I am always looking for a Fort-Thomas-centric topic
to feature in the “5 Things to Know” article. 
A topic that all residents are aware of, and all residents could benefit
from learning more about.  The Fort
Thomas Fire Department is the perfect topic to focus on.  These fearless protectors of our city are
rarely acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.  I wanted to feature them in an article to
educate our readers on our fire department, and also show our appreciation for
the selfless work they do all year.

 I contacted
Captain Steve Lumpp to research, interesting, and lesser known facts about the
Fort Thomas Fire Department.  Captain
Lumpp responded, “Here are our five things, there are so many things to share
it is difficult to pick out just five!”

Here is some insight into the work and training that
our firefighters undergo to be called the FTFD:

  1. Almost
    two-thirds of all fire deaths were in homes without working smoke
    detectors or no detectors (source: NFPA).  Be sure to change your batteries in your
    smoke detector when you change your clocks and replace your smoke detector
    every 10 years.

  2. The Fort
    Thomas Fire Department responds to approximately 1800 incidents a year. Last year, 2011, we responded to 538
    fire related incidents and 1347 emergency medical incidents.

  3. At the Fire
    Department, there is a Chief who is also a Paramedic, a Part-Time
    Administrative Assistant, and 18 Full-Time personnel divided into three
    24-hour shifts. On each shift, there is a Captain Firefighter/Paramedic, a
    Lieutenant Firefighter/Paramedic (or EMT),
    and 4 Firefighter/Paramedics.

  4. Every
    Firefighter initially completes a minimum of 400 hours of training in
    various fire and rescue topics and then a minimum of 100 hours in fire and
    rescue training every year. Additionally, for the medical aspect, they
    complete a 150 hour Emergency Medical Technician course and Paramedics complete
    an 1100 hour course in Paramedicine. They also complete a minimum of 60
    hours of continuing education every 2 years.

  5. Besides
    Fire/EMS incidents and
    training, the Fire Department also has a multitude of other
    responsibilities such as fire inspections/consultations, hydrant testing/maintenance
    (twice a year), equipment maintenance/calibration/testing, fire prevention
    classes/tours/activities, fire investigations, community CPR/First Aid
    classes, burn permits, and many other activities involved in being ready
    for emergency responses and fire prevention.

The Fort Thomas Fire
Department is filled with dedicated people from top to bottom.  They do not request praise or thanks; their
primary fuel is providing a comfort blanket over the city.  They are there for you whenever you need them;
in Captain Lumpp’s words, “No matter what the problem is, never be afraid to
call the Fire Department. We respond to any and all types of calls at any hour
of the day!”

To meet your fire
department personnel click here.  If you see one of these men or women around
town, be sure to thank them for everything they do.

Do you have a topic for
a future “5 Things to Know” feature? 
Leave your suggestions in the comments below or on the FTM Facebook page.