1st Responder New England February by Belsito Communications Inc.

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FEBRUARY, 2017

TWO-ALARM BLAZE DESTROYS BUILDING IN DANIELSON

TRAVIS IRONS

Danielson, CT - At 12:49 A.M. on December 4th, the Danielson Fire Department was dispatched for a smoke investigation in the area of Mechanic Street and Central Street. Two-minutes later, calls started pouring into the Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications Center, reporting a structure fire at 14 Central Street, which was formerly a restaurant called “Kicker’s Café.” - See full story on page 19

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MAINE

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.

BANGOR MAINE FD

Bangor Crews Respond to Tractor-Trailer Fire

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Auburn Fire Department is located in Androscoggin County, ME.

Bangor, ME - Crews were busy on January 4th, responding to I-95 southbound for a tractortrailer that caught fire while hauling dimensional lumber. The MaineDOT and Maine State Police assisted at the scene, helping to divert traffic while crews worked.

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February, 2017

MAINE

Advertising Index

Frye Island: Small Town, Great Fire Department

A guide to finding great companies

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Page 8,36

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Finley Fire Equipment Firematic

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Greenwood Emergency Kimtek

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27 42

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JACK STAWASZ

Engine-6 is a 1969 International/Howe, (acquired in 1998 from Raymond, ME). Engine-6 is the "first-out" piece of apparatus for structure fires. It has a 1000-GPM front mont pump and a 2,000-GPW tank. The truck is diesel powered and has an automatic transmission. Engine-6 was refurbished by the Raymond, ME F.D. prior to purchase. JACK STAWASZ

Spotted Dog Technologies

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Nassau Fire Apparatus

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there are 16 members and four emergency vehicles within the fire department.

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JUMP TO FILE #011317108

Mid Atlantic Rescue

Minuteman Fire & Rescue

Frye Island, ME - The Frye Island Fire Department was re-organized on July 1, 1998 when Frye Island became the newest Town in the State of Maine. Firefighters operate from a three-bay station located on Fairway Lane, and a one-bay station located at the Ferry Landing. Currently,

Squad-1 is a 2005 Ford/AEV (acquired in 2006 from Rockingham Ambulance Service).

JACK STAWASZ

Rescue-1 is a 2004 Chevy, (acquired in 2016 from Raymond, ME).

21 7

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 21, No.2 - 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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Ex-Engine 5 is a 1969/1989 FWD/Greenwood (acquired in 2001 from Hudson, MA), and is currently parked behind Station-1. Engine-5 arrived in Frye Island on July 26, 2001. Engine-5 was refurbished in 1989 with an all aluminum body. It has a Detroit Diesel Engine, a 1000-GPM pump and an 800-GPW tank. It also carries 900' of four-inch hose, a two-and-a-half inch pre-connected attack line and (two) one-and-three-quarter inch pre-connected attack lines. Engine-5 was placed into service on August 5, 2001 and taken out of service in the Summer of 2012. JACK STAWASZ

JACK STAWASZ

Engine-1 is a 1990 Pierce Dash, (acquired in 2013 from Hopkinton, MA).

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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February, 2017

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

Montana: Darryl Elden “Poor Boy” Vielle, 51 Rank: Crew Boss/Engine Boss Incident Date: November 30, 2016 Death Date: November 30, 2016 Fire Department: Blackfeet Forestry and Fire Management Initial Summary: While serving on the Maple Spring wildfire in North Carolina, Blackfeet Nation Fire Management Crew Boss/Engine Boss Darryl Elden “Poor Boy” Vielle was found deceased in his motel room on the morning of November 30, 2016. The Blackfeet Forestry and Fire Management crew has been supporting firefighters in North Carolina since November 10th.

Michigan: Thomas Gary Walker, 70 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 27, 2016 Death Date: November 27, 2016 Fire Department: Otsego County Fire Department Initial Summary: Later in the day after responding with his fire department to an early morning carbon monoxide alarm, Firefighter Walker collapsed at home and was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Washington: Charles “Doug” Archer, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 28, 2016 Death Date: Pending Fire Department: Spokane County Fire District 8 Initial Summary: After responding with his fire department to a residential fire and an aid call, Firefighter Archer returned to his residence to rest where he succumbed in his sleep. South Carolina: Jeffery A. Worsham, 45 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: December 2, 2016 Death Date: December 10, 2016 Fire Department: Whitesville Rural Volunteer

Fire Department Initial Summary: After responding to a motor vehicle accident call with the Whitesville Fire Department and then returning home, Assistant Fire Chief Jeffery A. Worsham was found in the morning by his spouse in cardiac arrest. The Whitesville Fire Department responded to Chief Worsham’s residence where he was treated and transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injury several days later. Ohio: Ruben E. Mast, 43 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 19, 2016 Death Date: December 19, 2016 Fire Department: Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Ruben E. Mast was responding to an alarm in his privately owned Ford F-250 pickup truck when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail before overturning. Mast was reported to have been ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department and Smith Ambulance to Union Hospital in Dover, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Oregon: Ray Rubio, 52 Rank: Firefighter/Smokejumper Incident Date: November 23, 2016 Death Date: December 19, 2016 Fire Department: Redmond Smokejumpers Redmond Air Center Deschutes National Forest Initial Summary: Firefighter/Smokejumper Ray Rubio passed away in the Grandview Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, from injuries he suffered in a fall on November 23, 2016. Rubio, a Smokejumper (RAC 95) with the Redmond Air Center (RAC) - Deschutes National Forest, had been assigned to the Southeast during an outbreak of multiple large fires in the region. Firefighter Rubio was reported to have been in travel status on his way home to Oregon and staying overnight in Birmingham at the time of his injury.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

RHODE ISLAND

Head-On Crash in Portsmouth Injures Two

PROVIDENCE FD

Providence FD Receives Recognition at Basketball Game

Portsmouth, RI - Portsmouth FD Rescues 1 and 3, along with Engine-1 and Car-2 responded to Bristol Ferry Road on December 23, 2016 for a motor vehicle accident involving two cars. First arriving police officers communicated JUMP TO FILE# to incoming fire re- 011317115 sponders that there were injuries and one occupant was trapped. Upon arrival, the Engine-1 crew (Captain Tighe, FF Gill, FF Teixeira and FF Martin), began extrication efforts to free one driver. During extrication, the crew from Rescue-3 (Lt. Levesque and FF Jones), began treatment of the driver’s injuries. The Jaws-of-Life was used to free the trapped occupant. The extrication operation took nearly 25-minutes to complete. Rescue-3 then transported the patient to Rhode Island Hospital with what appeared to be life-threatening injuries. Portsmouth Rescue-1 (Lt. Ethier and FF Maglione), responded to the scene and cared for the driver of the second vehicle. Rescue-1 transported the second patient to Newport Hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. Middletown FD covered the station during rescue efforts. Tiverton Fire Department was responding to the scene with an additional ambulance, but got cancelled prior to arrival. - PORTSMOUTH FD

PORTSMOUTH FD

Providence, RI - Providence Fire Department was recognized on January 4th during a PC Friars basketball game for saving the life of a baby who had nearly drowned. Engine-12 and Rescues 4 and 5, Lt. Geremia, Firefighters Chouinard, Gloria and Wheeler, Rescue Captain Palumbo and Rescue Techs Tierney, Mello and Silvestre were among those recognized.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 9

February, 2017

NEW HAMPSHIRE

B. SPRAGUE

Salem Firefighters Handle Car Fire During Snowstorm

Salem, NH - During the cold and early morning hours of December 30th, Salem Fire Alarm received a phone call from local police reporting a car fire located on N. E. Blvd. Engine-1 and Rescue-1 responded to the scene and upon arrival, Engine-1 reported a car fire and began stretching the bumper line. The fire was quickly knocked down and overhaul was completed. The cause of the fire was unknown.

Vehicle News B. SPRAGUE

Overturned Fuel Tanker in Londonderry Shuts Down Area Roads Londonderry, NH - An overturned fuel tanker carrying thousands-of-gallons of fuel took down power lines and shut down part of Route-28 during the morning rush hour on December 14th. The Londonderry Fire Department started getting phone calls around 5:30 A.M., reporting an overturned tank truck. Firefighters arrived on-scene quickly and reported an overturned fuel tank truck that was leaking fuel with wires down across the truck, and that the driver was out. Officials reported that the driver had apparently lost control of the truck, causing him to veer off the road. Fire crews continued to put foam on the tanker to make sure no explosive vapors accumulated.

Ossipee Corner, NH recently received this 2015 Ford F-550, 4x4/EVI rescue truck, which has a 14-foot body and three-seat crew compartment. It has an 8-KW generator and Will Burt Night Scan and was sold by C & S Specialty, Inc. PROVIDED

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Two Brothers Dedicate Childhood to Becoming Future 1st Responders Allenstown, NH - Jeff Gardner is a dedicated Firefighter/EMT with Allenstown Fire Rescue and also a very proud father. His two boys, Codie and Tyler, are both Fire Explorers, but it goes much deeper than that! Codie is currently 15-yearsold and has pretty much grown up in the firehouse, from the time he was about 6-years-old or so. Everybody in the Town of Allenstown, as well as many people from the surrounding towns, know Codie. Not only is Codie a Fire Explorer, he is also a US Naval Sea Cadet and a Student Pilot, who should have his private pilot's license before he turns 16, or shortly thereafter. Codie was hand-selected to be the Youth Ambassador for Aviation in the State of New Hampshire. All of Codie's flight training is sponsored and funded by local Aviation organizations and businesses in the community. Codie is even endorsed/supported by the State of N.H. Department of Aviation, GSAMA (Granite State Air-

JUMP TO FILE #010317111 port Management Association), David Clark Company, Concord Airport Services, Concord Municipal Airport and so many more! GSAMA and the State of N.H. have named this project "The Codie Experience," which is just about a year in, with so much more to come! Codie's 17-year-old brother is no slouch himself! Tyler, much like Codie, also grew up in the firehouse. Tyler is a Fire Explorer and Sea Cadet as well. Tyler recently took the ASVAB and is looking to enlist in the US Navy this coming Summer, hopefully as a Corpsman! Jeff stated "I think at times, Codie's life even makes Tyler's head spin, but Codie loves it!" We can't wait to see what the future brings for both Codie and Tyler! - JEFF GARDNER

JEFF GARDNER

Codie with his dad Jeff at a live burn training in 2011. Codie was wearing a set of kids turnout gear and a real helmet. They threw the pack on him just for the picture.

JEFF GARDNER

Codie with a few of the guys from Allenstown Fire Rescue after completing the 9-11 stair climb. Codie climbed all 110 flights wearing an airpack and full turnout gear.

Codie in one of the planes he flies.

JEFF GARDNER

EA EAS AS SY SY SY! Y!! Register at 1rb bn.com to begin posting directly d . Prefer emails? Send your press releases and photos directly to Heather@1stResponderNews.com Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Codie and his brother Tyler on Veterans Day, saluting their great-grandfather (also US Navy), at the Veterans Cemetery.

JEFF GARDNER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

PAGE 11

NEW HAMPSHIRE

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Ashland Fire Department is located in Grafton County, N.H.

Oldest Building in Meriden Village Destroyed by Fire Meriden, NH - On the morning of December 27th, firefighters from Meriden, Plainfield, Cornish and Lebanon responded to a building fire at 730 NH Rte. 120, located in Meriden Village. Plainfield Chief Frank Currier was the first onscene and reported a JUMP TO FILE# fully involved barn, 010217109 with fire spreading rapidly through the attached ell and heading toward the main house. Meriden Engine-2 was the first company on-scene and quickly established a water supply from a nearby hydrant. Three hand lines were stretched from Engine-2 and crews began to knock down the fire on the southside of the building. Meriden Engine-1 set up just north of the fire and stretched hand lines to the north-side of the building. Lebanon Engine-4 laid a four-inch supply hose from a hydrant just north of the scene to Meriden Engine-1. Crews battled the fire for more than two-hours before it was

declared under control. The home belongs to Kimball Union Academy and has been used as faculty housing. A family of six were residing in the building at the time of the fire and are currently staying in other Academy housing. The building was declared a total loss. The home was one of the oldest

MERIDEN FIRE DEPT.

left in Meriden Village, believed to have been built around 1812. The NH Fire Marshal's Office assisted with the investigation into the cause of the fire and determined it to be from the improper disposal of woodstove ashes. - MERIDEN FIRE DEPT.

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PAGE 12

February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

A New Years Wish STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

Well, it's the beginning of another year and hopefully your resolution is to make it a safe one for you, the members of your department and the fire service in general. There was no final figure for Line-of-Duty deaths in 2016 as I prepared this article, using the USFA as my source, but the figure on December 14th was 82. We can and must do better in the reduction of this annual toll of lives taken in the line-of-duty and it will require a total commitment from all in the fire service. Staying out of harm’s way is not easy as we go about the performance of our duties with all of its inherent dangers. There exists tremendous potential from all forms of hazards that we encounter and are exposed to on a daily basis that can result in serious injury or death, even when we are observing caution. Imagine what can occur when you are not concentrating, relaxed, and lowered your guard, or do something just plain dumb. One must maintain the proper attitude relative to safety in order to remain safe and stay alive, and if you don’t, you can easily become a statistic. So, what can we do to help reduce this annual loss of life? You can start out by maintaining, or getting in good physical condition, since the leading cause of firefighter deaths is still heart attacks. Remember, round is not a shape unless you are a ball, so get in shape! It will enable you to perform at high physical stress levels, with less risk of a heart attack. Cigarette smoking is another major contributing factor for heart attack, so if you smoke, do your best to kick the habit. Believe me, I have heard all the stories and glories about "eating smoke at a fire, so why should I quit smoking??" Well for starters, the days of the smoke eater are long past and you should be using SCBA. Secondly, if there is one habit that contributes to almost every medical ailment known to science, it's smoking. Some fire departments have a no smoking policy that they have had in place for many years and in these departments’ retirement and pension, benefits hinge directly to this no smoking policy, especially should heart and lung medical illnesses arise. It might be the perfect time for the entire fire service to incorporate this, or a similar policy. In conjunction with a no smoking policy, it may also be time the fire service begins enforcing a physical agility standard on an annual basis that requires all firefighting personnel to meet the standard or confront dismissal from the department. It may appear as an unreasonable option, but it may just be what is needed for some individuals to finally decide to take the necessary steps to keep his/her position, while improving and maintaining their health. Many career departments have volunteer participation physical agility programs, and

if they have full compliance programs, they generally do very little policing of those who fail to meet the standard. In the volunteer service, where recruiting new members is becoming more difficult and getting a crew out during the week is difficult, the last thing you want to do is stop anyone from responding, so we sometimes look the other way. Another key factor relative to heart attacks in the volunteer service is that many members are much older than in the career departments. Many career firefighters have retired by the age of 55, whereas in the volunteer fire service, a member may continue active into his/her 70’s. With the increase in age also comes the increase in the potential of having a heart attack while performing stressful activity. It's tough to hold back some of the old dedicated members, and surely they would be missed, so it is incumbent for the department to make sure these members have a minimum medical examination and get plenty of monitoring and rehab when assisting at the emergency scene. Even then, there still remains the increased risk. If we can reduce the annual stress related line-of-duty deaths, we will have taken a major step in decreasing the annual death toll. We will not have eliminated LODD’s, but we will be moving toward a goal of reducing the annual death toll. Motor vehicle and apparatus related deaths need to be reduced. Risk management has to be reviewed and some logical determinations made by command officers, as to how much risk will be taken on the fire ground in order to save what? I realize the saving of life is our most important mission, and that includes our own personnel, but after that, almost every material item can be replaced. The life of a firefighter caught in a collapse, trying to save property from further destruction by fire, is too high a price to pay. So, as we enter this New Year, let us all resolve to do all we possibly can to reduce the annual death and injury toll. It can be done! Till next time, stay safe and God Bless!

NEW HAMPSHIRE

LACONIA FD

Crews Respond to House Fire on Appleton Street Laconia, NH - On the afternoon of January 16th at 4:08 P.M., the Laconia, Gilford and Belmont Fire Departments were sent to 32 Appleton Street in the Lakeport section of Laconia for the report of smoke in a house. The occupant advised that smoke was coming from the wall around her wood stove. Laconia Engine-1 arrived eightminutes later and Captain Shipp reported a two-story, wood-frame house, with smoke pushing from the soffit and eaves. He requested a firstalarm, which brought in cover trucks to the empty fire stations and called

JUMP TO FILE #011717113 back off-duty firefighters. There was obvious fire in the exterior wall around the area of the wood stove. The flames were spreading upwards through the wall, to the second-floor and attic. An attack hose was deployed to the outside of the home where the wall was opened so that firefighters could stop the spreading fire. As the additional crews arrived on-scene, they were sent to the second-floor and attic to

check for fire extension. Crews deployed a second hose to the inside of the home and opened the wall around the wood stove. The fire was under control in 20-minutes. Crews remained on-scene until 6:00 P.M., ensuring that there were no hidden flames in the old home. The occupant was staying with relatives for the night. Damage is estimated at $30,000. Belmont, Meredith and Stewarts EMS covered the city and handled three additional calls during the fire. - LACONIA FD

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

PAGE 13

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

CONNECTICUT

PETER LOBO BETHEL FIRE & EMS

PETER LOBO

School Bus Accident in Weston Sends 22 Kids to Hospital

Weston, MA - On January 11th, the Weston and Waltham Fire Departments responded to a report of a school bus on it's side, located on I-95 south. When companies arrived, they found that a pickup truck had hit the school bus, causing it to crash through a guardrail and flip onto it's side. Waltham FD sent Engine-4, Rescue-6 and Ambulance-1 to the accident. While units were responding, Waltham dispatchers transmitted a box, sending two additional units to the scene. Weston FD also dispatched three engines, a ladder and an ambulance. Multiple ambulances from around the area were sent to the scene for transport. In total, 22 students were sent to area hospitals with minor injuries.

IN SERVICE

BETHEL FIRE & EMS

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.

Basement Fire Quickly Snuffed by Bethel Volunteers

Bethel, CT - Bethel and Stony Hill FD's were dispatched during the early morning hours on December 23rd for a report of a heavy smoke condition in a basement. Upon arrival, crews found a small fire contained to the basement, with slight extension to the exterior rear of a contemporary style house. The house was set far off from the road. Units on-scene included Engine-5, Engine-1, Tanker-1, Tower-1, A-1 and A-2, Engine-3, as well as mutual aid tankers from Redding and Dodgingtown. Stow, MA - Stow FD's new Engine-19 is a 2016 Ford F350. The truck will be used as a brush/plow truck.

JIM FORTIN JR.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

PAGE 15

CONNECTICUT

Historic Berlin Train Station Destroyed in Fire Berlin, CT - On Wednesday, December 21st at 3:52 A.M., four Berlin Fire Companies were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 51 Depot Road. Car-33 was first on-scene and reported that the structure was a twostory, mill-type building, with fire JUMP TO FILE# showing through- 122916115 out. Tower-3 and Truck-9 flowed water from their ladder pipes while crews from Engine8 and Engine-7 stretched hand lines to extinguish and protect exposures. Once the fire was extinguished, additional crews began overhaul and extinguished hot spots. Task Force-51 was activated, bringing in crews from Cromwell, Newington, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill for town coverage and additional manpower if needed. Assignment included East Berlin's Rescue-1 and Engine-7, Kensington's Squad-4 and Tower3, Berlin's Engine-8 and Truck-9, South Kensington's Engine-12 and Tanker-15, and Cars' 21, 33, 51 and 52. - JOHN DUMIN

JOHN DUMIN

PAGE 16

February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

Twenty-One People Displaced by New Britain House Fire New Britain, CT - On December 29th just after 9:00 A.M., firefighters arrived at 22 Hurlburt Street to find the rear porches fully involved on a three-story, brick, multi-family building. Firefighters worked quickly, holding most of the fire to the rear JUMP TO FILE# porches and bring- 122916117 ing the blaze under control in 30-minutes. A second-alarm was called, requiring the West Hartford and Hartford Fire Departments to be called in for station coverage. A total of 21 people were displaced and one suffered from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - MICHAEL CARENZA JR.

Get your personal copy of Firefighters working the rear porches.

MICHAEL CARENZA JR.

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 17

CONNECTICUT

Crews Battle Working House Fire in Moosup

Ladder-194 backed into the driveway.

C&S

JOSH MALONEY

Moosup, CT - Moosup Fire, along with mutual aid companies from Central Village, Atwood Hose, Plainfield, Oneco and FAST teams from South Killingly and Danielson, were dispatched at 4:02 P.M. on December 16th for a reported house fire at the intersection of High St. and Bellair Drive. Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications updated JUMP TO FILE# Moosup Chief Bella121716116 vance while en-route that they were taking multiple calls reporting fire coming from the rear of the dwelling. Chief Bellavance arrived shortly after dispatch and reported a working fire in a two-story, woodframe dwelling. ET-294 supplied Ladder-194, which was backed into the driveway, while Hose Tender196 from Atwood Hose laid 1,800feet from the scene to a hydrant down the street. Crews placed (two) one-and-three-quarter inch hand lines into service, one on the firstfloor and one on the second-floor. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within one-hour. Companies chased small pockets of fire for a little while after. The last remaining apparatus cleared the scene at 8:03 P.M. The fire is under investigation by the Town of Plainfield Fire Marshal's office. - JOSHUA MALONEY

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN

Woman Seriously Injured in Harwich MVA

Harwich, CT - At approximately 4:00 P.M. on Monday, December 19th, a three-car collision occurred on Route-124 at Betty's Lane. The crash caused a Honda CRV to roll onto it's roof, trapping a female inside. Units from Harwich Fire and Rescue were able to stabilize the vehicle and extract the woman after 20-minutes. The victim was then transported to Cape Cod Hospital with serious injuries. No occupants were injured from the other two vehicles involved, which were a Volvo wagon and a Chevrolet Cavalier sedan. Harwich Police had the road closed off until the wreckage was cleared.

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

Bethel, CT - As part of an annual event, Santa traveled via the Stony Hill Chief's vehicle to visit local neighborhoods in the Stony Hill section of Bethel and hand out holiday cheer. This year's snowfall added to the festive occasion! THOMAS GALLIFORD

STONY HILL FD

Danbury, CT - Stony Hill Engine-1 was called in as mutual aid to the City of Danbury as a tanker for a structure fire in the Candlewood Lake area on December 9th. After providing water, E-1 and crew covered the east-side of Danbury at the Commerce Park Station of Engine-24.

BOB LONG

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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CONNECTICUT

Two-Alarm Blaze Destroys Building in Danielson Danielson, CT - At 12:49 A.M. on December 4th, the Danielson Fire Department was dispatched for a smoke investigation in the area of Mechanic Street and Central Street. Two-minutes later, calls started pouring into the Quinebaug Valley JUMP TO FILE# Emergency Com- 121516104 munications Center, reporting a structure fire at 14 Central Street, which was formerly a restaurant called "Kickerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ." The working fire assignment was then dispatched, which consisted of a full assignment from Danielson, Williamsville ET-160, Dayville ET-163, South Killingly Engine-165, Moosup and Atwood FAST, as well as KB Ambulance. Upon their arrival, firefighters

were faced with heavy fire on the Academy Street side of the building. A second-alarm was transmitted, adding Dayville Engine-163, Ladder-163, Attawaugan Engine162, Mortlake Ladder-190 and East Brooklyn Engine-192. ET-161 was first-due and laid in from a hydrant, stretching a hose line into the building. Tower161 was second-due and forced entry into the "Bravo" exposure to check for extension. After a short offensive attack, Command called for an evacuation of the building and began defensive operations. Crews then focused on exposure protection and knocking down the heavy fire with three ladder pipes and several hand lines. The Killingly and State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of the fire. - RYAN FLAHERTY

TRAVIS IRONS

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

Vehicle News

PROVIDED

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Attawaugen Fire Department is located in Windham County, CT.

Mansfield, CT placed into service this 2016 Spartan ER Metro Star LTD, 3000-gallon tanker, with Hale 1500-GPM pump and three Newton dump valves. It was sold by C & S Specialty, Inc.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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CONNECTICUT

Good Stop by Firefighters at Southbury House Fire Southbury, CT - At 1:40 P.M. on Wednesday, January 18th, the Southbury Fire Department was alerted for a reported house fire in the area of 695 Roxbury Road (Route-67). Upon arrival, Car-3 reported a working fire with fire showing from a two-story, wood frame house. Because the house sits on an interior lot, first-due Engine-4 from the JUMP TO FILE# main station arrived 011817123 and laid a five-inch line approximately 500-feet up the driveway as a tanker line. Tanker11 arrived next and fed Engine-4. Chief Dan Tomascak arrived and took command, requesting assistance from the Oxford, Woodbury and Sandy Hook Fire Departments under the Mutual Aid plan. The first attack line came off of Engine-4 and went through the front door to stop the spread of the fire, which was concentrated on the first-floor side, "A/B" corner. With an aggressive push, this attack crew did a great job stopping the fire's spread. The second line backed up the first and went to the second-floor to check for extension. The interior attack crews did a fantastic job of stopping the fire, especially considering that it was a day time fire with minimal manpower. There were no injuries reported and the Fire Marshal is investigating cause and origin. - BERNIE MEEHAN

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BERNIE MEEHAN JR.

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

1947 American Lafrance Tiller Returning to N.Y. The first-ever American LaFrance 700-series, tractor-drawn aerial ladder truck, was built in 1947 for the Middletown Fire Company in Middletown, NY. It has since traveled across the country and will soon be returning home. The truck, with a 100-foot long lad- JUMP TO FILE# der, resided in Mid- 010517104 dletown, NY until it was sold in 1967 to the Tulatin Fire District in Oregon. The Continental powered, six-cylinder tiller served Tulatin and eventually made its way into service for the Jackson County-3 Fire District in southern Oregon, where the compartments were modified and the truck was converted into a fire prevention/public education unit. It was with Jackson County that the rig last saw fire-related service. The truck is being restored by Chief Juan Diaz of California's Mountain View Fire Department, with the intention of returning the apparatus to its original owner. The Cuban immigrant, who arrived in this country at the age of 15, unable to speak English, developed his love of antique iron during his formative years in Cuba and his passion still burns brightly. Diaz, part of a family of five, arrived in Miami during the Cuban Mariel Boat Lift on a vessel tagged the "Sun Hippie." The family stayed with relatives until relocating to Santa Clara, CA. The young Diaz attended Santa Clara High School during the day and worked as a janitor at night to help his family pay rent in addition to saving money to buy the first of his many classic cars; a 1965 Mustang convertible. A strong work ethic and desire to help others led the young man to volunteer with the Santa Clara Fire Department until he was hired as a career firefighter with the San Jose Fire Department at the age of 23, where he served in a variety of positions during his 25year career with the department, rising through the ranks to the Deputy Chief spot. After leaving San Jose, Juan Diaz was named Chief of the Mountain View Fire Department in May of 2014, where he still serves. It was the firefighting profession that gave Diaz the opportunity to save for, and purchase many classic vehicles, including a 1956 ElDorado, a 1928 American LaFrance Engine, a 1940 Ford Engine and now, the first-ever 700 series tiller made by American LaFrance. Diaz discovered the tiller, which had been repainted a bright yellow, had its ladders removed and compartments modified, sitting in a San Jose salvage yard that he passed regularly on his commute to the SJFD. Chief Diaz eventually stopped in to inquire about the apparatus that had been stripped of mirrors, bumpers and anything else of value. The owner indicated that he had bought it in

The 1947 tiller in service in the 1970's. This picture is in the San Jose Fire Museum.

Oregon, spent $1500 to have it towed down, and originally planned to turn it into a rolling art piece for California's famed "Burning-Man Festival." The artwork never started and the 1947 classic just sat in the yard. Diaz couldn't resist. He offered a few hundred dollars to the owner and became the proud owner of a true labor of love. Chief Diaz has invested over 100 hours restoring the trailer to date and claims to be about halfway through the restoration of that part. Both the tractor and trailer have been repainted by Diaz to the original color. The purist has not counted all of his receipts yet, out of fear. The biggest expense, other than getting it hauled back to Middletown,

PROVIDED BY CHIEF JUAN DIAZ

will be the application of handpainted gold leaf. According to Diaz, American LaFrance had gold leaf everywhere and he expects to pay thousands-of-dollars to have it done properly, to the 1947 factory condition. Chief Diaz, who is working alone for the most part on this project, is planning on getting the apparatus back to Middletown, NY in the Summer of 2018. When asked about his firefighting career and his restoration projects, Diaz said "this is the best country in the world and if you apply yourself, and with God's willing, you can be anything you want." - TODD BENDER

CHIEF JUAN DIAZ

Mountain View Fire Chief Juan Diaz in the paint booth.

Before and after the return of the AFL red paint.

CHIEF JUAN DIAZ

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

Grief

When was the last time that we thought about grieving? People grieve many changes in their lives. We grieve losing a job, a divorce, death, moving and many other changes. But do we really understand what it is to grieve? They say that there are fiveto-nine stages of grief. The five that are most common are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Some people think that you go from step one through step five in that order, but grief is not that neat and clean, or that predictable. A person can spend a long or short time in any of these phases. They can revisit any phase many times. You can go from denial, to anger, to bargaining, back to anger again, to depression, to anger again, to acceptance and to depression again. It all depends on the individual. Let’s look at the death of someone who died from being sick or old. The family may have been taking care of the individual for years. Even though they understand that the person may be at peace now, it still does not remove the pain. Months may go by until they decide to deal with the person's belongings. People may want this or that to remember their loved one. People may not even touch any of the possessions because it may cause them too much pain. Events that go by may trigger the grieving process again, such as the person’s birthday, the holidays, special landmarks in time or place, a smell that reminds them of the person, or a song. Just like Critical Incident Stress has many triggers, so does grieving; after all, it is a critical incident. Some may just want to sit there and experience the grief because they are afraid that when they stop grieving, they may forget the person. God says that we should love one another. Being there to be with someone as they grieve is a sign that you care, even just by helping someone figure out the paperwork, or what to do with the possessions. My friend told me that it was a great help as we cleaned out a relative’s house. We sat there for hours and talked as we went through everything. We figured out where it was to go, who it would go to, and/or if we would throw it out. Once in a while we would start to laugh, seeing things from our childhood that they saved from years ago, and seeing what we had from years ago. It is perfectly fine for someone to mourn. We all need time to process our losses. As I write this, I'm thinking of one of my clients

that died, who I knew for about 30 years, and also one of my friend's relatives who died. I'm also thinking of someone who means a lot to me that was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. I, myself, am mourning losses with my friends, as well as preparing myself for things that are inevitable. I know that I may be devastated when the person passes, but I also plan to remember the person close to me and I plan on honoring the person with my service, thoughts and actions. Children sometimes have a harder time dealing with grief, which people can assist with.

There are counselors and also some camps that help, such as Comfort Zone Camps. Comfort Zone is a nation-wide camp that assists children when they have challenges dealing with their own grief. I ask that you be there to grieve with those who mourn, and be patient. It is okay to just be there and be silent when you do not know what to say. It is part of caring for people and being part of a family. We will all grieve at one time or another. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh

Read previous columns from Didymus McHugh and the rest of our staff at www.1RBN.com

February, 2017

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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles “feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

MICHAEL CARENZA JR.

BRIDGEPORT FD

Bridgeport, CT - Friday, December 30th was Deputy Chief Robert Petrucelli's last day at the Bridgeport Fire Department. His retirement ended 40-years of service leading Bridgeport Fire, with over 27-years as a Chief Officer.

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

MICHAEL CARENZA JR.

Fire Destroys Vacant House in New Britain

New Britain, CT - On December 24th just after 2:00 A.M., firefighters arrived at 51 Prospect Street to find heavy fire on the first-floor of a vacant, two-story, wood frame house. The Two-Alarm fire burned through the walls and into both the attic and roof, causing heavy damage to the building. With only two fire companies left in the city, the West Hartford and Hartford Fire Departments provided station coverage. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

EASTON EMS

Easton, CT - Easton EMS Chief of Service Carolyn Kearney with EMT Jacob Simkovitz, who will be leaving Easton EMS after sixyears of service in order to attend the VA Police Academy. Congratulations and good luck Jacob!

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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February, 2017

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MASSACHUSETTS

Firefighters vent the upper floors.

JAY L. HEATH

B. SPRAGUE

Fire Destroys 19th Century Vacant Mill in Turners Falls Turners Falls, MA - On the morning of December 31st, firefighters were called out to a reported fire in the old railroad salvage building. The first responders on-scene reported an old mill fully involved and requested a second-alarm for water supply and ladder pipes. Because the mill had been vacant for more than two decades, as

JUMP TO FILE #010117105 well as the roof collapsing, companies set up master streams and fought the fire from the outside. The fire was declared under control at approximately 9:30 A.M., but crews remained on-scene all day, wetting

down hot spots. Mutual aid was sent in from several area towns to help fight the fire and/or provide station coverage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Mass. State Fire Marshal's office. - ROBERT SPRAGUE

JAY L. HEATH

Firefighters waiting for water pressure as fire rips through the building.

House Fire Displaces Residents on Christmas Eve Lawrence, MA - A fire destroyed a large, two-and-a-half story apartment building on Christmas Eve, located at 87- 89 Saunders Street. A single call to the police was made reporting the house fire, which was then dispatched to Lawrence Fire who transmitted the Box-2111. Engine-7 arrived as first-due with heavy smoke showing and reports of people still in the building. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and a second-alarm was transmitted. Heavy fire had extended to the upper floors and attic. Companies went to a defensive at-

JUMP TO FILE #123016121 tack as a third-alarm was transmitted. Fire destroyed the upper floors and burned through the roof. Mutual Aid was brought into the scene from Methuen, Dracut, Andover, Lowell and Haverhill, while Middleton, North Reading, Danvers and Salem, N.H. covered the city. The fire is still under investigation. - JAY HEATH

Companies still wetting down remains hours later.

B. SPRAGUE

February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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MASSACHUSETTS

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February, 2017

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MASSACHUSETTS

PETER LOBO

K. LEGER

Two-Alarm Fire on Christmas Eve Destroys Home in Fall River

PETER LOBO

Head-On Car Crash in Waltham

Waltham, MA - Waltham FD's Engine-1 and Squad-5 found two vehicles involved in a two-car crash at Prospect and Bellevue Streets on January 1st. The head-on accident sent a pickup truck flying, coming to a stop 200-feet away from the car. A person in the pickup truck was taken to Newton Wellesley Hospital for treatment of unknown injuries.

BUDDY SHOTS

If you have photos you would like to see in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buddy Shotsâ&#x20AC;? feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

K. LEGER

Fall River, MA - On December 17th, the Fall River Fire Museum held their first-ever breakfast with Santa Claus. Pictured are members of the Museum Board posing with Santa.

Fall River, MA - A three-story, wood frame, single-family home, built on a high ledge with spectacular views of the South Wattuppa pond was destroyed in a fast moving fire on Christmas Eve. The fire was reported as a fully involved structure around 6:30 P.M. Car-2 arrived on the scene and immediately called for a secondalarm. Engine-9 arrived, took the front of the house and deployed their Blitzfire master stream appliance,

JUMP TO FILE #122516100 while Ladder-4 set up for water tower operations on the "A/B" corner. Platform-1 arriving on the second-alarm set up on the "A" side and engaged their water tower. The rear of the building was not accessible for water tower operations because the home was built on a cliff overlooking Route-195.

Command called for additional manpower to surround the exterior and knock down the fire. Special Services arrived to provide rehab for firefighters. The Fire Investigation unit was also called in to begin the investigation into origin and cause of the blaze, which will be difficult since the house later collapsed on itself. - KENNETH LEGER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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MASSACHUSETTS

Christmas Night Fire Damages Duplex in Holyoke Holyoke, MA - A porch fire that extended up and into the attic heavily damaged an occupied duplex on Christmas night, sending several residents out into the cold. Holyoke jakes were dispatched to the address of 1360-1362 Dwight Street just after 10:30 P.M. for a report of fire in the JUMP TO FILE# 122616102 ceiling and walls of a structure. As first-alarm companies arrived on the scene, it was evident that the fire had already extended to the thirdfloor and attic area. With subfreezing temperatures outside, Dwight Street Command elected to call in the balance of a secondalarm assignment for additional manpower. Companies then proceeded to stretch attack lines to all three floors of the dwelling and spent the next hour attacking the fire. A damage estimate was not available, but the property owner was making arrangements for the tenants to stay elsewhere until repairs could be made. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the HFD Arson Squad and State Fire Marshal's Office. - NATE ARNOLD

The incident commander checks for progress on the "A/B" Corner at 1360-62 Dwight Street.

NATE ARNOLD

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February, 2017

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MASSACHUSETTS

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Three-Car MVA in Plympton Plympton, MA - Firefighters responded to the area of 185 County Rd. on December 27th for reports of a three-car MVA. First arriving units found a multi-vehicle MVA, with all occupants involved out of their vehicles. All patients refused treatment.

K. LEGER

A firefighter carries the rescued pet cat.

Pet Cat Rescued at Working Fire in Fall River Fall River, MA - On December 29th, firefighters responded to 159 Shawmut Street for reports of a working fire. Engine-12 arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing from the second-floor of a threestory, wood frame structure. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire with an aggressive interior attack. Engine-12 backed up to the hydrant and laid two attack lines into the building. District Chief

JUMP TO FILE #122916101 James Mellen arrived, established Shawmut command and ordered an immediate search for possible victims. The fire was called in by a third party, who was informed by his grandchildren that the house was on fire. The search was negative, except for the rescue of a cat.

The fire caused considerable damage to the second-floor. The walls had to be opened up at the "A/D" corner from the second-floor to the attic. Command requested the utilities to respond to cut power to the building and also for the Fire Investigator to respond to the scene. Special Services arrived shortly after to provide rehab to firefighters. - KENNETH LEGER

JOHN SJOSTEDT

MVA with Medflight in Middleboro Middleboro, MA - Firefighters responded to Route-44 West on December 23rd for reports of a vehicle off the road. First arriving units found a vehicle off the road and in a ditch, on it's side. One victim was found to have head trauma. Medflight was called and landed at Carver landing zone, at the Tractor Supply. Carver Fire Department assisted Middleboro by securing the landing zone. Medflight transported the patient to a Boston Trauma Center for further treatment. Exposing hidden fire.

K. LEGER

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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February, 2017

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February, 2017

MEET ROVER

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Car Strikes Tree and Overturns in Whitman Whitman, MA - At around 12:45 A.M. on the subfreezing morning of Sunday, December 11th, the Whitman Fire Department responded to a reported motor vehicle accident in the area of 667 Plymouth Street. Follow up calls reported possible entrapment JUMP TO FILE# at the location. 121116102 Car-3, Engine243 and Ambulance247 responded and upon their arrival, found a car that had struck a tree and was now on it's side. The single occupant was still in the vehicle. Crews were able to remove the sunroof in order to gain access to the victim. The single occupant was transported by Ambulance-247 to Brockton Hospital with reported minor injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Route58 was closed off to traffic while the vehicle was righted and removed. - PAT TRAVERS

Car on it's side on Plymouth Street.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2017

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February, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

20th Century Firefighting ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

20th Century Firefighting As seen through the eyes of Illustrator, William Hicks, Milton Fireman 1899-1942 By Nathan R. Murphy and Lieutenant Brian Doherty Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite 4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $22.00 This is a soft covered book, measuring 9-inches by 11 ½inches and has 56 pages. From page 6 through 55 there are sketches and illustrations, except for one page which has a photo of a monument dedicated to six Milton, Massachusetts firefighters and two police officers who gave their lives in the line-of-duty to the city. This book is the product of an idea put forth by Lieutenant Brian Doherty to Nathan R. Murphy, encouraging him to write this

book while he secured the rights to use the artwork in the book that was done by Firefighter William Hick, Nathan’s great, great Grandfather. William Hicks was a very talented firefighter and person. He served the city of Milton’s fire department for the first four decades of the 20th century. He was part of the transition of volunteers to career firefighters and from horse drawn to steam engines. He sketched illustrations of all aspects of being a firefighter, from fighting fires, responding to rescues and other emergencies, to firehouse life, social events, duties and what have you. Many, if not most of the sketches are of actual calls with the likes of actual firefighters who responded. Many locations are named and the nature of the call described. The days of old are well represented and it is an education to anyone interested in history. Modern day firehouse life and firefighting are a light-year difference from much of what you will view on these pages. It is an enjoyable look of yesteryear, but sometimes sad when tragedy results. Nathan used this book as an Eagle Scout project. Lieutenant Doherty is the current president of the Milton Historical Society and helped to establish the Milton Firefighter Memorial Archives.

VERMONT

BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

SOUTH BURLINGTON FD