirement Rick!

Who are these guys? This super secret spy photo was taken in the kitchen of an L.A. City Fire Station somewhere in Battalion 14.

These obviously highly skilled individuals are most likely Bomb Squad technicians or something like that. Probably some sort of top secret anti-terrorism operation that requires the CIAs best operatives.

The one thing we were able to determine was that this was definitely not a photo of a couple of Department members attempting to get something that they dropped down behind a kitchen cabinet. It's definitely not that.

The Battalion 14 Commanders would like to welcome Captain II John Cappon to Fire Station 102 on the "B" Platoon. John is an 18 year veteran with an excellent background including experience as a Paramedic.

John....Welcome to the Battalion !

Ty Baker, formerly assigned to Fire Station 60 "B" Platoon, has been promoted to the rank of Apparatus Operator. Ty has been assigned to Fire Station 75 on the "B" Platoon. Ty did an excellent job at 60s and has a bright future.

Congratulations Ty and good luck in your new assignment!