Forsyth County Fire Department's 2019-2020 Annual Report

FORSYTH COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Forsyth County Fire Department Mission Statement FCFD Values To protect lives, property and the Teamwork environment from all hazards through Integrity preparedness, prevention, mitigation Excellence and response. Service Vision Statement Goals To be an internationally recognized Hazard Prevention and agency providing superior all-hazards Risk Reduction service that exceeds the community’s Hazard Mitigation expectations. Quality Emergency Services Employee Health and Professional Development Fire Department Command Staff Barry Head Brenda Green Ron Fagan Jason Shivers Jason Stover Keith Pertschi Chief of Division Chief of Division Chief of Division Chief of Division Chief of Division Chief Department Fire Administration Operations Technical Services Fire Marshal’s Office of Training Chief of Department Division Chief of Fire Division Chief of Division Chief of Division Chief, Fire Division Chief of Training Barry Head joined Administration Brenda Operations Ron Fagan Technical Services Marshal Jason Stover Keith Pertschi leads Forsyth County in 1986 Green joined the joined the fire service Jason Shivers joined joined the Forsyth a dedicated team as a volunteer department in 1995, in 1982 and has over the department in 1998, County Fire Department responsible for the firefighter and has since serving for 18 years as 35 years of experience holding the positions as Division Chief in education and training held the titles an administrative as a career firefighter. of firefighter/EMT, fire 2019 with more than 25 of the members of the of firefighter, fire specialist; He retired from Cobb lieutenant and years of local and fire department, as well inspector, fire administrative County Fire and inspector general. international as conducting the fire investigator, lieutenant, specialist, senior; and Emergency Services Shivers has the honor public safety-related and EMS recruit training captain and battalion administrative in 2018 as a battalion of holding a seat on the experience. Stover has program. Additionally, chief. He also served assistant, senior. chief. Fagan joined National Fire Protection served as a volunteer Chief Pertschi oversees previously in the Green also served in FCFD as a volunteer in Association (NFPA) firefighter, patrol officer, the department’s positions of deputy the Forsyth County 1997 and was employed 1901, 1906, 1911 and investigator, safety, health and sheriff, corporal and Tax Commissioner’s as a part-time fire 1912 committees accreditation manager, wellness initiatives. sergeant for the Forsyth Office prior to joining instructor from 1999 governing national fire division commander County Sheriff’s Office the department. She is until he was hired in apparatus standards. and law enforcement/ and Division Chief, Fire a board member of the 2019 to serve in his investigations subject Marshal’s Office. Benefit Fund, which current position. He has matter expert. provides assistance an associate degree in to families of fallen fire science. firefighters. 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2. Command Staff 2. Goals, Values, Mission and Vision Statement 4. Message from the Fire Chief 6. Organizational Chart 7. Budget 8. Fire Department Divisions 12. Existing Fire Stations 16. Fire Department Facilities 17. Future Fire Stations 18. Fleet/Specialty Apparatus 20. 2019 and 2020 Year in Review Photo courtesy of Ben Hendren Photography 2021 Board of Commissioners Molly Cooper Alfred John Todd Levent Cindy Jones Mills Laura Semanson District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Vice Chairwoman Secretary Member Chairwoman Member County Administration In Appreciation Forsyth County would like to thank Dennis T. Brown, who served as the District 2 commissioner from January 2018 through December 2020, Eric Johnson, who served as County Manager from 2018 until 2020. Tim Merritt who served as Deputy County Manager from 2000 until 2021 and Doug Derrer who served as Interim County Manager. Kevin Tanner Tim Merritt Dennis T. Brown Eric Johnson Doug Derrer County Manager Deputy County Manager District 2 Commissioner County Manager County Manager 3

A message from the FIRE CHIEF Photo: Chief Head speaking to the crowd during Fire Station #11‘s groundbreaking ceremony WELCOME to the Forsyth County Fire Department annual However, out of every tragedy always comes some good, and I want to focus on the positive things that my troops have accomplished report. Whether you are a first-time reader or a collector of this since you last heard from me in this publication. Even during the document since its first publication in 2005, you have, no doubt, trying times of the pandemic we have been able to continue noticed that this year’s edition is covering two years; 2019 marching forward and accomplishing our mission on your behalf. and 2020. Of course, like seemingly everything in our lives, Early in the pandemic we learned to quickly pivot toward this new the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the threat and modify our operations and response protocols to best publication options of this annual report and has pushed its serve you while protecting ourselves as much as possible. completion into late 2021. Thus, I proudly present to you this We became experts in decontaminating our fire stations, apparatus joint publication covering the accomplishments of the and related equipment and, thus, were quickly tasked by county Forsyth County Fire Department team over the last two years. leadership to be the lead on decontaminating and rendering safe the multitude of county facilities and buildings as COVID exposures Discussing COVID-19 in this letter to you has been both one of the were realized. We also were at the forefront, working closely with easiest and most difficult tasks during my time as your fire chief. our partners in the Emergency Management Agency, when the first The pandemic has been such a part of all our lives that it cannot COVID tests came to Forsyth County and staffed testing stations be ignored. The response of the brave men and women of the fire for many months. Most importantly your firefighters were on the department has been nothing short of astonishing. To see how front line of every Forsyth County vaccine clinic (and staffed many they met one of the greatest challenges of our time, and prevailed, more in conjunction with area health partners). We greeted many of is worthy of any fire chief’s bragging rights. However, it doesn’t you as you entered the doors of the clinics and provided escape me that the very mention of the subject is painful to many compassionate, reassuring care while giving you the all-important of our county residents, their friends and families. As many of you vaccine that has been the cornerstone to our currently very mourn the loss of family and friends, so mourn the men and women healthy county. of Forsyth County Fire. We have been with many of you as you have suffered the pain of this disease, and we offer up our deepest and Beyond COVID, the last two years have seen dramatic most heartfelt condolences. Even within our ranks we have had accomplishments to our response capabilities that are serving numerous members of the fire department stricken in some manner and will serve you and your loved ones for decades into the future. by COVID, though we are blessed that they have all returned to full In September of 2020, we quietly opened our newest firehouse, duty. As your fire chief I pledge to you that we will never forget the Fire Station 11, on Pittman Road in central-west Forsyth County. effects that this tragedy has had on Forsyth County. We will take Station 11 is our fourteenth fire station (the number 11 fills a the valuable lessons learned and use them as we teach and train the numbering void in our roster), staffed 24 hours a day by at least generations of young firefighters yet to come. 4

three firefighter/EMTs. We serve a bustling and growing area of the County with the new Engine 11, a common site along the Bethelview and Post Road corridors. Thanks to the steadfast support of the Board of Commissioners, we have also been able to secure land for a future fire station on Canton Highway near Spot Road Connector as well as a tract of land on Browns Bridge Road for a replacement Fire Station 9. Of course, no fire department can serve its customers without the proper rolling stock to respond quickly and efficiently to calls for service. Again, with my sincere appreciation to the Board of Commissioners, when we purchased Engine 11 we also purchased matching engines to replace Engines 4 and 6 as well as a new ladder truck to replace Truck 1. Further, we have put into service a new truck and vessel for our water rescue operations out of Fire Station 15. Finally, the talented staff of the fire department motor maintenance division built a sign truck for use on Georgia 400 and other busy roadways to help alert motorists as they approach incidents and keep emergency personnel safe while serving others. Clearly, I am deeply proud to work side by side with the best professionals that any fire chief could ever hope to have. As a team of nearly 230 personnel, the troops of the fire department are equally proud to serve you and be there for you in both the good times and the bad. We hope that you enjoy learning about your investment of the services that are provided by your fire department as you peruse this 2019/2020 annual report. I am always available for your questions and concerns so please reach out to me should you ever like to speak. In closing, I hope that you take comfort in knowing bright and beautiful days are ahead for Forsyth County. All of you and your loved ones are in my prayers, and I most sincerely thank you for the honor of serving you as your fire chief. May God bless you, your families and this great county. Respectfully, Engine 11 at Fire Station 11 Barry G. Head Chief of Department | Forsyth County Fire Department 5

Organizational Chart 6

Budget The Forsyth County Fire Department 2019 budget was $24,773,560 and the 2020 budget was $28,388,584. The Fire Department’s primary funding source is the Fire Department millage rate. Additionally, funds from both Impact Fees and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) provide the department funding for special projects and capital purchases. MILLAGE RATE FIRE MILLAGE RATE 2015-2021 The Fire Department is funded by a separate property tax, or 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 millage rate, rather than through the use of Forsyth County’s 1.975 1.975 1.975 1.975 1.975 2.175 2.175 General Fund resources. The Fire Department’s 2019 millage rate was 1.95 and 2.175 in 2020. Forsyth County’s millage rates continue to be among the lowest in the metro Atlanta area. IMPACT FEES SPLOST The Fire Department also receives funding from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a County’s Impact Fee program. Impact Fees are a charge on one-percent county sales tax used to fund capital projects development to pay for the construction or expansion of such as buildings and other public facilities. The current capital improvements that are necessitated by and benefit the SPLOST program, SPLOST VIII, was approved by Forsyth development. Forsyth County’s Impact Fee program began in County voters in November 2018 and went into effect July January 2004 and, as of March 1, 2021 has collected $18,340,644 1, 2019. The SPLOST VIII program anticipates $15 million in for the Fire Department. These funds can only be used to funding for scheduled fire apparatus replacement. construct capital facilities such as fire stations or to purchase capital firefighting equipment. 7

Fire Divisions Forsyth County Fire Department is divided into five divisions: Fire Administration, Fire Marshal, Technical Services, Training and Field Operations. Fire Administration 1 Division Chief 1 Financial Operations Supervisor Division Chief of Fire Administration Brenda Green 3 Motor Maintenance Staff oversees the day-to-day operations of Fire Department Headquarters 2 Administrative Assistants and Motor Maintenance. 2 Systems Analyst The Fire Administration Division manages human resources, payroll, reporting, budget control, statistic and public assistance. Motor Maintenance Motor Maintenance serves as the critical link keeping the department operable, ensuring all department vehicles are maintained and repaired properly and efficiently. The technicians perform all preventative maintenance and overhauling of department equipment including emergency apparatus, staff vehicles and small tools and equipment, and have the ability to perform in-house metal fabrication. Fire Marshal 1 Division Chief 1 Deputy Fire Marshal Division Chief, Fire Marshal Jason Stover 1 Senior Fire Inspector oversees and manages the Fire Marshal’s Office to include fire code 7 Fire Inspectors enforcement, plan review and fire investigations, as well as the 4 Fire Prevention Training Officers department’s public safety education efforts. 2 Plans Reviewers 2 Fire Investigators 1 Administrative Specialist, Senior Fire Safety Division Through building plans review and fire inspections, this division plays an integral role in the construction of new buildings and ensuring those structures are built to meet or exceed current fire codes. This division also investigates any fire that is suspicious in nature, unlawfully set or of which the cause cannot be immediately determined. Community Risk Reduction Unit Educating community members about fire prevention and the dangers of fire is an important initiative of the Forsyth County Fire Department. Each year, the department’s Public Safety Education efforts reach thousands of people, educating them about fire prevention and the dangers of fire, as well as the many services offered to the community by the Fire Department. This division works routinely in local schools and offers fire safety education to any interested party. Additionally, this division installs smoke alarms for elderly and needy citizens and operates the department’s Fire Safety House. This division also manages the department’s C.A.R.S. (Children Are Riding Safely) program which, through its nationally certified Child Safety Seat Technicians, provides the public with free child safety seat inspections and installations. Photo: Photo: Courtesy Courtesy of of Ben Ben Hendron Hendron Photography Photography 8

Technical Services 1 Division Chief 2 Quartermaster Staff Division Chief of Technical Services Jason Shivers oversees and manages the quartermaster mission of the department. He is also the primary point-of-contact for new apparatus design and specifications, new firehouse design and specifications, serves as the department public information officer/spokesperson, and manages all internal promotional processes. Quartermaster This office ensures the field is supplied with tools and uniforms while maintaining the stock of supplies for all fire stations and the Fire Department Headquarters. Additionally, the quartermaster acts as the primary point-of-contact for the fire chief on Fire Department facility needs and is also responsible for the annual testing of all automatic external defibrillators in County facilities. Training 1 Division Chief 4 Full-Time Training Staff Division Chief of Training Keith Pertschi 1 Part-Time Training Staff oversees and manages the firefighter training, recruitment and 1 EMS Coordinator retention mission of the department. He is also responsible for all hiring processes and recruit schools. Training This division trains personnel in all matters of field suppression and rescue functions. This division maintains training records and ensures appropriate personnel are up-to-date with technology, methodology and receiving the required number of training hours for their level of expertise. Emergency Medical Services Coordinator This office oversees all medical training and emergency medical services quality control, acting as the liaison with the County emergency medical transport contractor. The coordinator ensures all Fire Department Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) functions follow procedures and maintain state of Georgia requirements. Additionally, the coordinator is designated as the official ambulance service contract administrator for any provider doing business with Forsyth County. 9

Fire Divisions (continued) Field Operations 1 Division Chief 6 Battalion Chiefs Division Chief of Field Operations Ron Fagan 9 Captains oversees and manages all suppression activities and emergency 42 Fire Lieutenants response provided by the department’s two battalions, 13 companies 54 Fire Apparatus Operators and special operations sections. 90 Firefighters Suppression All administration functions of the department ultimately are conducted to support the Suppression Division, which is the backbone of the Fire Department. This division contains field personnel working in fire stations and responding to the constant requests for assistance from citizens. Field personnel consist of firefighter/EMTs, firefighter/paramedics and fire apparatus operators supervised by lieutenants. The lieutenants are supervised by either captains or battalion chiefs with each shift divided into two battalions. The battalion chiefs maintain field personnel records, field payroll and clock times, and command fire scenes and major rescues. All field personnel work on the traditional 24/48-hour schedule. They report to their workstation by 7 a.m. and are in-service working for 24 hours. At the end of their shift, they are relieved at 7 a.m. the following morning by the next oncoming shift. Their days off begin and continue for 48 hours. At the end of 48 hours, they return for the next 24-hour shift. Water Rescue Unit Responding out of Fire Station 15, this unit is responsible for rescue and recovery involving both deep water and swift moving water. The personnel are highly trained in safely searching for and recovering victims of drownings and routinely assist law enforcement in the recovery of vehicles and evidence from Lake Lanier and surrounding bodies of water. The team also routinely operates on the Chattahoochee River south of Buford Dam, searching for and rescuing fishermen, boaters and tubers that become stranded in quickly rising waters. Hazardous Materials Unit This unit is Forsyth County’s first line of defense to the potential ravages of hazardous materials, responding from Fire Station 2 with a full complement of hazardous materials response tools and equipment. Fire personnel at Station 2 are registered as hazardous materials technicians and can respond to and mitigate most any hazardous materials incident. Photo: Courtesy of Ben Hendron Photography Photo: Courtesy of Ben Hendron Photography 10

Special Events Unit This specially trained and equipped team is designed for large crowds and events where there is very little room for vehicle access. The bicycle unit participates in parades and high-attendance events at the Cumming Fairgrounds and can be used for response along the Big Creek Greenway. The primary mission is to arrive quickly on the scene of a medical emergency and render aid well before a fire apparatus or ambulance can make access to the patient. Honor Guard This unit is responsible for honoring fallen public safety professionals and military veterans, with the training and services provided on a voluntary basis by members of the Fire Department. The Honor Guard responds to service requests for funerals, flag presentations and parades and is selected annually to participate in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Wildland/Urban Interface Unit This unit responds out of Fire Station 5 and is responsible for combating wildland/brush fires and incidents where wildland meets urban housing. Photo: Courtesy of Ben Hendron Photography Photo: Courtesy of Ben Hendron Photography 11

Existing Fire Stations Battalion One STATION 1 234 Castleberry Industrial Drive 2.41 acres 2007 6 firefighters (min) 24-hours Four stalls. Houses the Office of the First Battalion, Engine 1, Truck 1 and Med 1. STATION 2 4055 Carolene Way 3.04 acres 2007 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Four stalls. Houses Engine 2, Haz-Mat 2, the Hazardous Materials Decontamination Unit and Med 2. Home of the Forsyth County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Unit STATION 6 3190 Caney Road 2.92 acres 2017 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Four stalls. Houses Engine 6 and Brush Truck 6. Construction of the new station was funded by a combination of SPLOST VI funds and Impact Fees. Battalion One 12

Forsyth County has 14 fire stations strategically located for effective coverage across the county. While each station has a designated service area, they frequently respond together on large-scale incidents requiring response by multiple units and back one another up when a company is unavailable to respond. STATION 15 STATION 14 STATION 11 STATION 10 3680 Old Atlanta Road 1.5 acres 1999 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 10 and Med 10. Station expected to last through 2025 4655 Pittman Road 3 acres 2020 4 firefighters (min) 24-hours Four stalls. Houses Engine 11, Light/Air 11 and Tanker 11. Construction of the new station was funded by a combination of SPLOST VI funds and Impact Fees. 800 McFarland Parkway 1 acre 1994 5 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 14 and Truck 14. Station expected to last through 2025 1525 Buford Highway 1 acre 1999 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 15, Rescue 15 and the Dive and Swift Water Rescue Units’ equipment Home of the Forsyth County Fire Department Dive and Swift Water Units Station expected to last through 2018 13

Existing Fire Stations Battalion Two STATION 5 STATION 4 STATION 3 6495 Wallace Tatum Road 3 acres 2013 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 3 and Brush Truck 3. 3910 Evans Road 3.32 acres 2012 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 4 and Med 4. 2720 Holtzclaw Road 2 acres 2005 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 5, Tanker 5 and Brush Truck 5. Home of the Forsyth County Fire Department Wildland/Urban Interface Unit. 1.25 acres are owned by Forsyth County and 0.75 acres is leased from the Forsyth County Board of Education. STATION 7 6320 Dahlonega Highway 3 acres 2011 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls and Houses Engine 7. 14

STATION 8 6015 Keith Bridge Road 3 acres 2017 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Four stalls. Houses Engine 8 and Tanker 8 Construction of the new station was funded by a combination of SPLOST VI funds and Impact Fees; constructed adjacent to former station, which was razed in 2016. STATION 9 7385 Browns Bridge Road 1 acre 1989 3 firefighters (min) 24-hours Two stalls. Houses Engine 9 and Med 9 Current station not designed for 24-hour occupancy; scheduled for replacement. STATION 12 3530 Settingdown Road 3 acres 2006 4 firefighters (min) 24-hours Four stalls. Houses the Office of the Second Battalion, Engine 12, Rescue 12, Technical Rescue Vehicle and Med 12. Home of the Forsyth County Fire Department Technical Rescue Unit. Battalion Two Station is part of the Public Safety Complex. 15

Fire Department Facilities • L•o3 c5Haa2otlu0elsddSeeiesnptatttrhihtneemgOdPeofunfwbticlndieciRvoSoisfaaitfdoehntesyFCiroemCphleiexf at and • LHCoUseaocStuanniacplddisthpzqetererurdeeddaussuacrfcstldoteeuiejroadrednasc,fiecotvnrnraoaptrnfiiuhnfetitaiotnnusyegtreedho,sefhpssifhpFgiiraaohnecsrc-saeeteynrdrattgehhirlneseeCipcnrmoleugauesicpdnceart-uo1mnye9gdF,er9riranro0omteposasDfenesirdnepimcasrlerucutllduoamiectne,aigosntnifteoiarnerch • • • • Located adjacent to the Forsyth County Fire Department Headquarters • Constructed in the mid-1990s • Services all Fire Department apparatus and vehicles • Includes a pump testing facility, three parts rooms, one light duty lift and six heavy truck lifts • Scheduled for future phased replacement and relocation 16

Future Fire Stations REPLACEMENT STATIONS Fire Station #9 Fire Station #10 Fire Station #14 Fire Station #15 ADDITIONAL STATIONS PLANNED AND PROPOSED Future Station #13 Proposed Station #16 17

Specialty Apparatus Brush Trucks Light and Air Truck The light and air unit was put in service in 2016, Brush trucks are capable of reaching remote areas and areas not easily The light and air unit is a specialized apparatus equipped with a large generator, replacing a very outdated accessible by fire engines and trucks. They are highly effective vehicles extensive lighting capabilities, a hydraulic truck from the 1980s, and that are smaller and more maneuverable, allowing them to negotiate light tower and breathing air cascade system. is housed at Fire Station 4. narrow pathways, off-road trails and golf cart paths. Three brush trucks were specially designed The unit is specifically built to work as a They are equipped with and put in service in 2005, one each housed stand-alone tool at large scale incidents that require additional lighting or foam capabilities that, in at Fire Stations 3, 5 and 6. While the three call for firefighters’ breathing air to be produced on site. wildland fires, suppress units can work in concert on large fires, they better than water alone. are strategically distributed throughout the Hazardous Materials Truck and One decontamination unit is county to ensure proper coverage of all areas. Decontamination Unit housed at Fire Station 2 and was purchased using grant Replacement program scheduled to begin in late Apparatus of the Hazardous Materials Unit funds in 2005. respond to any hazardous material incident Dive Van 2021 with completion anticipated late in 2022. or scare in Forsyth County. The dive van is utilized by the Dive Unit for all dive rescue and recovery operations. A new dive truck was purchased and placed into service early in 2021. This new In 2009, the Hazardous Materials Unit received a refurbished apparatus apparatus has increased cargo and personnel capacity, enclosed and climate redesigned by Fire Department Motor Maintenance. It was converted from an controlled crew space for changing into and out of safety-sensitive dive gear, and engine to become the primary vehicle, replacing an old truck and trailer vehicle. A features improved maneuverability over the old unit it replaced. new decontamination trailer was purchased and placed into service in 2020. This new apparatus features more space and field decontamination capabilities over the old unit that it replaced and allows for faster cleaning of both firefighters and civilians in times of hazardous materials exposure. Our Fleet Battalion Brush Dive Light and Vehicle Truck Van Air Unit Heavy Rescue 18

ATVs Technical Rescue Vehicle The department utilizes three specially configured ATVs to assist in The Technical Rescue Unit’s primary vehicle is a truck and trailer responding to medical emergencies and small combination unit containing the tools and equipment necessary to fires during events in and around the Cumming perform extremely dangerous and complicated rescues and recoveries. Fairgrounds, Sawnee Mountain and other unique One ATV, put in service This rescue vehicle responds to manufacturing, construction and in 2011, is housed at Fire locations. These ATVs perform these missions Station 1. storm-related incidents resulting in injury and This unit, housed at Fire will be on site of any disastrous occurrence Station 12, was put in well on recreation trails, in the wildland/urban where life is or could be at stake. It is capable service in 2006. interface environment and at crowded, compact events.They are housed at of supporting high-angle, confined space, trench various locations around the county and, because of their small size, can easily and frequently be transferred from fire station to fire station. collapse and structural collapse operations as well as accomplishing the urban search and rescue mission of the department. The truck Mini Ambulance portion of the unit is detachable and used to transport personnel and The gas-powered mini-ambulance is specifically designed as a supplies into areas requiring off-road capability. This need is common lightweight vehicle for emergency medical on construction sites and during utility right-of-way construction. response along the Big Creek Greenway and One mini ambulance, put in within the Fowler Park complex. service in 2012, is housed at Special Events Unit Bicycles Station 2. Water Rescue Vessels The bicycles of the Special Events Unit are specially designed for emergency medical response. They are rugged tools designed for the Two water rescue vessels are utilized by the water rescue unit. demanding rigors of public safety and require operators who are specially One being a swift water vessel that is used on the Chattahoochee River beneath Buford Dam. The second, put in service in 2020, is a deep water trained for this unit’s mission. vessel that provides rescue capabilities and a stable dive platform for deep water rescue and recovery needs on Lake Lanier and other area bodies of water. Water Rescue Tanker Hazardous Materials Truck Engine Ladder Truck 19

Citizens’ Fire Academy 2019 Gives Residents a Look at the Day-to-Day of Firefighting The annual 10-week long Citizens’ Fire Academy program Participants learned about the firefighter profession and its for adult residents interested in learning more about multiple divisions, types of training received and the what career firefighters do was held in spring of 2019. equipment used – some of which they got to operate first-hand. 20

Chief Barry Head 2019 with both the Forsyth County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office. He Sworn in as Forsyth County’s Fourth Fire Chief most recently held the position of Barry Head was sworn in as division chief, field operations Forsyth County’s fourth fire prior to being named fire chief during a ceremony on chief. In that role, Head Jan. 17, 2019. Head was directly responsible previously served as for the daily field interim fire chief operations of the following the department and retirement of supervision of the six Fire Chief Danny battalion chiefs. In Bowman in Oct. addition, all fire station 2018. Chief Head operations and has protected emergency response Forsyth County were under for more than his command. 25 years and has served in various public safety roles Ninth Annual Poster Contest Gives Third Graders Chance to Educate on Fire Safety 2019 The Forsyth County Fire Department invited all local third grade students to participate in the ninth annual Fire Safety Poster Contest. Students were given the opportunity to display their creativity and artistic talents while promoting a commitment to fire safety in one of three themes; Two Ways Out, Firefighters Are Our Friends and Get Low and Go. The three winners of the contest enjoyed a pizza party with their class and local firefighters. The winners and runners-up also had their artwork displayed in County buildings and received a certificate of accomplishment from the Forsyth County Fire Department. Junior Fire Academy 2019 Seventh and Eighth Graders Learn the Ins and Outs of Firefighting For the past nine years, the Forsyth County Fire Department has welcomed Forsyth County youth interested in learning what it takes to be a firefighter to sign up for a free week-long daytime summer camp program. The Junior Fire Academy, which is for students entering seventh and eighth grade, was held in June 2019 at the Forsyth County Fire Department Headquarters. Campers had the opportunity to experience the different aspects of being a career firefighter, from firefighting to CPR. 23 21

Annual Boot Drive 2019 Benefits the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation The Fire Department joined more than 100 fire departments across Georgia to help “Give Burns the Boot” ® during their annual boot drive. Donations collected during the boot drive were presented to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and are used annually for fire safety and prevention education as well as burn survivor services. A portion of the funds raised was also used to support local fire prevention and education efforts in Forsyth County and to help support Camp Oo-U-La®, a week-long summer camp for burn-injured children and their siblings. Department Recognizes and Promotes 2019 Personnel, Welcomes New Firefighters and Graduates Recruit Class In ceremonies held March 15, and Oct. 11, the Forsyth County Fire Department presented awards, promoted personnel, swore in new firefighters and graduated a recruit class. Family, friends and Fire Department staff attended the ceremonies held in the Forsyth County Administration Building (March 15) and Mountain Lake Church (Oct. 11). During the two ceremonies, 12 Life Saved awards were presented to Fire Department personnel in recognition of outstanding actions over the past several years, 24 members of the department were formally promoted to new positions and one probationary firefighter and nine firefighters new to the County officially became Forsyth County firefighters. Also, during the Oct. 11 ceremony, 25 recruits graduated to the rank of firefighter after completing 18 weeks of intense training. 22

Forsyth County Fire Hosts Summer Water Safety Media Events 2019 Prior to the Independence Day and Labor Day holiday weekends, representatives from the Forsyth County Fire Department, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, National Parks Service, Army Corps of Engineers and other local public safety agencies addressed topics surrounding lake and river safety. The first media event, held July 2 along the Lake Lanier shoreline at Mary Alice Park, highlighted life-saving water safety information such as not boating under the influence, life jacket use, general boating safety and holiday road traffic. The second media briefing was held Aug. 27 at Buford Dam’s Lower Pool West Park and focused on water safety on the Chattahoochee River, particularly near the dam. 26 23

Fire Station 11 2020 opens on Pittman Road The department’s newest facility, Forsyth County Fire Station 11, opened in late September at 4655 Pittman Road after ground was broken in August 2019. Serving west Forsyth residents, the 12,000 square foot, four-stall station is designed to accommodate the personnel and equipment operating out of the facility and to allow for future growth. In Sept. 2018, the Forsyth County Fire Department was awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA to support the staff cost at Fire Station 11. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funded the hiring of 12 new firefighters for the new station. The grant provided funding for 2019, 2020 and 2021 that was not otherwise fully funded in the Fire Department’s budget. The station’s construction was funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI program and by Impact Fees. Construction was awarded to Cooper & Co. General Contractors, Inc. of Cumming in the amount of $4,261,607, and the architect for the project was Croft and Associates. 24

Annual Toy Collection Impacts Local Children 2019 2020 More than 49,000 toys were collected over the 2019 and 2020 holiday seasons for local children in need during the Fire Department’s annual Aerial’s House toy collection. Donations of these toys, plus cash and gift cards, helped make Christmas possible for more than 4,329 local children who may otherwise have not received any gifts. Donations from the community were collected at all fire stations, the fire department headquarters, the County administration building, and County libraries. Department Welcomes New Team Member 2020 HALLIE The department adopted a 14-week-old labradoodle to become the newest member of the department in July 2020. Hallie helps teach Forsyth about fire safety with the department’s Public Education division by visiting schools and other places for demonstrations. Hallie shows others how to stop, drop and roll, crawl under smoke and more. She also brings her talents home to the fire station as a calming, therapeutic presence for the department personnel. Larry Mitro One of the County’s First Full-Time Firefighters, Passes 2020 Firefighter Larry Mitro passed away on Christmas morning at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer. Mitro served Forsyth County since 1998 and was one of the County’s original 30 full time career firefighters. As a mark of respect following his passing, flags at Forsyth County fire stations flew at half-staff. 25

RESPONSES 10.95% Alarms 18.17% BY INCIDENT TYPE IN 2020 7.6% Fire Alarms Miscellaneous Calls .92% Carbon Monoxide 1.18% Gas Leak 12.44% 1.25% Investigation of Smoke Canceled 50.53% Medical 5.56% Motor Vehicle Accidents 2.35% Fires .73% Brush Fires | .94% Structure Fires .49% Vehicle Fires | .34% Miscellaneous Fires INCIDENT Lowest HOT SPOT ANALYSIS density The map to the left shows the fire incident response density from January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020. Highest density The total number of Fire Department emergency apparatus movements (a movement is any time an apparatus is dispatched from a station) in 2020 was 18,569. As is evident, the demand for the County’s emergency fire services has grown steadily over the years, and this pattern of growth is expected to continue. 26

NUMBER OF TIMES DISPATCHED PER STATION AVERAGERESPONSE TIME 2019 2020 2927

Symbolic Elements The Patchof the The American flag in the upper left corner represents the patriotism and the pride of Forsyth County firefighters in being dedicated public servants. The black field in the lower half of the patch represents mourning and remembering the loss of fellow public safety professionals. The department has experienced three line-of-duty deaths since its inception. The Maltese Cross incorporates the tools and symbols of the modern Forsyth County Fire Department and the services provided. Photo: Courtesy of Ben Hendron Photography Forsyth County Fire Department Annual Report 3520 Settingdown Road • Cumming, Georgia 30028 • forsythco.com • (770) 781-2120 • (770) 781-2194 fax Now in its 16th year, the Forsyth County Fire Department Annual Report is prepared jointly by the Forsyth County Fire Department and Forsyth County Department of Communications. For news and up-to-date information about Forsyth County, including the Forsyth County Fire Department, follow us on social media: / forsythcounty @forsythcountyga @ForsythCoGov TVForsyth.com firedepartment