County Fire Augments Sheriff’s
Boat with Paramedics
In a cooperative effort to maximize services and provide Advance
Life Support (ALS) medical care in a timely manner on the river, two
County Firefighter Paramedics were placed on one of the many Sheriff’s
boats that patrol the Colorado River during the holiday weekends. The
Colorado River traditionally sees an influx of river traffic from 25,000
to 50,000 people per holiday weekend. The normal response time for
ALS intervention on the river is about 45 minutes. With this augmented
staffing, response times were reduced to less than 10 minutes.
Firefighter Recruitment A Success
In March, County Fire announced the job opening for full-time professional Firefighters, a position that has not been offered since 2009. An
extensive campaign took place, reaching out to a diverse work force,
offering open houses and information meetings. As one of the most
progressive, fastest growing fire departments in Southern California,
County Fire received over 2,200 applications. The application process
is rigorous, with applicants required to pass a written exam, oral interview, physical agility exam, a psychological exam as well as a medical
and background check. Candidates must also pass a Biddle physical
agility test. Successful candidates will start the Firefighter Academy
in September and be ready for public service in November 2014.
Red Flag Program Enacted
San Bernardino County Fire, in an effort to provide premier fire services
to the local community, has implemented a Red Flag Community
Notification Program to warn citizens within the county when conditions
for extreme fire danger arise. When enacted, a Red Flag will be flown
below the American flag at each fire station as a visual reminder that
extreme fire weather conditions have been predicted and/or are present.
Residents of San Bernardino County know all too well the dangers of
winds and wildfires; this program is designed to inform those citizens
so that this hazard can be further prevented.
Residential Assessment Program
In June, County Fire announced the return of its Residential Assessment
Program (RAP). County Fire commenced its second year of this program
which provides no-cost evaluations of defensible space on residential
property. RAP promotes hazard reduction around homes that exist in
our mountain, wildland, and watershed communities. This program is
mutually beneficial in that it assists the homeowners while increasing
the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts as well as firefighter safety.
County Fire has been out in the community going door-to-door handing
out information and, should any resident desire, offering to walk the
property with the homeowners. During these visits, firefighters provide
specific advice on how best to create defensible space for your home.
These visits are free of charge and without penalty.
Emergency Dispatch Center
Achieves Accreditation
CONFIRE (Consolidated Fire Agencies of San Bernardino County) was
recognized as an Accredited Center of Excellence by the International
Academies of Emergency Dispat