Here is an example of how Automatic Aid works with fire departments. Even though the following incident occured in the City of Hillsboro, the closest responder and the specialty teams needed were crews from our neighboring agency, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. While the majority of the resources were from TVF&R, our Battalion Chief and an HFD engine company were there to support and provide any additional Hillsboro resources needed.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Patriot Flag on Display
A huge American flag that is traveling back and forth across the country is on display this week at Hillsboro Fire Department’s Station 3, 4455 NW 229th Avenue. The 30-foot by 58-foot Patriot Flag honors those who perished during the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
“We are honored to display this flag,” said Hillsboro Fire Chief Gary Seidel. “It’s our hope that Hillsboro citizens will drop by and sign the guest book that is traveling with the flag and let others know that we have not forgotten those who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001.”
Hillsboro Mayor Jerry Willey signed a proclamation marking today as Patriot Flag Day in Hillsboro. The folded flag display in the fire station training from December 28th trough 30th will also have a huge flag remnant on which the organizers are collecting signatures and remembrances. Visitors can read the log book and see where the flag has been as well as see photos of its journey. The flag will be on display at the Station 3 training room from 11 to 1 pm on Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday, December 31st, once the current series of storms break, Hillsboro firefighters will raise the huge flag at 8:00 am from a ladder truck in front of their fire station and pay proper respects. The public is invited to attend.
The flag began its journey in San Diego on September 10, 2010. It will travel to all 50 states before it flies during the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The flag is part of the World Memorial, an effort to build a museum to commemorate all those who died on 9/11 and all those who came to Ground Zero for rescue and recovery efforts. For more information, visit www.thepatriotflag.us or www.world-memorial.org.
“We are honored to display this flag,” said Hillsboro Fire Chief Gary Seidel. “It’s our hope that Hillsboro citizens will drop by and sign the guest book that is traveling with the flag and let others know that we have not forgotten those who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001.”
Hillsboro Mayor Jerry Willey signed a proclamation marking today as Patriot Flag Day in Hillsboro. The folded flag display in the fire station training from December 28th trough 30th will also have a huge flag remnant on which the organizers are collecting signatures and remembrances. Visitors can read the log book and see where the flag has been as well as see photos of its journey. The flag will be on display at the Station 3 training room from 11 to 1 pm on Tuesday through Thursday. On Friday, December 31st, once the current series of storms break, Hillsboro firefighters will raise the huge flag at 8:00 am from a ladder truck in front of their fire station and pay proper respects. The public is invited to attend.
The flag began its journey in San Diego on September 10, 2010. It will travel to all 50 states before it flies during the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The flag is part of the World Memorial, an effort to build a museum to commemorate all those who died on 9/11 and all those who came to Ground Zero for rescue and recovery efforts. For more information, visit www.thepatriotflag.us or www.world-memorial.org.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thanks for 100 Years of Service!
Typically, when you think of 100 years of service, you think of an institution. But, in this case, I’m talking about three Hillsboro Firefighters who are retiring at about the same time. Perhaps, you could call them an institution, come to think of it. Together, they represent 100 years in the fire service. Wednesday evening, August 18th, colleagues gathered to honor Lieutenants Larry Yakymi and Brad Kastner along with Engineer Brad Lepley for their combined century of serving the citizens of Hillsboro.
The soiree occurred at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and featured endless stories from coworkers, chiefs, and union brothers and sisters. They bestowed gifts and plaques, including a gift that fellow firefighters sealed inside of a granite boulder for Larry Yakymi. The former Urban Search & Rescue/Technical Rescue team member took a few swings with a sledge hammer, but was unable to crack the granite. We’ll check back some day in the future to see if he ever got his gift out.
Besides the colleagues, families and staff who gathered to wish the trio a happy retirement, 21 previous retirees showed up to share in the festivities and stay connected with their former organization. All 24 retirees posed for a photo and we estimate the talent in this photo below represents more than 700 years of firefighting experience! Happy retirement Brad, Brad and Larry!
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From Yak Kastner Lepley retirement |
The soiree occurred at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and featured endless stories from coworkers, chiefs, and union brothers and sisters. They bestowed gifts and plaques, including a gift that fellow firefighters sealed inside of a granite boulder for Larry Yakymi. The former Urban Search & Rescue/Technical Rescue team member took a few swings with a sledge hammer, but was unable to crack the granite. We’ll check back some day in the future to see if he ever got his gift out.
Besides the colleagues, families and staff who gathered to wish the trio a happy retirement, 21 previous retirees showed up to share in the festivities and stay connected with their former organization. All 24 retirees posed for a photo and we estimate the talent in this photo below represents more than 700 years of firefighting experience! Happy retirement Brad, Brad and Larry!
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From Yak Kastner Lepley retirement |
Friday, August 13, 2010
Fill the Boot 2010
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From Fill the Boot 2010 |
Help Hillsboro Firefighters help Jerry’s Kids! HFD members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2210 took to the streets on Friday 8/12 and Friday 8/13 to raise funds for research for a cure to Muscular Dystrophy. The reference to Jerry’s Kids comes from long time comedian and Muscular Dystrophy Association supporter Jerry Lewis.
The firefighters collected donations on 10th between Oak and Baseline and also at the Shute on-ramps to Oregon Highway 26 from 4 – 7 pm on Thursday. On Friday they are at the intersection of SE Brookwood and East Main and at the 185th on-ramp to Hwy 26 from 4-7 pm.
All donations collected during the Fill-The-Boot will help fund local MDA programs and services, including support groups and equipment such as wheel chairs and leg braces. The proceeds also support clinics at Oregon Health and Science University and Shriners Hospital for Children and help send Oregon children with muscle wasting diseases to MDA summer camp each year.
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From Fill the Boot 2010 |
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. The majority of contributions to MDA come from individual donors.
Elsewhere across the Metro area will also be out in force this week to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
*Clackamas: Friday at SE 82nd Ave/ Causey; Saturday at Mollala Ave/ Gaffney Ln, Oregon City
*Gresham: Division and Eastman Pkwy; Friday/ Saturday 9-5
*Portland: SE 122nd Ave/ Stark; W Burnside/ 23rd Ave, Thursday/ Friday, 3-6:30
*Vancouver: Fourth Plain/ Andresen; 162 Ave./ NE 18th St.; Thursday/ Friday, noon-4
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thanks for Your Help, Global!
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From Global Aviation presentation |
Hillsboro Fire and Rescue said “Thanks for your help!” today to a senior executive at Global Aviation. Brian Lockhart, Global’’s Vice President of Maintenance has personally and graciously conducted numerous educational tours for firefighters from Hillsboro Fire Department and the Port of Portland Fire Department over the last several years. Mr. Lockhart allowed our firefighters to look throughout their aircraft to learn more about them. The tours focused on rescue access and structural features of their various aircraft models as well as hazard areas such as battery and oxygen tank locations.
Fire Chief Gary Seidel said, “I certainly hope our firefighters will never need to draw upon the lessons they have learned from these training sessions. However, I know if an emergency arises, they have learned from the best in the business.”
Chief Seidel presented a plaque of appreciation to Brian during a Global Aviation executive staff meeting on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. We appreciate great community partners like Global Aviation and Brian Lockhart.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Always a Firefighter Award
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From McDaniel Award |
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue’s Training Chief Yvain McDaniel was honored this past week by Molalla Rural Fire Protection District #73 for his help with a residential fire. Chief McDaniel lives a few miles outside of Molalla and single-handedly extinguished a residential fire in a neighbor’s home. Last Thursday, Molalla recognized Yvain for his actions and presented him with a plaque in front of the Volunteer Association meeting at the main fire station. In making the presentation, Battalion Chief Lonnie Loyer, who was the incident commander on-scene, stated the following:
“On the evening of June 1st at 5:45 pm, we were toned for a residential fire on the southern end of our district. Upon the arrival of myself as the duty officer, I observed a single story home fully charged with smoke. As I gave my size-up to dispatch and was getting out of the vehicle, I was approached by an individual who stated that the fire was extinguished. This individual introduced himself as Yvain McDaniel. He explained there was still a lot of heat and smoke in the home, but that he had opened a door and window and had started positive pressure to extract the smoke and heat with a common household fan. He then took me to the seat of the fire on the exterior of the home. What I observed was unique and not usually seen when being the first arriving representative from the local fire department."
"Yvain had quickly determined the seat of the fire and removed the siding from the home with just his hands and, maybe, feet, and gained access without any special tools or gear. He then used the garden hose through the wall and fully extinguished the fire. When my first responding engine arrived and we began overhauling and gathering information from the homeowner, I looked around for Yvain to thank him again for his efforts and complete success at single-handedly saving this family’s home from destruction. But, Yvain had quietly slipped off and went back to his home to be with his own family."
"Because of his willingness to investigate, his knowledge to access, his ability to perform, his heart to help someone in need and his humbleness to just quietly slip away, all of us at Mollalla Fire District would like to honor Yvain McDaniel for going above and beyond the call of duty and for acquiring the utmost respect and gratitude from all of us here at the fire station and, certainly, from our community.”
We’re pretty proud of him, too!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
This is Arson Awarenss Week - May 2-8
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From Miscellaneous |
This is Arson Awareness Week, May 2-8, 2010. The U.S. Fire Administration reports more than 62,000 arson fires in 2008 across the country caused more than $866-million in damages. The goal of Arson Awareness Week is to focus attention on the horrific crime and to provide communities with tools and strategies to fight arson in their neighborhoods, schools, businesses and places of worship.
If you think that arson is not a problem in our community, you are wrong. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue works closely with Hillsboro Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and other law enforcement agencies to vigorously investigate and support prosecution of all fires determined to be caused by arson. But, we can’t do it alone. It takes the awareness of the entire community to keep watch and report any suspected arson.
• Contact your fire department or police department if you know of an arson crime.
• Report suspicious activity near houses, apartments or commercial buildings. Participate in Neighborhood Watch Programs.
• Keep leaves and flammable debris away from all buildings. Don’t make it easy for an arsonist to start a fire or facilitate spread of the fire to additional structures.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. It’s best to keep matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
• If you suspect your child of having an unusual fascination with fire, contact us at 503-681-6166. We have educational programs designed to help a child understand the dangers involved in misusing fire.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
New Fire Station 6 Update
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Hillsboro Fire and Rescue’s new fire station on Cherry Lane is on schedule and is expected to open in July. Contractors are finishing the roof on the 16,000 square foot station located at 21880 NW Cherry Lane, just west of Cornelius Pass Road. They are preparing to pour the concrete flooring for the three engine bays. Work should begin soon on the interior of the building.
The fire station will serve as the Fire Department’s new training center and will provide a base of operations for the Hillsboro Fire Department’s volunteers. It will also house a fire engine staffed 24/7 by career personnel.
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City and Department staffs are making plans for a dedication event for late summer for which the public will be invited. Keep watch for announcements for the date and time. Funding for the $2.8-million comes from the general fund and the local option tax provides funding for the additional firefighters, apparatus and equipment.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Mobile Water Supply
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While spring is taking a break and winter is making its last gasp, Hillsboro Firefighters are preparing for summer. Brush and wild land fires are more common during the warm weather and to fight those fires, firefighters need a mobile water supply when they are operating in areas not served by a municipal water supply. Handling a Tender filled with up to 3,000 gallons of water can be a chore. Besides being heavy, water sloshes from side to side and dramatically affects the center of gravity of the vehicle.
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Nearly 150 firefighters died while driving water tenders in the United States during the period 1998-2007. The National Fire Protection Association says four out of five of the fatalities occurred while responding to or returning from a fire emergency. Most were single vehicle accidents. That’s why our Firefighters are practicing driving Tender 104 in tight spaces and around obstacles at the Washington County Fairgrounds this week. We want them to be able to respond to your fire quickly and safely.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Celebrate Red Cross Month by Giving
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From Red Cross Month |
Governor Ted Kulongoski has issued a proclamation that March is Red Cross Month in Oregon. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue joins in celebrating this month and acknowledges the valuable support the Oregon Trail Chapter of the Red Cross continues to provide to our citizens. The Red Cross is the agency we call to provide immediate help and housing to residents whose apartment or home has been damaged or destroyed by fire and have no other means, such as insurance, on which to fall back.
The Red Cross provides volunteer Disaster Assistance Teams whenever we call them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These self-less citizens come to the aid of others who have just experienced one of the worst days of their lives. They work hand-in-hand with our Chaplains to provide food, shelter, health and mental health services.
They tirelessly have promoted and taught basic swimming skills and provided classes in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In addition, the Red Cross joins Hillsboro's Emergency Managers in promoting emergency preparedness so that citizens will have the means and skills to survive in the event that Oregonians are faced with an earthquake of the magnitude that has occurred recently in Haiti and Chile. For more information on this non-profit organization and to make a donation that supports local disaster victims or those of international disasters, visit:
www.oregonredcross.org.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Cherry Lane Fire Station Going Up!
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From New Fire Station 6 |
Despite the weather, contractors are making excellent progress on constructing Hillsboro Fire & Rescue’s new fire station located on Cherry Lane just east of Cornelius Pass Road. In the last five weeks, workers have finished much of the site preparation for the structure, poured the footings and concrete floors for the living quarters and training rooms and masons have begun building the concrete block walls, which you can see going up in the photo.
The 16,000 square foot facility will serve as the Department’s new training center while housing a four person engine company. Completion of the facility is scheduled for July 2010.
The location of the fire station is 21880 NW Cherry Lane.
View Larger Map
2009 Hillsboro Fire Department Awards
Ten Hillsboro Fire and Rescue firefighters and staff received recognition for their outstanding contributions to the Department’s mission Friday afternoon, January 29th, at a ceremony at the Hillsboro Civic Center.
“I am extremely proud of the firefighters and staff here,” said Fire Chief Gary Seidel said in making the presentations. “They give their best on and off duty.
Firefighter Luis Mota received a Distinguished Service Award for his actions in saving the life of a restaurant patron in Salem. Mota was off duty and dining in another part of the restaurant when an elderly patron confined to a wheelchair began choking on food. Wait staff initially attempted to assit the man, then asked for help. Mota pulled the man from his wheelchair and began the Heimlich maneuver. The food remained stuck in the patient’s airway and the man fell unconscious. Mota then began Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation chest compressions according to his training. The persistent Mota kept up the compressions until the food dislodged. Salem Firefighters arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he arrived conscious and talking to his responders. In addition to the Fire Department award, representatives from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company presented Mota with their Firemark Award. Liberty Mutual representative Ward Klicke said the Firemark Award honors the valor and selfless spirit of firefighters who keep our communities safe.
A Distinguished Service Award went to Firefighter Tim Eiden. A second-generation firefighter, Eiden was off duty one evening and was leaving his sister’s home when he noticed an apartment building nearby was on fire. He instructed a companion to call 9-1-1, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and extinguished the fire before fellow firefighters arrived, thereby saving the structure and possibly the lives of the tenants inside who were unaware of the fire on the exterior of the building.
Two other top awards were the Career and Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. The two recipients were selected by their peers for their unfailing contributions to the Department. Chaplain Steve Brodehl was selected as Firefighter of the Year and Lieutenant David Sellers was selected the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. Brodehl also picked up the Distinguished Service Award for his unfailing dedication and devotion to the citizens of Hillsboro. Chaplain Brodehl responds to all fire and emergency medical calls when citizen’s emotions are shattered by what is most likely the worst day of their life. He provides compassion and counsel to help the citizen find emotional stability during a chaotic time.
Lieutenant Sellers was picked for Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for his regular dedication to helping train new and promoting volunteer firefighters. Sellers, a local insurance representative, also dons his firefighting gear when called and responds to all types of incidents, shares his experience with younger volunteer colleagues and spends time at community events talking to children about fire safety.
The Chief’s Award is utilized to recognize single acts of merit or service, an increase in efficiency or effectiveness in a non-emergency function. Chief Seidel bestowed that award on Mary Bradley, the Department’s Management Analyst. She was cited for her instrumental role in the Department’s accreditation process, her leadership of the Department’s employee time management program called TELESTAFF, and for her day-to-day management of the Departments statistical databases.
Fire Chief Gary Seidel also bestowed the Chief’s Coin of Excellence on the following personnel:
Retired Administrative Chief Dennis Ross was recognized for his leadership and work on managing the Department’s application for accreditation by the Commission on Public Safety Excellence. Ross was also cited for his role as Planning Section Chief on the Office of State Fire Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team.
Retired Special Operations and EMS Chief Don Schallberger was recognized for his work in with the Oregon Urban Search and Rescue teams and for his contributions to obtaining grants from the Urban Area Security Initiative that benefit fire departments in Washington County. He was also cited for his assistance in training Hillsboro Emergency Operations Center staff.
Firefighter Shane Rice was recognized for his dedication and leadership in training new volunteer firefighters. Firefighter Rice has devoted many hours of time to help build volunteer firefighters’ skills.
Firefighter Ben Tanner was recognized for his contributions to the Pre-Plan Program. Firefighter Tanner spends countless hours outside of his regular duties in drawing and preparing plans of commercial buildings and properties so that firefighters have accurate and detailed drawings of those properties available to them before they arrive at a fire or medical emergency. This allows them to locate a patient, water hydrant and sprinkler controls more quickly or plan their tactics and deploy crews much more efficiently.
Firefighter Alia Jennings was recognized for her leadership and coordination of the Toy and Joy Program. Each year Firefighter Jennings plans and executes the off-duty efforts of firefighters, operating under the Random Acts Program, to collect new, unwrapped toys for needy children. She works tirelessly with her colleagues and with outside organizations to ensure toys and food are delivered to Hillsboro’s neediest families.
For fire and life safety information, visit: http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Fire/Default.aspx or call 503-681-6166.
“I am extremely proud of the firefighters and staff here,” said Fire Chief Gary Seidel said in making the presentations. “They give their best on and off duty.
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From 2009 Awards Ceremony |
Firefighter Luis Mota received a Distinguished Service Award for his actions in saving the life of a restaurant patron in Salem. Mota was off duty and dining in another part of the restaurant when an elderly patron confined to a wheelchair began choking on food. Wait staff initially attempted to assit the man, then asked for help. Mota pulled the man from his wheelchair and began the Heimlich maneuver. The food remained stuck in the patient’s airway and the man fell unconscious. Mota then began Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation chest compressions according to his training. The persistent Mota kept up the compressions until the food dislodged. Salem Firefighters arrived and transported the man to a local hospital where he arrived conscious and talking to his responders. In addition to the Fire Department award, representatives from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company presented Mota with their Firemark Award. Liberty Mutual representative Ward Klicke said the Firemark Award honors the valor and selfless spirit of firefighters who keep our communities safe.
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From 2009 Awards Ceremony |
A Distinguished Service Award went to Firefighter Tim Eiden. A second-generation firefighter, Eiden was off duty one evening and was leaving his sister’s home when he noticed an apartment building nearby was on fire. He instructed a companion to call 9-1-1, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and extinguished the fire before fellow firefighters arrived, thereby saving the structure and possibly the lives of the tenants inside who were unaware of the fire on the exterior of the building.
Two other top awards were the Career and Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. The two recipients were selected by their peers for their unfailing contributions to the Department. Chaplain Steve Brodehl was selected as Firefighter of the Year and Lieutenant David Sellers was selected the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. Brodehl also picked up the Distinguished Service Award for his unfailing dedication and devotion to the citizens of Hillsboro. Chaplain Brodehl responds to all fire and emergency medical calls when citizen’s emotions are shattered by what is most likely the worst day of their life. He provides compassion and counsel to help the citizen find emotional stability during a chaotic time.
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From 2009 Awards Ceremony |
Lieutenant Sellers was picked for Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for his regular dedication to helping train new and promoting volunteer firefighters. Sellers, a local insurance representative, also dons his firefighting gear when called and responds to all types of incidents, shares his experience with younger volunteer colleagues and spends time at community events talking to children about fire safety.
The Chief’s Award is utilized to recognize single acts of merit or service, an increase in efficiency or effectiveness in a non-emergency function. Chief Seidel bestowed that award on Mary Bradley, the Department’s Management Analyst. She was cited for her instrumental role in the Department’s accreditation process, her leadership of the Department’s employee time management program called TELESTAFF, and for her day-to-day management of the Departments statistical databases.
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From 2009 Awards Ceremony |
Fire Chief Gary Seidel also bestowed the Chief’s Coin of Excellence on the following personnel:
Retired Administrative Chief Dennis Ross was recognized for his leadership and work on managing the Department’s application for accreditation by the Commission on Public Safety Excellence. Ross was also cited for his role as Planning Section Chief on the Office of State Fire Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team.
Retired Special Operations and EMS Chief Don Schallberger was recognized for his work in with the Oregon Urban Search and Rescue teams and for his contributions to obtaining grants from the Urban Area Security Initiative that benefit fire departments in Washington County. He was also cited for his assistance in training Hillsboro Emergency Operations Center staff.
Firefighter Shane Rice was recognized for his dedication and leadership in training new volunteer firefighters. Firefighter Rice has devoted many hours of time to help build volunteer firefighters’ skills.
Firefighter Ben Tanner was recognized for his contributions to the Pre-Plan Program. Firefighter Tanner spends countless hours outside of his regular duties in drawing and preparing plans of commercial buildings and properties so that firefighters have accurate and detailed drawings of those properties available to them before they arrive at a fire or medical emergency. This allows them to locate a patient, water hydrant and sprinkler controls more quickly or plan their tactics and deploy crews much more efficiently.
Firefighter Alia Jennings was recognized for her leadership and coordination of the Toy and Joy Program. Each year Firefighter Jennings plans and executes the off-duty efforts of firefighters, operating under the Random Acts Program, to collect new, unwrapped toys for needy children. She works tirelessly with her colleagues and with outside organizations to ensure toys and food are delivered to Hillsboro’s neediest families.
For fire and life safety information, visit: http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Fire/Default.aspx or call 503-681-6166.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
When a Birth Day Turns into an Emergency
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From Birth Class |
The birth of a child is traditionally a joyous occasion. And, if all goes well, the mother-to-be makes it to the hospital in time for a normal delivery of the bundle of joy. In some cases, the child arrives early and firefighter/medics get the thrill of helping to deliver a healthy child into this world. However, in a few cases, whether from a medical problem or a traumatic event, complications occur in those critical hours just before birth. That’s when emergency medical personnel may have to deal with problem pregnancies and deliveries.
Firefighters from Hillsboro Fire & Rescue attended classes this week on imminent childbirth where complications were presented. Those complications ranged from infections and abnormal pain to stillbirths and situations which threaten the lives of both the child and mother. Just another way in which our firefighters continue to engage in life-long learning and provide excellent service to the citizens of Hillsboro—especially the newest citizens!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Winter Heating Safety
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From Winter Heating Safety |
Post holiday bills and high heating costs sometimes drive citizens to heat their homes with alternative sources. This time of year we see a spike in home heating fires caused by wood burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. You can reduce your chances of a heating-related fire by following these tips:
- Ensure space heaters are kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn. They should also have a tip-over shutoff switch.
- Have chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned each year.
- Dispose of fireplace and wood stove ashes in a metal container–never use a paper bag or cardboard box.
- Use a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting drapes, furniture and carpets.
- Ensure wood stoves are properly installed.
- Never use a range or oven to heat your home.
And, we can never mention it enough -- ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home, outside sleeping areas and, for maximum protection, one in each bedroom!
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