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LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - What is USAR? WHAT IS USAR?⠀⠀Written by: Elise ReynaPublished: 22/12/2020The USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) has the primary mission and objective, as the name suggests, to enable the Los Santos Fire Department with the ability to carry out Search and Rescue Missions. Whilst it may seem really bare-bones in and by itself, USAR actually has much more other areas that are carried out on a day-to-day basis, this article will go in-depth in all of those areas to explain the real mission statement of the USAR.Urban Search and Rescue is a sub-divisional team within the Los Santos Fire Department which Firefighters are able to volunteer for, firefighters that do wish to join are required to have a couple of pre-defined certifications and are required to go through a hefty application stage, entry test and an induction process, this assists the Los Santos Fire Department in choosing only the most qualified candidates for the position of USAR. Furthermore, USAR utilizes specific fleet vehicles which for the purpose of this article will be separated into each different team so it is easier to explain;Rescue Engine (RE-3) - This unit is responsible for responding to any structure fire and is the front-line for doing primary searches by going directly inside of burning buildings and searching for any survivors, were they to find any survivors it becomes their primary objective to get those survivors out of the burning buildings in as safe of a manner as possible. Any type of structure fire would most likely fill up the building with dark smoke, so the visibility for for firefighters would be close to none, firefighters mainly rely on walls for their navigation as well as verbal communication/callouts from people.Search and Rescue (K9-3) - This unit is responsible for responding to any calls in which a person's location isn't specifically pinpointed to a small enough area for a regular response. Calls that require response from this division usually require search teams over a large area to pinpoint the exact location of an incident, this is usually around forests, mountains or coastal lines. The division is responsible for establishing multiple search teams to cover as much ground as possible and even has the authorized use of a helicopter. This team also utilizes specially trained K9 Rescue Medical Dogs which will track down the location of someone who may have found themselves lost or have issues designating their location when contacting Emergency Services. The fire department's K9 dogs are specially trained to locate specific items, humans and human remains (bodies). These dogs also have some very basic skill of treatment against anxiety attacks as well as panic attacks.Hazardous Material Response (Squad-3) - This unit is responsible for, as the name would suggest, responding to calls which would include hazardous chemicals (including and not limited to; explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidizing substances, toxic/infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosives). Alongside Support Services, they also assist with the cleanup process of any hazardous materials and leaks.Swift Water Response (SWR-3) - This unit is responsible for any emergency calls that come from or near bodies of water. This includes and is not limited to; Oceans, Rivers or Lakes. This division primarily focuses on rescue, however, it does also have an included Search element, in cases where the people are unable to be located and are described to be on or in water, Water Rescue is the division who locates these people alongside the assistance of other divisions and agencies. Water Rescue also has an element that focuses on recovery, this is not necessarily limited to /only/ body recovery, most of the time, Water Rescue is responsible for searching larger bodies of water for items and attempting to locate evidence for the police or just a victim who may have lost their wallet.Technical Rescue (USAR-3) - This unit is responsible for any technical calls that come in to the Fire Department, technical calls can range from a regular cat being stuck in tree to a call of people stuck in an elevator. Essentially, Technical Rescue is, as the name suggests, a team that specializes in calls that require some type of technical intervention. This team also ensures safety on electrical hazard scene and usually handles such calls by ensuring that a hazard is turned off so it is no longer hazardous.Logistical Support (UT-3) - This unit is responsible for any calls that requires Logistical Support (equipment hauling or personnel hauling). This team is also just utilized for transportation of equipment or personnel between stations.Opinion & A deep dive into USAR calls:I have spent 2 full weeks within the Urban Search and Rescue Team, responding to calls with them, interviewing them and getting a general outlook alongside them in their work. The first thing, within my own personal opinion that I can say is that I believe the USAR team is basically a SWAT department within the LSFD. These guys are the elite of the elite, the most professional people I've ever worked with and the calls that I've seen whilst working alongside them and everything they did was bloody amazing. Here's a some of the calls they responded to during my time within the USAR team;Mountain RescueHosue FireMotor Vehicle Accident w/ EntrapmentSwift Water Rescue DrillConclusionOverall, for me, it was an eye-opening and learning experience being within the USAR Team. I've learned a lot during my time with them and hopefully, you, the reader have as well!

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - Ginger Street Structure Fire Ginger Street Structure Fire⠀Written by: Arnold AngelPublished: 20/12/2020 LITTLE SEOUL - A cloud of smoke enveloped the area of Little Seoul on the night of December 15th, 2020. At 22:23 on December 15th, 2020 the Los Santos Fire Department responded to 1068 Ginger Street for a reported structure fire. Quint-7 and RA-71 were dispatched to the call immediately. Incident Command was led by Firefighter II Leland Wilcox under the callsign Quint-7. Upon arrival, units declared an active fire coming from one of the rooms on the third floor. RA-71 was immediately assigned to attack the exterior, utilizing the aerial ladder and nozzle that Quint-7 is equipped with.A 360 walk around was completed making sure that the fire was contained with no threat to nearby power lines and buildings. RE-3 made arrival five minutes after Quint-7 and RA-71, the units were tasked with doing a primary search of the building as well as an interior fire attack, no residents were found inside. RA-72 made arrival within eight minutes of the initial dispatch call. RA-72 was tasked as the Rapid Intervention Team. Firefighters were able to fight off the flame, achieving a knockdown at 23:00 under the command of Firefighter II Wilcox.Joint operations between LSFD and LSSD provided a safe working area for the firefighters in the hustle and bustle of Little Seoul. LSSD provided traffic control. No injuries were called in the situation and firefighters managed to contain the fire within the apartment complex only having roof damage to two apartments on the third floor in the complex. Overhaul operations were underway immediately after knockdown with an active investigation.The cause of this fire remains under investigation. If you have any information related to the cause of the fire, contact the State Fire Marshal Field Office by calling 444.⠀Units Dispatched: Q-7, RA-71, RA-72, RE-3, PIO⠀

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - Firefighter Killed in Ambulance Crash Firefighter Killed in Ambulance Crash Written by: Alice MacCarthyPublished: 04/12/2020It is with profound sadness that the Los Santos Fire Department announces the death of Firefighter I/EMT Torstein Lindström, who passed away at a local hospital due to complications after he was involved in an on duty crash outside of Fire Station 3 on MacDonald Street in Davis. The passing of Firefighter Lindström saddens all LSFD employees deeply."I'm saddened to announce a line of duty death that occurred in the past couple of days. On the 27th of November, 2020. Firefighter Torstein Lindström was a promising young firefighter upcoming in the department and was held in high regard by his peers and supervisors." said LSFD Fire Chief Randy Sikes. "We are deeply saddened by his passing and are working with his family the best we can. We ask everyone to respect his family's privacy during this time."Lindström's death marks the fourth on duty death of 2020. The department asks that you respect all LSFD employees and Lindström's families privacy who are mourning the loss of their friend and beloved family member.

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - LSFD Runs The Marathon LSFD Runs The Marathon⠀Written by: Alice MacCarthyPublished: 01/12/2020 The Los Santos Fire Department had a busy weekend in terms of events and with Sunday bringing more charitable efforts from department employees. Despite a postponement earlier in the month due to weather complications and issues out of the organisers hands. Anna's charity run went ahead and onlookers watched as she ran the route in full duty SCBAs in the hot weather the city was treated to on Sunday.Earlier in the month we pushed a Press Release urging to donate to Anna's cause as she announced she was to run the second marathon in the year, hosted by the Nothern District Office in ex-Captain Laura Murphy's memory. Having raised $336,000 in July to support fire survival victims and their families as well as families of fallen firefighters. Anna Degtyarev at the LS Marathon in June alongside Brendan Vano As well as Anna, PR Director Alice MacCarthy and Fire Marshal Brendan Vano ran in ex-PR Director Freddy Mellet's memory after he died after a long battle with Lung cancer, an illness that more than two thirds of firefighters will develop in their lifetime compared to the twenty two percent of the general population.Spurred on by their choice to run in the marathon, they were joined by various other members of the State Fire Marshals including Chief Carlton Jones and Marshals Alejandro Delgado and Charles Zwiefelhofer. Cheered on by various Fire Department and Police Department employees present.While Alice and Brendan did not set out to raise any funds in Freddy's memory. Anna's charitable efforts raised $337,692 for the LSFD Foundation which will be split 50/50 between the foundation and the Hope Community Center in Little Seoul to go towards the amazing they work do every day to offer people a safe space to go to have a meal, a bed, free healthcare and emotional support. Which was the marathon's main charity. Alongside this, Alice celebrated coming second place in the marathon."The Los Santos Fire Department has always been a community focused department and agency, always wanting to give more and more back to the community they are employed and live in. Our firefighters, volunteers, civilian staff and interns pride themselves on serving their community with courage, integrity and pride. We take great pride in being a charitable department, taking part in events such as the marathon on Sunday, our community event fundraisers. In this day and age for Los Santos, this helps raise funds that provide vital aid to citizens and our department will continue to raise money for charity and never not put our community first. Me and Brendan have been friends since I first moved to Los Santos and joined the department and we were both close friends with Freddy so it felt only right to do this for Freddy. For both of us Freddy had major impacts in our lives and he will live on in everyones memories. Not just for myself and Brendan. But, the same goes for almost everyone in the Los Santos Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's, Freddy had a heart of gold and would give his all for everyone. He was an individual that kept on giving and he'll be sorely missed as a friend and family member by all of the Los Santos Fire Department." - Alice MacCarthy

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - LSFD ULSA Visit LSFD ULSA Visit⠀⠀Written by: Alice MacCarthyPublished: 30/11/2020 Over the last year, the Los Santos Fire Department as a department has made great strides to continue to educate the citizens of Los Santos on Fire Safety and how rewarding a career in Firefighting and Paramedics can be. In recent weeks the Los Santos Fire Department has been working closely with the Unversity Los Santos San Andreas to bring the knowledge to a younger audience, the University Students of Los Santos.The day started with the Department showcasing a selection of 10 of the departments vehicles. Ranging from COPTER-2 in AOD to USAR3 in USAR. Where students could see the vehicles up close and see what each rig is equipped with, ask questions about them and talk to the Firefighters themselves. USAR's K9 was on hand as well with Handler Kenneth Boyd and his partner Max as well as State Fire Marshal's joined the show with a selection of their own fleet to speak to students about the part they play in enforcing the Fire Code and educating about Fire Suppression. Aerial Operations occupied the Track field, offering Aerial ride alongs for Students who were interested. USAR prepares for their demonstration Afterwards, USAR convoyed to the main entrance of the ULSA campus and Captain Kurt Holland and Molly Steele began the highly anticipated demonstration, Captain Steele addressing the onlooking crowd with a megaphone as she explained what the Firefighters were doing, the scenario and what equipment was involved and the importance of the Firefighters being able to work together as newly inducted USAR member Kevin Dorsey was placed in position for the demonstration, a straight jump from the second floor balcony onto a Rescue Air Cushion (Or RAC) on the pathway below. With cheers from the crowd as the Captain announced his induction into the USAR Division.With clearance from the Vice Chancellor Charlotte Dunois, USAR also took Students under their wing. Speaking to them about the apparatus that was involved in the demonstration and offering them the opportunity to land onto the cushion, with cheers from their peers in the crowd as they watched them climb up the aerial ladder do the same.Disclaimer: All the students who came forward to partake in the demonstration were strapped into safety harnesses provided to them by USAR at all times and were asked to act sensibly.The event was finished with a speech from Deputy Chief Nicole Schneider in the lecture, speaking fondly about her time in the Los Santos Fire Department and how students could involve themselves further in the department, speaking about future careers, ride alongs and the Departments new internships with Public Relations. Speaking about future plans to work with the University and Diversify this in the future and took questions from StudentsPublic Relations Alice MacCarthy closed off with a final word, speaking about the importance of community;"I just want to thank you all for your attendence today. It warms my heart as the PR Director for the department to see such a turnout to our events as, they would not be allowed to happen without you guys. We do these events for you, the Los Santos Community. To the department, community matters a lot and as you've seen today, the Department is made up of entirely dedicate individuals who are committed to their community, from our Firefighters, Volunteers, Civilian Staff and Interns. It wouldn't it wouldn't happen without them etheir. Every member of the department, whether from Los Santos or further afield. Loves and adores the community they live in. I would lastly like to thank Doctor Dunois for facilitating this event today, without her. We could not have delivered this event to you guys and her help as well in setting up the internship programme. I'd also like to thank Captain Molly Steele and Captain Kurt Holland of USAR for taking their time to plan the demonstration you saw out in the green. They planned this in a week and my team in PR also planned this event in a week. So thank you guys for your continued commitment to the Los Santos Community and again thank you for inviting us to your campus."Event Photo Gallery: Aerial Operations on the track field offering Students Ridealongs Chief Fire Marshal Carlton Jones and Deputy Chief Nicole Schneider Deputy Chief Nicole Schneider and Engineer Anna Degtyarev State Fire Marshals joined in, talking to Students about the State Fire Marshals Office

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - LSFD Marathon Participant LSFD Marathon Participant Written by: Alice MacCarthyPublished: 18/11/2020 The Los Santos Fire Department prides itself of being made of individuals who love their community and are always committed to finding every way they can give back to their community. Back in June, Engineer Anna Degtyarev ran her first marathon in aid of the LS Fire Foundation. Raising $336,000 to help support victims of fires and their families as well as families of fallen firefighters. Running in her full duty SCBA and turnouts. All in memory of ex-department Captain Laura Murphy who died in the line of duty, serving the Los Santos Fire Department. Anna Degtyarev at the LS Marathon in June Now she's back to run in the Northern District Marathon this coming Sunday on 22nd back in her full gear and eager to raise even more money for charity.⠀"As with the previous LS Marathon in June from the Kortz centre to the Del Perro Pier, I'll be running Sunday's race in full turnouts and SCBA for charity. I'll be collecting donations for the LSFD Foundation, a charity that helps provide support to the victims of fires and their families, as well as to the families of fallen firefighters. Again, I'll be running the race in memory of Captain Laura Murphy, a firefighter who was lost in the line of duty, and someone we all miss dearly."If you'd like to donate to Anna's fundraising efforts, the full information is on our website and from all of us at the Los Santos Fire Department, we wish Anna luck and we hope you'll join us there to cheer her on!(( to donate /banktransfer Anna Degtyarev - All money transferred will be /charity'd and screenshots will be posted in the concluded Press Release ))

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - Sandy Shores Motel Fire Sandy Shores Motel Fire⠀⠀Written by: Arnold AngelPublished: 08/NOV/2020 Citizens of Sandy Shores were awoken with an early Halloween spook while firefighters tamed the beast of a fire on the motel on Algonquin Boulevard.At 9:48 PM on October 30, 2020, the Los Santos Fire Department received a dispatch call in regards to a structure fire at 21 Algonquin Boulevard in the town of Sandy Shores. A quick response from the department involved the department's volunteer apparatus at Station Four. Arriving units declared a working fire from the roof of the Motel, entering into numerous rooms of the complex. The motel was quickly evacuated. Firefighters began an exterior attack with the forceful instruction of, Captain II Leonardo Holman. Over the span of 60 minutes crews were able to drown the fire. The State Fire Marshals were on scene to begin the investigation of the cause, finding it to be an electrical fire caused by a telephone pole wire making contact.An official 'knockdown' was declared an hour and forty-five minutes after units had arrived on the scene. This is the second time an incident has erupted at the motel in Sandy Shores. Just earlier this month on October 18th, 2020, a fire was reported at 8:10 PM. Battalion Chief Roxie Bauer took the helm of the incident, under her command was Engine 4 and RA-71 as Fire Attack 1. Engine 71 and USAR 3 as Fire Attack 2. Quint 7 on Roof with RB-31 and RA-32 as medical. The partial collapse of the roof turned the offensive attack into a defensive with an official knockdown called at 10:16 PM. The incident was investigated by the State Fire Marshals with the cause being related to a burnt cigarette.No civilians were injured and one Firefighter was taken to Mount Zonah with minor burns. ⠀

LOS SANTOS FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE - Meet The Employee: Molly Steele Meet the Employee: Molly Steele⠀⠀Written by: Alice MacCarthyPublished: 27/10/2020The Los Santos Fire Department is made up of a dedicated team of employees who serve Los Santos and surrounding areas with courage, integrity and pride every day of their lives. Over the next couple of months you'll be able to learn a bit more about the individuals that give it their all to keep you safe and well.This week, Public Relations sat down with Station Three's Captain Molly Steele of USAR Task Force 3. Molly talks to us about her motivations for joining the Los Santos Fire Department, what she enjoys about the work and advice for those looking to become a firefighter. Interview Transcript⠀ ⠀ What made you want to be a Firefighter and join the Los Santos Fire Department? "Prior to 2011 I worked for San Andreas Medical Services, frequently staging for fire calls, my adrenaline fanatic personality coupled with my love of helping others, gave me the desire to get involved. I wanted to be inside the fire, I wanted the adrenaline of fighting the fire from inside and the overall sense of achievement once the fire is out and the people are saved. Truth be told it just seemed more 'bad-ass'." What motivates you in your job role or in the department in general? "Once the fire is out the world is a better place. It's a compulsive need to do what ever possible to put that fire out, to rescue the people. That's both literally and figuratively speaking; the same applies to mountain rescues, high angle rope operations and other high octane incidents. I guess you could say it's an adrenaline- junkies high, to be in an extremely dangerous situation - yet we do it to save a life, and that's the best feeling there is. So every minute of everyday is spent working towards that goal; train train and train! It motivates me to work knowing that what I and my fellow Firefighters do will contribute to saving a life." How do you deal with the day-today stress of the job, being a Firefighter? "I focus on the bigger goal of the fire service to save lives and protect property, and as a Captain that's a goal I share with my fellow Firefighters. You don't think about the stress if you're constantly 'on the go', whether that be training or responding to calls - that's why it's important to have time to 'unwind', this may be just hanging out with your fellow Firefighters around the table or spending time by yourself; reading, watching TV, cooking...etc. Personally I spend my time planning, both on and off duty. I watch training videos, I read the paper to learn about all the new developments in our city, I walk different places and drive different roads. I like to do a lot of research into our area and also discover different techniques in fire and rescue. This knowledge improves mine and others work in the field, while also helping me to unwind from the stress." Whats your favourite part of working for the Los Santos Fire Department? "The low frequency high risk calls and training - tower rescues, dive calls, cave searches and also structure fires. I'd be lying if I didn't say we're adrenaline junkies and better yet we're saving a life - what can be better than that? There's also the comradery and social spirit; it's a strong bond that no other work environment has." Whats any advice you'd give to someone who wants to join the Los Santos Fire Department? "Be a sponge - soak up as much as you can. Ask questions, attend training, ride along, try things out, make mistakes and just keep developing yourself." ⠀ ⠀