 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ADDISON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #1
10 South Addison Road, Addison, Illinois 60101
Business # (630) 628-3100 Fax # (630) 543-9742
10 South Addison Road, Addison, Illinois 60101
Business # (630) 628-3100 Fax # (630) 543-9742
Special Teams
Fire Investigation
At some point during our lives we have all seen fire trucks screaming down the street going to a call, or passed a building where crews are working at a fire. Did you ever wonder why some crews stay at the scene for a longer period of time after the fire has been extinguished?
After a fire has been put out and some crews have left the scene, other crews remain to perform overhaul, looking for hot spots and salvaging property, while even more will be there performing a fire investigation.
At some point during our lives we have all seen fire trucks screaming down the street going to a call, or passed a building where crews are working at a fire. Did you ever wonder why some crews stay at the scene for a longer period of time after the fire has been extinguished?
After a fire has been put out and some crews have left the scene, other crews remain to perform overhaul, looking for hot spots and salvaging property, while even more will be there performing a fire investigation.
Hazmat
Over thirty years ago, when fire departments across the country started to reconsider how they were responding to certain types of calls, specifically those dealing with dangerous chemicals, flammable liquids and poisonous substances, to name a few, they realized that they had to make changes in their strategy. Firefighters started to recognize that there was a need to more clearly define how these calls were handled and to work towards a better outcome. As time passed, a safer, more calculated approach became the norm. Focus was directed towards safety and accurately identifying a chemical, knowing its properties, and correctly mitigating a spill or fire. Advances in protective clothing and equipment made these types of incidents less dangerous to the firefighters.
Since the mid 1980s the Addison Fire Department has been training for and responding to calls involving a vast array of hazardous materials. We do this in collaboration with a number of neighboring fire departments that comprise the MABAS XII Hazardous Materials Team. With new protocols for statewide response we are also prepared to mobilize for extended periods of time and operate with other MABAS divisions in the event of a major incident.
In April of 2009 the MABAS XII Hazardous Team was fortunate enough to take part in a two day (40 hour) validation exercise in Champaign at the University of Illinois. Team members worked in conjunction with other teams from throughout the state to accomplish tasks at mock incidents. The scenarios resembled situations that we might find ourselves in after a natural disaster or a terrorist event.
With terrorist events in the spotlight of the news media almost every day, our focus has come to include the possibility of dealing with Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). We have received a number of monitoring devices from the Department of Homeland Security and the Illinois Terrorism Task Force to help us detect and identify dangerous chemicals and substances commonly used in biological and chemical warfare.
The Addison Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team along with the MABAS XII Hazardous Materials Team will continue to train and gather the necessary information and equipment to provide the best possible line of defense for the citizens we protect.
Members
Lt. Jerry Toomey, B/C Roy Charvat, Lt. Dave Dinelli,
Lt. Erik Kramer, Lt. Brock Herion, Lt. Jeff Pluta,
Lt. Mike Polizzi, Lt. Ted Sciaky, Lt. Scott Walker, B/C Joe Leone,
Roger Bayne, Chris Mansfield, John Rice, Robert Shea, Wayne Westman
Over thirty years ago, when fire departments across the country started to reconsider how they were responding to certain types of calls, specifically those dealing with dangerous chemicals, flammable liquids and poisonous substances, to name a few, they realized that they had to make changes in their strategy. Firefighters started to recognize that there was a need to more clearly define how these calls were handled and to work towards a better outcome. As time passed, a safer, more calculated approach became the norm. Focus was directed towards safety and accurately identifying a chemical, knowing its properties, and correctly mitigating a spill or fire. Advances in protective clothing and equipment made these types of incidents less dangerous to the firefighters.
Since the mid 1980s the Addison Fire Department has been training for and responding to calls involving a vast array of hazardous materials. We do this in collaboration with a number of neighboring fire departments that comprise the MABAS XII Hazardous Materials Team. With new protocols for statewide response we are also prepared to mobilize for extended periods of time and operate with other MABAS divisions in the event of a major incident.
In April of 2009 the MABAS XII Hazardous Team was fortunate enough to take part in a two day (40 hour) validation exercise in Champaign at the University of Illinois. Team members worked in conjunction with other teams from throughout the state to accomplish tasks at mock incidents. The scenarios resembled situations that we might find ourselves in after a natural disaster or a terrorist event.
With terrorist events in the spotlight of the news media almost every day, our focus has come to include the possibility of dealing with Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). We have received a number of monitoring devices from the Department of Homeland Security and the Illinois Terrorism Task Force to help us detect and identify dangerous chemicals and substances commonly used in biological and chemical warfare.
The Addison Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team along with the MABAS XII Hazardous Materials Team will continue to train and gather the necessary information and equipment to provide the best possible line of defense for the citizens we protect.
Members
Lt. Jerry Toomey, B/C Roy Charvat, Lt. Dave Dinelli,
Lt. Erik Kramer, Lt. Brock Herion, Lt. Jeff Pluta,
Lt. Mike Polizzi, Lt. Ted Sciaky, Lt. Scott Walker, B/C Joe Leone,
Roger Bayne, Chris Mansfield, John Rice, Robert Shea, Wayne Westman
Technical Rescue (TRT)
Training continues to keep the team members busy.
Addison team members participated in team validation in Structural Collapse and Rope Rescue. Also, the team participated in a high line drill in Wheaton, confined space training in Elmhurst, trench training in Oak Brook and Bloomingdale, and collapse training at SKCTA (Southern Kane County Training Association).
Addison hosted a concrete cutting/breeching drill at the RW Duntemann site. This drill was well received by all that participated. We are going to try to continue to use this site for future drills.
Several members completed Structural Collapse Technician course at the University of Illinois. This course deals with cutting/breeching/moving/lifting/shoring concrete. We were all tired by the time we got home.
Team members include:
Lt. Chuck Baxa Lt. Brock Herion
Lt. Dave Dinelli FF/PM John Rice FF/PM Mark Weller
FF/PM Keith Wright FF/PM Jim Peters FF/PM Greg Hamm
Training continues to keep the team members busy.
Addison team members participated in team validation in Structural Collapse and Rope Rescue. Also, the team participated in a high line drill in Wheaton, confined space training in Elmhurst, trench training in Oak Brook and Bloomingdale, and collapse training at SKCTA (Southern Kane County Training Association).
Addison hosted a concrete cutting/breeching drill at the RW Duntemann site. This drill was well received by all that participated. We are going to try to continue to use this site for future drills.
Several members completed Structural Collapse Technician course at the University of Illinois. This course deals with cutting/breeching/moving/lifting/shoring concrete. We were all tired by the time we got home.
Team members include:
Lt. Chuck Baxa Lt. Brock Herion
Lt. Dave Dinelli FF/PM John Rice FF/PM Mark Weller
FF/PM Keith Wright FF/PM Jim Peters FF/PM Greg Hamm
Underwater Rescue/Recovery (Dive Team)
The District’s Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team was very active. Activity included monthly MABAS drills covering swift water, search patterns, ice rescue, evidence collection and diver rescue. We responded to dive incidents in Wheaton and Lombard where Addison personnel filled main command functions and aided in the mitigation of these incidents. The team also assisted Glen Ellyn at their cardboard boat regatta, where, in our new boat, we conducted several rescues of participants from their sinking homemade vessels.
The District team worked with the Addison Police Department developing an operational plan for the collection of evidence discarded in the water. During training we developed a new search pattern for use in heavily weeded bodies of water. This search pattern was taught to the rest of the division and should make future incidents run smoother.
We also worked with the Addison Park District Lifeguards to better coordinate the transfer of care between the two sets of rescuers. In conjunction with this Lt. Dinelli and Shawn Russell of the Oakbrook Terrace Fire District have been working with Ellis and Associates, a nationally recognized lifeguard training agency, to develop surface rescue procedures that would allow fire departments to comply with the requirements of NFPA 1670.
Long time members of the dive team Keith Wright and Joe Leone left the dive team. We added FFPM Pat Bailey to the team, Pat attended open water class and has started to learn the division rescue procedures.
Our members took an active role in completing the new division SOP’s. These procedures were modeled off of the NFPA 1670 document, and better address the new standards for the public safety diving community.
Lt. Dinelli was appointed the MABAS Division 12 team coordinator. Our goals for 2010 will be to support Division 12’s training requirements and skill levels as well as educate our members in the newer requirements of the NFPA 1670 standard.
Members of the Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team:
FF Joe Grandolfo Lt. David Dineli FF Blake Deibel FFPM Roger Bayne Jr
FFPM Dave Janssen Lt. Eric Kramer Lt. Jeff Pottle FFPM John Sullivan
FFPM Jim Peters Lt. Mike Polizzi Lt. Chuck Baxa
The District’s Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team was very active. Activity included monthly MABAS drills covering swift water, search patterns, ice rescue, evidence collection and diver rescue. We responded to dive incidents in Wheaton and Lombard where Addison personnel filled main command functions and aided in the mitigation of these incidents. The team also assisted Glen Ellyn at their cardboard boat regatta, where, in our new boat, we conducted several rescues of participants from their sinking homemade vessels.
The District team worked with the Addison Police Department developing an operational plan for the collection of evidence discarded in the water. During training we developed a new search pattern for use in heavily weeded bodies of water. This search pattern was taught to the rest of the division and should make future incidents run smoother.
We also worked with the Addison Park District Lifeguards to better coordinate the transfer of care between the two sets of rescuers. In conjunction with this Lt. Dinelli and Shawn Russell of the Oakbrook Terrace Fire District have been working with Ellis and Associates, a nationally recognized lifeguard training agency, to develop surface rescue procedures that would allow fire departments to comply with the requirements of NFPA 1670.
Long time members of the dive team Keith Wright and Joe Leone left the dive team. We added FFPM Pat Bailey to the team, Pat attended open water class and has started to learn the division rescue procedures.
Our members took an active role in completing the new division SOP’s. These procedures were modeled off of the NFPA 1670 document, and better address the new standards for the public safety diving community.
Lt. Dinelli was appointed the MABAS Division 12 team coordinator. Our goals for 2010 will be to support Division 12’s training requirements and skill levels as well as educate our members in the newer requirements of the NFPA 1670 standard.
Members of the Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team:
FF Joe Grandolfo Lt. David Dineli FF Blake Deibel FFPM Roger Bayne Jr
FFPM Dave Janssen Lt. Eric Kramer Lt. Jeff Pottle FFPM John Sullivan
FFPM Jim Peters Lt. Mike Polizzi Lt. Chuck Baxa
Photography
Seventeen firefighters within the Addison Fire Department comprise a group trained as photographers. They have been trained in still photography using the digital format. They are utilized to document special occasions within the department such as training activities, and public education events. On occasion they may be asked to take photos during fire or rescue operations at the scene of an emergency.
Most often, these photographers are required to participate in a fire investigation by documenting the fire scene. In this situation it is critical that the photographs are well composed and properly lit. These photos must record and exhibit a true depiction of the environment and the findings of the fire investigator. The photos may be presented in a court of law and must be relied upon to help tell the story of what was found, and how the fire was started.
The photographers must remain abreast of changes in technology and practice technique to maintain their expertise.
Members
Lt. Jerry Toomey, Lt. Erik Kramer, Lt. Jeff Pluta, Lt Charles Baxa, Randy Ahlgrim, Rus Ahlgrim, Roger Bayne, Jack Bremer, Blake Deibel, Joe Grandolfo, Chris Mansfield, Tom Sarlitto, Greg Schwartz, Robert Shea, Brian Smith, John Sullivan, Keith Wright
Seventeen firefighters within the Addison Fire Department comprise a group trained as photographers. They have been trained in still photography using the digital format. They are utilized to document special occasions within the department such as training activities, and public education events. On occasion they may be asked to take photos during fire or rescue operations at the scene of an emergency.
Most often, these photographers are required to participate in a fire investigation by documenting the fire scene. In this situation it is critical that the photographs are well composed and properly lit. These photos must record and exhibit a true depiction of the environment and the findings of the fire investigator. The photos may be presented in a court of law and must be relied upon to help tell the story of what was found, and how the fire was started.
The photographers must remain abreast of changes in technology and practice technique to maintain their expertise.
Members
Lt. Jerry Toomey, Lt. Erik Kramer, Lt. Jeff Pluta, Lt Charles Baxa, Randy Ahlgrim, Rus Ahlgrim, Roger Bayne, Jack Bremer, Blake Deibel, Joe Grandolfo, Chris Mansfield, Tom Sarlitto, Greg Schwartz, Robert Shea, Brian Smith, John Sullivan, Keith Wright
end
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
The fire investigation team will start soon after the fire is extinguished and while overhaul is being performed. Investigators will start to analyze the scene by looking at fire and smoke patterns that tell them where the fire stated, how much fire was involved. These patterns help the investigators determine how the fire started. Some investigators will sift through the rubble looking for clues from physical evidence, while others will interview the owners, neighbors and other people that were on the scene that may have witnessed the event. Still more investigators will photograph the scene to document their findings and record pertinent information. The information that they compile will tell them whether or not the fire was accidental or may have been set intentionally.
The Addison Fire Department has a fire investigation team comprised of twelve highly trained investigators. Each investigator has had to complete certification classes given by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
Ongoing education is also required to maintain certification. The Office of the Stat Fire Marshal (OSFM) for Illinois now requires the investigators to recertify every four years. This is accomplished by receiving 100 hours of continuing education over that time period. This can be attained by attending monthly training sessions with the Du Page County Fire Investigation Task Force, going to investigation seminars, and by credit gained for actual investigations of fires. This continuing education helps the investigator keep abreast of the latest technology, and new developments in procedures and analysis.
The Addison Fire Department has a fire investigation team comprised of twelve highly trained investigators. Each investigator has had to complete certification classes given by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
Ongoing education is also required to maintain certification. The Office of the Stat Fire Marshal (OSFM) for Illinois now requires the investigators to recertify every four years. This is accomplished by receiving 100 hours of continuing education over that time period. This can be attained by attending monthly training sessions with the Du Page County Fire Investigation Task Force, going to investigation seminars, and by credit gained for actual investigations of fires. This continuing education helps the investigator keep abreast of the latest technology, and new developments in procedures and analysis.
|
|
|
Over the last eleven years, the Addison Fire Department has also been an active member of the Du Page County Fire Investigation Task Force. This is a multi-jurisdictional organization made up of investigators from various police and fire departments as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the FBI. Through the task force investigators receive ongoing training and are aided by a larger network of investigators to use as additional resources when needed.
Members
Lt. Jerry Toomey, Lt. Erik Kramer, Lt. Charles Baxa, Randy Ahlgrim, Rus Ahlgrim, Roger Bayne, Blake Deibel, Joe Grandolfo, Chris Mansfield, Robert Shea, Brian Smith, Tom Vrchota
Members
Lt. Jerry Toomey, Lt. Erik Kramer, Lt. Charles Baxa, Randy Ahlgrim, Rus Ahlgrim, Roger Bayne, Blake Deibel, Joe Grandolfo, Chris Mansfield, Robert Shea, Brian Smith, Tom Vrchota