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SPRING, 2021
FIREFIGHTERS RISK HEALTH WHEN EXPOSED TO AFFF FIREFIGHTING FOAM
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Firefighters work in a dangerous environment every single day. They knowingly risk their lives in service to others and their community as part of the job description. Their willingness to protect us in the face of unthinkable danger is part of what makes them heroes. Firefighters understand the risks of the flames and deteriorating buildings. They have seen their colleagues suffer burns, broken bones and the complications caused by smoke inhalation. - See full story on page 4
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 21, No. 1 - is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or A division of: errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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DC FIRE AND EMS
House Fire Displaces 13 People and Injures 1 Firefighter Washington, DC - Thirteen people were displaced and one firefighter suffered a minor injury after two fires hours apart heavily damaged a Petworth neighborhood home on Wednesday, March 3rd. The first fire was dispatched at 12:45 A.M. to 522 Shepherd Street NW, a two-story middle of the row dwelling. Firefighters arrived to find flames on the second floor of the home. Despite the presence of significant clutter conditions in the house, fire was confined to a portion of the second floor and quickly knocked down with the Box Alarm assignment. An adult female was the only occupant and received assistance from the American Red Cross. At 5:11 A.M., another Box Alarm was sounded for the same address. A fire investigator was close by and confirmed there was fire on the second floor. This time there was considerably more fire than on the first call. A Working Fire dispatch was requested and an interior attack was initiated. Due to the clutter conditions and the fact that the home was opened up from the previous blaze, the fire quickly increased in intensity, with flames now visible from windows both at the front and rear, and involving the attic
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space. With attached homes on either side in danger, and the initial attack companies running low on air, a Second-Alarm was requested, bringing a total of approximately 20 units and 80 personnel to the scene. Units were placed in the adjacent homes to prevent the fire from spreading. Despite the intensity of the blaze, an aggressive offensive attack continued to be waged until knockdown of the fire was achieved. Although flames did not spread into the exposures, enough damage was done to displace 13 residents. They were assisted by the American Red Cross, the Mayors Office of Community Relations, and the District’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. The one firefighter who suffered a minor injury during this incident was transported to the hospital. Fire investigators are actively looking into the cause of both of these incidents. - DC FIRE AND EMS
DC FIRE AND EMS
Southeast DC Apartment Fire Displaces Three Washington, DC - Three adults were displaced, but nobody was injured, during a Southeast DC apartment fire on Monday, March 8th. DC’s Bravest were dispatched at 4:28 P.M. with a Box Alarm assignment to 313 Parkland Place SE, an occupied two-story apartment building. A Working Fire dispatch was requested when first arriving units reported fire showing from the second floor. An aggressive interior attack quickly knocked down the flames in the apartment of origin, although there was slight extension to the attic. The displaced residents, all adults, were provided assistance by the American Red Cross. Fire investigators were on the scene looking into the cause.
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IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
Glasgow Fire Department operates a 2012 Pierce Impel 1500/750/30/50 Foam as Squad 2.
PROVIDED
ALAN HOFFMAN
Luray Fire Dept. Co. 1 Tanker 8 is a 2015 Kenworth/Pierce with a 500-GPM pump and 1500-gallon tank.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Luray Fire Dept. Co. 1 Tanker 1 is a 1997 Freightliner/4 Guys with a 1000-GPM pump and 2500-gallon tank.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Luray Fire Dept. Co. 1 Tower 1 is a 1994 Pierce Lance 100’ Tower Ladder with a 1750-GPM pump.
Firefighters Risk Health When Exposed to AFFF Firefighting Foam Firefighters work in a dangerous environment every single day. They knowingly risk their lives in service to others and their community as part of the job description. Their willingness to protect us in the face of unthinkable danger is part of what makes them heroes. Firefighters understand the risks of the flames and deteriorating buildings. They have seen their colleagues suffer burns, broken bones and the complications caused by smoke inhalation. While we all know and acknowledge running into a burning building is dangerous, firefighters are often exposed to life-threatening hazards that are not as obvious. One of the most-deadly hidden dangers is not presented by the fire, but by one of the tools these brave men and women are provided to fight it. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant found on most fire trucks and at fire training facilities. It is a humanmade chemical designed to coat and suffocate a fire, depriving it of oxygen. While AFFF Foam may be an effective fire suppressant, it also may contain perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are part of a large family of dangerous man-made chemical
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compounds that are known carcinogens – meaning we know they can cause cancer. These substances can accumulate and remain in the human body for long periods of time. It is this long-term exposure that creates an increased risk of various deadly cancers, including pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. For men and women fighting fires, the harmful chemicals can be orally ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled. These dangers are now welldocumented. The U.S. Fire Administration now cautions that fire departments should replace older AFFF stocks with fluorine-free foam solutions. It advises handlers of these dangerous chemicals to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and a self-contained breathing apparatus. It also advises firefighters to shower within one hour after returning to the station or home, among other warnings. Despite these relatively new warnings and awareness, the manufacturers of AFFF have known of these dangers for years and know-
ingly exposed our nation’s firefighters to these cancer-causing substances - putting profits over the safety of our heroes. “If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to AFFF firefighter foam, you may have a claim against the manufacturers and should seek counsel,” Ms. Liakos of Bond Legal said. If you have been exposed to AFFF firefighter foam on the job and developed cancers or other side effects, contact Bond Legal to discuss your potential claim for justice and compensation at 866927-1261 or intake@bondlegalgroup.com. Cancers caused by PFAS Some potential cancers that are caused by PFAS chemicals in AFF: Bladder Breast Colon/Rectal Kidney Leukemia Lymphoma Liver Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Prostate Ovarian Testicular
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VIRGINIA
Love, love, love Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
For the past 12 months, we have been going through some major events. We have started with the covid virus; that one event can be a challenge in itself. Add to it the demonstrations that we have had for various civil unrest. Add to that a very interesting and emotional presidential election. Also child, elder, domestic and other abuse has been on the rise, and so has been depression and suicide. Do you remember the old game with a camel? On a camel there were two bags and the object was to see how many straws that you can put into the bags and then the camel would finally break the back. Each one of us has our own packs, on our figurative backs. There is only so much that we can take and I have been seeing the kicking the dog scenario. Some people may be getting frustrated from being confined in the house or apartment, people’s employment may be in jeopardy or they may have challenges dealing with the new technology or procedures, each person has some of the common stress and some think that they are the only person going through their challenges. Well, people may be looking for an outlet, no matter what. The person may not know how to constructively release stress, so they may look for the figurative dog to kick. They may know or feel that the dog will not do or say anything back to them. As you have been seeing, we are going through so much together. People have been lashing out on one another, when they would never have even thought of it before. People are destroying things, when they would never have done anything like that in the times before this pandemic. I am pretty sure that most religions promote loving one another and helping one another. So how can we reduce a lot of the stuff that’s going on? How about putting yourself in the other people’s shoes? How about talking with the other person and not just shouting offensive things? How about showing concern for those hurting or looking for a voice? I still believe that people are good and the heart to care for one another is there. Many of us would not do the work that we do
or do outreach in the community, if we did not care for people. During the movie “Independence Day”, Judd Hirsh refers to John Lennon, from the Beatles, where John Lennon wrote the song “all you need is love”, and that John was a very smart man. If we loved one another, would we attack each other? Would we destroy property? Would we deface property? This is not expressions of love. How about coming together with respect and voice your opinions and listen to the other persons opinion? Wow, there is the difference. Many people want to voice their opinion PERIOD. They want to voice their opinion but nobody else in this world matters but them. I listen to many people who do not believe what I believe. They may not think the way that I do. I may not think the way that they do. We still get along. In the Bible, Jesus was asked what the greatest law was. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” I ask you to please look at those verses. It says “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Does anyone see any qualifiers? Does it state that they have to be the same color? Same religion? Same sexual orientation? From the same country? What other qualifiers do you want to put up? It says “Love your neighbor as yourself”, pretty simple to me. How many of you have spoken to strangers in your life? Everyone has. It is through talking with and getting to know strangers that we develop friendships and may get a spouse out of it or a best friend. I know that it sounds so simple but let me ask you, how easy is it for you to love your family? You may have that one person that is really difficult or gets on your nerves, but you are still there for them. So, try the same thing for someone who is not your relative. We can not only show love for someone in word but also as we talk with them. Someone I was speaking to express how they were talking to someone. I heard the words that they were using and I understand that they were frustrated, but I heard words that did not express love. Many of us will recognize parts of First Corinthians chapter 13, especially during wedding ceremonies: "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and
all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." Let the phrase "if I do not have love, I am nothing" sit with you for a while. How many people actually have love, especially for those who are not within your inner circle? Do you show love to strangers or your enemies? Sure, it is easier to love people that look like us, talk like us, or have some of the same interests but do we love people who are not like us. Are we willing to love people who think differently than we do? Are we willing to love people of different occupations? Other religions? "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Love is kind. It does not dishonor others. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. These phrases give us something to think about and also to measure our love by. How are we and society at loving, according to this teaching? Are you willing to forgive? Do you sit there with a book and keep track of how many times someone has messed up, according to your rules? This action only creates more bitterness. If you need something to keep track of, keep track of the good that people have done, what people do for you without asking, or when people give you a hug. We should not be watching to make sure that the scales are balanced. Do you think this might be where the phrase "I'll get even with you" comes from? Throw away the scales, the records or whatever and just care for people. I can never get even with all those who have showed me encouragement, kindness, caring, compassion, or brought me joy. I can only try to pay it forward and put all that into people that I experience each day. We never know what kind words or actions will do to a person's day. Please continue to show that you care for all. Also remember that you can raise someone up or tear them down with your tongue. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
BENJAMIN GOMES
Crews arrived on scene within minutes of dispatch to fire and smoke showing.
Faulty Surge Protector Deemed Cause of Hopewell House Fire Hopewell, VA - To round out 2020, Hopewell Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Mansion Hills neighborhood area on December 31st. Chief 1 was en route and reported a column of smoke from the area. He arrived on scene and reported a working structure fire with heavy fire coming out of a front bay window. Crews arrived on scene within minutes of being dispatched and quickly put a knockdown despite encountering heavy smoke conditions and high heat. The fire was contained to just the room of origin, but the house
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suffered extensive smoke damage. Residents of the house were being assisted by neighbors and the Red Cross. The Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the cause of the fire to be a faulty multi-plug surge protector. Units operating on scene were Engines 1 and 2, Quint 1, Medic 1, Battalion 2, Chief 1, FM1, and FM2. - BENJAMIN GOMES
HENRICO FIRE
Fatal Multi-Family Residential Fire in Henrico Henrico County, VA - At 9:00 A.M. on February 11th, Henrico Fire units responded to the 2200 block of Rockwater Terr in the Stony Run community, which consists of four residential units under one roof. Units arrived to find heavy smoke and fire coming from one residential unit. Firefighters rescued a 55-year-old male from a residential unit, who was then transported to VCU medical center – critical care hospital where he later died from injuries sustained. After the fire was brought under control Henrico Fire Marshals were on scene to determine the origin and cause.
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EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER
Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@Belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER
Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR
Lindsey Palmer (Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• CIRCULATION MANAGER
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Michelle Rosa (Michelle@1stResponder.com) ••• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Joe Belsito (Joe@1stRespondernews.com) ••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@1stResponder.com)
EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS ••• Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf, Video) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Joel Miller (Social Media) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness)
Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner) CORRESPONDENTS
New York: Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., 67 Rank: Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President Incident Date: September 2, 2020 Death Date: September 2, 2020 Fire Department: Spring Brook Fire District #1 Initial Summary: On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President of the Spring Brook Fire District #1 Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., attended a mandatory meeting at the fire department to review and discuss new recruitment applications. He informed the 2nd Vice President that he was not feeling well, left the meeting, and returned home. He was found deceased from an apparent heart attack the next morning.
••• Ryan Buff • Sean Fesko • William King • Charlie Lewis • Chuck Lowe • Terry Ritz • Frank Robinson • Michael Schwartzberg • Shane Shifflett • Terry Sigler • Zachary Sipe • Ken Snyder • Eugene Weber Jr. • Kevin Wilson • Becky Robinette Wright
EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
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Kentucky: Robert "Rob" Orkies, 55 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 9, 2020 Death Date: December 11, 2020 Fire Department: Zoneton Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies developed COVID-19 while on-duty from a fellow firefighter with a known case of the virus. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020.
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Illinois: Leo W. Werner, 67 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 9, 2020 Death Date: December 10, 2020 Fire Department: Scales Mound Fire Protection District Initial Summary: On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at approximately 2200hrs, Captain Leo W. Werner responded to a medical call at a residence. After returning home, he suffered an apparent heart attack and passed away shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Texas: Randy Robinson, 64 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 15, 2020 Death Date: December 17, 2020 Fire Department: Fort Worth Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Randy Robinson contracted COVID-19 at the fire station.
He passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus. Wisconsin: David Jerald Tomlinson, 71 Rank: Firefighter/Fire Inspector Incident Date: November 11, 2020 Death Date: December 6, 2020 Fire Department: Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson contracted COVID-19 while performing fire inspections for the department. Alabama: Donald Downs, 69 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 17, 2020 Death Date: December 9, 2020 Fire Department: Saragossa Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On November 17, 2020, Firefighter Donald Downs, while attending mandatory training for the fire department, contracted COVID-19 from attendees at the exercise. He passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from the virus. Pennsylvania: Lee Witman, 88 Rank: Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Incident Date: December 6, 2020 Death Date: December 11, 2020 Fire Department: Colonial Park Fire Company Initial Summary: Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, from the virus. Pennsylvania: Edward Hine, 79 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 13, 2020 Death Date: December 16, 2020 Fire Department: Colonial Park Fire Company Initial Summary: Firefighter Edward Hine, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from the virus.
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No one can resist the temptation of Buffalo Sauce! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
HENRICO FIRE
Henrico Fire Apparatus Rolls Over on Snow Covered Roads Henrico County, VA - On January 31st, Henrico Fire Engine 305, from the Lakeside Fire House, was traveling north on Woodman Road responding to a call for an unconscious person when it spun on the road, traveled off the paved roadway, and overturned. Conditions of the roads were snow covered and very slippery. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. All four firefighters were able to exit the apparatus by themselves and were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threating in-
floor, stovetop and everything in between. And let’s be honest, it’s not the healthiest thing in the world. As you probably have figured out by now, I love taking unhealthy dishes and putting a healthier spin on them, while keeping them delicious. This is one of those recipes, Buffalo Chicken Burgers! In this recipe I use lettuce as a bun to lower the carbs, but feel free to use a traditional bun if you so please. There is also a bleu cheese yogurt sauce which, when compared to traditional bleu cheese dressing, adds extra protein and lowers the calories. This is a great recipe for the grill now that the weather is warming up. Hope you enjoy… and remember, stay safe, eat well!
BUFFALO CHICKEN BURGERS W/ BLEU CHEESE YOGURT SAUCE ON LETTUCE “BUNS” Makes 4 burgers
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juries. Henrico Police are investigating the accident. Woodman Road at Spider Drive was closed for an extended time for the investigation and removal of the apparatus. The initial medical emergency was handled by other units responding at the same time. There was no delay in service. - HENRICO FIRE
Virginia Trooper Okay After Pursuit, Crash and Fire Chesterfield, VA - A Virginia State Trooper escaped injury after a traffic stop on I-95 turned dangerous as the subject who was pulled over fled. Sergeant Dylan Davenport of the state police said that at 5:50 P.M. on January 21st, a Virginia State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant for expired registration on Interstate 95 north of Willis Road. The Galant initially pulled over. When the trooper exited his patrol car to approach the Galant, the driver fled the scene continuing north on Interstate 95. The fleeing driver went north on Chippenham and continued to evade troopers, taking the exit for Strathmore Road. In the 6600 block of Strathmore Road, a Vir-
You are sitting in your local watering hole, and a server walks by with a plate of Buffalo wings. The smell is intoxicating, and no it’s not the beer you are drinking. The combination of peppers, vinegar and butter create the perfect combination of heat, savory and sour. Your mouth starts to water and you cannot resist the temptation to order a dozen…or two. I am sure we have all been there. It is, to me, one of the best examples of flavors coming together to form the perfect sauce.
The roots of Buffalo sauce and in particular, the Buffalo wing, are rooted in myth and lore. The most popular, and arguably most true, is that they were born out of necessity in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY. A place which I have yet to visit, but will, hopefully, before I kick the bucket. Now at this point you are probably assuming this is a recipe for Buffalo wings. Unfortunately it is not, but it is however a recipe for something inspired by the almighty wing. There are times when I absolutely crave those familiar flavors but would rather not go through the trouble of deep frying in my home or firehouse. The smell of frying chicken, although good, can linger around a little longer than I like. It also creates a mess if you are not careful. Oil almost always manages to find its way to the kitchen
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ginia Trooper made contact with the fleeing Galant in an attempt to conclude the pursuit. The trooper ran off the road to the right, striking a fence. The patrol vehicle sustained damage to the fuel line, resulting in a vehicle fire. The trooper was able to exit the vehicle safely and was uninjured. The Galant went back north on Strathmore and continued fleeing. At the intersection of Strathmore and Dundas, the Galant struck a Ford Explorer with two occupants. Troopers were then able to detain the driver. - BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT
Chicken Patties: 1 lb. Ground Chicken 1 Carrot, peeled/rough chopped 1 Celery Stalk, rough chopped ½ Yellow Onion, rough chopped 1 Egg ¼ Cup Buffalo Sauce 1 Cup Breadcrumbs Buffalo Sauce: 1 Cup Hot Sauce 3 Tbsp. Butter, cubed Bleu Cheese Yogurt Sauce: 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt ½ Cup Crumbled Bleu Cheese 1 tsp. Worcestershire 1 tsp. Garlic Powder 1 tsp. Lemon Juice Salt/Pepper to taste 1 Head Boston Lettuce, leaves separated Optional: Chives for garnish Procedure: -For the buffalo sauce: Heat hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. When the sauce starts to simmer, add the butter and stir until combined. Set aside to cool. -For the bleu cheese sauce: Combine the yogurt, worcestershire, bleu cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust season-
AJ FUSCO
ing. -For the chicken burgers: Add the carrots, celery and onion to a food processor and buzz until minced (mince with a knife if needed). Sauté the carrot mixture in a sauté pan with a drizzle of EVOO and a pinch of salt until soft, 2-4 minutes. Set aside to cool. -In a large bowl, combine the cooled carrot mixture, egg and ¼ cup of the cooled Buffalo sauce. Stir until combined. Add the ground chicken, and mix with your hands just until combined. Add the bread crumb and mix in gently with your hands. Do not overwork
the mixture or it will toughen up the burgers. Form 4 equal sized burger patties, place on a sheet pan. IMPORTANT: refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to allow burgers to set up. -Heat up a cast iron pan, sauté pan or grill on medium heat. Add a drizzle of EVOO and cook burgers 4-5 minutes on one side without moving. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. -Assemble burgers on lettuce “buns”, drizzle with Buffalo sauce, a dollop of Bleu cheese sauce and chives.
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Mother & Baby Rescued Out of River by Hopewell Fire-Rescue and Police
PHOTO COURTESY CHESTERFIELD FIRE AND EMS
Five Displaced in Chesterfield Fire Chesterfield, VA - Tones sounded on January 6th around 9:30 A.M. for a structure fire in the 14200 block of McCabe Drive. "Heavy smoke from the attic on all corners of the home could be seen," said Lt. Kenny Mitchell, PIO for Chesterfield Fire and EMS. Mitchell said the occupants who were home at the time safely evacuated. No injuries were reported. One adult and four children were displaced. The Red Cross was assisting and the fire remains under investigation. Engines 1, 14, 21 and 17, along with Truck 14, Medic 1, Tactical Safety Officer, PIO, Battalions 1 and 2, Shift Commander and Chief 2 responded.
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month’ feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Hopewell, VA - On the morning of January 11th, a 9-1-1 call was placed to Hopewell Police Communications reporting a female with a baby in distress in the Appomattox River in Hopewell. Hopewell Police arrived on scene and reported the same thing. Two detectives and a police officer entered the water without regard to their own safety to rescue the baby and then initiated CPR on the baby. A call for service was entered for Hopewell Fire to respond as well. All units were at Station 1, which is only a few blocks from the river. This type of call put all Hopewell Police and Fire units to work, including administration staff. While units headed to the river bank to assist with the baby, Quint 1 readied the Fireboat along with FM1 and Training 1. The Fireboat headed out into the Appomattox River, which was registered at around 47-degrees that morning, to locate the female. Fireboat 1 located the female in the river and navigated to her in about one-foot of water or less. Crews on the boat pulled the female inside and headed back to the marina. During this time crews on scene were able to revive the baby, who was then transported to VCU Medical Center. The female from the river was handed off to another medic unit at the marina for transport to John Randolph Medical Center for evaluation.
PROVIDED
Stock photo of Hopewell Fire-Rescue Fireboat 1.
Fire Chief Hunter stated, "I've never been more proud of what they’ve done because everybody did more than their share of it." At the time this call came out, multiple executive command staff members from the Tri-Cities departments were at Hopewell Fire Station 1 filming for a fire safety video and witnessed the scrambling of multiple units at one time to respond efficiently and effectively to a stressful call. The City of Hopewell Fire-Rescue would like to thank neighboring Colonial Heights Fire-EMS who sent over their brand new medic unit with a crew to assist in staffing the city until crews could decompress and put themselves back into service. The City of Hopewell Fire-Rescue is staffed
with 2 Engines, 1 Quint, 2 Medic Units, and a Battalion Chief. Minimum staffing for the day is 13. On this morning yearly physicals were being done and luckily the department had a few extra hands on duty. Members of the department left their physicals and responded to the scene to assist in any way that they could be of service to the city. Assistant City Manager Charles Dane thanked both Police and Fire for "your professionalism and dedication to the health and wellbeing of our citizens, which was clearly on display this morning. An event which could have been a horrible tragedy was possibly averted due to the quick actions of our Public Safety Personnel." - BENJAMIN GOMES
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
MICHAEL F. FRONIMOS ALAN HOFFMAN
This patch belongs to the Town of Wytheville Fire & Rescue Department, located in Wythe County, VA.
Luray Fire Dept. Co. 1 Squad 1 is a 1998 Spartan/RD Murray.
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VIRGINIA
Heavy Fire Ravages Single-Family Home in Henrico County Henrico County, VA - Just after 1:30 A.M. on February 18th, Henrico Fire units responded to the 7800 block of Point Hollow Drive in the Sterling Forest community off Wilkinson Road, near Douglas Wilder Middle School. Units arrived to JUMP TO FILE # find heavy fire coming 021921111 from the front and side of the home. All occupants were safely outside when fire units arrived. Handlines and an aerial platform were used to control the fire initially. The fire, which caused a significant amount of damage throughout the home, was placed under control and Henrico Fire Marshals were on scene to determine the origin and cause. - HENRICO FIRE
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MARYLAND
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC
Saturday Night Townhouse Fire in Pikesville Pikesville, MD - Shortly before 11:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 30th, Baltimore County westside units were alerted for a reported dwelling fire in the 4200 block of Red Haven Road (Fire Box 2-22) in Pikesville. The home's occupant called 911 reporting that she felt heat, heard crackling sounds and saw smoke. While units were enroute, Baltimore County Fire Dispatch advised updated information that the caller was also reporting flames in the roof. BCoFD Engine 2 (Pikesville career station) arrived with smoke showing from a two-story middle of the group townhouse and quickly upgraded to fire showing in the attic and roof, and Battalion Chief 22 (Kemp) requested a Working Fire Dispatch assignment. Firefighters made an aggressive attack, with Pikesville VFC Tower 323's crew accessing the roof via the truck's bucket, and extinguished fire on the second floor and attic area. No injuries were reported.
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month’ feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHARLES LEWIS
Fire was through the roof of this shopping complex. Firefighters had difficulty fighting the blaze due to the security doors and the design of the building.
Baltimore Firefighters Battle Blaze in Shopping Complex Baltimore, MD - Just before 10:00 P.M. on January 23rd, Baltimore City Fire Communications received multiple calls reporting a building fire at the Edmonson Village Shopping Center in the 4500 block of Edmonson Avenue. Units arrived to find smoke coming from the area of a pharmacy and a dollar store and requested a working fire. Shortly thereafter, a second-alarm was sounded as well as a special call for an engine and truck from Baltimore County and Tower 81. Crews had difficulty gaining access due to the metal roll up doors. Access was eventually made, but an evacuation order was sounded shortly after due to deteriorating conditions. As the fire broke through the roof in the rear of the structure,
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ladder pipes along with the water tower were placed into operation, as well as monitor pipes on the ground level. Four additional engines were requested by the incident commander. A Baltimore County Battalion Chief who came on the scene with the first engine and truck put a request in through Baltimore County Fire Dispatch for three additional engines and a tower from the county to assist the units on scene. Heavy fire conditions persisted for several hours as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Five stores were damaged by the fire. At approximately 2:30 A.M.,
while crews were still working to extinguish the fire, an alleged intoxicated driver entered the shopping complex, driving over several charged fire hoses as well as other equipment before becoming disabled between Squad 40 and Truck 10. The driver was taken into custody by the Baltimore City Police Department. No firefighters were injured. The fire was placed under control in the early morning hours and a fire watch was established by rotating crews as the original crews were released. The cause remains under investigation. This was the second multi-alarm fire to occur in this shopping complex in 14 months. - CHARLIE LEWIS
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Eastern Garrett County Fire Department, located in Garrett County, MD.
CHARLES LEWIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC
Several Pikesville Vol. Fire Company members took the new Pierce Engine 321 to the Milford Mill Metro parking lot for a training opportunity on Saturday morning, January 23rd. Firefighters were able to familiarize themselves with water operations for the new apparatus, which was scheduled to be placed into service on January 25th. PVFC's new Engine 321 is a 2012 Pierce Arrow XT 1500GPM/750-GWT/30F engine that formerly served as Engine 102 with the Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia.
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MARYLAND
One Person Transported from Two-Alarm Apartment Fire in Middle River Middle River, MD - Shortly before 10:00 P.M. on Saturday night, March 6th, Baltimore County eastside units in the 3rd Battalion were dispatched for a reported apartment fire at 9801 Langs Road (Fire Box 12-8). First-arriving Baltimore County Engine 12 reported JUMP TO FILE# fire showing on the 030721100 third floor and through the roof of a three-story gardenstyle apartment building and requested a second-alarm. Crews made an aggressive attack with multiple handlines and two ladder pipes and were able to confine the fire to the building of origin. Firefighters rescued one caged rabbit from the fire building, and one adult was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment of smoke inhalation. - MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG MIKE SCHWARTZBERG / FIREPIX1075
Firefighters operating on side 'Charlie' of the 2-alarm apartment fire in Middle River.
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MARYLAND
Vehicle News The Baltimore County Fire Dept. recently placed in to service three 2020 Pierce M2/Encore Air Units. The units are assigned to Station 11/Hillendale, Station 19/Garrison and Station 57/Sparrows Point. These units respond on all structure fires and are cross-staffed by their respective engine companies.
WASHCOMD FIRE CALLS PAGE
VFC of Halfway Engine supplies lighting for MSP on the scene of a single-vehicle accident.
CHARLES LEWIS
Two Traumas Transported from Single-Vehicle Rollover in Halfway
Air Unit 11 is a 2020 Pierce M2/Encore
CHARLES LEWIS
Air Unit 19 is a 2020 Pierce M2/Encore
Halfway, MD - On the evening of March 7th, Washington County Emergency Communications received reports of a single-vehicle rollover in the area of Exit 5 of Interstate 81 northbound. Emergency crews from Halfway, Hagerstown, Williamsport and Community Rescue were alerted for the call just before 6:00 P.M. Washington County advised responding units that they had reports of one entrapment. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle overturned with one occupant still in the vehicle. Firefighters from Halfway began to stabilize the vehicle as the Duty Officer from Williamsport Fire & EMS arrived and established command. After a quick evaluation of the scene, command reported they had two patients on the incident scene. One patient was self-extricated with assistance by bystanders prior to their arrival, and the other was entrapped in the vehicle. Aviation was immediately re-
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quested for the occupant still entrapped, who was categorized as a Priority 1 Category A Trauma. The second patient was evaluated and transported by Community Rescue’s Paramedic 759 by ground to Meritus Medical Center and was categorized as a Priority 2 Category C Trauma due to mechanism. Firefighters worked as a team to extricate the patient from the wreckage. Extrication was marked complete at 6:13 P.M. The patient was quickly packaged and transported by Halfway’s Paramedic 269, with assistance by Duty 75 to a nearby landing zone which was established for Maryland State Police Aviation Commands Trooper 3. Trooper 3 arrived, took over patient care and transported the patient to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. The cause of the accident is cur-
rently under investigation by the Maryland State Police. Initial reports say the vehicle was heading southbound when they swerved and lost control and rolled the vehicle, coming to rest in the northbound lane. No specific cause has currently been released. Halfway Engine 261 was committed on the scene until shortly after 8:00 P.M. that night assisting MSP with lighting. Emergency crews on the scene included the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway (Co.26), Hagerstown FD (Engine 4, Truck 4, Battalion 3), Williamsport Fire & EMS (Co.2), Community Rescue Service (Medic 759 and Duty 75), and Maryland State Police Aviation Command (Trooper 3). Additional assistance was received at the landing zone from Hagerstown FD’s Engine 5, Washington County Fire Police, and Hagerstown Auxiliary Police. - WILLIAM KING
CHARLES LEWIS
Air Unit 57 is a 2020 Pierce M2/Encore
WASHCOMD FIRE CALLS PAGE
Emergency crews load the patient into Trooper 3 for transport to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.
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MARYLAND
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
FRANK ROBINSON
Church Hill Fire Company operates a 2011 Ford F 550 4x4/General 490/500/30F Brush Truck.
MIKE SCHWARTZBERG / PVFC
Firefighters working from PVFC Tower 323's bucket on the roof.
Townhouse Fire with Extension in Pikesville
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Pikesville, MD - Shortly before 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 13th, westside Baltimore County fire units responded to Fire Box 2-27, with a caller to 9-1-1 reporting a chimney fire and possible roof on fire at a townhouse on Raisin Tree Circle. Units arriving initially reported nothing was evident, but heavy smoke and fire was quickly showing from the roof. Baltimore
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County Fire Department Engine 2 declared a Working Fire and engine crews initiated fire attack. Firefighters from Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Tower 323 spilt up, with some performing searches and ventilation efforts and others opening up the roof.
Crews from BCoFD Engines 3, 18 and 19 assisted with laying additional lines and extinguishing the fire. The fire extended to an adjoining townhouse, but most of the fire was contained to the attic area of both dwellings. Firefighters did extensive overhaul and were on scene for about two hours. No injuries were reported. - MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG
FLASHBACK If you have photos you would like to see in our “FLASHBACK” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
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845-534-7500 ext. 212 SHANE SHIFFLETT
Williamsport Volunteer Fire photographed back in the 1960's.
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WEST VIRGINIA
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our “Where Are They Now?” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
KEN SNYDER
This Lower Providence, Pennsylvania 1999 KME Excel XMFD 1250/400/75' is now in service in Danville, West Virginia.
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CHUCK LOWE
Truck 15 in Burtonsville once operated with this 1969 Pirsch 100' aerial.
CHUCK LOWE
Engine 19 in Baltimore ran this 1986 Spartan Monarch/FMC 1000/750.
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DELAWARE
Malibu Burning
DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
KEVIN L. WILSON PIO
Clayton, DE – Each year the Clayton Fire Company hosts an annual knot tying class. This year's class was held on February 15, 2021 at the station and taught by Past Chief Wes Davis. The class is a review of the knots that every firefighter should know how to tie off equipment or use on the fire ground. This basic class is one most firefighters look forward to, and is one of our best attended. Past Chief Skip Carrow stated, “knot tying is a lot like throwing ladders, you stop when you run out of windows or stop tying knots when you run out of rope”. Clayton Fire Chief John Pridemore stated, “it is easy to go to the fire school set fire and put them out, but to keep the basic things at the forefront it makes us all better”. Clayton trains every other Monday during the year, plus other dates that are added and what members take at the fire school.
Bob Long
Malibu Burning The Real Story Behind L.A’s Devastating Wildfire By Robert Kerbeck Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $16.99 This is a soft cover book measuring 6" x 9", with 250 pages. It has 22 chapters plus a prologue and an epilogue. It is a great book about horrific stories and experiences! The thing that makes this book different than most books about fires is that the author, his family and his house survived this fire, the worst in L.A. history, and the chapters are about residents, businessmen and others and what their experiences were during this period, which started on November 8th of 2018. You will get a perception of what they endured and how the fire was handled by the firefighting agencies who battled it. You will read about horror, tragedy, hero-
ism and perseverance. You will come to know that not everyone who lives in the Malibu areas are wealthy people, in fact it is the opposite. You will read however how some celebrities, such as Nick Nolte, lost his house while he was filming a movie in Europe! You’ll read about the organization of Engine 271 and the story behind that. You will read about to what extreme homeowners will go to protect their property, especially when tall trees of types prone to fast burning surround them and how far embers can travel and spread flames. You will read about death and human interest stories, especially when it came to animals, both as pets and those running free. Just about all of these chapters cover these experiences compiled through interviews by the author who happens to be a writer. He himself put in countless hours trying to help others in all kinds of ways. There is one chapter where the fire department tries to address questions and complaints from displaced residents and people devastated by this fire. I cannot write enough about these stories in the limited space that I have, but each chapter tells a story that the reader will empathize with and there are no cookie cutter stories. When I was on the job I expected to go to fires and we took many as routine. But many times I did empathize and thought how devastated and depressed I would be if the fire I was at was my own home! Each chapter is separate in itself and this book is worth reading!
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