1st Responder MA March April Edition

The Mid Atlantic Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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March/April, 2014

MARYLAND

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 13, No. 2 - 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 A division of: omitted or in error.

Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

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PUBLICATION CONTENT 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.

Prince George County paramedic/captain injured in crash Prince George County, MD. A paramedic/captain and a civilian were injured and transported to local hospitals after their vehicles collided at Landover Road and Area Drive on February 25th around 12:45 p.m.

According to Mark E. Brady, JUMP TO FILE# C h i e f 022614103 Spokesperson for Prince George County Fire and EMS, the paramedic/captain lost consciousness. The captain regained consciousness while on the scene and complained of pain in his back and tingling in some extremities. He was transported to a nearby trauma center.

The female civilian was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.

Brady said that around 12:30 p.m., firefighters from Kettering/Largo Fire and EMS Station 846 arrived on the scene of a working townhouse fire in the 600 block of Harry S. Truman Drive. According to standard procedure, a working fire dispatch was sounded, which sent the EMS supervisor to the scene.

Officials said, that around 12:45 p.m. the EMS supervisor

COURTESY PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY FIRE AND EMS

driving a marked Chevrolet Tahoe Fire and EMS department vehicle, with emergency lights and siren on and operating, was traveling southbound on Landover Road approaching the intersection of Arena Drive in Largo.

At the intersection, the captain ensured all cross and opposing traffic had stopped and he

then began to proceed through the intersection.

A civilian operating a fourdoor vehicle entered the intersection by driving around the stopped traffic as the EMS supervisor was proceeding.

The civilian then broadsided the EMS vehicle, according to Brady.

The intersection was closed for around two hours for the investigation and clean-up.

The Fire and EMS Department Safety Office and County Police are investigating the crash.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Two alarm fire at Pikesville assisted living facility Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, Baltimore County firefighters were alerted to respond to a reported fire at Springhouse Assisted Living, in the 8900 block of Reisterstown Road (Fire Box 19-11).

BCoFD Engine 19 (Garrison JUMP TO FILE# career) arrived to a 032714118 three-story UShaped complex with nothing showing.

As BCoFD Engine 2 (Pikesville career) and Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Tower 323 arrived and positioned on the Alpha-Delta corner, Engine 2 found fire showing from a room on the third floor.

Crews from Engines 2, 19, 3, and 18 worked on fire attack as firefighters from PVFC Squad 322 threw ground ladders and assisted firefighters from Tower 323 and Truck 313 (Owings Mills volunteers) with primary and secondary searches and

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC

removing elderly residents from apartments on the wing next to the apartment involved.

The call was escalated to a

second alarm due to the type of occupancy and early-morning hour.

Firefighters held the fire to

the original apartment with smoke throughout the 3rd floor.

- MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

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PAGE 4

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

MARYLAND

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC

ADAM NOLDER

Two alarm fire in Columbia

Two alarm fire damages Columbia apartment complex Just after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) was dispatched to the 11300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, MD for reports of an apartment fire with people trapped.

Heavy smoke could be seen from blocks away and first arriving firefighters and paramedics encountered heavy fire showing through the roof of a three story apartment building.

Residents told the first arriving units that the woman and child, who were originally thought to be trapped had been able to exit the

JUMP TO FILE #021014109

building prior to the fire department's arrival.

The second alarm was immediately called due to the amount of fire and the need to search over 20 apartments to confirm that no other residents were trapped.

It took approximately 60 firefighters about 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control and another hour to extinguish all the hot spots.

Paramedics transported two patients to Howard County General Hospital, one female resi-

dent for smoke inhalation and another female resident for chest pain. There were no injuries to firefighters.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation and HCDFRS fire investigators are currently on the scene.

The American Red Cross was also on the scene and will be working with the apartment complex staff to find shelter for the displaced residents. At least 16 residents were displaced, but that number is expected to rise as many people were not at home when the fire started.

- ADAM NOLDER

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC

Second alarm house fire in Catonsville Shortly before 10 p.m. March 20, 2014, Baltimore County westside fire units, with mutual aid from Howard County Fire Rescue, responded to the 5800 block of Ivy League Drive in Catonsville for a reported house fire. A medic unit from Station 35 (Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department) reported heavy fire showing as they were nearing the scene.

BCoFD Truck 13 (Westview career station) reported heavy fire showing from a two and a half story end unit townhouse and requested a second alarm. Division Chief 1 Michael W. Robinson assumed command and ordered defensive operations with master streams.

ADAM NOLDER

Giving oxygen to a cat

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

PAGE 5

MARYLAND

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC

Rollover MVC on Baltimore Beltway in Pikesville Shortly before 10 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014, Baltimore County fire units were dispatched for a reported rollover crash on Interstate 695.

Several different locations in the Pikesville area were given for the crash, and while units were enroute, fire dispatch upgraded the call to a Rescue Box (32-61), with reports that someone was trapped in a vehicle.

JUMP TO FILE #022114100

Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company units arrived on the outer loop of Interstate 695 just prior to Exit 20 (Reisterstown Road) and reported a multiple vehicle crash across all travel lanes with one Jeep SUV on its side with the driver trapped.

Firefighters cut the windshield from the Jeep and were able to remove the victim, who was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Several other victims were also treated by EMS personnel.

The crash is under investigation by the Maryland State Police.

COURTESY PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY FIRE AND EMS

Prince George County Engine 846 on the scene of a structure fire on Harry S. Truman Drive on February 25th.

- MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

Serving the Mid-Atlantic Region

PAGE 6

March/April, 2014

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

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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 Georgia: Christ Swan, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 10, 2014 Death Date: January 10, 2014 Fire Department: Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Fire Department Initial Summary: Along with other firefighters, Firefighter Swan was investigating an activated fire alarm. Swan became fatigued and was found in cardiac arrest. Efforts to revive Firefighter Swan were initiated and he was transported to a local hospital where he passed away.

Initial Summary: Toledo fire crews were dispatched to a two story apartment building fire with people inside. Shortly after arriving on scene, Firefighters Machcinski and Dickman were searching inside of the building for occupants when they signaled a Mayday. Other crews immediately began RIT operations and, within several minutes, rescued the two trapped firefighters who were both reported to be in cardiac arrest.

Firefighters Machchinski and Dickman were treated and transported to the hospital where they both succumbed to their injuries. The cause of the fatal fire remains under investigation by local authorities.

Maryland: James "Doc" Delbert Brooks, 62 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: January 7, 2014 Death Date: January 15, 2014 Fire Department: James "Doc" Delbert Brooks Initial Summary: While winterizing boats and a station at the Fort Washington Marina in preparation for record low temperatures forecasted for the following day, Firefighter Brooks began to experience difficulty breathing and called 911.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived to find Brooks in cardiac arrest and immediately began pre-hospital care. He was transported to a nearby medical facility and subsequently relocated to Medstar at Washington Hospital Center in "critical" condition where he succumbed to his injury on January 15th, 2014.

Arkansas: Rick Winkles, 53 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: January 28, 2014 Death Date: January 28, 2014 Fire Department: Trumann Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Winkles suffered an apparent heart attack while working at the scene of an accidental grass fire that spread to and destroyed a nearby residence. Winkles was treated by fellow responders at the scene then transported to the hospital where he passed away.

California: Greg Hennessey, 49 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: January 20, 2014 Death Date: January 20, 2014 Fire Department: Orange County Fire Authority, Fire Station No. 45 Initial Summary: During his shift, Fire Engineer Hennessey was found by his colleagues in cardiac arrest at the Orange County Fire Authority, Fire Station No. 45. The colleagues immediately began lifesaving operations and transported Hennessey to Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes later.

Ohio: Stephen A. Machcinski, 42 Rank: Firefighter Ohio: James A. Dickman, 31 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 26, 2014 Death Date: January 26, 2014 Fire Department: Toledo Fire and Rescue Department

North Carolina: Thomas Gerald Lee, 67 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 31, 2014 Death Date: February 1, 2014 Fire Department: Four Oaks Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Lee passed away at home from an apparent heart attack within 24 hours of responding to the station for a motor vehicle accident call.

West Virginia: Michael Dale Garrett, 28 Rank: Firefighter/EMT-1 Incident Date: February 1, 2014 Death Date: February 1, 2014 Fire Department: Nutter Fort Fire Department Initial Summary: On February 1, 2014, the Nutter Fort Fire Department responded to a rescue incident involving multiple patients due to a reported cell phone tower collapse on Murphy’s Run in Summit Park, WV. While rescuing a victim, Firefighter/EMT-I Garrett was severely injured during a secondary collapse. Firefighter Garrett was then transported to United Hospital Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Two members of the repair crew were killed in the initial tower collapse and two were injured. Investigation into the fatal incident continues by authorities.

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

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March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

MARYLAND

ONE ROOM MEDIA

COURTESY PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY FIRE AND EMS

Firefighters were dispatched to a significant kitchen fire.

TERRY SIGLER

Two dogs perish in Hagerstown Washington County, MD. On February 1st at 11:40 a.m., firefighters in Hagerstown were dispatched out for a house on fire in the 800 block of South Potomac Street in Hagerstown’s South End. Washington County 911 took multiple calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a house just south of the Howard Street intersection. With the reports coming in, Washington County immediately started their safety assignment dispatch prior to units arriving on the scene.

HFD Utility 3 found heavy fire showing. Firefighters were faced with a fully involved house with an exposure issue on side Delta of the structure. Crews pulled cross-lays and began hitting the fire with a deck gun off Engine 1 as crews conducted a blitz attack to gain control of the blaze.

Crews worked for nearly an hour before the blaze was reported

JUMP TO FILE #030714119

knocked down by 3rd Battalion Chief Brian Pile at 12:24 p.m.

Over 50 firefighters responded out on Saturday morning’s incident. South Potomac Street was shut down for about three to four hours that day as crews worked at the scene.

The house at 820 South Potomac Street sustained heavy damage as well at 826 South Potomac Street, which was the exposure on Side Delta sustaining exterior damage. The only occupants home at 820 South Potomac Street were the owners’ pets which were two dogs that perished.

No one else was home, and no injuries were reported during the incident that day.

City fire marshals responded out to investigate the blaze that day

and the cause of the blaze was found to be accidental in nature.

Hagerstown crews from South End Fire Engine 5, First Hose Engine 1, Antietam Engine 2, Independent Juniors Engine 3, Western Enterprise Engine 4 and Truck 4, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1 and HFD Utility 3 responded out with mutual aid received from Washington County Special Operations 20, Funkstown Fire Co. 10, Community Rescue Co. 75, Emergency Air Unit 25 and Rehab 255 during Saturdays incident.

County crews from Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Halfway Fire Co. 26, Leitersburg Fire Co. 9, Long Meadow Fire Co. 27 and Williamsport Fire Co. 2 responded into the city on transfers that day to cover while crews were committed to the incident scene.

- WILLIAM KING

Structure fire summons Maryland crews Prince George County, MDTones sounded on February 25th around 12:30 p.m. dispatching firefighters to the 600 block of Harry S. Truman Drive for a structure fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene at the two story townhouse and forced entry, encountering a significant fire in the kitchen.

A search was conducted while a second crew battled the fire.

“The fire was extinguished in

JUMP TO FILE #022614105

about 20 minutes,” said Mark E. Brady, Spokesperson for Prince George County Fire and EMS. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

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1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

PAGE 9

MARYLAND

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Hay bales on fire in Fairplay Fairplay, MD. Fairplay Volunteer Fire Department recently responded to the scene of hay bales on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

Fire and explosion levels Baltimore rowhouse, leaves one dead Shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, Baltimore City Fire Dispatch alerted units for a reported rowhouse fire with explosion at the intersection of North Lakewood Avenue and Jefferson Street (Box 51-18) in East Baltimore.

BCFD Medic 24 was the first arriving unit on the scene and reported heavy fire in an end of the row dwelling with an apparent explosion and possibly civilians trapped inside.

JUMP TO FILE #021914119

Engine 33 and Battalion Chief 1 arrived moments later and the chief requested a working fire dispatch.

Units were limited to defensive operations due to the volume of fire and explosion. Multiple handlines were deployed and as firefighters extinguished the fire from outside. They searched exposure

buildings.

A child, who was reportedly walking home from school and passed the structure as it exploded, was injured and treated at his nearby school before being transported to an area hospital.

Two adults were also transported to area hospitals with nonlife threatening injuries.

Firefighters tragically located a deceased child under the rubble.

- MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG /WWW.FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM

Vacant row house fire in Baltimore City Around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26th as an early morning light snow was tapering off in Baltimore, Baltimore City Fire Department units were dispatched to Box 46-9 for a reported fire at 3700 Spaulding Avenue. Units arrived to smoke and fire showing from a vacant two story end of the row dwelling and upgraded the response to a working fire.

The fire extended to the roof area, but an aggressive attack kept the fire to the building of origin.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

Baltimore Truck 18 at the scene of a vacant row house fire in Baltimore City on February 26th.

PAGE 10

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

“It’s The Little Things” … Making Change Easy FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

We’ve discussed the value of varying your workout many times. We maintain that “Change is Good” and many have asked for more suggestions to help make change easy.

Although there are many ways to vary your workouts, here are some simple ways to make small yet continual changes.

Employ one or more of them to keep your fitness program heading in the right direction.

Select one exercise from your existing routine each workout and change it. Select an exercise that

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targets the same muscle group or system. For example if you are doing chest presses for chest, substitute push-ups one day. During your next session you can return to chest presses; however, this time exchange your triceps kickbacks for bench dips. Continue this pattern for each muscle group each time you workout.

Apply the same technique when it comes to your cardiovascular training. If you traditionally use the treadmill, switch to the bike for a single session. Go back to the treadmill the following session and then switch it up to the stair climber next time.

Each time revert back to the treadmill (your original cardio workout) followed up by a new form of cardio training the subsequent session.

There are many schools of thought as to when the best time to exercise is. (Actually, many believe the best time of day is whenever you are more inclined to actually do it.) Whatever your choice is, varying it from time to time is another great option. If your schedule permits, once each week, exercise at a different time than usual.

If possible, occasionally vary the days you exercise. As creatures of habit, often we exercise exactly the same days each and every week. Attempt to change that in any way you can.

Monday, Wednesday Friday, can become Mon, Wednesday Saturday, or even Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. For those of you training more days per week, maybe you can change which muscle groups you train on specific days.

Are you training legs on Monday and Thursday and upper body on Tuesday and Friday?

Switch that up each week, so that you are hitting different groups on different days of the week.

Always go back to your original schedule for a short period and then throw the new schedule in there once or twice each month.

Other changes to consider include altering the frequency, duration and/or intensity of your workout. These require slightly larger levels of change, but are still excellent options. If you are up to the challenge, shorten some of your sessions while increasing their intensity.

Increase the length of some of your other sessions, while decreasing the intensity. Flip flop circuit training with straight sets or whatever else you can think of to shake things up.

The changes don’t have to be big in order for you to reap the benefits. Choose the way that suits you best. It’s the little things that add up and can give you Big results!

Stay safe, train smart and as always, remember to have your physician’s approval before beginning or significantly modifying any exercise routine.

MARYLAND

FB-WASHINGTON CO FIRE CALLS (T.SIGLER)

Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1 Ladders the roof to begin roof operations on Side Alpha.

Two alarm blaze displaces family of six in Hagerstown On March 24th, firefighters with Hagerstown Fire Department were dispatched out on Box 4-4-3 for a reported house fire.

Washington County Dispatch received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke coming from a house in the 300 block of South Mulberry Street. Crews from City Engines 1, 4 and 5 along with Trucks 1 and 4 and HFD Utility 3 were dispatched with Captain 33,Adam Hopkins of HFD, at 3:31 p.m. to 312 South Mulberry Street.

Captain Hopkins arrived minutes after dispatch to find heavy smoke billowing into the air.

Captain Hopkins reported a working fire and assumed Mulberry Street command. Captain Hopkins quickly requested the city safety assignment as crews arrived and began their attack on the blaze.

Crews were faced with windy conditions and a heavy fire load that afternoon.

Crews worked to battle the blaze as Captain Hopkins called for additional equipment to help supplement manpower to assist.

Crews worked to keep the blaze contained as command requested

JUMP TO FILE #032614131

the second alarm to the incident scene.

Crews battled Monday afternoon’s blaze for almost an hour before bringing it under control.

Command reported the fire knocked down at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon.

Once the scene was under control, firefighters began overhaul operations as city fire marshals began their investigation into what caused the blaze.

Crews were on the scene for an additional four hours before command reported operations complete at 8:38 p.m. Final units cleared the scene around 9:00 p.m. that night.

One adult and two children were home at the time of the fire.

All were able to safely evacuate the house without injury. A total of two adults and four children were displaced by Monday’s blaze. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the family of six.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries on the incident.

The cause of the blaze is still

currently under investigation by the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office.

Over 60 fire and EMS responders responded. HFD responded with units from First Hose Engine 1, Antietam Fire Engine 2 and Special Unit 3-2, Independent Junior Fire Engine 3, Western Enterprise Station 4, South End Engine 5, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck 1 and Special Unit 3-1 as well as HFD Utility 3.

Additional crews from Funkstown Fire Co. 10, Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Halfway Fire Co. 26, Long Meadow Co. 27, Community Rescue Co. 75, Special Operations 20, Emergency Air Unit 25 and Rehab Unit 255 were called in to assist at the two alarm blaze.

While crews were committed on the scene, transfer crews were called in from Shepherdstown Fire Co. 3 and Beddington Fire Co. 40 to stand by with their ladder trucks along with Leitersburg Fire Co. 9 and Smithsburg Fire Co. 7, who transferred engines into Independent Junior's and First Hagerstown Hose's stations.

- WILLIAM KING

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1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

Page 11

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March/April, 2014

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

MARYLAND

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Funkstown battles shed fire Funkstown, MD. Funkstown Station 10 was recently alerted to a fire at 1911 Dual Highway. Crews arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the fire. Local officials are investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

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KIRK NEIDERMYER

If you have photos you would like to see in our features, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

Well involved Ford truck in Bladensburg Bladensburg, MD. On February 22, 2014 at roughly 12:15 p.m., firefighters were alerted for a reported vehicle fire. Truck 9 and Engine 9 made the response. Crews arrived to find a well involved Ford truck. Crews made quick work of the fire and returned to quarters.

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The prize for our May editions from Fire & Safety Services is a Pierce logo jacket. Our April editions winner of the from SAFE-T was a pair of Haix Fire Hero Xtreme Structural Firefighting boots is John Carr from New Jersey. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212.

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March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

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March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

What is LOSAP? EMS ISSUE CHELLE CORDERO

The acronym LOSAP stands for Length of Service Awards Program and is ideally used as an incentive toward recruiting and retaining volunteers in the fire and/or emergency-medical services.

Not to be confused with a pension program, qualified volunteers do not otherwise receive compensation from the agency for their emergency response. A local government and/or a not-for-profit corporation might establish and maintain (i.e. fund) a Length of Service Award Program because the LOSAP allows the agency to provide cash pension-type benefits to its emergency services volunteers.

Some states such as New York, New Jersey and Wisconsin have enacted State legislation setting forth the allowable provisions, which may be included in a local municipal-funded Service Award Program.

Several other states do not have state legislation regarding provisions and these states are able to exercise flexibility is establishing requirements and payments.

A year of service means a twelve month period during which active emergency services personnel participate in the service and satisfies the minimum requirements of participation established by the sponsoring organization maintaining the program which shall be applied on a consistent and uniform basis, subject to the minimum standards established by the sponsoring organization.

Government or municipal run/funded LOSAP programs are regulated much more stringently as to who qualifies; generally only personnel who are actively and specifically involved in service to the community via emergency response, attending drills and fulfilling training are covered, “ a member who is faithfully and actually performing service in the protection of life and property from fire or other emergency, accident or calamity in connection with

which the services of such department are required” – administrative personnel, non-riding social and auxiliary members are exempt.

A privately funded plan is more flexible in allowing other members to qualify such as administrative and support personnel according to guidelines adopted by the sponsoring agency as long as the point system is fair and uniform.

If the private sponsoring agency deems that the nonresponding member is vital to the operations and service to the community, then recognition of such members is well deserved.

Eligible personnel should be certifiably contributing active members who meet the minimum points as set in by-laws of an organization.

Any agency, whether private or government, should investigate the different types of plans that are available such as Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution; Defined Contribution is preferred if the sponsor elects to pay a specific amount yearly.

Speaking to other sponsoring agencies and eliciting recommendations is a good way to start; this should be followed by interviewing LOSAP plan administrators to determine both applicable fees and the extent of service and guidance provided.

A definite point system, which is consistent across the board, needs to be established to determine yearly contributions per member.

Ask for information regarding tax laws to determine various payment plans. Distribution of funds will usually not begin until the member is at least 55-years of age.

While no agency or municipality is required to initiate a LOSAP program for its emergency volunteers, LOSAPs have been shown to be a valuable asset to recruitment and retention in districts that depend on volunteer emergency services.

Even though there some financial cost to establishing and maintaining a LOSAP program as a retention tool, the investment is considerably less than a municipality (taxpayers) would have to pay if they needed to replace volunteers with paid services.

Additional columns from Chelle Cordero can be found at www.1rbn.com

WEST VIRGINIA

BERNIE SIMMONS

Five displaced by fire in Lewisburg Lewisburg, WV. Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 16457 Seneca Trail North for a structure fire on February 25 at 12:38: p.m.

Fairlea and Frankford Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched as mutual aid companies.

The first arriving unit reported heavy fire and smoke from the front of the structure. The initial unit conducted a defensive attack

JUMP TO FILE #031114113

to knock down fire while awaiting mutual aid personnel for an interior attack and overhaul.

One occupant was home at the time of the discovery of the fire and two adults and three juveniles were displaced by the fire.

The American Red Cross

assisted with lodging and meals for the displaced residents.

No injuries were reported due to the fire. A cause and determination investigation revealed that clothing against a portable electric heater was the cause and point of origin of the fire.

The last unit cleared the scene at 4:03 p.m.

- WAYNE PENNINGTON

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

Page 15

PAGE 16

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

Safe Ladder Operations Part 1 The following article was published back in 2002 and, with some updates and a few modifications, is still relevant to firefighter safety today as it was when originally published.

I believe the use of ground ladders on the fire ground has diminished over the years, as more widespread use of aerial devices has become the preferred method of laddering; as they provide better stability and increased safety for firefighters.

This does not necessarily reduce the need for ground ladders.

Many years ago whenever you viewed a fire photo from any of the big city fire departments like Chicago, New York, and Boston, there were ground ladders placed everywhere.

Today, it is still ground ladders mixed with a variety of aerial devices. There certainly are times when there is no substitute for an aerial device, but there are plenty of times when a ground ladder would have sufficed, and been placed into operation much more quickly.

I have witnessed occasions where inexperienced ladder crews attempted to overcome overhead obstructions in order to place an aerial device into operation.

If the aerial device is the only ladder that will do the job, fine!

But if ground ladders could be used effectively, a lot of precious time is being wasted.

Often, an aerial device is placed into operation to justify its purchase or because some individuals think it is quicker and easier.

They are only half right! It is not quicker, just easier, and generally because of laziness on the part of some firefighters.

My two important basic safety rules relating to use of ladders that should always be followed are: Put a ground ladder up at every working structure fire.

We have all learned the rule that when one hose line is placed into operation, a backup line should be stretched.

I like to take this rule one step further, whenever you have a working fire in any building or house, a 24-foot ladder should be placed against the side of the

STAYING SAFE

GOT DROP?

Chief Henry Campbell

structure.

It is a good safety practice, as you never know when the occasion will arise when a firefighter or civilian may appear and be in immediate distress from the fire.

Should such a situation arise and a ladder be needed to ventilate or remove trapped victims or firefighters, it will be right there, instead of having to run to the rig to get one.

The second rule relative to the use of ground ladders is never remove a ladder from where it has been placed by firefighters in making entry into the building.

Should the firefighters who entered via that ladder have to retreat, they most certainly will return to that ladder and point of entry to make a safe exit.

The only exception to this rule would be for imminent rescue, and then it should be returned to the original position.

The best ground ladders in our arsenal are the 24 foot and 35 foot extension ladders.

Take the 24-foot ladder for second floor operations and the 35-foot ladder for third floor and roof operations. You don’t need a ruler to figure it out, just look where it has to go!

Two or three firefighters can safely carry and handle the positioning and raising of these ladders, and in a pinch you can get by with one or two well-trained firefighters.

Remember what you were taught back in training relative to safe ladder removal from the apparatus, carrying, placement and extension. It will keep you from injuring yourself or someone else.

Back when I was in training a 35 foot ladder had to be raised to a third floor window by one firefighter to successfully complete training.

Thank goodness those days are gone!

To be continued next month.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

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1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

PAgE 17

Mr. Spring Melt mourned It is with deepest regret that the Union Historical Fire Society must announce the passing of Michael Kush. He passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2013 of complications from bone cancer.

Mike was Mr. Spring Melt!

He has been the Chairman of the Spring Melt committee for over 20 years.

He organized the event, did the mailings, corresponded with the vendors, set-up and broke down the hall, and handled the payments and receipts.

During those 20 years, he raised the funds that supported the daily operations of this organization and enabled us to donation $200, 000 to local burn centers. The event will not be the same without him.

Mike understood the seriousness of his illness. He worked with UHFS President Joe Landy and Spring Melt Co-Chairman Tom D’Arcangelo to ensure that Spring Melt would continue in his absence.

President Landy has appoint-

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

ed Tom D’Arcangelo as the Spring Melt Chairman and has every confidence that the show will go on!!!

Tom has been a vendor for over 20 years, a past chief in Long Island, New York, and has worked with Mike on Spring Melt for many years.

Although we will miss Mike tremendously, the Union Historical Fire Society will continue to run the preeminent firematic show in the United States, support the Burn Foundation, and interact with other clubs in the area in his name.

Mike was also the Membership Secretary for the Union Historical Fire Society for over ten years. His tireless efforts kept the membership for this organization relatively constant.

Michael Kush was a career firefighter. He served with distinction as a firefighter with the Allentown Fire Department for

23 years and retired as a lieutenant. Prior to his work as a firefighter, Mike served his country in the United States Army.

Mike is survived by his wife, Martha, who is also an active member of the Union Historical Fire Society, and his daughter, Jill and her husband David Johns.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amanda, Teriane, David, Michael, and Tessa, and great-granddaughter, Gwen.

Funeral services were held on December 26, 2013 at the Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA. A memory tribute may be placed at www.longfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Union Historical Fire Society, 2729 Redington Road, Hellertown, PA 18055.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of grief.

- UNION HISTORICAL FIRE SOCIETY

STEPHEN BARRETT

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PAGE 18

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

Is the media working for your department?

Recently, I was involved in a discussion with a fire official from another department and a reporter.

The fire official was explaining to the reporter how the media did not cover events in the local JUMP TO FILE# area and don’t get 012414110 the story facts right.

The reporter was telling him how understaffed they are and cannot physically be at all events, adding that his news organization welcomes emails with facts about the event.

The fire official’s response was “then I’m doing your job.”

As the Public Information Officer (PIO) for my fire company, I understood both points of view. You cannot change how the media works, but your department can help change how your department presents news to the media.

If the media is in the dark about the happenings in your department, don’t curse the darkness, enlighten them. In today’s world, the media is under so many different types of pressures, especially financially. Just ask any newspaper that is struggling to stay alive. It is difficult to cover all the events in their coverage area, get all the facts of the story from multiple sources, and all under a deadline.

For purposes of discussion, consider these questions. First, whether you are a volunteer or paid department, do you have an assigned PIO? If you don’t, you need to ask yourself why not?

What is your department doing to get your message out to the media? Does your department dislike dealing with the media by not returning a phone inquiry or, while at the scene, tell the reporters the chief is busy and can’t talk? Or do you reach out to the media only when your department needs to campaign for money from the public for a new engine or other big expenditures?

Having a PIO will help the department with recruitment, retention, funding, community support, public education with fire prevention, and justification of resources. Having a person assigned to deal with the media saves time and eliminates headaches for your department.

The media will know who they need to contact for facts about recent calls, events or department issues. The chief and other department members will not have to worry about being contacted by reporters and can go about their normal jobs. Reporters have told me that they do not like to bother the chief who is busy at the scene, but they still need the information for their story.

A PIO can give the media the time and the facts about the call.

You may say that the PIO is doing the media’s job and ask why do it? Remember whoever

releases the story controls the story. If your department doesn’t release information, the media will go to someone else such as the police, other agencies or people at the scene.

Do you think they will tell the fire department’s side of the story? I think not.

Developing that relationship with the media in the good times may pay off if anything negative develops in your department. For example, let’s say one of your members is arrested and it affects your department. Being proactive and knowing what and how to conduct yourself with the media will make your department look professional and might instill more public confidence in your department.

Having developed a relationship with the media doesn’t guarantee your department will be treated any better during bad times, but it can only help. Don’t disappear or hide the bad news from the media. They will find out about it. Be as transparent and honest as possible.

The fire service does not offer training for PIOs, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency management agencies do. That is because the PIO’s role is the same for any agency whether you are a fire, police, EMS, local, city, or state agency.

The facts of the story will be different from the different agencies, but how you tell the story will be the same.

The first level of training is the PIO Awareness Course (G289) offered online. This course takes an hour or two to complete and is available to anyone. I highly recommend this course to all officers and chiefs for their own education and to better understand the role of a PIO. The course will orient participants to the function and the role of the PIO in the public safety and emergency management environment.

The next four levels are classroom training.

So where do you begin? The first step is always the hardest: finding someone to be a PIO. A desirable quality in a good PIO is someone who has a good working relationship and knowledge of your organization. They also need to be aggressive in compiling the information and to become a trusted strategist and advisor to your fire department leadership.

There will be a learning curve with your department and the new PIO, until both fully understand the workings and actions of a PIO. Having a source for the media to contact can reap rewards with story ideas or with fire prevention for your department. A few times in the past and on slow news days, the media phones me about the call before I’m out of my driveway responding to it. Other times, I just do not have a story for them. In one instance, a reported brush fire was in reality a

PROVIDED

Kevin Barry is a PIO for the Rombout Fire Company and the Town of Fishkill Emergency Preparedness Committee.

family roasting marshmallows around a fire pit. There are still times that a fire call is not printed or reported because there was another more interesting story to report on. Remember, your story is competing against others for valuable newspaper or airtime. You have a better chance of getting your story told when you have the information the media needs.

Follow along with me on a typical fire call as a PIO. My fire district has an interstate and a major state highway running through it and when there is an accident on one of them, there are major traffic delays, particularly at commuter time. Within ten minutes of arriving on the scene, I am briefed by the chief and take a few photos.

With the chief’s approval, I post the information about the accident on the fire company’s

Facebook and Twitter pages. Then I phone the local radio, TV and daily newspaper with the story. It takes less than five minutes to tell the story.

Many times, my fire company is still at the scene, but the story is on the airwaves or posted on the internet, helping people detour away from the scene. Without a PIO, the media is calling the firehouse, but no one answers because everyone is at the scene. After the call, the chief may return phone calls with the information if he or she is not late for work or busy. It may not have been a big story, only a few paragraphs long, but it is a missed opportunity for your department.

With a little training and practice, a PIO can develop a professional relationship with the media, but the key is being there for them and always with the correct infor-

mation.

Firefighters gain experience from drills and actual calls. The same is true for a PIO. We do this so we all can be our best when the big one comes along.

Remember, telling your department’s story on the information highway is a two-way street.

You and the media each have a job to do. Treat the media with respect and provide them with the accurate information. You will learn that over time such a proactive strategy will reap rewards.

Kevin Barry is a PIO for the Rombout Fire Company and the Town of Fishkill Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is an AdvancePIO and a member of the National Information Officer Association.

- KEVIN BARRY

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

MATT MILES

Montgomery County (MD) Engine 715 in action on January 25th at a townhouse fire.

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

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PAGE 20

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

VIRGINIA

DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Fire caused by smoking materials Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the 4400 block of Honey Lane off of Hungary Road in Henrico County’s West End for a garage fire at 3:52 p.m. on March 14th.

First arriving units reported heavy fire coming from a vacant garage and extending to a vacant house on the property.

Firefighters aggressively fought to extinguish the fire and prevent the spread further than the two structures.

Discarded smoking materials

JUMP TO FILE #031814109

are believed of being the cause of the fire. A cigarette was extinguished twenty feet from the garage.

The grass caught on fire and spread to the garage.

A vacant house twenty feet from the garage soon caught fire after that. Crews continued to work on finding hidden fires and perform overhaul to ensure the house is fully extinguished.

COURTESY OF AL GOULDER

There was heavy fire damage to the garage and the house adjoining.

No occupants were displaced due to the fire. No injuries were reported due to the fire.

The Virginia Department of Forestry rated the day as a high risk fire day. Any fire, even a small one, can quickly spread and potentially catch structures on fire.

The fire was marked under control at 5:07 p.m. Units were on scene for an extended period of time.

- DANIEL ROSENBAUM

COURTESY OF AL GOULDER

COURTESY JEFF ROSE

Tractor Trailer inferno interstate Prince George, VA. Traffic snarled and backed up for miles as a tractor trailer caught fire on Interstate 95 at Interstate 295 on March 6 shortly after 7 a.m.

The trailer was fully loaded with tires and became fully involved.

Multiple jurisdictions responded, including tankers and special foam units.

Thick black smoke billowed as

JUMP TO FILE #030714101

orange-red flames rolled skyward.

The driver was able to detach the tractor and pull it away from the burning trailer.

Firefighters battled the blaze that didn’t want to be extinguished, for hours.

A front end loader was dis-

patched to the scene to help with moving the tires.

A thick layer of foam was sprayed on the burning heap to assist with extinguishing the fire and to prevent flare-ups.

The fire is believed to have been started from the brakes on the vehicle.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Kitchen fire summons Colonial Heights crews Colonial Heights, VA. Tones sounded dispatching Colonial Heights Fire and EMS crews to the 900 block of Williamsburg Road around 4:41 p.m. on February 23rd for a possible kitchen fire. Units dispatched included Colonial Heights Squad 2, Engine 1, Battalion 5, Medic 1 and Medic 3. Chesterfield's Truck 12 from Ettrick was dispatched as mutual aid. Crews arrived on scene and reported nothing showing. Lt. J. E. Boisseau, Deputy Fire Marshal,CFI, of Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, said that once crews made entry, smoldering kitchen cabinets were discovered. Two occupants had minor smoke inhalation.

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

Page 21

Local Heroes Taking Advantage of Program Benefits

Local hero glad he learned about the Heroes Mortgage Program With three children and another on the way in June, Ron Salzano and his wife contemplated buying a new home.

However, after consulting with the Heroes Mortgage Program, he came to the conclusion that refinancing might work better financially. Saving him money on his monthly mortgage payment.

Or, in this case, a lot of money.

By refinancing with the Heroes Mortgage Program, Salzano said he saved about $700 per month on his mortgage. That’s a lot of extra income for a hard-working gentleman with a growing family.

“To save that kind of money is a big deal,” Salzano said. “and the process was very straight forward. There were no catches. It was well thought out and very streamlined. It was to the point and I’m glad I found out about it.”

The Heroes Mortgage Program is dedicated to serving the mortgage needs of the firefighter, police rescue and EMS community, providing discounted fees, first-rate customer service and low interest rates not available to the general public.

At only age 31, Salzano is already a decorated veteran of the Bergen County Police

RON SALZANO

Department, with 11 years experience in the field. He serves as the deputy coordinator of the office of emergency management.

Salzano also is a member of the Bergen County Police scuba team, working in water search and recovery.

In addition, Salzano is a key member of Bergen County’s traffic incident management team, which works with traffic flow during accidents and emergencies. He served as a volunteer with the Wallington Fire Department from 2000-08. Talk about a

hero: Salzano certainly fits the bill.

However, he remains humble about his various accomplishments, and burgeoning career.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my career because of my background as a volunteer firefighter and experience in EMS an rescue,” Salzano said. “In my time with Bergen County, my horizons have been broadened.

There are a lot of opportunities to advance yourself. Every day is a new adventure.”

1st Responder and Sun Home Loans teamed up to create the Sun National Bank Heroes Mortgage Program. To participate in the program, firefighters, police officers, rescue and EMS personnel must verify their active or retired status within the emergency services community. The program is open to both paid and volunteer members and provides the kind of first-rate customer service these brave men and women deserve.

------Sun National Bank Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated. All loans subject to approval. Certain conditions and fees may apply. Mortgage financing provided by Sun National Bank Loans, Equal Housing Lender.

Heroes Mortgage Program If you are a member of the emergency services community and are currently paying more than 4.25% interest on your mortgage, give us a call or email today for a free analysis to see if you can benefit from our program. Please act quickly before interest rates rise again.

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Heroes Realty client more than happy to refer family member David Ciliento, a respected and experienced real estate salesperson with Heroes Realty, helped Carlos Villar purchase a home in Lodi, N.J. last October.

The process was a seamless one, from initial inquiry through closing. Of course, Villar was pleased with Ciliento’s professionalism and customer service, and everything else Heroes Realty has to offer.

Four months after working with Ciliento, Villar paid him a meaningful compliment: He referred his sister, Melissa Villar, to Ciliento and Heroes Realty. Ciliento helped her buy her first home.

“I appreciated that gesture so much,” said Ciliento, who has worked as a realtor for 11 years. “The fact that Mr. Villar would do something like that was very rewarding for me and for Heroes Realty. He had told us we did a great job, but to give a referral to a family member, well, that means a lot.”

Like her brother, Villar praised Heroes Realty, created to provide heroes who serve our communities every day with a variety of enterprising real estate services. Heroes Re-

MELISSA VILLAR

alty works with heroes and their families across the country with a variety of real estate transactions. These selfless men and women include firefighters and EMT’s, police officers, members of the armed services, healthcare professionals – including doctors, nurses and support staff – and educators.

Ciliento worked closely with Melissa Villar, finding a home in her price range with impressive amenities. The mission at Heroes Realty is simple: To exceed client’s expectations, performing at the highest levels of ac-

countability, integrity, ethics and service.

Villar, a clerical associate at Hackensack University Medical Center, utilized Heroes Realty to purchase a beautiful condominium in Passaic, N.J. She proudly closed on Feb. 10.

“It’s a big step. I’m very excited,” Villar said. “Everything my brother told me about the Heroes Realty was right. It was excellent. I’m definitely excited that I was referred to the Heroes Realty program and I will refer Mr. Ciliento to my friends and family as well.”

Whether you are looking to purchase a new home, sell the one you are in for the best price possible, or are even looking to rent or lease a quality home or apartment, Heroes Realty has opened its doors to provide personal real estate services to all of the Heroes in our community.

Heroes Realty is dedicated to the longterm success and financial well-being of all of our clients. We understand how hard you work and the sacrifices you and your family make every day. That’s why Heroes Realty’s

Heroes Realty Heroes Realty specializes in representing members of the emergency services community during the course of their real estate transaction. Our experienced team prides themselves on providing you with the best opportunities and value possible. Whether you are purchasing a new home, selling your home, renting or buying a vacation property, or buying an investment property, our mission is to exceed your expectations. Heroes Realty performs at the highest levels of accountability, integrity, ethics and service - period.

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The proof is in our results, stellar reputation and, also in this case, a referral from a trusted and valued client.

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PAGE 22

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

VIRGINIA

Chesterfield mobile home destroyed in early morning blaze Chesterfield, VA. A mobile home located in Shady Hill Trailer Park in the 6800 block of Jefferson Davis Hwy, was destroyed by a raging fire around 1 a.m. on December JUMP TO FILE# 13th.

121313115 Fire and medical personnel were toned out on the report of a structure fire. Within minutes, units arrived on scene.

“The trailer was fully involved,” said Battalion Chief Keith Chambers of Chesterfield Fire and EMS. Lines were stretched with an aggressive defensive attack on the fire to protect surrounding exposures.

A resident, who was home at the time, had self-evacuated and firefighters evacuated neighboring mobile homes as a precaution.

Chambers said vehicles and other trailers were near the burning home.

No injuries were reported.

The mobile home is a total loss.

The cause is under investigation.

Responding to the fire were;

BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

A mobile home was destroyed by fire and one resident escaped.

Engines 3, 11, 17, 14, Truck 3, Medic 3, Battalions 1 and 2, Fire Marshal 5 and the tactical safety officer.

County police were also on

scene assisting with crowd control and traffic control.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

COURTESY OF MANASSAS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT

Serious crash in Manassas MANASSAS,VA.-A serious motor vehicle crash summoned Manassas fire and rescue crews on Jan. 30. Responders were tones out to Dumfries Road. E501, T501, & BC581 responded. Four patients were evaluated and assisted to EMS units as well as E501 in order to shield them from the cold. Dumfries road was closed for over a half hour.

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Kitchen fire in Henrico’s East End Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to the 2800 block of Williamsburg Road in Henrico County’s East End on March 20th for the report of a kitchen fire. Units received the call at 8:23 p.m.

First arriving units reported a small fire in the kitchen of the single story residence. The fire was extinguished several minutes after arrival and contained to the kitchen area. The incident was

JUMP TO FILE #032114112

marked under control within three minutes of arrival.

Four engine companies, two specialty service units, two fire medic units, and two battalion chiefs were assigned to the call for service. The fire originated in the kitchen.

The cause of the fire was

determined to be accidental in nature and caused by unattended cooking. There was minor fire and smoke damage to the residence.

No injuries were reported due to the fire. The residents will be able to occupy the home and will not be displaced. The home did not have a working smoke detector at the time of the fire.

- DANIEL ROSENBAUM

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1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

PAgE 23

VIRGINIA

PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Occupants escape townhouse fire Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the 1700 block of Fox Fire Circle in the West End for a townhouse fire at 4:27 p.m. on March 6th.

One adult female was home at the time of the fire. She awoke to the smell of smoke in the townhouse. The resident came downstairs and saw the rear porch was on fire. She was able to get out of the townhouse without injury.

First arriving units arrived within five minutes and reported heavy fire from the front door and

JUMP TO FILE #030714112

rear porch of the structure. A second alarm was added to the initial alarm making the response a total of seven engine companies and three special service units.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly and prevent the spread to the adjoining townhouses. The townhouse, where the fire originated, was the only townhouse to suffer fire or

smoke damage.

Fire marked under control at 5:08 pm. The townhouse did not have a working smoke detector.

The Fire Marshal’s office is currently investigating the cause of the fire. They determined that the fire was accidental in nature and the area of origin was at the rear porch outside.

One adult female was displaced by the fire. No injuries were reported.

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- DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Forest Volunteer Fire Department

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PAGE 24

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

VIRGINIA

BILL CLARE

Lights out in Hamilton Hamilton, VA. On February 2nd, Stations 605 and 617 were toned out for a signal vehicle accident on Hamilton Station Road. While en route, they were updated by Loudoun County that the car had hit a pole and some of the treetops were on fire. When units arrived on location, they found that the top of the pole was snapped in two with the lines resting in the trees. As medical personal from Ambulance 617 tended to the driver of the car, Engine 605 pulled its trash line. A call was made for Dominion Power to shut down the lines, as sparks from the touching lines showered the area.

Loudoun County sheriff’s deputies shut down the road. The driver of the auto refused medical aide. Dominion Power arrived on location in few minutes and started getting power back to the area residents.

BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Chesterfield bravest respond to fatal fire Chesterfield, VA. Tones sounded around 2:30 p.m. on February 9th dispatching Chesterfield Fire and EMS personnel, along with county police to the 3200 block of Appleford Drive for a structure fire.

One of the residents, who lived in the home, arrived home and discovered heavy smoke and some fire.

A call was placed to emergency communications, who immediately dispatched crews.

The resident informed arriving firefighters that a person may be in the dwelling.

JUMP TO FILE #020914118

Chesterfield’s bravest immediately went into rescue mode and risking their own lives, entered the burning dwelling and began to methodically search in the blinding smoke and high heat for the missing person.

The victim was discovered in a bedroom and crews carried him out.

The victim was assessed, aid provided and quickly transported to

VCU Medical Center with life threatening injuries, according to Lt. Jason Elmore of Chesterfield Fire and EMS. In spite of the heroic efforts of the fire and EMS personnel, the victim later died at the hospital.

The fire marshal said the cause of the fire is cooking.

The body of the deceased has been sent to the medical examiner to determine cause of death and for positive identification.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

COURTESY OF FOREST VFD

Forest volunteers are stewing Forest, VA. It's bubbling in the pot and it’s tantalizing smell was filling the air. Forest volunteers had a stew fundraiser.

The stew sale was held from Noon until 3 p.m. on February 15th at 1645 Thomas Jefferson Road.

WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE

Purcellville VA. Members of the Snowman Unit of the Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad, were activated as the result of the heavy snows that fell in February in Loudoun County.

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

Page 25

PAGE 26

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

VIRGINIA

The Badge, the Street and the Cop ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD FIRE AND EMS

Chesterfield Fire and EMS douses a fire at an elementary school, no children were injured.

Chesterfield responds to elementary school fire Chesterfield,VA. Students and staff from Grange Hall Elementary School located in the 11900 block of Hull Street were evacuated due to a fire in the school on March 5 shortly before 1 p.m.

Smoke had begun to fill the building so the fire alarm was pulled and teachers quickly escorted their students out of the building.

Firefighters discovered an electrical panel box had overheated and caught fire, sending smoke

JUMP TO FILE #030514127

into the building.

Because of weather conditions, students were transported to Parkway Baptist Church in the 8500 block of Beaver Bridge Road. The church housed students and staff until the 3:45 p.m. dismissal time. Busses and parents picked up the children from the church.

Lt. Jason Elmore of Chesterfield Fire and EMS praised the students and staff of Grange Hall Elementary for evacuating quickly and safely. Appreciation for the kindness of Parkway Baptist Church was also expressed.

No injuries were reported.

The school is expected to be open on Thursday, March 6.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Garage fire in Henrico Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the 5100 block of Reily St off of Williamsburg Rd in Henrico County’s East End for a garage fire at 6:59 p.m. on March 20th.

First arriving units reported moderate fire coming from a small single car garage in the back yard. The units extinguished the fire and prevented the spread to any of the surrounding structures including homes. There was moderate fire damage to the garage. No occupants were displaced due to the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Badge, the Street and the Cop, A Lance LaPore Fictional Memoir By Leo LePage Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188b Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 www.fire-police-ems.com E-Mail: support@fire-policeems.com Price: $17.95 This book is soft cover, 6 inches by 9 inches and has 313 pages.

There are 32 chapters and an epilogue.

Brace yourself for some exciting, graphic and in many cases heartbreaking stories and incidents.

These chapters are fictional in order to protect the innocent, (and honor the privacy of the survivors), but they parallel true stories and experiences of the author. The character is his modified name.

It starts out with the author being appointed to the Hartford, Connecticut Police Department in the early sixties.

The chapters cover incidents happening in the sixties and the seventies. For most of the stories, he was a “beat cop” who walked the streets on patrol. Some would call it a “foot cop” in other cities.

There were also patrol cars, but the beat cops did not have the luxury of a portable radio. There were call boxes at street corners and there were pay phones.

In this day and age, we probably feel half naked if we lose or forget our cell phones, which further enforces the realization that if a beat cop responded to or came upon an incident, he had no instant resource to call for back up if needed.

In a number of cases in these

chapters, civilians called the police headquarters to request help for officers who encountered trouble, many times resulting in their injury or even death! Some chapters have titles, others do not. One particular chapter is dedicated to a major fire at the Hartford Hospital, which was not all that well publicized.

I should mention as well that the Hartford Fire Department, aside from the hospital fire, plays a part in some of the stories.

In one incident, a local contractor is requested to help in an otherwise helpless situation involving a sick and grossly overweight woman in an apartment house.

The stories attest to the usual big city problems with crime, physical abuse and just life in the poorer neighborhoods.

Traffic accidents are other calls written about including one horrible and deadly tragedy involving a couple and their toddler. There are also some stories about the comical side of police work and camaraderie shared by officers and a touch on family life as well.

Besides the Forward, there is an Indian Prayer (author unknown), a salute to cop’s wives and a tribute to a cop’s wife. Again, I advise that this is not a book for the weak-minded. But it does show the way it was with all the horror as well as rewards of being a cop. It gave me a deeper respect and admiration for the beat cop especially back in those times of limited resources.

The author does eventually get promoted to sergeant and rides in a vehicle to supervise his district.

There are a number of chapters devoted to this and involve subordinates and their experiences.

This well adversed author now has available his second book under the title of "The Forgotten Memories of the Blue Soldiers."

This book will bring you through emotions of sadness, laughter, empathy and excitement.

A must have book to accompany the first one. It will be reviewed in this column at a later date.

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1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

PAgE 27

VIRGINIA

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Tractor-trailer crash-fire in Colonial Heights Colonial Heights, VA - Shortly before 4:30 a.m. on March 18, Virginia State Police and Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, responded to the scene of a crash involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95 north at Temple Avenue in Colonial Heights.

Sgt. Thomas Molnar of Virginia State Police said the tractortrailer had struck the guardrail and caught fire. There were no injuries reported. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Henrico assists Charles City with brush fire Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire responded to the 3400 block of The Loop Rd in Charles City County this afternoon for mutual aid assistance on a large brush fire.

The call for aid came in at 13:23 on February 28th. Henrico Fire was able to send two engine companies, two water tankers, and a battalion chief to assist Charles City Fire and the VA Department of Forestry with a five acre fire off of North Warriner Rd. The fire was started due to an unattended burn barrel catching the surrounding brush on fire. Due to the high wind conditions today the fire spread rapidly.

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PAGE 28

March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

FACES OF MID ATLANTIC’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE

Members of Hamilton Vol. Rescue Squad Heavy Rescue 617 wait for assignment

WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE

A member Rescue 613 carries Gatorade to the rehab station

DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Henrico, VA – Henrico County Division of Fire conducted a class on February 12th for 10 Virginia National Guard Soldiers. The class was on chain saw safety, use and maintenance.

WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE

WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE

Purcellville, VA. A lieutenant with the Purcellville Vol Fire Co arrived at St Francis De Sale Church for the smell of gas in the church on February 2nd.

Chief CJ Marker of the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department watches as an injured person is transferred to an ambulance.

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2014

PAGE 29

VIRGINIA

DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Smoke detector alerts resident to house fire WDCPHOTO/BILL CLARE

Personal is removed from the B side as the house starts to fall in to the basement

Two alarms sends four to hospital Leesburg, VA. A little after 5 a.m. on March 9th, Loudoun County toned out a full first alarm for a back porch fire reported by the homeowner.

The first unit reported that it looked like at least two houses were on fire. The siding on the homes on the B and D sides were melting as Engine 601 took the hydrant across the street from the fire, and placed their deck gun into operation along with a blitz line on the B side of the house.

Engine 605 took a hydrant and placed two hand lines into operation on the D side.

Within minutes, a second alarm was sounded as the fire grew. Ladder 601 set up just west of the fire building on the A/B corner. More hand lines were placed into operation as the fear

JUMP TO FILE #031014100

that intense flames coming from the home would spread to the houses across the street.

A collapse zone was set up the B and C sides as the building started to fall down. Personnel on the B, C and D sides were withdrawn. The fire darkened down and thick smoke covered the street. As second alarm companies started to arrive, ammunition in the home started to go off forcing personel to stay further back.

One resident was transported to Leesburg Airport for a medevac flight. Three others were taken by ground to a local hospital, where another person was later flown for treatment.

By the time the first rays of the morning light broke, more of the walls fell into the basement of the home. Tower 602 was placed on the A side and worked to contain fire that was breaking through the walls over the garage. Crews attempted to enter to garage, but withdrew.

Around 7 a.m., second alarm units were clearing, as hot spots were hit from Tower 602 and hand lines poured water into the basement.

County fire marshals are looking into the cause of the fire. Over eight engine companies, three ladder companies, and two heavy rescues fought the fire. Rehab was handled by BLS units from five stations and three ALS units.

- WILLIAM CLARE

Henrico, VA. Henrico County Division of Fire units responded to the 1300 block of Vassar Road in Henrico County’s West End this morning, March 6th, for the report of a house fire. Units received the call at 09:30 a.m.

First arriving units made it on scene within four minutes and reported heavy fire and smoke from the front door of the two story residence. Initial fire attack crews found fire in the kitchen area and were extinguishing the fire within a few minutes of arrival.

An 81 year old male was home and asleep at the time of the fire. He was awoken and alerted by a working smoke detector. He escaped without injury on his own.

Henrico Fire units quickly extinguished the fire with hose lines and were able to mark the situation under control within 30 minutes of arrival. Four engine companies, two specialty service units, two fire medic units, and two battalion chiefs were assigned to the call for service. The fire originated in the

JUMP TO FILE #030614123

kitchen. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

There was significant fire and smoke damage done to the residence. No injuries were reported, but the five residents, including one child are displaced. The Greater Richmond Chapter of the Red Cross has been called to assist with the needs of the residents According to Henrico County Division of Fire’s Fire Marshal Office, the cause of the Vassar Rd fire this morning has been determined to be accidental in nature.

The area of origin was the burner of the stove.

Mr. Burrows, the homeowner, was very grateful for receiving the gift of the smoke detector at Christmas time from his long time neighbor. He credits the smoke detector with saving his life.

- DANIEL ROSENBAUM

Powhatan bravest battle massive structure fire

BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Powhatan,VA. Flames shot into the night sky and fire was rapidly spreading throughout the attached garage at a residence in the 1700 block of Genito Drive on February 9 at 1:09 a.m.

Tones sounded dispatching Powhatan Companies 2, 1 and 4, Chesterfield Engine 5 on mutual and Amelia Tanker 4. Powhatan Engine 5 was dispatched to Company 1 for a fill-in.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find the first floor of an attached garage fully involved. No vehicles were in the garage. Two occupants of the house had self evacuated.

Heavy fire conditions were in the void areas, knee walls and had spread to the attic area of the home. Four lines were stretched, two up and two down for the fire attack. A crew vented the roof with two cuts.

JUMP TO FILE #021314134

A tanker shuttle with Engine 1 was established at 60 and New Dorset Road as a fill site. About 20,000 gallons of water were used.

The fire was declared under control at about 3 a.m. No injuries were reported. Crews were on scene until 8 a.m.

McDonald’s supplied food and drink for the hungry crews at a greatly reduced price, said Pat Schoeffel of Powhatan Fire Department, “and we were very grateful.

The cause is under investigation, said Schoeffel.

- BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

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March/April, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

FACES OF MIDATLANTIC’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

BILL CLARE

Lucketts, VA. The officer of Loudoun County Company 10 Lucketts heads back to this unit as operations at a house fire in the village winds down

STEVE FLYNN

Brett Nicholas and John Brugnoli modeling new bunker gear.

STEVE FLYNN

Richwood Fire Chief Tommy Coleman in his new bunker gear with Collins Wood Plant Manager Andy Roberts.

BILL CLARE BILL CLARE

Leesburg VA. Members of Hamilton Co. 5 wait to be released after checking out a business at a strip mall, where smoke was found in a another business.

Purcellville, VA. Loudoun County Firefighter Capt Crawford of Company 605 chats with another officer during a break fighting a house fire

1st Responder Newspaper - MA

PATCHES

March/April, 2014

PAGE 31

Submitting photos and press

To see your Patches in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

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Email your press release and photos directly to ROBERT PAV

Washington, DC. Engine 21 Patch

ROBERT PAV

Washington, DC. Engine 18 Truck 7 Patch

Volunteer Community Organization

MUTUAL AID GoRdoN WReN

Last night at approximately 10:30 p.m., I was notified that a non fire department community volunteer organization was responding to a report of an oven fire in one of our communities. The fire department was never dispatched. This incident was the latest of several reports of this organization responding to fires and motor vehicle accidents. The group itself was formed many years ago to assist individuals who had a flat tire, needed a jump start, locked their keys in their car or needed other non emergency assistance – a great and certainly worthwhile volunteer service. It appears that some local residents now call their non-emergency number rather than dialing 911 for fires and other emergencies.

Unfortunately, it appears that the organization’s leadership has decided to respond to actual emergencies that traditionally were handled by the local police and fire departments.

Two years ago, we became aware of a municipality that purchased a mini pumper and equipment truck with taxpayer dollars and gave it to another volunteer non fire department.

This organization started responding to dumpster, brush, trash and oven fires. This wellmeaning group of volunteers was not organized as a fire department and responded to fires without turnout gear or self-contained breathing apparatus. Photographs were forwarded to me showing these non firefighters utilizing booster lines on room and content fires, and one incident in particular showed a volunteer standing on top of garbage in a 40-yard, roll-off dumpster in

heather@1strespondernews.com

his wingtip shoes, white shirt and absolutely no personal protective gear as he directed a hose stream into the burning materials. I thought of how many times we have encountered empty propane tanks, flammable liquids and other hazardous materials in burning dumpsters.

At one point we met with the leaders of the municipally funded group and gave them a presentation on the danger of inhaling smoke and all of the dangerous substances that it contains; to no avail. We also suggested that they join the local volunteer fire department if they were interested in firefighting.

We then filed a complaint with Public Employee Safety & Health (PESH) who sent inspectors to investigate and concluded that they had no jurisdiction because this was not a fire department/government organization; even though taxpayer dollars were utilized to purchase the fire apparatus and the equipment on it – HUH?!!!!!!!!

So, we then filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since it was clear that OSHA’s regulations were being violated. After a few months, OSHA too concluded that they had no jurisdiction because the organization was not a private business – HUH?!!!!!!! So, since they are the only two organizations to enforce OSHA’s regulations, we are out of options and the organization continues to fight fires without the mandatory equipment and training.

Firefighting is inherently dangerous; eventually one of these well meaning individuals will get hurt or killed, despite the local volunteer fire department’s best efforts to keep them from placing themselves in very dangerous situations.

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