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"What will it take?"More FACTS from the insurance companies on how premiums can be lowered. The lack of support can end at anytime with support from the Board of County Commissioners. The ability to save money for all must be addressed by them also. If they chose to support the 5 year plan, the progress would be able to begin.More FACTS about the needed increase. The increase would be for the DEPARTMENT, not the career side. The overall mission is for Public Safety. If all are concerned about equality, you need to be able to afford it.-Second sets of gear: costs money-Apparatus in station for recall, maintenance, or Paid-on-call/Volunteer staffing: costs money-Requested fire and specialty training for services provided to all citizens: costs moneyThe mud slinging and name calling is being produced to cause infighting and turmoil while not addressing the base issue- financial support for all of ECFR. Coming together for the overall safety if the citizens and visitors of Escambia County should be the driving force.

Total missed calls in Beulah until July 1, 2019

Missed calls in Beulah until July 1, 2019

Total missed calls until July 1, 2019 in Molino.

"What will it take?"A misuse of wording has left many of the taxpayers in Escambia County thinking that firefighting is free- "Volunteer."As you can see in the attached photo, staffing in the volunteer ranks is down and has been for a while. The position of Volunteer Coordinator was agreed on in order to add recruitment and retention to the ranks, but has failed. That position makes $1000 per month!Pay rates for Paid-On-Call Positions:Non-Certified: $200/month
Certified Firefighter: $400/month
Lieutenant: $450/month
Captain: $500/month
Assistant District Chief: $550/month with take home car
District Fire Chief: $650/month with take home carECFR started as many individual departments centered around communities, raising money for themselves. Ultimately, they joined under a MSBU system paying for all of ECFR employees and paid-on-call staffing, equipment, etc. As the need for full time staffing was increased, the ability for citizens to give their time to those stations dwindled.**Many current stations in ECFR had to be staffed after civilian deaths directly related to the lack of staffing at those community's station.**With Commissioners throwing out fictitious numbers of personnel and refusing to acknowledge the cost of those personnel, it's time to shed light on who really responds for the $125.33 in tax dollars.Tax payers in Beulah and Molino are affected most with these numbers, as they are left uncovered for a majority of their requests for help.-Beulah Certified Firefighters: 14-Percentage of calls missed by Beulah Fire Engine by catagory:
Brush fires: 80% missed
Medical Emergencies: 39.2% missed
Public Assitance: 60.4% missed
Structure fire: 61.5% missed
Vehicle Fire: 28.6% missedMolino Certified Firefighters: 15-Percentage of calls missed by Molino Fire Engine by category:
Brush Fires: 100% missed
Medical emergencies: 66% missed
Public Assistance: 88.9% missed
Structure Fire: 50% missed
Vehicle Fire: 66.7% missedCareer Crews from surrounding districts have to cover both these lacking districts and their assigned ones. Paid-on-call firefighters have other obligations that take their complete availability, thus the need for full time staffing. The tax payers in those communities pay the same rate as staffed fire districts, but with little to no response in their time of need.This Thursday, Commissioners are being requested to address these Public Safety needs and others. Part of the plan to be voted on is the staffing of two major, understaffed districts in ECFR.Please contact your Commisioners let them know that the response for the required tax should be 100%, the increase to staff these stations should be approved, and ECFR 's ability to grow should not be hindered by politics.Commissioner Bergosh 595-4910
Commissioner Underhill 595-4920
Commissioner May 595-4930
Commissioner Bender 595-4940
Commissioner Barry 595-4950

"What will it take?"Crews are completing a residential fire off of Lillian Highway in District 20, Paradise Beach.Unfortunately, the BOCC has not properly planned for the protection on the west side of Pensacola. The fire station for Paradise Beach was recently closed, due to the building being on leased land and the property owner requesting purchase or eviction. The station was shut down and turned back over to the property owner shortly after. It housed Engine 20 and was staffed by volunteer members. The next closest companies responding are from Myrtle Grove and Innerarity Point.
More poor planning and lack of insight for the future again showing itself at the citizens expense.

"A" Shift on their way for fire watch and overhaul.

"C" shift returning from the scene after a long night

"What will it take?"What makes a firefighter? What makes him/her risk their life for complete strangers? What characteristics do they have to possess?With all of the politics going on in ECFR and ECEMS, there are some major points being missed:The departments we work for only bring out the CHARACTER we already possess.The traits of love, charity, empathy, passion, and so many more are not taught by the fire service or EMS, they are only brought to the front of their personality.At 0300 this morning, those same people who are being used as pawns by some politicians, risked a lot to save a lot. A fire in District 12- Osceola broke out in a mobile home. This was someone's home, someone's pets, someone's belongings. The crews were able to save one of the dogs, and most of the citizens belongings.So despite what is out of our control, we still respond to every need of those we serve. Yes, in older trucks, using older equipment, but with those passions that set us apart as public servants.Things can not be fixed in a week, month, or year. We have tried to make progress forward, just to be pushed aside because of the positive outcomes of our capabilities. We have asked "what will it take" so many times now, but the answer is as clear as it should be.Our forward progress: 4 new trucks being ordered to replace the aging fleet, a Squad Engine (Special Operations Team) being placed in service early next month in Brent, and LOST funds for replacing outdated Air Packs.Our unchanging steps: unable to change the $10.79/hour pay for firefighters, staffing appropriate number of firefighters on trucks, and staffing stations where a response deficit exist.We are not playing politics, we are playing the safety card. Just because it is just coming to light now, does not mean it does not exist.Instead of blaming politicians or administrative positions, why not support and promote the needs that we are presenting.Know that we will respond, risk so much, and sacrifice so much more for those we love and serve- our neighbors and families.

"What will it take?"At the agenda review meeting this morning, 4 total budget adjustments for Fire Rescue Fleet Maintenance were addressed. The total of all 4 items is $100,000 to the different vendors that take care of the fire apparatus for Escambia County when needing to go outside for immediate or in depth repairs.Commissioner Underhill requested information on whether this was a continuous issue or one time occurance. The answer is YES!The newest fire trucks in ECFR are from 2010. We have shown numerous pictures and instances where truck are broken down, putting the public and the firefighters serving in them at risk.Another comment from a commissioner was asking if this was part of the ongoing issues with Public Safety. Again, the answer is YES!When LOST funds are needed for fire trucks and staff vehicles, why isn't a plan for repair and replacement in place? Why didn't the former Public Safety Director make it a point of making sure that firefighters didn't have to fill leaking water tanks on the truck daily, ride in apparatus with no Air Conditioning, and break down on the side of the road?These are the issues being dealt with as a systemic problem and are finally being addressed. Yes, budgetary changes occur every year, but as Commissioner May pointed out, it would be nice to add money back into the coffers from money saved from better planning and purpose.Chief Nail has produced a plan for replacement and repair, just another one of the many reasons the Escambia County Professional Firefighters fully support him and his capabilities.

"What will it take?"Today, in BOCC District 5, a residential fire broke out in a home on Booker Street. The closest fire station, 1.7 miles away, was not able to respond to the fire, due to being in Molino to run a medical call. The Ensley engine was first on scene in 10 minutes.We have been saying "What will it take" for months now. Is this enough now that a family of 5 lost everything today due to poor foresight by politicians?Imagine if the estimated 3 minute response time from the Cantonment station would have limited the fire spread and damage. Citizens of District 5 pay the same rate for their fire protection, but have only the Cantonment station and the Century daytime truck from 7am-4pm.When modern fires burn up to 8x faster than previous generations, that 7 minute difference could have meant a world of difference to the family involved. Thankfully there were no civilian injuries, but one firefighter was transport and released.On a side note, this was the first of 3 working fires throughout the county today. We work for you, and we love it. We want to be there, fully staffed and fully equipped to deal with your worst day.Contact your commisioners and ask "what will it take?"

The fire service is steeped in Irish tradition. From the 1800's, when the fire service was the only job that Irish immigrants were able to work. With the high mortality rate of the time, Irish Americans would have traditional funerals from their native country. Thus, the bagpipes became symbolic of the fire service.May you all have a safe and festive day, as we remember the heritage of our beginnings.

#groganstrongPray for our Brother in Blue tomorrow morning as doctors perform a laser surgery to kill this brain tumor! Pray for his family as well!

What will it take?The land purchase from OLF 8 would make a prime location for a fire station. Close to the largest growing community, and staffed by a 4 person fire apparatus. If the county already owns the land, why spend more LOST money to fix the land and build next to the current station?If business' want to grow and prosper, and the commissioners want to attract them to Escambia County, why not provide them with proper fire department infrastructure to protect their business and investment?When will the citizens of Escambia County get the most for their money?

"What will it take?"65 calls for fires.65 calls for our best day on their worst day.65 times staffing was needed and crews had to work more with less.Which fire will it take to know "What will it take?" With the fire volume ECCR runs, is only a matter of time before not having the staffing prove itself hazardous to the firefighters and/or the citizens we swore to protect.

Our thoughts to our brothers and sisters in Maine.

"What will it take?"85 fires in one month. We go to fires!At what point will we have the staffing, infrastructure, and resources to be fully capable to respond to them? Reserve trucks as front line apparatus, 3 person staffed trucks, and needing equipment to safely operate are just a few of the requests needing to be addressed by our BOCC. Contact them to show your support for all of ECFR.

"What is it going to take?"This is our aging fire truck fleet. Insufficient funds causing busy apparatus to sit on the side of the road, not ready to respond to YOUR emergency!We have 1 EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) to service apparatus all over the county. Brush trucks, ladder trucks, engines, Special Response teams, and beach access squads comprise a fleet long overdue for replacement. This is funded through LOST funds, but little is filtered through to the fire department.

Congrats to Brother Caro tonight on receiving the Fire Rescue Person of the Year by the VWF post 706. Lt. Caro has been with ECFR and Local 4131 since the beginning, and serves the citizens of Cantonment at Station 4 on "C" Watch.Pictured L to R: Chief of Department Rusty Nail, Lt. Caro, Deputy Chief William's.

"What's it going to take?"In the west side of Pensacola, a very large portion of neighborhoods and communities with very sparce fire protection.After another case of poor planning and preparedness, the Volunteer staffed station at the Paradise Beach Area near Bauer Road and Lillian Highway, now relies on career response from surrounding areas only.The following stations have to cover for this lack of effort on the administration:Pleasant Grove Station: Engine 14 with 3 personnel, one of whom is a paramedicMyrtle Grove Station: Engine 11 with 3 personnelInnerarity Point Station: 4 personnel, one of whom is a paramedicWith such a large area to cover, the possibility of one of those companies being tied up in their own covered area would need to be considered. But with the closing of the station, this obviously was not thought of.With those citizens paying the same MSBU as those surrounding them, why do they not get the same response? Whose emergency is it going to be before the adequate staffing and infrastructure in the Fire Department is going to be addressed?

"What will it take?"The Pensacola Fire Department, our neighbouring brothers and sisters, cover approximately 22.6 square miles of land. They provide fire protection as well as aircraft protection for Pensacola International Airport. They have 6 stations and have 11 fire apparatus to do this with.The ECFR Ensley Station, in the central hub of Escambia County, covers approximately 26 square miles including Highway 29, 9 Mile Road, and portions of Interstate 10. It is protected by 1 fire truck and 4 personnel. Last year, they were assigned to more than 2200 calls for help both in District 6 and to the surrounding communities.Many years ago, a land study was done to find a possible Fire Station near the Kingsfield and Hwy. 29 are. This proposal was again shut down by the County Asministration.Imagine how much safer the citizens and firefighters would be, if fully supported by our County Commissioners?

PLEASE SHARE, LIKE, AND CONTACT YOUR COMMISIONERS"What will it take?"Fire destroys indiscriminately. It doesn't care what district or end of the County you may live in or represent. It doesn't care how much money you have or your political affiliation. It doesn't care about You or Your loved ones. It only wants to consume and grow out of control.Whether in a residence, business, your vehicle, or in the woods surrounding your neighborhood, once its starts, it will continue to destroy until stopped by YOUR firefighters.Firefighters are willing and able, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, to respond to and extinguish, search, and rescue trapped victims. This is what we are here to do for You.Now is the time to help us make Your fire department whole. Help us encourage the County leaders to empower and enable the Fire Chief make ECFR the fire department it has the potential of being. We've come a long way, but we still have a ways to go to bring You the full spectrum of services You deserve.At fire in Cantonment last night, Commisioner Barry's district, the resources from all over ECFR we used to extinguish someone's emergency. If you also remember, Commissioner Barry was the only "No" vote on the most recent MSBU fire tax increase.All citizens pay the tax and should have access to fully staffed and feasibly responsible fire stations and trucks. If all of Escambia County communities pay for the fire tax, all should have access to its capabilities and resources.http://www.northescambia.com/2019/01/fire-destroys-garage-storage-shed-in-cottage-hill

"What will it take?"Average cup of coffee a day: $2.70Average fast food meal a day: $4Average drink at a nightclub: $7Average daily cost of having career Firefighters a phone call away every day: $0.34What is the cost of safety knowing you have firefighters, paramedics, hazmat technicians, Search and Rescue technicians, and Water Rescue operators at YOUR call?We are the insurance of knowing that when we arrive, day or night, weekdays or weekends, rain or shine; we bring experience, skill, training, and so much more.So many in Escambia County have had to use us, and some have not. But recently, 2 civilians were pulled out of their burning homes, without breathing, but are on the road to recovery with their $0.34 a day.They, as well as you, have this luxury for such a low cost. Imagine if our County Commissioners actually invested in us also, how much MORE we could provide.For those 2 and the many more over the years, that's another Christmas with family, birthdays with children, and time given back to be with those who love them.#whatwillittake

"What will it take?"ECFR operates with 3 or 4 firefighters on the truck. Some may ask why 3 or 4, instead of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 1710) recommended 4 minimum?In 2012 following the death of a Warrington man, Public Safety Director Mike Weaver authorized the opening of the Warrington Fire Station. By not requesting the proper increase for the funding of these position, he short staffed 3 other companies to make the positions. A 4th firefighter from other areas of the department were pulled to fill that communities need."How does a 4th firefighter make a difference" you may ask. We are sworn to protect LIFE and PROPERTY. We as firefighters can NOT go into a home with only 3 firefighters on scene. OSHA mandates require what's called "2 in, 2 out." If there are 2 firefighters inside fighting the fires spread, to limit damage to property and structure, and become hurt or in danger, 2 firefighters must be able to be at the ready to rescue or help them. In no way does it hinder our ability to save lives, but the valuables, property, heirlooms, pictures, etc are at risk of loss due to the lower staffing numbers.This comes back to what we are asking for as First Responders. Proper staffing and funding to allow for the 4th firefighter to not only continue to save lives, but also the property and belongings of those we serve.#whatwillittake

From the commissioners own mouths:When supporting a MSBU tax increase in 2016, Commissioners agreed that the system of funding the fire department needed addressed before a tragedy occurs AGAIN.FROM THE PNJ ONLINE ARTICLE COVERING THE VOTE: June 22, 2016"That's a little bit better than flipping a coin," said District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill, who represents Innerarity Point. "I think when people dial 911 they expect to have a lot better than flipping a coin.""With these resources the expectation is that our fire services will be much more visible, particularly in our poor neighborhoods, and more proactive in fire prevention and fire education," Underhill said.It's been a little more than a year since two homes in Ferry Pass burned to the ground without a response from the Ferry Pass fire station, spurring county administration into action to get the southern fire stations professionally staffed. Since staffing the Ferry Pass station with professional firefighters, all 807 calls received by the station since Oct. 8 received a response. And the Myrtle Grove station hasn't missed a call since it was professionally staffed in January.Still, tragedies continue to occur. The home where four children were killed in a house fire in February did not have a smoke alarm, despite a county program that will provide them for free. Commissioner Wilson Robertson said while the tax increase is significant, it will be worth it if the paid staff can prevent similar tragedies."I know it's a significant 25 dollars," Robertson said. "But when you put it in perspective of what happened with these lives not long ago, when these children burned up in a fire, if nothing else the paid staff can get around and get more of these smoke detectors, they can do more than just wait until a fire occurs.""The reason we started this process is there were a number of calls in the Ferry Pass and West Pensacola area that did not get answered because we didn't have the manpower," said Commission Chairman Grover Robinson. "And I believe in much of the urban area south of the Interstate, it is simply irresponsible of us not to provide for the fire protection that is needed."In black and white- "IRRESPONSIBLE FOR US NOT TO PROVIDE FOR THE FIRE PROTECTION THAT IS NEEDED."Please contact these men who are charged with your safety, let them know you want to allow for an increase to provide for the fire department to work safely and efficiently!

Things firefighters are famous for:
1. Saving cats in trees
2. Big red trucks
3. Cooking better than the CopsCome experience #3 for yourself!Open to the public!!

Come out to support our local firefighters!

$Your Professional Firefighters don’t always fight fires but we’re always ready and willing to respond to your emergencies.Here is one example of professional teamwork: A few days ago E7 was dispatched to the UWF hiking trails for a patient with a possible fractured ankle, E7 crew along with EMS and UWF police walked in with a stokes basket, packaged the patient and carried her out in the stokes basket approximately one mile.$

Celebrating the accomplishments of the American Labor Force and Industry. Happy Labor Day!

The key word for tomorrow mornings commute- patience...

Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Howard County, MD today. We are never promised a return from the calls we go on. Initial reports of Firefighter Flynn falling through the floor at a 7-alarm fire. RFB

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