2024 Newsletter

Lewis County Fire District No. 2 - Toledo Fire Department

NEWSLETTER

2024: A Busy Year of Growth and Progress for Toledo Fire Department

2024 has been a big year for the Toledo Fire Department, and we have a lot to share about what’s happened and what’s ahead. This is the first of many newsletters aimed at keeping you informed. Although we do not have a set schedule when newsletters will occur, they will be provided as we make significant strides toward our goals and when important new developments occur.

All newsletters will be available on our website at www.ToledoFire.org.

Congratulations to Chief Davidson!

In February 2024, Chris Davidson, former Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief, was promoted to the District Fire Chief. After years of dedicated service and leadership as Assistant Fire Chief, Davidson has earned this well-deserved promotion.

Upon accepting his position of full-time employment status, Chief Davidson immediately began work on a few major projects that were long overdue.

Capital Needs Assessment Underway

As we plan for the future, we’re conducting a Capital Needs Assessment to ensure we are prepared for growth and evolving community needs. This assessment will help us identify critical infrastructure and equipment needs and establish impact fees that will support future development and resources. We’re committed to transparency and keeping the community informed as we move through this important process.

Inevitably, our community is growing, and it is essential that your local fire department stays equipped and ready to meet the increasing demands for emergency services. To ensure we can maintain a high level of service, impact fees are imperative.

What are impact fees? Impact fees are one-time charges assessed on new developments (such as residential, commercial or industrial projects) to help fund the infrastructure and resources needed to support that growth. For a fire department, this means the fees collected from new construction help cover the costs of expanding our capacity, such as:

-          Purchasing new fire trucks and emergency vehicles

-          Upgrading or building new fire stations

-          Hiring additional firefighters and emergency personnel

-          Acquiring lifesaving equipment and technology

Why are impact fees important? As our community grows, the demand on emergency services naturally increases. With more homes, businesses, and residents, we need to ensure your fire department can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. Impact fees provide a way to fund these essential resources without placing the financial burden solely on existing taxpayers.

By implementing impact fees, we can ensure that new developments contribute to the resources needed to protect them, allowing us to maintain top-quality service for everyone in the community.

If you have any questions about how impact fees will work or how they’ll be used to improve our services, feel free to reach out to Chief Davidson by phone (360) 864-2366 or email chief@toledofire.org.

Together, we can ensure that your fire department is well-prepared for the future!

Understanding a Fire Levy: Supporting Fire & Rescue Services

A fire levy is a property tax that provides crucial funding for a fire department’s fire and rescue operations and general operating costs. It’s important to note that these funds are designated specifically for:

-          Firefighting operations

-          Rescue services

-          General operational expenses like fire & rescue tools & equipment, apparatus maintenance, fire training, salaries, volunteer stipends, safe equipment and gear, and general operating and capital expenses for the overall operations of the fire district

The revenue from a fire levy cannot be used for medical services, emergency medical services training, medical equipment or apparatus. Medical services, equipment, supplies, apparatus and training are funded through an EMS levy and other financial sources.

In 2024, our community voted to pass a levy lid lift, increasing our fire levy from $0.47 to $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The additional funding from a lid lift will allow us to enhance our fire and rescue services, increase our staffing, improve response times, and invest in necessary equipment and training to keep our community safe.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support and commitment to helping us protect and serve our community!

Training Officer

In May 2024, Alexander (Alex) Chamberlin accepted an offer to join the department as the Training Officer. This vital role is designed to ensure our firefighters, rescuers, and medical emergency responders continue to grow their knowledge and skills, preparing them for the challenges we face every day in service to our community.

Alex is responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering comprehensive training programs that cover both current and new policies and procedures related to fire suppression, rescue operations, and medical emergencies. The goal is to ensure that every member of our team is well-prepared to respond effectively and safely in any situation.  

Launching Our Improved Volunteer Program

The summer of 2024 was very exciting, as we fully launched our improved volunteer program. This new program is designed to offer multiple pathways for those looking to serve their community and become a first responder! Whether you’re interested in firefighting, medical emergencies, or both, we have a role for you!

The new program is designed to provide flexible, hands-on experience that helps you develop the skills you need to make a difference.

In the past, volunteering primarily involved completing training and responding to emergency calls. Now, with a full-time staff, our volunteers are required to pull shifts, giving them a chance to work side by side with our duty personnel. This shift-based model offers invaluable, real-world experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep the fire station running smoothly.

Pairing our new volunteers with duty personnel provides more in-depth, hands-on training, but also allows them to be involved in the day-to-day operations, including key responsibilities like apparatus checks and station duties.

In addition to daily duties, this change allows volunteers the ability to be part of the first-out units for emergency calls. This means they’ll be actively responding alongside our full-time staff, gaining real-time experience in emergency situations.

These changes are designed to help our volunteers become more integrated into the department’s operations and become better prepared for emergency situations. With the hands-on experience they gain through shift work, they’ll be more confident, skilled, and ready to serve the community.

Toledo Fire Department provides free, high-quality training from experienced professionals, flexible shifts to fit challenging schedules, opportunities to grow skills and advance in the department, and a chance to make a real impact in your community.

Whether you’re looking to gain valuable life-saving skills, start a career in emergency services, or just give back to your community, our volunteer program offers clear pathways to success.

For those interested in joining as a volunteer, or want to learn more, you can contact us at (360) 864-2366 or email our Training Officer, Alex at training.officer@toledofire.org. Our website also has a page devoted to the volunteer program at www.toledofire.org.

Honoring Our Veteran Volunteers: Experience and Dedication in Action

The Toledo Fire Department deeply values the commitment and expertise of our veteran volunteers, many of whom have served our community for years—even back when the station was operated entirely by volunteers. Their longstanding dedication and knowledge of district operations make them a crucial part of our team.

With the recent updates to our volunteer program, including shift-based requirements to provide the hands-on experience with our full-time staff, we want to acknowledge that these changes do not apply to our veteran volunteers. Here’s why:

-          Years of Service and Expertise: Our veteran volunteers have demonstrated a deep understanding of the district’s operations and have honed their skills over the years. Their experience and familiarity with both emergency response and daily station activities means they already possess the comprehensive knowledge that the new program aims to provide for newer volunteers.

-          A Legacy of Volunteerism: Before we transitioned to having full-time staff, the station operated solely through the hard work and dedication of volunteers. Many of our veteran volunteers were instrumental in keeping the department running during that time. Their contributions have helped shape the fire department into what it is today, and their tole as mentors and leaders continues to be invaluable.

-          Acknowledging Their Role in Our Future – While our new volunteer program is designed to give newer members hands-on experience and integrate them into shift work, our veteran volunteers will continue serving in the capacity they always have, contributing their expertise, responding to calls, and mentoring the next generation of first responders. Their knowledge of the district operations is second to none, and they remain an integral part of our team.

We are incredibly grateful to our veteran volunteers for their years of service, dedication, and leadership. Your experience and continued support are part of what makes Toledo Fire Department so strong.

Building an ALS Program for 2025

In 2022, Toledo Fire Department became a combination department, with both volunteer and career first responders. The hiring of three Firefighter/EMTs provided around-the-clock response directly from our station, while still heavily relying on volunteers to assist on emergency calls.

We are proud to have a dedicated team of full-time BLS responders who provide essential emergency care to our community. Our BLS team handles critical situations like CPR, AED use, and basic medical care, ensuring patients are stabilized and transported safely to a hospital. However, as our community’s needs grow, so does the need for more Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities.

ALS refers to advanced emergency medical care, including interventions like IV therapy, advanced airway management, and the administration of medications, which are essential during critical medical emergencies such as heart attacks or trauma.

In the past, our ALS services were provided through Medic One, an interlocal agency contracted to supply licensed paramedics to a number of South Lewis County Fire Districts.  When Medic One dissolved on December 31st of 2022, Toledo Fire Department, along with the Vader/Ryderwood Fire Department, entered contract with Winlock Fire & Rescue to continue providing these vital ALS services to our communities.  However, with Toledo’s continued and expected growth, we are excited to announce that next year, our district will be launching its own ALS program.

Starting January 1, 2025, the ALS program at Toledo Fire Department will be fully operational. Our paramedics will not just be highly trained in medical emergencies, they are also certified firefighters. This means that when we must respond to emergencies, our first-out team will have more personnel ready to handle both medical and firefighting duties, ensuring faster, more effective responses to any situation.

The dual capability strengthens our team and enhances the overall safety and service we provide to the community.

By employing our own paramedics, we can manage our resources more effectively and tailor them to the unique needs of the community. Your tax dollars will now directly fund the training, salaries, and equipment for our paramedics, keeping your investment local and improving your fire department’s capacity.

As part of our exciting transition to creating an in-house ALS program, the Toledo Fire Department hired a Medical Services Officer (MSO), Isaac Chassin to lead and coordinate this vital initiative. An MSO is critical to ensure this program is built and maintains the highest standards, allowing us to offer comprehensive care during medical emergencies.

Isaac’s extensive experience in EMS and leadership plays a key role in shaping the future of our department’s emergency medical services, which will ensure all ALS procedures and protocols are maintained and that our department is delivering the highest level of care to your community.

Public Safety Education

At Toledo Fire Department, we’re committed not just to responding to emergencies, but also to preventing them and building strong community ties. That’s why Chief Davidson established the Public Safety Officer position. Janice Nielsen, a longstanding member of the Toledo Fire Department; serving over 30 years as a volunteer EMT, and previous BLS Medical Services Officer, moved into this position earlier in 2024.

The role of the Public Safety Officer is keeping our community safe and engaged through a variety of educational and outreach programs;

-          Hosting Community CPR Classes: Learning how to save a life can be one of the most important skills you ever acquire. Our department typically hosts two free community classes annually, empowering our residents to respond more confidently to medical emergencies. Recently we introduced a (youth) Teen Sitter CPR/1st Aid Safety class, which generated enough interest, and will become a routinely offered class.

-          Youth Fire Safety Programs: Teaching kids about fire safety is a key part of our mission. Our Public Safety Officer leads youth fire safety education within our community, helping children understand fire risks and how to react in case of an emergency. From stop-drop-and-roll to safe exit strategies, these lessons can save lives!

-          Fire Station Field Trips: Our fire station is open to the public! The Public Safety Officer coordinates field trips to the fire station, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how we operate. These trips are not only educational but also a fun way for kids and adults alike to meet firefighters, explore our equipment, and learn about the critical role we play in the community.

-          Supporting the Volunteer Firefighter Association: In addition to outreach, Janice also contributes to the Volunteer Firefighter Association, helping coordinate volunteer activities and community events.

Volunteer Firefighter Association

Our Volunteer Firefighter Association does more than just respond to emergencies—it’s a driving force behind many of the events and activities that give back to our community. Through generous donations to the fire district and the hard work of our volunteers, we’re able to host events, support local traditions, and ensure we’re giving back in meaningful ways.

One of our most beloved traditions is our participation in Cheese Days—and this year’s event was extra special! After years of hard work, our volunteers completed the restoration of the department’s first fire truck; a piece of Toledo’s history that’s been proudly brought back to life. The truck made its grand reintroduction during the Cheese Days parade and was on display at our Open House, where community members could see this piece of history up close. It was a proud moment for us, and a reminder of how far we’ve come as a department!

Every member of our volunteer team is involved in making these events possible, along with our employed personnel who contribute time and effort into participating in these events. Our volunteers are proud to be part of the association, and their dedication allows us to continue supporting these local traditions year after year.

Donations from the community allow us to give back through events like Cheese Days, Halloween, and more. Every dollar donated to the district helps us create these meaningful moments and provide for the community we serve.

We understand that emergencies can profoundly impact the lives of our residents. Whether it’s suffering property loss due to a house fire or navigating the aftermath of losing a loved one, we are committed to being there for our community when it matters most.

Thanks to the generous donations we receive from our community, we can provide support to residents facing difficult times.

Your generosity empowers us to extend our reach beyond emergency response. Together, we can provide critical assistance to our neighbors in need, helping them navigate the toughest moments in their lives. We could not do this without the support of our community and its generosity, thank you!

Swift Water Rescue Team

The Swift Water Rescue Team of Toledo Fire Department is comprised of volunteers and duty personnel that are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community during water rescue situations.

Our Swift Water Rescue Team is an extension of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department Technical Rescue Team, combining efforts to provide specialized rescue services in and out of our district. Together, both teams collaborate on training and response operations, ensuring seamless coordination during emergency situations. This partnership allows us to respond to swift water rescues with advanced techniques and equipment, keeping both our district and neighboring communities safe during water-related emergencies.

By working together, we’re able to provide a higher level of service, whether the need arises locally or elsewhere in Lewis County.

As part of our commitment to excellence, we are ramping up our training efforts to not only develop the skills of our experienced team members, but also to help newer responders become familiar with the basic techniques necessary to assist during water rescues.

Training is a crucial aspect of our operations, especially when it comes to swift water rescues. This year, our team has focused on:

-          Advances rescue techniques to enhance our response capabilities

-          Safety protocols to protect both our responders and the public during water emergencies

-          Mentorship opportunities for newer responders to learn essential skills from experienced team members

By fostering an environment of continuous learning and collaboration, we are ensuring that every member is equipped with knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively during water rescue situations.

We are thrilled to announce that the West Region EMS Council awarded us grants in both 2023 and 2024, which significantly enhanced our capabilities. These grants help fund essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and tactical equipment for water rescues; including gear for both in-water rescues and shore-based operations, as well as equipment to ensure the safety and efficiency of our team during high-risk situations.

With this funding, we can ensure that our Swift Water Rescue Team is equipped with the best resources available, enabling us to serve our community safely and effectively.

2025 Changes to Billing Procedures

At Toledo Fire Department, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of emergency medical services to our community. However, you may have noticed that we bill for ambulance transports, and we want to explain why this practice is essential for sustaining our operations and ensuring quality care.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy provides critical funding for our department, but it only covers a portion of our operating costs. These funds help support various essential expenses, including:

-          Medically Certified Personnel: Hiring and retaining skilled paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are trained to provide life-saving care, and covering the cost of EMT certification for volunteers, along with ongoing training.

-          Medical Equipment: Purchasing and maintaining state-of-the-art medical equipment, such as defibrillators, stretchers, and monitoring devices, which are vital for effective patient care.

-          Apparatus: Maintaining and servicing the ambulances and fire apparatus that transport our personnel and equipment to emergency scenes.

-          Recoup Costs: Cover the costs associated with each emergency response, including fuel, maintenance, and supplies used during transport and on emergence scenes.

-          Sustain Operations: Ensure that we can continue the retention of qualified personnel and invest in necessary training to deliver high-quality patient care.

-          Enhance Community Care: By recovering costs through billing, we can allocate resources to improve our services, ensuring our responders are equipped and ready for any emergency.

We are committed to serving our community with transparency and integrity. We understand that the cost of emergency services can be a concern for residents, which is why we want to share some significant changes coming in 2025 regarding our billing practices.

No More Balance Billing Residents for Transport Services!

Starting January 1, 2025, we will no longer engage in balance billing for our residents when it comes to transport services. This means that if you require ambulance transport, you will not be billed for any remaining costs after your insurance has paid their portion. Our goal is to ensure that our community members can access the emergency care they need without the burden of unexpected bills.

How will we recoup that revenue?

While we are eliminating balance billing for transport services, we will be seeking cost recovery for incidents that occur during emergency responses. This approach allows us to recoup some of the costs associated with the valuable services we provide while ensuring that residents and non-residents alike are not financially penalized for needing our assistance.

Regardless of where the emergency occurs, both residents and non-residents will not be balanced billed for any remaining costs after insurance has been processed. Our priority is providing exceptional service without adding financial stress.

What does this mean to you?

-          Peace of Mind: Residents can rest assured knowing that if they require ambulance services, they will not face balance bills.

-          Focused Support: Our efforts to recover costs for other incidents will help ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality emergency services to our community without compromising on care.

-          Sustainability: By balancing our budget through cost recovery efforts, we can invest in necessary equipment, training, and resources for our first responders, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

We believe that these changes will enhance our service to the community and ensure that everyone can access the emergency services they need without fear of financial strain.

Conclusion

As we look back at 2024, we are proud to share that it has been a significant and busy time for Toledo Fire Department. From launching our new ALS program to enhancing our training initiatives for the Swift Water Team, we have made substantial strides that will improve our service to the community.

Our commitment to excellence has driven us to implement various initiatives, such as developing an enhanced volunteer program, enhancing our community outreach, and investing in the training and resources needed to ensure our team is prepared for any emergency. These improvements not only strengthen our department but also reinforce our dedication to keeping our community safe.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the unwavering support of our residents. Your trust, donations, and encouragement empower us to continue striving for excellence and to serve you better every day. We are deeply grateful for your involvement and belief in our mission.

As we move into the new year, we are excited to build on these achievements and continue enhancing our services. Together, we will ensure that Toledo Fire Department remains a pillar of safety and support in our community.

Thank you for standing with us and for your continued support!