Division Spotlight - Training & Safety
(Recent graduates of PF&R's Firefighter Recruit class 09-02)
From the desk of Chief Scott Fisher...
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) places a strong emphasis on training and safety for all of our members. This month's division spotlight focuses on PF&R's firefighter recruit program.
Firefighter trainees do not need to have any prior firefighting experience upon hire. Typically PF&R hires firefighter trainees in groups of six. Firefighter trainees have many requirements to meet in order to successfully complete the trainee program and spend the first eight weeks learning basic fire department functions and safety practices. During this period they are given 13 written tests and have to maintain an average of 76%. Trainees are also required to perform physical activity and continue passing the physical agility exam.
When a successful group of firefighter trainees transitions into the recruit program they are normally joined by six firefighter recruits (who have previous firefighting experience) to form a class with 12 new recruit firefighters. During this process a recruit works a 40 hour work week for 16 weeks. The recruit is required to maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness and pass 20 written tests. All recruits also have to complete standard fire department hands on skills with a passing time.
After completing the recruit program, probationary firefighters are then assigned to Fire Station 2 and begin working a 24 hour shift. They work one shift followed by two shifts off (24 hours on/48 hours off). During this period of evaluation, probationary firefighters respond to emergency calls and are evaluated on their ability to function on the emergency scene. All probationary firefighters at Station 2 are assigned a black fire helmet so they are easily identified on the drill grounds and at emergency scenes. Read full story... |
(Station 4 - Located at 511 SW College St.)
Station 4 serves the Downtown, Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill, and Homestead Neighborhood Associations. The station's crew includes one officer, one paramedic officer, and six firefighters on duty each day. The crew has a diverse fire management area (FMA) that includes residential neighborhoods, waterfront properties, freeways, college campuses, and high-rise buildings.
The station's apparatus includes a truck and an engine. The truck - a 2002 American LaFrance tractor/tiller truck - is 55 feet long and has an aerial reach equivalent to an 8-story building. This is one of six tiller trucks (an apparatus with separate steering wheels for the rear and front tires) in the City of Portland. Tiller trucks are able to make tight turns along the narrow downtown streets. The engine, a 2005 American LaFrance, has a 500-gallon water capacity, 2,500 feet of hose, and a water pump capable of pumping 1,500 gallons per minute.
Station 4 has the highest concentration of high-rise buildings of any station in Portland with over 92 high rises in their FMA. In addition to protecting these high rises, they also have the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) and Portland State University (PSU) campuses in their area. Station 4 works closely with both of these organizations and maintains extensive pre-fire plans for both campuses. Read full story... |
Join Us for the Station 1 Open House on September 28th
PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE INVITES YOU TO THE STATION 1 OPEN HOUSE ON SEPTEMBER 28TH FROM 11:30 - 2:30.....
Located at 55 SW Ash, Station 1 houses Truck 1, Engine 1, Squad 1, a Heavy Rescue, seven specialty teams, and PF&R's Administration Headquarters.
The Open House schedule of events includes:
11:30 Opening Ceremony with remarks from Commissioner Randy Leonard, Chief John Klum, and Station 1 Captain Dan Buckner; a performance from the Dragon & Lion Dance Team; and a water display by the Fireboat David Campbell
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch served (sponsored by the Portland Firefighters Association and Portland Fire Chiefs Association)
12:30 - 2:30 Activities kick off with apparatus demonstrations, booths, a rope rescue drill, history presentations, and guided tours of the station
Parking is not available at the station and attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to the event. Take MAX to the Skidmore Fountain stop and you will be let off right behind Station 1.
We look forward to seeing you there! |
PF&R Accepting Applications for Explorer Program
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The Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Explorer Program provides the opportunity for young men and women, ages 16 to 20, to become familiar with career opportunities available in the fire service. Firefighters at Station 28 coordinate the Explorer Program. Through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and volunteer work, firefighters provide explorers with a base of knowledge and experience that will benefit them not only in fire service careers, but also in future endeavors.
Applications for the program will be accepted through September 24th. 24 applicants will be accepted into the program, which begins in early October. More information about the program and application materials are available at: Explorer Program 2010. |
Station 14 Wins Station-Based Utility Challenge
On February 5, 2009, PF&R launched the station-based utility budgeting and incentive program to reduce utility consumption and expenditures in its 30 fire stations. Under the program, the six stations with the greatest percentage of savings qualify for a reward equal to a percentage of the savings. The winning stations may use the budget reward to purchase house items for their stations.
Results from the program's second year were recently announced and the following six stations achieved the biggest percentage of savings during Fiscal Year 2009-2010. Combined these stations saved over $9,000:
Station 14 - 12.1% savings under targeted amount
Station 28 - 11.9% savings
Station 29 - 11.1% savings
Station 13 - 11.1% savings
Station 4 - 9.3% savings
Station 8 - 9.2% savings
Congratulations to the winners - especially Stations 29 and 13 for making the list two years in a row - and thanks to every station for a great effort in reducing PF&R's utility spending and contributing to a healthier environment. |
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Emergency Response Statistics (August 2010)
Total Incidents: 6,072
Medical: 4,681
Fire: 419
Other: 952 Major Fires: 20
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September is National Preparedness Month
September is a great month to make sure you are prepared for an emergency. In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored. Being prepared means having food, water, and other supplies that will help you and your family survive in an emergency.
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Most Common Preventable Fire Causes in Portland: Part 6 - Portable Heaters
This month's focus is on portable heater safety. With the cost of heating continually on the rise, many consumers are investing in portable heaters to help lower their energy bills. But while portable heaters can be both efficient and economical, they also introduce a number of important safety concerns that should not be overlooked.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 residential fires, 300 deaths, and 6,000 burn injuries every year are associated with the use of portable space heaters. While you can achieve substantial energy cost-savings by running a portable heater in frequently used rooms throughout the day and limiting your use of a central heating system, this activity increases the risk of dangerous indoor pollutants, fires, and burn injuries.
To help you choose a portable heater wisely and use it safely during the upcoming winter season, consider these safety tips. |
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is October 2- 3
The 29th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD on October 2-3, 2010. A plaque with the names of 80 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2009 will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. 32 states experienced line of duty deaths in 2009. For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend visit Weekend.FireHero.org. |
PF&R's Photo of the Month
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PF&R responded to a 2-alarm townhouse fire near NE 122nd Ave and NE Fremont St. on August 14th.
The first arriving crews found heavy smoke and large amounts of fire showing through the roof of a multi-unit townhouse building and a nearby power pole. Two firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and one victim was transported to a local hospital.
Photo courtesy of Photographer Dick Harris |
About Us
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire agency and emergency medical service provider in the State of Oregon with 755 employees and serves a population of 582,000. In 2009, PF&R responded to 69,000 emergency incidents, consistently demonstrating our commitment to be Always Ready, Always There for the citizens of Portland.
Portland Fire & Rescue 55 SW Ash Portland, Oregon 97204
503-823-3700
Ideas? Questions? Contact E-News Editor Alisa Cour at 503-823-3383. |
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