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FULLY-INVOLVED FIRE DESTROYS DAYTONA BEACH CHURCH
SASHA STATON
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to a large working structure fire at a beachside Church in Daytona Beach late in the night on June 16th. The fire that started in the Calvary Baptist Church quickly spread throughout the building, leaving multiple engines from Daytona Beach Fire Department, Holly Hill Fire Department and Ormond Beach Fire Department working throughout the night and into the morning to get control of the fire. - See full story on page 8
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August, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
SHANE SHIFFLETT BCFES
Rockdale County Ladder 1 is a 2015 Sutphen SP-95 2000/300/95', #HS-5437.
Chief Howell & FF/EMT Tomko
BCFES Names Employee of the Quarter BRYAN COUNTY, GA - Firefighter/EMT Kevin Tomko has been named the “Employee of the Quarter” for the 2nd Quarter of 2021. FF/EMT Tomko is with A Shift South Battalion Station 1. He was nominated by several BCFES members and following are direct quotes from those who nominated him. "He’s been very proactive with instructing our training. He’s also been very informative through his experience of being at Savannah & other departments. Never seen him in a bad mood he’s always in high spirits." "Kevin is an exemplary employee that is always willing to put forth the extra effort to get tasks done. Kevin goes above and beyond to assist in teaching and helping better his coworkers. Not only does Kevin work hard within the department, he goes one step further by assisting anywhere he can outside the department; for example he recently took his own time and money to bring food and
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1st Responder News water to firefighters undergoing the search and rescue efforts in the Miami building collapse." "Kevin always has a smile on and he is always willing to help out wherever he can." "Kevin steps up on and off shift. Always asking his commanding officers what next and taking on tasks without even being told. This award is well deserved and we are lucky to have him as a member of this department." "FF Tomko is a great asset not just to his shift but the department overall. He works well on all shifts and contributes to a positive attitude and motivates those around him." FF/EMT Tomko is a definite asset to BCFES and we congratulate him on a JOB WELL DONE! - FREDDY HOWELL
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23 "Serving since 1988, I’m a retired Assistant Chief from DeKalb County Fire Rescue in Atlanta, GA and current Deputy Chief with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue in Bradenton, FL. The inspiration for this tattoo was to show others my love and dedication for the fire service and riding my Harley Davidson Electra Glide." -Kyle Bradshaw
CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 22 No. 8 - 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 errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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Lt. Jeff Ward (SCFD from Station 12) returning home and hugging his family.
11 Seminole County Fire Personnel Return from Surfside Deployment SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL - Eleven members of Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) were deployed to Surfside (including one female) as part of the Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Task Force 4. They are part of a statewide group formed with the City of Orlando Fire and Orange County Fire as well as other municipalities. In total, there was 42 members who deployed for 10 days.
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August, 2021
1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com
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Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@Belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER
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CORRESPONDENTS ••• Suzanne Boisvert • Albert Borroto • David Burns • Tim Cavender • Willie Cirone • DJ Corcoran • Scott Dakin • Corey Dierdorff • Chris Dilley • Brad Dykens • Joel Gordon • Freddy Howell • Steve Huffman • Michael Hunnicutt • Patrick Juliano • Michael Kane • William King • Heather Langston • Kate Lind • Ashley Lopez • Chuck Lowe • Steve Mapes • Amy Maxwell • Ashley McDonald • Michael Moser • Elisha Pappacoda • Ricky Phillips • Charlie Robbins • Frank Robinson • Steve Rose • Stephen Sabo • Shane Shifflett • Kevin Snider • Ken Snyder • Sasha Staton • Eugene Weber Jr. • Matt Whiteshield
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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 Kentucky: Garry Key, 70 Rank: Acting Chief Incident Date: January 10, 2021 Death Date: February 13, 2021 Fire Department: Zoneton Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Acting Chief Garry Key developed COVID-19 while on-duty from attending mandated fire department meetings and other fire department functions. He passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from the virus. New Jersey: John Jonker, Sr., 80 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 10, 2021 Death Date: February 10, 2021 Fire Department: Erskine Lakes Fire Company #1 Initial Summary: On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Firefighter John Jonker, Sr., participated in a training drill at the fire department. Shortly after returning home, he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. He was unable to be revived and passed away.
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Arkansas: Edward Karriem, 41 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: February 13, 2021 Death Date: February 13, 2021 Fire Department: Little Rock Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Battalion Chief Edward Karriem was the commanding officer at the scene of a residential fire. He was found unresponsive in his vehicle and firefighters immediately performed CPR. He was then transported to the hospital where he later passed away. The cause of his death is under investigation. Pennsylvania: Phillip Craig Ginter, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 20, 2021 Death Date: February 21, 2021 Fire Department: Beavertown Rescue Hose Company Initial Summary: While working a four-alarm fire at a local farm, Firefighter Phillip Craig Ginter became ill as he helped to pump water at a designated fill site. Ginter became unresponsive and had no pulse before
EMS arrived. As a result, responders on scene administered CPR on Ginter. Once EMS arrived, Ginter was transported to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital where he passed away. Pennsylvania: John Evans, 64 Rank: Fire Boat Pilot Incident Date: January 19, 2021 Death Date: February 13, 2021 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: While stationed at his assignment at the Marine Unit, Fire Boat Pilot John Evans contracted COVID-19. He passed away from the virus on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Michigan: Jeff Brozich, 57 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 1, 2021 Death Date: March 1, 2021 Fire Department: Madison Heights Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, March 1, 2021, while on duty at the fire station, Captain Jeff Brozich suffered a heart attack and passed away. Kentucky: Ronald Ingram, 72 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 3, 2021 Death Date: March 3, 2021 Fire Department: Woodford County Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Captain Ronald Ingram was part of a response to a shed fire. Shortly after his arrival onscene, Ingram collapsed. CPR was immediately initiated, and Ingram was then transported to a local hospital where he passed away. Indiana: Martin "Marty" Meyers, 50 Rank: Captain Incident Date: February 9, 2021 Death Date: March 4, 2021 Fire Department: Kokomo Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Captain Martin “Marty” Meyers contracted COVID-19 at the fire department. He passed away from the virus on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
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FLORIDA
LT JIM ROBERTS / MOUNT PLEASANT VFD
Occupant was extricated by Quincy (FL) FD and transported to the hospital for further treatment.
SEAN PARKER
Historic House in Leesburg Catches Fire LEESBURG, FL - On July 2nd, Leesburg Station 61 was notified of a possible structure fire off Sunnyside Drive in Leesburg. Leesburg Engine 61 arrived on scene to find a two-story structure with heavy fire throughout. Engine 61 immediately started a defensive attack with a two-and-a-half inch hand line. Leesburg Battalion 60 arrived on scene and held command. Leesburg Ladder 63 arrived and laid a supply line from the road to Engine 61 while Leesburg Engine 62 remained on the roadway to assist with water supply. Multiple LCFR tankers responded to the scene to assist with rural water supply. Multiple lines were deployed to bring the fire under control. The house was deemed a total loss. No injuries were reported. This house was famously known for being in the movie “Away We Go”. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Crash Involving Two Cars and a School Bus in Quincy QUINCY, FL - At 11:51 A.M. on June 16th, Mount Pleasant Firefighters were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle crash with entrapment at the intersection of Blue Star Highway and Greensboro Highway, near the VStop. This was a joint response with the City Quincy Fire Department. Upon arrival personnel a multiple-vehicle crash involving two passenger vehicles, one with entrapment, and a Gadsden County School Bus. Personnel worked to extricate the driver of one of the pas-
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senger vehicles so they could be assessed and transported to the hospital for further treatment. There were students on the bus at the time of the crash, but none were injured. The bus driver was transported to the hospital as a precaution by EMS. The driver of the third vehicle was not injured. Due to the nature of this crash a large response was initiated with
multiple agencies on scene to include Gadsden EMS, Gadsden School Board, Gadsden Sheriff's Office, Gadsden Emergency Management, Mount Pleasant FD, Quincy FD, Quincy PD, Gretna PD, the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Transportation. Additionally, the Fire Chief of the City of Midway Fire and Rescue Service who was in the area assisted personnel on scene with some Gatorade and drinks for rehab. - JAMES ROBERTS III
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
BUDDY SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our Buddy Shot feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JASON HAYNES
Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Station 65 “C-Shift” takes a group photo after extrication training.
NICOLE HAAGENSON
The strong, fearless women of Indian River County Fire Rescue.
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FLORIDA
Fully-Involved Fire Destroys Daytona Beach Church DAYTONA BEACH, FL Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to a large working structure fire at a beachside Church in Daytona Beach late in the night on June 16th. The fire that started in the Calvary Baptist Church quickly spread JUMP TO FILE# throughout the 070621107 building, leaving multiple engines from Daytona Beach Fire Department, Holly Hill Fire Department and Ormond Beach Fire Department working throughout the night and into the morning to get control of the fire. When firefighters initially made entry into the church they were met with heavy flames and had to switch to a defensive attack mode and exit the building due to the extremely dangerous conditions. Firefighters continued to battle the fully engulfed church from the exterior, working all sides and utilizing two aerial apparatuses to gain an overhead access to the flames. According to a contractor that arrived on scene, this church was not currently in operation and was already scheduled to be demolished. The power to the building had already been disconnected for some time. Traffic in the area had to be diverted and the streets surrounding the building closed as the roof collapsed and the structure became unstable, presenting a danger for vehicles and pedestrians going by. Due to the suspicious nature of this fire and no immediate apparent cause, the State Fire Marshal was requested to conduct a preliminary investigation. Heavy equipment had to be brought in to attempt to make the building structurally safe until demolition begins while the investigation was underway.
SASHA STATON
Daytona Beach Firefighters working a fully-involved church fire on June 16th.
- SASHA STATON
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FLORIDA
Just a few…. FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
SASHA STATON
Visually Impaired Children Visit Daytona Fire Station DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Daytona Beach Firefighters recently welcomed a group of blind and visually impaired children to one of their stations for a visit. Since the children rely mostly on touch and sound, the firefighters used different methods to show them the tools and gear on the truck. The firefighters let the kids feel the tools and listen to the noises they make and also let them sit in the driver's seat of the engine. The children were also able to take turns spraying water.
Recipes don’t have to be complicated to be good. Many times, the best meals are the simplest. A good recipe does not have to read like a dictionary of ingredients. Sometimes all it takes is three quality ingredients, simple execution and a confident cook. Why three ingredients you ask? After three, a recipe can start to get muddled down, resembling more of a hodgepodge of flavor
and textures. Keeping the amount of components to a minimum does a few things. First and foremost it allows the ingredients to shine. This is why choosing quality is of the utmost importance. Organic, fresh produce is best, especially if in season. I highly suggest going to your local farmers markets for fruits and vegetables. It is a great way to learn what grows in your area, which is what usually will taste best. Buy the best meat you can that is within your budget, such as grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork and free-range chicken. Quality meat can make a huge difference when you are cooking it simply with a few other ingredients. You could also shop the local farmers market for this as
well. Using only a few items also helps in keeping costs down, which is always a good thing, especially in the firehouse. It will also allow your budget to be spent on those quality ingredients we just spoke about. And lastly, it helps simplify a recipe, which is important, especially for the new cooks out there. Some recipes can seem daunting with too many steps, which can be discouraging to some. Keeping it simple builds confidence in the kitchen with basic cooking techniques, which will only make you a better cook. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Caprese uses only a few ingredients, making it a quick and easy meal that’s also delicious, especially in the summer!
GRILLED CHICKEN CAPRESE Serves 4 Ingredients: 2 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast, halved (or 4 thin cutlets) 2 Ripe Tomatoes, sliced about ½” thick 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Sea Salt, to taste Black Pepper, to taste 1 tsp. Dried Oregano EVOO 1 Bunch Fresh Basil Procedure: -Preheat the grill to mediumhigh heat. Spray with a nonstick or oil grates. -Drizzle EVOO over chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
SMOKESHOWINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Hudson Firefighters Make a Quick Stop in Maintenance Shop HUDSON, FL - On June 23rd, Pasco County (Hudson) firefighters, under the command of Battalion 1, were dispatched to a maintenance building at 13902 Spaulding Drive that was on fire. Engine 10 was first due and had smoke coming from the one-story building on arrival. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and were able to knock down the fire rather quickly. There were some dangerous flammable chemicals inside, but the fire did not reach the area where they were located. Firefighters were on scene for about 90 minutes checking for hot spots.
-Place chicken on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and top with tomato slices and shredded cheese. Cover the grill and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cooked through to 165° internal temp. -Remove from the grill and drizzle with EVOO. Tear basil leaves on top and serve.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
August, 2021
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FLORIDA
PROVIDED
Smoke alarm for the deaf and hearing impaired, called “bed shakers". TAMARAC FIRE RESCUE
Three-Car Accident with Extrication in Tamarac TAMARAC, FL - An early morning accident on June 15th sent three people to the hospital. The accident occurred at the intersection of Pine Island and 81st Street, where one vehicle ended up into a tree and two others remained on the roadway. Crews from Stations 41 and 15 responded and provided care to patients while Engine 41 began extrication.
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Seminole County FD Offers Free Smoke Alarm Systems and Installations for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL This year, the Seminole County Fire Department was awarded a $177,000 federal grant to provide and install free smoke alarms in homes. Just this year, more than 1,000 free smoke alarms have been installed throughout Seminole County. The Seminole County Fire Department recently partnered with the Lake Mary Fire Department and the American Red Cross in Central Florida to install more than 100 free
JUMP TO FILE #060421105
smoke alarms. Part of that grant also provides 700 smoke alarms for the deaf and hearing impaired – called “bed shakers.” These special alarm systems are activated by the sound of the smoke alarm and vibrate the bed/pillow. “Our Seminole County Fire Department is working hard to let
any deaf or hearing impaired Seminole County resident know, regardless of age, about the availability of this free lifesaving resource we have,” said Seminole County Fire Department Chief Otto Drozd III. “Serving all residents with special needs is imperative in fire prevention and we want to ensure everyone we proudly serve in Seminole County has fire prevention education and the tools they need.” - DOREEN OVERSTREET
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
CHRIS DILLEY
Flagler County Fire Rescue demonstrated their FireFlight helicopter during the Freedom Fest 2021 at Flagler Executive Airport on Saturday, July 3rd. FireFlight is a 1998 Eurocopter AS 350B3 helicopter. The FireFlight helicopter performs fire suppression with a bambi bucket, search and rescue, EMS and law enforcement support missions within Flagler County.
CHUCK LOWE
Kissimmee Engine 1 operated this 1989 Emergency One Hush that had a Vista Cab. Rumor has it that the members were taller back then.
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FLORIDA
CIRONE PHOTOS
North River Fire District Fights Tricky Boat Fire PALMETTO, FL - On July 7th, the morning after Hurricane Elsa ripped through Manatee County with only minor damage, residents on Riverside Drive awoke to smoke in the air. The origin of the smoke turned out to be from a 32-foot boat on a lift at 1313 Riverside Drive. On arrival firefighters found a well involved boat with 100-gallons of fuel on board. The boat was located on a lift at the end of a long dock. It was a long lay out to the incident. Southern Manatee Fire District was eventually called to the scene with their foam trailer.
SMOKESHOWINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Motorcyclist Killed in Front of Firehouse 39 in Hudson HUDSON, FL - A fatal motorcycle accident occurred on July 12th in front of Station 39 at 11630 County Line Rd., in Hudson. The motorcyclist, a 49-year-old Spring Hill man, was killed after a driver turned in front of him and crashed into the motorcycle. According to police, a 74-yearold female made the turn in front of the bike. The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was transported by the Fire Department ambulance where he later died from his injuries.
Bob Long
SASHA STATON
DBFD Helps with Blessing of the Fleet DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The Daytona Beach Fire Department recently assisted their neighboring Rowing Association with a "Blessing of the Fleet". This century-old tradition entails the fleet of new boats to row under an arch of water as they are used for the first time. Daytona Beach firefighters used their Quint to create a raised arch for the rowers as they passed under.
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
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FLORIDA
Retired Daytona Beach Firefighters Reunite DAYTONA BEACH, FL - A group of former firefighters that once proudly served the Daytona Beach Fire Department recently reunited at Fire Station #1. These retirees of various years of JUMP TO FILE# service and ranks 060221103 from Firefighter to Chief shared stories and memories from their days of working for Daytona Beach and enjoyed the opportunity to reminiscence with old friends. - SASHA STATON
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SASHA STATON
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Current Broward County Engine 102
Eric Hoying of East Manatee Fire & Rescue working operations at a recent VMR training.
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IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHUCK LOWE
Polk County operates one heavy rescue out of Station 9 in Bartow. This crew of Heavy 9 will cross staff a pumper assigned to the house if needed. Their current primary apparatus is a 2013 Pierce Velocity.
CHUCK LOWE
Coral Springs - Parkland Fire Rescue operates this 2016 Pierce Velocity 100' platform as Truck 80.
CHUCK LOWE
Fort Lauderdale Engine 16 is located in the City of Wilton Manors. They operate this 2015 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/750/50F.
FRANK ROBINSON
St. Johns County Fire Rescue operates a 2016 Pierce Quantum 1250/750.
August, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
The care of Senior Members Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
I remember years ago, one fire department carried on its rolls people who were senior members. These were men who have served many years. They may not have participated much on the regular runs, but they might have come out for major fires to support the younger crews. They may have brought food or coffee, or they may have watched the pump or help pick up after the fire. The important thing was that these people were still useful and treated with respect. The way that fires were fought may have changed, since they stretched their lines, but listen to the principals. You may find something that has been forgotten that is still very useful. Many times, people are discarded because of their age or physical limitations. I think of fire companies or departments, who may work with a person of special needs. The person may only be able to wash a fire apparatus or perform some task that we may consider menial, but for them, it gives them dignity. I have seen members retire and then lose their identity because they always went to the fire station or knew where the action was, because they were in the middle of it. They may be in their home or in a nursing home but their mind may rekindle the fire from years ago and they get to fight the fire in their memories.
Wait a second, if the old firefighters, the firemen, want to tell their stories, why not write them down. Each town or city has its own history. We can record the firemen telling us the story of the fires and put that on a website as part of the department’s history. We can keep a record of the tools and techniques that were used. We can learn extrication techniques without having to use hydraulic tools of today or how to vent a roof without using a saw. I have never known an axe that would fail to start. I think of people that I know through some of the fire organizations and I am honored to be working with men who are 95-years-old. The older members come up with ideas that the younger people may forget about, the essentials, the fundamentals. A while ago, some young firefighters were so sold on technology. They were being taught about how to call a “mayday”, using their radios. Someone asked a question that most people did not think about: “how do I call a 'mayday' if you lose your portable radio or if it gets damaged”?. One of the senior members recounted that they would look out the window and see if they could find a fire chief or officer. If they could, they would take off their helmet and throw it at the chief or officer and see if they could hit them with the helmet. They said it was a sure way to get their attention. Each one of us has value at all times. Let us continue to stay in touch with the people who should have our respect. These people are the reason why so many people wanted to be a firefighter or work in public safety and serve our fellow man. Right now, we have many senior members who may not be able to
leave their homes, or are in nursing homes or have other challenges. Are these people now forgotten? How about doing a rotation on visiting them? Take your company or department roster, have people sign up so that the member has a visitor at least every weekend. Check to verify that your chaplain is making their rounds to visit and stay in touch with the senior members. By visiting, you may be able to help the senior member continue to get benefits that they have earned for their service. You may really bring a smile to them and stay such a meaningful part of the family’s life. I know plenty of senior members who may know or have known almost everyone in town, but today they may not be able to get out. They may be restricted as to where they may go. They may be restricted to a bed, a room or a facility. Please put yourself in their place. How would you feel? Bored, lonely, forgotten? I know that you may have other people who may want to join in a conversation, if in a nursing home, so allow for that in your time visiting. Your visit brings smiles to people’s faces and you brighten their days. To my senior members, I say thank you. To Uncle Emil, Walt, Chubby, Senior, CC, Big Ed, Dad, thank you for raising me and teaching me. May I always find a way to honor you. Please continue to take care of the senior members. They have put their lives on the line. They may have taught you. They deserve our continued respect and compassion.
FLORIDA
Vehicle News
SMOKESHOWINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
PASCO COUNTY, FL - Two new ladder trucks will soon be joining the front line fleet. Ladder 32 and Ladder 37 are Emergency One Typhoon Quints. They will be stationed in Dade City and Zephyrhills part of the county.
Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
CHUCK LOWE
POLK COUNTY, FL - Polk County Engine 5 operates a 2020 E-One Typhoon. This 1500-GPM pumper carries 1000-gallons of water, 20-gallons of class A and 10-gallons of class B.
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FLORIDA
CIRONE PHOTOS
Smoky Job in Southern Manatee Fire District ONECO, FL - Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue District was called to a commercial fire at 5523 15th Street East, July 14th. On arrival firefighters found one of the attached apartments in the rear on fire. Firefighters kept the fire to the apartment of origin. Third-due personnel hand-jacked LDH to the rear of the building for a feed line. All occupants made it out safely.
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month “feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHUCK LOWE
Volusia County Squad 35's company patch: Keepers of the Corridor.
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FLORIDA
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
LT JIM ROBERTS / MOUNT PLEASANT VFD
During ventilation a flare up in the ceiling required a quick soaking. Assistant Chief Clay Fallis of Mount Pleasant VFD picked up the hose and was able to put out the flare up in short order.
Early Morning Fire Destroys Mobile Home in Quincy
SASHA STATON
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The Daytona Beach Fire Department recently welcomed a new Fire Chaplain, D’Arthur Wilcox, Jr., to the department. Chaplain Wilcox previously served as a Firefighter for the Daytona Beach Fire Department in the 1970’s and has returned to proudly serve the department once again as Chaplain.
QUINCY, FL - At 4:48 A.M. on June 24th, Mount Pleasant Firefighters were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the Robertsville area. This was a joint response with the Robertsville Vol. Fire Department and the City of Quincy Fire Department. Upon arrival personnel found a double-wide mobile with fire through the roof in the center of the home. Robertsville VFD and Quincy FD personnel pulled lines and began the initial attack while Mount Pleasant supplied water to
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Quincy FD, who were conducting interior operations. Personnel were able to get a quick knock down on the fire and began ventilating the structure. The fire used the small attic space to move throughout the home. During ventilation additional small fires flared up and were quickly extinguished. The residents advised that they were asleep and woke to a smoke filled structure. As they exited the
home they observed fire in the kitchen area that appeared to be coming from the ceiling. Once evacuated the call went into 9-1-1 to report the fire. All of the residents were out of the home and uninjured, which is fortunate because they reported that the installed smoke detectors failed to activate. The American Red Cross was contacted to respond to provide assistance to the displaced residents. - JAMES ROBERTS III
BUDDY SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our Buddy Shot feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
SMOKESHOWINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Fire Guts Mobile Home in Shady Hills SHADY HILLS, FL - Shortly after 9:30 A.M. on a Sunday morning, June 27th, firefighters were called to a home at 15220 Little Ranch Rd., just down the same street as Engine 20's firehouse. Engine 20 and Rescue 20 were first to arrive and quickly went to work. Two lines were utilized and the fire was knocked down very quickly. Tankers arrived on scene to provide a water supply. Several dogs escaped the blaze, except for one that succumbed to the smoke and heat. No other injuries were reported.
CIRONE PHOTOS
City of Bradenton Fire Dept. members Brian Piazza, Pierre Blackwin, Scott Viehman, and Lt. Jonny Turpin pictured after assisting at a recent boat fire.
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80 Years of Fire & Rescue Apparatus in Fairfax County, Virginia: 1923-2003 ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
80 Years of Fire & Rescue Apparatus in Fairfax County, Virginia: 1923-2003 By Peter West and Mike Sanders Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $35.00 This is a soft cover, 8 ½ inch by 11 inch book, that has 176 pages. It is said that a picture is worth 1000 words. This book has over 500 black and white quality photos, most of which are apparatus but with a good number of ambulances included. There are also fire stations, both with and with-
out apparatus in front of them. One thing I can say is that all of the vehicle photos are well positioned as to angle and sun exposure. The only color photos are those on the cover. The two men who put this book together (with a vast number of apparatus photographers) proclaim their dedication by the very fact that they state that the information provided is as correct as can be determined, but they leave open the door that if for some reason there is an error, that they be notified of it. There are 399-square-miles in the county, which has 37 stations including the City of Fairfax. These stations are outlined in the book by number. A vast array of different vintages of apparatus awaits the reader. As an apparatus photographer for 47 years, I can appreciate the models and designs especially of the older trucks which were easier to identify than many of today. There is also an index of manufacturers at the end of the book with page numbers of the respective brands making it easy to look vehicles up. This is a book that is worth the price!
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FLORIDA
DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JASON HAYNES
Members of the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Extrication team honing their skills in the junkyard during the summer heat.
BACKSTOP
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IIHS: Rear Automated Emergency Braking Is Standout Safety Feature • Based on insurance claims for some vehicles, IIHS said rear AEB can reduce damage liability claims by 28 percent, while a backup camera or those beeping sensors reduce that by just 5 percent.
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TENNESSEE
Rutherford County EMS Moves to 24/72 Shifts for Employees to Promote Better Work-Life Balance RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) recently made the decision to change to 24 hours on and 72 hours off shifts for Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTS) and Paramedics. The change is expected to take effect in mid-September. “We saw an opportunity to step out as one of the first EMS departments in the country to move to this shift with the main goal of providing our employees ample time between shifts to decompress,” said RCEMS Director Carl Hudgens. “EMS is not a regular 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and never has been, but the previous 24-hour on/48-hour off shifts were not allowing our personnel to effectively balance their work/life responsibilities and time,” said Hudgens. “At RCEMS, our employees and their families are extremely important to us and we
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want to make sure we’re taking care of our own so that they can be who they need to be when it’s time to go home each day.” County Commissioners voted to move to the shift change effective July 1st. Mayor Bill Ketron’s request to give employees a four percent pay increase was also approved. RCEMS employees, if eligible, could receive up to a 5.75 percent pay increase. “We have some of the best first responders in the state of Tennessee,” said Mayor Ketron. “I happen to think some of the best in the country! We want to ensure that we are providing them with benefits that positively impact their careers and families respectively.” “We are certainly thankful for Mayor Ketron and our County Commissioners and their support
of all public safety personnel,” added Hudgens. “We are also grateful to our Public Safety Committee, chaired by Commissioner Pettus Read, for the assistance in developing our plan.” With EMS departments all across the country experiencing a shortage of personnel and qualified or even interested applicants, Director Hudgens and RCEMS staff are hoping that this new change, along with the long list of additional benefits, will draw a diverse group of qualified candidates to serve Rutherford County. “In addition to the upcoming shift change, we provide our personnel with excellent benefits including insurance and retirement, adequate personal time off, and multiple opportunities for advancement,” commented Hudgens. “There are other future progressive changes in the works as well.” - ASHLEY MCDONALD
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If you have photos you would like to see in our “Apparatus in Action” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
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August, 2021
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ALABAMA
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our Working Faces feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JONATHAN LEDBETTER, PIO ONEONTA FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
Oneonta Fire & Rescue Service FF/Advanced EMT, Josh Lozinski.
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