Monrovia Fire Department Promotes Four

Monrovia press release: 

The Monrovia Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotions of four members of its current personnel. The recent promotions were awarded to Ryan Phillips, Jeremy Sanchez, Dave Phillips and Harvey Hewitt, who combined have over 40 years of fire fighting experience.
 
Division Chief Ryan Phillips – With over 18 years of service, Ryan Phillips, a Monrovian resident, assumed the duties as the “A shift” commander on the morning of February 16.  “Chief Phillips’ ability to effectively manage emergency operations is exceptional,” said Fire Chief Chris Donovan, who went on to highlight Phillips’ long tradition of professionalism and dedication to Monrovia.  The Chief’s faith in Phillips was quickly confirmed; by 2 p.m. of his first shift as Division Chief, Phillips’ crew had already responded to four emergency incidents, and established incident command at both a vegetation and a structure fire. Under his new title, Chief Phillips will oversee the department’s Administration and Disaster Preparedness operations.

Fire Captain Jeremy Sanchez – Chief Phillips promotion created a vacancy at the Fire Captain position. Monrovia Fire Department filled this by promoting Jeremy Sanchez. Captain Sanchez has over eight years experience in fire service. He has served as a Paramedic with the last three years as a Fire Engineer at Monrovia Fire. “Captain Sanchez has natural leadership abilities in addition to exceptional emergency operations and administrative skills,” said Fire Chief Chris Donovan. “This is a critically important position within our department, and Jeremy is certainly capable of performing his responsibilities.”  Captain Sanchez has recently been placed in charge of the department’s apparatus. This includes being responsible for studying future needs for repair and replacement of the department’s fleet and maintaining the department’s overall operational readiness.

Fire Engineer Harvey Hewitt – Jeremy Sanchez’ promotion to Fire Captain created a vacancy in the Fire Engineer rank, which is being filled with the promotion of Harvey Hewitt. Fire Engineer Hewitt has four years of experience with Monrovia as a Firefighter/Paramedic in addition to five years experience with the Monterey Park Fire Department. In addition to his new duties as an engineer, Fire Engineer Hewitt will continue to evaluate requirements and training mandates for the department’s cadet program.

Fire Engineer Dave Phillips – Dave Phillips was promoted to Fire Engineer in September 2011 to fill the vacancy left by Fire Engineer Rob Vita’s retirement.  Prior to this position Dave had served as a Firefighter/Paramedic for five years. During his service with Monrovia Fire, he has been instrumental in the brush abatement program, as well as many other programs involving training and development, including the successful Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program. 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department's Christmas Miracle

In the weekly city manager report ( http://goo.gl/Omfve ), the Monrovia Fire Department reports on a very special visitor...

This week, the Fire Department had a special visitor who turned out to be a true Christmas miracle. On Saturday, December 10, a 911 call for a baby not breathing was dispatched. Upon arrival, the crew found two-year Thierry Espinoza in full cardiac arrest. Fast action and advanced life support from Firefighter/Paramedic Harvey Hewitt and Anthony Gallegos, along with Captain Brad Dover, Engineer Andrew McDaniel and Firefighter Randy Towns was initiated, including insertion of a special medical device into the shin bone for medicine administration, insertion of a tube for breathing, heart defibrillation and CPR.
 
Baby Thierry was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital in critical condition and was later transferred by ambulance to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where he underwent therapeutic hypothermic treatment (lowering the core body temperature) and advanced medical care. After 8 days in the Intensive Care Unit and another two weeks in a cardiac monitoring unit, Baby Thierry was released from the hospital.
 
On Wednesday, Baby Thierry, his older brother William and Mom Karin along with his buddy, Diego and Diego's Mom, paid a visit to the fire station to say thank you. All of the on-duty crew were extremely happy to visit with Thierry and spent time visiting, playing, and showing the boys around the station. They also spent time talking with Mrs. Espinoza and sharing in the joy of his survival. This was a unique and special visit, as the crews knew that Thierry's condition was critical and didn't know the outcome of his treatment and care. Certainly this was an incredible story with a very happy ending and a true Christmas miracle.
 
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Monrovia Firefighters on scene, the care of nurse's and Doctor's as well as Thierry's strength to survive, the Espinoza family had a special Christmas this year.

Feature on Nation's Top Fire Official, from Monrovia

Feature article on Monrovia's former fire chief, Ernest Mitchell Jr., who is now the nation's top fireman, heading the United States Fire Administration. http://goo.gl/jGtJB

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Home Fire

Monrovia apartment fire. Everyone okay. http://goo.gl/gXukx

Monrovia Fire Department: Christmas Tree Safety

Monrovia Fire Department reports that Christmas trees cause "a surprisingly low number of fires," but those fires cause a surprisingly high number of fatalities, about one in every 18 fires. So, tips on having a safe Christmas tree:

- Use a fire-retardant tree. Check that artificial trees are certified fire-retardant and that cut trees are fresh and adequately watered.

- Make sure lights are in good condition and used properly.

- Keep the tree away from heat sources.

- Don't let the tree or other decorations block exits.

 

Source: http://goo.gl/vP67x

 

- Brad Haugaard

Dog Dies in House Fire

Dog dies in Monrovia house fire. http://goo.gl/zehOJ

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department Collects for Kids

Firefighters collect cash to buy toys for kids who might not get them otherwise. Drop a few dollars in a firefighter's boot.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department Deep-Fried-Turkey Tips

1. If you are planning on frying your turkey this year, prepare in advance, and use proper equipment. Use a specially designed outdoor cooker/deep fryer with a perforated basket insert. The cooking pot should be ten gallon or more capacity and stand three feet high, hooked up to a propane gas cylinder. The propane cylinder must be separated by a minimum of two feet from the fryer. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions and safety instructions. Place the fryer on a flat and level surface. Be aware of your clothing around the hot oil, which can spatter, and the open flame, which could ignite clothing. Roll sleeves up and tuck away loose clothing. Be sure you are strong enough to lower the turkey into, and lift it from, the 350-degree oil safely.

 

2. Keep heated items (hot oil and propane cooker) away from anything that can burn. The entire area for at least 10 feet in all directions must be fireproof. Never deep fry a turkey indoors, in a garage, on a porch, on a deck, or in any other structure attached to a building. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area. Never leave the hot oil unattended. The deep-fryer unit should be positioned so wind will direct the heat away from the gas cylinder, people, and structures.

 

3. Watch what you heat and cook. Deep fryers must always be attended during cooking. Never use a frozen turkey because the ice crystals can cause it to "explode" when it comes in contact with hot oil. Oil should not be allowed to go over 350 degrees; oil can ignite at 375 degrees. Allow oil to cool completely before disposing or storing. Never cover the deep fryer because this could cause overheating, or boiling over of the hot oil. Should a fire start, clear all people from the area and call 911.

 

4. Recycle that oil. Cooking oil can be recycled at recycling centers or household hazardous waste sites. These facilities will usually accept up to five gallons of cooking oil per resident per day during their regular hours of operation.

 

5. Enjoy your turkey when you're done.

Source: http://goo.gl/LTyf6

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department: Rescues from Vehicles and Canyon Park

Monrovia Fire Department responded to 76 emergency calls between Oct. 25, 2011 and Nov. 1 Here are some:

Traffic Collision - At 9:45 a.m. on October 29 Monrovia fire units responded to a traffic collision with victims trapped. The incident was at Foothill and Alta Vista with three vehicles involved. Upon arrival, fire personnel determined that there was one patient with minor injuries and a second patient trapped in a vehicle with possible life threatening injuries. Fire personnel performed extrication of the trapped victim by removing the right side of the vehicle. The victim with minor injuries was transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital for evaluation. The victim with possible life threatening injuries was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital Trauma Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Solo Vehicle Accident - At 2:46 a.m. on October 30, Monrovia Fire Units responded to the report of a vehicle accident where the vehicle had exited the freeway with one person trapped. The accident presented a challenging extrication of the patient, since the vehicle was on its side. Monrovia Firefighters used heavy equipment to remove the roof of the vehicle to gain access to and rescue the trapped occupant. The victim was treated on the scene by Monrovia Fire Paramedics and transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital Trauma Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Canyon Park Rescue - At 9:19 a.m. on October 30, Monrovia Fire Department, assisted by Arcadia Fire, responded to a canyon rescue in Canyon Park. Engine 101, Truck 101, Patrol 101, Sq101, and ARC Engine 107 were all dispatched. The incident involved a 54-year-old female who had fallen at the base of the waterfall. Her injuries prevented her from being able to walk. Fire units treated her injuries, secured her in our rescue basket, and wheeled the patient out of the canyon by foot. The patient was stabilized and transported to Arcadia Methodist Hospital. The entire rescue was performed over a two-hour time period.

 

Source: http://goo.gl/j0gme

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department Rescues Collision Victims

Between Sept. 20 and 27, the Monrovia Fire Department responded to 64 emergency calls, including a traffic collision on Sept. 22 in the 700 block of West Duarte Road. Victims were trapped in vehicles and the Fire Department used the Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) to extricate one victim. All of the victims were treated by paramedics and transported to the hospital.  http://goo.gl/pYhkH

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Commercial Fire Still Under Investigation

The cause of the commercial structure fire at 1120 South Shamrock is "still under investigation, with a special team of investigators working to get the details of how the fire started, where it started, and how it spread so quickly," according to a report from Monrovia Fire Department. The department reports that during the $1.5 million fire "the mutual aid system worked as designed, with units from Monrovia, Los Angeles County, Arcadia, Alhambra, San Gabriel, San Marino, Glendale, Pasadena and Burbank on scene to control and extinguish the fire."

 

Source: http://goo.gl/R9Lxe

 

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Prevention Tips from Monrovia FD

Monrovia Fire Department warns that many fires are caused by power yard tools ( http://goo.gl/A44Ge ). Here are some safety tips:

 

- Work while plants still retain some of their early-morning moisture - generally before 10 a.m.

- Do not work in windy conditions.

- Don't park in dry grass or brush.

- Use lawn mowers for turf only.

- For dry weeds and grass, use weed trimmers or hand tools.

- With string trimmers, use plastic or nylon line only, not any type of metallic material that will be prone to sparks.

- Check in advance for rocks that might spark when hit or thrown by power equipment.

- Use spark arresters on all portable gasoline powered equipment.

- Fuel up away from dry weeds and, of course, don't smoke!

- Have a helper at a safe distance acting as a spotter to watch for sparks, smoke or flame that you might not notice while you're working.

- Moisten the area where you are working and keep a garden hose attached and ready.

- Do not attempt to extinguish a large fire yourself.

- Carry a cell phone to call 911 immediately if there is a fire of any size.

 

- Brad Haugaard

'Never Forget': Monrovia's New 9-11 Memorial Statue

Never Forget. This statue, in front of the Monrovia Fire Department, was unveiled at the 9-11 ceremony Sunday. It is in memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in New York ten years ago. Donated by the Hoffman family.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Fire Department: Overturned Car on Myrtle

Fire personnel responded to 68 emergency calls between 8 a.m. July 19 to 8 a.m. July 26, including an incident of a vehicle rolling over on Myrtle. The report:

"During rush hour traffic on the morning of July 26, MFD was dispatched to a vehicle accident at Myrtle Avenue and Huntington Drive. Fire units arrived on scene and found one car overturned with a victim trapped and an additional vehicle with one person injured. MFD personnel extricated the trapped victim utilizing specialized rescue tools carried on Truck 101, while the additional patient was treated by Engine 102. Engine 101 was assigned to assist with manpower, Safety Officer operations and manning the safety protection hose-line. Both patients were treated for their injuries and transported to the local hospital."

 

Source: http://goo.gl/smonm

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia FD Gets Back Its Very First Fire Engine

Monrovia is once again in possession of its very first fire engine, a 1917 Seagrave. It's a mess, but the Fire Department wants to restore it, and is beginning to look for donations.

 

Here's the story, from the City Manager's weekly report:

 

"Ninety-five years ago, on May 3, 1916, Monrovia's La Vista Grande Hotel was destroyed by a fire. As a result, Fire Chief George C. King began asking the City trustees for a more effective apparatus and with support the first piece of mechanized equipment the City ever purchased, a 1917 Seagrave Fire Engine, was placed in service. The City trustees authorized the purchase of a 350 gallon capacity six-cylinder Seagrave motor-pumping fire engine, combination hose, truck and chemical, for $5,000. The engine was a front line piece of equipment and served the City well until it was eventually taken out of service here in Monrovia and replaced.

 

"While currently in a state of disrepair, the engine has changed hands many times and saw service in several communities, including the famous collection at Harrah's in Reno. In 2003, local resident, Susan Motander tracked down the engine in Nevada and purchased it from the previous owners.

 

"Earlier this year Susan graciously donated the engine to the Monrovia Fire Department.

 

"Now begins the campaign to raise the funds necessary to restore the engine, which has a working name of "Tommy" in honor of a former Monrovia Firefighter Tommy Knowles. It is estimated that the 1917 Seagrave will need considerable restoration work to bring it back to its original condition."

 

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Protection: Watch Your Windows!

The Monrovia Fire Department recommends making your house more fire-resistant by maintaining your window frames and sills. In a wildfire, embers can land on the frame or sill and catch your house on fire. So, remove debris and replace decayed wood, which catches fire at a lower temperature than sound wood.

 

More details here: http://goo.gl/cTeMT

 

Source: http://goo.gl/RPQCS

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia House Fire

On March 22 at approximately 2 a.m. Monrovia firefighters, with the assistance of Arcadia Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of N. Magnolia. Initial arriving companies found heavy fire and smoke issuing from a rear house and garage. The first-in engine company initiated fire attack, while additional lines were pulled to protect the front house from fire spread. Several rooms of the house and garage were heavily damaged due to fire, heat and smoke. Fortunately the residents escaped unharmed and no firefighter injuries were reported. A preliminary estimate on structure and content loss is $105,000. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Source: http://goo.gl/RPQCS

 

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Department Gives Toys and Money

The Monrovia Fire Department received 620 toys and $1,250 in cash donations during the holiday season. Most of the toys went to the Foothill Unity Center, and some going to three local schools. The $1,250 collected was donated to the California Community Foundation. Firefighter Ernesto Moreno put in the extra work to coordinate the department's efforts.
 
Source: http://goo.gl/9sru5
 
- Brad Haugaard

Fire in Monrovia Canyon Park

Firefighters jumped hard and fast on what I heard was approximately a four-acre brush fire in Monrovia Canyon Park that broke out around mid-day Monday. The park was still closed Tuesday morning when I checked.

On Monday I was standing on Canyon Boulevard when full parade of fire units from Monrovia and Arcadia rushed by. And they were in a big hurry. I was told later that there were also county fire units, and even units from as far away as Glendale, plus helicopters doing air drops. According to one comment I heard, firefighters were blessed with essentially no wind.

I heard that the fire may have broken out due to a fallen power line on the steep slopes directly above the ranger station at the entrance to the park.

Here's a SGV Tribune article:

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_15868820?source=rss&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

- Brad Haugaard