2012 Annual Report - City of Port Neches

Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
OVERVIEW
The Port Neches Fire Department is pleased to present the following Annual Report, which
includes actions taken by the City Council for improving the Fire Department and
Emergency Management, Fire Suppression and Emergency Operations activities, Fire
Prevention activities, Volunteer activities, Training, Communications, and finally statistics
for 2012. Particular attention should be paid to Fire Suppression and Communications.
This year the Fire Department took historic steps toward improvements and commitments
in those two vital areas of service, which will provide a better and more equitable fire
service delivery for the life of the City and strengthen the Public Protection Code rating for
the City of Port Neches.
The Fire Department is a 12 man paid department with one secretary which also maintains
a 15 to 20 man 501 (c) 3 Volunteer Fire Department. The Fire Department has an ISO
Public Protection Code rating of 4. The department mans two Engines with 3 paid
firefighters 24/7/365. The department has one front line engine, one 105 foot
ladder/basket/Quint, and one reserve used for Volunteer training. The department
responds to structure fires with Automatic Assistance Coverage agreements with the two
(2) contiguous cities of Groves and Nederland, Texas. This means there are a minimum of
3 paid firefighters from Port Neches and two each paid firefighters from Groves and
Nederland for a minimum of 7 paid firefighters and one chief responding plus a strong
contingent of volunteers depending on the time of day. Part of the off duty paid firefighters
and part of the volunteers report to the Station to man the remaining engines for coverage
of the city during the emergency. The paid department is regulated by Texas Local
Government Code 143 (Civil Service).
COUNCIL ACTIONS TO IMPROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT
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02-02-2012 - Council read a proclamation in recognition of “2-1-1 Day”
02-16-2012 – Council approved a last minute application for Port Security Grant
2007 funds to purchase radio upgrades to P/25 compliance for the Cities of Port
Neches, Nederland, and Groves. Port Neches took the lead on the application and
the match was divided between the three cities. The total grant value was $331,
382.00 and the match was $82,845.50.
05-03-2012 – Council approved for the submission of an application for the 2012
Port Security Grant funding for the construction of a fire station/EOC. The fire
station is to be located near the intersection of Merriman and Magnolia.
05-17-2012 – Council approved Ordinance No. 2012-04 amending Chapter 58,
Health and Sanitation to address abatement of nuisances (to the health, life or safety
of any person) without notice adding enforcement coming from the Office of the
Fire Marshal.
06-07-2012 – Council approved an equipment lease with Huntsman Petrochemical,
LLC. for the old Fire Department Boat.
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
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09-06-2012 – Council approved reappointment of Mr. Bill Carlson to the Port
Neches Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission.
10-18-2012 – Council approved making applications for State Homeland Security
Program ($12,479.22) and State Homeland Security Program–Law Enforcement
Terrorism Prevention Activity ($1,939.64) grant funds 2012 for radio equipment for
the Police and Fire Departments. No match required.
12-06-2012 – Council approved acceptance of the Port Security Grant 2012 funding
for the Fire Station/EOC to be relocated near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue
and Merriman Street.
COUNCIL ACTIONS TO IMPROVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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04-19-2012 - Council approved Resolution No. 2012-02, approving the Jefferson
County Mitigation Action Plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) requires that a Mitigation Action Plan be developed and approved in each
County and approved by each City as a prerequisite for the receipt of disaster relief
funding.
05-03-2012 – Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with Regional Stakeholders
of the Regional Radio System to now include the City of Orange as a Stakeholder.
This agreement completes authorization of the merger of the three South East Texas
Counties of Jefferson, Hardin, and Orange on the “South East Texas 800MHz
Regional Radio System”.
05-17-2012 – Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with the Cities of
Nederland and Groves regarding the Port Security Grant 2007 for upgrades to
800MHz radios. The agreement spelled out the matching funds each city would pay
for the grant as follows: Port Neches - $25,503, Nederland - $32,912, Groves $24,416.
05-17-2012 – Council approved purchase of the Port Security Grant 2007 from
Motorola for $321,326.
06-07-2012 - Council approved contract extension with DRC Emergency Services,
LLC for debris removal services.
06-07-2012 - Council approved contract with Phillips and Jordon Environmental
Services, Inc. for debris removal services.
06-07-2012 - Council approved contract extension with Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc.
for debris monitoring services.
06-07-2012 - Council approved contract extension with Garner Environmental
Services, Inc., LLC for emergency response services.
06-07-2012 – Council approved the purchase of the Audio/Visual equipment for the
new City Hall/EOC using Port Security Grant 2008 funds.
07-12-2012 – Council approved purchase of network cabling and related
components for the New City Hall/EOC from Discovery Computers, Inc. for
$16,571.
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
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08-16-2012 – Council approved purchase of dispatch/radio equipment from
Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the City Hall/EOC at a cost of $327,438 paid with
PSG08 Grant funds.
08-16-2012 – Council approved purchase of a new phone system for the New City
Hall/EOC at a cost of $56,482.67 paid with PGG08 Grant funds; and purchased a
new phone system for the Police, Fire, Water Treatment Plant, Waste Water
Treatment Plant, Service Center, and Garage at an additional cost of $37,682.89
from Discovery Information Technologies.
09-06-2012 – Council approved changing telephone service from AT&T to Time
Warner Cable (5 year agreement).
09-06-2012 – Council approved purchase of dispatch furniture for the New City
Hall/EOC paid for with PSG08 Grant funds from Watson Furniture Group.
10-04-2012 – Council approved purchase of a UPS Battery Backup Unit for the New
city Hall/EOC from Motorola at a cost of $21,007.80 paid for with PSG08 Grant
funds.
10-18-2012 – Council approved the resolution to adopt the South East Texas
Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) Mitigation Action Plan. FEMA requires
that a MAP be developed and approved in the Region as a prerequisite for the
receipt of disaster relief funding and/or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.
This completed the approval of two MAP’s – one from Jefferson County and one
from the SETRPC.
11-01-2012 – Council approved the purchase of a 24 Channel Mixed Alliance
Recording System for the new City Hall/EOC from Creative Switching Designs for
$19,549 through the HGAC purchasing cooperative.
11-01-2012 - Council approved the renewal of an Interlocal Agreement with the
South East Texas Regional Planning Commission for the use of Blackboard Connect
and the Intrado extractions.
The Emergency Management Coordinator updated NIMSCAST for the City which
now includes the new IS-701a., IS-702a., IS-703a., and IS-704 NIMS courses.
NIMS’ training is required to be eligible for Homeland Security Grant funds.
12-21-12 – City Staff moved into the New City Hall/EOC.
FIRE SUPPRESSION
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Certifications held by career members of the Fire Department: Texas Commission
on Fire Protection Master Structural FF – 3; TCFP Advanced Structural FF – 4;
TCFP Intermediate Structural FF – 1; TCFP Basic Structural FF – 4; TCFP Fire
Service Instructor – 7 (3 with field examiner status); TCFP Fire Inspector – 2;
TCFP Fire/Arson Investigator – 5; TCFP/OSHA Hazardous Materials Technician –
6; OSHA Hazardous Materials Technician – 3; TCFP Wildland FF – 1; Cooper
Institute Fire Service Health/Fitness Specialist – 1; “Courage to Be Safe” Trainer –
1; American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor – 1; Texas
Department of State Health Services EMT-P – 1; TDSHS EMT – 5; TDSHS ECA –
3. Structural FF and Fire/Arson Investigator certification upgrades were achieved
due to experience and additional training.
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
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The Fire Department participated in National Night Out with the Police
Department. All front-line apparatus were showcased at Riverfront Park, and fire
prevention materials were provided to the public.
The Fire Department finished closing the Sprint Nextel Rebanding Project July
2012.
The Fire Department continues work on completing all radio licensing as a result of
the $7.1 Port Security 2006 Grant and the Sprint Nextel 2007 rebanding project.
Performed fire hydrant maintenance and testing.
Fire hydrant testing is an
ongoing project that is actively pursued each year. There will be more testing and
painting this year.
Pressure tested 4,500 feet of 5” hose, 5,000 feet of 3” hose, and 4,000 feet of 1 ¾”
hose.
Conducted annual testing on all pumpers, ladders, air supply, and air packs.
Personnel participated in station coverage/funeral standby and honor guard duties
during three public safety funerals.
The Fire Department promoted Firefighter Doug Bledsoe to Fire Captain, filling the
vacancy left by the retirement of Captain Larry Singleton in 2011.
The Fire Department hired Jonathon Dunbar Firefighter/Paramedic on April 23,
2012 the Firefighter position who replaced the vacancy left by Firefighter Danny L.
Kasseroler upon his retirement. Jonathon later tendered voluntary resignation
effective August 4, 2012.
The Fire Department hired Richard Landry, Jr. Firefighter/EMT on August 6, 2012
in the vacancy left by Firefighter Jonathon Dunbar upon his voluntary resignation.
Fire Department personnel completed painting the Apparatus Bay at Fire Station.
Fire Department personnel received the new Industrial 2,000 GPM Pierce Pumper
(E5) to meet the 2009 Port Security Grant requirements. It is also designed to
duplicate, as much as possible, the Ladder truck layout.
FIRE STATION/EOC – PORT SECURITY GRANT 2012: On April 11, 2012 the
Fire Chief/EMC submitted a report with a recommendation (See Attachment #1) to
the City Manager to make application for a Fire Station/EOC with the Port Security
Grant Program 2012 and to relocate the proposed station in the vicinity of Magnolia
Avenue and Merriman Street. The City Manager in turn submitted a memo (See
Attachment #1) on top of the Fire Chief/EMC’s memo to the Mayor and City
Council regarding the Fire Station Grant and Issuance of Debt on April 13, 2012.
The memo indicated to the Council that it would be on the May 3, 2012 Council
Agenda. On May 3, 2012 (See Attachment #1) the City Council authorized the Fire
Chief/EMC to make application understanding that the Council was not obligated
to accept the grant if it was awarded. Following the approval by the City Council,
presentations were made by the fire department to local clubs, organizations, and
individuals regarding the relocation proposal.
On June 29, 2012 the Fire Chief/EMC was notified by the U. S. Coast Guard – MSU
Port Arthur that the 2012 Port Security Grants were awarded and that the Fire
Station/EOC was on the list. There is a budget review that is done by FEMA and
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
legal review done by FEMA before it is officially determined that the grant is
authorized by Federal Statute.
The Fire Chief/EMC was asked to contact the Port Neches-Groves Independent
School District (PN-GISD) to see if the school district was willing to trade the old
City Hall property for the new proposed fire station site located on PN-GISD
property.
The Chief contacted the school Superintendent and scheduled a
presentation to the School Board regarding the request.
On September 6, 2012 the Fire Chief/EMC gave a PowerPoint presentation to the
Port Neches City Council on the status of the Fire Station/EOC grant and the
discussions with the PN-GISD regarding the property acquisition. The Chief
indicated that a PowerPoint presentation would be given to School Board on
September 11, 2012. The City Council had asked for more time to consider the
grant once they found out that the deadline would be on December 10, 2012 to
accept the grant. DHS would have withdrawn the funds from the City if there was
no reply prior to that date.
On September 11, 2012 (See Attachment #2) the first of two PowerPoint
presentations was given to the PN-GISD School Board and after the presentation,
the Board went into executive session to discuss the request. After the Board
returned, a motion was made to table the request until the District receives an
appraisal on the property.
In October the Superintendent had verbally indicated that the board was willing to
sell the property, but not interested in trading for city property. A meeting between
the Fire Chief/EMC, City Manager, Superintendent, and the Board President was
held at the PN-GISD Administration Building where there was additional important
information provided in the meeting that needed to be brought to the attention of
the school board, so another presentation was scheduled for the November 12, 2012
School Board Meeting.
On November 12, 2012 at the November PN-GISD School Board meeting (See
Attachment #3) the Jefferson County Judge made comments regarding the
importance of accepting grant allocations to the region and the jeopardy created by
possibly not accepting any grant funds. The Fire Chief/EMC and City Manager
presented the additional information to the Board for them to consider regarding
trading properties, the effects on Industry, and the appraisal on the old City Hall
property ($190,000). After the presentation there were questions and comments for
the Fire Chief/EMC and the City Manager before the Board went into Executive
Session to consider the request. The Board later reconvened and made the motion
to accept the trade as requested, based on the approval of the PSG12 grant by the
Port Neches City Council. The School Board unanimously approved the request.
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
On November 19, 2012 the Port Neches City Council postponed action on accepting
the Port Security Grant due to elections of new Council Members and to allow time
to answer additional questions regarding the project. The November Agenda had
listed out numerous points for the Council to consider prior to making their
decision. The City Manager and the Fire Chief/EMC went back and forth
providing information for Council members so that Council members would be
fully informed of the Costs and Benefits to accepting the Port Security Grant and on
the relocation of the fire station.
On December 6, 2012 at the Port Neches City Council meeting (See Attachment #4)
the decision was made to accept the Port Security Grant 2012 for the Fire
Station/EOC with 3 votes for and 2 votes against. The Port Security Grant 2012 was
approved.
Now, it is time for the long slog of submitting the Environmental and Health Plan
for approval and getting the FEMA Funding released (approximately 6 months);
Hiring Architects after the funding is released, completing the design, and hiring a
contractor (approximately 6 months); and complete construction in approximately
9-12 months. Best estimate for completion of the project is December of 2014.
Attachment #1
May 3, 2012
Agenda Item 11. Discuss and take action regarding the approval of the
submission of an application for 2012 Port Security Grant funding for the
construction of a fire station.
BACKGROUND
As previously indicated, Chief Curran has requested authorization to submit an
application for funding to the 2012 Port Security Grant program. The grant request totals
$2,533,706 which includes the City's match requirement of $633,427. As the total
anticipated cost of the fire station is in the $3,000,000 range, additional City funds would
be necessary. As such, the total City expenditure would equate to approximately
$1,000,000.
In order to fund this cost, it would be necessary to issue debt. In considering this
application request, it is important that the City Council remain cognizant of other debt
related projects that have previously been discussed and/or contemplated. Of
significance, please note that the City will likely be compelled to construct a stormwater
retention pond at an estimated cost of $4,500,000. The City Council previously
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authorized a proposed time line, as approved at the October 20, 2011 meeting, for this
project with a completion date of late 2018/early 2019. Beyond this anticipated
expenditure, other projects involve repair/replacement/upgrade of other City
infrastructure. Ultimately, the City Council will assess the variety of needs and establish
a priority for projects recognizing that the City's debt capacity is not unlimited. That said,
the City does have some amount of latitude due to the scheduled retirement of existing
debt in subsequent years. However, the difficulty in making a determination of priorities
at this time is that the City has not yet received a response from the Environmental
Protection Agency regarding the schedule for stormwater retention pond.
Please note that the grant application can be withdrawn by the City at any point after
submission should financial or other considerations warrant such action.
For your reference, I have attached previous information provided to the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, recognizing that the application can be
withdrawn, approve the submission of an application to the 2012 Port Security Grant
Program.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Mayor and Members of the City Council
Andre Wimer, City Manager
April 13, 2012
Fire Station Grant/Issuance of Debt
I have attached a memorandum from Chief Curran regarding the submission of a Port Security Grant
(PSG) application for funds associated with the construction of a new fire station. As indicated, Chief
Curran is recommending that the City construct a new fire station, at an approximate cost of $3,000,000,
near the intersection of Merriman and Magnolia, while discontinuing use of the existing facility. This
request is based upon overall improved response times throughout the City. The amount of the PSG
would be $2,533,706 with the City's match requirement equating to $633,427 of this amount. Additional
City funding would be necessary for items not authorized for grant funding resulting in a total City
expenditure in the $1,000,000 range. It is anticipated that this project would be initiated in mid 2013 in the
event that PSG funding is awarded to the City. However, due to fiscal constraints in the PSG program,
the opportunity to access these funds appears to be fairly limited. That said, Chief Curran has been
successful in the past in obtaining grant funding. The PSG application must be submitted by May 4, 2012
and, as such, City Council consideration of this matter will be included on the May 3,2012 agenda.
In considering this request, please note that the issuance of debt will be necessary to fund the City's
portion of the project cost. As such, it is important that the City Council remain cognizant of other projects
and anticipated needs that will require debt related funding within the next decade. Some of these
projects are mandated, some are necessary to simply maintain the City's infrastructure, and some are
"wish list" items. Please note the following:
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WWTP Stormwater Retention Pond (EPA mandated)
Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements (SSOI mandated)
WWTP Improvements
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$4,500,000
5,500,000
1,500,000
Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
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Water Distribution System Improvements
Streets (overlay)
Streets (concrete repairs)
Port Neches Avenue (sidewalks, crosswalks, and other aesthetics)
Public Works Service Center (surface improvements)
Parks (playground additions)
Total:
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
1,200,000
500,000
150,000
$19,350,000
Obviously, there are a variety of upcoming projects and needs that will ultimately require consideration
and prioritization by the City Council.
In terms of the current debt service requirements, the City is in a fairly favorable situation. The City's
funding requirements, which are a product of previously issued debt, reflects a decline over time; in
fact, the cost for debt service decreases by approximately $700,000 between FY 2015-16 and FY
2016-17. As such, the City has a substantial amount of flexibility in structuring future debt issues. For
your information, please note the following debt service costs.
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FY 2011-12
FY 2012-13
FY 2013-14
FY 2014-15
FY 2015-16
FY 2016-17
FY 2017-18
FY 2018-19
FY 2019-20
FY 2020-21
$2,375,500
2,200,275
2,167,275
2,137,875
2,116,875
1,426,438
1,431,151
1,427,813
1,430,563
1,436,850
Ultimately, the City Council must consider the relative importance of a new fire station in conjunction
with other projects/needs that have previously been identified by City staff. As indicated, the City
does have a certain amount of latitude with respect to the issuance of future debt and it will simply
be a matter of prioritization.
Submission of the PS6 application will be included on the May 3,2012 agenda.
Please advise me of any questions or comments that you may have regarding this matter.
City of Port Neches
Office of Emergency Management
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
RE:
DATE:
ANDRE’ WIMER, CITY MANAGER
STEPHEN L. CURRAN, FIRE CHIEF/EMC
FIRE STATION RELOCATION/PSG 2012
APRIL 11, 2012
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COMMENT
RECOMMENDATION
The Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator is recommending that City Council
consider a relocation of the current Fire Station to a more central location within the City to
provide for a more equitable fire service delivery to all city residents. The Fire Department
believes this improvement needs to be placed on the City's capital improvement plan to adjust for
the growth the City has realized over the past four decades. The Fire Chief is also asking the City
Council to authorize submission of a grant application through the 75/25 Port Security Grant
2012 (PSG12) program for a fire station with the grant amount totaling approximately
$2,533,706. The 75% Federal amount will be $1,900,279.50 and the 25% grant match equals
$633,426.50. Additional City funds will be needed above the grant funded/match amounts
(similar to the City Hall/EOC) to construct the fire station at a total cost of approximately
$3,000,000. Due to Federal budget cuts, Port Security Grant funds are much less this year, and
the likelihood of receiving the grant is very slim, however the Fire Department would like the
Council to consider approving the relocation plan using capital improvement funds and authorize
making application for the PSG12.
BACKGROUND
Historically, the current fire station was built in 1972 in a central location according to the
developed parts of the City at that time. During the past 4 decades, the development of the City
has been to the west resulting in the City's fire service delivery being located more to the east
end of the developed parts of the City. The Fire Department proposed relocating the Fire Station
in the 2005 Strategic Plan using NFPA Standards and the Insurance Services Office (ISO), Fire
Suppression Rating Schedule as a guide to determine location of the fire station to improve the
city's Public Protection Code (PPC) (currently 4). The PPC uses a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being
the best and 10 being the worst. The PPC number is a factor used for calculating Fire Insurance
premiums. The biggest affect of the PPC is on Commercial Fire Insurance policies; however, it
can affect residential policies. In addition, the fire department is currently updating a 2012
Strategic Plan which will recommend relocating the fire station for a more equitable fire service
delivery for Port Neches residents. A listing of deficiencies and improvements are given below
for your perusal. Before reading the deficiencies please NOTE: a structure can be fully involved
by fire within just "5" minutes. Bearing that in mind, the deficiencies are listed on the current fire
station location and then improvements by the proposed fire station relocation are shown below:
DEFICIENCIES:
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The current fire station location (1209 Merriman) is off centered within the city traveling
in the East-West direction by one full mile. It leaves an excessive time/distance to travel
for approximately 35% of the residentially developed property on the western end of the
city (see attachment #1)
A fire station location for a Standard Response District (SRD) according to ISO Standard
510.A.2 is 11A miles from the fire station (see attachment #1).
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The current fire station location excludes approximately 35% of residents in the
residentially developed area of city.
ISO also recommends when developed property that is outside of the SRD of 1 ½ miles
and is more than 50% developed, that a second station or a station realignment should be
considered (ISO Standard 510.B 4. d.). The cost of building & manning a second station
is cost prohibitive for the City. Relocating is the more viable solution. ISO grades the
Public Protection Code according to what the city chooses to do. The residentially
developed property currently outside of the 1 1/2 miles within the Port Neches city limits
is now more than 50% developed.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1710 recommends a response
time of 4 minutes to structure fires. Response times exceed 4 minute initial response to
more than 35% of Port Neches residents.
The current location adds over 2 minutes to responses for approximately 50% of the
developed city due to the extra mile traveled down Merriman and even more going
through 2 school zones when schools are in session.
The current location adds over 2 minutes to responses for Automatic Assistance
Coverage (AAC) to Nederland and Groves (ILA dated 1-24-05) due to the extra mile
traveled down Merriman and even more going through 2 school zones when schools are
in session.
Finally the current location adds over 2 minutes to Industry in the Extra Territorial
Jurisdiction (ETJ) due to the extra mile traveled down Merriman and even more going
through 2 school zones when schools are in session.
IMPROVEMENTS:
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The proposed new site centrally locates the fire station within residentially developed
areas of the city, providing equitable fire service delivery to better than 95% of all city
residents (see attachment #2). X marks the spot.
The proposed new fire station location will be on major street arteries (Merriman and
Magnolia) meeting another (ISO 510 A. 4. a.) grading standard.
The proposed location improves response times to approximately 65% of residents (see
attachment #3 & #4) showing the comparison of the SRD's.
There are modest response time increases to a small percentage of residents (see
attachment #3 & #4)
There are no new topography issues created by the move.
There are no new rail issues created by the move.
A training tower is recommended to be included with construction of any new fire station
allowing additional credit to be added in PPC calculations.
GRANT INCENTIVES
The fire station relocation is a continuation of the City's capital improvement plan for regional
response capabilities i.e. 800MHz Regional Radio System expansion PSG06, Industrial Ladder
Basket Pumper PSO07, City Hall/EOC, Industrial Pumper PSG09, the project provides for a
quicker response to National Critical Infrastructure listed with the Department of Homeland
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Security, etc. The relocation plan will also relocate the current radio tower to the new centrally
located fire station. The City would have to negotiate and acquire property to strategically place
the station in the center of the city near Merriman and Magnolia (see attachment 2). The PSG12
Grant application will be processed through the USCG MSU-PA. The application is then
submitted to the Department of Homeland Security for approval. This grant will not be processed
through the Fiduciary Agent process through Jefferson County. The City will have to process the
grant through FEMA directly.
CLOSING
To determine the PPC rating on the scale of 1 to 10, there is a survey conducted by ISO to
determine the capability with Communications (10%), Firefighting (50%), and Water
distribution (40%). First, with the improvements already provided by PSG06 to Central Dispatch
including policy changes and increased manning, there should be a significant improvement
under Communications. Second, with the 2 fire apparatus purchased through PSG07 and PSG09
and the Automatic Assistance Coverage (AAC) implemented through Interlocal Agreements
with the cities of Nederland and Groves, which improves manning, the City's firefighting
capability should improve. Additionally the relocation of the fire station which includes a
training tower can only add to the PPC calculation. Third, the City of Port Neches already has a
robust water distribution system that will withstand any improvements made in fire capabilities.
The City could request a survey from a professional advisor to assess the status of the City's PPC
capabilities and possibly move to a better rating of a 3 or even a 2. This has been the agenda of
the Fire Department since putting together the Strategic Plan in 2005. A lower PPC rating can be
another bragging right positive in the commercial development of the City. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 719-4258.
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Attachment #2
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Attachment #3
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Attachment #4
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PREVENTION (Submitted by Assistant Fire Chief Gearinger)
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Fire Marshal completed inspection at close of new construction at the PNGISD High
School and PN Middle School.
Fire Marshal reviewed the plans for the City of Port Neches new City Hall/EOC
project, completed sprinkler and fire alarm inspection upon completion.
Fire Marshal gave presentations to the Credit Unions and Civic Organizations
where approximately 300 adults were contacted.
Fire Prevention talks to elementary schools during Fire Prevention Week where
approximately 300 children were reached.
Addressed 110 high grass/junk complaints
Fire Marshal inspected all schools and restaurants within the City Limits.
Fire Marshal inspected all licensed day cares in the City limits.
All Fire Investigators and Arson Investigators completed continuing education
training required and assisted with fire origin and cause investigations.
Fire Marshal completed 48 hours continuing education for TECLOSE certification.
Fire Investigation personnel participated in PATC Arson Scene Search and
Evidence Recovery certification training, TEEX Forensic Photography certification
training, and PATC Fire Pattern Recognition (updated NFPA 921 2011 ed.)
certification training.
VOLUNTEERS
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The members of the Port Neches Volunteer Fire Department participated in
numerous public education, prevention, stand-by, and response duties, including:
o “National Night Out” (equipment tours, public education and fire
prevention).
o River Fest 2012 (communications support, medical/first aid coverage, fire
and fireworks stand-by support).
o Assisted career personnel in public fire and life safety education activities in
schools and during station tours.
o Provided manpower and marine expertise during search/recovery efforts on
the Neches River.
o Provided manpower to backfill station during multi-day response to
hazardous materials incident in support of Hamshire VFD.
The Volunteers responded to 174 incidents for a total of 264.31 man hours to
emergency responses in the city. The Volunteers spent 106.5 man hours of training
and spent 452.09 man hours on other miscellaneous issues for the City.
The Volunteers are in the process of working with the Training Officer/Volunteer
Coordinator to develop a strategic plan to further recruitment and retention of
qualified response personnel, and provide additional support personnel to meet the
changing needs of the Department.
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Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
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Texas State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association Certifications: Module 1 – 2
personnel; Module 2 (Basic) – 4 personnel; Module 3 (Intermediate) – 1 member;
Module 4 (Advanced) – 11 personnel.
The volunteers continued cross training by the 3 Mid County Cities on different
dates so that if Volunteers miss meetings in PN, they can attend the same classes at
either Nederland or Groves. This program is working to its expectations.
The Department has replaced Captain Singleton with Captain Doug Bledsoe as the
training coordinator.
TRAINING
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Assistant Fire Chief attended the East Texas Arson Conference in Longview, Texas.
Fire Chief attended the Texas Emergency Management Conference in San Antonio,
Texas.
All Fire Department employees have completed required Continuing Education
requirements for Fire, EMS, HazMat and LE disciplines.
The Department sent six personnel for bi-monthly training as members of the
Southeast Texas Regional Rescue Team, a DHS-funded Urban Search and Rescue
Asset.
Fire Department personnel attended state and regional training as follows:
o East Texas Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association/Texas Engineering
Extension Lumberton Area Conference (National Fire Academy “Incident
Safety Officer” course, and Fire Investigation Update)
o TFACA “Firefighter Survival”
o ETFFMA/TEEX Spring Area School
o TEEX Emergency Vehicle Driver Training
o Hosted USFA/National Fire Academy Regional Direct Delivery “Incident
Command Systems for Structural Collapse Operations” at Hebert Library
o SETRPC Communications Interoperability/Airport Exercise
o Scott SCBA Field Maintenance Technician certification
o 80-hour TCFP/OSHA Hazardous Materials Technician (2 personnel)
o 40-hour High Angle/Technical Rescue Technician (3 personnel)
o ETFFMA/TEEX Fall Area School
o NFPA/TCFP Instructor/Field Examiner certification (2 personnel)
o “The Nozzle Forward” (Advanced Engine Company Operations) with Seattle
Fire Department personnel (hosted by Lumberton FD)
NEXT YEAR INITITIVES
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The Fire Department did not finish the review of the 2004 Strategic Plan and will
continue working on the update for 2013.
The Fire Department plans to upgrade the International Fire Prevention Code this
coming year.
Page 24 of 27
Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
COMMUNICATIONS:
The Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for dispatching fire and police for the three
Mid County Cities called CENTRAL DISPATCH (Central) has taken a quantum leap in
improvements for Fire Department dispatching procedures for all three cities over the past
few years, but especially this year in 2012. In years past, Central would relay the fire calls
to the fire departments by telephone and then the Fire Department would have to tone out
to its own personnel and communicate with responding units from their own fire stations.
Another Historical Point: One January 24, 2005 the three Mid County Cities entered into an
Interlocal Agreement for Automatic Assistance Coverage in an effort to gain more man-power
responding to structure fires from the beginning of the incident. The three cities used to
respond with just 3 firefighters and whatever volunteers were available, especially during the
daytime hours, before asking for mutual aid assistance from the other two cities. Now the
assistance comes automatically. On December 31, 2008, an IT position was created to assist
all three cities as needed and specifically with the management of the CAD software for the
Police & Fire Departments and then, on March 28, 2012, an IT assistant was hired. Also in
2008 the Central Dispatch remodel and enlargement was completed with Port Security
Grant 2006 funds. This added 2 additional dispatch locations at Central for a total of 5
dispatch positions, installed all new dispatch hardware; and added Computer Aided
Dispatch software to their operation. One of the two additional dispatch positions was
added in the new Supervisor’s office. Starting in October of 2009, Central began notifying
the fire departments by “radio” to the fire stations in an effort to save time getting the
locations and type incident information out. Central dispatchers then moved on to other
calls leaving the individual stations to communicate with all the responders and other
entities during the duration of the incident. Beginning on July 18, 2012, Central not only
dispatched, they stayed with the responders throughout the entire incident while recording
times for the fire departments. In the future, this can free up one firefighter from manning
the radios and put him at the incident scene. Procedures had to be put into place. Starting
on September 1, 2012, the fire departments went to using one primary Talkgroup
(MCFIRE) for all three cities. This is the same procedure used by the three police
departments and was requested by the dispatchers to make it easier for them to keep up
with the three fire departments communications. The increased volume of calls had made
it difficult for dispatchers to keep up with using different Talkgroups (radios frequencies)
for each city. The additional change occurs when Central multi-selects on the radio
computer and tones out a fire (using tone 1) to all three stations for a “STRUCTURE
FIRE”, they automatically assign the incident to a TAC channel to work the structure fire
similar to what is done in Beaumont. For now it is, in chronological order, TAC 1 is on
NFD1, TAC 2 is on PNFD1, and TAC 3 is on GFD1. The TAC Channels will eventually be
renamed to Tac 1, Tac 2, & Tac 3. For all other emergencies (MVA, Med, etc.), Central
will use a second tone (tone 2) and tone out on MCFIRE & an individual Station Radio on
(NFD2, PNFD2, or GFD2) depending on which City the incident is in. Those Talkgroups
will later be renamed to NFDSTA, PNFDSTA, & GFDSTA. The Mid County Fire
Departments renumbered their Engines and Personnel and implemented a new system on
August 21, 2012 so that there won’t be duplication of numbers from each city which
confuses both the dispatchers and the firefighters who they are talking to. Engines are
Page 25 of 27
Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
numbered in the 10’s for Nederland, 20’s for Port Neches, & 30’s for Groves. EXAMPLE:
There are two Engine 5’s – one in Groves and one in Port Neches. In the past, the fire
departments had to preface which unit number by saying the City name. And when there
was heavy communication traffic, there were times that the city name got dropped and did
not get repeated confusing the dispatchers & firefighters. Now it is Engine 25 for Port
Neches and Engine 35 for Groves. NOTE: The Fire Departments are literally going back to a
procedure that was done many years ago. Personnel are now numbered in the 100’s for
Nederland, 200’s for Port Neches, & 300’s for Groves. Paid personnel are 100-149 and
volunteers are 150 -199 and so on. We are going to go to clear language soon which is
required according to the National Incident Management System as directed in
Presidential Directive #5 in 2005. The Fire Department gives a special thanks to Dee
McKinley, Dispatch Supervisor, for her hard work and exemplary service over the years
and, after her recent retirement, welcomes Barbara Hollier, her replacement, to her new
Dispatch Supervisor position. The firefighters from all three cities are pleased on how well
the changes are working. The firefighters really like the dispatchers working with them.
This has made a huge difference in day to day operations for the Fire Departments.
STATISTICS
TYPES OF ALARMS
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Single-Family Dwellings
100
104
80
52
128
Multi-Family Dwellings
13
13
1
4
1
EMS
792
912
855
866
757
Miscellaneous
213
251
335
200
174
Mobile Homes
2
2
3
0
1
School
14
17
15
24
26
Mutual Aid (* not in total #)
*9
*3
5
6
4
AAC Given (* not in total #)
*76
*67
*58
59
46
AAC Received (* not in total #)
*14
*35
*18
*13
1
Vehicles
51
40
52
23
2
Commercial
29
43
28
55
66
Church
4
2
2
2
4
Outbuilding
2
1
2
0
0
Hurricanes
0
0
0
0
289
TOTAL
1220
1385
1378
1291
1509
Page 26 of 27
Port Neches Fire Department Annual Report 2012
NOTE: 1) There is a significant reduction in EMS calls for this year that is mostly
attributable to repeat patients that are no longer located in the City. 2) Alarms in 2008
included Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Page 27 of 27