Annual Report 2020
See how our year went
A Message from the Chief
The information contained in this report represent accomplishments of the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department (WFRD) for 2020. I am very proud of the men and women of WFRD for their efforts and achievements, particularly while we focused on preparing for and reacting to COVID-19 and the resulting economic considerations.
The men and women of WFRD and the Volunteer Companies have risen to these challenges and continue to deliver quality services. Among many very important items, we have responded to thousands of emergency calls and saved many lives. We have increased staffing, made promotions, hired new members and bid farewell to retirees, upgraded equipment, and replaced critical software.
It is truly my honor to be a part of the team responsible for the achievements in this report. Every member of the WFRD provides vital skills essential to fulfilling our Mission. Our success in the many achievements listed below are only possible through the partnerships and support from the City Council, City Manager and all of the Departments within the City Leadership Team. Together, we have identified many new pathways of progress.
Our accomplishments help continue the growth and development of WFRD to meet the future needs of the community and it is with great pride we share then with you through this report.
Sincerely,
Interim Chief Hadden Culp
Highlights
In 2020, the Winchester Fire & Rescue Department:
Received the Master Plan completed by ESCI with 36 recommendations to improve operational service delivery. Watch the Public Input Session from February 2020 and see subsequent updates on our webpage.
Completed the new Live Fire Training facility, at which multiple live burns were held.
Completed first recruit class for initial certifications in Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter I & Firefighter II, Hazmat Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course, and Mayday Firefighter Down, resulting in National and State certifications.
Purchased 73 new SCBA Air-Paks to replace outdated equipment ($505,000).
Purchased and installed a new classroom at the Regional Fire and EMS Training Center for $132,000.
Purchased and implemented new record management system at a cost of $56,000.
Began a second recruit class with 9 personnel.
Performance Measures
Awards & Recognition
The Winchester Fire and Rescue Department (WFRD) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.
“For the third year in a row, the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department has achieved excellence in EMS by receiving the Mission Lifeline Gold Plus Award,” stated WFRD Assistant Chief Jon Henschel. “This is the highest award administered by the American Heart Association and is a testament to the continued dedication of our members in their efforts to provide excellent care and timely delivery of patients to the receiving medical facility. The wellbeing of our citizens and visitors is of utmost importance to our team, and I am extremely proud of their accomplishment.”
The Mission: Lifeline initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
“Winchester Fire and Rescue is dedicated to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said WFRD Interim Chief Hadden Culp. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care efforts through Mission: Lifeline.”
Read the full press release here.
COVID-19 Preparedness
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WFRD:
Purchased 4 CURIS Decontamination systems for apparatus and fire station cleaning to enhance safety of field personnel and citizens ($93,000).
Purchased Sterilucent Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizer for N95 mask cleaning ($87,000).
Secured stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment.
Educational Videos
We teamed up with the Communications Department to create a series of educational videos. Check them out below.
Hands-Only CPR (Visit to City Hall)
Go and See! with Barry Lee - Fire Station Tour
Cookin' Up Safety with Fire Marshal Luttrell
Other Videos
Personnel Updates
Retirement
Former Assistant Chief Eddie McClellan retired from the WFRD on April 30, 2020 after serving the department since October of 1990. Check out his career recap and farewell parade videos.
Promotions
- Assistant Chief J.D. Orndorff - read more
- Assistant Chief Jon Henschel - read more
- Deputy Fire Marshal Caleb Sherwood
- Battalion Chief Drew DeHaven
- Lieutenant Adam Still (Training, Health & Safety)
- Lifesaving Award - Lieutenant Adam Still
- Unit Citation
- Winchester Fire and Rescue: Station 1-B Shift
- Firefighter/EMT Quinton Godfrey
- Lieutenant Gerald Bohus
- Battalion Chief Larry Baker
- Master Technician Brian Roth
- Volunteer Firefighter Ryan Lonas
- Dispatcher Andrea Turner
- Unit Citation
- Winchester Fire and Rescue: WFRD: Engine 1, Medic 1, Ladder 2
- Battalion Chief Larry Baker
- Lieutenant Gerald Bohus
- Firefighter Brian Roth
- Firefighter/EMT Jeff Hartman
- Master Technician Dustin Amtower
- Master Technician Chris Dunn
- Firefighter Thomas Whipple
Awards & Commendation Program
In 2020, Winchester Fire & Rescue implemented an Awards and Commendation Program to recognize service benchmarks, and/or commend any person that has performed a service above and beyond what is normally expected as it relates to the mission of the Winchester Fire & Rescue Department.
Special Thanks to Winchester Fire & Rescue Foundation
Winchester Fire & Rescue would like to thank Winchester Fire & Rescue Foundation and their many supporters for their continued donations to help with public outreach events, recognition activities and so much more for our department.