1st Responder News New England June Edition by Belsito Communications Inc.

The New England Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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JUNE, 2021

EASTER SUNDAY FIRE DESTROYS SEVERAL BUILDINGS IN LAWRENCE

JAY L HEATH

LAWRENCE, MA- A fast-moving fire damaged as many as five buildings in a congested area in the northern part of the city on Easter Sunday, April 4th. Lawrence Fire Alarm dispatched the Box at 6:58 P.M. and immediately advised the responding Deputy Car 21 John McInnis that fire alarm was receiving numerous calls and could see heavy smoke showing. - See full story on page 19

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June, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

B SPRAGUE

Warm Weather Causes Tank to Vent in Hampstead HAMPSTEAD, NH - Hampstead firefighters were called out for a leaking 150 lb. propane tank on the warm spring day of April 27th. The tank had been filled earlier in the cooler morning. Due the the tank being in the hot sun all day the relief valve opened. When fire crews got on scene the tank was venting product, so a hand line was stretched, water was applied to the tank and firefighters were able to reset the valve.

JAY L HEATH

Laconia, NH firefighters rescued an occupant from this house fire on April 7th.

Laconia Fireﬁghters Rescue Trapped Occupant LACONIA, NH - Firefighters rescued a woman from a house fire on the afternoon of April 7th. Laconia Fire, with automatic mutual aid engines from Belmont and Gilmanton, were dispatched around 2:02 P.M. for a house fire on Highland Street. First due firefighters found a two-and-a-half story duplex style building with fire coming from a first floor window. There was a report of an in-

JUMP TO FILE #040821100

dividual trapped inside. Laconia firefighters made a swift entry into the building and were able to rescue an individual who was unconscious and not breathing. Lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene and the victim was transported to

Lakes Region General Hospital. A second-alarm was dispatched on arrival with an extra ambulance. Firefighters were able to knock the fire down quickly on the first floor with no fire extension. The victim ultimately passed away at the hospital. The NH State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire. - JAY HEATH

VEHICLE NEWS

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Car Fire Threatens Home in Nashua NASHUA, NH - Nashua firefighters were dispatched to Tamora Ct. for an auto fire with exposure on the morning of April 14th. E6 arrived to find an auto with the engine compartment fully involved about 10-ft. from the house. Crews quickly stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch line and had the fire knocked down in a short time. E6, E3, and L3 remained on scene overhauling the auto.

CHUCK LOWE

Hampstead recently placed a 2020 Ford F350/CET 250/250 in to service as Forestry 1.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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July, 2021

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Advertising Index

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

Allegiance Fire & Rescue

Backstop USA

Dingee Machine

FDIC

FIRE 2021

Fire Rescue EMS Expo

Firehouse Expo

Firematic

Fire Tech & Safety

Kimtek Corp.

Mid Atlantic Rescue

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Wilton, New Hampshire is protected by a volunteer fire department under the command of Chief Don Nourse. He became the town's first full time firefighter on June 15, 2020, having worked almost 30 years as a volunteer. This was a huge change for the bedroom community, but all agree it was necessary. The department operations and administrative duties could no longer be handled by a part time employee. Chief Nourse is assisted in his duties by an Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief; both posi-

tions are volunteer. WFD has three companies known as Excelsior Hose Company 1, Souhegan Hose Company 2 and Eagle Hose Company 3, which are staffed by a Captain, Lieutenant and 8 firefighters per company. Together, they operate a fleet of seven apparatus out of one centrally located station. EMS for the town is a separate fulltime agency that operates two vehicles and a fly car from their own building.

CHUCK LOWE

Tanker 1 - 1993 International S-1800/EJ Murphy 500/2000.

CHUCK LOWE CHUCK LOWE

New England Marine

Professional Vehicle Corp.

Shaker Auto Group

Shipman’s Fire Equipment

Sutphen

Team Equipment, Inc.

Rescue 1 - 2015 Spartan Metro Star/Valley Heavy Rescue.

Engine 1 - 1987 Pierce Arrow, 1500/1000.

13 CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

Utility Communications

Ladder 1 - 2008 Spartan/Rosenbauer 109' aerial.

Engine 2 - 2007 Spartan/Valley, 1500/1000.

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 25, 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 error. in Omissions A division of: or errors be must brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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CHUCK LOWE CHUCK LOWE

Engine 3 - 1963 FWD Tractioner/Farrar, 750/400/LDH Reel Truck. Forestry 1 - 1982 Chevy 4x4/WFD 125/200.

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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 Ohio: Donald Beauchene, 54 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 9, 2020 Death Date: November 17, 2020 Fire Department: Warren City Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Donald Beauchene contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Tennessee: Ronald Steven Perry, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 15, 2020 Death Date: December 17, 2020 Fire Department: East Sullivan County Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Ronald Steven Perry responded to a mutual aid call of a building fire on Sunday, November 15, 2020. He and two other firefighters subsequently contracted COVID-19. Firefighter Perry passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus. Pennsylvania: Mark “Dewey” E. Kulp, 52 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: December 8, 2020 Death Date: January 5, 2021 Fire Department: Reading Department of Fire and Rescue Services Initial Summary: Firefighter/EMT Mark “Dewey” E. Kulp transported at least two patients to hospitals, who had tested positive for COVID-19. He also evaluated a patient on-scene that possibly had the virus. He subsequently contracted the disease and passed away on January 5, 2021.

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Florida: Lloyd Losinger, 60 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 4, 2020 Death Date: January 6, 2021 Fire Department: Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District Initial Summary: Captain Lloyd Losinger, while performing fire inspections, contracted COVID-19. He passed away from the virus on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Texas: Danny Watkins, 67 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 14, 2020 Death Date: January 12, 2021 Fire Department: San Benito Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Danny Watkins contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He passed away from the virus on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Tennessee: Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Spitzer, 65 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 11, 2020 Death Date: January 13, 2021 Fire Department: Rocky Top Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Spitzer, while on-duty, responded to a medical call on December 11, 2020 with another firefighter. It was determined later that the patient had COVID-19. He and the firefighter both contracted the virus. Chief Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Spitzer passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from the disease. California: William Christopher Mertz, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 27, 2020 Death Date: January 20, 2021 Fire Department: Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Captain William Christopher Mertz, while on-duty at the fire department, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from the virus. Texas: Erik Segura, 45 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 23, 2020 Death Date: January 26, 2021 Fire Department: Laredo Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain Erik Segura was part of the COVID-19 response team for the Laredo Fire Department. He contracted the virus while responding to an EMS call from a patient with a known case of the disease. He passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

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HERO HE ERO ER OES OE OES S

NEW HAMPSHIRE

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

JAY HEATH

Concord Fireﬁghters Battle Four-Alarm Blaze

Mountainside Fire Chief Anthony Pecorelli, who is also a member of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (Division A), recently had a tattoo done. It is the image of the chief's SCBA mask bearing a reflection image of his sons, Jake and Nicco, approaching a forest fire.

Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

CONCORD, NH - For the second night in a row, city firefighters battled another major fire on April 28th. Concord Fire Alarm dispatched the Box for a "porch fire" in the downtown section of the city at 32 Merrimack Street at 12:31 A.M. First due Engine 4 arrived and reported JUMP TO FILE # fire showing from a 042821103 second floor porch that was rapidly extending into the third floor and attic. Fire companies initiated search operations and an aggressive interior attack. All five occupants of the building were able to self-evacuate and one cat was rescued by a Concord firefighter. A Working Fire was transmitted by Battalion 3, BC Manning, and Tower 1 immediately went to the roof for ventilation as companies stretched additional hose lines. Due to the size and age of the building the fire entered multiple void spaces between walls and floors, creating very challenging firefighting conditions, reported Concord Fire Chief Sean Brown. The large four-unit condominium building, known as the Historic King House, was built in 1880. A second-alarm was transmitted with special calls for two additional tower ladders to the scene as fire spread throughout the building. The fire eventually went to four alarms, bringing in mutual aid from 18 surrounding communities. About three-and-a-half hours later, the fire was brought under control at 4:08 A.M. Chief Brown said there were no injuries reported and the fire is under investigation. Concord Firefighters had a

JAY HEATH

Concord firefighters get air bottles exchanged as heavy fire blows out.

flurry of activity all throughout the 24-hour tour, as firefighters extinguished a small fire in an attached storage area around 4:31 P.M. in the Penacook Section of the city, along

with numerous other fire and EMS calls. - JAY HEATH

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DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

The Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1944 to protect the quiet, 177-year-old bedroom community. A small fire station and hand-built apparatus were built the following year. In the decades that followed this fire station was expanded five times to meet growing needs. The current fire station was built in 2000 to replace that original building. In 2007, a full-time private EMS unit was allowed to move into the fire station. The personnel supplemented the efforts of the volunteers. Eleven years later, in 2018, full time firefighters were hired based on rising call volume. These career personnel work closely with the call department to meet the needs of its residents. They operate a fleet of two Engines, one Quint, one Tanker, one Forest Fire unit and various support vehicles.

AFD Headquarters

CHUCK LOWE

Engine 1 - 1992 Spartan/Central States 1500 GPM & 1000 Tank.

CHUCK LOWE

Tanker 1 - 2014 Kenworth/Fouts Bros 1000-GPM, 3000 Tank.

CHUCK LOWE

Squad 1 - 2019 Ford F-550/Rosenbauer 500-GPM, 300 Tank, 10 Foam Tank.

Engine 2 - 2005 HME Ahrens Fox/RK 2000-GPM, 650 Tank & 75' Aerial.

CHUCK LOWE

Engine 3 - 2016 HME Ahrens Fox 1500-GPM & 1000 Tank.

CHUCK LOWE

Utility 1 - 1995 Ford F350/Rural Fire 350-GPM, 250 Tank.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Concord Residents Displaced, Two Fireﬁghters Injured in Apartment Fire CONCORD, NH - City firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in the "Penacook Section" of Concord on April 26th. Concord Fire Alarm received a fire alarm activation for the Pinewood Village Apartments at 11:39 P.M., followed by multiple calls for a fire in Building 2. First due Engine 5 and Ambulance 5 arrived on scene of the 24-unit apartment building to find heavy fire showing from the second floor, third floor and attic. Companies quickly went to work to evacuate the building and attack the fire. Several pets were rescued by firefighters. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid from several departments. As firefighters completed their primary searches on all three floors, they withdrew from the building as

JUMP TO FILE #042821102

heavy fire extended through the roof. Concord's Tower Ladder and deck gun knocked down the heavy fire conditions so firefighters could reenter to extinguish pockets of fire and overhaul. One occupant was transported to the hospital and two firefighters were injured battling the blaze. One was treated for second degree burns and one firefighter injured his knee. Due to the amount of damage to the building, none of the units were able to be reoccupied. The fire remains under investigation by the Concord Fire Department and NH State Fire Marshal's Office. - JAY HEATH GARY SLEEPER

Concord firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in this 24-Unit apartment building on April 26th.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

KARIN M. HALSTEAD

Firefighters exiting garage after knocking down fire.

NORWALK FD

Quick Stop After Lightning Discarded Ashes Believed to be Cause Strike in Sandy Hook of Norwalk House Fire SANDY HOOK, CT - Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire due to a lightning strike on April 21st at 3:29 P.M. after a thunderstorm passed through town. A firefighter in the area was on scene first and confirmed a fire in the garage. Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead was the IC. Engine 442 out of Sandy Hook's substation was first due and a twoinch line was stretched to the front door. Quint 440 was on scene next and a second two-inch line was stretched to the garage. The fire was knocked down very quickly.

JUMP TO FILE #042221100

Lightning struck a tree to the left of the home and ran through the ground to the garage. The garage sustained heavy damage and the house received smoke damage. All Newtown fire companies responded to the scene, along with Stevenson Fire out of Monroe. Mutual aid was also received from Southbury and Brookfield for station coverage.

NORWALK, CT - Rowayton Fire Department responded to a house fire at 17 East Beach Rd. on April 4th. The fire started on the outside of the three-story home at 11:14 A.M. Power lines to the home ignited and were arcing, which de-

JUMP TO FILE #040921105

layed extinguishment. Once the power was off, Rowayton FD quickly extinguished the fire. Darien and Norwalk Fire were

also on scene for assistance. The fire is still under investigation, but probably started when discarded ashes from the fireplace ignited. - NORWALK FD

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

- KARIN HALSTEAD

Visit us online for more news around the states!

1rbn.com CORAL RUGGIERO

Windsor Locks Fire Department Tower 1 overlooks Bradley International Airport's runways and air traffic control tower.

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CONNECTICUT

NORWALK FD

MVA with Entrapment in Norwalk NORWALK, CT - The Norwalk Fire Department responded to the Merritt Parkway on the morning of April 14th for a single-car accident at 4:19 A.M. A Honda Civic sedan traveling northbound between Exits 40 and 41 left the roadway, struck a large rock, rolled and landed upright in the right travel lane. The lone female occupant had to be extricated from the vehicle using several hydraulic tools. The driver was then transported to

JUMP TO FILE #041921108

Norwalk Hospital by paramedics with life-threatening injuries. State Police closed the Parkway northbound, diverting traffic off Parkway at Exit 40, Main Avenue in Norwalk, as they investigated the accident.

SEAN FLAHERTY

Sprinkler Quells Hotel Fire in Griswold GRISWOLD, CT - At 8:51 P.M. on Friday, April 2nd, the Jewett City Fire Department with mutual aid from Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield Engine 195, Taftville Truck 25, Engine 22 and the Yantic FAST with American Ambulance were dispatched to 375 Voluntown Road at the AmericInn for flames coming from a second-story window. Car 55 arrived at 8:55 P.M. and reported smoke showing from a second-story window with a sprinkler activation. Ladder 156 arrived at 9:01 P.M. and flew their aerial to the second floor. Crews reported a smoke condition on the second floor and that the sprinkler had suppressed the fire. Command reported the fire knocked down at 9:08 P.M., and the Griswold Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

- NORWALK FD

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

MICHAEL CARENZA JR

Solar Panel Fire in Newington CORAL RUGGIERO

Windsor Locks Fire Department Firefighter Dave Carlson at a recent working fire.

NEWINGTON, CT - Firefighters responded to 140 East Robbins Avenue on April 10th for smoke coming from the solar panels on the roof of the home. Firefighters extinguished the fire using a dry chemical fire extinguisher because the panels were still energized. No damage to the home was reported.

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MASSACHUSETTS

Fire Ravages Springﬁeld Home; Sends Bravest to Hospital SPRINGFIELD, MA - A late evening fire in a two-and-a-half story, wood-frame, single-family dwelling destroyed the attic, displaced several residents and sent one Springfield firefighter to the hospital for treatment of JUMP TO FILE# non-life-threatening 040421105 injuries on April 1st. Companies responded to the alarm shortly after 10:00 P.M., and first due Engine 7 struck the second-alarm on arrival when they pulled into the scene and had heavy fire venting from the roof of 284 Lexington and siding melting on the 'Bravo' side exposure building. Companies wasted no time in getting big water on the fire, opening up with master stream appliances as soon as water supplies were established. Crews had the bulk of the fire knocked down within 45 minutes and then headed inside to chase hot spots and overhaul the remains of the second floor and attic. During this part of the operation, two members ascended ground ladders on the 'Bravo' side to begin pulling siding down and with little warning, a large section of a rain gutter came crashing down on one member, who was some 10 to 12-feet up his ladder. The gutter came down at such an angle and with terminal velocity that it knocked the firefighter off of his ladder and sent him to the ground, bouncing off the side of a vehicle parked in the driveway before hitting the pavement. Miraculously, the firefighter got up under his own power and tried to walk off his injuries before paramedics on scene convinced him to let them transport him to the hospital for evaluation. The home sustained severe damage in the fire, but aside from the injured SFD firefighter, no other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SFD arson squad. - NATE ARNOLD

MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE NATE ARNOLD

Members take a blow on the 'A' side as exterior operations continue.

Former Medford Engine 8, a 1956 Mack-B 750/300, operating at a fire approximately in 1990.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

How Valuable Do You Think YOU Are? Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

So why are you downhearted? Do you not feel valued? Do you feel worthless? Do you feel that you are not making the grade? Are you going through stuff that may have you depressed? I just want to take a minute and tell you how much you mean and are worth. Mr. Rogers stated that we are so much more than what we do. You may be a child to your par-

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ents, a parent to your children, a spouse, member of your house of worship, a talented artist or what have you. YOU WERE CREATED BY GOD, IN HIS IMAGE and HE LOVES YOU. You are not what other people may say or think. But only God knows your potential and why He put you here. Do not pay attention to all those people on social media. Do not measure your life according to their posts. They are only putting up what they want others to think is normal for them but it may be the best day that they had in years or it may all be staged with fake smiles. Live your life. You have a life that nobody else can live. It is ____________(fill in your name) life and nobody can ever be ____________(fill in your name) but ____________(fill in your name) Do not pay attention to whoever is putting you down. Many times they are just on a power trip and know that they can push your buttons. Did you ever think that they are the way they are because someone is doing the same to them? Insecure people may become bullies, no matter their education, or position in life. I feel sorry for them. We need to lift each other up and not put each other down. Hebrews 10:25 states that we should encourage one another. Who is encouraging you? Who are you encouraging? Many times people put us down because they do not want to see us succeed or they may say they do not want to see us fall. It is through our failures that we learn. There has been plenty times that Thomas Edison failed, when he was working on the light bulb. His comment was basically that he found so many ways that will not create light. Did you know that it took 40 attempts to created WD40, the lubricant. Can you imagine if they got it right on a different try? We might be using WD-37 or on the first try, WD-1. It's ok to fail, that just becomes a learning moment. We were all created with unique fingerprints, so why do we try being like someone else. We always measure ourselves short when we try to measure up to someone else, trying to be like them. But did you ever think that others may be trying to measure up to be like you? Years ago I had someone, who did not know me, tell me that I was not credible. The person had no clue what I do or what my potential was. I say to myself that I am doing well because I know that

God has a different plan for me. God has a special mission for each one of us. You cannot fill my mission and I cannot fill your mission. You can have that moment to. I have worked with people who have be addicted to drugs and been brought back from the dead a bunch of times but their story is not complete yet. Just look at the people that Christ hung out with and the people that He used for His purposes. Moses, did not hang out with Christ, had problems speaking and had low confidence, because he wanted to get out of it. Look at Him using tax collectors and talking to societies outcasts. BUT He loved them all. It may not be the number of times that you fall down. It is the number of times that you get up. You have a mission. Never count yourself out. Rest, regroup and try again. Remember that whatever you are going through, God is always with you. He sees what is happening and walks alongside you. God created you special and unique for a unique purpose and He loves you. Associate with those who lift you up and not tear you down. One thing that we teach people is that the people that you associate with is so important. We have those with addictions, get a new phone number and become very picky about the phone numbers that go into it. You get the new phone number because you do not want the wrong influencers calling and possibly harassing you. Years ago a wise friend told me that you are the books that you read and the people that you associate with, so be very selective. If you are having a challenge, do not give up. Ask for help, from those who know how to get you unstuck. Proverbs talks a lot about seeking counsel. Make sure that you seek counsel from wise people and not knuckleheads. You do not want advice from the three stooges. Speak to the experts in the field. People who actually have credentials from doing what you are having challenges with. If you need a heart operation, do not ask your electrician for his medical advice. You may be of a different religion than I am but you were made unique and for a specific reason, that may never be revealed to you. YOU are loved by the ONE who created you! Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

MASSACHUSETTS

PETER LOBO

Two-Alarm Fire Destroys Falmouth Home FALMOUTH, MA - On April 23rd, Mashpee Fire had a working fire and Falmouth Engine 25 went to assist. While there, a call for a house fire at 20 Crosby Lane was received. Engine 25 would have been first due, but instead Engine 21 from downtown was. In addition, Engine 23, Engine 410 from Joint Base Cape Cod, Ambulance 37 and Ladder 26 responded. Heavy smoke was showing and high winds fanned the fire. Ladder 26, which was brand new, was on its first run but because of difficult access it was not utilized. A second-alarm was transmitted and Cotuit Engine 236 and Bourne Engine 125 responded. The house was a total loss.

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MASSACHUSETTS

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING When in doubt, keep it simple and put it in a taco!

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Women in Firefighting” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

One of the most popular foods both in the firehouse and my own house is tacos. I mean, if you get a day of the week named after you, you know you’ve made it big. Taco Tuesdays are featured on Fork and Hose Co. almost every week. And rightfully so! They are easily cus-

tomizable depending on what’s in the fridge, what is on sale or just what you feel like eating. A taco can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. But the reason I love them so much is because a simple taco is almost always better than one with too many ingredients. Keeping it to a few ingredients will let each flavor shine through. Usually I like to stick to a protein, such as chicken, shrimp, pork or steak. Then maybe 2-3 toppings and that’s it; anymore than that and you will have a mess on your hands, literally. Another reason I love tacos, is that they can be

a relatively quick dish to make. And in this case, shrimp cooks up faster than any other proteins, so the food hits the table in no time. You could also braise tougher cuts like pork shoulder or beef chuck ahead of time if need be. But with these shrimp tacos we keep it simple with the classic taco ingredients of lime, garlic and cilantro. And no taco would be complete without hot sauce! So the next time you are not sure what to make and have to feed the crew quickly, think of these tasty shrimp tacos. You won’t be disappointed!

CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP TACOS Yields 8 Tacos Ingredients:

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Norton MA Firefighter Tori Sigman stretches a hose line during live fire training.

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

1 lb. Shrimp, peeled/deveined/tails removed 1 Lime, zest and juice Handful of fresh cilantro, picked and chopped 1 Garlic clove, chopped Salt, to taste EVOO 8 Corn Tortillas Garnish: Chopped Cilantro, lime wedges and hot sauce Procedure: -In a bowl, combine the shrimp, lime zest and juice, drizzle of EVOO, pinch of salt, chopped garlic and cilantro. Marinate for 15 minutes. -While shrimp marinates, toast tortillas over open flame or in a dry pan until brown in spots. Remove and cover with a paper towel. -In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of EVOO followed by the shrimp. Cook until starting to turn pink, flip and cook until fully pink.

PETER LOBO

Waltham Captain John Babstock was feted at Engine 3’s quarters on April 15th. John was retiring after 28 years of service. He was very instrumental in speccing out many new pieces of fire apparatus for the department. He also served in the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer/Aviation Structural Mechanic. Pictured is Lt. John Craig (right) of Engine 3 giving John a new chair he made out of wood from a very old hose rack in their station.

-Remove and assemble tacos with garnishes.

AJ FUSCO

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June, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Kitchen Fire Damages Pelham Home PELHAM, MA - Pelham firefighters were dispatched to Keyes Hill Rd. for a reported kitchen fire on the evening of April 9th. Upon arrival, a heavy smoke condition was found inside the house and command requested a working fire assignment, plus two additional tankers. One line was stretched to knock down the main body of fire. Crews began ventilation and searches were performed. Companies had the fire knocked down in a short time.

THEN AND NOW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Then and Now” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Needham Engine 3 once operated with a 1977 Pirsch 1250-GPM pumper that carried 500-gallons of water. It was painted yellow when delivered but was later repainted to a semi-traditional white-over-red. The current Engine 3 is a 2014 KME Predator 79' Quint. It carries 300-gallons of water and is rated to deliver 1500gallons of water.

Needham Engine 3 (Then)

CHUCK LOWE

Needham Engine 3 (Now)

PETER LOBO

Truck Driver Requires Extrication After Crashing into Pole in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - On a spring day in Waltham that brought snow to the area on April 16th, a truck from Rhode Island slammed into a utility pole on Totten Pond Road, near the Lexington Street intersection. Waltham Engine 2, Rescue 1 and Medic 1 responded. Rescue 1 signed off with a truck into a pole with a man conscious, but pinned inside. It took firefighters about 15 minutes to extricate the driver using the Jaws of Life and brute strength. He was transported to Lahey Hospital in Burlington with unknown injuries. The passenger in the truck was uninjured.

Bob Long

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2021

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MASSACHUSETTS

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

CHUCK LOWE

Falmouth operates three 2019 Ford F-550 4x4 ALS ambulances built by Life Line.

JAY L HEATH

Fire consumed several buildings in Lawrence on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday Fire Destroys Several Buildings in Lawrence

CHUCK LOWE

Boston Brush 48 was manufactured in 2019 by Acela Monterra using a 2005 Stewart & Stevenson MTV 6x6 chassis. This apparatus, equipped with a 500-GPM pump, carries 1000-gallons of water and 30-gallons of foam.

CHUCK LOWE

Falmouth Engine 21 runs out of headquarters with this 2019 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/750.

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LAWRENCE, MA- A fastmoving fire damaged as many as five buildings in a congested area in the northern part of the city on Easter Sunday, April 4th. JUMP TO FILE# Lawrence Fire 040521100 Alarm dispatched the Box at 6:58 P.M. and immediately advised the responding Deputy Car 21 John McInnis that fire alarm was receiving numerous calls and could see heavy smoke showing. The Deputy arrived to find a two-story woodframe and a two-and-a-half story, wood-frame, multi-family structure fully involved. Deputy McInnis immediately struck the second and third alarms, as fire was spreading fast. The buildings in the Saratoga Street area also spread to Bennington Street as several mutual aid towns were sent directly to the scene. The original fire buildings involved were located at 14 Saratoga and 34 Saratoga Street. Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty was staged in the nearby Bennington Street area while Deputy Chief McInnis was stationed on Saratoga Street. A fourth and then fifth alarm were transmitted, along with special calls to the scene and to cover the city. Several Tower Ladders and hand lines were in operation to protect the congested neighborhood, and most of the fire was knocked down by 9:30 P.M. Firefighters worked for several hours overhauling the buildings and checking for hot spots. There were no reports of any injuries. - JAY HEATH

JAY L HEATH

A Lawrence firefighter is silhouetted against the heavy fire blowing through the roof.

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OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Engine 5 in Newburyport operates a 2019 Pierce Enforcer 1500-GPM pumper. It carries 750-gallons of water and 30-gallons of foam. This apparatus was purchased new to replace a 2003 KME 1500-GPM apparatus that carried 1000-gallons of water.

CHUCK LOWE

Old Newburyport Engine 5

Current Newburyport Engine 5

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MASSACHUSETTS

JACK STAWASZ/HOLLIS NH EMERGENCY BUFF

Multiple Departments Fight Multi-Alarm Brush Fire PETER LOBO

DUNSTABLE, MA - On April 10th, the Dunstable, MA Fire Department responded to 76 Hollis Street for a reported brush fire. On arrival of the first units, it was determined that about an acre of brush was burning and multiple mutual aid departments were requested to the scene. Departments that responded included Dunstable, MA, Pepperell, MA, Hollis, NH, Townsend, MA, Pelham, NH, Groton, MA, MA DCR District 6, Ayer, MA, Shirley, MA, Westford, MA, Nashua, NH, Dunstable, MA Police, Trinity EMS, and Leominster, MA Emergency Management. Several departments also responded for station coverage. The fire was contained within a few hours and about five-acres in total burned with four alarms being reached, along with many special calls for apparatus in the area.

Two-Alarm Fire Quickly Controlled at Abandoned Building in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - A woman called Waltham's 911 center on April 2nd to report a building fire on the Fernald School property, which is a large 140-acre piece of property with many abandoned buildings. Waltham Fire dispatched Engines 2, 3 (RIT), and 8, along with Rescue 1, Tower 1 and Medic 1. Engine 8 was first on the property and had to find the fire, which was in an abandoned boarded up

JUMP TO FILE #040521116

chapel with fire and smoke showing. Hydrants on this property are limited, however, Engine 2 was able to take a hydrant and feed Engine 8, which was fairly close to the fire. Deputy Chief Brock Rowland immediately transmitted a secondalarm, which brought Engine 1,

Squad 5, Engine 7, Ladder 2 and Medic 2 to the scene. The fire was brought under control in a little over an hour. What was of help was that Waltham Fire has conducted numerous training exercises on this property. The State Fire Marshal was also brought in. This was the second multiple-alarm fire on this property in the last three months. - PETER LOBO

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

PETER LOBO

Car Versus Pole in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - On April 9th, a report of a car into a utility pole with entrapment and wires down in front of the Waltham Court House sent Engine 3, Rescue 1 and Medic 3 to the scene. Engine 3 signed off and reported that the utility pole was split in half and wires were down on Linden Street. Because there was no entrapment, Rescue 1 returned. The driver refused medical attention.

STEPHEN SWEET

BROCKTON, MA - Firefighters were dispatched on March 31st to a two-alarm fire at 872 N. Montello St., inside of a Taco Bell. Companies made an aggressive interior attack and had the fire under control in about 30 minutes. There were no reported injuries.

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Weston, MA is located 15 miles west of Boston and has a population of approximately 12,000. The town is mostly residential, however, they do have Regis College, Pope St. XX111 National Seminary and four private schools. Two major highways run through Weston, I-95 and I-90 (Mass Pike). The Weston Fire Rescue structure consists of Chief David Soar/Forest Warden, along with 30 permanent and five call firefighters. The department operates with seven officers and firefighters assigned to each of four work groups operating out of two stations. The department responds to 2,500 calls annually, 1,000 of which are ambulance related. Weston has four engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, a brush truck and an ATV. All Engines and the Ladder are Emergency One Typhoons.

PETER LOBO

Engine 1, 2020 E1 Typhoon 750-gallon tank/30-gallon foam

Ladder 1, 2008 E1 100’ rear-mount

PETER LOBO

Engine 2, 2002 E1 Typhoon 750-gallon tank/30-gallon foam

PETER LOBO

Ambulance A1, 2016 International Terrastar

PETER LOBO

Car 3, Incident Command unit 2017 Chevy Tahoe

Engine 3, 2014 E1 Typhoon 750-gallon tank/30-gallon foam

PETER LOBO

Engine 4, 2019 E1 Typhoon 750-gallon tank/30-gallon foam

UTV 1, Mahindra Utility 1000

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MASSACHUSETTS

STEPHEN SWEET

Apartment Complex Fire in Braintree BRAINTREE, MA - O the afternoon of April 19th, Braintree Fire responded to a report of a building fire at 600 Mathew Court. First arriving companies found heavy fire showing from a two-story wood-frame apartment complex. The fire was quickly knocked down with an aggressive attack, followed by intensive overhaul to cut off any fire extension into the common attic space. There were no reported injuries.

PETER WALSH JR.

Engine 1 and Tower 1 operating on the 'A' side of the structure with smoke still pushing from the windows.

Fire Pushes from the Windows in Plymouth PLYMOUTH, MA - At 11:03 P.M. on April 12th, Plymouth Engines 1 and 2, Tower 1, Ladder 3, and BC1 were dispatched to 3 Stephens St. for a building fire. With this location being within walking distance of Station 1, companies had a quick response time. Engine 1 signed off with smoke showing from the second floor of a 50'x30' two-and-a-half story, woodframe, multi-family structure, and

JUMP TO FILE #041321114

had Tower 1 make entry from the 'C' side. Engine 2 laid a four-inch line from a hydrant upon their arrival. The fire had self-vented as crews were making entry. Engines 1 and 2 made an aggressive interior attack along with Tower 1. At 11:14 P.M., Battalion 1

struck Box 14 for group 2 for a working fire assignment, bringing Carver and Kingston for Mutual Aid, and Engine 5 for R.I.T., as well as Rescue 1 for manpower. Eventually, the Kingston Engine was brought to the scene. All companies remained on scene and working for several hours. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. - PETER WALSH JR.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

PETER LOBO

Head-On Crash with Entrapment in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - Heavy rain may have contributed to a headon crash on Totten Pond Road on April 29th. Waltham Engine 2, Rescue 1 and Medic 1 were dispatched with reports of entrapment. Rescue signed off with a female driver trapped in her BMW. They used the Jaws of Life to extricate her, which took about 15 minutes. She was transported to Lahey Hospital by Medic 1. A passenger in the other vehicle required assistance of firefighters. He was transported to the same hospital by Lexington Ambulance 1. This was the second accident within a half mile on Totten Pond Road where a vehicle hit a utility pole and required extrication.

CHUCK LOWE

Dalton operated this 1996 Pierce Saber rescue pumper that has a 500-GPM pump and 500-gallon tank until 2019. It was then acquired by Sandwich, on the cape, where is runs as their Squad 4 (454). It will retain the color scheme from its original assignment in the Berkshires.

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MASSACHUSETTS

MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

Orange once operated with this 1964 Maxim-S 85' aerial.

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Three Alarms Struck at Lowell Structure Fire LOWELL, MA - Lowell FAO began receiving calls for a fire on Durant St. in the early afternoon of April 7th. E6 arrived on scene to find heavy fire showing from the roof of a two-and-a-half story wood-frame. Command arrived on scene and quickly struck a second-alarm, bringing in more companies to the scene. Crews made an aggressive interior attack, but were forced out due to deteriorating conditions. Command struck a third-alarm, bringing in mutual aid to the city and to the scene. Crews reentered the building to hit hot spots and check for extension. Companies remained on scene and the fire is now under investigation. CHUCK LOWE

The Town of New Braintree once operated this 1972 Ford F750/Thibault 750/750 as Engine 1.

DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

The Town of Wendell once operated this 1976 Ford L/Farrar 1000/750 as Engine 1.

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STEVE SURINER, HVFD

The Hinsdale (MA) Vol. FD took advantage of early Spring warmth that caused ice to melt and recede on Plunkett Reservoir to provide training in ice rescue. Twenty-five members of the department donned wet suits and used the Rescue Sled to reach, secure and extract a “victim” using the sled. Pictures show members performing functions involved in a sled rescue on thin ice. Members rotated through all positions required by the use of a rescue sled.

June, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

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

PAGE 27

Water Rescue Dry Suit MSD576 - Call for Price! Ice Commander Suits Size: Universal Adult IC9001-03 $719.00

I595 Ice Rescue Suit - $482.65 Oversize - $540.00

4185 Type III SAR Vest Small to XXXL - $126.50 4XL to 7XL - $137.25

Survitec Imperial #1500 Ice Rescue Suit Universal Adult $575.00

Call Shannon for More Information! 800-492-0779 or 603-436-2836

New England Marine & Industrial STEPHEN SWEET

Quincy FD Deputy Chief Burchill

www.newenglandmarine.com

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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MASSACHUSETTS

VEHICLE NEWS

PATRICK KERRIGAN

CHUCK LOWE

Holyoke has placed a 2020 KME Panther 79' Quint in service as Engine Co 5. This rig carries 500-gallons of water and has a 1500GPM pump. Minimum manpower on this company is 1 Officer and 3 Firefighters.

Heavy Fire Found in Cockloft of Lowell Structure LOWELL, MA - The Lowell fire alarm office began receiving calls for a structure fire on School St. on April 4th. E2 arrived on scene with heavy fire showing from floor three of a three-story wood-frame. Crews stretched lines to the third floor to knock down the fire and found

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Norton MA Engine-45 is a 2020 E-One Quest 1500/750/30B.

JUMP TO FILE #040521112

heavy fire in the cockloft. Command ordered a second-alarm, bringing in mutual aid to the city and ordered crews to begin a defensive operation.

After a short time going defensive, crews reentered and knocked down the fire in the cockloft and third floor. Crews remained on scene overhauling and checking for extension. - PATRICK KERRIGAN

COMMAND VEHICLES If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

The Chief of Department at Joint Base Cape Cod is assigned a The Chief of Department at Joint Base Cape Cod is assigned a 2012 Chevy Tahoe 4x4.2012 Chevy Tahoe 4x4.

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STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

PETER LOBO

MVA with Rollover in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - Around 5:15 P.M. on April 5th, a van traveling south on I-95 in Waltham rolled over with its contents strewn along the guardrail. Waltham Fire dispatched Engine 4, Rescue 1 and Medic 1. Because it was not known for sure what lane it was in, Deputy Randy Mullin requested Engine 2 to also respond in the southbound lane. A bystander who happened to be an EMT assisted two people out of the van. Neither was injured. Waltham firefighters had to clear the highway of 1,000 nails and screws.

CHUCK LOWE

The Springfield FD Arson & Bomb Squad operates with this 1995 Ford/Supreme.

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.

THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos you would like to see in our “This Old House” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

The former Ayer firehouse at 14 Washington St. was home to the department for 72 years. It was built by George Ernest Robinson, famous for fire station architecture, in 1934 as a "Colonial Revival". The structure was expanded with additions made in 1945, 1970 & 1996 to accommodate the needs of the department. This building, which has been vacant since 2006, is currently being eyed for conversion in to six units of affordable housing.

STEPHEN SWEET

Quincy Fire Rescue 1 crew after a working fire, (L to R): FF Duong, FF Kennedy, Capt. Tribble, and FF DeYoung.

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MASSACHUSETTS

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM CHUCK LOWE

Mansfield runs this 2005 Ford F-550 4x4/Pierce 250/250 as Squad 5.

CHUCK LOWE

Lunenburg Engine 5 is a 2003 Emergency One Urban Interface pumper built on an International 7400 AWD chassis. It carries 500gallons of water, 50-gallons of class A foam and is rated to pump 1000-GPM.

Brockton's recently put into service Engine-4 was first due.

Fire Found in the Walls of Brockton Nursing Facility BROCKTON, MA - Around 12:15 P.M. on the afternoon of Monday, April 5th, the Brockton Fire Department responded to Master Box 7463 for 2 Beaumont Avenue at the Brockton Health Center. Following the master box, a call was received reporting a possible fire on floor-3. Engine-4, Engine-7, Squad-A, Ladder-4 and Car-56 responded. Companies arrived to find nothing showing from the four-story

JUMP TO FILE #040521125

brick nursing facility. Once inside companies found a fire in an outlet on floor-2 that had extended to the wall. Crews encountered smoke on floors two, three and four. Firefighters worked to locate and knock down the fire, while other firefighters moved and evacuated residents of the building.

Car-56 later requested an additional ladder to the scene, bringing in Ladder-1. EMS was then requested, bringing several Brewster EMS units to the scene for stand-by and rehab. Crews knocked down the fire quickly. A wiring inspector was also requested to the scene, as the fire was believed to have originated in an outlet on the second floor. - PAT TRAVERS

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

CHUCK LOWE

Halifax operates this 2019 Ford F-550 4x4 as Forest Fire 1. The body was built locally, at Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, with a 300-GPM pump, 400-gallons of water and 25-gallons of class A.

K. LEGER

FALL RIVER, MA - On April 8th, firefighters set up a landing zone in Kennedy Park. A Boston Medflight was inbound to pick up a critically ill child at St. Annes Hospital and transfer them to Children's Hospital in Boston, MA.

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Engines & Other Apparatus of the Milwaukee Fire Department ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

Engines and Other Apparatus of the Milwaukee Fire Department An Illustrated History By Wayne Mutza Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street Hudson, MA, 01749 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $49.95 This book is soft cover, with 310 pages within 11 chapters. The author is a retired member of the Milwaukee Fire Department. I actually met him in 1977 when he gave a talk at fire headquarters to a group of fire buffs who were attending their convention in the city. He reminded me of myself that is a young firefighter devoted to the job! This book was compiled by a full page of acknowledgements of equally dedicated people who contributed to not only a full range of Milwaukee apparatus, but a history of it. If there is anything missing in this book it is because it simply was not available when the publication was put together! Of the 11 chapters, the first dealt of course with apparatus manually pulled by the brute strength of individuals. The second chapter, “Horsepower”, addresses just that. The utilization of horses to pull apparatus was partly due to the dwindling ranks of manpower to respond. On page 21, however is a second sized, self propelled engine being driven down a street with heavy smoke coming from its stack. For a number of reasons it did not last more than about two years and I invite you to read why. They are interesting! This chapter covers water towers and fireboats but before it ends on page 48, on page 47 there is a photo of a sleigh which apparently were abundant in the fire department and were utilized when steam fire engines could not get

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through. The hose they carried were connected directly to hydrants. Before this chapter is finished I should mention the Buestrin escape ladder, which was 95-feet in length. It was designed by the man of that name and there is an impressive photo of it in the chapter. According to what is written, it was never utilized to its full potential. However in chapter 3 is a story of its own about “Maggie”, a rear-mounted wooden aerial built by the German company, Magirus. When the chief at the time learned about it he travelled to the town that owned one (Gary Indiana) and ended up ordering

one. In 1977 when I first went to Milwaukee I was at the private museum of Keith Franz, an active Milwaukee buff, and he had the aerial in storage minus the truck. There is insufficient room to write about the value of this book to apparatus buffs and historians to name a few. I can only say it is packed with black and white photos of all kinds of apparatus, including those that were operated by specialized departments, and also the last chapter which has MFD apparatus which ended up after being retired. In short, to anyone interested in apparatus, this is one for your library!

MAINE

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

CHUCK LOWE

Engine 51 in Randolph is a 2001 Emergency One 1000-GPM pumper built on a Freightliner FL80 chassis. It carries 1250-gallons of water along with 20-gallons of class A foam.

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Enjoy taking photographs?

RHODE ISLAND

MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Get the most out of your hobby. 1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information! CHUCK LOWE

The Berkeley Fire District, which was located in Cumberland, operated this 1974 Mack-CF600 quint. It had a 100' Carl Thibault (Quebec) aerial, 200-gallons of water and a 1250-GPM pump.

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212

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