Fire Department Connection

Important This Can Save Your Life!

more details on pg. 13

October is Fire Prevention Month

see pg. 7

Dedicated to Service

05

October 2012

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0000

A Message from the Chief

Just like it is important for children to learn about fire prevention and be familiar with this topic, I consider it of vital importance that all our fire family is familiar with everything that is going on in the department. Along these lines, I would like to extend an invitation to everybody out in the field to come visit the new Public Safety Headquarters. This new building, which we share with San Antonio Police Department, provides us with the opportunity to be more cohesive with our law enforcement family. Furthermore, the collaboration has enhanced the departments ability to serve its employees as well as the citizens of San Antonio more efficiently. In closing, I would also like to remind you about my message last month in reference to the round trip ticket for off duty behavior. Unfortunately, another one of our members was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated back in mid-november. One of the major causes of line of duty deaths of firefighters is operating in traffic. We have to protect ourselves by any means necessary. Please be responsible and if you choose to drink, designate a sober driver or take a cab. I hope to see yall soon! Yours in service,

Contents

As many of you have heard me say repeatedly, the San Antonio Fire Department saves lives thru providing emergency response, community involvement and fire prevention. This month, I would like to highlight fire prevention which is a critical component in our mission to protect the citizens of this historic city. It is important to be aware of fire prevention opportunities during emergency and non emergency activities throughout your shift. If time permits, check their smoke detectors, identify the overloaded electrical outlets and educate our citizens about fire prevention. Remember, little acts like this go a long way in preventing a fire or saving a life. I still remember when I was in the field, I knew children loved fire trucks, so whenever I had an opportunity I would go out of my way to say Hi! to the kids, show them the fire truck and let them try on some of the bunker gear. With time, I realized these small acts may seem effortless, but for a child it can really make a difference. This is a unique opportunity that we as firefighters have, to not only be heroes but be fire prevention educators, and therefore to save lives. I encourage you to take the initiative and become an educator. 2 Our Family Protecting your Family

Charles N. Hood, Fire Chief

A Message City Manager

As we begin the 2013 Fiscal Year, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all employees of the Fire Department who respond, on a daily basis, to our citizens calls for help. I also want to commend the San Antonio Fire Department for its accomplishments in FY 2012: o A new Medic Unit was added at Fire Station 1 in April 2012. This unit is the second dedicated Medical Special Operations Unit; o We successfully moved the Departments Communications staff to the new 911 Dispatch Center; o We completed the construction of new Fire Stations #1, #27, #50 & #51; o Construction was completed on the new Public Safety Headquarters; and o The Fire Department received a 99% satisfaction rating from the biennial citizen survey. In 2013, two new facilities, Fire Station #28 and the Fire Services Facility will be completed and construction of Fire Station #2 will begin. Additionally, preliminary designs for the replacement of Fire Station #32 are underway as are land acquisition and the design process for the new Fire Stations #18 and #30. The Adopted FY 2013 Budget is balanced and focuses on the City Council and Community priorities of Public Safety, Streets and Sidewalks, Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Revitalization, Economic Development, and Animal Care. Included in the FY 2013 Budget, a Fire Technical Services Division was created to expedite emergency response of specialized vehicles. A lieutenant position and a civilian position were added to support this new division. In total, the Fire Department consists of 1,659 positions in FY 2013, representing an increase of 166 Firefighters/Paramedics since FY 2006. This increase in personnel is more than what was added in the previous decade. Finally, some firefighters may have been contacted by Human Resources and asked to provide information determining their dependents eligibility. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources Customer Service at 207-8705 for details and assistance. Thank you for your service to the residents of San Antonio. Sheryl Sculley, City Manager Our Family Protecting your Family 3

from the

Celebrities of the Month

Solid Labor
I
n 2005 and 2006, the San Antonio Fire Department was taken aback by the large number of wildfires across the state. As a result, training was made available to firefighters to fight wildland fires. However, the worst was yet to come. On New Years Eve 2007 a cold front reached the Alamo City, which became the grounds for hundreds of fires due to fireworks. This disaster was the catalyst for the SAFD Wildland Team to become a recognized team. The Wildland Team is a group of firefighters who have received specialized training to learn the art of mitigating wildfires. They do more than fight expansive fires; they also work with home owner associations (HOAs) providing fuel assessments and plans for neighborhoods. They also work with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation department on fuel assessments and prescribed fires. In addition to improving habitat for wildlife and water quality, prescribed fires are used as a source of training for the members of the Wildland Team. The training is very different from regular firefighting since wildland fires are outdoors and are not contained within structures. The training requires Wildland Team members to learn how to deal with the weather conditions, helicopters, and heavy equipment. Members of this team have to be aware and understand the environment and the weather around them. Wildland Team Coordinator, Captain Guy Duncan, explained that by observing the weather, he can be better prepared for a wildland fire. Most fires happen in the winter because of low humidity. The recipe for wildland fires is high winds, high temp, and low humidity. Essentially, we monitor and watch the weather for the department, said Duncan.

4 Our Family Protecting your Family

The SAFD Wildland Team

continues...

Being part of this team provides firefighters the opportunity to work with other departments and learn more from them. However, when necessary, this requires SAFD Wildland Team members to be away from their families for an average of 7 to 9 days while fighting wildland fires around Texas and in nearby states. Anything can happen in a wildland fire, Captain Duncan related how one of his most memorable memories was the wildland fire in Possum Kingdom, Texas. We tried to evacuate six people from a house, however the fire was around the house. The flames were like walls that did not allow us to come in or even see further. We decided to mitigate the fire that was rapidly intensifying. A decision was made to shelter them in place while the fire passed by. After the fire passed, we returned to the home and made sure they were safe. They were all fine in the house, said Duncan.

2012 Fire Truck Pull

In an effort to raise money for the Special Olympics of Texas, San Antonio firefighters along with law enforcement officers and other community members participated in the 2012 Fire Truck Pull. The San Antonio Fire Department was well represented by a HazMat team, a Technical Rescue team and another team that consisted of employees from the Logistic Service Center.

Participants in groups of 12 pulled a 66,000 lb fire truck for a good cause. For the fourth consecutive year, deputies from the BCSO won the annual Fire Truck Pull, but not before the Sun Devil semi-pro football team gave them a run for their money.
Pictures provided by Captain Guy Duncan

At this time, there are 56 trained firefighters on the Wildland Team. There are four captains serving as coordinators. They are: Captain Guy Duncan Team coordinator Captain Brian Stanush A shift Captain Jarrett Vocke B shift Captain Dale Martin C shift

$26,000 raised
Our Family Protecting your Family 5

FIRE PREVENTION
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871. The fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,000 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. The origin of the Great Chicago Fire is unknown, although many theories exist. The most popular theory would place the origin in Mrs. OLearys barn. It is theorized that while milking her cow, the cow kicked over an oilburning lamp that started the historical fire. Mrs. OLeary, however, disputes the timing does not coincide. Other popular theories would suggest boys smoking cigarettes or possibly a meteorite falling to the Earth might have ignited the fire. And still others believe that railroad workers clearing land for tracks may have sparked the blaze. (Source: NFPA). The very same day, fires in Wisconsin and Michigan razed several towns and everything in their path. The most devastating forest fire in American history was the Great Peshtigo fire, that decimated 16 towns, killed 1,152 people and scorched 1.2 million acres in just a few hours. Fire Marshal Earl Crayton challenges fire personnel to, Make people aware. Make it your personal objective! Help our family, keep your family safe. ***Special thanks to Chief Randy Jenkins and Captain Robert Westbrook, for providing the facts and pictures for the story.

FIRE PREVENTION AWARNESS BEGINS

In 1912, the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA) decided that the Great Chicago Fire should be commemorated by educating the public about fire prevention. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation and beginning in 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed in October. In observance of Fire Prevention Week, the San Antonio Fire Department selects a fire safety theme to promote throughout various annual events. The most popular event is the poster contest where children of all ages are invited to participate. This years theme was Have 2 Ways Out.

S.A.F.E. HOUSE
The San Antonio Fire Education (S.A.F.E) House has been teaching children and adults the importance of fire safety at home since 1993. Traveling to area schools and social events, the S.A.F.E. House teaches the importance of fire safety in the home, the need for a fire escape plan and the significance of smoke detectors. Students have the opportunity to walk through the S.A.F.E. House, which literally looks like a house, where they receive a presentation. The best feature of the S.A.F.E. House is the theatrical smoke. With this feature, participants have the opportunity to practice their escape plan during simulated fire scene conditions. Firefighters who volunteer their time to this project provide an engaging learning experience and have really made a difference in the lives of over 80,000 students.

6 Our Family Protecting your Family

MONTH
S.A.F.E. House Continues...
In 2009, however, the two story mobile structure was taken out of service for remodeling. The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) started the remodeling process. The remodeling process continued when Stadlers Custom Home Builders took over the project in 2011. Stadler worked with home building supply vendors to upgraded the S.A.F.E. House to serve another generation of San Antonio children. Additions to the S.A.F.E. House include a stove with vent hood to educate the importance of cooking safety, a fireplace, and other devices to simulate a real home. In addition, a deck was built on the back side of the trailer, in order to teach fire safety by crawling out of a window. Stadlers also built in theater seating for a comfortable learning environment. The SAFD gives special thanks to Greater San Antonio Builders Association members who donated all of the materials and products that were necessary in the construction of the S.A.F.E. House. CHIEF HOOD RECEIVING THE KEYS TO THE S.A.F.E HOUSE

Vale Middle School Best Overall First Place - Division 5

Stevenson Middle School Best Message Third Place - Division 4

DID YOU KNOW?

Roosevelt High School First Place - Division 6

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS THE LONGEST RUNNING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OBSERVANCE ON RECORD.

Our Family Protecting your Family 7

Health and Wellness staff

Health and Wellness Registered Nurse, Stacey Coursen

As first responders, our firefighters and paramedics Although Registered Nurse Stacey Coursen has been hired are exposed on a daily basis, not only to the physical dangers primarily to serve as the Departments Infection Control Officer, involved in suppressing fires but to the unseen dangers of she will have additional duties as well. RN Coursen will be oninfections in dealing with the public. The uniformed personnel call 24/7 to assist Paramedics and Firefighters with exposures. of the SAFD know they have a duty to protect the public, She will be responsible for conducting blood born pathogen however, they also know to do this in a way that will not training, and in addition, she will be assisting Dr. Miguel compromise their health. Safety is always paramount and Vazquez and the nurse practitioner with the daily workload. infection control is one aspect of firefighter safety. Effective A nurse practitioner, who the department hopes to October 1, 2012, the Health and Wellness Office will be the have on board by late November, will not only assist with point of contact regarding questions on infectious diseases, infection control duties and protocols but will also assist the immunizations and the tracking of blood borne exposures. doctor in conducting physicals. Furthermore, both the RN and In conjunction with this transition, the Office of Health and the nurse practitioner will be able to perform stress testing. Wellness began initiating a new staffing plan that not only This will allow Dr. Vazquez to spend more time with each allows us to address infection control but also enhances office employee and provide additional support as needed. capabilities and ultimately, customer service. With the SAFDs Office of Health and Wellness well Promoting wellness is a priority for our Department. into its second year of existence, the office has grown further Providing a means to maintain health and fitness not only than anyone could have anticipated. We are proud of past improves firefighter safety, it also serves as an indicator of accomplishments and excited about opportunities made our commitment to the present and future well-being of our possible by the new staffing model. We encourage all of you employees. At the Health and Wellness Center, we want to be to provide feedback and let us know how we may better serve able to provide the best possible customer service, said Deputy you. Chief David Martinez. ***Written by Chief D. Martinez, Dr. M. Vazquez and Betsy Dose

Do you have any burning questions?

Ask the Chief and he will answer your question.

Send your question to

Flor.Salas@sanantonio.gov
8 Our Family Protecting your Family

SAFD History

Going Back in Time...1870s

After the Civil War was over in 1865, Milam and Alamo Fire Companies were having a hard time reestablishing. Unfortunately, they lost many volunteers since many of the original members did not make it back home after the war. Still fire protection was desperately needed since San Antonio had already grown to 12,000 residents. At the same time, the first Colored Fire Company No.3 was formed by all freed men. A year later the second Colored Fire Company No.4 was serving the community of San Antonio. Both No. 3 and No.4 Fire Companies were equipped with two large hand-pumpers. However, in their efforts to reestablish, the members of Milam and Alamo Fire Companies felt the new colored fire stations were a disadvantage to their reformation. The colored companies received a lot of negative attitude towards them from most of the community, yet, they had the support of some prominent white leaders who provided them with some recognition. Despite of the support received by prominent people, Fire Companies No. 1 and No. 2, which consisted of white men, continually received funds while the colored companies did not. Lack of funds was no excuse for the colored companies to stop doing their job or assisting other fire companies. In 1874, Fire Company No.3 responded to an alarm and provided support to No.1 and No.2 in fighting a blaze at the Alamo. For 20 years, impressively, Fire Companies No.3 and No.4 continued their services to the city with no monetary compensation. In 1886, the colored fire companies decided to ask city council for funds; consequently, they were forced to dissolve the volunteer brigades. By 1888, the Colored Fire Companies No. 3 and No.4 were only a memory of great service and courage. Since that day, no black firefighter responded to an alarm until 1967 when they joined the SAFD forces.

Mission Hose Company No.3 which was organized in 1885.

***Special thanks to Hector J. Cardenas, SAFD Museum Society, for providing the facts for the story.

8 1

Picture provided by the SAFD History 1891-2000

Firehouse Chuckles!

70

A fireman is at the station house working outside on the fire truck when he notices a little boy next door. The little boy is in a little red wagon and he is wearing a firemans hat and has the wagon tied to a dog. The fireman says Hey little boy, what are you doing? The little boy says Im pretending to be a fireman and this is my fire truck! The fireman walks over to take a closer look. Little boy that sure is a nice fire truck the fireman says.

Thanks mister, says the little boy. The fireman looks a little closer and notices the little boy has tied the dog to the wagon by its ears. Little boy, says the fireman, I dont want to tell you how to run your fire truck, but if you were to tie that rope around the dogs neck I think you could go faster. The little boy says, Youre probably right mister, but then I wouldnt have a siren!

Our Family Protecting your Family 9

Fiscal News Flash

Bryant Headley is a new Management Analyst for the SAFD. Bryant is a graduate from Texas A&M University. He is available to assist the Services, Fire Suppression, Communications, Technical Services, Public Information Office, and the MIS divisions with their budgets. I hope to help the SAFD to achieve its goals for safety and to stay within the budget, said Headley. Fernando Elizondo is also a new Management Analyst for the SAFD. Fernando has previous experience working in the fitness industry. He is available to assist the EMS, Personnel, Safety, Wellness, Fire Prevention, Arson, Community Safety and the EOC divisions with their budgets. I want to make sure the budget for the department works efficiently and effectively to ensure the safety and proper operation of Fire and EMS, said Elizondo.

FISCAL
New Fiscal Employees
Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 cups) 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt the mixture over the sweet potatoes; toss to coat. . Cover and bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes. Uncover, stir and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until tender and starting to brown, 45 to 50 minutes more.

Nutrition

Preparation

1 2
10 Our Family Protecting your Family

. Preheat oven to 400F.

. Arrange sweet potatoes in an even layer in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Combine maple syrup, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper in small bowl. Pour

Per serving: 96 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 5 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 118 mg sodium; 189 mg potassium.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/maple_ roasted_sweet_potatoes.html

Your Health & Wellness Connection

Cream of Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups sliced mushrooms, (about 4 ounces) 3/4 cup chopped celery 3/4 cup chopped carrots 1/4 cup chopped shallots 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 cup quick-cooking or instant wild rice, (see Ingredient Note) 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, or turkey (12 ounces; see Tip) 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons chopped fresh

Preparation
. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, carrots and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. . Add broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Add rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in turkey (or chicken), sour cream and parsley and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

Nutrition
Per serving: 354 calories; 9 g fat ( 3 g sat , 4 g mono ); 87 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrates; 36 g protein; 3 g fiber; 378 mg sodium; 577 mg potassium.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/cream_of_turkey_wild_rice_soup.html

DID YOU KNOW?

The average weight gain for the holiday season from Thanksgiving thru New Year is 7 pounds. Here are a couple of really good recipes to help you avoid weight gain. The turkey soup is filling and makes for a good meal on a Fall evening. Sweet potato casserole is a traditional favorite but roasted sweet potatoes are easier and a whole lot less calories without losing the good nutrition of the yam. -Maria Worley, RD, LO, Nutrition Program Administrator.

Perform the exercises as a circuit, doing 12 to 15 reps of each before moving to the next without resting. Once youve done them all, rest 60 seconds. Repeat the circuit 2 more times.

Let us know if you liked the recipe! send us your feedback and pictures to
Flor.Salas@sanantonio.gov

Pictures provided by www.eatingwell.com

Our Family Protecting your Family 11

th 100 Year since the Historic Orphanage Fire

The fire that occurred on the morning of October 30, 1912 was one for the history books in the city of San Antonio. That dark morning, the fast moving flames reduced St. Johns Orphanage to ashes and took the lives of five Sisters who worked at the orphanage and three children. When the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word discovered the fire they quickly ran to rescue the children who obediently did everything that the sisters told them. The task was not easy since there were about 10-14 children that were too small and unable to help themselves. After, running through the burning building and escaping from the ferocious flames the children were gathered outside. When Sister Mary of the Cross realized

two year-old, Francis OBrien was not there, she went back into the blazing building to rescue the toddler. Unfortunately, by the time she found OBrien, the flames had already engulfed all the building and Sister Mary of the Cross and the child were unable to make it out alive. When the firefighters, under the command of Chief Phil Wright, arrived to the fourstory structure they were quickly divided into different squads. Some squads were assigned to rescue lives while the other squads fought the fire. The Chief himself started to climb a ladder to rescue the Sister and OBrien but on his way up, a window exploded burning his hands. Before the chief or anybody else could go back up again the sister

and the child had disappeared. Their bodies were later found. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to the buildings thirteen-inch brick walls. The cause or origin of the blaze was never determined due to the massive amount of charred debris that remained. This month the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the fire but also honor the San Antonio Fire Department on behalf of the brave firefighters that served that night and keep serving the community. After 100 years, the successor of the burned orphanage is well known as St. PJs.
Pictures provided from the Incarnate Word Archives.

The S.A.nta F.irefighter toy D.rive

Quiz Yourself

Volunteers needed to help collect toys

Contact Ponch Morales at (210) 825-1222

What is wrong in this picture?

Submit your answers to: Flor.Salas@sanantonio.gov. Find the answers in nexts month edition!

12 Our Family Protecting your Family

eart attacks are the leading cause of deaths among firefighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Analysis and Research out of a total of 61 on-duty firefighter deaths reported in 2011, 31 were sudden cardiac arrest and one was due to a stroke. While these statistics are high, the numbers have actually dropped. In 2010, there were 73 onduty deaths and in 2009 there were 82 on-duty deaths. In light of these distressing numbers the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) directed the development of the Firefighter Rehab Program. The goal was to keep firefighters safe with an emphasis on decreasing the number of cardiac events during and after calls.

Save your Life!

until they drop and then build them up again mentality needs to be eliminated [in training and during emergencies].

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Firefighting stresses the heart in many ways. The environment is excessively hot. Metabolic heat is created by hard work. Bunker gear prevents dissipation of heat. Core temperature rises. Fluid is lost through sweating. Blood thickens. Cardiac stroke volume decreases, increasing the heart rate and contraction effort beyond that achieved during normal exercise. More issues are created by carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation. CO decreases the oxygen carrying capability of the blood causing the heart to work even harder pumping even more blood to the cells. While personal protective equipment should prevent CO inhalation inside a structure firefighters may be exposed while in Rehab. Rehab sites must be far enough from vehicles with running engines to prevent CO exposure. The USFA and the IAFF have made firefighter Rehab a national objective. According to the USFAs Emergency Incident Rehabilitation, Even perfectly con ditioned firefighters can be extended beyond the limits of their conditioning Solutions include assigning an adequate number of personnel to perform the required tasks safely The old militaristic run them

SAFD REHAB PROGRAM

The original release of the current SAFD rehab guideline was in July of 2010. It was re-written as a policy in August 2012 and follows the guidelines approved by the USFA and the IAFF. The department has implemented many Health and Wellness programs since the arrival of Fire Chief Charles Hood. The Chiefs dedication to a round trip ticket for all members means that everyone should return home without injury at the end of the shift. Firefighter Rehab is one aspect of that ticket home. As the rehab program was gearing up, the department continued to implement firefighter wellness programs including FF annual physicals, establishment of the Office of Health and Wellness, exercise and nutrition programs and other initiatives. In addition the SAFD Fitness Center satellite centers were created by issuing equipment to stations throughout the city.

***Special thanks to Lieutenant Caryl Paulson, for her contribution in writing the story.

Check out next months issue to learn more about the SAFD Rehab Program. Our Family Protecting your Family 13

Number one 1n the Nat1on

Nobody in the state is providing the amount and quality of services we are, said Mark Chadwick, Senior Management Analyst. The 25,000 sq. ft. facility includes the support of four highly technological rooms. The largest room, the Command Floor, can seat up to 125 people. The best attribute of the facility is that it was built for survival. Furthermore, the SAOEM has established different and vital partnerships for the ongoing development of this premier Emergency Operations Center. Most importantly, the training program itself is not a monetary burden to the city since the program is comprised of grant funded courses. Arson Detection for First Responders, AmTrak Passenger Train Emergency Response Training, and HazMat Refresher Training among many others. Professionals came from all around the nation and there was even one person who traveled from Guam to receive training. In total, the SAOEM provided training to 4,928 individuals. The SAOEM is the only center in the nation that has such an immense training program available. What we have accomplished here is phenomenal, said Chadwick. DID YOU KNOW? Firefighters were the greatest group of individuals who took training at the SAOEM in the FY 2012. The SAFD wants to congratulate all its firefighters that took the initiative to attend these training classes to expand their knowledge and expertise.

he San Antonio Office of Emergency Management (SAOEM) is proud to announce their national recognition under Division Chief Lawrence Trevino who was appointed by Mayor Julian Castro as the Emergency Manager for the City in 2011. The Office of Emergency Management provides a variety of different training. In fiscal year 2012, it offered 172 different courses. Including: Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings,

If you are looking for some kind of exercise that complements your physical activity as a firefighter, paramedic or even your own workouts, Firefighter Kris Dean recommends yoga.

More Options to Stay in Shape

whether you are into lifting weights, mountain biking, running, crossfit, or any other activity, it can help supplement your workout. It is also a great way to reduce stress.

About a year and a half ago, I decided to give yoga a try. I felt like I needed to add something to my workout program. I heard how great yoga was from several other firefighters. Once I started going, I realized all the benefits and have been going ever since.

Why did you decide to start practicing yoga?

I think yoga is complimentary to any type of physical activity. It is great for stretching and increasing flexibility as well as strengthening your accessory and core muscles for balance and stability which helps reduce injury. So

How isyoga beneficial?

YES! Yoga has become an instrumental part of my mental wellbeing and physical preparednessas a San Antonio Firefighter. Other firefighters, like Pete Hons, also enjoy the benefits of practicing yoga. Hons and Dean are so dedicated that they and other students were asked to

Would you recommend yoga to your fellow firefighters?

participate in the annual yoga studio calendar. Firefighter Kris Dean recommends Southtown Yoga Loft. The yoga studio gives firefighters, police officers, and military adiscount. Also, the first class is free and $10 per class after the first class.

14 Our Family Protecting your Family

Members of the San Antonio Fire Department got together at Tough Mudder this month and did a good job representing the SAFD showing their dedication and teamwork.

How Tough Are You?

What is Tough Mudder? Tough Mudder is a 12 mile competition with 28 obstacle courses. This event was designed by British Special Forces and travels all around the world to test individuals strength, endurance, mental perseverance and teamwork. Furthermore, part of the funds collected at the vigorous competition go to the Wounded Warriors Project.

It really emphasizes the concept of team, it is not an individual race, you start together and you finish together. That is pretty much what firefighting is all about, you can not do it alone, said Captain Roger Lopez, team member of Nerdalicious. It was the most exhilarating experience since I last fought a fire, said Westbrook. The SAFD was well represented by: Andrew Billings Brandon Murray Gina Murray Jake Cardenas John de la Garza Robert Westbrook Roger Lopez Stephanie Jagge Frayre

Captain Robert Westbrook, one of the members of the SAFD who participated in Tough Mudder, mentions that there were many wounded warriors at the competition who put aside their disability and competed. One of the competitors and wounded warriors was missing a leg, when I saw him it made me want to try even harder, said Westbrook. Tough Mudder is more than just showing how tough you are, it develops your teamwork character. At the competition, the members of the SAFD showed that they know how to work together. In one of the obstacle courses which shocks the body with electricity, one of the SAFD teams, The Honey Badgers, decided to link their arms and run through this painful obstacle together.

The Honey Badgers

September 2012
Total # of Fires by Type Squads
SQ01 SQ08 SQ09 SQ11 SQ14 SQ17 SQ22 SQ29 SQ32 SQ33 SQ34 SQ35 SQ36 SQ37 SQ38 SQ40 SQ44 SQ46 41 57 87 3 1 22 1 97 174 40 32 72 101 58 64 49 37 12 YTD 317 510 808 52 28 138 10 759 1622 385 272 614 768 601 611 481 245 125 YTD Structure Fires 66 607 Vehicle Fires 41 476 Brush/Grass Fires 27 386 TOTALS 134 1469

Batallion Chiefs
BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4 BC5 BC6 BC7 BC8 32 22 21 23 42 31 22 62
YTD 301 213 238 137 335 283 246 485

TO-255 2238

Haz Mat
HZM1 HZM34 SPL1 TOTALS

YTD

Pictures provided by Captain R. Westbrook and Captain Roger Lopez

NErdalicious

TOTALS 948

8346

11 109 4 48 15 111 30 268

Our Family Protecting your Family 15

Fire & EMS Responses

Brush Trucks
YTD

BT20 3 BT22 3 BT30 3 BT36 2 BT40 1 BT42 4 BT43 0 BT44 3 BT48 1 BT50 2
Totals

63 28 41 40 10 35 25 64 11 15

22 332

Unit Number Number of Engine Runs 96 E01 174 E02 173 E03 169 E04 148 E05 163 E06 112 E07 138 E08 161 E09 219 E10 185 E11 50 E12 165 E13 121 E14 184 E15 198 E16 195 E17

YTD 899 1787 1525 1628 1290 1623 1142 1454 1410 2014 1715 515 1405 1164 1875 1877 1904

Unit Number Number of Unit Number Number YTD Engine Runs Engine of Runs E35 177 2029 203 E18 E36 207 2442 280 E19 E37 213 1325 142 E20 E38 131 2168 239 E21 E39 200 1112 118 E22 E40 177 806 109 E23 E41 103 2665 275 E24 E42 159 2110 225 E25 E43 120 1680 176 E26 E44 309 1972 199 E27 E45 184 2165 245 E28 E46 105 1709 197 E29 E47 46 1414 147 E30 E48 88 1806 209 E31 E49 87 2681 275 E32 E50 54 1885 198 E33 E51 109 808 101 E34

FIRE Runs

YTD 1827 1534 1957 1637 1897 1631 1205 1389 1232 2687 1699 1037 423 866 786 413 992

Totals

8,458

79,216

Ladders
L01 120 L06 157 L08 116 L09 138 L14 96 L17 180 L22 112 L29 166 L33 174 L34 77 L35 177 L36 166 L37 160 L40 156 L41 108 L46 98 AP11 186 AP32 224 AP38 155 AP51 117 812 955 1006 796 1174 770 1218 1202 513 1296 952 1122 888 826 550 1224 1559 1095 555
YTD

Other Units
AIR1 AIR2 AIR3 AIR4 BIK1 BIK2 BIK3 BIK4 MOF1 MOF2 MOF3 MOF4 MSC R5 FSC FSO HR11 HR51 R7 RHB1 WT22 WT43 AC26 AC29 AC39 AC41 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 98 99 104 85 1 37 4 11 74 48 8 2 0 0 5 12 0 2 YTD 6 32 2 5 22 10 14 7 963 923 868 789 5 335 44 118 705 465 54 16 1 2 83 93 1 10

Total Unit Number Runs M01 M02 M04 M05 M06 M07 M08 M09 M10 M11 M13 M14 M15 M16 M17 M18 M19 M21 M22 M26 M25 M26 357 110 167 329 377 356 397 386 375 273 363 259 367 362 333 314 355 207 316 332 339 227

EMS Runs
YTD 2478 1012 1489 3080 3483 3420 3708 3670 3735 1236 3429 2307 3512 3578 2879 3126 3378 1500 3233 3209 1412 M28 M29 M31 M32 M33 M34 M35 M36 M37 M38 M39 M40 M41 M42 M43 M44 M45 M46 M49 329 354 282 183 406 222 339 291 360 285 324 227 263 280 51 340 241 170 0

1164

Unit Total YTD Number Runs M27 371 3585 3038 3236 2731 1171 3549 1946 3248 2563 3323 2808 3013 1648 2349 2223 535 3100 2150 1657 655

3190 Totals 12,219 110,592

Totals 2,883 19,677

Totals 593 5,573