High Rise Training

I kick off the new three weeks of high rise training. This was a new topic for me as we have had minimal high rise training in our department. If using the "international building" code definition of 75' occupied floor above the lowest apparatus level Eden Prairie has gone from 1 to now 4 buildings. But for our purposes we are focusing on any multi-story structure containing standpipes. Key Message - Support FDC; Quick attack (w/back up); communication and PPV.

October

Month one complete for duty crews. It was a interesting first month as we look to improve our response and time management for many fire fighters. For me personally, I think I ended up spending significantly more time “working” in the duty crew model. Now that we are tracking hours I know I recorded 104 hours plus another dozen or so of unlogged hours. I love it but I do have maintain a balance which is really the toughest part of being an officer (lead by example)..but when it is something you love doing it makes it much easier. I started the month with a plane crash and ended the month with a house fire. In between there were only a handful of calls. Plane Crash Cardiac Mutual Aid House Fire House Fire And a number of false alarms.

Mid Term

Finally sitting on the other side of the test. We have 15 Probationary FF representing Hopkins, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Bloomington and Edina. Tonight's practice included donning, forceable entry, ropes and knots and ladders. Everyone passed with flying colors and now they are taking the written exam. I much prefer being the educator versus the student.

Duty crew shift 2

Sunday afternoon 1700-2300. 22:20 and no calls. Not a peep. I don't even think PD was called. At least our fill station and laundry room is now clean.

Duty Crew First Shift

First shift of Duty Crew. EPFD has officially joined the ranks of many fire departments moving to a part-time model that provides around the clock coverage. Now rather than leaving the family at beep of a tone of the pager for an alarm, medical or other, we’ll have the stations already staffed cutting our response time in half. The only thing that will pull me away from family, unscheduled, should be a confirmed structure fire or other significant set of circumstances or events. Shift 1 1700-2300 Oct 2: · Cleaned E11 L3 & B1 · Washed Bays · Plane crash · House filled with smoke · CO alarm – no symptoms Shift 2 0500 – 0800 Oct 3 · Cleaned R11

Welcome (me) Back

Monday, August 6, 16:00. I am back. I am looking for suggestions on Tower Operations training. ANy idease please send them my way.

Jr. Fire Inspector

Just completed the 3rd Open House for Eden Prairie Fire Department. This years open house included a number of partners including:
American Red Cross
Eden Prairie CERT
Centerpoint Energy
The Home Depot
Car Fires
Auto Extrication
and much much more.....

Including the Jr. Fire Inspector program which included a badge, pencil, flashlight, bag and the check list below. The goal of this program....to get kids empowered to make change at home. We see it every day with learning new concepts and bringing them home to share. This program teaches kids they can hold their parents accountable for making their home fire safe!