Tag: Santa Monica Fire Department

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, January 28, it was announced by the city of Santa Monica that the Fire Department launched Community Connect, a forward-thinking preparedness tool that makes available critical and detailed information, such as floor plans, whether pets are in the home, or medical needs to first responders in the event of an emergency.

By tapping into the detailed knowledge of residents and business owners, Community Connect makes the city’s emergency response more efficient and also focuses on the safety of Santa Monica community members, making it an invaluable asset for a safer community.

The project is a collaboration with First Due, the leading developer in fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) software.

“Community Connect is a vital piece of technology that provides first responders with critical information regarding your residence or business,” said Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock. “The information residents and business owners input allows first responders to make strategic and tactical decisions enroute to an emergency. Having information such as specific floor plans, pets, or specialized medical needs will assist responders in those critical moments when every second matters.”

Residents and businesses can create comprehensive profiles ahead of an emergency that provides critical information to fire departments. The information provided is completely voluntary and confidential.

Community Connect prioritizes the safety and privacy of its users by implementing a bank-level security system. The information put into Community Connect is strictly utilized for emergency response and planning purposes.

For more details about Community Connect and to create a profile, visit www.santamonica.gov/departments/fire.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, November 4, the city of Santa Monica reported that the Santa Monica Fire Department extinguished a blaze that happened on Bay Street.

The SMFD reported at 1:37 a.m. they responded to reports of multiple palm trees on fire that spread to one nearby structure on Bay Street.

An infant was assessed for smoke inhalation and not transported. Fire crews were able to extinguish the flames within 25 minutes of the first 911 call. All occupants in the nearby structure had self-evacuated prior to the Fire Department arriving.

Crews experienced high winds during the call and worked to prevent the fire from spreading. They remained on scene for over an hour to ensure the area was safe for residents to return. Residents were allowed back to their homes by 3 a.m.

There were no reports of any injuries during the fire. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department. Anyone with details about the incident can contact the police department at 310-458-8491.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On October 21, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office identified the name of the lone victim of a DUI fatality that occurred at Santa Monica Beach on October 17, near the Santa Monica Pier.

On Thursday, October 17, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Harbor officers were flagged down in the vicinity of the 1400 block of Beach to assist with a 2015 Infiniti SUV that appeared to be stuck in the sand. Upon further investigation, responding officers found an unresponsive female lodged beneath the SUV. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Friday, October 18, SMPD officers released the following statement regarding the death:
“Officers located an unconscious female, believed to be homeless, wedged beneath the vehicle,” the police statement said. “Despite their efforts to reach the victim and provide aid, the Santa Monica Fire Department determined the victim was deceased at the scene. Using SMFD resources, the vehicle was lifted [up] and the victim was extricated.”

The following information came directly from the October 17, SMPD press release:

“The SMPD Major Accident Response Team (MART) remained on the scene investigating the incident. The LA County Coroner’s Office has been notified and will be responding. As this investigation is ongoing, the victim has not been identified.”

The driver, a 21-year-old male, later identified as Yuyang Sun, was reportedly driving in circles on the sand on the beach at a high rate of speed when he ran over the victim, who is believed to be an unhoused female.

Following a DUI investigation, Sun was arrested and preliminarily charged with:

23152 (a) VC – Driving under the influence
23105 VC – Reckless Driving
191.5 (a) – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact the Watch Commander’s desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, October 8, the city of Santa Monica posted on its Facebook page that there will be an Open House at Fire Station 1 on Saturday, October 12.

The event is part of Fire Prevention Week. The event is open to all Santa Monica residents from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fire Station 1 (1337 7th St.). Participants can meet local firefighters, tour the station and learn how to keep their home safe.

This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” The American Red Cross will be there with free smoke alarms for the community.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Santa Monica contact the Santa Monica Fire Department at (310) 458-8761. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit www.fpw.org.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, October 8, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Lieutenant, Erika Aklufi, gave Canyon News an update on the investigation of the Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred on October 5.  

The following came directly from the SMPD update:

Santa Monica, CA – On Saturday, October 5, 2024, at approximately 5:21 PM, one of our officers was the victim of an unprovoked attack in front of the police station. A male in his 30s stabbed the officer several times before being shot by the officer.

The subject died at the scene. While the investigation into this incident is still ongoing, the identity of the subject has been confirmed as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, DOB: 03/03/1996, a resident of New York State.

Halaibeh’s current housing status is unknown. He has no criminal history in California and no prior contact with the Santa Monica Police Department. Halaibeh is suspected of committing a robbery at the Target store at 420 Broadway in the city minutes before the attack at the police station.

At approximately 5:16 PM a  SMPD Downtown Services Unit officer was flagged down by store security about a robbery that just occurred. An employee of the store was pushed to the ground and a box of kitchen knives [were] taken by a male subject who fled the area. The box was later found abandoned with one knife missing. This knife, an 8” chef’s knife, was used by the subject when he accosted the officer.

Anyone with information about this individual or incident is asked to contact Detective Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458- 8427.”

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, September 26, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that two free community events and various activities emphasizing the importance of working smoke alarms will be hosted by the Santa Monica Fire Department during Fire Prevention Week October 6-12.

The planned community events reflect this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you” and the Santa Monica Fire Department partners this year with the American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — to stress the importance of working smoke alarms in the home.

According to the NFPA, smoke alarms decrease the risk of fatality in a home fire by 54 percent. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Santa Monica Fire Marshal Joe Cavin. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”

The SMFD also offers key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

-Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (such as a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

-Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

-Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”

In addition to learning about safety tips and guidelines, the Santa Monica community is invited to participate in Fire Prevention Week events and activities, including:

-Sunday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Sign up for free smoke alarm installation at the Santa Monica Main Street Farmers Market. The Fire Department will provide information on how to sign up with the American Red Cross. Come learn about this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you” and enjoy giveaways during the popular Main Street market at 2640 Main St.

-Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m.: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation at Santa Monica City Hall.  The City Council will proclaim Oct. 6-12 as Fire Prevention Week at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main St.

-Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Open House at Fire Station 1. Participants can get a close-up view to a working fire station. The Fire Department is teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide free smoke alarms installations. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Sound the Alarm program with the American Red Cross. All ages welcome. Fire Station 1 is located at 1337 7th St.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Santa Monica contact the Santa Monica Fire Department at (310) 458-8761. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit www.fpw.org.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Fire Department is holding a remembrance on Wednesday, September 11 in honor the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001.

Each year the Santa Monica Fire Department conducts a brief and solemn ceremony to commemorate National Day of Service and Remembrance. The public is invited to join in honoring the lives that were lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of communities across the country.

“National Day of Service and Remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the strength we find in coming together as a community. As we remember the events of Sept. 11, let us also honor the enduring spirit of service and commitment that emerged from that day,” the SMFD indicated I a statement.

The public and neighbors of Santa Monica’s fire stations, are asked to attend at any of the three fire stations listed below, promptly at 6:45 a.m. The ceremony is approximately 20 minutes. The remembrance will take place on Wednesday, September 11. At Station 1, 1337 7th St.; Station 2, 222 Hollister Avenue and Station 3, 1302 19th St.

An artifact from the Ground Zero site resides in Fire Station 1 (1337 7th St.), just outside the Santa Monica Fire Department’s community room and is open for viewing by the public during normal business hours. For more information, visit www.santamonica.gov/events/9-11-remembrance-ceremony.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, May 6, the city of Santa Monica announced that the Santa Monica Fire Department will host a community celebration May 11 for Fire Service Day at Fire Station 1.

Open house activities for families and children include:

-Exploring fire engines and the ladder truck

-Fire station tours with firefighters

-Hands-only CPR and important emergency preparedness information with American Red Cross

-Stop the Bleed education in partnership with University of California, Los Angeles

The event will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1337 7th Street.

During the year, the SMFD offers outreach programs, including fire station tours, fire engine visits, and education on fire and life safety topics. The event offers an additional and unique opportunity to meet local firefighters and learn about what they do through a hands-on experience.

Fire Station 1 serves the downtown core and is Santa Monica’s most active station with 7,430 calls for service received in 2023. Fire Station 1 houses the department’s largest equipment, including its ladder truck, which will be on display for Fire Service Day.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced on its website that the Santa Monica Fire Department will host the swearing-in ceremony for Fire Chief Matthew Hallock on Wednesday, March 27. The event begins at 11 a.m. inside Fire Station 1, 1337 7th St.

Deputy Fire Chief Tom Clemo will open the ceremony followed by a presentation of colors by SMFD Department’s Honor Guard. An invocation will be led by fire department chaplain Josh Young followed by remarks from retired Santa Monica Fire Chief Ettore Berandinelli.

Interim City Clerk Nikima Newsome will perform the swearing-in ceremony followed by a badge pinning by Hallock’s wife, Cheryl.

Chief Hallock will give remarks to close the ceremony, followed by a reception where light refreshments will be served.

The event will be live-streamed and available for viewing on Santa Monica’s YouTube channel here.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, January 25, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that Matthew Hallock was appointed to become the new chief of the Santa Monica Fire Department, City Manager David White disclosed. He comes to the area from the city of Monterey Park, where he has served as fire chief since 2020.

Hallock has over 24 years of experience in public safety and emergency response, starting his fire service career as a reserve firefighter in 1994, then returning as a firefighter in 2002 and rising through the ranks. He has experience working in the private sector, spending four years as an emergency preparedness planner at Southern California Edison.

As chief in Monterey Park, he led his department and the community through the pandemic, as well as the shooting at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio.

“Chief Hallock showed outstanding leadership and compassion during his tenure in Monterey Park, shepherding the fire department and the entire community through two major crises,” said White. “And with his vast experience in emergency preparedness and response, I am confident he will be a tremendous asset to our city leadership team.”

Hallock replaces Interim Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe, who has held the acting role since September 2023.

“Santa Monica is known for its commitment to community safety, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the exceptional Fire Department team,” said Hallock. “I look forward to building upon the department’s strong foundation and working collaboratively with our community to ensure the highest level of emergency services.”

Hallock has a master’s degree in public policy and administration from California State University, Long Beach and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program through the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy. He will begin his position on Monday, February 12, where he will earn a yearly salary of $303,588.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Cathy Taylor, the Fire Prevention Coordinator for the city of Santa Monica indicated in an email to Canyon News that the Santa Monica Fire Department will be raising awareness about cooking safety for Fire Prevention Week, October 8 thru October 14 with free community events and activities along with hosting a proclamation at the October 10 City Council meeting.

“I cannot emphasize enough the critical importance of fire prevention when it comes to cooking. Santa Monica has had a total of 378 fires from October 2022 to October 2023.  Cooking related fires are among the most common causes of residential fires, and they can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and emotional trauma,” said Fire Marshal Joe Cavin. “The use of open flames, hot cooking surfaces, and flammable materials means that a momentary lapse in attention or a small mistake can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.”

A cooking fire can grow quickly and is one of the most common household fires that can be prevented. Santa Monica Fire Department’s key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire include:

-Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking, and if you need to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove or oven.

-Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

-Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

-Have a “kid and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

-Keep a clear workspace. Ensure that there are no flammable materials such as dish towels, paper towels, or curtains near the cooking area.

-Use appropriate cookware. Choose cookware with tight-fitting lids to prevent grease fires, and always keep a lid nearby to smother a potential fire.

-Be cautious with oils and fats. When frying food, use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature, and never overheat it. If grease catches fire, do not use water to extinguish it; use a fire extinguisher or cover it with a lid.

-Install smoke alarms. Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms in or near the kitchen, as they can provide early warning in case of a fire.

-Have a fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires within easy reach and know how to use it.

-Educate family members. Teach your family members about fire safety in the kitchen, including how to respond in case of a fire.

A series of free community events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign include:

-Sunday, October 8, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Cooking Safety at Santa Monica Main Street Farmers Market. The Fire Department will provide information and giveaways during the popular Main Street market. Located at 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404

-Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Fire Prevention Storytime at Fairview Library: Santa Monica Fire Inspector Engineer Reyes will read for a special story time and participants will have the opportunity to see a fire engine up close. The event is accessible to all, the library’s self-service Open+ Access is not required for entry. Fairview Library is located at 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

-Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 5:30 p.m. Fire Prevention Week Proclamation at Santa Monica City Hall. Mayor Davis and the City Council will proclaim October 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week during the City Council Regular Meeting. Santa Monica City Hall is located at 1685 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

-Saturday, October 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Open House at Fire Station 1: Participants can get a close-up view to a working fire station. Fire department personnel will provide cooking safety tips and information on preventing household fires. All ages welcome. Fire Station 1 is located at 1337 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Fire Prevention Week dates back to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the goal is to educate individuals to be vigilant when it comes to fire prevention. Fire Prevention Week is a partnership with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s campaign, “Cooking Safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” The campaign works to educate people about simple, important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Santa Monica please contact the Santa Monica Fire Department at 310-458-8761. For additional details about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced on its website on Monday, August 14th, that Wolfgang Knabe will become the interim Fire Chief. Knabe’s appointment comes after the departure of current Fire Chief Danny Alvarez who will leave his position on August 31st. Knabe has over 43 years of fire department service. He recently retired as the Fullerton/Brea Fire Chief in 2018, after serving Fullerton beginning in 2005, and both cities since 2011 after they merged into one department.

He served as the Santa Monica interim Fire Chief from June 2021 through February 2022, before serving stints as the interim Fire Chief for Manhattan Beach from July 2020 through June 2021, and as the interim Deputy Fire Chief for the city of Beverly Hills from March 2022 through August 2022.

“Chief Knabe’s decades of leadership, knowledge about the Santa Monica Fire Department, and extensive relationships throughout the region will be invaluable during this transition,” said City Manager David White. “I’m grateful to have him return as the City’s interim Fire Chief to ensure our Fire Department has a strong leader while continuing to provide excellent service to our community.”

Knabe’s career started with the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1980 after a tour of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. He served the LAFD for 22 years before becoming the Fire Chief for San Luis Obispo from 2002 through 2005.

Chief Knabe served as a Reserve Police Officer with the LAPD for 16 years, including 7 years assigned to the department’s SWAT Team.

“I’ve worked first-hand with the incredible women and men of the Santa Monica Fire Department and hope to continue the great work of Chief Alvarez,” Knabe said. “I am looking forward to ensuring that the needs of the department and the community are met as the City searches for a new fire chief.”

He will lead a team of 137 firefighters and staff and manage a budget of $54,447,926. Knabe’s first day on the job will be Friday, September 1st.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, August 2nd, Santa Monica City Manager David White announced the departure of Fire Chief Danny Alvarez. Alvarez has led the Santa Monica Fire Department since February 2022. His last day with the city will be August 31, 2023. He will transition to the Burbank Fire Department serving as the Fire Chief there.

“Our Fire Department has accomplished so many incredible things under Chief Alvarez’s leadership,” said White. “I will miss working with Chief Alvarez, but I’m happy his career has come full circle and he’s going back home to his Burbank fire family as their top leader.”

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the Santa Monica Fire Chief and work alongside the dedicated staff of the Santa Monica Fire Department, who serve our community with the utmost professionalism and compassion,” said Chief Danny Alvarez. “Santa Monica is a beautiful city and a wonderful community. I am incredibly grateful for all the friendships and professional relationships I have developed with members of our community, City staff, and members of the Fire Department.”

Achievement accomplished by the SMFD during Chief’s Alvarez’s tenure include the following:

-Developed the Santa Monica Fire Department’s first strategic plan

-Received recertification for Class 1 rating with the Insurance Service Organization for outstanding fire protection; Class 1 is the highest rating that can be awarded to any fire department nationwide

-Established a formal Fire Department diversity, equity, and inclusion work group

-Initiated the NARCAN leave-behind program as part of the City’s continued efforts to reduce deaths associated with opioid overdoses

-Completed the construction of a new training facility

-Added grant-funded automated LUCAS CPR devices to all front-line apparatus; These devices increase blood flow to the brain by up to 60 percent compared to manual CPR.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Captain Patrick McNulty, Public Information Officer for the Santa Monica Fire Department indicated in an email to Canyon News that on Sunday, April 2, they received multiple 911 calls at 10:39 a.m. of a structure fire at 1011 4th Street in the Wilmont Neighborhood.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in one unit on the first floor of a three-story apartment complex. Firefighters attacked the fire while simultaneously searching adjacent units to ensure no occupants were trapped. Three residents and one dog were forced to jump into the swimming pool to escape the blaze prior to the fire departments arrival.

Within 20 minutes, the fire was extinguished before it spread to the units above and was confined to the first-floor unit where the fire originated.

Due to the size and complexity of the apartment complex and the potential for fire spread and trapped occupants, the SMFD requested resources from LAFD to assist along with help from Santa Monica Public Safety Communications, Santa Monica Police, Building & Safety, and McCormick Ambulance. There were no injuries to residents or first responders, and no residents were displaced as a result of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation by SMFD investigators.

By Donald