News

In a partnership with the Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County, the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department invites you to come learn how to stay safe around water.  Activities will include:

• Life Jacket Station
• Floating Station
• Bobbing for Prizes
• Information for Parents on Water Safety and Importance of CPR
• Tours of City Fire Trucks

This event is taking place at Pompey Pool (1101 NW 2nd St, Delray Beach) on June 2nd, 2012 anytime from 10-1.  This is going to be an all day event so stop by whenever you can and make sure to bring your bathing suits so you can participate in some or all of the stations!

See you at the pool and remember:

THERE IS NO SOUND WHEN SOMEONE DROWNS

Delray Beach Fire Rescue would like to congratulate Captain Joe Falcone on receiving the award of Firefighter of the Year for 2011 and Roxanne Tilghman on receiving Civilian Employee of the Year. 

Captain Falcone has been working as the Acting Division Chief of Training for almost the entire year of 2011.  One of the most successful endeavors undertaken by Captain Falcone was the hiring of our latest class of recruits.  Joe was instrumental in the hiring process of these 6 new hires and their subsequent training during their 8 week orientation.  Joe was also one of the key players in the training and implementation of a new Computer Aided Dispatch and records management system.  Joe performed all of these tasks while also completing all the regular duties of the Division Chief of Training, which include promotional exams, in service training, and ordering/upkeep of bunker gear, and uniforms. Fire Chief Danielle Connor says, “Joe has a ‘can do’ attitude and consistently looks for ways to make DBFR a more professional, efficient, and better place.”

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Tilghman was nominated for her contributions to the Administration Division.  This Division includes one Assistant Chief, two Division Chiefs, and two Captains.  She is a reliable resource for all personnel and has been especially pivotal in the last year as all six individuals within this division were newly promoted or transferred personnel.  Her involvement in purchasing and the preparation of travel and training paperwork makes her an asset to us all.  Chief Connor was quoted saying, "Roxanne's work ethic and vast knowledge is an integral part of keeping this organization running smoothly."

Congratulations to both of these employees. Great job!!!

In light of the current hurricane in the tropics it is important to remember how to stay safe in the event of a hurricane.  DBFR has produced an informational flyer to help keep everyone out of harms way during the peak of this hurricane season.  Please review the attachment below. 

For more information on hurricane preparedness go to:

http://mydelraybeach.com/Delray/Departments/Fire-Rescue/News/Hurricane+preparedness.htm

Last Tuesday a group of 22 citizens and buisness owners graduated from the CERT training program.  CERT is a community volunteer team designed to respond in the event of a natural disaster.  They will assist in the initial assessment and mitigation of an emergency in their communities.

The latest class has been trained with the most up to date material from FEMA.  They were educated by certified Firefighter/Paramedic and CERT instructor Kenny Thompson over a 2 month period.  The topics covered were:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Communication/Fire Suppression
• Disaster Medical I and II
• Search and Rescue
• Terrorism/Incident Command System
• Disaster Psychology
  

The final class the students participated in a scenerio involving hazardous materials, fire, victims, triage, treatment, and communication with the Delray Beach Emergency Operations Center.

Delray Beach Fire Rescue is excited to have these 22 new members on the CERT team to assist in the event of a disaster.  Congratulations and great job!!!

To look at more pictures go to:

http://mydelraybeach.com/Delray/Departments/Fire-Rescue/Gallery/2011-001+Gallery.htm

In light of the recent events in Palm Beach County the City of Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department would like to offer some tips to keep our kids safe this summer.

Remember the ABC’s of drowning prevention:
• Adult Supervision:  designate a “WATER WATCHER” whenever kids are in or around water.  Make sure that is the sole responsibility of this person for 15 minute “shifts”.  That means no reading, talking on the phone, or other outside distractions.
• Barriers:  have a physical barrier around or on pools that meet code requirements
• Classes:  water safety course for kids are crucial in preventing drowning.  Also taking CPR classes is an important step our families safe.  First responders are a crucial first step in the chain of survival in an emergency

Remember: There is no sound when someone drowns!  Let’s all work together to keep all our kids happy and healthy this summer!!!

June 1^st is the official start date for the 2011, 6 month Atlantic hurricane season. The seasonal hurricane outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says an above-normal season is likely, with 12 to 18 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes.  Please take the time to read the following 2011 Hurricane Guide.

Prepare, Plan, and Stay Informed.  Check out this link for tips on Hurricane Preparedness.  www.ready.gov

Delray Beach Fire-Rescue has recently promoted two employees to new positions.  Kris Schied has been promoted from the position of Firefighter/Paramedic to Driver Engineer.  Kris has been with the department for over six years.  He successfully passed a promotional exam that included a 100 question written test and a practical portion testing hands-on skills of a Driver Engineer. 

Another recent promotion within the department is that of Lieutenant Curtis Jepsen.  Curtis has worked for DBFR as a Firefighter/Paramedic for six years.  He will be taking over the position of Public Education Lieutenant.  He will be involved with teaching community education classes for schools and citizens of Delray Beach.  He is also the coordinator of the city’s CERT team.

Delray Beach mourns the loss on an Officer and friend today. Public safety and the Delray Beach Police Department especially  will weather these dark times with the love and support of all those around them. Please keep the family, friends, and loved ones of Officer Rosenthal in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this terrible loss.

Delray Beach Fire-Rescue is gearing up for a new Community Emergency Response Team “CERT” class.  All Delray Beach residents and business owners are welcome to get involved in this free disaster response team class.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will need valuable information to meet the demand for these services.  CERT provides Delray citizens and business owners the tools to effectively report hazardous situations and provide basic first aid in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist event until Fire-Rescue can arrive.  CERT uses a-hands on approach that not only teaches the skills necessary but provides an excellent opportunity for volunteers to meet and get to know their neighbors.

The CERT classes will be held on June 1st, 8th, 16th, 22nd, 29th. July 13th, 19th, 26th from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Delray Beach Fire- Rescue Head Quarters located at 501 W. Atlantic Ave.  There is no charge for this class.  We do ask that you please commit to all 8 sessions.

Applications are available at Fire-Rescue headquarters or by clicking here

Please contact Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Lt. Curtis Jepsen at jepsen@mydelraybeach.com  for any additional information needed.