Tag Archives: el paso fire department

The Texas Department of Transportation El Paso District is partnering with Las Palmas Life Care Center and the El Paso Fire Department to offer two child safety seat checks as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week.

“Having a child safety seat isn’t enough,” said TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Monica O’Kane. “There are age specific seats and each must be installed correctly to be effective. Sometimes parents are not aware, our safety events assist with this.”

The events, scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday, will feature, on-site certified technicians for free car seat checks and will educate parents and caregivers about proper car seat installation.

TxDOT will provide a sign-up sheet for eligible residents in need of a car seat. Attendees will be received on a first-come-first-serve basis. The vehicle with the car seat and the child who will be using the seat must be present for the inspection to be performed.

Texas law requires all children under 8 years old to be in a safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle, unless they’re taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Kids under age 13 are safest riding in the back seat, properly secured in a seat belt or safety seat.

In Texas, in 2017:

• 408 children younger than 8 years old were seriously injured and 73 died in traffic crashes
• 411 children ages 8 to 12 were seriously injured and another 30 were killed

In the TxDOT El Paso District, in 2017:

• There were 10 passenger vehicle crashes that resulted in 9 serious injuries and 3 fatalities for children younger than 8 years old.
• There were 13 passenger vehicle crashes that resulted in 15 serious injuries and no fatalities for children ages 8–12.

To protect against injury, TxDOT recommends that all children under age 13 ride in the back seat, properly secured in a seat belt or safety seat.

For more information and updates, visit epfire.org or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

September 26, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.or
Las Palmas Life Care Center
3333 N. Mesa

September 29, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Fire Station #5
400 Revere

The El Paso Fire Department will be accepting applications for Firefighter Trainee starting on Thursday, August 2, 2018.

Via a news release, EPFD officials shared, “We are actively seeking qualified candidates who are committed to providing the highest level of service to the El Paso community.”

The application deadline is August 9, 2018 at 11:59 PM MDT​.  Applications will be accepted online.

Selected candidates will go through a paid, 6-month Training Academy, earning $12.65 an hour.  Upon completion of the academy, trainees will be promoted to Firefighter, starting at $40,268.87 annually.

During the hiring process, applicants will be required to pass a written examination, background check, physical fitness testing, interview, and other testing that may be deemed appropriate.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School diploma or GED.
• Applicants are required to have twenty-four (24) post-secondary semester credit hours in any field of study with a minimum of 2.0 GPA, or at least two years of full-time military service with an honorable discharge
• Texas Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent from another state

For more information, please visit www.epfire.org or www.elpasotexas.gov/human-resources.

The El Paso Fire Department, Price’s Creameries, and the ​Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso will host a free May Day CPR Event on Saturday, May 19.

The El Paso Fire Department and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso, will provide free Hands-Only CPR training.

Organizers say there will also be family fun with a jumping balloon, music, free food cooked by the EPFD’s Chiefs, refreshments, door prizes from Wet ‘n Wild Waterworld, free sandwich coupons from Chick-Fil-A, ice cream, and much more.

Attendees can register in advance for their free CPR class by going to the Drowning Prevention Coalition website at dpcelpaso.org and scheduling their 20-minute hands-only CPR class. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Officials add the event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the EPFD Training Academy located at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms.

Properly working smoke alarms can provide people with early warnings that can mean a difference between life and death when evacuating from a fire.

The El Paso Fire Department Fire Prevention Division provides, at no cost, smoke detectors, assistance with evacuation plans, home/work safety surveys and fire extinguisher training.

To learn more about the EPFD programs, or to request a free smoke alarm, residents can call 3-1-1, visit epfire.org or contact them via their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Additionally, EPFD  has the following safety advice for residents regarding smoke alarms:

• Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside sleeping areas
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Batteries should be replaced yearly, or as soon as you hear a low-battery warning which usually sounds like a “chirping” noise.
• Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.
• Keep smoke alarms clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly.  Dust and debris can interfere with its operation.
• Never remove the battery from or disable a smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm is sounding “nuisance alarms”, try locating it further from kitchens or bathrooms.
• Plan regular fire drills to practice your escape plan ensuring everyone in your home knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.
• People with hearing impairments can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

The El Paso Fire Department will be accepting applications for approximately two weeks for Certified Firefighter Trainee starting Friday, January 12, 2018.

Selected candidates will go through a paid, eight-week Training Academy, earning $13.95 an hour.  Upon completion of the academy, trainees will be promoted to Firefighter, starting at $40,268.87 annually.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applicants are required to have:

• Twenty-four (24) post-secondary semester credit hours in any field of study with a minimum of 2.0 GPA, or at least two years of full-time military service with an honorable discharge and a high school diploma or GED.   
• At minimum a Texas State Commission on Fire Protection Basic Structural Certification (TCFP-Basic FF) and Texas Department of State Health Services Basic Emergency Medical Technician Certification (DSHS-EMT-B) at the time of application.

Applications will be accepted online. 

For more information, please visit www.epfire.org.

The El Paso Fire Department is encouraging the community to take advantage of the popular Vaccinations for Health program, which is a successful part of the Medicaid Waiver Program.

Vaccinations for Health provides free blood pressure, glucose screenings and ColoCARE kits to patients 18 and older.  Residents that do not have medical insurance can also receive free vaccinations for influenza (18 and older) and the pneumonia (65 and older).

There are 3 clinic dates in December and they are being held at the following locations and times:

Wednesday, Dec. 6: EPFD Safety, Health Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr., 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 13: EPFD Safety, Health Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr., 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 20: Fire Station 18, 7901 San Jose Rd., 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

No health clinic during Christmas week

Officials encourage residents who meet these guidelines to take advantage of the program. The goal of the program is to increase the wellness of the community.

For more information, residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or visit www.ephealth.com

It’s time for an action-packed weekend of “Clash of the Titans IX” boxing. Once again, the men and women of local area law enforcement agencies will come together and battle it out in the ring.

This sweet science showdown will feature twenty bouts between Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Correctional Officers and members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The event will also feature exhibition fights from local area youth boxing leagues. While the fighters may not be household names in the boxing world, they really give it all they have.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 2005 and El Paso County Sheriff’s Foundation.

Join us in cheering on your favorite fighter representing: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office , El Paso Police Department, El Paso Fire Department, Las Cruces Fire Department, Deming New Mexico Police, Border Patrol – El Paso, San Antonio, Otero Federal Prison,  West Texas Corrections, White Sands Missile Range Fire Dept., Federal Parole Division, La Tuna Federal Correctional Institution, FBI, ICE Camp & Homeland Security, Albuquerque Police Department and U.S. Armed Forces.

Saturday, November 18, 2017 | Buchanan’s Event Center – 11540 Pellicano Dr.

Doors Open: 4:00p.m.  | First Bout: 5:00p.m.

The 13th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta at the Tom Mays section of Franklin Mountains State Park is planned for Saturday, September 30, from 9am to 3pm.

The free family event helps people connect with the great outdoors of the Franklin Mountains and is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with the help of volunteers from the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition. Organizes say the annual event attracts hundreds of people to the desert mountain park in Northwest El Paso.

The outdoor venue celebrates the natural wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert and Franklin Mountains State Park. Local environmental education groups will be on hand to offer free demonstrations, guided tours, guest speakers and informational booths designed to introduce the curious to the wonders of our fascinating desert.

Schedule of Events at the Entertainment Stage Area – End of the Loop Road next to the Exhibitor Tent Area

· 9:00am-9:15am- National Anthem
· 9:30am-10:00am- Cheerleading
· 10:00am-10:15am Zoo Animal Encounter
· 10:30am-11:00am- Story Telling(Marylyn Guida)
· 11:10am-11:35am- Martial Arts Demonstration
· 11:45am-12:15pm-Keyboarding/Piano
· 12:30pm-1:00pm- Rondalla Estudiantil
· 1:15pm-1:45pm- Ballet Folklorico (Champion Studio)
· 2:00pm-2:30pm- Belly Dancers

More on Geosciences Education Activities – Mini-field trips will run from 9am to 3pm, and will last only 30 minutes, with one exception. The short time means you will not be walking far. The geosciences do not only about understand the earth at your feet, but the vistas in the distance, and the sky above us.

Many of the following field trips may include a walk to a nearby place of higher elevation to get a better view. Hikers are encouraged to bring binoculars for the picturesque hike.

All mini-trips with the exception of trips 4 and 6 meet near the Restrooms at the End of the Loop Road to the right of the main stage and exhibit area.

Trip 1- 9:45 am to 10:45 am – Agave Loop for hikers interested in connecting to Mundy’s Gap.  See Park Map for Location.

Trip 2-10:30 am to 12:00 pm- Aztec Cave Trail is a 1.2 mile out and back trail that features a cave and is good for all skill levels.  See Park Map for Location.

Trip 3 – 11:00 am- 11:30pm- Short walk to elevation change.  Meet at the Trail head at the end of the loop road.

Trip 4 -11:00 am – 12:30pm –  Underground Copper Mine Tour, a maximum number of 15 participants with flashlights or headlamps. Meet at the Cottonwood Spring Parking Area. The hike is 1 mile round trip uphill over a rocky trail. Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and a working flashlight. We will explore an underground tunnel which was part of an unsuccessful mineral entrepreneurial activity. Check out the blue grotto! See Park Map for Location.

Trip 5 -1:00 pm – 2:30pm –  Underground Copper Mine Tour, a maximum number of 15 participants with flashlights or headlamps. Meet at the Cottonwood Spring Parking Area. The hike is 1 mile round trip uphill over a rocky trail. Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and a working flashlight. We will explore an underground tunnel which was part of an unsuccessful mineral entrepreneurial activity. Check out the blue grotto! See Park Map for Location.

Trip 6 -1:30 pm to 2:30 pm Upper Sunset Trail; is one of the shorter ones (1.3 miles) and offered some great views of the valley below.  Meet at the restrooms at the end of the loop road.

Trip 7- 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm Short Hike.  No elevation change. Meet at the Trail head at the end of the loop road.

Exhibitors attending the festival this year include New Mexico Farm, Ranch and Heritage Museum, Chamizal National Memorial, Hueco Tanks State Park, Aerial Tramway, Franklin Mountains State Park, Mexican Gray Wolf,  El Paso Parks and Recreation, Tech H2O, El Paso Zoo, International Boundary and Water Commission, Sierra Club, Women’s Voting, Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, Greater Big Bend Coalition, Frontera Land Alliance, Texas Master Naturalist, UTEP, El Paso Fire Department, Sustainability and Resilience Office, Audubon Society, and Friends of the Rio Bosque.

Special thanks to our volunteers from the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, Franklin Mountains State Park, City of El Paso Parks and Rec, El Paso Zoo, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

For more information contact Franklin Mountains State Park at (915) 566-6441 or contact CDEC Committee Chair Carlos Rodriguez at 915-240-3311.

On Friday, El Paso City Manager Tommy Gonzalez announced that the El Paso Fire Department once again received its international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).

“International accreditation is one of the most meaningful forms of controls for our department because it provides a clear and transparent assurance to the community of a well-organized department, effective in meeting their needs,” Fire Chief Mario D’Agostino said. “Through the accreditation process, we continuously seek to look at how we do everything so El Pasoans can live safely and prosper in a hazard-resilient community.”

After appearing before an 11-member commission, which represents a cross-section of the nation’s fire service industry, the CFAI voted to renew the El Paso Fire Department’s international accreditation.

Members of the El Paso Fire Department appeared before the commission on July 27.

The Department first earned the prestigious accreditation in 2012. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates there are 35,000 fire departments in the United States; only 233 are internationally accredited.

Only 54 fire departments in the country are both recognized as an accredited agency and have a Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Organizations (ISO) on Public Protection. Of those, only six are metro-sized with populations over 500,000.

The El Paso Fire Department’s international accreditation, combined with the ISO Class 1 rating, helps keep home insurance rates low for home owners resulting in substantial savings.

“This international accreditation is proof that El Paso has some of the best fire professionals in the world,” said Mayor Dee Margo. “Their commitment to this community is unquestionable and I am proud of all the hard work they put forth to ensure that our citizens our safe.”

“El Paso has received a lot of recognition lately, from being named a top city for quality life, to being named a top metro to start a business, all are key performance indicators of being a high performing organization. This latest international accreditation shows that El Paso also places a high priority on safety and quality service,” said City Manager Tommy Gonzalez.

The CFAI/Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) provides the only international accreditation program for fire service organizations in the world. Accreditation serves as a mechanism for measuring organizational effectiveness.

It is a process by which the commission recognizes an agency as meeting predetermined standards and qualifications, which includes over 250 performance indicators, in 10 different categories, over 80 core competencies.

Beginning at midnight Thursday, the El Paso Fire Department started accepting applications for Public Safety Communicator Trainees.

“We are looking for people who value public service,” said Fire Human Resource Manager Monica Puga. “Public Safety Communicators are a vital link between the citizens of El Paso and first responders. This position is more than a job; it’s about serving the community.”

Public Safety Communicators process emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and dispatch, monitor and coordinate activities of emergency personnel (police, fire and medical) using a multi-channel radio system and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.

The ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or GED and two years of general work experience, with at least one year with public contact.Spanish is not required for hiring, but could be a requirement depending on which function is assigned. Non-Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals should apply immediately as the position will close once a pre-set amount of applications are received. Selected candidates will go through a paid, six-month training period earning $14.65 an hour.

Upon completion of the training period, trainees will be promoted to Public Safety Communicator, starting at $34,537 annually.

Visit www.epfire.org, under Employment Opportunities for a detailed list of all the minimum requirements and a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process.

To close the flu season, the El Paso Fire Department is once again partnering with the El Paso Health Department’s Medicaid Waiver Program to provide one last clinic and safety event.

Families who do not have health insurance, meet Federal low-income guidelines or have Medicaid can take advantage of the free clinic on Saturday June 24 from 8-11 a.m. at 5415 Trowbridge Drive

The first 100 patients who receive a free medical service, will receive a free single-use fire extinguisher or carbon monoxide alarm from First Alert, while supplies last. A healthy brunch will be available to patients as well.

“The wellness and safety of our community is extremely important to us,” said Medical Deputy Chief Robert Arvizu. “That’s why we want to close the flu season with this great event, appropriately held at our Safety and Health Outreach Center.”

Adults who meet this criteria, and who have never attended a Fire Department clinic, can receive a free influenza vaccine and blood pressure/glucose screening. Adults over 50 can receive a free colorectal screening kit and patients over 65 can receive a free pneumonia vaccine.

The Community Risk Reduction section of the Fire Department will also be on hand to provide safety education to children, fire extinguisher training and signing up families for Home Safety Surveys and Free Smoke Alarm installations.

There will be an interactive rig simulator and a classic 1948 Open-Cab Mack Pumper for children and families to enjoy. Sparky the Dalmatian will also be in attendance to take pictures with children.

Eligible families will also receive free voucher for breast and cervical screenings and children vaccines available through the El Paso Health Department’s clinic.

El Paso Fire Department mechanics have earned Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition as prescribed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of vehicle repair and service by means of voluntary testing and certification for automotive repair and service professionals.

To be eligible for this recognition, a company must have 75% of its automotive professionals ASE certified. In addition, there must be a certified technician in each area of service offered. To remain in the program, a business must renew each year and confirm their professionals’ certification status. El Paso Fire Department has 10 certified mechanics.

“I am proud to say that not only is the EPFD the only city department with this achievement, but the EPFD Maintenance Shop is the only repair shop to currently hold this certification, to include both private and governmental automotive repair shops,” said Logistics Captain Ricardo Gonzalez. “This certification took a great amount of effort by all personnel here at the EPFD shop.”

According to ASE President Timothy Zilke, business who earn the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition have gone the extra mile in support of their customers.

“Employing ASE-certified professionals is an important element in overall customer satisfaction program,” Zilke said. “We salute those organizations who achieve this goal and thank them for helping promote quality automotive repair and service.”

Fire Chief Mario D’Agostino believes this one of the ways EPFD delivers excellent service to the citizens of El Paso.

“Our vision is to be a leader in fire and rescue service in support of a safe community and vibrant regional economy,” D’Agostino said. “Having the best mechanics, who keep our apparatus fleet in top, working condition, helps us achieve that vision.”

El Paso City Manager Tommy Gonzalez announced that he has appointed Mario D’Agostino as Fire Chief of the El Paso Fire Department.

“Chief D’Agostino has done an exceptional job as Interim Fire Chief. When asked to submit a 100-day plan for the Fire Department, he demonstrated tremendous initiative in the areas of staffing, prevention programs and communication,” said El Paso City Manager Tommy Gonzalez.

D’Agostino has extensive experience as a fire professional and has a keen understanding of the El Paso Fire Department. He provided the City Manager with an exceptionally well thought-out 100-day plan that addressed department needs and enhanced communication. In order to keep an open line of communication and ensure support, he has reached out to Fire Union, Local 51, to receive feedback on specific programs.

“The City has many qualified men and women working for the Fire Department, and this was a very competitive process to reach today’s decision. I want to congratulate Chief D’Agostino on today’s appointment. His dedication to the department and our community is one of the many reasons Chief D’Agostino is qualified to serve as our newest Fire Chief. I am confident that under Chief D’Agostino’s leadership, the men and women of the El Paso Fire Department will continue to serve the El Paso community and ensure our safety and security,” said Mayor Oscar Leeser.

“Local 51 is pleased with the direction taken by the City of El Paso. Chief D’Agostino is an excellent choice. Our members look forward to working with our Chief and the City,” said Local 51 President Joe Tellez.

D’Agostino has served as Interim Fire Chief since early December. The City Manager, along with members of the leadership team, interviewed several candidates from within the fire department who were Battalion Chiefs and Assistant Fire Chiefs. While all of the candidates were highly qualified, D’Agostino was selected due to his extensive knowledge in operations and administration.

He is a 25-year-veteran of the department who has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, as well as a Master of Business Administration/Public Administration degree from Columbia Southern University.

D’Agostino will begin his role as Fire Chief effective immediately.