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SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT

2023

ANNUAL

REPORT A TRADITION OF

Table of Contents 3. LETTER FROM THE CHIEF 4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES 5. MAYOR AND COUNCIL 6–7. A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE 8. SFD SERVICE AREA 9. SFD ORGANIZATION CHART 10. COMMAND STAFF 11. SFD FIRE STATIONS 12. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 13. OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF 14-15. SFD BUDGET 16. DEPUTY CHIEF OF EMERGENCY SERVICES 17. DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 18–23. RESPONSE DIVISION & HIGHLIGHTS 24. OUTFITTING COSTS 25-EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 26-27. BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION 28-33. TRAINING DIVISION & HIGHLIGHTS 34. ACCREDITATION 35. HONOR GUARD AND CHAPLAIN 36. 2023 SFD AWARDS 37. APPOINTMENTS & MILESTONES 38. FUTURE FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM 39-40. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 41. A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

2 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Letter From The Chief On behalf of Smyrna Fire Department, I want to thank you for taking the time to review our 2023 Annual Report. I hope the report will provide you with valuable information on the wide range of services our agency offers. Our personnel take great pride in serving the citizens, businesses, and visitors to the City of Smyrna. Smyrna Fire Department has been providing professional and dedicated service for over 100 years. Our department continues to grow and thrive alongside our community. We are an “all–hazards” organization with a focus on community risk reduction and an exceptional readiness to respond to emergencies. As Smyrna Fire Department looks toward the future, we will continually build on our Tradition of Excellence and capitalize on opportunities to improve our service delivery and efficiency while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our three pillars of leadership will provide a framework for how we work within our organization and serve our valued community. Leads: we focus on building trust across all department divisions to ensure that our operations run seamlessly. At every level, we seek to lead by example and inspire others to work towards our common goals. We will use all available resources to facilitate open lines of communication and promote a culture of transparency. By achieving Agency Accreditation, we will outwardly demonstrate our commitment to continuous quality improvement in public safety and bring real value to the citizens of Smyrna. Develops: we take pride in all we do and seek every opportunity to grow and expand our professional skill sets. Development also includes encouraging others to reach their full potential and contribute to our purpose, vision and values. We build strong partnerships across our city, county, and state while making meaningful connections with our citizens by hosting fun and informative community events. Achieves: we are good stewards of our resources and align them to keep our community and firefighters safe, healthy, and resilient. We consistently evaluate our practices and use data-supported strategies and adapt when necessary to reduce fire and other risks. We believe these three pillars of leadership help ensure that Smyrna Fire Department provides world-class service to all who call the great city of Smyrna home. In service,

Brian Marcos Smyrna Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to far, go together.

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 3

Guiding Principles

PURPOSE VISION VALUES MOTTO 4 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

We are an “all-hazards” organization with a focus on community risk reduction and an exceptional readiness to respond to emergencies. We save lives. We protect property. We improve the quality of life in our community.

To be recognized as a leader in community risk reduction, excel at developing our people, and build enduring partnerships.

• Integrity • Service • Accountability • Community • Commitment

“A Tradition Of Excellence”

Mayor & City Council The Smyrna City Council, comprised of an elected Mayor and a seven-member Council, is charged with providing effective municipal government consistent with the needs of the city and its citizens within the approved city budget. As the city’s Chief Executive Officer, the Mayor sees that all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations are properly executed. He is also in charge of general supervision, presides at Council meetings, and has the authority to convene the Council in extra sessions. The Council adopts ordinances and modifies them as needed, determines city policies, sets standards, approves the budget, and sets the millage rate as well as all fees and fines. It also hires and supervises the City Administrator. Together, the Mayor and Council appoint members of various city boards and commissions. They are responsible for ensuring that the City of Smyrna operates properly.

KRISTIN ROBINSON DEPUTY CITY ADMINISTRATOR/ FINANCE DIRECTOR

RICHARD GARLAND INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR

GLENN PICKENS WARD 1

LATONIA P. HINES WARD 2

TRAVIS LINDLEY WARD 3

CHARLES WELCH WARD 4

SUSAN WILKINSON WARD 5

TIM GOULD WARD 6 AND MAYOR PRO TEM

KATHY YOUNG WARD 7

DEREK NORTON MAYOR

JOSEPH BENNETT

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 5

A HISTORY OF

The earliest records referring to a “Fire Brigade” in Smyrna date back to February 27, 1896 when the aforementioned Brigade was credited with battling a cotton warehouse fire in downtown Smyrna. Later, records reveal a number of attempts of organizing a volunteer fire Department with various degrees of success.

In 1953, the city purchased it’s very first “new” fire truck in anticipation of providing a “regular”or paid fire Department.

The City of Smyrna Fire Department opened its doors as a career/ volunteer Department on May 4th of 1954. The new Department responded to its first call on May 5 and held an open house on May 15 to show off the new combination Fire/Police station.

1953

1954

1896 6 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

EXCELLENCE

The Department would continue operating as a combination Department until August of 1973 when the cadre of volunteers responded to their last call and the Department transformed into a fully paid organization.

1973

Rescue operations would continue to be performed by the local Civil Defense until it was finally disbanded on May 9th, 1987. Rescue operations and emergency medical response duties were then assumed by the Fire Department.

1987

Today, the department has grown to five stations, which house a total of three engines, two truck companies, two rescue units, and one battalion chief vehicle. To date, the Smyrna Fire Department responds to over 7,000 calls and provides the citizens of Smyrna the highest level of prehospital care. In 2023, the department expanded its Command Staff by adding a second Deputy Chief; one Deputy Chief serves over Administrative Services, and the other is over Emergency Services. The City of Smyrna also celebrated its 151st birthday, which showed a collaboration of public safety and city departments.

2023 SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

Our Service Area

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Fire_Station_Boundaries

Fire Station #4

Fire Station #1

Fire Station #5

Fire Station #2

World Hillshade

Fire Station #3 8 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT ORG CHART BRIAN MARCOS Fire Chief/ EMA Director

ERIC MOHRMANN Deputy Chief Emergency Services

LT. EVAN MCBRAYER EMA Specialist

KELLY BASTIS Administrative Services Coordinator

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER LT. JUSTIN TUCKER

EMS ADJUNCT

KENNETH DURDEN Division Chief

CAPT. TIM GEORGE

EMS ADJUNCT

BATTALION CHIEFS

LT. BRANNON WHATLEY

EMS ADJUNCT

EMA DIVISION

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

TRAINING DIVISION RESPONSE DIVISION

Field Training Officer

EMS Director

Health & Safety Officer

A-Shift

B-Shift

C-Shift

JAKE BOWER A-Shift

KYLE O’BRYAN B-Shift

ERIC FARMER C-Shift

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION DUSTIN DAVEY Deputy Chief

Administrative Services

ADMINISTRATIVE

JAMES PACE Support Services Coordinator

BRYANT CLARK

Logistics Technician

APRIL PHILLIPS

DIVISION

Administrative Assistant

PREVENTION DIVISION

FIRE MARSHAL

CAPT. TIM GRUBAUGH

Assistant Fire Marshal

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 9

Command Staff

BRIAN MARCOS

FIRE CHIEF/ DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

KENNETH DURDEN DIVISION CHIEF OF TRAINING

ERIC MOHRMANN DEPUTY CHIEF OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

JACOB BOWER

A – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

10 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

DUSTIN DAVEY

DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/ FIRE MARSHAL

KYLE O’BRYAN

B – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

ERIC FARMER

C – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

SFD Fire Stations FIRE STATION 1 / HQ 2620 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna 30080

FIRE STATION 2

642 Concord Rd., Smyrna 30082

FIRE STATION 3 2825 Park Rd., Smyrna 30080

FIRE STATION 4 4595 S. Cobb Dr., Smyrna 30080

FIRE STATION 5 750 Cooper Lake Rd., Smyrna 30082

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 11

Administrative Staff KELLY BASTIS | ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR/ ACCREDITATION MANAGER The Administrative Coordinator’s main priorities are assisting the Chief and Deputy Chief’s with scheduling, budgets and requisitions. Mrs. Bastis also compiles info for the annual report, department newsletters and social media. As the Accreditation Manager, Mrs. Bastis manages personnel in compiling department facts, figures, and information to become a nationally accredited fire department through the Center of Public Safety Excellence.

JAMES PACE | SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR The Support Services Coordinator is responsible for managing fleet and facility service requests, processing station supply orders, scheduling annual maintenance, servicing personal protective equipment, and procuring resources to support department operations.

APRIL PHILLIPS | ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Administrative Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for open record requests, scheduling public engagement events, and welcomes Smyrna Fire Department visitors. Additionally, Ms. Phillips is responsible for overseeing the life safety system permit process, maintenance of the commercial occupancy database, and performing general clerical duties within the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

BRYANT CLARK | LOGISTICS TECHNICIAN The Logistics Technician is responsible for managing the hydrant inspection program, delivering station supplies, and assists the support services coordinator with day-to-day operations.

12 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Office of the Fire Chief The Office of the Fire Chief has three foundations that include: the Office of Emergency Management, Administrative Services, and Emergency Services.

BRIAN MARCOS

FIRE CHIEF/ DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

• The Office of Emergency Management is a division of the Smyrna Fire Department. The purpose of the OEM is to lead the city of Smyrna through any instance of a natural or man-made disaster by preparing for emergency operations, response, and recovery efforts. This is accomplished by creating plans and programs that decrease the effects of emergencies or disasters while maintaining an all-hazard approach to planning, community education, and emergency response coordination in the city. • Administrative Services manages large department projects including our Strategic Plan, Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives, oversees our Insurance Service Office (ISO) 2 rating, and provides direction to our Support Services Section. • Emergency Services oversees Training, Emergency Response Services, Health & Safety, and Community Engagement. Develops and manages annual department budgets, collaborates with the Fire Chief to hire, train, assign, direct, supervise, evaluate, and discipline personnel.

THE SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT ENGAGES WITH ITS COMMUNITY PARTNERS: • • • • • • • • • •

Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Georgia Fire Chief Association of Fire Chiefs Wellstar Health System Board National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committee 915 for remote inspection Cobb Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Smyrna Rotary Club Smyrna Business Association Smyrna Public Safety Foundation Board Smyrna Area Council Board

Thank you to the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation for all the work they do to support Smyrna public safety!

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 13

Budget Breakdown Chart Title 4% 2%

RESPONSE: $5,542,500.50

ADMINISTRATION: $933,200.50 PREVENTION: $583,461.76

12%

TRAINING: $342,675.00

74%

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: $120,780.00

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

TOTAL SFD BUDGET $7,522,617.76

14 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Budget Highlights SPLOST • Purchased sixteen sets of structural firefighting gear • Purchased a new complement of firefighting nozzles to outfit the new ladder truck • Purchased new fire hose appliances to outfit the new ladder truck • Purchased two new NFPA compliant thermal imaging cameras for Rescue 1 & Rescue 4 • Purchased two TFT High-Rise kits to standardize this equipment department wide

SMALL EQUIPMENT • Purchased structural firefighting helmets to replace non-compliant inventory • Purchased new fire hose to replenish inventory and to outfit new ladder truck • Purchased a portable stretcher to outfit the medical response cart

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS • Purchased twenty-four sets of structural firefighting gear

VEHICLE REPLACEMENT • Ladder Truck purchase • Fire Engine purchase • Ford Explorer purchase (Admin) • Ford F-150 Purchase (Fire Training) • Ford F-150 Purchase (Fire Training - EMS)

PERSONNEL • Reclass Fire Division Chief (FD-7) to Deputy Fire Chief (FD-8) • Specialty Team pay • Supplemental pay for EMS Specialists • 4.8% Market adjustment for all eligible employees (COLA) • Dynamix Consulting – Completion of our Community Risk Assessment & Standards of Cover •

analysis

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 15

Deputy Chief of Emergency Services The Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Services performs functions in alignment with the vision and purpose of the Smyrna Fire Department and the Fire Chief. He develops and manages annual department budgets, collaborates with the Fire Chief to hire, train, assign, direct, supervise, evaluate, and discipline personnel. He implements and operationalizes emergency management directives.

ERIC MOHRMANN DEPUTY CHIEF OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Ensures that critical data, process indicators, and outcomes are properly collected and used to inform improvement and decision making; develops and implements goals, objectives, and performance measures. Monitors the status of department operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness; resolves work problems and issues. Responds to questions and concerns from the Fire Chief, elected and appointed officials, department staff, members of the news media, and members of the public. • Responds to emergency situations as needed. Performs the duties of the Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management in his absence. Develops and implements department policies and procedures. Performs related duties as assigned.

16 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Deputy Chief of Administrative Services The Deputy Chief of Administrative Services responsibilities include overseeing the Department’s $7.4 million budget and providing executive oversight of the Fire Prevention, Administrative, and Support Services Divisions. This position supervises department activities related to business administration, fleet and infrastructure, budget/finance, project management, data management, policy management, accreditation management and ensures that the City of Smyrna maintains (and works to improve) its ISO rating. This position also serves as the Fire Marshal for the City of Smyrna. DUSTIN DAVEY

DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/ FIRE MARSHAL

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 17

SFD Response Division The most visible part of our organization is the line operations personnel reporting through our Response Division. These are firefighters staffing the fire apparatus and rescue units who respond to requests for service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The line operations personnel are divided into three shifts to ensure round-the-clock service to the community. Firefighters work a 24-hour shift, which starts a 7 a.m. with crews fully checking their equipment and vehicles to ensure readiness.

BATALLION CHIEFS

JACOB BOWER

A – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

18 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

KYLE O’BRYAN

B – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

ERIC FARMER

C – SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

Response Services & ISO Rating EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE Smyrna firefighters are trained and certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics. We respond with advanced life support capabilities to emergency medical incidents that occur in the city. With fire stations strategically located throughout the city, oftentimes firefighters are closer than an ambulance to a medical call, allowing firefighters to reach the scene of such a medical emergency sooner and initiate medical care.

FIRE SUPPRESSION

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Department provides fire suppression for all types of fires that occur in the city. These include: structure fires (such as homes, businesses and industries), vehicle fires, grass and woods fires, and other types of fires that may occur.

2023 QUICK FACTS

TECHNICAL RESCUE

Smyrna Firefighters are trained to provides all types of rescue in the city, including vehicle extrication, confined space rescue, low angle rescue, and other types of rescues that may occur.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The Department provides response to hazardous material leaks or spills. These may include transportation incidents that occur on the roadways or railroads and fixed facility incidents at businesses or industries.

• • • • • • •

16.16 square miles of coverage 56,160 residents 87 SFD members ISO Class 2 5 fire stations 7,881 emergency responses Maintain records for over 2,000 pre-fire plans • Maintain records for over 2,492 fire hydrants

RISK REDUCTION

The Department provides risk reduction services through pre-incident planning and conducting incident action plans on high-risk occupancies. The City of Smyrna Fire Department is an Insurance Services Office (ISO) rated Class 2 “all hazards” response agency that responds to all types of emergency medical calls and fire incidents. ISO is an insurance industry risk advisory body which helps insurance carriers set appropriate premiums. Our Class 2 rating, which is the second highest available ISO rating, may reflect favorable premiums for citizens and businesses of the city. SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 19

Response Zones & Incidents FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE ZONES Po

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Fire Station #1

Fire Station #5

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INCIDENT TOTALS 2021 – 2023 2023

7,881

2022

7,853

2021

6600

7,398 6700

6800

6900

7000

20 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

7100

7200

7300

7400

7500

7600

7800

7900

Response Incidents RESPONSE INCIDENTS INCLUDE: • Fires: structure, vehicle, and other • Rescue Calls: emergency medical treatment and other • Miscellaneous Calls: hazardous conditions, service, good intent, severe weather/natural disaster, special incidents, pressure ruptures, explosion, and overheat • False Calls: malicious and other

2023 RESPONSE STATISTICS FIRES 114 total • Structure: 39 • Vehicle: 22

RESCUE CALLS 4,957 total • Emergency Medical Treatment: 4,738

• Other: 53

• Other: 219

MISC. CALLS

FALSE CALLS

2,805 total

725 total

• Hazardous Conditions: 210

• Malicious: 5

• Service: 954

• Other: 720

• Good Intent: 880 • Severe Weather/Natural Disaster: 20 • Pressure Ruptures, Exposure, and Overheat: 2 • Special Incident: 19

SFD TOTAL INCIDENTS 7,881

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 21

Response Highlights PERSONNEL • The addition of a second Deputy Chief, leading to one over Emergency Services and the other over Administrative Services. A new Training Chief was named, a new EMS Director was hired, and the creation of three EMS Specialist positions. A new Battalion Chief was appointed, and a total of 9 new recruits were hired. • The establishment of the Future Firefighter Program, a program developed to work with individuals interested in the fire service. They are taught everything from interview techniques, physical fitness, and basic fire safety and education.

RESPONSE/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • The annual Thermal Image Camera class at the SFD Training Yard during the Metro Atlanta Fire Fighters Conference (MAFFC). • Update to the Local Emergency Operation Plan (LEOP), a plan for the City to be prepared for numerous emergencies that could affect parts or the whole community. All departments within the city collaborated to create the final document. • Completed a physical ability test from Fire Chief to Firefighter for the entire department in alignment with firefighter health and safety and to gauge the Smyrna Fire Department’s physical fitness levels. • Completed a professional development class named Quality Company Officer. The Chief and Company Officers participated in a DISC Assessment to help understand the different behaviors and driving forces across our leadership.

22 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Response Highlights COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • Two Community Open Houses were held, inviting citizens of Smyrna to learn fire safety, meet fire personnel, receive station tours, and see various demonstrations, including CPS and car extrication. • Collaborated with the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation and City department’s for the City’s 151st birthday celebration. The event had numerous food vendors and entertainment, including an evening performance by The Goo-Goo Dolls, and fireworks. • The first Smyrna Safe Business program was held. Inviting local businesses to participate in 6 sessions to establish their business with a better resiliency. The some topics included were workplace violence, cyber security, and medical emergencies.

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 23

Outfitting Costs PARAMEDIC OXYGEN BAG $450

DRUG BAG $660

MEDICAL BAG $420

CARDIAC MONITOR $37,500

FIREFIGHTER HELMET/BOOTS

HOSE/NOZZLE

AIR PACKS

TURNOUT GEAR

$785

$9,052

24 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

$1,400 $3,050

Emergency Management The Smyrna Fire Department’s Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is dedicated to advancing the principles of prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery from natural and manmade disasters. SEMA works closely with all city departments, employees, businesses, and citizens as well as local, state, and federal partners to manage threats and hazards to the City of Smyrna. SEMA’s mission is carried out by assisting and educating Smyrna stakeholders in hazard identification and prevention, disaster response training for personnel and the public, alerting the public of imminent hazardous events, as well as plans development and data collection for city decision makers. SEMA is dedicated to building a culture of resiliency and preparedness with the community.

2023 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS • Developed and hosted the first ever Smyrna Safe Business Program for eight local business leaders • Oversaw revisions to the Smyrna Emergency Operations Plan • Hosted the Emergency Management tabletop exercise for city leadership • Participated and facilitated multiple training and discussion events with local partners (Whitefield Academy, Colonial Pipeline, etc.) • Assisted in the development of a Continuity of Operations Plan for multiple Smyrna departments • Developed the Emergency Communication Procedures for city leadership

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 25

Bureau of Fire Prevention

DUSTIN DAVEY

DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/ FIRE MARSHAL

The Smyrna Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention (BOFP) division was established in 1970 after the city adopted its first fire prevention code. The Bureau’s primary mission is to create a safer environment for our valued residents, the members of our business community, and everyone who visits our great city! This mission is accomplished through the enforcement of the state’s minimum fire safety standards and our locally adopted municipal codes. Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal Dustin Davey leads the BOFP team, which includes Captain Timothy Grubaugh, Lieutenants Michael Benna, Jay Ratliff, and Frank Romano. In addition to all five being State Certified Fire Inspectors and State Certified Fire Investigators, the are also State Certified Sworn Peace Officers with police powers as outlined by state law. This talented staff is completed by Administrative Assistant April Phillips and part-time Certified Fire Safety Inspector, Lieutenant Todd Jones.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE BOFP INCLUDE: • Code compliance inspections through all phases of construction • Review construction documents to ensure code compliance of proposed buildings and remodels • Review business license applications • Issue various permits • Issue of Certificates of Occupancy • Conduct fire & Life safety inspections of existing buildings and structures • Ensure ADA compliance • Conduct fire investigations • New hire background investigations • Active influencers of Community Risk Reduction

THESE EFFORTS PROMOTE A FIRE SAFE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH ENGINEERING, EDUCATION, AND ENFORCEMENT.

26 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Bureau of Fire Prevention

Activity

2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Further expansion of the use of our third-party inspection reporting program to passively identify life safety system deficiencies throughout the city in commercial occupancies.

BOFP ACTIVITY TOTALS 1,200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 EXISTING INSPECTIONS

NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS

BUSINESS LICENSE INSPECTIONS

2022

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

PLAN REVIEWS

2023

• Enhanced the safety of our personnel and improved functionality with the completion of the transition of our fleet SUVs to pickup trucks. • Enhanced fire investigation techniques by adding the Matterport Imaging system and licensed drone piloting.

FIRE INVESTIGATION In addition to inspection activities, the Bureau functions as a coordinated team of fire investigators. As listed above, our team is comprised of the Fire Marshal and four additional state/nationally certified fire investigators. This group is charged with investigating the causes and circumstances of every fire occurring in the city which is of suspicious nature, or which involves loss of life or injury to any person.

IN 2023, THERE WERE TOTAL OF 26 FIRE INCIDENTS IN THE CITY. OF THOSE, 21 WERE INVESTIGATED TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN AND CAUSE BY FIRE INVESTIGATORS.

2023 INVESTIGATED FIRES Chart Title

Undetermined Accidental Incendiary

1st

2nd

3rd

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 27

Training Division

KENNETH DURDEN DIVISION CHIEF OF TRAINING

TIMOTHY GEORGE EMS DIRECTOR

LT. JUSTIN TUCKER FIELD TRAINING OFFICER

The mission of the Training Division is to facilitate opportunities to meet continuing education and certification requirements set forth by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC), the Georgia State Office of EMS and the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The continual training efforts supported by the Division ensure a competent, efficient, and effective emergency response organization. This Division is staffed with three full-time training professionals who serve the unique needs of each department member.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES INCLUDE: • Support employee training and professional development at all levels of the organization and in all subject areas to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities • Maintain training records consistent with industry standards • Administer the new employee orientation program • Support Fire and EMS certification/recertification process as required

28 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Training Highlights TRAINING DIVISION B- Shift Battalion Chief Kenneth Durden was re-assigned as Training Division Chief upon the retirement of Chief Thomas Bates. Other staff changes include the addition of Captain Tim George as EMS Director and Lieutenant Justin Tucker as Field Training Officer. Both positions focus on compliance with national and state training standards as well as initial and continuing education.

EMS SPECIALISTS New for 2023-2024, the addition of three new positions that report to the EMS Director. EMS Specialists consist of one staff member from each shift that will be responsible for inventory of medical supplies, BLS instruction and quality control of reports. Additional responsibilities include initial education, continuing education, and logistics. This is a huge value add to the training division.

TRAINING HOURS All crew members met the requirements of 240 hours of training per year. Of those 240 hours, 24 must be structured training and 18 must be facility.

RECRUIT TRAINING The Training Division onboarded and trained nine new recruits in 2023. Recruits underwent a twoweek orientation at Smyrna Fire before heading to the Georgia State Public Safety Training Center for 13 weeks. There they received their FFI, Haz-Mat Operations, Structure Fire Control, and Interior Search and Rescue certifications before coming Back to Smyrna for two weeks of onboarding. Many of these individuals finished in the top one percent of their class. Completion of this process brought us to full staff, a significant milestone for Smyrna Fire Department.

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 29

Training Facility SMYRNA TRAINING FACILITY “The Yard”, completed in early 2022, has undergone improvements with the addition of window, ladder, and door props as well as upgrades to the interior burn box. “The Yard” is instrumental in training our new hire recruit classes, continuing structure fire and ISO training, and hosting outside agency regional training. The Smyrna Fire Department will proudly host firefighters from all over the country as the Metro Atlanta Firefighter Conference comes to town in May 2024. SFD training Cadre will teach Tactical Thermal Imaging for the 13th year in a row.

2023 METRO ATLANTA FIREFIGHTERS CONFERENCE

2023 NEW RECRUIT TRAINING

30 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Trainings Offered COMPANY TRAINING Over the years, The Smyrna Fire department has built a library of Training Action Plans (TAPS). In 2023, the Training Division submitted an Annual Training Plan to the Command Staff that referenced many of these TAPS as well as training on new equipment, technologies, and best practices. This training will be executed monthly and will reference many of the subjects listed below. • • • • • • • • • • • •

Forcible Entry Hose Advancement Ground and Aerial Ladders Engine Pumping Scenarios Hose and Nozzles Water Can operations Rules of Air Management FF Survival and Rapid Intervention Crews Secondary Means of Egress Technical Rescue Basics Vehicle Stabilization Extrication

SUPERVISOR TRAINING • • • •

Qualified Company Officer The Highly Promotable Behavioral Health Services Supervisor’s Field Guide

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • • • • • •

High Rise Operations Blue Card Command Labs Basic FAO Pump School Driver’s Education and Course Community Risk Reduction Introduction

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United Leadership

Program

2023 was the first full year in which the United Leadership Program was legally recognized as a 501c3. The application was completed in 2022 after we established a Board of Directors, as required. The Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, Marietta Fire Department, Austell Fire Department, and Smyrna Fire Department. Our desire as a board is to continue the mission we set out from the beginning – design a leadership program that aims for excellence and creates a unique learning experience for every leader involved. In the year 2023, the United Leadership Program held three Lunch, Discuss & Learn Programs that were open to all alumni and guests. Host locations included Brasfield & Gorrie, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and the Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services Training Facility. The events featured a Four Bugle Panel, a Fire Chief Panel, and guest speaker, James Albright, the City Manager for the City of Acworth. Sponsors of the United Leadership Program include:

32 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

EMS & Paramedic

Training

EMS TRAINING

The Emergency Medical Services Division is supervised and coordinated by the EMS Director. Smyrna Fire paramedics represent the highest level assigned to an EMS organization, and in general, the highest level of pre-hospital medical care. Paramedics perform a variety of advanced medical procedures and assessments. This level of pre-hospital care combined with Smyrna Fires rapid response time not only saves lives, but also improves the quality of life after our citizens return home from the hospital. Early recognition and intervention of heart disease, stroke, difficulty breathing, and cardiac arrest by Smyrna Fire paramedics has led to the continuing care of our city. TIMOTHY GEORGE

This Division also teaches and coordinates the medical training for the Smyrna Fire Department including initial EMT school and continuous EMS training. In 2023, six Smyrna firefighters, as well as two firefighters from outside agencies completed EMT School. This school requires a total of 290 initial EMS training hours. EMS DIRECTOR

Early offerings for 2024 include a basic EMT school for 14 firefighters.

PARAMEDIC SCHOOL In 2023, we had a total of three firefighters attend Metro Atlanta Ambulance EMS Academy and will complete their instruction in late February of 2024. Smyrna plans to send another 3 students to Metro for paramedic school for the 2024-25 class.

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Accreditation 2023 was the year the Smyrna Fire Department began to officially work towards Accreditation. What is Accreditation? According to The Center for Public Safety and Excellence (CPSE), “working towards, achieving, and maintaining accreditation will provide greater community alignment, encourage quality improvement, identify areas of strengths and weaknesses, provide data supported decisionmaking and more.” The Smyrna Fire Department started with a trip to Orlando for the annual CPSE conference, where

we learned more details about the process and began to connect with fire departments throughout the country. We then hosted our own Quality Improvement for the Fire and Emergency Services class, where not only did SFD personnel participate, but so did fire personnel from other GA fire jurisdictions. In July, SFD became a Registered status agency, a status valid for three years, and at which time we begin to write our Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover, the Strategic Plan, and begin the Self-Assessment Manual (SAM). Kelly Bastis was named our Accreditation Manager, with Deputy Chief’s Eric Mohrmann and Dustin Davey, Battalion Chief Eric Farmer, Division Chief Kenneth Durden, and EMA Specialist Evan McBrayer named Category Managers to assist in the writing of the SAM.

Once Accredited, the Smyrna Fire Department will join the ranks of the current 14 fire departments accredited in Georgia, and the 312 accredited in the United States.

34 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

STEPS TO ACCREDITATION

1. REGISTERED SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HERE

2. APPLICANT 3. CANDIDATE 4. ACCREDITED

Honor Guard & Chaplain SFD HONOR GUARD The Smyrna Fire Department Honor Guard is present for those who have answered their final alarm. The tenmember team is also present for special events both for the city, county, and state such as Station Openings, Veterans Honoring, Parades, and Color Guard presentations. The Smyrna Fire Department Honor Guard participates in several yearly events, and in 2023, they were invited to participate at an Atlanta United MLS game, as well as an Atlanta Falcons NFL game.

SFD HONOR GUARD MEMBERS INCLUDE: Chief Bates

ENG C. Weaver

CPT Joe Paul

ENG Barajas

CPT Sadowski

ENG Luna

LT. Faillo

FF Counts

ENG Frankovich

FF Josh Paul

ENG J. Moore

SFD CHAPLAIN

Shell Osbon was named Chaplain of the Smyrna Fire Department in the Spring of 2014. His service to our department focuses on ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of employees and their families. Shell and his wife Missy are frequently seen visiting with staff at one of our stations or attending one of many departmental functions held throughout the year. Their ministry supports the Smyrna Fire Department by providing guidance and counseling during difficult times. Additionally, Pastor Shell is often called upon to deliver the invocation at recruit graduation ceremonies, promotion ceremonies and various other functions. In 2021, he was recognized for his unwavering ‘Commitment to Excellence’ by earning the rank of Honorary Lieutenant with the Smyrna Fire Department.

SHELL OSBON SFD CHAPLAIN

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SFD 2023 Awards EMA AWARD The Emergency Management Association of Georgia presented Smyrna Fire’s EMA Specialist, Evan McBrayer, an award for Outstanding Contributions to the Profession. Nominations for this award came across all 159 counties.

DO GOOD HEROES AWARD Do Good Heroes is a program that lets agents of National Life Group recognize fire-rescue-EMS and police departments and personnel for community service activities above and beyond their public safety duty. The program provides ongoing recognition for the hard work first responders are doing as Do Good Heroes. The 2023 Do Good Hero Award was awarded to Eng. Jacob Moore.

SFD AWARDS IRONS: Denise Czarnik (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation) IMPACT: Engine 2, A-Shift KNOCKDOWN: Engine 3, C-Shift COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE: Bryan Labar CHIEF’S AWARD: Matt Stewart ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Briggs Williams FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Wade Roberts 36 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

GOLDEN AXE AWARDS QUARTER 1

Chris Russell and Robert Faillo

QUARTER 2

Jason Evangelista, Josh Rusher, Briggs Williams and Marshall Dixon

QUARTER 3

Bryan Peisel and Shane Weaver

QUARTER 4 Jody Collis

2023 Appointments & Milestones DIVISION CHIEF DUSTIN DAVEY Appointed to Deputy Chief of Administrative Services

LIEUTENANT KYLE O’BRYAN Appointed to Battalion Chief

25 YEARS OF SERVICE

ERIC FARMER

MICHAEL MOONEY

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

TODD JONES

15 YEARS OF SERVICE

BRANNON WHATLEY

EMS DIRECTOR TIM GEORGE Hired and Appointed to Captain

DUSTIN DAVEY

JASON EVANGELISTA

EMMANUEL MOORE

ERIC MOHRMANN

10 YEARS OF SERVICE

SCOTT FRANKOVICH

TREVOR FREEMAN

5 YEARS OF SERVICE

KYLE HOLMES

ANTHONY KEARNEY

SHANE WEAVER

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR APPOINTMENTS AND YEARS OF SERVICE! JACOB ROBINSON

CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 37

Future Firefighter Program The Future Firefighter Program is presented by the Smyrna Fire Department to aid individuals seeking a career in Fire and EMS. The program will provide guidance to participants who wish to become a trusted member of the Smyrna Fire Department as well as preparation for the physical demands of the job. The program takes place over 5 days, 4 hours/day and include the following:

SMYRNA FIRE FUNDAMENTALS • Calisthenics exercises • Jogging • Lifting and moving tools and objects used by FD personnel

SMYRNA FIRE CULTURE TRAINING • Firefighter daily routines • Core Values • Coaching on interview techniques

SELECTION PROCESS • Physical Ability Test • Practice interview sessions • Information about the Accuplacer Test Participants successfully completing the program will be placed on a preferred hiring list.

38 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Community Engagement In 2023, the Smyrna Fire Department was proud to be a part of many community outreach events. On a daily shift, the fire department conducts blood pressure checks, station and school tours, and car seat installations for the citizens of Smyrna. The department is also very active in community events such as: • • • • • • •

The Smyrna 151st Celebration The Smyrna Business Association The Public Safety Foundation Shop with a Hero event Keep Smyrna Beautiful Providing CPR and First Aid classes to the community Fire Safety Training Trailer

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Community Engagement

40 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

INTEGRITY

PREVENTION

LEADERSHIP

SERVICE

COMPASSION

PARAMEDIC

ACCOUNTABILITY RECRUITMENT

OPPORTUNITY COMMUNICATION PARTNERSHIPS

READINESS CITIZENS QUALITY PROTECT RAPID RESPONSE

STRATEGIC

TRAINING

SMYRNA

RESPOND

DEPARTMENT 2023

HONOR

FIRE

EMT

RISK REDUCTION

“A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE”

EMERGENCY MEDICAL COMMUNITY SERVICE FIREFIGHTER

COMMITMENT

PREPAREDNESS SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 41

42 | SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2620 Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080 770-434-6667 smyrnaga.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-department SMYRNA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 43