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VT - On January 15, 2015, the Burlington Fire Department responded for a reported church fire in the Old North End of the city. Upon arrival, Engine Co. 2 encountered heavy fire conditions and began an aggressive attack.
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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MAINE
TOWN OF YARMOUTH FIRE RESCUE
Multiple calls during snow storm Firefighters have responded to several calls on January 30th during a recent storm. This car crash occurred on East Elm Street and was the result of slippery roads. Engine 81, Ambulance 85, and Chief 801 responded to this incident. Engine 81 cleared this location after 30 minutes and responded to Granite Street for a carbon monoxide alarm sounding. As of 2:00 p.m., crews responded on five calls.
AUGUSTA FIRE-RESCUE
Serious crash on Interstate 95 Augusta Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Jason Mills and Firefighter/Paramedic Jason McKinnon work to free a trapped occupant at the scene of a serious car crash on Interstate-95 near mile marker 112. Firefighters used the "Jaws of Life" to extricate the occupant and transport them to Maine General Medical Center in Augusta. There were four people in the car, two were transported for non-life threatening injuries. The car collided with a plow truck. The cause is under investigation. Interstate-95 was shut down for 45 minutes while crews managed the scene.
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March, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MAINE
Advertising Index
Burn
A guide to finding great companies
Company
Page
1st Priority
13,30
VIDEO REVIEW
All Hands Fire Equip.
15
Video reviews by John Malecky
Armor Tuff Flooring
37
Apparatus For Sale
46
Bergeron Clothing
23
Classified Page
45
Comedy Works
30
Burn is a ďŹ lm by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez, Produced by Denis Leary Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1- 800- 5228 5 2 8 , E-mail:support@ďŹ re-police-ems.com www.ďŹ re-police-ems.com Price: $24.99 (DVD) This DVD is 86 minutes in length and is an award winning ďŹ lm about Detroit, Michigan, what it once was, a bustling city of factories, industrial and commercial occupancies and attractive homes with a population of nearly two million to what it is now...anything but! The once beautiful city is now infested with run down vacant buildings of all types, vacant lots where homes once stood and boarded up homes next to them. The major focus is on the ďŹ re department and how difďŹ cult it has been to keep up with the continuous production line of ďŹ res in this decaying city. It is unusual to get a legitimate ďŹ re as the vast majority are arson. It may surprise some, but the ďŹ reďŹ ghters still perform in a valiant and relentless fashion in spite of the workload. To many it is still home and they reminisce about what it once was and long to see it rejuvenated again! The ďŹ lm follows two ďŹ reďŹ ghters in particular, one is about to retire after 30 plus years. He is a pump operator and lives on a street, where at least eight buildings are burned out or vacant. The other is a ďŹ reďŹ ghter who put 12 years on the job and was caught on a collapse of a brick wall
Dingee Machine Co.
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Eastford Fire Rescue
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EJ Boughton Co.
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Fail Safe Hose Testing
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Fire Equip. Headquarters
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Firehouse Expo
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Mid Atlantic Rescue Sys.
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New England Fire Equip.
CPR/AED training The Camden Fire Department recently conducted CPR/AED training.
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26
Professional Vehicle Corp.
12
Shaker Auto Group
31
Shakerley Fire Truck Sales
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Shipman’s Fire Equip.
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Spotted Dog Technologies
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Task Force Tips
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The Fire Store
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 20, No.3 - 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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at a multiple alarm ďŹ re. His injuries resulted in his being paralyzed from the waist down and his road to recovery is part of the movie. Then, there is a captain, who gets promoted to battalion chief and he explains the differences in his duties. For the rest of the ďŹ re department, money is not there and as a result, salaries are not being raised, apparatus and equipment are not being ďŹ xed or replaced and buildings are not being kept in shape. After all of this, you may want to ask yourself what the leaders have to say. Well, we do eventually hear from a newly appointed ďŹ re commissioner, who has relocated from Los Angeles, California. We hear about his good intentions and frustrations in what seems to be one step forward and two steps back in some cases as he tries to better the department. Of course we need to address dumb things such as parking a $700,000 ladder truck on the railroad tracks and yes it gets struck by a train. Another is trying to run an apparatus under a low underpass and tearing off the roof! This type of carelessness pushes the department into more of a deďŹ cit. Another head scratcher is the issue of a new mini pumper that has a pump and water tank, but is only being used as a manpower transport because I understand there was a dispute between the ďŹ re department and the manufacturer over the certiďŹ cation of the pump, so an order was given that it not be used. That very order may have cost a young child her life as you will see. I could go on and on about this movie, but it is something you have to see for yourself. The story of the blight of this city is told in a very candid way. It ends with the last shift of the retiree and his ďŹ nal response in service to Detroit! Proceeds from the sale of this DVD go to Denis Leary's foundation, which supports buying equipment for ďŹ reďŹ ghters.
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March, 2015
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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 South Carolina: John Burns, 50 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: December 3, 2014 Death Date: December 3, 2014 Fire Department: Myrtle Beach Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Burns was discovered by other firefighters unresponsive in his bed at the fire station early in the morning where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. In addition to other duties, Lieutenant Burns had responded to one or more emergency alarms earlier during his shift. Pennsylvania: Joyce Craig-Lewis, 36 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 9, 2014 Death Date: December 9, 2014 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: At approximately 0249hrs, Firefighter Craig-Lewis was one of several firefighters that were first to respond to a residential fire in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. Upon arrival at 0253hrs, the firefighters advanced a hose into the basement of the house to fight the fire. As reinforcement arrived, a change in tactics was ordered and the first group of firefighters started to withdraw from the basement. During this time, Firefighter CraigLewis became trapped. She was rescued by fellow firefighters and, with no vital signs, was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at approximately 0400hrs. Investigation into the incident and cause of death continues. Firefighter Craig-Lewis is Philadelphia's first female firefighter to die while on duty. Tennessee: Gus Losleben, 69 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 9, 2014 Death Date: December 9, 2014 Fire Department: Hardin County Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Losleben died from injuries received when the fire department tanker he was operating in
response to a working structure fire collided head-on with a loaded logging truck. The driver of the logging truck was also killed in the accident, the cause which remains under investigation by authorities. North Carolina: Ricky Wooten Doub, 61 Rank: Fire chief Incident Date: December 16, 2014 Death Date: December 16, 2014 Fire Department: Forbush Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Doub responded to an EMS and a fire call during the day on December 16 and was later found deceased at home by his wife around 1700hrs that evening. A nature and cause of fatal injury for Chief Doub is still to be determined. New York: Joseph “Junior” Sanford Jr., 43 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 19, 2014 Death Date: December 23, 2014 Fire Department: Inwood Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Sanford succumbed to injuries sustained several days after being rescued from the basement of a burning residence in Woodmere, New York, revived by fellow responders and transported to the hospital. Sanford, a former assistant fire chief with the Inwood Fire Department, was reported to have been one of the first firefighters on the scene when he became separated from others and fell through the first floor of the home into the basement. Investigation into the fatal fire incident continues by authorities. New Jersey: James Woods, 44 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 25, 2014 Death Date: December 26, 2014 Fire Department: Jersey City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Woods passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined within 24 hours of responding to an emergency response call.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
These days I am seeing more and more gyms in the fire stations I visit. It’s no secret that physical fitness plays an important role in the fire service. Yes, I have touched on this subject numerous times in the past, but I feel it’s a message worth repeating. Physical fitness is an essential firefighting tool. As such, just like the apparatus and other firefighting tools in the firehouse, gym equipment requires proper training/instruction to use it both safely and effectively. As we are all aware, training sessions (and drills) take place in the firehouse all the time. Subsequently, it makes perfect sense to treat physical fitness training like any other training. Train your Brain –Train your Body. Knowledge is a powerful thing, and training your body to put that academic training into action can be just as powerful and therefore vital.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
Make the most of the gym…“Train your brain–train your body” So, thankfully more and more members of the fire service are getting into the gym. But is everyone comfortable with what to do once they get in there? Once you outfit the gym, begin by seeing that all participants receive medical clearance from a licensed physician. Next have a fitness professional provide your members/personnel with the information and “hands on” training they need to make the most of your physical fitness equipment. It is recommended that the fitness professional assess the current fitness level of each member. This can be done by obtaining a medical history and by administering a series of simple tests to evaluate such things as weight, body fat percentage, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance etc. The information obtained in the assessment can then be used by the fitness professional to design and administer an individualized (written) exercise plan. It not only provides valid information to design an ap-
propriate program, it also serves as baseline data with which to measure change (progress) by comparing the results to those of future assessments. This simplifies program modification. If you choose to forgo the much recommended program design, at the very least all members should attend an orientation and be ‘qualified’ on each piece of equipment in the gym. Such information includes, but is not limited to, how to adjust the machine to accommodate the size of the exerciser, how to adjust the intensity level of the machine, and of course proper technique for using the machine. From a liability standpoint, this also serves to insure that the users are aware of the manufacturer’s safety recommendations. In addition to fitness assessment, personalized program design and orientation, there are a number of ways to give your physical fitness program some valuable support. Here are some suggestions as to how to take your physical fitness
program to the next level. Newsletter - Add a fitness section to your newsletter. If you don’t already have a newsletter, put together some fitness facts and distribute it monthly. Website - Devote a section on your website to fitness. If possible make it interactive so that personnel have a place to go and exchange information. Meetings, Classes and Drills Occasionally, why not begin scheduled meetings with a group warm-up and stretch or at the very least a short presentation on physical fitness and its importance in the fire service? It can be as simple as providing a single fact/statistic or tip. You already have a group assembled; make it an opportunity to get information out or a message across. Bulletin Board – Post fitness tips, exercise suggestions or interesting statistics to keep fitness in the forefront of the minds of your members/personnel. You can use humor/cartoons or go the more serious route with firefighter death and
injury reports. Workshops – Schedule a workshop provided by a fitness professional where members can gain Fitness and Wellness knowledge as well as practical experience. Weekly Group Workouts – Schedule weekly workouts – even if it is just an outdoor walk with or without gear. Nutritional Counseling – Proper nutrition is a key component to any ffitness/wellness program. Schedule a session with a registered dietician to provide important usable information to help your members/personnel understand and adopt good dietary habits. Smoking Cessation – Quitting smoking is one of the single most important steps an individual can take to avoid premature death due to cardiovascular disease. Since heart attacks are the leading cause of premature death in the fire service, why not offer a smoking cessation program? ”Train Your Brain – Train Your Body” – Stay Safe!
MAINE
TOWN OF YARMOUTH FIRE RESCUE AUGUSTA FIRE-RESCUE
Interstate 295 crash with injuries Falmouth and Yarmouth units responded to I-295 Southbound in the area of milemarker 11.5 for the crash with injuries. Units arrived on scene and transported the driver of a pickup truck to the hospital with minor injuries. Units operated for one and a half hours while Stewarts Wrecker removed the truck. Maine State Police are investigating.
Two alarm fire in Augusta A two alarm Fire on January 30th at 2968 North Belfast Ave completely destroyed a mobile home. A family of three people lost everything. The family was not home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. Route 3 was closed for several hours as fire trucks and equipment worked to contain the blaze. There are no hydrants in the area, so water tank trucks from Vassalboro and Chelsea Fire Departments were sent to the scene. The Red Cross has been called in to assist the family with temporary housing and essential items. The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause. Thanks to all of the fire departments that provided help at the scene or city coverage.
1St Responder Newspaper - NE
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March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
RHODE ISLAND
DUNN'S CORNERS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Very rapid stop for Dunn’s Corners On January 23rd, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Fieldstone Way in Westerly R.I. Crews arrived at a two story type V with heavy fire from side A on the second floor. Dunn's Corners Fire (their call), Westerly Fire, Ashaway Fire and Westerly Ambulance responded. Crews had a very rapid stop.
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Building fire in Providence On January 17, 2015 at about 10:45 p.m., Providence Fire received calls for a house fire at 47 Nolan Street. Engine 12 arrived on scene to heavy fire and smoke showing from a two and a half story occupied wood frame. Companies used three lines to knock down the fire. No injuries were reported. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.
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VERMONT
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM
Heavy smoke showing in Providence Providence, RI. On December 28, 2014 at 7:30 a.m., Providence Fire received a call from the police reporting a fire at 1078 Chalkstone Avenue. The fire department arrived to find smoke showing from a one story brick commercial building. Fire was in one store. Companies knocked down the fire with one hose line. The fire was brought under control within one hour and no injuries were reported.
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PAGE 12
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
Is everyone getting the message? STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell
I have been writing this column on firefighter safety for quite a few years now and when I peruse the internet, fire journals, newspaper, and view local and national news I am overwhelmed with what occurs in the field relative to firefighter safety. Regularly, I read of apparatus involved in accidents while responding to emergencies and apparatus rollover accidents where only the apparatus is involved, and half the firefighters involved in these incidents are not wearing seat belts; thereby, compounding their chance for injury or death. Last year, 2014, there were 87 line of duty deaths and half of these reported deaths are still caused by stress and heart attacks, the leading killer of firefighters annually. I wonder if the heart attack rate amongst fire service personnel is greater than for the civilian population, for sure the stresses are greater. Over the past ten years, firefighter deaths have ranged somewhere between 85 and 105, one year up, the next down. Maybe we have hit a stone wall, gone as far as we can go in reducing firefighter deaths, or is there still plenty we can do in the area of firefighter safety? Is it possible that there are still plenty of firefighters and officers out there who are not getting the message? Maybe not everyone is seriously listening, or at least putting into practice the information on firefighter safety that is disbursed on a regular basis from fire service organizations. There are many firefighters, who diligently take the time to think before acting, to plan for the worse case scenario, and who do their best to stay out of harms way while performing their duties as aggressive firefighters. Safety begins with proper attitude and requires strong individual discipline and accountability for ones personal safety. So then, who is this column directed at? It is directed at those of you who practice firefighter safety techniques and participate and comply with your department’s policies, SOP’s, and training programs. Hopefully, this column acts as a constant reminder and refresher, and more importantly, a means of encouragement. It is also directed at those who apparently are not getting the Firefighter Safety message, or those who are not interested in what they see and hear, and lastly those who feel nothing will happen to them and just disregard the message, and in doing so, their own personal safety. Maybe they view safety in a different light as safety can be more of a subjective topic than a clear cut objective topic to them. It is time for all safety conscious firefighters to do more to encourage your fellow firefighters who may be
a little lax in following safety recommendations, department policy and training procedures relative to creating and maintaining a safe working environment. The unsafe actions, or inactions, of one member can have an influence on other members and the overall operations of the department, career or volunteer. If it is only the non-safety conscious firefighter who is injured, the short or long term loss of said individual has an effect on other members as they will have to pick up the extra work load. In doing so, you increase the risks and dangers you are exposed to while in the performance of your duties. When a fellow firefighter drives in an unsafe manner, does something foolish, takes an unneeded risk, or performs and unsafe act speak up. Let that firefighter know you are not happy with his/her unsafe and dangerous act and if they don’t begin to correct them you will refuse to work with him/her. If that doesn’t bring about an improvement in their attitude, go to your company officer and report their actions. I know, you will feel like your “ratting out” your friend and no one takes pleasure in wearing that label. Remember the drinking advertisement slogan that goes, “Friends don’t let friends drink and drive!” If you look at it from that perspective it doesn’t look so bad anymore, does it? Seems maybe we need a similar slogan in the fire service, “Friends stop friends from performing unsafe acts!” Or maybe Friends stop friends from acting careless, stupid, dangerous, or whatever modifier that fits the statement! You can probably come up with something better. Whatever you choose and it motivates the firefighter safety conscious members within your department to encourage the not so firefighter safety conscious members, it is a positive action.
RHODE ISLAND
CODE RED PHOTOS BY DAVID CINQMARS
Heavy fire in the attic
Woonsocket battles stubborn early morning fire It was a busy morning, January 19th, in the City of Woonsocket, RI. Companies had numerous accidents from slippery conditions due to the temperatures dropping after receiving heavy rain the night before. While clearing and getting ready for a shift change around 7:00 a.m., calls came in for a building fire at 685 Wood Ave. Police arrived on scene quickly and had heavy fire showing from the roof area of a three story wood frame multi unit house.
JUMP TO FILE #011915125
Police made sure occupants were out of the building the best they could due to conditions. First due companies made an aggressive interior attack and tried to search the building and were quickly pushed back due to of conditions. The fire quickly went to a third alarm with mutual aid to the scene and station coverage. Numerous ladder pipes went
into operation to extinguish this stubborn fire that ran across the attic space. The fire was knocked down after a couple hours. Crews went in to open up and check for spot fires. While making entry into a third floor apartment, firefighters from Woonsocket rescued a family pet. The fire is under investigation by local and state fire marshals. No injuries were reported. - DAVID CINQMARS
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
PAGE 13
VERMONT
Firefighters respond to structure fire
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Berkshire, VT. On February 8, 2015 at approximately 6:55 a.m., the Berkshire Fire Department responded to a structure fire on King Road in Berkshire. Mutual aid was called in from Richford and Enosburg JUMP TO FILE# Fire Departments. 020815118 Enosburg Fire Department was cancelled enroute. The approximately 20x30 foot building was fully involved. The fire also melted the siding on a nearby house. There were no reported injuries, but the building was a total loss. A nearby house and trailer were saved by firefighters.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
VERMONT
GREG RAMSDELL
Pickup truck versus house Highgate, VT. On February 6, 2015 at approximately 2:15 p.m., the Highgate Fire Department, Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR), and the Vermont State Police (VSP) responded to Route 78 in Highgate Center for a pickup truck versus a house. The truck was travelling eastbound on Route 78, lost control trying to avoid an accident, and hit a house. There were two people in the truck and the passenger was transported to the hospital by MVR with an ankle injury. It was an abandoned house that the truck hit. The accident is under investigation.
GREG RAMSDELL
Firefighters working on the roof
House fire brings out firefighters from Vermont, New York, and Quebec On February 9, 2015 at approximately 4:55 p.m., Isle Lamotte and Alburg Fire Departments responded to Main Street in Isle Lamotte for a house fire. Mutual aid was provided from North Hero, South Hero, Grand Isle, and Swanton Fire Departments in Vermont; Rouses Point, Champlain, and Mooers from New York; and fire departments from Quebec responded to the call. A tanker task force was called
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in some departments covered stations. Heavy fire and smoke was showing when firefighters arrived and an interior attack was made knocking down the fire quickly. Overhauling began soon thereafter. Firefighters made an excellent save. According to a female, who
lived there, she arrived home with her young son and found smoke and heavy fire in a shed, which was attached to the house. The fire did get into an upstairs bedroom she said. The cause of the fire is under investigation and there were no reported injuries. Alburg Rescue stood-by at the scene. - GREG RAMSDELL
GREG RAMSDELL
Firefighters respond to pickup truck fire Swanton, VT. On February 5, 2015 at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Swanton Fire Department, Swanton Police Department and Alburg Fire Department with a tanker responded to Route 78 in West Swanton at the boat access for a fully involved pickup truck fire. The pickup truck was a total loss and there were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire may have been electrical in nature.
SOUTH BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Overturned tractor trailer accident On February 2, 2015, the South Burlington Fire Department responded to a non-injury tractor trailer with non-hazardous cargo on Interstate 89 northbound, north of Exit 13. The recovery company was unable to upright the tractor trailer due to the weather. SBFD maintained a presence for several hours under very frosty conditions. SBFD returned to the scene of the accident the next day to assist the recovery company.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
VERMONT
TODD POOLE GREG RAMSDELL
Firefighters battle five alarm commerical structure fire
TODD POOLE
Swanton, VT. At approximately 1:10 a.m. on January 27th, a Swanton police officer responded to a burglar alarm at TDI Repair and Towing on Babbie Boulevard in Swanton. Upon arrival, he noticed flames coming from a window. Swanton Fire Department was summoned to the scene, where they found flames and heavy smoke. Mutual aid was called in from
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Highgate, Alburg, St. Albans Town and Phillipsburg QC Fire Departments. Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR) stood by. Flames extended from the office area to the back of the steel building and into the roof. Firefighters had to deal with winds and 5 degree tem-
peratures, leaving windchill temperatures below 0. TDI lost at least two towing vehicles and other equipment in the fire. The building was a total loss. There were no reported injuries. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Vermont State Police fire investigators. - GREG RAMSDELL
BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Vacant Burlington church ravaged by blaze On January 15, 2015, the Burlington Fire Department responded for a reported church fire in the Old North End of the city. Upon arrival, Engine Co. 2 encountered heavy fire conditions and began an aggressive attack. DC Roberts quickly struck a third alarm, bringing all five engine companies, Tower Ladder 1, Rescue 1 and 2, and all off duty members to the scene. Station coverage was provided by South Burlington Fire Department, Winooski Fire Department, and Malletts Bay Fire Department.
GREG RAMSDELL
Firefighters respond to fully involved house fire Highgate, Vt. On January 28, 2015 at approximately 10:40 a.m., the Highgate Fire Department responded to a fully involved house fire on Machia Road in East Highgate. Mutual aid was called in from Swanton, Franklin, Sheldon, Enosburg, and St. Albans Town Fire Departments in Vermont and Phillipsburg, QC. The home was fully involved and firefighters battled the blaze in ten degree tempatures with windchill at negative two. Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR) stoodby at the scene. Firefighters responded quickly and made an aggressive attack on the fire. There were no injuries and the fire is under investigation. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours. The American Red Cross was also called in.
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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PAGE 18
March, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
RICK KULMANN
Three people struck by vehicle in Waterbury In the morning hours of February 11th, the Waterbury Police and Fire Departments responded to the Baldwin Street Bridge in the area of East Main Street for multiple pedestrians struck by a vehicle. On arrival, officers reported two people hit by an SUV and the victims were thrown over a wall on the side of the road with serious injuries. A third victim refused medical treatment. Campion Ambulance sent three units to the scene and transported the injured pedestrians to St Mary’s Hospital near the scene. Emergency crews arrived on scene quickly due to the police headquarters and Engine Co 2 fire house nearby. The forensics technicianss responded to the scene and the accident is under investigation.
LONG HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE CO
Digging out Long Hill Volunteers were out again today, February 4, 2015, on Squad 209 digging out fire hydrants!
Correspondent Contest Sponsored by All Hands Fire Equipment The readers of 1st Responder Newspaper have helped make www.1rbn.com the fastest-growing Fire/Rescue/EMS site on the web. Information comes from our valued correspondents. Each time you post an entry on our website, your name will go into a drawing for a monthly prize. Only web entries are eligible. The prize for our March editions from All Hands Fire Equipment is a Turnout Gear Bag. Our February editions winner of a 5.11 Tactical Job Shirt with the new FF1 logo from FF1 Professional Safety Services was Damien Danis from New Jersey. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212. Keep your response gear organized and accessible. Made of heavy duty 1000 Denier nylon. The main compartment has a two way zipper for access from three sides. Has strong 2" wide carrying handles. An outside pocket is ideal for additional storage. Also a ID window is featured on the top side of the bag. Comes standard red with maltese cross imprint on both sides.
EDWARD PRESCOTT
Norwalk battles I-95 car fire On January 15, 2015, the Norwalk Fire Department responded to a car fire on I-95 at 3 p.m. The car, a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria, was fully involved in fire, as firefighters arrived on scene. The lone driver of the Darien Taxi said that he picked the car up after repairs were made and was heading to Darien, when he noticed flames near his feet. He was able to pull over to the shoulder, a half mile prior to Exit 13 southbound and safely exit the car. Traffic on Interstate 95 was reduced to two lanes for 25 minutes, until the car was towed from the scene. Fire Inspector Luca Feola is investigating the cause of the fire.
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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On January 11, 2015 at approximately 12:30 p.m., East Great Plain Fire Department responded to Salem Turnpike for a reported truck fire. The first arriving officer reported an engine compartment fire extending into the cab. Engine 52 arrived and it's crew stretched a hand line and knocked the fire down. Engine 52 and Rescue 5 handled without incident.
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PAGE 20
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
BRIANNA PICCIRILLO
Chief Bill Halstead surrounded by some of his members after a recent meeting
Chief Bill Halstead celebrates 50 years with the Sandy Hook Vol. Fire & Rescue Co.
LONG HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE CO
MVA with occupants trapped At 9:40 p.m. on January 9th, Long Hill and Trumbull Center Fire Departments were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident, with occupants trapped inside. On arrival, it was confirmed there were two occupants trapped. Multiple units responded from both Long Hill and Trumbull Center including Long Hill Car 2 and Car 3, Trumbull Center Car 1, Rescues 100 and 200, LH Engine 205 and Squad 209. The extrication required different types of equipment to be used including hydraulic spreaders such as the “Jaws of Life”, hydraulic cutters and rams as well as an assortment
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cribbing used to stabilize the vehicle. Both occupants were safely and effectively extricated from the vehicle and transferred to Trumbull EMS for medical care. In addition to the Trumbull fire units, Trumbull EMS, Trumbull Police and State Police were all on scene. The coordination between the multiple agencies on scene was exceptional.
After a recent business meeting of the Sandy Hook Vol. Fire & Rescue Company, the members took time to say thank you to Chief Bill Halstead for serving the company for 50 years. On Sunday, January 18, 2015, Chief Halstead not only celebrated his 66th birthday, but he also was officially a member with the company for 50 years! Chief Halstead joined on the
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night of his 16th birthday and never looked back! He rose through the ranks of the company by holding several positions including Chief Engineer and Asst. Chief before becoming Chief in 1978 and that is where he has stayed leading his
men and women into countless situations. Chief Halstead continues to educate himself on the latest training to keep his members informed and sharp in their skills. Thank you for your past and continued service with the Sandy Hook Vol. Fire & Rescue Co.! - KARIN HALSTEAD
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Shelton, CT. This past fall, the Shelton Fire department received a Fire Act grant from the federal government to replace its aging inventory of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Following the award, the department put together an evaluations process to test various manufacturers SCBA. The department carefully evaluated a number of manufacturer’s offerings for safety, durability, comfort, ease of use, cost of ownership and service after the sale. At the completion of the evaluation process, the test group gave their feedback to the chief officers. The officers carefully reviewed the evaluations and performed a cost of ownership review. They determined a total change out of their existing SCBA would offer the most bang for the buck. Cost of ownership and service after the sale were important factors in their decision, and when the final numbers were tallied, the Shelton Fire Department chose the SCOTT AP75-2013 NFPA edition SCBA, supplied by Shipman’s Fire Equipment of Waterford. The order was placed with Shipman’s in September and the units were in house by mid-October. Shipman’s staff provided training to the firefighters. Much to the delight of Deputy Chief Tim Hongo, the entire process, from order to in service date took less than 120 days. About Shipman’s Fire Equipment:Shipman’s Fire Equipment Co., Inc. has been a leading supplier of Firefighting and Fire Safety products since 1957. Located in Waterford, CT, Shipman’s is a family owned business in its third generation and Connecticut and Rhode Island’s only Full Line Scott Safety distributor.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
PAgE 21
Caught in the Middle: Leadership Challenges for Company Officers and Firefighters Presented by Providence (RI) Deputy Fire Chief (ret) Curt Varone esq. This one-day program looks at fire service culture and the pressures placed on firefighters and fire officers from above and below during the delivery of emergency services. While leaders in all walks of life are confronted with legal, moral, and ethical challenges on a daily basis fire service leaders in particular function in environments where an inappropriate comment, action, or inaction can derail and quite possibly end an otherwise stellar career.
EDWARD PRESCOTT
MVA rollover in Norwalk The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a two car accident with a rollover outside fire headquarters at 121 Connecticut Avenue Friday evening, December 6th, just before midnight. An SUV and compact car hit head on causing the SUV to end up on it’s roof. The severe impact knocked the left front wheel and strut assembly off the SUV. The female driver of SUV was assisted out of her car by firefighters. The driver of the compact car fled the scene as firefighters arrived.
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A description of the fleeing driver was relayed to police, who searched the area south of the firehouse. The driver of the SUV was transported to Norwalk Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Connecticut Avenue remained closed for about an hour as police investigated the cause of the accident. - EDWARD PRESCOTT
This program is designed to provide concrete solutions to assist firefighters and fire officers in developing the skills necessary to avoid derailing their own personal careers and protect co-workers and subordinates from these failures.
Topics to be covered include: • Fire Service Culture and Its Impact on Leadership • Leadership and Ethical Decision Making • Digital Imagery and Photo Taking • Social Media in the Fire Service • Discipline in the Fire Service
Space is limited. Reserve your spot!
Program Hosted by the Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association
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PAGE 22
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Apartment building fire, Derry, New Hampshire
B SPRAGUE
Working smoke alarm helps homeowner escape blaze Just after 7 a.m. as shift change had started, Salem Fire alarm received a single 911 phone call from the homeowner reporting his house was on fire on January 21st. Fire companies under the command of Captain Best responded. First on scene C-5 reported a single family ranch with heavy fire throughout the entire home and requested a working fire. Companies had to deal with
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severe cold weather, making the fire ground very icy. Engine 1 pulled a two and a half inch line to attempt to knock down the heavy fire while a supply line was being set up. The homeowner was transported from the scene with severe
burns and was flown to a Boston area hospital. The fire was brought under control at 7:50 a.m. with crews staying on scene several hours. Mutual aid was from Derry, Windham, Pelham, and Methuen The cause of the fire was found to be an improperly installed wood stove. - ROBERT SPRAGUE
At 11:02 p.m. on January 7, Derry Engines 1, 2, 3, Truck 4, Medic 1, and Car 1 were dispatched to 4 Union Street for smoke in the building. Crews found moderate smoke in the second floor apartment and discovered a fire in the attic. 4 Union Street is a 3,765 square foot, balloon frame, twostory, multi-family home built in 1897. There were three apartments, of which, two were occupied. The occupants of the second floor smelled smoke and observed smoke above the kitchen cabinets, called 911, and evacuated the building. Occupants of both apartments did not have any cars and were poorly dressed, some with no shoes, and with multiple pets. All occupants and pets were moved to Derry Medic 1 for shelter from the severe cold of -5°F. Crews found smoke conditions throughout the building and were able to quickly extinguish the attic fire by pulling down the ceiling in the second floor apartment. There was one slip and fall injury to a civilian. This person was treated and transported by Derry Medic 1 with minor injuries. There was also one minor firefighter injury from a fall and he was treated on scene and returned to duty. Windham Medic was called mutual aid to the scene and provided standby EMS and sheltered the occupants. Also during this call, Derry Fire Alarm dispatched two other medical emergencies that were handled by mutual aid engine companies and ambulances.
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The ground floor apartment was able to be reoccupied. Power was shut off to the second floor apartment and it is unsafe to reoccupy. Four adults, two children, and several pets lived in this apartment. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross and family members. Everyone is reminded of the importance to not overload electrical circuits and extension cords. With this cold weather it is often tempting to run multiple electric space heaters or other appliances off of a single extension cord. This can overload the extension cord, the electrical circuit and lead to a fire. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by the Windham Fire Department while station coverage was provided by Londonderry, Hampstead and Salem Fire Department. Londonderry Fire Medic also provided mutual aid to Derry. Derry Fire Prevention is investigating the fire. The fire is non-suspicious and the exact cause and origin will be made public once the investigation is complete. Smoke and water damage was limited to the kitchen and bathroom of the second floor apartment, there was fire damage to the attic above the kitchen. Damage to the building is estimated at $15,000. - JACK WEBB
Assessing the snow load With another foot of snow forecasted over the President’s Day weekend, the Derry Fire Department urged their residents to assess the snow load on their roofs. Flat or low slope roofs are most at risk. Most roofs are not designed to hold much more than 12 inches of heavy wet snow. Many roofs in our area have two to three feet currently. The safest way to remove the snow is from the ground with a snow rake, if possible. If residents chose to goup on the roof, Derry urged them to do so safely, as we have responded to several emergency calls from citi-
DERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT
DFD firefighters clearing the roof at the Central Station.
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zens with serious injuries after falling off relatively low roofs. Also they urged residents to check the vents for furnaces, water heaters, and other appliance. It is not uncommen when clearing snow off your roof to accidently bury your vents, and some vents may already be obstructed from our recent snowfall. Obstructed vents can fill a home with carbon monoxide. - DERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
PAgE 23
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Derry attains certification
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos you would like to see in our Antique Apparatus feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
CHIP TAYLOR
“Toy for a boy,” 1960 Maxim 75ft ladder truck. This vehicle was purchased new by the Franklin, NH Fire Department in 1960 and remained in their service to around 1996-7, when it went to a private party. I bought it a few years ago, and while everything works, the ladder would need to be recertified for it to be put back in service. So it is a “Parade Truck” and is also used when I need to repair some of my tower mounted ham radio antennas. Yes, under Vermont law, the Chief could commandeer it it for a fire, but I suspect he’d probably not do this! So for now it’s in private hands as the sole apparatus of the Cabot Plains Fire Department.
Derry, NH. The Derry NH Fire Department is pleased to announce the Bureau of Communications, Fire Alarm, and Information Technology has attained the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project-33 Certification, and was awarded P-33 Certification on January 28, 2015. The Derry Fire Department, Communications Center is the first public safety dispatch center in New England to attain P-33 Certification. The APCO Project-33 Program Certification is a formal mechanism used to ensure the Derry Fire Department Dispatcher Training Program meets, or exceeds the APCO American National Standard (ANS) of minimum initial training, and continuing education standards. Initial and continuing training for Public Safety Dispatchers is important as they provide essential services the public and First Responders in an expanding and rapidly changing environment. Obtaining APCO P-33 Certifi-
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cation was a 14 month process, and similar to accreditation required reviewing, editing, and adding to an already existing training program. The Derry Fire Department Communications Center has always prided itself on the delivery of excellent service levels to the citizens of Derry, and the First Responders they serve. The APCO P-33 Certification reaffirms the Derry Fire Departments commitment to the community, the citizens, and the allied agencies they serve. “The APCO Agency Training Program Certification plays a vital role in keeping agencies up-todate with their procedures and training programs. Derry Fire Department has shown dedication to their community and those they serve by becoming P-33 certified,” said APCO President John Wright. - DERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
ROBERT NOLL
MVA with entrapment in Unity Unity, NH. – At 8:44 p.m. on January 6th, Unity Fire Department was dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident rollover with entrapment on 2nd N.H. Turnpike on the County Farm Hill. The temperature at the time of the call was around five degrees, and there was a fresh coating of snow on the roads. Unity Engine 2 and Rescue 1
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arrived on scene at 8:54 p.m., with Chief Baker establishing command. There was one occupant, and extrication was complete at 9:00 p.m. EMTs from Unity Fire and Golden Cross provided patient care, and Golden Cross transported to
Valley Regional Hospital. Unity Fire remained on scene to provide traffic control while State Police and the Sheriff’s Department investigated and a wrecker from Stone’s Auto Body removed the vehicle. All units cleared the scene at 10:30 p.m. - ROBERT NOLL
B SPRAGUE
New Boston Engine 1
Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to heather@1strespondernews.com
How do we save our own… thoughts for the fire service In October every year down in Emmitsburg, MD at the National Fire Academy, we gather to pay honor and tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. This year, 107 new names were added to the wall. Of that number.. 98 fire- JUMP TO FILE # fighters answered 080713101 their final call during 2013 and the nine additional names are those from years prior. A candlelight vigil was held and memorial service where thousands of firefighters and their families from across the United States converge on the NFA which is the home of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. The national tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) on the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center and the U.S. Fire Administration. So how do we prevent Line of Duty Deaths in the Fire Service… The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The NFFF also works closely with the fire service and life safety
organizations to help prevent and reduce line-of- duty deaths and injuries. In September, I was honored to be selected as a representative from New Jersey along with Battalion Chief Greg Collier from the Mt. Laurel Fire Department. Both Greg and I attended the 2014 Advocate Summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. This Summit was held in conjunction with the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Conference. As an Advocate, it is our job to spread the word on Firefighter Safety using the 16 Life Safety Initiatives that are the main point of the Courage to Be Safe that Everyone Goes Home program. In addition to the CTBSEGH program, there are several others that focus on the importance of firefighter safety that are also available through the NFFF. Fire Service professionals representing their agencies from all over the United States had one common goal over those few days in Arizona. How do we limit and prevent LODDs and what else can we do for not only our brother and sister firefighters, but also their families. There were several intensive informative sessions that included recognizing stress and an introduction of the NFFF’s Stress First Aid program. Additionally, there was a segment on the importance of having home fire sprinkler initiative including the production of an informative
video with the assistance of the Scottsdale Fire Department. The important question is how as an organization can we continue to promote the efforts of the NFFF in the coming years ahead. This is not something that can be answered in a few days.. It is an ever changing process and that describes the whole fire service. We are ever changing.. Unfortunately there are those that do not like or accept change. One of the jobs of an Advocate is to promote change. Change comes from within, having to believe the need for change before trying to sell it to someone else. For most of us as Everyone Goes Home ®Advocates there was a something that may have happened to us or a member in our department. It could have been as simple as an on the job injury or a training accident. Maybe a LODD within the department or a Near Miss that was too close to home. The NFFF offers several new programs that are available at no charge to assist departments focus on making that change, many of these are available online at www.fireherolearningnetwork.com and are self-paced training. I can tell you that my mind was racing on all the things that I can do… take better care of my health, stay current with my annual medical evaluations, stay as healthy as I can and most of all take time to enjoy
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family. Our families should be the number one reason why we want to go home after every call. If you do not want to do it for yourself, do it for your family and the families of those that your life affects every day. Whether you are a father, son, brother, coach or just a fireman... You have an effect on a lot of people. They care about you. If you would like more information on any of the programs offered, please visit our website at www.firehero.org Be Safe… and remember Everyone Goes Home. Gerald A. Barrett Jr. Advocate – CTBS EGH Program
Gerald Barrett Jr is a Past Chief with the Ocean Gate Fire Department and currently a technician with the Berkeley Emergency Response Team, he is a NJDFS Level #2 Instructor with over 24 years of experience and holds several additional certifications. He is an active member with the NFFF acting as a State Advocate. In addition to his duties in the Fire and Emergency Services Field, Gerald is the Manager of Air & Gas Technologies, Inc. a company that has been supporting the Fire, Law Enforcement, Military and EMS industries since 1995. Please visit them at www.airgastech.com or www.divatormask.com - GERALD A. BARRETT JR.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Working fire, Kingston Kingston, MA. Firefighters responded to a residence for a report of a chimney ffire. The first arriving engine found heavy smoke from the chimney and fire that had extended from the chimney to the side of the house. A working fire was called and the fire was extinguished. Firefighters had to expose part of the wall to check for extension and extinguish the fire.
NICK DADALT
Motor vehicle crash with entrapment Sturbridge, MA. On Sunday, January 18, 2015, Sturbridge Fire personnel found a severely damaged car resting in some trees off Interstate 84 following a crash. At approximately 3:00 a.m., the Massachusetts State Police requested assistance from the Sturbridge Fire and Police Departments to respond to a reported single-vehicle crash into the woods on the Eastbound side in the vicinity of Exit 2. Units were confronted with a precariously positioned vehicle
Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Compactor fire in Duxbury Duxbury, MA. Firefighters responded to the Duxbury Transfer Station for a report of a fire in a trash compactor. First arriving units found heavy fire in a compactor. The door to the compactor was closed until a water supply could be secured. Firefighters attacked the fire and knocked it down. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Emergency services, especially firefighting is a family business. We are a Brotherhood, which is used for both sexes. Throughout history, the son would follow in the father's footsteps and work alongside the father. Just look around you. How many fathers and sons are on departments together? I know that in some towns you may have an entire company that is made up of fathers, sons, uncles and cousins. When I joined, my father was my lieutenant and we have three father and son teams just on our one fire company, and the sons all grew up together. The times that I remember the best were going into burning buildings with my dad as my partner. When I was was serving with my dad, out of respect I would call the men mister and their last name. I was told by one of them, "if I was good enough to change your diapers, you call me uncle or you're not coming out of the next fire alive." No this was not a threat by affection of how close we become with one another and how we become so involved with our families and those in our department. I cannot believe it, when I am up at the academy and I see a family name on someone's turn out coat and I know the father or grandfather, that I
JUMP TO FILE #011915114
and two injured vehicle occupants and quickly called for further assistance. Sturbridge Fire’s heavyrescue stabilized the vehicle so that a trapped passenger could be safely removed with the jaws. EMS transported the driver, who was able to free herself. An engine secured the highway as a landing zone for the UMassMemorial LifeFlight helicopter to
transport the trapped passenger. Within about 30 minutes, the passenger was freed and stabilized by Sturbridge Fire EMS personnel, and released to the LifeFlight Critical Care team. The accident remains under the investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The driver and passenger were transported to UMass-Memorial Medical Center with serious injuries. - NICK DADALT
The family business served with. Wow kids really grow up fast. By having a family on the department, either a family by blood or a family by smoke, we learned so many lessons. We learned how to care for each other and protect one another. If someone has a challenge in a fire, we risk more to save a brother. We learned how to take care of anyone, who wears a maltese cross. We know to take care of the widows and orphans. We are there for our fellow man in their time of need. We start scholarships to help families of departed brothers. I needed to go to a conference and I checked with a brother from another department. A brother from another state said that he would be glad to put me up for two nights. This was arranged through a mutual friend, who knew I wore a maltese cross and helped me. So many times you may see people walk passed someone who is hurt and injured, but we are the first people to offer help, no matter who the person is. I remember the story of how the Good Samaritan Law started, on the basis of the Samaritan helping someone who he did not know, but the group was his enemy. The old question comes around "Am I to be my brother's keeper?" Well, you are. Look at the business you are in. A very good friend was a carpenter, and learned from his father. It is
so amazing how this man loved people. He made sure that the widows and orphans were taken care of. He helped people, who were infirmed and disabled. He and I got so close that his dad considers me to be one of his kids. I learned from them what truly taking care of people is all about. They even tought me about search and rescue. Unfortunately, the son died at an early age, before he turned 35. What a place like the fire department! Think about the phone commercial, that shows how the world would run if it were run by firefighters. Just think how the world would be if we kept up the attitude of our brothers before us and truly take care of people. I heard a deputy xhief from a major department, who was concerned about the people who served under him. He was so concerned about his people that he made sure that they were out of undo harm, even before the union called to inquire. Yes, we are our brothers keeper and we are to serve our neighbor. Just remember, who is our neighbor? If we follow our property to the center of the Earth, where all the property would meet, if it was not magma, all the property would connect. You would see that every man is our neighbor. Stay safe my Brother, or Sister and I will see you when we come together again.
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
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JOHN SJOSTEDT
Vehicle into the water in Plymouth Plymouth, MA. A Plymouth police officer detailed to traffic control in the area of Long Beach in Plymouth during a blizzard heard shouts for help and responded to the area of the beach entrance. On arrival, the officer found two subjects in the Eel River, who were watching the waves when a wave came over the sea wall and washed the vehicle into the river. The vehicle was flipped over into the river. The two occupants self-extricated from the vehicle and were assisted to safety by the police officer. The Plymouth Fire Department responded and transported both subjects by ground to BI Plymouth.
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
Vehicle News
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Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser Who needs to laugh more than the Fire Companies ---the first responders who deal with dangerous circumstances each and every day? There’s an innovative concept for fund-raising developed by Joey Novick, who is a stand-up comedian and the Fire Commissioner in his hometown: Stand-up comedy shows. Fire companies can get much-needed laughs and profit financially as well. Novick's company, ComedyWorks, provides all-star headline comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Last Comic Standing, and the Tonight Show. Novick’s been producing comedy shows since 1977, and has experience producing shows with such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Larry The Cable Guy, and Tim Allen. "The comedians were very funny, and very professional," wrote Mark Bruhmuller, Fire Chief of the Churchtown Fire Company of New York. “Joey Novick did an excellent job. Everybody loves to laugh, and it's a great deal of fun." ComedyWorks produces more than 300 shows a year, almost 150 of those for emergency service organizations. The money these shows can
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raise varies, depending on things like the number of tickets sold, how they're priced, the amount spent on promotion and whether food and drink are available. "Mostly companies produce shows in their own facilities, which may hold 300–400 people," says Novick. "We'll put together a show for them that will bring in comedians from major comedy clubs, with a headliner from HBO, Comedy Central, or the Tonight Show. The feature performer will be someone who's headlined the comedy circuit: Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Comedy Store. The host of the show will be a comedian who's very high-energy, like a gameshow host, to get the audience warmed up. A triple headliner show!” The Somerset Fire Company of New Jersey produces two fundraisers a year through ComedyWorks. "We've done about ten shows so far, and it's been great," says Mike Rein-
beck, who coordinates the shows for the 65-member volunteer department. "A friend of mine who had used Joey told me, 'This guy books really good acts.' So, we did the first show, everything was great, and we've been doing shows with Joey ever since." "I find their people to be very funny," agrees Adam Hubney, chief of the Atlantic Highlands Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey, which books comedians through ComedyWorks for its annual dinner. "We have a professional comedy club in our county, and the quality is just as good." Comedy Works provides a 30-page ‘How-To’ guide that assists organizations through the comedy show production and warns of mistakes to avoid. "We make sure they follow everything in the guide," says Novick. "If a company has never done this before, it gives you everything from you need to know. We make sure that things get done right. Clients who follow the guide always do very well and tend to make money.” For information on Comedy Works, call 1 (888) 782-4589, go to www.comedyworks.org or e-mail joeynovick@earthlink.net.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
PETER LOBO
Accident in Weston PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Working fire at the corner of Fuller Street and West Park Street in Brockton.
Weston, MA. On January 17, 2015, a four car accident at the intersection of River Street and South Avenue (Route 30) caused heavy damage to one vehicle. Weston and Wayland Fire Departments transported four individuals to Newton Wellesley Hospital with minor injuries.
Fire tears through Brockton apartment Brockton, Plymouth County, MA. Around 9:15 a.m. on the morning of January 21st, the Brockton Fire Department struck their Box1235 for a reported building fire at 84 Fuller Street, on the corner of West Park Street. Car 56 signed off with a fire on the top floor of a three story wood framed occupied residential dwelling. It appeared that the fire was in a living room on floor three. A working fire was requested. Primary and secondary searches were negative, and all occupants were reported to be safely removed from the
JUMP TO FILE #012115109
building. Crews stretched several lines to the third floor to knock down the heavy fire conditions. Ladder 2's crew had the bucket stretched to the roof, and firefighters opened up. It appears the fire had burned through portions of the roof. The fire appeared to be contained to the third floor. Crews opened up extensively on floor three to make sure all of the fire
was knocked down. Wisps of fire could be seen peeking around window sills before they were torn apart by crews, and doused with water. AMR CA/4 responded to the scene as the fire stand by ambulance. National Grid and Columbia Gas were called to the scene. The American Red Cross responded for several occupants of the building. Firefighters could be seen spreading sand at the scene due to the freezing conditions on the fire ground. No injuries were reported. - PAT TRAVERS
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
PETER LOBO
Technical rescue in Waltham
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Brockton Firefighter Carol Dawkins of Engine 5 takes a break following a working fire on January 21st, 2015.
Waltham Police received a call for a man under a bridge in distress. When they determined they could not get to him, they requested the fire department. Squad 5 and Ambulance 1 responded. Lt. Eric Bardsley (Squad 5) upon arrival requested Rescue 6 with roping. C2 Deputy Randy Mullin arrived and asked for a full assignment. Ladder 2 and Engine 1 with a boat responded. A technical rescue was initiated in order to get the man from under the bridge and up a hill in deep snow. He was taken to Newton Wellesley Hospital
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
TIMOTHY SHEA
Two police officers rescue victim On February 7th at approximately 10:00 a.m., Fitchburg Fire received a call for a reported building fire with a person trapped at 78 Holman Street. Engines 6, 1, Tower Ladder 3 and Rescue 3 were dispatched under the direction of Acting Deputy Chief Brian Murchie (C100). Two Fitchburg police officers and were told an occupant was still in the house. Heavy smoke was showing from the one and a half story woodframe. Fitchburg Police Officers Todd Deacon and Mike Sevigny were able to pull the victim from a first floor window as Fitchburg Fire Companies were arriving. C-100 reported heavy smoke showing, and requested three ALS units to the scene. The victim was an elderly male,
JUMP TO FILE #021015102
who suffered third degree burns to his head and hands. Both police officers suffered smoke inhalation. Engine 6 stretched a line to the first floor, while Engine 1 laid a supply line. Tower Ladder 3 used ground ladders to access and vent the roof. C-100 requested an extra engine to the fire, along with a Leominster engine for RIT. Due to the age and construction of the house, the fire had traveled to the second floor and attic. Companies backed out and switched to a defensive mode to knock down the heavy fire. Once the heavy fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the interior with multiple handlines to overhaul and
chase hot spots. The house was built in 1738, and was classified as an antique. It was reported to be one of the oldest houses in the city. The civilian was transported to UMASS University Campus in Worcester, MA in critical condition. The two police officers were transported to Leominster Hospital for smoke inhalation. The civilian victim was able to escape with his wife when the fire started, but re-entered the house to search for their missing dog. The dog was later located in the house, deceased. Mutual aid companies from Leominster, Lunenburg, and Westminster covered the city while companies operated at the second alarm.
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Plymouth school bus MVA/MCI Plymouth, MA. Firefighters responded to Carver Road at Plymouth Street for a reported MVA involving a school bus. First arriving units found a fully occupied school bus that collided with a vehicle. School officials responded to the scene to assist with contacting parents. Multiple students complained of minor injuries. An MCI was declared, bringing in multiple ambulances. 15 students were transported to BI Deaconess Plymouth, and South Shore Hospital with minor injuries.
- TIMOTHY SHEA
Smoldering fire on MBTA commuter rail tracks Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. Around 12:30 p.m. on the afternoon of January 21, 2015, the Whitman and East Bridgewater Fire Departments were alerted to a possible fire on the MBTA commuter rail tracks near the Franklin Street crossing at the town line. East Bridgewater Engine 3 along with Whitman Engine 2 and Car 3 responded. Companies arrived to find a smoldering fire at a junction on the train tracks. The fire likely started at a heater box that is used to keep the tracks free of ice and snow. The fire was smoldering and involved a railroad tie. PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Smoke can be seen from the tracks after a commuter rail train passes the area.
JUMP TO FILE #012115127
Firefighters from East Bridgewater and Whitman walked out onto the tracks once the MBTA was notified of the issue to investigate. Soon after the fire departments arrival, representatives from the MBTA were on scene to rectify the situation. Companies were cleared within 20 minutes of being on-scene. -PAT TRAVERS
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
BRANDON MCPHERSON
Fully involved snow plow in Sherborn The Sherborn Fire Rescue Department was dispatched at 4:25 p.m. on February 2 for a reported truck fire on South Main St. in Sherborn. Immediately after dispatch we were notified by a member of the town's highway department that it was one of their snow plows, fully involved. Assistant Chief Neil McPherson was on scene within one minute with Chief of Department Tim Morrissey soon following.
JUMP TO FILE #020415104
First arriving Engine 4 arrived within three minutes and had two hand lines in operation quickly. Engine 3 supported E-4 with additional water. All this happened while it was snowing a good inch an hour with a strong winds out of the east. Crews were on-scene for approximately an
hour and half while the plow was removed from the remaining truck and a heavy-duty wrecker could come out and tow it back to the highway garage. The truck was obviously a total loss and it will make removing snow for the rest of the winter difficult. The cause is believed to be mechanical and is not suspicious. - TIMOTHY MORRISSEY
JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN
OUI in Harwichport Harwichport, MA. A 70 year old man from Dennis was arrested on Route 28 in front of the Sundae School while driving his Saab sedan erratically west bound toward Chatham. The man is being charged with OUI-drugs, failure to stop, revoked license and other charges. He was stopped around 4 p.m. after numerous 911 calls about a man driving "all over the road" on Route 28. Harwich Officers Paul Boorack, Amy Walinski, and Aram Goshgarian made the stop and arrest. The man is being evaluated at Cape Cod Hospital.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
NATE ARNOLD
Black smoke continues to push from an A side overhead door as Holyoke Truck 1 sets up and Chicopee Ladder 5 arrives on scene.
Holyoke strikes third alarm for warehouse fire JOHN SJOSTEDT
Chimney fire in Kingston Kingston, MA. Firefighters responded to a reported chimney fire. On arrival, firefighters found thick black smoke coming from the chimney of a residence. The ladder was extended to the roof and the chimney was checked. Fire was found in the chimney and chains were dropped down the chimney to clear the fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire without extension into the structure.
A Holyoke police officer out on patrol was one of the first people to call in what would become a three alarm fire when he discovered heavy black smoke oozing out of the large warehouse building at the corner of Winter and Canal Streets shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday February 1, 2015. As fire companies from the Holyoke Fire Department were still enroute, the tell-tale column of black smoke could be seen from over a mile away. Upon arrival, companies were presented with a single story metal/prefabricated construction warehouse complex that stretched almost an entire city block in length with heavy black smoke showing from doors and windows
JUMP TO FILE #020215104
on all sides of the building. As first alarm assignment companies made entry to the building, zero visibility conditions prevented them from immediately locating the seat of the fire. While companies were searching for the seat of the fire and with heavy smoke still pushing from the building, the second and third alarms were struck bringing mutual aid from the Chicopee, Westover Air Reserve Base and South Hadley Fire Departments as well as all remaining Holyoke companies to the scene. With three alarms worth of
manpower and equipment on scene, jakes were able to make the push deep inside the building to locate the seat of the fire, which turned out to be a large tractor trailer, which was parked inside the building. With the bulk of the fire knocked down, third and second alarm companies began to pack up and return to service just shy of an hour after the first 911 calls reporting the fire. While investigators believe the tractor trailer was the point of origin, the reason as to why the truck caught fire remains under investigation. - NATE ARNOLD
Rollover accident in Whitman sends one to hospital
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Crews work to extricate the victim.
Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. Around 12:15 p.m. on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 14, 2015, the Whitman Fire Department responded to the area of 1000 Auburn Street (Route-14), near Carousel Family Fun Center for a reported motor vehicle accident. Ambulance 248, Engine 2, Rescue 1, and Car 3 responded. Additional manpower was available to respond due to multiple calls, which had cleared just prior to the crash. Companies arrived to find a single vehicle accident, with a car into the woods and on itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof. Lieutenant Robert Hover reported that there was one person trapped in the vehicle. Box-55 was struck, bringing
JUMP TO FILE #011415113
in off duty personnel to the station. Chief Timothy Grenno responded in Car 1. Engine 1 responded to the scene for manpower with off duty personnel. A chainsaw was utilized to help clear a path for the first responders to extricate the victim from the upside down vehicle. The victim was able to be extricated without the use of the jaws of life. Once extricated, several firefighters assisted the victim, who was on a long board, to the stretcher and into the awaiting
Ambulance 248. The victim was transported to the South Shore Hospital with an additional paramedic on-board. Whitman Police and the Plymouth County Sheriffs Department BCI Unit is investigating the cause of the single car motor vehicle accident, which occurred on a straightaway section of Route-14. Witnesses state that the vehicle simply lost control, and drove off the road, striking a tree and utility pole before flipping over on to its roof. National Grid responded to the scene to check the utility pole. Engine 2 and Car 3 stood by on-scene until the vehicle was righted and removed. - PAT TRAVERS
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
Page 41
MASSACHUSETTS
EMS ISSUES CHELLE CORDERO
NATE ARNOLD
the scene from the second fire on worthington St. as companies overhaul the structure.
Back to back fires tax understaffed Springfield Two separate working structure fires spread the resources of this understaffed Western Massachusetts city's fire department dangerously thin on the cold and blustery night of January 16, 2015. necessitating a call for mutual aid to two neighboring cities. At 8:02 p.m. the first 911 calls came in reporting a structure fire in the Indian Orchard section of the city located on the Eastern end of the City of Springfield. Companies arrived on scene at 1355 Worcester St. to find an occupied two and a half story wood frame dwelling with smoke showing from the second floor. Stretching several hand lines to the second floor and attic, companies made relatively fast work of this fire, but were still on scene for over two hours.
JUMP TO FILE #011915111
20 minutes into the fire fight on Worcester Street, with half of the department's compliment of companies there, a second structure fire was reported by multiple 911 callers on Worthington Street just outside of the Metro-center section of the city on the Western end of town. Engine and Ladder 1, returning from other calls, arrived to find a three story wood frame dwelling at 547 Worthington Street with smoke showing from the second floor. Companies went to work there, stretching hand lines to the second and third floors. While this fire was a near textbook room-
and-contents fire fight in the second floor bedroom with the third floor receiving mostly smoke damage, a full working fire assignment, nearly all of the remaining companies in the city were on scene for the better part of an hour and a half. At the height of this fire, command advised dispatch to request an engine an ladder company from the City of Chicopee Fire Department along with an engine company from the City of West Springfield Fire Department as well. Damage to both structures was several thousand dollars each and the cause of both fires remains under investigation.
Scene size-up and scene safety is a basic in emergency response. Crowd control and a patient’s “legitimate expectation of privacy” may not be our main purview, however we do, when possible, attempt to shelter patients from prying eyes and zealous reporters. Normally a quick glance around the perimeter is enough to ensure us that onlookers are kept at a decent distance. With advances in technology nowadays we also need to look UP. Drones are no longer simple spy movie props, they have become a reality. Hobbyists fly drones as commonly as remote control model airplanes. Drones have become a hot commodity in the privately owned-toy category. Sometimes these civilian owned drones are equipped with cameras or video recorders and curiosity seekers hover their aircraft over accident scenes just to get an inside and otherwise forbidden peek and maybe even sell a few pictures to the local media. There is a First Amendment right to take photographs of events that occur in the public view, but is a scene that has been cordoned off from (street-level) onlookers considered in the public view from above? More than privacy is at risk. Some amateur drone-pilots have been known to get just that little bit too close and endanger the crew, patient and by-standers. Inexperienced pilots’ drones can get entangled in trees, power lines or crash while flying too low. Drones have also been known to interfere with landing zones and can sometimes impede the arrival of a much needed medical transport. More and more privately owned
Heads Up drones are being seen at various incidents. Civilian flown drones have been spotted at fire scenes, motor vehicle crashes, and other outside events and while many operators have complied with requests to leave the scene, it’s been hard to enforce. The buzzing surveillance from above can be disconcerting to an emergency crew intent on its task and can heighten the anxiety of an already upset patient. Not all fly-overs are unauthorized. The New York City Police and Fire Departments currently use helicopters to survey incident sites and enable a better logistical command. Aerial observation provides a wealth of information to key decision makers at a cost of millions of taxpayer dollars. Drones and unmanned aircraft (UAS) which are equipped with cameras and other surveillance tools is an idea that police, fire, emergency management and other agencies around the nation are working towards. Not only will the use of drones and UAS be a fraction of the overall cost, they would help ensure that scenes are safe, determine of the size or extent of an incident, and help perform search and rescue and other operations. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) has regulations in place regarding where and how any commercial or civilian aircraft, including drones, remote control planes, and other UAS are used. There are restricted zones around airports, height regulations, particularly in urban areas, and required registration with local FAA offices before any flight can take place. - Continued at www.1rbn.Com
- nate arnoLd
Attic fire damages home in Chicopee
NATE ARNOLD
A fire that gained a foot hold in the attic crawl space of a single story wood frame ranch-style dwelling damaged this single family home shortly before 7:30 p.m. one week before Christmas. Chicopee 358 (fire dispatch) received a telephone alarm from the police department reporting that the home at 40 Warwick Road off of Memorial Drive was on fire on Tuesday night, December 16. While en route to the scene, Engine Co. 8 reported that they had smoke in the air heading into the scene and once on scene, reported a working fire in an occupied single story wood frame dwelling with heavy smoke showing from the Alpha side of the dwelling. While companies were able to knock down the main body of fire
JUMP TO FILE #122114109
on the first floor of the home in short order, the fire had gained a foot hold in the attic crawl space and was running horizontally from side Bravo to Delta. First alarm assignment companies spent the next hour and a half working to get the fire in the attic knocked down, necessitating a call for mutual aid station coverage to the City of Springfield Fire Department, who sent a ladder company to cover Chicopee headquarters. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the CFD. - nate arnoLd
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THe STATe To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
MANCHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Manchester Fire Department members receive their orders during a recent training evolution with the Dorset and East Dorset Fire Departments.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
A Captain from Brockton MA Engine-3 at a recent working fire.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
East Bridgewater MA Fire Lieutenant Keith McCartney with Firefighters Keith Batchelder and Phillip Woolf.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Firefighters from Brockton MA following a working fire.
TRUMBULL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
The Trumbull Center crew, who responded to the house fire on Huntington Turnpike
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
Page 43
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PAGE 44
March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN
Truck into tree in Harwich Harwich, MA. A Harwich town truck carrying sand smashed into a tree on Monday, January 26th around 2 p.m. The accident happened at 419 Queen Anne Road near Route 124. The driver of the truck was transported to Cape Cod Hospital by the Harwich Fire and Rescue with non-life threatening injuries.
K. LEGER
Smoke and steam pour from the first floor
Young women forced to flee blaze in Fall River Fall River, MA. Shortly before 3:00 p.m. on January 29th, Firefighters were dispatched to 114 Plain St. for a report of heavy smoke in the area. While still enroute, District Chief James Mellen reported smoke showing on approach. On arrival, D.C. Mellen reported a working fire. Apparatus placement was hampered by two feet of snow piled up on both sides of the street. Engine 9 backed themselves at the hydrant as well as beginning fire attack. Firefighters found heavy fire in an attached enclosed patio. They
JUMP TO FILE #013115108
also found a young female, who had escaped the flames and smoke by crawling to a window and jumping out into a three foot snow drift. The young women was the only one inside the home at the time of the fire was suffering from smoke inhalation. She was transported by Fall River Fire EMS. A fire captain was injured when he fell down a flight of stairs.
Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and knocked down the main body of fire in about 15 minutes an overhauled the building in just under an hour. Fire damage was confined to the patio and some areas of the first floor. The remainder of the two and a half story home sustained heavy smoke damage. Fire investigators believe the fire started from an electrical malfunction. - KENNETH LEGER
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Firefighters make their way back off the ice.
Whitman firefighters conduct ice rescue training Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. On the morning of Wednesday, January 21, 2015 around 10:30 a.m., the Whitman Fire Department responded to a training scenario for a reported person through the ice at Hobart's Pond off of Essex Street. Rescue-1, Ambulance-247 and Car3 responded. Crews donned survival suits and inflated the RDU inflatable boat off of Rescue-1. Safety rope lines were tied to the two firefighters and the boat. The crew made their way onto the ice, and then were retrieved.
JUMP TO FILE #012115120 PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
This was the third of four group's from Whitman Fire to review and simulate an ice water rescue this year. All groups will be going through the evolution, at an unknown time during their shift, and will be conducted by Lieutenant Al Cunningham, the Fire Training Officer. - PAT TRAVERS
You can’t park that here Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. At around 3:30 p.m. on afternoon of Thursday, January 29, 2015, an elderly driver apparently mistook her gas pedal for the brake pedal and drove completely up a snow bank approximately five feet high in the parking lot of the Whitman Post Office on South Avenue. The uninjured woman called a tow truck to assist her with getting her Dodge Charger off the large snow mound that was created following the blizzard referred to as Juno. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE PAGE 4
August, 2009
March, 2015
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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
FLORIDA
Boynton Beach hosts record event to help NFL alumni charities BOYNTON BEACH, FL - It wasn’t supposed to happen at all. The crippled economy, the housing slump, the unemployment explosion, even the oceanic conditions threatened to beat down the 4th Annual Fishin’ & Firehouse Chili Grand Slam put on by the Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Association on April 18th. It just wasn’t supposed to happen this year—the members looked at the state of the world and asked themselves, “How do we ask for sponsorship money, boat entry fees, donations and support at a time like this?” Somehow though, in a mighty confluence of tenacity and generosity, South Florida’s firefighters, fishing fanatics, chili connoisseurs and their taste testers pulled together for a full day of fun and excitement to set a few records and raise over $20,000.00 for some kids who really need it—especially during this economic crisis. The popular Boynton Beach fishing tournament and chili cook-off has grown like a wildfire since it’s first go-round in 2006 when it attracted a respectable 43 boat entries—not bad for a first year tournament in South Florida, the fishing tournament capital of the world. With hopeful expectations for the same in 2007, Boynton firefighters were shocked when 74 captains entered their boats. In 2008, that number fell to 63 entries, but understandably so as there were three other tournaments that same day, most with much higher payouts to draw some captains away. However, with the global economic abyss swallowing boats and every other luxury item folks have to unload just to stay afloat, a decision was made to forego the 2009 event. Then, suddenly, a title sponsor— Sutphen--offered up the $5000.00 sponsorship donation, and then, other large sponsors sent $1,500.00 checks, $500.00 checks, boat entries, chili teams, prizes, food! In the end, this “little engine that could” wound up beating its own records with 76 boats registered, the tournament’s recordbreaking fish weighing in at 63plus pounds, over 870 pounds of fish donated to the cause by their captors, and a new department single event donation record of over $20,000.00 for charity! It’s a story that speaks to the overwhelming generosity of Americans—people helping people who need it when they need it most, giving of themselves when
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the last thing that makes logical sense in such trying times is to give at all. The Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Association and IAFF Local #1891 can not possibly express the heartfelt gratitude that each shares for everyone who stood up and threw down for this very worthy cause. Heroes all. - STEPHEN M. LEWIS
STEPHEN M. LEWIS
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS The first of three significant incidents was relayed to Dalton Dispatch via Northampton State Police because the 911 call was initiated from a cellphone at 1:27 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2015. The caller was an engineering and survey employee working on line checks of the high voltage transmission lines that travel through Hins- JUMP TO FILE # 021015105 dale. Te m p e r a tures at the time were near zero. Another worker had fallen and injured his ankle on the iced and snow covered rough terrain and was about one and a half miles up a 1,800 ft. mountain, not able to walk to the company pickup truck on the service road a few hundred feet away. Hinsdale Fire responded with 12 members, Rescue 4, H-5 (ambulance) and Command 1 pulling the department’s all terrain vehicle. Incident commander, Chief Larry Turner, sent an EMT, and two firefighters under command of 2nd Asst. Chief Doug Olds with the Argo to navigate the rough service road with some basic splinting and stabilizing equipment. At one point it was necessary to use the front end winch to traverse a stream with extremely steep banks and the round trip took almost an hour, but the 25 year old patient’s ankle injury was successfully immobilized before transferring him to Berkshire Medical Center. The second incident occurred on January 23, 2015 at 6:48 p.m., when Dalton Dispatch toned out for a structure fire at 27 Cove Lane on the shore line of Ashmere Lake. Engines 2, 3, Rescue 4, Tanker 7, the ambulance and Rehab 6 and Rehab 9 responded under the direction of Chief Larry Turner. On arrival Car 1 found a heavily involved one story 30’ x 30’ summer home cabin. Car 1 immediately requested mutual aid sending an engine from Dalton to the scene along with tankers from Peru, Middlefield and Becket. Becket also positioned an engine in the Hinsdale fire station for coverage. The house which was built only about 15 feet from a neighboring home had been vacant for 20 years, but the electricity remained activated. Vinyl siding on that one exposure and its electric meter were damaged by the extreme heat. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is under investigation, but was not considered to be suspicious. A third incident for a
chimney fire at 260 Pittsfield Road was toned out at 9:07 p.m. on January 26, 2015. Responding units Engine 2, Tanker 7 and Car 1 with 18 firefighters found an exterior metal wood stove pipe and flames shooting from the top of the stack. Lt. Dan Brown, next door neighbor, was first on the scene and worked with the homeowner to empty the stove of any remaining burning materials. Firefighters emptied a 20 lb. fire extinguisher into the pipe from the basement, where the stove was located. Meanwhile, other members laddered the roof and removed the cap to examine the remaining length of pipe. The entire length of wall around the pipe and the roof area were checked for heat sources with a thermal imager with a negative result. Units returned to service at 10:01 pm. During this period of six days, there were also two motor vehicle accidents with injuries and three ambulance calls, one of which involved an overdose. All incidents were complicated by extremely cold weather and significant snow. The Rehab 6 and Rehab 9 referred to in this article are vehicles constructed and/or refurbished by Chief Larry Turner and a talented crew of HFD members, who assisted in the projects. Rehab 6 is a light and air supply truck that carries a 12 cylinder 6,000 psi cascade system as well as facilities for refreshments, a canopy, misting fans, ice, 10 air packs, 20 spare 4,500 psi bottles, 13K generator and equipment to monitor firefighter BP and wellness. This Mack vehicle started out as a USPS box truck and was literally rebuilt from the frame up. Rehab 9 is a 2004 International school bus purchased by the Hinsdale Firemen’s Assoc. from a local bus company for $800. The interior was dismantled and interior lighting upgraded. Seats were rearranged along the walls to allow seating for 20 firefighters. A full interior heating system, an 8K generator and a toilet were added as was a counter and cabinets to prepare hot /cold drinks and store snacks. The front nose and the roof down to the window bottoms were painted by department members. The remaining sides and rear were wrapped by a local specialty graphics business. Total cost including purchase was under $5,000. This unit is capable of full firefighter rehab in all weather (except for air replenishment) and has been especially appreciated in this year’s cold weather. Both units are available regionally via mutual aid. - RICHARD SCIALABBA
Hinsdale has a busy final week of January
RICHARD SCIALABBA
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1996 Seagrave 100 foot Rear Mount Fire Apparatus. Sale is subject to a mandatory referendum. Accepting sealed bids until 4:00 p.m. on October 20, 2014. The minimum accepted bid for the vehicle is Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($85,000.00). For more specific information, contact the District Secretary, Joyce L. Nolan at (516) 481-8411 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday ONLY.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
March, 2015
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March, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - NE