1st Responder Ohio Winter

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The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received the report of a fire at 5500 Mallard Landing around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 2nd. Arriving companies reported fire on the A side of the multi-family two story structure and declared a working fire.

- Page 12

- See full story on pages 14

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Winter, 2014

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MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS

ADVERTISER INDEX

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Meet Our Correspondents” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

Company

Page

1st Priority

10,14

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13 JIM WHITE

FDIC

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FIRE 2014

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Ohio Fire Chiefs

On October 26th at around 11:30 p.m., the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire took calls reporting a fire at the 5000 block of Red Bird Court.

Upon arrival, crews had a one story apartment with heavy smoke and fire showing.

One victim was removed, but passed away at the hospital. Extra companies were special called and

CFD AUX

Firefighter Mike Powell, who is also in the Columbus Fire Department pipes and drums, poses with Jim White.

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

several lines were used to contain the fire.

The Columbus Fire Auxiliary was called for overhaul and mop up. Box 15 responded for rehab.

- JIM WHITE

20

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Fatal all hands fire in Columbus

1-800-796-2588 www.firovac.com Why are so many departments in Ohio purchasing Firovac™ vacuum fire apparatus to enhance their firefighting capabilities?

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Ohio Edition Vol. 12, No. 4 - is published quarterly, 4 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St. 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 error. Omissions or erA division of: rors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 info@belsito.net

PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

Because when water is needed, FIROVAC delivers.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Scioto Township mourns the loss of one of their own On Tuesday afternoon, February 4, 2014 Lt Bruce Stayner, age 49, of the Scioto Township Fire Department was transported after completing an ems run from the fire station to Grady Memorial Hospital after completing an ems run from the fire station. He was experiencing a cardiac event. Despite all efforts to resuscitate him at the emergency room, he passed on.

He began his service in the industry by volunteering for three years at the Radnor Township Fire Department. He continued to serve another 27 years before his untimely passing.

JUMP TO FILE #022114115

Many of his accomplishments included attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and a State Farmer degree while in the FFA. He also was a member of DART (Delaware Area Response Team), an officer in the Delaware County Firefighters Association and many other numerous safety related projects through out Delaware County.

- DAN MEYERSBURG

Because it has capabilities unavailable on other units.

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1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Winter, 2014

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Winter, 2014

1 Ardmore Street • New Windsor, NY 12553

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Rick Billings

845-534-7500 • (Fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

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

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

Heather Pillsworth (Heather@1stResponderNews.com) ••• WIRELESS OFFICE MANAGER

Michelle Belsito (Michelle@1stResponder.com) ••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@1stResponder.com)

••• OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Nicole Roby (Nicole@1stResponderNews.com) EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Henry Campbell (Staying Safe) Lori Hodgkinson (FF Fitness) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf, Video) CORRESPONDENTS William Anderson • David Downie Jim McKeever • Dan Meyersburg David Schlosser • Dean Stanley Jim White • Becky Robinette Wright

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

845-534-7500 ext. 212 • (fax) 845-534-0055 News@1stResponderNews.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION If you would like information about how advertising in 1st Responder News can benefit your company call our advertising hotline at:

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CIRCULATION INFORMATION 1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $36 per year.

845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Circulation@1stResponderNews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adverA division of: tisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices.

As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@Belsito.com

In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty North Carolina: David Heath, 48 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 14, 2013 Death Date: October 14, 2013 Fire Department: New Hanover County Fire Rescue Initial Summary: While participating in a department training exercise, Captain David Heath collapsed from an apparent cardiac event. Although fire rescue personnel immediately performed CPR, applied a defibrillator and administered advance life support measures, Captain Heath passed away.

Tennessee: Richard Floersch, 59 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 2, 2013 Death Date: October 2, 2013 Fire Department: Milan Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Captain Richard Floersch suffered an apparent heart attack while on duty at the fire station. Although fire and emergency personnel administered life support measures, Captain Floersch succumbed to the injuries sustained.

Alabama: Jantzen Murrell Frazier, 28 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 17, 2013 Death Date: October 17, 2013 Fire Department: Oden Ridge Fire and Rescue Initial Summary: Firefighter Jantzen Murrell Frazier was responding to the scene of a structure fire when the apparatus he was driving ran off the road, flipped and slammed into a power pole. Frazier, the only person aboard the apparatus, was killed instantly from injuries sustained as a result of the accident. Investigation into the cause of the accident continues.

Ohio: Leroy Murphy, Jr., 56 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 18, 2013 Death Date: October 20, 2013 Fire Department: Gettysburg Rural Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Murphy responded to a fire call involving farm equipment while on duty with the Gettysburg Rural Fire Department. The following morning, Murphy fell ill while teaching at a local fire academy. Firefighter Murphy was treated and transported to the hospital but passed away a short while later from an embolism.

Kentucky: Arlie "Pooh" Hill III, 37 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: August 30, 2013 Death Date: October 27, 2013 Fire Department: Whitley City Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Hill and his brother-in-law, Lt. Adam Stephens who is also a firefighter with Whitley City Fire Department, witnessed a fire in a residence near Hill’s home.

After reporting the fire to which their fire department also responded, the two initiated a search of the home. While inside the structure, the firefighters were caught by rapid fire progress and injured. Stephens suffered fewer injuries and was able to rescue Hill from the burning home. Lieutenant Hill succumbed to his injuries, severe burns, after nearly two months in the hospital.

Pennsylvania: Blaine E. Wildnauer Jr., 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 2, 2013 Death Date: November 2, 2013 Fire Department: Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wildnauer suffered an apparent heart attack while assisting with loading a patient into an ambulance at the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Winter, 2014

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Winter, 2014

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Vehicle News

DAVID SCHLOSSER

RICK WILLIAMSON

DAN MEYERSBURG

Sugarcreek, OH. The Swiss Valley EMS District recently This past summer, Medcare placed a 2013 Polaris ASAP The Columbus Ohio Division of Fire has accepted the added two new 2012 Ford/Braun ALS Medic units to in service. This unit named "MUDCARE 1" will be used new delivery of a 2012 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility their Sugarcreek and Baltic, Ohio operations. for special events. vehicle as Bat-7.

RICK WILLIAMSON

DAVID SCHLOSSER

DAN MEYERSBURG

MedCare added ďŹ ve 2013 Chevy 3500s to their eet in Dover, OH. Smith Ambulance of Northeast Ohio recently The Columbus Ohio Division of Fire has accepted the November. placed a 2013 Ford/Wheeled Coach ALS paramedic unit new delivery of a 2012 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility into service at their Dover Medic station. vehicle as EMS-17.

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 Gemtor Fire Rescue Class II Harness, Model 541NYCL. Our February editions winner of a 5.11 Tactical Job Shirt with the new FF1 logo from FF1 Professional Safety Services was John Hopper from Yonkers, NY. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212.

All Hands Fire Equipment is a leading national provider for the Gemtor Fire Rescue Class 2 Harness, Model 541NYC. This third generation harness is presently used by the FDNY as well as hundreds of other fire departments across the United States. The newly designed aluminum three stage locking Pompier hook, the lighter weight hardware and the new stronger stitich design make this Class II Harness a must-have for firefighters.

Along with discounted prices, All Hands Fire Equipment also offers a comprehensive training class on the use and operation for the Gemtor Harness.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Red Cross assist families after fire The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office received the report of a fire in the 6000 block Rocky Hill Road around 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 9th. Arriving companies reported fire on the C/D corner of the two story single family structure and declared a working fire. A fast knock down was achieved and the American Red Cross assisted those families affected by the incident.

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Winter, 2014

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Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

JIM WHITE

Firefighters battle flames in freezing temperatures The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received multiple reports of a fire at 700 Demorest Road around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3rd. Upon the arrival of CFD E-12 and L-12, crews reported heavy fire showing from the second floor and due freezing weather conditions; a working fire assignment was struck prior to their arrival. It was then upgraded to a standby second alarm.

While a fast attack was carried out by CFD E-12 and searches conducted by CFD L-12 and CFD Res17Cue proved to be futile in the

JUMP TO FILE #010914122

home that had been remodeled multiple times.

With no access to be found to the second floor and deteriorating interior fire conditions, air horns were sounded and radio commands given on the fire ground to evacuate the fire structure.

Crews carried out a defensive attack until conditions improved for an additional successful interior search and attack.

During operations, another working fire was reported less than one mile away. Due to the length of time crews operated on this scene, other units were moved up to cover open stations on the city's West side.

The American Red Cross was summoned to help the displaced residents and Box 15 assigned two rehab trucks, of which, one had returned from another large working fire assignment on the far East side of Columbus.

- DAN MEYERSBURG JIM WHITE

Training day in Columbus On November 17th, the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire Auxiliary held a training class on self rescue. Crews used the self rescue box with all the wires in it. Training academy staff were also on hand to help out.

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The building was occupied by the Joker's Wrath Motorcycle Club.

Second alarm fire destroys motorcycle club Youngstown, OH. Youngstown firefighters were called to 2604 Market Street in the Uptown District shortly after 4 a.m. on Friday, December 6th for a fire in a commercial building.

Engines 2, 9, 15, Squad 33, Ladder 24 and Battalions 1 and 2 responded on the initial alarm which was dispatched at 4:05 a.m.

The fire was visible from Station 2’s quarters a few blocks away.

Battalion 2 put in a second alarm at 4:07 a.m., bringing Engines 3, 7, 6, Ladder 22, arson and fire control to the scene.

JUMP TO FILE #120613117

As companies began arriving at the fire, crews found heavy fire and smoke coming from the second floor rear part of the building.

An interior attack was attempted, but conditions were deemed unsafe and the evacuation alert was sounded at 4:25 a.m.

Ladder 24 was set up on Market Street while 22 was set up and began operating on the Princeton side of the building.

Additional crews took hand lines to the back of the structure and began assessing the extent of the fire.

Calls were made to the utility companies to have services disconnected. Fire crews monitored the condition of several transformers located on the Princeton side of the building.

The building was home to the Joker’s Wrath motorcycle club.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

- GREG RICKER

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Heavy fire from roof of manufacturing facility The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received multiple reports of a fire at 700 Leonard Ave around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25th. Upon the arrival of CFD E-20, crews reported heavy fire showing from the roof of a paint manufacturing facility. Due weather conditions and possible hazardous materials, a working fire assignment was initially struck upon arrival. It was upgraded to a second alarm, sending additional units including Haz4Mat and Command 18. A fast attack was carried out by CFD E-20 and other companies. The fire was contained to the exterior roof of a 35x40 area. The factory was on a holiday shut down. Many units including Haz4Mat were released once it was confirmed that no hazardous material had been involved in the fire.

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Red Cross assists displaced residents The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received the multiple reports of a fire in the 4500 block of Lakeside South around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, January 4th. Prior to the arrival of CFD E-23 and L-23, crews reported heavy fire and due to the freezing weather conditions; a working fire assignment had been struck prior to their arrival. While a fast attack was carried out by CFD E-23 and L-23, Madison Twp E-181 laid a long five inch line in for a water supply due to limited hydrants in the apartment complex. Crews reported while most smoke was found upon arrival as more ceiling was pulled additional fire was discovered requiring additional interior manpower. The American Red Cross was summoned to help the displaced residents.

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PAGE 12

Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Toledo firefighters honored by colleagues and community

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Get your personal copy of

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For Credit Card Orders: just fax this to (845) 534-0055 or subscribe online at

www.1RBN.com

Tributes popped up across the country on social media sites and various blogs for two Toledo firefighters, who were recently killed in the line of duty.

Thousands were honoring these two heroes, who left us far too early.

JUMP TO FILE # According to 022114113 the US Fire Administration, Toledo fire crews were dispatched to a two story apartment building fire with people inside at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th.

Firefighters Stephen Machchinski, age 42, and James Dickman, age 31, were assigned to Engine 3 and responded to the structure fire at 528 Magnolia Street in North Toledo.

Shortly after arriving on scene, Firefighters Machcinski and Dickman were searching inside the building for occupants when they signaled a Mayday.

Other crews immediately began RIT operations and, within several minutes, rescued the two trapped firefighters, who were both reported to be in cardiac arrest.

Firefighters Machchinski and Dickman were treated and transported to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, where they both succumbed to their injuries.

The cause of the fatal fire remains under investigation by local authorities.

Firefighters Machchinski and Dickman became the 48th and 49th Toledo firefighters to die in the line of duty.

Their deaths mark the biggest single loss of life in the line of duty for the department since the 1961 explosion and deaths of four on the Anthony Wayne Trail.

Machchinski joined the Toledo Fire Department in 1998 and served on Engine 13 as well as Engine 3.

Dickman joined the Toledo

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Fire Department in September of last year.

Donation locations are being set up at any Toledo Police station or the Toledo Fire Credit Union.

Machinski and Dickman were

honored by thousands of fellow firefighters, colleagues and the community.

The owner of the building, Ray Abou-Arab, who lives in Oregon, was charged with murder and

arson.

According to court documents, he was charged with setting the fire that killed the two firefighters.

- HEATHER PILLSWORTH

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Winter, 2014

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Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Fire strikes multi-family DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Aggressive attack halts blaze The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received multiple reports of a fire in the 5400 block of Kirland Way around 315 p.m. on Sunday, November 3rd.

Upon the arrival of CFD Engine 6, heavy smoke was reported showing from the second floor of a multi-family unit.

Upon further investigation, a working fire assignment was initiated.

The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received the report of a fire at 5500 Mallard Landing around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 2nd. Arriving companies reported fire on the A side of the multi-family two story structure and declared a working fire. A fast knock down was achieved and the American Red Cross assisted those families affected by the incident.

JUMP TO FILE #010914125

An aggressive interior attack stopped the fire in the original fire apartment.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by local officials.

- DAN MEYERSBURG

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Victim succumbs to injuries sustained at apartment fire The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office received the report of a fire at the intersection of E. Livingston Ave and Noe Bixby Rd around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2013.

Upon Engine 23's arrival, the crew reported heavy fire blowing from the A side of a five unit single story multi-family apartment

JUMP TO FILE #102813100

building on the North East corner in Hickory Village Apartments, declaring a working fire.

Neighbors alerted CFD Station #23 to a resident trapped in the one bedroom efficiency apart-

ment at 5453 Red Bird Court.

After the rescue was completed, the victim was transported to Mt Carmel East Hospital, where he later passed on.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

- DAN MEYERSBURG

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Winter, 2014

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Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Is the media working for your department?

Recently, I was involved in a discussion with a fire official from another department and a reporter.

The fire official was explaining to the reporter how the media did not cover events in the local area and don’t get JUMP TO FILE# the story facts right. 012414110 The reporter was telling him how understaffed they are and cannot physically be at all events, adding that his news organization welcomes emails with facts about the event.

The fire official’s response was “then I’m doing your job.”

As the Public Information Officer (PIO) for my fire company, I understood both points of view.

You cannot change how the media works, but your department can help change how your department presents news to the media.

If the media is in the dark about the happenings in your department, don’t curse the darkness, enlighten them. In today’s world, the media is under so many different types of pressures, especially financially. Just ask any newspaper that is struggling to stay alive. It is difficult to cover all the events in their coverage area, get all the facts of the story from multiple sources, and all under a deadline.

For purposes of discussion, consider these questions. First, whether you are a volunteer or paid department, do you have an assigned PIO? If you don’t, you need to ask yourself why not? What is your department doing to get your message out to the media? Does your department dislike dealing with the media by not returning a phone inquiry or, while at the scene, tell the reporters the chief is busy and can’t talk? Or do you reach out to the media only when your department needs to campaign for money from the public for a new engine or other big expenditures?

Having a PIO will help the department with recruitment, retention, funding, community support, public education with fire prevention, and justification of resources.

Having a person assigned to deal with the media saves time and eliminates headaches for your department.

The media will know who they need to contact for facts about recent calls, events or department issues. The chief and other department members will not have to worry about being contacted by reporters and can go about their normal jobs. Reporters have told me that they do not like to bother the chief who is busy at the scene, but they still need the information for their story.

A PIO can give the media the time and the facts about the call.

You may say that the PIO is doing the media’s job and ask why do it? Remember whoever releases the story controls the story. If your department doesn’t release information, the media will go to some-

one else such as the police, other agencies or people at the scene.

Do you think they will tell the fire department’s side of the story?

I think not.

Developing that relationship with the media in the good times may pay off if anything negative develops in your department. For example, let’s say one of your members is arrested and it affects your department. Being pro-active and knowing what and how to conduct yourself with the media will make your department look professional and might instill more public confidence in your department.

Having developed a relationship with the media doesn’t guarantee your department will be treated any better during bad times, but it can only help. Don’t disappear or hide the bad news from the media. They will find out about it.

Be as transparent and honest as possible.

The fire service does not offer training for PIOs, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency management agencies do. That is because the PIO’s role is the same for any agency whether you are a fire, police, EMS, local, city, or state agency.

The facts of the story will be different from the different agencies, but how you tell the story will be the same.

The first level of training is the PIO Awareness Course (G-289) offered online. This course takes an hour or two to complete and is available to anyone. I highly recommend this course to all officers and chiefs for their own education and to better understand the role of a PIO. The course will orient participants to the function and the role of the PIO in the public safety and emergency management environment. The next four levels are classroom training.

So where do you begin? The first step is always the hardest: finding someone to be a PIO. A desirable quality in a good PIO is someone who has a good working relationship and knowledge of your organization. They also need to be aggressive in compiling the information and to become a trusted strategist and advisor to your fire department leadership.

There will be a learning curve with your department and the new PIO, until both fully understand the workings and actions of a PIO. Having a source for the media to contact can reap rewards with story ideas or with fire prevention for your department. A few times in the past and on slow news days, the media phones me about the call before I’m out of my driveway responding to it. Other times, I just do not have a story for them. In one instance, a reported brush fire was in reality a family roasting marshmallows around a fire pit.

There are still times that a fire call is not printed or reported because there was another more interesting story to report on. Remember, your story is competing against others

PROVIDED

Kevin Barry is a PIO for the Rombout Fire Company and the Town of Fishkill Emergency Preparedness Committee.

for valuable newspaper or airtime.

You have a better chance of getting your story told when you have the information the media needs.

Follow along with me on a typical fire call as a PIO. My fire district has an interstate and a major state highway running through it and when there is an accident on one of them, there are major traffic delays, particularly at commuter time. Within ten minutes of arriving on the scene, I am briefed by the chief and take a few photos.

With the chief’s approval, I post the information about the accident on the fire company’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Then I phone the local radio, TV and daily newspaper with the story. It takes less than five minutes to tell the

story.

Many times, my fire company is still at the scene, but the story is on the airwaves or posted on the internet, helping people detour away from the scene. Without a PIO, the media is calling the firehouse, but no one answers because everyone is at the scene. After the call, the chief may return phone calls with the information if he or she is not late for work or busy. It may not have been a big story, only a few paragraphs long, but it is a missed opportunity for your department.

With a little training and practice, a PIO can develop a professional relationship with the media, but the key is being there for them and always with the correct information.

Firefighters gain experience

from drills and actual calls. The same is true for a PIO. We do this so we all can be our best when the big one comes along.

Remember, telling your department’s story on the information highway is a two-way street. You and the media each have a job to do. Treat the media with respect and provide them with the accurate information. You will learn that over time such a proactive strategy will reap rewards.

Kevin Barry is a PIO for the Rombout Fire Company and the Town of Fishkill Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is an AdvancePIO and a member of the National Information Officer Association.

- KEVIN BARRY

CFD AUX

Columbus Fire Award Banquet On October 10th, the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire held it's 24th annual awards banquet. This was at the Villa Milano banquet hall. Several Columbus firefighters and officers were on hand to receive awards for different calls and lifesaving efforts. Columbus Fire Auxiliary Captain Jim White, who is also a 1st Responder Correspondent, was on hand to receive the Citizens Award for Distinguished Service. This was presented for the rescue of a postal worker, who was pinned between two vehicles, and a level 1 trauma. Jim was riding with Heavy Rescue 16 on January 14, 2012. Crews had to do an improvised extrication, in order to free the worker. He survived due to the efforts of Columbus Fire.

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

W AT E RW AY S

OF

Winter, 2014

Page 17

S O UT H W E S T PA , L L C

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PAGE 18

Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

First responder turns to Heroes Mortgage Program for help When he was in the process of purchasing his home, Ray Viera Jr. started the mortgage process with one lender, before hearing about the Heroes Mortgage Program. Good thing as the first lender was not quite able to get the job done.

Viera switched over to the Heroes Mortgage Program because of the great mortgage rate and impressive customer service he was provided with.

According to Viera, the Heroes Mortgage Program saved him about 0.75 percent on his mortgage rate.

That equals several thousands of dollars in savings over the course of his loan.

“I will be “I was referring the impressed,” Heroes said Mortgage Viera, a 13-year Program to veteran people ... with the Passaic I have alot of County confidence in Sheriff’s them.”

Department. “I - Ray Viera, Jr. will be referring the Heroes Mortgage Program to people I work with. As a matter of fact, I already am. I have a lot of confidence in them.

During the course of my mortgage, issues arose with the property that might have dismantled the entire process.

Thanks to the Heroes Program they were able to figure out a solution in time for my closing.

They were just so helpful and made everything so much easier.”

Viera is the latest member of the emergency services community to take advantage of the innovative Heroes Mortgage Program. The popular program is dedicated to serving the mortgage needs of the firefighter, police, rescue and EMS community, providing discounted fees, first-rate customer service and low interest rates not available to the general public.

“To find out about the Heroes Mortgage Program was a blessing for me,” Viera said. “To save that money, was great, and everyone there was great.

They took any questions I had, and immediately answered them. It helped me so much.”

1st Responder and Sun Home Loans teamed up to create the Sun National Bank Heroes Mortgage Program. To participate in the program, firefighters, police officers, rescue

and EMS personnel must verify their active or retired status within the emergency services community. The program is open to both paid and volunteer members and provides the kind of first-rate customer service these brave men and women deserve.

“We were as excited as Mr. Viera when we found out how

much money our rate would save him,” said Steve Testa, an executive vice president with Sun National Bank. “To think outside the box and help These Men and Woman are what we do best, and we will always do our best to provide clients with the best rates we can provide because we know how hard these men and

women work for their money.

We know the kind of sacrifices they make every day. The Heroes Mortgage Program will continue to pride itself on our strong customer service and highly-competitive rates.”

To receive more information about the program and its benefits, contact Steven Testa at stesta@sunnb.com or call

973-615-9745.

-----

Sun National Bank/ Sun Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated.

All loans subject to approval.

Certain conditions and fees may apply. Mortgage financing provided by Sun National Bank Loans, Equal Housing Lender.

If you’re a hero ... you already qualify to receive benefits

Heroes Mortgage Program If you are a member of the emergency services community and are currently paying more than 4.25% interest on your mortgage, give us a call or email today for a free analysis to see if you can benefit from our program. Please act quickly before interest rates rise again.

973-615-9745 info@HeroesMortgageProgram.com www.HeroesMortgageProgram.com

Heroes Realty Heroes Realty specializes in representing members of the emergency services community during the course of their real estate transaction. Our experienced team prides themselves on providing you with the best opportunities and value possible. Whether you are purchasing a new home, selling your home, renting or buying a vacation property, or buying an investment property, our mission is to exceed your expectations. Heroes Realty performs at the highest levels of accountability, integrity, ethics and service period.

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Heroes Credit Repair Program The Heroes Credit Repair program is an initiative jointly sponsored by 1st Responder Newspaper and Continental Credit to offer credit repair services to members of the emergency services community. An industry pioneer, Continental Credit believes credit

to be unique to each and every client and will work with you to develop a custom plan to help turn around your financial situation.

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Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

PAGE 19

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Multiple reports of fire The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received the multiple reports of a fire at 3237 McKinley Ave around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, January 4th. Prior to the arrival of Upper Arlington Division Fire, ER-71 reported viewing heavy fire and due to freezing weather conditions; a working fire assignment had been struck. While a fast attack was carried out, Grandview Heights E-81 and a additional CFD engine utilized their tanks backing up ER-71 during their attack.

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Vacant house fire in Youngstown In the early evening hours of October 14th, the city of Youngstown took a call reporting a fire in the areas of Miltonia Ave and Bryant. This was on the east side of the city in a wooded, and overgrown section of the city. There are several vacant houses in the area. Engines 6, 7, and 12; Ladder 22; Squad 33; and Battalions 1 and 2 responded. Upon arrival, crews had a one story house fully involved with extention to the garage. A defensive stance was taken and the fire knocked down with a deck gun and handline. Ladder 22 and Squad 33 were placed in service, as they would not be used.

Rural Metro EMS was also on scene.

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PAgE 20

Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Only six months left in OFCA SAFER Grant The OFCA’s four year SAFER Grant wraps up on November 22, 2014. Between now and the expiration date, help the association deplete the remaining funds by participating in the following programs: 1. Attend one of the remaining two Retention & Recruitment Workshops scheduled for 2014.

The first workshop will be held in Columbus on March 22- 23. The second workshop is scheduled for August 9- 10 in Sandusky. These workshops are FREE. Your lodging, per diem and mileage are reimbursed after completion of the workshop. New curriculum has been developed for these last two workshops, so if you have attended one in the past, you’re more than welcome to attend again!

In addition to the many learning and networking opportunities present at these workshops, you also will have an opportunity to win Personal Protection Equipment (including turnouts and boots) for a new recruit at your department. Ten PPEs will be given away at each workshop, so your chances of winning are very good.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! To sign up, visit www.ohiofirechiefs.org or call 855-VOLFIRE.

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

2. Take advantage of our Local Recruitment Campaign funds.

Funds for this program have increased to $5,000 per department.

If you are in need of volunteers and want to produce marketing materials to encourage community members to get involved, then this is the program for you. Share your ideas with us and we’ll take it from there. It can be as big as a department open house or as small as producing recruitment handouts.

For those of you who applied unsuccessfully for Retention and Recruitment SAFER Grants in the past, this is your opportunity to bring your application ideas to life.

Use the OFCA’s SAFER funds to recruit the volunteers that you’re missing!

Have questions, contact Kate at Kate@VolunteerFirefighter.org to learn more or visit the SAFER section on OFCA’s website to fill out a Local Recruitment Campaign Application or sign up for a workshop.

- KAtE REDDEn, OFCA PROjECt MAnAgER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Runners enjoying the giant Slip and Slide obstacle which was over 50 feet long.

Firefighters support the Zoar BadAss Dash Zoar, OH. Firefighters from the Zoar Volunteer Fire Department and Bolivar Fire Department spent the morning of October 26th, supporting the first ever Zoar BadAss Dash Warrior Run. The event covered roughly five miles and snaked in and around the historic Zoar Village and up and over the Zoar Levee.

Over 800 runners braved the

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crisp Autumn morning to to take part in the event which raised money for Autism Speaks and several other charities.

Zoar's E-1601 and Bolivar's T104 supplied water for a 50 feet slip and slide, which was trans-

formed from the levee which surrounds the village.

The Dash went smoothly with no major emergencies.

Other agencies that assisted with the event included the Bolivar Police and Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

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Winter, 2014

1st Responder Newspaper - OH

Fast knock down at multi-family The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm office received the multiple reports of a fire at 1723 Hightower Drive around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2014.

Arriving companies reported fire on the C/D corner of the multi-family two story structure and declared a working fire.

A fast knock down was

JUMP TO FILE #022114109

achieved and the American Red Cross assisted those families affected by the incident.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.

- DAN MEYERSBURG

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Detroit, Box Alarm VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

Detroit, Box Alarm by Providence Fire Videos Available from: FSP Books & Videos Dept. C67,188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policee m s . c o m www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $18.00 (DVD) This video is 65 minutes long. When I think of Detroit, I think of the Tigers, the Lions, the Red Wings, the Pistons and the flames. The first four are sports teams, but the last is simply “fires”, many fires!

This video has many fires.

In fact, these 14 fires with the exception of two occurred over a three day period. One is in Detroit, and all but one are box alarms. One is a second alarm.

It is assumed that the one, out of town fire in neighboring Highland Park was probably a general alarm as this is a small fire department. In this fire at a four story apartment building, the tower overheats and has to be shut down.

So, if you figure that the average Detroit firefighter dons his turnouts after roll call and waits for the calls to come in, it may

not be that far from the truth!

Of the incidents, I believe I remember two church fires, and there are two garage fires one of which has live wires sparking.

Firefighters cautiously spray water while truckees await the power company to complete shutting off the electric at the pole.

One house fire was caused by a car running into it after the driver had been shot. Both were fully involved. Neighbors removed the driver and firefighters and EMS are seen wheeling him to an ambulance.

Nine of the fires occur in either one and a half or two and a half story vacant dwellings, most fully involved.

In fact, the last incident sees the DFD return later to the same scene which involved two vacant dwellings. Guess the arsonists used accelerants after the structures were drowned with water. The normal operation was handlines, ladderpipes in some cases, a tower stream, etc.

Truckmen performed ventilation from roof ladders and all in all the DFD impresses me as an aggressive firefighting force even with the workload and the fact that many structures are vacant!

I also see that their apparatus seem to be in decent shape as many of these pumpers are older, but they are not beat up like you would expect in larger cities.

There is plenty of action here for the viewer.

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Winter, 2013

1st Responder Newspaper - OH