Two-Alarm Structure Fire in the City of El Cajon

Dedicated to the First Responders of the Heartland Fire Zone September-October 2009

Bonita Tree Rescue

El Cajon Mobile Home Fire on Ballard

Lakeside Youth becomes Trapped in a Storm Drain

Strike Team 6440C: La Brea and Lockheed Fires

Meet the Crews at Imperial Beach and Lakeside

 from the Editor

LODD: Agent Robert Rosas

On July 23rd, while patrolling
Alpine Fire Project Coordinator
Fire Chief Mark Grow the US-Mexico border in the
Bill Paskle area of Campo US Border
Agency Editors Webmaster
Brad Rushing Ray Trussell Patrol Agent Robert Rosas
Patrick Dotson was killed while performing
Barona Fire Facebook his duties off Shockey Truck
Fire Chief Heartland Zone News Trail.
Randy Sandoval
Agency Editor
Mike Hook Electronic-Mail This 30 year old agent leaves
heartlandnewsletter@gmail.com
Bonita-Sunnyside Fire behind a family that includes
Fire Chief a 2 year old son and an 11
Scott Walker
Agency Editor month old daughter. Our
Josh Krimston thoughts and prayers are with
Coronado Fire this family while they deal with the loss of a son, husband, and father. You
Fire Chief will not be forgotten....
John Traylor
Agency Editor
Darren Hall
Larry Hogueisson LODD: Firefighter Thomas Marovich Jr
El Cajon Fire
Fire Chief
Mike Scott On July 21st Firefighter Thomas
Agency Editors
Jay Wojnowski Marovich Jr lost his life while
Brandon Farrelly
Eric Edwins rappelling from a helicopter
during qualifications on the
Grossmont Pre-Hospital
Department Manager Backbone Fire.
Mary Meadows-Pitt
Agency Editors
Dianne Idman-Gervais Twenty year old Marovich was
Maude Deklerk
a second year apprentice with
Heartland Communications
Director the Modoc National Forest.
Chip Yarborough
Agency Editor
Nikki Lewis Our thoughts and prayers are
Imperial Beach Fire with the Marovich family as
Fire Chief they deal with the loss of their
Frank Sotelo
Agency Editor son.
Jason Bell
On the Cover
La Mesa Fire You will not be forgotten.....
Fire Chief El Cajon Fire Captain Mike Chasin and
Dave Burke Firefighter-Paramedic William Thron
Agency Editor on the roof of a well involved structure
Scott Springett on Grossmont Ave. LODD: Lieutenant Charles (Chip) McCarthy
Lakeside Fire
Fire Chief
Multiple Heartland agencies assisted
on this second alarm structure fire.
and Fire Fighter Jonathan Croom
Mark Baker
Agency Editor Photography By:
Chuck Palmore Ted Kakuris Mayor Byron W. Brown and Buffalo Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo
Battalion Chief
Lemon Grove Fire El Cajon Fire Department
today issued the following statement: Lieutenant Charles (Chip) McCarthy
Fire Chief
Tim Laff
and Fire Fighter Jonathan Croom lost their lives today (August 24, 2009)
Agency Editor while fighting a fire that was reported at 3:50 a.m.in a convenience store
Brian Hayward
at the corner of Genesee Street and Burgard Place. Today was a day of
National City Fire great tragedy and loss for the brave men and women of the Buffalo Fire
Fire Chief
Roderick Juniel
Department. The City of Buffalo and the Fire Department mourns the loss
of Lieutenant McCarthy and Fire Fighter Croom, who responded to their
San Miguel Consolidated Fire
Fire Chief
call to duty and did what every fire fighter does every day – sought to protect
August Ghio anyone who might
Agency Editors
Leonard Villarreal
be in danger.
Kevin Clark We honor the
Nick Williams
memory of these
Santee Fire true heroes
Fire Chief
Mike Rottenberg
Agency Editor
Rick Williams You will not be
Chris Thompson
forgotten...
Viejas Fire
Fire Chief
Donald Butz
Agency Editor
Ray Trussell
Two Alarm
Structure in
El Cajon:
Report on a difficult
residential fire that
went two alarms.

Bonita Tree Rescue:

A tree trimmer
became trapped 40’
above the ground.
Multiple agencies
respond to the
emergency

Intranasal:
Medic have a new
route for Narcan and
Versed administration.

El Cajon
Mobile Home Fire
El Cajon and San
Miguel firefighters
respond to a working
fire on Ballard.

Child Trapped in
Drain Opening
Lakeside and El Cajon
crews work to free
child in Lakeside

Strike Team 6440C

Heartland crews
respond to the La
Brea and Lockheed
Fires.

Agency Reports
News from the
participating agencies.
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Narrative By:
Mike Chasin
Fire Captain
El Cajon Fire Department S ometime around noon the younger of
the two residents of the 800 block of
Grossmont Avenue noticed a fire in their
Photography By: converted garage. She assisted her elderly
Ted Kakuris mother from their home, only to see her run
Battalion Chief back inside to rescue her pet dog. Other
El Cajon Fire Department civilians tried to assist her, but were driven
away by the “blowtorch-like” flames blasting
Photography By: out of the garage into the breezeway. The
Carly Kakuris elderly woman eventually came out with her
Featured Photographer dog, and burns to her arms.
ON SCENE

Engines 6, 7, 9, Truck 6, Medic 6

and Battalion 3 were dispatched
to the blaze. Engine 6 was the
first engine to arrive on scene,
just 4 minutes later. They met
Fire Chief Mike Scott, who
happened to be nearby and
noticed the column of smoke.
They arrived to find a 60 year old
single story home well involved
in fire. The converted garage
was engulfed in flames, and the
breezeway that attached the
garage to the main home was
aiding the fire spread to the main
residence. Battalion 3 Chief Phil
Snow arrived on scene moments
later and assumed Incident
Command. He quickly directed
crews to make a fire attack
and ventilate the structure. He
also requested a second alarm
response.

Engine 6 Captain Rick Smylie saw

the large amount of fire coming
from the garage, and thought
that a quick deployment into the
home would be the only way to
save anyone inside as well as
their property. Captain Smylie
and Firefighter/Paramedic Paul
Roman advanced a hoseline
into the home. Once inside they
encountered smoke down the
floor and high heat. This slowed,
but did not stop their efforts.
Engineer Joe Howarth worked
hard to keep the water coming,
as well as manage about 3 other
hoselines.

Meanwhile, Truck 6 Captain Mike

Chasin, Engineer Tony Aliano
and Firefighter/Paramedic Bill
Thorn went to the roof of the
home. Their first move was to
cut a ventilation hole over the
breezeway to limit the spread of
the fire from the garage to the
home. Their next two holes were
cut over the residence, making
the interior attack crew’s work
much easier. As you can see
from the pictures, each center-
louver hole released a copious
amount of smoke and heat. The
ON SCENE
Truck 6 crew got their work done
and got down wi thin 6 minutes
of climbing to the roof.
While Engine and Truck 6 were
busy, the rest of the first alarm
assignment got involved as well.
Medic 6 Firefighter/Paramedics
Kyle Kleinschmidt and Josh
Royer, as well as Reserve
Firefighter Ryan Abell got busy
securing utilities and getting
exposure and backup lines in
place.
Engine 7 crew Captain Ed
Simmons, Engineer Larry (short-
timer) McKim, and Firefighter/
Paramedic Allen Hazelton took
on the RIC and Accountability
duties, and Engine 9 Captain
Joe Hudelson, Engineer
Derek Dozier, and Firefighter/
Paramedic Travis Timmins got
the water supply and assisted
fire attack.
The second alarm response
consisted of Engines 8, 12, and
19, Truck 4, Rescue 5, Medic 8,
Battalion Chiefs 4 and 6. Thanks
all for the quick response and
aggres sive work. Also, thanks
to off-duty Chief Ted Kakuris
for the amazing photos that
accompany this article.
The fire was knocked down in
about 25 minutes. The garage
was found to be the room of
origin, although the cause of
the fire is unknown. In addition
“Lastly, it’s always
good to remember
what your role is at
the fire, and to ensure
that you stay within
your assigned duties”
to finding their chihuahua, the
residents were pleased that the
firefighters were able to recover
a large amount of cash the family
had hidden in their home. The
property and contents damage
was estimated to be in excess
of $250,000.
Among the lessons learned
and relearned were the need to
establish a water supply before
committing multiple lines to the
fire. Communications proved
challenging, as it does at every
fire. While we all know radio
traffic is important, we need
to work to make sure we are
listening, and keep our traffic
concise to ensure that other
units can get their messages
heard. Lastly, it’s always good
to remember what your role is at
the fire, and to ensure that you
stay within your assigned duties.
No matter what your role is, if
you receive an order that doesn’t
seem to fit the circumstances,
it’s important to clear the matter
up.
Despite these challenges, the
firefight went very well. What
could have been a total loss
ended as a good stop, with
some valuable contents saved.
While one resident was briefly
hospitalized, no firefighters
were hurt.
Until the next time…
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Narrative By:
Leonard Villarreal
Public Information Officer
I t is a too common occurrence, but this time it did not end in
death. Just before 10 AM members of the Bonita-Sunnyside
Fire District responded to the report of a man trapped in a palm
San Miguel Fire Protection District
tree, in the 5600 block of Sweetwater Road. While the victim
Photography By: could not be seen from the ground Firefighters could hear the
Josh Krimston man calling for help. Rescue teams quickly raised their truck
Engineer-Paramedic ladder 40 feet into the air and began cutting away at the palm
Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District fronds that had fallen on the 40 year old tree trimmer. Firefighters
ON SCENE
must proceed cautiously because any
major shift in the palm fronds could
cause additional injury. In many cases,
trimmers cut the palm fronds above
their head but don’t knock them down
immediately. After a buildup, the ring
of the fronds can slip down over the
trimmer and the safety line. The weight
of the fronds can be so heavy the victim
cannot breath and can asphyxiate. The
weight on the safety lines can prevent
the victim from freeing themselves or
even moving.

In total, 14 Firefighters responded to the

“high rise” rescue and the victim was
carefully freed in about an hour. The
victim was transported to Grossmont
hospital for evaluation but no major
injuries were reported. Fire Officials
remind residents that the trimming of a
large buildup of dead palm fronds can
be extremely dangerous, work best
left to professionals. However even
professionals need to be reminded to
drop the cuttings as they go, so there
will be no life threatening buildup.
O ne of the most distressing calls are the ones where
obtaining an IV to give life saving medications is
impossible, or problematic. Two of these situations are
•
•
•
Blood flow to the nasal mucosa.
Rate of clearance activity (ciliary activity)
Pathological conditions.
narcotic overdoses, and seizures.
Their maybe significant blood flow issues in patients
In the past the routes were pretty much limited to that have has previous sinus trauma or surgery,
devices that required “sharps”, unfortunately in and chronic cocaine users may have significant
some of these situations opening up a needle damage that may affect the effectiveness.
runs a risk of a “stick” type exposure.
San Diego County protocols allow for the
With the July changes came a new skill standing order use of the IN route with no
that allows for the administration of two contradictions listed. Volumes over 1cc
medications, Narcan and Versed. tend to be too much and result in runoff,
thus volumes can be split between the two
In the case of Versed the IN administration avai
aila
labl
ble
available e nasal
nasa
na sall openings.
open
op enin
ings
gs..
route is limited to seizure activity and
severe agitation. In the administration of Narcan
Narcan it can be utilized throughout the
Indication:
treatment guidelines.
Symptomatic suspected opioid OD
Dose-Route:
“The administration of tiny Adult with RR <12. 2mg IN (SO), MR.
droplets across the nasal In pain management patients 1-2mg IN (BHO)

plexus is a very effective Peds: PDC, IN (SO), MR

route and provides excellent In pai
painn management
m
mana
anagem
gement
ent patients
pa
patie
tients
nts PDC
PDC IN
IN (BHO)

bio-availability of the Versed

medication” Indication:

Seizures
• General seizures lasting =/> 5 minutes.
Intranasal is part of an emerging treatment route • Focal seizures with respiratory compromise.
that is finding acceptance within the medical • Recurrent seizures w/o lucid period
• Eclamptic seizures of any duration.
community. The administration of tiny droplets
across the nasal plexus is a very effective route Severe Agitation
and provides excellent bio-availability of the
medication. In addition medication blood levels Dose-Route
can exceed that of the traditional IM route and is
Adult: 0.2mg/kg to max of 5 mg. MR x10” (SO)
painless to the patient.
Peds: PDC, IN (SO)
In addition the IN route is not a sterile technique
thus reducing the potential for secondary
infection. Given the proximity of the nasal cavity
to the CS fluid around the brain, medication may
rapidly reach therapeutic levels.

But since we’re all not wired the same way their
are factors that can influence the effectiveness Some of the information for this article was obtained at:
of this route: http://intranasal.net
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At 5:15 p.m. on July 9th El Cajon Fire crews responded to reports of

Narrative By:
a trailer home fire at the Chieftain Trailer Park, located at 187 Ballard,
Monica Zech space number 48-B in El Cajon. Upon arrival firefighters found the
Public Information Officer
City of El Cajon trailer home well involved.

About 15 firefighters had the fire extinguished in about ten minutes.

Their quick action kept the fire from damaging other nearby trailers.
The trailer home was destroyed, displacing two adults and their four
children. The only injury was said to be the homeowner’s hand,
which was cut as he tried to fight the fire with a garden hose.
He was treated at scene by Paramedic-Firefighters.
ON SCENE
Fire investigators say the fire ap-
pears to have been caused by
the homeowner setting off 16 bug
bombs in an enclosed area, with
fumes being ignited by an unknown
heat source. The fire remains un-
der investigation. Total damage
has been estimated at $30-thou-
sand for the trailer home and its
contents. The American Red Cross
is now assisting the displaced fam-
ily with temporary housing.
A fire crew from the San Miguel
Fire Protection District assisted
El Cajon Fire crews in fighting the
blaze.
E2 Narrative By: At 1035 hrs, on July 2nd, Lakeside Fire
Monica Zech crews, with assistance from El Cajon
Public Information Officer Fire & Rescue, responded to reports
T6 City of El Cajon of a seven year-old boy with his head
stuck in the storm drain located near
Narrative By:
10252 Big Cone Court in Lakeside.
M1 Beto Lawler
Fire Captain - Paramedic
Lakeside Fire Protection District
“On the arrival of M1 the child was
found wedged in the opening and was
B1 being assisted by family members”,
Photography By:
states Captain Lawler. B1 (BC Larkin)
Rick Sitta assumed command and the crews set
Division Chief
El Cajon Fire Department
up cribbing to prevent potential injuries
once the concrete was compromised.
“We sent Engineer Rob Andrews into
the pipe to comfort and monitor the
patients status” states Lawler. “We
made attempts at lubricating his head
and repositioning him, all of which
failed”. The decision was eventually
made to break the concrete using
hydraulic spreaders.
It took approximately 40 minutes to
extricate the child using the “Jaws of
Life” to break apart and spread-open
the concrete and steel drain structure.
“It required two hydraulic spreaders
working at maximum pressure to break
the concrete” states Lawler.
Once the child was extricated he was
examined by Lakeside Paramedic
Firefighters and was found to be
uninjured. The child was apparently
attempting to retrieve a toy that had
fallen into the storm drain when he
became stuck.
Photography By:
Nick Nava
M onths before the 2009 Fire Season
began prognosticators had been
predicting a significant fire season in
Ray Trussell the northern portion of the state. While
Viejas Fire Department there had been some smaller fires in the
region the weather had been working
Jerry Daoust in the favor of firefighters, that was
Scott Smith true till the first significant heat wave
Lakeside Fire Protection District passed through the state. As soon as
the temperatures started to climb the
reports of new fires started stacking
up.
On the 8 th of August a fire started in
the hills east of Santa Maria, CA.
Named the La Brea fire, it initially
sounded like this was going to be
a hand crew and air show fire,
but then the strike teams started
rolling north towards the fire.
Things started to get complex as
new fires began to break out in
the Santa Cruz and Livermore
areas.
On August 14th, around midnight,
strike team 6440C was assembled to
head towards the La Brea Fire. With
BR4, BR18, BR25, BR23, and BR 26
Battalion 1 (Laff) started for the fire.
The strike team arrived at La Brea
staging in time to be briefed and sent
out on their first assignment. “For the
first time check-in requested red cards
on all the members of the strike team so
they knew their qualifications”, states
Battalion Chief Laff.
Originally assigned to a structural rall
ra
protection assignment that quickly kly
evolved into an assignment on Division
onn
Lima which was supporting a heli- li
torching operation. With the new
assignment came a new work rotation.
Originally scheduled to work a 12 hour
shift the crew put in 24 hours on thehe
line before returning to base camp, and
nd
hopefully a nice rest period. “If your a
Strike Team Leader and your Division o
on
or Branch extends your shift make surere
e The
work gets back to Plans or your likely
to find yourself on the next days IAP”,
states Laff.
Crews were able to get a late breakfast,
and then turn their attention to setting
up camp for their first rest period. But
the rest period would have to wait when take their first real rest period.
the strike team was notified to report to
demob at 1600 hrs. Not sure of what it At the 0700 briefing the strike team was
meant to be scheduled for demob after assigned to Division X-Ray on a mop-up
one shift the crew soon found out that assignment. But things got interesting
they were going to be held for a while when the assignment included putting
in camp as an initial attack strike team. in a 9000’ hose lay up a dozer line in
Then at 1800 hrs they received their anticipation of a firing operation. With
e-number for the Lockheed Fire. another nearby strike team assigned to
another hose lay, Chief Laff estimates
The Lockheed Fire had started two crews put in about 17,000 feet of hose
days prior to the strike team leaving that day. But with a shift in the weather
the county. It was burning in the thick the firing operation was put on hold.
fuels in the area of Bonny Doon. What
had started as a 20 acre fire had blown With the hose lays in, and the shift
out with surfacing winds and was now coming to an end, the crew reported
making a run towards a number of back to staging for another rest period.
ccommunities.
coomm muun
n
nititie
ies.
s. During this time there was a significant
change in the weather conditions. Now
dealing with marine layer, and cooler
““II couldn’t
couldn’t have
have asked
asked temps, fire activity slowed.
ffor a better
b tt strike
t ik team”
t ”
The next morning the crew discovered
states Laff. “Hard working they had been released to return to
crews that meshed really San Diego County. After the nine hour
well.”
w ell.” drive back to Heartland the strike team
Battalion
Ba
Bat tal
alion
ion
n Chief
Chie
Ch ief
eff Ron
R
Roon Laff
Laff
a was disbanded.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better strike
T
Th strike
e stri
st
tri ke tteam,
rike m, sstill
eam,
ea working
titilllll w g their
orkking
ing heiirr way
thei
the
he w
waay
ay team”, states Laff. “Hard working crews
out of the La Brea incident, had just that meshed really well.”
enough time to catch a meal before
departing at 1830 hrs for Lockheed.
During this same period of time a
After the run up the coast the crew number of major fires occurred in that
reported to the Lockheed fire around region of the state. In addition to the
midnight. The crew was now able to La Brea and Lockheed Fires there had
been new starts that took out a lot of
additional acreage. The Corral Fire in
the Livermore area, and the Yuba Fire
in the sierra foothills had all impacted
resources.
IST Training at National City

Fire crews from Coronado, Bonita, National City and Chula Vista
gathered at the National City training tower for some technical rescue
training. Crews were practicing rope skills that may be used in US&R and
confined space type incidents.

Photos By: Josh Krimston

 Coronado Structure Fire

On August 2nd units from the

Coronado, Imperial Beach, and
San Diego Fire Departments
responded to a working struc-
ture fire on Trinidad Bend St. in
the Cays.

The fire displaced a number of

adults and children. The Red
Cross was requested to assist in
finding accommodations.

La Mesa Vehicle Fire

On August 2nd E13 (Capt. Manns, Eng

Saghera, and FF Provence) responded to a
working vehicle fire on Murray Dr. and the #2
entrance to Grossmont Center.

On arrival E13 discovered a well involved

engine compartment fire with extension into

the passenger area of the vehicle. All

occupants exited the vehicle safely.

Prior to E13’s arrival an off-duty

CALFIRE Captain blocked traffic for
arriving companies.

Photos By: Sonny Saghera

Grossmont Ave Fire

Battalion Chief Ted Kakuris was off duty on

the day of the Grossmont Ave fire, but when
he became aware of the working fire he
responded to the scene with a camera-in-
hand. With the assistance of his daughter
Carly they captured a series of great
images.

Rare is the opportunity to see the unfolding

events in the initial phases of an operation.
When we received the images we were
overwhelmed with so many good images.
On the cover, and in the story, we still didn’t
have the opportunity to present some of the
better images, so we are presenting them
in these two pages.
Strike Team 6440 Charlie:
Tour de California

We received a bunch of pictures from the crew

members on the strike team. We decided to run as
many as possible....

Thanks to Jerry Daoust, Scott Smith, Ray Trussell,

and Nick Nava for the great images.
Oak Glenn Fire

On the afternoon of August 30th, around 1400 hrs, units from CALFIRE
(San Bernardino County) were dispatched to Oak Glenn Rd. just north of
Yucaipa. Initially found to be in the flats the fire quickly spread to a nearby
slope and made a hard run towards the community of Oak Glenn.

Multiple air assets were

brought into the fight
including the Martin-
Mars and the DC10.

Heartland strike team

6440C was relocated
from the Cottonwood
Fire to the Oak Glenn
Fire, and they remain
there as of press time.
ALPINE
Fire Chief: Bill Paskle Agency Editors: Brad Rushing - Patrick Dotson

Alpine Runs
Alpine has had some interesting and “hot” runs over the past couple of
months. To start it off, “17 A” has been quite the hotspot. Last month crews assisted
Viejas with a structure fire. Alpine personnel arrived on scene and ventilated the
roof and then assisted E25 with extinguishing the remainder of the fire as well as
salvage and overhaul operations. The fire was mainly confined to the garage and
kitchen area with extensive heat and smoke damage to several other parts of the
house.
In the recent past few weeks, “A” division was dispatched in the early
morning hours to a car fire along Alpine Blvd. The engine arrived on scene to
find a fully engulfed Ford Windstar. Colby Ross and Greg O’Gorman were able to
make quick knock down of the fire, although the vehicle was a total loss.
 A few shifts later, “A” division
w dispatched to a vegetation
was
fire along Interstate 8. There
were several starts along the
w
ffreeway due to a blown radial tire
ffrom a vehicle. The crew made
a
access to one of the fires from
A
Alpine Blvd. It was approximately
¼ acre in size in medium brush
w
with a slow rate of spread. Crews
p
performed a progressive hose
llay and extinguished the fire
b
before it could jump Alpine Blvd.
a
and damage nearby homes.

The following shift, “A” Division

w
was dispatched to a structure
fire. The crew arrived at scene
tto find a single story home with
h
heavy smoke billowing out of
iit. The owners of the property
sstated that there were no
h
humans inside the structure;
h
however, there were two dogs,
a cat and a parrot still inside the
h
home. Crews made access into
the structure and found heavy flames
in the kitchen area. They made initial
knockdown of the fire and as
tthey were able to further enter
tthe structure, they found one
o of the dogs and the parrot
((still inside his cage) that had
u unfortunately succumbed to
tthe heat and smoke. As a
ssecondary search of the house
w was conducted, Colby Ross
ffound the second dog hiding
b below the smoke between
a sofa and a wall. The crew
w was able to get the dog from
b behind the sofa and take him
o outside much to the relief of the
o owners. They immediately took
tthe animal to a veterinarian and
w we hope it makes a complete
rrecovery. The cat was never
ffound inside the structure and
it was assumed that he got
oout alive. The crew from E19
aassisted with salvage and
ooverhaul operations as E17’s
ccrew ventilated the roof to gain
a
access to a void space that
w
was still smoldering. The fire
w
was confined to the kitchen
with some smoke and heat
damage to the living room area. The
origin of the fire was determined to be
a cardboard box that was on top of the
stove. Investigators believe that one of
the dog’s had probably jumped onto the
stove and hit one of the burners turning
it on.

In addition to the fires,

“A” Division did have another very
interesting call. They were dispatched
to a residence along Dehesa Rd. for an
unknown medical. As they arrived and
met with the reporting party, he stated
to them that for the past 15-20 minutes,
he could hear someone faintly calling
for help in the brush area behind his
house. As the crew stood there, sure
enough they heard a very faint voice
of what sounded like someone yelling
for help. Sheriff arrived on scene and
stated that they would travel along
Dehesa Rd. to see if they could locate
any skid marks where someone may
have traveled off the road. They also
called their dispatch to have ASTREA
launched to perform an IR flight of
the area to see if they could locate
the patient. E17 crews gathered their
medical gear and set off hiking through
the brush and poison oak to locate the
patient. Every few minutes, they could
hear the voice yelling for help. As the
crews yelled back to try and ascertain
the location of the patient, they got no
response. As E17 crew continued their
hike, the voice became louder, yet still
no response from the patient when
crews yelled back to him. After hiking for
approximately ¼ mile, the crew came
upon another residence. The yells for
help they were hearing turned out to
be a goat that was tied to a tree in the
yard. Sure enough every few minutes,
the goat would baaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Although up close it didn’t sound like
help but form far away it certainly did.
Crews did get a good laugh though.

As “A” Division was getting the

fires, “B” Division had been getting some
interesting calls. In the late evening
hours, the engine was dispatched to a
vehicle accident. Crews arrived to find
a vehicle that had gone off the road and
driven through a power pole. The driver
had self extricated himself and only
sustained minor injuries. SDG&E was
called to replace the power pole and
return power to the residences in the
area.
On a separate accident,
E17 was dispatched to a vehicle that
went down the embankment at the off
ramp on I8 EB at the Willows Rd. exit.
Crews arrived on scene and found
the two occupants of the vehicle. One
occupant had unfortunately perished
in the accident. The other occupant
sustained moderate injuries and will
make a full recovery.

At approximately 2 A.M., “B”

Division was dispatched to a patient
having difficulty breathing on Anderson
Rd. Dispatch notified E17 that there
were several individuals who had gone
out offroading and that they would meet
them on Anderson Road to direct them
to the patients location. As the engine
met up with the individuals at the far
end of Anderson Road, they were told
that the patient was somewhere out
in the brush down a trail. For those of
you who don’t know, Anderson Road is
covered with trails that lead from the
top all the way down to Peutz Valley
Road and the El Capitan Reservoir.
The people couldn’t remember which
trail it was exactly but pointed in the
general direction of where they thought
they left him. B7 was requested by E17
to be added to the incident. BR25 was
added for additional manpower. E17
and BR25 crew members were paired
up with medical gear and each set off
on a different trail to try and locate
the patient. Air resources were not
available due to the weather and time,
to assist in locating the patient. Crews
hiked for quite some time before finally
locating the patient. The patient was
found to be in mild status and suffering
from an asthma attack. By this time, the
sun had started to arise and ASTREA
was able to land along a trail to pick the
patient up and fly him to an awaiting
ambulance. It turned out that the four
individuals had set out off roading and
then decided that they would hike from
Anderson Road all the way down to the
Reservoir. This would be an extensive
hike as it is quite a distance and there
is no direct trail that leads all the way
down. They also thought they were
hiking to Lake Jennings, not knowing
they were at El Capitan Reservoir. The
hikers had set off in the darkness with
no water, no flashlights and thus no
way of knowing where they were, or
where they were going. Fortunately in
the end, everyone made it out without
injury and the patient was treated and
evacuated.

“A” Division was not the only

shift to get fires this past month though.
“B” Division was dispatched to a
report of a trash truck on fire on Alpine
Boulevard. They arrived and found
the truck with smoke coming from the
trash area. The operator of the trash
truck was directed to dump his load on
Alpine Boulevard as crews pulled an
attack line to extinguish the fire. The
crews were able to knock down the fire
quickly. E25 and USFS E47 arrived to
assist E17 with the extensive overhaul
operations. It took the crews several
hours to completely overhaul the trash
pile ensuring that it was completely
extinguished.

Training:
Alpine personnel were able to
witness some unique training recently.
Agents from the U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped
by the station and asked if they could
use the station to conduct some search
training for their new search dogs.
These dogs are trained to search out
weapons and currency. However, they
can only find currency in values of
$500 or more. The agents hid several
large stacks of currency throughout
the apparatus bay as well as tissue
paper that had gunshot residue on it.
The dogs set off and were able to find
the currency and tissue papers with
ease. Once they located an item, they
would sit letting their handlers know
that they have found something. Then
the playtime begins. The dogs do all of
this searching just to be able to play
with a rolled up towel. The dogs initially
go through a 30 day training process
in which to practice their skill. Once
completed, they then go through an
evaluation course in which they must
score perfectly. Once they pass, they are
able to be utilized at border crossings
to search vehicles entering or leaving
the United States. The dogs also go
through an annual evaluation in which
they must also locate each item without
fail to remain as an active search dog.
The agents also informed us that the
dogs are able to locate items that have
been wrapped in plastic, coated in wax
as well as several other ways in which
people have attempted to hide things.
When the dogs become seasoned
veterans, they are able to sense when
a person is nervous and notify their
handlers. It was extremely interesting
to observe the dogs searching for the
hidden items within the station and we
look forward to them returning to the
station to conduct further training.
The Alpine Fire Protection
District Board of Directors has
approved our CERT Program. Alpine
will now join the list of communities
throughout San Diego that already
have CERT Programs. Captain Dotson
will be the CERT Program Coordinator
and has recently completed the CERT
Train-The-Trainer Course at NTC. We
will begin gathering the necessary
equipment needed for our CERT
Members and hope to conduct our first
CERT Academy by January. Look for
more details on our website at www.
alpinefire.org
For anyone interested in
CPR, we will be holding a CPR for
Healthcare Providers class on Saturday,
September 19th from 9am – 2pm at the
Alpine Fire Station 17 located at 1364
Tavern Road. Interested individuals
need to call and register for the class
as enrollment is limited to 20 students.
The cost of the class is $17 which
covers the cost of your textbook and
CPR card. To register for the class, call
619-445-2635. More information may
be found on our website.
Take a Hike!
Captain Derek Zagarella, FF/PM Mike Hook and FF/PM Jacob Burkard hit the trailhead in the Yosemite Valley on July 27th
and hiked approx. 60 miles along the John Muir Trail to Red’s Meadow Campground. This was another beautiful trip despite
thunder and gnarly afternoon hailstorms.

Because this was during “peak season”, there were many people on the trail during this section. One afternoon the guys
were setting up camp at Garnett Lake and realized they were camping next to a group of SDFD FF’s. The next day they
passed 2 Escondido FF’s,,,small world huh? The plan is to complete another 60-80 mile section next year. If anyone is
interested in coming along, call the station and we can work it out.

FF/PM Jake Burkard, FF/PM Mike Hook and Capt. Derek Zagarella in front of Nevada Falls in Yosemite.
 Truck 27 In-Service
It’s official: Truck 27 was placed in ser-
vice on July 20th. We are very happy
that this valuable piece of equipment
is in service and look forward to work-
ing with other agencies within our zone
and in Ramona.

Barona has never had a truck, so we

are enjoying all of the additional train-
ing and operational variances that ac-
company working on this unit. Hope-
fully we will see some of you on an
incident sometime soon.

New Arrival
Congratulations to the Loren family:
FF/PM Will and Germayne welcomed
their son Luke Michael Makana Loren
to the world at 0357 hours on August
18th. Luke weighed in at 7lbs, 5oz
and was 19.5 inches long. Rylee (their
daughter) loves her little brother and
constantly wants to hold him or just be
next to him. Great job Will and Ger-
mayne!!!

Barona Powwow
Barona Powwow: The 39th annual
Barona Powwow will be held from Sep-
tember 4th to the 6th at the baseball
Will and Germayne with son Luke. (photo by: Tiffany Murrell)
field (behind the Barona Museum). Ad-
mission and parking are free. The Pow-
wow showcases Tribal dancing, rhyth-
mic drumming and exciting games for
all ages. It also features arts and crafts
and offers authentic Native American
foods. Native American dancers from
across the country will display their
talents in competitions for $60,000 in
cash prizes. Come on down and enjoy
this festive event with us! (Gates open
at 6pm on the 4th, 1pm on the 5th and
6th).
B onita Firefighter/Paramedic Sonny Felkins (from right to left) and Engineer/
Paramedic Dan Genvicz, along with Rural Metro Paramedic Troy Duncan and
LA City Firefighter Jared Horak pose at the 14,400 feet summit of Mount Whitney.

They were part of a 2-day 8-person expedition up the mountain. “We had great
weather, clear skies and a great view from the top,” recalled Felkins. The group
hiked 6 miles the first day and camped at 12,000 feet. “Our campsite was at the
edge of Constellation Lake,” added Felkins. “We had the whole place to ourselves
and got a great night of sleep for the next day’s summit.”
 Bonita Safety Center
Members of the Bonita Fire
Department, along with
community leaders and kids
from Camp Museum pose during
a flag raising ceremony at the
Bonita Safety Center.

Surfing in Bali
Firefighter/Paramedic Goie
Cosca recently returned from a
surf trip to Bali, Indonesia with
his fiancee, Vicky.

“I have wanted to go to Bali for

a long time,” explained Cosca.
“Finally, an opportunity arose
and I jumped on it.”

While in the town of Seminyak,

Cosca gave his favorite
surfboard to a local beginner
surfer. “He told me that he had broken
his board a year ago and it would take
him at least three more years before
he could save up enough money for a
new one.” Way to represent!
CORONADO
Fire Chief: John Traylor Agency Editor: Darren Hall - Larry Hogueisson

Meet Captain Jim Blinn

By Probationary FF/PM Larry Hogueisson

Here in Coronado, we have a Captain on board who just passed his 35 year
mark in the fire service. Being such a major accomplishment and milestone,
I feel compelled to take this opportunity and share some things about this
extraordinary man and his career.

Captain Jim Blinn’s interest in the fire service began really as he was
growing up, back in the New England states. His father was a Fire Department
Chaplain in a few jurisdictions. This gave him his first taste of the fire service.
When he tuned 18, he joined the Navy, which brought him to Coronado. After
his 4 year tour, he returned to Carmel, New York, where he became a volunteer
Firefighter. He knew then, that his life’s goal was to become a Firefighter. After
1 year he decided to return to Coronado where he began my journey to become
a professional firefighter.

Captain Blinn’s career officially began July 1, 1974 as a firefighter. He held

that position for 7 years, then promoted to an Engineer for the following 7 years.
He promoted to Captain in 1988. Since then, in addition to being a shift Captain,
he has held a temporary position of Division Chief in charge of Operations and
Training for approximately 15 months. Captain Blinn was offered the position
permanently, but chose to return to the ranks of Captain where he knew his true
love of the job was seated.
 Captain Blinn’s favorite position
has, and continues to be that of
Captain. He considers himself
a working foreman who enjoys
working right along side the crew.
Having come through the ranks, for
35 years he feels confident in his
abilities to teach, train and perform
in all positions.
When asked of the most
memorable event of his career,
Captain Blinn had this to share.
Spending a week on the Witch Fire
in 2007, and having the chance
to not only meet but also shake
the hand of President Bush while
in Base Camp is something that
stands out. “Keeping politics out
of it, having the President of the
United States show up was a very
memorable occasion.”
Captain Blinn’s main mentor
was one of his first Captains, John
McMullen. Captain Blinn shared
that Captain McMullen was always
a positive influence not only as a
friend, but also as a supervisor.
McMullen saw potential in Captain
Blinn and would strive to push him
in directions to make a difference
in his life and career. Unfortunately,
McMullen recently passed away
but he will always remember for his
direction.
When asked about his
motivation after 35 years on the job,
Captain Blinn said it was simple.
The love of the profession and the
enjoyment of the job is motivation
by itself. Period.
I asked Captain Blinn about the
most positive change he has seen
in the Fire Service and in Coronado
in particular and he replied it is
the concept of customer service.
Captain Blinn explained, “Years
ago you arrived on scene, did your
job and left. Now it’s much more
than that, you not only do your job
but you try and find ways to make
the situation better. I try and use the
philosophy of, if this was my Mom
or Dad how would I want them to
be helped? That translates into a
very positive and caring customer
service response.” Another area
Captain Blinn mentioned is all the
community involvement and public
education that departments have
now. “It is just amazing compared
to the start of my career.”
When questioned about the
changes he would like to see,
Captain Blinn shared with me that
it’s perhaps what we would all like to
see. Staffing and equipment levels
appropriate to meet the challenges
of increased population and density
would be some welcome changes.
Captain Blinn has two
accomplishments of which he is
extremely proud. The first is still
being here after 35 years.
The second is being a member
of the Apparatus Special Committee
responsible for bringing a truck
company back to Coronado. Most
in the fire community is aware that
Coronado recently added truck 37
to it’s fleet. Few are aware that we
also have a Mack here in Coronado
that we purchased new in 1938.
Even fewer are aware that Captain
Blinn has ridden on both pieces of
apparatus during his tenure here!
When asked about advice he
would give to anyone just starting
his/her career, Captain Blinn said
it was simple. “The fire service
has a lot of tradition and Family.
Learn from it, grow with it and stay
focused on your goals.”
In closing, Captain Blinn added
simply that he is thankful that he is
still “Living the Dream.”
EL CAJON
Fire Chief: Mike Scott Agency Editors: Jay Wojnowski - Brandon Farrelly - Eric Edwins
El Cajon Fire Department Congratulates Two On
Thirty Years of Service
Firefighter Dave Truttmann and Fire Engineer Larry McKim are pictured with Fire
Chief Mike Scott after receiving their thirty-year service awards. Both men are
hard working employees and down right good guys. We congratulate them on
their outstanding service to our community…now get out! (Just kidding, we love
you guys.) BTW, can you guess which one of these guys had a mullet in the 80’s?
Answer: Dave “The Hoff” Truttmann
HEARTLAND
Director: Chip Yarborough Agency Editor: Nikki Lewis
HEARTLAND COMMUNICATIONS PROMOTES TWO

HCFA Director Chip Yarborough announced the promotions of two

key management positions at Heartland on Friday, August 28th.
A recent reorganization at HCFA created two new positions; they
are Communications Operations Supervisor and Senior Systems
Technician.

The Senior Systems Technician is responsible for the management

of the IT Division at HCFA. Carlos Castillo was promoted to the
position of Senior Systems Technician Carlos has been with
Heartland since April 10, 2006. Prior to coming to Heartland Carlos
worked for The City of La Mesa supporting the City’s network
infrastructure and City departments. He has over eight years
experience in the government sector and over 11 years in the IT field.

Mr. Castillo has a Bachelors of Science in Information Systems from

the University of Phoenix, and is currently working on his Master’s
Degree. He is a Microsoft Certified Professional. He resides in La
Mesa and enjoys playing golf, jogging and traveling.

The Communications Operations Supervisor is responsible for

the management of the Operations Division, which includes the
Emergency Communications Center. Diane McClarty was promoted
to the position of Communications Operations Supervisor.

Diane has been with Heartland since 1990. Prior to coming to

Heartland Diane worked for the City of Turlock in their Police/Fire
Communications Center. She has been a Fire Shift Supervisor
since 2001.

Diane has been an Adjunct Instructor at Grossmont College, teaching

in the dispatch academy. Diane has also served in many different
capacities as a shift supervisor at Heartland. She lives in Lakeside,
and enjoys spending time with family.

HEARTLAND UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

WWW.HEARTLANDFIRE.NET

On Monday, August 24, 2009 HCFA unveiled their website. It can

be found at www.heartlandfire.net. The site is the first at HCFA, and
has been needed for a long time.

Still in the infant stages, the site will continue to grow with important
information for member and contract Agencies at HCFA. The Zone
4 Operations Committee will be utilizing the site to post zone policies
and procedures, and the old daily staffing report has now been
automated on the website.
HCFA welcomes any
feedback about the site and/
or the content. Please contact
cyarborough@heartlandfire.net
with comments.
IMPERIAL BEACH
Fire Chief: Frank Sotelo Agency Editor: Jason Bell
Imperial Beach Firefighter featured on
TNT’s “Wedding Day”
Last September, the lens of reality television set its focus on the City of
Imperial Beach. Following a nation wide talent search, Firefighter/Paramedic Tyra
Moe and her then fiancée, Lifeguard Sergeant Rich Hidalgo, were chosen to receive
the wedding of their dreams. The producers of “Wedding Day,” a new television
program on TNT, chose Moe and Hidalgo because they were too busy serving their
community to plan or afford their dream wedding. Their episode aired on national
television the morning of August 8, 2009
Moe stated that last summer they were contacted by a talent scout who saw
an article about her in the San Diego Union-Tribune. It was an article highlighting
the fact that she was the first female firefighter for the City of Imperial Beach and
that she was also engaged. This got the ball rolling, but it was just the beginning.
The application process included countless interviews, telephone calls and emails.
Once Moe and Hidalgo reached the final selection process, the cameras arrived at
the Station 39 the rest is history.
Now how do you surprise a couple that is supposed to be on duty that day
and tell them that they have won the wedding of there dreams? Easy, after all, this is
Hollywood. Anxiously awaiting their arrival, the apparatus room floor was filled with
their family, friends and co-workers. The “official story” was that they were going to
have a meeting with Public Safety Director, Frank Sotelo, as part of the selection
process. What they didn’t know was that in just a few short moments, they would
be filling a chartered bus with family and friends and be wisked away to Maui for a
beachfront wedding. One that was beyond anything they could have imagined. “As
we walked in front of the station, the doors started to rise. The sight of screaming,
laughing, smiling, jumping friends and family really, really shocked me,” said Moe.
Hidalgo added, “I am one that is not easily duped, so I was definitely a little out of my
element.”
Following the surprise of a lifetime, Moe and Hidalgo got to sit down with
the show’s hosts and convey to them what their vision of an ideal wedding would
be. “I sat down with a celebrity wedding designer and had a heartfelt woman to
woman conversation. I didn’t know
what they had planned for us, but at
least our friends and family would be
there,” said Moe. She also added that
it was a massive endeavor to place
such an important event in the hands
of a stranger.
It was on to the bus and off
to the airport. Accompanied with their
family and friends, Moe and Hidalgo
boarded a first class flight from Los
Angeles to Maui. They both still were
in shock. Hidalgo felt humbled when he
was watching his loved ones board the
plane for Hawaii. He still didn’t think
that it all of the day’s events had sunk
in. “This experience has been surreal.
I am totally floored at this experience,”
exclaimed Moe.
The group
arriv
arrived at the hotel in
Mau
Maui approximately
midn
midnight, local time
whic
which was 0300,
the next morning
bac
back here in San
Dieg
Diego. Exhausted,
but excited the
gro
group turned in for
the night, anxious
abo
about what the
mo
morning, and the
res
rest of the week
ha in store for
had
the
them. It was an
ea wake up call
early
fo everybody as
for
th
there was much to
ac
accomplish and
in only four days.
W
While the guests
we
were working
pre
feverishly with the preparations, Moe
surp
and Hidalgo were surprised with their
first adventure. Monday morning, they
enjoyed a stand-up paddle boarding
excursion with Dave Kalama, one
of the world’s premier watermen.
This took place on the north coast of
Maui and while they were out on the
ocean, several sea turtles and a pod
of dolphins stopped by to visit. “This
was my favorite alone moment with
Rich,” said Moe. “It was truly spiritual
to glide across the waves in such a
state of peace. And to see each other
experience this same thing and the
exact same second was magical. We
didn’t get a lot of alone time together, so
we had to make every moment count.”
Moe added that they each had escorts
around the island to make sure that certain
things were kept a surprise.
The rest of the week had the
guests creating decorations for both the
reception and ceremony. In addition to
packing in several adventures, there were
the traditional pre-wedding duties that
had to be accomplished. Moe felt totally
floored at the whole experience. However,
it all set in when she was dress shopping.
“It wasn’t dress shopping for your everyday
dress. This is for my wedding… like, MY
wedding,” exclaimed Moe!
The rehearsal dinner was set
at the Haiku Mill which was a nineteenth
century sugar mill. It was ornately decorated
with native flowers, elegant canopies and
several ice sculptures. This even included
an ice bar. Live ukulele music was played
by local musicians and they even had a
surprise from all the way back in Imperial
Beach. It was arranged so that Chief
Sotelo could be there and present them
with their 1 year anniversary gift from the
television show, a 1 week expense paid trip
to Hawaii. Now Rich and Tyra, just make
sure you get your vacation request forms
signed!
The morning of the wedding, both
Moe and Hidalgo awoke with a feeling of
excitement and anticipation of what would
lie ahead. Moe indicated that when she
stepped out of the limo she was trembling.
She also knew that the day had arrived for
her dad to pass her off and for her to begin
the next chapter in life. “I just wish that
everybody could have known how I felt. I
felt so beautiful from the inside out,” said
Moe.
The moment had arrived and
Moe and her father passed through the
gates to the awaiting ceremony. In fact,
the bamboo gates were constructed by
both Tyra and Rich’s fathers. This was
one special gift that they could give to put
a personal touch on the wedding. “It was
so important for me to help on this gate. It
is such a symbol of the transition in Tyra’s
life,” said Tyra’s father, Doug Moe.
The wedding ceremony was every
bit of what they had dreamed about. It was
held at a private oceanfront residence
about 500 feet from the reception site and
provided the absolute perfect setting with
palm trees and waves crashing in the
background. “When Tyra’s father gave his
daughter to Rich, the love that was there,
her eyes twinkling with happiness, was
so overwhelming,” said bridesman Allen
Hazelton.
Following the ceremony, the
newlyweds made their way to the
reception at the Olowalu Plantation. Their
entrance took them past a photo history
of the previous week. Various moments
were captured by photographers and
placed on a surfboard which lined the
walkway. The hanging orchid chandeliers
which the bridesmaids and bridesman
created were hung from the ceilings of
the dining cabanas. It was an evening
that kept surprising them everywhere they
turned. The gift of a surfboard, which was
artistically created by world-renown artist
Drew Brofy, was skillfully hung over the
dance floor of the reception. The artwork
on the surfboard comprised of events
that had transpired over the past week. “It
symbolized everything that was important
to us, said Moe. Additionally, Brofy included
a portrait of the Hidalgo’s dog, Seppo. This
surfboard currently hangs in their house. To
top it off, 2 time Grammy nominated artist
Riya Taya Helm performed “The Traditional
Hawaiian Wedding Song” for Rich and Tyra’s
first dance as husband and wife. “Riya Taya
singing the Traditional Hawaiian Wedding
Song for Tyra and I, at our wedding, for our
first dance was unimaginable. It was one
of the most beautiful moments, I’ve ever
had,” said Hidalgo.
Following the wedding it was
back to work keeping the public safe for
both Mr. and Mrs. Hidalgo. This was an
experience that superceded anything
they could have imagined and are greatly
appreciative that they were selected to
have the wedding of their dreams.
Name: Mark A. Cisneros
Agency: Imperial Beach Fire Department
Current Rank or Position: Fire Captain
How long have you been in this field of work?
Twenty-five years, eight months, seven days, and this morning.
Trash man, so I could work-out and build big arms…. They use to lift
the trash cans by hand in the OLD DAYS. Both jobs provided plenty
of trash to last a career. The Job search person said the City wasn’t
hiring for that position, but San Diego was starting a Fire Academy.
I waited in line to sign–up for the academy for nine days; some
people waited twelve days…. In January 1983, I was three days
past my nineteenth birthday and in the academy. I was working as
a Fireman for I.B. by twenty.

How long have you been with your current employer? When not at work I like to?
Twenty-four years, nine months, seven days and this morning. Work, I like getting paid to be an EMT from other people and make
more money to use at Barona. I never lose money… I know exact
What town and state were you born in? Los Angeles, CA. which slot machine I put it in.

What do you consider to be your hometown? What are some things you always wanted to try?
The Cajon Zone, since 1977 to 2008 Travel, Enjoy life, and have enough money to never have to ask the
price of anything.
What High School did you attend? Granite Hills High School
List a call, incident, or patient that stands out in
Class of? 1982 your mind?
With the month, I was at the station late, off duty,
List some of your other educational and a woman knocked on the kitchen window to
accomplishments? get my attention. She said she wanted to give up
Fireman of the year – 2007 1st year for IBFD, / Fire her two hour old baby to the fire station. It was
Officer Cert., / EMT before D&C in 1983, / CERT my first experience with the Save Surrender
Instructor- when it was COOL? / DMV Employee-Driver Baby Program and it will stay with me for the
Certifier / San Diego’s 6th Basic Fire Academy-1983, rest of my life….. I haven’t had the joy of an
California Department of Forestry 6-day Wildland infant of my own and probably never will so
Academy-1983, / High school graduate 1983, / there’s emptiness in my life….. Love your kids,
Greenfield Middle School-1978, / and Pre-School to and see them with the loving eyes that you had
6th grade in the Los Angeles public education system when you first laid eyes on them.
where I learned to play a mean Violin in the heart of
East LA. Ten years from I would like to be?
Enjoying my 3% @ 50 for five years and
Tell us something about your family? three month and tell stories of how it was
They died too soon! Mom in 1990-I was 26 when I was a kid.
years old, Dad in 1993- I was 29, 1st
brother in 2000- I was 36, and my This is your opportunity to tell
oldest brother in 2003- I was 39 years us something unique about
old……I miss them so much, but if yourself?
they had to go, I’m thankful to be I love the LORD and feel
last…. I did meet a lady that we are here in this
(Renee Marshall) with two moment for a purpose…
daughters in 1995, and HIS purpose and to HIM
have been engaged for we are just a TOOL.
fourteen years, raising the Don’t think so highly
kids from five years old of yourself, that you
to nineteen (Heather won’t reach out to
Marshall) and eleven everyone in need.
years old to twenty-five Our best day is
(Trisha Marshall) I love usually someone’s
them with all my heart. worst nightmare.

How did you get What do you

interested in this perceive as some
career? of the challenges
I was looking for affecting your
a career out of profession?
high school Remembering why you
and thought of wanted to be a firefighter,
being a Cop, and living it on and off
but I was too duty.
young to carry
a gun…. Then I
wanted to be a
Name: Phil A. Joseph looking).

Agency: Imperial Beach Fire Department When not at work I like to?
SURF ; play with my dog ACE
Current Rank or Position: Engineer for 22 years.

What do you consider to be your hometown? What are some things you always wanted to try?
Encinitas, CA Get rich!

How long have you been in this field of work? List a call, incident, or patient that stands out in your
27yrs. mind?
A lady had her hand down the garbage disposal and
How long have you been with your current employer? couldn’t remove it even with soap and butter. So Ernie
25yr reaches for the switch like he was going to turn on the
disposal and she pulled her hand right out of there
What town and state were you born in? in 2 seconds.
Lafayette Indiana; Hoosier Daddy?
Ten years from I would like to be?
What do you consider to be your Traveling the world.
hometown?
San Diego This is your opportunity to tell us
something unique about yourself?
What High School did you attend? I wanted to either be a roller derby star
Torrance High; Tartars or a garbage man when I grew up.

Class of? 1978 What do you perceive as some of the

challenges affecting your profession?
List some of your other educational The quality of calls is way down ;people
accomplishments? Three degrees in fire call 911 for problems that do not
science. require an ambulance .

Tell us something about your

family?
Married 24 yrs with 2 kids in
college.

How did you get

interested in this
career?
Looking for something
exciting (still
Name: Jason Bell Ten years from now, I would like to be?
The owner of a very successful vineyard. “Hey Jason,
Agency: Imperial Beach Fire Department wake up!”

Current Rank or Position: Firefighter/Paramedic
How long have you been in this field of work? 11 years.
How long have you been with your current employer?
6.5 years.
What town and state were you born in? San Diego, CA
What do you consider to be your hometown?
Oceanside, CA
This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
about yourself?
I have been to the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich as well
as the one in Vegas.
What do you perceive as some of the challenges
affecting your profession?
Providing the same level of service to the public with less
revenues. Consolidation may be the answer, but it will take
a concerted effort by all agencies, not just a handful.

What High School did you attend?

Vista HS

Class of? 1996

List some of your other educational

accomplishments?
I am currently finishing up my BS degree in
Fire Science Administration.

Tell us something about your family?

I am getting married Labor Day weekend.

How did you get interested in this career?

What little kid didn’t want to be a fireman after
watching Johnny and Roy?

When not at work I like to?

Attend Padres’ games, despite
their record.

What are some things you

always wanted to try?
Skydiving and scuba diving.

List a call, incident, or

patient that stands out
in your mind?
My crew and I were
involved in the
successful rescue of 3
teenagers who jumped
off the pier in the middle
of winter with high surf
and water temps in
the upper 50s. One
of the teenagers who
was rescued later
became one of our
Jr. Lifeguards.
Name: Patrick Spears
Agency: Imperial Beach Fire Department
Current Rank or Position:
Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic
How long have you been in this field of work? 3 years
How long have you been with your current employer?
9 Months
What town and state were you born in?
Newport Beach, CA
Ten years from I would like to be?
An engineer.
This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
about yourself?
I got into the profession a little later in life than most. Only as
old as you feel.
What do you perceive as some of the challenges affecting
your profession?
Funding shortages: leading to agencies not getting paid for
strike teams which lead to less units being dispatched…

What do you consider to be your

hometown?
Tustin, CA

What High School did you attend?

Foothill High

Class of? 1988

List some of your other educational

accomplishments?
Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from
SDSU

Tell us something about your family?

Father is a Police Officer and Mother a
Nurse, sister a teacher.

How did you get interested in

this career?
Found my passion.

When not at work I like to?

Surf, beach volleyball and be
with wife and son.

What are some things

you always wanted to
try?
Skydiving, scuba, hike
John Muir Trail, own a
Jeep.

List a call, incident,

or patient that
stands out in your
mind? Structure fire
yesterday morning.
First on scene with
the nozzle, booya!
LA MESA
Fire Chief: Dave Burk Agency Editor: Scott Springett
New Truck in La Mesa
by Sonny Saghera, PIO

The City of La Mesa is the proud new owner of a brand new 2009 Pierce Quantum
100’ Aerial Platform Ladder Truck. In early September, the Pierce Quantum will
go into service as Truck 11. The truck will be replacing our 1987 LTI 100’ aerial.
It will be stationed at La Mesa Fire Station 11 on Allison Avenue.

The Pierce features a 100’ aerial basket. It is 12’6” in height and has an overall
length of 47’3”. It weighs 75, 800 lbs. It is powered by a Detroit Diesel Series
60 engine that produces 515 HP with a top speed of 59 mph. Aside from the
technological advances our new truck offers, the main difference between the
2009 Pierce and our 1987 LTI is the new truck does not have a water tank or
pump. This allows for more compartment space for specialized equipment. The
2009 Pierce also features a 2000 GPM nozzle at the top of the ladder.

The ladder truck will also be carrying ground ladders including: (2) 35’ extension
ladders, (1) 28’ extension ladder, (1) 20’ straight ladder, (1) 16’ roof ladder, and (1)
14’ attic ladder. It is a closed cab with seating for four firefighters, and features air
bags, anti-roll protection, and a rear back-up and side blind spot camera. It will
also carry new Holmatro extrication equipment.

A special thanks to our apparatus committee: Division Chief Mike Carlin, Captain
Todd Nelson, Engineer Howard Gunter, Engineer Chip Tidball, and Engineer
Brent Baum for their numerous trips to Appleton, Wisconsin and their hard work
over the past two years on getting us this truck.
LAKESIDE
Fire Chief: Mark Baker Agency Editor: Chuck Palmore

Lakeside Firefighters Update Low-Angle Skills

Over time the Lakeside Fire Production District has been working on better, and
faster, ways to get crews into inaccessible areas. The community of Lakeside is
surrounded by roadways that present significant “over the side” problems, and on
more than one occasion crews have faced access issues in excess of 200 feet.

Over time equipment purchased have been made to speed the process of getting
crews down to these victims. Included in these purchases was a set of 500’ ropes,
and commercial “low angle harnesses” that have significantly improved speed
and accessability.

For the August Field Care Audit, Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm used the
opportunity to review these essential skills. Problematic to most technical rescue
program is “recent training”. Over time skills degrade, or an array of different
methodology is introduced, thus slowing rescue operations.

The core purpose of the August training was to assure that crews were utilizing

Firefighter-Paramedics Josh Wilson, Matt Buzzell,
and Bryan Peters practice patient lashing.
similar skill sets that so crews could
effectively work together effectively
no matter the configuration of
personnel.
One operation decision that is
important that the priority placement
at the scene goes to R3. The rescue
unit was specifically ordered with
high anchoring points to facilitate
low-angle rescues, thus it’s important
to get the unit right above the patients
location.
Also to speed operations much of the
equipment has been pre-assembled
so that its ready to go when pulled
from the bag.
The operational priorities of the
Lakeside system is:
• Division of labor to speed crews
departure to victims.
• Priority to getting ALS personnel
to victims.
• Effective development of
mechanical advantage.
• Quick removal of the patient.
Another important discussion
was about “risk vs. benefit” when
using helicopters for these types of
rescues. “There is no such thing as
a totally risk free hoist operation, so
you really need to have a reason to
use this method” stated Firefighter
Stamm. Patient status should dictate
the system used for the extrication,
keeping in mind that “nothing happens
fast with rope systems”
Congratulation Joe and
Christine
Congratulations to Joe Vasquez and
his beautiful bride, Christine. They
exchanged vows on May 15th in front
of many friends and family. We wish
for our brother and his new wife many
years of happiness and joy
Congratulations Chris and Emily

On August 1st Chris Downing and his

lovely new wife Emily, tied the knot in
Mammoth Lakes CA. They promise a
huge party closer to home real soon for
all of us to help them celebrate (hint).
Good luck and best wishes from your
Lakeside family.
Name: Chuck Tockstein
Agency: Lakeside Fire Protection District
Current Rank or Position: Battalion Chief
How long have you been in this field of work?
25 years
List a call, incident, or patient that stands out in your
mind?
There are a whole bunch, the Cedar Fire, participating
in the Space Shuttle recovery, responding to Hurricane
Katrina, but the two that stand out the most are probably the
Santana shootings and the electrocution that Ron Laff and
myself responded to as paramedics at the Lake Jennings
SDG&E sub-station years ago.

How long have you been with your current employer?
22 years
What town and state were you born in? La Mesa, Ca.
What do you consider to be your hometown?
Lakeside
What High School did you attend?
El Capitan H.S.
Class of? 1981
List some of your other educational
accomplishments?
My favorite was the two weeks that I spent
at the National Fire Academy.
Tell us something about your family?
I have a fantastic wife and three daughters
that I am very proud of.
Ten years from I would like to be?
Retired and traveling around the Country and generally
bugging my daughters.
This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
about yourself?
I am very boring and according to an old cranky
and crusty Engineer that used to drive for me I
have no personality or sense of humor.
What do you perceive as some of the
challenges affecting your profession?
The fiscal challenge of providing the
taxpayer with the service they deserve
while our revenues decrease. The
challenge of recruiting, training and
retaining the type of individual that we
want to represent my organization
and the Fire Service in
general.

How did you get interested in

this career?
My father was a firefighter for
the City of Santee.

When not at work I like

to?
Work around the
house, BBQ for family
and friends and take
vacations.

What are some

things you
always wanted
to try:
Going to
Australia to fight
fires.
Name: Scott Culkin
Agency: Lakeside Fire Department
Current Rank or Position:: Captain / Paramedic
high-gear! It was also an affirmation of the exemplary
auto-aid system we rely on here in Heartland; truck 4,
engine 4, engine 19, engine 8 definitely had Lakeside’s
back on this one! Heartland firefighters saved a ton of
property that morning.

How long have you been in this field of work?: 22 years
How long have you been with your current employer?
21 years
What town and state were you born in?
San Diego, CA
Ten years from I would like to be?
Pondering retirement from the fire SUV.
This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
about yourself?
I am really good at getting a “letter to the editor” printed in
the newspaper!

What do you consider to be your hometown?
Lakeside, CA
What High School did you attend?
El Capitan
Class of ? 1978
Tell us something about your family?
I have an awesome wife (Julie) and two
terrific children, Colin (12) and Hannah (10).
What do you perceive as some of the
challenges affecting your profession?
The continuing assault by some on the
“public employee.” We can not let others
define our worth to society. If we do, we
risk losing the hard-fought and well-
deserved benefits it took us so long to
attain.

How did you get interested in this career?

I’ve been around the fire service for most of
my life. My father was a Lakeside firefighter
for 27 years, retiring as fire chief in 1992.
I consider it an honor to follow in his
footsteps with one of the best fire
departments in the county.

When not at work I like to?

Travel, teach, road bike, hang
with the family.

List a call, incident, or

patient that stands out
in your mind?
In May 2006, 0300
hrs. first-in on a well-
involved structure fire in
middle unit of two-story
occupied condominium
complex. It was amazing
to see what well-trained
and highly motivated
firefighters can do
when they kick it into
Name: Ian Lowe
Agency: Lakeside
Current Rank or Position: Chauffer/Paramedic
How long have you been in this field of work? 11 years
When not at work I like to?
Apparently make babies and change diapers. Other than
that I try to squeeze in a surf session and an occasional
desert trip to ride motorcycles.
What are some things you always wanted to try?
Learning to play the drums.

How long have you been with your current employer? Ten years from I would like to be?
Almost 9 years. Hopefully promoted to Captain.

What town and state were you born in? This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
San Diego about yourself? Deep down inside I have always
wanted to be a player in the NBA. They have always
What do you consider to be your hometown? told me I don’t have what it takes, I have no clue why
Mira Mesa someone would say such a thing.

What High School did you attend? What do you perceive as some of the
Scripps Ranch High School challenges affecting your profession?
Getting those that are maxed out to retire.
Class of ? 1997

List some of your other educational

accomplishments?
Associates in Fire protection Tech,
ParaMedic School, Fire Officer Cert

Tell us something about your family?

Married to the lovely and talented Anna
Lowe with two kids. My daughter Avery
is 2 and my son Owen is 1. I also have
a Bullmastiff and her name is Frances.
She is 4 in case you were curious.

How did you get interested in

this career?
After high school I did not
know what to do with
myself since I really
had no special skills
to speak of, so I took
advice from a friend to
pursue a career in the
fire service. Seemed
pretty neat at the time
since professional
Partier was not
paying the bills. Now
here I am driving a fire
truck for a living. I
guess it worked out
pretty well.
Name: Steve Russo
What are some things you always wanted to try?
Agency: Lakeside Riding on a Fire Engine.

Current Rank or Position: Firefighter/Paramedic
How long have you been in this field of work? 14 years
How long have you been with your current employer?
8 years
What town and state were you born in?
Los Angeles, CA
What do you consider to be your hometown?
San Diego
List a call, incident, or patient that stands out in
your mind?
There is way too many to think of. For some reason I
attract ALL the strange calls, see Brian Moore.
Ten years from I would like to be?
Off the medic unit.
This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
about yourself?
I played Drums in a Disco band and a few
Death Metal Bands.

What High School did you attend? What do you perceive as some
Mount Miguel of the challenges affecting your
profession?
Class of ? 89’ 911 ABUSE!!

List some of your other educational

accomplishments?
Medic school took it all out of me.

Tell us something about your family?

I have a wonderful wife of 18 years and 2
“children”, Daughter 19 and a Son 17. Yes, I am
that old.

How did you get interested in

this career?
Watching Johnny and Roy

When not at work I like to?

Not at work??? Huge music
fan, going to concerts,
writing and recording
music, Glamis or anyplace
there is sand to play
in, Traveling, and just
spending time with my
family........Believe it or
not, I do go home.
Name: Nathan Fox What are some things you always wanted to try?
Catfish Noodling.
Agency: Lakeside
List a call, incident, or patient that stands out in your
Current Rank or Position: Firefighter mind?
This one time I got to drive the medic unit code 3 to Sharp
How long have you been in this field of work? Memorial like a real medic. The other specific call that
15 years stands out in my head is the Cedar Fire.

How long have you been with your current employer? Ten years from I would like to be?
7 years Hopefully promoted and getting ready to retire healthy.

What town and state were you born in? This is your opportunity to tell us something unique
La Verne about yourself?
I love lamp…
What do you consider to be your hometown?
La Verne What do you perceive as some of the
challenges affecting your profession?
What High School did you attend? La Paramedics
Verne High

Class of ? 1992

List some of your other educational

accomplishments?
Rescue systems 1 and 2, some fire science
and fire officer courses.

Tell us something about your family?

Married one year with 2 dogs. A rat terrier and
a doberman.

How did you get interested in this

career?
Couldn’t cut it as a professional
snow-boarder because I was too
old and slow. This seemed like
the next best thing.

When not at work I like to?

Plan out how I am
going to finish all of
the prerequisites for
paramedic school.
Name: Brian Moore What are some things you always wanted to try?
Doing a VIP ride with the United States Navy Blue Angels.
Agency: Lakeside Fire

Current Rank or Position:
Firefighter/Paramedic (mostly a Paramedic)
How long have you been in this field of work?
8 years.
How long have you been with your current employer?
5 years
What town and state were you born in? Lakeside CA
List a call, incident, or patient that stands out in your
mind?
I was working with my partner Steve Russo on M3 when
we got woke up for a structure fire. It was a really good
working house fire and we had a great interior attack.
When we were mopping up, the crews found dura-flame
logs and full gas cans all over the house. The bath tub
was full of gasoline, an obvious arson fire. It was not until
3 hours later that Sheriffs found a man in a tiny tool shed in
the back yard bleeding with agonal respirations.

What do you consider to be your hometown? Ten years from I would like to be?
I live in Alpine but my heart will always belong A captain. The truth is that Steve and I will
to Lakeside. probably be on an off load delay at Kaiser.

What High School did you attend? This is your opportunity to tell us
Granite Hills something unique about yourself?
I still kind of want to be a cop sometimes.
Class of? 1999
What do you perceive as some of the
List some of your other educational challenges affecting your profession?
accomplishments? Paramedic school Budget crunches, and in service training
was all I could handle. with the constant call volume increase.

Tell us something about your family?

Great parents, 1 sister who has 2 beautiful
children. I have a wonderful girlfriend.

How did you get interested in this

career?
I always wanted to be a police officer
or fireman. I was a Cadet for ECPD
when I was 18-20 years old. I got
to see the way cops and firemen
get treated by the public. It was
an easy decision to make. I also
really enjoy the medical side,
so that made the decision even
easier.

When not at work I like to?

Fish for Calico bass in the kelp,
in the winter its Spotted bay bass
in the bays. I also enjoy spending
time with my family.
NATIONAL CITY
Fire Chief: Roderick Juniel Agency Editor:
National City takes Delivery of a New Truck
Story By: Captain Don Miner

The National City Fire Department took delivery of their new state of the art 2009
Pierce 105 ft aerial quint. This particular apparatus was on display at the recent
Firehouse Exhibition in Indianapolis. National City applied for and was awarded
with a grant for a new apparatus purchase. Management analyst Walter Amedee
wrote the grant and an apparatus committee comprised of Captain Brian Krepps,
Engineer Jeremy Day and Firefighter Mike Christiansen did the research and
recommended this truck. The grant offset the cost of the apparatus by about 25%
of the total cost. This apparatus makes the third Pierce purchased by the National
City Fire Fire department in the last 5 years.

Even in these difficult economic times, the Fire Department and City Government
realized that it was time to replace the aging and heavily used Central States 75
ft quint aerial truck. The additional factor in the purchase was the high rise growth
of the city and the need for an aerial apparatus with greater reach capabilities.
Behind the City of San Diego, National City has the highest number of high rise
buildings in the county and more are planned. National City provides automatic
aid with truck 34 to the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Bonita and Coronado.
SAN MIGUEL
Fire Chief: August Ghio Agency Editors: Leonard Villarreal - Kevin Clark - Nick Williams
New Arrivals at San Miguel Fire

Congratulation to
the Durrell and
Rhodes family on
their new arrivals

Bailey Grace
Rhodes was
born on Sunday,
June 28, 2009 at
12:04pm at Kaiser
Foundation
Hospital in San
Diego, CA.
She weighed 7
pounds 8 ounces
and measured
20 inches long.
Pictured with
her is proud big
sister Avery.

Broc Daniel Durrell

3/17/09 at 1:35 AM
8lb 7oz
21.25” long
 CLARK FAMILY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!
On August 13, 2009 my family and
I received a disturbing phone call.
We were being advised by my wife
Sue’s Dad that our 7 year old nephew
Ridgway Miller was just diagnosed with
a very aggressive form of Leukemia.
Ridgway had been experiencing flu-like
symptoms about two weeks prior to the
diagnosis. Ridgway’s mother Sherie
noticed he was not getting any better
and chose a second opinion. Based
on that second opinion and blood tests,
it was determined that Ridgway had
Leukemia.
By that afternoon, Ridgway had been
admitted to Cincinnati Children’s
Hospital, since they live in Ohio. The
next day the doctors began aggressive
chemotherapy which will continue for
at least 30 days in the hospital. The
doctors also predict over three years
of ongoing treatment at home. As of
now, Ridgway is well on his way in his
chemo treatment arena. It will take
some time to determine the outcome of
this first round.
With that being said, we are not sure of
the chance or need for a bone marrow
transplant. However, as we Firefighters
like to say, it’s better to be proactive
than reactive so here is something
you can do. If your schedule allows,
on Saturday, September 19, 2009
we have put together a Bone Marrow
TESTING DRIVE for RIDGWAY
September 19th, 9AM to 3PM
San Miguel Fire Station #19
1273 Clarendon St
El Cajon, CA
“Behind the Vons”
Drive in Ridgway’s name. We will hold can stop by your local San Diego Blood
it here at San Miguel Fire Station 19 Bank and get tested in Ridgway’s name
(Bostonia) from 09:00-3:00 p.m. This as well. My family and I thank you in
is a very non invasive test. advance and appreciate the support
shown to us already by so many.
At the end of this publication is additional
information. The quick version is just Prayers always welcome,
a swab from your cheek with a Q-tip
and filling out some minor paperwork.
No blood, no needles or sticks. Just Kevin M. Clark
a simple swab in your mouth. You will Fire Captain San Miguel F.D Station 19
then be placed in the National Registry B-Div
to see if you are in fact a match for kclark@smgfire.org or 619-992-6589
Ridgway or any other victim of this
horrible disease.
As a brother in the fire service, I so
appreciate how we all step up to the
plate for one another. I hope and
pray you can please find the time
to help out our family. We are
used to hearing we save lives
each and every day. This
is just another great way
to accomplish that same
task. I appreciate your time
and consideration in this
matter. If you can’t make it
on September 19, maybe you
 Fire Safety
Free Food
Fun Zone
Rescue Demos
Free Raffle
Live Music
and More

San Miguel Fire District’s

4th Annual ~ Fire Expo
Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rancho San Diego Towne Center & YMCA
SANTEE
Fire Chief: Mike Rottenberg Agency Editor: Rick Williams

T he Santee Firefighters Catfish Derby was held on June 13th 2009 at Santee
Lakes. This event was free to kids aged 3 to 17 years. Lakes 3 and 4 were
double stocked with catfish 2 days prior to the event and the rangers kept everybody
off the lake until the start of the derby. Within the first hour we had multiple kids
limiting all 5 cats. Participants received a free Santee Lakes Fishing permit, a free
raffle ticket, free bait, a free hot dog lunch and a chance at the prizes for best fishing.
Lakeside optimist club provided 150 free loaner rods for the kids that did not have
their own gear. The largest cat weighed
2.13 oz and the smallest was less than
1 0z. Hundreds of fish were caught in
the first 2 hours. 550 kids registered for
the event.

New Medic Units

CSA-69 residents will see two new
medic units running out of Santee
these days, with the replacement of
both M4 and M5. Both units’ are F450,
XLT, Super Duty chassis’ sporting 6.4L
/ V8 Power Stroke, Turbo Diesel power
units. M4 is all new, while M5 is an
existing CSA box on the new chassis.
Super Duty means Super Power,
Awhhhhh!! Oh ya!!!!
 11th Annual
Santee Pancake
Breakfast
Friday, November 6th &
Saturday, November 7th
7:00am to 10:30am

HAVE BREAKFAST AT
THE FIRE STATION!

HOSTED AT: SANTEE FIRE STATION #4

8950 COTTONWOOD
(Corner of Mission Gorge & Cottonwood)

SPONSORED BY: YOUR SANTEE FIREFIGHTERS &

YOUR SAN DIEGO SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

*ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED

ADULTS: $4.00
SENIORS 65+ : $3.00
CHILDREN UNDER 10 : $3.00

BREAKFAST INCLUDES: PANCAKES, EGGS, SAUSAGE, COFFEE AND JUICE

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR OR BY CALLING:

THE SANTEE FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 4373 AT 619-456-2340 OR
THE SHERIFF’S CRIME PREVENTION UNIT AT: 619-956-4021
VIEJAS
Fire Chief: Don Butz Agency Editor: Ray Trussell

V iejas crews have been participating in regular inter-agency training with other
local agencies. Units from Viejas, Alpine, Forest Service, and Cal Fire have
attended the training sessions, which this past month have included low-angle-
rescue training. Held at the view point off of Interstate 8 just east of East Willows,
the training reinforces the systems and methods used to rescue victims that
may be located down inclines that are too steep to safely traverse without ropes
and harnesses. The location is perfect for simulating the frequent ‘over-the-side’
vehicle accidents that occur along the interstate. In fact, as luck would have it,
a couple of hours after clearing from the training, Viejas B Dvision responded in
Engine 25 with Forest Service and Cal Fire units to an over-the-side rescue off
of Interstate 8 in Pine Valley. There, they employed the same set up and rigging
they had just practiced to rescue a victim from a car accident that went off the
side of the road into a steep canyon. The victim was quickly retrieved, stabilized
at scene, and transported to a trauma center for care.
 Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic
Scott Sandland just completed his four
month probationary exam. Scott is
already readying for his 8-month exam,
which will be doubly stressful because
he and his wife Colleen are expecting
their first child at about the same time
in January. We wish Mrs. Sandland
health for both her and the soon-to-
arrive baby!

Viejas Fire Brush-225, a Type 6 staffed

with five personnel, was sent to the
West Incident in the Sierra National
Forest as a single use resource. As of
this writing the rig is still assigned to the
incident.

VJS FF/PM Jeremy Felber in gear ready to go.

Scott Sandland taking his probationary test with Capt. Frank Battaglia.
 Training, Field Care Audits, Events
CALENDAR September
11

11
0830-1130

1315-1615
FCA
El Cajon Fire Department
Station #9
FCA
Santee Fire Department
Station #4
16 0830-1130 FCA
El Cajon Fire Department
Station #9
16 1315-1615 FCA
Santee Fire Department
Station #4
16 0830-1130 FCA
Lakeside Fire Protection District
Station #3
19 0900-1500 Testing for Ridgway
San Miguel Station #19
1273 Clarendon St
El Cajon
Behind the Von’s. You can park in the Von’s parking lot.
21 0830-1130 FCA
Lakeside Fire Protection District
Station #3
22 0830-1130 FCA
Lakeside Fire Protection District
Station #3
23 0900-1200 FCA
Alpine Fire Protection District
Station #17
18 1315-1615 FCA
Santee Fire Department
Station #4
October
25 0900-1200 FCA
12 0900-1200 Barona
FCA Fire Department
Station #27
Lakeside Fire Protection District
Station #3
16 0900-1200 FCA
Barona Fire Department
Station #27
19 0900-1200 FCA
Viejas Fire Department
Station #25
21 0830-1130 FCA
El Cajon Fire Department
Station #6
21 1315-1615 FCA
Santee Fire Department
Station #4
27 0830-1130 FCA
El Cajon Fire Department
Station #6
27 1315-1615 FCA
Santee Fire Department
Station #4
28 0830-1130 FCA
El Cajon Fire Department
Station #6
28 1315-1615 FCA
Santee Fire Department
Station #4
29 0900-1200 FCA
Lakeside Fire Protection District
Station #3
29 0900-1200 FCA
Lakeside Fire Protection District
Station #3
 Training, Field Care Audits, Events
CALENDAR October
30 0900-1200 FCA
Lakeside Fire District
Station #3
30 0900-1200 FCA
Lakeside Fire District
Station #3
 Firefighter to Firefighter Sales and Services (Contact your Agency Editor for Details)
CLASSIFIED Sand Toy

2005- Sandcars.net V3SS Car is loaded with extras and has been meticulously
maintained. Car is equipped with a 500 h.p LS1 Corvette motor V8. Oil changed
after every single trip. 2D mendeola Trans recently gone through With a G-50 up-
grade. 930 CV’s with midboard hubs. Power Steering. 4 wheel disk brakes, King
Bypass shocks all the way
around. Bead locks on all
4 rims. 5 point padded
crow belts in all 4 seats.
V.H.F Off road radio with
30 programmed channels.
4 head sets with noise
cancellation. MP3 ada-
tion through the head sets.
Back up light 2 LED dome
lights, 12V electrical pow-
er port in dash. Roof and
side panesl lined to match
the 4 deep elite bucket
seats from racecraft with
storage pouches. Wing
Trunk, fantasitc graph-
ics. Rear tire 16.50 Sand
Tires Unlimited. Light Bar that is collapsible with 4 eagle HID’s. More pics upon
request. Call Kevin Clark 619-992-6589 or kevmclark@cox.net Asking $52,000 or
best. Maint records also avail.

Ford F150 Truck

2000 Ford F150 XLT, Extra Cab, 5.4L Triton V8

4X4, Automatic, 114,000 miles, Full Power
A/C, Single Disc CD, Tow Package, Looks and Runs Great.
One Owner - Call Rick @ (619) 806-1537
 Firefighter to Firefighter Sales and Services (Contact your Agency Editor for Details)
CLASSIFIED IT’S FINALLY DONE!

Those of you that know me know I have been working on a small development along
the Colorado River near Walters Camp. After 10 plus years, it is finally done! Many
of you asked me to let you know when lots could be purchased so I am trying to get
the word out now. This project is a gated development with finished lots and all utili-
ties in. It is on the main channel of the river and the area is completely surrounded
by BLM land and Wildlife Refuges. We have our own boat ramp and a huge area for
hardcore jeeping and off roading. This is a great family area of the river and I will do
what it takes to get you a lot if you are interested. Visit my website at
www.riodelsol.us or call Doug Naylor (ACP ret) at 619-933-701
 BONE MARROW DRIVE INFORMATION

COST – IT’S FREE!

Signing up on the National Marrow Registry is easier than ever. Typically there is a
charge associated with joining the National Marrow Donor Registry. If the drive is
not sponsored by a company or organization (and therefore the company pays for
the testing) the cost to the donor to sign up on the registry is $52. However, the
San Diego office has a private foundation that has been set up to cover these costs
for San Diego (and surrounding areas) residents so they may sign up free of
charge! This is a huge benefit both to those wishing to sign up as well as the
National Marrow Program – especially during these hard economic times.

HOW IT’S DONE

To sign up on the Registry, all donors have to do is fill out a registration form that
covers the following information: 1) Donor’s contact information; 2) Secondary
Contact information – this is just in case they move and forget to let the NMDP
know, someone we can contact to find them and 3) Personal Health History. Then
we go over the form with them to make sure everything is accurate and take a
simple cheek swab to get their tissue sample. No blood has to be drawn, just 4
simple cheek swabs. Easy, huh?

DAY OF DRIVE NEEDS – based loosely on expecting no more than 50

donors to join

Now, our basic needs to hold a drive are 2-3 tables 6-8 ft long and 10-12 chairs.
We will bring all the registration materials with us. We can be set up outside or
inside, depending on the location. If we’ll be holding a drive outside, we’ll need a
canopy to set up to provide some shade. If you don’t have a canopy or can’t
provide the day of the drive, let me know and I’ll see if we can get one on our end
for that day.

PROMOTION

If we move forward with holding a drive, I will create flyers that can be used to post
up at the office for employees to see as well as handed out as you see fit. We do
customize flyers based on details for each drive (i.e. a specific patient focus,
location, etc).
EDUCATION

I have noticed with my drives in the past that the more education I am able to
provide those that we’re trying to reach, the better my chance of having them sign
up on the registry on the day of the drive. We use a couple different methods of
educating people to the registry:

1. Education Sessions: I can do a 1-hour presentation with a video

and more complete information on the program and how it works. We
can do this session prior to your drive – that way the day of, we’re
more likely get people to stop by and possibly join. This is a GREAT
way to educate people to the registry and get them involved. I would
highly recommend this.

2. If you believe everyone is pretty well informed or if you don’t think

the above would work for you, I have attached some educational
sheets that provide some good information on why we need additional
donors on the registry. These sheets can be emailed out to your
employees or I’ve also had people print them out and post them
throughout buildings and whatnot. I’m attaching some that I think
would be beneficial. Details on the sheets below.

x Myths vs Facts – this is a great sheet that answers some of the questions
people have and are afraid to voice – I always have this one at all my drives
because these are common questions that help to dispel rumors about what
donating bone marrow or stem cells is like.
x Vital Stats – this is a GREAT information sheet that puts the importance of
the program in perspective. Even with 7 million people on the registry – we
still have 6000 patients every day, Nationwide, that are searching for a
match. What’s even more startling is the breakdown of race on the registry
and how that affects those that need transplants.
x Steps of Donation – Now, this is what most people want to know. If I get
selected as a match, how are they going to take the marrow or adult stem
cells? This sheet answers that question.

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify to be a marrow or blood stem cell donor, you:

- Are between the ages of 18 and 60

- Are within 20% of the ideal weight for your height and age set by the NMDP
- Are willing to donate to anyone who needs a transplant
ASK ME!

I know this is a lot of information to take in, so take some time, read it over and
discuss it with friends and colleagues. The sky is the limit… we can do as much as
you’re willing to do.

Thanks so much and I hope we can make this happen!

Melinda Jacobs
Account Marketing Manager

440 Upas Street

San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 400-8209
Cell: (619) 666-7890
Fax: (619) 296-5271
mjacobs@sandiegobloodbank.org
www.sandiegobloodbank.org
Just the FACTS:
Commonly held
misperceptions about
marrow donation can
discourage some from
joining the Registry. Let
us set the record straight.
MYTHS VERSUS FACTS
MYTH: Marrow donation is painful.
FACT: Donors experience no pain during marrow donation, as this procedure
uses general or regional anesthesia.
MYTH: All marrow donations involve surgery.
FACT: Some donations involve surgery and some do not. The patient’s doctor
requests either a marrow donation, a surgical procedure, or a peripheral blood
stem cells (PBSC) donation, which is non-surgical.
MYTH: Pieces of bone are removed from the donor.
FACT: No pieces of bone are removed in marrow donation. Only the liquid
marrow found inside the bones is needed to save the patient’s life.
MYTH: Donating marrow is dangerous and weakens
the donor.
FACT: Though no medical procedure is without risk, there are rarely any long-
term effects from donating marrow. The National Marrow Donor Program®
(NMDP) screens all donors carefully before they donate, to ensure they are healthy
and the procedure is safe for them. After donation, the body replaces its marrow
within four to six weeks.
MYTH: Marrow donation involves a lengthy recovery.
FACT: Most donors are back to their normal routine within a few days. Marrow
donors can expect to feel some soreness in their lower back for several days or
longer. They may also feel tired or experience discomfort walking for a short while
before symptoms disappear. PBSC donors may have symptoms such as headache,
bone or muscle pain, nausea, insomnia or fatigue. These symptoms disappear
shortly after donating.
MYTH: Donors have to pay for costs associated
with donation.
FACT: Donors never pay for donating. All medical costs are covered by the
patient’s medical insurance, sometimes with NMDP assistance. Donors are also
reimbursed for travel expenses.
Creating Connections. Saving Lives.
MARROWORG s 1 (800) MARROW-2
National Marrow Donor Program: Entrusted to operate the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program
©2007 National Marrow Donor Program 11021; NOV 2007
 Just the FACTS:
VITAL STATISTICS
You Every year, more than 10,000 men, women and children get life-threatening diseases such as

can leukemia and lymphoma, and do not have a marrow donor in their family. To live, they need
to find an unrelated marrow donor whose tissue type matches their own. Patients are most
likely to match donors of their same race and ethnicity.
help! Be the one to give hope to patients in need.
There are simply not enough racially or ethnically diverse members on the National Marrow Donor
Join the Program® (NMDP) Registry to meet the needs of patients. Currently only a little more than 1.8
million people of the nearly 7 million Registry members are of racial and ethnic diversity.
NMDP
Getting patients to transplant quickly is often critical.
Registry The NMDP is working to overcome barriers that slow this process. More donors of the same
race and ethnicity are needed to help patients find matches sooner. We are also working with
medical professionals and insurance companies to help every patient receive the transplant he
or she needs.
If more people joined the Registry, more patients would find a donor.

The NMDP Registry (7 million total)1 Patients who DO NOT receive a

life-saving transplant2
100% 100%
Caucasian - 73% (5 million)
90% 90%
Hispanic/Latino - 10% (650,000)
80% 80% African
83%
% 81%
%
70%
African American/Black - 8% 70% American/Black
(515,000) 75%
5%
60% 60% American Indian/
Asian/Native Hawaiian/ 61%
% Alaska Native
50% Pacific Islander - 7% (459,000) 50% 55%
40% 40% Asian/
Multiple Race - 3% (180,000) Native Hawaiian/
30% 30% Pacific Islander
American Indian/ 20%
20% Caucasian
Alaska Native - 1% (80,000)
10% 10%
Hispanic/Latino
0 0
1 2
Numbers reflect U.S. recruitment activity as Based on searches that did not proceed to transplant
of October 1, 2007. Numbers, percentages within 6 months. Additional patients received their
and totals may not coincide due to rounding. transplants later than 6 months.
Remainder of the Registry are unidentified.

Creating Connections. Saving Lives.

MARROWORG s 1 (800) MARROW-2
National Marrow Donor Program: Entrusted to operate the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program
©2008 National Marrow Donor Program 11023; APR 2008