The Mid Atlantic Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993
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OCT/NOV, 2017
MCI CRASH IN PIKESVILLE SERIOUSLY INJURES CHILD
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC
Pikesville, MD - Shortly before 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 30th, the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company was alerted with other westside units for a reported crash with an overturned vehicle on the outer loop of Interstate 695 in the area of Park Heights Avenue (Rescue Box 2-61).
- See full story on page 22
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Oct/Nov, 2017
WEST VIRGINIA
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
Berkeley Springs Home Destroyed by Late Night Blaze
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Apparatus For Sale
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FDIC
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Finley Fire Equipment
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1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 17, No. 3 - is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. A division of: Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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Berkeley Springs, WV - On the night of July 12th, Morgan County 911 took a call reporting a structure fire in the area of 176 Shade Lane. Berkley Springs Fire Department was dispatched out with several other departments due on Box 1-3 at 10:09 P.M. Berkley Springs Engine-12 was the first engine on the street that night with a crew of four, with Captain Christopher Sipe riding as officer. Morgan County advised Captain Sipe that they had a follow-up call from a firefighter reporting a working structure fire. Emergency crews could see flames showing as the approached the scene Wednesday night. Berkeley Springs Assistant Chief Milo Zahnow was the first unit to arrive on the scene at 238 Shade Lane to find a two-story, single-family dwelling with heavy fire conditions. Chief Zahnow confirmed he had a working house fire with flames showing from all four sides of the structure and established command. Engine-12 arrived shortly after Chief Zahnow and worked with Hancock Engine-52 to establish a water supply as firefighters began to attack the blaze. Command was able to confirm with the daughter of the occupant of the house that they were out of the area, allowing the firefighters to concentrate on a defensive attack. Firefighters battled the blaze with several attack lines to try to keep the flames contained, while Great Cacapon Fire Company’s Truck-2 worked to set up for Ladder Pipe operations. Firefighters had to be pulled out away from the building 40 minutes into the incident on side "Charlie" due to deteriorating conditions that were causing that side of the structure to collapse. Firefighters were hampered by the rural water supply not allowing use of the ladder pipe on Truck-2. Firefighters continued using several attack lines, finally bringing the blaze under control around 11:10 P.M., at which time command reported fire knocked down. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours Wednesday night conducting overhaul operations. Fire Department operations were complete and command was terminated around 2:30 A.M. the next morning. Berkeley Springs V.F.C. responded out the next morning for a possible rekindle to find some smoldering embers, but no active fire. Firefighters wet down the smoldering area and returned to service. Wednesday night’s fire displaced the occupant and was deemed a total loss. The origin and cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified of the incident, but did not respond. The owner’s personal insurance is believed to be following up with an investigation to determine a cause. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the residence and no
JUMP TO FILE #080117101 injuries were reported during the incident. Over 40 firefighters responded from three states to Wednesday night’s fire. Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Co.1 responded out, receiving assistance from other Morgan County crews from Great Cacapon Fire Co.2, South Morgan Fire Co.3, Morgan County EMS Co.7 and Morgan County EMA-1. Berkley Springs received additional Mutual Aid from Washington County, MD crews from Hancock Fire Co.5 and Clear Spring Fire Co.4, Berkeley County, WV crews from Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Co.30 and Back Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Co.50, Allegany County, MD crews from Orleans Volunteer Fire Co.43, Frederick County, VA crews from Gainesboro Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co.16 and Reynolds Store Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co.20. While crews were committed on the scene that night, crews from Fulton County, PA Needmore Fire Co.55 and Mineral County, WV's Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Co.25 transferred crews in to cover the area during the incident. - WILLIAM KING
ORLEANS VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY 43
Over 40 firefighters responded to the Berkeley Springs house fire on Box 1-3.
PATCH OF THE MONTH
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month “feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to Bradley Prosperity Fire Department, located in Fayette County, WV.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DELAWARE
DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company covers the area from the border of Maryland and Delaware, up to the Delaware Seashore State Park.
WILMINGTON FIRE TIMOTHY COOVER
Quint 70-4 is a 2002 Pierce Dash.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Wilmington Firefighters Handle Medical Emergency on Barge Wilmington, DE - On Wednesday, August 9th at 11:51 A.M., Wilmington Firefighters on the C-Platoon were alerted to a medical emergency at 50 Berth Road, Port of Wilmington. Units arrived to find an adult male on a docked barge experiencing a medical issue. The patient was located in the barge which was only accessible by ground ladder, approximately 20-feet from ground level.
JUMP TO FILE #082417112 St. Francis EMS and NCC Paramedics began assessing and stabilizing the patient, while members from Squad-4 and Engine-2 began rigging for patient transfer to the ground. Crews packaged the patient and lowered him to the ground utilizing an aerial ladder. The patient was transported to the
Wilmington Hospital. The scene was placed under control at 12:24 P.M. by the Incident Commander, Battalion Chief Michael Schaal. Approximately 15 fire and EMS personnel responded to the incident, including Engine2, Squad-4, Tower-1, Battalion-2, St. Francis EMS, and New Castle County Paramedics. - WILMINGTON FIRE
Vehicle News
Quint 70-5 is a 2012 75-ft. Pierce.
TIMOTHY COOVER
FRANK ROBINSON
Tower 70 is a 2012 100-ft. Pierce.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Felton, Delaware Fire Company now operates a 2017 International/Rosenbauer 1500/750.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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Oct/Nov, 2017
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC FIRE AND EMS
DC Fire and EMS Rescue Woman Struck by Train Washington, DC - An individual was successfully rescued by DC Fire and EMS personnel from beneath a Metro train on Friday afternoon, August 18th. It was shortly before 4:00 P.M. when units were dispatched for a person struck by a train at the Woodley Park Metro Station, 2700 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. A rescue assignment arrived to find an adult female underneath the first car of the train. DC Fire & EMS members, in close coordination with Metro staff, worked to quickly confirm that power had been cut and that the scene was
JUMP TO FILE #082417105 safe to proceed. Once that was accomplished, rescue squad personnel worked their way under the car to the victim, and were able to remove her from under the train and onto the platform for further medical care. The victim was conscious and alert, and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. - DC FIRE AND EMS
DC FIRE AND EMS
House Fire Kills Dog and Displaces Residents Washington, DC - Ten residents were displaced and a dog perished as fire did significant damage to a home in the Brightwood neighborhood on Monday, September 18th. Several calls were received shortly after noon, reporting flames coming from a house at 4th and Kennedy Streets NW. First arriving firefighters on a Box Alarm assignment encountered fire showing from the basement of a two-story, end-of-row
JUMP TO FILE #092117113 dwelling. A Working Fire dispatch was immediately requested. As the fire attack began, members had to use extreme caution due to an energized and arcing electrical conduit that had been burned through. Despite that challenge, the blaze was contained with some slight extension to the
first-floor. Pepco was requested and did arrive to secure the power. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Investigators determined that the fire was accidental, having originated from cooking. The National Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to the scene to provide assistance to the displaced residents. - DC FIRE AND EMS
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Oct/Nov, 2017
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Alabama: Dale Clinton “Clint” Hardemon, 58 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: August 13, 2017 Death Date: August 13, 2017 Fire Department: West Blocton Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Dale Clinton “Clint” Hardemon responded with the West Blocton Fire Department to a structure fire at 0818hrs on the morning of August 13, 2017. While on scene at the structure fire, Lieutenant Hardemon operated the fire pump on the fire apparatus and also maneuvered fire hose around the structure and apparatus. Fire department units returned to service at 1120hrs. Hardemon then drove the apparatus back to the station with no problems noted. Later that afternoon at approximately 1410hrs, Lieutenant Hardemon was at the fire station with Fire Chief Joe McCool looking at one of the fire department boats. Lieutenant Hardemon told the chief that he was feeling lightheaded and then fell to the ground unresponsive. Fire Chief McCool immediately began medical care and called 911. McCool initiated CPR and placed Lieutenant Hardemon on the AED; 2 shocks were administered before the arrival of the ALS unit. Lieutenant Hardemon was taken by ambulance to Bibb Medical Center, and then airlifted to DCH Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased that evening from a heart attack. Arkansas: Randy Ray Treat, 71 Rank: Captain Incident Date: August 26, 2017 Death Date: August 26, 2017 Fire Department: Kingston Rural Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain Randy Ray Treat fell ill while responding to an emergency call, becoming unresponsive, and then passing away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
California: Gary Helming, 47 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: August 31, 2017 Death Date: August 31, 2017 Fire Department: Los Padres National Forest Santa Lucia District Initial Summary: While returning from an assignment on the Railroad Fire in the Sierra National Forest, Battalion Chief Gary Helming was killed when a Ford F-350 traveling in the opposite direction suffered a tire failure, crossed the middle of the road, and struck Chief Helming's vehicle head-on.
California: Terry Smerdel, 59 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: September 10, 2017 Death Date: September 10, 2017 Fire Department: San Francisco Fire Department Initial Summary: Battalion Chief Terry Smerdel returned from an early morning fire alarm call, and was later found by coworkers in his office, unresponsive. Advanced Life Support measures were immediately initiated. He was pronounced deceased surrounded by his Fire Department Family, and later joined at the station by the Department’s Chaplain and the Smerdel family. Pennsylvania: Kenneth Greene, Sr., 60 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: September 3, 2017 Death Date: September 14, 2017 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Kenneth Greene, Sr., became ill while on-duty and was transported to the hospital from the fire station on September 3, 2017. Lieutenant Green passed away on September 14th, 2017, from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
MEMORIAL BOARD
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1st Responder News is sad to announce the passing of our longtime columnist, Henry Campbell. Henry wrote a monthly column titled "Staying Safe," which was very much enjoyed by our readers.
Henry A. Campbell, 76, of Rhinebeck and formerly of Mount Vernon, NY, passed away on Friday, July 14th, 2017 at Westchester Medical Center.
Mr. Campbell was a 37 year veteran of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, rising through the ranks to serve as Chief of Operations from 1986 to 1996, when he retired. He served two years as acting Fire Coordinator/Commissioner for Westchester County Department of Emergency Services from 1999-2000.
He was an Adjunct Instructor at the NYS Fire Academy, a member of the NYS Department of Civil Service Fire Advisory Committee, an OSHA Safety Trainer throughout the Hudson Valley, and was the first Director of the Westchester County Career Chiefs Academy. Mr. Campbell served on the Westchester County Arson Task Force from 1980-1996, Westchester County Local Emergency Planning Committee from 1987-1996, the Westchester County Fire Advisory Board from 1988-1996, as a NYS Fire Instructor for Dutchess County from 19831992, he was the Yonkers Command Post Coordinator after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and subsequently NYFD Terrorism Training Instructor, and as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town of Rhinebeck.
He was a member of the International Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, the NYS Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, the Westchester County Fire Chiefs Assoc., the Westchester County Career Chiefs Assoc., the Westchester Firefighters Emerald Society, the Fireman's Assoc. of the State of NY, the International Assoc. of Fire Fighters-Local #107 Mount Vernon, the NYS Police & Fire Retirees Assoc., an Honorary Life Member of the Pleasant Valley Fire Department, and an active and faithful member of the Rhinebeck Fire Department.
In addition to his fire service and community involvement, Mr. Campbell was also devoted to his faith. He was a communicant of Good Shepherd Church and was a member of the Ushers Society of Good Shepherd Church for over 44 years. He also served as Head Usher for many of those years.
Mr. Campbell enjoyed his many friends and colleagues in the fire service, along with his pet dogs- Sparky, Muffet, Chowder, and Mollie. He also filled his days with family, friends, working on his computer, hunting, fishing, reading, and always learning each day. In addition to his loving wife of 54 years, he is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Campbell; his son, Kevin Campbell; a brother, Robert Campbell of Franklinton, NC; a sister, Marion Campbell of New York City, NY; along with extended family, countless colleagues and friends. May he Rest in Peace.
- PROVIDED
DC FIRE AND EMS
Two-Alarm Blaze Engulfs Apartment Building Washington, DC - A cloud of dense black smoke spiraling into the noontime sky signaled the start of a two-alarm blaze in a Logan Circle neighborhood apartment building on Thursday, October 5th. Ambulance 9 JUMP TO FILE# was first to spot the 100917108 blaze shortly before 12:00 P.M. in the occupied four-story building at Vermont Avenue and Q Street NW, and radioed for a Box Alarm assignment. First arriving firefighters encountered a heavily involved roof deck, with flames already extending to the roof itself and eating into the attic below. A Working Fire dispatch was requested, followed by a secondalarm, bringing approximately 20 units and 100 personnel to the scene. Hose lines were advanced up aerial ladders to attack the deck fire, while others were stretched inside to attack the fire in the attic from below. Firefighters used hooks to open the top floor ceiling in order to gain access to the flames. This multi-pronged attack was successful in controlling the blaze. One firefighter suffered non-serious injuries during the battle. All of the buildings' occupants were able to evacuate safely. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental; the result of an electrical malfunction around the roof decking. - DC FIRE AND EMS
DC FIRE AND EMS
Henry Campbell, 1940 - 2017
PROVIDED
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC FIRE AND EMS
Fiery Vehicle Crash in DC Claims One Life
DC FIRE AND EMS
DCFR Presents Injured Firefighter with Unique Gift Washington, DC - Firefighter Dane Smothers Jr., who was critically injured at the scene of a second-alarm fire on August 2nd, was paid a visit by brother and sister firefighters on Tuesday, September 26th, and presented with a very unique gift. Members of Platoon 2 from his company, Engine 3, along with Firefighter Donna Tideback of Engine 18, presented Smothers with a quilt containing a complete patch collection from all DC fire units and organizations. This priceless piece of pride was handsewed by Firefighter Tideback. Firefighter Smothers has been in an in-patient rehabilitation center since September 8th, following his treatment at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center. The Smothers family thanks everyone for their continued prayers and support, and ask that
JUMP TO FILE #100917109 all continue with their prayers as he continues to heal. The family also thanks the staff at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, who saved Dane's life, as well as DC Firefighters Local 36 and the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation Family Service Team. who provided constant support during the period Smothers was hospitalized at Medstar. They also express their deep appreciation to all the members of the Department who came to visit and wish Dane a speedy recovery, as well as the fire companies that provided daily meals during the time he was hospitalized. - DC FIRE AND EMS
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Washington, DC - A fiery vehicle crash in the Florida Avenue market area left one person dead and another seriously injured early Saturday morning, August 5th. A Box Alarm was sounded at 3:17 A.M. for the report of a car on fire in a gas station at 6th Street and Florida Avenue NE. Units arrived to find a fully involved auto on the station grounds. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames engulfing the ve-
JUMP TO FILE #082417106 hicle and activated the emergency fuel cutoff switch for the nearby gas pumps. Sadly, a search of the burned out vehicle revealed one fatality. A second occupant, the driver, had been pulled out by bystanders and was transported with serious injuries. Prior to ending in flames, the
car had struck a large light stanchion and a parked vehicle, overturning it. This was the second vehicle crash with fire in recent days that resulted in a fatality. On Wednesday, August 2nd, firefighters were faced with another vehicle engulfed in fire in the unit block of Irving Street NW, after striking a light pole. One person died in that incident. - DC FIRE AND EMS
“The Ripple Effect” Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
I have heard so much about the ripple effect, how what we do has impacts that we could never imagine. Well, how about what we do impacts so many people, and people that we will never meet, or know about? A friend of mine passed away and we thought about what he did and who we had to coordinate with for his memorial. He served in the Navy, retired after serving in a fire department for 25 years, retired from being an instructor at the local fire academy for 25-30 years, he was a life member of a firefighter’s motorcycle club, a founding member of an ambulance corp., he served on a CISM team, he worked with AA and also with his local church. When you think of it, just belonging to one organization impacts many people. My friend had to have taught thousands of firefighters and developed friendships with so many of them. Those firefighters may have taught other firefighters, taught fire prevention to people including children, saved lives
through EMS or pulled people out of buildings. Through a fire instructor, just teaching one class can have an immense impact that they will never know. How many people are alive because someone responded as an EMT? If that person died in a car crash, from a gunshot, or of a medical issue, how many people would not have been born because the family’s blood line could have ended there? We do not really realize the impact of our words or actions. In the Bible, because of the life that Abraham lived, he was told that he would have more children than the stars in the sky. Or how about Joseph? He was sold as a slave by his brothers, BUT later he ended up saving Egypt from a great famine. Jesus only did ministry for three years on Earth, but how many people today are following his teachings from 2,017 years ago? How many people are you going to impact? Who can you inspire, just by speaking words of encouragement to them? What lessons can people learn from you? My friend taught that you need at least four hugs a day to continue a happy and healthy life. He also taught that it is alright to cry. “It is through our tears that we are able to go on. You cannot have a rainbow without the rain and you need the tears to help
you heal.” Just one of us can help and effect so many. We throw one stone into the pond of life and the ripple of our existence will propel lives, like a wave effecting a boat. The words that we speak can put wind into someone’s sails and keep them moving on. The love that we share, in our service to our neighbor and fellow man, can impact a family, community, country. Al, Thank you for being in our lives. You have helped so many people and touched so many people's lives. You were there for me as I was laying on my deathbed. You loved your family and friends. You served as an instructor and took care of so many. Now you have been called home by our Heavenly Chief. You have reported for your new assignment, working in the heavenly station as our guardian. You have been told “Well done good and faithful servant”. We will see you again someday. May the LORD bless you and keep you; May the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace and until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand. Stay safe, Brother Didymus McHugh
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC Fire and EMS Crews Faced with Multiple Incidents in 24 Hour Period Washington, DC - The twoalarm blaze where Probationary Firefighter Dane Smothers Jr. was severely injured was just one in a series of incidents that took place on the 24 hour Platoon-3 shift August 2nd-3rd. The day started in the morning when a call was received for a person JUMP TO FILE # down a manhole in 082417107 the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue NW. Units arrived to find a worker who had fallen 20 feet down into the hole, and was suffering significant injuries. Members of Rescue Squads 2 and 3 set up an "Ari-
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zona Vortex" hauling device, while also blowing fresh air into the confined space. Two firefighters went down and secured the victim with a harness. He was then hauled to safety and transported with serious injuries. Later in the afternoon, a high angle rescue assignment was requested for a worker in cardiac arrest at the construction site in the 2000 block of M Street NW. The worker was on the third level of a structure with no interior stairs. Firefighters and paramedics started advanced life support measures, and placed the victim in a Lukas device, which is mounted on the patient and provides mechanical cardiac compressions. He was than placed in a stokes rescue basket and taken down an aerial ladder, then placed into a paramedic transport unit and taken to the hospital. Later that night, crews were called to a collision with fire and entrapment in the unit block of Irving Street NW. The two-car crash led to one vehicle striking a pole and bursting into flames. The fire was quickly extinguished, but unfortunately one of the two occupants was trapped in the vehicle and succumbed. The second occupant escaped and was transported with serious injuries. Then, at 11:31 P.M., a box alarm was sounded for a reported house fire at 8th and F Streets NE. First arriving units found heavy fire on the first-floor and rear porch of a two-story row dwelling. It was in the early stages of this blaze that Probationary Firefighter Smothers was injured. A secondalarm was requested to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjacent, attached homes. It took about 20 minutes before the flames were under control. There were no injuries. As crews were operating at this fire, another call was received for a house on fire in the 1700 block of Buchanan Street NE. First companies to arrive found fire burning on the first-floor of a twostory, detached house, and MPD officers struggling to carry two elderly residents to safety. A working fire dispatch was requested, and firefighters were able to contain the flames to the area of origin. One of the elderly residents suffered critical injuries, and the second had non-life-threatening injuries. The two MPD officers were also transported to the hospital for observation. As that fire was in progress, another call was dispatched for a house on fire in the 1300 block of Van Buren Street NW. That blaze involved the basement of a twostory detached home. That was also declared a working fire, and there was slight extension to the first-floor. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries from this final blaze of the shift. - DC FIRE AND EMS
DC Fire and EMS crews arrived on 8/2 to find a worker who had fallen 20-feet down into a manhole in the 1400 block of Rhode Island Ave. NW. DC FIRE AND EMS
On the afternoon of 8/2, a high angle rescue assignment was requested for a worker in cardiac arrest at the construction site in the 2000 block of M Street NW.
DC FIRE AND EMS
DC FIRE AND EMS
Crews were called on 8/2 to the unit block of Irving Street NW for a two-car crash that led to one vehicle striking a pole and bursting into flames.
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Oct/Nov, 2017
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
Richard Earl has been a firefighter for 15-years, a paramedic for 7-years and is currently a member with the Compton Fire Department. He got this tattoo done in 2016 and when asked what the inspiration was behind it, he said "The inspiration was from the guys before me, the dedication and hard work that they gave to the department. They inspired me to want to work for this department and also work in the community that I grew up in. It has been an honor to work for this department and that was my ultimate inspiration for this tattoo." Fernando from Corona Tattoo and Piercing in CA is the talented artist who did Richard's full-back tattoo.
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
DID Y OU K NOW
?
Early hand-drawn fire engines, ladder wagons, hose carts, etc. had to be pushed back into fire stations by hand. All of this backing in by hand became unnecessary when motorized engines came to be, however some companies continue to make every effort to honor and pay homage to past members that had to push their engines into the station by doing the same to the new units. This is how “Pushing-In” ceremonies originated.
VIrgINIA
Two Virginia state Police Trooper Pilots Killed in helicopter Crash Albemarle, VA - Virginia State Police mourned the loss of two of their own on August 12th, after a helicopter carrying the Trooper Pilots crashed in a wooded area near a residence on Old JUmP TO fILE# Farm Road. There 081217101 were no survivors. Officials said that the crash occurred shortly before 5:00 P.M. The helicopter was a Bell 407 and was assisting public safety with an ongoing situation in Charlottesville. Officials said that the pilot, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen of Midlothian, VA, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates of Quinton, VA, died at the scene. No one on the ground was injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time by state police, the FAA and NTSB. There is no indication of foul play being a factor in the crash. Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent had this to say: “Our state police and law enforcement family at-large are mourning this tragic outcome to an already challenging day. Lieutenant Cullen was a highly-respected professional aviator and Trooper-Pilot Bates was a welcome addition to the Aviation Unit, after a distinguished assignment as a special agent with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Their deaths are a tremendous loss to our agency and the Commonwealth.” Crews arriving on scene discovered the helicopter fully involved. Responding to the crash were T088, T59, T37, T111, ST8CHF, SQ134, RS18, RS15, P93, HM47, FM14, FM13, FM11, E82, E81, E4, E32, E151, E111, DUTY1, COUNTY DUTY, County BC15, Chief 82, Chief 80, BC11, BC10 and numerous law enforcement personnel. Lieutenant Cullen graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in May of 1994 as a member of the 90th Basic Session. He first joined the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit in 1999. Lieutenant Cullen is survived by his wife and two sons. Trooper-Pilot Bates would have turned 41-years-old on Sunday, August 13th. He graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in August of 2004 as a member of the 107th Basic Session. He had just transferred to the Aviation Unit as a TrooperPilot in July. Trooper-Pilot Bates is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen of Midlothian, VA.
PhOTO COUrTEsY Of VIrgINIA sTATE POLICE
PhOTO COUrTEsY Of VIrgINIA sTATE POLICE
Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates of Quinton, VA.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
FRANK ROBINSON
Virginia Beach Responds to MVA Virginia Beach, VA - Virginia Beach Fire and EMS responded to this MVA on Route 60 and 75th Street on July 31st. Both vehicles collided at the intersection, resulting in two injuries. Patients where transported to area hospitals via Virginia Beach Rescue Squad.
Oct/Nov, 2017
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Healthy-ish Thanksgiving in the Firehouse
VIRGINIA
FORK & HOSE CO. Unlike
most
a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
PHOTO COURTESY CHESTERFIELD FIRE AND EMS
Chesterfield Fire and EMS Flight Paramedic Retires Chesterfield, VA - Firefighter Robert E. "Pete" Morrison, Jr. retired from Chesterfield Fire and EMS on June 1st after valiantly serving in the department for 21 years. Morrison joined Chesterfield Fire and EMS after having served in Prince William County. Officials said Morrison served in numerous assignments and is probably best known for his long assignment with Virginia State Police EMS Medflight I as a Flight Paramedic. Officials said Morrison was a familiar face to EMS providers across Virginia through his work, his mentoring and instruction efforts.
STILL IN SERVICE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
private sector jobs or careers, emergency services do not take holidays. The fire doesn’t care that it is July 4th, the heart attack isn’t worried about ruining Thanksgiving dinner and the robber certainly doesn’t mind stealing all of your Christmas presents. We signed up for this knowing full well that while other families and friends are home enjoying time together, we may be on shift or have to respond to an emergency at any given time. This makes it all more important to use these opportunities to “celebrate” with our second family at the firehouse. In my crew, we have taken it a step further and invite our immediate families to the firehouse to enjoy a nice meal to help make the holidays at work a little better.
Of all the holidays, I would say Thanksgiving is our most “popular," and for good reason! Deep fried turkey!!! We all know the dangers of frying a turkey but just in case you forgot, here are some tips: -Make sure the turkey is completely thawed out! -Use the correct amount of oil. One trick is to place the turkey (still in bag) into the pot and fill with water, stopping about ¾ of the way up. Now remove the turkey, and where the water line is, is where you will want to fill the oil up to. Using a dry erase marker on the OUTSIDE of the pot will help you see where to fill it to. -Keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. -Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow. -Choose a smaller turkey for frying – 8 to 10 pounds is best. We all know the classics of Thanksgiving...Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing, etc. etc. But why not switch it up a little and make it just a little healthier, but still delicious?! Maybe mash up some sweet pota-
toes instead, or how about roasted green beans instead of a casserole? Since we usually deep fry a turkey, I like to lighten it up a little with the sides, and for me personally, I look forward to these more than the turkey! One of my go-to’s is glazed carrots. There are a million and one ways to make this classic dish but below is a recipe that really takes it to the next level using classic French and Italian techniques. The French technique, called “a l’etuvee,” is when you cook vegetables in a shallow pan, preferably with straight sides, with just enough water to come up halfway with butter and salt and then simmered with a parchment paper lid called a “cartouche”. With this dish, I have simplified it a little by eliminating the cartouche and just adding a little more water to compensate for evaporation. The Italian part used is called an Agro Dolce sauce; agro meaning sour, and dolce meaning sweet. By using maple syrup and cider vinegar in this recipe, you are able to truly capture flavors of this season!
“Maple-Cider Agro Dolce Glazed Carrots” Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
-32oz. Package of Baby Carrots, halved diagonally -3 Tbs. Butter, plus 1 Tbs. to finish dish -Small Bunch of Fresh Parsley, chopped -¼ Cup Pecans, toasted and chopped -Water, enough to just barely cover carrots in pan -Salt, to taste Maple-Cider Agro Dolce:
-1 Fresno Chile, thin sliced (substitute 1 tsp. Chili Flake) -¼ Cup Maple Syrup -¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar -Salt, to taste PROCEDURE:
Cheriton Fire Company still operates a 1986 Pierce Lance 2000/2500 Pumper Tanker.
FRANK ROBINSON
www.1rbn.com
In a deep saute pan, arrange carrots in a single layer with the 3 Tbs. of butter, pinch of salt and just enough water to barely cover the carrots. Bring up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until the carrots are tender and there is almost no liquid left.
Add the Agro Dolce to the pan, cook until it reduces to a glaze. Pull the pan off the heat and add 1 Tbs. of butter, stirring to make a glaze. Taste and season. Stir in pecans and parsley, serve.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
PATCH OF THE MONTH
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
HENRICO FD
Henrico Firefighters Battle House Fire; Several Patients Injured This patch belongs to Botetourt County Fire Department, located in Botetourt County, VA.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
Buckboard Fire Apparatus ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
Buckboard Fire Apparatus The Original Cab Forward By Anthony G. Buono Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support @fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $29.99 This book is soft cover, measuring 8 ½ inches by 11 inches and has 243 pages. The author did a fantastic job of research to put this history together. Though I am an apparatus buff so to speak, I am not very learned in antiques, but I was very impressed in reading this book. What I did not know is that the term “buckboard” was never used to describe any fire apparatus when these particular trucks were being built. The name was coined by Walter P. McCall, who in the opinion of many (including myself), is a famous historian of apparatus, most notably American LaFrance. He likened this de-
sign to the buckboards of the cowboy days when these wagons were used for transportation and the hauling of supplies. The book is not broken down into chapters, but into topics and the different brands of apparatus that used the design. The author went to great lengths and detail to give the reader the most accurate information about these histories. There are over 300 references listed on the pages and eight pages of bibliography. Much of these are from a host of apparatus experts from SPAAMFAA. The photos are all black and white, and there are plenty of them. Many major cities are represented and I was even surprised to see a photo of an aerial ladder tuck from my hometown of Bayonne, NJ on Page 192. All of the coverage of the manufacturers are like short stories in a sense and it makes an easy read because none of them take up a lot of pages. It is safe to say that most of these manufacturers are not around today and that there are a few of the buckboard trucks in the hands of museums and perhaps private owners. So for readers that are up in their years, the book may bring back fond memories, and for the young readers, it will take them down through history, illustrating how fire departments of yesteryear used the best they had to fight fires.
Henrico County, VA – At 9:25 A.M. on July 13th, Henrico County dispatchers began receiving multiple calls for a house on fire in the 2500 block of Charles City Road in the county’s east end, near Richmond International Airport. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from an older two-story home with heavy smoke and fire coming from the front. They also found several patients down in the front yard and immediately began providing them care. At the same time, additional companies began to aggressively fight the fire in order to conduct a search on the home. Investigation revealed that there were five people in the front
JUMP TO FILE #071717125 yard, which included the two elderly occupants of the home, plus two neighbors who helped rescue the elderly couple, as well as the son of the occupants (the son lives nearby). One occupant was transported with serious, non-life-threatening injuries, while the neighbors and other occupant were transported for evaluation. All patients were transported to VCU Hospitals. The fire was deep-seated throughout the home and took an hour to mark under control. Companies remained on scene for several hours to salvage the occupant’s
personal effects from the home as well as to ensure that all hidden fire was extinguished. One firefighter was transported from the scene with a minor heatrelated issue. Because of the high heat and humidity, crews were being rotated to and from the scene, and all crews followed cooling and rehabilitation procedures. The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office. Henrico Fire will not be able to provide additional information on the condition and status of the patients that were treated by our personnel. - HENRICO FD
HENRICO FD
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
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MARYLAND
CHARLES LEWIS WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HOSESAXESLADDERS CHESTERTOWN VFC
Good Samaritan Wakes Occupants to House Fire Chestertown, MD - At 11:56 P.M. on Friday, September 1st, the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Co., along with mutual aid companies, were dispatched for a garage fire reported near the intersection of Buck Neck Rd. and Fish Hatchery Road. This is located in Chesapeake Landing, a community in the western part of Chestertown's primary response area, near Melitota. The fire was discovered by a passerby, who sounded the alarm. They stopped and pounded on the door of the home, alerting the residents to the fire who had been unaware of it until then. Because the fire had not yet spread to the house, there was no smoke in the dwelling and the smoke alarms had not yet activated. The dwelling occupants, thus having sufficient warning, were able to safely evacuate. The information provided upon dispatch was for a detached garage on fire with significant exposure to the house. First arriving units discovered a one-story, twocar garage fully involved with fire. The fire was so far advanced that the garage roof had already collapsed. Because of the severe exposure hazard, the fire had extended to the dwelling, a one-story rancher type home. This structure was approximately 50% involved, with most of the fire inside the living space and "walking" the attic space. Recognizing that the garage was already a total loss, Chestertown's first crew entered the home and advanced a one-and-threequarter inch hose line with a twofold purpose; to stop the fire that had possession of those areas nearest the garage and more importantly, to address the fire in the attic space. First, they were able to cut off
JUMP TO FILE #090317102 the fire taking possession of that area of the house closest to the garage. Their attention then quickly turned to the attic. With the assistance of incoming mutual aid companies, ceilings were pulled and fire streams were directed into the attic area, quenching the fire there. The fire was declared "under control" at 12:27 A.M. Delmarva Power was summoned to disconnect electric service to the home. The fire marshal was also requested. A representative from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office responded to conduct an Origin & Cause Investigation. Although displaced by the fire, the family was not in need of assistance, as this home was a vacation dwelling. There were no injuries to civilians or emergency personnel. Crews operated at this incident for three hours and 44 minutes. Fire Emergency Services organizations represented during the incident included Chestertown Volunteer Fire Co., Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Co., Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Co., Betterton Volunteer Fire Co., Church Hill Volunteer Fire Co., Crumpton Volunteer Fire Co., Galena Volunteer Fire Co., Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad and Kent County EMS. In the event of another fire or incident in the district, equipment and personnel from the Community Fire Co. of Millington and the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Co. stood by at Chestertown's fire station. - JAMES RUSSUM
Vacant Restaurant Burns in Baltimore County
Westview, MD - At 5:50 P.M. on August 9th, units in the 2nd Battalion were alerted for Firebox 13-12 for the report of a vacant McDonalds building on fire at the intersection of Security Blvd. and Woodlawn Drive. Engine-13 reported heavy smoke showing upon leaving the station. Units arrived to find a fully involved one-story, vacant, fast food restaurant. At 6:06 P.M., a Working Fire dispatch was requested, bringing additional units to the scene. Due to the structure being vacant, command ordered a
JUMP TO FILE #080917113 defensive, exterior attack. As the fire continued to progress, two additional engines were requested and two ladder pipes were placed into service to help knock the fire down. The fire was placed under control shortly after 7:00 P.M. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Investigation Division. The following units were on scene during the incident: Battal-
ion Chief-23, EMS-8, Engine, Medic & Brush 13 (Westview), Engine 4 & 41 (Catonsville), Engine-3 (Woodlawn), Truck-18 (Randallstown), Engine & Truck 5 (Halethorpe), Air Unit-19 (Garrison), Tower-323 & Squad-322 (Pikesville Volunteer), Engine-351 & Squad-354 (Arbutus Volunteer), Engine-461 & Special Unit-468 (Liberty Road Volunteer), IV335 (Woodlawn Volunteer), and Rehab 156 & 157 (Box 234 Association). - CHARLIE LEWIS
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Women in Firefighting� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Hagerstown Firefighter Christa Stallings riding on Engine 3.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
PAGE 19
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
DEPARTMENT PROFILE
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Mid Atlantic
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Apparatus from the Ocean City Fire Department, located in Worcester County, MD.
“Keep Safety in UTV Public Safety Rescue” Essential precautions for deploying side-by-sides with rescue skid units
A shot of headquarters from the street. Truck 1, Engine 2 and Rescue 7 are pictured. TIMOTHY COOVER
Tower 1 is a 2013 E-One.
TIMOTHY COOVER
UTV chassis side-by-sides outfitted with appropriate medical or fire skid units complement most any agency's first response fleet. Safety concerns surrounding their use, particularly when used for patient transport, warrant careful attention from rescue teams. A thorough understanding of the vehicle, transport apparatus, off-road terrain, and patient requirements must precede any use in public safety situations.
First, understand the vehicle: Before considering the advantages of using a patient transport skid unit for side-by-side UTVs, understand the design and limitations of the off-road vehicle in which it fits. (Please reference Kimball Johnson's earlier article titled, "Not All UTVs Are Created Equal.") Most of the larger UTV chassis available today, such as John Deere Gator, Polaris Ranger, Gravely Atlas, and Kubota RTV, to name a few, can dependably accommodate the transport of a patient. Slip-on skid units for medical or fire rescue, such as KIMTEK's MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® units, are specifically equipped for safe transport of patients in compatible UTVs and in some pick-up trucks. Next, understand the missions: Fire and EMS teams must clearly understand the likely mission objectives and what is expected of the equipment in the field. Types of terrain, for example, will help inform which UTV chassis is best for the mission. Sand or rock, flat areas or mountains, and other features of location are all important factors in the decision.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Ocean city is now running this 1998 Freightliner as Rescue 7.
TIMOTHY COOVER
The Ladies Aux. operates this 1985 Ford StepVan as a Canteen and Rehab unit.
Choosing the right equipment also depends on what type of calls the department anticipates. Will the vehicle cover bicycle trails too narrow for larger ambulances? Will it cover wooded areas where hunting, fishing, and horseback riding are popular? Will the vehicle need equipment for the dual service of fighting wildfires as well as providing medical transport? Perhaps the coverage area includes beaches or vast stadium areas with large concentrations of people. The types of medical treatment likely for each coverage area also affect equipment decisions. Are heart attacks, heat stroke, and shortness of breath more likely than traumatic type injuries from bicycle riding, horseback riding, and motorcycle and ATV accidents? Consideration of all these factors is essential when
selecting the right UTV side-by-side chassis and the medical and fire rescue slip-on transport unit that best meets the needs of the call area.
command post.
In accordance with the rescue service mandate to "do no further harm to the patient," a complete understanding of the UTV, the skid unit, and how they work together is necessary to meet that goal. These units are not meant to transport patients at high rates of speed over rough and uneven terrain; rather they are designed and built to safely and professionally transport patients in a manner that would be relatively faster than transport on foot.
To assist rescue service teams in their training, KIMTEK provides a complete installation and safety manual with every skid unit sold. The manual covers basic safety concerns and suggests solutions to particular coverage area challenges. KIMTEK reminds its customers that UTV-based rescue vehicles fully deserve the same respect that larger ambulances and fire apparatus receive because serious injury to rescue personnel or patients can result if proper training and operation procedures are not followed. Even though these specially equipped public safety vehicles may not leave the fire or EMS bay every day, their unique purpose and custom design make them worth every penny to rescuers and their patients.
KIMTEK
Patient comfort and safety: How best to transport patients is the next decision. When immobilization of a patient's neck and spine is required because of suspected traumatic injury, a skid unit equipped with a long board or stokes basket should be sufficient. If a medical emergency occurs along paved or hard surfaces, such as a local road race or inside a stadium, consider a skid unit that carries a full-wheeled cot stretcher, such as a Stryker® or Ferno®, to transport patients in a position of comfort.
Training is essential: Once a team has identified the purpose and model for its new UTV side-by-side rescue vehicle and properly outfitted it with the appropriate skid unit, lights, and perhaps a radio, enacting several different training drills and scenarios is key. Every department and agency should develop and incorporate a full set of standard operating guidelines or procedures (SOG or SOP) that encompass operation of the vehicle, loading and securing a patient onto the skid unit, and overall guidance on how teams will handle obstacles and incidents along the trail or through the rescue site.
Occasions may arise when removing a patient from the UTV skid unit mid-transport is required in order to safely traverse a particularly difficult or dangerous part of the trail, such as in a steep incline or deep water crossing.* The rescue team leader may decide to lift off and hand carry the stokes basket or long board with the patient over an obstacle, then securely remount the patient once safely beyond it for transfer to a waiting ambulance or
*KIMTEK recommends that patients never be transported through high water where a rollover could occur, risking further patient injury or drowning.
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Oct/Nov, 2017
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MARYLAND
PATCH OF THE MONTH
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC
MCI Crash on Beltway in Pikesville Seriously Injures Child Pikesville, MD - Shortly before 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 30th, the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company was alerted with other westside units for a reported crash with an overturned vehicle on the outer loop of Interstate 695 in the area of Park Heights Avenue (Rescue Box 2-61). Squad 322 arrived first and reported a two-vehicle crash with an overturned pickup truck whose driver was trapped. After a quick
JUMP TO FILE #073117100 assessment of the scene, the Squad's officer requested an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Strike Team, bringing additional EMS units and suppression units for multiple patients, including a seriously injured (Priority 1) child. Firefighters from Squad 322 and BCoFD Engine 2 stabilized
the pickup, worked to extricate the trapped victim, and provided initial care for the victims. PVFC's Engine 321, Tower 323 and Medic 325 were also on the scene, as were engines from Garrison (Station 19) and Woodlawn (3). EMS units transported 10 patients to area hospitals, and the crash is under investigation by the Maryland State Police. - MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG
This patch belongs to the Clinton Vol. FD, "Southside Pipeline," located in Prince George's County, MD. DAVID RUCKER
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
Emergency Crews Respond to Fatal Accident in Maugansville Maugansville, MD - On the afternoon of August 3rd, Washington County 911 received calls reporting a serious accident on Interstate 81, south of the Pennsylvania line. Emergency crews from both Maryland and Pennsylvania were dispatched out to the area of the 12 mile marker for the JUMP TO FILE# accident at 2:42 081517109 P.M. Washington County 911 had received multiple reports of a tractor-trailer that rolled over, landing down an embankment. Maugansville Fire Co.’s Rescue Squad was the first unit to arrive, finding the accident to be just north of Showalter Road. Rescue Squad 13 confirmed dispatch information and reported one confirmed entrapment. Command was immediately established and the request was made for Washington County Special Operations to respond with Hazmat 20. Firefighters worked to stabilize the truck as others worked to make access to the driver. Command reported the patient to be a Priority 1/Category “A” Trauma and requested aviation to be started. Crews were able to gain
access to the patient within 15 minutes of their arrival on the scene. Once access was made, EMS confirmed the patient to be Priority 4 and aviation was cancelled on the call. Emergency crews remained committed on the scene for nearly two hours to assist Maryland State Police with recovery operations. Interstate 81 was limited to one lane while rescue crews worked the incident. Operations were reported complete at 4:41 P.M., at which time Command was terminated and FD units were able to clear the incident. The investigation of the accident is currently being handled by the Maryland State Police Hagerstown Barracks. The accident involved a Tractor-Trailer that was traveling northbound on I-81 when it ran off the road onto the right shoulder, striking the guardrail and overturning down a steep embankment, striking a tree and spilling its load. There was an initial concern for possible hazardous materials, but crews were able to check the contents and quickly confirmed that no hazardous materials were involved. The driver of the truck was the only occupant and the cause of the accident is still undetermined. Emergency crews assisting at the incident responded from Mau-
gansville Goodwill Fire Co.13, Long Meadow Fire Co.27, Greencastle PA’s Rescue Hose Co.3, Community Rescue Service Co.75, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Washington
County Special Operations 20, Washington County Emergency Rehab Unit 255, and the Hagerstown MD State Police Barracks. Units from MD State Police Aviation Command and PA’s Mar-
JOE GOODRICH
ion Fire Co.8 were also alerted to assist but were cancelled on the call once it was determined their assistance would not be needed. - WILLIAM KING
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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MARYLAND
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
TODD BENDER
This Baltimore, MD Ambulance #42 has been repurposed by Handsome Devil BBQ in Gardiner, NY.
FRANK ROBINSON
York Township, PA now operates this 1997 Simon Duplex/A I 105' Tiller. The unit once saw service in Hagerstown, MD.
APPARATUS FOR SALE
2009 Ford ALS Ambulance 33205.7 miles • 2989.9 Engine hours Accepting offers until Wed. Nov. 1, 2017 Minimum offer: $25000 Please forward all offers to: Laura Hinde, District Secretary Hicksville Fire District 20 East Marie Street • Hicksville, NY 11801 516-933-6445 x112
CECIL COUNTY FIRE BLOG
Newspaper Delivery Workers Save Occupants from Two-Alarm Blaze North East, MD - In the early morning hours of July 23rd, Cecil County 911 received a call from a passerby reporting a house fire after seeing smoke coming from the rear of the residence at 115 S u s q u e h a n n o c k JUMP TO FILE# Boulevard. The 080117103 North East Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched on Box 400 with several neighboring departments for the call at 6:22 A.M. Heavy smoke could be seen from several miles out as firefighters approached the area. North East Assistant Chief Gary Tagmyer was the first to arrive to find a fully involved structure fire with exposures. Chief Tagmyer reported his findings to Cecil County Dispatch. Chief Tagmyer had a single-story residential structure with an attached garage and heavy fire conditions. Chief Tagmyer established command and immediately requested the second-alarm assignment. Firefighters arrived and set up operations for an exterior attack. Firefighters were able to confirm that all occupants were out of the structure, allowing them to conduct an exterior attack and concentrate on keeping the fire contained. Firefighters battled the blaze in a defensive mode for nearly 90 minutes that morning before getting a significant knockdown on the flames. Firefighters were committed on the scene for several hours Sunday morning conducting extensive overhaul operations. Investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to determine the cause of the devastating blaze. The
LEISA MORTEZ
North East Volunteer Fire Company arrives to find heavy fire conditions and request a 2nd Alarm on Susquehannock Blvd.
fire’s origin was determined by investigators to be on the exterior of the residence. The fire consumed the entire house, resulting in $800,000 in damages between the residence and its contents. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating the incident to determine a cause. Two local newspaper delivery workers made the difference that morning when they knocked on the door of the residence that was on fire after seeing smoke coming from the back of the building. The two occupants who were displaced by the fire were asleep at the time of the blaze. The fire could have easily been fatal if not for the de-
livery workers quick actions that morning, awakening both occupants allowing them to escape the fire without injury. State Fire Marshals reported that 40 firefighters responded out to the incident on Susquehannock Boulevard. North East Volunteer Fire Co.4 responded out, receiving assistance from Charlestown Fire Co.5, Perryville Community Fire Co.6, Singerly Fire Station 3, Community Fire Company of Rising Sun Co.8, Water Witch Fire Co.7, Susquehanna Hose CO.5, Chesapeake City Volunteer Fire Co.2, and Cecil County Paramedic 2. - WILLIAM KING
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Oct/Nov, 2017
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Ten Ways Social Media Works For Your Department
MARYLAND
by Chief Joel Miller
1. Ensure your social media policies work for the department and do not completely restrict your social media platforms. Do not leave “gray areas” for interpretation such as making policies so strict or confusing that people are deterred from utilizing them. 2. Utilize your PIO (Public Information Officer) as your social media administrator. This is the person with the information that needs to be available on your social media. They can do this from the field as the action happens and even use social media for a press conference or mass notification. 3. Consider utilizing firefighters as volunteer PIOs for your social media accounts. This allows you to cover more areas than having one PIO. Volunteers can be given rules and guidelines for posting pictures and information or have all posts funnel through the official PIO for actual posting. Many fire departments have been very successful with this approach. Just make sure your crew understands, work first and social media second unless they are the official PIO. 4. Establish a following. Make sure your fire departments’ social medial information is on everything! In today’s world, this is just as important as your phone number…….and I’m not talking about 911. So, from business cards to flyers for an event, be sure to include all your departments’ social media information. 5. Work smarter not harder. Let your social media accounts promote
your events and fund raisers. Use social media to direct people where to buy tickets or make donations to your events. 6. Always post the “great” things that are going on within your department such as fire prevention, feeding the homeless, or other public services in which your department participates. 7. Always post your departmental promotions and retirements on social media. This is a great way to let the community know about your departments’ accomplishments and recognize staff for their hard work and dedication. 8. As I stated in a previous article “A Picture is NOT Worth a Thousand Words," you must always tell the story behind the picture because if you don’t, people will assume the worst and reflect negatively on your department. Keep the story brief, as most readers only read the first two or three lines. 9. Use other groups and organizations’ social media pages to help promote your page. Tag other people with large sites relevant to your page and use their hashtag to help promote your pictures and get your information in front of the masses. (@chief_miller #chiefmiller , just saying… lol) 10. Start a hashtag for your department and use it consistently on all your posts. This is an important way for others to find your page in the social media world. Choose a hashtag that is relevant to your department while keeping it simple and easy to remember.
PROVIDED
WCVFRA-PT: C.J. RINEHART
Smithsburg Family Displaced by Electrical Fire Smithsburg, MD - On the morning of August 29th, emergency crews were dispatched out to the Whispering Hills subdivision in Smithsburg for a reported structure fire at 2:26 A.M. Washington County 911 received a call from the residents at 100 Daniels Court reporting a fire in their garage. Smithsburg Fire Co. was quickly dispatched out on the assignment with multiple other departments due on Box 7-1. Additional reports came in to Washington County reporting the blaze to be spreading as crews were marking up on the call. Smithsburg Fire Chief Dale Fishack marked within minutes after dispatch and was advised by Washington County Dispatch that they had reports of a fire in the garage that was rapidly spreading, and that the family was in the process of evacuating the home. Directly after the report from dispatch, Smithsburg EMS arrived on the scene to find heavy fire conditions. Paramedic 79-1 reported that they had a two-story wood-frame residential structure with an attached garage that was fully involved with extension into the house. On Paramedic 79-1’s report, Chief Fishack immediately requested the Safety Assignment started on the box. Smithsburg EMS confirmed all occupants out of the structure and began going door-to-door evacuating surrounding residences that were being threatened by the blaze. Chief Fishack arrived as heavy fire could be seen through-
JUMP TO FILE #092517103 out the second-floor of the residence. Chief Fishack established Daniels Court Command, reporting that they had a fully involved garage and fire through the roof of the house. Smithsburg Fire’s Engine 7-1 arrived on the scene, dropping a line to the "Alpha" side of the structure and setting up their operations with Longmeadow’s Quint 27. Command had additional incoming units set up operations in the parking lot of Smithsburg Elementary School on the “Charlie” side of the structure up the back hill from the residence, just off of North Main Street. Firefighters battled the morning blaze with ladder pipe operations and multiple attack lines in a defensive mode from the exterior only. It took crews over an hour to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters were committed on the scene for several hours after the blaze was knocked conducting extensive overhaul operations. The scene was later turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s office who were on the scene all morning conducting their investigation in to the cause of the blaze. Fire Marshals cleared the scene in the early afternoon around 1:00 P.M. Smithsburg Fire was recalled to the scene shortly after the Fire Marshals cleared for a reported rekindle on the second-floor of the house after a neighbor reported seeing smoke coming from the residence. Smithsburg responded
out with Longmeadow Quint 27 and used the ladder pipe to soak down the second-floor and extinguish the smoldering fire. The home on Daniels Court was deemed a total loss after the blaze. Damage to the home was estimated to be $330,000 between the structure and the contents within. The next door neighbor’s home received extensive exterior damage from the heat put out by the blaze, but no extension into the home itself. Deputy State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst confirmed that the point of origin of the fire was in the garage, and the cause was determined to be from an electrical failure. No injuries were reported during the incident and the family is currently receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Over 50 emergency personnel responded out to the incident, including Smithsburg Fire Co.7 who received assistance from Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Mt. Aetna Fire Co.16, Franklin County, PA’s Waynesboro Fire Co.2, Smithsburg EMS Co.79, HFD’s Independent Juniors Engine 3, Longmeadow Fire Co.27, Washington County Special Operations 20, Boonsboro Fire Co.6, Frederick County, MD’s Thurmont Fire Co.10 and Wolfsville Fire Co.21, Community Rescue Co.75, Washington County DES, Washington County Air Unit, and Washington County Fire & Rescue Association Rehab Unit 255. - WILLIAM KING
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Oct/Nov, 2017
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MARYLAND
Vehicle News
The Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department in Howard New Market District Vol. Fire Co.(Frederick County) re- Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County County, MD (Station 2) runs this 2016 Spartan/Custom cently placed into service Rescue Squad 15, a 2001 Pe- recently took delivery of its new ambulance designated Fire rig as Rescue Squad 2. terbilt/Saulsbury. as Medic 325. MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
FRANK ROBINSON
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
Abingdon, MD Fire Company now operates this 2017 The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department (Prince George's Prince George's County Fire Department has placed into Pierce Enforcer 1250/500/105' Ladder. County, MD Company 10) has taken delivery of a new service Water Rescue 847, a 2015 Ford F550 4WD/Deambulance, a 2017 Ford F550/Horton, from FESCO jana Truck. Emergency Sales.
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
COMMAND VEHICLES If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
WCVFRA-PT KENNETH MOHR
Firefighters Work Heavy Entrapment Near Maugansville Maugansville, MD - On the afternoon of September 30th, Washington County 911 took reports of a serious accident on Cearfoss Pike just east of the traffic circle at Greencastle Pike. Calls reported a passenger car that was on its roof. Maugansville Fire Co. and Community Rescue’s Paramedic 75-9 stationed at Maugansville were alerted for the call at 4:44 P.M. Washington County took additional calls after crews were dispatched confirming at least two patients in the vehicle with one entrapment. Community Rescue’s Duty Officer along with a second Medic Unit were started out of Community Rescue’s Antietam St. Station to assist. Units responding were advised by dispatch that they had reports of a single-vehicle rollover with entrapment. Maugansville Fire's Rescue Squad 13 immediately requested an additional Engine Company to the scene for manpower, and Captain Browne of Community Rescue requested a Trooper from Maryland State Police Aviation Command to be started on the call. Community Rescue’s Paramedic 75-9 arrived to find a battered Subaru on its roof off the road, and a pickup truck in the roadway facing east on Cearfoss Pike. Paramedic 75-9 confirmed one patient out of the vehicle with one still in. After a quick assessment, Paramedic 75-9 confirmed one Priority-1/Category “A” Trauma still entrapped and one Priority-2 out of the vehicle. Maugansville Rescue Squad 13 arrived on the scene directly after 75-9 and established Cearfoss Pike Command. Firefighters on Rescue Squad 13 worked to evaluate the rescue operations while EMS were work-
JUMP TO FILE #100117104 ing to evaluate and package the patient who had been pulled from the car prior to Fire and EMS arrival. Firefighters were faced with a priority patient heavily entrapped. Command immediately requested the “Go Team” from R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore to the scene to assist with extrication operations. Firefighters began extrication operations as the additional help from Hagerstown and Longmeadow arrived to assist. Command was then passed from Rescue Squad 13 to Captain Keith Hose of Maugansville upon his arrival on the scene. Firefighters from four different departments worked diligently as a team for over an hour conducting extrication operations while awaiting for Maryland State Police Aviation Trooper 1 to arrive with the Go Team. The operations crews worked together switching out personnel during the extensive rescue operations. Command reported the extrication to be complete at 6:06 P.M. as the Go Team arrived on the scene to assist. Current reports of the incident show that the Subaru was traveling west on Cearfoss Pike at a high rate of speed when it attempted to pass another vehicle and nearly struck the white pickup truck head-on. The vehicle swerved and lost control, leaving the roadway and striking a tree, causing the vehicle to roll over and hit the white pickup truck. None of the occupants in the white pickup truck were injured as a result of the collision, but both occupants in the Subaru sustained serious injuries. The first patient,
who was the passenger, was transported by Community Rescue Paramedic 75-4 to Meritus Medical Center by ground as a Priority-2/Category “C” Trauma. The second patient, who was the driver that was trapped, was flown to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police Trooper 3, as a Priority-1/Category “A” Trauma. The condition of the patient transported to Meritus is currently unknown, but the driver of the vehicle was last reported to be in critical condition at Shock Trauma. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Maryland State Police Reconstruction Unit. The Hagerstown Maryland State Police Barracks is requesting that anyone with information on the incident to contact them at (301)-766-3800. Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.13 responded out with Community Rescues Paramedics 75-9 and 75-4, receiving assistance on the call from Washington County DES EMS 18-11, Longmeadow Fire Co.27, Hagerstown Western Enterprise’s Engine 4 & Truck 4, Franklin County, PA’s Rescue Hose Co.3, Hagerstown Car 303, Washington County Special Operations 20, Washington County Fire & Rescue’s Safety Officers 202 & 204, Maryland State Police Aviation Command Troopers 3 and 1, Washington County Fire & Rescue’s Rehab 255, Washington County Air Unit 25, and Washington County Fire Police. The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma “Go Team” was on the scene, but their services were no longer needed upon their arrival thanks to the teamwork shown by the crews working the extrication. - WILLIAM KING
FRANK ROBINSON
The Ocean City, MD Deputy Fire Chief rides in this Ford F250 pickup truck.
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
Prince George's County Fire Chief Ben Barksdale, operates this 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe.
APPARATUS FOR SALE
The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Uniondale Fire District will accept sealed Bids until 2:00 pm, August 31, 2017, for the sale of one (1) Red 2005 International Ambulance. Add’l detailed info can be obtained. At 3pm, August 31, 2017, bid(s) will be opened and publicly read aloud. Vehicle is to be sold “as is”. Hurst Tool and other equipment included in sale. The minimum accepted bid for the vehicle is $35,000 w/ firematic pkg. Sealed bid(s) may be delivered in person to District Office M-F 9:00a5:00p at 501 Uniondale Ave., 2nd Floor, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sealed bid(s) must be marked “Bid for 2005 International Ambulance”. Sealed bid(s) must be accompanied with a check in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid price submitted or the bid will not be accepted. Contact District Secretary at (516) 481-8411 8:30a-5:00p M-F. The final sale payment is to be by certified or bank check. The Uniondale Fire District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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MARYLAND
Lightning Strike Sparks Two-Alarm Blaze, Displacing 74 Residents Funkstown, MD - On the evening of August 22nd, Washington County had a severe thunderstorm roll through the area. Shortly after 8:00 P.M., Washington County 911 began JUMP TO FILE # receiving 911 calls 082517116 reporting a building fire at Woodbridge North Apartments located at 11565 Robinwood Dr., just east of Hagerstown. Washington County prealerted Box 10-8 for the call at 8:08 P.M., as numerous calls reporting the blaze began to flood the 911 Center. Captain Eddie Carpenter of Washington County Special Operations was in the area and radioed into dispatch that he had heavy fire conditions with fire through the roof and requested the Safety Assignment to be started. Several witnesses stated that they heard a loud bang and felt the building shake just before the fire alarm system activated, while others reported seeing lightning strike the building. All residents in the apartment building were able to quickly evacuate as the fire quickly spread across the roof and through the attic. Heavy smoke could be seen against the night sky as crews approached the scene. Hagerstown’s Engine 3 and Truck 1 were the first units to arrive, finding a three-story apartment building in the process of being evacuated, with the roof fully engulfed in flames. Captain Trayer Stoops from Hagerstown F.D. arrived on the scene and established Robinwood Drive Command. Paramedic 75-1 conducted a 360 of the building for command, finding heavy fire showing on side "Charlie". Engine 3’s crew had the evacuation group and worked to assist the occupants exiting the building while Truck 1 worked with the Engine operator to set up for aerial operations. Command requested the evacuation tone to be sounded and called for all personnel to evacuate the structure. Command announced that crews would be operating in a full defensive mode and requested the second-alarm to be started. Firefighters battling the twoalarm blaze were hampered by poor water pressure issues while working to establish ladder pipe operations. Command assigned Battalion Chief Grimm as water supply supervisor and requested a Tanker Taskforce to assist with water supply operations. Heavy fire conditions ripped through the third-floor, destroying the entire top floor of the structure. Command reported at 8:45 P.M. that ladder pipe operations were in place, the full roof had collapsed, and that they had heavy fire throughout the 3rd Division. With the heavy fire conditions, a second Tanker Taskforce was requested to the scene to assist with
water supply operations. Nearly 100 firefighters battled the fire for just over an hour before the flames were able to be brought under control by three aerial trucks conducting ladder pipe operations. The bulk of the fire on Division 3 was knocked by 9:11 P.M., at which time firefighters were able to re-enter the structure, switching to an offensive operation. With the bulk of the fire knocked, several tankers on the assignment were able to be released from the incident by Command. Firefighters did a complete search of the building for victims which came up negative. Upon completion of their search, crews began conducting overhaul operations, opening the walls looking for extension and hosing down hot spots. At 11:13 P.M., all crews were pulled from the building and Command had the aerial trucks conduct a full Hydraulic Overhaul of the 3rd Division. The third-floor of the apartment building was completely destroyed by the flames, and the first and second floor apartments sustained heavy smoke and water damage. All occupants that were home at the time of the blaze were able to safely evacuate that night. One resident was transported to Meritus Medical Center due to a previous medical condition and has since been released from the hospital. A team of multiple organizations are working with the American Red Cross to assist the residents displaced by the fire. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church opened its doors that night and Washington County Commuter came out to transport the residents to the Church, where Red Cross set up their operations. Food donations from Noralli’s Pizza, FedEx, and State Farm were received by the emergency responders, along with other donations received from Star Community Center, Hub City Vineyard Church and other individual donations received at Seventh-Day Adventist Church. A “Go Fund Me” page was also set up at https://www.gofundme.com/wood bridge-apartments-fire-relief. A team of investigators from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office were on the scene late Tuesday night and returned the next morning to continue their investigation to determine a cause of the devastating fire. The point of origin in the 37-unit apartment building was determined and the cause was confirmed to be from a lightning strike. Investigators reported that lightning struck the roof which immediately set the roof and the attic on fire. The alarm and sprinkler system for the building did activate, but the fire started on the roof and in the attic that was not sprinklered. State Fire Marshals also confirmed that all 74 residents have been accounted for, and other than the one occupant
Heavy fire conditions engulf the roof as firefighters work to battle the blaze.
JOHANNA WOLFE
Firefighters set up a Tanker Dump Site along Robinwood Dr. during Woodbridge Fire.
transported for a pre-existing medical issue, no other injuries were reported. Emergency personnel from over 20 departments across Washington County responded to the blaze. Funkstown Fire Co.10 received assistance on Box 10-8 from Hagerstown FD Command Staff, Independent Junior Engine 3, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1, First Hagerstown Hose Engine 1, Antietam Fire Special Unit 32, South End Fire Engine 5, Mt. Aetna Fire Co.16, Halfway Fire & EMS Co.26, Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Smithsburg Fire Co.7, Long
Meadow Fire Co.27, Maugansville Fire Co.13, Boonsboro Fire Co.6, Sharpsburg Fire Co.1, Fairplay Fire District 12, Clear Spring Fire Co.4, Community Rescue Service Co.75, Washington County Special Operations 20, Washington County DES Command Staff, Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Safety Officer 204, Washington County Air Unit 25, Washington County Rehab Unit 255, Washington County Fire Police, Washington County Sheriff Department, and Hagerstown City Auxiliary Police. Additional assistance was re-
TERRY SIGLER
ceived from several departments out of Frederick County and Jefferson County, West Virginia who responded with units to cover the area while crews were committed on the call. Some of those departments from Frederick County transferring in that night were Brunswick EMS Co.19, Myersville Fire Co.8, Independent Hose Co.1, Thurmont Fire Co.10, and Jefferson County Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Co.5. - WILLIAM KING
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Oct/Nov, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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