Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue

2019 Annual Report

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 2

Letter from the Chief

It is a pleasure to provide the 2019 Annual Report of Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

2019 saw CVFRD break the “Thousand Call” threshold for the first time. I am regularly asked, “what is the

cause of the increase?” There is no simple answer other than the fire service continues to be expected to respond

in our community’s time of need. A long, long time ago when I became a firefighter, my expectations were that

I would put out fires when they were threatening life and property. As I grew in the fire service, those

expectations grew to include the provision of care to victims suffering illness and injury. As public servants, we

continue to embrace the opportunity to serve those in their time of need. 2019 again saw CVFRD go above and

beyond the expectation of performing life saving measures to victims of fire, illness and injury.

The personnel of Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to 203 incidents that were categorized as

“Other” because they just didn’t fit as a fire or EMS related incident. Examples of these included animal

rescues, searches for missing persons, vehicle and home lock outs, lift assists and numerous other public service

calls to assist “our community.” What fills me with pride is the fact all of these were responded to by volunteers

with the same sense of courtesy and professionalism expected had they been responding to the most critical of

emergency incidents.

Not only did they respond to incidents, CVFRD members participated in numerous community activities in

2019. Our staff attended Community Council and Homeowner Association meetings. We played host to scouts,

churches, and schools. We visited schools, hosted an open house, and attended community activities where we

took advantage of groups of community members to educate, appreciate, collaborate and most importantly build

community equity.

I assert 2019 saw our commitment to “Train and Grow” have a positive influence on numerous aspects of the

CVFRD operation. Recruitment and retention efforts have seen a consistent number of members. The additions

to our training area are improving our abilities. Our members are seeking out opportunities illustrating their

focus on our community and the CVFRD leadership is realizing that our most important resource IS our

members. The mantra “We are here for them!” fits our members and leaders alike.

Thank each one of you reading this for making CVFRD the best volunteer fire department in Alaska!

Tim Benningfield

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MISSION STATEMENT

The Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co., Inc. is dedicated to preserving the lives and property of the citizens of Chugiak. We promote safety through community education and our professionally trained volunteers will deliver superior emergency medical services, fire suppression and rescue throughout

our community.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Chris Steeves Vice-President Chris Wilkins

Director Gary Davis Director Claude Denver Director Andrew Sather Secretary Robin Robbins

Treasurer Jessica Della Croce

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Craig Lance, Seat A Ronni Sullivan, Seat B

Bill Stoltze, Seat C

FULL-TIME STAFF

Chief Tim Benningfield Training Coordinator Chris Wilkins

Administrative Specialist Renee Mackey Maintenance Specialist Keith Koehler

COMMAND STAFF

Assistant Chief John Della Croce Assistant Chief Clifton Dalton

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Herman Ellemberger

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 4

2019 Duty Crews Active Members

Crew 1 Captain Zachary Sullivan LT. Andrew Sather Timothy Robbins Robin Robbins Joanne Meyer Amber Havoc Will Mouracade Collin Johanknecht Will Fontana Aaron Hall Jamie Miller Steven Beelmann Lisa Ingulli Haylee Huck Quincy Lynch Chris Steeves

Crew 2 Captain Keith Koehler LT. Kit McCutcheon Quinn Bailey River Heisler Spencer Marsh Risa Pearcy Andy Parker Brendan Blossom Logan Igtanloc Jacob Thompson Destiny Woko Brie Hockersmith Matt Clausen Chris Wilkins

Crew 3 Captain Wes Raley LT. Jesse Lynch Brianna Feyen James Donadio Daniel Mendez Kaylee McClain Ned Murphy Kinzee Kroeker Jack Gilbertsen Mallory Garbe Ryan Odsather Ryan Butler Kenneth Brown Andrea Knowles

Crew 4 Captain Sven Hall LT. Melissa Cunniff Alec Hazelton Darin Swain Madison Bouwens Paul McBride Andrew Kaiser Alex Konev Ben Woods Aly Ward Cory Fairclough Marlee Lawley Harley Venrick Pete Carpenter Steven Meyer

Affiliate Members

Life Members still responding Chaplain Mark Roberts Claude Denver Gary Davis

Reserve Members Ash Lauer Bob Thomas Jessica Della Croce Terry Drake

Junior Members Samuel Neff Caitlin Fueg Ethan Fox Mae Lawson Montanna Kroeker Elijah Lotton Austin Chase Michael Ives Trenton Ives Russell Holden Jazmin Hamby

Crew 1 LT. Brian Dunlevy Andrew Watts Andrew Spencer Shelby Dolan Kyle Stangl Zach Kovach Dmitri Trihub Cole Abarr

Crew 2 LT. Danyell Bird David Meyer Sterling Anderson Sarah Walker Brad Smothermon Molly Swanson Tabitha Jordan

Crew 3 LT. Zak Overmyer Brian Coy Jason Fink Everett Bostick Colt Coady Nick Morelli

Crew 4 LT. Brenda Sattler Glenn Hamby Jamie Peacock Ryan McCormick Jessica St. Laurent Tatianna Martinez David Phillips Suzie Doll

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Responses and Staffing CVFRDs 107 members volunteered over 61,500 hours and responded to 1078 calls for service which was a significant

increase over prior years. Nearly 70% of incidents were EMS or rescue in nature. CVFRD once again was able to provide ambulance transport to the community with Advanced Life Support providers.

Equipment

2019 witnessed the continuation of our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) replacement program. We were able to purchase 15 sets of “Turn-Out Gear” ensuring that all interior rated firefighters are once again compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards. This is one of the most significant recurring costs that a fire department incurs.

The standard requires that all personnel operating inside an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere should wear PPE that is less than 10 years old.

The close of 2019 saw us order a 2020 Pierce Pumper\Tender which will be housed in Station 33. This replacement will

see the retirement of 3 apparatus in the aging fleet. Operationally, the reduction will have no effect on delivery of service but is expected to reduce cost as three 1990s model apparatus will be replaced by one.

Tender 33 Prelim.

999

924

1078

800

900

1000

1100

Annual Responses

Three Year Trend

2017 2018 2019

Responses by Type

FIRE 11% EMS 69% OTHER 19%

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 6

Facilities

Two years ago, the leadership re-focused training to build proficiency for the types of calls expected in communities such as Birchwood, Peters Creek, Chugiak, and Eklutna Village. As part of that endeavor, the need for improvements in

our training facilities was evaluated and a plan put into place. This year saw the addition of a Two-Story Live Fire Training Tower and a Roof Prop added to the “search and rescue” facility that was put in place last year.

Training Tower

Ventilation Roof Prop

Taking care of the members is an important part of our success. The additional equipment and facilities ensure adequate operational support. However, we have found that the little things make a difference as well. 2019 saw a much-needed face lift to one of our oldest buildings, Station 32. We were also happy to add to the capabilities in keeping the “family” nourished while crews spend countless hours at Station 31

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 7

Station 32 Exterior Paint

Station 31 Food Prep Area

Training

CVFRD is benefitting from several new State or National credentials conferred upon its members this year, including: 19 - Firefighter I

5 - Fire Service Instructor I 2 - 1403 Live Fire Instructors

1 - Fire Officer II 1 - Fire Officer IIII

9 - Emergency Medical Technician

A grand total of 8859 training hours were achieved internally, in addition to a significant amount of training done outside of CVFRD by our members. CVFRD was represented at the State Fire Conference in Ketchikan, the EMS

Symposium in Anchorage, the EMS World Expo in New Orleans and at FDIC in Indianapolis.

1076

2884

220

4679

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

Training byType

Internally Conducted Training

Fire Hours Rescue Hours EMS Hours Other Hours

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 8

Training cont…

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 9

Awards

All of our members sacrifice much in order to serve the communities that make up the Chugiak Fire Service Area. Every year, efforts to recognize individuals are tougher because so many stand out. The intent of our Annual Installation

Ceremony and Awards Banquet is to give something back to every member in the form of an evening of celebration where we recognize the members, their families and our community.

Those who excelled were recognized for their efforts at the

CVFRDs 2nd Annual Installation Ceremony and Awards Banquet as follows:

Peer Award - Ben Woods

Junior FF of the Year - Caitlin Fueg Rookie of the Year - Mallory Garbe Most Photogenic - Molly Swanson

EMS Provider of the Year - Jesse Lynch Firefighter of the Year - Zak Overmyer

Company Officer of the Year - Sven Hall Member of the Year - Andrea Knowles

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to:

Lisa Ingulli - Medical Supply Andrew Spencer - Fire Supply

Brenda Beaty – Fire Prevention Jess Della Croce - Junior Advisor

Mark Roberts - Chaplain

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4174 was recognized as the Community Supporter of the Year related to years of charitable giving to the Chugiak Community and in particular for their significant support to CVFRD this year.

A Special Community Support Award was presented to Elmendorf’s 773rd LRS, Combat Mobility Flight for their work on

the Wood\Art project presented to the 2019 Fire Academy Instructors.

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 10

Length of Service awards were presented to: Andrew Sather - 5years

Pete Carpenter – 10 years

Gary Davis was honored for 35 years to the CVFRD with a plaque dedicating Engine 31 in his name.

The CVFRD Life Saver Medal is awarded to a member or members whose skilled and timely intervention contributed to

the preservation of the life of a patient or victim who otherwise reasonably could have expected to die without such

intervention. Examples include things like Code 99 resuscitation, quick extrication of severely injured automobile crash

victims, removing someone from a burning building, etc. This award was presented to 11 members for their successful

provision of patient care to a patient suffering respiratory failure.

Life Saver Medal Recipients

The CVFRD Campaign Medal Campaign is awarded to a member who serves the department or other related agency in

an assignment outside the service area. Such deployments must exceed 24 continuous hours. Examples include state

and national wildland assignments, hurricane relief, etc. This award was presented to 15 members in recognition of

service during the McKinley Wildland Fire in August of 2019.

Brianna Feyen Mallory Garbe Andrew Kaiser Andrea Knowles

Keith Koehler Kinzee Kroeker Jesse Lynch Kaylee McClain

Ned Murphy Ryan Odsather Wes Raley

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McKinley Campaign Medal Recipients

McKinley Pre-Deployment

Junior Firefighters Our Junior Firefighter Program is designed to provide training and involvement for students between the ages of 14 and

18. These members train weekly and are allowed to respond in certain situations. We currently have 12 high school students participating in the program with an eye towards their future.

Brieanne Hockersmith Jesse Lynch Haylee Huck Jacob Thompson Andrea Knowles

Jessica St. Laurent Tim Robbins Ryan Odsather Kinzee Kroeker Will Ducham

Zak Overmyer John Della Croce Aly Ward Molly Swanson Kaylee McClain

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 12

Community Outreach CVFRD participated in numerous community activities in 2019. Command Staff attended monthly meetings of the Birchwood and Chugiak Community Councils. We attended the Thunderbird Falls Annual HOA meeting. We hosted several scouting groups for education programs and tours. We visited six schools during Fire Prevention Week in

October where we talked to approximately 900 students and handed out educational material. We hosted an open house in October and were also able to attend community activities such Boo at the Beach where we handed out over

600 bags of fire prevention material. Additional examples include: Grad Blast, MacStravaganza, Winter Wonderland, and several others.

Boo at the Beach Winter Wonderland Fire Prevention

Community Support

CVFRD is grateful to all of the groups, families and individuals who help us in carrying out our mission. This year saw significant support again from the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Chugiak Lions Club. We were pleased to reward the

family of Colonel Dick Lochner with a “Family Dinner” which he purchased at auction at the Chugiak Senior Center’s “Silver Gala.”

Dick Lochner Family Fraternal Order of Eagles Chugiak Lions Club

As always, we appreciated the continued support of our community Businesses and Groups. A special thanks was given to the following at the Annual awards Banquet:

773rd LRS Combat Mobility Flight Bear Mountain Espresso Bella Vista Pizzeria & Restaurant Birchwood Community Council Bobby's Café Chugiak Community Council Chugiak Lions Club Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center

Coho Contractors Conoco Phillips Escape Anchorage Fraternal Order of Eagles Fred Meyers Hilltop Recycling Incorporated Sunset Auto Body Three Bears Alaska

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 13

Support cont… As always, CVFRD would like to recognize our State and National Delegations for their continued support. Whether

during our travels to Juneau or during their limited time here at home, they are always willing to listen to our message.

State Senator Reinbold State Representative Jackson State Representative Tilton

Governor Dunleavy State Senator Hughes and US Senator Sullivan

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Fire Stations

Latimer Station 31

17124 Old Glenn Highway

Gilmore Station 32 19424 Inlet View Drive

Hill Station 33 21616 Settlers drive

Wallace Station 34 20581 Birchwood Spur road

Bill Lowe Station 35 14080 Old Glenn Highway

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 15

2019 Firefighter I Academy

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 16

4th of July Christmas 4 th of July

Thanksgiving September 11 Memorial

Christmas Party

Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue 2019 Annual Report 17

The Installation Ceremony in February witnessed some new officers accepting leadership roles along with several

returning to accept the challenge in 2020 to build STRENGTH!

Chief Tim Benningfield Assistant Chief John Della Croce

Assistant Chief Zach Sullivan

Captain 1 - Zak Overmyer Lieutenant 1 – Haylee Huck Lieutenant 5 - Brian Dunleavy

Captain 2 - Keith Koehler Lieutenant 2 - Tim Robbins Lieutenant 6 - Cole Abarr

Captain 3 - Jesse Lynch Lieutenant 3 – Kit McCutcheon Lieutenant 7 – Danyell Bird

Captain 4 - Sven Hall Lieutenant 4 – Andrew Sather Lieutenant 8 - Brenda Beaty