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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/01/22 - ADMIN - Minutes - Fire Civil Service Commission - Regular FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES January 22, 2015 – 8:30 a.m. FIRE STATION 1 CONFERENCE ROOM 1. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by President MacMillan. 2. In attendance were Commissioners Bill MacMillan, David Lee, and Stuart Williams. Also present were Ali Timpone, HR Coord/Staff Liaison; Steve Koering, Fire Chief; John Wolff, Deputy Chief; Rodger Coppa, Assistant Chief; and Eric Bakken, Union President. 3. The commissioners introduced themselves to new Commissioner Williams, who in turn introduced himself. An overview of the Commission’s purpose and duties was provided. Open meeting law rules were reviewed. Assistant Chief Coppa gave an overview of the Fire Department structure. 4. In accordance with state statute, Commissioner Williams was named President of the Commission. He was appointed to replace Jim Rhodes whose term was to end 12/31/15. Commissioner MacMillan agreed to preside over the meeting as it was Commissioner Williams’ first meeting. 5. A motion was made by President Williams, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to appoint Commissioner Lee as Commission Secretary for 2015. Motion carried unanimously. 6. A motion was made by Commissioner Lee, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to approve the minutes of November 17, 2014. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Deputy Chief Wolff explained the recent promotional process for the position of Lieutenant. Five candidates successfully completed the process and are recommended to be placed on the Eligibility Roster. A motion was made by President Williams, seconded by Commissioner Lee, to approve the Fire Lieutenant Eligibility Roster. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Chief Koering presented the 2014 Annual Report (attached). Great discussion followed about department vision and strategic direction. 9. In other business, the Chiefs indicated a Firefighter recruitment process would be necessary in the spring, which will require another Commission meeting. 10. The Commission adjourned at 10:06 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Ali Timpone City Staff Liaison to the Fire Civil Service Commission 2014 Annual Fire Civil Service Commission Report Fire Civil Service Commission Report Steve Koering: Fire Chief I. Introduction I would like to share with the Commission the following report of the Fire Department’s activities in Fiscal Year 2014. II. Fire Statistics 2014 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Structure Fires 83 61 61 96 57 84 76 66 63 Other Fires 58 71 46 68 37 53 64 48 28 Rescue/Emergency Medical 3,032 2,959 3,200 3,140 3,206 3,078 3,117 3,360 3,571 False Alarms 322 314 293 270 325 288 278 296 350 Mutual Aid Given 61 62 67 64 76 60 70 84 77 Mutual Aid Received * 29* 26* 27* 22* 36* 45* 25* 31* 4* HCFIT Response (Aid Given) 4 8 1 9 N/A 3 5 6 3 Hazmat Responses 74 76 77 77 85 74 88 95 105 Other Hazardous Responses 80 111 66 57 108 101 57 110 91 All Other Responses 540 619 654 657 578 597 683 588 691 Total 4,252 4,273 4,464 4,429 4,472 4,335 4,433 4,647 4,976 * Mutual Aid Received number is not to be included in Total Total calls for 2014 were up due to an increase in the number of emergency medicals. Major fire incidents were down. Medicals continue to represent over 70% of our call volume. III. Major Fires/Incidents in 2014 March 31, 2014 – 2917 Texa Tonka Ave S with one exposure report At 1845 hours, Fire units were dispatched to 2917 Texa Tonka Ave. for smoke coming from a house. The call was acknowledged and a 1st Alarm was requested. L1 and E2 responded from St. 1. Units were updated from SLPPD that the house was fully involved and the resident was out. Units arrived to find a well involved, working fire with heavy fire from the Alpha, Bravo and Delta sides both first and second floors, and declared a defensive strategy. A blitz line was deployed and water supply secured. We had exposure concerns on the Bravo side and a 2.5 inch line was deployed for fire control but moved to the Delta side later. We confirmed that there was an "all clear" for the house. The occupant had been initially triaged by SLPPD. HCMC Paramedics arrived and patient care was transferred to them and then the patient was transported. Additional crews from SLP, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Plymouth arrived and were put to work applying water to the fire and exposure protection. The fire was declared "under control" and crews were able to make entry for salvage and overhaul. There was extensive fire and water damage to the involved house on all three levels, a board-up company was contacted and responded, permission to re-enter for investigation was secured from the family. The fire cause and origin remains under investigation. Exposure Report: The neighboring house at 2913 Texa Tonka Ave was exposed to radiant heat from the fire at 2917 Texa Tonka Ave. There was minor melting to exterior vinyl siding on the south-side (Delta-side). There was no burning. Damage was estimated at $285,000 for both properties St. Louis Park Fire Department January 22, 2015 June Flooding June 19th was the official FEMA event date, but preparations for that day began weeks earlier. Flood projections, weather forecasts and historical data all went into the decision to flier at-risk neighborhoods and collect engineering information as early as the beginning of the month. Sandbags were pre-placed at the most vulnerable houses and extra supplies were stockpiled the weekend before. Neighborhoods came out in support of those in need and helped protect homes. Flooding in St. Louis Park was mostly isolated to the areas around the Minnehaha Creek. June 19th brought torrential rains that pushed an already flooding creek even further. Calls for service resulted in a significant response by the fire department and a partial opening of the Emergency Operations Center at Fire Station 1. Flooding calls were taken by firefighters staffing the EOC and units were sent to evaluate. Flooded roadways and property were reported back in and resources from Public Works were dispatched. Methodist Hospital was experiencing major flooding and the fire department helped in the emergency planning for potential evacuations and facilitated the building of protective dikes. More emergency sandbagging of residences in affected neighborhoods began again, directed and assisted by Fire personnel. The sandbagging of one severely vulnerable address was done exclusively by members of our Community Emergency Response Team that had just completed their basic training. Coordination between the Fire Department and Public Works continued for the next week, evaluating the protective measures and planning for possible future additional rain. The event wound down and the waters receded, but the paperwork was just started. The event garnered a presidential declaration, so we were able to ask for reimbursement for any storm damage and our mitigation and response costs. The Fire and Public Works Departments worked together over the next few months to collect the appropriate documentation and costs related to the event. There were meetings with FEMA representatives and conversations with the Finance Department. After our relatively flawless submission, the city was reimbursed approximately $46,000. July 23 and August 8, 2014 – Arson Fires at 7400 Oxford Ave S – Maaco Auto Body Shop On July 23 at 0735 hours, the Fire Chief was monitoring the PD channel and heard the dispatcher send an officer to investigate a fire out condition. The Chief then instructed Lt. Shawn Glapa to 7004 Oxford to investigate the situation. Upon arrival Lt. Glapa was met by PD officer Josh Ryan and business owner Charles Andrew McClure. Upon entry, the office had water present on the floor and an odor of smoke. From the office to the work bay, the fire was extinguished and fire damage was evident in two separate locations. The sprinkler system was no longer active. A window above the fire areas was broken and it appeared to be suspicious. The State Duty Officer was called to provide a fire investigator and PD requested the Sheriff’s Crime Lab. The fire scene was secured with fire tape. The Deputy State Fire Marshal Investigator Ron Rahman arrived, along with the Crime Lab to investigate. Lt. Glapa assisted during the investigation. After the investigation was complete, the space was turned over to the business owner. Later that afternoon the business owner called to inform the department that three sprinklers had activated and they found an item that they did not recognized during the clean up. Lt. Glapa returned and took additional photos and collected the item which was placed into an evidence can at the fire station. On August 8 at 0521 hours we were dispatched to a reported break-in and fire out situation. Units arrived to find water flowing in the street gutter with water flowing from a west overhead door. The building owner was out with police reporting at least five separate fires in a tenant space were out and the sprinkler system was shut down and the horn strobe alarm was not sounding during water flow. It was noted that a rock had been thrown through a lower pane window of the entry way; the building owner stated he used a key to unlock the adjacent entry door to make entry and investigate. He further shut down the system, called 911 and opened 3 overhead doors to vent the space. Fire and police made entry to the space that appeared to only have residual steam in the atmosphere to conduct an initial survey. Five obvious points of ignition were noted to include the right front fender area of one automobile. The area was checked for hot spots with thermal imaging equipment and the air was monitored for potential toxic atmosphere. Air monitoring resulted in hydrogen cyanide readings of 4.5 ppm and carbon monoxide readings as high as 37 ppm. The area was evacuated until positive pressure ventilation with electric fans established normal atmospheric conditions. Phone calls were placed to the Fire Office Lieutenant who was primary fire department representative on a previous fire at this location, the city Fire Marshal and the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief was contacted and advised while the Fire Marshal responded to the scene from home. The Fire Marshal arrived concurrent with air monitoring demonstrating normal atmospheric levels in the fire occupancy; positive pressure ventilation was then provided to the adjacent occupancy. The Fire Marshal was advised of the situation. The Police Sergeant and Fire Marshal conferred and determined that the Hennepin County Crime Lab staff and State Fire Marshal’s office would once again be included in the investigation. Engine 1 completed positive pressure ventilation, made contact with the State Duty Officer to relay information to the State Fire Marshal’s office and then cleared the scene to respond to a subsequent call. The city Fire Marshal remained on scene for the duration of the on-site investigation. Damage for both arson fires is estimated at $35,000 August 17, 2014 – 2700 Monterey Ave S At 0553 hours, Fire units were dispatched to a structure fire. E-1 arrived with smoke showing from the house and laid a line to the service door by the garage. The homeowner stated there was no one in the home at the time and members advanced into the house and found a fire in the living room. A primary search was performed and was negative. Crews over hauled the fire under the direction of the Fire Marshal and other crews vented the home. Command was turned over to C1 to continue the investigation and ventilation. Investigation Narrative from Asst. Chief/Fire Marshal Cary Smith: Upon arrival, the resident was in the back of the ambulance that was still on scene. I was able to briefly gather the information from the homeowner that he was asleep at the time of the fire and woke due to the heat. His hair was singed when trying to extinguish the fire, which was started from an unattended candle. A neighbor made a statement that the homeowner kept a candle burning at all times in remembrance of his wife, who passed a couple of years ago. Fire damage was confined to the living room area and smoke damage was throughout the house. The point of origin was an end table next to a chair on the east wall of the living room toward the north end. Remnants of candle holders and candle were found in the area of origin and numerous "tea" candles were on the chair next to the end table, on the dining room table next to the area of origin and numerous candles were discovered in an open hall linen closet and also discovered in open bags in the basement level. The evidence appears to confirm the homeowner’s statement as to the cause of the fire, which was an unattended candle. Damage was estimated at $25,000 Fire Department Recognition at Annual Meeting The Fire Department held its annual meeting on January 28, 2014 at Fire Station #1. Fire Chief Steve Koering invited department members and their families to attend, as well as the Fire Civil Service Commission, City Manager Tom Harmening, Mayor Jeff Jacobs and Councilmembers as the following staff were honored for their exemplary performance in 2013: Medal of Valor - Firefighter Eric Bakken Meritorious Service Award – Capt. Paul Rosholt, Lt. Dan Yaekel, Firefighter Tim Smith Chief’s Commendation – Lt. Matt Nordby, Lt. Shawn Glapa, Firefighters Mike Lindblom, Tony Hanson, Phil Robinson, Tom Buda, Andy Chapeau, Bob Hampton, Keith Heinzen, John Myhre and Nancy Schmelzle Unit Citation Award – Capt. Mark Nelson, Lt. Eva Hansen, Lt. Matt Nordby, Lt. Dan Yaekel, Firefighters Jens Anderson, Bob Hampton, Jason Saba and Andy Willenbring Excellence in Customer Service Award – Lt. Matt Nordby and Firefighter Jason Saba III. Fire Prevention Bureau Fire Protection Permits: 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Permits Issued 220 177 224 208 392* 397* 378* Permit Valuation $2,445,439 $2,351,624 $1,454,498 $1,395,429 $2,211,436 $1,886,652 $1,693,164 Permit Fees $52,838 $49,859 $37,936 $34,356 $53,151 $53,783 $48,525 * Recreational Fire Permits are now included in the total number of permits issued. Crews continue to do company inspections of all businesses. In 2014 the fire department conducted 748 permit inspections and 424 company inspections/re-inspections. These walk through inspections allow crews to familiarize themselves with the structure while doing code enforcement. We are scheduled to go through every business once every three years. The Fire Department issues its own Fire Protection Permits and makes a weekly deposit of permit fees. Recreational Fire Permits The Fire Department has heavily marketed the need for recreational fire permits to residents. Starting in May of 2012, the Recreational Fire Permits changed from being annual permits to permanent permits, for as long as the person resides at their residence. On-site inspections are also now required prior to permit issuance. Recreational fires have been becoming increasingly popular, however, many residents do not meet the Minnesota State Fire Code for setbacks and are ineligible for a permit. The City implemented a $50.00 Civil Penalty Fine for people who do not have a permit or are in violation of the permit regulations. Permit holders who violate the regulations will have their permit revoked for one calendar year. Year # Permits Issued # Complaint Calls 2005 270 36 2006 302 26 2007 313 36 2008 470 64 2009 548 63 2010 628 25 2011 698 31 2012 521* 79 2013 173 56 2014 112 36 * 340 Annual and 181 Permanent Fire Prevention/Public Education: The St. Louis Park Fire Department worked over 360 hours on Public Education in 2014. The largest event of the year was the Fire Station 1 Open House. Approximately 1200 people attended this event to see the station, emergency vehicles and learn about fire safety. Station tours continue to be a popular event in 2014 as community members, scout troops, pre-schools classes, Meadowbrook After School Program children, St. Louis Park Senior High School Youth Development Committee, home schooled and private school groups, special needs adults and seniors came to tour the stations. Department members made every effort to accommodate the tours requests and provided educational information on every tour. Fire Department staff provided public education to nearly all of the schools in the city, including Torah Academy, Holy Family, Park Spanish Immersion, Aquila, Peter Hobart and Susan Lindgren, and Kindercare. The events included Career Day at the High School, science fairs, and family reading nights. The Department provided basic fire prevention at the pre-school and kindergarten level to over 400 children. The Department also provided fire safety and education to parents of Early Childhood Family Education at Central Community Center, to senior groups at Menorah Plaza, Park Shore Apartments, Lenox Community Center. The Fire Department sent personnel and vehicles to safety events put on by businesses in the city. The West End, Costco, Cub Foods, Old Navy, Jerry’s Hardware, Home Depot, and Sam’s Club all held Safety Days in 2014. Some events had hundreds of people attending. The Fire Department also participated in a number of other city and community events in 2014 – below is a sampling:  Block Parties: Fire engines went to block parties and neighborhood gatherings throughout the year  Fourth of July Fireworks  National Night Out: The Fire Department had a strong presence in the community, visiting numerous block parties, talking about fire safety and answering any questions residents had.  Parktacular Parade: As always, the Ladder Truck was a popular participant in the Parktacular parade. The Fire Department also provided fire safety handouts and information at the Parktacular Children’s Event at Wolfe Park.  Children First Ice Cream Social  Kool Kids at West End  Vehicle Fair at Central Community Center  Westwood Halloween March  Westwood Lutheran Community Help Day  Toy Drive with Park Tavern  Boy Scout’s Pinewood Derby IV. Fire Department Training and Wellness In 2014, fire department personnel completed 6,464 hours of training. Eight personnel received state certifications in subjects ranging from Inspector I to Trench and Confined Space Rescue. The four newest Paid-on-Call Firefighters completed their Firefighter I and II certifications, and also completed their EMT certifications. Following are some of the more interesting or larger trainings and a quick summary of the diverse topics that we covered through the year: In January we started off where we left off at the end of 2013, with the conclusion of lifting airbag training, coupled with an equipment review of the Lucas automatic chest compression devices. We completed some reps of Blue Card size-up’s in the classroom. We also had the fortune to have the city acquired structure at 4601 Hwy 7 to utilize for large area search training. February brought us back to the acquired structure for firefighter rescue training. We had some great training on a forcible entry simulator prop purchased late in 2013, and completed the first of three mandatory annual hazmat trainings. March started with a fire investigation refresher from Lieutenant Hansen. Police department members came over for the ever popular defensive tactics training where personnel learned to deescalate confrontations, but also to defend themselves physically if needed. Personnel also completed the first quarter EMT refresher training and finished off the month with Officer 101, a review of officer responsibilities and correct report writing. April started with a mandatory confined space classroom review, followed the next week by a confined space scenario. Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Smith did a couple of classes around building fire extinguishing systems and system familiarization. We finished off the month with some engine company evolutions. We started May off with a familiarization of new Engine 1. We also completed our annual extinguisher and SCBA trainings. We completed our city active shooter training with the Police Department, allowing us some prep time and familiarization for the Joint Ops training planned in June. The month ended with the second Hazmat training. The snow finally melted in time to allow for a NFPA driving course in the Park Nicollet parking lot behind Sam’s Club. June also brought the opportunity to participate in active shooter training in Eden Prairie with our Joint Ops partners. This was step forward for the region as all five SWAT consortium cities had both their fire and police departments attend. More than 850 police and fire personnel were trained. In July, we covered operational response topics with hose lays, ladder bails, storm response, elevator rescue and pumping drills. August brought the start of the long review process and preparation for EMT transition testing mandated by the EMSRB for all EMT-Basics. Lieutenant Glapa led the annual trench rescue training with the help of personnel from the Public Works department. The rain didn’t do the trench any favors, but it actually did a great job mimicking conditions at a real rescue. September had more structured EMT transition review, and many hours of individual preparation away from the department trainings. We started the first of three ice water rescue technician classes, with successful attendance and completion of all three granting a certification. The third week brought the dreaded EMT transition testing. The new testing process had little vetting prior to this and HCMC EMS Ed learned a lot from the process. It wasn’t a total success, but our personnel did a great job working through the process. The month ended with an always educational extrication training. October found us back at the acquired structure on Hwy 7, but this time to train on the large garage. We took a week to practice roof cuts and another cutting the roll-up doors. Both are opportunities we rarely get due to the scarcity of residential garages to practice on, let alone one the size of this one with five doors. October rounded out with target hazard tours of high density housing on Shelard and Ford Parkways. November started off with the third Hazmat of the year, which was dominated with Ebola preparation and PPE donning and doffing. We had Ethical Leaders in Action in for the first discussion of many around leadership and the direction the fire department. The annual live fire requirement was met with a Joint Ops training in an acquired high-rise office building in Edina. The weather was frigid and the reps were quick, but I think everyone appreciated how difficult real fires can be in the Minnesota winters. December had the second of the ice rescue technician series with training through the ice on Wolfe Lake. Believe it or not, it actually gets pretty deep. We also completed the annual OSHA training and ended the year with medical bag review and more PPE practice. Quarterly CERT trainings began mid-year, and will continue to be a priority to ensure our personnel are ready in the event we need them. Officer development and succession planning will take a front seat in the coming year, with the expansion of standardized shift level trainings across the shifts. Fire Department Wellness Fire and Police personnel began a physical training regimen called ALPHA in mid-May. ALPHA is LifeTime Fitness’ version of CrossFit and is high intensity interval training. The workouts were a boot camp style of personal trainer led exercise sessions, and were held at Station 1. There were morning and afternoon sessions, Tuesdays and Thursdays for 12 weeks. We had a lot of participation from both police officers and firefighters, and it went a long way in improving the fitness level of both departments. We even had two dispatchers participate. It was a great opportunity for us to increase our fitness and do a little bonding with police. The Fire Department partnered with One Step Foods, a St. Louis Park company that produces heart healthy food, for a 30 day study. The general outline was to have the department member have initial cholesterol drawn, utilize their products for the 30 day period, and have a post cholesterol drawn. The intention was to improve our member’s health, promote a healthy lifestyle for our members and work cooperatively with a community business. The approximate donated value of the products and the post study lab work was approximately $10,000. V. Mutual Aid We are doing automatic mutual aid/auto aid with six cities: Edina, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Plymouth and Minnetonka. This program continues to be successful by front loading our fires personnel and equipment. To quote a famous firefighter we “Go ugly early.” 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Mutual Aid Given 54 61 62 67 64 76 60 70 84 77 Mutual Aid Received 25* 29* 26* 22* 22* 36* 45* 25* 31 4 *Each mutual aid received number denotes a minimum of two cities helping St. Louis Park. VI. Staffing In 2014 Assistant Chief Mark Windschitl retired on May 30th after almost 28 years of service. The Fire Civil Service Commission helped to create a Deputy Fire Chief position profile and certified the hiring process. City Manager Tom Harmening hired an executive recruiter to conduct a nationwide search for a new Deputy Fire Chief. This multi-step process started in May and was completed in August, with the Fire Civil Service Commission certifying the top three candidate names on the list. Fire Chief Koering conducted additional interviews with the three certified candidates and offered the position to John Wolff. John Wolff was sworn in as the new Deputy Fire Chief on September 2nd. 2014 Career Fire Department Changes:  Firefighter Phil Robinson retired on May 30th after 28 years of service.  With the departure of Firefighter Robinson, Matt Evans was hired as a Firefighter on April 21st. In 2014, Paid-On-Call firefighter numbers started out at 24. Paid on Call Firefighters Tony Hansen, Andy Chapeau, Joel Waters resigned due to obtaining positions in other departments and Nathan Janiga moved out of state. This puts us at 20 Paid on Call firefighters, which is five (5) below our budgeted strength. In 2014, the Captain’s list process was conducted and certified by the Fire Civil Service Commission. VII. Programs Park Nicollet Post Discharge Visits In early 2014, Chief Koering and City manager Tom Harmening approached executives at Park Nicollet in the hopes of partnering to improve the lives of our community members. Chief Koering noticed that the fire department was seeing many patients in a 911 capacity shortly after they were discharged from the hospital. Park Nicollet identified that the first 72 hours are crucial in regards to potential hospital readmissions for many of their patients. Some of these patients qualify for a Home Healthcare visit, many do not. After numerous meetings and a focused planning event the Post Discharge Firefighter Visit concept was created. The idea is for firefighter visits within the first 72 hours after hospital discharge, maximizing the patient’s ability to have a successful transition home. These visits include focusing on 5 components: Medications- Does the patient understand what medications to take? Follow up visit- Does the patient have a follow up visit scheduled with their doctor? Do they have a way to get there? Symptoms- Does the patient know what symptoms to be aware of and who to call if they experience the symptom? Food- Does the patient have enough food in the house to get through the next few days Home Safety- Are there hazards in the house? Is the Smoke detector working? The visiting firefighters also have a list of community resources at their disposal to help connect the patients with things like transportation and food resources. Everything is geared toward helping the patient transition successfully and safely from their hospitalization, therefore keeping our community healthier. The project started with 3 departments, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis and Minnetonka. Recently Hopkins and Eden Prairie were added. Data is being collected to measure the program’s effectiveness, and the hope is that it will expand to other hospitals and continue to positively affect our citizens. The File of Life program which was launched in June, 2007 is still a very popular program. We will continue to market this program through the city website, Park Perspectives, neighborhood groups and various other groups and organizations, fire events and apartment/condo communities. There is no fee for residents to obtain these kits. This program was established to help Police and First Responders to provide service when a person may not be able to communicate effectively due to a medical reason or personal injury. The kit includes a magnetized refrigerator folder and an information card to indicate health problems, medications, allergies, emergency contacts, etc. Our Child Car Seat Safety Program continues to be in high demand by both residents and non-residents. We conduct inspections two or three times a month for two to three hours. We still require pre- payment of car seat appointments via credit card and this has virtually eliminated “no shows” for appointments, which was a big problem previously (approximately 40% did not show up for their appointment). The fees are $25.00 for the first car seat or base and $10.00 for each subsequent car seat or base. We currently have three certified car seat technicians. Car Seat Inspections Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Car Seat Inspections 106 100 250 205 225 98 122 158 Fees $2,275 $2,340 $5,064 $4,250 $4,390 $2,070 $2,305 $3,185 The Fire Department also continues to provide training for city employees in CPR, First Aid, and Right to Know. VIII. Stations and Apparatus After a couple of years being in the stations, things are going well. All tile at Station 2 was removed and replaced due to the inability to properly clean the tile and discoloration of the grout from a sealant that had been applied. In the bays of both stations, different, more powerful speakers were added to aid in hearing alarm information. There are still some items that we are working that need to be corrected, such as the sealant on the bay floors at both stations have failed in some areas. Once the sealant issue has been corrected, we still need to paint lines on the Station 2 bay floors. In 2014, we took delivery of two new apparatus, a Rosenbauer Rescue/Engine and a Ford pick-up. The new engine replaced a 1991 Peterbuilt Rescue/Engine that was built by General Fire Apparatus. General Fire Apparatus is now a division of Rosenbauer. The new Rescue/Engine 1 is housed at Station 1. The cab/chassis is a Freightliner M2 model, four door cab with a Cummins in-line six cylinder 350hp. Diesel engine. The designation of a rescue/engine is that it serves multiple rolls in St. Louis Park. Not only does it have a 1500 gallon per minute pump and carry 500 gallons of water, full complement of firefighting tools and equipment; full EMS equipment, it carries vehicle stabilization, extrication (Holmatro) equipment and high-pressure lifting bags. Some noteworthy additions for our fleet that were added to this truck are: On-spot tire chains (for icy roads), a remote control deck-gun nozzle, EZ-climb rear mounted ladder and lower hose compartments to ease deployment and loading for firefighting hoses. All of these items were added to provide safer response to incidents and provide a safer platform for our Firefighters. Note the new paint scheme with a black reflective roof on both vehicles. We also replaced a Ford Expedition with an F350 Crewcab pick-up, designated Utility-3. It service as a multipurpose vehicle primarily used by a Fire Inspector but is capable of carrying and towing a variety of equipment.