In August 2011, the Davenport Fire Department (DFD) received the recognition of an accredited agency, and has maintain this status for the past decade. The DFD is one of only 290 agencies from around the world to achieve this distinction from the Commission of Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE).

The Accreditation status is valid for a five-year period. Annually, the Department submits a compliance report that communicates changes and progress made within the organization, which includes any updates to policies and programs. The report also documents the Department’s performance data and tracks the Department’s progress toward achieving the recommendations made by the CFAI Commission. At the end of the five-year period, the organization repeats the complete accreditation process.
The accreditation process is broken down into three main sections: Self-Assessment, Community Risk Analysis/Standards of Cover, and the Strategic Plan.

Self-Assessment analyzes the operations of the entire department by addressing 258 performance indicators that review eleven different aspects of the organization. This provides a mechanism for the Department to explain their current process, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to pinpoint areas for improvement. The Community Risk Analysis/Standards of Cover allows the Department to identify risks and hazards in the city, critical tasks necessary to address those risks, and to develop response goals for the Department to meet the needs of the community. Finally, the community driven Strategic Plan allows for input from a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and contains goals and objectives for the Department to meet the needs of its personnel and to serve the community.

The Department recently reconfirmed its accredited status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in July 2021.

RESPONSIVENESS
We take pride in reacting quickly to those in need.

PROFESSIONALISM
We build public confidence by demonstrating the ultimate professionalism in all endeavors.

ACCOUNTABILITY
We hold ourselves responsible for our actions and strive for continuous improvement.

TEAMWORK
We believe that teams are more effective than individuals working separately.

INTEGRITY
We are people of character and principle, uncompromising in our commitment to honesty and respect for all.

Chapter 9.40  PROJECTILES, TOY PISTOLS AND FIREWORKS

CONSUMER FIREWORKS MAY BE USED:

• July 3 (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
• July 4 (5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
• December 31 (10:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. on January 1)

USE OF ANY CONSUMER FIREWORK AT A DATE OR TIME OTHER THAN THOSE ALLOWED IS PROHIBITED AND PUNISHABLE AS A SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR:   

• First offense - $250 + court costs (totaling about $400)
• Second offense - $400 + court costs
• Third and subsequent - $625 + court costs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

•  What does consumer fireworks reference and when can I legally set them off in the City of Davenport?
•  Where can I legally purchase fireworks? 
•  Am I allowed to have fireworks at an event? What is required? 

SAFETY TIPS

• Never let children play with or ignite fireworks
• Have a garden hose or bucket of water available in case a firework doesn't ignite
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Lead by example and have a responsible adult in charge
• Know the proper dates and times to discharge fireworks
• Only buy legal fireworks
• Aim the fireworks away from flammable material and people; do not use them inside
• Never extend body parts over the device
• Never relight a 'dud' firework
• Do not light off on public property - schools, parks, streets, etc. 

The Davenport Fire Department’s Training Division provides training, education, and skills based curriculum to its personnel, which allows the Fire Department to serve the community of Davenport in a safe and efficient manner. The education and training provided to the DFD firefighters includes fire suppression, emergency medical training, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and mandatory training in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In total, Davenport firefighters receive over 16,000 documented training hours a year.

As of the fall of 2021, the DFD training center is located on the northern end of the Public Works property at 1200 E 46th Street. This approximately 2-acre location contains a 2-story burn building that allows for live fire training in a controlled environment as well as an OSHA prop to simulate technical rescue situations. With these training props, crews can accomplish several types of training scenarios including:

•  flat and peaked roof ventilation
• laddering of buildings
• search and rescue
•  forcible entry
• rope and high angle rescue
•  hose deployment evolutions
• standpipe evolutions
• aerial ladder operations
• auto extrication

Recruit Academy

The recruit academy is a program delivered to new firefighters during their first two months on the job. During the two-month period, the recruits will receive more than 240 hours of training. This training focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform as a firefighter and earn the State of Iowa certifications of Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazard Materials (Operations level).

A few skills taught to the new firefighters during the recruit academy include:

• Hose deployment
• Placing ground ladders
• Search and rescue water supply
• Medical care
• Fire extinguishment

WHY DOES A FIRE TRUCK COME WHEN SOMEONE CALLS 911 FOR AN AMBULANCE?

Firefighters can and do get to emergency incidents first due to the seven strategically placed stations around the community. Every Davenport Firefighter is cross-trained in Emergency Medical Services.

Four minutes is a critical period for someone who has experienced a heart attack, injury, or other illness that causes them to stop breathing. The heart and brain have a better chance of fully recovering if they receive oxygen in four minutes or less. However, after four minutes, a person can suffer brain damage or worse. Many of the Davenport Firefighters are educated to the level of paramedic, and can use life saving techniques including defibrillation and medications to help prevent death or permanent injury. These life saving techniques are much more effective if they can get to a patient within the first four minutes.

Each Davenport Fire Station is part of an EMS proving system designed to provide adequate emergency coverage for the citizens who live here, by carefully managing response resources. Fire stations positioned around the city to provide the best coverage with the least expenditure of resources.
When you dial 911 for a medical emergency, expect a Davenport fire truck. The expertise they bring is truly lifesaving.

WHY DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BRING THE FIRE ENGINE JUST FOR A SIMPLE INSPECTION?

On-duty engine companies conduct inspections, and these engine companies are still responsible for responding to emergency calls from the field.

WHY AM I NOT SUPPOSED TO DRIVE OVER A FIREHOSE?

There are two main reason that a person should not drive over a firehose. One reason is that it is against the law. The State of Iowa Code 321.368 states, “No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private driveway, or streetcar track, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.”

The second reason is that running over a firehose can cause an interruption to the flow of water, and damage firehoses. Damaged firehoses cannot be “patched” and if repaired, the hose requires additional testing to ensure it is capable of withstanding pressures of greater than 200 psi before being placed back in service.

CAN I HAVE A RECREATIONAL FIRE AND BURN LEAVES IN MY YARD?

If you follow the City of Davenport’s "Burn / No Burn" policy, you can have a recreational fire in your backyard.

However, the City of Davenport Municipal Code 15.32.030 prohibits outside burning of leaves within the City limits.

HOW MUCH DOES A FIRE TRUCK COST RESPONDING TO A FIRE?

Taxpayer revenues support Fire Engines and Ladder Trucks, so there is no additional charge to residents for this response.

CAN FIREFIGHTERS ASSIST WITH CAR SEAT INSTALLATIONS?

The Davenport Fire Department can assist caregivers with car seat installation. However, there are only a handful of car seat technicians on each shift, so please contact the Public Education Officer at 563-326-7907 to schedule an appointment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NOTICE THAT A FIRE HYDRANT IS LEAKING?

For any hydrant leaks, please contact Iowa American Water at 563-322-8814

Hazardous Materials Program Questions:

WHY A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FEE?

The City of Davenport decided that the businesses involved in this program should bear the responsibility for its funding.

WHAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FEE?

The amount is determined by two factors. First, by the maximum quantity of hazardous materials stored, and secondly, by the degree of risk or hazards the hazardous material presents.

WHAT AM I GETTING FOR THE FEE? HOW WILL IT BENEFIT ME?

The fees collected fund the Hazardous Materials Response Team. The Davenport Fire Department administers this program, and the fees support the training, medical surveillance, new equipment, and equipment sustainment. In addition, the fees pay for a full-time Hazardous Materials Officer who:

1. advises on hazardous materials reporting requirements as outlined in Federal, State, and Local laws/regulations.
2. performs site evaluations designed to account for the hazardous materials in the case of a hazardous materials release.
3. oversees the overall coordination of inspections, fees, and the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Other possible benefits are the insurance premium reductions and less restrictive training requirements for those businesses located within the jurisdiction of a trained and certified Hazardous Materials Response Team.

SINCE MANY OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS ARE OUTSIDE THE CITY OF DAVENPORT, WILL THOSE RESPONSIBLE BE REQUIRED TO PAY A FEE TO COVER THE RESPONSE OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEAM?

Yes. The responsible party is charged an hourly fee. However, businesses currently holding a valid Hazardous Materials Permit with the City of Davenport are not charged.

WHERE DOES ALL THE MONEY FROM THE FEES GO?

The fees generated go directly to fund the Davenport Fire Department’s Hazardous Material Division.

HOW DOES THE DAVENPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT COLLECT THE FEES?

During routine annual business inspections, Fire Department personnel will account for any hazardous materials stored in a facility, and notify the Hazardous Materials Officer who will conduct a comprehensive hazardous materials inspection. After the inspection, a fee is assigned based on quantity and hazard associated with the material.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY?

If you receive a Safety Data Sheet with the products you received from the manufacturer or distributor, you will possibly be required to report them under this program if the materials meet the qualifications. However, if you are unsure, contact the Hazardous Materials Officer at 563-326-7905.

WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPORTING ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?

There are the three governing bodies that require reporting hazardous materials to the local fire department. The first governing body is the US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). The second governing body is the IDNR (Iowa Department of Natural Resources). The last governing body is the City of Davenport (Municipal Code Chapter 2.36). These governing bodies require reporting quantities of hazardous materials, site plans, and written ERPs (Emergency Response Plans) based on quantities and the degree of the hazards within a business. The City has adopted the UFC (Uniform Fire Code) and the IFC (International Fire Code) which requires businesses have permits based on the risk of hazardous materials, hazardous materials quantities, meet reporting requirements, and storage requirements.

Mission Statement

The Davenport Fire Department is a proud organization, which exists to protect life and property through education, prevention, and response.

Vision Statement

The Davenport Fire Department strives to be recognized as a progressive, well-trained, and community focused emergency response organization.
This will be fostered by the following beliefs:

• Our workforce shall cultivate a cooperative and respectful team atmosphere by fostering more open forms of communication.
• Our department will continue to support a diverse, skilled, and healthy workforce; with a focus on physical and mental well-being.
• We will honor our community trust through an unwavering commitment to providing the most professional, efficient, and fiscally responsible services.
• We will expand our delivery model through innovation, technology, education, and external partnerships that will continue to shape our future.