2017

Annual Report

5081 N. Old State Road 37 Bloomington, Indiana

www.btfire.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Department Philosophy 3

Letter From The Chief 4

Township Officials & Staff 5

Northern Monroe Fire Territory Organizational Chart 6

Fire Department Officers 7

Service Area 8

2017 Department Statistics 9

Fire Response 10

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 11

Hazardous Condition / Materials 11

Department Training 12

Fire Prevention 13

The Northern Monroe County Volunteer Firefighters Association 14

Apparatus 15 - 18

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MISSION

The mission of this department is to respond safely to emergencies and do all it can to limit the loss of life, property and harm to the environment.

VISION

It is the vision of the Northern Monroe County Fire Protection Territory to be recognized as a top public service organization by ensuring our firefighters are highly trained, motivated, physi-cally fit, compassionate, and diversified in order to exceed our citizens’ expectations and be re-

sponsible stewards for and members of our community.

CORE VALUES

The core values of this organization form the foundation of our work performance and daily conduct. Respect: We value respect for each person as an individual, an attitude that recognizes

the worth of others and exhibits compassion for those in need. Teamwork: Pulling together to accomplish our tasks and goals and building character

and values. “No one stands alone.” Honesty: Trust in one another . From the firefighters to the highest ranking officers,

mutual trust in one another’s decisions, judgment, and one’s word is essential. Loyalty: To officers, one another , citizens, and our duty to serve. Integrity: Maintain moral and ethical values and conduct among our firefighters. Commitment to Excellence: We value a commitment to excellence that demonstrates

itself through professionalism, training, pride and a positive attitude. Fire prevention and safety education: We recognize the impor tance of fire prevention

and public safety education as a core component to safeguarding the lives of people and property in our community.

SLOGAN

Trained to Save, Dedicated to Serve.

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

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2017 began the fulfillment of some of the Territory plans that were made in 2016. Most im-portant among these was the hiring of additional staff to serve the response needs of Washing-ton Township. Six new firefighters started in two waves of three over a period of two months starting in March. Each group was required to complete a 4-week training academy where their firefighting and EMS skills were honed. After completing the academy these firefighters took their place on designated shifts and began answering alarms. This year we also developed the specifications for and ordered a new pumper/rescue vehicle to replace our 27-year old engine E53. The replacement was specifically designed for use in Washington Township to respond both to structure fires and to carry the necessary equipment to respond to automobile accidents on the new interstate, I-69. The Territory Executive Committee established a Technical Review Committee in order to de-velop a Request for Proposal for a new fire station in Washington Township. The Technical Review Committee is also responsible for reviewing the submitted proposals for compliance, checking references, interviewing potential companies, making adjustments to the submitted plans, and finally making a recommendation for acceptance to the Executive Committee. Cook Financial Group donated property for a new fire station. Oliver Winery donated additional in-frastructure support. Both businesses are within the Territory’s response area. This year the Northern Monroe Fire Territory created a fire prevention officer position. This person is responsible for public fire safety education, fire investigation, new construction plan review, and fire inspections of commercial and industrial buildings within the Territory. Since the hired individual is certified as an IT specialist, he also supports the department’s IT needs. On top of all that, he is a fully certified firefighter, EMT, and hazardous materials technician. In making further plans for the Territory, the fire department and Township administrators held public meetings throughout the year. As the process unfolded, the Administration posted the public meeting documents and related materials on the department’s website for easy access. 2017 was spirited, intense, fast paced, and sometimes exhausting. Our efforts reflect our strong commitment to best practices in fire protection and public service. 2018 is just as fast paced and exciting. I’m looking forward to reporting next year more fully on the delivery of the new truck, the opening of a temporary fire station in Washington Township, and the sustained deliv-ery of exceptional emergency services to the Northern Monroe Fire Territory.

Joel Bomgardner Chief, Northern Monroe Fire Territory

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF

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Bloomington Township Trustee Lillian Henegar

Bloomington Township Board Vic Kelson

Kim Alexander Barbara E. McKinney

Bloomington Township is the Territory’s provider unit.

Its office is located at: 2111 W. Fountain Drive

Bloomington, Indiana 47404

We thank the office staff for their day-to-day assistance.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS & STAFF

Lisa Myers Deputy Trustee /

Administrative Operations Manager

Liz Lopez Senior Case Worker /

Investigator

Cara Escobedo Case Worker / Investigator

Kay Hohlt Administrative Clerk

Joe Lee Facilities Assistant

Rhonda Martin Accounts Clerk

Washington Township Trustee Barbara Ooley

Washington Township Board Clayton Brickert

Nina Walls Troy Colvin

2017 Northern Monroe Fire Territory Executive Committee Barbara Ooley Chair

Kim Alexander Vice Chair

Lillian Henegar Secretary

Clayton Brickert Member

Geoff McKim (Bloomington Township) Citizen Representative

Mike Baker (Washington Township) Citizen Representative

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NORTHERN MONROE FIRE TERRITORY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Bloomington Township Trustee

Fire Chief

Deputy Chiefs

Sergeants

Lieutenants

Shift Captains

Washington Township Board Member

Firefighters: Paid / Volunteer

Territory Executive Committee

Washington Township Trustee

Washington Township Citizen Representative

Bloomington Township Board Member

Bloomington Township Citizen Representative

Bloomington Township Trustee

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FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

Chief Joel Bomgardner

Deputy Chief Matthew Bright

Dave Calvin

Fire Prevention / IT Lieutenant Rusty Clark

Captain

Jeff Bailey Clay Edwards Travis Terry

Association Board Scott Fleck, President

Sarah Hinds, Vice President Tanner Waldrip, Secretary

Amber Tompkins, Treasurer Ronnie Vandeventer, Member

Caleb Hess, Member Shane Hanna, Member

Chaplain

Caleb Hess

Lieutenant Scott Fleck

Mike Schwandt Shane Hanna

Public Educator

Justin Dodd

Safety Officer Shane Hanna

Sergeant Brad Wellman

Ryan Fipps Tony McGlocklin

Special Assignments Caroline Watkins - EMS Supplies Jason Allen - Public Information

Matt Fisher - Pre-Plans/Maps

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SERVICE AREA Northern Monroe Fire Territory’s (NMFT) service area covers all areas of both Bloomington and Washington Townships outside the city limits as well as contractually with neighboring Benton Township in Monroe County. The area served is approximately 136 square miles.

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2017 DEPARTMENT STATISTICS

Total number of calls for service: 800, a decrease of 7% from 2016.

Average overall response time: 9:18 minutes.*

Average call duration: 38:32 minutes. This is an increase of 27:02 minutes from 2016

Average emergency medical incident re-sponse time is 8:40 minutes.

Average number of personnel responding to calls: 8.0, up 25% from 2016.

Average number of staff responding to calls: 5.8, up 65% from 2016.

Average number of volunteers responding to calls: 2.0, down 76% from 2017.

Total number of per-sonnel responding to all calls: 6071, an in-crease of 27% from 2016.

Total man-hours for all calls: 7537, an increase of 4627 hours from 2016.

Run Data

* Includes hazardous materials incidents that can have a much longer response time.

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FIRE RESPONSE Fire related responses comprised 7% of our overall call volume in 2017 versus 9% in 2016. False alarms increased 19% over the year while actual building fires increased by 31%. The number of Wildland fires increased 40% while trash and flue fires remained relatively con-sistent from 2016.

After a fire, we compare the estimated actual loss to the potential loss if the property had been totally destroyed. The chart below shows the comparison. Of note is the higher loss as distance from Station 5 increases, specifically within both Washington and Benton Townships. The closer the fire is to Station 5, the lower the estimated or potential loss. Thus, these losses are higher in Washington and Benton Townships; even so, Northern Monroe Fire Territory’s re-sponse to these fires reduces the potential losses significantly.

Bloomington Twp. = Estimated: $11,150 Potential: $11,150

Benton Twp. = Estimated: $438,800 Potential: $922,100

Washington Twp. = Estimated: $199,000 Potential: $254,500

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)

In 2017, EMS calls for service continue to represent the largest percentage of our total respons-es. This year, EMS calls comprised 57% of our run volume. Typically, we are able to arrive prior to IU Health Emergency Medical Transport Services (IUEMTS) and initiate patient care. The interval between our arrival and IUEMTS arrival can range from as little as one minute to as much as 15 minutes. The longer response times are a result of the more rural areas including the north side of Lake Lemon and far northwestern Washington Township.

This chart shows a break-down of the types of EMS related responses for 2017. Along with a first re-sponse EMS, both rescue calls and motor vehicle accidents are included within this statistic be-cause both usually result in some sort of medical treatment. Technical res-cue responses may in-clude confined space, ex-trication, search, water, rope as well as trench res-cues.

HAZARDOUS CONDITION / MATERIALS

Hazardous condition calls cover a variety of categories. Hazardous material responses and inci-dents where there are no fires such as downed electrical lines are included. All together, “Hazardous Conditions” continue to represent approximately 5% of call volume in 2017. The Territory continues the decades long operation of the Indiana Department of Homeland Se-curity (IDHS) District 8 Hazardous Materials Response Team, one of the 38 regional response teams in Indiana. Monroe, Brown, Bartholomew, Lawrence, Jackson, Orange, and Washington counties comprise District 8. Our team is also one of only 11 “Render Safe Teams” operating within the State. These teams are responsible for identification of unknown substances that may pose a threat to the public such as mysterious white powder sent in an envelope. When needed, our team may be called upon by state officials to assist at different incidents within IDHS District 8. We can provide technical expertise in conjunction with local opera-tional responders to mitigate hazardous materials emergencies or analyze different substances and “render” that incident safe.

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DEPARTMENT TRAINING

Department personnel completed over 9300 hours of training and education in firefighting, emergency medical care, technical rescue, and hazardous materials in 2017. This is an in-crease of nearly 7000 hours from 2016. Below is a listing of personnel training levels and the number of personnel trained to that level.

Certification Levels:

Fire Number of Personnel

Fire Officer IV 3

Fire Officer III 4

Fire Officer II 9

Fire Officer I 10

Master /Advanced Category 3

Firefighter I/II 40

Wildland Firefighter 5

Fire Officer- Strategy and Tactics 27

Driver/Operator 23

Instructor I 25

Instructor II/III 9

Fire Safety Officer 8

Inspector I/II 10

Investigator I 6

EMS Number of Personnel

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 44

Non-firefighting EMT (NFEMT) 1

Paramedic 1

CPR 50

CPR Instructor 7

Hazardous Materials Number of Personnel

Operations 49

Technician 30

Technical Rescue Number of Personnel

Technical Rescue Awareness (all 5 levels) 45

Auto Extrication 22

Rope Rescue 9

Trench Rescue 4

Confined Space Rescue 5

Water Rescue 4

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As the new fire prevention officer for the Northern Monroe Fire Territory, I came on board in April of 2017. The Territory’s prevention division got off to a good start. Here are a few things we accom-plished in 2017.

We have updated the graphics on the outside of the Monroe County Fire Safety Trailer and repaired siding and doors. The electrical system was also repaired, and other electronics were updated includ-ing new TV monitors and a new video system. The system was up and running for the Peden Farm event and received many positive remarks from attendees. The Prevention Division attended five pub-lic events in 2017 reaching approximately 3,000 children and handing out educational materials to ap-proximately 2,000 adults.

We also increased NMFT’s fire prevention and safety presence in Monroe County. In conjunction with other Monroe County departments, we created the Monroe County Community Risk Reduction Committee, which works to identify risks and establishes continuity of programs countywide to miti-gate these risks.

To increase safety for older age groups, we provide education on topics of kitchen safety and slip and fall prevention. In partnership with the American Red Cross, we install smoke alarms. Our practice is to carry detectors and installation equipment on all apparatus so that these detectors can be installed after a call when appropriate. We installed approximately 50 in 2017 with another 20 handed out to property owners. Our division, along with Red Cross volunteers, conducted a “smoke detector blitz” in the neighborhood called Johnson Addition.

In conjunction with IU Health Southern Indiana Pediatrics, we continue to host a car safety seat fitting and inspection station. We also began the process of implementing community CPR classes; the first classes will occur in early 2018. Moreover, with each seasonal Territory newsletter, we have mailed fire safety educational messages to nearly 6,000 residences across northeastern Monroe County.

To increase our fire inspection presence, we offer home safety inspection upon request, and we have drafted a safety resolution in order to conduct fire safety inspections in area businesses. This program should commence in 2018. To increase our fire investigation capability, we have added more depart-ment investigators and assisted in forming the Monroe County Fire Investigator Taskforce.

Ultimately, the first year for the Prevention Division proved to be a busy one. With this forward mo-mentum, I am looking forward to an exciting and educational 2018!

Russel Clark Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Division

FIRE PREVENTION

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2016 was a year of change, confronting the challenges re-lated to the formation of the fire territory. 2017 continued to be a year of change and chal-lenges. Addressing these demonstrates how we can ef-fectively respond to new de-mands.

The Northern Monroe County Volunteer Firefighters, Inc. found ways to respond to the needs of the community and our department. Public events like our annual Breakfast with the Bunny allowed us to open the doors of the fire department and invite the public in for an up close meet-and-greet.

We partnered with Bloomington Township to provide both financial and physical resources to their food pantry, which helps those in need in the Township. We partnered with our career firefighters through their Local 586 to help fund and participate in their annual Shop with a Firefighter and the associated hat and coat donations to our local schools. This effort helps en-sure that kids in need enjoy the holiday season. We partnered with the American Red Cross to identify homes without smoke detectors and spent an afternoon installing them.

As volunteer firefighters, we train extensively to respond to our community's emergency needs. Generally, training is held 3 Mondays each month. These sessions cover topics in fire-fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and rescue operations. Additional training occurs with the career staff at various times every week including a rotat-ing list of state certification courses that are offered through our training academy.

Our volunteers are hardworking and proud of the service they provide the community. If this sounds appealing to you, stop by and chat with NMFT’s career staff and volunteers and see if it's something that interests you. We always welcome new volunteers!

Scott Fleck President, Northern Monroe County Volunteer Firefighters

THE NORTHERN MONROE COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

2017 Breakfast with the Bunny egg hunt.

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APPARATUS

The NMFT responds to calls in many different environments including ru-ral and populated areas. Some calls are far from main roadways, and many are in areas lacking a good wa-ter supply or hydrants. The diverse nature of our response demands that we operate a variety of apparatus. Each apparatus has a spe-cific purpose, and they carry a varie-ty of equipment in order to meet the many challenges posed by our unique response area. Naturally, our diverse equipment and apparatus in-clude the appropriate equipment for hazardous materials response to all of Monroe County and the remainder of Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 8. These graphs show the current fleet age.

The chart below shows the age of the department’s individual apparatus.

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Age

in Y

ear

s Traditionally, as well as by the National Fire Prevention Association’s standards, fleet age is the number one determining factor for placing apparatus on the frontline, as reserve, or scheduling for replacement. The same holds true for evaluating the Northern Monroe Fire Territory appa-ratus fleet. While age is one factor for making these decisions, other qualifiers include mileage, condition, and mission. In addition, the Territory uses computer software to track apparatus maintenance as part of our overall maintenance program. The chart below shows a ten year his-tory of the department’s average fleet age.

Our apparatus often respond in tandem to emergency calls. For example, Tanker 57 will re-spond with Engine 51 as a water supply source, and Brush 52 may be used to pull the decon-tamination trailer. The chart below shows overall apparatus usage. Understandably, Squad-5 responds to more calls than other apparatus since EMS runs made up 57% of our overall call volume in 2017. Similarly, Rescue 56 has the second highest call volume. All of the above factors combined with the individual maintenance history of each apparatus aid in the determination of an appro-priate replacement schedule.

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Tanker 57 2016 International, Pumper/Tanker

Quint 59 1998 55’ aerial ladder Smeal, Quint

Engine 53 1990 Ford, Pumper

Tanker 54 2002 International, Pumper/Tanker

Brush 52-A 2015 Ford F350, Brush Truck

Squad 5 2009 Chevrolet, Rescue

Rescue 56 2003 Chevrolet, Rescue

Squad 15 2011 Ford F250, Rescue

Engine 51 2009 Spartan, Pumper

Brush 52 1999 Ford F450, Brush Truck

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HazMat Decon 5 1990 16’ Timberwolf, Trailer

Tactical 5 2004 Ford F350, Hazmat Support

Car 50 2010 Ford Escape, Command

Car 501 2011 Ford F150, Command

Car 502 2016 Ford F150, Command

Mass Decon MCI-5 2004 United, Trailer

Rescue Boat 5 2003 14’ Sylvan, Rescue

E5 2009 Kawasaki, Support

M5

1999 Ford F150, Maintenance

HazMat 5 2002 24’ Haulmark, Trailer

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