User:BCFDFF/NFD

Norfolk Fire and Rescue is the agency that provides fire protection and advanced life support (ALS) for Norfolk, Virginia. Protecting an area of 66 sq miles with a daytime population of over 350,000, NFR responded to 40,458 calls for service in 2008.

History
On December 15, 1871 the Norfolk Fire Department, a professional department, was inaugurated with Thomas Kevill appointed as Chief Engineer (prelude to today's Fire Chief).

Over the following years many stations were built as the City grew. Some notable events include:

1910 The City of Norfolk placed in service it s first motor-driven fire apparatus. Norfolk was the first in the State to adopt motorized apparatus.

1919 The two platoon shift system was put into effect. Fire Fighters would work 12 hours on, 12 hours off, with 24 hours off every fourth day.

1920 The Fire Prevention Bureau was created.

1921 With the purchase of five 1,000 gallon motor pumping engines and three aerial trucks, the last of the horse drawn equipment was taken out of service.

1932 Norfolk firemen organize Local 373 of the I.A.F.F.

1941 Two way radios are installed in fire apparatus.

1942 During WWII the Office of Civilian Defense Auxiliary Fire Department places apparatus in service in Norfolk's fire stations.

1945 Norfolk Auxiliary Fire Force disbands.

1947 Resuscitators are placed in service replacing old inhalators. Scott Air Packs are also placed in service.

1967 The work week is reduced from 72 hours per week to 67 hours per week. The first African-American Professional Fire Fighter, Lyman Snead Jr., entered the department.

1969 Frank Yeiser starts a private ambulance service in the City of Norfolk. This is an extension of the Lynchburg, VA Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service. Prior to this the Police Department provided transportation to hospitals and the Fire Department co-responded to provide medical attention.

1970 International Association of Fire Fighters Local 68 is established.

1971 Physicians and Surgeons Ambulance Service begins contract with the City of Norfolk to be the main provider of ambulance services in the city. Norfolk Fire Department changes uniforms from a Navy style to all dark blue with shoulder patches. Private ambulance service folds and service is taken over by the City forming Paramedical Rescue Services (PRS) with Frank Yeiser remaining on as a consultant.

1973 The United Brotherhood of Firefighters (UBFF) was formed.

1974 Three platoon system put into effect in the fire department.

1975 Advanced Life Support certification is established in the State of Virginia at the EMT-Cardiac Tech. level.

1979 Don Haupt, newly appointed Superintendent of the Paramedical Rescue Service, becomes the first person certified as a Paramedic in the State of Virginia.

1981 Nightingale Air Ambulance service begins flying out of Norfolk General Hospital. Eleven of the first twelve flight paramedics hired for this service are from Norfolk's PRS.

1981 Norfolk Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team placed in service.

1983 Ordinance is passed by the City forming the Bureau of Paramedical Rescue Services.

1989 Norfolk Fire Department begins cross-training personnel at the EMT-Shock Trauma level. These fire fighters are classified as Firefighter/Medics.

The merger of the Norfolk Fire Department and the Bureau of Paramedical Rescue Services was born out of necessity. During the Summer of 1989, a small group of EMS cross-trained fire fighters were teamed up with a paramedic and utilized to increase the number of ambulances during periods of high demand. This pilot program was successful enough that it caused city officials to look more seriously at the possibility of merging the two departments in order to accommodate the rising call load. Response times for ambulances were reaching 13 minutes while remaining around 4 minutes for fire engines. Fire engines were already co-responding with ambulances on a first responder basis. With fire personnel cross-training to the EMT-Shock Trauma level, more ambulances could be placed in service, thus reducing ambulance response times.

In 1989 a merger committee was formed to facilitate the merger of the Norfolk Fire Department and the Paramedical Rescue Services.

On April 9, 1991 the Norfolk Fire Department and the Bureau of Paramedical Rescue Services begins its merger into one department, the Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services. By November of 1992, all of Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services paramedics had completed their firefighter cross-training.

Today, the entry level position for Norfolk Fire-Resuce requires training to the Firefighter/Medic level.

Fire apparatus and stations
Each Norfolk Fire and Rescue engine company is staffed with four personnel: a Captain, apparatus operator, and two firefighters; ten engine companies are ALS. Ladder companies have a Lieutenant, an apparatus operator, and a firefighter on board. Rescue companies are staffed with a Lieutenant, an apparatus operator, and two Firefighter/Medics. All rescue personnel are trained in Heavy and Tactical Rescue, as well as being Hazardous Materials Technicians.

Structure fire assignments receive the following response: three engine companies, a ladder company, a rescue, a battalion chief, and a medic unit. Working structure fires add an additional engine company and ladder, as well as an EMS supervisor.

Special companies

 * Rescue boats
 * Hazmat Squad
 * Collapse Rescue Trailer
 * Decon Trailer
 * Air Unit

Links
Tidewater Fire Photographers Association

Norfolk Fire and Rescue