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SEPTEMBER, 2015
VACANT SCHOOL DESTROYED
K. LEGER
Fall River, MA - Firefighters responded to the vacant Coughlin School located at 1975 Pleasant Street on Saturday morning, August 22nd. Crews arrived on scene to find heavy smoke showing from a two-story brick school house.
- See full story on page 28
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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September, 2015
MAINE
Goodwins Mills receives NEFSAO grant
PROVIDED
Chief Roger Hooper (left) receives a grant check from Matthew Morrissey (right), founder and president of the North East Fire Service Assistance Organization at the New England Chiefs Show on June 27th.
Springfield, MA. The North East Fire Service Assistance Organization provided a grant to the Goodwins Mills (Maine) FireRescue to be used for the fittingout of their new 2015 Pierce Saber PUC Rescue-Pumper. According to Chief Roger Hooper of the Goodwins Mills Fire-Rescue, NEFSAO’s grant will be used to purchase tool mounting hardware and other accessories. Allowing the department to take full advantage of the rescuepumper’s designed and layout. “I’m grateful for NEFSAO’s grant. We’re a small department with limited resources. This grant will enable us to have an efficient tool layout on this engine.” said Chief Hooper. The Goodwins Mills FireRescue is a combination department servicing the communities of Lyman and Dayton, Maine. It serves 74 square miles and
JUMP TO FILE #072815105 a year round population of 6600. The North East Fire Service Assistance Organization is a 501(C)3 nonprofit charitable organization. Its mission is to assist in furnishing underfunded fire-rescue departments with, at a minimum, the necessary tools and training equipment required to safely and effectively preserve life and property in their respective communities. The ability of NEFSAO to support small departments is solely dependent on the generosity of its donors. More information about the organization, its mission and donation opportunities is available at www.nefsao.org - ROGER HOOPER
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MAINE
Advertising Index
A guide to finding great companies
Company
1st Priority
Armor Tuff Flooring
Page 8,30
Apparatus For Sale BRANCH Corp.
Classified Page Clinical 1
Comedy Works
C&S Specialty, Inc.
35 42
17 41 34 30
29
Dingee Machine Co.
23
EJ Boughton Co.
41
Eastford Fire Rescue
19
Fail Safe Hose Testing
10
FireDex
15
FDIC
Firematic
Five Star Fire
25 44 5
Grant Guys
28
Kimtek
16
Greenwood Emergency
21
Morningside VFD
37
My EMS Supply NEIS Inc.
New England Fire Equip.
29 41 3
27
Professional Vehicle Corp.
12
Shipmans Fire Equip. Co.
9
Shaker Auto Group
Spotted Dog Technologies Sprint
Task Force Tips
15
31
39
23 7
Translite, LLC. Veinlite
13
Waterway
19
Utility Communications
Professional commitment On August 7th, Firefighter/Paramedic Randy Gordon was recognized for his professional commitment to emergency medical services. Randy has developed high quality EMS training programs for our department that has led to many lives saved. Additionally, he provides CPR and AED programs throughout the year to local businesses and social organizations.
43
New England Marine PL Custom
NORTH YARMOUTH FIRE RESCUE DEPT
2
Mid Atlantic Rescue Sys.
Minuteman Fire & Rescue
AUGUSTA FIRE-RESCUE
CORPORATE INFORMATION
11
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 20, No.9 - 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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NORTH YARMOUTH FIRE RESCUE DEPT
MVC with possible entrapment At 5:22 p.m. on July 30th, North Yarmouth Chief 501, Ambulance 56, Squad 57, and Engine 51 responded to the area of 1385 North Road for a motor vehcile crash with possible entrapment. On arrival, Chief 501 found a two vehicle crash with two occupants trapped in a vehicle on it’s side. They shut down North Road to all traffic. Mutual aid was requested for a second ambulance and Cumberland’s heavy rescue. Deputy 804 from Yarmouth also responded to the scene as an additional paramedic, if needed. Two patients were transported with minor injuries to Maine Medical Center and one refused transport.
SOUTH BERWICK FIRE DEPARTMENT
Serious head on crash On August 14th, South Berwick Engine 1, Ladder 2 along with York Ambulance 4 and Dover Ambulance responded to a serious head-on crash on Route 236 on Friday evening. Extrication tools were required to remove the heavily entrapped occupants of both vehicles.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
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September, 2015
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RICK BILLINGS 1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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CORRESPONDENTS
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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Ohio: David Knapke, 55 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: May 30, 2015 Death Date: June 5, 2015 Fire Department: Williamsburg Township Emergency Services Initial Summary: Fire Lieutenant Knapke suffered a sudden cardiac event and collapsed while operating at the scene of a mutual aid structure fire in Mt. Orab, Ohio, on May 30. Knapke was resuscitated at the scene of the fire and flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment. Subsequently, due to test results and in accordance with his end of life care plan, Lieutenant Knapke was moved to the Hospice of Cincinnati where he succumbed to his injury on June 5th.
Alabama: James Donald “Donnie” Keith, 59 Rank: Captain Incident Date: June 3, 2015 Death Date: June 4, 2015 Fire Department: Mount Zion Fire & Rescue Initial Summary: While at home several hours after responding to two fire calls, including one in a recreational vehicle at the Clear Creek Recreation Area Campground, Fire Captain Keith complained of not feeling well and suffered a cardiac arrest. Captain Keith was treated and transported to a local hospital by fellow responders where despite all efforts he succumbed to his injury.
Virginia: Ian Haxton, 31 Rank: Veteran Fire Corps Crewmember Incident Date: June 6, 2015 Death Date: June 6, 2015 Fire Department: Student Conservation Association Veteran Fire Corps Initial Summary: Veteran Fire Corps Crewmember Haxton suffered a medical emergency and collapsed 200 yards from the finish line while participating in the Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test. Medical care was immediately rendered by local emergency medical responders who had been staged
on-site for the test. Crewmember Haxton was transported to an Advanced Care Facility where he passed away from a nature and cause of injury still to be determined. At the time of the fatal incident, Haxton was serving at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in Sasabe, AZ, preparing for a series of prescribed burns scheduled to take place at the Refuge.
New Jersey: Thomas D. Miserendino, 71 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: May 25, 2015 Death Date: June 4, 2015 Fire Department: Beachwood Vol. Fire Company #1 Initial Summary: Firefighter Miserendino arrived at the fire station on May 25th in full dress uniform to participate in the fire department’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade. Miserendino officiated over the memorial services at the fire station and then drove fire apparatus in the parade across town where he was scheduled to perform memorial duties during the town’s official ceremony at a local veteran’s park. Shortly after his arrival at the town’s ceremony, Firefighter Miserendino began to feel ill, and other members observed that something was wrong with him. EMS responded and he was transported to a local hospital for care. Miserendino was admitted for cardiac treatment and was discharged the next day. A few hours after returning home, he suffered an apparent heart attack, and was transported by EMS back to the hospital. Firefighter Miserendino remained there for treatment, however, his condition gradually worsened and he passed away at the hospital on June 4th.. Pennsylvania: Wille O. Sensenich, 69 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 8, 2015 Death Date: June 49 2015 Fire Department: North Huntingdon Township Circleville Volunteer Fire Department Station #8 Initial Summary: Firefighter Sensenich died from apparent cardiac arrest several hours after responding to an electrical fire in a residential structure.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 7
September, 2015
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
RHODE ISLAND
BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM
Mobile home lost in Coventry fire BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM
Small fire in Pawtucket
On June 20, 2015 at 8 a.m., Pawtucket Fire received a call from 1158 Newport Avenue reporting a house fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to a mulch fire in front of the house with extension to the two and a half story wood frame dwelling. Companies knocked down the fire and had no further extension. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Coventry, RI. On May 24, 2015 at 3 p.m., Coventry Fire Alarm received multiple calls for a trailer fire on Poppin John Lane. The fire department arrived on scene to heavy black smoke and fire showing from a one story trailer with fire extending to two cars and a large area of brush. Multiple large lines were used to knock down the fire. Engine 4 ordered a second alarm on arrival for mutual aid to the scene and cover. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Home lost to fire in Fall River Fall River, MA. On May 24, 2015 at about 11:00 p.m., Fall River Fire Alarm received multiple calls about a building fire at 308 Seabird Street. The fire depart- JUMP TO FILE# ment arrived on 052715125 scene to heavy fire showing from the second floor. Fire extended rapidly to the third floor and attic. All fire personnel were ordered out of the building for a fully defensive operation. Multiple large lines and one ladder pipe were used to knock down the bulk of the fire. One firefighter was evaluated by EMS for burns. Two other firefighters were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - BRIAN HARDY
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
RHODE ISLAND
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM
Code red in Pawtucket
LifeStar recently landed at Rhode Island Hospital
BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM
Pawtucket, RI. On July 2, 2015 at 3:30 p.m., Pawtucket Fire was called to Broadway and Blackstone Street for a building fire. Ladder 1 arrived on scene to smoke showing from a one story commercial building. Companies reported heavy fire venting out from the front windows. Command reported companies knocked down the fire. There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 11
September, 2015
RHODE ISLAND
Vehicle News
ALEXYS BERGERON
Fire damages home in Pawtucket
Pawtucket, RI. On August 3, 2015, the Pawtucket Fire Department was dispatched to Paul Street for a fire. Crews quickly stretched lines and vented. The fire was brought under control and crews were able to return to service.
NICK ZABAWAR
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PAGE 12
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
VERMONT
Smoke in pool area of hotel
SOUTH BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
At 5:38 p.m. on August 13th, South Burlington firefighters responded to a fire alarm at 1076 Williston Road, the Best Western Hotel. Firefighters were notified of smoke in the pool and fitness area. Firefighters arrived within five minutes and found a burn victim. The patient was treated and transported by South Burlington Fire Department ambulance. The pool and fitness area was under renovation at the time. Subcontractors were replacing the liner around the indoor pool with a chemical adhesive when the fire occurred. The fire was under control within several minutes; however, it took over an hour to remove the smoke from the building. Hotel rooms were not impacted. No fire-
JUMP TO FILE #082515109 fighters or hotel guests were injured. The South Burlington Fire Department was assisted by the Vermont Air National Guard Fire Department. UVM Rescue provided additional ambulance coverage. South Burlington Police provided scene control. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. This fire occurred in conjunction with two other calls for service handled by off duty South Burlington firefighters. - SOUTH BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
GREG RAMSDELL
Six fire departments battle barn fire Highgate, VT. On August 2, 2015 at approximately 6:20 p.m., Highgate Fire Department, Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR) with mutual aid from Swanton, Franklin, Sheldon, St. Albans Town Fire Departments in Vermont and Phillipsburg QC responded to Gore Road in Highgate for a barn fire. JUMP TO FILE # Upon on arrival 080415135 of 14E1, the barn was fully involved. There were other barns that were damaged by the fire. There were numerous barns nearby that the firefighters were able to save and a nearby house was saved. The barn housed pigs, turkeys, and calves. Some perished in the fire. Some vehicles and supplies were also lost in the fire. The farm also is the home to Green Mountain Blue Cheeses, which is sold in numerous stores. There were no reported injuries. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately 14 hours.
The farm has been in this local family for generations. It was a large farm operation. - GREG RAMSDELL
GREG RAMSDELL
Single vehicle crash,one ejected
On July 29th, Missisquoi Valley Rescue Units 1 and 2, Swanton Fire Department 13E2,13U6 and Swanton Police responded to a one car rollover with ejection on Comstock Road in Swanton at approximately 6:40 p.m. The car was travelling westbound on Comstock Road when the operator lost control of the vehicle on a hill, rolling it over in a corn field and striking a tree. One patient was ejected from the vehicle. The car left the road travelling approximately 300 feet. Both patients were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. SPD is investigating the crash.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
PAGE 13
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Codes, Rules, and Initiatives, a Safety Refresher - Part IV STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
The 16 Life Safety Initiatives (FLSI) were jointly developed by representatives of the major fire service constituencies in 2004 at a Firefighter Safety Summit in Tampa, FL and passed off to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) to implement. In March, 2014 they reconvened to review and assess the effectiveness of the 10 year campaign. It was reported 955 firefighters died in the line of duty that time period, averaging 95 firefighter deaths per each of the 10 years. These figures indicate that progress has been slow and that more work still must be done to reduce firefighter deaths.
The 16 Life Safety Initiatives are as follows: 1) Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety, incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability, & personal responsibility. 2) Enhance the personal & organizational accountability for health & safety throughout the fire service. 3) Focus greater attention on the integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, & planning responsibilities. 4) Empower all firefighters to stop unsafe practices. 5) Develop and implement national standards for training, qualifications, and certification (including regular re-certification) that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform. 6) Develop & implement national medical & physical fitness standards that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform. 7) Create a national research agenda & data collection system that relate to the initiatives. 8) Utilize available technology wherever it can produce higher levels of health & safety. 9) Thoroughly investigate all firefighter fatalities, injuries, & near-misses. 10) Ensure grant programs support the implementation of safe practices and/or mandate safe practices as an eligibility requirement. 11) Develop & champion national standards for emergency response policies & procedures. 12) Develop & champion na-
tional protocols for response to violent incidents. 13) Provide firefighters & their families’ access to counseling & psychological support. 14) Provide public education more resources & champion it as a critical fire & life safety program. 15) Strengthen advocacy for the enforcement of codes & the installation of home fire sprinklers. 16) Make safety a primary consideration in the design of fire apparatus.
The NFFF also includes the “Everyone Goes Home” program that has to do with returning to quarters from each and every alarm with the same number of members as you departed with. It goes further than alarms, it also includes everyday fire service duties, station activities, and non emergency functions performed on a regular basis. Everyone Goes Home is a program meant to reduce the annual number of line-of-duty deaths, and if you review the annual LODD causes, you will note that not all firefighter deaths occur at an emergency scene. Has your department adopted the 16 Life Safety Initiatives, if not, why not? Stir the pot, blow the siren, bang the drum and make some noise until they do. Stay abreast of all the information and programs offered to the fire service from the NFFF and the Everybody Goes Home program, information that will help keep you safe. For additional information on the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives and other related firefighter safety information go to: Everyone Goes Home-http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/16-initiatives/ The last code in this series of articles is the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Service Association (FEMSA) PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY CODE. The code should serve as a warning for emergency responders to be sure they understand their role and responsibility in their own safety relative to using, wearing, or operating any new equipment or protective clothing. Training must be provided in the use, precautions, and care of any equipment you may be called upon to use. DANGER! Personal Responsibility Code The member companies of FEMSA that provide emergency response equipment and services want responders to know and understand the following: 1. Firefighting and Emergency Response are inherently dangerous activities requiring proper training
NEW HAMPSHIRE
KENNETH ERICKSON
Three alarms in Laconia On Wednesday, July 29 at 11:09 a.m., Laconia, Gilford, and Belmont were dispatched to a reported porch fire at 103 Blueberry Lane in Laconia. This is a complex of townhouses varying in size from two to eight units. The buildings are all two story wood frame townhouse with wood truss roofs. At the time of the call, the Laconia duty crew was conducting a swift water drill at the Avery Dam in downtown. A crew had been hired in to cover and they were at a med flight landing at the local hospital. Assistant Chief Beattie could see smoke visible from downtown (two miles away) and requested a first alarm, calling in off-duty personnel and cover trucks. Chief Erickson was first on scene and reported a six unit townhouse with heavy fire in the middle unit that had extended into the attic of Exposure D. He requested a second alarm. The second alarm brought an additional Gilford engine, and Tilton, Franklin, Sanbornton, and Meredith engines. Laconia crews arrived and a two inch line was placed into operation on Division A. A transitional attack was started, knocking down the heavy exterior fire and the fire in the attic. Captain Shipp and crew took this line into Unit 35 and worked their way to the second floor, where they attacked the fire in the attic. A crew from Ladder 1 went to the roof to vent the fire unit and Exposure D. Gilford stretched a
line into Exposure D. Belmont stretched a back-up line into Unit 35. Other crews started search and rescue as well as checking for extension. Additional second alarm crews were used to assist in extension control and overhaul. After 30 minutes of intense work in 90 degree heat and humidity, the heavy fire was knocked down and the fire declared under control. All crews were removed from the building for a break. The attics were well vented; ceilings had been pulled in all three units with no fire extension, and the fire in 35 and 34 had been extinguished. Unexpectedly, smoke started showing from the ridge vent of Unit 36 (exposure B). This smoke built up rapidly and turned to flames at the ridge vent. Seconds later, heavy fire was blowing from the ventilation hole over Unit 35. Note, 36 and 35 shared a common attic. Laconia Ladder 1 was placed into operation and a master stream was used to knock down the heavy fire in the attic. It was decided to go this route versus attacking from below as the firefighters were exhausted and the attic truss was now well involved. A third alarm was struck bringing Gilmanton, Concord, and Holderness engines and a Meredith ladder. Throughout the incident, Stewarts Ambulance had a unit at
in their hazards and the use of extreme caution at all times. 2. It is your responsibility to read and understand any user’s instructions, including purpose and limitations, provided with any piece of equipment you may be called upon to use. 3. It is your responsibility to know that you have been properly trained in Firefighting and /or Emergency Response and in the use, precautions, andhttp://www.1stre-
spondernews.com/webpages/Correspondent/SpellCheck.aspx?Modal= true care of any equipment you may be called upon to use. 4. It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and to maintain the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you may be called upon to use. 5. It is your responsibility to know that your equipment is in operable condition and has been maintained in accordance with the
JUMP TO FILE #080515109
the fire on standby, and covered the city. Loudon, New Hampton, and Moultonborough covered the city. Laconia Police moved people away from the scene and Lakes Region CERT provided much rehab. We are unsure of exactly how the fire in the attic reignited. Several chief officers and company officers had checked the attics and could see into each void from different angles. There was no visible fire and very light smoke. The attics had about one foot of rolled insulation and an additional foot of blown in cellulose insulation. The attics had fire separations every other unit. The fire extended into Exposure D through the exterior wall. The fire extended into the primary attic (Unit 35) through the soffits. The only logical explanation is we obviously created a good flow path from the interior to the roof. There were multiple holes in the ceilings and a very large hole cut in the roof. We suspect that the cellulose was super-heated and pyrolizing. As the flow path was created, air currents from below allowed the insulation to ignite. T he attic had experienced significant heat buildup so that the truss and plywood sheathing were just below the ignition temperature. Multiple officers with dozens of years of service were all quite surprised by the rapid fire spread after knock down. No firefighters were injured. - KENNETH ERICKSON
manufacturer’s instructions. 6. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other severe injury.
You can contact FEMSA at Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Service Association P.O. Box 147, Lynnfield, MA 01940-0147 • www.FEMSA.org Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
PAGE 15
NEW HAMPSHIRE
No injuries, home damaged in Wolfeboro
ROBERT NOLL
Two alarm blaze destroys Unity house Unity, NH. At 7:05 p.m. on July 20, 2015, Unity was dispatched to Pinewood Drive for a reported house fire. Chief Baker arrived on scene at 7:11 p.m., reporting smoke showing, and requesting a second alarm at 7:14 p.m. Unity Engine 2 arrived at 7:17 p.m. and began an at- JUMP TO FILE # tack. 073015101 Mutual aid responded to the scene from Acw o r t h , Charlestown, Claremont, Lempster, Goshen, and Newport Fire Departments, with Washington and Marlow Fire Departments responding to cover Unity and Lempster. Mutual aid from Claremont was delayed due to the road from Claremont to Unity being closed due to a large number of trees and power lines down from a severe thunderstorm the previous evening, forcing Claremont to detour through Charlestown. The fire was declared under control at 8:20 p.m., with crews remaining on scene until 12:55 a.m. Unity was back in service at 1:51 a.m. Crews returned the following day to wet down hot spots. The fire remains under investigation by Chief Baker and the N. H. Fire Marshal’s Office. Many thanks to the mutual aid towns who assisted. - ROBERT NOLL
Wolfeboro, NH. No one was injured when a Wolfeboro family escaped a fire after being awakened by smoke detectors in the home on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. The Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Department was alerted to the blaze at the Andrew Bye residence at 8 Knoll Rd at 2:10 p.m. and a first alarm assignment was immediately requested. First arriving crews found a room and contents fire on the second floor and the family standing safely outside after being alerted to the fire by working smoke detectors. The fire was declared under control at 2:55 a.m. Serious damage was confined to the room of origin, with some additional smoke and water damage. The cause of the blaze is accidental in nature and appears to have started in a clothes dryer. The incident remains under investigation by the Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Depart-
JUMP TO FILE #072913103 ment. “This incident demonstrates the value of properly-operating smoke detectors,” said Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Chief Philip “Butch” Morrill. “No one was hurt and the family was notified of the fire while it was still in its early stages. They were able to escape and account for each other. ” Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue was assisted at the scene by Stewarts Ambulance, Tuftonboro Fire-Rescue, Ossipee Corner Fire-Rescue, Wakefield Fire-Rescue, and the Wolfeboro Police Department. Wakefield FireRescue also provided station coverage and handled another emergency during the fire. The last units cleared the scene at 4:04 a.m. - TOM ZOTTI
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
EDWARD PRESCOTT
Norwalk battles condo fire The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 186 Gillie’s Lane, in the Ledgebrook Condominium Complex, at 1:52 p.m. on July 26th. The fire was located in the wall behind a stackable washer dryer unit on the second floor. Once the flames were quickly extinguished, firefighters remained on scene checking for extension into the common cockloft and neighboring units to ensure that the fire was contained. The last company cleared the scene at 3:30 p.m. The three adult occupants, who were home at the time of the fire, were outside when firefighters arrived and were uninjured. 25 firefighters responded with three engines, two trucks, a rescue and a command car. Deputy Fire Marshal Broderick Sawyer was investigating the cause of the fire.
SEAN FLAHERTY
Rollover for Yantic On the afternoon of Friday August 7th, the Yantic Fire Company was dispatched to Montgomery Lane near Reynolds Road for a pickup truck rollover. Engine 33 and Rescue 3 arrived to find the operator had self-extricated and was not injured. Units cleared after handling the fluids and securing the vehicle.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
PAGE 17
CONNECTICUT
The recruits battle a high rise fire
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
CT Fire Academy “Summer Camp” 2015 On August 1st, the Connecticut Fire Academy held Graduation #38 of the Introduction To The Fire Service (ITTFS) program that is held every summer at the grounds of the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks. The ITTFS program is run as a summer camp for teenagers, who are interested in learning about the fire service during an intensive one-week class run in the same fashion as the actual recruit firefighter program. Ian Tenney is the program coordinator and is assisted by a number of regular instructors from the fire academy staff. The “recruits” for Class #38 came from all corners of Connecticut, as well as two from Duxbury, Massachusetts. They are typically ‘legacy’ members of their home fire departments, as many of them come from firefighting families, although there are a few ‘raw recruits’ who have no immediate ‘genetic’ ties to the fire service, but found out about the program, found sponsorship, and attended
JUMP TO FILE #080215103 in order to see what the fire service has to offer. Saturday morning brought warm sunny weather to the training grounds, and approximately 250 spectators took positions in the bleachers to witness the ceremony. As the ceremony began, the recruit battalion stopped at the CT Fallen Firefighters Memorial to make a presentation. As they were paying their respects, two US Air Force C-130 roared into the sky from the nearby runway. The recruits then marched onto the training grounds where Academy Director William Higgins greeted the guests and offered advice to the recruits on how to pursue a career in the fire service. During a speech by Program Coordinator Ian Tenney, he stressed to the recruits the importance of training, dedication, and enthusiasm.
Then, in similar fashion to the recruit firefighter program, each young recruit was presented his graduation packet by their hometown officers as well as the instructional staff. Once all the recruits received their certificates, they were mustered to attention on the training ground, and then ordered to double-time to their assignments, at which time they broke into companies, staffed various pieces of apparatus and then, responded to a simulated structure fire at the drill tower. The recruits sprang into action, showcasing their learned skills of advancing hose, throwing ladders, placing the aerial ladder, and extinguishing the fire. For the average person, it would have been difficult to tell the difference between this battalion of teenagers battling this simulated high rise fire, from an actual fire in your average community.
RYAN FLAHERTY
- BERNIE MEEHAN
RYAN FLAHERTY
Bedroom fire for Colchester At 5:30 p.m. on July 17th, the Colchester Fire Department with the Bozrah and Salem fast teams were dispatched to 29 Pierce Lane for a bedroom fire. Car 128 arrived to find smoke showing from the second floor of a two story wood frame. ET 128 laid a supply line down the driveway and their crew stretched an attack line to the second floor. Ladder 128 backed down the driveway, laddered the building,
JUMP TO FILE #072015110 and performed vertical ventilation. Command struck the second alarm, which brought manpower from East Hampton and Hebron. The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes and the fire marshal is investigating. - RYAN FLAHERTY
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Woodbury responds to refuse truck fire On August 5th, the Woodbury Fire Department, under command of Chief Janet Morgan, responded to Main Street South at Route 317 for a refuse truck on fire. Upon arrival, the crew was met with a fire in the compactor area of a commercial refuse truck. A line was deployed to knock the fire down, and the decision was made by the chief to relocate the truck to the transfer station, where the hot load was dumped and safely overhauled with the help of a payloader. One engine, and an engine/tanker were used for the incident. There were no injuries.
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Serious fire in Heritage Village Just before midnight on July 29th, a fire broke out in a condominium unit in the Heritage Village Retirement Community in Southbury CT. The reported fire was in a two story, wood frame building containing five residences from Unit 443-447, located on Winship Drive. Police officers arrived first and found a working fire. The Southbury Fire Department arrived to find heavy fire issuing from both sides of the building, concentrated in the center of the complex. Southbury firefighters using Engine 4, 5, 7, and Ladder 1 initiated an attack from
JUMP TO FILE #073015111 both sides of the complex and were making headway when they realized the fire had made its way into the void spaces, made its way into the attic. At which time, command pulled everyone out and switched to a defensive posture. The oppressive weather was also working against the firefighters, so to ensure that enough crews were available to rotate in and out, mutual aid crews from Sandy Hook, Woodbury, Middlebury, and Ox-
ford were brought in to assist. Three of the residents of the buildings were transported to the hospital via two Southbury, and one Southbury Training School FD Ambulances, while Woodbury and Heritage Village Ambulances were on hand to stand by in case of further injuries. Roxbury EMS assisted with their rehab equipment. The Southbury Fire Marshals Office is being assisted by the Connecticut State Police Fire Marshals to determine cause and origin. There were no firefighter injuries. - BERNIE MEEHAN
EDWARD PRESCOTT
Single car rollover for Norwalk The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a single car rollover on August 21st on Interstate 95 northbound between Exits 13 and 14 at 6:46 a.m. on August 21st. One of the three adult occupants was pinned in the car and needed to be extricated by firefighters. The injured were transported by Norwalk Hospital paramedics with non-life threatening injuries. According to witnesses, the car rolled several times after hitting a rock wall.
TYLER O'NEIL
Quick knockdown in Torrington Just before 11 p.m. on July 15th, Torrington and Torringford Fire Departments responded to a report of a structure fire on Lyman Dr. Upon arrival, smoke was visible from the rear of the house, and fire was found in the basement. One line was used to extinguish a small fire with minimal extension. The house was ventilated and the cause of the fire remained under investigation. The single occupant of the house was uninjured.
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 19
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Nine cats removed from Norwich fire
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
ROBERT S ALLEN
FIRST IN PHOTO'S
Smoke scare in old Leominster church
On Saturday, July 18th, Leominster Fire received a call for smell of smoke in the cellar of St Marks Church on 60 West St. Car 4 on arrival and investigation ordered the box struck for the church for a smoke condition in the cellar, source unknown at that time. This brought in all LFD companies including Engines 2 ,3, and 4; Ladder 1; and Rescues 1 and 2 to the scene. Companies set up supply and attack lines while firefighters investigated the smoke’s source. Within a short time, smoke was found to be caused by a hot panel on a wall. The wall was opened up with no extension found. Smoke was cleared and companiess returned within a half hour.
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Leominster crew rescues cat from roof
Firefighters do a lot more than run to fires, accidents, and other emergencies. Sunday, July 19th was no exception. They also do public service tasks like rescuing a cat that was crying to get down from a high roof. Somehow Spot got out of his home and got up on the roof of his apartment building. The fire department was called and Ladder 1’s crew responded to rescue kitty. In short time, they put a 35' ladder up to the roof and Spot ran over to it as soon as it hit the roof. Spot was gratefully returned to his home by Firefighter Caro Altobelli of Ladder 1, who took him down from his perch.
Cataldo Ambulance Service renews service contract with Town of West Newbury Somerville, MA –July 10, 2015 - Atlantic Ambulance Service, a division of Cataldo Ambulance Service, is pleased to announce the recent renewal of the exclusive contract to provide emergency ambulance services to the Town of West Newbury. The contract, signed July 9, 2015, is for a period of three years. Atlantic Ambulance has been providing ALS and BLS coverage for several North Shore communities since July 2008. As agreed upon by both parties, Atlantic Ambulance will also continue to provide coverage and support for various community events and details. Ambulance coverage will also be on standby at all working fires. Within the past twelve months, Atlantic Ambulance has had a significant community presence, specifically at Pentucket High School. A student intern interested in nursing school participated in ride time with the crews to become more familiar with the industry. Atlantic also played a large role in a mock car crash at Pentucket High on May 19, 2015, to show the devastating dangers of drinking and driving. The next scheduled community event participation will be at the National Night Out on August 4th by providing an ambulance as a Touch-A-Truck, for commu-
JUMP TO FILE #071015104 nity members to learn more about ambulances and Emergency Medical Services. Cataldo Ambulance Service, and its division Atlantic Ambulance Service, are committed to developing strong, long term relationships with the facilities, communities and patients served. The success is based on personal commitment, honesty, integrity and quality service. Cataldo Ambulance Service Cataldo Ambulance Service, and Atlantic Ambulance Service(a division of Cataldo Ambulance Service), currently provide 911 responses for 16 municipalities, hospitals and numerous private contracts from 19 base locations throughout Massachusetts covering Greater Boston and the North Shore. They are also a leading private provider of Emergency Medical Transportation in the Commonwealth. The Atlantic Ambulance Service Division is the primary entity that responds to communities in the northern most region of the Cataldo Ambulance Service operating area. ## - LINDSEY SONN
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Congrats Seymour FD Seymour, CT
September, 2015
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Your workout can be “A Day At The Beach” FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
With Fall right around the corner, a “Day at the Beach” may be just what your workout plan needs. In many areas of the country, September is an awesome time to be at the Beach. It’s often less crowded, less humid, somewhat cooler and perhaps ideal for a Beach Workout. Here on Long Island, I lead clients through a Beach workout once a week. We workout through the Summer, but in the evening the Sun isn’t quite as strong. There is usually a terrific breeze coming off the water, which keeps things cooler and the pesky mosquitoes away. There are many ways to grab a Beach Workout. Here’s what we do… Often, we forego the use of equipment. This leg workout gets us mobile and uses more of the beach. We start closer to the water, where the sand is firm, yet not too too wet. (Some wear water shoes or go barefoot for this one). Each segment proceeds along the shore line, is 45 seconds in duration, then turns to head back in the opposite direction for the next segment. First we walk. Your basic walk will do, preferably slightly brisk. Next, it’s up on tip toes to get those calves involved. Then, we break into an easy jog or brisker walk. The next three segments keep us in place for 45 second sets (each) of squats, lunges and side leg lifts (switching legs about ½ way through). Then, we take it from the top – walk, tip toe, jog, squat, lunge, side leg lift, until we have gone through the entire circuit three times. Then, it’s up to softer sand. The softer sand is a bit more challenging when it comes to both intensity and balance. This circuit is the opposite of the first. It starts with travelling lunges, followed by travelling squats (standing sideways – step the right leg out to the side into a 90 degree squat - stand up bringing the left leg in - - - after 45 seconds we repeat stepping out with the left and that has us moving back in the opposite direction). Then, it’s jog in place, jumping jacks, and simulated rope jumping. Exercising control and caution to avoid kicking up the sand is an added challenge of the routine. All segments are 45 seconds in duration, and once again we go through the full circuit 3 times. Some days after completing both circuits a total of three times, we venture into the adjoining park for some bench push-up, dips and crunches to round things out.
Nonetheless, we are always sure to round out these workouts by fitting any missed exercises/muscle groups into our other workouts during the week. There are times when a full body workout is in order. For that we usually go with a medicine ball and or elastic band workout. Sometimes, we use mats and include lying exercises like chest press, crunches and side leg lifts. More often, we minimize contact with the sand and do this circuit standing. We include: bent-over rows, squats, shoulder presses, lunges, bicep curls, side leg lifts, triceps overhead extensions, and heel raises. We do 45 seconds to one minute of each exercise and repeat the circuit three times. Throughout the month, we often trade our Med balls and bands for dumbbells. In those instances, we usually do a combo of seated, lying and standing exercises. We are sure to have the towels or mats for this one. Here’s my favorite: chest press, side lying leg lifts, seated (often referred to as Russian) twists, seated shoulder presses, squats, one arm rows, lunges, bicep concentration curls, heel raises, triceps kickbacks, crunches. There are days we do them in that order for 60 seconds each in circuit form. On hotter days or when we are looking for a change we slow the pace, forgo the circuit and go with three consecutive sets of each exercise before moving on to the next exercise. When using this straight set format, we usually begin with upper (chest press, one arm row, shoulder press, curl, kickback), move on to legs (squat, lunge, side leg lift, heel raise) and finish with abs (seated twist, crunch) Regardless of the workout, we choose, we always park a bit away from the workout site and use the six minute walk there as our warm-up. That walk also serves as the cool-down on the way back to our cars where we end with five minutes of stretching. If these workouts don't peak your interest, create your own. You can always keep it simple with a beach walk or jog. Remember all exercises are not suitable for all individuals. Be sure to have your physician’s approval before beginning any exercise program. Just a quick note, yes, unless it’s a private beach you may draw a few glances from beach goers. The one thing we have learned is that the “lookie Lou’s” are really only giving you that look because you are doing what they should be: taking care of your Health and Wellness and enjoying it! Your workout can be “a Day At The Beach”. Enjoy!
MASSACHUSETTS
Firefighters stand by with a charged pre-connected hose line.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Work crew strikes gas main in Whitman Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. At around 9:30 a.m. on the morning of Wednesday, July 29, 2015, the Whitman Fire Department was alerted to a work crew that struck a gas line while working on South Avenue, near Brigham Street. Engine 1, Car 3 and Car 1 responded. Car 3 reported that a high pressure gas main had been struck by an excavator working on the roadway. National Grid Gas was immediately requested to respond with a road crew.
JUMP TO FILE #072915109 Engine 1 grabbed a hydrant, and stretched a pre-connected hose line as a precaution. Engine 1's crew began checking houses in the immediate area, and making sure occupants were evacuated as a precaution. Engine3 was requested to assist on-scene. Box-55 was struck, bringing manpower into the fire station for coverage. An East Bridgewater engine
was requested for station coverage. Due to the extreme heat, temperatures humid and in the 90's, Car 1 requested the Whitman CERT team with rehab supplies for those working on-scene. Around 10:30 a.m. the National Grid Gas crew had secured the leak. Fire crews began picking up. Crews remained on-scene for an extended period of time repairing the problem with the gas line. No injuries were reported. - PAT TRAVERS
JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN
Two trucks crash in Harwich
Harwich, MA. At around 2 p.m. on Monday, August 17th, a two vehicle crash happened on Queen Anne Road at Bakers Drive. The trucks were both from landscaping businesses, one O'Leary and the other Miranda's. Harwich Fire and Rescue extricated the driver from Miranda's vehicle and took him to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries. Harwich Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Queen Anne Road was closed for sometime.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
PAGE 23
MASSACHUSETTS
DICK SCIALABBA
Smoke showing from Hinsdale home On July 23rd at 10:41 a.m., the Dalton Communications Center received a call reporting smoke coming from a residence at 16 Shore Dr. in Hinsdale. An initial response including Engine 2, Tanker 7, JUMP TO FILE # Squad 1 and Car 1 081215113 was dispatched. Upon arrival at the scene, Chief Larry Turner reported smoke showing from the attic vents of a one story brick and wood framed ranch style home. He requested a second alarm, bringing Engine 3 and Rehab 6 (air/light) along with an engine from Dalton with tankers from Middlefield and Becket. Seventeen Hinsdale firefighters were on the scene. Engine 2’s crew advanced a one and three quarter inch line into the house, finding fire in the hallway at the entrance to a bedroom. There was a heavy smoke condition and the fire was located where a burning bed mattress and box spring barricaded a bedroom. Once the extinguished materials were removed, a search revealed the room contained one male occupant, a dog and a cat, all deceased prior to the arrival of fire units. Chief Turner requested the State Fire Marshal, State Police detectives and Crime Scene Investigators due to the unwitnessed death and the “circumstances found at the scene”. The fire was under control with ten minutes with units remaining for light overhaul and to assist investigators. One Hinsdale firefighter was taken to Berkshire Medical Center for observation. All Hinsdale units returned to service at 3:22 p.m. - DICK SCIALABBA
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Where did the volunteers go?
MASSACHUSETTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
C side rear roof showing venting and overhaul.
FIRST IN PHOTO'S
Grill fire on deck escalates into major house fire in Leominster On Monday, July 20th at approximately 5:35 p.m., Leominster Fire received a call for a barbeque grill fire against a house on Pierce St. Fire Alarm dispatched Engines 3 and 4, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, and Car 4. Engine 3 found a heavy fire condition at the rear of the home and called for the working fire. This brought in Engine 2, Rescue 2, off duty personnel, and mu-
JUMP TO FILE #072115105 tual aid companies from Fitchburg to the scene. Engine 3, pulling into a driveway next door to the fire, pulled their two and a half inch attack line and within five to ten minutes had knocked down the bulk of the fire at the rear of the home. Others companies on arrival
laid four inch supply lines and pre-connect attack lines to knockdown the rest of the fire. Venting and overhaul was extensive as the fire had consumed the enclosed deck and worked it's way into the home and roof area. Damage was extensive, but not total to mostly the B/C side of the home. - ROBERT ALLEN
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.
Abington Engine 2 at the scene of a recent MVA.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Volunteer fire departments across the state, as well as the country, have always had issues with recruiting and retaining members, but what can be done to alleviate this growing problem? In New York State, many fire departments have some type of “Length of Service Awards Programs” (LOSAP) in place so as to give prospective members the extra incentive to join, and it also gives current membership some type of “retirement” when they hit a certain age. Other incentives in New York are through tax credits offered by the state. These current credits offer volunteer firefighters/EMS a small deduction on their income taxes, and may also give volunteers, who are homeowners, a property tax break as well. The Fire Association of the State of New York (FASNY), offers Scholarships and College Tuition Reimbursement Programs, along with many discounts from various businesses. With all of these programs available, fire departments are still finding themselves in a membership dilemma, and again, depending on where you live, it can go from bad to worse in some of the rural departments. On Long Island, fire departments can have 200-300 members on their rosters because of the population. These departments, though thriving, suffer the same daytime response issues as the rest of the departments due to work schedules and dducations. Would additional members ever solve that issue? It may help, but chances are they won't. Smaller departments, such as those in the Northern and Western parts of New York, hosting a roster of 20-100 members are no different in regards to the daytime response issues, but are struggling worse for membership. One of the biggest problems, at least in New York State, is the training. Yes, we need to train, that's not the issue. The requirements, set forth for new interior firefighters, is a “basic
training” (Firefighter I) that entails over 100 hours of training. This doesn't sound like a lot, but it is when a prospective member has a job, a family and/or an education to worry about. It's not like the “old days” when you learned as you went, most departments require that a member, wishing to be an interior firefighter, complete the course within a certain time frame. Some of these new recruits, hearing the requirements, are running for the hills! Our younger generation that used to consist of members 18-25 years old, has changed to 30-40 years old with the current membership. Without our younger generation stepping up, we will face larger issues in the near future, when the current membership has out lived it's own youthful abilities. Let's face it folks, we aren't getting any younger, and the need for “younger blood” is getting bigger as the days go on. The question of “What if a Volunteer didn't Volunteer?” might need to be changed to “What happened to all of the Volunteers?” In a 2013 report, published by NFPA, there were 1,140,750 protecting the United States. Of those, 69%, totaling 786,150, were volunteers! The volunteer fire service, being one of the largest fraternal organization in the country, has always been, and will always be, a needed asset for the communities they serve. It takes a unique dedication to fill the shoes of a volunteer firefighter. A person doesn't just wake up and decide to join, it's either been a life long dream, as it was mine, or your friends or family are involved. Either way, “probies” are very much welcomed, and very much needed. The sense of pride, of being a volunteer firefighter, cannot be explained, it has to be experienced. We need to find a way to pass on one of this country's oldest professions, dating back to 1736 when Ben Franklin became the first volunteer firefighter. -MIKE TURANO
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
September, 2015
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September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
FACES OF NEW ENGLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your Faces in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
PROVIDED
Members of the Leather Helmet Society of Manchester, N.H. at the IFBA National Conference Banquet on August 15, 2015 in Hartford, CT. LHS member Charlie Tentas, LHS member/retired Merrimack (NH) Firefighter Wayne Perkins, LHS member/retired Nashua (NH) FD dispatcher John Rafferty, LHS President/Captain Charles Pierson, Jr. Manchester (NH) FD Engine 2 and LHS member/retired Nashua (NH) Firefighter Robert “Bob” Fitz, Jr. (CC-One).
On June 14, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company (CT) Chief Sam Baber provided a fourhour safety lesson, training and hands-on tool demonstration with seven Acworth Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company members. The Town of Haddam donated Haddam Fire’s used hydraulic Hurst equipment.
NORTH YARMOUTH FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
North Yarmouth (ME) Fire Rescue Department's Greg Payson, Juan Mesones, Guy H. Lovell III, Rick Gause, Anne Smith, Sean Tuemmler, Monica Johnson and Fort Mueller at Yarmouth Clam Festival
SOUTH BERWICK FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOC
The South Berwick Firefighter's Association (ME) hosted their first large-scale training event on the weekend of August 22nd.
On August 1 the Connecticut Fire Academy held Graduation #38 of the Introduction To The Fire Service (ITTFS) program that is held every summer at the grounds of the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks.
PETER LOBO
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
OLIVIA DRAKE
Waltham (MA) firefighters as the RIT at a three alarm fire in Waltham MA June 24, 2015. L-R Mike Mekewe, Mellissa Lelivre and Jim MacDonald
September, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
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.
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Medford Engine 1 operating at a 1.5 acre brush fire in August
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Retired Leominster Firefighter Lawrence J Piermarini Funeral
ROBERT S ALLEN
Funeral Services for Retired Firefighter Lawrence J Piermarini, Group 2, Engine 3 of the Leominster Fire Department were held on July 24th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church on Union St in Leominster, MA. Services were attended by current and retired members of the Leominster Fire Department, fam-
FIRST IN PHOTO'S
JUMP TO FILE #072515101 ily, and members of the US Air Force. Firefighter Piermarini passed away on July 21, 2015. Firefighter Piermarini started his career with the Leominster
Fire Department in December of 1957 until his retirement in February 1991, after 34 years of service. He served with the US Air force from 1951 to 1955, being stationed in Europe. - JEFFREY GOLDBERG
FIRST IN PHOTO'S
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MASSACHUSETTS
Four alarm fire destroys vacant school in Fall River
JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN
Crash in Harwich
Harwich, MA. Around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29th, a motor vehicle crash happened at the intersection of Depot Street and Old Chatham Road. The accident occurred when a Chevrolet Silverado came to a stop. The driver proceded though the intersection and was struck by a Toyota Scion sedan. One person in the Toyota Scion was transported to Cape Cod Hospital by Harwich Fire and Rescue with unknown injuries. Harwich police are handling the investigation.
Police rescue woman and child from mountain Deerfield, MA. A woman and her four year-old child were lost for about two hours on Mount Sugarloaf in Deerfield on July 22, until they were rescued by police. It all began around 8 p.m. when the woman called 911 saying she was lost and unable to find her way off the mountain. State police, local police, firefighters and a Massachusetts State Police helicopter began an immediate search. Police and troopers sounded their sirens in an attempt to pinpoint the lost pair’s location. The woman said the sirens sounded faint. The helicopter then began to sweep the area. As the helicopter flew over the woman during the search effort, she was able to signal the helicopter via a flashlight on her cell
JUMP TO FILE #072315100 phone. The helicopter then provided the location to the ground search team. The woman and her child were escorted out of the woods around 10 p.m., and South County EMS checked them out to be sure both were not injured. The combined search efforts were conducted by Shelburne Falls barracks, Massachusetts State Police Airwing, members of Deerfield, Whately and Montague police departments, members of South Deerfield Fire Department and Shelburne Falls dispatch.
Fall River, MA. Firefighters responded to the vacant Coughlin School located at 1975 Pleasant Street on Saturday morning, August 22nd. Incident Commander, Chief Dou- JUMP TO FILE # glas Sullivan, 082215100 arrived on scene with three engines and two ladder trucks to find heavy smoke showing from a two-story brick school house. Chief Sullivan ordered an interior attack and called for an additional engine and ladder to the scene. Shortly after calling for a second alarm, heavy fire broke through the roof, and command ordered the evacuation of the building. Ladder 2 set up on the C side, while Ladder 4 set up at the C/D corner. Platform 1 using reserve Ladder 5 set up on the A side to vent the second floor windows, then relocated to the B side for water tower operations. Chief of the Department, Robert Viveiros arrived on scene and called for the third and fourth alarms. He then ordered a recall of off duty personnel and mutual aid to cover the city’s empty stations. Mutual aid arrived from Somerset, Westport, and Dartmouth, Massachusetts and Tiverton R.I. Fall River Special Services arrived on scene to provide rehab for firefighters and the Fire Investigation Unit arrived on scene to begin the search for origin and cause. The school, built in 1895, had a slate roof that, during the height of the fire, was shedding large pieces of slate, which were hitting the ground with deadly force. The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time.
Firefighters prepare to feed the Ladder truck
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September, 2015
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MASSACHUSETTS
JOHN SJOSTEDT
MVA rollover in Kingston
Kingston MA. Firefighters responded to Main Street for an MVA on July 25th. First arriving units found a vehicle that had rolled over and struck a street sign. One patient was transported by ground to BI Plymouth with non-life threatening injuries.
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September, 2015
MASSACHUSETTS
Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser
JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN
Moped down in Harwichport
Harwichport, MA. At around 5:30 p.m. on August 5th, an operator of a ,oped lost control and crashed at the corner of Route 28 and Julian Road. The male victim sustained a broken arm and road rash. He was transported to Cape Cod Hospital by the Harwich Fire and Rescue. The investigation of the accident is being handled by the Harwich Police.
Patient refusal CHAPLAINS CORNER Pastor Fernando Villicana
Talk about frustration. You arrive on scene and someone in need of medical care refuses treatment AMA – “against medical advice.” Sizing up the situation, you determine the individual really needs to be transported. But legally, you cannot force them. Your best efforts to convince that person has failed. The situation is frustrating. It’s not that you don’t care. Frequently you’re called out in the wee hours of the morning. You go, not only out of duty, but because you care. Nor is it like you’re not well prepared. You’ve studied, passed test after test, and perhaps had years of expe-
rience. Refusing treatment is risky – “this person really needs to go!” By ignoring the problem, your fear is that the subject’s health will deteriorate. A simple issue treated now could head off a major catastrophe tomorrow. What’s more, with treatment, the patient would actually feel better. But they refuse, insisting on their own stubborn way. You shake your head and wonder. The Bible tells us that Jesus our Savior stands at the door of your heart and knocks. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” (Revelation 3:20). Have you opened that door, the door to your heart or are you unwisely refusing His care, ADA – against divine advice?
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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
VENDOR TIDBITS Notes from the emergency service business community
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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Cataldo Ambulance Service participates in MDAO Summer Safety Day
STEVE BOYER
A young visitor to the event, with guidance from Cataldo Ambulance EMT Carla Orta, checks vital signs on Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan in the back of an ambulance.
View from the A/B corner at 2275 Westfield St.
Somerville, MA. Cataldo Ambulance Service recently participated in Middlesex District Attorney Office’s “Summer Safety” Day on July 28th at The Shops at Chestnut Hill in Newton. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan has launched MDAO’s annual “Summer Safety” educational campaign for parents, guardians, and children throughout the county. The Summer Safety campaign covers topics such as Water
NATE ARNOLD
Fire guts basement apartment in West Springfield A fire of undetermined origin gutted a basement apartment in an occupied duplex in the Tatham section of West Springfield late in the morning on Saturday, August 15, 2015. West Springfield Fire Alarm operators received one 911 call for the report of a house fire from a passerby on Westfield Street shortly before 10:30 a.m., but the caller, while apparently concerned enough to call 911 to report a house fire, was not so concerned, however, to bother to stop and get an exact street address or for that matter, an exact street. According to the dispatch that came over the radio, the 911 caller stated the fire was "somewhere in the area of the dry bridge over the
JUMP TO FILE #082115100 train tracks." With this vague information in hand, West Springfield firefighters started canvassing the neighborhood in search of any signs of smoke or fire. It was only when Engine Co. 1 staged at a hydrant on Westfield Street that a neighbor was able to direct the members to the fire building. Once on scene, crews found a two story wood frame duplex with smoke showing from the Bravo side basement entrance way. Upon making entry, jakes encountered a Collier's Mansion
condition in the basement apartment with only small foot paths through the high piled clothing, toys and miscellaneous flotsam. As luck would have it though, prior to the fire departments arrival, the heat from the fire apparently melted a water pipe in the ceiling, which subsequently burst, acting as an impromptu sprinkler system. The water knocked down the bulk of the fire before the first line was stretched from Engine 2's apparatus, containing the damage to the basement unit. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the WSFD Fire Investigation Unit. -NATE ARNOLD
JUMP TO FILE #080415110 Safety: Splash into a Safe Swim Season, Window Safety: Kids Can’t Fly, and Car Safety: Check the Back Seat; all with intention of preventing accidental deaths or serious injury to children. The event featured a Touch-ATruck section, in which community visitors had the opprrtunity to see and explore first Responder
vehicles. An ambulance and two EMTs were provided by Cataldo Ambulance Service to showcase the capabilities of an ambulance and answer questions about Emergency Medical Services. Cataldo Ambulance Service is proud to be able to enhance their impact and presence on the safety of the community in additional ways. - LINDSEY SONN
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
Andy Fredericks’ Legacy I was enrolled to attend Rockland College (NY) in the fall of 1999. At that time, fire science classes were held at the Rockland Fire Training Center. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I took the long travel from Port Ewen to Pomona. When I received my class card, it said I was taking Intro to Fire Science with Walter Morris and building construction with Andy Fredericks. On the first day of classes, we received our book assignments. Morris wanted (Intro to the Fire Service) and Fredericks wanted (Building Construction for the Fire Service) by Francis Brannigan. The first day I met Andy, he gave us his Introduction/Bio. I had no idea he was an FDNY firefighter. For a 19 year old, that was the coolest thing ever. Of course, the war stories from Manhattan and his volunteer company, Suffern Hose, were very entertaining. I do remember him mentioning teaching at the fire academy, but never really talked about it. As the semester went on, Andy brought in props of wood truss, burned wood etc. Another part of this class covered building collapse. Andy’s answer to this was if you think a wall is collapsing, aim
Letters to the Editor for the falling open window. Of course, I don’t think he was serious, but sometimes you never knew if it actually happened to him. One of Andy’s great teaching qualities was personal relationships with his students. He opened a lot of his life to us. I can recount the story of when he sold his leather helmet collection to pay some of his bills. Another part of Andy’s life was his son. I can recount many times when Mrs. Fredericks dropped him off during class so she could go to work. I believe at the time he was six years old. He never bothered anyone in class. Most of the time he was on the back dry erase board drawing or playing with the props. Other times handing out tests and handouts. I can remember many times Andy being late to class due to fires in Manhattan. In the training center lobby were the students, his wife/son. But those times are the ones you remember.
As soon as Andy would walk in the front door, Andy and his wife talked for a little bit and his son would grab his hand and they were off to the classroom. You could tell how proud he was of his Dad “The Teacher” and “The Fireman” leading the students to class. I found out Andy’s nickname was “Smooth Bore” due to the type of nozzle he researched and passionately preached. I did not realize how big Andy was until I became an instructor in 2005. At the NYS Fire Academy, there is a section of the class/hallway dedicated in his honor. He also was speaking at conferences and seminars, making training tapes and wrote articles for Firehouse and Fire Engineering magazines. I also met instructors from Rockland County and found out that Andy’s son joined Suffern Hose Co. and completed his Firefighter I course. What a great way to honor your Dad by following in his footsteps. September 11th, 2001 was a devastating event in our country. Many people needlessly perished. A week after the attacks, I called Walter Morris to find out if Andy made it out.
I can remember his exact words, “It’s not looking too good for Andy.” In all honesty I thought he made it out. There would have been no reason for the chauffer to be in the building. The story that surfaced months afterwards was the interior teams were giving an evacuation order. Squad 18 was not responding back to the Incident Commander. Andy went into the building to find his company and get them out of there, a true brother. I can’t imagine the Fredericks home that day when little Andy found out that his hero was not coming home ever again. It’s absolutely heart wrenching. Imagine if Andy was still here? We only saw the beginning of Andy Fredericks. Imagine the things he could have accomplished? How far up the promotion line he would have been? What courses would have been created? The best way I honor Andrew A. Fredericks is researching the books he read and passing on his legacy to the newer generation. Every copy of Lloyd Laymen’s “Firefighting Tactics” at the NYS Fire Academy has Andy’s signature for signing the book out. I recently found videos of Andy’s seminars. Believe it or not ¾ of his arguments are issues still going on today. Those are the videos I show in
my classes. At the time, he was teaching and preaching his advanced methods of firefighting. Andy probably did not realize he was being a great mentor and instructor. You followed his beliefs because he was passionate about the fire service and proved his methods during training. As of today Andy, is remembered by NYS courses involving fire suppression. Every firefighter, who takes these courses, will know the saying “If you put the fire out you won’t have to bailout”. His legacy will never be forgotten.
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MASSACHUSETTS
JIM FORTIN JR
Car into the water in Cochituate State Park
The Natick Fire Department was dispatched at 2:40 p.m. on July 13, 2015 to the boat ramp at Cochituate State Park for a vehicle that rolled into the lake. It was unknown if anyone was inside. Engines 2 and 4, Ladder 1, Rescue 3, Ambulance 1 and Car 2 with the boat responded as well as Natick Police. Companies arrived and found a Jeep Wrangler with a boat trailer still attached approximately five feet under water. Everyone was reported out of the vehicle. Once a tow truck arrived, an NFD diver entered the water to begin vehicle recovery operations. The Jeep and trailer were removed from the water and all companies were clear an hour into the incident.
NATE ARNOLD
Springfield jakes work on the A side of 19 Eleanor Road as fire vents from the ridge line of the attic
Fire claims the life of one resident; destroys home in Springfield A 34 year old city man became the City of Springfield's first fire fatality in 2015, when his family's home was gutted by a fast moving fire early in the morning of Wednesday, July 8, 2015. Springfield firefighters were called to 19 Eleanor Road in the East Forest Park section of the city at 12:30 a.m. for a reported structure fire with at least one occupant reported as trapped inside the dwelling. The location of the fire was only a few blocks away from Station 3. District Chief 2, Engine 3 and Ladder 3 arrived on scene within three minutes of the alarm. District 2 ad-
JUMP TO FILE #071215100 vised all companies that he had an occupied two story wood frame single family dwelling with heavy fire on the A side of the structure. Engine Co. 3 advanced a hand line from their apparatus to the front porch and made quick work of the fire involving the front porch area of the home. Sadly, in spite of the members best efforts, the trapped occupant was found unconscious and unresponsive in the living room of the
Firefighting Air Tankers VIDEO REVIEW PETER LOBO
Head on accident in Falmouth
Falmouth, MA. On July 12, 2015, numerous reports were received for a head on accident in front of 28 Brick Kiln Road. Engine 21, Car 28 and Ambulance 38 responded. Ambulance 38 reported minor injuries. Engine 21 arrived, accessed the scene, and while doing so received a box alarm for a structure fire with people trapped. Engine 21 then responded to the fire. One person was sent to Falmouth Hospital for observation.
Video reviews by John Malecky
Firefighting Air Tankers by Firestorm Video Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800522-8528 e-mail: support@firep o l i c e - e m s . c o m www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $24.95 (DVD) This is a 60 minute DVD of air tanker operations at California natural cover fires. Model fixed wing, propeller driven planes are featured that are either operated by CAL FIRE of the California Division of Forestry or of private
aircraft contracted to the U.S. Forest Service. Some models include the Cal Fire S2T air tanker and the Neptune Aviation System P2V and P2V5 all of which were anti-submarine warplanes once used the by Navy and then converted to air tanker status. The Lockheed P3 Orion is another aircraft, this one was formerly used for sub surveillance and presently operated by the Aero Union Corporation. The Canadair CL 215 and 415 are also featured. These are built as air tankers and have the capability of refilling with water in flying mode such as a lake. The 10 Tanker Air carrier which is a MacDonald Douglas DC-10 can hold 12,000 gallon of retardant. During the rundown of these aforementioned aircraft, you can see them operating at or near fires
home. Once removed from the structure the patient was pronounced dead on scene. Two other occupants where able to evacuate the building prior to thedarrival of the fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by a joint Arson Investigation team consisting of members of the SFD Arson Squad and members of the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal who where called in due to the fire resulting in a fatality. - NATE ARNOLD
either directly dropping retardant on the fires or in proximity to them to slow its advance and giving the ground troops an edge when they go in for the extinguishment. Verbal air traffic between the planes and the ground can be heard, however later on in the video there is a section narrated by a retired member of the USFS who details the strategies and tactics of air tanker operations as you see them working and this provides and educational segment of the video. This narration takes up a good portion of the video. There is also a bonus section which features vintage aircraft now retired that is working at a 1999 fire and how they get prepared to go to duty from the Paso Robles, CA Air Attack Base. This DVD was chosen to provide a little different type of firefighting separate from that in urban areas. I also want to credit with videographer with a job well done!
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September, 2015
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MASSACHUSETTS
PAT BELLIVEAU
Head on crash with a whip-around Marlborough, MA. Engine 3 was stilled out to the report of a head-on accident on Route 20, a half mile from their quarters. Upon arrival, they found one car had hit head-on, whipped around, and was was in contact with the rear of another vehicle. There was no entrapment and no serious injuries, but both operators were checked out by EMS. Police are investigating. Engine 3 was tied up for abut twenty minutes until both cars were towed.
JOHN SJOSTEDT
Fuel spill in Kingston Kingston MA. Firefighters responded to Cumberland Farms for a vehicle involved in an motor vehicle accident that involved a fuel leak. The leak was secured and the fluids contained in a fuel catch. The spilled fuel was secured by companies on scene.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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Warwick fundraises to pay for new station Warwick Firemen’s Association is the fraternal organization of firefighters and emergency responders that volunteers and trains to resolve real emergencies in Warwick and surrounding towns. We needed a new larger fire station and realized that our town’s people could not afford the tax increase to have one built, so we s t a r t e d fundraising for a new building in the year JUMP TO FILE# 2000. 072715119 After 15 years of selling hotdogs and hamburgers, h a v i n g spaghetti suppers and local fundraisers, we have raised $100,000- enough to begin building our new Public Safety Building Warwick Firemen’s Association has talented construction tradesmen, with connections to other tradesmen, and we are volunteering our time and tools. We began construction and there’s no turning back. After the first weekend work detail, we framed up a 45 x 76 foot building with 16 foot tall sidewalls
at finish-grade, and it has three truck bay doors framed at 12 x 14 feet high. This size building is the first phase of the Public Safety Building, and is critical for storing modern fire apparatus and supporting emergency response to Warwick and our mutual aid neighbor towns. By the time we get this message to you, we may have the roof trusses up, or maybe even have the roof on, but Warwick Firemen’s Association needs your help to finish this project. We plan to donate the Public Safety Building to the townspeople of Warwick when it is completed, and will not ask for a single tax dollar to build it. Warwick’s current fire station was built in 1952, by the Warwick Firemen’s Association, then gifted to the town. We are carrying on the tradition of our fraternal firefighters. Similar sized buildings in other towns have cost the municipalities upwards of $3 million. Warwick could never afford it. http://www.gofundme.com /y-98cks - WarWick Firemen’s association
2004 kme 75’ aerialcat Quint For sale Detroit series 60 500 HP @ 2100 rPm, allison HD4060P transmission, 10 kW Harrison Hydraulic Generator 1,750 GPm Hale QmaX Pump (11/14 cert.) 710 GWt 20 Gallon Foam cell (Poly) • 43,900 miles Unit is currently in service & availability is negotiable sealed bids should be sent to: Union Fire company no. 1 35 W. Louther st. carlisle, Pa 17013 • attn: engine 241 Bids Bids currently being accepted and will be opened 12-8-15. For information or inspection contact: Deputy chief John Quirk, email: chief34105@aol.com Union Fire company no. 1 reserves the right to accept/reject any & all bids
notice to BiDDers: sealed bids will be received by the Board of Fire commissioners, Uniondale Fire District, town of Hempstead, nY until 5Pm on tuesday, July 21, 2015. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 6:45Pm on tuesday, July 21, 2015 in the meeting room of the Board of Fire commissioners, 501 Uniondale avenue, Uniondale, nY for: emergency ambulance. instructions to Bidder, Form of Bid Bond, Proposal and the specifications are “contract Documents,” Prospective Bidders may pick up the “contract Documents” at 501 Uniondale avenue, Uniondale, nY 11553 or contact the Fire District secretary at (516) 481-8411 between the hours of 9am to 5Pm, monday-Friday. the bidder shall furnish a 5% Bid security assuring fulfillment of the contract in all its provisions. security for bid as set forth herein must be presented with the bid. Failure to provide the required security will render the bidder nonresponsive and the bid will not be accepted. the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the bid will be rejected within forty-five (45) days of the date of opening. the Board of Fire commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bid(s). the proposal shall be annexed hereto a noncollusive bidding certification as prescribed in 103-d of the General municipal Law.
the town of Weston is seeking bids on a 1976 mack r-600 attack Pumper. 50 Gallon Fuel tank • 21,000 miles. Heavy Duty 5 speed standard transmission. 1,000 Waterous Pump 1,000 Gallon Water tank. Very Good condition. all bids must be submitted to the town office in a sealed envelope by noon september 21, 2015 clearly marked “Bid 1976 Firetruck.” mail to town of Weston attn: selectboard Po Box 98 Weston, Vt 05161. Bids will be opened on september 22, 2015. the town of Weston reserves the right to refuse or reject any or all bids. For more info please contact Brian Lundberg at 802-824-6788 or email lundbergvt@myfairpoint.net.
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