Annual Report 2016 Testing 123

OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

2016 Annual Report | 1

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

2 | Omaha Fire Department

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

2016 Annual Report | 3

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

It is my privilege to present the 2016
Omaha Fire Department Annual Report
to Mayor Jean Stothert, respected mem-
bers of City council and the citizens of
Omaha.

4 | Omaha Fire Department

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-

professionalism and compassion. that will provide a dividend in terms of bers of our department. Their dedication

service delivery to our community. to our community’s wellbeing is unwav-

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.

2016 Annual Report | 5

7 24 627

BATTALIONS FIRE STATIONS PERSONNEL

#7 #2
#6 #4

#5 #1
#3

SERVICES OVERVIEW

The Omaha Fire Department is com- Fire Management is currently com- The Omaha Fire Department currently

prised of individuals filling roles in prised of a Fire Chief and four Assistant operates out of 24 stations throughout

suppression who actively provide fire Fire Chiefs. Three of the Assistant Fire Omaha. Each day there is a minimum

and EMS response, as well as indi- Chiefs are assigned a suppression of 176 suppression personnel on duty

viduals working in an administrative shift (A, B or C), and a single division to adequately protect the citizens of

capacity to oversee fire suppression to oversee. An administrative Assistant Omaha.

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

PERSONNEL STATISTICS

SWORN PERSONNEL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

1 Fire Chief 1 Special Projects Coordinator
4 Assistant Chief 2 Secretary I
27 Battalion Chief 1 Secretary II
1 Assistant Fire Marshal 1 Account Clerk
3 EMS Shift Supervisor 5 TOTAL CIVILLIAN PERSONNEL
130 Fire Captain
106 Fire Apparatus Engineer 2016 Annual Report | 7
355 Firefighter
0 Probationary Firefighter
627 TOTAL SWORN PERSONNEL

8 | 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.

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

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division is responsible for ensuring that all OFD paramedics and EMTs are properly
equipped and trained to provide high quality emergency medical services to the community.

The EMS Division is overseen by a Battalion Chief and staffed with three Paramedic Shift Supervisors, an EMS Supplies
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.

Every sworn OFD employee is either a licensed paramedic or EMT (emergency medical technician), trained to provide
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
of protection for all citizens of Omaha. If a fire truck or engine can respond more quickly to a medical call than a medic
unit, the citizen will still receive medical treatment from that responding company until the nearest medic unit can arrive
for hospital transport, if that service is necessary.

EPCR SYSTEM Defibrillators CARES Program

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

10 | Omaha Fire Department

45,733

OFD is one of only a very few EMS systems with real world experience transporting highly infections patients such as Ebola.
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
highly infectious patients.

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
Equipment (PPE), protocols, various infectious diseases, etc.

In November of 2016, OFD participated in a multi-agency drill that simulated transporting multiple infectious patients from
Liberia, Africa to the Bio-Containment Unit at Nebraska Medicine. In addition to this, OFD received a $13,000.00 grant to
fund infectious disease training and to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used to transport highly
infectious patients.

Mission Lifeline Award

OFD received the Silver Award from
American Heart Association’s Mis-
sion Lifeline. Mission Lifeline seeks
to acknowledge the work, training
and commitment by EMS agencies
to improve overall quaility of care
fro the STEMI (heart attack) patient,
by directly influenency the STEMI
System of Care.

2016 Annual Report | 11

FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT FIRE INVESTIGATION UNIT OVERVIEW

The Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) investigates all structure and vehicle fires to
determine origin and cause. Fire Investigators are responsible for scene docu-
mentation, evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews, and courtroom
testimony. If the fire is determined to be incendiary in nature, a criminal investi-
gation is conducted and could potentially end in the arrest of a suspect. If the fire
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
the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The FIU consists of one Battalion Chief and six Fire Investigators. There are
an additional 15 active duty personnel in reserve investigator status. All 22 are
certified law enforcement officers (LEO) who graduated from the Omaha Police
Department training Academy.

TRAINING

Introductory training opportunities give Investigators experience with real-life sit-
uations encountered in police work while providing them the opportunity to work
with officers on the Omaha Police Department.

All newly sworn LEO personnel complete:
• A five-week Field Training and Evaluation Program with the Omaha Police
Department Uniform Patrol Bureau.
• A two-week introduction program with the Omaha Police Department Criminal
Investigation Bureau.

All law enforcement-certified employees receive further training, certification, and
continuing education (CE) in the field of Fire Investigation from the National Fire
Academy, International Association of Arson Investigators publications, and the
National Association of Fire Investigator publications.

FIU employees are required by the state of Nebraska to receive
20 continuing education training hours on an annual basis.

FIU training topics include: • Emergency Medical Technician
• Law Enforcement • Fire-Related Training
• Incident Command

1235.5 719

total continuing education hours total continuing education hours

22 Law Enforcment Employees com- Of the 1,235.5 hours, FIU Investiga-
pleted 1,235.5 CE hours in 2016 tors completed 719 CE hours in 2016

12 | Omaha Fire Department

STATISTICS HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In 2016, FIU conducted: ALLEY THE ARSON DOG

331 FIU added a 7th Fire Investigator in July Alley the Arson Dog & her handler,
2016 with a primary role of an Acceler- Fire Investigator David Sobotka
total investigations ant Detection Canine (ADC) handler.

Out of the 331 total investigations: The ADC is a Labrador named Alley
who is trained to sniff for chemicals
66 used in starting arson fires including
gasoline, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, etc.
cases were classfied as arson
Alley is a very valuable tool for
22 the FIU in determining if a fire was
caused by a person with an intent of
cases were cleared by arrest * an illegal act.

5 The ADC team attended 200 hours of
training in Brunswick, MA learning the
arrests made not relating to arson important task of accelerant detection
during fire scene examinations.
26
Since the ADC team was placed in
total criminal arrests made by FIU service, it has assisted in at least two
cases which resulted in two arrests of
20 arson suspects, one of which occurred
while aiding an outside agency.
fires started by juveniles
ELECTRONIC REPORTING TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES
0
Recent upgrades to electronic report- The FIU has also improved its inves-
FIU personnel fatalities
ing, has allowed the FIU to use police tigative capabilities by acquiring and
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

by the OPD and City of Omaha pros- information can include a detailed

ecutors without delay. With the more background check of suspects,and

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

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

** In 2016, 22 cases were cleared by PLANNING FOR 2017
arrest, which equates to a 33% Arson
Clearance Rate. This is double the The FIU will continue to seek ways to reduce fires and improve safety through
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.

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- FPD Companies familiarize them-
program was also very success- gual Community Education Specialist selves with the building’s fire
ful in 2016, whereby suppression to our Public Education Office this protection equipment including fire
companies conducted over 3,200 ** year. This person serves our depart- extinguishers, fire alarm systems,
familiarizations of occupancies within ment by educating the public on such sprinkler systems, and kitchen hood
their response territories. When issues as fire safety, community systems. Suppression companies are
conducting familiarizations, compa- engagement, and recruiting. also assigned assembly inspections
nies observe and note the following throughout the year to check the max-
information: addresses on the struc- We also welcomed Alley the Arson imum occupancy load for a structure
ture, fire department access, fire Dog to the OFD in 2016. Although as well as performing holiday inspec-
department connections, fire hydrant Alley is assigned to the Fire Investi- tions of retail occupancies during
locations, status of the building (in use gation Unit, she is used extensively at the month of December. There were
or vacant), construction type, exits and school and community public educa- 7,427** certified inspection activities
exit signage, conditions of stairways tion events. She is a huge hit with performed by the certified inspectors
and doors, and emergency lighting. children and adults alike! in 2016.

14 | Omaha Fire Department

FMZ Familiarizations Inspection Activities

3,273 7,427

OPERATIONS FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

Assembly Fire Inspections
Vacant Property Inspections

Fire Drills
Fire Pre-Plans

Operations
Activities

19

172
848 628

In conclusion, the FPD continues to serve the citizens of our community through
a well-managed, progressive approach to fire prevention and education. We
have streamlined our internal processes and increased our public education
efforts to include a community-wide risk-reduction program. This effort includes
a new pre-planning process designed to increase safety to both the public and
*** Accomplished in 2016 included the full implementation of the Accela software
which greatly increased the efficiency in how inspections and fees are docu-
mented and information shared with other City Departments.

2016 Annual Report | 15

PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education (Pub Ed) Program is responsible for spreading the message of fire safety
to individuals of all ages within our community. This mission is critical, as oftentimes the public’s first impression of the OFD
comes from a public education activity or presentation. The goal of the Pub Ed program is to take a proactive approach
to raise awareness and educate the public on fire safety and how to protect their home, business, or family in the event
of a fire or catastrophe. Pub Ed takes a community-prevention approach, enlisting the help of volunteer and community
organizations to promote this message.

FREE DETECTOR PROGRAM

An integral part of the Pub Ed program is the smoke and carbon monoxide detector outreach component. The OFD is
committed to keeping our citizens safe, and through the generosity of the First Responders Foundation, our personnel are
able to install smoke/CO detectors in homes throughout Omaha free of charge. In the event that the home already has a
working smoke detector, personnel will replace the battery for free instead. The First Responders Foundation donates each
smoke/CO detector installed by OFD personnel. With their support, the OFD was able to install 1389 smoke/CO detectors
and replace 71 batteries for the citizens of Omaha in 2016.

FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION

OFD places a high level of importance on educating the public about fire safety. One of the ways this is executed is by
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-
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
and neighborhood associations on behalf of the FPD. The PIO conducted 965 such activities in 2016, ensuring that the
public is aware of fire safety issues.

16 | Omaha Fire Department

YOUTH FIRE STOPPERS

A federal grant allowed OFD to hire a part-time Youth Fire Stopper (YFS) Coordinator in 2015 and certified 9 OFD person-
nel as Youth Fire Stopper counselors. They conduct and assist in YFS intake sessions and educational classes. These
classes are taught by the YFS counselors with the assistance of the Volunteer Fire Corps, OPD, and Nebraska Medicine
Burn Unit to educate Omaha youth who have played with or shown interest in matches and lighters or who have been
caught or arrested for starting fires. Youth Fire Stopper classes were attended by 128 students in 2016.

FIRE EXPLORERS POST 535

Pub Ed also offers a program for youth interested in the Fire Service. The OFD Fire Explorers Post #535 is comprised of
14-19 year olds who complete 24 hours of training at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center, allowing them to participate
in non-emergency events. The Pub Ed division assists these youth in learning about the skills needed to become firefight-
ers. The youth also volunteer at various Pub Ed events throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. This
program is supported by the Boy Scouts of America and the Learning for Life Foundation. Twelve individuals participated
in the program in 2016.

HARD OF HEARING ALARMS

We continue to install smoke/CO detectors to the public free of charge, and thanks to an Assistance to Firefighter Grant,
we have now added smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing to our inventory.

2017 OUTLOOK

As we move forward into 2017, the Public education Division remains committed to the citizens we serve by providing fire
safety education and demonstrating the value it provides to the community. Utilizing our Fire Safety Trailer to create a larger
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
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

The Omaha Fire Department recognizes that firefighting is inherently dangerous and that it is vitally important to continu-
ously evaluate safety concerns to prevent injuries or more serious consequences. The Safety and Wellness Division (SWD)
works to ensure 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 Fire Services Personnel Manager, and one civilian secretary.

Major responsibilities of the SWD are to ensure that safety procedures are being followed in all aspects of the job, to coor-
dinate these safety efforts, to perform follow-up action on safety concerns, to ensure that State and Federal regulations
are being met, and to implement policies that adhere to fire department standards, guides, codes, and regulations.

Furthermore, the SWD coordinates all associated paperwork and reassignments for personnel injured on-duty or those
with long-term illness or injury. Workplace safety is always a major focus area for the SWD.

CITY-WIDE Training Dangerous structures ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

SWD personnel, along with the City A Dangerous Structure program was Starting at the end 2016 and into
of Omaha Human Resources Depart- established in 2016. Any Dangerous early 2017, a second fire hood was
ment and Omaha Police Department, structures identified by suppression issued to all personnel. A recent study
began an extensive Infectious Dis- crews are marked and documented. by the Illinois Fire Service Institute in
ease Control process review and This documentation follows a process conjunction with NIOSH and funded
improvement. The goal is to bring all that ensures photos and hazards are by a Federal grant , showed dirty fire
city employees under the same pro- shared with all OFD personnel. This hoods can lead to a significant amount
cedures in 2017. The training involved program also partners Omaha Fire of absorption in the neck area. Having
with this process will bring the City of with City Planning and results in rapid an available second hood addresses
Omaha up to date on the most current removal of these structures in a more the issue of re-exposure to toxins from
national practices and standards. prioritized approach. previous fires.

occupational health

In 2016, the SWD managed the occu-
pational health needs of over 637
firefighters for TB, Hearing, N95 fit
testing, SCBA Face piece fit testing,
managing immunization records, Flu
shots, Haz Mat physicals and Infec-
tious Disease exposures.

Safety committee

SWD actively manages the OFD
Safety Committee meetings and has
been designated as the OFD rep-
resentative on the City of Omaha’s
Safety Committee, as well.

18 | Omaha Fire Department

In 2017, the SWD’s biggest project is with the OFD Information Services Division and the UNO MIS Graduate program to
develop a SWD personnel database. The database will track personnel events such as accidents, injuries and exposures.
It will also track tests such as hearing, TB testing, fitness testing and immunizations, allowing the capability to effectively
track personnel health events as well as allow personnel access to their records at will.
Other goals for the upcoming year include continuous improvements to the Health and Wellness Program; seeking more
efficient medical exams and ensuring consistency in performance metrics. SWD also will continue to review SOP’s to
ensure current smart practices and national standards of Safety, Health and Wellness are reflected. Each goal and program
implemented by the SWD is geared toward keeping the health and safety of OFD personnel in the forefront while seeking
cost saving measures to provide these services as efficiently as possible to the City. SWD will continue to seek ways to
reduce workplace injuries and improve safety through training, education, and policy improvements in 2017.

2016 Annual Report | 19

INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION

The Information Services Division (ISD) is responsible for providing technical support for the OFD’s many computer pro-
grams and hardware/software specific to the fire department. While the OFD receives computer and IT support from the
Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm), as do all City departments, there are programs maintained and
overseen exclusively by the ISD. It is crucial that OFD data is properly maintained and tracked to remain compliant with
fire service standards and State and National requirements.

ISD is staffed with sworn personnel filling the following roles: one Fire/EMS Information Specialist and two Information
Systems/Research Specialists. This division is overseen by the Safety and Wellness Division Battalion Chief. The ISD
staff were successful in many areas throughout 2015, attending education events, representing Omaha Fire at technology
demonstrations, assisting many divisions with data management and project facilitation.

EPCR

Electronic Patient Care Reporting System (EPCR) continues to improve our patient care continuity with the area hospitals.
The standardized transfer of patient information from Medic unit arrival at the patient through discharge continues to evolve
via HL7. OFD has been working closely with local hospitals and Zoll Medical to integrate a fully digital reporting system
that inserts patient care information 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 mandated standard that ensures HIPPA security
and patient care information portability. The planned evolution of the Omaha HL7 project is a closed loop feedback system.
This feedback loop will allow OFD to ensure best practices by comparing field interventions with patient outcomes post
hospital discharge.

ipad enhancements GIS IMPLEMENTATION

2016 also saw a major IT enhance- In 2016, ISD continued to strengthen
ment in the capability of the Fire OFD’s working relationship with the
Prevention and Education Division. Douglas County GIS Division, with
A federal grant purchased over 60 the new iPad program being the
IPads to be used for the enhancement most recent development in the GIS
of public safety. The IPads serve to program. Geographical Information
increase both the services and effi- Systems (GIS) implementation has
ciency with which we serve the public improved OFD’s efficiency and the
in Fire Prevention. services rendered to the citizens of
Omaha by utilizing Maps and Busi-
The IPads are used to replace paper ness analytics.
documents with electronic input.
Examples of improved efficiencies The GIS system contributes to
are Smoke Detector Requests/Instal- better response times by evaluating
lations, Submission of Electronic how OFD responds to specific Fire
checklists, Preplan of Target Hazard Zones, pre-plan High Value Target
Occupancies, and Preplans of all Hazards, determine best placement
Commercial Occupancies. When iPad of resources such as Engines and
submissions are made, the system is Medic Units, and how we determine
updated citywide within seconds and best placement of new Fire Stations.
all of that data is available to Incident
Commanders at active incidents.

20 | Omaha Fire Department

DATA REPORTING Partnerships ISD UPGRADES

ISD continues to use the most current The increased accuracy of our data ISD has been working with an outside
tools in data reporting. These tools has enabled OFD to partner with the vendor to develop electronic check-
enable the OFD to sbumit NFIRS Academic community for the benefit lists via a Java web application. The
exports to the National Fire Protec- of the Citizens of Omaha. OFD IS application will allow OFD to electron-
tion Association and update the NFPA has formed partnerships with and ically submit the many required daily
1710 data model to better reflect the precepted students from UNMC Col- and monthly checklists. This will result
wide array of services and quality of lege of Public Health, University of in a significant improvement in the effi-
proctection provided by the OFD. OFD Nebraska at Omaha GIS Division, and ciency of maintenance and tracking
is also able to develop and deploy University of Nebraska at Lincoln Bio- OFD equipment, stations and other
data models using Microsoft Power statistics Division assets. The rollout began in 2016 and
BI for online data reporting. we continue to convert forms. This
ISD represented OFD on the national ongoing program is taking advantage
In addition to this, ISD implemented stage for education, presentations of the IPad technology and allows our
new ACCESS databases to replace and participating in technology forums checklists to be completed in real time.
Excel asset-tracking. This technology including the Zoll Summit in Denver,
advancement enabled Mobile Asset Colorado. In addition to this, OFD A Request for Proposal for upgraded
Tracking, allowing OFD to efficiently has been active with the State of Fire Station Alerting Systems will
track millions of dollars of assets, and Nebraska in exploring the possibility be submitted for 2017 deployment.
a Safety Wellness Database, allowing of a Public Safety Broadband Network This detailed process began in 2015.
OFD to track accidents, injuries, expo- in Nebraska. The State committee New Portable Radios have also been
sures, immunications and all other regularly solicits input from the OFD. ordered to replace our current inven-
pertinient medical testing information. Nebraska FirstNet also continues to tory, which is over 10 years old. This
This advancement makes all data send OFD members as representa- process began in 2015 and with a
easy to query and allows personnel tives to National meetings to further grant application filed. Notification
to access their personal data. It also our strategic partnership with the of grant award was June 2016 with
allows OFD to efficiently maintain data State of Nebraska. planned roll out by May 2017 after an
for the required 30 years post-employ- evaluation of the new radios in field
ment period. use. Additionally, ISD staff assist in
grant proposals and applications, sup-
plying numbers and data to support
requests for grant-funded equipment

EPCR E-Reporting GIS

improves patient increases department improves services using
care continuity with efficiencies both inter- maps and business ana-

area hospitals nally and externally lytics

iPads Databases Partnerships

enhance public safety advance asset-tracking, with the academic
by providing real-time making data easily and community benefit

data and tracking readily accessible citizens directly

2016 Annual Report | 21

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION Overview

The primary responsibility of the Technical Services Division (TSD) is to keep all
vehicles, equipment, and buildings in working order by serving as the department
liaison with Fleet Management, Facilities Management, and contracted vendors.
TSD also works with Douglas County 911 communications and DOTComm
regarding communications equipment and telephone services. As of December
31, 2016, TSD had a total complement of four sworn personnel: one Battalion
Chief who oversees the division, one Logistics/Repair and Delivery Coordinator,
one Fire Apparatus Coordinator Foam/Water Supply Specialist, and one Facilities
and Turnout Gear Specialist.

TSD is actively involved in station improvements and construction projects. TSD
personnel conduct approximately 90% of the department’s small engine repairs
in-house and routinely visit each fire station to provide preventative maintenance
for all equipment and tools (PPV fans, chain saws, power units, snow blowers, and
lawn equipment). Mechanically-minded light duty personnel are utilized for small
engine repairs which helps avoid outsourcing costs, saving the City countless
dollars in repairs from outside vendors.

TSD is also tasked with repair and replacement of firefighting gear and equipment.
This includes but is not limited to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Thermal
Imaging Cameras (TICs), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), saws,
extrication equipment, forcible-entry tools, ropes, ladders, hand lights, nozzles and
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

lines. With the future replacement of the vendor to replace any Velcro that

older TICs, OFD is striving to purchase was damaged beyond use within the

TICs that meet the NFPA guidelines as first five years. In 2016, over 50 pieces

well. Other TIC manufactures besides of turnout gear were “refurbished” with

MSA have been willing to let the OFD new Velcro by the manufacturer at no

field test their thermal imagers. These cost to the City. This will extend the

demo TICs have been randomly placed life of our existing turnout gear. TSD

on trucks and engines around the city to is able to continue sending more gear

gain feedback on their interoperability/ in for LTC repair due to the good stock

usability and image quality. of loaner gear.

22 | Omaha Fire Department

Personal Protective Equipment

In 2016, several significant steps were taken in an effort to adopt more recommendations from NPFA-1851 in terms of
the selection, care and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All OFD Battalion Chiefs were certified in
NFPA-1851 Advanced Inspections allowing them to efficiently and effectively inspect PPE.

New Equipment

Extractor Washing Machines
Four additional extracters were purchased, bringing the total to nine for the deaprt-
ment. The additional extractors will be installed in 2017 to provide each battalion
with their own extractor.

Loaner Gear
A total of 15 sets of new loaner gear were purchased in 2016 to better stock TSD
with gear to checkout to firefighters when their personal equipment is getting
repaired or cleaned.

PPE Hoods
Second hoods were purhcased for each firefighter in 2016 to allow firefighters
time to launder their hoods after each fire. Studies have shown an increase in
cancers in the head/neck area and the hood has been identified as the wink link
in the PPE ensemble. Having an available second hood addresses the issue of
re-exposure to toxins from previous fires.

EQUIPMENT UPGRADES

Return to Previous Helmet Model Cairns 660C
In 2016, the standard helmet was switched back to the prior model, Cairns 660C.
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%
reduction in the cost of the helmet was seen.

Switch to Lion Commander Gloves
TSD evaluated the value/performance of its current glove, Protech Fusion 8,
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
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
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
slight increased price but also an expected increase in durability and longevity.
The glove is designed with Kovenex fabric accommodate ease of donning/doffing
when wet.from previous fires.

2016 Annual Report | 23

APPARATUS & STATION UPGRADES

22 9 2 Water
MED UNITS RESCUES Tenders

ENGINES TRUCKS 7 Water Vehicles
38 15 Rescues 66

24 | Omaha Fire Department

2016 Annual Report | 25

Overview FIRE TRAINING DIVISION & SPECIAL OPERATIONS

The Omaha Fire and Rescue Training’s mission is to ensure that safe and effec-
tive emergency service professionals are trained to effectively serve the City of
Omaha. We accomplish our training mission by:
• 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.

26 | Omaha Fire Department

The Training Division disseminated through multi-company school education and
reality-based training scenarios, numerous training techniques for the purpose of
suppression personnel obtaining professional development and mastery of the
latest innovations in the strategy of Extrication, Hose Advancement, Ventilation,
and Search and Rescue Techniques.

2016 Annual Report | 27

28 | Omaha Fire Department

2016 Annual Report | 29

30 | Omaha Fire Department