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APRIL, 2015
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FIRE FOR DAVIE
ANDREW POPICK
FL - Davie Fire Rescue Department, E-91 responded to and extinguished an excavator fire that occurred in thick muck on January 20, 2015. - See full story on page 27
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PAGE 2
April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
TENNESSEE
DJ CORCORAN
Knoxville firefighters attack blaze At 12:26 a.m. on March 19th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to 822 West Oldham Ave. off I-275 for a report of that address being on fire. When firefighters arrived, they found fire shooting from several windows of the roughly 400 square foot vinyl sided home. Fire crews charged the structure with attack lines, as additional personnel conducted a primary and secondary search for any victims, none found. Within ten minutes, the fire was knocked down. The structure was connected to electrical utilities, but appeared to be vacant of any tenants. The cause of the fire is uncertain at this time. No injuries are reported.
PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patches” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
BRUCE GARNER
Firefighters stop fire at the Wrigley plant There were some tense moments at the Wrigley Plant on March 18th, when a fire broke out inside the plant. Employees told firefighters they heard an explosion and then saw fire erupt around the dust collection system. The fire alarm was activated and the employees evacuated the plant. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 6:44 p.m. and responded to the plant at 3002 Jersey Pike with eight fire companies. Battalion Chief Fredrick Blake said the fire was spreading rapidly from the dust collection system, with flames actually breaking through the roof at one point.
JUMP TO FILE #031915103
Chattanooga firefighters carried in some hand-held hoselines, and raised an aerial to get water on the roof. Chief Blake said a fire suppression system on the dust collection system activated and helped suppress the fire somewhat until firefighters arrived on the scene. Plant employees said the main material that was burning was starch, which is used to make Life Savers and other products. It took the firefighters roughly 45 minutes to get the fire under control. Chief Blake said the firefight-
ers worked aggressively and did an excellent job in getting the fire out before it could cause extensive damage to the plant. No injuries were reported. Plant Manager Jim Fitzgerald said it will take a while to assess the damage and determine what kind of impact this incident will have on their operation. Mr. Fitzgerald said the company would likely release a statement on how the fire impacted the company. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS provided valuable assistance on the scene. - BRUCE GARNER
JAY THOMSON
Explosion with fire in Etowah
HENRY POSEY
Atoka Fire/Rescue in Tennessee
At approximately 3:15 p.m. on February 19th, Etowah and Englewood RFD units were dispatched to a structure fire at 128 County Road in just outside Etowah. Several subjects reported an explosion and heavy plume of black smoke, which was witnessed by Chief Frost from the other side of Etowah. The structure was fully involved upon arrival of the first units. Also damaged was a 1999 Chrysler Town & Country van, which was in close proximity to the scene. Ammunition and oxygen bottles were present in the structure. Ambient temperatures were in the mid-20's at this time. The structure was owned by James Spurling Sr. There was no one present in the home at the time of the fire. The 600 square foot home was valued at $56,000.
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
Page 3
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April, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
TENNESSEE
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 16 No. 3 - South East edition is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 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 St., 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.
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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.
patched to a truck fire at the Pilot gas station at 2441 S. Church at around 10 p.m. on February 29th. On the scene, firefighters found the cab of the truck JUMP TO FILE# with heavy flames. 022415105 The truck, based out of Indiana, had finished his route and the trailer was empty at the time the fire began. The driver, who was in the sleeper and escaped, stated he smelled smoke and saw flames coming from the engine area. The cab was a total loss and the trailer was undamaged. One additional truck suffered minor damage from the heat. Firefighters on the scene pooled their own money to purchase the driver socks and shoes from a nearby Walmart, who was barefoot when he exited the truck. The cause of the fire appears to be mechanical, according to Fire Investigator Michael Bartlett. MFRD’s Engine 5 and District 9 responded to a possible house fire at 4228 Birch Drive around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday
ON THE BOOK SHELF On The Book Shelf by John Malecky
KIM LAWSON
Truck fire
morning. Crews found fire in an attic storage area after an outside dog house with a heat lamp inside caught on fire and traveled up the sided home into the attic. Two adults and four children were home at the time of the fire and were awakened by “noise in the attic”.
The attic area and rear of the home were damaged. Commander Maynard states that the family was not able to stay in the home and declined Red Cross assistance. Two dogs were not injured. The home did have working smoke alarms. - KIM LAWSON
Firefighters stop chlorine leak at treatment plant Two employees at the Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant were transported to a local hospital after they were exposed to a chlorine leak. The incident began around 6:00 JUMP TO FILE# p.m. on March 16th 031815106 in what’s described as the chlorine building, which houses a number of one-ton cylinders of chlorine. When the leak occurred, the workers got out of the building and called 911. The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the scene with several fire companies and the hazmat team. Deputy Chief Chris Adams said Hamilton County EMS transported the two employees to a local hospital. One of the employees was more seriously injured than the other. Their names were not released and an update on their condition was not available. Chief Adams said an evacuation was not necessary because the leak was contained. The chlorine building has safety equipment called “scrubbers,” which converts the chlorine into a harmless water vapor. Though no chlorine was escaping into the atmosphere, the decision was made to enter the chlorine building and stop the leak if possible. Firefighters with the haz-mat team donned encap-
BRUCE GARNER
After getting into their encapsulated suits, haz-mat technicians with the Chattanooga Fire Department walk toward the chlorine building, where they were able to get inside and shut off the leak.
sulated suits, made their way into the chlorine building and were successful in stopping the leak around 7:40 last night. Around 4:00 this morning on March 16th, the haz-mat team was called back out to the plant when smoke was seen coming from the chlorine building. After a quick investigation, haz-mat personnel de-
termine that there was no chlorine leak this time. Captain Terry Knowles with the haz-mat team said one of the scrubbers used to treat the chlorine last night apparently malfunctioned and became overheated. There was no leak and no hazard to the public. - BRUCE GARNER
The Forgotten Memories of the Blue Soldiers By Leo P. LePage, Jr. 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: $19.95 This is a soft cover book measuring 6 inches by 9 inches and has 263 pages. The author is a retired sergeant from the Hartford, Connecticut Police Department and this is his second police book. His first book, The Badge, the Street and the Cop, was reviewed one year ago. If you read it and it made an impression on you, you will not want to miss reading this latest one. To refresh your memory, the first book was about the author who worked during the 1960's era where there were no portable radios. They were memoirs about him. This second book is memoirs about members of the police department that he worked with. As gruesome and horrific the first book was, this book is the same and even worse regarding the incidents that occurred to others on the job. I can honestly say that with some of these chapters, I could never have imagined that human beings can behave as some did. Once you think you've read the worst, another horrible story from the next chapter hits you. There are 21 chapters, many of which have a side story named, "Cop Talk" at the end of the chapter's story in which the author and some of his former coworkers reminisce about stories from the past, a good portion of which I would say were things you can laugh about. They might serve as a bid to dilute the horror that is in the chapter and they take place at a favored establishment frequented by cops. I would be remiss if I did not mention two stories about female police officers, one of which was the first female on the HPD. The memoirs about these women and their dedicated service is worth reading about. - continued at www.1rbn.com
April, 2015
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April, 2015
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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty Missouri: Christopher A. Tindall, 42 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 7, 2015 Death Date: January 8, 2015 Fire Department: South Metropolitan Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Several hours after responding to an emergency incident, Battalion Chief Tindall passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported. California: Franck W. Tremaine, 58 Rank: Captain Incident Date: January 9, 2015 Death Date: January 10, 2015 Fire Department: Jackson Fire Department Initial Summary: Several hours after responding to a motor vehicle accident, Captain Tremaine passed away at home in his sleep from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported. Kansas: Ronnie W. Peek, 49 Rank: Captain Incident Date: January 22, 2015 Death Date: January 22, 2015 Fire Department: Garden City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Peek fell ill while participating in fire department mandated air management training. He was subsequently transported to the hospital where he suffered a heart attack and passed away. Kansas: Clifford “Cliff” Sanders, 55 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 28, 2015 Death Date: January 29, 2015 Fire Department: Caney Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Sanders became ill and collapsed at the firehouse while responding to a grass fire call. Sanders was treated immediately at the station by fellow responders and transported to Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and then on to St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa where he died January 29th from a stroke.
Wisconsin: Leslie "Les" W. Fryman, 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 14, 2015 Death Date: January 21, 2015 Fire Department: Rosendale Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Fryman was a passenger in a tanker/tender responding to a mutual aid structure fire when he went unresponsive. Fellow responders treated Fryman and transported him to a local hospital. Firefighter Fryman was subsequently transferred to another hospital where he succumbed to his injury seven days later. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be officially reported. Iowa: Mike "Coop" Cooper, 61 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: January 30, 2015 Death Date: January 31, 2015 Fire Department: Centerville Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Fire Chief Cooper died at home from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined several hours after being released from the scene of a large structure fire in a commercial occupancy. New York: Charlie V. Wallace, 74 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 10, 2015 Death Date: February 3, 2015 Fire Department: Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wallace died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle on January 10th while directing traffic in front of the fire station as apparatus were leaving for a response call. Illinois: Kenneth Lehr, 59 Rank: Chief Incident Date: February 5, 2015 Death Date: February 5, 2015 Fire Department: Medora Community Fire Protection District Initial Summary: While attempting to close off Illinois Route 111 to allow for a helicopter to land safely for a medical emergency, Chief Lehr was struck by a fire apparatus as it was backing up. Chief Lehr passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when he was struck.
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April, 2015
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
TENNESSEE
Sixteen displaced by apartment fire
DJ CORCORAN
At 3:25 a.m. on March 21, our 911 Center answered several calls reporting apartments on fire at Spring Meadow Apts., 3129 Washington Pike. Fire crews found a two story, eight unit apartment building partially involved. KFD's SOP, is; not to connect to private (red) hydrants, such as the ones located inside the apartment's complex, due to the fact the hydrants do not carry enough water volume to efficiently extinguish a large fire. A more reliable water source was secured when firefighters hooked to a KUB hydrant located on Washington Pk. Most everyone was accounted for, but firefighters searched each unit to make sure. With none being found, crews went about their job of fighting the flames. Firefighters were able to save half of the building by drawing a defensive line,
JUMP TO FILE #032315111
pushing the fire away from the unaffected area, toward the already fire ravaged units. Approximately one hour after the initial call, the fire was under control, with no injuries reported. The apartment manager is assessing the needs of roughly 16 individuals that lived in building #12. After the on site fire investigation is complete, a city owned track hoe was to knock down a remaining unstable exterior wall. This is the second time in less than five years the City of Knoxville fire crews have battled flames in this complex. A cause has not yet been determined. - DJ CoRCoRAN
BRUCE GARNER
Kitchen fire sends woman to the hospital Pet dogs seriously injured in house fire
BRUCE GARNER
A Chattanooga woman was injured in a kitchen fire this afternoon, February 19th. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 3:52 p.m. and responded to 1705 E. Main Street with four fire companies. Battalion Chief Chris Willmore said the firefighters made an interior attack on the fire and quickly extinguished the blaze. Most of the fire damage was contained to the kitchen area. Chief Willmore said a 50-yearold woman was suffering from second degree burns to approximately 10% of her body, mostly on her legs. The victim was transported to Erlanger Medical Center by Hamilton County EMS, where her condition was still being assessed. Firefighters on the scene said her injuries did not appear to be lifethreatening. Fire investigators are on the scene trying to determine exactly
JUMP TO FILE #022015105
what happened. Chattanooga police also provided valuable assistance on the scene with traffic control. The cause the fire that sent a 50-year-old woman to Erlanger has been ruled accidental. Captain Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said the woman was heating up grease on the stove when it got too hot and caught on fire. When the woman attempted to move the burning pan, she spilled some of the boiling hot grease on her legs. No update was available on the woman’s condition, but her injuries were not thought to be lifethreatening. Captain Andrews estimated the dollar loss from the fire at roughly $40,000. - BRUCE GARNER
Chattanooga fire investigators are trying to figure out what started a house fire on Sunday, March 15th that left two dogs seriously injured. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 2:20 p.m. and responded to 1018 Line Street with five fire companies. Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said smoke and flames were visible when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. As the firefighters pulled handheld hoselines to make an interior attack, their efforts were hampered by a lot of debris and other materials that kept them from getting around in the house. Chief Boatwright also said the house appears to have been renovated several times, which created false ceilings, walls and other hidden spaces that made it difficult for the firefighters to get to the fire. At the time of this release, no people were found inside the structure. However, firefighters found
JUMP TO FILE #031615108
two dogs fairly quickly. One was chained up outside in the front yard, and another was inside the house. As a firefighter carried the dog out, it was showing symptoms of smoke inhalation, so firefighters used a pet rescue mask to administer oxygen to it. The dog’s condition improved and it was handed off to personnel with McKamey Animal Center. A few minutes later, a third dog was found in an attached outbuilding. Unfortunately, it was suffering from significant burns and smoke inhalation. Firefighters attempted to administer oxygen to the dog, but it was too combative and was handed off to McKamey Animal Center personnel. The house was considered a total loss. Chief Boatwright said the
remaining walls and debris presented a hazard to the surrounding neighborhood, so a track-hoe with city public works was going to be called in to demolish the rest of the house. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS, EPB and Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue also provided assistance on the scene. The house fire at 1018 Line Street has displaced three adults. Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said they showed up on the scene. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called to the scene to assist the family with essentials, such as a temporary place to stay and help with food, clothing and medicine. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. - BRUCE GARNER
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
TENNESSEE
Firefighters respond to two fires in same neighborhood
BRUCE GARNER
It’s cold and busy for Chattanooga firefighters. After wrapping up a fire at 1705 E. Main Street, the firefighters started driving back to their stations when they spotted a black plume of smoke about a block away. They found a duplex on fire at 1808 E. 13th Street. The fire companies on the E. Main Street fire respondedon February 19th Captain Randy Steele with Engine 5 said they could see people running in and out of the burning duplex. Concerned there might still be people inside, firefighters made their way inside both units to search for victims. Battalion Chief Chris Willmore said all of the residents made it out. One resident appeared to have some burns to his hands, but he refused to be transported to a hospital. Meanwhile, other firefighters worked to get the blaze under control. Captain Dean Rogers said Firefighter Engi-
JUMP TO FILE #022015107
neer Jake Gann led firefighters with hand-held hoselines to make an aggressive attack in the B-side of the duplex; the side that was on fire. It took 20 to 30 minutes to get the blaze under control. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. Chief Willmore said the fire displaced a mother and her two children on one side of the duplex, and three people on the other side, though that has not been confirmed. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called to the scene to assist the victims. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the scene. - BRUCE GARNER
BRUCE GARNER
Kids start campfire in bedroom Two young children at East Lake Courts decided to pretend they were camping, and in the process started a campfire. Unfortunately, they were in their bedroom at the time. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm around 4:30 p.m. on February 13th and responded to 2451 5th Avenue with four fire companies. Battalion Chief Chris Willmore said the childrens’ mother initially tried to put the fire out herself, but was unsuccessful. She then got her kids out of the apartment and called 911. Chattanooga police arrived first and worked to evacuate the rest of the two-story apartment building. Chief Willmore said everyone was safely out of the apartment when the first firefighters arrived on
JUMP TO FILE #021315111
the scene. The firefighters located the fire in a bedroom, mostly involving a mattress. They quickly extinguished the fire, containing the blaze to the bedroom. Chief Willmore said the children did not start the fire with malicious intent and will not be charged. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the mother and her two children. Hamilton County EMS also provided valuable assistance on the scene. - BRUCE GARNER
BRUCE GARNER
Police officers rescue family from fire It was a very close call for a Chattanooga family when fire broke out in their home on March 19th. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 3:01 a.m. and responded to 1207 Crutchfield Street with five fire companies. Thanks to some Chattanooga police officers, the three adults and one child, who were in the house are still alive. Details are still being obtained on exactly what happened, but Lt. Darwin Sanders with Quint 10 said the family could not get out of the house, because fire was blocking their way out the front and back doors, and all the windows were blocked by security bars. Lt. Sanders said three Chattanooga police officers ran around the house and located the family, trapped in a back bedroom. They reportedly used a crowbar to pull off the security bars and helped each family member through the small window. Lt. Sanders said the family members appeared to be suffering
JUMP TO FILE #031915105
from smoke inhalation, and at least one had a few relatively minor cuts while getting through the window. All of the victims were transported by Hamilton County EMS to Erlanger Medical Center. An update on their condition was not available, but firefighters on the scene say their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Lt. Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division says the cause of this fire remains under investigation. The family dog was found alive, hiding under a bed. The house was considered a total loss, with damages estimated at $80,000. Fire investigator and Captain Anthony Moore said there were four people inside the house at the time of the fire. An 86-year-old woman, a 24-year-old man, a 22-year-old woman and a 9-month-old infant.
All four were transported to Erlanger Medical Center and were suffering from minor to moderate smoke inhalation. Captain Moore said the 22-year-old woman also had some significant cuts and scrapes, most likely acquired while getting out the window. The 9month-old also had a few cuts. The most seriously injured person was the 24-year-old man. Captain Moore said he had second and third degree burns to his hands and forearms, and the hair on his head was singed. He was expected to be transferred to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, GA. Captain Moore said it was a good thing the police officers were there. “With the fire spreading like it was, all four of those individuals would have died within the next three or four minutes,” said Moore. “Those police officers saved their lives.” - BRUCE GARNER
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
GOT DROP?
TENNESSEE
DJ CORCORAN
Two occupants escape Knoxville fire At 1:25 p.m. on March 21, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to 2014 Millard Beets Road for the report of a house on fire. When firefighters arrived, they found both adult occupants safely out of the house, and fire coming from the rear of the structure. Firefighters advanced attack lines to the rear of the house to extinguish exterior flames, while additional personnel made their way inside for an interior attack. Fire damage was contained to two thirds of the structure. The mother and son will seek shelter from extended family and friends. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
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MVA for Etowah A two vehicle MVA brought crews at about 4:30 p.m. on February 8th to Tennessee Ave in front of the Sonic Drive-In and sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries. Charles Hamby was headed North on Tennessee Ave. in his 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup when Evan Chastain pulled his 2006 Honda Accord out of the Sonic Drive-In into the path of the truck and was T-boned. Mr. Chastain suffered minor injuries and was transported to Star Regional-Athens by AMR paramedics. The accident was worked by the Etowah Police Department, while the Etowah Fire Department assisted with traffic and provided fire-suppression availability if needed. Mr. Chastain was cited for "Failure to Yield".
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
Page 13
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PAGE 14
April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
Firefighter safety, is everyone getting the message? Part II
TENNESSEE
STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell
KIM LAWSON
Murfreesboro responds to house fire Get your personal copy of
The SE Edition Name:______________________ Telephone:___________________
Murfreesboro,TN. MFRD was dispatched to a house fire around 4:13 on February 24th and arriving within four minutes. The two-story house was located at 1130 Silverado Way and District 8, District 6, Engine 1 and Rescue 7 could see heavy black smoke before arriving on the scene. Commander Dale Maynard states that "the firefighters did a great job to get the fire under control quickly to confine the fire to the garage and attic above." The fire may have started in the
JUMP TO FILE #022515102
garage, but most of the home is undamaged. Fire Investigator Carl Peas is on the scene conducting a routine investigation into the cause. Two adults and two children were displaced, and are being assisted by the Red Cross due to the power remaining off. - KIM LAWSON
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MFRD responds to duplex fire Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s District 8, Engines 1 and 3, and Rescue 7 responded to a duplex fire at 1507 Middleborough Court just after 9:00 p.m. on March 10. Crews found smoke showing from one of the units. Crews made entry and located the fire in a bedroom area. “Crews quickly extinguished the fire,” said Shift Commander Daryl Alexander. Engine 1 made entry through the back side of the unit due to the possibility of a victim inside. After extensive search and rescue efforts,
JUMP TO FILE #031215106
no victims were found. Crews later discovered that there were no residents home. The bedroom received fire damage and the entire unit received smoke damage throughout. “We were able to contain damage to the one unit,” said Alexander. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - ASHLEY MCDONALD
When you think of firefighter safety what comes to mind? What comes to my mind, and should to yours, is that you want to return from each call in the same condition you were in when you responded, career or volunteer firefighter. Your family expects it and your fellow firefighters and department expect it. We have seen many and various slogans for safety over the years and the one I like best is “Safety Is No Accident”. It can be interpreted two ways, first as not having or being injured due to an accident. The second interpretation meaning you have to work at staying safe, it just doesn’t happen by chance (accident). The major issue is getting all fire and EMS personnel involved in working and practicing safe work habits. Simple personal tasks that are ignored on a regular basis increase the annual death and injury toll in the fire service. Buckling into a seat belt prior to responding takes just seconds, yet many firefighters continually fail to do so, often resulting in death and injury if the apparatus is involved in a crash or rollover. Some departments are now issuing some form of discipline to personnel who fail to buckle up. How about emergency apparatus drivers, who fail to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and to consider and comply with all traffic regulations and department SOG’s when responding? Don’t let the adrenaline rush cause you to take foolish chances. Getting the crew and apparatus safely to the scene of the incident is an important responsibility of the driver and officer. Adding a minute or more to the response time in order to arrive safely far outweighs excessive speed and the possibility of being involved in a crash. Apparatus and personal vehicles responding to and returning from alarms contribute to between 20 and 25% of the annual death toll. On February 5 of this year, a fire chief from a small town in Illinois was killed when he was
run over by an apparatus backing up. The Illinois State Police reported the fire department was attempting to close a road for a helicopter to land in a medical emergency. I don’t know what the circumstances were surrounding the accident, but there are safety rules that govern safely backing apparatus in order to prevent such tragedies from occurring. How will this tragedy impact the family, community, fire department and the apparatus driver? In a small department in a small community it may have a lasting effect. Cigarette smoking, obesity, and lack of physical agility and conditioning contribute approximately 50% of the annual firefighter death toll through stroke and cardiac arrest. If there is one item that contributes to so many medical conditions it is cigarette smoking, and for many, difficult to stop. Failure to use seat belts, lack of control when driving fire apparatus or private vehicles, which result in motor vehicle rollover and/or crashes, along with stroke and cardiac arrest are the main causes of firefighter deaths. It is these major areas that add 60-70% of the annual firefighter death toll, and it is within these areas that we must improve our safety and education. Firefighting and emergency scene activities are dynamic, leading to a variety of issues that can result in death or injury, some of which we have no control over. We do have control over the aforementioned and therefore all personnel should strive to reduce carelessness, recklessness, and bad habits while encouraging all members to do the same. By stopping unsafe behavior, you will be successful in improving the level of safety within your department then you have accomplished much; a safer work environment for you and your fellow firefighters. Don’t be shy about speaking up to those fellow firefighters about their disregard for firefighter safety, point out the proper and safe way to perform a task. Let them know how it impacts them and all their brother/sister firefighters in the department. You just might save a life, maybe theirs, and maybe even yours! Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
Additional columns by Chief Campbell can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
Page 15
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
TENNESSEE
DJ CORCORAN
Homeowner arrives home to find flames Shortly before 3:00 p.m. on February 26th, a neighbor to 1971 Cecil Johnson Rd. called 911 to report flames coming from the above address. When firefighters arrived, they found fire coming through an exterior basement door at the rear of the home, extending upward, melting the vinyl siding from the exterior. The homeowner was away at the time of the incident, but returned to find fire crews extinguishing the flames. No injuries are reported. Fire investigators are determining the cause and the family will seek refuge from the American Red Cross.
JAY THOMSON
Structure fire just outside Athens At 4:36 p.m. on Saturday, the 28th of February, Athens and Englewood RFD departments were paged out to a fully involved single wide mobile home at 130 County Road 450 just outside the city of Athens. The home, which was owned
JUMP TO FILE #030215110
by Joe Womac and rented by Ron Rogers, was a total loss. Mr. Rogers suffered minor burns to his legs but was not transported.
All units cleared the scene about two hours later. AMR paramedics also responded to the scene to stand by. The Red Cross was called to aid the family. - JAY THOMSON
DJ CORCORAN
Four cats missing after East Knoxville blaze At 7:20 a.m. on February 7th, residents of 1721 Woodbine Ave. in East Knoxville, awoke to the smell of smoke. A grandmother and three grandchildren got out safely, after a passerby saw flames coming from the roof of that address, stopped and called 911. When firefighters arrived, they found all four occupants out of the structure, with the grandmother attempting to go back in to the home to retrieve four cats belonging to the family. Firefighters took control of the scene and began extinguishing the flames which were mostly contained to the ceiling and attic area. No injuries are reported. The cats have not yet been found. The American Red Cross will be assisting the family with their needs and fire investigators are on the scene to determine the cause of the fire.
ASHLEY MCDONALD
Fire caused by discarded smoking materials At 11:27 p.m. on March 17th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 706 Hickory Drive off Clinton Hwy. for report of a house on fire. The first arriving unit radioed to those not on the scene yet, "flames coming from a bedroom window on the address side of the structure, next company in, lay a line." A family member told firefighters, everyone was out of the house, but there may still be some pets inside.
JUMP TO FILE #031815120
Fire crews quickly extinguished the flames, containing the fire damage to the room of origin, while additional firefighters searched for the animals. Four dogs, and four cats were rescued, while the fifth cat perished, and the sixth has yet to be found. Two adults, a husband and wife, were later transported to Ft.
Sanders Hospital for mild smoke inhalation and observation. The three other residents, a mother-inlaw, and two grandchildren, refused medical transport. The cause of the fire is not yet determined. The family will rely on the American Red Cross for temporary placement, while an animal shelter will house the pets until a more permanent solution can be established. - ASHLEY MCDONALD
April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
GEORGIA
Shuman promoted to Deputy Chief
CHRIS DILLEY
Live fire training burn in Springfield, GA The Springfield Fire Department hosted a acquired structure training burn on Saturday, March 14th, 2015 in the 1700 block of Highway 21. Firefighters from Rincon, Guyton, Pooler, and Effingham County participated in the training event. This burn was conducted for the volunteer firefighter training program, and for many of the firefighters this was the first live burn that they encountered. Effingham County EMS provided the medical support for the training. Several training burns were conducted, and the house was burned to the ground at the request of the property owner.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Garden City battles intense flames Garden City, Georgia; On February 25th, Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to Highway 21 behind the CVS for multiple reports of a vehicle on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished by crews. The cause is under investigation by local officials.
Chief John Skinner of Barrow County Emergency Services has recently promoted Alan Shuman to the position of Deputy Chief of Operations. “Chief Shuman has been filling in as JUMP TO FILE# Interim Deputy Chief 030615104 for over a year and has done an exceptional job,” stated Chief Skinner. “He is bringing many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our team as we continue to progress into the future of BCES.” Chief Shuman started his firefighting career in 1974 with the City of Hapeville. He also started working in the EMS field in 1975. In 1976, he started working for the City of Riverdale, where he worked his way up to Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief and then Chief of the department. While with Riverdale, he researched the development of adoption of one of the state’s first fire sprinkler ordinances. Chief Shuman was also charged with managing the expansion and placement of additional stations and administrative offices. As Chief of the Department, he developed a rolling stock replacement program, instituted the paramedic engine company response program. He also developed the first promotional scoring process for the city. In January 2000, Shuman started working for the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office as Chief State Fire Marshal. As Chief Fire Marshal, his primary responsibility was managing the activities of inspection, plan review, code enforcement, fire scene investigations, public education and related programs relative to fire protection services. He also had administrative responsibilities, such as agency’s budget, maintenance of records, contracts and other related materials including the development of rules, regulations, policies and procedures. After leaving the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2011, Shuman joined Barrow County Emergency Services where he was responsible for the day to day operations of the Fire Marshal Division. This included plan reviews, consulting on projects, and inspections on new and existing structures. When Chief Skinner was named Interim Chief, Shuman assumed the role as Interim Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief is responsible for the day to day operations of the Operations Division, Emergency Communication Division and the Fire Marshal Division. He also serves as the Deputy Director of the Emergency Management Agency. Chief Shuman is a Georgia Certified Emergency Manager, and Chief Officer 4. He also has numerous fire management certificates including a Leadership certificate from the National Fire Academy and a Chief Officers Studies certificate from the Georgia Fire Acad-
PROVIDED
emy. “I am honored to be given this opportunity and look forward to being a part of moving this department into the future,” stated Chief Shuman. “Working together I know we will face the challenges ahead and achieve many great things.” The promotion officially went into effect on February 28th. “I know Chief Shuman will do a great job as
our Deputy Chief and look forward to working with him for many years,” stated Chief Skinner. ”He is a good example of the experienced and talented people we have here with Barrow County Emergency Services. His dedication to the department and the people of Barrow County will help make this department the best it can be.” - SCOTT DAKIN
SAVE THE DATE! May 28th - 29th - 30th, 2015
Tennessee Firemen’s Association Annual Conference Clarion Inn and Suites, 2227 Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro, TN and is hosted by the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department. Conference Registration Fee: $100 for single or $150 for couple Late or Door Registration Fee: $125 for single or $175 for couple New Mexico Tech Classes (12 CEU) Fire Commission Approved: $55 Banquet Only: $35 Early Registration Deadline: May 11, 2015 Classes will begin Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. For further information regarding the conference, you may call or email: Michael Bartlett: (615) 995-9850 or mbartlett@murfreesborotn.gov
April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
GEORGIA
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On Saturday, February 14, 2015, members of St. Marys Fire Department 'A' shift and NSB Kings Bay Fire Department braved the chilly early morning temperatures to run in the 2015 Bridge Run in Brunswick, Georgia. This run is known as the toughest 5K in Georgia! Good job, Firefighters!
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Extinguishing the dumpster Fort Stewart, GA. On February 24th, Captain Genaux of the Ft. Stewart Fire Department sprayed the remaining water in the hose into a hot dumpster. The cause of the fire is under investigation by local officials.
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
GEORGIA
SCOTT DAKIN
CERT members conduct training with new communication trailer On Saturday, March 7, 2015, members of the Barrow County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were joined by members of the Barrow County Amateur Radio Club (BCARC) to conduct a trial run on their communication trailer. This trailer was donated by the Georgia Department of Public Health along with several radios to CERT a little over a year ago. Through personal funds and other donations, the two teams worked diligently over the past year to outfit the trailer for emergency response. The capabilities of this trailer include using a VHF/UHF connection to run either an Operation Center in a disaster situation or any other emergency. It may be utilized as an auxiliary communications channel for Barrow County
JUMP TO FILE #031815105
Sheriff, and Barrow County Emergency Services, or to temporarily run the Barrow County 911 center if necessary. It is equipped with a dipole antenna that has the capability of reaching anywhere in Georgia, the United States or even worldwide. “Both CERT and BCARC members volunteered their time and talents in setting up this trailer and obtaining necessary funding for it, we cannot thank them enough for their dedication and assistance in this!” commented CERT Public Information Officer Connie Keener. “This trailer will be a valuable tool for communication in the event of a disaster, not only for CERT, but
also to assist in communication for public safety officials.” stated Keener. Barrow County CERT is an all volunteer team and assists both the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services on special events and emergencies. CERT training will be starting next month on Monday April 13th . Classes are free and cover such topics as: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Search and Rescue, Communications, Medical Operations, Hazardous Material and Team Organization. Classes will be on Mondays, from 7:00 to 9:30 PM (no class May 25th due to holiday), for eight weeks. All classes are taught by Barrow County Emergency Services personnel and are held at BCES Station #6. - SCOTT DAKIN
COMMAND VEHICLES
ROD KIRKLAND
Area officers attend leadership class
BCES join other departments in leadership course On February 21 and 22, officers from Bryan County Emergency Services joined other officers from surrounding departments to attend and participate in the National Fire Academy Leadership Course offered by the Georgia Fire at the Glennville Fire Department hosted Academy According to Assistant Chief Jim Anderson, training cfficer for the Glennville fire Department and an adjunct instructor with the Georgia Fire Academy, the course “was designed to meet the needs of the company officer and provides the participant with basic skills and tools needed to perform effectively as a leader in the fire service environment.” Ben Tapley, deputy chief with Bulloch County Fire and a Georgia Fire Academy adjunct instructor conducted the course on behalf of the Georgia Fire Academy. Glennville Fire Chief Rod Kirkland stated “this course addresses ethics, use and abuse of power at the company officer level,
JUMP TO FILE #022315111
creativity in the fire service environment, and management of the multiple roles of the company officer.” “By providing this type of training to the officers of the Glennville Fire Department and surrounding agencies, we can continue to improve the level of service we provide to the citizens and visitors of our community” Participating agencies during this course of training were: Glennville Fire Department, Reidsville Fire Department, Hinesville Fire Department, Liberty County Fire Department, Jefferson County Fire Department, Liberty Regional EMS, Bryan County Fire Department, Pooler Fire Department, Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Department and Tattnall County Fire Services. - FREDDY HOWELL
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
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1st Responder Newspaper - sE
May, 2015
PAgE 21
GEORGIA
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
CHRIS DILLEY
The Springfield Fire Department operates a 2005 E-One Typhoon as Engine 1.
SCOTT DAKIN
Robertson Bridge Road
Multiple fires in Barrow County
CHRIS DILLEY
Effingham County Fire Rescue operates a 2005 E-One Typhoon as Engine 8.
Just before 1:00 p.m. on February 19th, communication officers received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire in the 500 block of Providence Circle in Statham. “Firefighters found light smoke in the residence,” stated Lt Scott Dakin. “The homeowner advised that they had been woken up by the smoke alarms.” Engine 1, Engine 6, Med 1 and Battalion 1 responded to this incident. Upon further investigation, firefighters found burning around the mantle of the fireplace. Crews conducted overhaul operations around the fireplace and found several spots smoldering. The fire was extinguished by firefighters. Just after 1:00 Thursday afternoon communication officers with Barrow County Emergency Services received a 911 call reporting a
JUMP TO FILE #022015131
structure fire in the 900 block of Robertson Bridge Road in Statham. “Firefighters arrived and found a single story home that was fully involved in fire,” stated Lieutenant Dakin. Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 6, Med 1, Med 3 and Battalion 1 all responded to this incident. There was no hydrant located on Robertson Bridge Rd, so firefighters initially set up operations to protect several exposures including a nearby building and a propane tank. Several engines started to shuttle water to the scene and a request was sent to Oconee County Emergency Services to assist in the water shuttle.
Upon establishing the water shuttle, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control. The home was completely destroyed by the fire. No one was at home at the time of the fire. Two adults were displaced as a result of the fire. “We want to thank Oconee County Emergency Services for assisting us on this fire,” commented Lieutenant Dakin. Just before 1:15 Friday morning, communication officers received a 911 call reporting a barn fire in the 900 block of Carl Brmlett Rd in Auburn. Firefighters arrived to find a barn fully involved. Engine 4, Engine 5, Engine 7, Med 4 and Battalion 1 responded to this incident. Firefighters had to utilize a water shuttle on this incident as well. - SCOTT DAKIN
Vehicle News CHRIS DILLEY
Pooler Fire Rescue operates a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT 100 ft rear mount aerial tower as Tower 64.
CHRIS DILLEY
Eastern District Fire Rescue operates a 2006 American LaFrance Eagle as 20 Engine 1.
KEN SNYDER
Truck 2 of the Atlanta Fire Department is a 2015 KME 101’
PAGE 22
April, 2015
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1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
GEORGIA
TERRY RITZ
TIM CAVENDER
EMS Chief, Danny West, receives the award from April Powers and Rick Payne, children of Stanley Payne.
EMS Chief awarded regional leadership award Paulding County, GA. The Northwest Georgia Region 1 EMS Council held its annual EMS Awards Banquet on March 12th at Wellstar Paulding Hospital in Dallas, Georgia. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services personnel attended the banquet, where Danny West, Chief of EMS Operations, was honored and presented the Stanley Payne Memorial Region 1 EMS Leadership Award. This award is named after Stanley Payne, who was a recognized leader in the Emergency Medical Service and was one of the three original employees of Floyd Medical Center EMS, where he served as the director for decades until his untimely death. He was also an innovator in ambulance designs, which are still being used today. So, this award is presented annually to a single EMS Director/Supervisor in Region 1, who displays excellence in EMS Leadership and Management. Chief West has served Cherokee County for over 25 years beginning his career in January 1990. He advanced through the firefighter ranks to Battalion Chief and accepted his current position as EMS Operations Chief in March of 2007. Chief West has been instrumental leading CCFES to the cutting edge in emergency medical service delivery to Cherokee County citizens under Medical Director Doctor Jill Mabley. Chief West is also a P.O.S.T. certified police officer. He led the effort to create the SWAT Medical Section with local Law Enforcement/Fire/EMS collaboration, which he manages as the lead SWAT Tactical Medic. He has been a member of the Region 1 Council since 2005 and is the current Vice Chairman. Chief West also sits on the Cherokee County 911 Committee
JUMP TO FILE #031315126
for Accreditation. In 2012, he assisted with the mass flu vaccination planning and response coordinated with the County Public Health office. He also served on the Child Abuse Awareness Committee, Cherokee County DFACS and the Child Fatality Review Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Bethesda Community Clinic since 2010. In April 2014, in response to appeals from parents who had lost children to Heroin overdose, Governor Deal signed HB 965. This authorizes the use of Naloxone by first responders including law enforcement officers. Naloxone reverses the deadly effects of narcotics including Heroin. Chief West and Dr. Jill Mabley worked with Holly Springs Police Department to implement the first Naloxone program in the State of Georgia. Since, Chief West and Dr Mabley established the training, policy and procedures to implement a county wide program in Cherokee County to include all law enforcement agencies. First responders are now utilizing Naloxone several times a week to resuscitate victims of these terrible events. Many agencies have contacted and received assistance from Chief West to assist with the implementation of Naloxone. On behalf of Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather and CCFES, we congratulate EMS Chief Danny West for being recognized for his commitment to EMS and receiving this prestigious award from the Region 1 EMS Council. - TIM CAVENDER
Top Row, L to R: Chief Clint Hodges, County Administrator Toss Allen, Commissioner Forrest Floyd, Commissioner Reggie Loper, Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, Commissioner Vera Jones, Commissioner Jamie DeLoach, FF Lee Montgomery, Sgt. John Saluta, FF Dana Rigsby Bottom Row, L to R: FF Brandon Warren, FF Mark Mathews, FF Matt Mayo, FF Jim Newton, Lt. Greg Rahn, Captain Bryce Nyberg, Batt Chief Joel Hughes, Lt. Jonathon Mastin, FF Jason Taylor, Harper Sitman (accepting on behalf of her father FF Jason Sitman), FF Kim Odom, FF Jennifer Wright
Effingham Fire Rescue celebrates staff, family and volunteer accomplishments Effingham Fire Rescue recognized the outstanding accomplishments of staff, volunteers and family members on February 21, 2015 in the inaugural Awards and Accolades Banquet held at the Effingham College and Career Academy. In attendance were the Effingham County Board of Commissioners, honorees, and several county department heads and elected officials. The awards encompassed levels for Rookie of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Fire Officer of the Year, Meritorious Action, and Humanitarian Effort in a two hour banquet including a keynote address on the importance of gratitude and appreciation and a tribute to Macon-Bibb County on the recent loss of Fire Lieutenant Randy Parker in the line of duty. The highlight of the evening was the Meritorious Action Awards for critical lifesaving and efficient
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action. The first honoring Jonathan Mastin, Mark Mathews, Matthew Mayo, Jason Sitman, Brandon Warren, and Jason Taylor for administering lifesaving procedures, revival of an adult patient through the use of CPR/ AED, and hospital transport on November 19, 2014. The second award was given to Effingham E911 communications officer and volunteer firefighter Kimberly Odom for critical lifesaving and efficient action. On November 3, 2014, Ms. Odom answered a 911 call from a parent in distress over an infant, who had stopped breathing. While simultaneously dispatching Effingham Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement to the scene, Ms. Odom also began emergency medical dispatch procedures with
pre-arrival instructions over the phone to the parent for performing Infant CPR. The infant regained consciousness, began breathing and was transported to Memorial Hospital by Effingham EMS staff Bob Summers and Chris Camilleri, who arrived later on scene. Ms. Odom was presented her award by the grateful parents of the infant, Mr. and Mrs. Hart, to a tear-filled room with a standing ovation. The Effingham Fire Rescue Awards and Accolades Banquet will continue as an annual event. We sincerely thank the sponsors who made the evening possible: Effingham College and Career Academy, Effingham Health System; Hadden Insurance Agency; JG Photography; Joann’s Florist Bill Lucas Insurance; James Bolfik and Steven Bellmoff with New York Life; NFI Industries. - CLINT HODGES
County prepares for inclement weather Barrow County Emergency Services opened its’ Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. on February 26th and was on alert for the next 24-36 hours for possible winter weather emergency. JUMP TO FILE# “All county 022615105 agencies met for a briefing and were working their emergency winter storm preparedness as necessary, “stated Chief John Skinner. “All departments were working together to keep the citizens as safe as possible.” All citizens are advised to keep informed of all impending weather and should make plans as needed to be safe during the possible winter storm. Current predictions from the National Weather
SCOTT DAKIN
Service has Barrow County getting 3-4 inches of accumulation. Citizens can also receive updates through the Barrow County Facebook page. All citizens were advised to
stay at home and off the roads during inclement weather. Barrow County Government offices were closed at 3 p.m. due to the weather. - SCOTT DAKIN
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
May, 2015
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FLORIDA
Occupied RV structure fire for Edgewater
JILL DANIGEL
What does sacrifice look like? Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
When we join the fire service, we do not know all the sacrifice that we will be making. We sacrifice our time going to classes, time away from our loved ones, when we are on duty or get called in for extra duty of filling in for someone that banged out sick. We sacrifice money to help those in need, our talents helping rebuild communities that have been affected by fire or disasters that we have responded to. A brother from Buffalo reminded me of all the sacrifices that a single parent makes. A single mother, who raises her children on her own and also working a full time job. How many of us make the sacrifies for our children? How about our families sacrificing us, so that we can serve others? Or sacrificing what we want for our children? I know that many times in families, some of the parents may go without some meals, so that their children can eat three meals a day. I have seen senior citizens eating cat food, so that they had money to pay for their medication. We know that also part of the job may be to put in time for the citizens or a brother, but why do we do it? What is the underlying reason that we are ready to sacrifice? We may not say it or even know consciously, but I believe that it is that we care for our fellow man and that starts with our family and members of our company. When one of our own members needs help, especially for a mayday, we are willing to
make great sacrifices. We carry out what we are taught, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." or another sign of sacrifice is: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." We make sacrifices by rolling out for calls, when the thermometer does not even come close to 0 degrees, when it is just so hot that we are sweating even before putting on our gear. We make sacrifices by giving up our sleep to respond to calls. We sacrifice our bodies when we refuse to take care of ourselves and still handle calls when sick or injured. We always are willing to go, no matter what. Let us remember all the sacrifies that were made by our brothers, those who have gone into a burning building, when a brother is trapped or those whose may stay in a building past the time that is safe. We look at the gain versus the risk, but many times we risk our lives, to save another's life. Those who have served in the military are willing to make sacrifices for freeedom, and for that we should always say “Thank You!” This month is the time that we also remember other sacrifices, especially the sacrifice that was made for us 2015 years ago, when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. So many of us forget that sacrifice. His risk. His sacrificed life so that the gain for all would be great. All we have to do is to be willing to accept the gift that He gave to us through His sacrifice. Would we be willing to be tortured and nailed to a cross, when we know that we are innocent? Happy Ressurection Sunday
At 12:34 p.m. on March 17th, Edgewater Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the parking lot of All Storage and U-Lock Mini Warehouse at 1904 Hibiscus at an outside storage lot at that business that stores boats, RVs and trailers. A 32 foot RV, where the on-site security guard lived, had caught on fire. Ryan Lustgraaf, the owner of a nearby business (L&L Automotive, 1928 Guava Drive) was mowing his yard and noticed smoke coming from 1904 Hibiscus. Mr. Lustgraaf ran across the railroad tracks, across Hibiscus Drive and into the lot where the burning RV was located. Mr. Lustgraaf then pounded on the door, which woke the sleeping occupant of the RV, who was unaware of the fire. The RV had no working smoke alarm. After the occupant was assisted outside to safety, Mr. Lustrgraaf then attempted to extinguish
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the fire with an extinguisher. Upon arrival of Edgewater Fire Rescue crews, there was heavy fire in the rear of the RV. The fire was quickly extinguished and the occupant was unharmed. There were three nearby trailers and RVs, but none sustained damage. The occupant has been displaced from the RV and lost most of his belongings. A cat was able to escape the fire unharmed. The occupant is being cared for by family. The cause was determined to be accidental, related to an overloaded electrical outlet. Apparatus on scene included E55, E57, R55, Fire Marshal 55, Division 55, Chief 55, as well as New Smyrna Beach E50. - JILL DANIGEL
FF/EMT ALEX IHRIG
Crews were forced to stabilize the sedan during the entire extrication.
Two serious vehicle crashes within days of each other in Immokalee The month of March started off busy for ImmFire firefighters as they respond to a couple of serious afternoon motor vehicle crashes. The tranquility of a lazy quite Sunday afternoon on March 1st quickly ended when Collier Control dispatched Zone 30 units to a head-on collision on State Rd. 29 South. First due ImmFire Engine 30 (EN30) and Collier County EMS Medic 30 (M030) arrived on the scene to find two vehicles with heavy damage sprawled across the two-lane highway just outside of the town. Both the black Chevy Corvette and grey Toyota sedan still had the occupants sitting inside their vehicles with injuries centered around
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their necks and backs. The driver of the Corvette also sustained a laceration to his forehead after striking the windshield. Emergency workers treated on scene a total of three patients, who later transported to NCH North Collier Hospital ground ambulance. Collier County Sheriff deputies and the Florida Highway Patrol conducted the crash investigation. Just two days later on the afternoon of Tuesday March 3rd, ImmFire personnel once again responded to another serious crash, this time however, it involved a semi truck versus a sedan. Upon
their arrival to the scene, Rescue 31 crew members reported a sedan laying precariously in the embankment, where it came to rest after the impact, with the driver trapped inside. Personnel immediately began the task of shoring up and securing the vehicle to avoid its tipping over during the extrication. Upon the successful extrication of the female driver, CCEMS paramedics quickly flew her to Lee Memorial Trauma Center via CCEMS Medflight helicopter as a declared “Trauma Alert.” The driver of the semi was uninjured in the crash. Collier deputies and FHP investigated the crash - ARMANDO NEGRIN
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
ASHLEY LOPEZ ALESHA ARNOLD
Bronson battles RV, brush fire Bronson, FL. At 1:42 p.m. on Monday, March 16th, 2015 Levy County 911 Communications Center received a call of a RV fire located on Northeast 86th Street in Bronson, Florida. Levy County sherriff’s deputies, Bronson Fire Department, Levy County Department of Public Safety Battalion-1, Battalion-10, Rescue 3 (Inglis/Yankeetown), Engine FT40 (Public
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Safety Complex), and Squad 11 (Morriston), Williston Fire Department, and Alachua County Fire Rescue responded. Bronson units discovered a fully involved RV with flames spreading quickly into the nearby
wooded area and surrounding a mobile home. Command requested resources from the Florida Forestry Service to assist. Crews worked together to contain the fire and protect the nearby residence. Division of Forestry was on scene to investigate the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. - ALESHA ARNOLD
Silver Springs crash results in three trauma alerts Ocala, FL. On February 16, 2015, a multi-agency effort unfolded at the 4600 block of East Silver Springs Boulevard, where a hit and run resulted in three trauma alerts. At approximately 3:15 p.m.; Ocala Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue and the Ocala Police Department were dispatched to the scene, where a compact sedan impacted a Kia Soul, leaving its driver and passengers, two minors, in need of immediate medical assistance. OFR firefighters rapidly worked on extricating the individuals from the Kia. The driver and
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one minor were transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, while the other minor was airlifted to Shands Hospital. Officials from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, who were in the area, assisted in detaining the drive,r who attempted to flee the scene while agents from the Department of Transportation aided with the traffic congestion. -ASHLEY LOPEZ
JILL DANIGEL
Edgewater, Red Cross initiative On Saturday, March 14th, Edgewater Fire Rescue once again partnered with the Red Cross to distribute smoke alarms, batteries and fire safety literature to residents of our community’s mobile home parks. This was the culmination of several months of visiting seven mobile home parks in Edgewater. A total of 99 smoke alarms and 26 batteries were installed during this initiative. Existing smoke alarms were checked to make sure
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they were functioning properly. Those found with no smoke alarms were provided with one. In addition, fire safety literature was provided. Working smoke alarms are proven to save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five home
fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. No smoke detectors were present in more than one-third of the home fire deaths. From 2007-2011, smoke alarms sounded in half of the home fires reported to fire departments in the United States. - JILL DANIGEL
CHRIS DILLEY
Gilchrist County Fire 1 ladder training Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Fire 1 students conducted ladder training on Saturday, February 21, 2015. For the training, a 75 foot ladder truck from Cedar Key was used for the aerial ladder training. In addition to the ladder truck, ground ladders were also used for the drill/training event.
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
PAgE 27
FLORIDA
LT. CHAD CHORAK
Seminole County EMS/Fire/Rescue responds to two alarm luxury motor coach fire
ANDREW POPICK
Seminole County EMS/Fire/Rescue responded to a luxury motor coach fire the morning of March 9th at 4:30 a.m. Heavy smoke and flames were visible upon arrival. Luxury motor coaches were on fire outside of the warehouse. The warehouse was also an immediate exposure with heavy fire impinging on the roll up doors. Three diesel tanks ruptured
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and rolled downhill igniting an additional motor coach. A total of six luxury motor coaches were destroyed in the fire and an additional five had radiant heat damage. An estimated 300-400 gallons of diesel either burned or leaked
during the firefight. The fire was extinguished after approximately one and a half hours. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating and estimated six million dollars in loss and 15 million in property saved. Sanford, Lake Mary and Longwood Fire Departments also responded to the incident. - PAULA RITCHEY
Construction equipment fire for Davie Davie Fire Rescue Department, E-91 responded to and extinguished an excavator fire that occurred in thick muck on January 20, 2015.
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ASHLEY LOPEZ
Ocala vehicle crash results in fire Ocala, FL. On March 13, 2015, Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle accident involving three automobiles in the 400th block of North Pine Avenue. The cars collided on the southbound lane of the aforementioned avenue. Airbags of the rear vehicle deployed upon impact. Moments later, the driver noticed black smoke emerging from
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the dash and evacuated the car. Flames erupted from the dash area as first responders arrived on scene. Firefighters extinguished the fire, while paramedics assessed the individuals involved. Ocala Fire Rescue collabo-
rated with Marion County Fire Rescue units, who were already on Pine Avenue. The front and middle vehicles sustained minor damages. The accident did not result in any patient transports or major injuries reported. - ASHLEY LOPEZ
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
Firefighters fight another house fire in Leesburg
DAVID KNOWLES
MVA with rollover in Levy County At 1:34 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10th, 2015, the Levy County 911 Communications Center received a call reporting a motor vehicle accident involving a rollover with ejection of the vehicle’s occupant on U.S. Highway 19 near the Sheriff’s Youth Camp. Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Levy County Department of Public Safety Battalion 1, Battalion 10, Squad 3 (Yankeetown), Squad 11 (Morriston), Rescue 10 (Williston), and Rescue 5 (Cedar Key) responded with Florida Highway Patrol to the scene. Units arrived to a collision in-
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volving a semi truck and tractor and sedan. Members worked to quickly assess all occupants of the vehicles and any hazards. Air support was requested. One patient was transported to the nearby landing zone by LCDPS ground unit where care was transferred to ShandsCair for transport to Ocala Regional Medical Center. - DaViD knoWles
Leesburg, FL. Lake County firefighters and Leesburg firefighters encountered yet another house fire on February 15th. This is the tenth blaze to break out in just under two weeks in Lake County. 911 calls came JUMP TO FILE # in just after 5 p.m. #021715105 on Sunday with reports of smoke coming from the roof of the house. Firefighters from Leesburg arrived within five minutes to find fire shooting from the roof of the house on Velma Terrace in the unincorporated Leesburg area. Lake County and Leesburg firefighters worked for 40 minutes to bring the fire under control. “The initial cause of the fire points to a pot or items left on the stove” explains Lt. Brian Gamble, Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Lake County. “The homeowner had left and gone to the store and the fire started.” Two dogs escaped the flames and smoke and no one was injured from the fire. “Firefighters were able to get a quick knock down on the fire and save the majority of the home. First arriving firefighters
PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS OF LAKE COUNTY
top priority was search and rescue when they arrived. We had several cars in the drive way but no one could confirm if anyone was home or not” Gamble states. This house fire marks the tenth house fire in just under 14 days. “Lake County firefighters respond to a fire about every 12 hours on average. However, it seems these past 14 days have
been busier than normal. Fortunately no one has been hurt or killed during this outbreak of fires”. Firefighters from Lake County, Leesburg, and Fruitland Park responded to the house fire. - Professional firefighters of lake County
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
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Brush fire near Kennedy Estates in Jupiter On March 22, crews from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Battalion 1 responded to reports of a brush fire near the 6900 block of 174th Street North in the Jupiter area. Callers reported visible flames and smoke just east of Interstate 95 in the Jupiter Commerce Park area. Firefighters reported a brush fire in a commercial area located behind Kennedy Estates in a 30 acre heavily wooded/brush area with limited access. Working throughout the evening with the Florida Division of Forestry, crews were able to contain this fire. Remaining hot spots were extinguished by midday Monday. It is estimated that approximately five acres had burned.
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PagE 29
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
Blackhawk crashes in Florida Panhandle
DANNY FUREIGH
At 2:14 a.m. on March 11th, the Navarre Beach Fire Department along with the Holley Navarre Fire Department received the initial call for a helicopter crash. Once units were enroute, further information provided it was a military helicopter that had reportedly crashed in the Santa Rosa Sound. Navarre Beach Fire responded to the south shoreline with a 4x4 vehicle and waverunner. Holley Navarre Fire responded to the north shoreline. Navarre Beach Fire was unable to make access due to rough terrain and were reassigned to assist Deputy Chief 49 with a search and rescue aboard his personal boat. Holley Navarre Battalion 40 advised that Holley Navarre Fire found some wreckage and human remains at the same time Navarre Beach Fire begin finding the same in the water. Navarre Beach Fire Dept Chief Mike Howard began setting up the
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unified command as this was to be a large scale multi-agency event. Visibility was extremely poor due to heavy fog in the area hindering the search process. Throughout the night, crews recovered wreckage and continued to daybreak, at which time, a large mass of agencies arrived including media from all over the country. Crews continued the search and rescue process for several hours until all recovery efforts were assumed by the military. This incident taxed the area as to be expected, and of course, communications proved to be a major hurdle, but at a local level. the incident went extremely well. Our prayers are with the crew and their families. - DANNY FUREIGH
Recovered landing gear
Chief Cardona being pinned by his comrades in a ceremony in Columbia.
CSFD
Coral Springs EMS chief trains firefighters in Columbia CHRIS DILLEY
Heilbronn Springs trains with the Florida Army National Guard Firefighters from Heilbronn Springs Fire Rescue conducted a joint training event with soldiers from the 111th Aviation Regiment, Florida Army National Guard on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. Topics for the training included aircraft familiarization on the CH-47 Chinook, UH-60 Blackhawk, and the UH-72 Lakota. The purpose of the training was to teach firefighters how to operate around the aircraft safely, and how to make entry and perform aircrew and passenger extrication if they had to respond to a downed aircraft incident.
Division Chief Juan Cardona traveled to Colombia on March 4th, 2015 as part of a collaborative effort designed to bring high quality fire and EMS training to firefighters in Colombia. The training topic this time was NFPA 1041, Fire Service Instructor 1. The class was held in a 200 year old monastery, on top of a mountain, in a small town called Timana, located in the province of Huila in the central mountainous region of Colombia. The church was temporarily turned into a classroom. The adjacent buildings were conditioned with eating, resting, and sleeping accommodations so that the team of 43 students, four instructors, three logistics officers, and three cooks from all over the country would have everything they needed for the four days of class. Chief Cardona has been spend-
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ing some of his own time and effort for the past three years, traveling two or three times a year to Colombia to offer free fire and EMS training to firefighters in Spanish. The fire service in Colombia is largely comprised of volunteer firefighters, who often times don’t have the resources needed or access to the type of education that we are accustomed to in the United States. “The objective is to continue to bring this type of fire service education to folks who are less fortunate than us”, said Cardona. The Colombian legislation passed a law in 2012 that paves the way for firefighters to become professionals through education, better equipment and the creation of pro-
tocols and standards like those we have in the United States. On March 4th. Division Chief Juan Cardona was made an honorary Captain of the Colombian Fire Service in recognition of his efforts to elevate the level of professionalism of their firefighters. On the same date, the National Director of the Fire Service in Colombia, Captain German Andres Miranda awarded Chief Cardona the medal “Mayor Jose Juaquin Salas”. This commendation, which displays an image of Saint Florian and the colors of the Colombian flag, represents the highest level of recognition given to a firefighter, who has given invaluable work to support the mission of the fire service in Colombia. - MICHAEL MOSER
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April, 2015
PAGE 31
FLORIDA
ALESHA ARNOLD
Structure fire for Levy County At 6:56 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2015, Levy County 911 Communications Center received a call for a structure fire located on Maple Street in Inglis. Levy County sheriff’s deputies, Levy County Department of Public Safety Director David Knowles, ALS-100, Rescue 3 (Inglis/Yankeetown), Engine 3 (Yankeetown), and Engine 11 (Morriston), Inglis Volunteer Fire
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Department, and South Levy Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. LCDPS units discovered a fully involved double-wide mobile home. It was reported that the normally vacant home may have been occupied by homeless individuals
and crews underwent search and rescue operations to confirm vacancy of the structure. Crews worked together to extinguish the fire and are still on scene providing overhaul operations as of 1:00 p.m. The fire marshal was notified to investigate the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. - ALESHA ARNOLD
THE CITY OF NORTH LAUDERDALE
North Lauderdale paramedic appointed to EMS Coalition Sub-Committee The City of North Lauderdale has another reason to be proud of its firefighters after one of their battalion chiefs, Bill McGrath, was appointed President of the Broward County Emergency Medical Services Coalition, a Broward County Fire Chief’s Association Sub-Committee.
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS OF LAKE COUNTY
LAURI MCMAHON
New fire boat for Iona-McGregor The Iona-McGregor Fire District would like to announce the receipt of their new fire and rescue boat. The vessel is a 32’ Metal Shark with two 350 engines. It was purchased for $330,000. Part of the cost was offset through a $158,000 grant through the West Coast Inland Navigational District for Assistance to Public Safety. The vessel has multiple functions, which will allow firefighters to provide rescue operations during the day or night, fight boat fires,
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and provide dive rescues. It has the capacity for 14 individuals with room for one patient on a backboard inside the cabin with room for others sitting and room for two patients outside. It comes with navigational equipment such as infrared cameras, a low-light camera, and map and radar overlays which will help
When Wh hen seconds sec co cond onds nd ds matter. ma atter. at r.
find vessels at night. The new vessel replaces a 26’ Seahawk that has been in service for over 25 years and was in desperate need of replacing. This boat far surpasses the capabilities of the old vessel and will allow firefighters to efficiently and more effectively provide water operations to the residents of the district and Lee County. - LAURI MCMAHON
Lake battles early morning blaze Okahumpka, FL. Lake County FireďŹ ghters battled an early morning ďŹ re on February 5. A little after 2 a.m. last night, a house caught ďŹ re on Main Street in Okahumpka. Lake County ďŹ reďŹ ghters and LeesburgfFireďŹ ghters quickly responded to the blaze. FireďŹ ghters arrived to ames shooting out of the house. Gamble continues, “Fortunately no one was home and that prevented injuries or worse. However, unfortunately, when no one is home, that can allow the ďŹ re to burn for a long time before it becomes noticed by a bystander or passerby and results in more dam-
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age to the home. When we arrive to a house on ďŹ re at 2 a.m., we have to assume that normally someone would be inside in most cases, so our ďŹ reďŹ ghters will attempt to do search and rescue as a top priority if the occupants are not waiting for us outside or unaccounted for". Captain Mike Vitta, the Lake County Fire Investigator, is investigating the cause of the blaze. - LAKE COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
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April, 2015
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FLORIDA
Margate Fire Department annual awards Margate, FL. On February 19, 2015, the Margate-Coconut Creek Fire Department held their annual awards ceremony to recognize some of the men and women, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Along with a UMP TO FILE# night of awards, J022515113 newly promoted fire officers were recognized: EMS Division Chief Luis Villar, Captain Oscar Rodriguez, and Captain Manuel Sanchez. Chief Luis Villar has been with the Margate Fire Department for 24 years. He held the rank of lieutenant and captain before his recent promotion to division chief. He received numerous accommodations for Firefighter of the Month, as well as Firefighter of the Year during his career. Along with his degrees in EMS and Fire Science, Chief Villar holds a degree in Nursing. During his nine years with the Margate Fire Department, Captain Manuel Sanchez has been a key component to the success of the department’s ALS Competition team. With numerous First Place finishes, the team is the current two-time Florida Cup Champions in ALS. Captain Sanchez also received numerous Firefighter of the Quarter awards during his career. Captain Oscar Rodriguez has been with the Margate Fire Department for 13 years. He is a member of the FL–USAR Task Force 2 team and received Firefighter of the Year for his rescue efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. He received numerous Firefighter of the Monthsawards and was a member of the ALS Team. Along with the fire department, Captain Rodriguez is an instructor at the University of Miami School of Medicine and with the United States Army Trauma Team. The awards presentation began with recognition of the MargateCoconut Creek ALS Competition team. Firefighter/Paramedic Lorne Brown (team Captain), Lieutenant Vito Labriola, and Captain Manuel Sanchez competed in six of the seven events throughout the State of Florida in Advanced Life Support. They finished in the top three in each of these events, with two of them as an inter-departmental team. Next was the Firefighter of the Quarter award. This award is given to signify acts of honor, bravery, and sacrifice above and beyond the line of duty. Firefighter/Paramedic William Marcello was on vacation at his family’s home when they heard a loud crash outside. He looked out the window to see a vehicle with their hazard lights flashing, but did not appear in any distress. Then, he noticed just beyond that vehicle, in a lake, there were brake lights sticking up from the water. He raced through the yard and over a fence to assess the situation. He made his way into the lake to find the driver searching the vehicle for something, obviously dis-
oriented. The vehicle had stopped sinking and the victim’s head was above the water that had filled the vehicle. Once rescue crews arrived, Firefighter/Paramedic Marcello assisted in patient removal and packaging for transport. For his selfless actions, Firefighter/Paramedic William Marcello was awarded Firefighter of the Quarter. The ceremony continued with the award for Firefighter of the Year. The candidates for this award are selected from the four Firefighter of the Quarter recipients. While on his way to work, Lieutenant Ryan Nemesek noticed a motorist pulling an unresponsive man from his vehicle at the intersection. Lieutenant Nemesek pulled to the side of the road and began to assess the victim. He found the man to be pulseless and was not breathing. He immediately initiated chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilations until Coral Springs Fire Rescue ar-
rived. As they reassessed the victim, he had regained a pulse and still was not breathing. Lieutenant Nemesek assisted the rescue crew in continuing treatment. Lieutenant Ryan Nemesek was awarded the 2014 Firefighter of the Year. The ceremony concluded with the Chief’s Award. This award is given to those who have been a vital part of the department’s direction, growth, and advancement. This year there were three recipients; Lieutenant Robert Ramirez, Captain Matthew Whiteshield, and Nancy Moser. Lieutenant Ramirez is the department’s training officer. He has overcome many obstacles to ensure the department is provided the most up-to-date training possible. With limited resources, he has been able to maintain the requirements set forth by ISO for the department to continue with a Class 1 rating. Captain Matthew Whiteshield
NATALIA BLANCO
The "Crew Award" for their heroic action to rescue two infants from a lake. (left to right) Chief Booker, Fire Marshal Gary, Chief Vassil, Captain Armenis, Lt. Nemesek, Lt. Ramirez, FF/PM Marrero, FF/PM Casino, FF/PM Jimenez
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
CHARLIE ROBBINS
Lehigh Acres car versus bicycle LAFD Station 102 C shift units under the command of Battalion 100, Chief Christensen responded at 9:40 p.m. on February 12th to the area of 610 Williams Avenue for a car versus bicycle. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a male lying in the roadway with serious injuries. He was struck from behind by a Hyundai sedan and thrown over the car with his bike run over by a second vehicle. With no helicopter available, the patient was transported as a trauma alert by Rescue 102 to Lee Memorial Trauma Center.
ASHLEY LOPEZ
Firefighters arrive in three minutes to extinguish vehicle fire Ocala, FL. On March 10, 2015, Ocala Fire Rescue's Engine 1 and Rescue 3 responded at 5:03 p.m. to 2300 SE 441 Avenue, where a vehicle fire was reported. Firefighters arrived at the scene within three minutes to find a red Oldsmobile Bravada with smoke and fire showing from the engine compartment. The fire, which appears to have been caused by a mechanical issue, was under control by 5:12 p.m. No injuries were reported.
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Live fire training in Orange Park The Orange Park Fire Department conducted a live fire training evolution with an acquired structure on Thursday, February 12, 2015. The structure provided several days of training for firefighters from Orange Park, Clay County, and First Coast Navy Fire & Emergency Services. On the final day of training, several fires were started and extinguished throughout the home before the final burn down was conducted.
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April, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
Firefighters stop house fire in Lady Lake
DAVID KNOWLES
Chiefland hosts training Chiefland Fire Department extended an invitation to all fire department members in Levy County for their weekly training. On Monday, March 16, 2015 the training topic was landing zones. ShandsCair brought their new air ambulance to the Chiefland landing zone, where members from Chiefland Fire Department, Levy County Department of Public Safety (LCDPS), and Fanning Springs Fire Department came together to participate in the multi-agency training. Attendees were given informa-
JUMP TO FILE #031815123
tion on the new air ambulance and local residents stopped to see the apparatus. This multi-agency training enhances the skills, safety, and teamwork amongst all involved to provide the best possible service to the citizens and visitors of Levy County. - DAVID KNOWLES
Lady Lake, FL. Firefighters took about 40 minutes to bring a house fire under control in the April Hill’s subdivision in Lady Lake on February 11th. Units from Lake County, The Villages and Fruitland JUMP TO FILE# Park responded to 021215114 assist in the extinguishment. “Our first two trucks found the fire had vented through the roof of the garage and the garage was pretty much consumed” explains Lt. Brian Gamble, Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Lake County. “We had reports of the house possibly still having people inside, so our primary mission was search and rescue when we arrived.” Neighbors broke the windows out looking for the family that lived in the home before the firefighters arrived. “They weren’t sure if they were home. There were two cars in the driveway, so that is a good indication someone may be home.” Firefighters searched the house with thermal imaging cameras in dark black smoke that billowed to the floor. “You literally couldn’t see your hand in front of your face
PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS OF LAKE COUNTY
with smoke that thick” Gamble states. Firefighters did not find anyone in the home. “The garage, kitchen and living room were a loss, but we were able to save most of their belongings, such as clothes and keepsakes. We saved about 70 percent of the house, which is pretty good considering the amount of fire we were facing when we arrived”. Neighbors called in the fire after seeing smoke billowing out of the eves. One neighbor reported seeing fire along the ceiling in the attic when he came over to help.
The home owner had apparently left to run to the store moments before the fire started. Lake County Fire Investigator Captain Mike Vitta investigated the blaze. He believes the fire was caused by an electrical shortage or malfunction in the attic space of the garage. Two cats were still missing and a small chicken coop did not make it. - Professional Firefighters of Lake County
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April, 2015
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May, 2015
1st Responder Newspaper - sE
FLORIDA
99 year old advised of fire escapes unharmed
KEVIN SAXTON
Delray Beach Fire Rescue announces annual awards Delray Beach Fire-Rescue (DBFR) has named Firefighter/Paramedic Joseph Cafone as its 2015 Firefighter of the Year. Firefighter/Paramedic Cafone has been a member of JUMP TO FILE# DBFR for 032515108 eight years. During his career, he has been a part of the Special Operations Team, the Advanced Life Support Competition Team, the Emergency Medical Services Standards Committee, the Awards Committee, and, currently, as the President of the Delray Beach Firefighters Benevolent Fund. The department has also named Information Technol-
ogy Manager Oscar Dominguez as its 2015 Civilian Employee of the Year. Mr. Dominguez has significantly elevated the capabilities of DBFR’s technology and has assisted with implementing and improving many programs within the Department. Finally, DBFR has named Lifeguard Justin Walton as the 2015 Lifeguard of the Year. Lifeguard Walton received this award based upon his heroic efforts to save the life of a man trapped under a capsized boat in July of 2014. His actions were swift and accurate as he sought to free the man, treat him, and facilitate his transport to shore and, ultimately, to the hospital. - KEVIN SAXTON
Ocala, FL. On March 2, 2015, Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a single family home fire reported at 1:00 p.m. on the four hundred block of SW 19th Street. Smoke was visible from the exterior of the structure as firefighters approached JUMP TO FILE# the home. Three fire engine com- 030315103 panies, two rescue units, a squad vehicle, safety officer and battalion chief worked aggressively to contain the fire to the room of origin. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Residents evacuated the building prior to firefighter’s arrival thanks to the warning of passers-by, who noticed the smoke and advised the elder woman to exit. Both occupants, the senior and her dog, were able to exit the home unharmed. - ASHLEY LOPEZ ASHLEY LOPEZ
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1st Responder Newspaper - sE
April, 2015
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FLORIDA
ARMANDO "MANDO" NEGRIN, PIO
Prolonged overhaul kept Firefighters on scene for several hours
Immokalee structure fire displaces family Immokalee, FL On Monday February 9, 2015 just before 4 p.m., ImmFire units were dispatched to a structure fire in Rescue 31’s still. With the fire being just a little over a mile away from their station, first due Rescue 31 firefighters quickly saw the smoke column rising from the tree line surrounding the residential community. Forecasting the situation at hand, R31’s officer for the day Firefighter/EMT Tom Cunningham immediately requested an additional engine company to the scene. Upon arrival, his suspicions were confirmed as he reported a “working fire” with heavy smoke and flames showing from the Cside of the single story residence. Quickly R31’s crew deployed one of the two 200 foot pre-connect off their truck and advanced it to the front door, once there they entered and began their primary search operations and quick attack on the fire. (It was later determined that no one was home when the fire broke out). As R31 personnel began making their way through the living room, second due Engine 30 arrived on scene and followed shortly thereafter by Chief 31; Div. Chief Leo Rodgers, incident command, who was accompanied by Captain 30 the Safety Officer. Quickly, command instructed Engine 30’s crew to advance the second 200 ft. pre-connect off R31 to the C-side of the residence where the fire had originally been reported. However as R31’s crew made their way through the home, personnel reported they were en-
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countering heavy smoke and heat throughout. Operations changed the focus to that of ventilation and instructed the crew to ascend to the roof. A water source to Rescue 31 was established and assistance was provided for Engine 30’s crew, by Engine 32, which by this time had completed most of the roof ventilation work. With the roof vented, conditions inside quickly began to improve giving firefighters the upper hand needed to achieve a “knock down”. North Collier Fire Rescue Engine 12 arrived on scene, its crew assumed interior operations allowing R31s personnel to benefit from some much needed rehab after working tediously inside for some time. Shortly after ‘knock down,” the salvage and overhaul operations were prolonged due to numerous hot spots found still lurking in the attic space throughout the home. The cause of the fire was later to be determined the result of faulty ceiling light fixture in the rear of the home. The Red Cross arrived on the scene and aided the now displaced family. Units on scene: ImmFire Rescue 31, Engines 30 & 32, Chief 31 “IC” and Captain 30 “Safety” PIO 30, Mutual Aid Engine 12 (NCFR), Rehab Medic 31 (CCEMS), Collier Sheriff (CCSO) - ARMANDO NEGRIN
JILL DANIGEL
Motor vehicle crash in City of Edgewater Shortly after 3 p.m. on February 10th, Edgewater Fire Rescue units were dispatched to respond to a report of a two vehicle motor vehicle crash, possibly involving one vehicle which had rolled over. Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle on it’s roof and another upright nearby. The two occupants of the rolled over vehicle were assisted
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out of the vehicle by a bystander prior to the arrival of Edgewater units. The sole occupant of the second vehicle was also out of the vehicle. Two patients were transported to
Bert Fish Medical Center by Edgewater Fire Rescue. The third patient was treated on scene and not transported. One lane of southbound US 1 in the area was closed for approximately 30 minutes. All lanes are now open. - JILL DANIGEL
C. RAMBOSK
North Collier Fire Rescue hires 17 North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District recently welcomed 17 new firefighters. The firefighters all hold EMT and/or paramedic licenses. They will be in recruit training for seven weeks before going on shift.
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