Fire Safety Division 2014 Annual Report

Transcription

1 Fire Safety Division 2014 Annual Report The mission of the Fire Safety Division is to prevent death, injuries, and property loss by promoting a safe living environment through the professional applications of code enforcement, investigations, education and intervention programs. The Fire Safety Division has a wide range of responsibility within the Springfield Fire Department. Fire code enforcement activities include: plan review, building inspections, maintaining Knox Box key access to commercial structures, fireworks permit review and oversight, and records management. Investigations are conducted to determine fire cause and origin. Investigations require excellent communication and documentation skills. Investigations often involve evidence collection, and interactions with property owners, insurance company representatives, police detectives, and the Sangamon County State s Attorney Office. Public education and intervention programs are primarily directed towards children. This requires significant interaction with schools throughout the community. This program area is best served utilizing personnel with a long-term commitment toward building relationships within the community. These areas of responsibility require varying degrees of specialized training, certification, and continuing education has been a year of change for the Fire Safety Division. Several retirements (Weber, Carver, Ruger, and Jeter) and a contractual change lead to a focus on training and job development. As we progressed through the year, we updated our CodePal inspections software and began utilizing tablet computers. We also initiated a priority driven inspections model based on occupancy type rather than geographic area. We employed a summer intern for the first time. We began development of a comprehensive document management program. We continued to increase our capacity to meet the safety needs of the community. The Division goals for 2015 include: transitioning to Aegis based software for investigations reporting, adoption of the 2012 Edition of the International Fire Code, continued training toward inspections certifications, completion of the investigation catalogue and investigations files audit, and a renewed focus on public education programming. 1

2 Fire Safety Staffing City Fire Marshal Chris Richmond Deputy Fire Marshal Jeph Bassett Senior Arson Investigator Battalion Chief Jeff Miller Public Education Officer Captain Jim Price Inspector/Investigator Captain Cristy Long Captain Jim Johnson Captain Ed Canny Captain Heather Moore Captain Chris Cole Captain Larry Daugherty Civilian Secretary Anne Devlin Duties of the Fire Safety Division Fire Code Enforcement Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Safety Knox Box Management DUB s List Management Regional Planning Plan Review Fire Watch/ EMS Standby Public Education Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Fire Investigations Hazardous Materials Program Member Training & Development FOIA Request Management Grant Program Management 2

3 Code Enforcement Illinois State Law (425 ILCS 25 / Fire Investigation Act) requires Fire Chiefs to enforce the fire prevention codes adopted by the State Fire Marshal s Office (OSFM) except in those localities that have adopted fire prevention and safety standards equal to or higher than the codes adopted by the OSFM. The City of Springfield has adopted the International Fire Code (IFC 2006 edition) and a variety of local ordinances found in Chapter 94 of the Code of City Ordinances. These state and local codes and ordinances are enforced within our jurisdiction by the City Fire Marshal. Members of the Springfield Fire Department Fire Safety Division conduct code enforcement activities under the direction of the City Fire Marshal, also known as the Division II Chief. The Fire Safety Division is responsible for ensuring public safety through compliance enforcement of the fire codes adopted by the Springfield City Council. Code enforcement is one of the most cost-effective methods of providing fire safety within the community. Fire codes safeguard the public s health, welfare, and life safety. When you enter a building, you expect an alarm to warn you of fire and in the event of an emergency you will be able to safely exit the structure. This is something many take for granted. That is because fire code enforcement officials make public safety their number one priority. The Fire Safety Division manages the code enforcement program within the City of Springfield. The program is coordinated on a day-to-day basis by the Deputy Division Chief. These code enforcement activities (Knox Box, inspections, complaint follow-ups, etc.) are generally carried out by six trained inspectors. Theses inspectors are all Civil Service ranked Captains on the Springfield Fire Department. As uniformed personnel, their enforcement authority is rarely questioned. These six Captains, also known as Inspectors, split their duties between code enforcement activities (approximately 50%) and fire investigations (approximately 50%). In 2014 we focused on equipment updates and training for a more efficient code enforcement program. The CodePal software that helps manage code enforcement documentation was updated in June to version This update was needed for computer compatibility. We also upgraded our six inspector s old desktop computers to Windows 7.0 compatible Lenovo tablets. These tablets are portable and wirelessly connected for use in the field. At the office, they have docking stations and new 24 monitors. We hope to realize greater efficiency when everyone is acclimated to this new tool. 3

4 Fireworks/Pyrotechnic Safety Fireworks permit processing and associated activities are currently managed by Deputy Chief Bassett. Fireworks permits are largely regulated by state law and enforced by local fire officials. Each permit is processed according to state and local regulations by Fire Safety. A new permit form was completed this year. The new form is accessible online through the City Clerk website. This PDF printable form has allowed permit applicants to complete the form prior to delivery at the Clerk s office and made the processing portion more streamlined. We feel that this has helped increase our level of customer service in this area. Knox Box Management The Knox Box entry key system is utilized in the jurisdiction of the Springfield Fire Department. These secure lock boxes are used as a means of access for responders to commercial buildings. Like many other communities nationwide, Springfield adopted the code that allows this safety program more than twenty years ago. Fire Safety has overall management responsibility for this program. The master keys underwent an audit in January, as is recommended each year. Daily management is overseen by Deputy Division Chief Bassett. Boxes for commercial buildings can be purchased in the Fire Safety office. This year, we added online ordering as an option. Key updates at building locations are generally an activity assigned to inspectors. This is an activity that requires continuous management because commercial buildings often change keys. This is one area of Fire Safety that has potential to become more efficient and effective with increased coordination between inspectors and the Operations Division personnel who most often utilized the keys. It is recommended that response units perform the key updates in coordination ( exchanges) with inspectors. Dangerous & Unsafe Buildings List Management The Fire Safety Division maintains the Dangerous & Unsafe Buildings (DUB s) list for the Springfield Fire Department. This list is used on a regular basis for member safety. Buildings in the Springfield area that are deemed by Fire Safety to be dangerous and unsafe for responders are on the list. The list is updated on a regular basis throughout the year and is distributed to all Springfield Fire Department responders. The list is also distributed to the Sangamon County Combined Dispatch Center (SCCDC) and tied to 911 dispatch addresses to enhance responder safety and awareness. Fire Safety works regularly with the Building & Zoning department to ensure the list is accurate and representative of all unsafe buildings in the Springfield Fire Department primary response area. As of December 31, 2014, to list contained 162 addresses. 4

5 Regional Planning The Springfield Fire Department has a representative on the Land Subdivision Committee of the Springfield Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission (SSCRPC). The committee reviews development plans in and around Springfield. Reviews are based largely on adopted code (Chapter 153) and are meant to provide a consistent framework for development. The Land Subdivision Committee has regular interaction with architects, engineers, and developers. Fire Safety manages these reviews for the Springfield Fire Department. In 2014 Division Chief Richmond was the SFD appointed committee member and reviewed more than 40 development plans. Deputy Division Chief Bassett will have this responsibility in Plan Review Plan reviews are currently completed in the Fire Safety office by Deputy Chief Bassett and Captain Cole. Captain Cole is a state licensed architect. We are very fortunate to have this level of ability available on our staff. As a part of the building permit and plan review process initiated in Building & Zoning, the fire code compliance portion is now accomplished more efficiently than in the past. We look forward to the coming year with the goal of strengthening our relationships with local developers, designers, and architects. 5

6 Code Enforcement Totals The following totals are from Fire Safety code enforcement and review activities from the period of January 01, 2014 through December 31, 2014: 3513 Total Inspections 657 Routine Inspections 467 Fire Protection System Compliance Inspections 426 Certificate of Occupancy Inspections 65 Combined Inspections (with B&Z and/or Housing) 78 Complaint Inspections 208 Knox Box Activities 17 Fireworks Site Inspections 1595 Miscellaneous Inspections 1052 Violations Cited 484 Total Plan Reviews 329 Building Permit Reviews 48 Resubmitted Reviews 47 Sprinkler Reviews 10 Fire Alarm Reviews 40 Sangamon County Planning Commission Reviews 13 Fireworks Permit Reviews 18 Seasonal/Temporary Permits 3 Other 6

7 Fire Watch/EMS Standby The Springfield Fire Department (SFD) provides dual purpose Fire Watch/EMS Standby service to enhance public safety. We partner with event producers and coordinators on a regular basis to address this important aspect of public safety. This service is provided because it is directly related to our mission of appropriately managing safety risks and liabilities throughout the community. As a part of code enforcement (IFC Section 403) for public assemblies and events, Fire Safety manages the SFD Fire Watch/EMS Standby program. The majority of all SFD Fire Watch activities are conducted at the Prairie Capital Convention Center (PCCC). This is the largest assembly building in the Springfield area. Fire Watch conducted by trained firefighters is a State of Illinois requirement for indoor pyrotechnics (fireworks) displays. Along with Fire Watch, the SFD also makes EMS Standby service available to conventions and large events in the Springfield area. EMS protocols require that a minimum of two certified EMT s be present to conduct EMS Standby services. All SFD firefighters are cross trained with fire and EMS certifications. EMS Standby service is also most often provided at the PCCC. A Fire Watch/EMS Standby should be conducted at any assembly event that is hazardous in nature. These events would include vehicle and motor sports events, pyrotechnics displays, circus acts, rodeo events or other similar dangerous activities. Indoor sporting events or concerts that have a potential capacity of more than 3,500 people should also be required to have a Fire Watch/EMS Standby. Any show using a floor area in excess of 30,000 square feet for display purposes should submit plans of display area and description of the types of displays for review by Fire Safety. The review evaluates the need for a Fire Watch/EMS Standby and provides recommendations for adequate coverage. In 2014, the Springfield Fire Department provided Fire Watch/EMS Standby service for seventeen events. Events can encompass a wide range of time frames. Some are one performance in a two hour period. Others, such as trade shows, can last for three days or more. This year the events required 62 work periods for SFD personnel. 7

8 Public Education Program The U.S. Fire Administration in its publication Public Fire Education Planning- A Five Step Process, states Fire departments must continue to increase the emphasis on prevention initiatives. Prevention is an important, cost-effective risk reduction tool. Fire chiefs, fire marshals, public educators, and all fire service leaders must be advocates for these initiatives. They should be the national leaders in fire and injury prevention efforts. An effective fire prevention program should utilize national and local data. The goal is to determine the trends that contribute to death or injury from fire. Engineering and codes as well as national best practices should be implemented into the prevention program. Doing so pays rich dividends for the future and proves the adage, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A robust Public Education Program is also needed. Public Education can address the behaviors and thinking that often precede the sad consequences of fire. Unfortunately, the reality throughout the fire service is that fire prevention often takes a backseat to fire suppression. This is especially true in times of difficult budgetary constraints. Thus, increasingly fire departments have seen the need to utilize their limited fire prevention resources in a way that best meets the needs of their community. One disturbing trend that has been noted nationally and locally is the issue of hoarding. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) observes Many fire departments are experiencing serious fires, injuries and deaths as the result of compulsive hoarding behavior. Firefighters aren t the only ones at risk though. Hoarding creates an extreme danger to the occupants due to the amount of combustibles and lack of clear escape routes. In high rise and multiple dwelling facilities the danger increases due to the fire s ability to grow to greater proportions than usual and quickly overwhelm fire suppression efforts. So in 2014, the Springfield Fire Department Senior Public Education Officer followed the lead of NFPA and began to investigate this problem as it affects Springfield. Assistance was also obtained from our training division, our firefighters, our Fire Safety Inspectors and the city s Building and Zoning Department. Two positive outcomes resulted in increased awareness and identification by responding firefighters and a method for relaying that information for quick follow up. In addition, the Senior Public Education Officer has incorporated a hoarding component into the fire safety message that is routinely delivered to high rise and multi-dwelling residences. A primary component of our public education program has always been education and intervention strategies directed to children. Since 2011, the Senior Public Education Officer has coordinated public education with local schools under SFD s Adopt-A-School program. This program was developed by the Senior Public Education Officer in order to more effectively meet the needs of over 18,000 students throughout 51 schools. 8

9 The Illinois School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128) directs the local fire department and other first responders to be involved in the safety of students through planning and drills. The Adopt-A-School program utilizes firefighters to assist in delivering safety messages and to perform safety drills in the schools. In 2014, with little exception the Springfield Fire Department visited each school at least 4 times to assist with the drills covered under the School Safety Drill Act. One notable beneficial outcome was an enhanced partnership with the Springfield Police Department during school Law Enforcement drills. The importance of planning and prevention efforts regarding active shooter scenarios cannot be overstated. In 2014, our Firefighters attended over 66 public events where they provided fire safety messages and allowed children the opportunity to see the inside of a fire truck. Besides reaching out to the public, we also opened our firehouses to 72 tours. During October alone, which is fire prevention month, we had 43 such visits in addition to our 51 school fire safety drills. Public Education goals for 2015 include two main focuses: 1. Increase support to our community by providing assistance to businesses, specifically in developing functional all-hazards emergency plans. 2. Enhance the usefulness of the Children s Safety Village. While its use has steadily increased since the Springfield Fire Department accepted ownership, this is a valuable resource that still proves to be underutilized. Our goal is see it reach its full potential as a fire and injury prevention tool. 9

10 Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program The goal of The Springfield Fire Department Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program is to reduce the frequency and severity of the tragedy and trauma caused by child and youth fire related activities. Fire Safety established this national program locally several years ago. Member certification training and support materials are provided on an ongoing basis by the not-for-profit Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. We currently have three members that are Juvenile Fire Setter Interventionists: Jeph Bassett, Cristy Long, and Larry Daugherty. The Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention program is an educational tool that is not punitive. Juveniles that are identified as being involved with fire related activities are referred to the program. Once referred, a parent/guardian accompanies the juvenile to meet with one or more Juvenile Fire Setter Interventionist. This meeting is to determine the level of risk a juvenile has at being involved with additional fire setting activity. After that risk level is determined, an educational plan is most often implemented. Occasionally, a juvenile may be referred to a mental health professional based on the level of risk. The program does not purport to be the solution to a juvenile s fire setting tendencies, however, experience with those that have participated in fire setter intervention programs here and throughout the country has shown that incidents of repeat fire setting has been reduced significantly. In 2014, Fire Safety received 25 referrals to the program. Referrals most often come from parents, guardians, or school councilors. Ten juveniles completed the program and three are being carried over to Twelve juveniles did not participate after referral. Unfortunately, we are unable to make contact with some referrals, and others choose to refuse participation. Fire Safety has three focused priorities for The first is to increase the visibility of the program in the community. Second is to increase our Juvenile Fire Setter Interventionists on staff to a minimum of four. Third is to increase our contacts with referrals. 10

11 Investigations Program Illinois State Law makes it the responsibility of local fire departments to investigate the cause of fires in their jurisdiction for the purpose of collecting data to predict trends and make the communities safer by apprehending those that set fires intentionally. (425 ILCS 25/) Fire Investigation Act. (425 ILCS 25/0.01) (from Ch /2, par. 5.9) Sec Short title. This Act may be cited as the Fire Investigations Act. (Source: P.A ) (a) The chief of the fire department of every municipality in which a fire department is established and the fire chief of every legally organized fire protection district shall investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire occurring in such municipality or fire protection district, or in any area or on any property which is furnished fire protection by the fire department of such municipality or fire protection district, by which property has been destroyed or damaged, and shall especially make investigation as to whether such fire was the result of carelessness or design. The Springfield Fire Department accomplishes this through its Fire Safety Division which is comprised of 8 certified fire investigators which have been trained in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Office of the State Fire Marshall of Illinois. These fire investigators are collectively known as the Fire Investigation Unit. Currently, two of the eight investigators have received further training as sworn peace officers and are assigned to work closely with the Springfield Police Department as an Arson Investigators. The SFD Fire Investigations Unit conducted 158 fire investigations in Our investigators also conducted other types of investigations such as those for malicious activations of fire alarm systems and unlawful burning. The results of these investigations are as follows: SFD Fire Investigation Unit Cause Determinations Figures for 01/01/14 through 12/31/14 67 fires were classified as Accidental 58 fires were classified as Incendiary 1 was classified as Natural 32 fires were classified Undetermined 11

12 Accidental - The cause does not involve an intentional human act to ignite or spread the fire into an area where the fire should not be. Incendiary - Intentionally ignited under circumstances in which the person knows that the fire should not be ignited. Natural - Caused without any direct human intervention or action such as lightning, earthquake and wind. Undetermined - Where the cause cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty, or where the fire is still under investigation and cause may be determined later if new information or evidence is discovered. The Fire Investigation Unit has a lead investigator assigned for each case based on SFD standard operating guidelines. On-scene investigations activities have a minimum of one assistant respond with the lead investigator for safety purposes. Occasionally, complex scenes will have multiple assistants. The Investigations Unit strives to complete investigations reports within two to four weeks. For reasons related to insurance and potential prosecutions, investigations completed in this time frame are preferred. However, based on work load and investigation related factors outside of our control, we recognize that this time frame is more of an ideal than reality. Eleven investigators worked in the Investigations Unit in The following is a brief summary of their work throughout the year: Investigator Lead Assistant Long Moore Johnson 2 9 Cole 6 19 Canny 5 16 Daugherty 25 8 Miller Bassett 0 6 Jeter Logsdon 14 5 Ruger

13 82 fires were at 1 or 2 family dwellings 21 fires were at multi-family dwellings 4 fires were at mobile homes 19 fires were vehicles 8 fires were at business offices 7 Adults and 11 Juveniles were arrested in Juvenile Referrals were made to the Juvenile Fire Setter program There are currently (1/1/15) four cases assigned to the Springfield Police Department which continue to be investigated. One case continues to be investigated by the Sangamon County Sheriff s Office. Three cases are currently in the Court system. Two fires resulted in civilian fatalities in One fatality resulted from an accidental fire in a single family residence with fourteen occupants. We are fortunate that more life was not lost from this incident. The other fatality was the result of an incendiary fire and remains under investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff s Office. SFD fire incident reports in 2014 indicate that 11 civilians were injured as a result of fire incidents. 10 SFD firefighters sustained injuries at fire incidents in In 2014 the SFD investigations program improved in several areas. We managed to have two investigators complete Arson Investigator Certifications (commonly known as PTI). We completed an update of the investigations SOG with the addition of a new evidence collection and documentation policy. We conducted a complete inventory and needs analysis of camera equipment. We also worked with our Technology Division to develop Aegis software for investigations reporting. For 2015 this will enable the Investigations Unit to significantly increase efficiency for completion of reports. Also in 2014, we recognized the need to audit both files and evidence collected since the inception of the program in A complete audit had not been conducted since Many of the files, and evidence, are documented to have moved as many as three times since the last audit. During the summer, we developed a spreadsheet for an evidence catalogue and, in the fall, we developed an investigations report spreadsheet. We are confident that both of these will assist in the audit and prove 13

14 valuable for evidence and document searches in coming years. The investigations report audit began in November and is anticipated to last several months. These records are currently stored in approximately 70 banker boxes in Municipal Center East. In 2015, the Investigations Unit anticipates the continuation of several projects. We plan to add language in the annual update of the Investigations SOG for video evidence. We will establish a camera equipment program that assures ongoing maintenance and replacement of equipment is completed in a timely fashion. We will complete our investigations report audit and develop a comprehensive document policy. Evidence currently in storage will be audited and reviewed for potential disposal. 14

15 Hazardous Materials Program Fire Safety works with hazardous materials information in several areas. We are the location within the City that is responsible for maintaining information related to properties with Tier II reportable quantities of chemicals and storage tanks (both underground and above). We have a seat on the Sangamon Valley Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC collects and maintains information related to hazardous materials for the community. Another side of the Fire Safety role is to take in and distribute hazardous materials related information to the SFD Operations Division and Haz- Mat team. Fire Safety maintains permanent storage tank files and current files of Tier II reports containing hazardous materials. The Tier II reports are produced annually to our office from companies with reportable quantities of hazardous materials. This is mandated by Federal law. Fire Safety maintains a close working relationship with the Sangamon Valley LEPC to make this information available and useful for the community. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) provides statewide permits and cataloguing of both underground and above ground storage tanks. This information is documented in Fire Safety within our permanent address files. We are often asked about these files in the form of FOIA requests from developers and prospective owners while conducting environmental assessments for properties. These are required for bank loans. Fire Safety interacts with the Sangamon Valley LEPC on a regular basis. We generally send two representatives from the SFD to each public meeting. The SFD provides hazardous materials response coverage for the entire geographic area of the Sangamon Valley LEPC. A good working relationship with the LEPC is necessary for two way information sharing along with coordinated emergency planning and response. A significant part of our interaction involves maintaining site specific plans for locations that store hazardous materials throughout the community. We also work with the committee on topics such as hazardous materials transportation (commodity flow studies), hazard and threat analysis, and hazardous materials mapping. Fire Safety has a responsibility for education and distribution of hazardous materials related information for first responders. This is generally focused at the Operations division of the SFD and the MABAS 48 Haz-Mat Team. The resource information gathered from inspections activities and the LEPC are relayed regularly to responders. Four members of Division II are State Certified Haz-Mat Technicians and are past or current members of the Haz-Mat Team. 15

16 Fire Safety Training Program In 2014 the Fire Safety training program was very active. We began addressing a recognized need for inspections trainings and certifications. We had an unusually high level of Division II staff turnover that required several contractual training requirements to be met. We also upgraded our computer hardware (new tablets) and inspections software which required training and adaptation for all Fire Safety personnel. Fire Safety encompasses a broad range of public safety services. In addition to the ongoing training and certification requirements of professional firefighters and emergency medical responders, the ten uniformed members of the Fire Safety Division have a wide breadth of specialized training and certifications that must be maintained to meet our responsibilities to the community. This requires that each Fire Safety member have an individualized training plan. This is recognized as the best approach to meeting the needs of the Springfield Fire Department. The following is a summary of Fire Safety specific training conducted in 2014: 2 Arson Investigator Certifications (5 week PTI course) 4 Fire Investigator Certifications (3 modules/ 1 week each) 2 Fire Inspector I (1 week course) 1 certified/1 pending 2 Fire Inspector II (1 week course) 2 pending certification 1 National Fire Academy (NFA) Inspector I (2 week course) 1 Juvenile Fire Setter Interventionist (2 day course) 2 Legal Aspects of Fire Inspection (1 day course) 3 Fire Alarm Codes & Trends (1 day course) In 2015 the Fire Safety training program will provide support for all fire inspectors to become OSFM Certified Fire Inspector I & II. Individual training plans will continue to be developed and reviewed on a regular basis. We anticipate that individual plans will include: NFA coursework, plan-review certifications, Public Safety Educator I trainings, and continuing education to maintain Fire Investigator Certifications. 16

17 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Fire Safety manages Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the Springfield Fire Department. The SFD primarily receives FOIA requests for two reasons: Copies of reports for insurance claims, and property records from the Fire Safety Address Files for due diligence information related to buying and selling of commercial properties. Other miscellaneous requests are also received: Personnel file information, media requests, etc. We also receive, from city legal, subpoena requests for information. This necessary aspect of open government can be time consuming. All records must be organized and accessible to the designated departmental FOIA Officer. Timely processing, generally five days or less, for FOIA requests is mandated by federal law. All document requests must be inspected for sensitive information prior to release. Often, document requests are redacted using AdobePro software to meet the requirements of the federal law. Only employees with FOIA Certification can process requests. A high level of discretion is necessary. The SFD had three FOIA Officers with certification in 2014: Chris Richmond, Jeph Bassett, and Sharron Becker. A total of 275 request where processed. January 26 February 13 March 22 April 27 May 20 June 19 July 18 August 29 September 14 October 30 November 22 December 35 Total

18 Grant Program Management The Springfield Fire Department Grant Program is managed by Fire Safety. Historically, the SFD Grant Program has been coordinated by the Fire Safety Division Chief. All hard copy records relating to the program can be found in the Fire Safety office and on the Fire Department S-Drive in the Grant Information folder. The Grant Information folder was developed this year as a convenient way for Staff to collect and share grant related documents. Grant writing is a shared Staff responsibility. In 2014 an assessment of the SFD Grant Program showed that the program needs a change in approach to remain viable as a means of securing awards. A more actively managed program will be needed in the current climate for grant funded activities. The program had its best success in the immediate post 9/11 period when federal money was funneled to fire departments nationwide. Most of these programs have trailed off with the recent large federal deficits. The one exception was the 2010 SAFER Grant ($2.5M) that paid for 20 firefighters for two years to get through the economic downturn following the financial collapse of 2008/2009. The state programs have few funds available as well. The OSFM Small Equipment Grant seems focused more on volunteer departments and smaller communities. In 2014 this program funded 950K of 6.9 M in applications. We have never had a successful OSFM application. The forecast for state and federal programs does not appear to be improving any time soon. Currently, the best places to reach out for grant funding sources appears to be private foundations and non-governmental organizations (not-for-profits). These entities tend to award smaller amounts and are often focused in specific areas (burn prevention, senior safety, etc.). We should plan to build a list of these potential funding sources and begin applying for available awards. As with all grant programs, the time/benefit ratio must be considered. Another area that may bear fruit is with partnerships. Many groups that fund safety programs want to see partnering relationships among the award recipients. This includes state and federal programs. The trend in grant funding is to give advantage to applicants that partner in a collaborative approach. This is a primary factor in our recent $8000 IEMA grant partnership with the Sangamon Valley LEPC. We should continue to be active in seeking out these opportunities. Along with this fresh approach, we may also want to develop a list of equipment items that can be purchased with small grants and in-kind donations. These should be items the funder can readily identify and feel good about purchasing (TIC, Courtesy Van, Smoke Detectors, etc.). We may be able to revitalize the Children s Safety Village 501 charitable status and accept donations to pay for these items. Division Chief Chris Richmond 18

19 SFD Staff applied for the OSFM Small Equipment Grant in September. The grant was not awarded. In December, we sent in our application for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for equipment. We requested funding support for needed SBCA air cylinder replacement. A decision on this award is not anticipated until spring of Also in December, we partnered with the Sangamon Valley LEPC and received funding of up to $8000 for a hazardous materials planning documentation project. In 2015 we will plan on actively seeking partnerships and private foundation opportunities. 19