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March/April, 2015
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PAgE 3
WEST VIRGINIA
STEVE FLYNN
Mathes receives citations Nicholas County Paramedic Jamie Mathes, an employee of Redi-Care Ambulance Service, received her ten years of service badge. She was also awarded the Patriot, Star of Life, Paramedic, and EMS Instructor with performance citations. Redi-Care Agency Director Daniel Taylor presented the awards. The awards were provided and sponsored by the Nicholas County Emergency Service Award Program.
SERVING THE MID ATLANTIC!
ROMNEY FIRE COMPANY
Two vehicle MVA with entrapment On February 15, 2015 at 2:54 p.m., Rescue Box 1-3 was dispatched for a two vehicle MVA with entrapment on Northwestern Pike on the three lanes. Dispatched were Rescue 1 with five, a chief, Truck 1 with six and the Mineral County North End Battalion Chief Lindsay. Captain 1-A arrived first and advised of working rescue. Chief 1 had Northwestern Pike command. From initial dispatch to extrication, completion was ten minutes.
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March/April, 2015
WEST VIRGINIA
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Cottle, Nicholas County, WV. On November 25, 2014, the morning started out routinely for Michelle Long doing housecleaning and washing the family clothes. She stated in her inter- JUMP TO FILE # view that she had 011915112 been smelling something of an electrical nature burning. She looked throughout the mobile home and found nothing. Having no clothes dryer, she was washing and hanging her clothes out on the front porch to dry. At 10:00 a.m., she noticed thick smoke rolling up the hallway. Her 10-year-old son, Hunter Long, immediately took his four month old infant cousin out to the family vehicle and placed the infant in the backseat. This action by Hunter was done without being told to do so. By this time, Michelle and her visiting sister, other three children, and family dog all met at the vehicle and all got into the vehicle. The vehicle would not start and Michelle and her sister pushed the vehicle across the road and away from the engulfed trailer to safety. Michelle called 911 and Craigsville, Richwood, and Summersville Fire Departments responded to the blaze in Cottle,
STEVE FLYNN
Craigsville firefighter Ron Duff fighting the blaze
WV in the King Coal trailer park. Also, the Nicholas County Sheriff's Department responded, as well as Redi-Care Ambulance Medic 1 to check out the children and provide support to the firefighters, if needed. No incidents
were reported. It was determined that the fire had started in an electrical outlet in the rear bedroom. Other mobile homes located on each side approximately forty feet from the burning trailer were
protected by the supporting fire departments. Michelle and family were placed in another mobile home in the same King Coal trailer park. - STEVE FLYNN
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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
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At 7:01 a.m. on February 13th, the Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department and Wirt County Emergency Squad were notified of car wreck with injuries on Palestine Road. Engine 94 with a crew of four arrived on scene and found a single vehicle struck by a tree that fell from the hillside. Assistant chief 902 took control of the scene and began patient care, removing the tree from the car. Wirt County EMS transported the patient to a local hospital. The West Virginia DOH was called to remove the larger part of the tree from the roadway. The Wirt County sheriff’s office is investigating the accident. A total of 12 Elizabeth firefighters responded with one rescue, one engine, and one brush truck.
LEWISBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Lewisburg Voluteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary has recieved a generous donation of a retired EMS unit from the Higginsport Fire & EMS. This unit has been converted into an Incident Support/Rehab Canteen Unit.
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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty New Jersey: Christopher Hunter, 38 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 14, 2014 Death Date: November 15, 2014 Fire Department: Cinnaminson Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Hunter responded to his last alarm at 3:05 a.m. on November 14. At 1:52 a.m. the next day, Lieutenant Hunter suffered a cardiac arrest at home. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Pennsylvania: Samir “Sam” P. Ashmar, 51 Rank: Fire Marshal Incident Date: November 20, 2014 Death Date: November 20, 2014 Fire Department: Upper Macungie Township Station 56 Initial Summary: Several hours after responding to a medical call, Fire Marshal Ashmar was found in cardiac arrest at his residence. Ashmar was treated and transported by fellow responders to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he succumbed to his injury.
New York: Richard Weisse, Sr., 59 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 15, 2014 Death Date: November 15, 2014 Fire Department: St. James Initial Summary: A short time after responding to a school fire alarm, Firefighter Weisse suffered a medical emergency and passed away. The nature and cause of death are pending further investigation.
New Jersey: Arthur E. “Art” Treon, 62 Rank: County Fire Coordinator/Deputy OEM Coordinator Incident Date: November 18, 2014 Death Date: November 19, 2014 Fire Department: Cape May County Office of Emergency Management Initial Summary: County Fire Coordinator Treon responded to a working multi-family dwelling fire. While operating as fire coordinator, Treon began experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing and was transported by EMS to Cape Region Medical Center for a suspected heart attack. Fire Coordinator Treon was admitted for possible pneumonia, but subsequently passed away at approximately 10:30 p.m. on November 19th from a nature and cause of injury still to be reported.
Texas: Alejandro Castro, 40 Rank: Pump Operator/Paramedic Incident Date: November 16, 2014 Death Date: November 16, 2014 Fire Department: Brownsville Fire Department Initial Summary: Pump Operator/Paramedic Castro was found unresponsive while on-duty inside of Brownsville Fire Station 8. Castro had succumbed in the fire station to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. New York: James Foote, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 18, 2014 Death Date: November 18, 2014 Fire Department: Summit Fire Department Initial Summary: Upon returning inside the station to get warm after cutting down two trees on the fire department grounds, Firefighter Foote fell ill and collapsed. Medical assistance was provided by fellow responders and Foote was transported to Cobleskill Hospital, where he later passed away of a heart attack.
Ohio: Tom Rhamey, 71 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 28, 2014 Death Date: November 28, 2014 Fire Department: Western Holmes County Fire and EMS–Lakeville Station Initial Summary: Firefighter-EMT Rhamey fell ill while working at the scene of a residential structure fire. Rhamey was treated and transported by Western Holmes County EMS to Wooster Community Hospital and subsequently flown to Akron City Hospital, where he remained in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit until his passing.
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
Working fire on Hadaway Drive in Chestertown
JAMES RUSSUM
Kent dispatched Chestertown, Kennedyville, Church Hill, Crumpton, Rock Hall, Kent and Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad with Kent EMS for a commercial building fire with injury at 200 Hadaway Drive. Command 6 JUMP TO FILE # arrived and reported 120614101 a single story laundromat/maintenance building with fire showing from the roof, an apparent explosion and one burned victim. Engine 68 secured a hydrant at the first entrance to the complex. Once the supply line was dropped, the engine crew deployed the Blitz line and began the fire attack. Due to the primary hydrant that Engine 68 secured being placed out of service while attempting to charge it,
Queen Anne’s Engine 55 completed a reverse lay to the next hydrant. Because of a lack of manpower, a second alarm was dispatched by Kent. Command held the assignment to Chestertown, Church Hill and Rock Hall units. Chestertown units cleared at 12:18 a.m. with a total of 12 personnel on the call. Special thanks to Centreville for covering our first due. Maryland State Fire Marshals Office advised the preliminary investigation indicates that the cause of the fire was due to a propane gas leak in the building. The sole occupant, who was burned, was transported by Paramedic 8 to Shore Medical at Chestertown and later transferred to the burn center. - JAMES RUSSUM
HCDFRS
CHARLIE LEWIS
County Executive Kittleman appointments John Vacant house in former Fort Howard Veterans Administration Butler as Chief of Fire and Rescue Services Ellicott City, MD. Howard J #012115118 degree from the University of County Executive Allan Kittleman Baltimore with a triple major in Hospital complex burns today announced John S. Butler as history, government and manageUMP TO FILE
At 12:45 a.m. on December 6th, as 3rd Battalion units were returning from a false alarm, several calls to 911 reported a building fire on the grounds of the former VA Hospital in Fort Howard. Units approaching the scene reported a glow from the sky and arrived to find a vacant two story frame dwelling fully involved with exposure issues. With the structure being vacant, an exterior, defensive operation was put in place and a ladder pipe was setup. The majority of the house collapsed during firefighting operation and the fire took approximately three hours to bring under control.
JUMP TO FILE #121114114
This complex has been the site of multiple fires over the past four years. The following units were on the scene: Engine 261 and Squad 262 (North Point-Edgemere Volunteers), Engine 9 (Edgemere), Engine 57 (Sparrows Point), Engine 271 (Wise Avenue volunteers), Engine and Truck 15 (Eastview), Engine 6 (Dundalk) and Rehab 155 and 153 (Central Alarmers Volunteers). - CHARLIE LEWIS
the new Chief of the County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Chief Butler currently serves as Acting Chief, and has been a member of the department since 1993. He is the first Chief to have held every rank in the department. “John Butler exemplifies the true spirit of public service in Howard County,” said County Executive Kittleman. “He has worked his way up to the top leadership position, and knows the job of every member of our outstanding department. He has demonstrated confidence and competence as Acting Chief, and has gained the trust of every one of his members. I am
proud to appoint him as our new Chief of Fire and Rescue and know that he will do an excellent job of keeping our community safe.” The County Executive made the announcement at Station #9 in Long Reach, the station where Chief Butler began his service as a Howard County firefighter 22 years ago. The station is the first place in Maryland where the new chief, then 12 years old, and his family stopped during their move to Maryland in 1981. Chief Butler was born in Monrovia, Liberia. A former U.S. Marine, he is a graduate of Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, and holds a Bachelor’s
ment. He has advanced degrees from the Johns Hopkins University Public Leadership Program, and from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government’s “Leadership In Crisis” program. “This is a tremendous responsibility,” Chief Butler said. “The county’s combined department is one to be proud of. I’ll continue to ensure safety initiatives for our responders, as well as foster values and integrity, and advocate for every area of the county.” Chief Butler lives in Ellicott City with his wife; they have three grown children. - MARIA HOGG
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
MARYLAND
The heart of the matter Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
So what is the symbol of February? It is the heart, usually a red heart. It is usually the symbol for the love and devotion that we have for a love, or someone that we have strong feelings for, a spouse, or a girlfiend or boyfriend, or someone that we ask to be our valentine. Do you remember when you were a child you would hand them out in grammar school? But let's take a look at the heart through the eyes of a firefighter. We know that heart disease is the number one killer of firefighters. I think that nobody will dispute that fact. Throughout our entire careers, we will continue to hear that. There is so much work and research that was done to prove that point. Heart disease will get us. I have seen it affect firefighters of all age groups; the old, middle-aged and also the young. So what can we do to help keep our hearts in good working condition? Eat right, exercise, and relieve stress. Hmm, relieve stress. Chew on that for a minute. But firefighting is stressful and so is being around a firehouse. We will come back to that. Did you think that I would forget to mention to get proper check ups and go for your stress tests? When was the last time that you had your heart checked? Why? Have the firefighters in New Jersey not checked into the Captain Buscio program? Check it out for yourself at http://www.captainsgift.com/ You will be amazed at who you will meet there. Do the brothers in other states have similar opportunities? I met a few brothers from some paid departments. Once they go there, the referaal to others becomes so easy. I met an experienced firefighter, who told his son, who just joined a paid department, to get checked out every year, and the son was in his twenties. Imagine that, the father was giving his son a way to take care of himself. There are so many ways that we can take care of our heart. Did you know that stress can kill? Yes, I know that there is good stress and bad stress. Let's take a look at Critical Incident Stress, for a moment. Some of the signs are: chest pain, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing. What is this starting to sound like? Does any of this sound a little like a heart attack? Don't believe me? Google it for yourself. So what can we do about reducing our stress on our heart? Did you ever think of meditating?
A friend that I know also thought about writing in a journal. How about praying, reading, running, martial arts, yoga? What is the thing that works for you? We also have stress that sits and festers. We may be ticked off at some people or situations. Maybe you did not get that promotion. Maybe a person at work or the firehouse really gets under your skin. Maybe you do not like what is going on and it eats at you. Maybe the sight of someone raises your temper. Maybe you have problems with your wife, exwife, or girlfriend. Maybe someone is your arch nemisis, like Lex Luther to you being Superman. This will add to stress onto your heart. Maybe you enjoy getting mad. Why? Are you willing to die because you want to hold a grudge against someone? The other person may not even know or care that you are holding a grudge at them. So what are you going to do about it? Choose to live. A book that I read tells us that we are to forgive our people. Forgive them seventy times seven times. But also that we are to pray for those that persecute us. We are to actually love our enemies and do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, Chappy don't give me that religion stuff. Ok, I won't give it to you in religion. I listened to a very courageous Marine of the 1st Recon Battalion in Vietnam, Clebe McClary. He said something that stayed with me, "FIDO". This is not a dog, but Forget It and Drive On. We need to forget the garbage that people do. If we do not, it will sit in us and do its damage to our heart. Do not give that other person that much control of your life. Refuse to be a victim. Rise above it. Forgive them and pray for them. Forgiveness is a very powerful medicine. Can you imagine what would happen if your ex-wife knew that you forgave her? Can you imagine what would happen to the person, who is trying to get under your skin and loves watching you blow up, if they found out that you forgave them? Release the emotional toxins in your body. Forgive and do good things for your enemy. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Try it. You may be pleasantly surprised. You may find even more good things will come your way. Would you be willing to do it if it meant that you might live longer? Is it worth seeing your kids grow up? Or keeping your spouse? Or enjoying life even more? My brothers, take care of your heart every way that you can.
PAgE 9
PROVIDED
Units from Baltimore County Fire and Police Department, as well as other agencies, investigate what turned out to be a hoax email threat sent to this school.
Email hoax closes down school, launches extensive investigation in Essex At 5:30 a.m. on December 5, 2014, a staff member at Kenwood High School doing a routine email check, came across an email of a threatening nature. After the staff member called 911, police officers from the 11th Precinct (Essex) responded and discovered a suspicious device in the parking lot. They immediately requested units from the tactical squad, as well as the bomb squad, ATF investigators and the Baltimore
JUMP TO FILE #121114112
County Fire Dept Hazmat Unit. In addition, Medic 7 (Essex), as well as the Central Alarmers Rehab Units responded. The Baltimore City Police ERT Squad responded to assist County Tac units in sweeping the entire five floor school for any other suspicious items. After several hours, the
school was cleared, the suspicious device was discovered to be an old piece of pipe and the email was spam. All fire and police units returned to service at 2 p.m. after it was determined there was no threat to the school. Students from Kenwood were originally diverted to nearby schools, where they were released to their parents. - CHARLIE LEWIS
CHARLIE LEWIS
Car versus tree leaves one trapped in Parkville At 9:15 p.m. on Thursday December 11, 2014, Engine 11 (Hillendale) and Medic 10 (Parkville) were dispatched for the report of the motor vehicle accident with injury at the intersection of Perring Pkwy and Oakleigh Road. Arriving units found a car that had left the roadway, gone down an embankment and struck a tree. They also discovered that the driver, the vehicle's sole occupant,
JUMP TO FILE #121114111
was unconscious. Due to the difficult access to the vehicle, a rescue assignment was requested, bringing Division Chief 1 (Chief Michael W. Robinson), EMS 1, Truck 1 (Towson) and Squad 303 (Lutherville Volunteers).
After securing the vehicle with Squad 303's winch, the patient was extricated and transported by Medic 10 to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department. - CHARLIE LEWIS
PAGE 10
March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
NEVIN STEFFY
Building fire at Creafill Fibers CHARLIE LEWIS
Fire through the roof of this two story vacant wood frame dwelling
Get your personal copy of
The MA Edition Name:______________________ Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________ City: ______________________
Baltimore battles two alarm vacant during snowstorm Shortly after 10 a.m. on January 6, 2015, Box 42-1 was struck for a dwelling fire in the 3500 Block of Hamilton Avenue. Units arrived to find a two and a half story wood frame vacant dwelling fully involved and immediately requested a second alarm. The heavy fire load caused the roof of the dwelling to cave in to the upper floors. For saftey reasons, all firefighting was done from the out-
JUMP TO FILE #010715101
side. Firefighters had to battle snow and ice as well as frigid temperatures. It took several hours to bring the fire under control. The cause is currently under investigation
On January 17, 2015 at 10:53 p.m. Kent dispatched Chestertown, Kennedyville, Betterton, Rock Hall, Galena, Church Hill, Kent and Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad with Kent EMS for an explosion at 10200 Worton Road (CreaFill Fibers). Command 6 arrived to a large one story paper processing warehouse with fire showing from the roof line filters. Due to access problems into the complex, the crew from Engine 67 started to remove a chain link fence to access the gate motor. Engine 67 laid in from the hydrant and started to knock the fire from the outside.
JUMP TO FILE #011915117
A second alarm was transmitted alerting Galena, Crumpton, Millinton, Sudlersville and Cecilton. First companies were brought in to assist with overhaul. Once the interior of the building was cleared with no extension, command started to release units. No injuries were reported and it is believed to be a type of dust explosion that occurred. - JAMES RUSSUM
- CHARLIE LEWIS
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Kailynn (7) and Kiryn (9) Lewis, daughters of Charlie Lewis of Baltimore County Rehab 155, don turnout gear at the Providence VFC safety day.
On February 3, 2015 at 10:09 p.m., Kent dispatched Kennedyville, Galena, Betterton, Chestertown, Crumpton, Sudlersville, Cecilton and Kent EMS for a chicken house fire in the area of 12606 Augustine Herman Highway. Engine 4 reported heavy fire showing from a chicken house, requesting additional tankers and the assignment to be filled. Engine 3 laid 900 feet of five inch down the lane and Tower 6 was nosed into Engine 3 to begin fire attack from an elevated position. Queen Anne’s Rescue Engine 7 laid approximately 1000 feet of five inch in a reverse lay from Tower 6 to establish a secondary
JUMP TO FILE #020515134
water source. Two dump tanks were deployed by water supply to assist and a fill site was established by Engine 6 at Station 4 in the town of Kennedyville. The fire was brought under control in approximately 45 minutes and command held all units to assist with overhaul and locating hot spots. Units cleared at 2:27 a.m. Chief 4 (D. Menchey) had Augustine Herman Highway command. - JAMES RUSSUM
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
Page 11
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March/April, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
CHARLIE LEWIS
ADAM NOLDER
Car into pond in Ellicott City, one rescued At 4:30 p.m. on December 31, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were dispatched to Route 100 East just prior to Executive Park Dr in Ellicott City for a car into a storm water retention pond. Multiple 911 callers reported that the car left Route 100, landed in the pond, and was sinking fast. First arriving units found the car almost completely submerged, the driver self-extricated, and standing on the car's roof. Firefighters donned cold water rescue suits, entered the pond, and quickly brought the patient to paramedics on shore. A search of the
JUMP TO FILE #010215102
car revealed no other occupants. The patient was transported to Howard County General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and there were no injuries to HCDFRS personnel. The HCDFRS Special Operations Team remained on scene to assist the towing company with vehicle removal. The car was removed from the pond and all HCDFRS units cleared the scene. - ADAM NOLDER
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Units battle townhouse fire in Edgewood Just after 6:00 a.m. on January 22, 2015, units from Joppa Magnolia, Abingdon, Fallston & Bel Air in Harford County, as well as units from Baltimore County and Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Base responded to the report of a dwelling fire in the 1900 block of Eloise Lane in Edgewood. Units arrived to find heavy fire from a three story middle of group townhouse and quickly requested a second alarm. It took one hour to bring the fire under control. Units remained on the scene for several hours for overhaul and investigation. The American Red Cross was requested for seven displaced adults.
Correspondent Contest Sponsored by All Hands Fire Equipment The readers of 1st Responder Newspaper have helped make www.1rbn.com the fastest-growing % &($ *!&% comes &$ ) from (&$ our &+( valued , #+ correspondents. &(( )'&% %*) Each time *!$ Fire/Rescue/EMS site on the web. Information /you post an entry on our website, your name will go into a drawing for a monthly prize.%#/Only - web % *entries are eligible. The prize for our March editions from All Hands Fire Equipment is a Turnout Gear Bag. Our February editions winner of a 5.11 Tactical Job Shirt with the new FF1 logo from FF1 Professional &$' %/ would -&+# like #!" to *& provide '(&,! a prize '(!0 Safety Services was Damien Danis from New Jersey. If /&+( your company and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212. Keep your response gear organized and accessible. Made of heavy duty 1000 Denier nylon. The main compartment has a two way zipper for access from three sides. Has strong 2" wide carrying handles. An outside pocket is ideal for additional storage. Also a ID window is featured on the top side of the bag. Comes standard red with maltese cross imprint on both sides.
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
Page 13
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
Members line up
CHARLIE LEWIS
ADAM NOLDER
Townhouse fire in Ellicott City CHARLIE LEWIS
The casket is loaded on to West Friendship Ambulance 36
Fallen Maryland paramedic laid to rest On January 16, 17 and 18th, fire companies from two Maryland counties came together for funeral services for Erik Park Steciak, 29, who died in the line of duty following injuries received after being struck by a fire department vehicle while responding to a call. On January 6, 2015 at 1:50 p.m., Fire and EMS units from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company Patterson Mill Road station were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that had slid off the roadway, down an embankment and into a tree. The vehicle’s sole occupant, a female driver, was able to self-extricate from the vehicle and go to a nearby home, where she called 911. Upon arriving, units determine that due to snow and ice, the ambulance would not be able to get down the long driveway to the home and that a four wheel drive vehicle was needed. Utility 373, a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD pickup truck equipped with a snow plow responded to the scene. As U373 made its way down the driveway, the driver lost control of the vehicle after it hit an icy patch and struck Erik, who was walking outside of the vehicle while trying to gain access to the patient. Other providers immediately began treating Erik, and he was transported to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center where he later died.
Just before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2014, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were alerted for a townhouse fire in the 4800 block of Dorsey Hall Dr in Ellicott City. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the rear of a two story townhouse and smoke showing from a neighboring townhouse.
JUMP TO FILE #021715102
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire on the first and second floors and prevent it from spreading to the neighboring property. It took 40 personnel about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames. The residents of the townhouse,
where the fire originated, were in the process of moving in and made their own arrangements for shelter. The neighboring townhouse sustained some smoke damage, but the residents will not be displaced. HCDFRS fire investigators determined the cause of this fire to be accidental and there were no injuries to civilians or responders. - ADAM NOLDER
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Erik was employed as a paramedic with the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company (Harford County 3) since December of 2011. Erik was also a volunteer fire captain and paramedic with the West Friendship Volunteer Fire Company (Howard County 3) since he was about 14 years old, where he earned many awards. Erik joined the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company (Harford County 8) in September 2014 as a paramedic. He is survived by his parents, twin brother, sister in law, maternal grandmother and many other relatives and friends. On January 16, a viewing was held at the West Friendship VFC, and on January 17, Erik was transported by West Friendship Ambulance 36 and escorted by West Friendship to the Bel Air VFC for a viewing there. On January 18, a funeral was held at the Marriott’s Ridge High School. Interment was private. Members from the public safety community from around the region and beyond, including an honor guard unit from Ontario came to pay their respects. - CHARLIE LEWIS
CHARLIE LEWIS
Family owned roofing company gutted by fire in Middle River At 1:20 p.m. on December 8, 2014, Firebox 12-2 was dispatched for the report of the building fire at the Rosedale Roofing Co. Units arrived to find heavy fire through the roof of a one story commercial building and immediately sounded a second alarm. The building's construction as well as the amount of equipment and materials made fighting the fire extremely difficult. The fire department hazmat units as well as units from the Maryland Department of Environment's emergency response division were dispatched. Part of the building had to be demolished to help crews gain access to the fire. The fire took approximately eight hours to bring under control and units remained on scene through the night. Units from Baltimore City and Harford County provided fill-in units for some stations.
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
PAgE 15
MARYLAND
House fire with extensive damage
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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
Bay District Fire Department in California, MD operates a 2011 Chevy Suburban command unit.
FRANK ROBINSON
Cockeysville, MD Volunteer Fire Company operates a 2007 ALF 1500/1000.
Just after 12 p.m. on November 28th, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), the Baltimore County Fire Department, and the Anne Arundel County Fire Department JUMP TO FILE# were dispatched for 120114101 a house fire in the 5600 block of Railroad Avenue in Elkridge. HCDFRS firefighters encountered heavy fire at the rear of the building. Crews quickly extinguished all visible fire and then spent about 45 minutes opening up walls and ceilings (in a process called "overhaul" to locate and extinguish any fire that remained. The fire was declared out shortly after 1:00 p.m. The home was extensively damaged, and it is expected to posted as uninhabitable. Three adults were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians; however, a family cat perished in the
HCDFRS
blaze. Fire investigators are working to identify the origin and cause of the blaze. Damage esti-
mates are pending. - MARC FISCHER
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
GOT DROP?
MARYLAND
HCDFRS
Townhouse fire in Columbia Just before 10:15 a.m. on February 19th, firefighters and paramedics from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a townhouse fire in the 5400 block of Ring Dove Lane in Columbia. Crews arrived to find a three story end-unit townhouse significantly engulfed in flames. Three residents were home when the fire started and selfevacuated. A second alarm was requested bringing in more than 50 personnel including mutual aid from Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County and Baltimore County. Due to the extreme weather conditions, crews encountered significant challenges while combating the fire. The high winds caused the fire spread to the adjacent home and ignited a discarded
JUMP TO FILE #02195109
Christmas tree. As a result, an additional alarm was requested for that fire, but it was quickly extinguished. It took roughly 30 minutes to get the initial fire under control. A collapse zone was also established due to the significant structural damage. This continues to be an extended operation. In total, the six residents and two dogs who occupy the home are displaced. The Red Cross is providing assistance. HCDFRS fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire. One civilian was injured from an accident unrelated to the fire and one firefighter sustained a minor injury. - JACQUELINE KOTEI
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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
CHARLIE LEWIS
Baltimore City units battle another vacant dwelling fire in Northeast On January 7, 2015, units from the 4th Battalion were alerted for a house fire in the 2800 block of Echodale Ave. Units arrived to find heavy fire from a two and half story vacant dwelling. It took one hour to bring the fire under control. Due to extreme cold, a bus was brought in to shelter the firefighters. There has been a rash of vacant dwelling fires in this area for approximately one year, including one approximately one mile away the day before. All are deemed suspicious in nature.
DAVID COLEMAN
Side Delta while fire attack crews were opening up
Dwelling fire on Lambs Meadow Road in Chestertown Worton, MD. On Sunday, January 05, 2015 at 7:30 a.m., Kent dispatched Chestertown for an unknown type fire at 24891 Lambs Meadow Road in Worton. A few minutes after they were dispatched, Kent dispatched Betterton, Kennedyville, Rock Hall, Church Hill, Cecilton, Kent and Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad and Kent EMS for a dwelling fire at the address. Command 6 (B. Neal) made the response and was advised they received a 911 call from the house and were unsure of the situation. They then received a second call advising smoke coming from the house.
JUMP TO FILE #010615101
Command 6 arrived to a single story single family dwelling with fire showing from the roof. Command advised Engine 67 to nose into the hydrant that was located in front of the dwelling and advance a two and a half inch Blitz line through the front door and initiate fire attack. Once the engine crew had a good knock on the fire with the blitz line, they advanced a one and three quarter inch hand line to knock the remaining fire. While interior crews were opening the
ceilings and walls, they completed a primary search which proved to be negative. Crews from staging were brought in to assist with overhaul and finding additional pockets of fire. Command placed the situation under control at 8:39 a.m. Box Area: 60-7 units on the call included Engine 6, Engine 67, Engine 5, Engine 4, Engine 72, Queen Anne’s Tower/Ladder 5, Rescue 6, Rescue 5, Tanker 6, Tanker 5, Tanker 4, Ambulance 8, Ambulance 82, Kent EMS Units and Command 6. - JAMES RUSSUM
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
CHARLIE LEWIS
House fire in Chase At 5:45 p.m. on January 15, 2015, Firebox 54-7 was sounded for the report of a dwelling fire with multiple calls in the 6800 block of Schaadts Rd. Units arrived to find a fully involved wood frame dwelling with flames impinging on an exposure dwelling. A working fire dispatch was sounded as well as a tanker strike team due to the lack of hydrants in the area. Units remained on scene for approximately four hours. The cause is under investigation at this time. The house was a total loss.
FRANK ROBINSON
Baltimore County Fire still runs with a 1996 Seagrave 100' tiller as a reserve unit.
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
PAGE 19
VIRGINIA
Awogs glows when heated or exposed to light, and is reflective to light. PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
Woman dies after being ejected Chesterfield, VA. A Petersburg woman was killed in a crash on Northbound Interstate 95 on February 9, in Chesterfield. Fire and EMS crews responded along with Virginia State Police. A 2000 GMC Jimmy was traveling north on Interstate 95 when it ran off the road right, overcorrected back left, overturned in the travel lanes of the Interstate. A passenger in the vehicle, Regina E. Goodrich, 34, of Petersburg, was ejected. Police officials said she was not wearing a seatbelt. Goodrich died at the scene. The driver, Chantari L. Wyche, 20, of Petersburg was transported to MCV Hospital with serious injuries. Police said she was wearing her seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Chesterfield battles night time inferno WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE
Barn burns by school Leesburg, VA. Loudoun County ECC dispatched a full first alarm for a fire reported across from the Smarts Hill Middle School just before school let out. Co. 20 reported a three story barn full involved, about 300 feet off the road. The only way in was up two dirt driveways. Within seconds, the barn collapsed. The hydrant in the parking lot of the school was the main water source. A blitz line, large hand lines, inch and three quarters lines as well as a deck gun were placed in operation. Because the metal walls had fallen onto the stone foundation, getting to the heart of the fire was hard. The temperature was in the 20's, with a high wind. The county
JUMP TO FILE #020315101
brought in its ambulance bus for rehab. As crews were rotated to the fire line, embers from the fire ignited some of the trees by the barn. Hand lines were used to put the trees out. Water cans were brought in case some of the tall grass caught fire. Firefighters checked a house and nearby buildings. Some of the first units were released from the fire line around 8 p.m. with Engine 620 and a tanker hitting hot spots well past midnight. County fire marshals are looking into the cause. - WILLIAM CLARE
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
CHRIS DILLEY
N151LN landing at the Blue Ridge Airport. This aircraft is a 2006 EC-130B-4 helicopter
Chesterfield, VA. The house, a single story ranch with basement, was blanketed in smoke and heavy flames, which pierced the dark night sky. Multiple frantic calls reporting the fire were placed to emergency communications. Firefighters were on the way to the blaze that was raging in the 7400 block of Belmont Road on December 12th. At 1:44 a.m., Engines 11, 15, 2, 24, Truck 7, Battalions 1 and 3, Medic 11 and Fire Marshals 7 and 5 were rolling. Declared as a working fire, a special call was issued requesting two more engine, with Engines 17 and 16 added. Heavy fire roared from the Alpha-Delta side. Quickly, the fire
JUMP TO FILE #121314100
beast spread through the attic and burst through the roof. Crews battled the blaze with an interior attack. There was a collapse of the garage area. More water force was needed. Truck 7 blasted it’s master stream, which dealt a swift and powerful blow to the unrelenting fire. After an aggressive attack, the fire was soon marked under control. Neighbors reported hearing a popping sound that sounded like ammunition going off and possibly an explosion. “At this time it has not been
confirmed what the popping sounds were during the fire,” said Lt. Jason Elmore of Chesterfield Fire and EMS. “If we could confirm that the sound was ammunition, at the time of the fire, we would definitely pull firefighters from harm’s way.” Officials said the house was not occupied at the time and did not look like anyone lived there. “Two dogs were in the backyard, but they weren’t injured,” explained Elmore. “The dogs were taken by Animal Control.” The home is a total loss, officials said. The cause is under investigation. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
One man rescued from apartment fire Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the 8400 block of Donovan Ct in the West End for an apartment fire at 9:45 a.m. on January 31. First arriving units found the third story apartment on fire and an adult JUMP TO FILE # male hanging out a 020315110 bedroom window. Crews were able to quickly place a ladder to the victim and rescue him. He was transported to the hospital for burns and evaluation. Residents of the other 11 apartments were able to get out uninjured. First arriving units reported smoke from the roof. Crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly and prevent spread. Fire and smoke damage was limited to the original apartment. The fire was marked under control at 10:08 a.m. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause. Because of the quick extinguishment of the
DANIEL ROSENBAUM
fire, no one will be displaced from the other 11 apartments. The adult male will be displaced for a short period of time. No injuries were
reported from firefighters as a result of the fire. - DANIEL ROSENBAUM
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE
Medical personal from Purcellville treat an injured person from the car
Three to the hospital in Hamilton County On December 15th, Hamilton Engine 605 and Hamilton ambulance Medic 617C were dispatched for a two car accident on Route 7 East with possibly two injuries. Medics from 617 went right to work taking care of the injured. Lt. Behert, called for another Medic unit. There were three patients needing treatment.
JUMP TO FILE #121514134
Purcellville BLS 614 assisted with patient treatment as well. Firefighters attended to the driver of the other car who was wheelchair bound, and awaited Medic 613 from Leesburgs. The
firefighters placed a collar on the driver and held traction. Medic 613 placed a KED on him while he sat in the chair. He was then transferred to a stretcher. Virginia State troopers are looking into the cause of the accident. - WILLIAM CLARE
DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
Virginia State trooper survives tractor-trailer crashing into his cruiser Frederick County, VA. A Virginia State trooper is lucky to be alive after a close call on January 12th. At 11:35 a.m., Trooper W.A. Connelly pulled off onto the shoulder of southbound Interstate 81 at the 314 milemarker for a traffic stop. Trooper Connelly had just put his vehicle into park, when a 1987 Kenworth tractor truck traveling in the left southbound lane crossed into the right lane and ran off the right side of the interstate, officials said. The tractor drove right into the driver’s side door of Trooper Connelly’s 2013 Ford Taurus. The tractor truck continued off the right side of the road and up onto the guardrail. Police said that the driver, Hans R. Gage, 54, of Florida, was not injured in the crash. “Had I not been inside my vehicle, there is no way I would have survived the crash,” said Trooper Connelly. Trooper Connelly was trans-
JUMP TO FILE #011315100
ported to Winchester Medical Center, where he was treated and released for minor injuries. Trooper Connelly’s partner, a Dutch shepherd named Mido, was transported to a nearby veterinary hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Emergency lights on the state police car were activated in advance of the traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle that was initially stopped was not injured. Gage has been charged with reckless driving and operating a commercial motor vehicle with a suspended license. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Virginia State Police Motor Carrier Safety Team also responded to the scene to inspect the truck. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
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March/April, 2015
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE
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Standby for flag retirement Two alarm fire at Chesterfield McDonalds Hamilton, VA. Members of the volunteer fire department and the volunteer rescue squad from Hamilton stood by as Troop 704 held a flag burning for old, damaged, and weather-beaten Stars and Stripes at the town safety center. Flags in all sizes were brought to the station in bags, boxes, hampers and by hand for the scouts. Leaders of Troop 704 instructed the scouts on the proper way. First the flag is cut leaving just the stars and some stripes. Then, the stripes are cut from one end to the other along the length. After that is done, the sections were then
JUMP TO FILE #111214100
folded and placed in bags to be taken to the burn sight. The rescue squad raised the light tower on the heavy rescue to light up the area as an ambulance stood by. The fire department brush truck and an engine helped with the lighting. As the scouts tossed the old flags into the fire, Old Glory was placed to rest with the respect it deserves, on Veterans Day. - WILLIAM CLARE
Chesterfield,VA. Thick smoke billowed into the air from the roof of a McDonalds located in the 5900 block of Hopkins Road, on January 5, at 1:01 a.m. Inside the structure, a fire was quickly spreading. A full assignment firefighting response was on the way. “Crews arrived on scene to find a wood frame, commercial structure with heavy smoke showing through the roof and vent,” said Keith Chambers, Chesterfield Fire and EMS Fire Marshal. “Moderate smoke was inside at ceiling level.” Crews found fire that extended from a kitchen area into the attic. At 1:09 a.m., a second alarm was declared. Employees self-evacuated while first responders were on the way.
JUMP TO FILE #010515103
Firefighters battled the blaze with an aggressive interior attack. At 2:14 a.m., the fire was declared under control. “A concern during the operation was wood trusses,” Chambers explained. “They weren’t a problem, just an extra concern. The longer they are exposed to fire, the more danger there is. When one truss fails, they all come down. “ Officials said the McDonalds had major damage. Chesterfield County Health Department is also involved. They always involved, Chambers explained, when food is involved during a fire to check to make sure the food is not cont-
aminated. “With a fire of this magnitude, the food in the building would be a total loss,” Chambers said. Officials said it is estimated that the McDonalds would be closed for weeks, due to major structural and roof repairs that needed to be done. No injuries were reported. Apparatus and officials that responded included Trucks 3 and 9, Engines 11, 3, 15, 17, 2, Ambulance 11, Medic 3, Tactical Safety Officer, Battalion Chiefs 1, 2 and 3, Shift Commander, Fire Marshal 7 and Chesterfield County Police. The cause is under investigation. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Working smoke detector alerts family to fire Henrico, VA. A working smoke detector alerted a family of four to a fire in their Glen Allen home on December 18th. Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the 4100 block of Old Springfield Rd off of Mountain Rd in Henrico County’s north side for a house fire at 5:31 a.m. First arriving units found fire coming from the kitchen of the two story house. All occupants were able to make it out the home uninjured. The family was woken by the smoke detector in the home alarming. Two adults and two children will be displaced due to the fire.
DANIEL ROSENBAUM
JUMP TO FILE #121814103
The first arriving fire unit was on scene in four minutes and quickly extinguished the fire in the kitchen. The fire was marked under control at 05:44 a.m. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature and started in the kitchen of the house. A lit candle in the kitchen is believed to have caused the fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. - DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Fire at Nabisco in Henrico’s East End Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to 6002 South Laburnum Avenue for the report of a structure fire at the Mondelez (Nabisco) Factory at 8:10 p.m. on January 21st. First arriving units reported fire from the roof of the factory. Inside the factory, fire crews found fire in an oven on the second floor and a vent stack leading to the roof. Crews continued to
JUMP TO FILE #071513129
the roof and found fire in the roof structure around the vent stack. All employees were able to get out of the structure on their own. The fire was stopped quickly. The fire was marked under control at 8:58 p.m. Because of the quick stop of
the fire, only a portion of the factory is expected to be out of service ffor a short period of time. About half of the factory was able to return to work after the fire was marked under control. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. - DANIEL ROSENBAUM
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Smoke detector alerts homeowner to fire Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to 1900 block of Bridgewater Dr for the report of a house fire at 1:50 p.m. on December 30th. First arriving units made it on scene in three minutes and reported smoke coming from the rear of the house. Inside the home, fire crews found fire in the laundry room. The fire was halted at the laundry room and prevented from extending to the rest of the house. The fire was marked under control at 01:57 p.m. A working smoke detector alerted the occupants to the fire and allowed them to escape uninjured. The fire was determined as accidental in nature and caused by a clogged dryer vent.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
Three injured in tractor-trailer versus Volkswagen crash in Amelia Amelia,VA. Two people are recovering after a collision with a tractor-trailer on Route 360 eastbound at Goods Bridge Road at 4:47 p.m., on January 20. According to Virginia State Police, a 2006 Volkswagen was south on Goodes Bridge Road coming onto Route 360, when a westbound 2004 Peterbilt tractortrailer failed to stop at the stop light. The tractor trailer struck the Volkswagen and went into the median, overturning on it’s side
JUMP TO FILE #012115100
in the eastbound lanes of Route 360. The driver of the Volkswagen, Benjamin Thompkins, 65, of Amelia and a juvenile passenger were transported to Chippenham Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Jason Montes, 23, of Iowa,
was not injured in the crash. A passenger in the tractor-trailer was transported to Chippenham Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The tractor-trailer was loaded with 50,000 pounds of cornmeal, which spilled into the eastbound lanes. Montes was charged with failure to obey a traffic signal. - 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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Overturned vehicle on New Year’s Eve Henrico Fire ran a call on 95N at 295. One patient in the truck with minor injuries needed to be extricated by fire crews. The call for service came in at 9:54 a.m. on December 31st. First on scene at 10:01. Crews found a tractor trailer on it’s side with the driver trapped inside. The patient was removed from vehicle at 10:15. Three engines, three specialty service, and one fire medic unit was assigned to the call. FRANK ROBINSON
Williamsburg, VA Fire Department operates a 2011 Pierce Quantum 1500/750/35F.
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
PAGE 27
VIRGINIA
Full box alarm for Waterford firefighters
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD POLICE
Van crashes into Chesterfield High School Chesterfield, VA. Tones sounded at 1:28 a.m. on January 22, dispatching Chesterfield Fire and EMS along with Chesterfield County Police to Lloyd C. Bird High School in the 10300 block of Courthouse Road for a fire alarm activation. Heavy smoke was reported coming from the school’s main entrance. Crews discovered a van had crashed into the front doors and caused damage to the building.The driver and any possible occupants were nowhere to be found. The van had caught fire, which activated the fire alarm and initiated the sprinkler system. After about 45 minutes, officials said the situation
JUMP TO FILE #012215118
was under control. Officials said the school had building damage to the main entrance and smoke damage throughout. Classes, which encompassed over 1,000 students were cancelled. Officials later cancelled classes until Monday. Chesterfield County Fire Marshals and Police Department are investigating the incident. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Waterford VA. A full box alarm was sounded for a house fire just before 8 p.m. on December 26. Engine 605 was greeted with flames coming from the B side of the house by the chimney. JUMP TO FILE # Units proceeded up 122814104 the driveway while dropping LDH. Crews needed a tanker task force and an upgraded box assignment. A Level 2 RIT was declared. Engine 604 drafted from a creek in town. The fire was climbing the walls into the attic with black smoke coming from the windows. Tower 602 laddered the building, as members of Engine 602 sent manpower to help 605 advance more hand lines. Once most of the fire was contained, companies battled hot spots. Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad 617 provided the RIT. Ambulance BLS 617B set up an advance rehab and and medical station. They were soon joined by ALS 614 and BLS 612. They treated one of the residents of the house for an injury. Around 10 p.m., companies were released from the fire line.
WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE
Engine 605 and it's tanker did not return until 1 a.m. Loudoun County Fire Marshals are looking into the
cause of the fire. - WILLIAM CLARE
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
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March/April, 2015
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VIRGINIA
Working smoke detector saves family of five
DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Henrico, VA. The residents of a small two story home in Henrico’s East End were awoken on January 6th to the sound of a smoke alarm. Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to the 200 block of S Fern Ave. Units JUMP TO FILE # received the call at 010715111 6:48 a.m. First arriving units reported heavy fire from the second story window of the residence. Initial fire attack crews learned that the entire family of five had made it out safely. Fire attack began at the exterior of the structure and moved to the interior. The fire was knocked down shortly after interior fire attack was made. The fire was marked
under control at 07:32 a.m. There was moderate fire and smoke damage done to the residence. The fire originated in a second story bedroom of the home. The youngest daughter was asleep in her bed when she heard the smoke alarm going off. She awoke and found the wall next to her bed on fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature and due to the bed being too close to a baseboard heater. No injuries were reported from the fire. Four engine companies, two specialty service units, one fire medic unit, and two command staff were assigned to the call for service. Four adults and one child will be displaced for a short period of time due to the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the family. - DANIEL ROSENBAUM
PHOTO COURTESY OF LT. JASON ELMORE DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Chesterfield bravest rescue House fire in Henrico’s man from heavy fire conditions East End Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to 100 block of Wilson Ave for the report of a house fire at 1:43 a.m. on January 4th. First arriving units reported smoke coming from the roof and fire from the side of the house. Inside the home, fire crews found fire in the kitchen of the single story home. Crews initially entered the home in rescue mode, not knowing if anyone was home at the time. Rescue crews recovered two dogs from the fire and removed them from the residence. Both dogs were in cardiac arrest and pet CPR was attempted. Pet CPR was done for 15 minutes on both animals. Sadly, attempts were not successful and
JUMP TO FILE #010515101
both pets passed at the scene. None of the family was home at the time of the fire. The fire was stopped quickly. The fire was marked under control at 2:13 p.m. The fire was determined to have been accidental in nature and caused by an electrical outlet in the kitchen. The family of two adults and four children will be displaced from the home for a short period of time and the American Red Cross is assisting them in this difficult time. - DANIEL ROSENBAUM
Chesterfield, VA. Thick, choking smoke that made visibility near zero and heavy flames from a fast spreading fire greeted Chesterfield Fire and EMS crews as they arrived at a structure fire in the 9000 block of Winterpock Road, on December 11, with a victim still inside the house. Chesterfield’s bravest went into rescue mode and entered the burning dwelling, risking their own lives and facing heavy fire and smoke from the basement and first floor, brought out a male victim. It all began around 8:09 a.m. Tones sounded, dispatching Engines 7, 19, 16, 24, Truck 7, Medic 7, Medic 19, Battalions 3 and 4, Shift Commander, PED1,
JUMP TO FILE #121214101
TSO, Safety 1 and Fire Marshals 1, 5, 7 and 8, along with county police to the scene. Three occupants were in the house at the time of the fire, two managed to escape, but a third was trapped inside.The trapped victim was found lying on the floor. Firefighters quickly carried him outside, medics assessed the patient and he was transported to VCU Medical Center with nonlife threatening injuries, said Lt. Jason Elmore of Chesterfield Fire and EMS. Three dogs were also in the
house. Two small dogs perished in the fire, unable to escape, but a larger dog managed to get out, Elmore said. Officials said the home did not have working smoke alarms. An additional danger fire crews faced had to deal with was a hole burned in the floor. The three male occupants were displaced and the Red Cross is assisting them. Officials said the quick removal of the occupant was vital before more serious injuries occurred. The fire was marked under control at 8:50 a.m. The cause is under investigation. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
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VIRGINIA
Vehicle crash with entrapment in Hopewell Hopewell,VA. Tones sounded on January 27th shortly after 7 a.m., dispatching rescue and police personnel to Interstate 295 SB at MM13, for a motor vehicle crash with entrapment. The trapped driver was extricat- JUMP TO FILE # ed within 20 min- 022115116 utes of dispatch. Responding was Hopewell Bureau of Fire Engine 21, Medic 2, Quint 1, Hopewell Emergency Crew-39 and Chesterfield Fire and EMS Engine 18 and Medic 18. The crash is under investigation. ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPT.
- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Vehicle collides with Alexandria police officer
Visit us on www.1rbn.com
Alexandria, VA. Alexandria Police are telling motorists to stay off the roads as Virginia and surrounding states are hit by yet another winter storm.One Alexandria Police Officer's vehicle was hit on February 21. Police said there were no serious injuries from the collision. Police have not said if charges will be filed. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPEWELL FIRE
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
Firefighter safety, is everyone getting the message? STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell
I have been writing this column on firefighter safety for quite a few years now and when I peruse the internet, fire journals, newspaper, and view local and national news I am overwhelmed with what occurs in the field relative to firefighter safety. Regularly, I read of apparatus involved in accidents while responding to emergencies and apparatus rollover accidents where only the apparatus is involved, and half the firefighters involved in these incidents are not wearing seat belts; thereby, compounding their chance for injury or death. Last year, 2014, there were 87 line of duty deaths and half of these reported deaths are still caused by stress and heart attacks, the leading killer of firefighters annually. I wonder if the heart attack rate amongst fire service personnel is greater than for the civilian population, for sure the stresses are greater. Over the past ten years, firefighter deaths have ranged somewhere between 85 and 105, one year up, the next down. Maybe we have hit a stone wall, gone as far as we can go in reducing firefighter deaths, or is there still plenty we can do in the area of firefighter safety? Is it possible that there are still plenty of firefighters and officers out there who are not getting the message? Maybe not everyone is seriously listening, or at least putting into practice the information on firefighter safety that is disbursed on a regular basis from fire service organizations. There are many firefighters, who diligently take the time to think before acting, to plan for the worse case scenario, and who do their best to stay out of harms way while performing their duties as aggressive firefighters. Safety begins with proper attitude and requires strong individual discipline and accountability for ones personal safety. So then, who is this column directed at? It is directed at those of you who practice firefighter safety techniques and participate and comply with your department’s policies, SOP’s, and training programs. Hopefully, this column acts as a constant reminder and refresher, and more importantly, a means of encouragement. It is also directed at those who apparently are not getting
the Firefighter Safety message, or those who are not interested in what they see and hear, and lastly those who feel nothing will happen to them and just disregard the message, and in doing so, their own personal safety. Maybe they view safety in a different light as safety can be more of a subjective topic than a clear cut objective topic to them. It is time for all safety conscious firefighters to do more to encourage your fellow firefighters who may be a little lax in following safety recommendations, department policy and training procedures relative to creating and maintaining a safe working environment. The unsafe actions, or inactions, of one member can have an influence on other members and the overall operations of the department, career or volunteer. If it is only the non-safety conscious firefighter who is injured, the short or long term loss of said individual has an effect on other members as they will have to pick up the extra work load. In doing so, you increase the risks and dangers you are exposed to while in the performance of your duties. When a fellow firefighter drives in an unsafe manner, does something foolish, takes an unneeded risk, or performs and unsafe act speak up. Let that firefighter know you are not happy with his/her unsafe and dangerous act and if they don’t begin to correct them you will refuse to work with him/her. If that doesn’t bring about an improvement in their attitude, go to your company officer and report their actions. I know, you will feel like your “ratting out” your friend and no one takes pleasure in wearing that label. Remember the drinking advertisement slogan that goes, “Friends don’t let friends drink and drive!” If you look at it from that perspective it doesn’t look so bad anymore, does it? Seems maybe we need a similar slogan in the fire service, “Friends stop friends from performing unsafe acts!” Or maybe Friends stop friends from acting careless, stupid, dangerous, or whatever modifier that fits the statement! You can probably come up with something better. Whatever you choose and it motivates the firefighter safety conscious members within your department to encourage the not so firefighter safety conscious members, it is a positive action. To be continued. Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
VIRGINIA
BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Chesterfield Waffle House evacuated when fire erupts, gas meter burns Chesterfield,VA. Employees and customers quickly evacuated the Waffle House located in the 7300 block of Hull Street on February 8th around 1:32 p.m., when a fire burning in the rear and side of the building advanced to the restaurant. Tones had sounded dispatching Engines 2, 24, 9, 11, Truck 9 and 3, Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad Ambulance 31, Battalions 1 and 3, Tactical Safety Officer, a fire unit from City of Richmond as mutual aid and Chesterfield County Police. Colombia Gas Company was also dispatched to the scene. Crews arriving on scene saw smoke rising from the rear of the
JUMP TO FILE #020815120
building and discovered a rubbish fire behind the restaurant that was spreading due to dry conditions and a stiff wind blowing. “A gas meter caught fire,” said Battalion Chief David Throckmorton of Chesterfield Fire and EMS. "The rubbish between the buildings was on fire, which seems to have impinged on the gas meter for the building. The gas meter itself caught fire and it caused a natural gas fed fire till we could access the cutoff valve to stop the flow of gas to the meter." Throckmorton said the brick
building adjacent to the Waffle House sustained minor exterior damage and the meter had to be replaced by the gas company. Firefighters had jumped into action after arriving on scene and began quickly and aggressively attacking the fire. A thick layer of foam made sure that no flare-ups would occur later. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Marshal and the Waffle House was temporarily closed. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
New Year’s training already off track? “Check Yourself” FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
2015 has arrived and with it another fabulous opportunity to get your fitness program headed in the right direction. Only four weeks into the New Year and many of the best intentions may have already gone by the wayside. Does that sound about right to you? Here are a few possible reasons why. See yourself? If so make the necessary adjustments now before things get out of hand. Bored?? Change any and/or all of the following: Location, venue (type of equipment i.e. free weight, machine, elastic band, medicine ball, treadmill, stepper etc.), order of exercise, format (straight sets, super sets, circuit, high intensity training). Change the music you are using or add
some if you are not. Find a buddy and workout together. Remember, change is good–not something to be afraid of. Not enough time? Implement shorter more frequent workouts if you seem to be running out of hours in a day. Increase the intensity or duration of your workouts on the days you are able to train if you seem to be running out of days of the week. Overwhelmed? Workouts too intense? Too long? Too frequent? Come on guys/gals, you know this one! Taking on too much too soon can not only lead to burnout but injuries as well. Adjust the frequency, intensity and duration to better match your fitness level and keep on going. Injured? Uh oh, that’s not good. Depending on the injury it may still be possible to train safely and effectively. Consult your physician and fitness professional for appropriate modifications. Still, be smart enough to recognize
that it may be necessary to take some time off until you are healthy enough to begin again. Not seeing results? Really? It’s only been four weeks. On average it will take 6-8 weeks for your body to show significant physiological changes. Hang in there and keep doing all the right things. Eventually, all your hard work should pay-off. If not, re-evaluate your fitness goals, your fitness level and training program then adjust accordingly. The New Year is still young. If your training has already taken a few detours or has come to a stop, perform a self-check using the aforementioned scenarios and see where you fall. Make the adjustments and get back on track as soon as possible. This year and always–begin and continue! Remember to have your physician’s approval before beginning any exercise program. Once again – Happy New Year. Please Stay Safe.
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
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LITTLE BIG GUYS If your department has 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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com
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greenwood, De Fire Company operates a 2013 Dodge 5500/Winstead 250/350/10F.
FRANK ROBINSON
MaryDel, De Vol. Fire Company run this 2013 Dodge 200/200 Brush Truck.
FRANK ROBINSON
georgetown, Delaware operates a 2007 Ford F 350 Brush Truck 125/250.
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Antique Apparatus” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
EDAN DAVIS
The Indian River Fire Co. Sussex County De, still has this 1968 Mack R, 750/1000 as an antique. This unit was replaced in 2007 by a 07 Spartan/4 guys 2000/1250.
Call it pulling no punches, all meat and potatoes, telling it like it is, holding nothing back or whatever else you want to call it, this book tells it like it is through the eyes and memory of a Milwaukee firefighter. Wayne Mutza (pronounced Mootza) was a gung ho firefighter who made it up to lieutenant before retiring. I actually met him back in 1977 when he was a “cub” as the MFD would refer to the least senior member of a station or a company. I was with a group of buffs from New Jersey, who flew to Milwaukee ultimately on our way to a buff convention in St. Louis, Missouri. We were spending a few days in Milwaukee before driving to Chicago and then took a train to
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The Flame Within St. Louis. Wayne, who was assigned to Engine 20 at headquarters gave us a tour of the building. He was only on the job for about a year, but I could tell he was a dedicated man to the job. Ask me how I remember his name back that far and I would have to admit that I really do not know, because there are times that I cannot remember what I had for dinner the night before! Anyway, the author gives us an unbiased account of the many years of service in which he performed in different capacities. They includes assignments to engine companies, truck companies, both busy ones and slower ones and the training division as well as details to other special units. Milwaukee, being a major city has many busy stations as well as a number of slower stations. The MFD was involved in first responder calls (medical calls) and like any other fire department, the medical calls are of a much higher volume than fire and other type calls. It is that way in all fire departments. My reasoning is that there are more people than buildings and other things to burn. A building may have more than one fire during its existence, but a person may need an ambulance many more times in comparison. So in the
book you will read about mostly medical calls, accident calls and fires with byproducts such as collapses and things along that nature. There are accounts of many serious fires. The author’s imagery puts you right there in the midst of the operation. The medical calls are usually responded to when there is a life threatening situation. As you read the details of some of these calls you will see that little is left to the imagination. You will be exposed to how vicious can be to each other when they are related or not. When I first visited Milwaukee, I was impressed as it looked like a clean town. But after reading this book, I realized that this is a crime ridden city of which no one, not even emergency service personnel are exempt from abuse and disrespect. He also writes about the politics, the social problems within the department and the attitudes that make the job difficult at times to do. He also writes about his own family life and the trials and tribulations that came along with living in this society. I would recommend to anyone who takes an interest in memoirs, especially members and past members of the fire service who can closely identify with the author’s experiences.
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1st Responder Newspaper - MA
Vehicle News
FRANK ROBINSON
FRANK ROBINSON
FRANK ROBINSON
Howard County, MD Rivers Park Station 10 now oper- East Rivanna Fire Company Keswick, VA operates a Solomons, MD Fire Rescue now operates a 2014 ates a 2014 Pierce Velocity 100' Tower Ladder 2014 Pierce Velocity Puc 1500/750/30F. Rosenbauer 1500/2000 pumper tanker.
AppArAtus For sAle NEVIN STEFFY
The Chestertown Fire Company took delivery of a 2014 Sutphen Monarch SPH 100 foot mid-mount tower/ladder.
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR USED VEHICLES ONLINE! VISIT WWW.1RBN.COM AND CLICK ON “VEHICLES”
FRANK ROBINSON
Bladensburg, MD Fire operates a 2013 Pierce Arrow XT 100' aerial.
2011 Freightliner Heavy Rescue Truck Freightliner Model M2106 Chassis. Wynn Fire Rescue Body 18’ (7) Utility Compartments with (10) Roll-up Doors. Mileage: 3,438; Cummins ISL 8.3 330 HP Engine (92.8 hours); Truck is un-used, never placed into service, and in New condition. Location: Tansboro, NJ Contact Andrew Hayes at 516-345-6302 • ahayes@nasset.com
2012 Rescue 1 rescue demo is available for immediate delivery. 16’-3” Walk-Around/International 4400 four-door chassis, five-man seating, and MaxxForce 9/315 hp engine. PTO 35 kw generator, 9000 watt Will-Burt light tower, fold down ladder to (4) upper storage compartments, 9000 lb portable winch and much more. For additional details visit our Website: www.rescue1mfg.com or contact Mike Marquis at (800) 752-8786, (732) 223-1411 (in NJ), mmarquis@plcustom.com.
For Sale First Priority Renaissance Horton Type III Ambulance on a Ford E 450 Gasoline Chassis. New Electrical System, New Interior LED Lighting, New Exterior Emergency LED Lighting, Plus much more... Call us at 800-247-7725 for additional information. $95,000 Ford Government Pricing Concession discounts available on these units, as applicable.
IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE!!! 2013 Ford Expedition EL Oxford white, 4 wheel drive, high idle control, ignition override Running boards, auto eject shoreline, computer mount Whelen Lights, FPEV Command Cabinet. Call 1st Priority today at 800-247-7725 for more information and pricing!
EDAN DAVIS
The Indian River Fire Co. in Sussex County DE, recently placed in service this 2013 Rosenbaur Commander 1500/2500/30 as Tanker 80-4.
To see your new deliveries in 1st Responder Newspaper, send a well-lit photo with a short description to news@1strespondernews.com
1st Responder Newspaper - MA
March/April, 2015
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March/April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - MA