MDA Results 2012

Results

The Fort Wayne community has once again assisted the Fort Wayne Firefighter’s effort to “Fill the Boot”, an annual campaign designed to raise money and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). During this year’s three day effort (August 23-25), the community once again responded raising $81,021.30.

This year, when the last penny was counted and the total was announced, Randy Zion, Fort Wayne Fire Department Firefighter and IAFF Local 124 MDA Chairman was ecstatic but not surprised. “Every year during the ‘Fill the Boot’ we are humbled by the generosity and support the community gives us during the campaign. We hope that each citizen who donates drives away with the same sense we have while we are collecting - when you work together we make a difference.”

Today, Captain Zion along with Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union representative Marla Esterline, presented the local MDA Executive Director Ashley Zumstein with the donation.

“Collecting over $80k in three short days is truly amazing. Zion added, “On behalf of IAFF Local 124 and the Fort Wayne Fire Department I would like to personally thank everyone for their efforts. This collection emphasises the continued dedication and commitment the firefighters and the community have toward MDA’s mission.”

For more information about FWFD’s “Fill the Boot” campaign please contact Randy Zion at 260.438.8233 or Stacey Fleming at 260.427.1102.

39th Annual Rager-Stiverson

Despite a valiant effort to continue their winning streak , the Fort Wayne Firefighters fell to the Fort Wayne Police by a score of 23 to 18 during the 39th Annual Rager-Stiverson Memorial Softball Game. The game was played Main Diamond of Fort Wayne Turners Wednesday, July 18.  

Proceeds of this year’s game benefit the Fort Wayne Fallen Hero Fund. This charity was formed in collaboration with the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and the Fort Wayne Fire Union. If an Officer or Firefighter falls or is critically injured in the line of duty this charity will step in to provide services that the family may need. The fund's purpose is to provide a sense of normalcy for the family in their greatest time of need.

The softball game, a family-friendly event, which pits firefighters against police officers, was originally played just for bragging rights. In 1973, the game was dedicated to honor Michael Thomas Rager, Fort Wayne Fire Department District Chief, and Patrolman Kenneth P. Stiverson, Fort Wayne Police Department, both of whom died in the line of duty while serving the citizens of Fort Wayne in 1972 and 1969 respectively.

Fire Safety in Dry Conditions

DRY CONDITIONS LENDS ITSELF TO HIGH FIRE RISK
The Fort Wayne Fire Department Reminds You to Be Smart and Safe

July 26, 2012 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) would like to remind citizens to be diligent with fire safety and prevention. While conditions have improved in recent days and a countywide burn ban was lifted, the drought continues and residents should use extra caution and common sense if they choose to burn.

“The hot, dry weather can cause several emergency conditions that could harm you or your property, says Fire Chief Amy Biggs. “Dry grass, trees and shrubs can be ignited easily. With little moisture in the atmosphere and on the ground, a simple campfire or a discarded cigarette can cause a fire that can quickly spread.”

The FWFD offers several tips to help keep you and your family safe this summer.  

Dry Weather Fire Safety Tips

Tobacco products - Dispose of smoking materials into appropriate containers. Tossing smoldering materials, including cigarettes, onto the ground should be avoided.

• • Never throw a lighted cigarette out the window of a vehicle.
  • Never walk off and leave a burning cigarette.
  • Use ash trays.  

Outdoor cooking - 

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
• Avoid placing the grill on dry grass or leaves. 

Recreational fires – There is no open burning allowed within the city limits with the exception of campfires and permitted bonfires. Chimneas and outdoor fire places are not regulated at this time.

• • Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.                                           
  • Fire shall not exceed an area 3 feet wide by 2 feet high and if the open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished.
  • Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested. 
  • A fire shall be attended by a responsible party at all times until completely extinguished. 
  • A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
  • Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
  • Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.
  • Keep children and pets away from fire.
  • Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing.

Fireworks - Late last month, a countywide burn ban was expanded to include private use of fireworks during the 4^th of July holiday. Now that the ban is lifted, the FWFD would like to remind Fort Wayne citizens fireworks are still restricted.  City ordinance states the next time non-licensed/non-permitted fireworks can be discharged is the day before Labor Day, Sunday, September 2, and Labor Day, Monday, September 3 from 10 a.m. until midnight. 

• • Store fireworks in a cool dry area.
  • When using fireworks, always have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • Be cautious when lighting fireworks when it is windy.
  • If fireworks do ignite a fire, contact your local fire department or 911 immediately. Do not attempt to extinguish a large fire by yourself.

FWFD Promotes Lieutenants

Fort Wayne Fire Department
Promotes Seven Lieutenants

FORT WAYNE, IND., June 6, 2012 – After successfully completing the Lieutenant Promotional Process, the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD)  promoted the following seven Privates to the rank of Lieutenant. The individual firefighter names and brief biographies are below.

CLIFTON W. DICKERSON –
Hired – 08/10/2001
Pvt. Dickerson has received various certificates for training. Cliff is a member of the Scuba and Hazmat teams. Cliff received a perfect attendance letter for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

MARK A. LITWINKO -
Hired – 12/10/2004
Pvt. Litwinko has received various certificates for training. Mark is a member of the Scuba team, a trainee on the Hazmat team and is also a Peer Fitness Trainer. Mark received a perfect attendance letter for 2009, and 2010.

CRAIG A. STEPHENSON – Stephenson was promoted but was unable to attend this morning’s ceremony. His swear in date is June 11, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the City Clerk’s Office at Citizens Square
Hired – 12/10/2004.
Pvt. Stephenson has received various certificates for training. Craig is a member of the Scuba team, a trainee on the Hazmat team and is also a Peer Fitness Trainer. Craig received a perfect attendance letter for 2011.

CRAIG S. SMITH
Hired – 09/13/2002
Pvt. Smith has received various certificates for training.

PETER L. VANDERWEELE
Hired – 12/10/2004
Pvt. Vanderweele has received various certificates for training. Pete is a member of the Hazmat team and is also a Peer Fitness Trainer. Pete received a perfect attendance letter 2011.

BRYAN C. FAIRCHILD
Hired – 12/10/2004
Pvt. Fairchild has received various certificates for training. Bryan received a perfect attendance letter for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.                                                                                

KASIE L. PLATT
Hired – 12/10/2004
Pvt. Platt has received various certificates for training. Kasie received a perfect attendance letter for 2010 and 2011.

These seven firefighters have successfully completed the Lieutenant Training and Development Program. Lieutenants work under the direction of Captains in the Engine Houses. Lieutenants assist in supervising firefighting activity at an assigned engine house and during emergency responses. Duties include but are not limited to training, equipment maintenance, supervision and all other related activities. Lieutenants are primarily assigned to ladder trucks but may be assigned to direct crews on engines and rescue units in the absence of the Captain.

Recreational Camp Fires

There is a city ordinance that shall be followed whether you are installing a campfire/fire pit, an enclosed bowl type or fireplace type enclosure for a recreational fire, please see the ordinance stated below. With any of these products, please remember to follow all the manufacturers’ specifications, directions and any and all guidelines recommended by the manufacturer. Please take all fire safety precautions when cooking or having a recreational campfire.

The following is the city ordinance relating to open burning and recreational camp fires.

The code states this;

A barbeque pit or grill is a stationary or portable device, with either electric, gas or charcoal fuel, which is used for the preparation of food and is allowed by code, but not within or on balconies of any apartment complex.

A fireplace( like an in-home style whether built or store bought) which is meant to be a part of your deck or patio is not regulated but there are some safety issues to think about which are the same as the rules for a fire pit. A fire pit or campfire which is meant for recreation, scouting events or family cookouts shall be subject to the following conditions listed;

• A garden hose connected to a water supply, buckets, shovel, fire extinguisher or other approved fire extinguishing shall be readily available at the burn site.
• Only wood products shall be burned-no leaves, paper or trash.
•  A fire shall be attended by a responsible party at all times until completely extinguished.
• A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
• A fire shall not exceed an area 3 feet wide by 2 feet high.
• If the open burning creates a smoke nuisance, or a hazardous condition exists, the open burning shall be immediately extinguished.

Anyone who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally kindles, or maintains any open burning consisting of a trash fire, leaf fire, bonfire, refuse fire, or other open burning that damages property of another person or spreads to property of another person may be liable for criminal mischief.

Any person who maintains burning of combustible materials out of doors or open burning not permitted shall be in violation and may be fined 50 dollars. If the violator does not appear in response to a notice issued to them within a period of 30 calendar days from the date and time shown on the notice, the penalty shall be 75 dollars.

If you have any further questions you may contact the Fort Wayne Fire Department at the 260-427-1479.

Please take the extra time necessary to exercise safety at all times.