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2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 2
Table of Contents
Page
Leadership of the City of Monroe
5
Message from the Fire Chief
6
Fire Department Information
History
Structure of the organization and its members
Leadership of the Monroe Fire Department
Apparatus Profile
Fire Station Locations
Mission and Vision of the department
Strategic Plan
Core Values
Core Services
7
7
9
10
11
12
13
13
14
15
Department News & Accomplishments
16
Hazmat Team wins 6th Place in Annual Competition
Firefighters facilitate Annual Union County Fire Competition
Fire Department participates in Citizens Academy
Fire Department holds 2nd Annual Awards Banquet
Annual Compliance Report Approved for Accreditation
Fire Department participates in National Night-Out Event
Members receive Advanced Firefighter Certification
Fire Marshal staff receive Certified Fire Investigator Designation
New Fire Station 4 Construction
Administration Division
Budget
Customer Service Survey program
Insurance Services Office Rating (ISO)
Company Citation Program
Operations Division
Fire Suppression Program
Technical Rescue Program
Hazardous Materials Program
Emergency Medical Care Program
Aviation Firefighting & Rescue Program
Fire Marshal’s Division
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
16
17
17
17
18
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
23
24
27
28
31
33
36
37
38
Page 3
Historical Performance
Fire Investigations
Arson Arrest Rates
3-Year Inspection Totals
Fire Inspection Fee Revenue
Summary of All Public Education & Fire Prevention Activities
39
40
41
41
42
42
Training & Safety Division
Training Accomplishments
44
45
Planning & Emergency Management Division
Accreditation
Union County Emergency Communications Center
911 Alarm Handling Performance
Turnout, Travel and Total Response Time rationale
Baseline Performance
Low-Moderate Risk Structure Fires
High-Special Risk Structure Fires
Emergency Medical Emergencies
Low Risk Technical Rescue
High Risk Technical Rescue
Low Risk Hazmat
High Risk Hazmat
Low Risk Aviation
High Risk Aviation
Department Statistical Analysis
Total Incidents by Station
Total Incidents by Shift
Calls for Service by Hour of the Day
Incidents by Day of the Week
Total Responses by Company Table
Busiest Medic
Busiest Quint
Busiest Engine
Comparison of Responses by Company
Average Calls for Service by Day
Fire Related Injuries and Deaths
Accomplishments and Successes for 2013
Fire Department Contact Numbers
46
46
47
47
48
48
52
52
53
53
54
54
55
56
56
57
57
58
58
60
(This Annual Report prepared by the Planning & Emergency Division of the Monroe Fire Department)
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 4
Monroe Fire Department
City of Monroe, North Carolina
2013 Annual Report
Mayor Bobby Kilgore
Mayor Pro Tem
Dottie Nash
Council Member
Debra Duncan
Council Member
Freddie Gordon
Council Member
Billy A. Jordan
Council Member
Surluta Anthony
Council Member
Lynn A. Keziah
City Manager (Interim)
Robert W. Hites, Jr.
Assistant City Manager
Brian Borne
Assistant City Manager
Greg Demko
Fire Chief
Ronald D. Fowler, CFO, EFO
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 5
Message from the Chief
Dear Citizens,
On behalf of the men and women of the Monroe Fire Department, I
am pleased to provide this 2013 Annual Report. This report provides
a snapshot of the activities our department has been involved in over
the past year. I hope you will find it enjoyable to read and that it will
provide you interesting and beneficial information about your fire
department. In keeping with our mission, Monroe firefighters have
consistently demonstrated a personal commitment in protecting the
quality of life and in protecting property in Monroe during this report
period.
This has been a busy and productive year for the Monroe Fire
Department. In addition to fighting fires, Monroe firefighters also
responded to and prepared for various other types of emergencies such as emergency medical
needs, hazardous materials incidents, various rescue situations and natural or man-made disasters.
Our call volume continues to increase each year, with over 5,700 calls for service in 2013. We
understand that each of these calls represent a time when someone experienced a situation, many
times unexpected and unfortunate, that led them to call for our assistance. We understand the loss
and pain that is often associated with an incident that requires our service and it is my hope that we
have provided not just the professional response necessary to mitigate these emergencies, but also
the appropriate level of compassion to support the individuals and families involved in these
situations.
Thank you for the support and trust you have exhibited toward our department over the past year.
We do not take this for granted and we strive to act in a manner to build and maintain this support
and trust. I also thank the Monroe City Council and City Administration for their guidance and
support, which enables us to offer such a high level of service. I especially thank the devoted men
and women of the Monroe Fire Department for their commitment and professionalism in carrying
out their duties and in making the Monroe Fire Department what it is. I am honored to serve with
them as we serve you.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your fire chief. God has richly blessed me in many ways,
including the opportunity and abilities to serve in this capacity. I do not take my responsibilities
lightly and constantly strive to meet your expectations. It is truly an honor to serve you and I look
forward to serving you in the future. Please contact me anytime you have questions or anytime
that we may be of service.
Sincerely,
Ronald D. Fowler, CFO
Fire Chief
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 6
Monroe Fire Department
History
The Monroe Fire Department was originally established in
1872. The first fire engine, a Silsby Steamer, was purchased
in 1886 for $3,500. The steamer remained in service for
nearly twenty years, until the early 1900’s, before it was
moved to reserve status. Today, the steamer is in the process
of being restored and is only one of a few in the United States
that is still intact. The Monroe Fire Department began as a
volunteer organization and transitioned to a fully paid career
department throughout the years. Paid personnel are on
record as far back as 1914. In the early years, an all AfricanAmerican Hook and Ladder Company operated in the
community.
In 1980, the Monroe Fire Department merged with the Monroe
Police Department to form the Monroe Public Safety
Department. The public safety department provided both fire
and police services with public safety officers performing the
duties of firefighters and police officers. Due to community
growth and increasing service demands, the Monroe City
Council began the task of separating the public safety
department into separate fire and police departments in 1999. A
fire chief was appointed in August 1999 and the newly formed Monroe Fire Department was
established. The department then consisted of twenty-two
Station 2
members, operating out of three fire stations. Public safety
officers continued to assist with fire operations during a short
transitional period until additional firefighters were hired,
allowing the fire department to become self-sufficient.
Firefighters were continually added over the years to meet the
demands of a growing service area. Fire Station Four opened in
July of 2002 and Fire Station Five opened in July of 2003.
Station 1
The Monroe Fire Department has cooperative agreements to
provide and receive mutual aid assistance with various Union
County Volunteer Fire Departments. Additional services, including
emergency medical first responder and hazardous materials
technician level responses, were added in the early 2000’s. The
most recent North Carolina Insurance Services Office grading
occurred in 2006 and resulted in an ISO rating of Class 3. The
department is led by Fire Chief Ronald D. Fowler and is organized
into four divisions: Administration, Operations, Training and Safety, and the Fire Marshal’s
Division. The department operates on an annual budget of approximately $5.9 million dollars. The
department’s budget is allocated out of the city’s general fund which is funded from property taxes
Station 3
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 7
and other revenues. The city is divided into five districts with one fire station in each district, for a
total of five fire stations. The Monroe Fire Department is responsible for protecting the life and
property of Monroe area residents and visitors through a variety of services. The City of Monroe is
chartered through the City’s Code of Ordinances and the Monroe Fire Department operates under
the general authority of Chapter 36, Fire Prevention, of said Ordinances.
The city encompasses 29.6 square miles with a 2010 Census
population of 32,797. The department consists of five fire stations,
the fire administration building and the fire training center. The
administration building houses the administrative staff, the fire
marshal’s division, training division and planning / emergency
management division. For the 2013 calendar year, the department
responded to 5,734 emergency and non-emergency situations. The
department staffing consists of 79 full-time personnel. The Monroe Fire Department provides a
variety of services as expected of a modern day fire department.
Temporary Station 4
The current staffing of the department includes: one fire chief, one assistant fire chief, three shift
battalion chiefs, one division chief for training and safety, one division chief / fire marshal, one
division chief planning / emergency management, one captain / assistant fire marshal, eighteen
captains, twenty-one engineers, thirty firefighters and one administrative assistant. All of the
Monroe Fire Department fire stations are located within the city limits. Each of the five fire
stations is staffed twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. They are also equipped with
apparatus capable of providing fire suppression, first responder emergency medical care, and other
services. All members have certifications and training credentials as outlined by the North
Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission. Station 1 is assigned with a four person ladder/rescue crew,
a three person engine crew and one shift battalion chief. The station has a variety of specialized
equipment and apparatus including: a 102 ft. aerial platform, heavy rescue truck, an engine
company, medical quick response / brush unit, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and a battalion chief
command vehicle.
Station 2 is assigned four personnel and is equipped with a 75 ft.
Station 5
Quint aerial apparatus, one boat and one medical quick response
vehicle. Station 3 is assigned four personnel and is equipped with
one engine company and one medical quick response / aircraft
rescue & firefighting vehicle. Station 4 is assigned four personnel
and equipped with a 75 ft. Quint aerial apparatus, one aircraft
rescue and firefighting / medical quick response vehicle, one
triple combination aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle and the
fire safety house used for public fire education training. Station 5 is assigned four personnel and
equipped with one engine company, two hazardous materials response units, one reserve engine
company, one hazardous materials equipment trailer and one medical quick response vehicle. Each
of the three shifts is led by a battalion chief.
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 8
Members of the Monroe Fire Department
Administration
Chief Ron Fowler,
Assistant Chief Danny Smith, Administrative Assistant Sheila Couick
Training and Safety Division
Planning & Emergency Management Division
Division Chief Chris Griffin
Division Chief Andrew Ansley
Fire Marshal’s Division
Fire Marshal / Division Chief Kevin Rigoli
Assistant Fire Marshal / Captain Wesley Graham
Operations Division
A Shift
Battalion Chief Rodney Chaney
B Shift
Battalion Chief Andy Ross
C Shift
Battalion Chief Greg Collins
Engine 1
Captain Travis Stegall
Engineer Daniel Grigston
Firefighter Adam Rorie
Engine 1
Captain Johnny Blythe
Engineer Brian Eshenbaugh
Firefighter Boyce Adams
Engine 1
Captain Robert Bolick
Engineer Danny Powell
Firefighter James Massey
Ladder 1/Squad 1
Captain Rodney Rogers
Engineer John Massey
Engineer Derrick Carnes
Firefighter Charles Laton
Quint 2
Captain Pete Medlin
Engineer Andrew Benton
Firefighter Chad Burns
Firefighter Ryan Craig
Engine 3
Captain Lori Hyatt
Engineer Jason Easter
Firefighter Ryan Moore
Firefighter Preston Wrenn
Quint 4
Captain Brian Pethel
Engineer Kevin Tice
Firefighter Dane Love
Firefighter Ethan Ross
Engine 5
Captain Scott Barbee
Engineer Robert Melton
Firefighter Jameathan Williams
Firefighter Jonathan Mullis
Ladder 1/Squad 1
Captain Dennis Robinson
Engineer Robert Stovall
Engineer Clint Oster
Firefighter Ben Hinson
Quint 2
Captain Keith Starnes
Engineer Adam Speer
Firefighter Rick Cauthen
Firefighter Graham McManus
Engine 3
Captain Bryan Kindley
Engineer Tony Belk
Firefighter Kenny Pope
Firefighter
Quint 4
Captain Marshall Eubanks
Engineer Blair Stegall
Firefighter Brooks Hasty
Firefighter Kevin Brittain
Engine 5
Engineer Nick Steffler
Engineer Ken Brown
Firefighter Jeff Lee
Firefighter Matt Scott
Ladder 1/Squad 1
Captain Chris Yates
Engineer Kevin Philemon
Engineer Marty Honeycutt
Firefighter Jacob Helms
Quint 2
Captain Charlie Porter
Engineer Rodney Austin
Firefighter James Brown
Firefighter Adam Moore
Engine 3
Captain Brandon Wallace
Engineer Bruce Aldridge
Firefighter Chuck Porter
FF Santonio Cunningham
Quint 4
Captain Mickey Lowery
Engineer Matt Hinson
Firefighter Shane Langston
Firefighter Clayton Bradley
Engine 5
Captain Carter Plyler
Engineer Joe Rampey
FF Patrick Schlappich
FF Katie Hinson
(Staffing based on the 12/5/2013 organization chart)
2013 Monroe Fire Department Annual Report
Page 9
Fire Department Leadership
Ron Fowler
Fire Chief
Danny Smith
Assistant Fire Chief
Kevin Rigoli
Chris Griffin
Andrew Ansley
Division Chief
Fire Marshal
Division Chief
Training / Safety
Division Chief
Planning / EM
Rodney Chaney
Andy Ross
Greg Collins
Battalion Chief
A-Shift
Battalion Chief
B-Shift
Battalion Chief
C-Shift
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 10
Apparatus Profile
The fire department operates a variety of fire and emergency service apparatus and vehicles to
provide service to our citizens.
Engine 1
Ladder 1
Rescue 1
Medic 1
Battalion 1
Quint 2
Medic 2
Boat
Engine 3
Medic 3
Quint 4
Medic 4
Blaze 4
2006
2002
2013
2006
2005
2002
2000
Fire Station 1
Pierce Pumper
2000 GPM Pump
KME Aerial
102 Ft. Aerial Platform w/ 2000 GPM Pump
Pierce Arrow XT
25 Ft. Walk-Around Rescue
Ford F-450/Anchor Richey 300 Gallon Brush /Medical Quick Response
Chevrolet Suburban
Shift Supervisor / Incident Command Unit
Pierce Quint
Ford F-350
Fire Station 2
2000 GPM Pump w/ 75 ft. Straight Ladder
Medical Quick Response
Fire Station 3
2004 Pierce Dash Pumper
1,500 GPM Pump, 750 Gallon Tank
2009 Ford F-450/Ansul ARFF
Medical Quick Response / ARFF
Fire Station 4
2005 Pierce Dash Quint
2,000 GPM w/ 75 ft. Ladder, 590 Gal. Tank
2004 Ford F-550/Ansul ARFF
Medical Quick Response / ARFF
1992 Oshkosh Triple Combination 2,000 GPM Pump, 3,000 Gallon Tank, 405
Gallon Foam
Fire Station 5
Engine 5
2008 Pierce Arrow Pumper
1,500 GPM Pump, 750 Gallon Tank
HazMat 5
2003 International/Mickey Tr.
Walk Around Tractor Trailer HazMat Unit
HazMat 55
1998 American Lafrance/Marion
20 Ft. Walk-Around Hazmat / Rescue
Medic 5
2004 Ford F-350
Medical Quick Response
Reserve E-10 2003 Pierce Dash Pumper
1,500 GPM Pump, 750 Gallon Tank
Blaze 4
1992 Oshkosh Triple Combination 2,000 GPM Pump, 3,000 Gallon Tank, 400
Boat
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 11
Fire Stations are Strategically Located in the Community
Fire Station
Address
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Administrative Office
Richard Helms Fire Training Center
300 W. Crowell Street
399 E. Roosevelt Boulevard
1737 Williams Road Ext.
3903 Old Charlotte Highway
105 Maple Hill Road
117 N. Church Street
550 Quarry Road
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Opened
1974
1968
1983
2002
2003
2000
2000
Page 12
Mission and Vision of the Monroe Fire Department
Mission
“The MISSION of the Monroe Fire Department is to protect the quality of life and
property in our community through a personal commitment to fire suppression, education,
prevention and other services.”
Vision
We, the members of the Monroe Fire Department, envision that we will be widely known as a
values-based and community-focused, internationally accredited fire department committed to
protecting the quality of life and property in our community. We will foster a culture of
continuous improvement while being guided by our values of safety, integrity, professionalism,
compassion, teamwork, respect, and customer service.
Through our well-trained workforce and management practice initiatives, we will ensure our
greatest organizational assets, our members, are supported and led to reflect the quality of service
our community desires. It is our united intention to hold one another accountable for carrying out
our mission, living our values, accomplishing our goals, and ensuring this vision becomes reality
New Strategic Plan Developed for 2014-18
The Monroe Fire Department (MFD) is consistently working to
achieve and/or maintain the highest level of professionalism and
efficiency on behalf of those it serves, and thus contracted with the
Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) to facilitate a method to
document the agency's path into the future via a “Community-Driven
Strategic Plan.” The strategic plan was written in accordance with the
guidelines set forth in the CFAI Fire & Emergency Service SelfAssessment Manual 8th Ed., and is intended to guide the organization
within established parameters set forth by the authority having
jurisdiction.
The CPSE utilized the Community–Driven Strategic Planning
process to go beyond just the development of a document. It challenged the membership of the
MFD to critically examine paradigms, values, philosophies, beliefs and desires, and challenged
individuals to work in the best interest of the “team.” Furthermore, it provided the membership
with an opportunity to participate in the development of their organization’s long-term direction
and focus.
This strategic plan, with its foundation based in community and membership input, revisits the
agency’s pillars (Mission, Values, and Vision) and sets forth a continuous improvement plan that
offers a road map for justifiable and sustainable future. The department’s Strategic Planning
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 13
Committee worked in conjunction with the Center for Public Safety Excellence in late November
2013 to develop and publish the 2014-18 Strategic Plan. This document serves as the guiding
document for the operation of the department. The department utilized a community driven
approach to develop the plan, in which approximately 100 members of the community were
brought together to provide input on their desire for service of the Monroe Fire Department.
The Monroe Fire Department 2014–18 Strategic Plan, which contains various goals and
objectives, can be viewed on the department’s intranet. Thank you to the members that have
participated in the process November 2013. The Strategic Planning Committee meets three times
a year to review and update the goals and objectives of the plan. Members of the agency’s
external and internal stakeholders’ groups performed an outstanding job in committing to this
important project and remain committed to the document’s completion.
Core Values
The members of the Monroe Fire Department have adopted the following Core Values as our
guiding principles.
Safety
We will provide a safe environment for our members and community.
Integrity
We will uphold the beliefs of being moral, ethical, loyal and honest.
Professionalism
We are dedicated and well-trained individuals, united to better our community.
Compassion
We deliver our services in a considerate, caring and sympathetic way.
Teamwork
We are dedicated, committed and accountable to each other and our community.
Respect
We hold others in high regard and are committed to being diverse, transparent, fair and equal.
Customer Service
We strive to meet the expectations of community by providing services in a professional manner.
(The Mission and Values are the foundation of this agency. Thus, every effort will be made to
keep these current and meaningful so that the individuals who make up the Monroe Fire
Department are well guided by them in the accomplishments of the goals, objectives, and day-today tasks). Monroe Fire Department 2014-18 Strategic Planning Committee
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 14
Core Services
The Monroe Fire Department provides a variety of core services as shown below.
Fire Suppression
The department provides fire suppression for all types of fires that occur in the city. These
include structure fires, such as homes, businesses and industries, vehicle fires, grass and
woods fires and other types of fires that may occur.
First Responder Emergency Medical Care
Monroe firefighters are trained and certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and
respond as medical first responders to emergency medical incidents that occur in the city.
With fire stations strategically located throughout the city, often times firefighters are closer
than an ambulance to a medical call allowing firefighters to reach the scene of such a medical
emergency sooner and initiate medical care. Ambulance transport is provided by Union
EMS.
Rescue
Monroe provides all types of rescue in the city, including vehicle extrication, confined space
rescue, high angle rescue, swift water rescue and other types of rescues that may occur.
Three of the department’s on-duty fire companies, Ladder/Rescue 1, Quint 2 and Quint 4,
specialize in providing technical rescue operations.
Hazardous Materials
The department provides hazardous materials response to hazardous materials leaks or spills.
These may include transportation incidents that occur on the roadways or railroads and fixed
facility incidents at businesses or industries. Three of the department’s on-duty fire
companies, Engine 5, Engine 1 and Engine 3, specialize in providing specialized hazardous
materials operations.
Emergency Management
The department provides emergency management services for the city and works closely
with Union County Emergency Management to coordinate these services. Emergency
management responsibilities include coordination of planning, response and recovery for
major emergencies and disasters. The fire chief serves as Monroe’s Emergency Coordinator.
The Division Chief over Planning and Emergency Management serves as the Assistant
Emergency Coordinator and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Manager. The department
provides outreach to local business and industry for emergency planning and evacuation.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 15
Risk Reduction
The department provides risk reduction through the administration and enforcement of the
State Fire Code and the provision of fire and life safety public education to our citizens.
Department News & Accomplishments
Monroe Fire Department wins 6th Place in the North Carolina Association of
Hazardous Materials Responders “Hazmat Challenge”
Teams from across the State competed in this annual event in Raleigh,
NC. The challenge consists of timed events evaluating a team’s
accuracy and proficiency of mitigating various events and situations.
Six of the teams competing this year were from NC Regional Response
Team (RRT) departments. Monroe FD secured sixth place beating four
of the RRTs. The NCAHMR is an organization that serves as the focal
point in North Carolina for hazardous materials responders from all emergency services
disciplines, the private sector, and those persons with an interest in hazardous materials response.
Congratulations to Captain Nick Steffler, Captain Lori Hyatt, Engineer Joe Rampey and
Firefighter Jeff Lee.
Rank
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Monroe Fire Department
Team
High Point F.D. Hazmat
Raleigh F.D. Team 1 (RRT-4)
Greensboro F.D. (RRT-5)
Concord Fire and Life Safety Hazmat
Wilmington F.D. (RRT-2)
Monroe F.D. Hazmat
Williamston F.D. (RRT-1)
Fayetteville F.D. (RRT-3)
Asheville F.D. (RRT-6)
Raleigh F.D. Team 2 (RRT-4)
2013 Annual Report
Page 16
Monroe Firefighters Facilitate the Annual Union County Firefighter
Competition
The fire department participated in coordinating the annual Union County Firefighters
competition again in 2013. The competition was a success this year due to the efforts of many of
our department members. Special thanks to the shift personnel who assisted in this year’s
competition.
Fire Department participates in Citizens Academy
The City of Monroe sponsors an innovative and informative
service to residents through the Citizens Academy.
Participants follow an eight week session on Monday
afternoons and learn about the inner workings of the City of
Monroe and its services. The fire department actively
participates in this process demonstrating some of the many
capabilities of the fire department.
Fire Department holds 2nd Annual Awards Banquet
The fire department held its second annual awards banquet on Friday 21, 2012. The banquet was
to celebrate the various accomplishments by our members. The recognized accomplishments
included the following categories; Promotions, New members, College Degrees, Red Heart
Award Winner, 25 Year Rescue & EMS Service Award, No Sick Time Used Recognition, Team
Competitions, Hero of the Month Awards, NC Chief Officer Executive Development Graduates,
NC Fire Officer III, NC Fire Officer II, NC Fire Arson Investigator, NFA Incident Safety
Officer, NC Fire Instructor II, NC Advanced Firefighter, NC FF II, Chief 101, NC Driver
Operator Aerial and Pumps, NC RT Confined Space, VMR, Ropes, NC HazMat Tech, ICS 400,
ICS 300 and Company Citations.
Fire Department Annual Compliance Report Approved
The fire department submitted the first Annual Compliance Report (ACR) since
becoming accredited in August 2012. A peer group reviewed the department’s
progress toward completing the strategic and specific recommendations provided
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 17
by the peer team during the site visit in February 2012.
Fire Department participates in National Night-Out Event
The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night
Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote
involvement in crime prevention activities, policecommunity partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting
them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW’s National Night Out
program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August. This year’s event occurred with the
fire department standing alongside the police department in neighborhoods across the City.
National Night Out is a way for the police and fire departments and community to come together
to share information about the departments and to answer any questions. These neighborhood
outings have proved beneficial for both departments and community at large. The fire
department also competes against the police department in an annual softball game.
Members receive Advanced Firefighter Certification
In order to formally recognize the advanced level of competence of firefighters
directly or indirectly serving the governmental units within the State of North
Carolina, to foster increased interest in formal college education and
professional fire protection programs, and to attract highly qualified individuals
into a fire and rescue department, the North Carolina State Firemen’s
Association has established a voluntary Firefighter’s Advanced Professional Certificate Program.
This completely voluntary program is an innovative method by which dedicated firefighters may
receive statewide recognition for education, professional training, and on-the-job experience.
Congratulations to Fire Chief Ron Fowler, Assistant Fire Chief Danny Smith, Division Chief
Chris Griffin, Captain Travis Stegall, Captain Carter Plyler, Captain Scott Barbee, Captain
Rodney Rogers, Captain Dennis Robinson, Engineer Tony Belk, Engineer John Massey,
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 18
Engineer Robert Melton, Firefighter Andrew Benton, Firefighter Adam Rorie and Firefighter
Ryan Moore for obtaining this certification for 2013.
Fire Marshal Staff receive Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
The purpose of the Fire Investigator Certification Program shall be to
acknowledge demonstrated competence in all phases of fire
investigation, to recognize professional standards of achievement in fire
investigation theory and practice by government and private fire
investigators, to encourage the continuing education and training in the
field of fire investigation, to increase professional standing in the fire investigative field, and to
identify the sources of professional knowledge for the theory and practice of fire investigation. In
order to complete the process points are awarded in the categories of education, training and
experience. Once the application packet is submitted the paperwork goes through an extensive
review and if approved, the applicant moves forward to a written examination.
Congratulations to Division Chief Kevin Rigoli and Captain Wesley Graham for receiving this
distinguished certification. The process took both members several years to finish this process.
New Fire Station 4 to be constructed in 2014
After many years of planning and capital funding requests, the Monroe Fire Department will
construct a permanent Fire Station 4. The temporary facility was placed in service in 2001 to
service previously annexed areas of the City on the western side. Fire Station 4 has the largest
fire district encompassing 8.7 square miles. The new facility will be a state of the art and will be
constructed to meet the Leed Certification. Fire Station 4 will be the first Leed Certified building
in the City. The four bay station features ten bedrooms, large exercise and fitness room,
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 19
community / training room, offices, kitchen and dining areas as well as a day room. The facility
will be fully sprinkled with a monitored fire alarm system. Construction should begin in late
summer 2014. The station has designed with future planning to add a second 4-person
firefighting crew and an additional shift Battalion Chief.
Administration Division
The administration of the fire department is charged with the responsibility of providing
leadership and effective management of the department’s resources. Emphasis is placed on
providing high quality emergency services and planning for the future development of the
department to meet the needs of a changing community. The administrative side of the
department primarily focuses on finance and budgeting, capital improvement projects, logistics,
payroll, personnel and human resources, long range and strategic planning, equipment
acquisitions and repair and works in a collaborative way with other city departments.
Budget
The fire department’s budget is part of the overall city budget and is approved by the City
Council each year. The City operates on a July 1 through June 30 fiscal year. The budget
includes all aspects necessary for the fire department’s operation including personnel, operating,
and capital costs. The fire department also has a budgeted revenue account derived from fire
permit fees. The FY14 budget was $7,434,100. These revenues include capital funding for a new
Fire Station 4 scheduled to be constructed in 2014.
Customer Service Survey Program
The fire department began a customer service survey process in 2009 in an effort to maintain
feedback and communication between the public we serve and the fire department. Survey
participants are randomly selected from the department’s records management system and
mailed to those individuals. In addition, the fire marshal’s division distributes surveys following
fire inspections, fire extinguisher training and during public fire education events.
The process has been successful for the fire department to identify areas for improvement as well
as celebrate the success of excellent customer service by the fire department members. Although,
the surveys are completely voluntary, the department receives an adequate number of surveys to
effectively evaluate our services. In the future the department hopes to move the survey process
into an electronic format and advertise via the department’s website.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 20
Customer Service Survey Results for 2013
Monroe FD Rating
Quality of service provided
Knowledge and skills
Courteous and helpful
Speed of response
Success at controlling loss
Acted professionally
Answered questions clearly
Monroe FD Programs
Fire Inspection or Investigations
Public Education Programs / Fire Ext. Training
Overall Rating
Total Surveys mailed
Total Completed Surveys returned
Surveys returned - insufficient address
Percentage of surveys returned
3.62
3.59
3.63
3.60
3.62
3.62
3.37
3.61
3.26
3.61
376
110
24
28%
*Survey scoring is rated using Poor (1), Fair (2), Good (3), and Excellent (4) in each category.
2011-13 Overall Rating
4
3.9
3.85
3.91
3.8
3.7
3.61
3.6
3.5
3.4
2011
Monroe Fire Department
2012
2013 Annual Report
2013
Page 21
Customer Service Survey
Monroe Fire Department Customer Survey
In an effort to provide continuous improvement and quality service, please take a moment to complete our
customer service survey. Place the completed survey in the self- addressed, postage paid envelope and put
it in the mail. Thank you very much for your response.
What type of service did you receive from the fire department? (Fill in circle = ●)
Fire Emergency Situation
○
HazMat Emergency Situation
Medical Emergency Situation
○
Rescue Emergency Situation
Fire Education / Fire Inspection / Fire Extinguisher ○
Training
How would you rate the Monroe Fire Department in terms of:
Excellent
1 Quality of service provided
○
Excellent
2 Knowledge and skills
○
Excellent
3 Courteous and helpful
○
Excellent
4 Speed of response
○
Excellent
5 Success at controlling loss
○
Excellent
6 Acted professionally
○
7
Excellent
○
Answered questions clearly
○
○
○
Other Emergency Situation
Good
○
Good
○
Good
○
Good
○
Good
○
Good
Fair
○
Fair
○
Fair
○
Fair
○
Fair
○
Fair
Poor
○
Poor
○
Poor
○
Poor
○
Poor
○
Poor
○
○
○
Good
○
Fair
○
Poor
○
If you have experienced any of these fire department programs, how would you rate the service you
received from the Monroe Fire Department?
Fire Inspection or Investigative Services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
Good
Fair
Poor
○
○
○
Public Education Programs / Fire Extinguisher
○
Training
I would rate the overall service of the Monroe Fire Department as:
Excellent
○
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 22
City of Monroe Maintains Excellent Insurance Rating
The Monroe Fire Department was last inspected by the North Carolina Office
of the State Fire Marshal, Ratings and Inspections Division, in 2006. This
inspection resulted in an improvement of Monroe’s Public Protection
Insurance Classification Rating, which is issued by the Insurance Services
Office (ISO). A city’s fire department, water system and communications
system are all evaluated as part of the total rating. Monroe was previously
graded a Class 5 and through many initiatives and hard work the grading was
lowered to a Class 3 following the 2006 inspection. ISO collects information
on municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United
States.
This program is administered in North Carolina through the North Carolina Office of State Fire
Marshal for communities of less than 100,000 population. The Office of the State Fire Marshal
analyzes data gained during inspections and uses ISO’s Fire Suppression Rating Schedule to
assign a public protection classification from Class 1 to Class 10. Class 1 generally represents
superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program
doesn't meet ISO’s minimum criteria. Insurance classifications are typically used by insurance
companies when setting fire insurance premiums, with lower ratings equating to lower fire
insurance premiums. The graphic below, taken from ISO’s Website, illustrates the fire
department classifications for North Carolina. According to this information, 60 fire
departments out of 1,729 hold a public protection classification of Class 3 or lower, placing
Monroe within the top 3.5 percent regarding insurance classification ratings. The department
continually strives to maintain and improve this rating.
*Picture courtesy of ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) Program
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 23
Company Citation Program
The fire department began a “Company Citation” program in 2010 to recognize our members
who performed above and beyond the call of duty. Often these acts impacted an individual or
family and will be remembered for years to come. In 2013, nine Company Citations were
awarded to crews that demonstrated outstanding performance.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 24
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 25
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 26
Operations Division
The operations division of the fire department has the
primary responsibility for carrying out the mission and
vision of the department. They are the primary
responders to the needs of our community in emergent
and non-emergent situations. This division is divided
among a workforce of 72 highly skilled and trained men
and women. They are equally distributed into three shifts,
Shifts A, B, and C, which consist of 24 members each.
Members of this division work rotating 24 hour shifts.
Shift rotations include nights, weekends, and holidays. This includes inclement weather
situations of flooding, rain, snow, and icy conditions. The fire department never closes. The
department provides the following services including combating all types of fires, providing
emergency medical care to the sick and injured, containing and mitigating various types of
hazardous material emergencies, rescuing persons who are physically trapped in vehicles and
machinery, rescuing persons caught in swiftly moving water and providing aid in situations
where people need special assistance, such as lock-out situations or animal rescues. Operations
personnel also teach public fire education programs to all age groups, conduct certain fire safety
inspections, conduct pre-incident planning, maintain apparatus, maintain small equipment,
maintain facilities and train on a regular basis.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 27
Fire
Overpressure/Rupture/Explosion
Rescue/EMS
Hazardous Condition
Service Call
Good Intent Call
False Call
Severe Weather & Natural Disaster
Special Incident Type
Other
Total Responses:
2010
162
10
3,919
236
515
252
408
2
10
0
5,514
2011
163
11
4,078
263
504
322
329
4
5
0
5,679
2012
147
8
4,129
241
441
404
338
3
3
0
5,714
2013
133
8
4202
270
400
381
335
0
5
0
5,734
Fire Suppression Program
The fire suppression program focuses on those incidents requiring fire suppression intervention
for mitigation purposes. These include but are not limited to structure fires, vehicle fires, brush
fires, and any other miscellaneous fires. Structure fires are categorized in two main categories of
risk: Low-Moderate and High-Special. Low-Moderate risk structure fires include the building
occupancy types of Business, Factory 1 & 2, Storage 1 & 2, Unclassified, Residential 4, and
Mercantile. In order to mitigate fires in these types of structures the department deploys a variety
of resources including firefighters and apparatus. An Effective Response Force (ERF) consisting
of a minimum of 14 firefighters deployed via two engine companies, one quint company, one
ladder/rescue company and one Battalion Chief routinely respond to structure fires in these
occupancy types.
High-Special risk structure fires include the building occupancy types of Assembly 1-5,
Educational, Hazardous 1-5, Institutional 1-4, Residential 1-2, Covered Malls, and High Rise (>
5 stories). In order to mitigate fires in these types of structures the department deploys a variety
of resources including firefighters and apparatus. An Effective Response Force (ERF) consisting
of a minimum of 20 firefighters via three engine companies, two quints, one ladder/rescue
company, and one battalion chief routinely responds to structure fires in these occupancy types.
The effectiveness of the fire suppression program is measured by the comparison of property
saved versus the total value of the property. As seen in the table below, the percentage of total
property saved has remained between 87% - 97% since 2011. This is attributed to many
principles including training, resource deployment, improved response times and firefighter
knowledge, skills and ability.
The department implemented a “Battalion 2” position during peak call volume times. Battalion 2
is used to supplement an existing incident scene, take over shift operations while Battalion 1 is
committed, back fill empty fire stations and serve as a secondary incident commander for
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 28
additional alarms. Battalion 2 was put into service many times in 2013 for incident management
support and for taking over shift operations during multiple events.
Fire Loss & Saved Values
$60,000,000
$48,374,688
$50,000,000
$47,340,267
$38,958,060
$40,000,000
$37,797,489
$30,000,000
$20,000,000
$7,094,179
$6,202,205
$10,000,000
$891,974
$1,034,421
$1,160,571
$0
2011
2012
Total Loss
Category
Total Loss
Total Value
Total Saved
Percent Saved
Monroe Fire Department
2011
$1,034,421
$48,374,688
$47,340,267
97.86%
Total Value
2012
$891,974
$7,094,179
$6,202,205
87.42%
2013 Annual Report
2013
Total Saved
2013
$1,160,571
$38,958,060
$37,797,489
97.02%
3-Yr Totals
$3,086,966
$94,426,927
$91,339,961
94%
Page 29
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 30
Technical Rescue Program
The Monroe Fire Department will respond to emergencies requiring technical
rescue expertise, training and equipment. The Monroe Fire Department is able to
function at these events in one of three levels: awareness, operations and
technician. NFPA 1670 outlines the functional capabilities for conducting
operations at technical search and rescue incidents while minimizing threats to
rescuers. The Monroe Fire Department has identified the level of operational capability for the
known technical rescue disciplines listed below. Our response to technical rescue situations is
based upon the critical tasking needed to solve the problem. All firefighters receive a baseline of
rescue training as a part of the recruit school process. As a result, the first arriving company
begins mitigation of rescue situations with the basic equipment found on their companies. Often
times, these companies are able to effect or complete the rescue prior to the Effective Rescue
Force arrival.
The technical rescue program consists of the elements needed to respond to swiftwater, rope,
confined space, and vehicle / machinery. For rescue incidents, the initial response is determined
by the address, incident type and is upgraded or downgraded based on initial size-up. The
Effective Rescue Force varies between four (4) firefighters for low risk and twelve (12)
firefighters and one (1) command officer for high risk situations.
Code
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
360
361
362
363
365
Total
Category
Extrication- Other
Extrication-Building
Extrication- Auto
Elevator Rescue
Trench
Confined Space
High-Angle Rescue
Extrication- Machinery
Water Rescue- Other
Water Rescue- Swim Pool / Pond
Ice Rescue
Swift Water Rescue
Watercraft Rescue
Monroe Fire Department
2010
2
0
11
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
18
2013 Annual Report
2011
1
0
12
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
2012 2013
1
1
1
1
10
12
3
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
17
18
Page 31
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 32
Hazardous Materials Program
The Monroe Fire Department operates a Technician Level
Hazardous Materials Response Team. The majority of the
department’s members are Hazardous Materials Technician
trained. The Monroe Fire Department Hazmat Team is the
primary hazardous materials technician team for the City of
Monroe and Union County. The team responds by request to
assist all 18 Union County Volunteer Fire Departments. Fire
Station 5 on Maple Hill Road houses the two HazMat
apparatus. All companies within the City respond to hazmat calls for service with the engine
company crews from Fire Station 1 and 3 responding with hazmat as a primary focus. The
department also provides support within the Charlotte Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
region. The map below shows the hazardous material
incident locations within the City. The fire department
introduced another hazmat unit after taking delivery of the
new Rescue 1. The previous Rescue 1 apparatus was
converted into HazMat 55. The intent of this unit is to
respond to smaller fuel spills, natural gas line ruptures,
clandestine drug lab response / decontamination and to
support the larger HazMat 5 unit.
Code
400
410
411
412
413
420
421
422
423
424
430
431
Total
Category
Hazardous Condition Other
Combustible Flammable Gas Other
Gas or Flammable Liquid Spill
Gas Leak- Liquid Propane Gas or Natural Gas
Oil-Combustible Liquid Spill
Toxic Chemical Other
Chemical Hazard
Chemical Spill or Leak
Refrigeration Leak
Carbon Monoxide Incident
Radioactive Condition Other
Radiation Leak-Material
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
2010
14
3
11
70
7
0
2
0
0
14
0
0
121
2011
14
7
20
61
9
0
2
1
5
13
0
0
132
2012 2013
0
11
0
2
12
15
92
113
8
14
0
1
4
3
3
1
1
2
8
4
0
0
0
0
128 166
Page 33
Natural Gas Squeeze-Off Program Added
The fire department started a squeeze off program in
conjunction with the City’s Natural Gas Department to
mitigate natural gas line ruptures in 2013. Fire department
personnel were trained by City Natural Gas Division
personnel in the use of Mustang clamps to squeeze off
ruptured natural gas lines. All members of the department
received the training. The goal of the program is to
primarily provide backup support to the natural gas
department team during operations when natural gas lines
have been cut or dug up accidentally. Afterhours, weekends, holidays and during emergency
situations, the fire department takes the primary role to stop these leaks in an effort to lessen the
risk to the community. The City natural gas department will manage larger diameter high
pressure line ruptures with the fire department providing backup support.
This partnership has been an effective way for the fire and
natural gas departments to combine resources and training.
The end goal is to provide an increased safety margin for the
natural gas system and the community. Currently, the
department has squeeze off clamps on four apparatus. The
department is able to squeeze off plastic lines from ¾” to 4”
and up to 2” for steel lines. Natural gas lines greater than 2”
in steel and 4” in plastic require the City of Monroe Natural
Gas Department to mitigate through valves and larger
clamps. The City also provides natural gas service in Union County and across the fire districts
of seven volunteer fire departments. Both City departments began in late 2013 an outreach
program to these seven volunteer fire departments. The program consisted of educating them
about the natural gas system, the Monroe Fire Department Hazmat Team response to these
situations and providing GIS maps showing the gas system in their district. The department will
continue this outreach program with the local volunteer fire departments in 2014.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 34
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 35
Emergency Medical Care
Medical emergencies are time sensitive and require the prompt response of advanced life support
(ALS) ambulances and first responder companies. There is a direct correlation between time and
the increase in a patient’s morbidity. In cardiac arrests, blood flow to the brain is essential.
Irreversible brain damage may occur in four to six minutes according to the American Heart
Association. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation by firefighters have
a direct impact on reducing mortality.
The Monroe Fire Department adheres to the first responder protocols developed by the North
Carolina Office of EMS (NCOEMS) and Union EMS Medical Control. These procedures serve
as a guide for the initial scene management of a medical victim. Engine and quint companies
respond with a minimum of 3 firefighters. Smaller response vehicles such as medical QRV’s
respond with a minimum of two firefighters. They have the ability to call for additional resources
for higher priority medical calls like CPR or airway compromise as needed. The department
began using the “Focus CPR” concept administered by the NC Office of Emergency Medical
Services and locally through Union EMS. Focus CPR assigns tasks to responders on the scenes
of CPR incidents. This streamlined approach enhances the application of CPR to a patient. The
cardiac arrest survival rate has increased since the implementation of this procedure. The map
below shows the areas medical emergencies have occurred.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 36
Aviation Firefighting & Rescue Program
The aviation firefighting and rescue
(ARFF) incident response follows a
three tiered approach based on the
situation with the aircraft. The three
tiered response derives from the
nature coding in the computer aided
dispatch center (CAD). Alert I, II,
and III responses comprise of a
variety of firefighters and resources.
The typical response assumes an
Special thanks to Firefighter Adam Rorie for the photography.
incident occurring on airport
property. Any incident occurring off airport property or outside of the city limits will likely cause
an increase response time because of access and travel. Incidents involving structures or remote
areas will revert to responses based on a structure fire or woods fire. Additional resources outside
of the original “Alert” response will be included. An effective response force (ERF) to ARFF
incidents varies between three (3) firefighters for low risk and thirteen (13) firefighters for high
risk situations.
The department obtained a new ARFF vehicle during the summer of 2011. The 1992 Oshkosh T3000 triple combination apparatus broadens the department’s ability to respond to aircraft
emergencies. The apparatus named “Blaze 4” was acquired through a Federal Excess Surplus
Personal Property Program (Donation Program). The apparatus carries 3,000 gallons of water
and 405 gallons of foam. The unit was originally in service at the Norfolk Naval Base in
Norfolk, VA. The vehicle is currently valued at $305,000. The department responded to two
minor aircraft related incidents for 2013. The department provides staff, equipment and incident
management through a Unified Command structure with Monroe Police and the other supporting
agencies for the annual Warbirds over Monroe Air Show.
Code Category
Aircraft Incidents
462
Monroe Fire Department
2011 2012 2013
0
0
2
2013 Annual Report
Page 37
Fire Marshal’s Division
Fire Prevention / Public Education / Fire Investigations
The Fire Marshal’s Division continued to experience challenges because of a reduction in
staffing in the operating budget during 2012-13. The division was unable to continue the
specialty programs (Remembering When and Parenting With a Purpose). The other ongoing fire
prevention and life safety programs such as fire extinguisher training and Start Safe stopped as
initiatives as well.
Even though the economy in our area has struggled, the Fire Marshal’s Division still saw an 11%
decrease in plans reviews for 2013 from the prior year. Consultations were no longer made
available or tracked during 2013. The number of fire code compliance inspections completed
increased for the year from 815 in 2012 to 1,114 in 2013. Members of the Fire Marshal’s
Division and our company inspection program conducted over 1,100 inspections during 2013.
The number of fires the Fire Marshal’s Division investigated during 2013 decreased from the
previous year. The number of arson cases that were investigated decreased as well. Our arson
arrest rate for 2013 was 25%. Monroe Fire and Police Departments share a working relationship
that is not common in most jurisdictions. This relationship allows us to investigate and prosecute
criminal acts in a timely and proficient manner that has led to a one hundred percent conviction
rate for all arson related crimes that have been prosecuted within the past seven years.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 38
Historical Performance
Type
Fire Investigations
On-Call FM Responses
Plan Review- Site
Plan Review- Fire Alarm
Plan Review- Sprinkler System
Plan Review- Re-submittal
Plan Review- Change of Occupancy
Plan Review- Change of Ownership
Plan Review- Fire & Life Safety
Plan Review- Mobile/Modular Unit
After Hours Compliance Inspections
Tent Permits
Compliance Inspection
Foster Home Inspection
Group Home Inspection
Second Re-inspection
Third Re-inspection
Fireworks Display Inspection
Consultations
Blasting Permits Issued
Comm. Cooking Equip. Ext. Sys Inspections
Temporary Use
Tank- Fuel Storage Inspections
Total
2011 2012 2013
*
43
26
26*
62
23
23
12
34
17
11
17
12
2
21
37
62
47
93
152
105
11
25
28
111
125
93
4
1
3
0
0
*
11
4
12
1,244 815 1,114
24
16
20
2
3
2
44
34
37
12
10
15
1
2
2
42
4
*
1
1
1
1
0
1
84
84
81
2
0
3
1,776 1,468 1,685
*Data not tracked or no longer tracked
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 39
Plan Review Activities
140
125
111
120
93
100
80
62
60
40
20
37
34
23
12
17
Site
Fire Alarm
11
17
12
47
21
2
-
2011
Sprinkler
System
2012
Re-Submital
Fire & Life
Safety
2013
Fire Investigations
The Fire Marshal’s Division investigates fires every year as a part of their mission. Fire origin
and cause investigations result in one of many determinations including: incendiary,
undetermined, accidental and act of nature. These determinations follow NFPA 921, Guide for
Fire and Explosion Investigations.
NFPA 921 describes in detail the scientific method to apply in fire and explosion investigations.
Public and private professionals have long seen NFPA 921 as a valuable resource in the field and
in training. It's also becoming increasingly relevant in U.S. federal and state courts, where the
document is used to evaluate the reliability of fire investigations in both civil and criminal trials.
Complying with NFPA 921 can bolster a fire investigator's opinion; not complying may result in
being excluded from testifying.
Fire investigations that are criminal in nature involve a partnership with law enforcement
agencies. The primary agency involved is the Monroe Police Department. Monroe Police assigns
a member(s) from the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) to work in partnership with the fire
department investigators. Larger scale investigations or those investigations requiring specialized
equipment etc. may also involve the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) or the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
For 2013, the Fire Marshal’s Division investigated 26 fires within the City of Monroe. Of those
26, eight were investigated as incendiary or intentionally set. Only two of the investigations
involved arrests. The remaining investigations were closed without arrest. The table below shows
the arson arrest rates for Monroe Fire Department as compared to the national average. The
arrest rate is determined by the dividing the total number of incendiary fires by the total number
of those fires ending in arrest.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 40
Arson Arrest Rates
Group IV Population Range 25,00049,999
66%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
43.7%
25% 22.4%
22.3%
20.3%
25%
0%
2010
2011
Monroe FD
2012
2013
National Average
National average data provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Report
Statistics
*National average data not published for 2013
Inspections Completed
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
-
1,699
1,343
1,114
2011
2012
2013
The decline in completed inspections is attributed to the staffing reduction
in the Fire Marshal’s Division that occurred in the 2012-13 Budget.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 41
Fire Inspection Fee Revenues
$90,000
$80,000
$79,795
$70,000
$60,000
$52,469
$50,000
$40,337
$46,199
$33,399
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14*
*Revenues for 2013-2014 end on June 30, 2014 and were only reported
through 6/5/2014
Summary of All Public Education & Fire Prevention Activities
Fire Extinguisher Training Participants
Fire Extinguisher Training Classes
Public Fire Education Participants
Public Fire Education Events
Smoke Detector Installations
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installations
Community Watch Meetings
Child Safety Seat Installation / Inspection
Total
Monroe Fire Department
2010
846
49
7,963
144
69
7
36
140
9,254
2013 Annual Report
2011
822
44
3,885
131
55
14
13
90
5,054
2012
187
2
3,207
106
23
5
13
68
3,611
2013
0
0
3,201
48
39
6
11
56
3,361
Page 42
Fire Prevention Activities
9000
7,963
8000
7000
6000
5000
3,885
4000
3,207
3,201
3000
2000
1000
846
822
144
49
131
44
187 2
106
0
48
0
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
Fire Extinguisher Training Participants
Fire Extinguisher Training Classes
Public Fire Education Participants
Public Fire Education Classes
(A reduction in Fire Marshal Division staffing during 2012-13 prevented the department from providing
fire extinguisher training)
Other Activities
160
140
140
120
90
100
80
60
40
69
68
55
39
36
23
20
56
7
14
5
13 13 11
6
0
Smoke Detector
Installations
Carbon Monoxide
Community Watch Child Passenger Seat
Detector Installations
Meetings
Installaion/Inspection
2010
Monroe Fire Department
2011
2012
2013 Annual Report
2013
Page 43
Training & Safety Division
Key elements of the 2013 training calendar year included: an update of the record keeping
system to an electronic format and a focus on NFPA 1001 Professional Qualifications for
Firefighter, NFPA 1002, Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, NFPA
1003 Airport Firefighter Professional Qualifications, NFPA 1006 Technical Rescuer Professional
Qualifications, NFPA 1410, Training for Initial Emergency Scene Operations, NFPA 472
Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents and
NFPA 1500, Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Programs, most current editions
respectively as the foundations materials for the content of the program. This effort was made to
more align the training results with the expectations of the Insurance Services Officer (ISO).
Company Level Firefighting
Single Company Firefighting
Multi-Company Firefighting
EMS Continuing Education
Officer Qualification
Driver Operator
Technical Rescue
Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting
Hazardous Materials
Totals
2010
4,681.7
472.5
249.5
494
462.5
253
392
55.5
280.5
7,341.2
2011
4,576.5
509
271.5
480
470
458
319.5
140.5
300.5
7,524.5
2012
4,470.50
488.5
254
486
119.5
351.5
506
102
279
7,057
2013
4,355.5
430
231
468
162.5
393.5
182
116
298.5
6,637
*Training hour category totals fluctuate based on specific certification classes
held throughout the course of the year.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 44
Major Training Accomplishments















1 College degree was completed
4 Company Officers completed the NC Chief Officer Executive Development
Program
3 Company Officers achieved Fire Officer II
1 Chief Officer achieved Fire Officer III
2 Completed the NC Fire Arson Investigator certification program
2 Completed the NC Fire Instructor II qualification program
13 Completed the NC Advanced Firefighter qualification program
3 Completed the NC Firefighter II certification
6 Completed the NC Chief 101 program
11 Completed the NC Driver Operator – Aerial certification program
3 Completed the NC Driver Operator – Pumps certification program
5 Completed the NC TR Confined space certification program
8 Completed the NC TR Vehicle and Machinery Rescue certification program
1 Completed the NC TR Ropes Rescue certification program
1 Completed the NC Hazardous Material Technician certification program
Richard M. Helms Fire Training Center
The fire department operates a fire training center located at 550 Quarry Road. The training
center consists of a four story training tower, a burn building and various related fire training
props. Monroe shares the use of this facility through an interlocal agreement with Union County
allowing Monroe and all Union County Volunteer Fire Departments to share the use of the
facility. Firefighters conduct various single and multi-company training drills at this facility
throughout the year both during the day and night.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 45
Planning & Emergency Management Division
Fire Service Accreditation
Alarm Handling Performance
The Union County Board of Commissioners established the Emergency
Communications Department and operations began in November 1981. The
Union County Emergency Communications Center employs 34 full-time
Telecommunicators, 7 part-time Telecommunicators, 3 part-time Quality
Assurance Reviewers and 5 full-time Administrative Personnel. We are in the
process of installing all new, state of the art equipment such as the Positron
Viper Phone System with Automatic Call Distribution, Cassidian ANI/ALI
server, Higher Ground Recording System, OSSI CAD System with new servers, Wrightline
Console Furniture and Motorola P25 800 MHz radio system.
The Union County Department of Emergency Communications (C-COM) is the primary 9-1-1
public safety answering point for Union County. C-COM receives all requests for assistance in
emergent and non-emergent situations and notifies or dispatches the proper agency/agencies.
Some agencies C-COM serves are the Union County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe City Police
Department, Waxhaw, Marshville, Wingate, and Stallings Police Departments. Also included are
Union EMS, Monroe City Fire/First Responders, eighteen county Volunteer Fire
Departments/First Responders, and Union County Emergency Management, Public Works, and
Union County Animal Control. C-COM also answers the after-hours lines for Mental Health,
Rape Crisis, and Hospice.
This is an enhanced 9-1-1 operation and operates in conjunction with National Academy of
Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). This system allows the Telecommunicators to relay vital
information to the caller including what to do until the ambulance and/or fire department arrives.
The EMD system also provides priority dispatching for EMS and First Responders.
CCOM follows established standards as a part of their Accreditation Center of Excellence (ACE)
designation. Their performance for 2010-2013 is shown in the chart below.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 46
911 Alarm Handling Performance by Year and
Program
3:21
2:50
2:52
2:24
2:35
2:20 2:20
2:15
2:05
2:20
1:55
1:40
1:20
1:26
2:15
2:05
2:10 2:10
1:55
1:40
1:20
1:20
0:57
0:28
0:00
0:00 0:00
0:00
Fire
EMS
Tech Rescue
2010
2011
2012
Hazmat
ARFF
2013
◊ Turnout time for the department is the time measured from the point of dispatch until a
unit is enroute to an incident. This time is measured in fractiles or the percent that a
particular time measurement occurs. It is different than an average and is more reliable
and accurate.
◊ Travel time for the department is the time measured from the point a unit is enroute to an
incident until they arrive on the scene. This time is also measured in fractiles the same
manner as turnout time. Performance is measured by percentage of compliance.
◊ Total response time for the department is the time measured from the point a 911 call is
received, processed, and dispatched to the arrival of the first unit. This time is also
measured in fractiles in the same manner as turnout time. Performance is measured by
percentage of compliance.
Baseline (actual) performance is shown in the following nine tables below
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 47
Low-Moderate Risk Structure Fires 90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
Suburban
2:10
Rural
2:10
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Suburban
2:40
Rural
2:00
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
2:20
Rural
2:20
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
7:50
Rural
4:00
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
4:10
Rural
3:50
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
10:10
Rural
11:28
High-Special Risk Structure Fires 90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
Monroe Fire Department
2013
2013
Suburban
2:10
Rural
2:10
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Suburban
1:50
Rural
1:10
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
3:20
Rural
3:40
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
7:10
Rural
3:40
Suburban
Rural
4:40
4:00
Suburban
9:20
Rural
6:00
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
2013 Annual Report
Page 48
All Risk- EMS
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
2013
Suburban
1:30
Rural
1:30
Suburban
2:00
Rural
1:50
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
4:50
Rural
7:10
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
4:50
Rural
7:10
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
6:00
Rural
8:10
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
6:00
Rural
8:10
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Low Risk- Technical Rescue
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
2013
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
0
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Rural
0
*No Low Risk Technical Rescue Incidents occurred in 2013
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 49
High Risk- Technical Rescue
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
2013
Suburban
2:20
Rural
1:00
Suburban
2:00
Rural
1:00
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
3:40
Rural
1:30
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
6:00
Rural
6:10
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
4:20
Rural
2:30
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
12:20
Rural
8:40
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Low Risk- Hazmat
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Pick-up to Dispatch
2013
Suburban
Rural
Turnout
Time
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Suburban
Rural
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
Monroe Fire Department
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
Rural
Rural
Rural
Rural
2013 Annual Report
2:00
0
1:20
0
3:30
0
3:30
0
7:20
0
7:20
0
Page 50
High Risk- Hazmat
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
2013
Suburban
2:00
Rural
2:00
Suburban
1:40
Rural
1:00
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
5:40
Rural
5:50
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
6:50
Rural
7:30
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
9:00
Rural
8:30
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
9:30
Rural
11:40
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Low Risk- Aviation Emergency
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
Turnout
Time
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
2013
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
0
Rural
0
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
0
Pick-up to Dispatch
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
Rural
0
*No Low Risk Aviation emergency incidents occurred in 2013
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 51
High Risk- Aviation Emergency
90th Percentile Times - Baseline
Performance
Alarm
Handling
2013
Suburban
Pick-up to Dispatch
1:40
Rural
Turnout
Time
Turnout Time 1st
Unit
0
Suburban
1:30
Rural
Travel
Time
Total
Response
Time
0
Travel Time
1st Unit
Distribution
Suburban
Travel Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
Total Response Time
1st Unit On Scene
Distribution
Suburban
Rural
0
Total Response Time
ERF
Concentration
Suburban
0
Rural
0
4:00
Rural
0
5:00
Rural
0
6:10
The chart below illustrates the total apparatus responses by station. This includes all three shifts
and all incident types. The total number of apparatus responses differs from the department
response total.
Total Incidents by Station
3500
3000
2831
2963
2500
2000
1786
1573
1500
1000
658
500
0
1
Monroe Fire Department
2
3
2013 Annual Report
4
5
Page 52
Total Incidents by Shift
2,000
1,974
1,932
1,927
1,931
1,950
1,897
1,900
1,892
1,875
1,867
1,851
1,850
1,800
1,750
2011
2012
A-Shift
B-Shift
2013
C-Shift
The total incidents by shift fluctuate from year to year and shift to shift. Each shift has an equal
opportunity for incident response.
Calls for Service by Hour of the Day
400
339 340
350
319
300
300
331 332
351
314 310 311
267 274
273 266
250
183
200
150
182
163
137 142
171
131
102 108
100
88
50
23:00
22:00
21:00
20:00
19:00
18:00
17:00
16:00
15:00
14:00
13:00
12:00
11:00
10:00
9:00
8:00
7:00
6:00
5:00
4:00
3:00
2:00
1:00
12:00
0
Calls for service remain typical from year to year. Higher call volume is expected before, during
and after normal business hours each day. For 2013, the higher call volume remained between
the hours of 08:00 and 21:00 hours.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 53
Incidents by the Day of the Week
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
785
865
852
912
833
781
706
The total incidents by day of the week fluctuate from year to year. For 2013, Friday was
the busiest day of the week for incident responses.
Unit
Battalion 1
Battalion 2
Engine 1
Engine 10
Engine 11
Engine 2
Engine 3
Engine 4
Engine 5
HazMat 5
HazMat 55
Ladder 1
Medic 1
Medic 2
Medic 3
Medic 4
Medic 5
Quint 2
Quint 4
Rescue 1
2011
654
0
907
6
5
47
1,079
235
803
28
0
449
995
1,248
96
172
35
825
841
716
2012
677
0
1,052
5
1
42
774
39
633
33
586
1,085
1,080
443
673
162
975
656
756
2013
703
5
1,083
2
0
82
840
49
620
26
9
468
993
858
424
625
123
1,118
755
837
*Data inconclusive/apparatus not in service
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 54
The “Medic” quick response medical unit program began in 2010 in an effort to lower the cost of
larger apparatus responding on medical calls. The program has also reduced the total response
time associated with these responses. Medic 1 started in 2010 with Medic 2 following in early
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 55
2011 and Medics 3, 4, and 5 placed in service in late Fall of 2011. The program was fully
implemented in 2012.
As the Medic program was implemented at each fire station the call volume for the larger fire
apparatus significantly dropped as a result. This is seen in the above chart. Although busier fire
companies still have call volumes almost as high as their assigned Medic unit at their station.
Quint 2 was the busier of the Quint apparatus for 2013 as compared to Quint 4 in 2011.
Busiest Engine Company
1,200
1,000
1,079
907
1,083
1,052
803
840
774
800
633
620
600
400
200
0
2011
2012
Engine 1
Engine 3
2013
Engine 5
For 2013, Engine 1 was the busiest of the engine companies as compared to Engine 3 for 2011.
Engine 5 remains a lower call volume company. Several things are attributed to this; smaller
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 56
district size in square miles, a more rural community served and a smaller population density
base.
The average call volume per day remains relatively flat and consistent over the last three years.
Medical emergencies typically as associated with approximately 73% of the total call volume for
the year.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 57
Fire Related Injuries and Deaths
The number of civilian fire related injuries increased from 2 in 2011 to 4 in 2012. No civilian fire
deaths were reported in 2013. No lost time firefighter injuries were reported on structure fires in
2013.
Accomplishments and Successes for 2013
1.
2.
3.
4.
Kelly day program stopped and overtime pay restored.
Placed new rescue truck in service.
Ordered a new quint for replacement of current Quint 2.
Upgraded hazmat capabilities with reassignment of HazMat 55 (old rescue truck) and
ordered new equipment.
5. Took over grounds maintenance for stations and training grounds.
6. Started replacement of Motorola XTS2500 portables with new APX6000XE portable
radios.
7. New Par System implemented.
8. Driver Operator Aerial Ops class provided for Engineers.
9. Started design phase for new Station 4.
10. Station 1 kitchen renovations completed.
11. Several new hires to fill vacant positions.
12. Created new strategic plan for department (2014-2018)
13. Completed bathroom facilities at training grounds.
14. Completed the natural gas training prop at training grounds.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 58
15. Conducted Captain and Engineer promotional process.
16. Started the career development process
17. Partnership with high school program for firefighter training.
18. Hosted a hazmat chemistry class.
19. Started team focuses CPR.
20. Purchased Firehouse Software
21. 3 members completed the NC Fire Chief Professional Development Program.
22. Gas squeeze off training provided.
23. 9 members completed the Hazmat Tech class.
24. 14 members achieved the NC Advanced FF Certificate Program.
25. Redesigned and purchased new honor guard uniforms.
26. Purchased new fit tester machine and placed in service.
27. Designed new fire department patch.
28. Created and implemented a Battalion 2 position.
29. Station 2 wash pad completed.
30. Certified Fire Investigator certification received by Chief Rigoli and Captain Graham
31. Replaced helmet fronts
32. Purchased new “Sparky the Fire Dog” costume for public relation events.
33. New flooring at Station 3.
34. Installed new ice machine at Station 3.
35. Placed small hazmat spill kits on all apparatus.
36. Engine company personnel completed Technical Rescuer “General” Class.
37. Added chevrons to rear of Quint 4 for additional warning notification.
Monroe Fire Department
2013 Annual Report
Page 59
Monroe Fire Department Contact Information
Fire Chief Ron Fowler
704-282-4702
Assistant Fire Chief Danny Smith
704-282-4741
Administrative Assistant Sheila Couick
704-282-4726
Division Chief Training & Safety Chris Griffin
704-282-4740
On-Duty Battalion Chief
704-320-5456
Division Chief / Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli
704-282-4706
Captain / Asst. Fire Marshal Wes Graham
704-282-4734
Division Chief / Accreditation Andrew Ansley
704-282-4739
Fire Station 1
300 W. Crowell St.
704-282-4747
Fire Station 2
399 E. Roosevelt Blvd.
704-282-4715
Fire Station 3
1737 Williams Rd.
704-282-4716
Fire Station 4
3903 Old Charlotte Hwy.
704-282-4748
Fire Station 5
105 Maple Hill Rd.
704-282-5794
Administrative Office
P. O. Box 69
117 N. Church Street
Monroe, NC 28111-0069
Monroe Fire Department
704-282-4726
2013 Annual Report
Page 60