Annual Report 2016 Test new design

OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

2016 Annual Report | 1

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear citizens of Omaha,

2015 was an exceptional year for the Omaha Fire Department. I am very proud of the
department’s commitment to public safety and accomplishments and I look forward
to continued excellence in our fire, rescue and emergency medical services, fire
prevention and education and community service.

The Omaha Fire Department is committed to its mission statement, “The dedicated
men and women of the Omaha Fire Department work tirelessly each day to protect
the lives, property, and environment of our community through preparation, prevention,
and protection in a competent and courteous manner”.

OFD personnel responded to 48,172 calls for service in 2015; each handled with a
high-level of training and professionalism.

I am pleased to present this 2015 Annual Report which provides an overview of these
efforts. This report will give you a better understanding of all the duties of an Omaha
firefighter.

Thank you to the men and women of the Omaha Fire Department and to the lead-
ership of Chief Bernard Kanger. Throughout his 25-year career with the Omaha Fire
Department and until his retirement, Chief Kanger led the Department with passion
and integrity. He earned the trust and respect of our community and he set an example
of excellence. Thank you Chief Kanger, for your service.

Sincerely,
Jean Stothert
Mayor, City of Omaha

2 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 3

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

As Fire Chief, my priority has been 2016 was a big year in terms of bud- who are tasked with supervising and

to efficiently manage our budget in a getary support, as we were awarded mentoring each candidate through

manner that improves service delivery a 2.486 million dollar Federal Grant May of 2017. After completing the FTO

to our community, while at the same that is being utilized to replace end- program, which includes training to the

time, providing the necessary tools, of-life portable radios. This grant was level of Emergency Medical Technician

training and technology to the mem- submitted with a regional approach in Basic or Paramedic, Hazardous Mate-

bers of our department who provide mind and will supply radios for not only rials Operations and Firefighter I & II,

that service. the Omaha Fire Department, but also, candidates will be confirmed to serve

seven regional departments including members of our community during their

This past year, we continued to Ponca, Irvington, Ralston, Bennington, greatest times of need.

exemplify the language found in our Waterloo and Valley. This communica-

department’s mission statement to tions upgrade is expected to enhance To conclude, I want to share the pride I

serve our community with integrity, interoperability between departments feel as I recognize efforts of the mem-

It is my privilege to present the 2016 professionalism and compassion. that will provide a dividend in terms of bers of our department. Their dedication
Omaha Fire Department Annual Report
to Mayor Jean Stothert, respected mem- service delivery to our community. to our community’s wellbeing is unwav-
bers of City council and the citizens of
Omaha. Opportunities have propelled our ering and I personally applaud their

department into the role of an indus- In addition to upgrading our communi- efforts.

try leader. We serve in this capacity cations equipment, our department took

and are leading our industry in areas possession of three new Aerial Appa- I would also like to express my sincere

of Electronic Patient Care Reporting ratus that will serve our community in gratitude to our City’s leaders who

(EPCR) and highly infectious disease the downtown, central and north-central have selected public safety as their

transports (Ebola), and we have devel- quadrants of our city. Twelve Inspector number one priority. Our City’s Mayor,

oped polices and set industry standards cars, five Battalion Chief’s vehicles and Cabinet Team and distinguished City

that have caused other departments to two heavy-duty utility vehicles were Council members have all thrust their

reach out to us for feedback so that also added to our fleet. Each piece of support behind our efforts allowing us to

their own departments can flourish. new apparatus enhances our ability to achieve the level of preparedness that

respond to calls to service, emergency we are currently relying on to serve the

To highlight some of our accomplish- incidents and occupancy inspections in citizens of this great City.

ments in 2016, it is with enthusiasm that a safe and efficient manner.

I report that once again, our department Very Respectfully,

was able to end the fiscal year with a I would also like to commend our

significant budget surplus. This accom- newest candidate class for graduating

plishment is the result of the hard work the fire academy and joining their crews

of many, who diligently identified our in the field. This class of twenty-four

department’s priorities while maneuver- spent the remainder of 2016 working Daniel C. Olsen

ing through the year with a conservative with their Field Training Officers (FTO’s) Fire Chief, Omaha Fire Department

fiscal philosophy in mind.

4 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 5

7 24 627

BATTALIONS FIRE STATIONS PERSONNEL

#7 #2
#6 #4

#5 #1
#3

SERVICES OVERVIEW PERSONNEL STATISTICS

The Omaha Fire Department is com- Fire Management is currently com- The Omaha Fire Department currently SWORN PERSONNEL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

prised of individuals filling roles in prised of a Fire Chief and four Assistant operates out of 24 stations throughout 1 Fire Chief 1 Special Projects Coordinator
4 Assistant Chief 2 Secretary I
suppression who actively provide fire Fire Chiefs. Three of the Assistant Fire Omaha. Each day there is a minimum 27 Battalion Chief 1 Secretary II
1 Assistant Fire Marshal 1 Account Clerk
and EMS response, as well as indi- Chiefs are assigned a suppression of 176 suppression personnel on duty 3 EMS Shift Supervisor 5 TOTAL CIVILLIAN PERSONNEL
130 Fire Captain
viduals working in an administrative shift (A, B or C), and a single division to adequately protect the citizens of 106 Fire Apparatus Engineer 2016 Annual Report | 7
355 Firefighter
capacity to oversee fire suppression to oversee. An administrative Assistant Omaha. 0 Probationary Firefighter
627 TOTAL SWORN PERSONNEL
activities. Chief oversees the remaining three

divisions.

The administrative aspect is divided into

six divisions: Each division is led by a Battalion Chief

Emergency Medical Services who reports to the members of Fire
Management.

Fire Investigation Unit The OFD service area is divided geo-
graphically into seven battalions. Each
Fire Prevention Division battalion also has a Battalion Chief
Public Education Program assigned to oversee all suppression
personnel for each shift that is assigned
Safety & Wellness Division to their battalion.
Information Services Division

Technical Services Division

Training Division
Special Operations Program

6 | Omaha Fire Department

OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT COVERAGE MAP RESPONSE TIME PERFORMANCE

The Omaha Fire Department is taking A baseline is defined as a database square miles and two counties. We have

steps to be an Internationally Accred- from which something can be judged. It identified four zones within this area

ited Agency through the Commission will be the current and historical perfor- that represent a challenge for the orga-

on Fire Accreditation International and mance of the department as compared nization in achieving our response time

we are currently listed as a Registered to our benchmark goal for performance. goal. They include areas of southeast,

Agency with the CFAI. One critical ele- south central, midtown, and northeast

ment of this process is the evaluation The Omaha Fire Department is Omaha. These areas are unique due

of our service delivery as it relates to using two time elements as part of to traffic patterns, street configuration,

industry standards. our response time calculations. The and location related to responding fire

response objectives include turnout stations.

The Omaha Fire Department uses time and travel time.

response times as a tool to gauge We have been working to address

performance against established We recognize that most accredited these areas by identifying new station

benchmarks and baselines. agencies add the call processing time locations which are in line with the

as an additional element, but due to City of Omaha Public Facilities Master

A benchmark is defined as a standard software upgrades at our Public Safety Plan and the completion of a multi-

from which something can be judged. Answering Point (911 call center) and year Emergency Vehicle Preemption

It references future performance goals to be consistent with our historical System. We are also evaluating auto-

for the organization and is in line with records, we have omitted that element matic aid agreements to ensure that

industry best practices (CFAI). The for this reporting year. they support our response time goals

Omaha Fire Department’s response and provide an equitable sharing of

time goals are consistent with stan- The Omaha Fire Department’s area resources. We realize that any delay in

dards published by the National Fire of responsibility is broken down into responding to a call for service could

Protection Association (NFPA). 184 Fire Zones. This area covers 192 possibly change the potential outcome.

8 | Omaha Fire Department We will continue to monitor our service delivery and explore new technologies that will better
assist in gathering data and problem identification. All of this is incorporated in our decision

making process to ensure we provide the most efficient service possible.

2016 Annual Report | 9

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 45,733

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division is responsible for ensuring that all OFD paramedics and EMTs are properly OFD is one of only a very few EMS systems with real world experience transporting highly infections patients such as Ebola.
equipped and trained to provide high quality emergency medical services to the community. This is due to the University of Nebraska Medical Center housing a Bio-Containment Unit that specializes in treating highly
infectious patients. As a result, OFD has enacted an Infectious Disease Transport Team that specializes in transporting
The EMS Division is overseen by a Battalion Chief and staffed with three Paramedic Shift Supervisors, an EMS Supplies highly infectious patients.
Manager, a QA Officer, a Training Officer, and one civilian secretary. In addition, the EMS Division receives oversight from
a civilian Medical Director who is assisted by three physicians, one for each shift. In August of 2016, the National Institute of Safety rolled out their Biosafety and Infectious Disease Training Initiative (BIDTI).
OFD was one of the first departments to receive this specialized training covering essentials such as Personal Protective
Every sworn OFD employee is either a licensed paramedic or EMT (emergency medical technician), trained to provide Equipment (PPE), protocols, various infectious diseases, etc.
either basic (BLS) or advanced (ALS) lifesaving techniques prior to hospital transport. This means that each OFD apparatus,
including all fire trucks and engines, is staffed with personnel who can provide medical support, resulting in a higher level In November of 2016, OFD participated in a multi-agency drill that simulated transporting multiple infectious patients from
of protection for all citizens of Omaha. If a fire truck or engine can respond more quickly to a medical call than a medic Liberia, Africa to the Bio-Containment Unit at Nebraska Medicine. In addition to this, OFD received a $13,000.00 grant to
unit, the citizen will still receive medical treatment from that responding company until the nearest medic unit can arrive fund infectious disease training and to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used to transport highly
for hospital transport, if that service is necessary. infectious patients.

EPCR SYSTEM Defibrillators CARES Program Mission Lifeline Award

In 2016, an electronic patient care Eighteen X-Series defibrillators were OFD implemented CARES (Cardiac OFD received the Silver Award from
reporting (ePCR) system was imple- placed in-service in February, 2016. Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival) American Heart Association’s Mis-
mented in February 2016. This new These new defibrillators have state-of- in Omaha. CARES is a coordinated sion Lifeline. Mission Lifeline seeks
system will make patient care report- the-art technology such as pacemaker effort by EMS, 911 Dispatch, and to acknowledge the work, training
ing more efficient, faster, and easier capabilities, reading oxygen and all hospitals to increase survival of and commitment by EMS agencies
for paramedics to document the care carbon dioxide saturation in the blood, patients in Cardiac Arrest. CARES to improve overall quaility of care
and treatment they provide and pro- taking EKG’s and transmitting them to reports show that OFD has a 15% sur- fro the STEMI (heart attack) patient,
vide accuracy for the ambulance the hospital, taking a blood pressure, vival rate for cardiac arrest compared by directly influenency the STEMI
billing process. and of course, defibrillating a patient. to the national average of only 8.7%. System of Care.

10 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 11

Overview STATISTICS HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) investigates all structure and vehicle fires to In 2016, FIU conducted: ALLEY THE ARSON DOG
determine origin and cause. Fire Investigators are responsible for scene docu-
mentation, evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews, and courtroom 331 FIU added a 7th Fire Investigator in July
testimony. If the fire is determined to be incendiary in nature, a criminal investi- 2016 with a primary role of an Acceler-
gation is conducted and could potentially end in the arrest of a suspect. If the fire total investigations ant Detection Canine (ADC) handler.
is determined to be accidental, the investigation can aid in the establishment of
fire codes, building codes and help with the recall of unsafe appliances through Out of the 331 total investigations: The ADC is a Labrador named Alley
the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). who is trained to sniff for chemicals
66 used in starting arson fires including
FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT The FIU consists of one Battalion Chief and six Fire Investigators. There are gasoline, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, etc. Alley the Arson Dog & her handler,
an additional 15 active duty personnel in reserve investigator status. All 22 are cases were classfied as arson Fire Investigator David Sobotka
certified law enforcement officers (LEO) who graduated from the Omaha Police Alley is a very valuable tool for
Department training Academy. 22 the FIU in determining if a fire was
caused by a person with an intent of
TRAINING cases were cleared by arrest * an illegal act.

Introductory training opportunities give Investigators experience with real-life sit- 5 The ADC team attended 200 hours of
uations encountered in police work while providing them the opportunity to work training in Brunswick, MA learning the
with officers on the Omaha Police Department. arrests made not relating to arson important task of accelerant detection
during fire scene examinations.
All newly sworn LEO personnel complete: 26
• A five-week Field Training and Evaluation Program with the Omaha Police Since the ADC team was placed in
Department Uniform Patrol Bureau. total criminal arrests made by FIU service, it has assisted in at least two
• A two-week introduction program with the Omaha Police Department Criminal cases which resulted in two arrests of
Investigation Bureau. 20 arson suspects, one of which occurred
while aiding an outside agency.
All law enforcement-certified employees receive further training, certification, and fires started by juveniles
continuing education (CE) in the field of Fire Investigation from the National Fire ELECTRONIC REPORTING TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES
Academy, International Association of Arson Investigators publications, and the 0
National Association of Fire Investigator publications. Recent upgrades to electronic report- The FIU has also improved its inves-
FIU personnel fatalities
FIU employees are required by the state of Nebraska to receive ing, has allowed the FIU to use police tigative capabilities by acquiring and
20 continuing education training hours on an annual basis. 7
reporting to accurately and efficiently installing two Mobile Data Terminal
civilian fatalities involved
handle reports and evidence. The computers in two of our vehicles. This

addition of the FATPOT System, allows upgrade allows Fire investigators to

Fire investigators to create reports more readily obtain vita l information

which can be immediately reviewed during the on scene examination. This

FIU training topics include: by the OPD and City of Omaha pros- information can include a detailed
• Law Enforcement
• Incident Command • Emergency Medical Technician ecutors without delay. With the more background check of suspects,and
• Fire-Related Training
efficient use of OPD’s TRACKER property. These computers allow Fire

evidence program, the FIU is able to Investigators to start their fire report

document evidence more accurately documentation while still on scene, and

and efficiently, eliminating the need for other important tasks which can lead to

1235.5 719 additional paperwork and waste. improved safety for the City of Omaha.

total continuing education hours total continuing education hours ** In 2016, 22 cases were cleared by PLANNING FOR 2017
arrest, which equates to a 33% Arson
22 Law Enforcment Employees com- Of the 1,235.5 hours, FIU Investiga- Clearance Rate. This is double the The FIU will continue to seek ways to reduce fires and improve safety through
pleted 1,235.5 CE hours in 2016 tors completed 719 CE hours in 2016 national average for cities with a pop- training, education, and policy improvements. As Fire Investigators and Law
ulation comparable to Omaha. Enforcement Officers, the FIU team is committed to enhancing the quality of
life through a reduction in crime, fear, and disorder for the citizens of Omaha.

12 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 13

FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION

The Omaha Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division (FPD) is responsible for conducting certified inspections while
enforcing the applicable life safety codes and fire protection standards within the 192 square miles of territory in the Omaha
area. In addition, the FPD oversees the Fire Management Zone program, in which suppression companies visit and famil-
iarize themselves with occupancies within their particular response territory. The goal of the OFD Certified Fire Inspectors
is to minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire by observing, enforcing, and eliminating hazardous conditions.

As of December 31, 2016, the FPD had a total sworn complement of ten inspectors, all of whom report to an Assistant
Fire Marshal who helps coordinate and evaluate their activities. Six of these inspectors specialize in one of the following
areas: tanks, schools, daycares, residential, plan reviews, and State re-inspections. The remaining four inspectors are
assigned to conduct inspections in one of the four quadrants of the city: southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest.

FMZ PROGRAM New Additions INSPECTIONS

The Fire Management Zone (FMZ) In addition, we welcomed a new bi-lin- Companies familiarize themselves In conclusion, the FPD continues to serve the citizens of our community through
program was also very success- gual Community Education Specialist with the building’s fire protection a well-managed, progressive approach to fire prevention and education. We
ful in 2016, whereby suppression to our Public Education Office this equipment including fire extinguishers, have streamlined our internal processes and increased our public education
companies conducted over 3,200 ** year. This person serves our depart- fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, efforts to include a community-wide risk-reduction program. This effort includes
familiarizations of occupancies within ment by educating the public on such and kitchen hood systems. Suppres- a new pre-planning process designed to increase safety to both the public and
their response territories. When issues as fire safety, community sion companies are also assigned to our firefighting personnel.
conducting familiarizations, compa- engagement, and recruiting. assembly inspections throughout the
nies observe and note the following year to check the maximum occu- *** Accomplished in 2016 included the full implementation of the Accela software
information: addresses on the struc- We also welcomed Alley the Arson pancy load for a structure as well which greatly increased the efficiency in how inspections and fees are docu-
ture, fire department access, fire Dog to the OFD in 2016. Although as performing holiday inspections of mented and information shared with other City Departments.
department connections, fire hydrant Alley is assigned to the Fire Investi- retail occupancies during the month of
locations, status of the building (in use gation Unit, she is used extensively at December. There were 7,427** certi-
or vacant), construction type, exits and school and community public educa- fied inspection activities performed by
exit signage, conditions of stairways tion events. She is a huge hit with the certified inspectors in 2016.
and doors, and emergency lighting. children and adults alike!

14 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 15

PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM YOUTH FIRE STOPPERS

The Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education (Pub Ed) Program is responsible for spreading the message of fire safety A federal grant allowed OFD to hire a part-time Youth Fire Stopper (YFS) Coordinator in 2015 and certified 9 OFD person-
to individuals of all ages within our community. This mission is critical, as oftentimes the public’s first impression of the OFD nel as Youth Fire Stopper counselors. They conduct and assist in YFS intake sessions and educational classes. These
comes from a public education activity or presentation. The goal of the Pub Ed program is to take a proactive approach classes are taught by the YFS counselors with the assistance of the Volunteer Fire Corps, OPD, and Nebraska Medicine
to raise awareness and educate the public on fire safety and how to protect their home, business, or family in the event Burn Unit to educate Omaha youth who have played with or shown interest in matches and lighters or who have been
of a fire or catastrophe. Pub Ed takes a community-prevention approach, enlisting the help of volunteer and community caught or arrested for starting fires. Youth Fire Stopper classes were attended by 128 students in 2016.
organizations to promote this message.
FIRE EXPLORERS POST 535
FREE DETECTOR PROGRAM
Pub Ed also offers a program for youth interested in the Fire Service. The OFD Fire Explorers Post #535 is comprised of
An integral part of the Pub Ed program is the smoke and carbon monoxide detector outreach component. The OFD is 14-19 year olds who complete 24 hours of training at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center, allowing them to participate
committed to keeping our citizens safe, and through the generosity of the First Responders Foundation, our personnel are in non-emergency events. The Pub Ed division assists these youth in learning about the skills needed to become firefight-
able to install smoke/CO detectors in homes throughout Omaha free of charge. In the event that the home already has a ers. The youth also volunteer at various Pub Ed events throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. This
working smoke detector, personnel will replace the battery for free instead. The First Responders Foundation donates each program is supported by the Boy Scouts of America and the Learning for Life Foundation. Twelve individuals participated
smoke/CO detector installed by OFD personnel. With their support, the OFD was able to install 1389 smoke/CO detectors in the program in 2016.
and replace 71 batteries for the citizens of Omaha in 2016.
HARD OF HEARING ALARMS
FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION
We continue to install smoke/CO detectors to the public free of charge, and thanks to an Assistance to Firefighter Grant,
OFD places a high level of importance on educating the public about fire safety. One of the ways this is executed is by we have now added smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing to our inventory.
having an OFD Pub Ed employee assigned to the role of Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO is the point of contact
for all media relations pertaining to OFD activities. This individual is responsible for all press releases and press confer- 2017 OUTLOOK
ences and is also the spokesperson for the OFD at all second alarm or greater fire incidences. Any interviews or media
contact with suppression personnel are coordinated through the PIO. Additionally, the PIO speaks to community groups As we move forward into 2017, the Public education Division remains committed to the citizens we serve by providing fire
and neighborhood associations on behalf of the FPD. The PIO conducted 965 such activities in 2016, ensuring that the safety education and demonstrating the value it provides to the community. Utilizing our Fire Safety Trailer to create a larger
public is aware of fire safety issues. impact in our community will be a priority, as well as continuing our presence at community meetings and neighborhood
associations, and incorporating our Explorers Program members into our public education activities. We will also look
16 | Omaha Fire Department forward to having a grant funded, full-time, bi-lingual civilian Community Support Liaison to help further our commitment
to serving the public.

2016 Pub Ed 628 22
Statistics
vacant property inspections all-school assemblies
281
102 37
public relations assignments
fire safety presentations smoke alarm batteries replaced
1218
0 172
smoke/co alarms installed
fire station birthday parties school fire drills

2016 Annual Report | 17

SAFETY & WELLNESS DIVISION Overview occupational health

The OFD recognizes that firefighting is inherently dangerous and that it is vitally SWD managed the occupational health needs of over 637 firefighters for TB,
important to continuously evaluate safety concerns to prevent injuries or more Hearing, N95 fit testing, SCBA Face piece fit testing, managing immunization
serious consequences. The Safety and Wellness Division (SWD) works to ensure records, Flu shots, Haz Mat physicals and Infectious Disease exposures.
that each OFD employee goes home safe and healthy at the end of each day.
This division is comprised of one Battalion Chief and one sworn fire personnel: a Safety committee
Fire Services Personnel Manager and one civilian secretary.
SWD actively manages the OFD safety committee meetings and has been des-
Major responsibilities of the SWD are to ensure that safety procedures are being ignated as the OFD representative on the City of Omaha Safety committee.
followed in all aspects of the job, to coordinate these safety efforts, to perform
follow-up action on safety concerns, to ensure that State and Federal regulations 2017 OUTLOOK
are being met, and to implement policies that adhere to fire department standards,
guides, codes, and regulations. In 2017, our biggest project is with the OFD IS division and the UNO MIS Grad-
uate program to develop a SWD personnel database. The database will track
Furthermore, the SWD coordinates all associated paperwork and reassignments personnel events such as accidents, injuries and exposures. It will also track
for personnel injured on-duty or those with long-term illness or injury. Workplace tests such as hearing, TB testing, fitness testing and immunizations. It will allow
safety is always a major focus area for the SWD. us to effectively track personnel health events as well as allow personnel access
to their records at will.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Other goals for the upcoming year include continuous improvements to the Health
SWD personnel along with Omaha HR and Omaha Police began extensive Infec- and Wellness Program; seeking more efficient medical exams and ensuring
tious Disease Control process review and improvement. The goal is to bring all consistency in performance metrics. SWD also will continue to review SOP’s
city employees under the same procedures in 2017. The training involved also to ensure current smart practices and national standards of Safety, Health and
will bring the City of Omaha up to date on most current smart practices nationally. Wellness are reflected. Each goal and program implemented by the SWD is

Dangerous structures

A Dangerous Structure program was established. Any Dangerous structures iden-
tified by suppression crews are marked and documented. This documentation
follows a process that ensures photos and hazards are shared with all OFD per-
sonnel. This program also partners Omaha Fire with City Planning and results in
rapid removal of these structures in a more prioritized approach.

Fire hoods

Starting at the end 2016 and into early 2017, the Omaha Fire department issued
a second fire hood to all personnel. A recent study by the Illinois Fire Service
Institute in conjunction with NIOSH and funded by a Federal grant , showed dirty
fire hoods can lead to a significant amount of absorption in the neck area.

18 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 19

INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION Overview DATA REPORTING

The Information Services Division (ISD) is responsible for providing technical ISD continues to use the most current tools in data reporting. These tools enable the OFD to sbumit NFIRS exports to the
support for the OFD’s many computer programs and hardware/software specific National Fire Protection Association and update the NFPA 1710 data model to better reflect the wide array of services and
to the fire department. While the OFD receives computer and IT support from quality of proctection provided by the OFD. OFD is also able to develop and deploy data models using Microsoft Power
the Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm), as do all City depart- BI for online data reporting.
ments, there are programs maintained and overseen exclusively by the ISD. It
is crucial that OFD data is properly maintained and tracked to remain compliant In addition to this, ISD implemented new ACCESS databases to replace Excel asset-tracking. This technology advance-
with fire service standards and State and National requirements. ment enabled Mobile Asset Tracking, allowing OFD to efficiently track millions of dollars of assets, and a Safety Wellness
Database, allowing OFD to track accidents, injuries, exposures, immunications and all other pertinient medical testing
ISD is staffed with sworn personnel filling the following roles: one Fire/EMS Infor- information. This advancement makes all data easy to query and allows personnel to access their personal data. It also
mation Specialist and two Information Systems/Research Specialists. This division allows OFD to efficiently maintain data for the required 30 years post-employment period.
is overseen by the Safety and Wellness Division Battalion Chief. The ISD staff
were successful in many areas throughout 2015, attending education events, Academic Partnerships
representing Omaha Fire at technology demonstrations, assisting many divisions
with data management and project facilitation. The increased accuracy of our data has enabled OFD to partner with the Academic community for the benefit of the Citizens
of Omaha. OFD IS has formed partnerships with and precepted students from UNMC College of Public Health, University
EPCR of Nebraska at Omaha GIS Division, and University of Nebraska at Lincoln Biostatistics Division

Electronic Patient Care Reporting System (EPCR) continues to improve our ISD represented OFD on the national stage for education, presentations and participating in technology forums including
patient care continuity with the area hospitals. The standardized transfer of patient the Zoll Summit in Denver, Colorado. In addition to this, OFD has been active with the State of Nebraska in exploring the
information from Medic unit arrival at the patient through discharge continues to possibility of a Public Safety Broadband Network in Nebraska. The State committee regularly solicits input from the OFD.
evolve via HL7. OFD has been working closely with local hospitals and Zoll Medi- Nebraska FirstNet also continues to send OFD members as representatives to National meetings to further our strategic
cal to integrate a fully digital reporting system that inserts patient care information partnership with the State.
directly from Medic Unit laptops into the hospital patient care report making it
nearly instantly available to the Physicians at the hospital. HL7 is the federally 2017 OUTLOOK
mandated standard that ensures HIPPA security and patient care information
portability. The planned evolution of the Omaha HL7 project is a closed loop ISD has been working with an outside vendor to develop electronic checklists via a Java web application. The application
feedback system. This feedback loop will allow OFD to ensure best practices will allow OFD to electronically submit the many required daily and monthly checklists. This will result in a significant
by comparing field interventions with patient outcomes post hospital discharge. improvement in the efficiency of maintenance and tracking OFD equipment, stations and other assets. The rollout began
in 2016 and we continue to convert forms. This ongoing program is taking advantage of the IPad technology and allows
ipad enhancements GIS IMPLEMENTATION our checklists to be completed in real time.

2016 also saw a major IT enhancement In 2016, ISD continued to strengthen A Request for Proposal for upgraded Fire Station Alerting Systems will be submitted for 2017 deployment. This detailed
in the capability of the Fire Prevention OFD’s working relationship with the process began in 2015. New Portable Radios have also been ordered to replace our current inventory, which is over 10
and Education Division. A federal grant Douglas County GIS Division, with years old. This process began in 2015 and with a grant application filed. Notification of grant award was June 2016 with
purchased over 60 IPads to be used the new iPad program being the most planned roll out by May 2017 after an evaluation of the new radios in field use. Additionally, ISD staff assist in grant pro-
for the enhancement of public safety. recent development in the GIS program. posals and applications, supplying numbers and data to support requests for grant-funded equipment and software for
The IPads serve to increase both the Geographical Information Systems the department.
services and efficiency with which we (GIS) implementation has improved
serve the public in Fire Prevention. OFD’s efficiency and the services 2016 ISD EPCR E-Reporting GIS
HIGHLIGHTS
rendered to the citizens of Omaha by improves patient increases department improves services using
The IPads are used to replace paper utilizing Maps and Business analytics. care continuity with efficiencies both inter- maps and business ana-
documents with electronic input.
Examples of improved efficiencies are The GIS system contributes to better area hospitals nally and externally lytics
Smoke Detector Requests/Installations, response times by evaluating how
Submission of Electronic checklists, OFD responds to specific Fire Zones, iPads Databases Partnerships
Preplan of Target Hazard Occupancies, pre-plan High Value Target Hazards,
and Preplans of all Commercial Occu- determine best placement of resources enhance public safety advance asset-tracking, with the academic
pancies. When iPad submissions are such as Engines and Medic Units, and by providing real-time making data easily and community benefit
made, the system is updated citywide how we determine best placement of
within seconds and all of that data is new Fire Stations. data and tracking readily accessible citizens directly
available to Incident Commanders at
active incidents.

20 | Omaha Fire Department 2016 Annual Report | 21

TRUCKS ENGINES

APPARATUS FLEET INVENTORY WATER RESCUE COMMAND VEHICLES

MEDIC UNITS 24

FIRE STATIONS 38 ENGINES
22 MEDIC UNITS
RESCUES
15 TRUCKS
22 | Omaha Fire Department 9 RESCUES
7 WATER RESCUES
7 TRAILERS/MISC.
2 WATER TENDERS
49 FIRE CARS
11 COMMAND VEHICLES
6 TRAINING VEHICLES

2016 Annual Report | 23

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION Overview Personal Protective Equipment

The primary responsibility of the Technical Services Division (TSD) is to keep all In 2016, several significant steps were taken in an effort to adopt more recommendations from NPFA-1851 in terms of
vehicles, equipment, and buildings in working order by serving as the department the selection, care and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All OFD Battalion Chiefs were certified in
liaison with Fleet Management, Facilities Management, and contracted vendors. NFPA-1851 Advanced Inspections allowing them to efficiently and effectively inspect PPE.
TSD also works with Douglas County 911 communications and DOTComm
regarding communications equipment and telephone services. As of December New Equipment
31, 2016, TSD had a total complement of four sworn personnel: one Battalion
Chief who oversees the division, one Logistics/Repair and Delivery Coordinator, Extractor Washing Machines
one Fire Apparatus Coordinator Foam/Water Supply Specialist, and one Facilities Four additional extracters were purchased, bringing the total to nine for the deaprt-
and Turnout Gear Specialist. ment. The additional extractors will be installed in 2017 to provide each battalion
with their own extractor.
TSD is actively involved in station improvements and construction projects. TSD
personnel conduct approximately 90% of the department’s small engine repairs Loaner Gear
in-house and routinely visit each fire station to provide preventative maintenance A total of 15 sets of new loaner gear were purchased in 2016 to better stock TSD
for all equipment and tools (PPV fans, chain saws, power units, snow blowers, and with gear to checkout to firefighters when their personal equipment is getting
lawn equipment). Mechanically-minded light duty personnel are utilized for small repaired or cleaned.
engine repairs which helps avoid outsourcing costs, saving the City countless
dollars in repairs from outside vendors. PPE Hoods
Second hoods were purhcased for each firefighter in 2016 to allow firefighters
TSD is also tasked with repair and replacement of firefighting gear and equipment. time to launder their hoods after each fire. Studies have shown an increase in
This includes but is not limited to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Thermal cancers in the head/neck area and the hood has been identified as the wink link
Imaging Cameras (TICs), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), saws, in the PPE ensemble. Having an available second hood addresses the issue of
extrication equipment, forcible-entry tools, ropes, ladders, hand lights, nozzles and re-exposure to toxins from previous fires.
hoses. When appropriate, equipment is fixed in-house by TSD staff. If unable to
fix equipment in house, TSD has mostly-local vendors that handle such repairs.

Thermal Imaging Cameras Lion Total Care (LTC)

Three new MSA 6000 TICs were pur- Our most common repair needed on

chased in 2016 and assigned to TR1, turnout gear has always been Velcro.

TR34, and TR41. These MSA 6000s With the last specifications written, a

meet the new NFPA certification guide- Velcro warranty was added, requiring EQUIPMENT UPGRADES

lines. With the future replacement of the vendor to replace any Velcro that Return to Previous Helmet Model Cairns 660C
In 2016, the standard helmet was switched back to the prior model, Cairns 660C.
older TICs, OFD is striving to purchase was damaged beyond use within the The helmet was switched back after receiving negative feedback on the 1044
model in regards to its weight, balance and usability. Also with this change, a 5%
TICs that meet the NFPA guidelines as first five years. In 2016, over 50 pieces reduction in the cost of the helmet was seen.

well. Other TIC manufactures besides of turnout gear were “refurbished” with Switch to Lion Commander Gloves
TSD evaluated the value/performance of its current glove, Protech Fusion 8,
MSA have been willing to let the OFD new Velcro by the manufacturer at no and decided to wear test other options. The Fusion, while relatively inexpensive,
lacked durability and replacement gloves were being issued within a year or two
field test their thermal imagers. These cost to the City. This will extend the as opposed to several years from more durable gloves. Firefighters also univer-
sally agreed the glove was difficult to use once wet. Dozens of gloves, comprised
demo TICs have been randomly placed life of our existing turnout gear. TSD of several brands/models, were wear-tested during 2016. It was determined that
the Lion Commander glove would perform much better and save money with a
on trucks and engines around the city to is able to continue sending more gear slight increased price but also an expected increase in durability and longevity.
The glove is designed with Kovenex fabric accommodate ease of donning/doffing
gain feedback on their interoperability/ in for LTC repair due to the good stock when wet.from previous fires.

usability and image quality. of loaner gear.

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APPARATUS & STATION UPGRADES

22 9 2 Water
MED UNITS RESCUES Tenders

ENGINES TRUCKS 7 Water Vehicles
38 15 Rescues 66

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FIRE TRAINING DIVISION & SPECIAL OPERATIONS Overview The Training Division disseminated through multi-company school education and
reality-based training scenarios, numerous training techniques for the purpose of
The Omaha Fire and Rescue Training’s mission is to ensure that safe and effec- suppression personnel obtaining professional development and mastery of the
tive emergency service professionals are trained to effectively serve the City of latest innovations in the strategy of Extrication, Hose Advancement, Ventilation,
Omaha. We accomplish our training mission by: and Search and Rescue Techniques.
• Preparing probationary fire candidates for assignment to suppression forces

and ensuring they will successfully complete the confirmation process.
• Providing reality-based training opportunities to all OFD personnel.
• Researching and acting as a proving ground for all proposed upgrades in

firefighting technology and innovations in fire service strategy and tactics as
reflected in the Standard Operating Procedures.
• Acting as the leader in providing professional growth and employee develop-
ment opportunities to the members of the OFD.

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