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Awards Banquet

West Valley City Fire Department

Meritorious Cross: Awarded to a member who has performed an act of bravery or heroism to aid another while not on duty.

Captain Brett Russell

Sr. Firefighter Scott Pearson

On Easter Sunday morning at approximately 0715 hrs, Captain Paramedic Brett Russell and Firefighter Paramedic Scott Pearson had left work after a 48 hour shift. I-215 had reports of 20-30 traffic accidents and slide off’s because of severe weather conditions so they both went a different route home. Driving in Salt Lake City they encountered a vehicle that slid off the off ramp near Bangerter and I-80 and rolled over. The driver of the vehicle was ejected and had several life threatening injuries including bi-lateral femur fractures, and a collapsed lung. Captain Russell and FF Pearson stopped to render first aid. The patient was unconscious and in critical condition. They opened her airway, took c-spine precautions and rolled her over and treated her as best they could with no medical equipment.

Captain Clay Coles of the Salt Lake City Fire Department and his crew arrived on scene and continued care of this patient. He stated that he truly believed these two off duty firefighters saved the life of this woman with their actions.

For 7 month after the incident we were not aware of the actions taken by these two individuals. I was on a fatal rollover on I 215 and Captain Coles assisted our crews. After the incident he approached me and proceeded to tell me how appreciative he was to these two men for the help they rendered on that Easter morning and wanted to know who they were. Nothing was ever mentioned about this incident by the firefighters. I am sure they felt like it was just another day at work. They have been good employees and excellent paramedics. Their contributions to West Valley City go unrecognized every day. I believe that their humble attitudes and actions on that cold morning should be recognized as heroic and honorable.

Rookie of the Year: Awarded to a first year suppression employee who has shown excellent learning skills, superior performance, and a desire to gain skills, knowledge, and education to be successful and valuable to the WVCFD.

Firefighter Luke Williams

Not very often in this field of labor does an individual come along who is naturally cut out for all aspects of the position of  FF. FF Luke Williams is one of those rare few. These kids come out of boot school wound a little tight and afraid to make mistakes. Not Luke. He is always first in line to try and learn something new, a hard charging, self starter who has obviously put in his book time and practical hands on time. He is a great communicator, very polite, and goes out of his way to help everyone. It has been a pleasure having Luke in the station, on the crew, and in the classroom. His insatiable hunger for knowledge and experience has challenged those on his crew and in the classroom to keep up with him. He is well liked and respected by everyone in the department and he understands how important it is to treat every citizen with respect and uphold our public image. Luke is currently in paramedic school which shows his motivation and desire to serve.

Outstanding Service to the department: Given in recognition to the individual who puts forth the extra work from day to day that enhances the quality of service that our department can provide to the community.

  

Deputy Fire Marshal Carl Andreasen

Deputy Fire Marshall Carl Andreasen is a valuable asset to the West Valley City Fire Department. On several occasions I have witnessed Carl’s willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. When Carl is off, he is never off. Even when he had knee surgery he answered his phone and was always willing to help the crews with problems, answering questions from concerned business owners and citizens. I have also seen Carl while conducting business inspections, discuss issues with business owners and remain calm and kind throughout the conversation, which is extremely hard to do sometimes, and by the end, they have given Carl a pat on the back and thanked him with a smile. Carl has an amazing work ethic and a knowledge of the fire codes that is second to none. Carl is truly one of those silent heroes behind the scenes who truly deserves recognition for his work. He is a humble man and wears his badge with pride.

 Outstanding Service to the Department:

Sr Firefighter Bill Miano

Sr. Firefighter Bill Miano in the past several years has written numerous grants for the West Valley City Fire Department that has directly benefited the firefighters in their work and helps keep us safer. Our department has been awarded just under 2 million dollars in federal funding. Because of these grants we have been able to purchase SCBA communications equipment, and upgraded SCBA’s which is valuable for our firefighters while working in hazardous conditions. We were also able to acquire a new Thermal Imaging Camera which helps us in or firefighting efforts to provide a better service for the citizens and keeps us safer while performing our job. We have also been able to increase our staffing by receiving a SAFER grant which helped increase our minimum manning and our ability to function as fully staffed crews in emergency situations. These funds have directly impacted our ability to fulfill our goals as a department.

  

Outstanding Service to the Department:

Sr. Firefighter Mary Lindsay Vonk

Sr. Firefighter Mary Lindsay Vonk has been working in the Fire Prevention Division this past year and in that time has consistently demonstrated her ability to help the citizens feel that they are an important part of our community and are contributing to make our future better. Mary spends countless hours with the elderly population to make their lives better and safer, which contributes to their quality of life and longevity. Mary also does an incredible job with the schools in the community by teaching the students how to be safe in their homes and schools. She is truly a good person who will do everything she can to make our lives better. Mary spends countless hours of her own time and I am sure at times, her own money, to complete assignments and responsibilities that directly benefit others. When Mary sees a need, she goes full speed, 100% of the time until it’s done. Mary is the best example I know of service, to the citizens and the members of the West Valley City Fire Department.

 Instructor of the Year: Given to recognize the extraordinary efforts of a member to share their practical knowledge or innovations by providing training to other firefighters, their company, battalion or the department.

Captain Chuck Cruz

To Captain Chuck Cruz every call is a chance to learn. I don’t believe anyone that has worked with chuck has not come away a better EMT or Paramedic. Chuck regularly gives up his time in an effort to teach and train all those who are around him. Chuck takes a special interest in the probationary firefighters and newly trained paramedics that he comes in contact with. Quoting from a new paramedic that Chuck spent time with, much if it off duty, stated; “I recently completed my probation as a FF and Paramedic and had many mentors that helped me put into practice what I learned in paramedic school, but Captain Cruz went above and beyond as a mentor, instructor, and professional coach. He would come in on his days off to teach me in great detail about the ins and outs of a particular drug or EKG rhythm, or how a drug works, or intervention is applied. He openly shared his philosophies about what makes a great FF/Paramedic and provide advice on the non-clinical aspects of the job. From EMT school, to the Fire Academy, to paramedic school, Captain Cruz is by far the best instructor I have ever had.” While others choose to sit around and maintain the status quo, Chuck takes the time to teach whenever he can. He has an unselfish desire to help those he works with.

 Firefighter of the Year: Awarded to a firefighter that has shown superior performance, compassion, and motivation.

Sr. Firefighter Mike Reardon

Sr. FF Mike Reardon is an extremely dedicated FF and he loves his job. He truly enjoys helping the citizens of our city and he always treats them with true respect. He always shows his professionalism regardless of how insignificant the call. To Mike every call is important. He is an excellent paramedic and takes advantage of every opportunity to learn. Last year Mike flew back East to participate in a new test bank for the National Paramedic Test.  Mike is very well liked by everyone in the department. He is an excellent mentor for the young firefighters that work with hm. He is currently one of the instructors for our new recruits and they struggle to keep up with him. They all admire his work ethic and look up to him as a great example of what a firefighter should be. A couple years ago a young boy was severely burned here in West Valley City. He sustained 3^rd degree burns to his face and upper body. After his release from the hospital, this young boy was having a difficult time in school. Many of his classmates made fun of him and he struggled to fit in because he obviously looked different. Mike found out about his problem through a family friend and went out of his way to help this young boy adjust to his new life. On his own time and with his own funds, Mike had a West valley City Fire Department sweatshirt made and visited his class and presented it to him and made him feel like he was a very special young man. This is just one example of Mike’s willingness to serve others and does so with a great attitude.

  

Caduceus Award: Awarded in recognition of a members critical judgments and actions in performing life preserving or life resuscitative efforts for severely injured or ill patients.

Sr. FF Zach Hatch

FF Cody Fisher

On June 30, 2012 Medic Ambulance 74 was dispatched to a Cardiac Arrest/ Possible Choking, as all other West Valley units were at an apartment fire. Paramedic Zach Hatch and Paramedic Cody Fisher arrived and found an elderly female outside on the patio, unconscious, cyanotic, with a respiratory rate of 4. Upon visualizing the patient’s airway, there was a large mass of food in the patient’s trachea. They were able to remove some of the obstruction but the large mass was difficult to reach. The patient was loaded in the ambulance for a rapid transport to the emergency room. In route to the hospital, several attempts were made to remove the obstruction but were unsuccessful. The decision was made to perform a Surgical Cricothyrotomy to remove the obstruction as the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. Prior to arrival at the hospital, these two paramedics successfully removed a large piece of steak from their patient’s airway. The ER staff was surprised that this procedure had been done prior to their arrival but noted that the patient most likely survived because of the actions taken by Zack and Cody. The patient was recovering quickly from the surgery and gave the family a smile and a thumbs up. These men performed a very difficult procedure under very difficult and stressful conditions. They are to be commended for their professionalism and incredible success serving the citizens of West Valley City.

Officer of the Year: Awarded to an officer who has shown superior performance, guidance and motivation.

Retired Battalion Chief Dean Williams

Battalion Chief Dean Williams has the ability to set the bar of expectation to an attainable height for himself and all those who work for him and sets a great example of what a fire officer is and should be. Chief Williams is usually the first to take advantage of a training opportunity and is always strongly suggesting to his guys to take classes to better themselves and be prepared for anything and everything. Dean always provided training opportunities for his crews and demanded quality performance and continued participation and was so persistent that the department now recognizes Dean training as the norm. Dean’s philosophy that he demanded was that everyone goes home when their tour was over, healthy and hopefully better than they were before. Dean was always willing to show that he cared about his crews, but didn’t stop there. He was also concerned about our families, so much so that he set up a training session with the wives and families of the new and veteran firefighters, to help them understand and manage the different dynamics that this job brings to the otherwise normal lives that they were used to. As a fire ground commander, Dean was always cool and calm even when things did not go as planned. He was very knowledgeable and had a great command presence. Dean was an excellent instructor and made his classes fun to learn. Chief Williams gave over 30 years of dedicated service to the West Valley City F

West Valley City Fire to host an Awards banquet.

The men and women of the West Valley City Fire Department will be recognizing I their own this evening with a long over due awards banquet. They will  recognize those that have exemplified excellence and also  a number of recent retired members. The event will be held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. The doors will be open at 5:30 and dinner will be served at 6:00. Check back tomorrow for a recap of the event right here on the blog.

Remember,

Be Smart... Be Safe.... BE READY!        Fire Marshal Bob

LAST Call ......

On Sunday January 27, Dave Taylor a long time employee of the West Valley City Fire Department answered the "last call". He passed away at home with his family close by. Dave will be remembered for his quiet strength. He was never a man to put himself in the spot light, but did so many things behind the scenes. Dave was alway honest and straight forward. Dave was a hard worker and one that was not easily provoked. Dave was able to show compassion to those that he served. You will be hard pressed to find an image of Dave with out his trade mark ball cap. Dave's funeral will be held this coming Thursday.

We all take for granted that we will be around for another day, or that we will see each other next round. That we'll be able to catch up on things at the next reunion or meeting. I hope that each of us will remember how precious our time together is. Even those times we may get on each others nerves. Each one of us will have to answer the bell of the "last call". May we remember Dave's example and answer that call with dignity.

Our thoughts are with Dave's family. May they have comfort in this time.

Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY
FIRE MARSHAL BOB

The Ice Man Cometh!

Hello everyone, I certainly hope you are surviving this winter wonderland. I keep waiting for the January thaw but honestly I don't think it's coming. This is just a reminder to everyone......please be careful on the roadways today. Freezing rain and expected snowfall is making being outside.......well... interesting. Slide offs, roll overs, slick sidewalks, you name it its bad. Ive even heard of a plane sliding off the runway at Salt Lake international airport. With all that said I just want you to know that we all can slow down, step carefully, and look our for each other.

As always.........Be Smart.... Be Safe.... BE READY!   Fire Marshal Bob

Carbon Monoxide??? What is it and should I be Worried?

Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.
Safety tips

Carbon Monoxide safety tips

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.
• Download these NFPA safety tips on Carbon Monoxide   

We hope you find these tiprs helpful,

Thank you for helping make our community safer!

Fire Marshal Bob

OPEN HOUSE..... COME JOIN THE FUN!

Hello everyone, we'd like to invite you to an open house! it will be on Saturday, October 13 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at West Valley City Fire station 74, 5545 west 3100 south.

Here is a schedule of events for the day...which are of course subject to change.

10:00 Flag Ceremony - presented by West Valley City Fire Department Honor Guard

11:00 Ladder demonstration. Watch the fire depertment members repel from 100 feet in the air

12:00 Meet members of the hazardous materials team. take a tour and see what it takes to work a "HAZ MAT" incident.

1:00 More fun with the truck company. Watch as members of our technical rescue team demonstrate using a rope system to bring a patient down from an elevated area.

2:00 Watch our Paramedics work a medical scene

3:00 See the Jaws of life up close and personal.

4:00 Meet Bisquit and Zach. Bisquit is our search and rescue dog, and Zach of course is his handler.

There will be many activities for the family. Weather permitting we'l have plenty of water to play with. Picture opportunities, and fun. We''ll have refreshments and plenty of stuff for the kids and grandkids. Dont miss it. Tell a friend....Heck Bring em along.

Thanks Fire Marshal Bob

Blues Brothers battle it out

Wether your a police officer or a fire fighter in West Valley City. It didn't really matter much last friday night. While both departments took different sides in an annual soft ball game, the players fans and other city employees had a different focus. We'll get to that in just a few moments, but first we'll let you know how the game went.
If the first inning was any sign of what was to come the fire department was in trouble. The police team batted through the order and built an eight point lead by the time the fire department got the obligatory three outs. Now with the chance for some offense the Fire Team  put four points on the board. Maybe this would turn out to be a game after all. After six full innings the P.D. was leading with a 20 to 12 score. Just as the Fire team members were taking the field to begin the top of the 7th, Chief Jeff Fox made the announcement that the guest of honor had arrived and was at the pavilion where a BBQ was to follow. With that message the Fire fighters put aside their pride and any hope of catching up to a very competitive PD roster. Both teams are competitive and probably would like to have kept playing until they were kicked off the field. But the hearts of these brave men and women were focused on something a bit higher than the battle on the field. It was on one family that is facing a much different battle. The family of Dave and Colleen Taylor.
Dave Taylor joined the West Valley City Fire Department in the late 80's. He had worked his way from Recruit fire fighter, fire fighter II, Senior firefighter, and Engineer. He became a paramedic for the City and worked on Ladder 75 out of station 75 on B platoon. Some time ago Dave had some medical problems that wouldn't allow him to drive the big rigs. After tests and other treatments Dave and Colleen got the news that he had a tumor on his brain. More tests and surgery revealed that it was cancerous. Dave and Colleen have faced the surgeries, treatments, and life changing events with courage, hope, and faith. On Aug 28 2012. Dave's benefit hours were expired. For any one that has more than 20 years in the retirement system you know that means long term disability, or in other words retirement. Its not the way any of us want to retire, but just one of those decisions that are made for us.
It takes abut 90 days for retirement benefits to kick in. So with that gap of income the Police and Fire fighters decided to make this years game not about bragging rights but about helping this family ease the burden they bare. If even just a little bit.
It was heart warming to see Dave and Colleen at the BBQ. They graciously spoke to everyone. I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to do.
The Friendships and camaraderie that exist between West Valley fire and Police are unique. I cannot think of a better group of individuals that when they unite in a cause become a formidable force for good.
The group had a raffle to help raise funds to help the Taylors. We cannot begin to list all those that helped. If we did we'd miss someone and don't want to leave anyone out. So with that said we'll just say thank you to all of the sponsors, organizers and everyone involved. Through this collective effort, thousands were raised to help them ease some of the financial pressures. Just a drop in the bucket for all of the needs they have. but it is in the bucket. We were all touched as Dave took the microphone and expressed his gratitude. I know for me personally it was one of the most memorable friday nights I've had in a long long time.
The most valuable player goes of course to Dave and Colleen. Our thoughts, prayers, hope and faith are with the Taylors. Our thanks go to them for allowing us to share in this very personal experience. Thanks again to the wonderful Men ands Women we have a privilege to work side by side with.

God Bless!

Fire Marshal bob

An unfortunate farewell

West Valley City Firefighters ..... Fundraiser for Dave Taylor and family


One of our members, Dave Taylor, is being treated for a cancerous brain tumor.  He has endured numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as brain surgery to remove the tumor.  He has used all of his sick and vacation time and is now retiring after 25 years of serving the citizens of West Valley City.
Unfortunately this is not a fun retirement, as Dave is still receiving treatments and facing many battles while he fights his cancer.  His insurance and benefits are now ending and money is tight.  We are asking for your assistance in raising money to assist Dave and his family through this difficult time.
BBQ fundraiser and raffles after the softball game (West Valley City Fire vs. West Valley Police Dept).
Come and join us for the game, cheer on your team and help us in this cause for Dave and Colleen
September 14TH 2012 @ 5:00 PM
LOCATED AT CENTENNIAL PARK AT 5500 WEST 3100 SOUTH
Donations can be made at any Mountain America Credit Union by asking about the Engineer Dave Taylor Trust.
Any Questions contact:  Trevor McIntyre 801-462-1005 or Zack Hatch 801-518-2092  Please pass this on to friends and family.

Quick action by these individuals made a difference

On June 30th 2012 Medic Ambulance 74 was dispatched to a Cardiac Arrest/Possible chocking.  All other units in West Valley were on apartment fires on Dean Drive.  Medic Ambulance 74 was dispatched with South Salt Lake Engine 43.  Medic Ambulance arrived to find a 70’s year old female laying outside on the patio cyanotic, unconscious, breathing at a rate of 4 per minute.  Family had started the Heimlich maneuver and then patient went unconscious the family stared Chest Compressions.
Upon arrival Medic Ambulance 74 (Paramedic Hatch and Paramedic Fisher) realized the seriousness of the situation and knew that South Salt Lake was 10 minutes away.  The patient was laying on the ground breathing very slow. Medic 74 used the laryngoscope and the McGill forceps to try to remove the FBAO (foriegn body airway obstruction).  The patient’s family stated they were eating steak and the patient started to choke.  Upon visualizing the patients airway there was a large mass of food in the patient’s trachea.  The crew was able to remove a piece of bread from the airway but the patient gasped and the obstruction became further lodged.  Chest compression and abdominal thrusts were unsuccessful.  West Valley Police detective arrived and was summoned to get the ambulance gurney.
As the patient was loaded up by the crew South Salt Lake Engine 43 arrived and assisted in placing the patient inside Medic Ambulance 74.  South Salt Lake crew was very helpful in the success of this call.  They drove the ambulance to Pioneer Valley Hospital.  On the way to Pioneer Valley the crew members on Medic Ambulance 74 performed a surgical cricothyrotomy, after attempts to remove the airway obstruction.  This was the difference in the patient’s survival.  The staff at Pioneer Valley was surprised that a surgical airway was done and that there was such a large piece of steak in the throat.  There was no way possible to remove the object in the field.  The quick action by these crew members made a difference in this family’s life.
Pioneer Valley Hospital stated that the patient was recovering from surgery they had to place a tracheostomy in the patient but she was smiling and giving the family thumbs up. I wanted to personally thank Zackery Hatch and Cody Fisher for their work under very difficult and limited manpower situation


submitted by Engineer Curtis Harper