Annual Report 2022 Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue
2022 Annual Report Ta ble o f C o n t e n t s 1-2 3-5 6 City Leadership Chief's Message Department Organization Chart Department at a Glance Community Programs and Volunteer Ambulance Transportation Program Governor's Office of Emergency Services - (Cal OES) 7-10 11 12 13 Incident Statistics Overtime Hours Plan Checks and Inspections Community Risk Reduction Revenue Community Education and Outreach Fire Family Member of the Month 14 15 16 17 18 Department Wide Active Leadership 19 20-21
City Leadership City Council John Stephens, Mayor Jeffrey Harlan, Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Mar, Counci l Member Manuel Chavez , Counci l Memeber Loren Gameros , Counci l Member Don Harper, Counci l Member Arl i s Reynolds , Counci l Member 1
City Staff Leadership City Manager Lori Ann Farrel l Harrison City Attorney (Contract) Kim Barlow Economic Development Services Director Jennifer Le Carol Mol ina Information Technology Director Par ks and Community Services Director Jason Minter Publ ic Services Director Raja Sethuraman Fire Chief Dan Stefano Pol ice Chief Ron Lawrence Finance Director Steve Ely Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Command Staff Dan Stefano, Fire Chief Jason Pyle, Operations Division Chief Jon Neal, Fire Marshal/Community Risk Reduction Division Chief Chris Coates, Battalion Chief (A-Shift) Tim Vasin, Battalion Chief (B-Shift) Bill Kershaw, Battalion Chief (C-Shift) Acknowledgments Special recognition is extended to our entire Fire Administration Staff for their valued efforts in preparing this Annual Report, coordinated, managed and led by Kristin Stevens, Management Analyst. 2
C hie f's M e s s a g e What a remarkable year 2022 proved to be for us. This included expanding progress, taking on new challenges and achieving successes in all that we have engaged in, working shoulder to shoulder to do it - together! The outstanding work that we accomplished throughout this past year is attributed to the unwavering emphasis we place every day on working together to serve to the absolute best of our abilities. Specifically, it is directly related to the extraordinary efforts of our extended team and our collective fire family, our City Council, our City Leadership and the vibrant and inclusive community we serve and are honored to be a part of! The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue (CMFR) Annual Report 2022 serves as a snapshot of CMFR. This document provides a summary of our accomplishments and progress over the course of the past year. Moreover, its intent is to serve as an accountability and informational resource to share our effectiveness and efficiencies, as well as areas we can enhance and improve in to best serve the community. CMFR and the City of Costa Mesa remained widely recognized as being a highly valued regional and statewide leader for others to draw strength from, as everyone across the globe began the transition out of the multi-year Pandemic this past year. This included CMFR’s steadfast approach throughout all ranks and roles. When the history books are ultimately written and this moment in time is further memorialized in the years ahead, the key role that the City of Costa Mesa and CMFR played from the onset of COVID-19 (beginning to become national news in late 2019 and early 2020 to its ultimate conclusion in late 2022), will most certainly be highlighted. How well we responded together as a City and a Community, during one of the most challenging times in our history is noteworthy. The unwavering commitment, fortitude and efforts of our professional men and women, throughout all ranks and roles, and how we collectively met the extraordinary challenges of this moment in time will forever be a shining example that there are no boundaries in accomplishing the greatest of challenges when we do it together! Reflecting on the past year, the core elements of our mission remained strongly embedded in the foundation of four primary areas and seen through: 3 Our People (Our Community, Our Team, Wellness, Health, Professionalism, Training, Succession Planning & Professional Development) Our Infrastructure (Facilities, Vehicles, Equipment & Technology) Our Service (Appropriate Staffing, Effective and Efficient Deployment, Providing the Highest Quality of Service to the Community we serve); and Our Innovation & Technology Advancement (Enhanced GIS Resource & Response Mapping, CAD RMS Upgrades, Technology Advances, Firefighter Safety and Innovation).
As such, the following areas of recognition are a few highlighted examples of CMFR’s many collective accomplishments: 1. CMFR Fire & Rescue Operations and Community Risk Reduction continued strong, including a Mission Focus to Strengthen the Public’s Safety and Improve the Quality of Life: CMFR responded to over 14,000+ emergency incidents in 2022. CMFR resources responded on over 13 significant statewide mutual aid related emergency incidents (i.e., wildland fire, flooding & mud/debris flow, and emergency pre-positioning) utilized 20 different pieces of fire apparatus, equating to over 61 total cumulative days for those deployments, including an interstate deployment to the state of New Mexico for 17 days. Collaborated closely with the Development Services Department and the Building Division to present recommendations for the successful adoption of the new Costa Mesa Fire & Building Codes by City Council. Established a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Manager/Fire Captain position and subsequently received City Council support and approval to make the position permanent. The value demonstrated by this position has exceeded expectations in closing a notable system gap and the ROI for the department, city and community has been extraordinary. Collaborated closely with the Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) at all levels, from community education outreach, site inspections and emergency preparedness planning, including being an active member of NMUSD’s newly created school safety task force. Continued to be a regional and national leader with our CMFR Community and Volunteer Programs, led by our own amazing Brenda Emrick, who continued to be an exceptional leader with our CERT and community programs and who was appointed as the City’s Acting Emergency Services Manager. In partnership with our local and state elected officials, including the Governor’s Office, CMFR secured $2.5M toward the rebuild of Costa Mesa’s Regional Fire and Rescue Training Facility. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, CMFR secured the formal assignment of our third Cal OES Fire Engine (Type 6 – Wildland Patrol Engine); placed into service in 2022. Received City Council approval for the purchase of six new ambulances to replace our aging fleet. Continued to work through the apparatus build process of a Fire Engine and Fire Truck, which were both approved in 2021. A noteworthy side note is that the current build process for a new Fire Engine or Fire Truck is projected to take between 24-36 months. Met goal of 100% mandated (SB 1205; i.e., compliance reporting) inspection compliance. Completed 10,131 Unique Community Outreach Engagement Contacts. Continued the evolution and enhancement to our social media, public information, and community education outreach efforts. 2. Active leadership engagement, professional development and succession planning, throughout all roles and ranks of CMFR in local, regional and statewide areas of public safety and public service, inclusive of recruiting and retaining high quality staff: Successfully conducted a firefighter academy, and promotional processes throughout the year, which included the return of our annual badge pinning recognition ceremony. CMFR had a successful conclusion of probation for five of our firefighters (Firefighter/Paramedics Morgan Cain & Taylor Scavo and Firefighters Blake Cole, Brandon Raissdana and Dylan Unger). We also had the promotions of CRR Fire Protection Specialists Arnold Antonio, Ben Castillo and Nikki Johnson, Senior Management Analyst Kristin Stevens, CRR Office Specialist Amy Ellard, Fire Engineers Lucas Anderson, Harrison Schwab, and Matt Chavez and Fire Captains Mark Geiger and Travis Johnson. Additionally, this is all highlighted by the hiring of our seven newest probationary firefighter recruits. Successful completion of a comprehensive community driven CMFR Strategic Planning Process. With the success of our previous five-year Strategic Plan in 2022, we finalized our next CMFR Strategic Plan, 2022- 2027. This is a community-based strategic plan developed in alignment with our City Council’s Strategic Goals and Objectives. This updated Strategic Plan will be implemented in 2023 and will build on the outstanding progress made to date and will serve as an essential road map as we embark on thoughtfully carrying out our next chapters, continuing to elevate the department’s progress and strong upward trajectory. A wide range of active leadership engagement, professional development and succession planning throughout CMFR, with specific examples detailed on pages 20-21 of this annual report. 4
3. Fiscal Sustainability - Fourth full year of our two successful cost recovery programs: Ambulance Transportation Program – continuing to meet or exceed $3 Million projections in billing; 2022 is projected to exceed $4.2M. Our Community Risk Reduction Cost Recovery Programs – more than doubled our cost recovery efforts from the inception to the new and/or expanded programs – FY2021-22 exceeded $350,000 in cost recovery revenue. 4. An unwavering and strengthened commitment to improving firefighter and fire service health & safety for all of our professional men and women who serve: Santa Ana College Comprehensive Fire Service Wellness Program. Behavioral and Mental Health Programs - including our PEER Support Team and Chaplain Programs. Cancer Awareness & Prevention Efforts. In closing, as we turn the page on our final chapters for 2022, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary progress and all that has been collectively accomplished over the course of the past year, as a department and as a city. Most importantly, I want to recognize that our continued progress and elevated trajectory all is the direct result of the amazing professional men and women who carry out extraordinary work in serving the community so incredibly well. Lastly, on behalf of the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department and our entire Costa Mesa Fire Family, I want to thank our community and all of our partners and stakeholders for the valued support we receive. It is our greatest honor and privilege to serve with the highest expectations of professionalism with Respect, Integrity and Compassion infused in all we do 24/7/365! We are Costa Mesa Strong and we look forward to a bright 2023 ahead! Daniel A. Stefano, Fire Chief City of Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue 5
2 0 2 2 A n n u al R e p o r t Department Organization Chart F i r e S t a t i o n L o c a t i o n s Fir e S t a tio n 1 Fir e S t a tio n 2 Fir e S t a tio n 3 Fir e S t a tio n 4 Fir e S t a tio n 5 1 5 7 0 A d a m s A v e n u e 8 0 0 B a k e r S t r e e t P a r k A v e n u e 2 3 0 0 Pla c e n tia A v e n u e 2 4 5 0 V a n g u a r d W a y 1 8 6 5 Fir e S t a tio n 6 3 3 5 0 S a kio k a D riv e C o s t a M e s a Fir e & R e s c u e is a n " All H a z a r d " a n d " All Ris k " Fir e D e p a r t m e n t t h a t p r o vid e s q u alit y s e r vic e a n d c a r e 2 4 / 7 / 3 6 5. T h e d e p a r t m e n t is b u d g e t e d f o r 9 6.5 f ulltim e s t a f f m e m b e r s ; 8 5 s w o r n p o sitio n s a n d 1 1.5 n o n - s w o r n p o sitio n s. P a r t - tim e s t a f fin g c o n sis t s o f 2.2 5 f ulltim e e q uiv ale n t s t o s e r v e wit hin t h e f ollo win g t h r e e divisio n s: Fir e A d minis t r a tio n , Fir e / R e s c u e / E m e r g e n c y M e dic al S e r vic e s a n d C o m m u nit y Ris k R e d u c tio n. In 2 0 2 2 , C M F R r e s p o n d e d t o a t o t al o f 1 4 , 4 5 4 c alls. The Operations Division provides response services and staffs six fire station s 2 4 h o u r s a d a y , s e v e n d a y s a w e e k , 3 6 5 d a y s a y e a r. T h e C o m m u nit y Ris k R e d u c tio n Divisio n p r o vid e s lif e a n d fir e s a f e t y pla n nin g , in s p e c tio n , p r e p a r e d n e s s a n d o v e r all c o m m u nit y fir e p r e v e n tio n. The department's FY 2022-23 adopted budget is $32.5 million operatin g o u t o f t h e a d minis t r a tio n o f fic e s lo c a t e d in Cit y H all a n d t h e d e p a r t m e n t s six fir e s t a tio n s. 6
2022 Annual Report D e p art m e n t a t a Gla n c e Fire Administration Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Administration Division is responsible for the delivery of all staff and support services, working towards the most effective and efficient operations of the department. Among these services the division provides direction for strategic, operational and emergency planning; establishes department policies and procedures; coordinates internal functions of all divisions, programs and external functions with other City departments and community organizations; develops and manages the budget; coordinates ordering and purchasing; manages the department’s human resources; manages the department’s records and reports and performs additional functions and duties as needed by the City Manager. Lora Ross Executive Assistant Kristin Stevens Management Analyst 7
2 0 2 2 A n n u al R e p o r t Department at a Glance F i r e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n c o n t i n u e d . . . U n d e r t h e s u p e r visio n o f t h e Fir e C hie f , t h e T r ainin g Divisio n is responsible for ensuring that the Fire & Rescue Department meets and/or exceeds training requirements set forth by Insurance Services Office, NFPA, OSHA and CCR’s. In addition to planning, coordinating and facilitating new firefighter recruitment's, the training division plans and organizes promotional training opportunities and testing with other City departments; manages training records; provides oversight in community engagement; represents the department on countywide fire/rescue/training committees and performs additional duties as directed by the Fire Chief. Charles Torres Fire Captain / T r ainin g a n d S a f e ty a n d P r o f e s sio n al S t a n d a r d s U n d e r t h e s u p e r visio n o f t h e Fir e C hie f , t h e E M S C a p t ain / m a n a g e r is r e s p o n sible f o r all E M S t r ainin g , O C E M S p olic y / p r o c e d u r e / s t a n din g o r d e r a d h e r e n c e , c o n tin u o u s q u alit y im p r o v e m e n t ( C QI) r e vie w a n d r e vie w a n d c o n s t a n t m o nit o ring o f t h e ele c t r o nic p a tie n t c a r e r e p o r tin g ( e P C R ) p r o g r a m a n d m a n a g e m e n t. A d ditio n ally, t his p o sitio n r e vie w s e P C R p r e - billin g , O C E M S a n d O C F C A c o m mit t e e p a r ticip a tio n a n d is t h e le a d in c o m m u nic a tio ns wit h b ase h o s pit als a n d p a r t n e r a g e n cie s r ela t e d t o p r e - h o s pit al e m e r g e n c y se r vic es. J u s tin H o r n e r Fir e C a p t ain / E m e r g e n c y M e dic al S e r vic e s M a n a g e r U n d e r t h e s u p e r visio n o f t h e Fir e C hie f , t h e E M S C o o r din a t o r is r esp o nsi ble o f all E M S s u p ply a n d h a r d w a r e m a n a g e m e n t , lic e nsi n g a n d a c c r e dit a tio n f o r field p r o vid e r s a n d s e r v e s a s a n E m e r g e n c y M e dic al C a r e C o m mit t e e r e p r e s e n t a tiv e. Larry Grihalva EMS Coordinator 8
2022 Annual Report D e p art m e n t a t a Gla n c e Operations Division The Operations Division manages Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services and maintains constant readiness to answer calls for assistance from the citizens and visitors of the community. The Division is also tasked with rapid response to life, health, fire, rescue, and environmental emergencies, as well as the protection of property, fire cause and origin determination and life safety inspections and education. In addition, the fire companies are involved in comprehensive building and fire protection systems inspections, including the high-rise buildings in the South Coast Metro area and South Coast Plaza and coordinating the operations with the CRR divisions. Jason Pyle Chris Coates Tim Vasin Bill Kershaw Division Chief "A" Shift "B" Shift "C" Shift Battalion Chief Battalion Chief Battalion Chief 9
2022 Annual Report D e p art m e n t a t a Gla n c e Community Risk Reduction The Community Risk Reduction Division develops and enforces local fire, life safety, property, and environmental protection standards; enforces State adopted fire and life safety codes; reviews building construction plans; conducts building construction and business inspections; investigates citizen complaints; serves on city-wide committees related to development review, group homes, homeless outreach and Measure X; provides training to department personnel in regard to fire and life safety codes; assists professional trades with technical fire code requirements and department community education efforts. Develops, provides and coordinates community preparedness activities including, volunteer, outreach, education, training and response programs including; Business Preparedness Academies and Community Emergency Response Team Academies and embracing an overall strategy of community risk reduction. Community risk reduction and fire prevention strategies are a critical component from the development of new projects and all the way through the life building. During the entitlement and pre-construction phases of new building and tenant improvement projects, the CRR team applies the California Fire Code (CFC) and locally adopted amendments to building and fire system plan review to ensure conformance to state and international standards. Once plans are reviewed and approved, and building permits are issued, Fire Protection Specialists perform highly technical inspections and acceptance tests of fire protection systems and building construction for Fire & Life Safety compliance. After the certificate of occupancy is issued for a new building or tenant improvement, Annual Operational Fire Permits are issued based on the hazard of the use, and Company Inspections are conducted to complete emergency response pre-planning operations and verify ongoing compliance with the CFC. Jon Neal Fire Marshal/ CRR Division Chief Fire Prevention, Planning, Code Enforcement and Community Education Brenda Emrick Community Education/ Acting Emergency Manager Amy Ellard Office Specialist II Nikki Johson Fire Protection Specialist Ben Castillo Fire Protection Specialist Arnold Antonio Fire Protection Specialist 10
2022 Annual Report Community Programs and Volunteer Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue's CRR Division provides public education and community outreach efforts through the coordination of community preparedness activities including, volunteers, outreach, education, training and response programs; embracing an overall strategy of community risk reduction. Through strong relationships with all stakeholders, community partners and the support of the entire CMF&R department, the Fire Protection Specialist maintains and provides the highest level of fire safety and prevention information to the community. CERT, Fire Explorers, Fire Corps, Citizens Fire Academy, Business Preparedness Academy and Interns 11
2022 Annual Report Ambulance Transportation Program Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is mid-year through the fourth year of their Ambulance Transportation program and continues to thoughtfully work with the highest level of integrity and provide a high-level service and care to the community. The City's Ambulance Transportation program began September 1, 2018 and the programs year-to-date (January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022) brought the City $4.6 M in cost recovery revenue. Since the inception of the Ambulance Transportation program, the total cost recovery revenue generated is $16.6 M. 12
2 0 2 2 A n n u al R e p o r t G o v e r n o r's O f f i c e o f E m e r g e n c y S e r v i c e s - ( C al O E S ) N u m b e r o f In cid e n t s N u m b e r o f a p p a r a t u s 6 1 d a y s D a y o f D e plo y m e n t 1 3 in cid e n t s 2 0 pie c e s o f E q uip m e n t 2 0 2 2 S t a t e M i s s i o n n u m b e r s 1 3 * In clu d e d a n in t e r s t a t e d e plo y m e n t t o t h e s t a t e o f N e w M e xic o f o r 1 7 d a y s.
2 0 2 2 A n n u al R e p o r t 2 0 2 2 In c i d e n t S t a t i s t i c s F i r e / R e s c u e / E m e r g e n c y M e d i c al S e r v i c e s Category 2020 2021 2022 Fires 246 222 251 Rupture/Explosions 4 2 7 EMS/Rescue 8,960 10,055 10,746 Hazardous Conditions 147 142 167 Service Call 398 530 533 Good Intent 1,542 2,024 2,191 False Alarm 469 442 553 Other 3 3 1 TOTAL: 11,679 13,420 14,449 2020 2021 2022 Fir e s R u p t u r e / E x plo sio n E M S / R e s c u e H a z a r d o u s C o n ditio n S e r vic e C all G o o d In t e n t F als e C all O t h e r 0 2.5 k 5 k 7.5 k 1 0 k 1 4
2022 Annual Report 16% 19.29% Overtime Hours An all hazard, all risk department that provides quality service 24/7/365, CMFR is closely involved in the dynamic management and thoughtful decision making involved with the deployment of mutual aid resources. This partnership assists each other at a regional and statewide level, providing statewide mutual fire and rescue assistance, and ensures our local communities remain protected and well prepared for any emergency. When resources are deployed as part of statewide mutual aid incidents, OT hours are reimbursable by federal or state assistance. In 2022, of the 2,192 OT hours worked by Battalion Chiefs, 39% of those hours were reimbursable by either federal or state assistance. Of the 11,414 OT hours worked by Captains, 16% of those hours were reimbursable by either federal or state assistance. Additionally, 18% of the 12,065 OT hours worked by Engineers and 13% of the 35,655 OT hours worked by Firefighters were also reimbursable by federal or state assistance. Rank OT Hours worked in 2022 Battalion Chief 2,192 hours Captains 11,414.50 hours Engineers 12,065.50 hours Firefighters 35,655.50 hours Percentage decrease/increase from 2022 10.17% 12.28% OT hours - 5 year review Battalion Chief Captain Engineer Firefighter 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 0 10k 20k 30k M ultiy e ar C o m p aris o n 15
2022 Annual Report Community Risk Reduction Fire and Life Safety Plan Check Reviews: M ultiy e ar C o m p aris o n 368 164 22 12 0 3 567 292 162 20 14 1 0 491 190 116 24 9 2 2 343 Sprinkler Alarm Hood Underground Fire Pump Clean agent TOTAL: Fire Prevention System Construction Inspections 2020 2021 2022 Fire and Life Safety Plan Check Reviews: Three year comparison 2020 (35.94%) 2021 (32.41%) 2022 (31.65%) Total Inspections: Three year comparison 2020 (32.81%) 2021 (34.28%) 2022 (32.91%) 937 845 825 2,204 2,197 2,296 16
2022 Annual Report CRR- Revenues Total Revenues Receipts FY19/ 20 FY20/ 21 Repor ts F i r e P l a n R e v i ew / I n s p e c ti o n s B u i l d i n g P e r m it $ 5 9 , 0 0 5 . 6 8 FY21 / 22 F i r e S y s t e m P l a n R e v i ew 2 0 4 0 C R R F i r e S y s t e m I n s p e c ti o n s N ew A n n u a l o r Ev e n t P e r m it A n n u a l P e r m it R e n ew a l C o m p a n y I n s p e c ti o n To t a l $ 1 0 9 , 3 1 7 . 4 5 $ 1 5 4 , 2 1 6 . 6 6 $ 1 6 , 1 9 0 . 0 0 $ 6 3 , 9 8 0 . 0 0 $ 8 5 , 9 1 5 . 0 0 $ 4 8 8 , 6 2 4 . 7 9 $ 2 6 , 1 6 3 . 7 5 $ 7 7 , 5 3 7 . 6 0 $ 1 3 3 , 9 5 7 . 2 0 $ 1 0 , 6 6 0 . 0 0 $ 8 0 , 0 7 0 . 0 0 $ 9 , 9 0 5 . 0 0 $ 3 3 8 , 2 9 3 . 5 5 $ 4 4 , 2 8 5 . 1 8 $ 6 6 , 4 2 7 . 7 7 $ 1 3 6 , 9 6 3 . 2 0 $ 1 8 , 2 3 0 . 0 0 $ 7 6 , 5 6 0 . 0 0 $ 8 , 6 7 1 . 2 0 $ 3 5 1 , 1 3 7 . 3 5 FY19/2020 FY20/2021 FY21/2022 0 200k 400k $488,624.79 $338,293.55 $351,137.35 17
2 0 2 2 A n n u al R e p o r t C o m m u n i t y E d u c a t i o n a n d O u t r e a c h H i g hli g h t s Three year Comparison Title 2020 2021 2022 Hands on only CPR (participants) 40 0 441 Station tours (participants) 2,345 0 135 Special events 6 14 135 Volunteer hours CERT/Fire corps 5,391 3,672 6,025 Presentations (participants) 6,843 9,500 10,131 Community Engagement Community Engagement 1 8
2022 Annual Report F i r e F a m i l y M e m b e r o f t h e M o n t h Award A special monthly recognition program highlighting CMFR's outstanding personnel and their individual contributions to the Fire Family and department. January 2022 Engineer John Brock February 2022 Captain Kevin Reddy March 2022 Engineer Anthony Vitello April 2022 Battalion Chief Bill Kershaw May 2022 FF/PM Kyle Brosamer June 2022 Captain Andrew Harris July 2022 FF/PM Kevin Humphreys August 2022 Office Specialist Amy Ellard September 2022 Captain Steve Airey October 2022 FF/PM Bryan McMahon November 2022 Engineer Harrison Schwab December 2022 Engineer Mike Barnes 19
C M FR A c t i v e L e a d e r s h i p Department wide growth, continued professional development and succession planning through all ranks and all divisions: CMFR’s Peer Support Team and Fire Chaplain Program – Compassion and Active Leadership. Program Leads Captains Mike Ruhl (Peer Support Lead) and Kevin Reddy (Chaplain Lead), BC Chris Coates (Program Management), and Peer Support Team Members (Engineers Dave Kearley & Don Soldan and Firefighter/Paramedics Chad Pregizer & Maurilio Torres). CMFR’s Collective Team played the lead role in making the Costa Mesa Fire Captain Michael Kreza Memorial Highway come to fruition, start to finish, culminating with its installation, becoming a permanent tribute within the gateway of Costa Mesa, for everyone to share. Special thanks to the strong and valued partnerships, all who played key roles and helped make it possible, including our state legislature, City Council, City Manager, City Leadership Team, the Costa Mesa Firefighters’ Association, the Costa Mesa Community Foundation, Caltrans, our amazing Costa Mesa community, and of course, Shanna, Kaylie, Layla and Audrey Kreza! CMFR’s Honor Guard – Continues to be an extraordinary leader and resource for the department, within the region and throughout the state, frequently volunteering their time to represent the absolute best of CMFR, the fire service and the Costa Mesa Fire Family. Includes members Battalion Chief Chris Coates; Captains Mike Hurd, Fred McDowell & Brent Turner; Engineers Mike Barnes, John Brock, Dave Kearley and Scott Purcell; and Firefighter/Paramedics Spencer Hibbard and Chad Pregizer. The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Cadet Program – The Costa Mesa Fire Explorer Program paused during 2021 to navigate the resurgence of the pandemic and in 2022. The Fire Explorer Program was retired and was redeveloped into a newly created Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue (CMFR) Fire Cadet Program. The new program was reimagined and developed by an internal team of our firefighters representing all ranks, from Firefighter to Chief Fire Officer. The new CMFR Cadet program will formally kick off in 2023 and it is certain to be a premier youth program of its kind in the region and statewide. Ther program will be led by Fire Captains Eliasar Maldonado and Steve Cathey and Engineer Matt Chavez, along with the growing CMFR Cadet Cadre of Firefighter Kyle Myszka & Firefighter/Paramedic Zach Finkelstein, among a few others who will also be stepping into the Cadre in 2023. Fire Chief Dan Stefano – Served as the Acting City Manager within the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022. Served as the Immediate Past President of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs), also served as an appointed member of the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Committee (HSAC), as a member of the California Fire Service Task Force on Behavioral Health, and was also formally appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) for a two-year term, representing the fire chiefs and fire agencies across the state. Chief Stefano also participated as a presenter, moderator and/or panel member for a number of regional and statewide leadership events, including, but not limited to the Orange County Leadership Tomorrow Program, the annual Cal Cities League Leaders Workshop and the annual Cal Cities Fire Chiefs Management and Labor Leadership Conference. Operations Division Chief Jason Pyle – Served as the Acting Fire Chief during Chief Stefano’s appointment as Acting City Manager within the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022. Served as the Operations Division Chief, serving as a valued leader on CMFR’s Command Staff, also overseeing a number of key areas including, but not limited to our Operations Personnel, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Apparatus, Communications, Risk Management and our Cal OES Mutual Aid Operations. Chief Pyle is also recognized as a senior leader within the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association - Operations Section and serves as the primary Operations Section representative/liaison to the 800 MHz CCCS Governance Committee. Chief Pyle was also selected along with two other City of Costa Mesa Employees to participate in the CSU Fullerton CSUF Leadership Development Program for Public Agencies and he successfully completed the program and attended the annual Cal Cities Fire Chiefs Management and Labor Leadership Conference. Fire Marshal/Community Risk Reduction Division Chief Jon Neal – Obtained experience serving as the Acting Fire Chief during the course of the year. Served as the CRR Division Chief, serving as a valued leader on CMFR’s Command Staff, also overseeing a number of key areas including, but not limited to our CRR personnel, city wide Fire and Life Safety Inspections, Development Field Inspections, Plan Review, Permits and is the department’s primary lead for all CMFR Facilities, including being the CMFR lead for the Fire Station #2 rebuild process. In addition, Fire Marshal Neal also served as the lead for the restart of the Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover Projects, and the CMFR Strategic Planning Process. Jon is also recognized as a senior leader within the Orange County Fire Chiefs’ Fire Marshals section, currently working on an International Code Council (ICC) Fire Inspector II Certification. He led a CRR team who attended the California Fire Prevention Institute’s Annual conference, where he successfully completed another course (Fire Marshal 1E Certification – Regulatory Programs Management) toward his SFM - Fire Marshal Certification. Battalion Chief Bill Kershaw – Obtained experience serving as the Acting Fire Chief and Acting Operations Chief during the course of the year. Chief Kershaw serves as a valued leader on CMFR’s Command Staff and is responsible for direct shift (24 hour) supervisory oversight of our fire stations, apparatus and personnel, including lead responsibility for a number of key areas including, but not limited to CMFR’s Records Management System (RMS), Emergency Incident Data Collection, and Emergency Incident Cost Recovery Program and has been transitioned in as one of the key members of CMFR’s budget team. Recognized as a regional fire service leader, serving as a member on one of the State’s Fire & Rescue Incident Management Teams, as our lead to the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) as our Lead Terrorism Liaison Officer. Battalion Chief Tim Vasin – Obtained experience serving as the Acting Operations Chief during the course of the year. Chief Vasin serves as a valued leader on CMFR’s Command Staff and is responsible for direct shift (24 hour) supervisory oversight of our fire stations, apparatus and personnel, including lead responsibility for a number of key areas including, but not limited to CMFR’s comprehensive uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE) programs (wildland & structural), including program budget management and supervisory oversight with the respective department leads for each sub area. Chief Vasin also oversees CMFR’s Arson Program and worked closely with the Command Staff and CMFA to develop an updated Arson Program, anticipated to be implemented in 2023. Chief Vasin also served as a regional representative to the Orange County Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) & Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and also serves as our primary lead representative to the Orange County Fire Chiefs Arson Task Force. Battalion Chief Chris Coates – Obtained experience serving as the Acting Fire Chief and Acting Operations Chief during the course of the year. Chief Coates serves as a valued leader on CMFR’s Command Staff and is responsible for direct shift (24 hour) supervisory oversight of our fire stations, apparatus and personnel, including lead responsibility for a number of key areas including, but not limited to serving as the lead Chief Officer liaison for our comprehensive Wellness, Behavioral Health, Peer Support, Chaplain and Cancer Prevention Programs, working directly with the respective department lead for each area. Chief Coates oversees our Ambulance Operator (AO), Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) and our PIO Programs. Chief Coates remained active as a Past President with the Cal Chiefs’ Training Officers Section and was formally appointed to serve as the Southern California Division Director for the Cal Chiefs’ Operations Section. Chief Coates also attended a number of key leadership events, including annual CalChiefs conference and the annual Cal Cities Fire Chiefs Management and Labor Leadership Conference. As an extraordinary accomplishment, Chief Coates successfully completed his final year of the National Fire Academy’s four-year Executive Fire Officer Program, the premier Executive Fire Officer Program in the Nation. 20
C M FR A c t i v e L e a d e r s h i p continued... Fire Captain Chuck Torres – Was appointed as the Department’s Training, Safety & Professional Standards Program Manager and has done an excellent job of transitioning into his new role. Captain Torres is responsible for program management and supervisory oversight for all of our training and professional development related programs, including his lead role with recruitment, hiring and promotional testing, as well as special event coordination, from the CMFR annual Public Safety Day to new recruit fire family night. He established strong partnerships throughout the region, including his introduction and active engagement representing CMFR within the City and within the region, inclusive of his contributions to the Orange County Fire Chiefs Training Officers Section, in a wide range of areas, including the partnership he established with our regional FBI training representatives, ultimately developing and carrying out a wildland training program on their facility site. Captain Torres was selected to participate in Leadership Tomorrow (Orange County) – Class of 2022-23, representing the City of Costa Mesa and CMFR, attended the annual CalChiefs Conference and the annual Cal Cities Fire Chiefs Management and Labor Leadership Conference. Also noteworthy, Captain Torres successfully completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management at Vanguard University. Fire Captain Justin Horner – Was appointed as the newly created Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Manager and has had an exceptional impact and is one of the most powerful examples of a high value return on investment for the department and the city, after being strongly supported and formally approved by the City Council and City Manager. Captain Horner immediately established strong partnerships throughout the region, including his introduction and active engagement representing CMFR within the Orange County Fire Chiefs EMS Section, with our area hospitals and other EMS related stakeholders. Captain Horner was instrumental and played a vital role in helping our EMS efforts on the front lines evolve and elevate working through and coming out of the Pandemic, building on the outstanding foundation that had been in place prior. Captain Horner’s laser focused approach with quality assurance, integrating innovative technologies and interactive presentations into our EMS training, and working closely with our Training, Safety & Professional Standards section has been nothing short of brilliant, with one of the examples being his CMFR EMS Updates newsletter that now has become a mainstay for our EMS training and continuing education. Fire Captain Joe Noceti – Transitioned back to the floor after doing an outstanding job serving as our Training & Safety Captain for the past few years and demonstrated exceptional leadership to facilitate a smooth transition with Captain Torres. Captain Noceti’s leadership in that role and the many other roles and responsibilities is to be commended, from serving as CMFR’s PIO to overseeing our Cancer Awareness and Prevention Program. Captain Noceti remains a respected and recognized leader. Fire Captain Taylor Voss – Served on the Executive Board as the Secretary of the California Fire Chiefs Southern Division Training Officers and was subsequently elected to serve as the 1st Vice President. Captain Voss was also requested by the Office of State Fire Training and State Fire Marshal Mike Richwine to serve on the initial focus group for Blueprint 2030, Strategic Plan that will guide State Fire Training for the next 8-10 years. Fire Captain Steve Airey - Served as the Orange County area representative for the California Fire Chiefs Southern Division Training Officers and was subsequently elected to serve as the Secretary for the CalChiefs Southern Division Training Officers. Captain Airey also took the initiative and lead role in researching, procuring and ultimately securing a more modernized and standardized approach to public safety policy for CMFR, in alignment with CMPD and a number of our regional public safety partners. EMS Coordinator Larry Grihalva – Served in a valued EMS supporting role, focusing on EMT and EMT-P Certifications, EMS equipment, and a range of specialty EMS related area. Larry is also an attorney and serves as one of the legal advisors on EMS to the Orange County Fire Chiefs, the California Fire Chiefs Association, and to Fire Chief Stefano. Larry also was appointed and currently serves on the Orange County Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley. Community Education Specialist & Acting Emergency Manager Brenda Emrick – Was formally appointed to serve as the City’s Acting Emergency Manager in 2022, while also continuing to serve at a level that is unmatched by all accounts as a local, regional, statewide, and international subject matter expert and ambassador for CERT, including her role in serving as a National, State and Orange County CERT Instructor Trainer, National CERT Association Professional Development Training Coordinator, CERT Mutual Aid Program Training Committee Lead and as the Orange County Citizen Corps CERT Representative. Brenda is an amazing asset and resource for the department, the city and the community, widely recognized as the best in her field. The city has been fortunate to have her step into the Acting Emergency Manager role as we prepare for an open hiring process that will take place in early 2023. Executive Assistant Lora Ross - Serves in a critical role for CMFR, managing a range of administrative areas and supervising our administrative interns. Lora also serves as one of the leads for the Orange County Fire Services Executive Assistants and is a member of the California Fire Chiefs Administrative Fire Services Section (AFSS). Management Analyst Kristin Stevens – Serves on the City’s Public Information Officer Team and is CMFR’s lead with our social media and works closely with BC Coates, Captains Torres and Horner and the CMFR PIO Team. Kristin also plays a vital role with CMFR’s budget management in a range of areas, and she is also utilized as a highly valued resource to help support the City’s finance department during the budget process. CRR Office Specialist Amy Ellard successfully completed the Leadership Tomorrow Program (Orange County) and has demonstrated impressive professional skill sets and competencies in the work she accomplishes every day, including when she is moved into the Acting Executive Assistant role. A notable number of CMFR personnel have successfully completed formal degrees and/or are actively working on advancing their formal education, professional certifications, technical skill sets, and leadership training. A notable number of CMFR personnel successfully completed or are actively working on their Task Book Certification for the positions of Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, and Fire Engineer. A number of CMFR personnel continue to generously teach, coach, mentor, and train the next generation of prospective fire, rescue, and emergency service professionals, both on-duty and off-duty. 21
2022 Annual Report
Department Mission Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is an all-hazard team dedicated to serving and protecting our community through professionalism, leadership, and excellence. Vision for the Future Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is committed to exceeding the expectations of those we serve by being a leader in Fire Protection, Rescue, Emergency Services, and Community Risk Reduction. Department Values Respect * Integrity * Compassion