Citizens Newsletter

South Kitsap Fire and Rescue 1974 Fircrest Dr SE Port Orchard WA 98366

www.skfr.org mail@skfr.org 360.871.2411 June 2013

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

1 Fire Chief of the Year

2 State Volunteer Awards

3 Fire Safety for the Yard

4 Information & Assistance

5 Play Time Basics

6 SKFR in Action

7 Volunteer News

8 Fireworks Safety

9 Upcoming Events

Wayne Senter Named Fire Chief of the Year By: WSFCA

Chief Wayne Senter

On May 22nd in Yakima, at the 81st annual Washington State Fire Chiefs (WFC) conference, Wayne Senter, was named the fire chief of the year. He was presented the Dan Packer fire chief of the year award by WFC President Murray Gordon and Executive Director Mike Brown. Also in attendance were Washington State’s 18th Attorney General Bob Ferguson, former state Senator and lobbyist for the fire chiefs, Gordon Walgren, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President Hank Clemmenson and past IAFC President Al Gillespie. The Dan Packer fire chief of the year award is awarded by a committee representing Washington’s Fire Commissioners, Volunteer Firefighters, Professional Firefighters and Fire Chiefs from throughout the state. The award was named after fire chief Dan Packer in 2008 after his tragic death in northern California fighting a large wildland fire through state mutual aid.

Wayne Senter is currently the fire chief of South Kitsap Fire

Rescue and previously was the Fire Marshal for the city of Auburn Fire Department where he started his fire service career as a Firefighter/EMT in 1979. Chief Senter was recognized for his work on stove top fire safety with the Underwriters Laboratory Fire Council, and accreditation and credentialing with the Center for Public Safety Excellence Board. He is currently the President of the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association, past President of Port Orchard Rotary International, past president of Washington Fire Chiefs Association and co-founder and past President of the IAFC Fire and Life Safety Section. In 2006 Chief Senter was named Man of the Year through the Port Orchard and South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce.

In his remarks upon receiving the award Chief Senter first

thanked his peers for recognizing his professional contributions and then highlighted Dan Packer’s qualities of leadership, action and humility. To explain leadership, Chief Senter used the Hawaiian word Kina‘ole which has no real set definition but means, doing the right thing, at the right time, the right way, for the right person, for the right reasons. He then thanked the many mentors who demonstrated Kina’ole and invested in his professional success including his Fire Commissioners, staff, his wife Kim of 32 years.

On Saturday, June 8th, volunteer members of South Kitsap Fire and Rescue were honored at the Washington State Firefighter Association’s Annual Conference and Fire School Banquet. Of the four outstanding members of the year categories, three were won by volunteer members of SKFR. The following are excerpts from three of the award winning nomination submissions and the award recipients. Jon Andrzejewski was awarded the WSFFA Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. DEDICATION, DETERMINATION, and COMPASSION all describe Jon who is one of our most active volunteers, weather it be weekly drills, emergency calls, fund raising events or teaching at our Volunteer Recruit Academy, Jon is always there. He is also working to complete his Fire Science degree at Olympic College. A motivated self starter, Jon can be counted upon both on the drill ground, and fire ground to mentor, teach, and ensure the safety of other probationary or younger volunteer firefighters. Eric Torrison was awarded the WSFFA Volunteer Support Person of the Year. WISDOM, PATIENCE, and GENEROSITY best describe Eric, a dedicated and invaluable volunteer support person to the SKFR Tender Operator/ Support Program, gladly sharing over 20 years of firefighting knowledge and mentoring skills to develop dozens of volunteer firefighters and officers alike. His mechanical knowledge of fire pumps, fluid hydraulics, friction loss principles, and simultaneous multi-tasking have served well to teach a number of pump operators both new and old. Eric is known for his vast experience and a myriad of other firefighting skills to assist the Volunteer Suppression program. Stephen Lacheney was awarded WSFFA Volunteer EMS Person of the Year. CONSISTENCY, WILLING TO GO THE EXTRA MILE and CONSTANTLY SEEKING TO IMPROVE are all phrases that when asked, members of South Kitsap Fire and Rescue will tell you describe Volunteer Intern Stephen Lacheney. He always has a great attitude with whoever he works with, is well liked and highly respected by both volunteer, and career personnel. Stephen constantly seeks to improve his personal skill set and is willing to accept the challenges set by him or for him. He graduated from the Bates Fire Academy in early 2012 and was selected as a member of the “Chief’s Company”. Deputy Chief Steve Wright, Volunteer Battalion Chief Scott Hartley, and Commissioner Paul Golnick along with Volunteers Support Member Eric Torrison and Volunteer Intern Stephen Lacheney attended the WSFFA banquet to receive their awards. Deputy Chief Wright accepted the Volunteer Firefighter of the year award on Volunteer Firefighter Jon Andrzejewski’s behalf as he was currently on Active Duty Training for the US Navy and unable to attend the banquet.

SKFR Volunteer members Awarded at State Conference By: Terry Lerma

DC Wright, E Torrison, BC Hartley, S Lacheney, Commissioner Golnick

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Fire Safety for the Yard A Message from DEM

Forecasters are telling us to expect a drier-than-normal summer. Several wildfires are already burning in various parts of the state. Last year, wildfires burned thousands of acres of land in Washington. Now is the time to take actions to protect your family and property.

-watered and mowed short (3 in. or less). A short green lawn will not carry fire.

Rule of Thumb: Clear a 10-foot space around your propane tank to keep fire away.

Trees and vegetation should be cut back from the home's perimeter and yard waste removed.

Keep your gutters and roof clean and free of leaf and needle debris.

Firewood piled by the house can easily catch fire from flying embers. Consider moving it.

Use rock, stone or other fire resistant materials for landscaping/fencing near your home.

Develop a plan of action for your family, pets, or livestock. Know two ways out of your neighborhood if evacuation is necessary.

Out in the Yard As we transition from spring to summer, we find ourselves in the yard getting our lawns back in shape after a tough winter. While you are out there, check to make sure the outside of your home is prepared for a disaster!

Clean out your gutters - After a long rainy winter, our gutters are likely full of leaves and debris. As we head into April showers, clogged drains could be a risk!

Check your lawn decorations – Make sure that the things you use to decorate your lawn are secure enough to withstand an earthquake, flood or windstorm.

Inspect the outside of your home – Check your home for possible cracks or loose bricks. Inspect your foundation and your chimney!

Look Up – Take a look at trees and limbs that may be hanging after a long stormy winter. Also visually inspect the power lines, cable lines and phone lines running to your house to make sure they are secure and still in good condition.

Remember that spring and summer are the perfect times to get ready for the coming fall and winter storm seasons. Prepare now so you have less worry later.

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SKFR Information and Assistance

Be Prepared

SKFR offers a wide variety of services to assist you with home and personal safety. Car Seat Inspections are offered on the 4th Tuesday of each month. These inspections take about 30 minutes and are free. Call 871-2411 or 895-6503 for an appointment. Adult CPR and First Aid classes are offered the first Wednesday of each month. The cost is $20 and the class is limited to the first 18 student to sign up and pay. To register call 871-2411 or stop by our Fircrest Station. Infant CPR Only class is held on the 3rd Wednesday in February, June & October. The cost is $20 and the class is limited to the first 18 student to sign up and pay. To register call 871-2411 or stop by our Fircrest Station. Out Reach First Aid and CPR Classes If you are interested in having us come to your business or organization contact Lt. Jennifer Schmidt at 360-535-2535 for more information. All the money from these classes goes to the Relay for Life We offer a Free Smoke Alarm Program. For more information contact our Fire Prevention Division at 895-6506 or 895-6507. We offer a Bike Rodeo and Helmet give away each year at our Summer Safety Fair or stop by our Fircrest Station 8-5 Monday thru Friday for a free fitting. Helmets are provided by Safe Kids Kitsap. Burn Permits are required for all outdoor burning and can be picked up at any of our staffed stations when the crews are in. Fircrest Dr (Main), Yukon Harbor, Banner, Bethel, Burley, Gorst, Glenwood or Tremont. For a Free Home Safety Inspection contact our Fire Prevention Division at 895-6506 or 895-6507 for more information. Touch a Truck / Station Tours If you’re interested in having a fire truck visit your school or event call 895-6503 and for a station tour call 871-2411. Life Jacket Loaner Boards SKFR works with the KC Parks Department and Safe Kids Kitsap to provide loaner life jackets at Long Lake and Horse Lake County Parks during the summer months.

Helmet Fitting

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Touch a Truck

Baby Safety Basics By: Safe Kids Kitsap

This is a basic guide to keep your baby safe during the first year of life.

The leading causes of unintentional injury-related death for infants are suffocation, car crashes, drowning, fire or burn injury, falls, and poisoning. Injuries are preventable and we can show you how. Safe Kids USA and Cribs for Kids have created this guide to give you the safety essentials you need to know when caring for your baby. PLAY TIME BASICS

Babies explore with their hands, mouths and eyes, and enjoy toys they can touch or squeeze. Also, make sure you’re providing your baby supervised tummy time on a daily basis while your baby is awake. This strengthens the neck and upper body muscles in case he or she rolls over during sleep. Recommended Toys:

Floor activity centers

Activity quilts

Squeaky toys

Soft dolls or stuffed animals without button noses and eyes Toys to avoid:

Recalled toys

Latex balloons

Small, rounded or oval objects (like balls and marbles)

Hard toys attached to car seat handles

Toys with strings or cords

Toys with lead or magnets Tips:

Use stationary activity centers, instead of baby walkers. This keeps your baby in a safe location.

Always strap your baby when using swings or bouncy chairs.

When shopping for toys, consider your baby’s age, interest and skill level.

Read age and safety labels. Toys that are labeled for children 3 years and older should be kept away from children under age 3.

Check toys regularly for damage that may cause small pieces to break off.

Young children have small airways. Take an empty toilet paper roll and put the small object in it. If it fits completely into the roll, don’t let children under 3 play with it. The reason you use a toilet paper roll is because it’s close in size to a young child’s fully expanded throat.

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Firefighters work inside at a Structure Fire

2 Car Head on Collision

South Kitsap Fire Rescue in Action

Car vs Pole

Rollover Collision - Hwy 3

Crews Prep for Interior Fire Attack

Team Firewalkers Support the Survivor Walkers

Overhaul from a cigarette fire

SKFR Conducts Mock Crash for seniors getting ready for Prom and Graduation

Page 6 Citizens Newsletter

Volunteer News By: Volunteer Assoc

Recruit Graduation

On July 18th seven new Volunteer Firefighters will be graduating from the 2013 Kitsap County Volunteer Recruit Academy. They have completed 266 hours of training which included drill ground, on-line and classroom time. This training covered a wide verity of subjects including safety. fire service history, emergency medical care, CPR, hazardous material, incident command, accountability systems, fire behavior, building construction, ropes and knots, portable fire extinguishers, fire fighting tools and equipment, search & rescue, ladders, ventilation, fire hose/nozzles/streams and salvage & overhaul. The training also included many hours in live fire training at the County Readiness Center. This is a long and intense training process, congratulations to all of the graduates. Scholarship & HotFoot 5K:

Since 1999, South Kitsap Fire Rescue Volunteer Association (SKFRVA) has had the pleasure of presenting scholarships to local people interested in pursuing higher education. Applicants must be local to SKFR, impress the board with an essay on community service, and be the top candidate through an oral board. This year’s selected recipient was graduating senior Mary Wright of Crosspoint Academy. Mary is seen here, receiving the scholarship from volunteer Lt. Lerma & Firefighter Aas at her school’s awards ceremony. HotFoot 5K

The scholarship is financed by the annual HotFoot 5K, run/walk, all trail course. This year’s 12th annual HotFoot 5K, at South Kitsap Regional Park, is scheduled for Sunday, June 30th at 09:00. Early registration is $10. Day of Race registration is $15. We encourage you to come out, have some fun, and get a little exercise while experiencing the trails of our own

SK Park.

Volunteers on Scene

FF Aas, Mary Wright, Lt Lerma

HotFoot Starting Line

Easter Breakfast

and Egg Hunt Prep

Citizens Newsletter Page 7

Mike Wernet gets Key Award for Whole Child, Whole

Community Efforts

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Improper use of Seatbelt Buckled behind passenger

Without proper seatbelt use your head may go through

the windshield

Page 8 Citizens Newsletter

Public CPR and First Aid ($20 per Student) All classes are taught at our HQ station at 1974 Fircrest Dr. Students must pay in advance to be registered (18 maximum) For a full list of classes go to: www.skfr.org Adult First Aid and CPR

July 3, 2013 Aug 7, 2013 Sept 4, 2013

Pediatric CPR Only June 19, 2013 Car Seat Inspections South Kitsap Fire & Rescue offers free car seat inspections and installation tips the fourth Tuesday of each month. This is done at our Headquarters Station located at 1974 Fircrest Dr SE. For an appointment call 871-2411.

Fire Commissioners: Paul Golnik, Chair Dusty Wiley, Vice Chair Jerry Preuss, Commissioner Dave Gelsleichter, Commissioner Miche Eslava, Commissioner

Fire Chief: Wayne Senter

Editor: Mike Wernet, Battalion Chief

Upcoming Events

SKFR Facebook Page

Like us at: South Kitsap Fire and Rescue – Official Site Get safety tips, up coming events, department news and more. You can also get an in depth view of the department at: www.skfr.org Firefighters Stair Climb Summery Out of 282 departments SKFR was 14th overall with their fundraising efforts, they collected $16,198.24 for this year’s event. SKFR also finished 10th overall in the team run, with Tim Ellis at 14.29, Jordan Bradbury at 14.34 and Cody Baker at 14.36. A great effort again this year by the entire team. Easter Breakfast This was the 50th Annual Easter Breakfast, over 300 people attended and $1,563.67 was raised and will go to a family of a past volunteer firefighter whose wife is battling cancer. South Kitsap Safety Fair The annual safety fair was held on May 25th and over 160 kids were sent through the rodeo and received free bike helmets. Touch a Truck Summer is here so keep on the look out for our fire trucks visiting many summer events. If you see it out, feel free to come by and say Hi.

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