KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 1
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT • 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Table of Contents
Message from Fire Chief Tim Beckett ................................................................................................................................ 4
Operations Division ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Communications & Fire Prevention Division ....................................................................................................................... 7
Administration Division ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Organizational Chart .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Response Districts ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Statistical Information
Dispatch Response Statistics .................................................................................................................................. 12
Call Load Comparison 1981-2009 ............................................................................................................................ 13
Response Type Comparison .................................................................................................................................... 13
Fire Related Fatalities ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Operating Budget .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Kitchener Fire Department ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Fire Prevention .................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Public Education ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Public Education Sessions ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Public Education Events ................................................................................................................................................... 21
Home Fire Safety Program ................................................................................................................................................ 22
WRAPP-C
..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Fire Education Centre ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Significant Incidents .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Promotions, Retirements, Transfers .................................................................................................................................. 27
We are Kitchener Fire Department .................................................................................................................................... 28
THE KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
The Kitchener Fire Department, a team of highly
trained caring professionals, committed to increasing
safety and security, protecting and strengthening our
community through education, prevention, rescue, fire
suppression, and life support services
VISION STATEMENT
The Kitchener Fire Department will play a lead role in a
collaborative community Emergency and Safety system
that offers residents high tech and high quality
prevention and response services
Message from Fire Chief Tim Beckett
It is with pleasure that I present the 2009 Kitchener Fire Department annual report to members
of Council and the citizens of Kitchener. The past year saw many changes in staffing,
Hkj
operations
and the way we conduct business.
The Fire Suppression division saw a reduction of over 800 calls, primarily in our tiered
response medical calls. This was a result of restructuring how Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) dispatch calls. False alarms were also reduced by 300 calls, however property fires
remained constant from 2008. We saw zero fire deaths in the city while province wide fire
deaths are trending at approximately 100 per year.
Our Fire Communicators saw a reduction of over 1400 emergency dispatch calls across the 5
departments that we dispatch for, primarily a result of the EMS protocol restructuring.
njnj
Fire Prevention continues to see a rise in requests for their services, conducting 6,270 inspections/ re-inspections, a rise
from 5,341 in 2008. The public education unit took receipt of a new fire safety trailer (see page19) thanks to the
outstanding work and contribution from Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty. Over 38000 people attended one of our
over 450 presentations or special events.
In 2009 we saw seven long-term employees retire, and nine new recruits entered our department in various divisions.
The past year highlighted the beginning of our re-accreditation process from the Commission of Fire Accreditation
International with the preparation of a new five-year strategic and business plan and a revised standard of cover document
which outlines our response coverage for emergency calls in the city.
Council has been very supportive ensuring that the fire department has the appropriate budget and resources in order to
meet the needs of our growing community. I would like to thank them for this continued support and also thanks to the
dedicated men and women in all divisions that continue to serve the community with pride and commitment to public safety.
Sincerely,
Tim Beckett
Fire Chief
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 4
Operations Division
Steve Usher, Deputy Fire Chief
Suppression Division
The Kitchener Fire Department Suppression Division is comprised of 188 dedicated men and
women providing protection to the citizens of Kitchener 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Firefighters provide not only protection from fire but also respond to hazardous materials
incidents, confined space, rope rescue, ice/water rescue, trench/building collapse and
vehicle extrications. In order to provide this enhanced level of service, personnel are required
to complete over 270 hours of training throughout the year. In 2010, the Department
responded to 9602 calls for fire and rescue emergency responses.
The Home Fire Safety Program is a yearly initiative that provides the opportunity for our
responders to visit individual homes and educate residents in fire safety, remind residents to
operationally check smoke detectors on a regular basis and ensure home addresses are
visible from the street to ensure rapid response to calls for service. This program also
provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the importance of installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors and
answer any questions homeowners may have regarding safety around the home and the services provided by our
department. Suppression personnel conduct over 10,000 home fire safety visits each year.
The composition of the division is constantly evolving with retirements, promotions and new hires. In 2009 there were 6
retirements, 5 new hires and 7 promotions within Suppression. We thank those who served the city over many combined
years of service, welcome our new staff and congratulate those who worked hard and were promoted to higher levels of
responsibility.
Training Division
The Training Division acts primarily as a resource for Captains, who are responsible for delivering the majority of training to their
crews, so that all responders are capable of delivering the required services to the community. Training provides for safety
through education, prevention, life support and fire suppression through continually meeting competencies set out in the
training syllabus, needs of the community and other standard setting bodies.
Highlights include:
·
·
·
·
·
88 staff attended the Ontario Fire College from April 1/2009-March 31, 2010
Designations from the Ontario Fire College include:
4 KFD personnel received certificates for Water/Ice Rescue
4 KFD personnel received their Hazmat Operations and Technician Level
5 KFD personnel obtained their Company Officer Diploma
9 KFD personnel received their Trainer Facilitator certification from the OFM
delivered by our in-house Master Trainer Facilitator.
Crews continue maintaining their skill sets within all areas of their disciplines through
hundreds of hours of maintenance training which include, Ice & Water Rescue, Haz Mat,
Vehicle Extrication, High & Low Angle Rescue, All-Up Training and Confined Space.
International Academy for Professional Driving of fire apparatus training continued in
2009. Associate Instructors conducted shift training to provide theory and practical
instruction to KFD personnel on tactics and procedures for emergency response driving.
Drivers are then certified to the IAPD standard.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
*
PAGE 5
Operations Division
Steve Usher, Deputy Fire Chief
The Training Division has had great success with our “All-Up” program. All-Up training is
performed as if it were an actual incident, with crews having no warning of what is in store for
them. Crews are dispatched to the incident as if it were a real call and are presented with a
situation which must be dealt with in real time, using the skills and knowledge of the responders
that are learned, reviewed and practiced in a previous syllabus. Events are attended by a
member of the Training Division who maintains safety, but who is also there to assist with a
Post Incident Analysis, so that all members involved may identify areas of improvement or
suggest alternative solutions.
The Division is also responsible for examinations, practical testing and training of recruits.
The Department hired 5 new firefighters in 2009 and it was the Training Division’s job to
ensure these individuals were ready to respond to emergencies once placed on shift. Onshift personnel provided a great deal of hands on training, along with Training Officer Stephan
MacInnis and seconded Captain Blake Moggy. Training also completed 32 increment exams for firefighters moving to third,
second and first class firefighters.
I would like to thank Captains Pete Weber and Blake Moggy for their dedication while seconded into the Developmental
Training Officer position in 2009. It is the intention of the department with the Developmental Training Captain to provide an
opportunity for personnel to move into the training division for a period of time to further develop personal skills and knowledge
while providing a vital need to the department in meeting its mission. This position continues to evolve and grow to bring fresh
ideas, practices and knowledge to the Division and to the Department.
Thanks to the personnel in the Divisions of Suppression and Training for their professionalism and dedication to
excellence in service.
S. Usher
Deputy Fire Chief
*
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 6
Communications & Fire Prevention Division
Gary Mann, Deputy Fire Chief
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention Officers are dedicated to the protection of life, property, and the
environment through public education and compliance of the Ontario Fire Code and the
Fire Protection and Safety. The Fire Prevention division has faced challenges as a result
of a staffing shortage and still collectively managed to deliver a effective prevention and
education program to be admired. The Fire Prevention Inspectors conducted as many as
6,270 inspections and/or re-inspection activities in 2009. While doing so, they also did
what they could to support the challenges faced by our Public educators.
Hats off to both John Coish and Dave Marck for their efforts in maintaining our Inspection
and public education needs this year. Dave moved from Public Education to inspections
as a result of staffing changes and John has continued to coordinate and deliver our
Public education Program while short handed. The Pub education division organized and participated in as many as
657 events and coordinated more than 135 volunteers to effectively deliver our public safety messages. Staff also
conducted 481 Public education activities where we presented to more than 38,057 adults and children of all ages. We
would be remiss in not mentioning the enthusiasm of Becky Moore, our Waterloo Region Children’s Safety Village
Coordinator. Becky delivered and coordinated with many volunteers to reach as many as 4,500 Kitchener adults and
children.
Direct Detect continues to slowly grow and now has a very capable team caring for it. The customer base has
increased 3% 2009, despite the economic downturn for a total of 2936 accounts. The team upgraded all City Facilities
to the Wireless AES Equipment and therefore eliminating DVAC phone line charges to all these buildings. They are
also in the process of upgrading its antiquated Dispatch Software from Sims to the GE Mastermind Monitoring which
is a positive step forward for the future. Direct Detect will continue to push forward in 2010.
The entire Fire Prevention Division would like to congratulate Jessica Kok on the birth of her son Takeo and to Scott
Urquhart on his much deserved retirement on December 31.
Communications
The Communications Division continued to diligently deploy Kitchener Fire crews to more than 10,139 local emergency
incidents and 3,912 calls to the Waterloo Fire Department. Wilmot Fire was paged out to 592 incidents, Wellesley to
172, and Woolwich Township responded to 540 calls for assistance. After several years of anticipation, the division
was fortunate to promote Lori Hamer and Jeniffer Gazzellone to the positions of Communication Officer on January 2,
2009. They were immediately challenged to develop and deliver
a comprehensive recruitment process which incorporated
specific subject matter presentations, practical work experience
and examination components. The Division was also fortunate to
have recruited three outstanding part-time Communication
Operators in the spring. Trish Harris, Austin Paterson and
Gloria Wareham became part of the communications team on
June 17th 2009. We are all appreciative of the care, assistance
and dedication shown by all communications staff.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 7
Communications&&Fire
FirePrevention
PreventionDivision
Division
Communications
GaryMann,
Mann,Deputy
DeputyFire
FireChief
Chief
Gary
Apparatus & Equipment
The Mechanical division found 2009 to be an extremely busy year with the inspection, delivery, and commissioning of
three new KME pumper apparatus, a Dodge Sprinter Command/Investigation Van, a Dependable Rescue Vehicle, and a
100’ Pierce aerial devise. We also began the process late in 2009 to purchase a new 100’ Platform that is anticipated to
be purchased in the spring of 2010. This was quite a work load and a challenge for the division to achieve while still
completing their routine maintenance program and unscheduled concerns forwarded by staff. The division also
experienced staffing changes which included Dayle Coghlin assuming the responsibilities of the Master Mechanic on
January 1st and Matt Peachy joining our mechanical team in June. The Division has been diligently working on improving
our fleet management system to yield information specific to our service, the development an inventory control system,
and exploring ways to serve our customers more effectively. We are also very appreciative of all the assistance that other
divisional staff routinely offers.
My thanks to all staff in Fire Prevention, Direct Detect, Communications and Apparatus & Equipment for their ongoing
professionalism and dedication to our service.
G. Mann
Deputy Fire Chief
*
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 8
Administration Division
Debbie Boshart, Supervisor
Although the Administrative Division is one of the
smallest divisions in the Fire Department, it is one of the
busiest. We have 5 full time and one part time personnel
providing clerical and technical support for the Chief and
three deputies, as well as for the Apparatus &
Equipment, Fire Prevention, Communications, Training
and Suppression divisions in the department. Our
division is responsible for the data collection and
reporting of all emergency calls dispatched for the City of
Kitchener. All non emergency calls are handled and
processed by administration as well as all visitors are
assisted by the administrative staff. In 2009 the
department purchased a software package designed to
assist in automatic personnel call out as well as an
integrated attendance system. We are currently in the process of implementing this
system in stages. Hopefully this program will be fully functional in 2010.
Additionally we prepare, submit to council and administer the approved budget for the current operating and capital budget
year. We also ensure all staff have the proper personal protective equipment and assist in purchasing other safety items
and equipment. Records are kept for staff member from the first day on the job until they retire. We track training,
promotions, sick leave statistics, vacation entitlements, work related injuries and work related incidents.
Statistics and information contained in this Annual Report was gathered and compiled by Administration as well as the
creation of the report. Additionally, many of our staff volunteer on corporate committees such as Employee Recognition,
Civic Contribution Committee and are always on hand to support other Fire Department events such as our annual open
house and 911 Charities Golf Tournament.
I would like to thank my staff for their dedication and hard work throughout 2009. The job is not finished until the
paperwork is done!
D. Boshart
Supervisor of Administration
One smoke
alarm is not
enough.
Install smoke alarms on
every level of your home and
near sleeping areas. If you or
your loved ones sleep with
bedroom doors closed, install
an alarm inside each
bedroom.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 9
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
(6102)
Mat thew Peachey
Civilian Mechanic
Civilian Emergency
Vehicle Technician
(6016)
George Barnard
Master Mechanic Firef ighter (6008)
Dayle Coghlin
Developmental Training
Officer (6 month rotation
of Captains)
Training Off icer (6015)
Stev e MacInnis
Training Director (6003)
Calvin Monique
Deputy Fire Chief (0026)
Vac ant
Program Assistant (Direct
Detect) (0636)
Martina Daudova
Administration Assistant
(Fire) (P/T) (0512)
J ackie Cleve
Program As sistant
(Training) (0522)
Vesna Mitrovic
Fire Prevention Off ice
Assistant (0290)
Carol Robinson
Administration Assistant
(Fire) (0291)
Robin Sc humacher
Supervisor, Fire
Adminis trat ion (0419)
Debbie Boshart
Firef ight er (6011)
(6013) (6014)
X 139
Captain (6010)
X 41
Assistant Platoon
Chief (6107)
Robert Gilmore
Doug Vois n
i
Andrew O’Reilly
Steven Zurrell
Pla toon Chief
(6004)
Tim Bernier
Harry Kalau
Greg Willett
Kevin Karley
Deputy Fire Chief
(0026)
St even Usher
Civilian Fire Alarm
Technician (6104)
Steve Lacey
Rus s Strick e
lr
Bill Aeichele
Technician
Vacant
Direct Detect
Coordinator/
Fire Prevent ion
Off icer (6013)
Richard Kellsey
Jessica Kok
Jeff Wildfang
Klaus Stuet z
Greg Reitzel
Richard Brooks
John Coish
Dave Marck
Phillip Mellor
Assistant Chief
Fire Prevent ion
Off icer (6006)
Scot t Urquhart
Chief Fire Prevention Officer
(6002)
Thomas Ruggle
Fire Systems Administrator
(0595)
Beatrice Powell
Fire Prevention
Training
Coordinator (6103)
Becky Moore
Fire Chief (0027)
Timothy Beckett
Development & Technical Services--Fire
Deputy Fire Chief
(0026)
Gary Mann
Civilian Communicat ion
Of ficer (6100)
Tracey Anders on
Sarah Deter
Donna Beke
Kelly Corneal
Sharon Musselman
Brenda Neal
Catherine Peacock
Lynn Quinlan
Robert Lawson
Lin da Zmija
Austin Paterson (P/T)
Gloria Wareham(P/T)
Melissa Scheerer (P/T)
Vacant (P/T)
Communication Officer
(6105)
Jennifer Gazzelone
Lori Hamer
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
PAGE 10
FIRE RESPONSE ZONES
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 11
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Dispatch Response Statistics
*all areas Dispatched by Kitchener Fire
AGEN C Y
TYPE OF C ALL
KITCHENER
FIRE/S M OKE
HAZM AT
OTHER
EM ERGENCY M EDICAL
DANGEROUS CONDITION
RES CUE
P UBLIC S ERV ICE
FD ACTIV ITIES
W ELLES LEY
FIRE/S M OKE
HAZM AT
OTHER
EM ERGENCY M EDICAL
DANGEROUS CONDITION
RES CUE
P UBLIC S ERV ICE
W ILM OT
FIRE/S M OKE
HAZM AT
OTHER
EM ERGENCY M EDICAL
DANGEROUS CONDITION
RES CUE
FD ACTIV ITIES
W OOLW ICH
FIRE/S M OKE
HAZM AT
OTHER
EM ERGENCY M EDICAL
DANGEROUS CONDITION
RES CUE
P UBLIC S ERV ICE
FD ACTIV ITIES
W ATERLOO
FIRE/S M OKE
HAZM AT
OTHER
EM ERGENCY M EDICAL
DANGEROUS CONDITION
RES CUE
P UBLIC S ERV ICE
FD ACTIV ITIES
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
2007
2008
2009
11,221
2,695
733
265
5,894
89
875
227
443
171
45
13
2
90
1
20
0
678
170
44
13
369
6
76
0
659
182
43
15
288
6
125
0
0
4,436
1,241
378
109
2,329
30
340
5
4
11,121
2599
702
297
5918
72
881
169
483
177
42
19
2
83
3
26
2
615
147
42
12
333
19
60
2
572
177
45
15
204
7
122
2
0
4,333
1,140
367
109
2,391
28
293
3
1
10, 139
2460
705
272
5,193
51
749
169
540
172
45
20
4
74
0
29
0
592
140
57
12
319
2
61
1
540
198
53
12
163
7
107
0
0
3,912
1,154
370
79
2,008
21
278
2
0
PAGE 12
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Response Statistics
C all Load C omparison 1981 - 2009
12000
10536 10728
10000
10375
10280
9601
9286
9047
7764 7898 7774
8000
7578 7481
6866
6000
5458
5238
4778
4526 4401 4470 4419
4177
3997
4000
2032 1896 1874
1800
2000
1611 1660 1
0
2009
2007
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
2005
2003
2001
1999
1997
1995
1993
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
1991
1989
1987
1985
1983
1
PAGE 13
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Fatalities 1985-2009
Year
Fire Related Fatalities 1985-2009
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
0
2
0
1
2
2
2
3
1
2
1
1
1
3
3
2
2
0
1
1
0
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
Number of Fatalities
The Office of the Fire Marshal defines a fire death as a person who dies as a result of injuries sustained during a fire incident
(including explosions). Reportable fire deaths include suicides by fire and homicides by fire, but exclude fire deaths occuring
in vehicle accidents. Kitchener Fire further reports on those deaths where a working smoke alarm was not present or it could
not be determined if a working smoke alarm was present.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES
FATALITIESBYAGERANGE
2001-2009
+AGES70
14%
RESIDENTIAL FIRE DEATHS BY SMOKE ALARM
STATUS: 1994-2009
AGES10-19
AGES0-9 7%
AGES20-29
0%
7%
Unknown or Not
Applicable
48%
Working Smoke
Alarm Present
19%
AGES30-39
14%
AGES60-69
21%
Working Smoke
Alarm Not Present
33%
AGES40-49
7%
AGES40-59
30%
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 14
Kitchener Fire Department
2009 Operating Budget
Kitchener Fire Department
Operating Budget - Actual
30000000
25000000
20000000
15000000
10000000
5000000
0
Year
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Budget $15,729,061 $16,332,746 $17,855,127 $18,694,253 $19,973,782 $20,618,773 $21,618,778 $22,410,030 $24,757,178 $26,573,535
Kitchener Fire Department
2009 OperatingBudget byDivision
FirePrevention&Education
5%
Communications
3%
The largest proportion of overall expenses for
Kitchener Fire is attributed to the Suppression
Division, which comprises 79% of expenses and
includes 188 of Fire’s 236 overall staff.
Training
2%
Apparatus &Equipme
4%
Suppression
79%
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Administration
7%
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 15
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Cover picture, photos marked (*) and photos
on this page provided by:
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 16
Kitchener Fire Department
Fire Prevention
Highlights
Inspections ..................... 1407
Re-Inspections ............... 4863
TOTAL ........................... 6270
INSPECTIONS BY TYPE
Fire Investigation ................. 52
Complaints ........................ 710
File Search & Reports ....... 182
Fire Safety Plan ................. 174
Inspection Request ............. 26
Fire Prevention Permits ......... 5
Legal Action ........................... 6
Licence .............................. 200
Site Plan Review ............... 146
Plans Examination ............ 560
Operationally, 2009 was a very busy year for the Fire Prevention Division. In
addition to their regular inspection duties, the Fire Prevention staff were involved in
many major events including: assisting Waterloo Regional Police with the Cherry
Street serial arson investigations, laying of charges for fire code offences, the
investigation of several grow ops and over 30 fire investigations. The Division did an
outstanding job of managing a difficult year that was also made even more
challenging by several staff changes.
Cherry Street and the surrounding area had been victimized by a series of
deliberately set fires, going back to 2006. Staff from both the Police and Fire
Services dedicated time and resources to the investigation of every occurrence in
this area. Fire suppression crews targeted the area as part of their Home Fire
Safety Program, bringing a message of what home owners could do to minimize
risk to their properties. In the spring of 2009, a man was arrested and implicated in
over 30 fires that had occurred in this area. Since the arrest, we have seen a
dramatic decline of fire events in the area. Our thanks to both Waterloo Regional
Police and the residents of Cherry Street for their vigilance and assistance in
bringing this arsonist to justice.
2009 saw the Fire Department attend some marijuana grow operation calls in
Kitchener, but fewer than in 2008. Currently our process is one where once the
police release the scene, the Fire Department conducts an inspection with City
Staff, including both the Building Department and Property Standards Division. The
property owners are served with orders to correct all deficiencies, and to provide an
approved environmental assessment of the building. The intent is to ensure that all hazards are removed, before the
building can be sold to an unsuspecting purchaser.
Of the 326 fires in 2009, 33% occurred in residential occupancies, but accounted for 74% of the $2,399,176 in fire
losses. We have been fortunate this year that we suffered no fire deaths, but we did have 11 injuries in residential fires.
The type and number of fires has not changed significantly from previous years, although we have seen a trend
continuing this year, to somewhat smaller annual dollar losses for residential fires. Fire investigations are showing that
there are some on going trends that should be of concern to the community, these include:
·
A significant number of properties where a fire has occurred, do not have working smoke alarms.
·
Lightweight construction materials are allowing the transmission of fire at a much faster rate than traditional
construction methods. Although these methods are permitted by Building Code, our experience has shown the
alarming speed with which fire will travel in and between
buildings, using these methods.
·
Juvenile fire setting continues to be a concern. Although
most of the fires are involving garbage containers and grass
fires, it is a consistent trend that has a potential for a tragic
outcome.
The Fire Prevention Division will continue to target these areas for
both enforcement and educational programs.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 17
Kitchener Fire Department
Fire Prevention
The 2008 census shows that our population is aging, with almost 30% of the population over the age of 50. This will have
an impact on both service delivery and building stock in the future, as more seniors opt to move into communal and
assisted living situations. This is of particular concern where the population ages in place and requires more supports over
time. This has the effect of transforming buildings from residential to institutional classifications, where more stringent
safety requirements are called for. The Division will be developing an action plan to deal with these conditions during the
2010-2011 timeframe.
Sprinkler advocacy continues to be a focus both locally and provincially. 2009 saw another tragic fire in Orilla, where four
seniors died and several more had to be rescued by bystanders and staff. Sprinklering of these high risk buildings will
provide another layer of safety for this priceless segment of our community.
Direct Detect
In June 1995, a tragic fire claimed the lives of four young children in a semi-detached home in Kitchener. In response to
this fire the City of Kitchener began a “direct-to-fire” residential alarm-monitoring program. This program automates the
receipt of emergency signals from smoke alarms and also ensures the smoke alarms in the home are working and
maintained. Both provincial and local statistics reflect that in 50% of fatal residential fires, there are no functioning smoke
alarms. This statistic has remained relatively constant over the last 10 years.
Since it’s inception, Direct Detect has grown to almost 3000 customer accounts. This growth is supported by a very well
trained staff, and we now have 3 full time technicians and an administrative support staffer. 2009 also saw a lot of training
for Direct Detect, with the provincial regulations requiring updates to their Canadian Fire Alarm Association certifications,
all technicians successfully completed the training. We also had one of our technicians complete his Master Electrician
training successfully. These staff work exceptionally hard at providing customer service, and maintain 24/7 coverage for
our customers throughout the Region of Waterloo.
Throughout much of 2009, staff spent a great deal of time to set the conditions for the implementation of a new computer
aided alarm monitoring program. This software, GE Mastermind, will allow us to better serve our customers, both internal
and external. This project will continue into the new year with roll out expected in the early spring.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 18
Public Education
Despite a temporary reduction in staffing due to a maternity leave, the Public Education program continued to provide it’s
full spectrum of programming. This is in no small part due to the efforts of John Coish, who coordinated the additional
activities and found additional volunteers and staff members to fill in where needed. The Education program continues to
be geared to a proactive approach where we attempt to intervene in the fire cause dynamic, by educating people on how
they can protect themselves and their families. Both our education and fire response statistics reflect the hard and
successful work undertaken in Public Education.
On Tuesday September 29th, Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty launched the 7th Edition of the Kitchener Waterloo
Street Map and Service Guide and presented the new educational Fire Safety House to the Waterloo and Kitchener Fire
Departments. The new Fire Safety House is an advanced tool for us, as it consolidates many of the teaching and training
needs that we have developed over time, as well as supporting these training efforts by enhanced technology. This version
of the Fire Safety House also incorporates a severe weather trainer, that will teach children how to deal with weather
emergencies. The roll out for the house will be in the spring of 2010, when John begins his school program.
A mention should also go out to the support and donations we have received from our local McDonalds Restaurants, as
they have been very supportive of our education programs, by providing teaching materials, 5,000 fire safety tattoos,
14,000 McDonald’s Fire Safety Books, 1,500 fire hats, $1,000 for youth mentoring, Jr Chief of the Day prizes and 20,000
free food certificates each year.
We also receive support from local Elvis tribute artist Shon Caroll, who every year donates the proceeds of his Elvis
Birthday Bash show, to support the purchasing and distribution of RiskWatch educational materials to local schools. The
RiskWatch program is a geared towards children from Kindergarten to Grade 3, and the materials provide teachers with an
excellent resource to promote fire safe activities by this age group.
The Waterloo Arson Prevention Program for Children is undergoing it’s first major rewrite since its inception. The intent is
to modernize training methods and to also see the program sanctioned as a tool for use under the Youth Criminal Justice
Act. This Regional initiative is being undertaken by both the fire service and our police and mental health partners.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 19
Public Education Sessions
C
m
sth
iras
at
the
V
a
lige
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 20
Public Education Events
Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins
Station Tours
Baskin Robbins
Chief for a Day
JoeJJunior Fire Chief Joey Pinder Litschgy
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 21
Kitchener Fire Department
2009 Home Fire Safety Program
Highlights
Non-Compliant Dwellings ............ 19
Batteries left ................................ 11
Smoke Detectors left ................... 18
Address Concerns ..................... 53
The Kitchener Fire Department continuously strives to educate
members of our community through the Home Fire Safety Program.
This program gives us the opportunity to meet people in our community,
but also enables us to pass on an important message and demonstrate
our professionalism.
Last year (2009) the Kitchener Fire Department visited 221 streets and
10,251 residences. Our main focus was to give sound advice and to ensure
Number of streets covered ........ 221
that occupants met the requirements under the Ontario Fire Code. Our crews
Number of homes visited ...... 10,251
targeted the Victoria Park area where we had construction and water main
concerns. Another targeted location was the Cherry and Walnut Street areas
Home ..................................... 65%
where crews had a specific message to deliver regarding several deliberately
Not home ............................... 35%
set fires. Our new door hangers were an effective way of distributing information
on smoke alarms, C.O. alarms, back yard fires and some driving tips. From
these visits, dozens of address and smoke detector concerns were submitted,
subsequently followed
up and corrected. Many people called
in requesting a visit after they had
HOME FIRE SAFETY
missed our initial visit by our fire
Number of Homes Visited
crew. I believe we had a strong
impact and left a favourable
10940
12000
10,251
10938 1059910562 10741
impression on the people in our
10037
10000
community.
8000
6000
4466
4000 3200
2000
* No
Program
2002
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
HOME FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM TOTALS
500
486
450
Batt eries Lef t
400
Smoke Detect ors Left
350
Address Concerns
Non-Compliant Dwellings
300
250
200
150
153
* No 6479
Program
50
2002
0
2002
2003
161
163
130 136 116
123
100
44
72
83
63
38
6
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
29
53
18 19
11
2009
YEAR
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 22
Kitchener Fire Department
WRAPP-C Program
Highlights
Total number of
Participants ..................... 52
Total Males ..................... 48
Total Females ................... 4
Refuse to Participate ......... 0
Repeat Offenders ............. 8
Referrals to Outside
Agencies ........................... 0
The Waterloo Regional Arson Prevention Program - Children (WRAPPC) is a critical program offered by the fire service in Kitchener. Its
importance is due to the number of fires that occur in the region as a
result of children and youth misusing matches and lighters. Last year,
almost a third of our fire responses were to fires caused by young
persons acting inappropriately with these tools. In some cases, it was
simple childhood curiosity combined with a lack of parental control of
the matches and lighters. However, a larger number is due to youth
vandalism, where the youths did not weigh the possible consequences
of their actions, before setting things like a garbage dumpster or field
of grass on fire.
As a result of the continued risk to the community, Kitchener Fire, with our Regional
Partners, have been working to modernize the program during 2009. The new
program will be unveiled in 2010. Our intent is to increase the effectiveness of the
program, but also to ensure that as many of the young persons involved in fire
setting behavior have an opportunity to participate, allowing us to interdict their fire setting activities. This is being
accomplished through a better reporting program, in addition to the conduct of educational sessions with front line
emergency response personnel, to ensure as many children as possible have access to the program. We will also be
consulting with the Region’s Crown Attorneys about seeing the program becoming a sanctioned alternative measure under
the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Highlights
The program is undertaken by Fire Department personnel, who conduct mentoring
sessions both in the children’s homes and at the Children’s Safety Village. All the
mentors are volunteers to the program, who have an interest in seeing Children
remaining safe in their communities. This year with the rewriting of teaching
materials, these people did a tremendous amount of work, both on and off duty, and
our thanks go out to them. Special thanks to Dwayne Quigley who developed a
presentation showing the terrible physical effects
that burns have on the body.
Kitchener Youth Mentors
Regional Coordinator/Public Educator
Becky Moore
Captain Tim Forsyth
Firefighter Dwayne Quigley
For Counselling
services to help
you and your child,
call:
Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Sol Sanberg
740-4900
Grand River Hospital
Child & Adolescent Services
749-4300
Lutherwood
Assessment & Clinical Resource Centre
884-1470
kidsLINK
746-5437
or consult your phone directory for
other counselling services in your
community
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 23
Kitchener Fire Department
Fire Education Centre
The Children’s Safety Village continues to be a wonderful
resource for the Children of Kitchener and Waterloo Region.
Almost all children in the City will have an opportunity to visit
and learn at the village during the time that they are in
primary school, with 25,000 students visiting annually. The
focus of the Children’s Safety Village is “doing” - where the
children not only receive a classroom lecture, but have the
opportunity to practice what they have learned in a hands-on
environment, in a realistic setting. The practical component
is important, as every year we hear of more incidents where tragedies have been averted by children
using the skills they have learned at the village.
The Waterloo Region Children’s Safety Village hosted its First Annual Children’s Hero Awards on Saturday, May 30, 2009.
The Safety Village was inspired to host this event after attending a similar event, the Elmer Safety Awards, at the Peel
Region Safety Village. The Children’s Hero Awards is an opportunity to recognize children in our community who have
performed a heroic act or who have performed at a level that is beyond expectation, while contributing to a safer community.
Students who assisted their classmates, parents or friends or who demonstrated good citizenship were considered for
awards. Students were nominated by teachers, parents, members of the community, police, fire and emergency medical
services personnel. 2009 saw 12 submissions nominating 21 children.
One of 2010 recipients was Katie Evans, 14, of Kitchener. Katie was with her 23-year-old brother and mother in their family
car when her brother, who had recently suffered a stroke, started to choke on food. She quickly performed the Heimlich
manoeuvre, clearing her brother’s airway. Her calm demeanour and quick action was
credited with saving her brother’s life.
2008 Participants
ADULT
15%
CHILD
85%
The Fire side of the village is coordinated by Kitchener Fire Public Educator Becky Moore,
while the Police activities are coordinated by Waterloo Region Police Officer Carol Grandy.
The programs consists of a variety of age related components.
The village also conducts several open houses during the year, the highlight of which is
usually “Christmas in the Village”, attended by hundreds of families each season. 2009 saw
Kitchener Fire Crews do the demolition and removal of an old sponsor building as a training
tool, to open up a building pad space for a new sponsor building. The Union Gas building
can now be found in the village, and our thanks to them for their $25,000 donation.
Highlights
Student Attendance
Sept 08-June 09
Municipality ................... Attendance
Cambridge ................................ 2546
Kitchener ................................. 3838
Waterloo .................................. 1474
North Dumfries ............................ 73
Woolwich, Wilmot & Wellesley
................................................... 994
Misc...........................................1084
CHILDREN'S SAFETY VILLAGE
1997-2008 PARTICIPANT COMPARISON
14000
11636
12000
10690
10009
9701
10000
9626
10044
11409
11573
10783
ADULT
CHILD
9639
8640
8000
6000
4000
TOTALS BY GRADE
Grade
#
2 ........................................... 3151
4 ........................................... 3414
6 ........................................... 2386
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
2000
1777
1848
2479
1510
1632
1716
1703
2444
2161
1213
662
0
0
1998
1997
0
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
YEAR
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 24
Significant Incidents
Manitou Drive -June 21, 2009
Fire crews responded to the address in answer to a 911
call from the tenants of the address. The tenants reported
upon arriving home they noticed light smoke coming from
the eaves. Crew arrived at approximately 20:50 hours to
find fire and smoke conditions. Crews entered the
structure through the entry door at the front of the building,
heavy smoke conditions made it difficult to reach the fire
area. At this time it was determined to extinguish the fire
from the exterior. The fire was confined to the room of
origin with heat and smoke damage to the rest of the
premise.
*
Millwood Cres November 10, 2009
Units from the Kitchener Fire
Department responded to a fully
involved working fire at a Kitchener
townhouse. Smoke was visible upon
arrival, and there were initial reports of
people possibly still in the unit.
Fortunately all occupants had safely
vacated without harm or injury.
Interior fire attack had to pulled back
when inside ceilings of the unit began
to collapse. Fire attack and control
was then reassigned to the exterior of
the building. Damage was largely
contained to a single unit.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
*
PAGE 25
Significant Incidents
Cherry Street -May 15, 2009
Shortly after 11:00 pm Fire Crews responded to a report of a
garage fire. Crews arrived on scene to a fully involved
detached garage, with flames coming from the eaves. Fire
was extinguished from the exterior of the building.The
structure and contents of the garage were completely
destroyed by the fire. Waterloo Regional Police were also
on scene. Cause of the fire was suspected arson.
Cedar St South -March 31, 2009
At 19:30 fire crews responded to a confirmed residential
Fire. Upon arrival smoke was visible from the second story
of the house. Additional units were called in to assist. One
occupant of the house suffered minor burns and smoke
inhalation. There were two working smoke alarms located in
the basement of the home, however, no alarms were found
on the fire floor.
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 26
Promotions, Retirements, Transfers
Promotions
Platoon Chief
Greg Willet - July 10, 2009
Assistant Platoon Chief
Andy O’Reilly - Aug 31, 2009
Captain
Lance Hughes - February 24, 2009
Stacey Hemstock - April 7, 2009
Rick Soetemans - May 31, 2009
Jason Zinger - July 8, 2009
Chris Stockall -July 10, 2009
Developmental Training Officer
Blake Moggy – March 10, 2009
Communications Officer
Jennifer Gazzellone - January 5, 2009
Lori Hamer - January 5, 2009
Master Mechanic
Dayle Coghlin - January 5, 2009
New Hires
Fire Fighter
Joseph Hill - May 19, 2009
Darryl Hodgins - May 19, 2009
Jeffrey Johnston - May 19, 2009
Mike Kirk - May 19, 2009
Darren Verge - May 19, 2009
Civillian Mechanic
Matthew Peachy
Dispatch (Part-Time)
Gloria Wareham - June 17, 2009
Trish Harris - June 17, 2009
Austin Paterson - June, 2009
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Retirements
Peter McGough - January 31, 2009
Don Kaufman - February 28, 2009
Gary Stemmler - March 31, 2009
Ron Taves - June 30, 2009
Jack Egers -June 30, 2009
Tom Ernst - December 31, 2009
Scott Urquhart - December 31, 2009
OFC Graduates
Company Officer Certification
Blake Moggy
Andrew O’Reilly
Steve Young
A.J. Watson
Steve MacInnis
Training Officer Certification
Carlin Riley
Steve MacInnis
Firefighter Certification
Joel Bromley
Steve Young
Public Education Certification
Tim Forsyth
In Memorium
Olga Karges
April 2009
Ford Vannatter
February 2009
Captain George Loree
February 2009
Captain Murray Wiese
October 2009
Captain James Quinlan
November 2009
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 27
Kitchener Fire Department
2009 ANNUAL REPORT
KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 28