February is Heart Month

Heart Month is a month-long initiative to focus on heart health. The goal of Heart Month is to increase awareness on cardiovascular disease and provide education on maintaining a healthy heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States responsible for almost 700,000 deaths in 2021.

Improving heart health involves making thoughtful changes to your lifestyle and incorporating habits that will reduce risk factors. Here are some ways to promote a healthy heart:

·        Eat a balanced diet

·        Regular exercise

·        Quit smoking

·        Manage stress

·        Monitor blood pressure

·        Control cholesterol

·        Maintain a healthy weight

·        Limit alcohol consumption

·        Get enough sleep

Heart month also brings awareness to learn CPR. The American Heart Association states that of the 350,000 people who suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, 90% will not survive. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from cardiac arrest. The majority of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home. Learning CPR can likely save someone you love! 

Fit for Duty: Firefighter Wellness

Did you know that your Murrieta firefighters work extremely hard to have healthy hearts just for you? We wholeheartedly believe it is our duty to be physically fit for when you need us. Thanks to grant funds and partnerships within the community, your firefighters have high-quality gyms at the heart of all five of the Murrieta fire stations. We also partner with a local community college for cardiovascular training and testing of your firefighters. This college program provides nutrition courses and services.

Your firefighters learn about healthy diet options and how to keep their hearts healthy for you. That said, they always appreciate the Valentine's Day kindness the community displays when bringing us tasty treats.

Thank you!

Nevertheless, your firefighters can only eat so many heart-shaped cookies and chocolates! Remember, your firefighters strive to be heart-healthy and ready when you need us.

MFR Assists with Prescribed Burn

On Jan. 30, the crew from Station 3, Captain Clinton Norton, Engineer Brad Aarts, and Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Squires, assisted the United States Department of Forestry with a prescribed burn in the Cleveland National Forest.

Vehicle vs. Hydrant

On Jan. 17, a truck collided with a fire hydrant in the Greer Ranch area, forcefully shearing the hydrant off and causing water to shoot into the air. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The water district was contacted for repair, while firefighters worked to contain the water flow and mitigate any impact of the incident on the surrounding area.

January 2024 Calls

At Murrieta Fire & Rescue, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our community. In the spirit of transparency and ongoing communication, we're sharing some key statistics from January 2024:

• Total Call: 1,004
• Fire Incidents: 12
• Medical Emergencies: 732
• False Alarms: 41
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Full Monthly Report

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Knolls Community Meeting

On Friday, Jan. 19, Supervisor Chuck Washington and Council Member Cindy Warren hosted a cybersecurity, health and safety, resource forum for the Knolls community. Fire Chief Bernie Molloy presented information on emergency preparedness and Murrieta PD spoke on the issue of cybersecurity.

Murrieta Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

It's not often that someone has the opportunity to celebrate their centennial birthday, but that's precisely what Murrieta resident Merle Wood did on Saturday, Jan. 13. Chief Molloy was there to honor her remarkable milestone and present her with a commemorative Murrieta Fire & Rescue challenge coin.

9-1-1 for Kids Program

On Wednesday, Jan. 31, Management Analyst Dawn Morrison and Communications Supervisor Amber Evans, joined forces to present an educational program to a group of local homeschoolers. The 9-1-1 for Kids presentation was a relaunch of a program used to educate children on the proper protocols for using 9-1-1 and to foster a positive connection between our youth and first responders.

Firewise Insight at Fire Safe Council Meeting

At a recent quarterly meeting of the Southwest Riverside Fire Safe Council, Fire Chief Bernie Molloy and Acting Fire Marshal Doug Strosnider shared valuable insights and strategies with the attendees on wildfire prevention and preparedness. The presentation focused on creating fire-resistant landscapes, implementing defensible space measures, and creating a collaborative effort to mitigate the risk of wildfires in the area.

Murrieta FFs Rise to the Challenge

Dressed in full turnout gear, Murrieta firefighters stepped onto a stair stepper machine to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Putting physical endurance aside, the fundraiser exemplified the truly compassionate spirit of these firefighters, and the positive impact they make on the lives of those they serve. Murrieta Firefighters Association, Local 3540, also donated $3,000 to local resident Tim Olley, who is fighting his own battle with cancer.

Training for USAR Certification

Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Perez has been attending various rescue classes to obtain the certification necessary for deployment in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) missions. These intensive classes ensure a firefighter is well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges that may arise during an emergency.

Multi-Agency Hose Management

MFR Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Squires was one of the instructors teaching a hose management class held by Riverside County Training Officers at Corona Fire Department's training facility. This was a two-day, multi-agency training opportunity for firefighters throughout Riverside County. Capt. Rich Martinez, and Firefighter/Paramedics Mike Kim and Jeremy Spiker attended the class where firefighters reviewed and learned interior hose management during a structure fire, the advantages and disadvantages of various fire sizes, and different size nozzles.

MFR Sit-Along with Dispatchers

In January, Murrieta firefighters participated in a sit-along with public safety dispatchers at the communications center. The experience provided firefighters firsthand insight into the role of a dispatcher, including the urgency, accuracy, and coordination required to handle calls effectively. This interaction not only strengthens the bond between the dispatchers and firefighters, but it also enhances the overall efficiency of future emergency responses.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Training

Acting Fire Marshal Doug Strosnider and Fire Inspector Rob Steinbauer trained over 25 staff members of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort on how to use fire extinguishers in an emergency and safely evacuate a building.

Badge Pinning for Kim, Cook, and Emter

In a proud, but casual ceremony, our three lateral firefighters (Mike Kim, Derek Cook, and Dustin Emter) completed their probationary period and were each pinned by their wives at Fire Station 1 on Jan. 23. We are glad to "officially" welcome them to the Murrieta Fire family. Congratulations, gentlemen!

Game Day Charcuterie

Thank you to Chris and Stephanie Stout from Graze Craze, a new business in the Village Walk Plaza, for sharing their Game Day charcuterie board with us!

Graze Craze - Murrieta

Edward Shabro (1971 - 2024)

We are mourning the loss of our brother Ed Shabro. Ed isn’t a Murrieta Firefighter but he has been one of our primary equipment salesmen and has always kept us updated with the best equipment to serve Murrieta. Ed was well known throughout the community and Southern California not only for selling equipment but for being a great friend to many firefighters. Prayers for his Family.

Remembering Deputy Darnell Calhoun

In remembrance of the tragic loss of Deputy Darnell Calhoun on Jan. 13, 2023, the crew at Station 3 ordered takeout from his family's restaurant, Calhoun Family Texas Barbeque.