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AUG/SEPT., 2016
NEWPORT NEWS FD
SUFFOLK, VA - On June 15th, Suffolk Fire Department and Newport News Fire Department were toned out for a serious vehicle crash on Interstate 664, near the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. An occupant in one of the vehicles was reported as entrapped.
- See full story on page 18
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August/September, 2016
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ADVERTISER INDEX
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1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 16, No. 4 - 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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CHARLIE LEWIS
HCDFRS
Power Failure Causes Chlorine Odor at Museum
Washington, D.C. - At 10:00 A.M. on July 23rd, DC Fire/EMS units were sent to investigate a chlorine odor coming from the National Art Gallery, located at 7th and Madison Streets, NW. Upon arriving, units discovered strong chemical readings throughout the building, caused by a power failure that shut off the ventilation systems for the sculpture gardens. Battalion Fire Chief-6 requested a Hazmat Local. A Rehab Unit, staffed for the day due to extreme heat conditions, was also requested. Units operated in temperatures over 90-degrees for four hours to restore power and ventilate the building.
DHS S&T Awards TDA Research, Inc. $981K to Improve First Responder Respiration Washington, D.C. – In July, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) awarded $980,531 to TDA Research, Inc. based in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, for an 18-month project to develop a respiration protection system that will protect firefighters against chemical vapors and particulate hazards during overhaul operations. “As a former firefighter myself, I am fully aware of the toxicity of some of the debris that remains once a fire has been extinguished,” said DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Robert Griffin. “This research and development project will help ensure that responders involved in overhaul and cleanup efforts have the critical equipment they need to breathe safely.” Responders who remain onscene after a fire has been extinguished to perform overhaul operations typically wear their selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during initial stages of cleanup, as this is the only means of complete respiratory protection at a time when they are greatly at risk of inhaling carbon monoxide. In later stages, many remove their SCBA when the CO levels have been deemed safe (by OSHA standards); however, since CO levels do not correlate to the concentration levels of other potentially hazardous materi-
JUMP TO FILE #070716104 als, they still face exposure to chemical vapor and particulate hazards. This award will fund development of a new comfortable, lightweight and affordable filtration system that will provide respiratory protection for firefighters from hazardous material during overhaul operations, while requiring little maintenance. “This new respiratory system will shield responders from airborne hazards during overhaul operations, while increasing comfort compared to using their SCBAs,” said FRG Program Manager Bill Deso. “We look forward to working with TDA Research and our First Responder Resource Group — an advisory group made up of all disciplines from all geographic regions of the country — to bring this solution to our nation’s firefighters to provide increased protection while they perform this important task.” In the Fall 2015, DHS S&T’s First Responders Group (FRG) requested proposals from vendors with rapid technology solutions to help solve critical capability gaps identified by first responders across the country. This is one of several related awards that FRG will announce in coming weeks and months. - JOHN VERRICO
HCDFRS
Units Respond to Commercial Fire in Columbia Washington, D.C. - Shortly before 5:30 A.M. on July 4th, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), were alerted by a passerby of smoke coming from the 5900 block of Harpers Farm Road in Columbia. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the side of the building in the location of Lynn’s Day Spa. Firefighters with the first arriving units immediately began an aggressive attack on the fire. A second-alarm was immediately requested, alerting additional HCDFRS units, as well as units from Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Departments. The second-alarm
JUMP TO FILE #071116128 was soon downgraded and the fire was controlled quickly. A nearby business, DaVita Dialysis Center, suffered light smoke conditions and the health department was requested to evaluate the center for opening. HCDFRS was assisting them with patients as they arrived. There were no civilian or fire department injuries. HCDFRS fire investigators were also on-scene and working to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. - HCDFRS
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC Fire & EMS Pays Tribute to its Female Members Washington, D.C. - For the first time in the history of the D.C. Fire & EMS Department, all 261 female members of the Department were invited to attend an “Empowering Women to Lead” program, held on July 18th at the JUMP TO FILE# prestigious National 081216111 Building Museum, located in downtown Washington, D.C. Nearly 100 female firefighters, medics and staff members showed up for the approximate two hour event, along with about one-dozen or so male DCFD officers and leaders, to hear numerous personal and inspiring stories of endurance, overcoming gender-related obstacles, and success. Fire and EMS Chief Gregory M. Dean cited the event as a "challenge for us as an organization to reflect the community we serve.” “The object of the program is to provide a conscious effort on our part to become more inclusive in shaping the leadership of the Department," Chief Dean said. A host of speakers, including DC FEMS Chief of Staff Amy Mauro, told of lessons learned while trying to break through what one woman called “that invisible glass ceiling,” and also told of how they persevered to obtain higher ranks and positions. Mauro acknowledged that the Department had too-few female leaders. Guest speaker Andrea Clark, a Fire Battalion Chief from nearby Fairfax City, VA, and 22-year veteran who worked her way up through the ranks, emphasized the “need to take advantage of every opportunity made available to you,” especially in the area of education. Another motivational speaker, Lt. Kishia Clemencia, urged “all women to find your reason, believe in it and yourself,” and “never let anyone else define who you are and what you can accomplish. Do not let fear stunt your growth, and remember, no one has achieved success without the assistance of others,” she added. The event was organized and produced by recently-appointed Diversity Manager Kim McDaniel. The event luncheon was provided by the D.C. Fire & EMS Foundation. "The Department’s new Empowering Women to Lead (EWTL) program, will feature regular networking and educational opportunities for women within the Department," Ms. McDaniel said.
DCFD PHOTOGRAPHER VITO MAGGIOLO
ON THE LITER SIDE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
- WALTER GOLD
(Written by Walter Gold, Executive Director of D.C. Fire & EMS Foundation. Mr. Gold is a former police/fire reporter for the old Washington Evening Star, and a long-time member of the Department’s volunteer branch).
Firefighting Air Tankers
PROVIDED
San Bernardino, CA - On August 9th, the SBCoFD wished "Smokey the Bear" a Happy 72nd Birthday! Smokey is most recognized for his slogan “Only you can prevent forest fires," and continues to help educate the community about fire safety. Happy Birthday Smokey!
Firefighting Air Tankers By Firestorm Video Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800522-8528 e-mail: support@firep o l i c e - e m s . c o m www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $24.95 (DVD) This is a 60 minute DVD of air tanker operations at California natural cover fires. Model fixed wing, propeller driven planes are featured that are either operated by CAL FIRE of the California Division of Forestry or of private aircraft contracted to the U.S. Forest Service. Some models include the Cal Fire S2T air tanker and the Neptune Aviation System P2V and P2V5 all of which were antisubmarine warplanes once used the by Navy and then converted to air tanker status. The Lockheed P3 Orion is another aircraft, this one was formerly used for sub surveillance and presently operated by the Aero Union Corporation. The Canadair CL 215 and 415 are also
featured. These are built as air tankers and have the capability of refilling with water in flying mode such as a lake. The 10 Tanker Air carrier which is a MacDonald Douglas DC-10 can hold 12,000 gallon of retardant. During the rundown of these aforementioned aircraft, you can see them operating at or near fires either directly dropping retardant on the fires or in proximity to them to slow its advance and giving the ground troops an edge when they go in for the extinguishment. Verbal Air traffic between the planes and the ground can be heard, however later on in the video there is a section narrated by a retired member of the USFS who details the strategies and tactics of air tanker operations as you see them working and this provides and educational segment of the video. This narration takes up a good portion of the video. There is also a bonus section which features vintage aircraft now retired that is working at a 1999 fire and how they get prepared to go to duty from the Paso Robles, CA Air Attack Base. This DVD was chosen to provide a little different type of firefighting separate from that in urban areas. I also want to credit with videographer with a job well done!
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
PAGE 5
WEST VIRGINIA
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.
RIDGELEY FD
Multiple Crews Respond to Structure Fire Ridgeley, WV - At 9:45 A.M. on Monday, August 22nd, the Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Co. was alerted to respond to a working residential fire with possible entrapment. Engine/Air 25-13 went en-route with a crew of seven, under the direction of Deputy Chief Steve Shipley. While enroute, Command notified units that all occupants were out of the building. On scene, Engine/Air 25-13 set up to fill SCBA bottles while the crew pulled an attack line from City Engine 1-2 and made entry through the "Alpha" side door alongside firefighters from LaVale. Crews assisted with overhaul and the repacking of five-inch lines. Engine/Air 25-13 was back in quarters and available
JUMP TO FILE #082616120 at 11:37 A.M. Company-25 was also alerted for an ambulance to respond to the scene at 10:10 A.M. Ambulance 25-70 responded with a crew of two. Ambulance 25-70 returned to quarters at 11:31 A.M. Other units that responded to the scene were Cumberland City's Co. 1, LaVale MD's Co. 2, Bowling Green, MD's Co. 8, Bedford Road, MD's Co. 3, District 16, MD's Co. 7, Ridgeley, WV's Co. 25, Wiley Ford, WV's Co. 27 and the Cumberland City Police.
JOSHUA " GUNNER " KNOLL
Buckhannon, WV - Previously owned by Alpha Fire Co. out of State College, PA, this 2007 Sutphen SPH100 got a new life down in West Virginia, serving with the Buckhannon FD as Truck-11.
APPARATUS IN ACTION
If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
- RIDGELEY FD
WCVFRA-PT: A.STOTLER
Great Cacapon, WV - Williamsport and Halfway in position for ladder-pipe operations at a two-alarm blaze in July.
RIDGELEY FD
Falling Waters, WV - Bedington FD's Engine-43 at work during a structure fire in July.
JOHN BORELLI
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August/September, 2016
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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 Nebraska: Eric C. Speck, 38 Rank: Captain Incident Date: June 23, 2016 Death Date: June 27, 2016 Fire Department: Dakota City Fire Department Initial Summary: On June 23, 2016, Captain Speck complained of chest pains while on-scene of an emergency medical call. Afterward, he traveled to the hospital where it was found he had suffered a heart attack. Captain Speck succumbed to his injury on the morning of June 27, 2016, while in the hospital. Michigan: Andrew Russell, 48 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: January 24, 2016 Death Date: July 2, 2016 Fire Department: Harrison Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Several days following surgery to replace a shoulder that was badly injured from a fall on ice while working an emergency medical call, Lieutenant Russell began to feel sick and asked his wife to call 911. Responders provided assistance to Lt. Russell and transported him to the hospital where he passed away from complications related to the surgery.
Nevada: Jacob O’Malley, 27 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 10, 2016 Fire Department: BLM Nevada State Office Initial Summary: While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash. Nevada: Will Hawkins, 22 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 10, 2016
Fire Department: BLM Nevada State Office Initial Summary: While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash.
New Jersey: Richard N. Zadorozny, 66 Rank: Chief Engineer Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 11, 2016 Fire Department: Eatontown Engine, Truck, and Hose Co. #1 Initial Summary: Along with his fire department, Chief Engineer Zadorozny was dispatched for an odor of natural gas at a local apartment complex. Operating the first responding apparatus, Zadorozny and his crew arrived on scene to investigate the incident. The odor was eventually unfounded and the apparatus returned to quarters. Chief Engineer Zadorozny returned to his home for the evening and, a few hours later, suffered a medical event (likely cardiac). EMS responded to Zadorozny's home, but were unable to revive him. Zadorozny was pronounced dead a short time later.
Delaware: Tim McClanahan, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 11, 2016 Death Date: July 11, 2016 Fire Department: Lewes Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter McClanahan died after falling from a helicopter while participating in a monthly “hoist training” exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team at the Delaware Coastal Airport. The helicopter immediately landed and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board began to provide medical assistance. Firefighter McClanahan was taken to Beebe Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead. The fatal incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, state and local authorities.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
PAGE 7
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Continues to Recover in Wake of Historic Flooding Kanawha, WV - On June 23rd, West Virginia was slammed by a deluge of rain, landing it in the record books as the third deadliest flood in West Virginia’s recorded history, with 23 fatalities. The first and second deadliest WV floods belong to the Buffalo Creek Flood of 1972, with 125 fatalities and the Election Day Flood of 1985, with 38 fatalities in West Virginia and 22 fatalities in Virginia. This years June 23rd flood has also earned the title of the deadliest flash flood event in the United States since the Tennessee Floods of 2010, which claimed 21 lives. The National Weather Service said the flood had a 0.1 percent chance of occurring in any year, equivalent of a "1,000-year-rain." Torrential rain swept over a large portion of West Virginia and within just a few hours, as much as 10-inches of water was recorded in some areas. As if the flooding wasn’t enough, an EF1 tornado was reported in Jackson County and confirmed by the National Weather Service. “The flooding experienced on June 23rd and 24th is the worst in a century for some parts of the state,” Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said. “Our Emergency Communications Center worked through the night and continues to coordinate efforts with local officials.” The governor declared a State of Emergency for 44 of the state’s 55 counties on June 23rd. “The declaration allowed us to quickly pull together resources and put boots on the ground,” Gov. Tomblin explained in a press release. The governor said that by Thursday night, 150 members of the National Guard were prepared to assist with rescue and response efforts. On June 24th, the governor said 200 National Guard members were actively assisting in eight counties and that authorization for up to 300 more members had been given. According to a press release from Kanawha County as of June 26th, the Kanawha County Emergency Center Operations Center remained open as emergency officials continued to work with first responders in the Clendenin, Elkview, Pinch and Frame areas of Kanawha County where signif-
JUMP TO FILE #081216103 icant flooding occurred. The Town of Clendenin was shut down to everyone except for first responders and residents. Gov. Tomblin announced on June 29th that his request to expand the Federal Disaster Declaration to include Fayette, Clay, Roane, Summers, Monroe, Webster and Pocahontas counties had been granted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This federal declaration provided residents of the counties with access to individual assistance, including emergency medical support and housing, and would also help to address immediate needs. These seven counties were in addition to Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties, which were approved June 25th. On June 29th, the governor also lifted the State of Emergency for all counties except Kanawha, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Fayette, Clay, Roane, Summers, Webster, Pocahontas, Monroe, Lincoln and Jackson. “Lifting the State of Emergency for these 32 counties is the first step on a long road ahead that allows us to focus our state resources on those areas devastated by flood waters,” Gov. Tomblin said in a press release. “West Virginians are resilient people, and we will rebuild our state stronger than ever.” The West Virginia Division of Highways announced that the road damage from flooding now totals $46,859,290. Dozens of contractors have been hired to restore access to communities and repair major routes. Spearheaded by the efforts of the Kanawha Humane Society, the American Humane Association rolled into town, both during and after the emergency, with their Mobile Emergency Vet Truck to save animals that were displaced from the flooding. Pets were sheltered during the flood and its aftermath by local animal shelters. The struggle for West Virginia’s ongoing recovery is very real, but so is the courage and fortitude of its residents.
Rescue crews in Rainelle.
HARRISONBURG, VA FIRE DEPARTMENT
Emergency personnel rescuing trapped residents.
HARRISONBURG, VA FIRE DEPARTMENT
- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Read more stories online! www.1rbn.com HARRISONBURG, VA FIRE DEPARTMENT
PAGE 8
August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
WEST VIRGINIA
Electrical Wiring Causes Fatal Fire in Spring Mills Spring Mills, WV - On July 14th, Berkeley County 9-1-1 took reports of a structure fire off of St. Andrews Drive in Spring Mills. Berkeley dispatched an assignment out to 853 Appian Way at 2:48 P.M. for a structure fire with possible entrapments. As they approached the scene, responding crews were able to see heavy smoke JUMP TO FILE# coming from the 071816137 area. Bedington Engine-43 arrived on the scene to find heavy fire with threequarters of the house engulfed in flames. Engine-43 confirmed with dispatch that they had a working fire and advised Chief-40 that tankers would be needed. Units responding to the scene were hampered by vehicles parked along Appian Way, making it difficult to make access to the residence. Firefighters on side "Charlie" had to cut out an access point in the tree line, along St. Andrews Drive, in order to access the scene. Firefighters arrived and worked to set up and attack the blaze from sides "A" and "C." Engine-42 assumed command of the incident, as Chief-40 took operations. Command had reports that the family evacuated the structure, but one child was unaccounted for and the house was unsafe to attempt rescue efforts. Firefighters were forced to take a defensive attack mode due to the heavy fire conditions. Command immediately requested additional tankers and engines to respond to the scene out of Washington County, MD. Firefighters worked to contain the fire for over one hour before getting a knock down on the flames. Firefighters were on the scene until the early evening hours, working to extinguish hot spots and also assisting the West Virginia Fire Marshals, who were called in to investigate the cause of the blaze. The Fire Marshals were able to determine that the cause of the fire was accidental and had started from electrical wiring. They also believed that the fire was fueled by some of the dry, windy conditions, which con-
Berkeley County firefighters respond to find the house fully involved.
tributed to how quickly the fire spread. One pediatric fatality was confirmed by the State Fire Marshal’s office, but no other injuries were reported. The American Red Cross was also called in to assist the family. Berkeley County crews from Bedington Fire Co.40, Hedgesville Fire Co.30, Baker Heights Fire Co.60 and Medic-96 responded to the incident. Mutual aid was received from Washington County, MD units out of Williamsport Fire Co.2, Halfway Fire Co.26, Maugansville Fire Co.13, Clear Spring Fire Co.4 and Washington County Emergency Rehab-255. - WILLIAM KING
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
The Human Factors, A Contributing Factor In firefighter Injury and Death - Part I STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
This article and the next 2 following articles first appeared when I first started writing this column, Staying Safe, 15 years ago. I repeated it 6 years ago with slight modification, and feel it still holds true today as a leading cause of firefighter injury and death. It can serve as a refresher for senior firefighters and as a safety lesson for newer firefighters. The prime suspect for a majority of all unsafe acts and the resulting injuries and deaths in fire/EMS personnel can be relegated to “Human Factors.” This Human Factor or Human Error category includes many sub categories that contribute to unsafe and dangerous acts at the emergency scene. Included, but not limited to, the following: laziness, lack of concentration, poor judgment and failure to evaluate risks involved, not being prepared, insufficient training, taking foolish chances, complacency, macho or indestructible attitude, accidents don’t happen to me, refusing to seek help, emotions out of control, and the proverbial taking short cuts rather than following standard procedures. It is always easy to blame the equipment, apparatus, or changing fire conditions, but was it really the individual firefighter at fault? Laziness is probably the greatest cause for any type of unsafe act because indirectly it will almost appear as the root cause for the incident to have occurred. Most will deny laziness as the primary cause because of the guilt complex that goes along with being identified as being LAZY. Hey, I got news for you, we all suffer from the same problem and it has a bearing in our everyday life. Who gets up to change TV channels? How about the portable telephone? When I sit down to watch TV I make sure I have the TV remote, but more often then I like, I forget to bring the portable phone. In the height of laziness I hope my wife will come join me, and then I ask her to bring the phone, anything to keep from getting up! I am not alone. Fortunately the aforementioned are not life threatening, but if laziness carries over into our day-to-day chores or when we respond as emergency responders, it can lead
to injury. How about cleaning the leaves from the gutters? You put the ladder up and then hug it, getting as close as possible to the rungs while over reaching left and right as far as possible in order to keep from climbing down and repositioning the ladder. When we complete the gutter-cleaning chore what have we saved, having to move the ladder 2 or 3 more times, while giving no thought to our personal safety. You don’t have to fall from a great height to be injured, and the older you get the shorter the distance. Maybe, as one gets older, it would be safer to hire someone to clean the gutters for us. Think about it, if we do the same things at the emergency scene in order to save energy and footsteps, the risk of injury and death are far greater than being unable to change the TV channel. Are we wearing all our protective equipment, or have we forgotten or misplaced an item in the excitement? If we have, the chances are we are not going back to get it. How many times have we used the tool in hand as a poor substitute for the correct tool simply because it requires going back to the rig to obtain it? How often do we stand on a chair, table, or bed, or whatever else is available, to pull a ceiling with a halligan tool when a 6 foot hook is the preferred tool for the job? It is almost impossible to maintain ones balance walking on a bed, let alone perform some physical activity. How about ladder placement and height? Do we reposition the ladder, or get a ladder of greater length when it is the safe thing to do, or do we make do and hope nothing goes wrong. There are times the IC gives a specific assignment and we immediately come up with a better idea, usually one that reduces physical exertion and therefore easier to perform. Officers and Incident Commanders should be aware of counter proposals and their effect on the safety of personnel. The task may be made easier, but will it be as effective and safe? Counter proposals are usually shortcuts that eliminate a safe method of performing a task, and may become the contributing factors to injuries and death, and they generally start with being lazy. We know better, but laziness is driving us so therefore we overlook the added risk. To be continued next month. Till then, Stay Safe and God Bless!
August/September, 2016
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
WEST VIRGINIA
Great Cacapon Fire Station Destroyed in Two-Alarm Blaze Great Cacapon, WV - On July 5th, Morgan County 9-1-1 received a call from Allegany County at 11:55 A.M., reporting a fire at the Great Cacapon Fire Station. Morgan County 9-1-1 dispatched units in from Morgan and Washington Counties for a structure fire. Chief Matt Grimley of Great Cacapon arrived directly after dispatch to find heavy smoke coming from the building. Chief Grimley immediately requested a second-alarm as he worked to make access to the building and try to save their equipment. The fire was quickly spreading throughout the building, but Chief Grimley was able to save two of their trucks by driving them through the bay doors, which were left inoperable due to the fire. Firefighters worked in a defensive mode as flames were shooting through the roof. Washington
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JUMP TO FILE #071616100 County’s Tower-26 and Truck-2 arrived and worked to set up ladder-pipe operations. Firefighters worked diligently to establish a good water supply with tanker shuttles to support the aerial operations of both trucks. Great Cacapon’s Fire Chief was facing a nightmare, watching his own firehouse being destroyed. Chief William Ball, from Williamsport Fire out of Maryland, arrived on the scene and Chief Grimley passed Command over to him. This gave Chief Grimley a chance to step back and let someone else work the incident. Firefighters worked diligently to battle the blaze that afternoon, which took nearly two hours to bring under control. Great Cacapon has served its community for over 70 years. They lost almost everything that afternoon, including a tanker truck, brush truck, turnout gear and all of their radios among multiple other items. Chief Grimley was quoted as stating that service to the community would not be interrupted. Multiple fire companies from the four-state area have already begun to step up to help Great Cacapon in their time of need. The brotherhood within the fire service can be seen in Great Cacapon. Long Meadow Fire Company, out of Washington County in Maryland, made a road trip to Great Cacapon that same evening, with a truck full of surplus turnout gear that they had onhand at their own station. Needmore Fire Company out of Pennsylvania loaned them one of their Engines to cover calls with until they could get their own equipment back in service. Other departments from across the area have been transferring in with personnel to cover the Great Cacapon area. Some of those departments include Mercersburg Fire Co.9 out of Franklin County PA, Potomac Valley Fire Co.11 and Antietam Fire (HFD ENGINE 2) out of Washington County MD, Parsons Fire out of Tucker County WV, Shepherdstown Fire out of Jefferson County WV and Bedington Fire out of Berkeley County WV. The out pouring of support can be seen not only by the area fire departments, but also by the community as a whole. The devastating fire destroyed the building and trucks, but no injuries were reported. The estimated dollar loss is believed to be around $1,000,000 in damages. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the West Virginia Fire Marshal’s office is still investigating. Fire and EMS crews from 10 different counties in the four-state area responded to the fire. Those counties included Morgan County WV, Hampshire County WV, Jefferson County WV, Mineral
WCVFRA-PT: JUSTIN GEARHART
Great Cacapon's Rescue Engine sits in front of the station after Chief Grimley pulls it through the bay door.
County WV, Frederick County VA, Washington County MD, Allegany County MD, Frederick County MD, Fulton County PA and Franklin County PA. Over 100 Fire and EMS personnel responded that day, from over 20 different agencies. The Great Cacapon Fire Department has a long road ahead. Several areas are doing their part to try to hold special bingos and spaghetti feed benefits to help the department. Donations can be made to the CNB Bank on behalf of Great Cacapon Fire Department and can be mailed to P.O. Box 247 in Great Cacapon, WV 25422. Great Cacapon also has a Fundraising Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/GCVFC that you can visit for more information. - WILLIAM KING
WCVFRA-PT: A.STOTLER
WCVFRA-PT: JUSTIN GEARHART
Sergeant Girardin from Halfway Fire pauses in disbelief at the destruction of the firehouse.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DRILLS/TRAINING
DELAWARE
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
DOVER FD
GOOD WILL FIRE CO.
New Castle, DE - Members from Good Will, Delaware City and Wilmington Manor came together again during the end of August for another night of rope rescue training. The training involved identifying and building anchors, building mechanical advantages and securing a patient inside of a stokes basket. The members trainied for two-and-a-half hours.
DOVER FD
Fully Involved Trailer Fire in Dover
Dover, DE - On July 12th at 6:42 A.M., the Dover Fire Department was alerted for a working trailer fire with a possible subject trapped, on Glenn Street. Due to the proximity, Dover Air Force Base Emergency Services was also dispatched. Air base units were first on-scene, quickly followed by E-2, to find a 14 x 70' trailer with heavy fire showing. Crews advanced a one-and-three-quarter inch attack line through the side door and secured a water supply. The fire was quickly knocked down as an exhaustive search was being performed. The search proved negative. Later, the homeowner was found to be staying at a local hotel. After an extensive overhaul, the scene was placed under control and turned over to the Delaware State Police and the State FMO for investigation. GOOD WILL FIRE CO.
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Marshallton, DE - This Chevy Duty Officer's vehicle is used by the Mill Creek Fire Company of Marshallton.
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August/September, 2016
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DELAWARE
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GOOD WILL FIRE CO.
Units Respond to Working House Fire in New Castle
New Castle, DE - Just before 7:00 A.M. on Monday, August 22nd, Station-18 was alerted to assist Station-22 at a residential fire. Engine 18-6 responded quickly. When Engine-22 arrived on-scene, they had smoke showing and requested an upgrade to a working-alarm. Engine 18-6 arrived as the firstdue special service company. The crew conducted a primary search and then assisted with opening up. Units operated on the fire ground for roughly one hour.
FRANK ROBINSON
Millsboro, DE - Millsboro Fire Company run this 2014 Chevy/Reading 250/250 Field Piece.
DOVER FD
GOOD WILL FIRE CO.
Crews Extinguish Commercial Vehicle Fire in New Castle New Castle, DE - On August 24th around 2:30 P.M., Engine-18 from Good Will Fire Co. was alerted to assist Station-20 at a commercial vehicle fire. Engine 18-2 responded quickly and arrived as the first-due engine. The crew split laid from the entrance and up the driveway to the vehicle, and placed both bumper lines in service. Engine-22 picked up the split lay and secured the water supply. The crews worked to extinguish the loaded trash compartment of the vehicle. Members used a rotary saw to cut a hole in the top of the container and placed a cellar nozzle on the end of the line, inserting it into the container to drown out the fire. Engine 18-2 operated for two hours before returning to service.
DOVER FD
Two Drivers Entrapped After Serious MVA Dover, DE - On August 25th at 6:19 P.M., the Dover Fire Department was alerted for a serious motor vehicle collision with subjects entrapped, in the area of Scarborough Rd. and Mckee Rd. Duty Officer Capt. Michael O’Connor III was first on-scene to find a two vehicle collision, with both drivers entrapped. E-2 arrived on-scene and stabilized both vehicles. E-4 arrived on-scene moments later. Crews utilized hydraulic rescue tools to free both entrapped patients. Two patients were transported to the local trauma center, one in critical condition and one with nonlife-threatening injuries. The scene was turned over to Dover Police to investigate.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
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VIRGINIA
Fire Discovered on First-Floor of Henrico Townhouse Henrico, VA – At approximately 10:40 P.M. on July 2nd, Henrico Fire units responded to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of Cedarwood Rd., off of Nine Mile Road in the county's eastend. Fire units arrived within four minutes and found JUMP TO FILE# smoke visible from 070516104 the first-floor of a townhouse. Hose-lines were advanced inside, where crews encountered heavy fire on the firstfloor. An aggressive interior attack rapidly controlled the fire, and all occupants were accounted for outside of the structure by initial arriving units. Additional engine and truck company crews checked the upper floors for fire extension and completed searches that revealed no one else inside of the townhouse. One adult and three children were displaced from the fire and the Red Cross was notified to assist with their immediate needs. The incident was placed under control and the cause is still being determined. - TAYLOR GOODMAN
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Chesterfield Toned Out for Hazmat Call
Chesterfield, VA - Storm clouds hovered as tones sounded, dispatching Chesterfield Fire and EMS to the 2700 block of Bensley Commons Blvd. for batteries leaking on June 23rd at 5:18 P.M. Responding units included Engine-3, Truck-3, Truck-9, HazMat-2, Medic-2, Engine-15, TSO, the Shift Commander and Battalion-2. The incident was quickly brought under control after their arrival.
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Townhouse Fire in Henrico Results in One Fatality Henrico, VA – On July 30th at approximately 4:00 P.M., Henrico Fire units were dispatched to a possible apartment fire in the 200 block of Cornett Street, off of Hanover Road, in the county’s East-end. The first units arrived within five-minutes to find smoke coming from the upper floor of a two-story townhouse and immediately declared a working fire. After forcing open the front door, units went inside where they
JUMP TO FILE #080116105 encountered floor-to-ceiling smoke on the second-floor. While one crew searched for the fire, the other crews searched nearby rooms. Once the fire was knocked down with the hose-line, a deceased person was located on the secondfloor. A request for the Fire Marshal, as well as the police
department was immediately made. Personnel completed a search of the home and no other persons were located. The Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office and the Henrico Police Department will be conducting a joint investigation of this incident. The incident was placed under control within 17-minutes of dispatch.
DRILLS/TRAINING
- TAYLOR GOODMAN
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com PROVIDED
Lightning Strike Leads to House Fire Henrico, VA – At approximately 5:10 P.M. on July 19th, Henrico County Division of Fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 2900 block of Layne Court, off of Lauderdale Drive in the county's West-end. The incident occurred during a thunderstorm passing through the community. First arriving fire units arrived to find smoke visible from the attic area of a large, two-story, singlefamily dwelling. All occupants were outside of the structure upon the arrival of the fire department. Primary and secondary searches were rapidly completed and both confirmed that all occupants were outside.
JUMP TO FILE #072016104 Crews made an aggressive attack of the fire, with protection from rescue crews standing outside to assist as needed. The fire was isolated to the attic area, which was the area of the lightning strike. Personnel who were not involved in the fire attack salvaged items in the unaffected areas of the home to ensure they were not damaged during operations. The fire was under control within 20-minutes and the occupants will be displaced while their home is repaired. - TAYLOR GOODMAN
FOREST VOL. FD
Forest, VA - Forest FD hosted a training session in June where units had to extricate two patients who were trapped under a rolled vehicle.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
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VIRGINIA
Units working at the scene of the house fire.
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Busy Morning for Henrico Fire Henrico, VA – On August 17th at around 8:00 A.M., Henrico Fire Units responded to a passenger bus on fire, located on Interstate-95 Southbound, near the Parham Road exit. The driver was the only person on the bus and was able to exit it safely. Fire crews arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. Additional fire equipment was requested to support water supply needs. When responding to fires on the interstate, there tend to be water supply issues because of limited access to hydrants. Henrico Fire have water tankers strategically located across the county to support this need. Approximately 20-minutes after the passenger bus fire was mitigated, at 10:07 A.M., Henrico Fire units were dispatched to a house fire in the 6000 block of Indigo Road, located in Henrico’s West-end. Some of the same units that responded to the bus fire also responded to this house fire. The fire was reported by neighbors and people passing by the home.
JUMP TO FILE #081716117 There was no one home at the time of the fire. Fire crews arrived and made an aggressive interior attack, limiting the spread of the fire. Even with the aggressive interior fire attack, there was some spread of the fire into the walls. This required extensive overhaul to check for any remaining or hidden fire. Extra crews remained on-scene to assist with overhaul due to the extreme weather conditions. There was one minor firefighter injury, but no civilian injuries. Sadly, the residents experienced a loss of two rabbits and a dog. Henrico Fire sends their thoughts and condolences to the family with the loss of their pets. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants. This fire was determined to be caused by an accidental kitchen fire.
A Hopewell Firefighter repells down a steep embankment to rescue the dog.
HOPEWELL FIRE
Teams Work Together to Rescue Dog in Hopewell Hopewell, VA- The embankment was steep and the thick, green vegetation seemed to intertwine and form a seemingly impassable wall, but the clock was ticking and a handicapped 14-yearold canine was at the bottom, near the river. Around 5:00 P.M. on June 5th, the canine, who is partially blind, was walking with its owner when he fell approximately 30-feet down the steep embankment. Hopewell Animal Control Of-
JUMP TO FILE #062916120 ficer Amanda Sverchek arrived onscene first and then requested help from the Hopewell Fire Department. Lines were rigged up and in a team effort, rescuers repelled down the embankment to get the canine. Hopewell Fire Chief Donald Hunter said, “Great teamwork between Hopewell Animal Control,
Hopewell Fire and Hopewell Police always exist. We are happy to report ACO Amanda Sverchek received notification from the canine’s owner, stating that the dog had received a bath and was doing fine. The owner went on to express her gratitude to all for the rescue.” Chief Hunter praised everyone and said heartily, “Thanks for a job well done!” - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
- HENRICO FD
Units working at the scene of the passenger bus fire.
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Emergency personnel pose for a photo with the rescued dog.
HOPEWELL FIRE
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Kitchen Fire Displaces Two in Henrico
VIRGINIA
NEWPORT NEWS FD
Suffolk and Newport News Perform Extensive Extrication Suffolk, VA- On June 15th, Suffolk Fire Department and Newport News Fire Department were toned out for a serious vehicle crash on Interstate 664, near the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. An occupant in one of the vehicles was reported as entrapped. Crews arrived on-scene to find a mangled mass of metal, with a tractor-trailer car carrier and a vehicle joined by wreckage. The vehicles were stabilized and the patient was monitored as crews worked as quickly as possible to begin the extrication. While crews labored to extricate the patient, a landing zone was established. The patient was safely extricated, put on a medical helicopter and flown to a local hospital. No further information on the patient was released and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Henrico, VA – On August 7th at approximately 3:39 P.M., Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to the report of a possible fire in the 40 block of Starling Dr., in the Gateway Apart- JUMP TO FILE# ments off of Quioc- 080816111 casin Rd. in Henrico County’s West-end. Fire personnel arrived onscene within three minutes of dispatch to find smoke showing from the second-floor of the two-story, multi-family dwelling. Upon arrival, fire personnel were informed that all occupants were out of the apartment. Rapid entry was made and a search followed to verify that all occupants had exited. Units also worked to locate the room of origin, which was the kitchen of the apartment. Due to their quick action, firefighters were able to contain the fire to the room of origin, preventing it from spreading to other occupancies. The occupants of the affected apartment were displaced. The cause of the fire was from food being prepared by the occupants. The fire was marked under control at approximately 4:00 P.M. One civilian occupant sustained injuries and was transported by a Henrico Fire Unit that
was on-scene to MCV. The condition of that individual is unknown. Henrico Fire officials would like to remind everyone that working smoke alarms should be installed in all homes and in areas where people routinely sleep or
PROVIDED
gather, such as bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. Smoke alarms should be cleaned and tested monthly, and batteries should be changed every six months as well. - SHAWN WILLIAMS
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
When Disaster Strikes
Neighbors Discover Apartment Complex Fire
Pastor Fernando Villicana
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PAGE 19
VIRGINIA
Chaplain's Corner
It is one thing to witness disaster on TV or hear about it from somewhere in another part of the world, but this is where first responders live. As well trained as we are, as often as we respond to such a wide variety of emergencies, even for us in the fire service, there is a whole different dimension to disaster when it strikes so close to home or hits your life. So often in the midst of a crisis we want answers, yet even answers can’t change what has happened … so we need something MORE than just answers. Has anyone left us a blueprint in how to face a tragedy? How do we deal with tragedy as godly people who believe in a good God? There is a man named Job that faced a terrible personal tragedy, a man who lost his children in a terrible accident, a man who also had few answers, so what sustained him? The example of Job shows us a path through tragedy, while it doesn’t give us all the answers, it does point us to the one who can sustain us. Job 1:22 (NLT) In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. When we can’t find solutions to our questions, we can find a Savior for our catastrophe. What could possibly give a sense of security in the face of death and disaster? For someone with no belief in God there is nothing but sorrow and loss! For someone like Job however that had a trust and belief in God there were other possibilities -faith, eternal security and an ongoing relationship with God. How do you handle a terrible disaster? Getting through a disaster begins long before one ever hits. The best way to handle unforeseen crisis is be strong before one ever comes. A sponge when squeezed can only give off whatever it had absorbed just before it was squeezed. If Christ lives in you now it will be His presence that is released in you when life and circumstances squeezes you. Blessings, Pastor Fernando Villicana Fire Service Chaplain
August/September, 2016
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Henrico, VA - On June 18th at approximately 12:53 P.M., Henrico firefighters were dispatched to the report of an apartment fire in the 400 block of Newbridge Terrace, off of Nine Mile Road in the county’s East-end. JUMP TO FILE # Personnel arrived 062016116 within five minutes to discover smoke coming from the roof of a two-story apartment complex. Firefighters immediately pulled hose-lines and began a search of the apartment. The searches revealed that no one was home at the time of the fire. An aggressive attack kept the fire contained to the kitchen area, but there was smoke damage through-
out the rest of the structure. The incident was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. Fire Marshals cleared the scene and determined the fire to be accidental in nature. It appeared that the stove was left on when the power went out on Thursday night (June 16th), and once power came back on Saturday afternoon (June 18th), food that had been left on the stove overheated and caught fire. The Red Cross will be assisting two adults who were displaced. We again remind everyone to turn their appliances and other electrical equipment off when they're without power, as this will help ensure safety once power i restored. - TAYLOR GOODMAN
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
Injuries from Long Fall Sends Teen to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Leitersburg, MD - On Tuesday, August 22nd, Washington County received reports of an unconscious subject at High Rock, near Cascade. Emergency crews from Washington and Franklin Counties were dispatched out at 7:12 P.M. Washington JUMP TO FILE# County 911 had re- 082316120 ports of a 19-yearold male who had fallen approximately 15-feet from a tree and was now unconscious. Deputy Chief Myerly of Leitersburg Fire Company was the first to arrive and located the 19year-old male along the Appalachian Trail, just down from High Rock. Deputy Chief Myerly reported that the patient was unconscious with agonal respirations. The patient was reported to be up in a tree approximately 1520-feet before he fell. Deputy Chief Myerly requested aviation started to the scene for Medevac. Crews from Leitersburg Fire
and Blue Ridge Summit EMS worked with Paramedics from Smithsburg EMS to package the patient, which was classified as a Priority-1, Category “A� Trauma. While crews cared for the patient, Smithsburg Fire Department worked to establish a landing zone at the old Fort Ritchie complex for aviation. Emergency crews were able to rapidly extricate the patient off the trail and transport him to the landing zone to meet up with MSP Trooper-3. The patient was transported from the scene by MSP Trooper-3 at 8:02 P.M. to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The patients status at Shock Trauma was not known. Crews from Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Blue Ridge Summit EMS Franklin Co.4, Smithsburg EMS Co.79, Smithsburg Fire Co.7 and MSP Aviation Division worked successfully together to get the patient off of the trail and transported to the nearest trauma center. - WILLIAM KING
CRYSTAL HAGANS OF LEITERSBURG FIRE CO.9
Leitersburg Fire and Blue Ridge Summit wrap up after transferring patient care over to Trooper-3.
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August/September, 2016
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
Washington County Says Farewell To a Fire Service Icon Hagerstown, MD - On August 8th of 2016, Washington County Fire & EMS mourned the loss of one of their own as they bid a somber farewell to Chief Donald R. Koons. Chief Koons passed away on Thursday, August 4th at his residence after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Chief Koons was born on March 17, 1936. Donald served with the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1959. His life in the Fire Service began September 6th of 1954 with the First Hagerstown Hose Company, where he served the citizens of Hagerstown. He began as a firefighter before moving up through the ranks, serving as one of First Hagerstown Hose’s Assistant Chief Pipe-mans around 1965, during the company’s 150th Anniversary. Donald Koons was a visionary and saw the need for a new service in Washington County. He began his quest to begin a service to supply quality breathing air to the fire-
JUMP TO FILE #080816124 fighters in Washington County. He saw the need to develop an Air Unit truck that would respond out and fill firefighter’s air cylinders while on the scene of fire calls, when needed. In 1966, Donald’s dream became a reality when Air Unit-25 was placed into service on May 30th of that year. Donald served with Washington County’s Air Unit-25 for 42 years, from 1966 to 2008 and served as Chief for over 40 years with the company. In 2006, Chief Koons was recognized by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association for his years of dedication. President Glen Fuscsick presented Chief Koons with the 2006 Outstanding Volunteer Administrator Award. This special recognition award was presented on behalf of the Washington County
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association for his years of service to Washington County and the surrounding jurisdictions. Donald R. Koons was a dedicated volunteer to his community and a visionary to the fire service. Washington County Air Unit-25 celebrated its 50-year-anniversary this year, all thanks to the dedication of Chief Koons. From his early days as a firefighter with the First Hagerstown Hose Company and the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, serving as a Chief Officer in both companies, to his 42 years as Chief at Washington County Air Unit-25. In his tenure as Chief of the Emergency Air Unit, they never failed once, which is a great achievement for any volunteer organization! Chief Donald R. Koons will always be remembered for his diligence and dedication within Washington County, not only to the citizens but also towards the safety
Units from Washington County Air Unit pass beneath the flag draped from Tower-26 as they enter Rose Hill Cemetery in Hagerstown.
of its firefighters, guaranteeing quality breathing air when needed! His vision made the Washington County Air Unit what it is today. With their core group of dedicated volunteers, they will continue to move forward, guaranteeing high quality breathing air to our firefighters! Chief, you can relax now as
your extended family at Air Unit25, First Hagerstown Hose and the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway will take it from here! You, Sir, will be missed by many and we promise that you will never be forgotten! - WILLIAM KING
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In 2006, Chief Koons was recognized by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association for his years of dedication.
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August/September, 2016
VIRGINIA
MARYLAND
Fire Captain’s Legacy to Son’s Memory is a Thriller Fire Thieves, a novel penned by Michael Brigati, is a gripping tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath, as firefighters maneuver through dangerous, realistic scenarios. The novel is more than just a literary work; it’s a legacy, a tribute, and an honest glimpse into the possible perils firefighters face every day as they perform their duties. Senior Fire Captain Michael Brigati (Ret.), served the citizens of Chesterfield County, Virginia as a firefighter, diver, paramedic and Fire Captain. Brigati writes from 25years of experience in the Fire-Rescue/Diver-EMS field. Several rescues from Brigati’s career stay etched into his mind and heart. “One night it was a crash; a guy was hauling a boat and the boat landed on the car,” Brigati said. The rescue crews arrived on-scene. “We thought he was deceased, but performed an emergency tracheotomy on him,” Brigati solemnly said, reflecting on the terrible scene. But the rescue had a surprise ending. “It was months, maybe even years later, when a guy and his mom came up to me. She was crying and thanking us (the firefighters and medics), over and over. Here was the guy who had been at death’s door, and he was alive,” Brigati said with such relief. Fire Thieves isn’t just a story; it’s also a tribute to Brigati’s son Matthew, who died after a motor ve-
JUMP TO FILE #071916100 hicle crash. Matthew was pulled from the wreckage by some of Brigati’s former crew members. Brigati is proud to say that Matthew was an organ donor. After the passing of his son, the book that Brigati had begun to write became frozen in his mind. “I couldn’t write,” Brigati explained, “just couldn’t write. My daughter Kristin has been there for me the whole time along with Matthew and she kept encouraging me, telling me I could do it. It was years before I could write again. It took me five years to write the book.” Brigati seeks to give back to the community through his book. For every book sold, one-dollar goes to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, but it doesn’t end there. Whenever Brigati has a book signing, the organization that hosts the signing/sale receives a percentage of the sales as a donation. Brigati’s not walking his journey alone. A light begins to shine in his eyes as he points to his shoulder, “Matthew is right is here,” Brigati says with deep emotion, “he is always on my shoulder. And Kristen is with me. I couldn’t do it without them.” - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
RIDGELEY FD
Ridgeley Responds to House Fire Cumberland, MD - On Wednesday, July 13th at 5:39 P.M., Ridgeley Volunteer Fire Co. was toned out for a working residential structure fire, located at 13205 Meders Lane and Bedford Road. Engine/Air 2513 responded with a crew of seven, under the direction of Chief Rodney Twyman. Upon arrival, 25-13 set up to fill SCBA and one crew was directed to vent the roof while the second crew was to make entry into the structure. Engine/Air 25-13 and crew were released from the scene at 7:48 P.M.
JUMP TO FILE #082616121 While en-route back to the station, Ridgeley was notified at 7:58 P.M. to respond to a house fire, located at 32 LaVale Blvd., in LaVale, MD. Command notified communications to put all en-route units back in service, as the fire was out and being handled by units who were on location. Engine/Air 25-13 was back in quarters by 8:39 P.M.. Companies who responded to
Bedford Road were Baltimore Pike's Co. 4, Bowman’s Addition Co. 11, Ellerslie's Co. 6, Cresaptown's Co. 9, Bowling Green's Co. 8, Cumberland City's Co. 1, District 16's Co.7, Cumberland Valley's Co.45, Flintstone's Co. 12, Corriganville's Co. 5, LaVale's Co. 2, Ridgeley's Co. 25, Wiley Ford's Co.27, LaVale Ambulance's Co. 52, Tri-Town Ambulance's Co. 50, Cumberland Valley, Eastern Garrett Rehab and the Maryland State Fire Marshal. - RIDGELEY FD
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August/September, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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August/September, 2016
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MARYLAND
HCDFRS Firefighters Work to Extinguish Bar Fire North Laurel, MD - Shortly after 3:00 A.M. on August 24th, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, along with companies from both the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and the Anne Arundel JUMP TO FILE# County Fire Depart- 082516109 ment, were dispatched for a commercial building fire at "Sam & Elsie’s" in the 9900 block of Washington Boulevard, located in North Laurel. A passing officer from the Howard County Police Department, on routine patrol in the area, saw smoke coming from the bar and radioed for the fire department to be dispatched. Upon arrival, crews found a small fire in the bar area of the building. They worked to quickly extinguish it and also ventilate the smoke from the building. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. The fire remains under investigation by HCDFRS’ Office of the Fire Marshal. Sam and Elsie’s is expected to remain closed, pending an inspection by the Howard County Health Department. - HCDFRS
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August/September, 2016
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5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness: What's your "why"?
MARYLAND
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / WWW.FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / WWW.FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM
Units Respond to House Fire in Baltimore City Baltimore City, MD - Around 5:45 P.M. on Thursday, August 11th, Baltimore City Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported house fire at 4425 Belvieu Avenue (Box Alarm 46-60). First-arriving Engine-46 reported smoke and fire showing from a one-story, single family house, with heavy fire in the rear and extending to an SUV. The fire eventually spread into the roof as well. Firefighters used multiple handlines, the deck gun from Engine-46 and a ladder pipe from Truck-27 to extinguish the fire, which took approximately one hour.
What's your "why"? It seems like an odd question for a fire service newspaper to be asking, however; when it comes to fitness in the fire service, I feel it's the key question that we should all be asking ourselves and each JUMP TO FILE# other. 072016129 Fitness in the fire service has been, and continues to be, a shelved issue. It's continually put on the back-burner by firefighters, chiefs and department administrators. At times when it does come to the foreground, the true "why" of it is lost in products, plans and paperwork. So, what's your "why"? It seems almost offensive or wrong to ask this to emergency service providers, because our "why" begins the day that we place our hand on the bible, swearing an oath to protect the lives and property of the citizens we serve. That, my friends, is a monumental task in itself, and one that puts both our bodies and minds at risk to host medical issues every single day. This article could end here, with me giving you three simple steps to follow: become a firefighter, swear an oath, and make fitness a priority. But year-afteryear, the lead killer of firefighters is from cardiac-related disease and year-after-year, nothing changes to fix it. We keep moving on, forgetting the "why," and pretending like everything is okay. Are we lying to ourselves? Or are we just too afraid to put in the required work, which in the end, will only make us better at doing what it is we claim to love. When we hear the word "fitness," we are constantly bombarded with the "how-to's," which go hand-in-hand with the "ultimate weight loss products," that are usually featured on infomercials, in gyms, and now even in our own service. Let me give you some insight that I'm sure many of you are already aware of. There is no "one" specific product, or fitness discipline, that will make you become a healthier firefighter. Countless departments have spent tens-of-thousands-ofdollars on high-end gym equipment, expensive trainers, and on gimmick products and programs, but they rarely see positive results because they never gave their people the "why." Our fitness levels need to be near a professional athlete's level. No one reading this can deny the fact that the job we perform at a fire is not physically demanding, and in addition to the physical demands, we are asked to perform it under conditions deemed as extremely dangerous. Is your "why" starting to creep into your mind yet? Because it should be! Over the years, we have wasted our time making fire service fitness complicated, when it really doesn't have to be! Here I am, asking you to
Robert "Pip" Piparo.
think of your "why," when I haven't even given mine yet. Sort of hypocritical, right?! My first "why" is my family. My wife and my sons are my life, and I could never imagine leaving them early simply because I refused to commit 30-45 minutes each day to making myself healthier. My other "why" is for my co-workers, my crew, and all the men and women I pledged an oath to protect every single day. My last "why" is my 55-5 Firefighter Fitness family, who day-in and day-out, have found their "why" and are living the "Train Hard Do Work" lifestyle that 5-5-5 Fitness encompasses. By this point, you should all have a glimpse of what your "why" is, along with a promise to yourselves to start making some positive changes. But I know it's not that simple, and it would be wrong of me to just leave you here to do it all alone. What's simply amazing, thanks to technology, is that there are over 70,000 other firefighters just like you, who follow 5-5-5 Fitness and are ready and waiting to support you along your fitness journey. You're never alone when it comes to fitness, just like you're never alone when fighting
TODD POOLE
fires! Check back in future issues for more fitness tips from Pip. About Robert "Pip" Piparo: Robert, better known as "Pip," is currently a Lieutenant with the City of New Brunswick Fire Department, located in New Brunswick, N.J., and has been there for 12-years. Pip has been a part of 5-5-5 Fitness for threeyears. About 5-5-5 Fitness: 5-5-5 Fitness is a non-profit organization, founded by motivated firefighters with one specific mission: to reduce cardiac related firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Each and every day, they stay true to their mission by providing workouts free of charge and also by providing free fitness equipment to fire departments, nationwide. What started as an idea has grown into a call for change within the emergency services field. They have chosen to not accept the "it's because we have always done it that way" mentality, but instead have chosen to stand up and lead the charge for change. - ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO
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August/September, 2016
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FACES OF MID ATLANTIC’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.
HCDFRS
Washington, D.C - Congratulations to newly promoted Lieutenant James Zour of Howard County Fire & EMS!
MICHAEL BRIGATI
Chesterfield County, VA - Senior Fire Captain Michael Brigati (Ret.), author of Fire Thieves, has a portion of the proceeds from his book sales donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
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.
HCDFRS
Washington, D.C - HCDFRS recently welcomed their new EMS member, Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah.
Washington County, MD - Assistant Chief Fleger of Smithsburg EMS watches from atop of Engine 162 as Assistant Chief Stouffer and his wife Sharon display the American Flag along I-70 with the names of those lost on 9/11. A.WRIGHT OF MT. AETNA FIRE CO.16
EUGENE WEBER JR.
Accident Vol. Fire Department Of Garrett County, MD.
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August/September, 2016
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AMKUS Rescue Systems acquires 911 Tools Valparaiso, IN - AMKUS Rescue Systems, an industry leader in providing cutting edge hydraulic extrication equipment and rescue systems to emergency responders worldwide, announced its intent to acquire "911 Tools," a U.S. manufacturer of vehicle stabilization equipment and lifting systems. “This is a patented, state-ofthe-art system that integrates the strength, speed, control and dependability of hand-powered hydraulics with the structural components of the strut,” said Kyle Smith, President of AMKUS Rescue Systems. “It’s an affordable system that’s easy to set up and operate and is rated for structural loads, so rescue professionals can confidently raise and lower materials as quickly as the circumstances of their particular emergency requires.” The 911 Tools rescue strut product line, which is marketed under the RescueStrut brand name, includes accessories that will allow emergency responders to transform vehicle stabilization struts into other life-saving rescue tools, such as manual hydraulic rams and shoring struts, as well as tripod, bi-pod and mono-pole adapters for use in rope rescue scenarios. In addition, the RescueStrut system can be easily configured for trench, structural collapse or confined space rescues. “Not only does this complement our existing AMKUS line of extrication equipment and rope
rescue systems, but it also puts us in the position to offer a wider range of high quality rescue products to our customers at an affordable price.” Smith added. “This acquisition further supports our efforts to provide the best in class rescue systems to our global market.” With the expected August 1st completion of the acquisition, the RescueStrut line of equipment will be marketed under the AMKUS brand, and distributed by AMKUS and 911 Tool distributors within their existing territories. 911 Tools will move from its current Lansing, IA home to the newly completed AMKUS World Headquarters, in Valparaiso, IN. AMKUS/911 RescueStrut System Release: AMKUS began business as a fledgling family start-up in 1971 – mirroring the year and means that its parent company, Task Force Tips, opened its doors for business. For TFT, its 2016 AMKUS acquisition made perfect sense professionally, since the two companies were founded and built on an earnest commitment to provide innovative new products and world-class service and support to emergency service professionals the world over. For more information on AMKUS or to find a dealer in your area, please visit www.amkus.com or call (800) 59AMKUS. - AMKUS ReScUe SySteMS
RICHARD BILLINGS
APPARATUS FOR SALE CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR
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For Sale - Uniondale Fire District will accept sealed bids until 5pm on August 16, 2016, for the sale of one 2007 chevy tahoe. At 6pm bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. Vehicle is to be sold in “as is condition.” the minimum accepted bid for the vehicle is $7,000. With Fire Dept. package (lights, radio) $10,000. Sealed bids may be delivered in person Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm at 501 Uniondale Ave. Uniondale, Ny 11553. Sealed bids must be marked “Bid for 2007 chevy tahoe.” Sealed bids must have a check for 10% of the big price submitted or the bid will not be accepted. By order of the Board of Fire commissioners, 7/20/16, Joyce L. Nolan, Fire District Secretary.
20’ Rescue 1® Walk-Around Demo Available for Immediate Delivery. Spartan Metro Star MFD-2015 chassis, cummins ISL 450 HP diesel engine, seating for crew of six. 20’ all extruded aluminum body, upper storage compartments. curb side roof access lift-up stairway, absorbent compartment with electric re-loader and dispenser, 9000 lbs. portable winch with three receiver positions. Participating co-op purchasing programs: GSA, H-GAc, and New Jersey State contract. contact Mike Marquis (800) 752-8786, (732) 223-1411 in New Jersey, or info@plcustom.com
For Sale extremely Versatile type III Ambulance Road Rescue Ultramedic remounted onto a 2015 chevrolet G4500 Diesel chassis Unique Dual Squad Bench Design - Great for critical care, High Risk transport or Rehab Services. can easily Be equipped For Bariatric transport As Well. complete Repaint with Bedliner exterior compartments. $125,000 For additional information or photos, email vsales@emergencyvehiclecenter.com or call 732-657-1104.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
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MARYLAND
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have 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
Rochester, NY - Ewa Hlebowicz is a Career Firefighter/Paramedic at the Barnard Fire District, located in Rochester, NY. She has been in the public safety profession for over 10-years. Ewa graduated from the New York State Fire Academy in 2008 and soon after, received her Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration and Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology and Paramedicine. Ewa’s other passion and full-time profession is fitness and personal training. Ewa spent several years instructing Crossfit classes and also attended the Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX to specialize in physical fitness of Law Enforcement and Fire Service Personnel. In 2014, Ewa began working with 5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness alongside Robert Piparo, which has since gained a lot of attention for the work they are doing to reduce car-
diac-related line-of-duty-death numbers in the fire service. With the help of social media, their free app, seminar/expo appearances, and lecture series, 5-5-5 Fitness is able to provide free workouts, education and motivation, in an effort to promote health and fitness in the fire service. Since their start three-years-ago, 5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness has gained over 90,000 followers from firefighters and their families all over the world, in addition to raising over $30,000 worth of fitness equipment and wellness products that have been given away to fire departments across the United States. "People say lifting weights is dangerous for women," says Ewa. "Wrong! Women lifting weights to be strong and fit is not dangerous. Being weak is dangerous, especially in this line of work." PROVIDED
- EWA HLEBOWICZ
MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC
Firefighters attacking the fire in the rear of the house.
Working House Fire in Pikesville Pikesville, MD - Shortly before 10:00 P.M. on July 26th, Baltimore County 911 received a phone call reporting a fire in a house at 816 Smoke Tree Road just before the caller hung up. BCoFD Engine-2 and Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company's Engine-321 and Tower-323 were dispatched. While those units were en-route, additional information was received,
JUMP TO FILE #072716100 reporting a kitchen fire at the location. A full fire box assignment was dispatched, bringing in PVFC Squad-322 and other units. Engine-2 arrived with heavy fire showing from a two-story house and immediately requested a work-
ing fire dispatch. Firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions in the house and made an aggressive attack to quickly knock the fire down. The cause and origin are under investigation by the Fire Investigation Bureau and the American Red Cross was requested to assist with several displaced people. - MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FRANK ROBINSON
Prince Frederick, MD - Prince Frederick Fire Department operates a 1994 E-One Heavy Rescue 500/500.
FRANK ROBINSON
Mechanicsville, MD - Mechanicsville, MD Fire runs this 2005 Jeep Wrangler Brush Truck. It has a 50gpm pump and a 50-gallon water tank.
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MARYLAND
Responders Show Support at 9/11 Ride in Washington County Washington County, MD - On Friday, August 19th, a group of over 1,400 riders, accompanied by multiple Public Safety units from Police, Fire and EMS Departments, set out for the Annual 9/11 Memorial Ride. This year will mark 15 years since the attacks on our country and is said to be the JUMP TO FILE# final ride by organiz- 082316129 ers. Over the years the ride has grown so large, making this year’s event a record breaker. The venture started out in Shanksville, PA at the Memorial Site of Flight-93. From there, the participants began their track to the Pentagon, traveling through Maryland. Washington County Maryland’s Emergency Service agencies came out in strong numbers to help show their support of this year’s ride. Neighboring jurisdictions from Berkley Springs, W.V. and Needmore, PA came out from the far western section of the county to join in, bear witness and show their support. Riders were able to see Emergency Apparatus sitting on every overpass along Interstates 68 and 70 as they passed through the area. Many of the First Responders stated that they were proud to take part in this year’s event. Some described the event as breathtaking, to see so many dedicating themselves to this three-day-trek from PA, to VA and over to New York City. This year’s group made their way through Washington County on the 19th, making their stop at the Premium Outlets, just South of Hagerstown limits. Once there, they
Bikers back on the road and continuing on to the Pentagon, as they pass under VFC Halfway's American Flag.
stopped for food and fuel and took a break. They continued to feel support from Washington County as Fire & EMS crews were set up at the entrance to the outlets. It was a sight to see for them, as they noticed the a 50-foot-high American Flag draped from Halfway Fire Company's Tower. The 9/11 Ride was back on the road by 1:30 P.M. that afternoon, heading eastbound on their way to Virginia. There was a somber moment as the riders passed under
Halfway’s American Flag while exiting the lot onto Sharpsburg Pike. Washington County continued to show them support along Interstate70, from apparatus on the overpasses, to some companies that were set up along the Interstate. Sixteen Washington County Departments, along with one out of Morgan County and one from Fulton County, were set up during this year’s ride, with 20 Emergency Units. They also had support from the Washington County Sheriff's Department, Hager-
stown City Police, Washington County Fire Police and Hagerstown City Police Auxiliary. Washington County showed the riders how appreciative they are of their dedication and that Washington County will Never Forget! Emergency Apparatus stationed along this years route were from Hancock Fire Co.5, Hancock EMS Co.59, Needmore Fire Co.55 from PA, Berkeley Springs Fire Co.1 from W.V., Clear Spring Fire Co.4, Clear Spring EMS Co.49, Maugansville
WCVFRA-PT: C.J. RINEHART
Fire Co.13, Williamsport Fire Co.2, Washington County Air Unit-25, Washington County Special Operations-20, Washington County Rehab Unit-255, Funkstown Fire Co.10, South End Fire HFD Engine-5, Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway Co.26, Community Rescue Service Co.75, Boonsboro Rescue Co.69, Mt. Aetna Fire Co.16, Smithsburg EMS Co.79 and Boonsboro Fire Co.6.
- WILLIAM KING
Units Preparing for 4th-Of-July Parade Discover Dwelling Fire in Dundalk Dundalk, MD - At 7:15 A.M. on July 4th, members of the Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company (Baltimore Co. Station-27), were getting their equipment ready for the Annual Dundalk 4th-of-July Parade, when members noticed smoke coming from a nearby JUMP TO FILE# house. Engine-271 072416102 went to investigate and found fire coming from a one-story, single-family dwelling, with a report of an occupant trapped. The Box was requested and the remaining WAVFC Units (Engine272, Ambulance-275, Brush-276 and Utility-277), along with Engines 6 and 61 (Dundalk), Engine and Truck 15 (Eastview), Engine and Medic 9 (Edgemere) and Battalion Chief-3 responded to the scene. Crews removed one occupant who was then transported to the hospital. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. - CHARLIE LEWIS
CHARLIE LEWIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
August/September, 2016
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MARYLAND
Leitersburg Fire Holds Annual Safety Day Event for Community Leitersburg, MD - On July 30th, emergency crews came out and spent a rainy day in Leitersburg promoting Fire Safety, during the 3rd Annual Safety Day event, hosted by members of Leitersburg Fire Company. Leitersburg is turning this into a traditional event for the local community, inviting them out to see the JUMP TO FILE# 073116100 different fire apparatus used by various departments, along with special demonstrations. Leitersburg volunteers worked hard to organize the festivities. Despite the on-andoff rain throughout the day, this year’s Safety Day event was a complete success. Multiple families from the Leitersburg Community came out to see the trucks and to also participate in an Emergency Services Scavenger Hunt that the Leitersburg volunteers put together for the kids, along with some cool educational demonstrations. One of the most exciting demonstrations this year was put on by Mr. David Keller of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. Mr. Keller brought out the Sprinkler Trailer put together by the MSFA to show the public the importance of residential sprinklers. Firefighters from Leitersburg stood-by as Mr. Keller set a small fire on a couch. Everyone watched as a small flame grew within a matter of minutes to fully engulf the fake room, which had no sprinkler protection. The demonstration amazed the citizens who came out to watch. The second part of the demo was equally just as amazing, as a residential sprinkler head activated, dowsing the flames as they had just started to grow. Leitersburg had other activities and demonstrations on-site, including the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association's Safety Trailer and a demonstration put on by the K-9 Unit from the Maryland State Correctional Unit. The participants of the Fire & Rescue Cruise In were also recognized for “Best In Show” by votes received from those in attendance. The Logan Township "Firefighters Against Domestic Violence" purple fire engine won 1st place. Longmeadow's Quint27 was the 1st-Runner-Up, followed by Maugansville's Engine 13-2. Leitersburg Fire was very grateful for all the support received from the area departments who came out to participate in the festivities. Some of the departments and organizations who made it out that day to support Leitersburg were Smithsburg Fire Co.7, Smithsburg EMS Co.79, Maugansville Fire Co.13, Longmeadow Fire Co.27, Waynesboro Fire Co.2, Washington County Air Unit-25, Washington County Rehab-255, Life Net-81, Washing-
The MSFA Sprinkler Trailer shocks the crowd, showing how fast fire can spread.
ton County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association REV Program, MD State's Correctional K-9 Unit, MD State Firemen’s Association, Heroes Fighting Cancer, Guardians of the Children from PA and Logan Township's Firefighters Against Domestic Violence. The Leitersburg volunteers were very thankful for the assistance received from their Lady’s
WCVFRA-PT: W.KING
Auxiliary, as well as the support from the Leitersburg Ruritan Club, Martin’s Food Store, Food Lion, Weis Market, Smithsburg Market, Misty Meadows Creamery, Sam’s Club, Aladdin Awards and the great Hagerstown Suns. Here's to another successful Safety Day event down in the books! - WILLIAM KING
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEN SNYDER
Elkton, MD - The Singerly Fire Company of Elkton, MD runs this 2015 Pierce heavy rescue.
WCVFRA-PT: T.SIGLER
Kids escape danger as they check out the WCVFRA Safety Trailer.
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