COMMAND CHANGE

It was not long ago that I assumed the helm of the San Fernando Valley

representing your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as the Valley’s Fire Chief. If

you recall on January 11, 2015, the LAFD reorganized its administrative model to

mirror that of the Los Angeles Police Department. Prior to the reorganization,

administrative control primarily existed Downtown along with the several layers of

bureaucracy. Under the old model, business and community concerns rarely

received the appropriate level of attention or reached the correct person.

The reorganization caused the LAFD to grow and revisit its methods for connecting with the

communities it serves. Since the reorganization, your Valley Bureau engaged the community,

businesses, public safety partners and local public officials on every level. The list of initiatives and

accomplishments include activating a Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) in the Sylmar area; securing

political support through City Council Motions for recreational hiker warning signage to be activated

during extreme fire weather; and the establishment of a senior care facility ordinance aimed at

regulating care facilities housing seniors; we created a newsletter and effectively used social media

to reach you at every turn.

(See Change continued on Page 2)

IIISSUESSUESSUE 888 OOOPERATIONSPERATIONSPERATIONS VVVALLEYALLEYALLEY BBBUREAUUREAUUREAU MMMAYAYAY/J/J/JUNUNUN 201620162016

Proudly serving: Arleta, Bell Canyon, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, City of San Fernando, Encino, Granada Hills, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Noho Arts District, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima,

Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland/Tujunga, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Universal City, Van Nuys, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.

BUREAU COMMANDER DEPUTY CHIEF Daryl Arbuthnott

ASSISTANT

BUREAU

COMMANDERS

ASSISTANT CHIEF Trevor Richmond

Andrew Fox

Emile Mack

Gregory Reynar

TRAINING

OFFICER

CAPTAIN II Richard Fields

EMS OFFICER

CAPTAIN I Danny Wu

OFFICE 4960 Balboa Blvd.

Encino, CA 91316

818-728-9921

818-728-9931 Fax

lafd.valleybureau

@lacity.org

LAFD Valley

VALLEVALLEVALLEYYYVVVieieiewww LLL AAA FFF DDD

CHIEF’S MESSAGECHIEF’S MESSAGECHIEF’S MESSAGE

The LAFD recruitment campaign started in January with the theme, “Wear

Your Strength On Your Sleeve”, reflecting our extensive efforts in recruiting the

next generation of firefighters. OVB is highlighting firefighters in our bureau to

help guide community members who may be considering a career in fire

service. Kris Larson has been with the Los Angeles Fire Dept. for 25 years since

graduating from UCLA on a full athletic scholarship. She is currently assigned

to Fire Station 74 in the Tujunga/Sunland community as a Captain II.

RECRUITMENTRECRUITMENTRECRUITMENT

Captain II Kristine Larson

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE

GETTING ON THE DEPARTMENT?

My greatest challenge was that I did not know

much about what it meant to be a firefighter

before I began my career. I went to the library to

research the specifics of the job, and then

attended a recruitment event to get even more

information. I was confident in my ability to

handle the physical requirements of the job, but I

had no idea what the all-encompassing job of a

firefighter truly entailed.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND

HOME LIFE?

I try not to work too many consecutive days

because it takes a toll on my sleep habits. I am

currently enrolled in graduate school so I’m

focused on completing my master’s degree. I

also try to recharge my batteries whenever

possible by taking mini-vacations and spending

time with friends and family on my off days.

(See Larson continued on Page 3)

2

LLLOSOSOS AAANGELESNGELESNGELES FFF IREIREIRE DDDEPARTMENTEPARTMENTEPARTMENT

You know the difference early CPR and defibrillation can make in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event. Fifty-seven percent of U.S. adults say they’ve had CPR training, and most would be willing to use CPR or an AED to help save a stranger’s life. Yet only 11% say they’ve used CPR in an actual emergency—that’s a number we can increase together.

When that emergency call comes in your team will be ready. But what if someone was already at the scene, applying lifesaving CPR and defibrillation until the EMS team arrived? With PulsePoint, your dispatch system immediately alerts CPR-trained bystanders about a nearby SCA event through the free PulsePoint Respond mobile app, and lets them know the location of the closest AED.

Download the app below and save a life!

https://www.pulsepoint.org/download

EARTHQUAKE TIPS

SAFETY MESSAGESAFETY MESSAGESAFETY MESSAGE

Be a Hero An earthquake can happen at any time and at any place. Be

prepared at home, work, school, and also in transit.

HAVE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES IN YOUR CAR:

• Basic first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food like nuts and

energy bars, extra medication, flashlight, and basic tool kit.

• An extra change of clothes including a jacket, shoes and a blanket.

IF YOU TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MAKE SURE YOU CARRY:

• Mini flashlight, water, extra medication, and a non-perishable snack.

• Hard copy of important contact numbers.

TIPS FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT RIDERS BEFORE THE SHAKING STARTS:

• Look around and observe your surroundings on your commute each

day. Some pathways, areas and places may be safer.

• Notice stairs and exits, read posted emergency signs and

procedures at transit station, bus stop or platforms.

WHEN THE SHAKING STARTS ON PUBLIC TRANSIT:

• On a bus or train, stay where you are, hold on and protect your

head and neck. At a transit station, bus stop or platform, drop to

ground, cover your head and neck with your arms.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS:

• Check yourself for injury and assist others—prepare for aftershocks.

(Change continued from Page 1)

Other community engagements include

the participation in “Days of Dialogue”,

town hall meetings related to El Nino and

the Aliso Canyon Gas Company leak.

There are actually hundreds of events

where your Valley Bureau team

participated in support of the community.

As I reflect on the past 18-months, humility

is the single word that describes my overall

experience. I am humbled by each

community and businesses’ support for the

LAFD. I am humbled by the collective

organization of the Valley’s many

community groups including

neighborhood councils and

homeowner’s groups. I remain humbled

by the cohesive cooperation between

City Departments and allied agencies. I

value our close partnership with the Los

Angeles Police Department, and I have

been proud to represent the work of your

Firefighters who without hesitation are

willing to place their lives on the line.

This journey serving the citizens of Los

Angeles will be embedded in my heart for

the remainder of my life.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you!

for Commuters & Public Transit Riders

2016 A2016 A2016 ANNUALNNUALNNUAL RRREPORTEPORTEPORT

Operations Valley Bureau completed its

first Annual Report which was

presented to the LAFD Board of

Commissioners in early May. To take a

look at our accomplishments and learn

where OVB is headed, please view our

first Operations Valley Bureau Annual

Report for 2015 at the link below:

https://issuu.com/lafd/docs/ annual_report_2015_final

YYYOUROUROUR NNNEWEWEW OVB OVB OVB DDDEPUTYEPUTYEPUTY CCCHIEFHIEFHIEF

It is our pleasure to introduce

Trevor Richmond, your new

OVB Bureau Commander.

Trevor has been with the

LAFD for 27 years and is

currently an Assistant Chief

serving as the OVB Administrative Assistant Bureau

Commander. He will bring his invaluable OVB

experience into his new role as Deputy Chief, and

looks forward to serving the San Fernando Valley

communities with courage, integrity, and pride.

Daryl Arbuthnott

3

STROKE AWARENESS BBQ

NE IGHBORHOOD NEWSNE IGHBORHOOD NEWSNE IGHBORHOOD NEWS

Operations Valley Bureau joined Sherman Oaks and Encino Medical Centers to

provide a community, family-oriented “Stroke Awareness & Chili Cook-off” on April 30,

2016 at Fire Station 83. The focus was to raise awareness about stroke and provide

information on the risk factors, warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency.

Free chili tastings were provided as well as educational information on stroke

awareness, heart health, senior services and other hospital service lines. Community

members were able to get free blood pressure checks, face painting, balloon art, free

home safety items and more. During the cook-off participants enjoyed live music, fire

and police apparatus displays and a silent auction.

Chili Cook-Off winners:

1st Place Fire Station 39, Van Nuys

2nd Place Dr. Jason Greenspan

Chef Eric Greenspan, Emergent Medical Associates

3rd Place Paul Scrivano, Blue Dog Tavern

Fire Stations 39, 83, 88, 78, 102, and OVB were participants in the event

that highlighted stroke awareness education and the opening of

Sherman Oaks/Encino hospitals' Stroke Centers. Additionally, all

proceeds from the event benefited the participating fire stations and

OVB via the LAFD Foundation.

Congratulations to Class 15Congratulations to Class 15Congratulations to Class 15---3!3!3!

OOOPERATIONSPERATIONSPERATIONS VVVALLEYALLEYALLEY BBBUREAUUREAUUREAU

(Larson continued from Page 1)

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW CANDIDATES TRYING TO

JOIN THE LAFD?

My best advice would be to make sure your background is solid. En-

list friends and family members who are willing to be contacted to

speak about your character. In addition, start preparing for the physi-

cal nature of the job. Increase your upper body strength as much as

possible, and then focus on high intensity workouts. Passing the CPAT

is not necessarily a reliable predictor for how well you will do in the

academy, which is an intense 20 weeks of both physical and aca-

demic work. But most importantly, be prepared to begin the best job

in the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING

AN LAFD FIREFIGHTER PLEASE VISIT:

WWW.JOINLAFD.ORG

The Los Angeles Fire Department warmly

welcomed the agency’s 48 newest members,

including five women, at the well-attended

graduation ceremony for LAFD Recruit Class

15–3, held at the Fire Department’s Valley

Recruit Training Academy Thursday, April 28,

2016.

Fire Station 81 doubles as one of two recruit

training academies charged with entry level

firefighter training. This opportunity for officers

to meet their new employees and their

families helps ensure a more effective

transition from a learning environment to their

respective field assignment.

Five new female firefighter graduates with Fire Chief Terrazas

4

To request LAFD resources at public events (community fairs, school visits, etc.) , please send an email to LAFDrequest@lacity.org with the details of your event (date, time and duration, location, etc.). As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.

On Saturday, May 14, 2016 the LAFD kicked off “Fire Service Recognition Day” where

the community was invited to learn about LAFD services, interact with firefighters,

increase fire safety knowledge and enjoy family fun. There were station tours, disaster

preparedness literature and free smoke alarms available. This year’s theme, “Wear

Your Strength On Your Sleeve,” reflects our extensive efforts in recruiting the next

generation of firefighters.

The title “Honorary Fire Chief” was bestowed to deserving

community members recognizing their support of the LAFD

in a ceremony sponsored by OVB/Operations Valley

Bureau. The 2016 Honorary Chiefs were:

Tricia Ercoli Encino Hospital and Medical Center/

Sherman Oaks Hospital

Leslie Nishanian Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton

Victor Pena Vic Fire and Water Restoration

The Southern California Gas Company

Customer Resource Center, which is

ADA accessible and multilingual,

provides a one-stop portal of

information for all members of the

public at 19731 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch

Please visit:

https://secure.scheduleonce.

com/socalgas-crc to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be

available:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays:

10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays:

10:00 am to 2:30 pm

Walk-in assistance is available Thursdays

from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The office is

closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit:

https://www.alisoupdates.com/

need-assistance for more information on assistance.

To report a smell or potential gas leak,

call SoCal Gas Company at (800) 427-

2200 and call the Air Quality

Management District (AQMD) at (800)

288-7664 or go online:

http://www.aqmd.gov/contact/

complaints

LAFD FIRE SERVICE DAY

EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS

COMMUN ITY CONNECT IONCOMMUN ITY CONNECT IONCOMMUN ITY CONNECT ION

COUNCIL MOTIONS

HIKER SIGNAGE Santa Monica Mountains provide exceptional access to numerous trailheads used frequently by LA City residents. One concern is that many

hikers are not aware of the potential danger of a brush fire moving into their area. With

up-to-date weather forecasting, we are aware of dangerous fire conditions before they

arrive, therefore OVB reached out to various City Council staff to seek

support for installing warning signage at each entrance to main

trailheads. This signage would indicate the level of fire danger for and

brief instruction on how to prepare for their hike. This proactive

approach cautions hikers to reconsider their activities during

“extreme” or “red flag” fire weather conditions, thereby increasing

their safety and welfare.

SENIOR CARE ORDINANCE Independent and assisted living facilities are rapidly becoming a familiar sight in the Valley with new and existing expansions starting in

2016. LAFD EMS responses to these facilities increased significantly over the past several

years. Unfortunately, corporate policy in many instances is driving how this vulnerable

aging population is cared for. Foreseeing the elderly community increasing in the

coming years, OVB initiated efforts with the LA Department of Aging and Council

offices to determine available options.

LLLOSOSOS AAANGELESNGELESNGELES FFF IREIREIRE DDDEPARTMENTEPARTMENTEPARTMENT ——— OOOPERATIONSPERATIONSPERATIONS VVVALLEYALLEYALLEY BBBUREAUUREAUUREAU

Honorary Fire Chief Leslie Nishanian

with Deputy Chief Arbuthnott

ALISO CANYON

GAS LEAK UPDATE

Fire Service Day May 14 All LAFD Fire Stations

Fahrenheit 2016 May 21 Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center

Pancake Breakfast and Car Show Benefitting Widows & Orphans Fund May 22 Fire Station 87 Granada Hills

OVB Seeks City Council Support