Fire Commission

BURLINGTON FIRE COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting April 8, 2025 These are the minutes of the April 8, 2025, Meeting of the Burlington Fire Commission. The meeting convened at 08:30 hours via Zoom and in person with Commissioners McLaughlin, Chapman, Perkinson, and Sheehey. Commission Bond attended via Zoom. Chief LaChance, Deputy Chief Petit, Battalion Chief McCombie, and Administrative Assistant Meghan Sweeney were also present. Call to Order Commissioner McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 08:30. Motion to Adopt Agenda Commissioner McLaughlin asked for a motion to adopt the agenda. Motion made by Commissioner Sheehey and seconded by Commissioner Perkinson Public Comment No members of public present. Review and Accept Minutes from the December Meeting Motion to accept minutes made by Commissioner Chapman and seconded by Commission Sheehey. Summary of Meeting Meeting summary with AI Companion – The following minutes have been generated by AI and while they have been reviewed are not guaranteed to be accurate. Quick recap The meeting covered leadership changes in the Fire Commission, with Ashley resigning as chair and Jacob Perkinson being nominated and voted in as the new chair. Various operational aspects of the Burlington Fire Department were discussed, including the Community Response Team's initiatives, new EMS protocols, staffing changes, and increased call volumes. The department also addressed budget considerations, including the allocation of a city bond for fleet and building improvements, as wel l as the need for additional personnel and ongoing grant applications. Next steps Chief LaChance to continue monitoring budget and staffing needs for FY26. BC Marsha McCombie to continue tracking and analyzing CRT data for frequent contacts. BC Troy Ruggles to monitor the status of AFG grants before spending the allocated funds. Chief LaChance to continue discussions with city officials regarding future staffing increases. Fire Department leadership to explore efficiencies in response models as call volumes increase. Chief LaChance and Ingrid Jonas to continue developing a comprehensive public safety system plan. Fire Department to proceed with the purchase of the new Car 5 (Ford Explorer) for multiple uses. Chief LaChance to finalize the MOU with the State for fire marshal services in Burlington. Fire Department to implement new EMS protocols by May 1st. Fire Department to continue planning for the potential new combined fire and police building. Summary Burlington Fire Department Operations Update The meeting covers several topics related to the Burlington Fire Department's operations and initiatives. The Community Response Team (CRT) is discussed, highlighting their work beyond just supplies and contacts, including building relationships with other social services and staffing a community resource desk at the library. The department is exploring community paramedicine and tracking data on patients who frequently request social services. New EMS protocols are being implemented, including the use of CPAP machines for EMTs and guidelines for pediatric transport of newborns. Recent promotions w ithin the department are mentioned, as well as an increase in overall call volume and overtime. The mayor's ride-along with the CRT is noted, and the passing of a general obligation bond will allow for new fleet purchases in the future. BFD Discusses Bond, Radio Upgrade, and Staffing BFD discussed the city's 20 million dollar bond, which covers fleet and buildings. The fleet manager is considering the purchase of one fire apparatus and one ambulance. BFD also mentioned the radio system upgrade and the need to spend bond proceeds by August. The mayor's speech highlighted the situation table, which aims to connect cases with the right people. BFD also mentioned the purchase of a new car for the BC and Ems. The department is in a holding pattern with Afg grants, and the training division identified the need for more personnel. BFD also discussed the city's budget and the need for increased personnel. The department is working on a staffing study to identify the need for more personnel. Old/New Business Ashley Resigns, Jacob Nominated as Chair In the meeting, Ashley announced her resignation as the chair of the Fire Commission, with her term ending in 2026. She expressed her gratitude to the Commission members and department leaders for their support over the past six years. Ashley then nominated Jacob Perki nson as the new chair. Commissioner McLaughlin seconded the nomination. All commissioners in favor. After no other nominations were made, Commissioner Perkinson is willing to stand for the nomination. Commissioner McLaughlin asked for a vote. Commissioners McLaughlin, Bond, Sheehey and Chapman voted in favor of the nomination. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 09:20 by motion of Commissioner McLaughlin and seconded by Commissioner Sheehey.  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 April 08, 2025 Chief’s Report to the Burlington Fire Commission Personnel: We currently have five vacancies. BC E. Webster worked his last shift on April 01. We will miss BC Webster and wish him well into the future. F. Aumand was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief and will serve as the shift commander on A-Shift. The captain’s promotional process took place in February. We had three lieutenants participate in the process. Kyle Blake was promoted to Captain on March 10, and Tim Burns was promoted to Captain on April 07. The final promotion celebrated this month was R. Ploof to the rank of Lieutenant. The city is currently in contract negotiations with the BFFA. Responses: In the first three months of 2025, the fire department has responded to 2633 calls for service. During the same period in 2024, we responded to 2477, a 6.30% increase. 1|Page  2022 - 2025 RESPONSES BY MONTH 1057 1066 1102 1054 1102 1119 850 999 1004 924 949 953 908 825 902 937 919 879 866 917 883 890 887 838 857 979 837 834 695 794 784 762 734 808 762 724 749 786 615 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC Overtime: February 01, 2025 – March 31, 2025 2024 2025 • Minimum Staffing Overtime: 912.25 hrs 1350.75 hrs • Mandatory Minimum Staffing Overtime: 90.5 hrs 185 hrs The above data shows a 48% increase in Minimum Staffing Overtime and a 104% increase in Mandatory Minimum Staffing Overtime during the same period last year. Overall, the minimum staffing overtime burden on the employees and city budget increased by 53%. Note: The above overtime burden on the staff accounts for Minimum Staffing Overtime, which enables us to meet the minimum staffing levels with 22 people. This does not account for extra duty jobs or CRT overtime. In the same period, our staff committed to the following extra duty and CRT overtime: • Extra Duty: 100.5 hrs • CRT Overtime: 786 hrs Fleet: The general obligation bond passed on the March ballot on Town Meeting Day. We are working toward readiness to order apparatus in August once the funding is available. The total funds available to the fire department fleet have not been finalized. We will realize a prepay bonus if we can prepay for new suppression apparatus at the time of purchase. Buildings: The RFP to replace the apparatus floor at Station 2 has been awarded, and the work has begun. There will be challenges to work through regarding the housing of response vehicles during construction. We’ve created a response plan to minimize any delays in our response during this time. Radio System Upgrade: The Final steps in this project include the radio and antenna infrastructure move to the roof of City Place. This is in the plan and has been budgeted for. The timeline for the move is expected to be before the summer. 2|Page Community Response Team Pilot: The CRT's staffing has remained consistent at around 40 hours per week. We implemented the PREVENT initiative, which allows our providers to offer Suboxone to anyone who has suffered an opioid overdose and refuses transport to the hospital. It also enables us to connect individuals with services that may lead to additional treatment. In March, we successfully administered one dose. The patient was then transported to the hospital and was enrolled in the STARS program for OUD. We are working with the city data team to track high-use individuals—a graph showing that data is below. Conversations have begun around transitioning the CRT model that mainly focuses on the opioid crisis, moving toward more of a community paramedic model, which would allow for patient follow-up and a more holistic outreach to our high-use individuals, not all of whom struggle with OUD. 3|Page We are tracking data from the CRT deployment. Below are some key metrics that demonstrate the program's impact. This data shows the number of people the team has touched, the quantity of wound care supplies distributed, comfort care supplies provided, Narcan leave-behind kits distributed, the number of referrals, direct phone requests, and incidents where the team went above and beyond in their duties. Administrative Division: • Introduced revised Annual Employee Appraisal Process (SOG and department-wide training) • Lateral Academy is scheduled to start on April 21, 2025. Currently, four lateral hires are anticipated. • Entry-level hiring process – anticipate opening recruitment and application process after July 1, 2025 and working with a few members who have expressed interest in assisting with recruitment. • The Station 2 Apparatus floor replacement project has begun and is expected to take approximately 3 months. 4|Page  • The Station 1 apparatus floor and stairwell repair project has gone out to bid. Timeline TBD. • Station 4 – obtaining estimates to replace a section of cast iron pipe that runs along the ceiling of the apparatus bay and has recently been problematic. • Work with state and local partners to update the local emergency management plan. • FF Sean O’Connor has reformatted all SOGs and created SOG quizzes/answer keys for all SOGs. These will be posted shortly, along with all department forms, and shared via Share Point, which will allow members access without needing to be on the fire drive. Operations Division: • Worked on purchasing of new Car 5 with Fleet Manager getting quotes on vehicle, radios, emergency lights, wiring, and decals • Work with UVM and the City Attorney's office to establish a formal contract on special events due to the past of last-minute contract changes • Worked with USCG and City Attorney's office to finalize MOU • Planning for the 3rd Annual Burlington Fire Department Spring Training Seminar on April 04. The seminar was a success, with approximately 150 attendees. Attendees were from Vermont, New England, and beyond. • Finalized the purchasing agreement for new air packs that are up to the latest NFPA standard • Worked with Dr. Wolfson to find a solution to a data issue that the state is requiring for PREVENT • Ordered Fire and EMS equipment that needed replacing and to outfit spare apparatus • Worked on Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Response SOG, equipment, etc. • Reviewing recommendations regarding PFAS-free turnout gear. Fire Marshal’s Office: • The FMO and Deputy Chief of Operations are still meeting weekly with SD Ireland on the Main St. construction project to maintain the fire department's access. • City Place North Tower has started to erect steel, and the South Tower is going along smoothly. • The new high school is progressing well. This is an extensive project that is progressing slowly, but they are staying on schedule. • We have been collaborating with the water resources department to upgrade fire hydrants and improve communication between our departments, ensuring that everyone is aware of each department's specific needs. • Looking into how to pre-plan the entire City to achieve an accurate accounting of our fire alarm and sprinkler systems. I am working with Vanessa Santos Eugenio from the City HR Department to hire an intern for this project. 5|Page Training Division: • Congratulations to the Rainy-Day Fund for a very successful training Seminar this past Friday, April 04. • The department did a facility tour/refresher at the UVM Environmental Safety Facility. • We held a Leadership/Officer development program with Deputy Commissioner of VT Public Safety Daniel Batsie presenting two interesting topics. • We are in a holding pattern on our AFG Grant funds for live fire training as a result of the current review of federal spending. • We are preparing for Recruit Class 25-01, which will begin on April 21st. • We will conduct a fire suppression tour, review, and refresher for all department members on the UVM Medical Center campus next week. • Training will take place with the Vermont Railroad at the Burlington railyard at the end of the month. Reviewing the rail yard operations and train safety. • We have members attending a Rope Operations class with the Vermont Fire Academy as well as Swiftwater and Boat rescue operations. EMS Division: The Burlington Fire Department EMS Division continues to advance its mission through cross- agency collaboration, innovative practices, and statewide engagement. • A key success has been the ongoing partnership between our Community Response Team (CRT) and the Burlington Police Department’s CARES mental health clinicians. This collaboration, now more than seven months strong, has significantly enhanced our community-centered response model. Together, our teams have been responding to calls involving individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises, ensuring they receive timely, compassionate, and clinically appropriate interventions. • In addition, the EMS Division has launched an important new feature within our electronic patient care reporting system. This allows EMS providers to “flag” patients whom they believe may benefit from additional social or mental health services. These reports are reviewed for follow-up, either through BFD channels or in coordination with the Community and Response Engagement Services (CARES) team. Since September 1, 2024, 366 reports have been flagged. Notably, 29 individuals identified through this system have accounted for 8.71% of the total EMS call volume in the past seven months. Of these, 21 patients are now receiving direct, targeted support through BFD and CARES, which includes coordination with case managers, healthcare providers, and judicial services when needed. • In addition to our local initiatives, BFD is actively participating in the review and implementation of the 2025 Vermont Statewide EMS Protocols. Our department is preparing for the statewide implementation of these updated protocols, which are scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2025. This comprehensive update is designed to enhance clinical consistency, safety, and adaptability across Vermont's EMS agencies. Training and transition planning are currently underway to ensure our crews are fully equipped and ready for a smooth transition. 6|Page  Burlington FD Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 February / March Total Incidents INCIDENT TYPE SERIES NAME INCIDENT TYPE TOTAL CALLS False Alarm & False Call 700 - False alarm or false call, other 5 False Alarm & False Call 7001 - False alarm caused by 1 Contractor/Construction False Alarm & False Call 712 - Direct tie to FD, malicious false alarm 2 False Alarm & False Call 730 - System malfunction, other 3 False Alarm & False Call 731 - Sprinkler activation due to malfunction 6 False Alarm & False Call 733 - Smoke detector activation due to 40 malfunction False Alarm & False Call 735 - Alarm system sounded due to malfunction 17 False Alarm & False Call 736 - CO detector activation due to malfunction 4 False Alarm & False Call 740 - Unintentional transmission of alarm, other 12 False Alarm & False Call 743 - Smoke detector activation, no fire - 94 unintentional False Alarm & False Call 744 - Detector activation, no fire - unintentional 5 Report ID: 51595 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:57 AM Page: 1 of 3  Burlington FD February / March Total Incidents Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 INCIDENT TYPE SERIES NAME INCIDENT TYPE TOTAL CALLS False Alarm & False Call 745 - Alarm system activation, no fire - 24 unintentional False Alarm & False Call 746 - Carbon monoxide detector activation, no 9 CO Fire 100 - Fire, other 1 Fire 111 - Building fire 2 Fire 112 - Fires in structure other than in a building 1 Fire 113 - Cooking fire, confined to container 6 Fire 118 - Trash or rubbish fire, contained 3 Fire 141 - Forest, woods or wildland fire 1 Fire 142 - Brush or brush-and-grass mixture fire 1 Fire 150 - Outside rubbish fire, other 1 Fire 160 - Special outside fire, other 1 Good Intent 600 - Good intent call, other 28 Good Intent 611 - Dispatched & canceled en route 25 Good Intent 621 - Wrong location 1 Good Intent 622 - No incident found on arrival at dispatch 47 address Good Intent 651 - Smoke scare, odor of smoke 3 Good Intent 661 - EMS call, party transported by non-fire 76 agency Good Intent 671 - HazMat release investigation w/no 1 HazMat Hazardous Condition 410 - Combustible/flammable gas/liquid 2 condition, other Hazardous Condition 412 - Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) 5 Hazardous Condition 422 - Chemical spill or leak 1 Hazardous Condition 424 - Carbon monoxide incident 7 Hazardous Condition 440 - Electrical wiring/equipment problem, other 3 Hazardous Condition 443 - Breakdown of light ballast 1 Hazardous Condition 444 - Power line down 5 Hazardous Condition 460 - Accident, potential accident, other 1 Hazardous Condition 463 - Vehicle accident, general cleanup 10 Rescue & EMS 321 - EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with 1124 injury Rescue & EMS 322 - Motor vehicle accident with injuries 19 Report ID: 51595 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:57 AM Page: 2 of 3  Burlington FD February / March Total Incidents Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 INCIDENT TYPE SERIES NAME INCIDENT TYPE TOTAL CALLS Rescue & EMS 323 - Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident (MV 2 Ped) Rescue & EMS 324 - Motor vehicle accident with no injuries. 8 Rescue & EMS 331 - Lock-in (if lock out , use 511 ) 1 Rescue & EMS 353 - Removal of victim(s) from stalled elevator 11 Rescue & EMS 381 - Rescue or EMS standby 8 Rupture/Explosion 211 - Overpressure rupture of steam pipe or 1 pipeline Service Call 510 - Person in distress, other 1 Service Call 511 - Lock-out 1 Service Call 520 - Water problem, other 5 Service Call 522 - Water or steam leak 4 Service Call 541 - Animal problem 1 Service Call 550 - Public service assistance, other 8 Service Call 551 - Assist police or other governmental 4 agency Service Call 552 - Police matter 4 Service Call 553 - Public service 6 Service Call 554 - Assist invalid 34 Service Call 555 - Defective elevator, no occupants. 3 Includes Elevator alarms. Service Call 561 - Unauthorized burning 4 Special Incident 9002 - Test Incident 1 Special Incident 911 - Citizen complaint 1 Total 1706 Report ID: 51595 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:57 AM Page: 3 of 3 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)  Burlington FD Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 February / March Training Report TOPIC NAMES TOTAL HOURS AERIAL 2102 1 Aerial Operations 27 Aerial Operations, COMPANY, Pump Operations 28 Aerial Operations, Driver Training 3 BEHEALTH, BFD-PEER Fitness 236 BFD ADMIN 148 BFD SKILLS, Search & Rescue 3 BLDG CONST, Facilities Tour 6 BLDG CONST, Facilities Tour, Pre-Planning 6 CASESTUDY 1 CASESTUDY, FIRE BEHAV, Fire Officer 52 COLLAPSE 10 Report ID: 52691 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:54 AM Page: 1 of 3  Burlington FD February / March Training Report Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 TOPIC NAMES TOTAL HOURS COMPANY 55 COMPANY, ENGINE OPS 12 Driver Training 30 EMS CE 3 EMS CERT 7 EMS NEW 12 ENGINE OPS 3 EXTRICATION 9 FIRE BEHAV 96 FORC ENTRY 2 Facilities Tour 146 Facilities Tour, Inspection, Pre-Planning 11 Fire Inspector CE's 3 Fire Investigator CE's 24 Fire Officer 148 Fire Officer , Officer Development 5 Ground Ladder Training 3 Hose Line Stretches 9 Inspection 11 LEADERSHIP NEW 9 NREMT Cardiology 7 NREMT Trauma 7 OPEN WATER, WATER RESC 12 Officer Development 20 PHYS FIT 38 Photovoltaic Safety 1 Power Saw Use/Familiarization 2 Pre-Planning 2 Pump Operations 43 RESPIRATORY 11 ROPE OPS 6 ROPE OPS, ROPES 17 Report ID: 52691 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:54 AM Page: 2 of 3  Burlington FD February / March Training Report Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 TOPIC NAMES TOTAL HOURS ROPES 5 TRUCK OPS 9 VT EMS Protocol Review 22 VTGASHAZMAT 133 Total 1450 Description: Total member training hours for last calendar month Report ID: 52691 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:54 AM Page: 3 of 3 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)  Burlington FD Address: 136 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401 Total General Fire Safety Inspections February / March FIRE STATION TOTAL INSPECTIONS COMPLETED Central - Station 1 5 Station 2 4 Station 3 12 Station 4 4 Station 5 4 Total 29 Report ID: 50255 This report was generated on : 04/07/2025 10:55 AM Page: 1 of 1 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)