Sacramento fire department Annual report 2009

TECHNICAL SERVICESThe Technical Services Division had a very busy year in 2009, with several major ongoing projects from previous years and a few newones. As telecommunications technologies continue to improve in capability and increase in number, the division provides the departmentwith the latest devices, systems, and applications possible. This was demonstrated in 2009 with: Installations of Mobile Data Computers in nearly all remaining front-line vehicles. Improvements to the computer hardware of the Mobile Data Computer systems, with new laptop and display models introduced. An upgraded mobile Fire Map application which introduced GPS connectivity as well as Fire CAD interaction - so users could nowautomatically see their own location and the location of any call they were assigned to. New and better cell phones and PDAs, including a new BlackBerry server within our own network to increase the usefulness ofthose devices, including direct remote access to our GroupWise email accounts. Continued planning for the 800 MHz Radio Rebanding Project, which will require the reprogramming or replacement of all radios,scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2011 (hands-on portion begins November of 2010). The development and deployment of an improved help-desk trouble reporting system, now with direct user access, making for afaster and more efficient process of submitting requests for service. The launching of a study for the development of a new mobile broadband system and IP core network, both of which would beowned, maintained, and used exclusively by public safety agencies in the Sacramento area (to replace aging and limited-capabilitylegacy systems currently in use) Increased participation in various UASI-based evaluations and exercises focused on communications and interoperability amongvarious first responders in our region, with notable improvements in our preparedness and effectiveness.The bulk of the daily work was centered on service calls and assisting users of technology.COMMUNITY SERVICESThe Community Services Division was established within the Office of the Chiefin 2008. The division’s functions include Community Outreach, Public Education,Public Information and Special Projects. Following are highlights of theactivities that occurred in 2009.In May, a Fire Corps Volunteer Program was established. Volunteers supportedfire station open house events offering additional fire safety information to thepublic, presented fire safety education to children in classrooms, and assistedwith many internal functions of the department including those related to thePersonal Protection Equipment (PPE) program.The Public Information Officer (PIO) coordinated and conducted numerous public service announcements and interviews with localmedia. Topics included Fire Extinguisher Use, Fire Works Safety, Turkey Fryer and General Cooking Safety, Fire Department Operations(i.e. Trucks vs. Engines, What is a 2 Alarm Fire, etc.), EVOC Driver training, Firefighters Memorial Stair Climb for 9/11,Weed Abatement and Wildland Fire Issues, Firefighters Burn Institute Boot Drive, Smoke Detectors, and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.In addition, to address a recent increase in river drownings in the area, the PIO and a department Battalion Chief coordinatedwith News 10 and KCRA to develop a special program on Water Safety.PUBLIC INFORMATION & EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIESFire Corps Volunteer Hours 719Fire Extinguisher Demonstrations 3Fire Safety Presentations 51Fire Station Open Houses 22House Fire Demonstrations 1Press Releases 137Public Service Announcements & Media Events 42Requests for Incident Records & Subpoenas 1286As part of the special project function in the division, numerous grant applications were submitted to agencies that sponsor grant programs.Grant applications were submitted to the Federal Department of Homeland Security under the Firefighters Fire Station ConstructionProgram, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program(SAFER), Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program, and the Assistance toFirefighters Grant Wellness & Fitness Program; the Fireman’s Fund Heritage GrantProgram; and the State Homeland Security Grant Program.In October, the Division coordinated a Safety Fair which was held at the Public SafetyCenter. A number of agencies and departments including C.E.R.T., City Operator,Code Enforcement, Crime Alert, D.A.R.T., Department of Transportation, FireReserves, Office of Emergency Services, Police Department, and V.I.P.S. joined firedepartment personnel to provide information, education, and services to the public.Sacramento Fire Department 2009 Annual Report ~ Page 19