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JUNE/JULY, 2019
THREE-ALARM BLAZE RAVAGES MATTRESS WAREHOUSE
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
Baltimore City, MD - At 8:23 P.M. on Thursday, June 6th, Baltimore City Fire Department units were dispatched to Box Alarm 6-1, with multiple callers to 911 reporting a building fire near the intersection of East Madison Street and Ajax Alley. BCFD units arrived quickly on scene, as the structure on fire was located directly behind the Oldtown firehouse. - See full story on page 12
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June/July, 2019
Insanity Defined
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
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American Trademark
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Armor Tuff Floors
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Firehouse Expo
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Hart to Heart Transportation
18
Kimtek
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Mid Atlantic Rescue
2,3,12,24
Raynor Garage Doors
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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Prime Safety
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Water Rescue Innovations
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1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 19, 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. Omissions or A division of: errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
There are different definitions of insanity. Webster’s describes it as “a severely disordered state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder”, or for legal “unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or that releases one from criminal or civil responsibility”. There are people who define insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That quote has been credited to so many different people I will not even try to give the credit. The version that I think we have heard when we joined the fire service is that insanity is being a firefighter. When there is a burning building and all the rats and roaches are running out, we are the ones running in. And we do that willingly. We have many self-destructive tendencies, according to the public. We willingly put ourselves into situations that people do not want to see, or acknowledge that they even exist. We have seen people who did not survive fires, all ages. We have seen people mangled up in car wrecks. We have responded to calls with our Brothers and Sisters as the victims. We have responded to calls at our loved one’s houses. And we do this because we have the skill set that is required. We have said “hello” to emergency services and “Goodbye” to the age of innocence. We at times take on so much that it affects us. Maybe not at the scene, or the next one, or the next, but we forget that stress affects us cumulatively. How many of us may have the whiff of a smell that brings us to a bad call? You know the smell that brings you back. Do you avoid certain parts of town or certain holiday celebrations? I recall on Christmas morning, when I first joined, we had a house fire at about 0800 hours and the house was fully engulfed. We found out after the fire that the
homeowner perished within threefeet of the door. We need to find ways to correctly process these thoughts and memories. I have recently spoken with someone who found a member of his station dead in their station, apparently by his own hands. The person who told me this still told it with tears in his eyes, but he was able to deal with it. When a life is taken, so much is lost, so much knowledge, humor, love. If we look at it from one side, the person has spent so much time in training and has so much experience that it would be a shame to lose all of that. But the human side of me says, that was someone with a family, mom, dad, brother, uncle, aunt, sister, son, daughter, instructor, mentor, friend, Brother, Sister, someone that we may have answered many calls with. What is that person worth to you? Would you be willing to open up your mouth to help them? Are you willing to ask them what is wrong, when they do not look or act right? I had a friend who died a while back. He always taught that the human needs a certain amount of hugs a day to thrive. I forgot what the number was. Does it really matter? We all need human contact, a sign of affection. Are you willing to let someone cry on your shoulders? Do you have someone that is close enough that if you need to cry, that you can cry on their shoulders? Don’t worry, you do not have to do it in front of a crowd, if you are not comfortable. I had someone tell me that their father said that real men don’t cry and that he was never allowed to talk about the problem. Wow, the father basically cursed the son for thirty years. I gave him the safe zone to talk about it. He cried on my shoulders, first time in thirty years. Do you how much that helped and started him in his healing process. It is okay to hang up your Superman cape, once in a while, so that you take care of yourself. Maybe you need to talk with a peer, a chaplain, a crisis team member, a crisis line, or a psychologist or social worker. It’s okay. Your family will thank you. You will thank you. Please take care of it instead of picking up the bottle or something worse. Please stay safe, Didymus McHugh Didymus-mchugh.com
DELAWARE
CLAYTON FIRE CO.
Clayton Purchases Cancer Protection Hoods for Interior Firefighters
Clayton, DE - The Clayton Fire Company applied for and recently received a grant from DelMarVa Power to purchase cancer protection for the interior firefighters of the company. Fire Chief Alex Carrow stated, “It is very important for the company to stay abreast of new technology and these new hoods will protect the heads, necks and part of their faces from cancer-causing elements.” Each interior firefighter will receive two hoods; one to use and one to keep clean. The hoods are embroidered with their names so that when they wash them after an alarm they get their own personal hood back. "Smoke from fires are a cause of cancer in firefighters and the company is committed to protecting our members the best we can," stated Captain JJ Burnett. The hoods were placed into service on June 5th.
Vehicle News
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Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.
RAINMAN14
The Christiana Fire Company recently placed this 2018 Seagrave 95’ Aerialscope into service as Tower 12.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
June/July, 2019
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June/July, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
KING WILLIAM FIRE AND EMS
Fully Involved Trash Truck Brings in King William and Hanover Crews
King William, VA - Tones sounded for a trash truck on fire in front of 360 Hardware around 7:25 A.M. on May 2nd. Officials said Chief 1 arrived on scene and found a trash truck well involved in fire and requested Hanover to respond for mutual aid. Route 360 was closed during the incident while first responders worked. Firefighters launched an aggressive attack to extinguish the fire and the incident was marked under control at 8:10 A.M. Fire crews remained on scene to overhaul the truck and control HazMat issues. Route 360 westbound was reopened to one lane a short time later. Responding crews included Chief 1, Engine 4, Tanker 1, Brush 2, Hanover Engine 403, Hanover Tanker 412 and Hanover Battalion 401.
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 FIRE
Smoke Alarm Saves Family from Fire in Henrico Henrico County, VA – A family of four credits a working smoke alarm with allowing them to escape a house fire in Henrico’s east end on the morning of June 8th. Just after 4:30 A.M., Henrico firefighters responded to the 2000 block of Beck Drive for the report of a house on fire. Firefighters arrived to find large amounts of flames shooting from the front of the home, with the family already outside. Crews began attacking the fire and were able to quickly extinguish it.
JUMP TO FILE #061019106 No firefighters or residents were injured during the blaze. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office. The family of four will be displaced and has made other arrangements for a place to stay. The family effected by this fire can certainly attest to the need for working smoke alarms in every
home. The homeowner advised that a smoke detector had been installed by Henrico Fire several years prior. After that alarm was installed there was an incident where one of the family members fell asleep while cooking and the smoke detector woke him up and allowed him to evacuate safely. The new smoke detector that he installed after that incident saved his family on this morning. - HENRICO FIRE
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Fort Blackmore Fire Department, located in Scott County, VA.
HENRICO FIRE
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
June/July, 2019
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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.
KING WILLIAM FIRE AND EMS
Tractor-Trailer Jackknifes, Creates Hazard on Route 30 in King William King William, VA - At around 11:00 A.M. on April 26th, King William Fire & EMS Stations 1, 2 and 4 were dispatched for a motor vehicle accident in the 3400 block of King William Road. Engine 4 and Medic 4 arrived on scene and found a single tractortrailer that had jackknifed, causing both lanes of Route 30 to be closed. Officials reported that an Engine 4 officer on scene found an approximate 35-gallon diesel fuel leak still actively leaking. The crew from Engine 4 and Tanker 1 performed defensive operations, including damming the ditch to
JUMP TO FILE #050219107 prevent the leaked fuel from traveling any further. Approximately 75-gallons ended up leaking, which was cleaned up by a licensed contractor. Route 30 was closed, at least partially, for about two-and-a-half hours while crews worked. No injuries were reported and the cause of the accident is being investigated. Responding crews included Engine 4, Tanker 1 and Medic 4.
FRANK ROBINSON
Gainesboro Fire Rescue runs this 1982 Mack CF 75' Aerialscope that once saw service at North Lindenhurst FD in Long Island, NY.
- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
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.
HENRICO FIRE
Two-Car Garage in Henrico Destroyed by Fire VA Task Force 1 staging in Fairfax County.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Henrico County, VA – A detached two-car garage was destroyed by a fire in Henrico’s west end on the evening of May 18th. Just before 6:00 P.M., firefighters responded to reports that a car had caught fire in the garage and set the garage on fire. When firefighters arrived the entire garage was on fire and beginning to damage the nearby home, threatening to set it on fire as well. Crews quickly protected the home and attacked the garage fire and were able to prevent the house from catching on fire, but the garage was already a total loss. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters during the blaze and the Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire at this time.
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June/July, 2019
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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
Illinois: Jacob "Jake" Ringering, 37 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 5, 2019 Death Date: March 5, 2019 Fire Department: Godfrey Fire Protection District Initial Summary: While at the scene of a residential structure fire, Captain Jacob Ringering and three additional firefighters were injured when a portion of the structure collapsed as they attacked the fire. Ringering was taken to the hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sustained. One of the additional firefighters was flown by helicopter to the hospital where he is in stable condition. The two remaining firefighters were treated and released. Pennsylvania: Michael Bernstein, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 20, 2019 Death Date: March 20, 2019 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Michael Bernstein suffered a medical emergency while on-duty at Engine 78 at Philadelphia International Airport. Bernstein was transported to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital where he passed away. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.
California: Daniel Laird, 41 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 27, 2019 Death Date: March 27, 2019 Fire Department: United States Forest Service Tahoe National Forest Initial Summary: While helping with an aerial delivered prescribed burn in the Sam Houston National Forest in Texas, Captain Daniel Laird’s helicopter went down. Laird passed away from the injuries he sustained in the crash. Other crew members sustained non-lifethreatening injuries. Connecticut: James "Woody" Woodman, 55 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: October 5, 1999 Death Date: March 29, 2019 Fire Department: West Haven Fire Department
Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic James “Woody” Woodman was a member of Recruit Class #15 at the Connecticut State Fire Academy. Only two days after being out of the academy, on October 5, 1999, Woodman was part of an ambulance crew transporting a child who had been struck by a vehicle to the Yale-New Haven Hospital. As they neared the hospital, the ambulance was broadsided by a bus and rolled over multiple times. Woodman sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in his living in a long-term care facility until his death on March 29, 2019. The child who was being transported and other crew members of the ambulance were seriously injured but have all made complete recoveries. New Jersey: John "Jack" Leming, 78 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 15, 2019 Death Date: April 15, 2019 Fire Department: Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company #1 Initial Summary: Firefighter John Leming attended a drill on 04/15/2019 at the fire station at approximately 7:00 pm. At the conclusion of the drill, he returned home. During the night, he became ill. His wife called 911 and EMS responded. During transport to a local hospital, Leming went into cardiac arrest and life saving measures were not successful. Leming was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at the hospital. South Dakota: Dwain Hudson, 73 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 17, 2019 Death Date: April 17, 2019 Fire Department: Argyle Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On April 17, 2019, Argyle Volunteer Fire Department was called to an active wildland fire that was endangering structures. While responding as a passenger in the department’s compressed air foam truck, Firefighter Dwain Hudson experienced a medical emergency. Firefighters and EMS personnel immediately provided emergency medical aid to Hudson. He was transported to Custer Regional Hospital where resuscitation efforts continued but were not successful. Hudson was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
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June/July, 2019
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Fish in Foil; yes it’s exactly what it sounds like... FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
DC FIRE AND EMS
Building Collapse Seriously Injures Construction Worker Washington, DC - A construction worker received serious injuries when the building he was helping to renovate suffered a partial collapse on Wednesday afternoon, June 12th. Ambulance 4 was initially dispatched around 2:00 P.M. for the report of a fall victim at 1314 13th Street NW. Crews arrived to discover a far more serious situation and requested the collapse rescue assignment. The second floor of a three-story house being renovated had collapsed into the rear yard. Firefighters from Rescue Squad 1 found the patient, an adult male, on the second floor and removed him to safety. The victim was transported with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. An adjacent home was temporarily evacuated until it was de-
JUMP TO FILE #061819113 termined to be safe to reoccupy. A safety zone was also established, and the collapse rescue team specialists made a further structural evaluation. A preliminary search of the collapse area proved negative, but the DC Fire and EMS search and rescue K-9 team of Captain Chris Holmes and Kimber performed a secondary search, which also turned up negative. With no further evidence of victims and all utilities secured, the structure was left in the hands of a building inspector from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. - DC FIRE AND EMS
“I will have the dry, flavorless fish please,” said no one ever. With high-heat, dry methods such as grilling and sautéing, you run the risk of overcooking your protein, especially delicate fish. Cooking in foil is actually derived from the French technique of cooking called “en papillote”, or as it is known in Italian, “al cartoccio”. Essentially it means food cooked in a parcel or package, traditionally made from parchment paper. To make this a little more “firehouse friendly” we forego the intricate technique of folding parchment and instead use plain ol’ aluminum foil for its ease of sealing. By cooking the ingredi-
ents this way, you are essentially creating a fast cooking, high-heat steam environment, which is perfect for delicate proteins like fish and shrimp. The one downside to this technique is the inability to periodically check on your food to see if it is cooked because of the sealed package, so it may take a few tries for you to figure out this technique. The other plus side of cooking this way is less cleanup, which is perfect for the firehouse. All your ingredients, aside from any accompaniment like rice or potatoes, are cooked in foil which gets tossed at the end of the meal. Your crew will definitely thank you for that! And while this recipe calls for the package being cooked in an oven, you could definitely use the grill instead. Just use indirect heat by lighting half of the grill on high and placing the packages over the “cool” side; this is perfect for the summer. With this technique you have to keep in mind the fast cooking
time, so any aromatics or vegetables you add should be quick cooking or cut small and thin enough so that they will cook in time. With vegetables like carrots, bell peppers and celery, the preferred cut would be a julienne (thin strips) or diced (smaller than chopped). While I like to add a little white wine, you can use just water, citrus juice or even stock. This liquid, while not necessary, will help create a steam environment, along with the steam given off by your other ingredients. Use your imagination when deciding what flavors you are looking for. A simple combination that works well is butter, garlic and lemon, perfect for sole or shrimp. Thin sliced fennel and orange works great with salmon, for a dinner high in Omega-3’s! Either way, the important thing to remember is to have fun and learn from your mistakes, although this one is pretty hard to mess up! Stay safe, eat well!
FISH IN FOIL WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, LEMON AND CAPERS Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 six-ounce Hake Fillets (Striped Bass, Sole, Trout or any flaky white fish work well) Small package of Cherry Tomatoes 1 Lemon, thin sliced Small Jar of Capers in Brine, drained Handful Fresh Parsley Salt Extra Virgin Olive Oil Splash of White Wine (optional) Aluminum Foil Procedure:
-Preheat oven to 500°F or as high as it will go.
-Tear off 4 pieces of foil, large enough to fit each fillet with plenty of extra room. Season the fillets well with salt and place on the foil. Fold up the sides of the foil so the ingredients stay put. Drizzle the fish with enough olive oil to cover most of the bottom of
the foil. Evenly distribute the lemon slices on top of the fish, followed by the tomatoes, capers and parsley sprigs. Sprinkle with a pinch more of salt and add a splash of white wine if using. Fold the sides of the foil in and seal well. Place on a tray or sheet pan and
put in the oven. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. This will depend on the thickness and type of fish. If you open the packet and it still looks raw, carefully seal back up and cook longer. AJ FUSCO
*This recipe and technique also works well on the grill!
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
June/July, 2019
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June/July, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Two Homes with Non-Functioning Smoke Detectors Result in Two Deaths Washington, DC - Residential fires in which there were no working smoke alarms resulted in the tragic deaths of two residents on Tuesday, June 4th. The first fire was reported shortly before 4:00 A.M. in a twostory frame house at 2225 Lawrence Street NE, in the Brookland neighborhood. Firefighters arrived to find flames engulfing the rear of the home on the first and second floors, with a report of people trapped inside. A Working Fire dispatch was immediately requested. Our members gained entry and found an adult male just inside the doorway. He was removed to safety and advised that his mother was still inside on the second floor.
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JUMP TO FILE #061819114 Braving the intense heat and heavy smoke, firefighters rushed upstairs and found the elderly woman. She was removed outside but succumbed to her injuries. The blaze was extinguished with no further injuries. Investigators determined that there were no functioning smoke detectors inside the home, and the cause of the fire at last report remains undetermined. Later that day, shortly after 5:00 P.M., another box alarm was dispatched for a reported house fire at 5223 Western Avenue NW. Our units arrived to find smoke showing from the two-story home and called for a Working Fire dispatch. Firefighters gained entry and began to attack the flames on the first floor while searching for victims when they discovered an un-
conscious adult male and carried him from the home. Advanced life support measures were immediately started and the victim was transported to the hospital with critical life-threatening injuries, where he later succumbed. Two firefighters also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital. Once again, our fire investigation unit determined that smoke detectors in the house were non-functional, and that the origin of the blaze was accidental, the result of an electrical event. These tragic cases reaffirm the need for all residents to have working smoke detectors, and to test them and ensure that batteries are present and current. Even better, it's recommended that older smoke detectors be replaced with the newest versions, which have a built in battery with 10 year life span. - DC FIRE AND EMS
ELLIOT GOODMAN
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WEST VIRGINIA
Deadly Car Crash Kills Two and Critically Injures One in Berkeley Springs Berkeley Springs, WV - On Friday, May 3rd at 11:29 A.M., units from Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Co. (1), along with Hancock Volunteer Fire Co. (5), and Morgan County EMS (7) were dispatched to Hancock Road and Brosius West Lane for a car crash reported with entrapment. Due to the accident being a mile from the WV/MD border, Washington County, MD Engine 51 was first to arrive on scene, reporting a two-vehicle head-on collision with three occupants trapped. The information provided prompted Captain 1, who was on board Rescue Squad 1, to request an additional rescue which brought Hancock, MD Rescue Squad 59 to the scene. Captain 1 (Steiner) arrived on scene and established Hancock Road Command. A further investigation revealed three priority 1A patients and a helicopter was requested, bringing Maryland State Police Aviation Trooper 5 to a landing zone established at the Hancock Air park. Captain 1 and Rescue Squad 1 arrived shortly after Engine 51 and began extractions, finding two unconscious Priority 1's and one additional Priority 1. The first extrication was completed at 11:40 A.M., the second was completed at 11:49 A.M., and the third was completed at 11:54 A.M. Once the third patient was extricated they were pronounced deceased and the medical examiner was requested to the scene. One
JUMP TO FILE #050319105 patient was flown by MSP Trooper 5 to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA and one patient was transported by Morgan County EMS to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, MD. Crews remained on the scene for two hours and US 522 (Hancock Road) remained closed for the entire duration of the incident. The accident is under investigation by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department and the West Virginia State Police. An update was received on May 4th around 5:30 P.M. by the Morgan County, WV Sheriff's Office from the Maryland Medical Examiner's office, stating that a second victim from the crash had died, making it a double fatal accident. Units on scene were Hancock Engine 51, Hancock Rescue Squad 59, Berkeley Springs Rescue Squad 1 & LT1, Fire Police 12, Morgan County EMS Medic 71, Medic 77 and Medic 72, WVDOH, MC Sheriff's Department, WV State Police BS Detachment, Morgan County Medical Examiner, Hancock PD, MD DOT/CHART, and MD State Police Aviation Command Trooper 5.
DID YOU K NOW
- ZACHARY SIPE
?
If a fire breaks out, you might not be able to find the exit even if you’ve lived there for years since smoke can be extremely disorienting. Memorize your escape plan beforehand and practice it blindfolded.
June/July, 2019
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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.
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
Three-Alarm Blaze Ravages Mattress Warehouse in Baltimore City EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Dorchester County Vol. Firemen's Association, located in Dorchester County, MD.
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.
Leitersburg Vol. Fire Co. Tanker 9
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Baltimore City, MD - At 8:23 P.M. on Thursday, June 6th, Baltimore City Fire Department units were dispatched to Box Alarm 61, with multiple callers to 911 reporting a building fire near the intersection of East Madison Street and Ajax Alley. JUMP TO FILE# BCFD units ar- 060919110 rived quickly on scene, as the structure on fire was located directly behind the Oldtown firehouse, and immediately requested a Working Fire dispatch which was followed quickly by a second-alarm. Firefighters had heavy smoke pushing from a three-story building (914 East Monument Street) used as a mattress storage warehouse, which had been the site of at least one prior multiple-alarm fire. Crews attempted to make an interior attack but had to withdraw and switch to defensive operations due to the volume of fire and low visibility because of heavy smoke. A third-alarm was requested with several special calls for additional companies. Multiple hand lines, deck guns and ladder pipes were utilized, however the fire broke through the building's roof. Several hours into the incident, BCFD HazMat 3 and the Maryland Department of the Environment were requested to assist with a large amount of oil that was leaking from the fire building into storm drains, eventually making its way into the Inner Harbor. The fire was placed under control more than 13 hours later and is under investigation by BCFD's Fire Investigation Bu-
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
reau, with assistance being provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. Multiple mutual aid companies
from Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard Counties provided coverage at various BCFD stations during this fire. - MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
CHARLIE LEWIS
One of the many activities at the event was a hose line set up for kids to get a feel for the job, as well as a chance to squirt things.
Baltimore County Halethorpe Station 5 Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Halethorpe, MD - On April 28th, Baltimore County Fire Station 5 celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Originally the Relay Fire Station, Station 5 was formed from the remnants of the Relay Volunteer Fire Company in 1919, located at 1710 Arlington Avenue. In the 1960's a new Station 5 was built as the now Halethorpe Fire Station, located at 4500 Washington Boulevard. The current station houses an engine, truck, brush and Medic 5, as well as EMS 2 which is the EMS supervisor for the southwest part of Baltimore County. Helping to celebrate this well attended community event were elected officials from Baltimore County and the State of Maryland,
JUMP TO FILE #052719102 along with the oldest living (retired) Captain of Station 5, current Baltimore County Acting Fire Chief Jen Utz, and incoming Fire Chief Joanne Rund. The Box 234 Association was on hand serving drinks and snacks during the event. There were also several pieces of antique apparatus on display, as well as a hands-on CPR table and a recruitment table for the nearby English Counsul Volunteer Fire Company. - CHARLIE LEWIS
CHARLIE LEWIS
The orginal FD sign that hung over the Relay Fire Station building was presented to the company during the event.
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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.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Howard County Squad 1 operating at a three-alarm apartment fire in Laurel.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Clear Spring Tanker 4 operating at a recent commercial building fire.
Smithsburg Crews Respond to Head-On Collision with Double Entrapment Washington County, MD - On the evening of May 29th, Washington County 911 received a call reporting an accident on Foxville Road in the area of the South Mountain Rod & Gun Club. The 911 operator was advised that they had a head-on collision, but was unable to confirm injuries. JUMP TO FILE# Crews from the 060719102 Smithsburg Vol. Fire Co. were dispatched at 5:05 P.M., along with a medic unit from Community Rescue Service out of Hagerstown to investigate the incident with Maryland State Police. Smithsburg EMS placed their second medic unit into service and responded on the call as Smithsburg Fire Rescue's Engine 7 marked up with a crew of five. Emergency crews arrived to find a red Dodge Charger with heavy damage after it had been struck head-on by a black Chevy Cruze. Deputy Chief Dave Yankey from Smithsburg Fire confirmed they had a head-on collision with double entrapment and established Foxville Road Command. Deputy Chief Yankey quickly assessed the scene as his crew on Rescue Engine 7 prepared to begin extrication operations on the Dodge Charger. Command reported that he had three Priority 2 patients total and requested a third medic unit to the scene, prompting Boonsboro Medic 69-1 to be started on the call. Firefighters from Smithsburg V.F.C. worked vigorously to extricate two entrapped patients from inside the Dodge Charger. Assistant Chief Fleger from Smithsburg EMS monitored both patients during the extrication operation while other EMS providers tended to the driver of the Chevy Cruze. Paramedics became concerned with the Dodge driver’s status due to the extent of their injuries and upgraded them to a Priority 1 trauma, immediately requesting for aviation to be started. Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 3, located in Frederick, was started on the call to assist while Smithsburg Engine 7-4 was diverted to the intersection of Smithsburg Pike and Foxville Road to establish a landing zone in an open field for Trooper 3. Firefighters were able to free both entrapped victims within 18 minutes of their arrival on the scene. Once extricated, Community Rescue tended to the Priority 1 driver while Smithsburg EMS tended to the Priority 2 passenger. Both patients were reassessed by crews while preparing them for transport when the second patient was upgraded to a Priority 1
SMITHSBURG V.F.C.
SMITHSBURG V.F.C.
Smithsburg Engine 7-4 establishes a landing zone for MSP Trooper 3.
trauma as well. Washington County quickly confirmed with Trooper 3 that they could handle two patients and advised them of the second Priority 1 patient ready for transport as they were five minutes out from the landing zone. Once packaged for transport, Community Rescue and Smithsburg EMS transported both Priority 1 patients to the landing zone as Boonsboro’s personnel evaluated the driver of the Chevy Cruze. Upon arrival of Trooper 3, both patients were quickly re-evaluated and transported to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma. The third patient evaluated by Boonsboro’s personnel refused transport to the hospital. The crash shut down Foxville Road for several hours until hazards
were removed from the roadway and Maryland State Police were done with their preliminary investigation, which revealed that the Chevy Cruze was traveling westbound when it crossed the center line and struck the Dodge head-on. The current conditions of the two patients from the Dodge are not known. No charges have been filed, and the accident remains under investigation. Smithsburg Community Vol. Fire Co. (Co.7), along with EMS personnel from Smithsburg EMS (Co.79), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Boonsboro Rescue Squad (Co.69), and Maryland State Police Aviation’s Trooper 3 all responded to the crash. - WILLIAM KING
June/July, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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can certainly tell you that the title very much gives justice to the majority of these calls. If you, the reader, ever ponders the idea of wanting to work on an ambulance (that does emergency calls), read this book and realize what real life is, both on the streets and behind closed doors in the homes and workplaces of these patients! For 24 years I worked both part time in EMS and for a few years answered first responder calls with my fire department, and just when you thought you saw the worst, you eventually see something even more worse! If you thought you had problems, ride an ambulance and see other people’s problems. Then, your own will become less in comparison. This book is not for the weak, especially if you empathize with the author and the situations faced. He also writes about his different partners with reference to the personalities, skills and stamina. This is not a book you would want to put down because each chapter is exciting in its own way!
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MARYLAND
Fast-Moving Fire Displaces Chestertown Residents Chestertown, MD - On Sunday, June 2nd at 5:49 A.M., the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, along with mutual aid compa- JUMP TO FILE# nies, were dispatched 061519101 for a dwelling fire in the 200 block of Mount Vernon Avenue, located between Kent Circle and Campus Avenue near Washington College. A passerby reported seeing fire on the roof. First arriving units found a twostory, wood-frame dwelling with heavy fire showing from the first floor porch, and the first and second floors. The house was built using balloon construction, an old construction technique where there is an uninterrupted space running vertically through the walls from the basement to the attic. A fire in the basement or first floor can and will enter this open space and run freely all the way to the attic. With fires in structures of this age and style, if the fire has already breached this wall space, it's imperative to get ahead of the fire by getting crews with hose lines into the attic. Our first arriving crews did a stellar job with knocking down the fire on the first and second floors. Right away, crews were pushed towards the attic with the intent of getting ahead of the fire. It was discovered that the fire had already breached the attic. Once the attic access was located, crews were challenged because of the restricted size of the opening. After great difficulty, firefighters were able to squeeze through and gain access where they were immediately confronted by heat and dense smoke. By working aggressively, they were able to get a handle on the fire in the attic. The occupants of the home, who were not home at the time of the fire, were displaced and taken in by friends. Several firefighters were evaluated at the scene for heat exhaustion, but were not transported to the hospital. A representative of Delmarva Power came to the scene and disconnected electric service from the house. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office responded to the scene and conducted an Origin & Cause investigation. The results of their findings is not known at this time. Fire crews operated at this incident for just under four-and-a-half hours. Another 90 minutes was required back at the fire station to clean equipment, service air packs and repack fire hose. Companies and emergency service organizations that responded included Chestertown VFC, Kennedyville VFC, Church Hill VFC, Crumpton VFC, Rock Hall VFC, Galena VFC, Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad, Kent County EMS, Chestertown Police Department, Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and Delmarva Power. - JAMES RUSSUM
NEVIN STEFFY
CRUMPTON VFC
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
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This tattoo belongs to Daniel Pfeiffer, a 44-year member and past chief of Delran Fire Dept. Station #232 in Delran, NJ. The four helmets in the tattoo represent the four generations of firefighters in his family. "I'm the son of a past station chief, the grandson of a past Delanco fire chief, and my son is currently an engineer with the Lexington Fire Dept. in Lexington, South Carolina," said Daniel.
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June/July, 2019
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MARYLAND
Two-Alarm Apartment Fire in Randallstown Leaves Dozens Displaced Randallstown, MD - Baltimore County westside firefighters were dispatched shortly after 2:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 29th, for a reported apartment building JUMP TO FILE# fire in the 3400 block 060219112 of Barry Paul Road at the Northwest Crossing Apartments (Fire Box 18-5), near Northwest Hospital. Fire Dispatch received multiple calls and reports of civilians jumping from balconies. BCoFD Engine 18 (Randallstown career station) arrived to find heavy fire through the roof and immediately requested a second-alarm. Firefighters made an initial aggressive interior attack but were forced to back out and transition to defensive operations due to the intensity of the fire. It took crews just over one hour to get the fire under control. Eight apartment units were involved, with approximately 40 residents displaced. Five civilians and a career firefighter were transported to hospitals, including three civilians transported to Sinai Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries; two civilians transported to Sinai with minor injuries; and the BCoFD firefighter was transported to Northwest Hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by BCoPD fire investigators. - MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG
Fire conditions shortly after the first units arrived on scene.
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
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Vacant Dwelling Fire Quickly Knocked in Baltimore City Baltimore City, MD - At 8:30 A.M. on May 19th, Box 56-21 was dispatched for the report of a dwelling fire in the 7200 block of Harford Road. Engine 56 arrived initially with nothing showing JUMP TO FILE# from a two-story 052719103 middle of row brick row house, but then upgraded to smoke showing upon entry. Crews located and quickly knocked down a small fire on the first floor. There was smoke extension to both exposure dwellings. Other units on scene included Battalion Chiefs 4 and 2, Engines 42, 27 and 43, Squad 54, Trucks 29 and 30, Airflex 2, Medic 6, the Fire Investigation Bureau, and Baltimore City Police. - CHARLIE LEWIS
CHARLIE LEWIS
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Bob Long
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
Two-Alarm Fire Strikes Assisted Living Complex
Baltimore, MD - Baltimore County firefighters responded on Sunday afternoon, June 16th, to a reported fire at the Atrium Village assisted living facility in Owings Mills (Fire Box 1823). BCoFD Medic 19 was the first unit to arrive and initially reported nothing evident, then quickly upgraded to fire showing from side 'Charlie' on the top floor of a six-story occupancy. Firefighters quickly laid lines and raised Truck 18's aerial to the roof while dozens of occupants and guests evacuated. Command ordered a Working Fire, followed quickly by a second-alarm, however crews were able to knock the fire down in the lobby area of the sixth floor and second-alarm units were returned to service.
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Strong Winds Fuel Blaze that Destroys Wolfsville Home Myersville, MD - On the afternoon of March 31st, crews from Wolfsville Vol. Fire Co. were alerted for a structure fire in the 12000 block of Gambrill Park Road near Myersville. Frederick County 911 received a call reporting the blaze JUMP TO FILE# shortly after 2:00 041419106 P.M., and Wolfsville crews were alerted along with several other departments due on Box 21-1 at 2:13 P.M. Firefighters responding on the call had heavy smoke showing from a distance as they approached the scene. Wolfsville Chief 21-1 “Assistant Chief Mike Lewis”, was the first to arrive to find a working structure fire. Chief Lewis reported to Frederick County dispatch that he had a two-story residential structure fully involved and established Gambrill Park Road Command until the arrival of Battalion Chief Troy Grossnickle who then assumed command. Command evaluated the scene which consisted of a singlefamily dwelling with a log cabin style construction close to the woods in a rural area with no hydrants. With heavy fire conditions upon arrival accompanied by windy conditions, command immediately requested the tanker task force to be started to ensure an adequate water supply for operations. Firefighters arrived and quickly pulled multiple attack lines to begin their exterior attack. Crews worked diligently in a defensive mode to control the blaze which was rapidly spreading into the wooded area to the rear of the home. Command continued to assess the attack crews' efforts and requested two brush trucks started to assist with the blaze that was now in the woods. Nearly 50 firefighters responded to the incident, battling the fire for just over 30 minutes before getting a significant knock on the flames. Firefighters were committed on the scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations, both with the residence and the surrounding wooded area that burned. Frederick County Fire & Rescue advised that the home was deemed a total loss, with an estimated $175,000 in damages between the structure and its contents. The cause of the blaze has not yet been released and is currently under investigation by the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the incident, but no other injuries were reported. Wolfsville Vol. Fire Co.
FF DEREMER OF WOLFSVILLE V.F.C.
Assistant Chief Lewis from Wolfsville V.F.C. on the scene with a two-story residential structure fully involved on Gambrill Park Rd. in Frederick County, 3/31/19.
(Co.21) responded to the call, receiving assistance from Frederick County Fire & Rescue, Myersville V.F.C. (Co.8), Thurmont’s
Guardian Hose Fire Co. (Co.10), Graceham V.F.C. (Co.18), Lewistown V.F.C. (Co.22), Middletown V.F.C. (Co.7), Rocky Ridge V.F.C.
(Co.13), Independent Hose Co. (Co.1), Smithsburg Vol. Fire Co. (Co.7), First Hose Co. of Boonsboro (Co.6), and Mt. Aetna Vol.
FD (Co.16).
TREVOR JAMES
- WILLIAM KING
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MARYLAND
Blaze Destroys Barn Filled with 11,000 Turkeys in Graceham Graceham, MD - On the evening of April 4th, Frederick County received a call from 8231 Rocky Ridge Road reporting a turkey barn on fire. The Graceham Vol. Fire Company was alerted on Box 18-1 at 5:42 P.M., along JUMP TO FILE# with several other 042219120 Frederick County fire departments due on the assignment. Graceham Assistant Chief Louis Powell, Jr. marked up on the call directly after dispatch, reporting a large column of black smoke visible from Station 18 and requested the Rapid Intervention Dispatch and the Tanker Task Force to be started on the call. Chief Powell arrived on the scene within minutes to find a 700' long turkey barn well involved and established Rocky Ridge Road Command. Firefighters had a 700' x 63' metal constructed turkey barn with 75% of the structure engulfed in flames. Crews immediately took up positions to battle the blaze and protect surrounding exposures. Command recognized the immediate need for additional personnel and requested dispatch to start the Fire Task Force and to
ensure that they had three ladder pipe capable aerials on the call. Firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours in defensive mode before bringing it under control while containing it to the main fire building, which was deemed a total loss. Firefighters remained committed on the scene for several hours before turning it over to the property owner, who kept a close eye on the remnants of the barn which continued to smolder for several days. Firefighters responded back to the location several times to extinguish hot spots that would flare up to keep the smoldering embers from spreading to nearby exposures. The incident was a catastrophic loss to the farm, as the barn housed around 11,000 turkeys. All but approximately 100 of the turkeys were lost in the blaze. Investigators from the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze and advised that there was no current evidence that would lead them to believe that the fire was criminal in nature. Damages were estimated to be around $650,000 between the loss of the structure and the livestock. The cause of the blaze is currently
undetermined and remains under investigation. The insurance company is continuing the investigation with assistance from Frederick County as needed. Nearly 100 emergency personnel responded to the incident. Graceham Vol. Fire Co. Station 18 was the first-due company on the
call and received assistance on the scene from multiple departments across Frederick and Carroll Counties in Maryland, as well as Adams and Franklin Counties in Pennsylvania. Frederick County crews assisting on the scene responded from Thurmont’s Guardian Hose Co. (Co.10), Rocky Ridge V.F.C. (Co.13), Lewistown V.F.C. (Co.22), Emmitsburg's Vigilant V.F.C. (Co.6), New Midway V.F.C. (Co.9), Thurmont Community Ambulance Service (Co.30), Woodsboro V.F.C. (Co.16), Libertytown V.F.D. (Co.17), Walkersville V.F.C. (Co.11), Wolfsville V.F.C. (Co.21), Walkersville Vol. Rescue Company (Co.24), Independent Hose Co. (Canteen 1), and Frederick County Division of Fire
WALKERSVILLE VOL. FIRE CO.
& Rescue Services Battalion Chief and Safety Officer. Out-of-county mutual aid responded on the call from Carroll County Maryland’s Taneytown V.F.C. (Co.5), Adams County Pennsylvania’s Greenmount Community Fire Co. (Co.23), Franklin County Pennsylvania’s Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue (Co.4), and Raven Rock Emergency Services (Co.19). Additional assistance was received from Fort Detrick FD (Co.50), Middletown V.F.C. (Co.7), and United Fire Co. (Engine 33), who responded on transfers to area stations to cover the area while crews were committed on the scene.
D ID Y OU K NOW MIKE SCHWARTZBERG/FIREPIX1075
- WILLIAM KING
?
Two-Car Crash with Entrapment on I-83 in Baltimore County Baltimore County, MD - Shortly after 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 4th, Baltimore County FD Engine 14 along with Pikesville Vol. Fire Co. Medic 325 and Baltimore City FD Engine 44 were alerted for a reported vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of Interstate 83 near Old Pimlico Road, north of the City/County line. While units were enroute, additional callers to 911 reported that people were trapped, prompting a rescue assignment (Rescue Box 99-80) to be dispatched. On arrival, Engine 14 confirmed a two-vehicle crash with three people trapped in one car, and all travel lanes blocked. Firefighters from Baltimore County FD Truck 1 and Baltimore City FD Truck 25 worked together to extricate all five patients who were then transported to area hospitals, including two patients to area trauma centers.
Walt Disney World is the largest consumer of fireworks in the United States launching the fireworks with compressed air instead of gunpowder to reduce fumes and gain better height and timing.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
June/July, 2019
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MARYLAND
Crews stabilizing patient prior to being removed.
TONY MATTINGLY (WASH CO. MD FIRE CALLS FOLLOWER)
LARY SLAGLE
Blaze Destroys Barn at Senior Living Medevac Called for Male Impaled by Mower Complex in Funkstown Jack in Chestertown Chestertown, MD - On Tuesday, June 11th at 11:27 A.M., the Chestertown Vol. Fire Company along with Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad and Kent County EMS were dispatched to an entrapment in the 5200 block of Johnsontown Road, located in the Quaker Neck area of Kent County. Information provided by dispatch indicated that a male victim had been working on a mower deck when the jack stand supporting it slipped, subsequently pinning the victim's hand underneath. Upon arrival, crews found the patient conscious and alert, and confirmed that his hand was pinned. A closer assessment revealed that the situation was more serious than first believed. When the mower deck fell, the patient's hand was caught between the deck and the jack stand. As a result, the patient's hand was impaled on the jack stand. As paramedics stabilized the patient, crews worked quickly to extricate the patient from his precarious situation. Using a ladder off the Rescue Truck as a lever to quickly lift the deck, cribbing to support it was put in place. Using first a bottle jack, then ultimately lifting the deck manually, the patient's hand and jack stand were removed from beneath the mower
JUMP TO FILE #061519102 deck. Due to the serious nature of the injury, a helicopter from Maryland State Police Aviation was requested. Because of the delicate structures within the hand, it was determined to leave the jack in place and allow surgeons to remove it. Consequently, the patient and the jack stand were airlifted to the Hand Center at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. The current condition of the patient is not known. A technical rescue like this is always unique and challenging. We thank everyone who helped extricate the patient and ensured his timely transfer to a specialty medical center for definitive care. It truly was a team effort. We're also thankful the patient's family was on-scene. They provided a level of emotional support to the patient during this difficult time. Emergency organizations that responded included Chestertown VFC, Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad, Kent County EMS and Maryland State Police Aviation. - JAMES RUSSUM
Funkstown, MD - On the evening of April 29th, Washington County’s Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls just after 6:00 P.M. reporting a structure fire in a wooded area just off of Robinwood Drive near Meritus Medical Center. Community Rescue Service Paramedic 75-4 called in by radio as they were coming into the hospital and reported a large column of black smoke showing from the rear of the Diakon Senior Living complex on Tranquility Circle, located across the street from Meritus. The Funkstown Vol.Fire Co. was immediately dispatched around 6:05 P.M. with multiple departments due on Box 10-8 to respond to the rear of 19800 Tranquility Circle for a structure fire. Several units were already on the street after hearing Paramedic 754’s report and were able to see the large column of black smoke from several miles away. Hagerstown Engine 3 from Independent Juniors Fire Co. was the first unit to arrive and found a 100’ x 20’ barn fully involved. Funkstown Chief Erik Fraley arrived and established Command as crews deployed hand lines to begin an aggressive defensive attack on the barn while other incoming crews worked to protect the surrounding wooded area. Firefighters were tasked with
JUMP TO FILE #050519100
establishing an adequate water supply for Hagerstown Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 3, who was setting up for ladder pipe operations. After assessing the scene, Command requested brush trucks to respond in as flames were beginning to spread into the wooded area surrounding the barn. Crews' aggressive efforts were able to knock down a bulk of the blaze within 30 minutes of their arrival on scene. Firefighters were committed for four-and-a-half hours that night extinguishing the fire, conducting overhaul operations and assisting the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office Deputy Ernst on the scene. Over 70 emergency personnel responded to the call. The cause of the fire has not yet been released and is still under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, although witnesses reported seeing several individuals running from the area just prior to the fire. The barn destroyed in the blaze was owned by Diakon Assisted Living and was located back a stone lane to the rear of their main facility. The loss of the structure was estimated to be around $25,000. The estimated damage to
the wooded area was not included in the released report. One firefighter was transported across the street to Meritus Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident. The firefighter was treated and released, and no other injuries were reported. Personnel from the Funkstown Vol. Fire Co. (Co.10) responded on the call, receiving assistance from the Washington County Division of Emergency Services Director Dave Hays, Independent Juniors (Engine 3), First Hagerstown Hose Co. (Engine 1), Pioneer Hook & Ladder (Truck 3), Mt. Aetna V.F.D. (Co.16), Vol. Fire Co. of Halfway (Co.26), Smithsburg Community V.F.C. (Co.7), Leitersburg V.F.C. (Co.9), Long Meadow V.F.C. (Co.27), Maugansville Goodwill V.F.C. (Co.13), Community Rescue Service (Co.75), Williamsport Fire & EMS (Co.2), Washington County Vol. Fire & Rescue Association Safety Officer, Washington County Special Operations (Co.20), Washington County Emergency Support Services (Air & Rehab Co.25), Washington County Fire Police, and Hagerstown City Police Auxiliary. - WILLIAM KING
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