HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6d. Fire Department 2023 Annual Report Item 6d
Department: Fire
Cost Center: 8501
For Agenda of: 5/21/2024
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Todd Tuggle, Fire Chief
Prepared By: Nicole Vert, Business Analyst
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT’S 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive and approve the San Luis Obispo Fire Department’s 2023
Annual Report.
POLICY CONTEXT
The Fire Department’s 2023 Annual Report (Attachment A) provides an overview of the
past operational year. The report highlights both department activity and statistics that the
department utilizes to analyze performance and workload.
DISCUSSION
Prevention
In 2023, SLOFD reviewed over 416 plans for Development. Additionally, the Prevention
Bureau conducted over 2,000 Fire and Life Safety Inspections
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Item 6d
These inspections involve nearly every type of occupancy in the City, from apartment
complexes to large warehouses, to bars and restaurants.
Community Engagement
SLOFD actively engages in community education on the hazards and risks within our
community. SLOFD has an active and rapidly growing media presence to prepare the
community for a host of hazards.
Wildfire preparedness presentation,
Change your clock change your battery,
Flood awareness,
Severe Weather,
Fire updates,
CPR Pulsepoint, and
Fire Safety Tips
Page 534 of 888
Item 6d
Emergency Response
In 2023, SLOFD responded to 7,428 incidents, with over 9,500
responses to various types of emergencies from 4 stations.
These annual stats represent growth in demand over the last 7
years that shows little sign of dissipating. As we look at our core
mission of risk mitigation, the volume of incidents and responses
is nearing the capacity of the resources to respond appropriately.
Our response time metric is 7 minutes Total Response Time
(TRT) to emergencies. Total Response Time includes three
components:
- Alarm Handling is the time from when the Dispatch Center
picks up the 911 call to dispatch of the appropriate units.
- Turnout time is the time it takes the crews to hear the
dispatch, make their way to the apparatus, don the
appropriate equipment and start towards the incident
- Travel Time is the actual time that the apparatus is
traveling with lights and sirens to the emergency.
Since 2018, the amount of time that multiple calls for service
have gone out simultaneously has risen from less than 10% to
nearly 30%. In other words, 30% of the time, when there is a call
for service, there is not one, but 2, 3, 4 and sometimes 5 or more
calls for service simultaneously. When there are multiple calls
for service, the likelihood of a delayed Total Response Time
goes up significantly.
Page 535 of 888
Item 6d
Training
Training is a constant process, requiring resources and time to stay abreast of the latest
trends and evolving needs of the fire service. The seven disciplines , each requiring
dedicated training hours, spread across the entire organization and even to other
departments, as EOC operations are a “whole of City” responsibility.
Training Category Training Hours Completed
Structure Fire 4,042
Wildland Fire 3,335
Hazardous Materials 1,487
Open Space Rescue 3,087
Urban Search and
Rescue 2,736
Advanced Life Support 4,727
EOC Operations/Incident
Management 1,334
Other 2,449
TOTAL 23,197
Analysis
From a thorough analysis of the call volume data, several trends appeared allowing the
department to determine community needs and identify hotspots to more effectively serve
the City.
1. 20% of SLOFD call volume tends to transient related calls for service.
2. 104 - number of fires in vegetation/trash cans inside of the city limits. In other
words, homeless encampment fires in the heavily vegetated creek beds and open
spaces interwoven throughout the City.
3. SLOFD went to 40 Prado nearly 600 times in 2023.
4. Over 400 times in 2023, SLOFD responded to non-emergent lift assists.
Page 536 of 888
Item 6d
5. Return of spontaneous circulation, which is the return of a sustained heart rhythm,
was achieved in 25.42% of patients.
6. SLOFD responded to 46 overdose patients.
7. 40% of Fire and Life Safety Inspections require a reinspection.
8. Less than 20% of businesses eligible to enroll in the Self Inspection program are
submitting their reports.
1. Certain low hazard businesses such as professional offices have been
selected to participate in a simplified inspection program, saving both the
department and businesses time.
Summary
The 2023 Annual Report provides an overview of the past operational year and highlights
department activity, statistics and analysis that the department utilizes to analyze
workload and drive performance enhancement.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
On June 20, 2023, the City Council received and filed the Fire Department’s 2022 Annual
Report.
Public Engagement
This item is a consent item for the May 21, 2024, City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a " Project" under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2022-23 and 2023-24
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund N/A $0 $0 $0
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total N/A $0 $0 $0
Page 537 of 888
Item 6d
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommendation to receive and file the
report.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could choose to not receive and file the annual report. This is not
recommended as the report provides a record of essential statistics, trends, and strategic
initiatives that are important for policy makers and the public awareness in our community.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Fire Department 2023 Annual Report
Page 538 of 888
ANNUALANNUAL
20232023
REPORTREPORT
SAN LUIS OBISPO FIRE
Page 539 of 888
TABLE OF CONTENTS
21
1
8
10
ADMINISTRATIONADMINISTRATION
PREVENTIONPREVENTION
EMERGENCY RESPONSEEMERGENCY RESPONSE
MOBILE CRISIS UNITMOBILE CRISIS UNIT
Chief’s Message, Mission Statement, Org Chart, Financial Summary,Grants, Newly Funded Programs & Projects, Public Information
Inspections, Vegetation Management
Statistics, US&R, Open Space Rescue, Mutual Aid
23 TRAININGTRAINING
27 APPARATUSAPPARATUS
Statistics, Injury Prevention Program, Intern Program, Recruit Academy
28 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTEMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
29 NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONSNEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS
EVENTSEVENTS
STRATEGIC PLANSTRATEGIC PLAN
30
31
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ADMINISTRATION
Page 541 of 888
Chiefs Message
2023 provided a pivotal transition of leadership in the SLOFD. Beginning with seven new
probationary Firefighters, an Engineer, a Captain, a Battalion Chief, a Deputy Chief and Fire
Chief. Along with the retirement of our Fire Marshal, this year was about transition for our
organization. I am proud to say that a year into bringing on new personnel and growing into new
positions, the team has performed admirably in service to the community.
Starting January 9th, the City opened the EOC for the first of three major events in 2023,
including two significant floods and a major fire. It was during these impactful events that we
saw a new team flourish. Communication, collaboration, hard work, and incredible competency
lead to successful outcomes for our new team.
2023 also saw continued successful implementation of the Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU). After 6
months of piloting the program, the Mobile Crisis Unit found its niche in the community, logging
over 200 individual calls for service; reuniting homeless individuals with families and services,
and by taking about 5% of the call volume at 40 Prado from the emergency response resources.
SLOFD also finalized the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan which will focus on six key initiatives as we
support the major city goals.
With the passing along of another
year, it’s only fair to reflect back on
what we have accomplished and
where we are going. In 2023 a lot
happened, and we got a lot done.
1Page 542 of 888
The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to steer our efforts with limited resources. These 6 initiatives have
been determined as the priorities in achieving the major city goals:
Economic Resiliency, Cultural Vitality, Fiscal Sustainability1.
2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
3. Housing and Homelessness
4. Climate Action, Open Space and Sustainable Transportation.
As we move through 2024, I will be prioritizing projects, efforts and budget towards our strategic plan to
foster a healthy organization capable of supporting the City and the Community.
We have a lot to look forward to in 2024. I look forward to this next year, and many more to come, as we
grow and refine our skills to provide exceptional service.
Thank you for a fantastic 2023 and looking out to a phenomenal 2024.
Chiefs Message con’t.
2
1
2
3
COMMUNITY FOCUSED SERVICE
4
DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Continuous improvement of service delivery based on data analysis and communityexpectations.
We accomplished a lot of growth in 2023. Continued commitment to training andeducation is a must for our workforce.
We, the workforce, are the most valuable asset the organization has, lets makesure we are physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the rigors of the job.
5 COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION
6 TECHNOLOGY
This will be a pivotal year as shift towards a new holistic and synergistic model.
We continue to see technological trends in our industry. It is incumbent upon us toleverage those technologies towards an efficient deployment of exceptional service.
Preparation for all manner of emergencies, large and small is a must in our community.We will continue refine this effort.
Todd Tuggle, Fire Chief Page 543 of 888
3Page 544 of 888
Organizational Chart
AS OF DECEMBER 2023
4Page 545 of 888
Financial Summary
In Fiscal Year 2023-24 the department
received a total budget of $15,54,163
with $14,369,586 or 92.5% dedicated
towards staffing for the 60.5 full-time
members of the department, leaving
7.5% or $1,089,577 for non-staffing
operational costs.
$14,369,586$14,369,586
$1,089,577$1,089,577
Non-StaffingNon-Staffing
StaffingStaffing
5
The San Luis Obispo City Fire
Department is comprised of nine
budgeted programs, of these, 6 are staffed.
Page 546 of 888
Grants
To support the City and Department’s goal of fiscal responsibility the Fire Department seeks out
grant opportunities to help both maintain and improve the level of service provided to San Luis
Obispo. In 2023 the Fire Department leveraged grant programs which provided over $147,406
in funding assistance:
Newly Funded Programs & Projects
Engine 6 Replacement
SCBA Replacement
Engine 6 is a wildland engine used primarily for fires in hilly
and mountainous Wildland Urban Interface. In 2023 it
reached the end of its useful life and is in the process of
being replaced.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus are vital for firefighter
safety while fighting fires. After a year-long process that
including decision making, testing, receiving quotes and finally
placing an order, new SCBA’s were placed into service.
6
$108,000
FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchase Urban Search
& Rescue (US&R) equipment to support the department’s ability to conduct
complex and technical rescues.
$39,406
To allow 3 Firefighters to attend Paramedic school increasing the number of
paramedics on staff in the department improving pre-hospital care.
Page 547 of 888
2022 Followers 2023 Followers
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
Public Information
Public Information plays a critical role in
educating the public to reduce the severity of
emergencies and allows the public to make
the right decisions during an emergency
SLOFD continued to increase Public Information
services in 2023. This was accomplished by
expanding the Department’s communication
through increased social media presence and
activity, utilizing an updated and comprehensive
social media calendar which was integrated into
the City’s master communications calendar, and
an ongoing bi-weekly standing segment with
KVEC radio to discuss department programs,
safety tips, and disaster preparedness
information. With the PIO role being formalized
at the end of 2019, the department has
continually increased its ability to provide the
media and public with accurate and timely
incident information. In 2023, the department’s
Instagram account saw a 142% percent
increase in followers. Per Instagram analytics
and insights, nearly 50% of the department’s
followers are local residents. Additionally, two
extensive public outreach campaigns were
conducted in 2023 to promote Wildfire
Readiness Night in the summer and Community
Flood Readiness night in the fall.
Social Media Growth
397 Posts 118 Posts 151 Posts
@SLOCITYFD@SLO FIRE
22002200
55345534
12771277
19911991
64646464
72237223
7Page 548 of 888
PREVENTION
Page 549 of 888
Inspections
545 InspectionsMulti-Dwelling
Under the direction of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Prevention Bureau inspects all multi-dwellingproperties (three or more units) in the City to ensure that they meet a reasonable degree of fireand life safety. This state-mandated program helps safeguard residents and visitors whopatronize local hotels and generates approximately $350,000 in annual revenue that offsetsimplementation costs. The Fire Prevention Bureau completed 545 inspections of apartments,hotels, and fraternity/sorority houses in 2023.
Fire & Life Safety
SLOFD completed 1,328 fire and life safety inspections for businesses in 2023. Of this inspectiontotal, Fire Prevention Bureau staff completed 4 assisted living centers, 3 school, 2 hospital, and 12day care centers inspections and 43 large public assembly occupancies. A portion of these inspectionsresulted in Fire Code operating permits, which generates about $100,000 in annual revenue.
1328 Inspections
Self-Inspections
In January of 2021 the Fire Department implemented the Fire and Life Safety Self-Inspection Programwhich allows certain business in San Luis Obispo complete these inspections in lieu of a fire departmentstaff member or engine company. Businesses that qualify for this program have been chosen due to thelow hazard associated with their business practices. These include small professional offices and somelow hazard retail establishments. Of the 1,248 qualifying businesses, only 53 chose to participate in2023. Additional resources may be necessary to effectively follow up on these inspections.
53 Inspections
Haz-Mat
The Fire Prevention Bureau serves as a “Participating Agency” in the County’s Certified Unified ProgramAgency (CUPA). Businesses that use or store hazardous materials in an appreciable quantity, generatehazardous wastes, or operate underground or aboveground petroleum storage tanks are subject toinspection. The Hazardous Materials Coordinator conducted 233 facility inspections in 2023. Thisprogram generated approximately $217,000 in revenue in 2023.
233 Inspections
8Page 550 of 888
15 Years of Service
Vegetation Management
Fuel Reduction Efforts
Bob Jones Bike Trail
San Luis Obispo Creek
(Between Prado and LOVR)
San Luis Drive
Bowden Ranch Open Space
Cerro San Luis Natural
Reserve
Removal of invasive
Arundo plants west of
LOVR
With the addition of a half-time fire inspector, the Fire Prevention Bureau was able to take aproactive role in Weed Abatement. The Bureau mailed out 75 courtesy letters to property ownerswith a history of enforcement issues. Due to the early notification only 24 required follow upenforcement, leading to compliance within 30 days. The Fire Department continued to supportNatural Resources and Parks and Recreation Ranger Service in the fuel reduction projects in City-owned Open Space and creek corridors.
In 2023, the Fire Department also worked closelywith the County Fire Safe Council to support futurevegetation management projects into 2024including both planning and fuel reduction projectsto help reduce the wildfire threat surrounding thecity with a large focus on the Irish Hills, MiossiRanch, and Reservoir Canyon areas. Grants throughthe fire safe council were secured to fund hazardoustree removal throughout the city and grazing alongSan Luis Obispo and Prefumo creeks.
RODGER MAGGIORODGER MAGGIO
Fire MarshalFire Marshal
9Page 551 of 888
EMERGENCYRESPONSE
Page 552 of 888
Statistics
3.73%3.73%
Higher calls than 2022
In 2023, SLOFD responded to 7,428 incidents from four strategically placed fire stations
throughout the city. Emergency response was accomplished with daily minimum staffing of 14
sworn personnel. To help maintain the daily minimum of emergency response personnel, the
city has continued its investment in two important programs including a functional movement
program to reduce the occurrence and severity of physical injuries and a Peer Support Team
Program to maintain the mental health and wellbeing of department personnel.
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
6180 5520
6232
7162 7428
10Calls for Service Page 553 of 888
0 2000 4000
Fire 136
EMS 4789
Hazardous Condition 145
Service Call 924
Good Intent Call 957
False Alarm 456
Special Incident 2
Severe Weather 12
Calls for Service
Incidents by Month
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Jan
u
a
r
y
Fe
b
r
u
a
r
y
Ma
r
c
h
Ap
r
i
l
Ma
y
Jun
e
Jul
y
Au
g
u
s
t
Se
p
t
e
m
b
e
r
Oc
t
o
b
e
r
No
v
e
m
b
e
r
De
c
e
m
b
e
r
47 Transient Related 6767
Cardiac Arrests
684 684
Transported
10
11
7,4287,428
Calls For Service
582582 599599 596596 638638 611611 606606 593593 586586 675675 612612 646646
765765
Alcohol Related 391 Lift Assists
35 - 1299 Briarwood
24 - 55 Broad
20 - 3042 Augusta
Incidents By Month
Page 554 of 888
THURSDAYTHURSDAY
2PM - 4PM2PM - 4PM
12
Incidents by Day and Hour - 2023
BUSIEST DAY
OF THE WEEK
Total Time on TaskUNIT HOUR UTILIZATIONUNIT HOUR UTILIZATION
8.18%8.18%
Engine 4
6.62%6.62%6.39%6.39%6.38%6.38%
Engine 3Truck 2 Truck 1
*The industry standard = 10%
20802080
Truck 1
18191819
Truck 2
19161916
Truck 3
21532153
Truck 4
I
N
C
D
E
N
T
I
N
C
D
E
N
T
C
O
U
N
T
C
O
U
N
T
Page 555 of 888
3 Units Available
2 Units Available
1 Unit Available
No Units Available
5419
1627
318
78 Multiple Units Committed
To An Incident
27.2%27.2%
318
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Very Low Low Medium High Very High
Multi-Unit Responses
72.8%72.8%
21.8%21.8%
4.3%4.3%
1.1%1.1%
9,5599,559
Apparatus Responses
13
5419
1627
78
1,3171,317
The incident severity compares the
number of incidents to the number of
responses as an indicator of the number
of units assigned to various incident
types. The number of resources assigned
to an incident type is a good proxy for the
severity/risk/hazard of an incident.
For instance, an incident that only uses 1
resource is low severity. An incident that
uses all 4 City resources plus automatic
aid is the most significant risk factor the
department responds to, therefore the
severity will be much higher.
Incident Severity
612
5337
990
410 71
Page 556 of 888
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
1395 Madonna Road
1981 INCIDENTS
1280 Laurel Lane
1851 INCIDENTS
2160 Santa Barbara Ave
1923 INCIDENTS
136 N. Chorro
1671 INCIDENTS
Cal Poly Incidents
265 - On Campus
205 - Off Campus
Frequent Addresses
581 - 40 Prado
148 - 1234 Laurel
132 - 55 Broad
123 - 1299 Briarwood
123 - 3000 Augusta
14Page 557 of 888
$111,062$111,062
$113,832$113,832
$50,903$50,903
1132 BUCHON
1132 OLIVE
198 SOUTH
Property Losstop 3
15Page 558 of 888
$2,271,015$2,271,015
*NOT INCLUDING LIZZIE FIRE
*NOT INCLUDING CAL POLY BLDG
$60,059,984.20$60,059,984.20
$438,668$438,668
$9,880,648.20 PRIVATE PROPERTY*$50,179,336 SLOHS & ADULT SCHOOL*
Total Property Loss
Total Property Saved
Property Saved-Lizze Fire
16
$874,421,798$874,421,798
Property Saved-CP BLDG 172
Page 559 of 888
In 2017, after transitioning to ImageTrend, the Fire
Department’s data and report management system, SLOFD
has an increased ability to analyze response data including
response times. The city’s 2023 safety element references
the fire department’s master plan objective to respond to
all lights and sirens emergencies within 4 minutes or less
90% of the time. New ImageTrend Continuum software
deployed in 2023 has allowed the fire department to
further study its response times using key performance
indicator dashboards and special study analysis on unique
populations like students and the unhoused. The fire
department plans to join the County of San Luis Obispo’s
patient care reporting system in 2024, unifying most
emergency medical service providers in the county on a
common platform. The fire department deployed field fire
inspection data collection tools in 2023 using new software
that combines fire reporting with fire inspections.
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
Goal: 7:00
TRAVEL TIMEGoal: 4:00
TURNOUT TIME
Goal: 2:00
ALARM HANDLING
Goal: 1:00
RESPONSE
TIMES
90th Percentile
RESPONSE
TIMES
90th Percentile
17
Statistics 1:371:37
2:142:14
5:535:53
8:418:41
Page 560 of 888
In 2023, the Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team continued to play a vital
role in protecting the lives of both visitors and citizens alike. Members of the USAR Team receive
specialized training in complex and technical rescue operations and also take part in the San Luis
Obispo County Regional USAR Team. In January of 2024, the department will be expanding the
USAR Team from six members to nine. This will increase the likelihood that multiple USAR
specialists will be on duty on any given day, thereby increasing the department’s level of
operational readiness.
The team participates in quarterly training. In February, SLOFD and the SLO County US&R team
conducted a training drill on in Downtown SLO that focused on responses to earthquakes.
US&R
55
US&R
Responses
Significant Rescues
Madonna Mountain
Bishops Peak
Irish Hills
Cal Poly
Reservoir Canyon
Oceano
18Page 561 of 888
The Fire Department’s open space rescue programs continue to develop. Many of the open space
rescues, especially in the area of Bishop Peak, require the use of a helicopter to locate, access, and
transport victims. The department works closely and trains frequently with the California Highway
Patrol, which operates the rescue helicopter in this county. In addition to the cooperation with
CHP for air resources, two key contributors to the continued success of the fire departments open
space rescue program have been both the E-Bike Program, which was implemented in 2020, and
the Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) program. Both pieces of equipment have been invaluable to
locating, transporting, and caring for people in open space in a very timely manner. Our UTV
program is also utilized through Mutual Aid to assist our neighboring fire departments.
Open Space Rescue
1313
UTV Responses
Open Space Calls
1616
44
Helicopter Rescues
19Page 562 of 888
Mutual Aid
The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department participates in the state-wide mutual aid system where local,
state and federal agencies rely on the assistance of local governments to effectively manage large
scale incidents. The costs associated with responding to these incidents are reimbursable under the
California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA) and a direct contract with the Los Padres National Forest.
During 2023 Fire Season, SLOFD deployed on many requests for Mutual Aid throughout the state all
while maintaining adequate resources locally to provide service to the City of San Luis Obispo. While a
quieter fire season than the previous years, SLOFD still responded to 8 incidents totaling over 3,500
personnel hours.
35043504
PersonnelHours Assigned
to Incidents
88
Mutual Aid
Incidents
Supported
1818
Employees Who
Responded to
Mutual Aid$460,156.10$460,156.10
TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT
0 50000 100000 150000 200000
York
South Fork
San Marcos
Road
Rabbit
Overhead
Lightening
Happy Camp
$21,270.89$21,270.89
$105,089.88$105,089.88
$21,886.31$21,886.31
$17,785.27$17,785.27
$53,657.27$53,657.27
$62,461.24$62,461.24
$21,698.90$21,698.90
$156,306.34$156,306.34
20Page 563 of 888
MOBILE CRISISUNIT
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Mobile Crisis Unit
The Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) continues to operate in the community and provides response to
behavioral health incidents in both a proactive and reactive manner. The MCU has been
funded for a two-year trial period. Law Enforcement (LE) and Fire Service (FS) resources are
often summoned for persons in crisis within communities across the nation, as a one size fits
all solution for a broad spectrum of problems ranging from homelessness to mental illness to
addiction. As a result, these individuals in crisis often do not get connected to the most
appropriate resources available to provide them assistance. To help provide a more tailor-fit
service to our community members in crisis, the MCU pairs a mental health professional with
a fire department EMT or paramedic to respond to these types of incidents. The benefits of
this new service increase the level of service to those in need and decrease the reliance on
emergency law enforcement and fire service resources who have limited options and tools to
address the individual in crisis. Having a fire department EMT or paramedic as part of the
MCU team gives them the ability to recognize and identify individuals having acute medical
emergencies, allowing them to summon the most appropriate resources.
A leading MCU goal is to provide an alternative resource program to handle non-emergency
911 calls for service to increase capacity of both police officers for more urgent criminal
emergencies and fire personnel for higher acuity emergencies. The program seeks to respond
to the root issues through shelter, medical care, or behavioral health support and services to
decrease the number of arrests, county jail time, fines, hospitalization, and nuisance fires.
21Page 565 of 888
Transient Calls Heat Map
Transient Incidents
A leading MCU goal is to provide an alternative resource program to handle non-emergency 911 calls forservice to increase capacity of both police officers for more urgent criminal emergencies and fire personnel forhigher acuity emergencies. The program seeks to respond to the root issues through shelter, medical care, orbehavioral health support and services to decrease the number of arrests, county jail time, fines,hospitalization, and nuisance fires. In 2023, SLOFD responded to 1,362 transient incidents. This is equal to18.3% of our call volume. The MCU was able to respond to 108 of these incidents without emergencyresponse assistance, keeping our apparatus and firefighters available for critical calls.
Field Contacts32853285
Reunifications9191
Transfers5656
108108Solo Response288288MCU Incidents
(No ER unit)
Co-Response180180
22Page 566 of 888
TRAINING
Page 567 of 888
Statistics
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Fire Department employees logged over 23,000 hours of
training in 2023. Employees who are eligible to participate
in the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) registered a
total of 16,298.25 hours in 2023. JAC provides reimbursable
funds back to the department. The JAC training resulted in
over $36,000 in funds returned to the department in 2023, a
$8,000 increase from 2022. These funds are held by the
JAC program and can be utilized to support the
department’s training program upon approval from the sub-
JAC committee which is comprised of department and labor
group leadership. Increased training results in a higher
skilled and educated professional firefighter. The
department has also reached an Instructional Service
Agreement (ISA) with Allan Hancock College, which allows
the department to receive compensation for the training of
personnel that do not qualify for the JAC program.
JAC Training Hours
16,29816,298
Training Hours
6,8816,881
99499949 1063110631
1525315253
2317923179
1378313783
23,17923,179
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS
23Page 568 of 888
Active Shooter Training
With SLOPD
At Laguna Middle School
County WUI Drill
How to respond to wildland
emergencies in Urban Areas
At Camp Roberts
County Impact Burn
How to utilize fire to assist with
control and containment of fires
Confined Space
How to respond to emergencies
at City lift stations
With SLO City Utilities
Open Space Rescue
Specialized training on how to
extract victims from remote
locations
With SLO County US&R team
Cal Poly
Training on rescue at dormitory
style residences
INTEGRATED CLASSES HOSTED CLASSES
Haz-Mat
IC
Haz-Mat
IC
Company
Officer 2A
Company
Officer 2A
Company
Officer 2B
Company
Officer 2B
Company
Officer 2C
Company
Officer 2C
$90,269 worth of
training for only
$4,510
$6,790 from
outside agency
attendance
24Page 569 of 888
The Training Captain oversees the Injury Prevention Program, which has continued to show success inreducing hours lost to work-related injuries. Prior to the start of the program, work comp hours totaled11,550. In 2023, work comp hours decreased to 5,973. The Training Captain provides consistent andreliable administration and coordination of all mandatory, recertification, and recommended in‐servicetraining and safety programs for emergency response, which is necessary as the complexity andchanging service demands call for specialized instruction. In addition, the Training Captain responds toemergency incidents in the primary role of operational support and as the incident safety officer toidentify and cease preventable accidents or potentially unsafe situations.
Intern Program
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Injury Prevention Program
In 2023, the Fire Department employed three interns,sponsoring one intern through a Firefighter 1 academy atAllan Hancock College. The Fire Intern Program has assistedstaff with the firefighter recruit academy, special projects,administrative duties, public education, facility maintenance,and station logistical support.
59735973
69486948
25
Work Comp
Work Comp Hours
$227,803.27$227,803.27
Work Comp Backfill
$228,673.67$228,673.67
Work Comp
$456,476.94$456,476.94
Lost to Injury Leave
1155011550
37063706
85508550
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Recruit Academy
The SLOFD Recruit Fire Academy is ten weekslong and is delivered through a distributedlearning model. The curriculum covers 15 areasof core firefighter competencies within fiveblocks of instruction, with each block consistingof two weeks. Each block of instruction isdelivered through classroom lecture and dailymanipulative skills on the drill ground. At theend of each block, recruits are tested utilizing ablock written examination and multiplemanipulative skills examinations. Each block ofinstruction builds upon the previous block andbecomes increasingly more difficult. Throughoutthe ten-week academy, recruits are evaluatedwithin the three domains of learning: cognitive,psychomotor, and affective. This is to ensureproper retention, recognition, and applicationthrough real time scenarios and live burnoperations throughout the academy and givesthem opportunity to apply and perform theirnewly attained skills in high stress situations.Upon successful completion, the recruitfirefighter has met the NFPA 1001 standard forprofessional qualifications for firefighting.SLOFD completed one academy in 2023,training seven firefighters and firefighter/paramedics to deliver exceptional service to thecommunity.
BLOCK 1 - PPE, SCBA, Intubation
BLOCK 2 - Ladders, Cardioversion
BLOCK 3 - Ventilation, Hose Lays
BLOCK 4 - EMS, HPCPR, Extrication
BLOCK 5 - Wildland, UTV, USAR
BLOCK 1 - PPE, SCBA, Intubation
BLOCK 2 - Ladders, Cardioversion
BLOCK 3 - Ventilation, Hose Lays
BLOCK 4 - EMS, HPCPR, Extrication
BLOCK 5 - Wildland, UTV, USAR
26Page 571 of 888
APPARATUS
Page 572 of 888
Major Repairs
Mobile Radio
Programing and
Replacement
Battalion Chief
Vehicle Build
Mechanic 1 Service
Truck Build
T-1, E-4, E-6, Medic Rescue
DC vehicle code -3
lights updated
Engine 4
Deck gun complete overhaul
and air conditioning
383383
Repair Work Orders
320320
Training Hours
42044204
Service Hours
27Page 573 of 888
EMERGENCYMANAGEMENT
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Accomplishments
SEMS and NIMS Training
Ensured all City employees completed
proper SEMS and National Incident
Management system courses
Emergency Preparedness and Response ensures
that City and all relevant City departments have
adequate planning, organization, and resources
for emergency preparedness and emergency
response.
EOC Activation
Activated 3 times
January Storms - Level 2
March Storms - Level 3
Lizzie Fire - Level 3
Preparedness Education
Public Events to improve disaster and
emergency readiness
Wildfire readiness night
Community flood readiness night
Fire Prevention Week and Open House
Parks and Recreation Monday Meet-Ups
28Page 575 of 888
Promotions/New Hires
Deputy Chief
Sammy Fox
Battalion Chief
John MacDonald
Fire Captain
Richie Barrett
Fire Engineer
Dane Hutslar
Firefighter/Paramedic
Nate Greenelsh
Firefighter/Paramedic
Jaden Davis
Firefighter/Paramedic
Jake Barkhimer
Firefighter/EMT
Keanu Morrison
Firefighter/Paramedic
Casey DeLeuw
Firefighter/Paramedic
George Kaperonis
Firefighter/Paramedic
Maren McClanahan
Admin Specialist
Mika Timpano
29Page 576 of 888
Events JAN
MAR
AUG
MAY
JUL
SEP
NOVOCT
DEC
JUN
APR
FEB
RECRUIT
ACADEMY
23
THE WALL
THAT HEALS
BIKE
BREAKFAST
9/11
CEREMONY
FIRE OPS 101
FLOOD READINESS NIGHT
FILL THE BOOT
DOWNTOWN
US&R DRILL
PROMOTIONAL
CEREMONY
CAMP CINDER
WILDFIRE READINESS NIGHT
FLU VACCINE CLINIC
OPEN HOUSE
SEASON OF HOPE
F
I
R
E
S
E
A
S
O
N
30Page 577 of 888
2024: STRATEGIC PLAN
COMMUNITY FOCUSEDSERVICE
MAINTAIN EXCEPTIONAL
COMMUNITY FOCUSED PUBLIC
SERVICE DELIVERY. TO MEET THE
DEMANDS OF THE FUTURE,
UTILIZE RESPONSE DATA TO
PROVIDE ACCURATE, RELIABLE
FORECASTING AND QUALITY
BUSINESS ANALYTICS
ENHANCE A HEALTHY, SAFE,
AND PRODUCTIVE WORK
ENVIRONMENT.
MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE
FIRE PREVENTION
DIVISION RISK REDUCTION
IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AND PREPAREDNESS FOR ALL
PERSON MADE AND NATURAL
LARGE-SCALE DISASTERS TO
MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE
NEEDS
ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT,
ORGANIZATION
DIVERSITY AND
ORGANIZATION SAFETY
THROUGH TRAINING
AND EDUCATION.
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT &
TRAINING
HEALTH &
WELLNESS
EMERGENCYPREPAREDNESS
COMMUNITY RISK
REDUCTION
TECHNOLOGY
& DATA
MAINTAIN AND
IMPROVE FIRE
DEPARTMENT
TECHNOLOGY AND
INFORMATION SYSTEM
THAT MEET THE
CURRENT AND FUTURE
NEEDS OF THE
DEPARTMENT.31Page 578 of 888
TOGETHER
WE MANAGE SLO’S FIRE RISK
@SLOCITYFD
@SLO FIRE
WWW.SLOCITY.ORG/FIRE
PREPARATION
MITIGATION
RESPONSE
RECOVERY
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