Annual Report - Watertown Fire Department

2012
Annual Report
Duty
Watertown Fire Department
106 Jones Street
Watertown, WI 53094
920-261-3610
Pride
Service
Vision Statement
The Watertown Fire Department will continuously strive to meet the changing needs
of the community by providing a modern and technologically advanced department.
We will do this by maintaining a high level of readiness and by focusing on the
professional development and training of all our personnel.
Motto
Duty, Pride and Service
Guiding Principals
As members of the Watertown Fire Department, we believe in the following principles:

The safety of our members and the citizens we serve is paramount.

We will provide the highest quality of service to all who call upon us.

We believe in duty, pride and service.

We recognize and respect the rights of all we serve.

We are committed to the preservation of life and property of our citizens.

We believe that the professional development of our members will lead to improved quality of service.

We will promote a positive environment that inspires teamwork.
The Watertown Fire Department is honored to present to you
our 2012 Annual Report. The report outlines the programs,
services, and accomplishments of the Department throughout
the year. From receiving an Assistance to Firefighter Grant
for replacement of a 41 year old Grass Rig, to our Fire
Prevention Open House, it was an exciting year. In addition
to over 2100 emergency responses, fire prevention education
was provided to hundreds of children and adults. Fire
personnel recorded over 6500 individual training hours,
ensuring the most efficient, effective service possible.
Through customer surveys, we continue to record high marks
from those we have served. We appreciate your feedback and
strive to incorporate your experiences into our service
improvement. Thank you for your trust and confidence. We
strive to respond to your needs as quickly and safely as
possible, however, this is only a small part of our primary
focus. The Fire Department is comprised of highly skilled,
compassionate problem solvers, who are committed to
providing the best care possible during often difficult
circumstances.
Fire Chief
Greg Michalek
Again, I hope you find this report informative, and I thank
you for your interest and support.
Mission:
The mission of the Watertown Fire Department is to respond to
fires, emergency medical incidents, hazardous materials
incidents, and rescues on land and water to save lives, property
and the environment.
Department History
The City of Watertown was settled back in 1836. The first fire victim occurred one year later, in 1837.
After experiencing many serious fires over the years, and the citizens and newspapers calling for the creation
of a fire department, the fire department was established in 1857. By 1868, the City had two fire stations and
heard the first call for full-time firefighters. The City purchased its first motorized fire apparatus in 1917.
In 1926, the City started providing fire protection to the townships of Emmet, Shields, and Watertown. Still
today, we provide protection to parts of Emmet, Milford, Shields, and Watertown.
In 1930, the City hired the first full-time Fire Chief and three full-time firefighters. In 1940, the City
transitioned to a predominately full-time fire department with two 8-man shifts. In 1964, the fire department
moved into their current facilities, with 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, and 1 squad. Emergency Medical Services
was initiated by the fire department in 1975. By 1981, the fire department had 24 full-time members and 15
Auxiliary Paid-on-call members. 1993 was a historical moment, when the fire department initiated the first
paramedic service in the area.
The fire department experienced its largest fire, the “tire fire”, in July of 2005. This fire lasted several days
with over 100 different fire departments responding. It was, and still is, one of the largest fire responses in
the state of Wisconsin. During this fire, the City also had a devastating fire that occurred at St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church, sparked by a lightning strike. Damage to the church was estimated at 1.5 million dollars.
On December 20, 2012, the fire department had its busiest day ever, with over 50 alarms received in a 24
hour period. This was due to a winter storm that dumped over 15” of snow on the area. Prior to the snow,
we had freezing rain. At the height of the storm, the entire fire department had been recalled, and every
piece of firefighting apparatus was on the street answering alarms.
Today, the fire department consists of 22 full-time members and 10 Auxiliary Paid-on-call members.
Organizational Chart
Department Awards & Commendations
Life Saving medals are given to any member who is involved in the successful resuscitation of a patient, who
was without pulses and respirations, was resuscitated in the field, and makes a full and complete recovery.
In 2012 there were three such calls in which a patient was resuscitated and awards were given.
In May 2012 Firefighter/ Paramedics Brad Fox and Bill Adams were awarded the Life Saving Medal for
successful resuscitation of a 28 year female.
In July 2012 Firefighter/Paramedics Brad Fox, Bill Adams,
Todd Christian, Chad Butler and Firefighter Brad Hering
successfully resuscitated a 77 year male.
In December 2012 Firefighter/Paramedics Ralph Wandersee,
Scott Umland, Brad Fox and Firefighters Ken Riggs, Brad Hering,
and Jay Blasé successfully resuscitated a 61 year female.
Photo by Samantha Christian
of the Watertown Daily Times
Recap of 2012 Goals
1. Implementation of new job performance requirements for training. Over 20 specific job performance
requirements were integrated into our training, as an annual requirement.
2. Replacement of two staff vehicles. Two staff vehicles, one 15 years old and the other 16 years old were
replaced. Both vehicles had mechanical and rust issues.
3. Complete promotional testing for assistant chief and lieutenants. Test was completed with one
lieutenant being promoted to assistant chief and one firefighter promoted to lieutenant.
4. Develop and implement a program to reduce on the job injuries, lessening workers compensation pay
outs and premiums. We contacted our insurance carrier, who provided training specific to us on areas
where large lost dollar and time occurred. We have changed procedures and introduced new equipment to
lessen injuries. Our safety committee is working to implement further to manage employee safety and
health.
5. Develop a hands-on training facility on the airport property. In September we received permission from
the State Aviation Authority and the FAA to proceed with the project. The land has been filled in and
leveled. Crushed gravel has been set and awaiting spring to proceed with paving.
6. Design and develop a new Emergency Operations Center utilizing the Police Department training
room. This project was completed along with some upgrades to equipment. It was utilized for a Water
Department tabletop exercise.
7. A grant request was submitted but denied by FEMA. Their focus is the rehiring of laid off firefighters.
8. The Fire Department has smoke detectors available for free to low-income and the elderly. The Fire
Department will also install the detectors free of charge.
9. The department has three residential Knox Boxes, which can be loaned out for up to three months. The
Knox Box allows the fire department and EMS the ability to gain entrance into a residence without any
damage. It is designed for someone who is alone and recently released from the hospital, or someone in
transition to assisted living or a nursing home.
10. The Fire Department has carbon monoxide detectors which may be left at buildings. They provide a
direct read as of any CO present and saves it on its memory. They will be left when a residential detector
activates, but nothing is found by the fire department. Most residential units do not have a direct read or
memory function.
11. The Fire Department has developed a strategic plan which was presented to the Mayor and City
Council. The plan is also available on the Fire Department website at www.watertownfiredept.com.
Fire Suppression / Rescue
The fire department consists of well-trained men and women, and their equipment, that will respond to your
call for service. Our service area is approximately 101 square miles with one station. The city is 12.51
square miles with the remainder rural townships.
The firefighters work a modified 24/48 hour shift. There are a minimum of 5 firefighters on duty every day,
with a maximum of 7.
Our fleet consists of three Engines, one Ladder, one Squad, two Tenders, one Brush Truck, one Boat and
three advanced life support (ALS) Ambulances.
The Watertown Fire Department is a member of the Division 118 Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).
Division 118 consists of 12 fire departments in Jefferson County. On a regular basis, communities face
emergencies which overtax their own fire and emergency medical service capabilities, as well as their
specialty response team capabilities. Being a MABAS member affords invaluable benefits to a stricken
community by providing manpower and equipment assistance when needed.
MABAS is a mutual aid organization that has been in existence since the late 1960’s. Heavily rooted through
out Northern Illinois. MABAS first came to Wisconsin in 1987. MABAS Divisions geographically span the
states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Oregon and the other states i.e. Minnesota, Iowa,
and Ohio are considering joining. There are 45 established Wisconsin Divisions who share MABAS with the
67 Divisions established in Illinois.
Emergency Medical Services
The Watertown Fire Department is celebrating 20 years as a paramedic service. The paramedic program was
one of the first in the State of Wisconsin and was a pilot program that was developed by MATC, the
University of Madison, Watertown Hospital and Watertown Fire Department. Watertown Fire department had
the first paramedics in the Dodge and Jefferson County area.
Nine firefighters were sent to this pilot program to complete the program. The $40,000 cost of the training and
purchase of equipment was shared by the City of Watertown and the area townships. In addition $23,000 was
budgeted for overtime costs related to the training.
Two of the nine original paramedics are still paramedics with the City of Watertown; they are Assistant Chief
Ralph Wandersee, and Firefighter Scott Umland. When the paramedic program started the paramedics were
able to give approximately 20 medications in the field. The current paramedic protocols allows for over 43
medications to be given.
The highest level of pre-hospital care is the paramedic. In order to be a paramedic, the individual needs to be
licensed as an EMT-Basic first and complete an entrance exam. Once accepted the individual begins a
rigorous class schedule that has at least 1200 hours of training. The paramedic is trained in prehospital care
and is able to provide as much care to the patient as they would in the first 20 minutes in the hospital
emergency department. The paramedics are trained in many skills like inserting a breathing tube in a patient,
placing a monitor on a patient and being able to interpret if a patient is having a heart attack, and being able to
do some surgical procedures in the field.
Fire & EMS Training
Becoming an accomplished firefighter takes a tremendous amount of training. Training properly is what
keeps our staff alive—literally. For this reason, the training is very serious about the type and level of training
provided. All full time firefighters spend a minimum of 20 hours per month in training. Many times it is
much more than that. Topics of training include:
Fire Suppression
Hazardous Material
Hose Evaluations
Auto Extrication
Water / Ice Rescue
Apparatus Operations
Emergency Medical
Confined Space Rescue
….and much more
It is the mission of the Watertown Fire Department Training Division to provide the highest quality training,
inspection and evaluations to our members. This is intended to prepare our department to serve our
community in the most efficient and effective means possible, and to ensure personal safety as we deliver this
service.
EMS Training
Training is a critical function for any EMS service. As our work becomes more complex and diversified, the
knowledge required, professional standards, and government regulations lead to increases in overall training
needs for the Department. Documentation and records management are essential elements of that process.
Maintenance of existing key programs is vital. Currently the State of Wisconsin requires that 48 hours of EMS
training be performed by each Paramedic and 30 hours for each EMT-Basic every two years. The current
training schedule is 4 hours a month in EMS training or 96 hours in a two year period.
The training is set up by the Director of EMS based on the required hours by the State of Wisconsin and in
conjunction with the Medical Director. The crews then are given monthly training schedules in with the
subject and training information provided. A member from the crew is given time to prepare for the training.
The training provided by the crew members is a review of known subjects. Whenever there is training on new
medications or procedures, this training is presented by the medical director. Training that provides new information based on technology and studies is presented by an outside subject expert.
Every two years members have to renew their CPR certificate in order to maintain their EMT-Basic or
Paramedic license. The paramedics also need to renew their Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
certification every two years as well.
Items identified in the requiring training program development or refresher training include:
Medical Assessment
Airway
Venous Access
12 Lead Interpretation
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Trauma Assessment
Pharmacology
Cardiology
Obstetrics
EMS Operations
Public Education
The primary goal of the department is to prevent fires and injuries before they occur. Our many programs
are designed to educate children and adults alike in methods to prevent accidental fires and personal injuries.
Additionally, the public education program strives to educate citizens in methods to deal with actual
emergencies before the arrival of profession help.
This last year, our Fire Prevention Open House was one of the most successful ever. Even with the constant
rain, we had over 600 residents turn out for the event. We look to build upon the event to make it even bigger
in 2013 with more interactive activities for children and adults.
The following is a list of some of the programs we offer:

Grade School Fire Safety - This is an elementary level education
program focusing on fire safety and burn prevention.

Fire Station Tours - Our fire station is part of the community and
throughout the year clubs, local schools and citizens stop by the station
for a tour.

Lights N Sirens - We have partnered with public and private organizations to host a special day
showcasing the services available to the public as well as demonstrations throughout the day.

Fire Extinguisher Training - This program is offered to any business and their employees. The program
is designed to provide citizens with a better understanding of the proper use of extinguishers and hands-on
training to properly extinguish a fire in its earliest stages.

Evacuation Drills - Emergency evacuation drills for fire and/or severe weather shelter in place drills are
conducted for local businesses, schools and places of assembly.

Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest - A poster contest held for all the grade schools. The winners of
each age group receive a ride to school in a fire truck.

Fire Prevention Open House - A day showcasing fire department equipment with live fire
demonstrations and the fire safety house.

Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention - Provide specialized counseling for youths who have played with or
set fires.
Emergency Management
During this past year we assisted Jefferson County Emergency Management in the development of a new
county wide mitigation plan. It is a look into past incidents, potential incidents and what, if any mitigation
plans are in place. The federal government requires such a plan be in place and be reviewed every five years.
Without a current plan, federal funding is jeopardized.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was moved to the police training room. This room is large
enough to handle the EOC staff, as well as, the necessary support staff for a fully functional EOC. The new
EOC was used for a tabletop exercise focusing on a water department event.
Tornado Sirens
One of the most furious and devastating quirks of nature is a tornado. Tornadoes are created by
thunderstorms that develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward moving cold fronts. These
thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. A violent tornado can generate winds
with speeds greater than 205 mph and their duration can exceed 1 hour. In Wisconsin, peak occurrence is
April through June. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3:00 and 9:00 pm, but have been known to
occur at all hours of the day or night.
The City of Watertown has taken measures to help protect it citizens by installing an Outdoor Warning Siren
System to provide early warning of impending severe weather conditions. The system is comprised of nine
sirens located strategically throughout the city. A steady tone indicates a weather alert. The weather alert
will be activated if a funnel cloud has been sighted, or confirmed by local law enforcement official or a
trained weather spotter and is headed in our direction.
During 2012, all the tornado siren radio receivers were upgraded to be narrow band compliant, in order to
meet the mandated January 2013 FCC change. Tornado siren testing was switched to the first Wednesday of
the month and is being set off by Jefferson County Dispatch. The siren at 7th and Main has been replaced
after a several year absence.
Photo by Samantha Christian
of the Watertown Daily Times
Incident Statistics
Total Calls by Year
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Calls by Zone
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Town of Emmet
Town of Milford
Town of Shields
Town of Watertown
Village of Reeseville
Village of Lowell
Total Calls by Month
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Incident Statistics
Total Calls by Day
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Calls by Time of Day
2101-0000
1801-2100
1501-1800
1201-1500
0901-1200
0601-0900
0301-0600
0001-0300
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Training Hours
800.00
700.00
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
200.00
100.00
0.00
Full Time
Paid on Call
Significant Events
March 3, 2012
304 N. Water Street
House Fire
Cause: Child playing with matches
March 12, 2012
1068 Bayberry Drive
House Fire
Cause: Accidental
April 13, 2012
605 S 2nd Street
Multifamily Dwelling Fire
Cause: Discarded cigarette
July 1, 2012
1741 River Drive
Plane Crash with Fire
July 1, 2012
Mutual Aid to Oconomowoc
Business Fire
July 23, 2012
321 Summit Avenue
Business / Residential Fire
Cause: Undetermined
September 19, 2012
W7152 Switzke Road, Johnson Creek
Mutual Aid Field Fire (50 Acres)
October 22, 2012
W7496 Mankse Road, Lake Mills
Mutual Aide House Fire
November 10, 2012
7576 Hope Lake Road, Lake Mills
Mutual Aid Grass Fire (200 Acres)
December 3, 2012
1153 Boughton Street
Multifamily Dwelling Fire
Cause: Electrical
December 8, 2012
N111 Walton Road
Barn Fire
Cause: Undetermined
December 20, 2012
Snow Storm
50 Emergency Calls
Largest one day total of alarms ever
Goals & Objectives for 2013
1. Completion of training site.
2. Rope rescue training.
3. Confined space rescue training.
4. Train two members in fire investigations.
5. Work with Plan Commission to incorporate the Fire Department Strategic Plan.
6. Balancing of fire department boundaries with the Townships.
7. Implementation of automatic aid with neighboring departments.
Personnel Changes
New Hire
Retirements
FF/Paramedic Todd Christian
FF/Paramedic Matt Pieper
Promotions
Assistant Chief Chad Butzine
Lieutenant Ken Riggs
Changes in Paid-on-Call
New POC Wes Jahnke
Former POC Justin Martin
Former POC Brian Hoida
Former POC Stephen Phillips
Acknowledgement
This report would not have been possible without the diligent effort of the department’s members who, on a
daily basis respond and mitigate emergencies, record incidents and dispatch information and educate the
citizens of Watertown.
We extend our sincere gratitude for their continued support.
For more information visit us at www.watertownfiredept.com
or