COMMISSIONER’S BUSINESS
Police summit
Yesterday, together with the Director General of the SES, Brigadier
Philip McNamara, I delivered a presentation at the Australian Police
Summit. The presentation outlined the roles of the NSWFB and SES,
particularly in the terrorism context, and also emergency management
issues.
New Bronto for Manly
Today I attended the handover of a new Bronto at 24 Manly. The new
appliance will service the entire northern beaches area and provides
a vital link in our aerial capacity in the gSa. It is the first of
two new low-profile 27m ladder platforms to be acquired by the NSWFB,
and replaces a turntable ladder.
Ellie makes her international screen debut
Earlier this week a documentary featuring the work of our arson-detecting
dog Ellie and FIRU was screened in the United Kingdom. We are currently
trying to obtain a copy of the film, but in the meantime I have been
told that Ellie and S/O Phil Etienne have done a great job explaining
the NSWFB’s ground-breaking work in using canine detection in
arson investigation.
OPERATIONAL ROUNDUP
City of Sydney hazmat incident
I am pleased to report that the City of Sydney Fire Station’s
watchroom is fully operational again, following a hazmat incident
yesterday at 0815hrs.
The incident was the result of a spillage of paint stripper by contractors
working to restore the older section of the station. The watchroom
area was extensively contaminated and seven firefighters in the vicinity
at the time were taken to hospital as a precaution. They were assessed
by doctors and given the all clear to return to work the same day.
I observed the clean-up operation and wish to commend all of the
firefighters involved. Their professionalism returned the watchroom
to a safe working environment in a timely and effective manner.
Incidents on the intranet
If you haven’t had a chance to catch up on the details of the
gas pipe rupture at Seven Hills, visit the intranet. Stories written
and submitted by firefighters on incidents are one of the most popular
features of the intranet, so please send in stories on incidents in
your area. Contact your Public Affairs Officer to submit a story.
(The NSWFB Intranet is not available from this website, however,
NSWFB incidents can be viewed on the NSWFB
website. WebMaster.)
NEWS IN BRIEF
Community Safety Calendar Autumn 2005
The Autumn Community Safety Calendar was sent out yesterday and should
be arriving in stations shortly. The Community Safety Calendar contains
the safety topics and key messages for the next three months. Materials
for Senior Fire Safety - the topic for March - have been posted to
the intranet. They include template media releases, a fact sheet and
media relations tips. Use these to raise community interest about
this issue in the lead up to Seniors Week, which is being held from
13 to 20 March 2005.
Open Day 2005
The annual NSWFB Open Day will be held on Saturday 7 May this year
(A Platoon). Now is a good time to start thinking about activities
for the day. In the weeks to come, you'll be receiving template letters,
invitations and flyers to send to your local community. If you want
to discuss your preliminary ideas, contact the Public Affairs Officer
in your region. See contacts below.
Guidelines for issue of fire permits
Station Officers who need to issue fire permits can find a new document
outlining guidelines on the intranet. This document includes contact
numbers for the Regional Bushfire Officers (BFOs).
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that the Brigade-issued T-shirt
is going to be withdrawn from service because the Brigade doesn’t
like members wearing it in public? Will the Brigade blue workshirt
be the only station-wear shirt available to members?
Response: No. The T-shirt is to be kept for station
work-wear, and may also be worn under the various PPE combinations.
It will no longer be acceptable however, for T-shirts to be worn in
public. Either dress uniform or long-sleeved blue workshirts with
workwear trousers will be the only acceptable combinations of uniform
to be worn in public when not engaged at an incident. In hot weather,
it is acceptable to neatly roll up the sleeves of workshirts. T-shirts
detract from our professional image, particularly when old and faded.
Rumour: Is there any truth in the rumour doing
the rounds that all aerial pumps within the Sydney metropolitan area,
bar 86 Penrith’s AP, will be removed from service and replaced
with Bronto Ladder Platforms, and that the aerial pumps will be relocated
to country stations?
Response: No. Somebody has a particularly fertile
imagination! The Sydney aerial strategy is almost complete and provides
for coverage across Sydney by a mix of Aerial Pumpers (AP), Ladder
Platforms, one Hydraulic Platform, and Turntable Ladders. APs will
remain at Revesby, Miranda, Huntingwood, St Andrews and Penrith to
back up the major aerial appliance fleet. The major gap at present
is Hornsby, which has no aerial coverage within 20 to 30 minutes.
This contrasts with Alexandria, with coverage by six aerials within
15 minutes. A comprehensive research report was forwarded to the Union
advising of the intention to move 13’s aerial to Hornsby some
months ago, and a response is awaited. The report identifies the reducing
inner-city risk and increasing suburban risk, contrasted with an over-supply
of aerials in the city, and an under-supply in the northern suburbs.
A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the report and transfer of
an aerial to Hornsby.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Diabetes Australia – The Great Australian Bite
Do you know that diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic
disease, affecting people from all walks of life and all ages? The
Great Australian Bite is a fun and easy way you can make a difference.
Simply by hosting a ‘bite’ to eat at your station and
asking your guests for a tax deductible donation you will be making
a vital contribution to the fight against diabetes.
To become involved in The Great Australian Bite:
1. Register to host a ‘bite’ such as morning tea, a BBQ
or a lunch, any time in April
2. Invite your friends, family or work colleagues to share a ‘bite’
to eat
3. Ask your guests for a donation to help fight diabetes.
To register simply phone 1300 136 588 or complete the registration
form for The Great Australian Bite.
N7 “super send off”
There will be a farewell for four Central Coast firefighters; Paul
‘Lumpy’ Evans, Steve ‘Grievous’ Kirby, Steve
Schofield and Peter Hackett, on Friday 31 March at The Admiral’s
Quarters at Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford. The cost is $25.
For further details contact 228 Berkeley Vale on 43892194 or email
Robert.Barton@fire.nsw.gov.au.