1st Responder News New England August by Belsito Communications Inc.

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VERMONT - PAGE 3

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B SPRAGUE

Sandown, NH - Shortly after 10 a.m., firefighters were called to 10 Aruda Road for a house fire. Firefighters from Sandown and Hampstead were quickly on scene reporting a one story home well involved. - See full story on page 10

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

1St Responder Newspaper - NE

PagE 3

VERMONT

GREG RAMSDELL

Firefighters respond to pickup truck fire On June 4, 2013 at approximately 7:30 a.m., Swanton Fire Department 13E1,13T1 responded for a pickup truck fire on Bushey Road near Route 207.The truck was destroyed by the fire.There were no injuries reported.

GREG RAMSDELL

Car versus library in Swanton On the afternoon of June 21st, the Swanton Fire Department and Missisquoi Valley Rescue Units 1 and 2 (MVR) responded to the library on First Street in Swanton Village for a car that hit the library. The operator thought he had the car in reverse. No one inside the Library was hurt. One patient from the car was transported by MVR. The library sustained some structural damage.

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PAGE 4

August, 2013

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

VERMONT

Advertising Index

Firefighters respond to propane tank leak

A guide to finding great companies

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Apparatus For Sale

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Classified Page

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St. Albans Town, Vermont. On June 19th at approximately 1:20 p.m. St. Albans Town Fire Department responded to a JUMP TO FILE # 1000 gallon under- 062213106 ground propane tank leak on East Shore Drive at a construction site. A small loader hit a pipe leading to the tank and causing it to leak. The tank was full. Mutual aid was called in from Swanton Fire Department. The propane company was call in with special tools to stop the leak. There were no reported injuries.

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- GREG RAMSDELL

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 18, No. 7 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, 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 e r r o r . A division of: Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

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August, 2013

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August, 2013

1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

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Bob Long

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Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@1stResponderNews.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

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Nicole Roby (Nicole@1stResponderNews.com) EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings, Henry Campbell, Chelle Cordero, Lori Ann Hodgkinson, Bob Long, John Malecky, Gordon Wren

CORRESPONDENTS Nate Arnold • Patrick Belliveau • Brian Blackden • Al Boucher Allen Brackett • Thomas Brophy • David Bryce • Sylvia Cancela Jason Cole • Kevin Czarzasty • David Danielson • Paul Dolnier Glenn Duda • Kenneth Erickson • Jim Fortin • Thomas Galliford Tina Gianos • Jonathan Goldman • Karen Halstead • Brian Hardy Ed Harvey • Rodman Jordan • Erik Kalapir • John Kelahan Rick Kulmann • Ken LaBelle • Robert Ladd • Scott LaPrade Kenneth Leger • Brian Lehane • Peter Lobo • Paul MacCallum Bernie Meehan • Keith Muratori • George Nigro • Andrew Noyes • Jake O’Callaghan • Brian Owen • Greg Ramsdell Zack Schoone • John Sjostedt • Kevin Soucie • Robert Sprague David Stewart • Christopher Tracy • Pat Travers • Alan W Kevin Wiles, Jr. • Nick Zabawar

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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GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adverA division of: tisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices. As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

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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 Michigan: Brian Woehlke, 29 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: May 8, 2013 Death Date: May 8, 2013 Fire Department: Westland Fire Department Fire Dept. Info: Chief Michael J. Reddy Initial Summary: Firefighter Woehlke passed away from injuries sustained in a commercial structure fire at a strip mall. Woehlke was caught and trapped when the roof of the structure collapsed. Initial reports indicate that a Mayday call was made shortly after the collapse. Further details regarding the incident are pending and it remains under investigation by authorities. Incident Location: 6581 N Wayne RD, Westland, MI 48185

Texas: Stanley A. Wilson, 51 Rank: Fire Rescue Officer Incident Date: May 20, 2013 Death Date: May 20, 2013 Fire Department: Dallas Fire-Rescue Department Fire Dept. Info: Louie Bright, III Initial Summary: Fire Rescue Officer Wilson died of injuries sustained in a multi-unit residential structure fire. Wilson became caught and trapped when a portion of the condominium unit in which he was operating collapsed. Investigation into the fatal incident continues by authorities. Incident Location: Hearthwood Condominiums at 12363 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX

Washington: Albert A. Nejmeh, 59 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: May 14, 2013 Death Date: May 14, 2013 Fire Department: Tacoma Fire Department Fire Dept. Info: Chief Jim Duggan Initial Summary: While working at the scene of an EMS incident, Firefighter Nejmeh collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Fellow responders rendered basic and advanced life support to Nejmeh and transported him to St. Joseph Medical Center where, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his injury.

Houston, TX Name: Robert Bebee, 41 Rank: Engineer Operator Name: Matthew Renaud, 35 Rank: Captain Name: Robert H. Garner, 29 Rank: Firefighter Name: Anne M. Sullivan, 24 Rank: Probationary Firefighter Incident Date:Apr 17, 2013 Death Date: Apr 17, 2013 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Fire Dept. Info: Chief: Terry Garrison Initial Summary: The Houston Fire Department responded to a structure fire. While battling the blaze, the roof of the motel collapsed, trapping the firefighters in burning debris. All four firefighters perished. Incident Location: 6855 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX

Arizona: Brad Harper, 23 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: May 18, 2013 Death Date: May 19, 2013 Fire Department: Phoenix Fire Department Fire Dept. Info: Chief Bob Khan Initial Summary: Firefighter Harper was pinned between two fire department vehicles at the scene of an outside fire. He was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital by other firefighters but did not survive.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

BRIAN BLACKDEN

Water rescue/recovery on July 5th The Concord Fire Department responded again to Sewall’s Falls in the early afternoon for a man who waded into the river and disappeared below the surface. The man was attempting to retrieve ﬂoating trash, as it was a popular place for him to be. He wanted to keep the river clean. The majority of the Concord Fire Department responded for the man underwater call, dispatching Boats 5 and 7 with personnel from the Manor, Central, Broadway and the Heights stations. After a very labor intensive, but unsuccessful rescue period with the NH Marine Patrol, the Fish and Game Dive Team responded to conduct a recovery mission. Four hours into the call, the

JUMP TO FILE #070813119

body was removed from the water. Ironically, the 59 year old man who drowned was present at the rescues on July 4th, as he was a common ﬁxture ﬁshing and sunning at the Sewall’s Falls area of the Merrimack River. A Fish and Game sergeant stated to WMUR TV-9 that the man was about the most familiar with the river and yet he even became its victim due to unseasonably heightened rain levels and strong currents. - BRIAN BLACKDEN

BRIAN BLACKDEN

Multiple water rescues on July 4th The Concord Fire Department responded to Sewalls Falls in the early afternoon for two people who had fallen off a tube in the Merrimack River, sans personal flotation devices. Station 5 responded with an engine, embulance and Boat 5. Additional fire rescue teams and a second boat were put in south of Sewalls Falls to head up river. It was reported that at one point a possible third person, a rescuer, was also in the river. During the rescue, a kayaker also flipped his kayak in the rough

JUMP TO FILE #070813128

waters and lost personal equipment in the river. Boat 5 was recalled after going down river as the father and daughter were able to get to shore near the command center. Boat 5 did, however, return with the tube, a cooler and child’s shoes that had ﬂoated down river. Shortly after this rescue, at the same spot, Station 5 responded to rescue four people trapped on the

far side of the falls in the river, and ended up heading down river for a ﬁfth that was detached from the group. The Merrimack River is extremely high and rapid due to recent heavy rains. Sewalls Falls was washed out in 1984 when it was previously a Hydro Electric plant and now resembles a rock section of mini rapids that is just south of a small beach used heavily by the city community. - BRIAN BLACKDEN

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

BRIAN BLACKDEN

Boscawen water rescue/recovery The Concord Fire Department responded again with the Boscawen Fire Department and Penacook Rescue along with the NH Marine Patrol and NH Fish & Game to Hannah Dustin Beach on the Merrimack River for a 20 year old man, who disappeared below the surface. The man was reported by a family member to be attempting to cross a section of the river. The family attempted a rescue to no avail. Concord Fire Department responded with an engine and Boat 5 along with Penacook Ambulance and Rescue Boat 1 and was further aided by the NH Marine Patrol for a boat search. The brother of the victim was put in a boat with the NH Marine Patrol and Fish & Game to give the agencies a last location pinpoint. A Fish and Game sergeant stated to WMUR TV-9 that the river is unseasonably heightened due to rain and strong currents during the fourth rescue in that section of the river involving approximately nine people, with now two drownings in two days.

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Two alarms struck for house fire Sandown, NH. Shortly after 10 a.m., firefighters were called to 10 Aruda Road for a house fire. Firefighters from Sandown and Hampstead were quickly on scene reporting a one story home well involved. Due to the location out of the water area, a second alarm was requested for manpower and tankers bringing in several area towns. The home received heavy damage. According to Chief Tapley, the cause of the fire is unknown. The American Red Cross was requested at assist the family.

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August, 2013

PAge 11

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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Fire in Portsmouth commercial building Portsmouth, NH. On June 30, 2013 at 4:34 p.m., firefighters in Portsmouth were alerted to a fire at 38 Daniel Street. They arrived to find fire in a three story commercial building with apartments on the top two floors and extension into an adjacent building. A third alarm was needed to extinguish the fire.

BRIAN BLACKDEN

Working fire in City of Concord The Concord Fire Department was dispatched just into the a.m. hours July 8th for a box alarm for Station 4 and Tower 1 for a partition fire at 36 Stone Street. Within blocks of Station 4, they announced a working fire. Quick work by the Concord Fire Department soon reduced the call. Within about 30 minutes the fire was deemed out and the 20 minute marks were discontinued after the first mark. Upon the arrival of fire prevention, the area was taped off for investigation and the damage appeared to be a small section of the home’s exterior; although, ventilation was needed for the home by smoke ejection equipment.

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PAGE 12

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

RHODE ISLAND

BRIAN HARDY

House fire in Central Falls On June 16th at approximately 8 p.m., a working fire was reported at 88 Sylvian Street in Central Falls. Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke showing from a three story wood frame with fire on the third floor. No injuries were reported and the fire was knocked down quickly.

NICK ZABAWAR

Line of duty death Warwick MVA with three transported reported in North Kingston The 143d Fire & Emergency Services - Quonset ANG Base R.I. reported a line of duty death from an incident on June 17, 2013. According to the US Fire Administration, Assistant Chief of Operations Edward C. Vanner, Jr. , age 58, was found by a fellow firefighter in his office unconscious and unre-

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sponsive. Chief Vanner was transported to Kent Hospital where despite the best efforts of EMTs and doctors from the 143d FES, North Kingstown Fire Department, and Kent Hospital, Chief Vanner passed away from an apparent heart attack. Fireﬁghter Austin had 23 years of career service with the department. - HEATHER PILLSWORTH

Around 7 p.m. on the evening of June 23rd, Warwick firefighters were dispatched to the front of 1915 West Shore Road, the Elks Lodge, for a reported head on collision. Engine 3, Ladder 3, Rescue 3, Special Hazards, and Battalion 2 were dispatched. One of the cars was reported to be on fire and Engine 4 and Rescue 4 were added. A total of three people were transported to Rhode Island Hospital with various injuries, all believed to be non-life threatening. According to witnesses, a fe-

JUMP TO FILE #062313101

male driving a Dodge Stratus was seen driving erratically and at high speeds eastbound on West Shore Road about a mile from the accident scene. The vehicle rearended a four door SUV at a high rate of speed near Wharf Road, and continued for about 200 feet, spreading engine oil and debris all over the road before the engine quit. The female driver self-extricated and was found on the side of the

road being tended to by bystanders. Engine 3 extinguished the small fire that started under the hood while Rescue 3 treated and transported the driver. The occupants of the SUV were treated and transported by Rescue 4. Special Hazards applied speedy dry to the leaking fluids. Speed and alcohol are believed to be involved in this accident, but it is currently under investigation by Warwick Police. - NICK ZABAWAR

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PAGE 14

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

GLENN DUDA

SHANNON HICKS

Sandy Hook Vol. Fire & Rescue celebrates 75th years of service Sandy Hook firefighters, Ladies Auxiliary members, Junior Corp. members, family, friends and firefighters from other companies came out on a warm Saturday night on June 22nd to celebrated the fire company's 75th anniversary at Roberto's Restaurant in Monroe. The evening started with cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and a bagpiper greeted all arriving guests. Newtown Fire Commissioner Kevin Cragin was the MC for the evening. After opening remarks, a buffet dinner followed. During dinner, a video pres-

JUMP TO FILE #070813180

entation was shown which had hundreds of photos the 75 years documenting calls, drills and fun times. Next up was awards and gift presentations. Longevity awards were given to members who had over 50 years of service in department. Fireﬁghters were also given years of service pins starting with members who had a minimum ofﬁve years and upwards. The top ten re-

sponders over the last five years were acknowledged with certificate. The Ladies Auxiliary also recognized their members as well. Captain Andy DeWolfe of the Junior Corp. was given a gift for his superior service. The Firefighter of the Year award went to the entire company for what they did on December 14th and the weeks following. The evening concluded with dancing including a polka. The evening was truly a success! - KARIN HALSTEAD

PATCHES GLENN DUDA

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.

Bridgeport second alarm house fire A late afternoon fire tore through an occupied house on 181 Poplar Street. The fire was reported by police, in the area for a disturbance, who helped evacuate the residents prior to the fire department’s arrival. The safety officer arrived on scene reporting a large three story, wood frame well involved with the exposure also going. A second alarm was transmitted forthwith. The first due engine dumped the monitor, darkening down the fire with the help of multiple hand lines. Companies aggressively went interior and knocked down the remaining fire. Six engines, three trucks and the rescue worked for about an hour to control the fire. No one was injured in the fire and several families were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

RICK KULMANN

Stamford Engine 2

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

PAgE 15

CONNECTICUT

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Route 8N Rollover with Ejection in Shelton Shelton, CT. At approximately 9:15 a.m. on July 2, 2013, Shelton Fire Companies 1 and 3 were dispatched to Route 8 Northbound between Exits 12 and 13 for a reported rollover. First units on scene found a black BMW on its side off into a wooded area to the side of the highway. The driver was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and transported to Bridgeport Hospital with â&#x20AC;&#x153;non-incapacitatingâ&#x20AC;? injuries.

WESTPORT FIRE

Gas leak and fire in Westport causes evacuations On June 21st at 10:30 a.m., Engine Company #2 of the Westport Fire Department was driving along Post Road East when it was ďŹ&#x201A;agged down by workers from a private construction company working on a natural gas line in the roadway on Westfair Drive. They had been working on a two inch high pressure natural gas line in the street which developed a leak and erupted in a ďŹ reball approximately 20 feet in diameter. The crew summoned additional ďŹ re units and began immediate evacuation of nearby buildings. As additional units arrived, two and a

JUMP TO FILE #062113110

half inch hose lines were stretched to protect structures, vehicles and trees. Several trees a pickup truck and the construction crewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tools were damaged by the ďŹ re. Southern Connecticut Gas was requested for an emergency response. Westport EMS stoodby on scene for rehab if needed. After the gas line was shut down, ďŹ reďŹ ghters extinguished the remaining debrisand stood by while the gas company conducted an in-

vestigation into the cause of the ďŹ re. The gas main shut down affected three commercial buildings in the immediate area and service disruption was expected to last for several hours. A total of two engines, a truck company and several staff vehicles responded with a total of 13 ďŹ reďŹ ghters to the incident that lasted until 12:15 when the Post Road was reopened and the scene was left to the gas company. No injuries or burns were reported. - BERNIE MEEHAN

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School bus accident in Wolcott injures one Wolcott, CT. On June 12th at around 2:30 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the area of 740 Woodtick Road for a car accident with injuries involving a school bus. Several police units, Engine 4, Engine 8 and the volunteer ambulance responded. Upon arrival, they had a school bus and Kia Sportage involved in an accident. The driver of the car hit the back of the bus and then went down an embankment into the woods. The driver of the car had minor injuries and the bus only had two children and the driver on board. One child was brought to the hospital by his parents to be checked out.The accident closed the road for about 45 minutes.

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August, 2013

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Heavy fire and two alarms in Hartford Hartford, CT. Fire gutted a two and a half story wood frame occupied multiple dwelling in the early morning hours of June 6, 2013. Just before 1:30 a.m., a ďŹ rst alarm assignment was dispatched to the area of Homestead Ave. and Burton St. in the city's North End for a reported structure ďŹ re. Hartford Fire Alarm advised the responding deputy chief that several 911 calls were being received and that police were on-scene conďŹ rming a working ďŹ re.

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First-due companies found heavy ďŹ re conditions on the second ďŹ&#x201A;oor with the B side structure threatened. FireďŹ ghters, with conďŹ rmation that all occupants had made it out safely, made entry into the structure with the hopes of an aggressive interior attack. A second alarm was transmitted as interior conditions rapidly

deteriorated and all companies were ordered to evacuate. Tower Ladder 3, positioned at the C/D corner and Tower Ladder 4, in front of the A side, commenced elevated master stream operations while exterior handlines worked from the ground. No injuries to members or civilians were reported. The city's ďŹ re marshal is currently investigating what caused the blaze. - SEAN FREIMAN

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

PAgE 17

CONNECTICUT

Early morning fire quickly knocked at Fairfield business

JEN MOCKALIS-SMITH

Fairfield, CT. On June 14, 2013 at 3:41 a.m., the Emergency Communications Center received a report of smoke coming from a building at 1565 Black Rock Turnpike by a witness. The Fairfield Fire Department responded within minutes with five engine and two ladder companies. Assistant Chief Erik Kalapir found black smoke coming from a one story, mercantile occupancy and a “working fire” was declared. At the time, the exact location of the seat of the fire was unknown. Engine Two, under the command of Lt Jay Swindon, arrived on scene and scanned the building with the thermal imaging camera to locate the highest heat concentration. Engine 2 personnel forced entry and advanced a hose line, exposed to high heat and zero visibility, into the occupancy of "Beans and Leaves" to

JUMP TO FILE #061713101

conduct fire attack. Ladder 2 utilized ground ladders to access the roof and cut a ventilation hole using power saws, because there was a concern the fire would grab hold of the cockloft area and combustible roof. The aerial ladder was used as a secondary escape route. Engine 3, under the command of Lt Bill Tuttle, established a water supply from a hydrant on Moritz Place and they proceeded to stretch a two and a half inch backup line to protect the fire attack conducted by Engine 2. Ladder 1 opened access to the rear of the structure, providing access, looking for the possibility of fire extension and a possible basement access. Engine 5 staged as a

rapid intervention crew and safety officer. An additional engine and ladder were called to the scene from Bridgeport, but they were put in service prior to arrival. Engine 4 entered the adjoining store and stretched a one and three quarter inch exposure line to look for fire extension into the "Turkish Grill". Luckily, there was no fire extension into the adjoining restaurant after inspection. Westport and Bridgeport Fire Departments provided coverage of fire stations. Squad 14 was utilized to provide lighting to the interior of the building. An investigation is being conducted by Assistant Chief William Kessler. The property owner is diligently working with businesses owners to reopen this weekend. - ERIK KALAPIR

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

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Danbury battles boat fire on Candlewood Lake KEVIN KCZARZASTY

On June 22nd, the Danbury Fire Department was notified of a boat fire at a dock in the area of Waterview Drive on Candlewood Lake. While Danbury units were responding from the land side of the fire, the Brookfield Fire Department responded with their fire boat (Marine 25) from the waterside of the incident. First on scene Engine 23 found a 19 foot Bayliner fully involved, with fire extending to the dock. There was a second boat

JUMP TO FILE #062213110

moored to the opposite side of the dock, which became threatened as the wind shifted in it's direction. Engine 23 crew stretched a one and three quarter inch line to the waterside and immediately cut the exposure boat loose from its mooring and pushed it into the lake where the nearby Lake Patrol received it. Engine 23 trained their

line with foam. Engine 24, Truck 1, and Tanker 10 assisted. Marine 25 tied off to the dock to supply a handline to help with mop up. The State of Connecticut EnCon Marine Police, as well as the Candlewood Lake Patrol were on the scene to assist. The Danbury Fire Marshals office investigated the fire and there were no injuries. - BERNIE MEEHAN

A member of Waterbury Fire's Rescue Engine 1 secures two victims of a swift water boating accident to prepare them for rescue

Two rescued from a swift water incident in Waterbury Two canoeists can thank Waterbury Fire that they did not end up statistics of the high river waters, which have already claimed two lives in Connecticut this week. A passing bicyclist heard the victims calling for help after their canoe capsized in the raging rain swollen Naugatuck River off Platts Mill Rd. Waterbury ďŹ reďŹ ghters had to clear several large trees before they could put their rescue plan in action. They then deployed the ladder on Truck 1 to use as a rappelling platform and later a makeshift crane to lift the victims out of the water. A member of Rescue Engine 1 was lowered to the couple, who were clinging to a rock approximately 40 feet from shore. He in turn harnessed them one at a time so that Truck 1's ladder could be raised and pluck them from the swift water and place them on

JUMP TO FILE #061713132

shore. As a safety measure, Engines 11 and 8 were deployed on the bridge south of the incident in case anyone was swept downstream. Mutual aid companies from Naugatuck positioned south of the bridge and Beacon Falls volunteers deployed their boat as a last line of safety measures if anyone got past the other companies. Both victims were rescued without incident. The female victim was transported by EMS for possible hypothermia and the male refused treatment. Luckily, both were wearing PFD's when their canoe capsized or the outcome might not have been as good. - KEVIN CZARZASTY

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Man dies in texting and driving accident Wolcott, CT - A 53 year old man died Friday when his motorcycle was struck from behind at a red light by a 24 year old woman seen texting and driving by a Wolcott police officer on patrol. The accident occurred late afternoon on Tuesday, June 25th near the very busy intersection of Todd and Meriden Roads. Several police officers along with Wolcott Fire and Ambulance were dispatched and the victim was transported to St. Marys Hospital in serious condition, but died Friday. The road was closed for a long period of time while they investigated. Its unknown if any charges will be filed against the woman who lives in an apartment complex near the accident scene.

Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to heather@1strespondernews.com

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

PagE 19

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Car crashes into store Waterbury, CT. In the early afternoon hours of July 3rd, Waterbury emergency responders were dispatched for a car into a check cashing business at the corner of East Main and Cherry Streets. Engine 2, Truck 3, Rescue 9 and Battalion 2 with an additional engine found a car that drove into the small building with seven people including a child trapped. Firefighters extricated them by breaking through a wall. None had injuries. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital with an leg injury. Waterbury police are investigating the accident.

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Danbury battles daytime church fire At 2:11 p.m. on June 29th, the Danbury Fire Department received a report of an automatic alarm at the St. Nicholas Byzantine Church located at 13 Pembroke Road. The first due Engine (25) and Truck Company (T-2) were at a previous alarm when this alarm sounded. A minute into the response, Dispatch notified Car 30 (Deputy Chief Meehan) that the priest called and reported he smelled smoke in the church. Car 30 requested that the nearby New Fairfield VFD respond with their aerial (Truck 4). Two minutes into the response, Dispatch notified Car 30 that the off duty fire marshal was reporting a working structure fire. Car 30 transmitted a second alarm and to have New Fairfield respond with their tankers as well. Car 30 arrived seconds later to find an 11,000 square foot church with heavy smoke showing from the roof as well as through the front doors, transmitting a third alarm. Engine 23 arrived almost simultaneously and stopped at the side A/B corner stretching an attack line to the front doors. Truck 2 arrived, took up a position at Side A and put the aerial into operation. Engine 22 laid approximately 1000 feet of five inch line from Route 37 to the church to feed Engine 23 and the ladder. Engine 26 pumped this line from the hydrant to boost the pressure. Considering the amount of fire and the challenge of the long supply hose lay, a tanker shuttle operation was also put into play across the street from the church in the parking lot of the nearby Amber Room Catering Hall. Fairfield County Fire Coordinator Dennis Ring, who is also a Danbury Volunteer Firefighter, acted as water supply officer. Five Danbury tankers and two New Fairfield tankers operated in this shuttle, with Danbury Engine 21

JUMP TO FILE #063013100

as the drafting pumper and Danbury Engine 3 (Padanaram Hose) setting up a fill site for the tankers. Finding heavy fire deep into the church sanctuary and extending into the attic space, firefighters set forth an attack with handlines, while Truck 2 began to open the roof. New Fairfield Truck 4 was positioned behind Truck 2, covering the A/D corner. Within a short few moments, the fire took complete hold of the roof area and knowing the building was built in 1996 and was constructed with trusses, the order was given to switch to a defensive fire attack mode. The roof operations were abandoned and all units switched to exterior attack positions. Seeing the need for additional water, Danbury Engine 5 (Wooster Hose) was special called because of their LDH capability. Engine 5 laid another five inch line from East Pembroke Road near the Federal Prison, approximately 2300 feet away. This line came down to the scene and fed Engine 21, Engine 10 (Germantown), as well as the New Fairfield Ladder pipe. EMS arrived and set up a rehab sector, which was critical in the hot and humid weather. Despite master streams and ladder pipes in operation, the fire had complete hold of the building and the roof failed within 20 minutes. Crews continued to pour water into the fire for hours. Once the fire was mostly extinguished, firefighters were able to salvage numerous items from the building. The Danbury Fire Marshals Office is investigating the fire, and four members were treated for heat related issues. - BERNIE MEEHAN

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

Page 21

PAGE 22

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.

Incredible rescue in Danbury At approximately 10 p.m. on June 15th, the Danbury 911 center began receiving calls reporting a motor vehicle accident on Memorial Drive. On a Saturday night, the area is very congested with people playing on the various fields and other activities, it is not a place that one would expect a serious car accident. Engine 21 and an ambulance were dispatched. Within seconds, multiple calls were received in dispatch reporting that this was a serious accident, multiple people were injured and trapped in a car. Fire Dispatch immediately upped the response to a full rescue assignment, which included Engine 22, Truck 1, Car 30 (DC Williams), Squad 23, and Engine/Rescue 10 (Germantown VFC). DC Williams established command and reported a large pick up on top of a smaller car with entrapment and multiple victims, requesting a third ambulance, a third engine company (Engine 26) and a volunteer squad company for lighting (Squad 6), along with a safety officer (Car 51). DC Williams then called dispatch and requested that Modzelewski's Towing be notified that their rotator crane wrecker was needed. Within a few moments, another report was received stating another vehicle part of this incident on Overlook Drive about 1/4 mile away with injuries as well. An additional ambulance was dispatched from the Town of Bethel. Fire units immediately went to work trying to rescue the trapped victims. Two smaller cars were traveling north-

PROVIDED

JUMP TO FILE #061613102

bound from the base of Memorial Drive when a Ford F-350/Dual Wheel pick up traveling the opposite direction, saw the two vehicles and made an evasive move in an attempt to avoid the cars. Unfortunately for one vehicle; a small Honda, struck the large Ford amidships and wedged itself completely underneath the undercarriage of the Ford. Utilizing Res-Q-Jacks and an extensive amount of wooden cribbing, the crew was able to stabilize the pick up from its precarious position atop the car, the F-350's rear wheels were better than two feet off the ground. Once the truck was stabilized, ﬁreﬁghters began the extrication while awaiting the rotator crane. There was just enough room under the pick up, between the drivers door of the car and the rear end of the Ford, to remove the drivers door of the Honda. In this tight space, utilizing multiple Hurst Tool components, hand tools, and brute force, the rescue team was able to remove two occupants from the car just as the rotator crane arrived. Another Engine and EMS crew were tending to the injuries in vehicle 3 a short distance away. Both of the victims of the Honda were transported to the hospital. Squad 6 remained on scene to assist the Danbury Police with their accident investigation. - BERNIE MEEHAN

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Eastford’s Chris Bowen receives Gerald Ferrari Award On Monday, May 20th Chris Bowen of Eastford Fire and Rescue Sales was honored by the Connecticut State EMS Council with the Gerald Ferrari Award at the State Capitol in Hartford, CT. State Senator Tony Guglielmo also recognized Chris for his support of Emergency Medical Services in the State of Connecticut. Chris is the Owner and President of Eastford Fire & Rescue Sales, Inc. in Eastford, CT. EF&R is a distributor for Life Line and Crestline ambulances. Eastford Fire & Rescue Sales has been a source of quality emergency vehicle repairs and service for over twenty years. EF&R has a complete parts and service department, as well as a full service paint and body shop. EF&R services the entire ambulance including the chassis. EF&R also performs remounts and builds other custom emergency vehicles such as

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paramedic intercept units, rescue trucks, and other types of command and support vehicles for both ﬁre and EMS agencies. Chris believes that service is the most important aspect of any business, but especially for an emergency vehicle dealer. Servicing emergency vehicles is a tremendous responsibility and must be performed with both speed and accuracy. Chris goes on to say, “We also believe that servicing volunteer organizations requires a special attention to convenience for the volunteers. That’s why Eastford Fire & Rescue Sales provides free on-site service and pick-up and delivery service. It's hard enough ﬁnding volunteers to cover shifts and answer

calls without worrying about ﬁnding two spare people to shuttle an outof-service vehicle to and from the garage.” This is among the many reasons Chris was nominated for this award by the Connecticut State EMS Council. The Gerald Ferrari Award was established to recognize persons who are behind-the-scenes Supporters of Emergency Medical Services. It is an award to honor those who are part of the system in a non-hands-on manner. This award is to recognize individuals who are not necessarily Emergency Medical Services practitioners, but rather, the unsung heroes whose work is often behind the scenes and may go unnoticed and unappreciated, persons whose efforts may positively change or enhance EMS. - PROVIDED

West Haven firefighters battle second alarm West Haven firefighters were called to 817 Campbell Avenue for a reported house fire. Multiple calls were received due to the proximity to I-95 and the city's main artery. Heavy fire was issuing from the top floor windows upon the companies ar- JUMP TO FILE # rival. Firefighters 071013103 made an interior attack, but had trouble gaining access to the fire due to the maze like layout of the third floor. Companies were briefly backed down to the second floor while the heavy fire was darkened down from the outside. The second alarm was transmitted due to the high heat and humidity of the day and the need for more manpower. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no one was injured in the blaze. - GLENN DUDA

GLENN DUDA

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

Page 23

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Communications and Emergency Scene Safety II Fire and EMS radio communications are the backbone of our daily operations and vital to the safety of all responding personnel. The use of portable radios and the potential for all emergency scene personnel being issued a radio will greatly enhance their safety and accountabilSTAYING ity. SAFE If this is not possible, Chief Henry Campthen every bell officer and or unit assigned an emergency scene function should have at least one member with a portable radio. When used properly and in conjunction with the Incident Command System, emergency scene radio communications greatly improves life safety. When used improperly, or when there are failures in the system, the threat to life safety is greatly increased. Over the past few years there have been recorded failures, misuse, and inadequacies in the radio communications systems in many departments, some of which have contributed to the loss of lives. No matter what type of radio system you are operating with, there are some specific procedures that must always be followed. Always! Like everything else we do in life, we become creatures of habit and revert back to what we consider to be the simplest and usually laziest method of operation. Misunderstood orders, being on the wrong channel/frequency, not monitoring your radio, radio interference, are but a few of the problems that can be encountered, and should they occur at an in opportune time, they may be deadly. How many departments train on the use of department radio equipment? Does the training just cover how to turn the radio on, how to select a channel/frequency and unit call designations, battery replacement and charging and then you are qualified? Use of department communication equipment should be in writing and explicit as to the operations and use of the equipment, and then the policy must be enforced. Specifics such as acknowledgment, radio discipline, fireground and dispatch channel/frequencies, reports, and emergency radio traffic procedures should be included. Radio discipline procedures should include proper radio etiquette when using the radio system, using the Think-Push-Speak method, and giving concise meaningful reports and messages in a clear voice. There are many long-winded speakers using the emergency services radio system and we all have them, give them a radio and they think they have to say something.

Remember you learn more by listening! The person who pushes the button and the first word out of their mouth is a long “aaaaah” can be very distracting. Think about what you are going to say before pushing the “push to talk” button, then after you have pushed the button, wait a second or two for the radio “to open up” then give your complete message. Half a message can be very confusing at times and it ties up the airwaves when it has to be repeated. If you have a very long message, it should be broken up into smaller messages. The most important part of any radio transmission is being acknowledged. Being acknowledged simply means that someone has heard you. If you have not been acknowledged you can very well assume you have not been heard. Before giving any message over the radio you must get the attention of the person, unit, dispatcher, or whomever before you actually give your message. Radio interference, being on the wrong channel, feedback, dead battery, inattention, or the possibility that the intended receiver is transmitting at the same time all may hinder the receipt of your message. Once you have been acknowledged then you can proceed with your message, and then once again, be acknowledged that it was received. If the receiver does not understand the message, or did not receive all of it, now is the time to request that it be repeated. Every radio message, no matter how simple or whether emergency scene or not, should be acknowledged, practice creates good habits. Are you on the right channel/frequency? Radio discipline requires each member to be on the correct radio channel/frequency. - continued at www.1rbn.com

Dudley firefighters battle fire at gas station store Dudley, MA. On Friday evening June 7th, as monsoontype rains washed over South Central Worcester County, Dudley firefighters were alerted to a fire in a gas station convenience store on West Main Street. All had been normal during the day at Patriot Gas, a JUMP TO FILE # local gas station and 061013115 convenience store located at 251 West Main Street. But soon after the owner had closed up for the day and left the premises, just after 11 p.m., the dispatcher at Dudley Fire Alarm started fielding calls from passing motorists reporting fire coming from the roof of the business. A second alarm was struck as Dudley paramedics returning from the hospital passed by the location and confirmed the blaze. Firefighters had a difficult time getting ahead of the winddriven fire as it completely engulfed the attic and roof portions of the building. Dudley firefighters received mutual aid assistance from the Webster, Southbridge, and Oxford Fire Departments. The fire was difficult to extinguish because the incident commander did not allow firefighters to enter the building due to the probability of a roof collapse, which did happen fairly early into the firefight. Crews had to attack the flames from the exterior of the structure and had a very difficult time getting water into the concealed spaces of the attic area. After the visible fire was knocked down, extensive overhaul operations began with crews exercising extreme caution while working within the building. Firefighters remained on scene until shortly after 4 a.m., overhauling and providing a fire watch. The fire was investigated by members of the Dudley Fire Department along with some help

ALAN J. BRACKETT

Dudley firefighters Nick Rivera and Travis McDonald stretch the first big line to knock down heavy fire at Patriot Gas on West Main St in Dudley on June 7th.

from the troopers attached to the State Fire Marshals Office. Dudley Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski stated that the investigation is still active and the fire appears to have started in the attic space of the one and a half story commercial building. Kochanowski said that even

though the building is still standing, it is being considered a total loss. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. - ALAN BRACKETT

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

PAgE 25

MASSACHUSETTS

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN

Truck rollover in Chatham Chatham, MA - A truck carrying a load of bark mulch bags rolled on its side at the intersection of Old Comers Road and Old Queen Anne Road Monday at 9. According to witnesses, the driver of the truck made the turn very slowly and was not injured. Chatham police are handling the investigation.

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN

Accident on Route 39 in Harwich Harwich, MA - A three vehicle crash sent three people to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries. The accident happened at Route 39 and Pleasant Bay Road Thursday, June 27th around 4 p.m. After the Audi Sedan stopped, it then pulled in front of a truck traveling east on Route 39. The truck hit the Audiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passenger side, sending the sedan into a Ford Expedition on the other side of the road. The truck driver was not hurt and no damage was done to his vehicle. Harwich Fire and Rescue personnel tended to the accident victims.

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

K LEGER

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Motorcycle accident in Plymouth Plymouth, MA. Firefighters responded to Cherry St at Industrial Park Rd for a motorcycle accident. First arriving units found a patient trapped under a motor vehicle. The Plymouth rescue unit was dispatched to the scene and airbags were used to extricate the patient. The patient was transported by ground to South Shore Hospital with traumatic injuries.

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN

Crash in Harwich Harwich, MA. Around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2nd, a crash at the intersection of Route 28 and Riverside Road sent three woman to Cape Cod Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two females in the Dodge Caravan sustained injuries from air bag deployment. The Dodge was hit by a Buick sedan that was coming out of Riverside Ave. onto Route 28. A female passenger in the Buick also received minor injuries and was transported by the Harwich Fire and Rescue. Harwich Police are handling the investigation.

Cooking french fries is cause of fire Fall River MA. At 5:48 p.m. on June 24th, the 911 Communication Center began receiving calls reporting a kitchen fire on the third floor at 1020 Middle St. Engine 4 arrived three minutes later and reported heavy smoke on approach with heavy fire showing from the rear. Car 3 ordered a an extra pump as the rapid intervention team. D. C. Michael Clark established Middle St. command and ordered an extra ladder truck to respond. He reported he had a three story

JUMP TO FILE #062413113

wood frame building with heavy fire involvement on division three. Engine 4 commenced an aggressive interior attack from the front staircase on the rapidly spreading fire while Ladder 2 vented the roof. Heavy Rescue 1 advanced a second attack line up the rear staircase to attack the fire on the third floor and the attic area, which was

now involved. Engine 3 took a hydrant on Second St. and fed the water tower on Ladder 2, which was used on the exposure, whose siding was beginning to melt from the radiant heat. Shortly before 8:30 p.m., the ﬁre was declared out. Fire investigators interviewed the third ﬂoor tenant and she stated she was cooking french fries on the kitchen stove when the oil ignited and quickly spread to the walls. - KENNETH LEGER

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

Page 27

Heroes Mortgage Program

Program assists hero firefighter after he saves his family from blaze Last August 25th started as a typical Saturday for John Williams and his wife, Stefanie, who live in Warren, MA. With Stefanie at work, John, 30, did some chores in the garage. On that day, John was soldering something together, a process in which two or more metal items are joined together with a small flame. During that process, one of his children crashed into a five-gallon can of gasoline with his Power Wheels, causing a fire in the garage. The garage was destroyed and John and two of his sons, Camden, 5, and Gavin, 4, could have perished if they didn't escape the inferno. After the traumatic accident, John and Stefanie Williams wanted a new home, a new start. The Williams’ purchased their new home with the help of the Sun National Bank Heroes Mortgage Program. 1st Responder and Sun Home Loans teamed up to create the Heroes Mortgage Program. This mortgage opportunity provides discounted fees and low interest rates for firefighters and other members of the emergency services community. John Williams is a firefighter and EMT with the Warren Fire Department, which was called to the scene of the fire at their old home.

He and his wife moved into their new home on June 18. “We just wanted a fresh start,” Stefanie Williams said. “We just couldn’t stay there thinking about what could have been? It’s been a process, but the Heroes Mortgage program was great. They helped us with every question, they were amazing.” When the fire broke out, John Williams alertly threw his son, Camden, out of the second-story garage, feet first. However, his other son, Gavin, was scared and hid in the garage. John Williams feared he might not find Gavin and had to put his head out the window for fresh air, before making one last ditch effort to find the young boy. Luckily, John found Gavin, and tossed him to safety out the window. Young Gavin sustained head injuries, but made a full recovery. John Williams’ calm demeanor and quick thinking helped avoid a tragedy. He is, truly, a hero. “John only became a firefighter two years ago,” Stefanie Williams said. “I think this was all destiny, you have your whole life planned out for you. We were lucky, we count our blessings every day. Nothing is guaranteed.” John and Stefanie have another son Tyler, 10, and a daughter,

Makenna, 6. The family is still settling into their new home and, most importantly, are safe. Of course, 1st Responder and Sun Home Loans are proud to be part of the process. In seeking a new mortgage, the Williams’ were turned down by other companies because of the complexity of the deal. “It took a good week of man hours to set up the loan and ensure a closing,” said Steven Testa, a Vice President with Sun Home Loans. “But I was not going to let this family not fulfill their dream. We had to get this done for them and are proud that we did. Indeed, the Williams’ are a special family.” Whether purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing one, the Heroes Mortgage Program is offered exclusively, providing personal service, benefits and rates not normally available to the general public. To receive more information about the program and its benefits, contact Steven Testa at stesta@sunnb.com or call 973-615-9745. 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.

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PaGe 28

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

NATE ARNOLD

a jake from engine 8 operates the apparatus mounted deck gun on the a side.

NATE ARNOLD

Fire destroys three decker in Springfield an early morning fire gutted an occupied three story wood frame multiple family dwelling in the maple High-Six corners section of Springfield at 1:20 a.m. on June 26th. First in fire companies found the c side of the six family building fully involved on arrival and immediately set to work stretching attack lines to all floors and conducting primary searches for residents. 15 minutes into the job, it was confirmed by the arson investigator on scene that all occupants were out of the building and with the cockloft near flashover, all personnel were removed. Large caliber hand lines as well two ladder pipes were put into operation outside the building. companies made an aggressive attack on the fire, but it had already gained purchase on all three floors and subsequently destroyed the building. the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SFd arson Squad

Inferno destroys two buildings in Springfield A fast moving, early morning fire on July 3rd destroyed two homes and damaged several others in the Forest Park section of Springfield. The first call for the fire came in at 4:40 a.m. and by the time Engine 3 and Ladder 3 arrived on scene four minutes later, the front porches of 46-48 Chase Avenue were fully involved. The fire was spreading rapidly inside the occupied two and a half story wood frame duplex. Companies set up for a defensive attack due to the heavy fire conditions inside the structure. To make matters worse, just as the suppression operation was about to begin, the water main servicing the hydrants broke, dropping the water pressure on scene to "near zero" according to an aide to the Fire Commissioner Dennis Leger. With the resultant lack of water pressure on scene, the fire con-

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sumed the original fire building, the D side exposure building, several private vehicles parked near by and caused radiant heat damage to siding across the street as Springfield jakes rushed to find hydrants on crossstreets with adequate water flow. When the fire was finally brought under control by a second alarm assignment of companies some four hours after the first call, more than 20 people were displaced and over a dozen family pets were lost in the fire. The fire has been deemed suspicious in origin and is under investigation by the SFD Arson Squad. - nate aRnoLd

Trauma Junkie, Memoirs of an Emergency Flight Nurse

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN

Hazmat in Harwich Harwich, ma. an attempt to cut up an old propane tank in the back of the Harwich conservation trust building on Route 28, a series of events concluding in a Hazmat situation occurred on July 34rd the worker from the Harwich conservation trust was cutting into the tank when it started to leak. this was a 100 pound tank which usually carries 24 gallons of fuel. the fire department estimated there were 12 gallons of LP left. Fire chief norman clarke, Jr. contacted the commonwealth of massachusetts Hazardous material team calling for a tier 1 response. deputy Fire chief Kent Farrenkopf took command at the scene where he ordered the neighboring buildings evacuated. after conferring with the Haz-mat team, deputy chief Farrenkopf decided to seal the tank with duct tape and move the object to a secure location at the landfill, where the liquid propane could dissipate into the air.

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maps and glossary. You can probably imagine that if you are a ﬂight nurse assigned to an emergency medical helicopter ambulance, it is likely that the calls you respond to are for individuals who are seriously injured or sick. Many wind up dead from their injuries or complications. So it is with this in mind that I advise the reader that if you have a sensitive comprehension to reading about graphic material, this book may not be for you! I have found by talking with many people who are readers, that some cannot stomach the content of some books even though in most cases there are no accompanying photos. - Read moRe at www.1Rbn.com

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

PAge 29

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

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN

Brewster cyclist hit by vehicle Brewster, MA. Around 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 27th, a bicyclist was hit by a van in front of 2016 Route 6A. Brewster Fire and Rescue transported the young male to Cape Cod Hospital with serious injuries. The accident happened when the cyclist crossed in front of the van and was struck. The male driver of the white van was not at fault and will not be charged. Route 6A was closed for approximately two hours while a team of specialized police officers could reconstruct the accident.

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PAGE 30

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

K. LEGER

GARY FOURNIER

Car snaps telephone pole, rolls over and injures driver On June 23, 2013 at approximately 6:45 a.m., Leominster Fire Department's Engine 3 and Rescue 1 responded to a report of a MVA in the area of 655 Main St. The single car accident occurred as the driver veered off the road, hitting and snapping a telephone pole, then the vehicle rolled over, landing back on it's wheels. The driver was treated at the scene, then transported by Leominster Fire Department ambulance to UMass Medical Center in Worcester. The driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel at the time of the accident. No one else was in the vehicle when the accident occurred.

Very little remains of the garage. With heavy damage to house

Garage fire spreads to home in Fall River Fall River, MA. On June 16th at 5:30 p.m., 911 communications received a call reporting a structure ﬁre on Mohawk Dr. This area of the city is a remote, rural watershed area with no municipal water supply. The most direct route to this area is through the neighboring town of Westport, Ma. When apparatus arrived twelve minutes after dispatch, they found a garage fully involved and the nearby single family home partially involved. District Chief John Lynch established Mohawk command. He requested Fire Alarm to activate a tanker task force response from nearby towns. Chief Lynch then ordered the responding four engine companies to use their on board 500 gallon water supplies to hold the ﬁre in

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check until the tankers arrive. Engine companies also used portable Flotopumps to draft water from two nearby swimming pools. Water tankers arrived from the towns of Westport, Dartmouth, Berkley, and Tiverton (RI). The ﬁre was declared under control at 7:00 p.m. shortly after the ﬁre investigation unit was requested by command. The Special Services Unit was called and provided rehab at the scene. The last units cleared the scene shortly after 9:00 p.m. - KENNETH LEGER

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Fall River, Ma. On Sunday June 9th firefighters gathered at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in upper Kennedy Park to remember our fallen. Firefighters marched down Veterans Memorial Boulevard to the Firefighters Memorial where a brief service was held. Firefighters were joined by their families and Fire Department Chaplin Fr. Thomas Harrington who led the gathering in prayer. The flag was lowered to half staff and a ceremonial bell was rung while a wreath was laid at the monument. Firefighters and their families then went to the Heritage Park Visitors Center for a catered breakfast.

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 31

ALAN J. BRACKETT

Vacant illuminates night sky over Webster Webster, MA. An early morning fire on June 17th in Webster forced the evacuation of several nearby Granite Street homes and handed responding firefighters a bevy of tactical hurdles to overcome. At 2:24 a.m., the dispatcher at Webster Fire Control received several calls reporting a fire in the area of Prospect Street. It was determined that the fire was actually located on the next street over, Granite Street, and was heavily involving a two and a half story wood frame vacant apartment building. Webster firefighters were immediately dispatched. Police officers reported back that the fire was located at 16 Granite Street and it was fully involved in fire. Webster cops woke up residents in nearby buildings and requested that they evacuate their homes due to the radiant heat. Webster Fire Chief Brian Hickey established incident command. The chief was faced with some difficult problems right from the beginning. Granite St. is a one way street, narrow residential street lined with many occupied multiple family dwellings. Cars are parked along one side of the street causing congestion and making it difficult to place apparatus in key positions. To add to the dilemma, the apartment house was located on a back lot. Access to the building could only be made by entering a driveway between two front structures. Ultimately, only the first due engine could make the swing into the driveway. All other equipment and hose had to be lugged in by firefighters. Early on, Chief Hickey made the determination that this firefight would be strictly an aggressive exterior attack, utilizing large diameter handlines and heavy stream appliances. There was no access for an aerial master stream to attack the fire.

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Chief Hickey relayed to all incoming jakes that a collapse zone had been established. Chief Hickey called on mutual aid companies from Dudley, Douglas, Oxford, and Southbridge to assist. The firefighters quickly gained the upper han. The structure partially collapsed at the rear of the building and firefighters were still not allowed to enter the ravaged structure. Crews remained on scene for several hours performing what overhaul they could and wetting down stubborn hot spots. The fire is being investigated. The cause of the fire has not been determined. There were no reported injuries. - ALAN BRACKETT

K. LEGER

Heavy ﬁre damage is seen in the center core of the building

Restaurant employee discovers fire Fall River, MA. At 11:40 p.m. on July 6th as a restaurant employee was locking up for the evening, he noticed fire on the second floor above the restaurant. The building houses a restaurant on the ground floor with eight occupied apartments on the upper floors. The employee was able to access the west side apartments and evacuate all four apartments on that side. When the fire department arrived, they were faced with heavy fire on the second and third floors with occupants trapped on the east side of the building. First arriving companies launched an aggressive interior at-

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tack, but were unable to push past the heavy fire on the second floor to get to those occupants trapped on the third and fourth floor. Ground ladders and the aerial were used to rescue four trapped tenants, who were later transported to local hospitals and released after treatment. With the interior attack stalled and the focus on ladder rescues, command ordered a second alarm. After the rescues were complete, the fire ground operation returned to defensive operations.

Firefighters were battling extreme temperatures in the nineties as well as the exhaustive battle to control the fire. Command ordered a third alarm to provide relief for on scene personnel. The Towns of Westport and Somerset provided station coverage, and Tiverton (RI) sent a truck to the scene. Fire investigators believe the fire started in between the second floor ceiling and the floor of the apartment above. The American Red Cross provided for the needs of the 13 tenants burned out of their homes. - KENNETH LEGER

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MAINE

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.

JESSE BELL

Fort Fairfield firefighters train for ATV crash Fort Fairfield's bravest teamed up with the Fort Frontier ATV Club on Tuesday, July 9th for a joint exercise simulating an ATV crash. Multiple evolutions were conducted involving an array of different scenarios testing emergency responder’s skills. Friendly Fort Fairfield is home to many miles of scenic ATV trails which are a popular attraction during the summer and fall months. Although there hasn’t been a major ATV accident in recent years, the Fort Fairfield Fire Department strives to be progressive and training plays an important part to being ready for any situation. Chief Mike Jalbert said the exercise was a huge success and credited those who participated. Chief Jalbert also thanked Fort Fairfield Police Chief Bill Campbell for use of the Police Department’s Ranger unit.

MARK GAY

York Beach, Maine

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

Page 33

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

Vehicle News

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Devens (MA) FD took delivery of a 2012 International Middleborough, MA. Engine 2. 2013 E-One Custom Ty- Town of Searsport, ME took delivery of a Type III, PL TerraStar, Medium Duty, PL Custom Titan from Rich phoon Pumper. This pumper is powered by a Cummins Custom Medallion remounted on a 2013 Ford E450 Peck, New England Fire Equipment & Apparatus ISL 450 hp engine with an Allison EVS 3000 trans chassis from Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue Vehicles

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GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

NICK ZABAWAR

Bristol (RI) FD took delivery of a 2013 International 4300, Braintree, MA. Tower Ladder 1. 2013 E-One Cyclone II The Boston Fire Department has loaned to Providence Medium Duty, PL Custom Titan from Tony Mello, New HP 95â&#x20AC;&#x2122; rear- mount aerial platform. This ladder is pow- their Reserve Ladder 2, a 1992 100' rear mount ladder. It England Fire Equipment & Apparatus, North Haven, CT. ered by a Cummins ISX 500 hp engine formerly served as Ladder 17 in Boston.

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

MICHAEL BOYNTON

NICK ZABAWAR

Auburn, ME. Engine 2. 2013 E-One Custom Cyclone II The City of Boston will soon take delivery of three new Dover, MA recently put into service this 2013 KME AeriPumper. This pumper is powered by a Cummins ISX 500 2013 KME AerialCat ladder trucks on the Severe Serv- alCat 109' RMA. hp diesel engine ice chassis.

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Arlington, MA. Engine 2. 2013 E-One Custom stainless Northstar (ME) Franklin Memorial Hospital took delivery Newport Ambulance Service (VT) recently put this Braun steel Typhoon Pumper. This pumper is powered by a of a Type III, PL Custom Medallion remounted on a 2013 Signature Series into service that was purchased from Cummins ISL 450 hp engine Ford E450 chassis Robert Gleason of North Eastern Rescue Vehicles, Inc.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

PAGE 35

MASSACHUSETTS

RICK JOLLIMORE

Wachusett Muster League JOHN SJOSTEDT

The Wachusett Muster league held their annual muster in Bolton on Sunday, June 16th. The league is represented by Bolton, Boylston, Harvard, Holden, Princeton, Sterling and West Boylston.

Water Rescue in Duxbury Duxbury MA - Firefighters responded to the Tobey Garden Pond in Duxbury for a report of two kayakers in the water. On arrival, Duxbury Fire Captain Robert Tripp was able to see two children in the water with life jackets on and holding on to their kayaks. Duxbury Fire Marine 2 was launched with three members on board. Once the marine unit arrived at the victims, they were able to pull them from the water and return them to the shore uninjured. Both victims were evaluated by EMS personnel and released.

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Motorcycle crash in Harwich Harwich, MA. A motorcyclist attempting to turn left onto Long Pond Drive from Route 137 was struck from behind by a male driver in a four door sedan on June 19th. The driver of the sedan will be charged with not using care in stopping and summoned to court. The male motorcyclist was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries. The accident happened Wednesday, June 19th around 7 p.m.

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August, 2013

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

SMOKESHOWINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN

Kayak rescue in Harwichport Harwichport, MA - A young man in a kayak overturned off Red River Beach Saturday, June 15th around 4 p.m. and needed help getting back to shore. Harwich Fire and Police responded to the scene and found him about a half mile off shore in the water clinging to the kayak. He was wearing a life jacket. A recreational boat was able to come along side rescue him and pick up his kayak. They brought both to shore where Harwich Rescue personnel were waiting. He was not injured. The Harwich harbormaster also responded to the scene.

Car strikes building in Fitchburg Fitchburg MA. On June 14th shortly before midnight, an auto accident sent two to area trauma centers after a car struck this building. One of the victims was thrown from the car and the other was trapped inside. Both were airlifted to UMass in Worcester by Lifeflight and Med-flight helicopters. Firefighters used hydraulic tools to cut away the gas and break pedals as well as cutting off the roof to extricate the victim. Both victims were in serious condition.

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Firefighter Sunday in Leominster Leominster, MA - Firefighters had their 113th annual Firefighters memorial Sunday, June 9th to honor those past and present. It was a great day and a lot of young families showed up and supported us on this day.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

PAgE 37

Yankee Fire & Rescue, Inc. “Where Quality is Standard Equipment” Yankee Fire & Rescue is excited to announce that it is expanding its sales and service departments to meet our customer’s growing demands. Covering most of New England, Yankee Fire and Rescue is proud to represent the industry’s most diverse and innovative emergency apparatus manufacturers: Toyne Fire Apparatus and McCoy Miller Ambulances.

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

SCENES FROM FIRE/RESCUE/EMS 2013 Photos by Heather Pillsworth

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

August, 2013

SCENES FROM FIRE/RESCUE/EMS 2013 Photos by Heather Pillsworth

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August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

faces of New eNglaNds 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.

SHANNON HICKS

Fireﬁghter Dick Conrod and Chief Bill Halstead of Sandy Hook (CT) Volunteer Fire & Rescue

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Shelton Echo Hose Company #1 member Mike Pelligrino at a recent house ﬁre in Derby, CT.

Bridgeport Battalion Chief Mike Caldaroni operating at a recent 3car MVA with rollover and extrication.

JUDI DEWOLFE

A group shot was taken of most of our members @ our 75th Anniversary party

August, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

Philly Heat 4 VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

Philly Heat 4 By Fireline Video Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 118 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $29.95 (DVD) This video is 60 minutes long and spans a time frame between January and August or 2009. There are seven incidents. One is a seventh alarm, one a fifth, three are second alarms and two are all hands. There is no narration other than what you may pickup from radio traffic. There incidents listed on the back of the DVD jacket and at the beginning of each when it starts. The size up is given on the jacket, not on the screen. The first is a seventh alarm in a large, four-story apartment house with a lot of smoke hanging and issuing from different sides of the structure. It is of ordinary construction and although for several minutes does not show much on the outside, I overheard a status report that there was heavy fire in the middle of the building. Evidence of this was brought out later when heavy fire shows at the top floor. A ladderpipe is put into operation in the beginning and heavy streams are

taken to the roofs of exposures to play water on the fire building. Other heavy streams are operated from street level. The next fire is an all hands involving a two story plumbing and heating store which appears to have dwellings above. This scene is mostly a smoke condition. Next is a fifth alarm involving the top floor of a factory that manufactured lawn and outdoor furniture. Heavy streams operate at the fire which is “goin good!” All hands were required to fight the next fire which is in the rear garage of a private dwelling, caused by a leaky gasoline tank on a motorcycle, the vapors of which came in contact with a water heater pilot light. The fire is through the roof of the garage. Roofmen use pike poles. Fire streams at the rear can be seen shooting above the structure. A second alarm was transmitted for the next fire which was in a dollar store with a Rite Aid pharmacy attached. It started in the basement. A Snorkel stream operates with the bucket at street level. It is noted that in 1976, four firefighters lost their lives at the same location when it was a restaurant. The next two fires are second alarms, one being an old mansion that was struck by lightning requiring heavy stream operations and the other was a basement fire in a mini supermarket started by a perpetrator after he barricaded himself to allude police. His body was recovered the next day. This DVD is the usual great coverage afforded by Fireline Videos!

PATCHES If you have a Patches feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

JESSE BELL

Fort Fairfield Fire Department, ME

PAGE 41

Line of duty death reported in Quincy The City of Quincy Fire Department (MA) reported a line of duty death from an incident on July 8, 2013. According to the US Fire Administration, Career Firefighter John Austin, age 37, became unresponsive from a cause still to be reported as he and other firefighters were preparing to leave the firehouse in response to an emergency call. Firefighter Austin was treated by fellow responders and then transported to the Quincy Medical Center where he succumbed to his injury. Firefighter Austin had ten years of service with the department. He was honored by fellow firefighters, family and friends at the Keohane Funeral Home on July 12th followed by a funeral mass on July 13th at the Blessed Sacrament Church. - HEATHER PILLSWORTH

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August, 2013

1sT Responder Newspaper - NE

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Boynton Beach hosts record event to help NFL alumni charities BOYNTON BEACH, FL - It wasn’t supposed to happen at all. The crippled economy, the housing slump, the unemployment explosion, even the oceanic conditions threatened to beat down the 4th Annual Fishin’ & Firehouse Chili Grand Slam put on by the Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Association on April 18th. It just wasn’t supposed to happen this year—the members looked at the state of the world and asked themselves, “How do we ask for sponsorship money, boat entry fees, donations and support at a time like this?” Somehow though, in a mighty confluence of tenacity and generosity, South Florida’s firefighters, fishing fanatics, chili connoisseurs and their taste testers pulled together for a full day of fun and excitement to set a few records and raise over $20,000.00 for some kids who really need it—especially during this economic crisis. The popular Boynton Beach fishing tournament and chili cook-off has grown like a wildfire since it’s first go-round in 2006 when it attracted a respectable 43 boat entries—not bad for a first year tournament in South Florida, the fishing tournament capital of the world. With hopeful expectations for the same in 2007, Boynton firefighters were shocked when 74 captains entered their boats. In 2008, that number fell to 63 entries, but understandably so as there were three other tournaments that same day, most with much higher payouts to draw some captains away. However, with the global economic abyss swallowing boats and every other luxury item folks have to unload just to stay afloat, a decision was made to forego the 2009 event. Then, suddenly, a title sponsor— Sutphen--offered up the $5000.00 sponsorship donation, and then, other large sponsors sent $1,500.00 checks, $500.00 checks, boat entries, chili teams, prizes, food! In the end, this “little engine that could” wound up beating its own records with 76 boats registered, the tournament’s recordbreaking fish weighing in at 63plus pounds, over 870 pounds of fish donated to the cause by their captors, and a new department single event donation record of over $20,000.00 for charity! It’s a story that speaks to the overwhelming generosity of Americans—people helping people who need it when they need it most, giving of themselves when

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Thank You for Your Business! Below are some of our most recent New Deliveries in 2013. For more information please visit our website. On behalf of our entire team, thank you for your continued business.

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