Attachment B
Victowille
FIRE
1926 NEWSLETTER
EST.
EMS
FIRE
VOL. 16 AUGUST 2024
Victorille
Victorville Victowille
WECLOME TO
EST. 1926 EST. 1926
FIRE FIRE
THE DEPARTMENT
VCV
BATTALION CHIEF
JOSHUA SPRAGUE
I am excited to be here, helping to guide
our fire department into the future.
Born and raised in the high desert, I AGUE
attended local schools and enjoyed
dining at local restaurants, many of
which are now gone. I have fond I was rehired in 1998 but soon memories of visiting the first McDonald's accepted an Engineer position with the on 7th Street. As a former fire explorer San Bernardino County Fire District. with the Victorville Fire Department, I Over my 25 years there, I worked in all began my journey in public service early. divisions of county fire, including 8½ While senior in high school, I years as both a Captain and Battalion completed the EMT program at Victor Chief in Victorville as part of the Valley College and graduated early to contract fire department. attend the basic fire academy at Fire
Station 311 in May of 1991. I retired from SBCOFD on August 10, 2024 and began my new career here on
In 1994, I was hired as a August 12, 2024. I bring great firefighter/paramedic with the Apple experience and ideas to help augment Valley Fire District and served proudly the command staff here and look until 1997 when I was one of 27 forward to a bright future for the City employees laid off due to budget cuts. and the Fire Department.
Victorville Victowille
WECLOME TO
EST. 1926 EST. 1926
FIRE FIRE
THE DEPARTMENT
VCV
TRAINING
BATTALION CHIEF
TRAVIS ESPINOZA
(SPINOZA
I want to begin by expressing my
heartfelt gratitude to the entire
Victorville Fire Department family for
welcoming me. Making the decision to I hold several certifications, including join this team has been one of the most SFT Master Instructor, SFT Company daunting experiences, both personally Officer, Chief Officer, and Executive and professionally, but I can say with Chief Officer. Additionally, I am a absolute certainty that it is the best registered instructor for over 25 choice my family and I have ever made! CFSTES and FSTEP courses and have the privilege of teaching across the
For those who may not know me well, state while remaining part of the CADRE my family and I have been residents of for VVC.
Victorville for over 14 years. I bring with
me more than 27 years of experience in None of my achievements would have the fire service. My career began as a been possible without the unwavering Firefighter at MCLB Barstow, followed support and sacrifices of my wife, Tina, by four years at Fort Irwin Fire and our three adult children.
Department, where I was promoted to
Engineer. I then moved laterally to As your Training Chief, I look forward to Barstow Fire as an Engineer, serving for the challenges ahead and am eager to a decade before advancing to Captain. I mentor, coach, facilitate, and collaborate concluded my career as a Battalion with such a remarkable group of Chief prior to joining VFD. dedicated professionals.
CONT.
We already have a solid training foundation in place, and my goal is to build upon it as we enhance our knowledge and refine our skills, enabling us to deliver the exceptional service that is expected of us all.
Please feel free to reach out to me for any training needs. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead!
Respectfully,
BC Espy
Please join us in warmly welcoming both of our new chiefs to the department! We are excited about the wealth of experience and professionalism they bring, which will undoubtedly enhance our team and strengthen our commitment to the community. Their leadership and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their willingness to serve. Thank you both for everything you do; we look forward to achieving great things together!
Victowille
FIRE
DEPARTMENT
EMS DIVISION
CONFIRE
1562042
In August, David Vega assisted CONFIRE EMS with instructing a PHTLS Class. EMS Specialist Vega also assisted in evaluating instructor candidates from other departments in the county.
The article "False Electrical Capture: Don't be Fooled by a Palpable Pulse" on JEMS discusses the critical issue of false electrical capture during cardiac pacing. The authors explain that a palpable pulse does not always indicate effective cardiac capture. False electrical capture can occur when pacing spikes are present but fail to produce meaningful myocardial depolarization and subsequent cardiac output. This phenomenon can lead to dangerous clinical assumptions.
The article emphasizes the importance of confirming
true cardiac capture using additional methods, such as
LIFEPAK 15 ud evaluating the patient's hemodynamic status, looking 116- for mechanical evidence of cardiac output, and
utilizing echocardiography. Clinicians are encouraged
*1 99
to remain vigilant and rely on comprehensive
assessment techniques to avoid misinterpretation and
ensure proper patient care. Citation: JEMS. "False
Electrical Capture: Don't be Fooled by a Palpable
Pulse" ", retrieved from https://www.jems.com/patient-
care/false-electrical-capture-palpable-pulse/
ADMIN UPDATE
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - AUGUST 6TH
Victowville
Fire Engine 315, along with members of the administration team, made a special appearance at this year's National Night Out, engaging with the community and supporting public safety awareness.
PROJECTS
• Automated gurneys have been purchased for the transport capable squads
UPCOMING TRAINING
• Leadership Training with Chief Kastros on September 17th and 18th at City Hall, training rooms 1 & 2
August 1st - The City held their first +
+
annual BBQ cook-off! Congratulations +
+
to our very own, Mallory McPherson +
who took 1st place and Capt. Tim Ortiz + +
who took 2nd place!
ADMIN CONTINUED
AUGUST EVENIS
• August 2nd - High Desert Church Summer Blast
• August 9th - Ride Along FS311 w/ Jovan R.
• August 15th - Ride along FS315 Aven H.
• August 16th - Ride along FS311 Liliana M.
• August 17th - Ride Along FS311 Jeremy Z
• August 29th - Vista Verde Fire Safety Presentation FS313 • August 31st - Girl Scouts station tour at FS315
ADMIN WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE
STAFF WHO WAS OUT ON STRIKE TEAM
OES
ASSIGNMENTS. BC DYJUAN WASHINGTON,
CAPTAINS, AUSTIN HARTNELL AND JOSHUA 6315
MENDOZA, ENGINEER'S CASEY BLAS, JOEL
JENSEN, AND NICHOLAS NORIEGA. FF/PM'S
JOSEPH CONTRERAS, JAMES LAMMON AND
FF/EMT BRENDON PARKS AND ELY WOODY.
WE ARE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU BACK HOME
AND SAFE.
JOHNSON
FIRE
The Johnson Fire broke out in Phelan,
quickly consuming approximately 72
acres of dry brush and terrain. Driven
by high winds and dry conditions, the
fire posed a significant threat to nearby
communities.
Firefighters from ME 315, ME 312, and
BE 314 were on the scene, and
firefighting aircraft were called in to
assist with aerial support. Fortunately,
no evacuations were ordered, and there
were no reports of structural damage or
injuries. Thanks to the concerted effort
of ground crews and aerial support, the
forward rate of spread was halted by
7:30 p.m., allowing firefighters to
establish containment lines and
ultimately bring the fire under control.
Other fire crews were staged in the area
overnight to ensure it wouldn't reignite.
STAIR CLIMB-
TO START 4
Each year, firefighters from across the
nation gather for a poignant and physically
demanding tribute-the 9/11 Stair Climb.
This year, the Victorville Fire Department
sent a dedicated team to San Diego,
including firefighters, administration
members, and both the Fire Chief and
Deputy Chief of Operations. Together, they
ascended 100 stories in memory of those
who made the ultimate sacrifice on
September 11, 2001.
The stair climb serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of first responders. Participants don their gear to honor the fallen firefighters who bravely battled the flames and chaos of that tragic day. For Victorville's firefighters, this event is not just a physical challenge; it is a deeply personal mission to pay respect and stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in service.
•Continued
This year, each participant carried the name of a
firefighter who lost their life in the line of duty on
9/11. "(see last page)." This personal connection
imbued the climb with even greater significance,
as each step taken was in remembrance of a
specific hero. By honoring these individuals, the
climbers ensured that their sacrifices would not
be forgotten and that their legacy of bravery
would continue to inspire future generations.
The stair climb also had a significant charitable 710
component. Funds raised from the event benefit
Firefighter Aid, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters and their families during times of tragedy and need. The commitment to raise money for this cause is a testament to the strong sense of community and duty among firefighters. Local 3710 played a crucial role in organizing fundraising efforts, mobilizing support from family, friends, and the broader community.
In a world that often feels disconnected, events like the 9/11 Stair Climb bring people together for a common purpose: to remember, to honor, and to support those who have dedicated their lives to public safety. As Victorville Firefighters return home, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose, having not only honored the fallen but also contributed to a vital cause that impacts the lives of their fellow firefighters and their families.
Thank you to all who
participated, donated, and
supported this meaningful
event. Your efforts ensure that
the legacy of sacrifice and
heroism endures.
Participants: Fire Chief Bobby
Clemmer, Deputy Chief Andrew
Roach, EMS Admin Mallory Blas,
Engineer Bass, Engineer Blas,
Engineer Gilmartin, FF/PM
McGee, FF/EMT Van Otten,
FF/EMT Woody.
..Continued
Patrick Waters is an example of someone our staff climbed for. Known for the endless stream of coffee brewing in the firehouse kitchen, Captain Waters was born in 1967 and would have been 57 years old today. He exemplified what it means to be "a good fireman," showing grace under pressure and a passion for every aspect of his job, from battling flames to meticulously filing reports. After starting his professional life in a more lucrative and safer job, he found himself drawn to firefighting, ultimately joining the FDNY despite his initial resistance. His wife noted it was "almost disgusting how much he loved to go to work in the morning." In 1998, while on duty at Ladder Company 106 in Queens, he heroically jumped into the East River to save lives after the India Street pier collapsed, managing to keep a woman afloat until help arrived. "That was a great day," recalled Lt. Mike Kenney, a friend who still treasures a photo of Captain Waters, soaked and freezing but victorious in saving eight lives. Waters worked hard to become part of the Special Operations Command, serving as a Lieutenant and then a Captain in various rescue units.
On September 11, he was in command of Haz-Mat 1 and can be seen briefly in the documentary by the Naudet brothers as he received his assignment from the Command Post in Tower One. His remains were found on September 30th. Off duty, he dedicated his time to coaching his sons in basketball and hockey and actively participating in their school PTA, leaving behind a legacy of courage and commitment.
"I've never met anybody who loved going to work as much as he did," said his wife, Janice. "The coffee was only part of it."