FIREWIRE Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 34

3 DIVISION news 3 DIVISION news Covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Fawnskin and 12 other unincorporated areas of the mountain top By Ryan Beckers • Photos: Joe Barna LABOR REP: CRAIG WILLIAMS KATHLEEN OPLIGER ASSISTANT CHIEF Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Callaway demonstrates a master stream application on the new Boat 92. This vessel provides critical firefighting operations to the dynamic and challenging access of beach front homes on Lake Arrowhead. Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Saverino practices for his Level 1 apparatus test, which encompasses the rudimentary foundation skills of the engineer position. HOT TOPICS • Meanwhile, Station 26 in Twin Peaks and Station 96 in Fawnskin await delivery of their new snow-cat apparatus, which are currently undergoing setup at the shop. • A new Type 1 is in production for Crestline Station 25. This will be a 4x4 KME built on a lower profile than the current spec, a welcome improvement to most division members. • FROM ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN Callaway and Captain Carlos Corletto participate in the recent river and flood rescue course. The pair coordinate and lead the boat training for Division 3. 34 FIREWIRE • Spring 2018 The ambulance for Lake Arrowhead Station 94 is set to go online July 1. The unit will be staffed with the standard ambulance operator paramedic/EMT model, and will bring total staffing at the station to five. • Each division of County Fire is adjusting to the First Watch program and the effort to improve turnout times; in the mountain, the numbers are continually improving, but there are unique issues with connectivity patchiness that need to be dealt with as well. • With training ongoing, the new fire boat in Lake Arrowhead will have its official in-service date in May. Staffed by Station 92 personnel, the division is working on an official training and qualifications guide—to eventually include a California boating license—as part of the staffing plan. Captain Carlos Corletto and others have been working to coordinate the program, participating in training with the sheriff’s department and to partner with them in the future on dive team responses in Lake Arrowhead, potentially saving a great deal of time when those calls go out. 3 DIVISION news BT92 is capable of flowing 1500 gallons of water per minute and serves not only water-based emergencies but also as a floating hydrant and water source for land-based operations. Spring 2018 • FIREWIRE 35