CHP and Firefighters Warn Cigarette Litterbugs

CHP and Firefighters Warn Cigarette Litterbugs

You are invited to join the California Highway Patrol, environmental, and fire prevention advocates at the launch of a newly upgraded Cigarette Litter Hotline, “Hold on to your Butt.” This is a public education campaign focused on holding accountable smokers who toss their cigarette butts out of the vehicles while navigating San Diego County’s highways.

This program will empower San Diegans to report smokers who illegally discard their cigarettes on the roadways. Utilizing a toll-free hotline, 1-877-211-2888 (BUTT), San Diegans will be able to record the date, time, and place of the littering, along with the license plate number of observed cigarette litterbugs. Drawing from the information recorded by concerned motorists, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Border Division will send warning letters, on CHP stationary, to tobacco litter offenders.

DID YOU KNOW: Worldwide, an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are tossed out daily and are the most littered item in the United States. Butts discarded on sidewalks and streets eventually end up in storm drains, which flow into the ocean. When the butts get wet from contact with a body of water, toxins gathered by the filter are released. This threatens the quality of the water and many forms of aquatic life.  In addition, littered cigarette butts are a fire risk and have caused significant wildfires in the past.

Earthquake Activity! Consider Enrolling In A CERT Academy – Our 2010 Academies Are Now Full!

Are you prepared for a disaster?  Earthquake or firestorm? Consider attending a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy.

Note: Due to a tremendous response, our two East County CERT academies for 2010 are now full – thank you!
 

What is CERT? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and the hazards that may impact the area they live. These FREE CERT lessons will train you in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training taught in the classroom and during drill exercises, CERT members will be better prepared to also assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following a disaster or other unexpected event when professional responders are not immediately available.

Or Click here for more on the CERT program: http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm

Check with the San Diego Office of Emergency services for more CERT programs around the county.  Click on the following link:

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/community/oes_jl_CERT.html

The American Red Cross also offer free training. Click on the following link:

http://www.sdarc.org

Here is the schedule for those who are officially registered for the following 2010 East County CERT classes:

2010 East County CERT Schedule

Academy – #1 – FULL

February 6 – Disaster preparedness/CERT organization

February 20 – Disaster Medical/ Triage

March 6 – Fire Extinguishers/Light Search and Rescue classroom

March 20 – Fire Extinguishers/Light Search and Rescue hands on – *At HTF

April 3 – Disaster Psychology/ Haz-Mat/ Terrorism

April 17 – All inclusive manipulative/ review – *At HTF

Academy – #2 – FULL – updated information for June 5th

May 22 – Disaster preparedness/CERT organization

June 5 – Disaster Medical/ Triage – *Class at HTF, Classroom B

June 19 – Extinguishers/Light Search and Rescue classroom – (two week break)

July 10 – Fire Extinguishers/Light Search and Rescue hands on – *At HTF

July 24 – Disaster Psychology/ Haz-Mat/ Terrorism

August 7 – All inclusive manipulative/ review – *At HTF

These classes are held on Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Class location for “registered” CERT students is at the Fire Administration offices at 8054 Allison Avenue, in La Mesa.   *The HTF location is 1301 N. Marshal in El Cajon for the hands-on training.

If you would like to place your name on a waiting list please call (619) 441-1737…we may consider adding a 3rd academy later in the year. Please leave your name and best contact phone number.

*Classes are limited to 30 participants per academy, ages 16 and up. Please, for safety concerns, we ask you do not bring babies or children to these classes. Any classes missed may be made up during the following academy. Classes are taught by members of Heartland Fire & Rescue, and Santee Fire Departments.

Read on for more information on what to bring to these “free” disaster preparedness training classes.

• East County CERT Academies are six (6) classes, every other week for twelve (12) weeks.
• For the first class please bring your own 1-1/2″ binder to the class for your CERT manual.
• Dress casually – certain classes may get you a little dirty – we’ll let you know which. Please, always wear sturdy shoes or wear tennis shoes – NO opened toed shoes, flip-flops or sandals please. Please bring a pair for good work gloves and please bring your own snacks/food & beverages. (like coffee, juice or water)
• We’d like to limit our classes to about 35 per academy, it’s for ages 16 and up – non residents are welcome. Please, for safety concerns, we ask you do not bring babies or children to our classes. Any classes missed may be made up during the following academy.
• Our classes are taught by members of the El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee Fire Departments.
• Please Note – our classes have been in big demand and are open to those serious about being prepared for a disaster, so if you register – please show up. If you have registered for a class and find you cannot make it please call so someone else can take your place – thank you.

*Since our next CERT academy is not until February of 2011 – please check with the local American Red Cross, they also offer “free” disaster preparedness classes.

Learn how to better protect yourself and your family.  These classes are free - but what you’ll learn is priceless!

• There are several other CERT programs available in the county! Click here – CERT Council for a complete list of other CERT programs.
• A Teen CERT program is being offered.  For information please call (760) 310-0976 or 0206.

• CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team, a disaster preparedness class. Until you can take one of our academies please take a look at the disaster preparedness section of this website for valuable links on disaster preparedness.

For other CERT Program locations in San Diego County visit San Diego County CERT Programs

• If you would like disaster preparedness information now – please visit 72hours.org
• Most recent earthquake activity? Click here: http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/quakes0.htm

What is CERT? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and the hazards that may impact the area they live. These FREE CERT lessons will train you in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training taught in the classroom and during drill exercises, CERT members will be better prepared to also assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following a disaster or other unexpected event when professional responders are not immediately available.
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Additional CERT Academies:
• Other CERT programs in the East County: The San Miguel Fire Department now have a CERT program in the Rancho San Diego area recently – you can call them at (619) 670-0500 for more information. There is another CERT program in Lakeside at (619) 390-2350.
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CERT Hazard Plans – How to handle: “Tsunamis”
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Additional Disaster Information: From Fed Health – FED HEALTH
Disaster Supplies: American Red Cross – American Red Cross – San Diego
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•Congratulations CERT Team Members for a great Earthquake Drill held June 19th at New Frontier Mobile Home Community – See the article in the Union Tribune: East County CERT Holds Earthquake Drill June 19th, 2004
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CERT is an excellent opportunity to learn many important life saving skills to better protect yourself, your family and your neighbors in the event of most disasters. This translates into saved lives and less panic.
CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

Check the CERT Homepage from FEMA:
CERT Homepage
Take a look at the Los Angeles CERT Program:
www.cert-la.com

Other CERT Programs:

CERT San Diego Program Manager
(619) 533-3075
(program)CERT@sandiego.gov
Fax:(619) 544-9351
Lakeside Fire now has a CERT program, for more information call 619-390-2350, ext. 304. Leave a message and they’ll call you back.
For Coronado Fire’s CERT program please call them at 619-522-7374.Frequently Asked Questions About CERT

What Is CERT?
(CERT) The Community Emergency Response Team program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.
The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course conducted by their state training office for emergency management, or FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.
Over the next two years, the CERT program aims to double the number of participants, with over 400,000 individuals completing the 20 plus hours of training. Train-the-Trainer sessions will be held in all 56 states and territories over the next year to expand the program throughout the United States.

Q: Why take the CERT training?
A: Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there are emergencies and disaster that can overwhelm the community immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need help. The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making and physical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

A success story about CERTs comes during the wildfires in Florida. The Edgewater CERT helped emergency management and the fire department by assisting with evacuations, handling donations, preparing food for firefighters, and answering the phone while the professionals were fighting the fire. It is a great example of CERT members and response personnel working together for the benefit of the community.

Q: How do CERT members maintain their skills?
A: CERT members and the sponsor work together to maintain team skills. It is suggested that the sponsor conduct refresher classes and an annual exercise where all CERT members are invited to participate. Some response agencies have conducted joint exercises with CERT team and operate as they would during an actual disaster. The last point does bring up a lesson learned. Besides training CERT members, it is also important to train members of response agencies about CERTs, the skills that teams have and the role that they will have during a major disaster. One way to develop this trust is by encouraging agency personnel to participate in classes as instructors and coaches and activities involving CERTs.

Understanding that CERTs may operate independently following a disaster. CERTs can practice this independence by taking some responsibility for their training. Teams can design activities and exercises for themselves and with other teams. Some members can be rescuers, some victims, and some evaluators. After the event, there can be a social so that teams get to know each other
Q: What if I want to do more than just the basic training?
A: CERT members may attend classes provided by the community agencies on animal care, special needs concerns, debris removal, utilities control, advanced first aid, Automatic External Defibrillator use, CPR skills, and others.

CERT members are a potential volunteer pool for the community. They can help with special projects like distributing preparedness material, staffing medical booths during special events, and assisting with installation of smoke alarms for seniors or special needs households. Some CERT members have sought additional training opportunities in shelter management, community relations, and donations management.

El Cajon Fire Chief To Oversee Heartland Fire & Rescue

In November of 2009, the City Managers of the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove announced the appointment of the Fire Chief to oversee operations of the cooperative management services for the three fire and rescue departments as they officially merged on January 1, 2010.  Mike Scott, who was then the Fire Chief in El Cajon, will now head the new command called “Heartland Fire & Rescue.”

In October of 2009,  the City Councils approved the Joint Powers Agreement that created a single management team to oversee the day-to-day operations of the three fire departments.

The City Managers sought an individual from within the three organizations able to perpetuate the work started in preparation for the coordinated services. In this situation, the City Managers felt it was important to continue the momentum while at the same time being aware of the history and partnering that brought them to this point.

Mike Scott had been the Fire Chief in El Cajon since June 2005. He began his career with the department in 1984 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Chief Scott is currently the Chair of the Board of Chiefs for the Heartland Training Facility Authority and the Heartland Communications Authority. These Joint Powers Authorities serve multiple cities. He is also the Zone 4 Coordinator for the Heartland Fire District.

Chief Scott said following the announcement, “I am honored to be selected to lead this cooperative effort of fire and emergency medical services delivery. We have three great organizations that will now operate as one. The result will be an improved level of coordination of service on a regional level, ultimately benefiting each of our communities.”

El Cajon City Manager Kathi Henry said that Mike is a capable leader with a proven track record. “There is no doubt that he has the skills necessary to take us in a positive direction”. Henry said. “He is both visionary and practical which makes him the perfect choice for this position.”

La Mesa City Manager, Sandy Kerl and Lemon Grove City Manager Graham Mitchell have worked closely with Chief Scott over the past several months while developing the Joint Powers Agreement. La Mesa City Manager Sandra Kerl said, “Chief Scott is a proven leader in the fire profession, particularly in East County, and has the skills and abilities to make this unique fire service model work successfully”. Graham Mitchell indicated that he looks forward to working with Chief Scott in this exciting time to provide even better service to the community through a cooperative approach.

El Cajon Firefighters Reach Out To Troops In Iraq

A few months ago, El Cajon Fire Captain Dave Rickards sent a group of Army Rangers based in Iraq the department’s Breast Cancer Awareness shirts. Through a mutual friend, Captain Rickards was able to send this care package of shirts along with some other items in a gesture to show support for our troops fighting in the Middle East.

According to Captain Rickards, “Members of the El Cajon Fire Department are proud to wear their department logos with the pink lettering, showing their support in the fight against breast cancer. Sharing that pride with our troops is an honor.”

According to the troops pictured, they were really excited to get the T-shirts. The package contained the navy blue fire department t-shirts with pick lettering, and additional pink t-shirts. When they received the package some of the guys were a little uncomfortable wearing pink t-shirts but they finally warmed up to the idea and took the picture. The men featured in the attached photograph are all medics currently stationed in Iraq for a 15-month tour; attached to the 3rd Infantry.

Have You Tested Or Changed The Batteries In Your Smoke Alarms Lately?

In November Clocks Were Set Back One Hour, On March 14, 2010, We Move Our Clocks Ahead One Hour - Also Remember To Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries!

The Burn Institute and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association would like to remind everyone that whenever we have a time change, also take a moment to change your smoke alarm batteries.

It could save a life!   The last time change was Daylight Saving Time  on Sunday, November 1.  Did you change your smoke alarm batteries too???

WHY? Having a ”working” smoke alarm cuts your chances of dying in a house fire by 50% percent!

Note: If you are 55 years or older, own your own home, live within San Diego County and do not have a working smoking alarm, you qualify for a FREE smoke alarm installation. This popular program takes place year-round. To schedule an appointment, contact Gwen Lammers at the Burn Institute, (858) 541-2277.

Three East County Fire Departments Sign JPA Agreement

In La Mesa today, City Leaders, Fire Department Chiefs and staff from El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, gathered for the official signing of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). This agreement will create a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training, fire prevention, emergency planning, and community preparedness.

La Mesa Mayor Art Marid, El Cajon Councilmember Bob McClellan and Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom made it official by signing their names to three copies of the agreement as other Councilmembers from the three cities looked on. All three Cities had previously approved the agreement at recent Council meetings held in each city. This new agreement takes effect in January 2010. The fourteen current Chief Officers of the three cities will eventually be reduced to eleven. There will be one Fire Chief for the three cities.

The goals of the JPA are to create additional staffing capacity and contain costs, while maintaining a high level of fire and emergency medical services. It is projected that by sharing management functions, three cities will save a combined $560,000 annually.

El Cajon Fire Chief Mike Scott commented,”This is a great example of many stakeholders coming together with one goal in mind, deliver the best possible service in the most effective way. We were able to bring elected officials, city managers, fire chiefs and labor groups together towards that goal. Credit goes to all of those groups for coming together to do what is best for our community”

La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid commented, “This is an historic time for our three cities in being visionaries and having confidence in our City staff to form this partnership. This JPA is a tribute to the City managers, the Fire Chiefs and all levels of the fire service. Yes, there are long term benefits, but this is the first step toward consolidating this level of services, and I’m confident we’ll be able to consolidate other department services that are common in each of our cities.”

The official signing ceremony took place at 11 :00 a.m., at La Mesa Fire Station 11, located at 8034 Allison Avenue.

El Cajon Reserve Firefighter Program

The application period for the El Cajon Fire Department joint Heartland Firefighter Academy & El Cajon Fire Reserve Academy is currently closed.  Check back October 1st, 2010.

If you dropped off an application for the 2010 Reserve Firefighter Academy please click on the following links:

• Reserve Applicants – Additional Info – Urgent!
• Reserve Applicants – Eligibility List – Urgent Information

El Cajon Fire Fireighter Reserve Program – General information below – please scroll down for information on this very special career building program in becoming a firefighter!

• Reserve Recruitment 2009 [pdf]
• Reserve Application [doc]
• Physical Agility
• PT

If you have any questions regarding about the Firefighter Reserve program, please send your questions via email to:

Captain Jim Hemphill at jhemphil@ci.el-cajon.ca.us  or

Engineer Marco Maldonado at mmaldona@ci.el-cajon.ca.us

 

What is a Reserve Firefighter?

A reserve firefighter is an auxiliary position with the El Cajon Fire Department. It is an opportunity for those interested in a fire service career to get invaluable hands-on experience while giving back to the community. Participation as a reserve neither implies nor guarantees an offer of employment with the El Cajon Fire Department…but it is a valuable resume builder toward a firefighting career!
 

Reserve Firefighter Duties

After successful completion of the reserve academy, the reserve firefighter is expected to continue personal growth through required monthly training classes, training assignments and ride-along experience. During the ride-along shifts reserves will be assigned as part of an engine company or paramedic unit and experience, firsthand, firefighting, medical aids, rescue calls and other public service activities. Reserve firefighters also gain experience through participation in fire prevention and fire education programs.
 

Training

• Each reserve must successfully complete the Heartland Firefighter Academy which consists of both classroom instruction and manipulative practice. Academy instruction is scheduled to last 12 weeks from January to April, 2010.
• The 488-hour academy includes classroom sessions on topics such as firefighter safety, equipment operation, fire extinguishers, forcible entry tools and techniques, lifting and hoisting equipment, fire hose, hose nozzles and fittings, hose evolutions, ladders, breathing apparatus, fire control, fire prevention, and more; plus manipulative classes giving recruits the opportunity to practice skills taught in the classroom.
• Recruits must pass weekly training evaluations by assigned instructors.
• Recruits are expected to be present at each of the required academy training sessions.
• College credit and State Certifications for S190, Auto Extrication, Haz Mat FRO, LARRO, Fire Control 3 and Confined Space Awareness. Recruits will be enrolled in Miramar College’s 381F – Fire Academy (9 units).

Minimum Requirements

• Age: 18 years of age at time of application.
• Education: High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• Certifications: Possession of a valid San Diego County EMT-1A.
• Paramedic: San Diego County Paramedic Accreditation Highly Desirable.
• License: Must have and maintain a valid, unrestricted Class C California driver’s license.
• Residence: Shall reside within San Diego County.
• Telephone: Must have a working telephone in their residence and keep current number updated.
• Occupation: Employment or involvement with occupations that may be considered a conflict of interest or which may impair performance or discredit the Department are unacceptable.
• Certification of ability to work in the United States: Prior to employment, applicants must demonstrate, as required by law, that they are legally able to work in the United States.
• Uniforms and Safety Shoes: Reserves are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and safety shoes. Approximate cost totaling $500.

Selection Process

• Submittal and review of a Department application. Applications were accepted for the 2010 academy  October 1st through October 9th, 2009. Check back  October 1st of 2010 for the 2011 Reserve Firefighter Academy application acceptance period.
• Written Examination: The test will be based on Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th ed. The top 50 candidates will move on to the physical abilities test, then the top 40 will move on to interviews.
• Physical Abilities Test: A job-specific physical abilities test to evaluate physical strength and endurance.
• Oral Examination: An oral interview by a panel of El Cajon Fire Department personnel to determine qualifications.
• Background Investigation: Prior to employment, an applicant’s personal history and employment background will be reviewed.
• Medical Examination: Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination.

The El Cajon Fire Department, in partnership with Miramar College, are combining resources to provide this excellent fire service career opportunity. We will be conducting a Heartland Regional Fire Academy to train candidates for positions as Reserve Firefighters for the City of El Cajon Fire Department. Miramar College has teamed up with El Cajon Fire to provide funding for the Fire Academy and college credit for successful Academy candidates.

For detailed information about each agency please refer to the following websites:
 

City of El Cajon Fire Department
100 East Lexington Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-441-1601
www.elcajonfire.com

San Diego Miramar College
10440 Black Mountain Road
San Diego, CA 92126
www.sdmiramar.edu

Our Next El Cajon Fire Safety & Career Expo is October 9th

Our last Fire Department Expo, October 10th was another huge success!

Thank you to our title sponosr 

“Mission Federal Credit Union”

they are dedicated to education in the community.  Fire Safety a key concern and their sponsorship supports their long standing support in the San Diego Community.  At their booth they handed out red plastic fire hat for kids.

Visitors saw a variety of booths from fire prevention to disaster preparedness, careers in the fire service to law enforcement, a safety kids zone, even senior resources, there’s something for everyone at our free family event.  Join us next year October 9th, 2010!

Thank you to our three special celebrities – actress “Samantha Droke” – who starred with Selena Gomez in the Disney movie, “Princess Protection Program” – she is now one of the stars in the new TV show ”Eastwick,” and actor “Allen Evangelista” from the ABC show “Secret Life Of The American Teenager.”

 

“Thank you to another special guest – Captain Jack Sparrow -  a special tribute artist. www.thelastrealpirate.com

*We also saw a performance by the City of El Cajon Recreation Department’s “TNT Performing Company!”  Thank you!

At our special noon ceremony we heard the amazing singing talents of 13 year-old Francis Florendo singing the National Anthem.  We took the opportunity to thank residents of El Cajon for their ongoing support of our City Services – and thank community sponosrs!

Our annual event celebrates Fire Prevention Week and the 2009 theme is “It’s Fire Prevention Week – Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned!” This runs from October 4th through the 10th – but of course “fire safety” is year-round!

To learn more about fire & burn prevention – click here: Fire Prevention Week & Draw a home escape plan!

Thank you to WALMART for being our official sponsor for our Fire Poster Contest for 3rd grade students in the City of El Cajon School District.  They’re providing the prizes for our contest.  And thank you to Sea World for donating passes for our three winners.  We greatly appeciate your ongoing support!

“Thank You” to our community sponsors of our Expo:

• CBC Technical - providing our sound.
• East County Gazette Newspaper
• Granite Hills High School – display tables
• Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians
• Pat & Oscar’s - meals for volunteers
• Hometown Buffet – dessert for volunteers
• Smart & Final
• Subway
• Quizno’s on West Main Street
• Boston Market
• Waste Management
• East County Herald

Thank you to our returning participants:

Outside Fire Station:

• ATV Safety Group
• Boston Market – food samples 
• Boy Scouts of America
• California Highway Patrol
• East County Gazette Newspaper – Official media sponsor
• East County Herald Newspaper
• El Cajon Amateur Radio Club
• El Cajon Fire Safety Inflatable House
• Farmer’s Insurance – Child I.D.’s
• Heartland Lions Club – Child I.D.’s
• Home Depot of El Cajon is back with their Kid’s Safety Workshop, along with their FREE cotton candy and popcorn.
• Kiwanis (East San Diego County) – selling hot dogs
• Meet Miss El Cajon, Miss Teen El Cajon, Mother Goose, Miss Mother Goose Queen, Smokey the Bear, and Calahan the Firefighter!
• Mission Federal Credit Union – giving away plastic red fire hats
• MOTO WORLD of El Cajon
• Racers Against Drunk Driving
• Rapid Tatts – Airbrush face painting
• San Diego County Sheriff’s Department – Off Road Safety and their Reserve Program

 Inside Fire Station:

• Alzheimers Association
• American Cancer Society – “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”
• Burn Institute – fire prevention materials
• CASA-Communities Against Substance Abuse
• Cover Your Assets - Inventory Software and Service
• Dr. Eric Wise – Health Screenings
• East County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
• East County Family Justice Center – Domestic and Violence Prevention
• East County Magazine – register for their fire alerts
• El Cajon Community Development Corporation – CDC
• El Cajon Public Works – Storm Water
• El Cajon Recreation Department
• Emergency Animal Rescue
• Freeman’s Construction, Inc. – rebuilding after fires
• Helix Water District – water saving tips
• Kiwanis (East San Diego County) – Free Safety Helmet give-away!  While supplies last!   Last year we gave away 412 safety helmets.
• La Mesa Driving School – driving safety
• MADD (Mother’s Against Driving Drunk) – www.maddsandiego.org
• Rady’s Children’s Hospital – Safe Kids
• San Diego County Library – El Cajon Branch
• San Diego County Office of Emergency Services – provided disaster preparedness information and you will be able to sign up for the Reverse 9-1-1 System!
• San Diego Gas and Electric – safety information
• San Diego Off Road Coalition
• Sharp on Survival – “Think First”
• T.I.P. (Trauma Intervention Program)
• U.S. Coast Guard – “Coasty”

For Seniors (inside Fire Station)

• AARP
• Aging & Independent Services
• El Cajon Police RSVP’s – Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol
• Heritage Senior Care, Inc.
• Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center

In Our Career Section (Ronald Reagan Community Center)

• Burn Institute – provided two presentations at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on fire safety.
• Cuyamaca Jr. College
• El Cajon Fire Reserve Firefighter Program – What it takes to be a firefighter! 
• El Cajon Police Department – special operations (ie: Neighborhood Watch, Multi-Crime Free Housing, E-Alert, 9-1-1 for kids, etc.)
• El Cajon Police RSVP’s (Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol)
• El Cajon Public Safety Center Display
• EMSTA Medical College – Learn about becoming a paramedic.
• Grossmont Jr. College
• Heartland Fire Dispatch – 9-1-1 Dispatcher job information
• San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
• Southwestern College
• University of Phoenix

*A BIG thank you to those who helped me on the day of the event in setting things up and tearing it all down and the clean-up!

Thank you to El Cajon Fire Division Chief Rick Sitta, El Cajon Firefighters at Station 6 and 7, Engineer Marco Maldonado and our El Cajon Firefighter Reserves, Bonnie Larson, Wendy Filter, Dionne Rivera and her son Nathan, El Cajon Police PSO Samantha Hook, Officer Dan Hansen, El Cajon Police Cadets and RSVP’s, and our CERT volunteers!

 *If you’d like to be a part of our next safety event on October 9th, 2010 - or be a supporting sponsor,  please contact Monica Zech at (619) 441-1737.

Be safe & thank you!

El Cajon Fire 9/11 Search & Rescue Dog Dies

One of El Cajon’s original disaster search dogs “Sherman”, has died due to health issues related to his age. Sherman became a part of the El Cajon Fire Department in 1997 through a partnership with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Sherman was partnered with his handler, El Cajon Fire Captain Steve Swaney.

After becoming certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster search work, Sherman, along with his handler, was available to serve anywhere in the United States at a moments notice. The call for service was never more important than on September 11, 2001. On that day, Captain Swaney, along with Sherman, received the request to respond with an Urban Search and Rescue Task Force to the World Trade Center in New York. Captain Swaney and Sherman arrived in New York that night (within 24 hours of the collapse) and worked at the site for ten days looking for survivors.
In addition to the World Trade Center response, Swaney and Sherman have also responded to Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and a local bluff collapse in San Diego.

Sherman’s nickname was the “Sherman Tank”. He would stop at nothing to find the victim he was looking for. “These highly trained search dogs are a valuable and scarce resource to our community; Sherman was an important part of our fire service family and he will be greatly missed,” said Fire Chief Mike Scott.

(Due to calls and emails I’ve gotten since this was announced) – If you would like to send a note or card of sympathy to Captain Swaney please mail to:

Captain Steve Swaney, El Cajon Fire Department, 100 E. Lexington Avenue, El Cajon, Calif. 92020

Bystanders Assist Injured Motorist Following Crash In El Cajon

Just before 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, a single vehicle crash occurred in the six hundred block of South Mollison Avenue in El Cajon. According to El Cajon Police, the vehicle was apparently traveling at a high rate of speed when the 84-year-old male driver lost control knocking over fire a hydrant, damaging a high-energy electrical utility box, then flipping over upside down. The driver was then trapped in the vehicle with extensive injuries.

Before emergency personnel arrived, bystanders noticed that the trapped victim’s head was under the water flowing from the knocked-over fire hydrant. The bystanders flipped the vehicle onto its side allowing the severely injured victim to breathe. Rescue workers from El Cajon and La Mesa Fire Departments extricated the victim using the Jaws of Life in about twelve minutes. A Santee Fire Department Medic United transported the victim to a local trauma center.

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