L A F D I SSUE 9
VALLE VALLEY YVie iew w O PERATIONS V ALLEY B UREAU
J UL /A UG 2016
NEW CHIEF’S MESSAGE
PRESERVING BUREAU OBJECTIVES
BUREAU COMMANDER DEPUTY CHIEF Trevor Richmond
ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDERS ASSISTANT CHIEF Patrick Butler John Drake Andrew Fox Gregory Reynar
TRAINING OFFICER CAPTAIN II Richard Fields
EMS OFFICER CAPTAIN I Danny Wu
OFFICE 4960 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-728-9921 818-728-9931 Fax
lafd.valleybureau @lacity.org
LAFD Valley
I am excited to be taking over the responsibility for the LAFD Operations Valley Bureau as Chief Arbuthnott’s successor. I look forward to working with all partners in public safety in an effort to make our service better. I am confident that our continued progress, consistent with the Fire Chief’s strategic plan, will position us for success. Our team has been built with some New Bureau Commander of the most highly qualified members our department has to offer. I am Deputy Chief Trevor Richmond certain that we have the right team in place to get things done. My vision for fire department service in the Valley includes a commitment to making certain that in every case, people calling 911 will get a dedicated and professional employee. I am eager to work with our community leaders to find ways to work collaboratively towards common interests. Over the next year I will launch several initiatives that will focus on the improvement of service both internally and externally. These initiatives will involve contemporary approaches to leadership, community involvement and administrative effectiveness. Thank you for your interest in Operations Valley Bureau and I look forward to working with you in the future.
SUMMER SAFETY
NEW BUREAU STAFF
DROWNING It Can Happen in an Instant! Not including boating incidents, on average about 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States, according to Injury Facts 2016, the annual statistical report on unintentional injuries produced by NSC. SWIMMERS SHOULD KEEP A FEW SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN MIND: • If you don’t know how to swim take lessons • Never swim alone • Learn CPR and rescue techniques • Ensure the body of water matches your swimming skill level • If you do get caught in a current, don't try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free • Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard • Don't push or jump on others • Don't dive in unfamiliar areas • Never drink alcohol when swimming Please see Drowning continued on Page 2
John Drake
Patrick Butler
This July, Assistant Chief John Drake will be replacing Chief Richmond as the Assistant Bureau Commander for Operations Valley Bureau. Chief Drake has over 30 years of experience with the LAFD and brings with him a wealth of Department knowledge. Chief Drake recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief and was temporarily assigned to Operations Central Bureau. In addition, due to Chief Emile Mack’s retirement in June Assistant Chief Patrick Butler will transition over to Operations Valley Bureau as a 24 hour platoon duty Assistant Chief. Chief Butler previously held the position of Assistant Bureau Commander for Operations West Bureau and has over 26 years of experience with the LAFD. We look forward to working with Chiefs Drake and Butler, and utilizing their experience to manage Valley Bureau operations.
Proudly serving: Arleta, Bell Canyon, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, City of San Fernando, Encino, Granada Hills, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Noho Arts District, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland/Tujunga, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Universal City, Van Nuys, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.
LOS
A NGELES
F IRE
D EPARTMENT
BRUSH
BRUSH CLEARANCE Safety Tips for Homeowners Remember that when clearing your brush, safety is very important. In recent years many brush fires have started by homeowners attempting to clear their brush. Many times, the sparks produced from metal blades on motorized equipment have accidentally started fires. The following are simple guidelines for homeowners to follow to clear their brush safely: •
Always have a water source readily available. A water extinguisher, garden hose or a few buckets of water.
•
Avoid clearing brush during the peak temperatures of the day, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm and on days when a Red Flag Alert* has been declared by the Fire Department.
•
Only use properly maintained motorized equipment and have a spark arrester when required.
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Do not refuel motorized equipment while motor is running. Use approved fueldispensing containers only.
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Always make sure the hot exhaust on any motorized equipment is clear of any vegetation. (grasses, weeds, shrubs)
•
Do not use metal blades on weed whackers/whips. Use nylon line or plastic blades instead.
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Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Hard hats and dust masks are recommended.
Thank you for clearing your hazardous vegetation and making your community a safer place. For additional information, please contact the Brush Clearance Unit at (800) 994-4444, or visit our website at lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush *Red Flag weather days refer to certain weather conditions that can cause a wild-land fire to start and to spread rapidly. These conditions generally exist when the winds exceed 25 mph and relative humidity is below 15%
The Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you that all fireworks, even “safe and sane” ones remain
ILLEGAL in the City of Los Angeles! Those who use, possess, or transport any type of firework in Los Angeles may be subject to criminal prosecution or worse yet—painful and debilitating injuries or even death. This year join firefighters and their families at a Public Fireworks Show— the safest and most enjoyable way to celebrate our nation’s independence. To find a professional show visit:
www.safejuly4th.org Drowning continued from Page 1
THE YOUNGER THE CHILD, THE GREATER THE RISK Most parents think water safety is first and foremost on their minds whenever they are enjoying summer activities with their young kids. But when the unthinkable happens and a child drowns, parents and caregivers have been known to say, “I only looked away for a second.” NSC statistics point to drowning as a leading cause of death for young children – mostly due to children falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub. DISTRACTIONS MAKE FOR TRAGEDIES Parents are cautioned all the time about water safety, but drownings still occur. Always be aware and be in the present moment with your children. Following are a few water safety precautions: • • • • • • • • • • •
Never leave your child alone; take your child with you Find age-appropriate swim lessons for your child Lifeguards aren't babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child Don't let children play around drains and suction fittings Never consume alcohol when operating a boat Ensure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets Don't underestimate the power of water; rivers/lakes have undertows Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy Get training in CPR If a child is missing, check the water first Learn more from the National Safety Council:
http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/news-and-resources-water-safety.aspx
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O PERATIONS
V ALLEY
B UREAU
RECRUITMENT
SHARON BONFIELD LAFD Engineer, Wife, and Mother OVB is highlighting firefighters in our bureau to help guide community members who may be considering a career in fire service. Sharon Bonfield has been with the Los Angeles Fire Dept. for 22 years and is currently assigned to Fire Station 77 in the Sun Valley community as an Engineer. She is married to a firefighter and has a14 year old daughter.
maintaining our home life and raising our daughter. My biggest challenge is to not let my lack of sleep affect my family after a busy shift at work. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW CANDIDATES TRYING TO JOIN THE LAFD? My advice to young female firefighters is to definitely make sure that your significant other understands the nature of our job. The job is truly rewarding and offers a lot of freedom with your work schedule, but it also presents unique challenges when you are in a relationship.
WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE GETTING ON And if you decide to have children, plan on adjusting your THE DEPARTMENT? time off to help raise your family! My greatest challenge was finishing the drill tower. I had never been in any kind of paramilitary organization and had to adjust to the structure and discipline. Also adapting to the mental and physical demands were a new experience as well. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND HOME LIFE? As far as balancing work with home life I am very fortunate to have a firefighter husband who understands our profession’s lifestyle . We enjoy sharing the responsibilities of
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L OS A NGELES F IRE D EPARTMENT — O PERATIONS V ALLEY B UREAU
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
CANINE SEARCH TEAM FUNDRAISER Blue Dog Tavern Memorial Day BBQ
A family enjoys meeting the search dogs!
The smell of delicious BBQ The handler and the brisket and ribs canine must both permeated the air on learn their roles and Memorial Day at Sherman develop the skills Oaks’ Blue Dog Tavern as necessary to they sponsored a worthy become a proficient fundraiser benefitting the and professional FEMA LAFD California Task search team, ready Force One (CATF-1) to serve when called Canine Search Team. at anytime.
Blue Dog Tavern owner/dog lover Paul Scrivano—a regular supporter of the LAFD—selflessly created the event himself and coordinated with Operations Valley Bureau and the LAFD Foundation to host a successful event that raised over $2200 in one afternoon! A special thanks also goes to LAFD Post 89 Cadets from North Hollywood as they assisted Paul and his staff with cooking, serving, and cleaning up.
LAFD Search Dogs Riggs, Faith, and Veya
When it comes to locating victims, search dogs are capable of doing the work of 50 first responders. The dogs are able to discern scents unnoticeable by humans and they can do it while jumping, crawling and running across a debris pile. Efficiency and effectiveness are what these dogs bring to a search and rescue operation.
Thanks to Paul and Blue Dog Tavern, our CATF-1 members will Training a search dog to complete the Federal Emergency have the opportunity to further their training and purchase Management Agency (FEMA) certification process generally new equipment for the team. If you would like to donate to takes about one year, equating to over 800 hours of training. the Canine Search Team or the LAFD please visit the LAFD Foundation at: www.supportlafd.org
EVENTS Daryl Arbuthnott Retirement
July 13
Operations Valley Bureau
Deputy Chief Daryl Arbuthnott is recognized by Councilmembers Nury Martinez and Paul Krekorian, Fire Commissioners Rebecca Ninburg and Andrew Glazier, and the LAFD Command and Operations Valley Bureau Staff for his 36 years of service to the City of Los Angeles at the City Council meeting on June 28, 2016.
To request LAFD resources at public events (community fairs, school visits, etc.) , please send an email to LAFDrequest@lacity.org with the details of your event (date, time and duration, location, etc.). As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.
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