Valleyview 8 MayJune 2016
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Transcript of Valleyview 8 MayJune 2016
COMMAND CHANGE
It was not long ago that I assumed the helm of the San Fernando Valley
representing your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as the Valley’s Fire Chief. If
you recall on January 11, 2015, the LAFD reorganized its administrative model to
mirror that of the Los Angeles Police Department. Prior to the reorganization,
administrative control primarily existed Downtown along with the several layers of
bureaucracy. Under the old model, business and community concerns rarely
received the appropriate level of attention or reached the correct person.
The reorganization caused the LAFD to grow and revisit its methods for connecting with the
communities it serves. Since the reorganization, your Valley Bureau engaged the community,
businesses, public safety partners and local public officials on every level. The list of initiatives and
accomplishments include activating a Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) in the Sylmar area; securing
political support through City Council Motions for recreational hiker warning signage to be activated
during extreme fire weather; and the establishment of a senior care facility ordinance aimed at
regulating care facilities housing seniors; we created a newsletter and effectively used social media
to reach you at every turn.
(See Change continued on Page 2)
IIISSUESSUESSUE 888 OOOPERATIONSPERATIONSPERATIONS VVVALLEYALLEYALLEY BBBUREAUUREAUUREAU MMMAYAYAY/J/J/JUNUNUN 201620162016
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.
BUREAU COMMANDER DEPUTY CHIEF Daryl Arbuthnott
ASSISTANT
BUREAU
COMMANDERS
ASSISTANT CHIEF Trevor Richmond
Andrew Fox
Emile Mack
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
VALLEVALLEVALLEYYYVVVieieiewww LLL AAA FFF DDD
CHIEF’S MESSAGECHIEF’S MESSAGECHIEF’S MESSAGE
The LAFD recruitment campaign started in January with the theme, “Wear
Your Strength On Your Sleeve”, reflecting our extensive efforts in recruiting the
next generation of firefighters. OVB is highlighting firefighters in our bureau to
help guide community members who may be considering a career in fire
service. Kris Larson has been with the Los Angeles Fire Dept. for 25 years since
graduating from UCLA on a full athletic scholarship. She is currently assigned
to Fire Station 74 in the Tujunga/Sunland community as a Captain II.
RECRUITMENTRECRUITMENTRECRUITMENT
Captain II Kristine Larson
WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE
GETTING ON THE DEPARTMENT?
My greatest challenge was that I did not know
much about what it meant to be a firefighter
before I began my career. I went to the library to
research the specifics of the job, and then
attended a recruitment event to get even more
information. I was confident in my ability to
handle the physical requirements of the job, but I
had no idea what the all-encompassing job of a
firefighter truly entailed.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND
HOME LIFE?
I try not to work too many consecutive days
because it takes a toll on my sleep habits. I am
currently enrolled in graduate school so I’m
focused on completing my master’s degree. I
also try to recharge my batteries whenever
possible by taking mini-vacations and spending
time with friends and family on my off days.
(See Larson continued on Page 3)
2
LLLOSOSOS AAANGELESNGELESNGELES FFF IREIREIRE DDDEPARTMENTEPARTMENTEPARTMENT
You know the difference early CPR and defibrillation can make in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event. Fifty-seven percent of U.S. adults say they’ve had CPR training, and most would be willing to use CPR or an AED to help save a stranger’s life. Yet only 11% say they’ve used CPR in an actual emergency—that’s a number we can increase together.
When that emergency call comes in your team will be ready. But what if someone was already at the scene, applying lifesaving CPR and defibrillation until the EMS team arrived? With PulsePoint, your dispatch system immediately alerts CPR-trained bystanders about a nearby SCA event through the free PulsePoint Respond mobile app, and lets them know the location of the closest AED.
Download the app below and save a life!
https://www.pulsepoint.org/download
EARTHQUAKE TIPS
SAFETY MESSAGESAFETY MESSAGESAFETY MESSAGE
Be a Hero An earthquake can happen at any time and at any place. Be
prepared at home, work, school, and also in transit.
HAVE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN YOUR CAR:
• Basic first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food like nuts and
energy bars, extra medication, flashlight, and basic tool kit.
• An extra change of clothes including a jacket, shoes and a blanket.
IF YOU TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MAKE SURE YOU CARRY:
• Mini flashlight, water, extra medication, and a non-perishable snack.
• Hard copy of important contact numbers.
TIPS FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT RIDERS BEFORE THE SHAKING STARTS:
• Look around and observe your surroundings on your commute each
day. Some pathways, areas and places may be safer.
• Notice stairs and exits, read posted emergency signs and
procedures at transit station, bus stop or platforms.
WHEN THE SHAKING STARTS ON PUBLIC TRANSIT:
• On a bus or train, stay where you are, hold on and protect your
head and neck. At a transit station, bus stop or platform, drop to
ground, cover your head and neck with your arms.
AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:
• Check yourself for injury and assist others—prepare for aftershocks.
(Change continued from Page 1)
Other community engagements include
the participation in “Days of Dialogue”,
town hall meetings related to El Nino and
the Aliso Canyon Gas Company leak.
There are actually hundreds of events
where your Valley Bureau team
participated in support of the community.
As I reflect on the past 18-months, humility
is the single word that describes my overall
experience. I am humbled by each
community and businesses’ support for the
LAFD. I am humbled by the collective
organization of the Valley’s many
community groups including
neighborhood councils and
homeowner’s groups. I remain humbled
by the cohesive cooperation between
City Departments and allied agencies. I
value our close partnership with the Los
Angeles Police Department, and I have
been proud to represent the work of your
Firefighters who without hesitation are
willing to place their lives on the line.
This journey serving the citizens of Los
Angeles will be embedded in my heart for
the remainder of my life.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you!
for Commuters & Public Transit Riders
2016 A2016 A2016 ANNUALNNUALNNUAL RRREPORTEPORTEPORT
Operations Valley Bureau completed its
first Annual Report which was
presented to the LAFD Board of
Commissioners in early May. To take a
look at our accomplishments and learn
where OVB is headed, please view our
first Operations Valley Bureau Annual
Report for 2015 at the link below:
https://issuu.com/lafd/docs/ annual_report_2015_final
YYYOUROUROUR NNNEWEWEW OVB OVB OVB DDDEPUTYEPUTYEPUTY CCCHIEFHIEFHIEF
It is our pleasure to introduce
Trevor Richmond, your new
OVB Bureau Commander.
Trevor has been with the
LAFD for 27 years and is
currently an Assistant Chief
serving as the OVB Administrative Assistant Bureau
Commander. He will bring his invaluable OVB
experience into his new role as Deputy Chief, and
looks forward to serving the San Fernando Valley
communities with courage, integrity, and pride.
Daryl Arbuthnott
3
STROKE AWARENESS BBQ
NE IGHBORHOOD NEWSNE IGHBORHOOD NEWSNE IGHBORHOOD NEWS
Operations Valley Bureau joined Sherman Oaks and Encino Medical Centers to
provide a community, family-oriented “Stroke Awareness & Chili Cook-off” on April 30,
2016 at Fire Station 83. The focus was to raise awareness about stroke and provide
information on the risk factors, warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency.
Free chili tastings were provided as well as educational information on stroke
awareness, heart health, senior services and other hospital service lines. Community
members were able to get free blood pressure checks, face painting, balloon art, free
home safety items and more. During the cook-off participants enjoyed live music, fire
and police apparatus displays and a silent auction.
Chili Cook-Off winners:
1st Place Fire Station 39, Van Nuys
2nd Place Dr. Jason Greenspan
Chef Eric Greenspan, Emergent Medical Associates
3rd Place Paul Scrivano, Blue Dog Tavern
Fire Stations 39, 83, 88, 78, 102, and OVB were participants in the event
that highlighted stroke awareness education and the opening of
Sherman Oaks/Encino hospitals' Stroke Centers. Additionally, all
proceeds from the event benefited the participating fire stations and
OVB via the LAFD Foundation.
Congratulations to Class 15Congratulations to Class 15Congratulations to Class 15---3!3!3!
OOOPERATIONSPERATIONSPERATIONS VVVALLEYALLEYALLEY BBBUREAUUREAUUREAU
(Larson continued from Page 1)
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW CANDIDATES TRYING TO
JOIN THE LAFD?
My best advice would be to make sure your background is solid. En-
list friends and family members who are willing to be contacted to
speak about your character. In addition, start preparing for the physi-
cal nature of the job. Increase your upper body strength as much as
possible, and then focus on high intensity workouts. Passing the CPAT
is not necessarily a reliable predictor for how well you will do in the
academy, which is an intense 20 weeks of both physical and aca-
demic work. But most importantly, be prepared to begin the best job
in the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING
AN LAFD FIREFIGHTER PLEASE VISIT:
WWW.JOINLAFD.ORG
The Los Angeles Fire Department warmly
welcomed the agency’s 48 newest members,
including five women, at the well-attended
graduation ceremony for LAFD Recruit Class
15–3, held at the Fire Department’s Valley
Recruit Training Academy Thursday, April 28,
2016.
Fire Station 81 doubles as one of two recruit
training academies charged with entry level
firefighter training. This opportunity for officers
to meet their new employees and their
families helps ensure a more effective
transition from a learning environment to their
respective field assignment.
Five new female firefighter graduates with Fire Chief Terrazas
4
To request LAFD resources at public events (community fairs, school visits, etc.) , please send an email to [email protected] 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.
On Saturday, May 14, 2016 the LAFD kicked off “Fire Service Recognition Day” where
the community was invited to learn about LAFD services, interact with firefighters,
increase fire safety knowledge and enjoy family fun. There were station tours, disaster
preparedness literature and free smoke alarms available. This year’s theme, “Wear
Your Strength On Your Sleeve,” reflects our extensive efforts in recruiting the next
generation of firefighters.
The title “Honorary Fire Chief” was bestowed to deserving
community members recognizing their support of the LAFD
in a ceremony sponsored by OVB/Operations Valley
Bureau. The 2016 Honorary Chiefs were:
Tricia Ercoli Encino Hospital and Medical Center/
Sherman Oaks Hospital
Leslie Nishanian Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton
Victor Pena Vic Fire and Water Restoration
The Southern California Gas Company
Customer Resource Center, which is
ADA accessible and multilingual,
provides a one-stop portal of
information for all members of the
public at 19731 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch
Please visit:
https://secure.scheduleonce.
com/socalgas-crc to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be
available:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays:
10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Walk-in assistance is available Thursdays
from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The office is
closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit:
https://www.alisoupdates.com/
need-assistance for more information on assistance.
To report a smell or potential gas leak,
call SoCal Gas Company at (800) 427-
2200 and call the Air Quality
Management District (AQMD) at (800)
288-7664 or go online:
http://www.aqmd.gov/contact/
complaints
LAFD FIRE SERVICE DAY
EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS
COMMUN ITY CONNECT IONCOMMUN ITY CONNECT IONCOMMUN ITY CONNECT ION
COUNCIL MOTIONS
HIKER SIGNAGE Santa Monica Mountains provide exceptional access to numerous trailheads used frequently by LA City residents. One concern is that many
hikers are not aware of the potential danger of a brush fire moving into their area. With
up-to-date weather forecasting, we are aware of dangerous fire conditions before they
arrive, therefore OVB reached out to various City Council staff to seek
support for installing warning signage at each entrance to main
trailheads. This signage would indicate the level of fire danger for and
brief instruction on how to prepare for their hike. This proactive
approach cautions hikers to reconsider their activities during
“extreme” or “red flag” fire weather conditions, thereby increasing
their safety and welfare.
SENIOR CARE ORDINANCE Independent and assisted living facilities are rapidly becoming a familiar sight in the Valley with new and existing expansions starting in
2016. LAFD EMS responses to these facilities increased significantly over the past several
years. Unfortunately, corporate policy in many instances is driving how this vulnerable
aging population is cared for. Foreseeing the elderly community increasing in the
coming years, OVB initiated efforts with the LA Department of Aging and Council
offices to determine available options.
LLLOSOSOS AAANGELESNGELESNGELES FFF IREIREIRE DDDEPARTMENTEPARTMENTEPARTMENT ——— OOOPERATIONSPERATIONSPERATIONS VVVALLEYALLEYALLEY BBBUREAUUREAUUREAU
Honorary Fire Chief Leslie Nishanian
with Deputy Chief Arbuthnott
ALISO CANYON
GAS LEAK UPDATE
Fire Service Day May 14 All LAFD Fire Stations
Fahrenheit 2016 May 21 Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center
Pancake Breakfast and Car Show Benefitting Widows & Orphans Fund May 22 Fire Station 87 Granada Hills
OVB Seeks City Council Support