Connectors

When someone has a home fire, their world is turned upside down. The Connector Program assists by being on scene at house fire calls to talk the affected family through what is happening and provide them updates as firefighters handle the situation. Connectors help families to identify their immediate and long-term needs such as a place to stay for the night, clothing, or food and connect them with resources to get those needs met like the American Red Cross. Connectors can also assist families in getting in contact with the homeowner’s/renter’s insurance so that they can start a claim for any damage or access resources available to them. Connectors will reach back out to the affected families several days after the fire to follow-up and provide “After the Fire” brochures to surrounding homes to provide education in the hopes of preventing a future fire. 

Connectors can be called to a fire scene in order to help with the rehabilitation sector. The rehabilitation sector is dedicated to helping firefighters return to a state of readiness in order to operate safely during an incident. Connectors provide assistance within the rehabilitation sector by helping to set up the area, restock supplies, and clean up after the incident is resolved. Connectors who have their EMT certification are also able to assist by taking the vitals of firefighters. 

Connectors can provide transportation home for customers in emergency situations such as needing a way home after a car crash. In addition, Connectors have a motorized wheelchair lift that can be used to transport large or heavy wheelchairs. Connectors often transport wheelchairs if the owner has been taken to the hospital and the wheelchair needs to be brought to the hospital or to their home. 

Connectors understand that sometimes things don’t go according to plan. In the case of small car issues, Connectors can assist. Connectors are equipped to help with basic issues such as running out of gas, a dead battery, or a flat tire. Connectors can respond to disabled vehicles anywhere within the City of Mesa on surface roads. 

The Mesa Fire and Medical Department aims to prevent house fires before they occur. One simple and quick way to detect house fires is by utilizing smoke alarms in homes. Connectors are able to visit Mesa residents’ homes and evaluate the current smoke alarms to make sure that they are working properly. Connectors can provide new batteries if needed or provide brand new smoke alarms. The Mesa Fire and Medical Department can provide up to 2 free smoke alarms per Mesa residence. Connectors work with homeowners to determine the best location for smoke alarms in the home based off of the floor plan and way that the space is used.

Sometimes firefighters need to ride with a patient in an ambulance to a hospital. This means that the firefighter gets separated from the rest of their crew. In order to let the remaining crew stay in service, Connectors will pick the firefighter up from the hospital and take the firefighter back to their crew or station. This allows the Mesa Fire and Medical Department to maintain better coverage for all areas of the city.

SCBA Bottle Replenishment: SCBA bottles are used by firefighters to provide breathable air while in dangerous conditions. They go through quite a few SCBA bottles at each station either fighting fires or going through training drills. Connectors support the department by replenishing SCBA bottles as needed.

Business Verifications: The MFMD Fire Prevention Division keeps track of businesses throughout the City of Mesa for inspection purposes. Connectors help the Prevention Division by verifying current businesses.

Optional Special Events: In addition to duties listed above, there are a variety of special events that Connectors may be asked to assist with that support MFMD and the City of Mesa. These events are optional based on Connector availability and will count toward the monthly requirement of 15 volunteer hours per month.