W. Burke

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269
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October 10, 2023
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Burke

About W. Burke

Commissioner, Shiloh County ERT

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Commissioner William Burke

Chief Director of Emergency Management, Shiloh County Emergency Response Team.

DOB: 1972-12-09

Commissioner Burke started with Shiloh County Fire Department in 1989, as an EMT on the ambulance service. Throughout his time on the ambulance, he completed the fire services exam and was certified as a firefighter with the department. After two years as a firefighter, he transferred to the Fire Marshall's office to do investigations and preparedness training. During this time, he was seconded to the newly formed County ERT. During this secondment, Burke helped develop what would later become the SCFD command structure and the combination of all departments into into one county fire agency.

He left the fire department in 1994 to pursue full time with the ERT, as their director of emergency preparedness. With the rapid growth of the county and the changing needs, preparedness resulted in a larger operations center, as well as a larger ERT. In 2005, after modernization, Burke was promoted to Assistant Commissioner, continuing with his portfolio, but also assuming the role of director of communications.

In 2008, Burke was promoted to Commissioner of the Shiloh County ERT, and Chief director of Emergency Management. Right now, the SCERT employs 84 full time employees, with an additional 42 seasonal full time and part time employees.

Commissioner Burke is married to Elizabeth Burke, with two children, aged 19 and 15, Maria and Noah.
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Shooting Incident Call Number 09222023-02

Started by R. Martin · September 22, 2023

AVAILABLE SHERIFF UNITS. TRULIT GARDENS, BROAD AND SOUTH 13TH, SHOOTING INCIDENT JUST OCCURRED. UNKNOWN FURTHER, CALLER DISCONNECTED.
Time: 1150 Weather: Clear

The 911 ling rings, and I pick it up. I can hear gunfire over the line as a man starts yelling into the phone.
"911, What's the location of the emergency?"
"Trulit Gardens! They shooting out here!"
"Is anyone injured?"
"I don't fucking know! Stop asking me all these fucking questions and get the police out here!"
"How many people are shooting?"
"I told you to stop with all these stupid fucking questions and get them here!"
**CLICK**

The line disconnects, and I type into the CAD notes that the caller hung up before I start trying to call him back. No answer. I can hear the sheriff's dispatcher across the room toning the call out over the dispatch channels. I keep retrying the number, hoping he'll pick up.
Kimberley Flooding Disaster Aid

Started by W. Burke · August 3, 2023

Timewarped assistance, ERT activation with call up of SC Resources to aid with disaster aftermath including search and rescue, and flood mitigation efforts. Also a great place to work on some character stuff.

Pulling into Kimberley, I flick the lights of my SUV while approaching the roadblock. The SAR volunteer moves the roadblock out of the way and I only slow to a safe speed while passing, instead of making the full stop. I reach down and turn off the lights as I make my way to the unified command post at the school parking lot to check in. Thank god we don't have the KVFD any more.
I park my unmarked behind the satcomm vehicle, making care not to block in the white Tahoe used by our dispatchers for their commute. Something about paying extra to drive to Kimberly from home, instead of from the office. Should be time for them to leave soon, and return to the headquarters building. I make a mental note to buy a second one, as now we've got two staff cars tied up for dispatchers to commute, since we can't leave the command post without a radioman, and we can't expect them to teleport. And the county board wouldn't approve a helo transport twice daily. I look in the mirror as I get out and see the white mininvan that serves as 50-84 pulling down the road. Looks like the relief has arrived for the radioman too.
Stepping out of the car, I lean in and grab my hat. While still a class C uniform, the ERT uniform still looks significantly more formal than most others with our white shirts, and the five gold rows of braid on my shoulders doesn't help. I pull on my hat and look around at the scene. It's still early, so there's mostly just the overnight staff holding down operations. There's very few missing people, and realistically, they probably aren't rescues at this point.
The flooding of the river into Acadia Bay took out most of the main road through town, damaged most buildings, and ruined most farms. Not to mention the damage to the route 40 heading out of county. The underdevelopment of the area contributed to the majority of the damage. The rest of the county, the damage was mostly minor. Not here. Most the trucks in the base area are ERT, with 1201 as main command, 1203 working as the personnel manager, coordinating check ins and quartermastery. That's about all that the old van is big enough for. Its diminutive size is only made more apparent with the large transport truck parked next to it. Behind 1201, hooked directly into it is our satcomm vehicle, 1206, ensuring that we still have connections to all data streams while the providers try to fix the mess the floods made. The only other vehicles in the command staging area, aside from mine, are the ones driven by the senior agency representatives from Sheriff, Fire and of course ERT. Oh and the most important vehicle, 50-01, the ERT's coffee and food truck, or officially, its "rehab unit." Everyone else has to park over in staging area in the next lot over. That lot is a more diverse grouping of vehicles, including the SCFD's marine truck, the ERT's various support vehicles, SCSD, local police and other fire apparatus, most of which look to be "reserve" trucks staffed by firefighters, sheriffs, medics and EMTs, and police officers all on overtime.
I poke my head into 1203, check in and make my way over to command to get the briefing from last night.
Shiloh County Emergency Services Upgrading and Maintaining Fleet Despite Supply Challenges

Started by P. Wentz · January 13, 2023

For Immediate Release
FORT SHANNON -- The Shiloh County Emergency Response Team, with its partner First Response Agencies is proud to announce that ,despite supply chain issues resulting in many departments being unable to purchase new equipment, we are continuing to provide emergency protection to the citizens of Shiloh County with only the highest quality of equipment.
The SCFD has successfully acquired a new fleet of first line and support emergency vehicles, including a state-of-the-art Tractor Drawn Aerial, to be placed in front line service in Fort Shannon North, as well as several fast response Rescue Squads, placed throughout the county. These vehicles will replace aging fleet equipment, and the vehicles they are replacing will either be placed into back up service for the department, or provided to other agencies who do not have the ability to purchase similar equipment. Additionally, support service vehicles, including officer response vehicles for the Fire Marshal's office, as well as safety and other support officers have been and are being equipped for service.
In a joint partnership between the SCFD, Delmore Airport, and the ERT, we are proud to announce the acquisition of a Rosenbaurer Panther 4x4 Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Truck, which will only go to improve safety for airport users.
The SCFD, which is also one of the largest EMS providers within the county will be upgrading several of their vehicles as well, including new rapid paramedic response vehicles and support services vehicles.
And the Shiloh County Sheriff's Department, following the merger last year with two other city departments has undertaken a fleet modernization plan as well, working to replace front line service vehicles in the older jurisdiction of Fort Shannon, as well as the absorbed units from Delmore and Oxnard.

The Emergency Response Team is proud to work on these issues and keep our citizens safe.
Line of Duty Death Funeral - SCFD Lieutenant Nicholas White

Started by ERT-RPG · October 2, 2022

LODD Funeral - SCFD Involved Collision which killed Lt. Nick White, returning from a structure fire
Date: October 13, 2022
Location: Church of Saint Michael of the Saints, funeral procession to continue to Fort Shannon Roman Catholic Cemetery with interment to follow.
This event occurs Timewarped, following the autopsy of the fallen. Full dress uniform is expected for those attending from an agency. SCFD Engine 1 has been taken out of service and replaced with a spare to be used as a funeral escort.
Fire Department Involved MVA

Started by A. Tai · September 5, 2022

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, BAY STREET AND SOUTH NINTH STREET, FORT SHANNON. ENGINE 1, LADDER 1, RESCUE 1, UNIT 22, DEPUTY 1, MEDIC 1, MEDIC 2, MEDIC 43, MEDIC 42, OFFICER 1, EDO-1. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, BAY STREET AND SOUTH NINTH STREET, FORT SHANNON. ENGINE 1, LADDER 1, RESCUE 1, UNIT 22, DEPUTY 1, MEDIC 1, MEDIC 2, MEDIC 43, MEDIC 42, OFFICER 1, EDO-1. BAY STREET AND SOUTH NINTH STREET FOR MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
SCSD TRAFFIC UNITS IN AREA OF FORT SHANNON SOUTH RIVER, RESPOND TO FIRE DEPARTMENT INVOLVED MVA, POSSIBLE FATALITIES, BAY STREET AND SOUTH NINTH STREET.
Listening to the radio traffic, I hear that the fire in South River is starting to clear up, some of the extra apparatus are leaving the scene, RIT, Logistics, and ladder 14. I mark the units as returned to service and adjust the timers for RIT and Logistics as they're well outside of their regular run. A few minutes pass and the phone rings.
"911 Where is your emergency."
"One of your trucks just like did a flip."
"Okay sir, I need you to confirm your location."
"I'm on Bay Street, right by the end of the park. I don't know, I think ninth?"
I confirm on the ALI that this looks like the right location. "Sir, what do you mean one of our trucks did a flip?"
"A Fire Truck, like with a ladder"
"Okay, sir, I'm sending emergency services, is the truck upright?"
"No, it's like, not totally upside down, but you know, it's really bad. There's a guy just hanging out of the door. I think he's dead."
My heart drops. I start to give instructions for him to check on the scene, and while I wait for him to get there, I key the mic for the radio. "Ladder 14, ERT." Nothing. "Ladder 14." Still no answer. That's our involved truck.
I tone out the incident, and assign an upgraded alarm, sending extra resources to the scene, as well as notifying Aylward.
Apparatus Garage, Helipad and Store Rooms

Started by ERT-RPG · August 13, 2022

Located on the main floor, the ERT apparatus garage houses many of the team's large response vehicles, as well as some other equipment. Reinforced in nature, and elevated in height, the garage also supports the helipad, which serves as a landing point for ERT Helo-1. Although capable of landing helicopters, the ERT does not maintain a regular base for helicopters, and serves only as a landing/staging pad. On sides of the garage not used for egress, there are store rooms for various equipment, such as medical, janitorial or mechanical. The helicopter has a similar storage room.
ERT Restructuring

Started by W. Burke · May 2, 2022

For Immediate Release
Office of the Chief Director of Emergency Management, Shiloh County

Following consultations with our responder agencies, and review of after-action reports, the ERT will be modernizing and realigning the internal structure. The following changes will be made within the ERT's Emergency Response Division.
The office of the Shift Commander will be retitled as Support Coordinator, and will continue oversight of responsible teams.
The ERT HAZMAT Task Force, and Position of ERT Safety officer will be merged into one position, providing safety and hazmat support throughout the county. This position will be a ranked lieutenant, and will work work with the various HAZMAT teams within the county, as well as provide access to the ERT County Decon Trailer.
The Mobile command and operations team will be reorganized to the Incident Command Support Team, providing access to personnel and equipment for incident command support b emergency response agencies within the ERT's mandate. These supports will include, but are not limited to the mobile Incident Command Posts (ICPs), personnel, computer and communications equipment and staging sites.
The Active Shooter Task Force will continue in its role, however will be responsible for deployment of rescue task forces, to aid first response special operations in active shooters, as well as to coordinate between the various response agencies required. The ASTF Coordinator will continue to be a sworn law enforcement member. The ERT will be purchasing and outfitting a specialized tactical medical support vehicle, to accompany tactical deployments.
The Mass Casualty Task Force will be merged into the Logistics and Mutual Aid Support.
The Logistics and Mutual Aid Support division will be reorganized within the new Support division, along with the position of quartermaster. The mutual aid coordinator's role will be vacated and absorbed by the support staff within this division. The LMAS team will also be responsible for the mass casualty bus, and related supports.
A new position, previously under the office of the Emergency Planning Division will be created within the Emergency Response Directorate, the Office of the Search and Rescue Coordinator. This person will be a ranked captain and will oversee SAR operations for the ERT's teams.
These teams will include the Shiloh County Ground Search and Rescue volunteers, the USAR task force, which the ERT cosponsors with the SCFD, the Paid on-call Canine Search Team, and the volunteer Evidence Search Team, selected from the GSAR volunteers.

Necessary purchases to the ERT's fleet modernization will be completed, bringing the full complement of vehicles to include:
3 Director Staff Vehicles
6 Command and Communication Support Vehicles
2 Emergency Large Personnel Transport Vehicles
1 Rehab Tender
5 Team Coordinator Vehicles
3 SAR Team Vehicles/Trailers
2 Medical Support Units
11 Emergency Response Staff Vehicle
1 HAZMAT Decontamination Trailer
3 ERT Non Response Staff Vehicle
4 ERT Cargo Deployment Vehicles
Pumped Up Kicks

Started by M. Price · March 30, 2022

'911, where's your emergency'
'Someone just got shot!'
'Where?'
'In the parking lot. Oh god, he is coming this way.'
'Sir, where exactly are you? I need your address!'
'I think I'm dead.'
Hearing a gunshot on the other end followed by sounds of what I can assume is the phone and the caller dropping.
'Sir, are you there? Sir?'
Not getting a response, I start tracing the call for the location. Hearing more gunshots in the background over the still active line I realize we may have something bad going on here.
'Hello? Are you still there? Hello?!'
More gunshots can be heard on the other end so I prepare to activiate the ASTF as I look to Goodricht and other dispatchers. Before any other sound comes through the line goes dead. I immediately dial the supervisor's extension and get Aylward.
'Sir, I think we have an active shooter here. Anyone else have similar reports of gunshots in Oxnard? I couldn't get an exact address. ALI just gives me a tower by the arena. Working a trace now.'
Stevenson Tower

Started by ERT-RPG · March 17, 2022

Located on the North River side of Fort Shannon, behind Saratoga Theatre on Lyons Ave, the Steveson Tower is the largest building in Fort Shannon and tallest in Shiloh County.
Stevenson tower is home to multiple offices, several speciality clinics, a gym, an indoor pool and a high end shopping centre. Many of the elite businesses strive to get a foothold in this building. The penthouse is home to Shiloh Stars Restaurant and the roof has a helipad, however this has fallen into disuse and serves mostly as an emergency landing site for the past decade.
Parade Muster Point

Started by A. Tai · December 10, 2021

Muster point for units assigned on parade duty: Including Fast Response Flycar 1 (EMS-F1), EMS Officer 1, (EMS O-1), Engine 1, Squad 1, various sheriff units.
Parking the staff car up behind the command post, I grab my bag and zip my jacket up, walking around the rear of the new minivan that finally arrived into the staff pool. Maybe the ERT doesn't like dispatchers, because everything is yellow except what they let us drive. I walk into the command post and take a seat at the terminal, loading up the computer and getting ready to handle all resources and potential incidents that come up during this time. I won't touch a 911 call, but I'll be the sole dispatcher responsible for this route. It'll be a little different than normal for sure, other dispatchers sending me calls to process, but I'm up for the change.
"ERT, be advised, Fort Shannon Parade Command is established, and dispatch procedures are now active. Please advise all units on other frequencies to change channel for Special Operations."
"Confirming Parade Command established."