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MAY, 2016
LEHIGH ACRES WORKS 15 ACRE WILDFIRE
CHARLIE ROBBINS
FL - At 4:28 p.m. on April 19th, LAFD Stations 105, 102 and Battalion 100, Chief Christensen, were dispatched by Lee Control to the area of 926 Eisenhower Boulevard for a reported outside fire. Upon arrival, Tender 105 advised they had approximately one acre of heavy fuel involved and the fire had already jumped Eisenhower Boulevard and was threatening several residential structures. - See full story on page 18
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
TENNESSEE
BRUCE GARNER
Barn fire under investigation
Chattanooga, TN. Chattanooga firefighters responded to a barn fire at 2882 Harrison Pike around 9:30 a.m. on April 1. The old barn is located on city property, at the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. Firefighters with five fire companies used hand held hose lines inside and outside the barn and got the fire under control in roughly 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
BRUCE GARNER
St. Elmo fire displaces family of three Chattanooga, TN. No injuries were reported in connection with a house fire on March 21 in East Lake. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 2:42 p.m. and responded to 3001 15th Avenue with four companies. The first firefighters on the scene from Station 9 reported that they had a full blown structure fire. They quickly made entry into the house to search for victims. Fortunately the lone woman in the house managed to get out of the structure uninjured. Seeing the magnitude of the fire, Battalion Chief Chris Willmore called for a fifth fire company to bring in additional personnel and equipment. The fire spread very quickly and when it broke through the roof, Chief Willmore ordered
JUMP TO FILE #032416103 the firefighters out of the structure for their own safety. The firefighters worked to contain the fire from the outside, using handheld hoselines and "deck guns" from the fire apparatus. It took the firefighters roughly an hour to get the blaze under control. The house will be considered a total loss. The house was described as a group home for three adults. One one of the adults was reportedly there when the fire broke out. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were asked to respond to the scene to assist the three people displaced by
the fire. Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and EPB also provided assistance on the scene. The cause of this fire has been ruled accidental. Captain Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division said the fire was most likely caused by improperly discarded cigarette butts. The only resident who was in the house at the time told Captain McElvain that she emptied some cigarette butts into a trash bag, and then put the bag in a trash can on the back porch. Captain McElvain said that's where the fire appears to have started. The dollar loss has been estimated at $95,000 for the building and its contents. - BRUCE GARNER
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
DJ CORCORAN
Report of fire in Knoxville At 1:37 p.m. on April 7th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 3517 Lyle Ave. for report of a fire, called in by a neighbor. When fire crews arrived, they found smoke coming from the eves of the home, and a partially burned electrical wire dangling from the structure and utility pole. Firefighter searched for any potential victims inside the home. None were found. The home appeared to be under renovation. A quick response by firefighters limited the damage to the attic area with some interior ceiling damage. Fire investigators determined that heavy winds blew the power lines connected to the home, into the metal flashing of a fascia-board causing an arc, which started the fire. No injuries were reported.
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Camden (TN) Fire Department's Special Operations unit once saw service in South Holland, IL.
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May, 2016
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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
May, 2016
ADVERTISER INDEX
TENNESSEE
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ASHLEY MCDONALD
MFRD responds to roof fire at General Mills
Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Ladders 1, 2, and 9, Engine 1, and Rescues 2 and 9 responded to the main building of General Mills at 2533 General Mills Way just after 9:30 a.m. on April 20. Crews arrived on scene to discover smoke on the roof. All employees were evacuated prior to MFRD arrival. Firefighters used a saw to cut through the roof deck and were able to locate the fire. They extinguished the fire, checked for hotspots and extensions, and communicated that all fire was out.According to Acting Shift Commander Raymond Smith, it is possible that the fire started due to maintenance work on the roof. However, MFRD’s Fire Marshal’s Office was on scene to conduct a routine investigation.
ASHLEY MCDONALD
MFRD responds to silo fire
Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Ladder 9, Rescue 9, Engine 5, and brush trucks from Stations 2 and 6 responded to a silo fire at the dead end of Covenant Boulevard just before 7:30 a.m. on March 24. Crews found heavy smoke exiting the silo. According to Captain/Shift Inspector Mark McCluskey, the land in that area is in the process of being developed. A nearby construction crew assisted firefighters with clearing a pathway for easier access. “We used at least 3,000 gallons of water to knock down the flames,” said McCluskey. “Once the flames were down, we covered the contents of the silo with foam.”
31 29 3
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DJ CORCORAN
Neighbors in Knoxville report fire At 3:50 p.m. on March 25th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 2626 Carson Ave., after neighbors called 911. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the structure. Fire crews forced entry into the home through the front door to search for any possible victims and to find the source of the smoke. During a primary and secondary search, no persons were found. The location of the fire was determined to be between the ceiling in the basement, and the main floor of the home. Fire had traveled up an interior wall and gained access into the attic. A quick response by firefighters, limited the damage to the areas mentioned. The home was in the process of changing ownership, and power had just been turned on in the new owners name. Fire investigators are on the scene to determine the cause. No injuries were reported.
DJ CORCORAN
Fire breaches roof
At 6:25 p.m. on March 18th, neighbors to 1919 Prospect Pl. called 911 to report a neighbor’s house on fire. When firefighters arrived, they forced entry through the front door when they found fire already breaching the roof. A primary and secondary search for any victims was completed with none found. Fire crews made their way up the interior steps with charged hose lines to a scuttle hole, gaining access to the attic. The tenant returned after neighbors contacted her via cell phone at a nearby eatery. A quick response by the Knoxville Fire Department limited the fire damage to the attic area. Ladder crews quickly covered the tenants’ belongings downstairs with tarps to reduce the damage. Fire investigators determined that the fire appears to be accidental and electrical in nature. No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross is assisting the tenant.
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May, 2016
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May, 2016
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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: David W. Conley, 48 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: February 10, 2016 Death Date: February 10, 2016 Fire Department: Olive Hill Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Conley fell ill from an apparent heart attack while on-duty at the fire station. Conley was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital in Morehead, KY, where he succumbed to his injury.
ambulance. Within two minutes of going into the bay and while on the bay floor, Larlee fell ill. Captain Larlee was treated by fellow first responders, but passed away at the scene from injuries sustained.
Pennsylvania: Earl J. Shoemaker, 68 Rank: Firefighter/Safety Officer Incident Date: March 12, 2016 Death Date: March 12, 2016 Fire Department: Eagle Fire Company #2 – Hanover Fire Department Kansas: Daniel F. Cool, 71 Initial Summary: Firefighter Shoemaker was reRank: Assistant Fire Chief sponding to the scene of a house fire on the 500 Incident Date: February 11, 2016 block of Pumping Station Road when he became ill. Death Date: February 14, 2016 The mobile air unit apparatus he was operating left Fire Department: Olive Hill Fire Department the roadway (Brunswick DR) and came to a stop Initial Summary: Assistant Fire Chief Cool re- several hundred feet away. Shoemaker, alone in the sponded to an emergency incident on the morning apparatus at the time, was rescued by local residents of February 11th. Later that day, he attended a train- and fellow first responders. He was then transported ing meeting and collapsed suddenly from a heart at- to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased tack. Chief Cool was admitted to St. Francis from a cardiac related injury. Hospital in Topeka, KS, where he succumbed to his injury early in the morning of February 14th. South Carolina: Christopher Gene Ray, 42 Rank: Firefighter II California: Shawna Lynn Jones, 22 Incident Date: March 20, 2016 Rank: Inmate Firefighter Death Date: March 20, 2016 Incident Date: February 25, 2016 Fire Department: Conway Fire Rescue Death Date: February 26, 2016 Initial Summary: Firefighter II Ray was operating Fire Department: CAL FIRE on the scene of a working residential structure fire Initial Summary: Inmate Firefighter Jones was when he was struck and killed by a fire engine. Acworking as part of a hand crew in a steep ravine on cording to a preliminary description of the incident a fire in Agoura Hills-Malibu, California, when a from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Ray was large rock fell about 100 feet from the hillside above riding on a Conway fire engine when he fell off and and struck her in the head. Firefighter Jones was was struck as the fire truck reversed over him. The treated immediately on scene by her fellow fire- incident remains under investigation by local and fighters and quickly hoisted into a Los Angeles state authorities. County Fire Department helicopter then airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, where she succumbed to her Texas: Marco Davila, 45 injuries the following day. Thanks to firefighters on Rank: Driver/Engineer the ground combined with air attacks, the fire was Incident Date: March 23, 2016 brought under control and no structures were lost. Death Date: March 23, 2016 Investigation into the cause of the fire continues by Fire Department: Dallas Fire-Rescue Departlocal and state authorities. ment Initial Summary: Driver/Engineer Davila fell ill Maine: Peter Larlee, 57 while exercising at his residence several hours after Rank: Captain coming off of his shift at the fire department and Incident Date: March 2, 2016 within 24 hours of responding to an emergency reDeath Date: March 2, 2016 sponse incident. Davila succumbed at the hospital Fire Department: East Millinocket Fire Depart- several hours later from a nature and cause of fatal ment injury still to be determined. Initial Summary: Within one hour of responding to a medical emergency, Captain Larlee went into the fire department's engine bay to fix a mud flap on an
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May, 2016
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
TENNESSEE
MFRD firefighter “Pays It Forward”
BRUCE GARNER
Firefighters douse fire Chattanooga, TN. Chattanooga firefighters were dispatched to a reported tent fire around 2:30 on April 15th, in the Lupton City area. Upon seeing thick, black smoke from miles away, Captain Brent Arnold with Quint 16 called for a full response. When they arrived at 912 Dixie Circle, Captain Arnold said several tents, a shed, and other materials located in a wooded lot were fully engulfed. The firefighters were able to get the blaze under control in roughly ten minutes. An adult male told firefighters that he was sleeping on a couch in
JUMP TO FILE #041816107 the lot when the fire broke out. He said he tried to put the fire out with a garden hose, but the fire continued to spread. Neighbors saw the fire and called 911. The hair on the man's face appeared to be singed from the fire, but he refused treatment. The cause of fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police also provided assistance. - BRUCE GARNER
Murfreesboro, TN. A Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department firefighter is “paying it forward” by donating his hair to help cancer victims. Fifteen years ago today, Fire- JUMP TO FILE # fighter Matthew 042016115 Young was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He completed two rounds of chemotherapy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and was released on July 2, 2001. For the last two years, Young has been growing his hair to donate to “Children with Hair Loss.” “Because of the cancer, I am unable to donate blood or become an organ donor, but I still wanted to be able to help others fighting the same battle,” said Young. So he went to his barber, Shelly Hartley, at Nate’s Barber Shop. “It took an hour and a half to cut his hair,” said Shelly. “We ended up with a total of 16 ponytails, which should be enough for at least three wigs.” “It just made sense to go ahead and cut it,” said Young. “I’m fortunate that I beat cancer and have gone on to live a happy
and healthy life for the last fifteen years.” Young has been a firefighter with MFRD since September 2006. “We are very proud of all of the men and women in our department who show compassion for
ASHLEY MCDONALD
others both on and off duty,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. “I know Matt got teased a lot for his long hair, but it was for a great cause.” - ASHLEY MCDONALD
BRUCE GARNER
Quick Response Vehicles Chattanooga, TN. Chattanooga started a new pilot program that is designed to enhance responses to medical emergencies in Chattanooga. Three Quick Response Vehicles, or QRVs, will begin responding to medical calls. They will be used in place of the large fire apparatus. Mayor Andy Berke said the QRV program helps move city services toward one of his primary goals, high performing government. The QRVs are specially equipped Ford Explorers, staffed with two firefighters who are trained to the EMT or EMT Advanced level. "We believe the QRVs will allow us to provide a quicker
JUMP TO FILE #022316105 and more efficient response to medical emergencies," said Training Chief Phil Hyman, "and when it comes to medical emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, the quicker you provide care, the better the outcome for the patient." Chief Hyman said, "if successful, we're hoping to further enhance our service by adding more QRVs in the future." - BRUCE GARNER
PROVIDED
Fire damages vacant house in Highland Park Chattanooga, TN. Chattanooga firefighters at Station 5 at 1302 S. Willow Street were just finishing dinner at 7:00 p.m. on March 28th when people in three different cars stopped to report a fire down the street. Captain John Ives with Engine 5 stepped out to look and could see smoke coming from a house just down the street. After notifying the other firefighters at the station and 911 Communications, firefighters with Engine 5 and Ladder 5 re-
JUMP TO FILE #032916103 sponded to 1002 S. Willow Street. Firefighters with Quint 1, Quint 2, Squad 1 and QRV 1 also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the firefighters made an aggressive interior attack on the fire. Captain David Thompson Jr., the incident commander, said they were able to get the fire out in under 15 minutes. Firefighters
were told that no one was living in the house. One firefighter was transported by Hamilton County EMS to Erlanger Medical Center for heat exhaustion. He was expected to be treated and released. Captain Thompson said the fire was mostly contained to the first floor, with moderate to heavy smoke and heat damage to the upstairs portion of the house. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - BRUCE GARNER
May, 2016
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
Apparatus and personal vehicle response safety STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
From dispatch to return to station at the conclusion of the incident, one must maintain a constant vigilance relative to a safe response, be it on apparatus or ones personal vehicle. Each year, firefighters/EMS personnel are killed in motor vehicle crashes with slightly under half of these deaths occurring while responding. I mention only deaths, but how many more were injured? How many civilian injuries and deaths? What was the loss in apparatus and operating expenses? How was the local responding departments insurance impacted? Response can be very deadly and very expensive. Responding to the scene of an emergency, whether driving your personal vehicle or driving an emergency vehicle, requires careful thought and control in order to complete a safe response. In either response mode, you are of no value if you don’t arrive safely. You may further complicate the initial response if you are involved in your own emergency and will now require assistance! The response begins with your size-up, the day of the week, time of day, weather conditions, and vehicle conditions. Is an alternate response route suggested due to prevailing conditions? Do you know where you are going? If not, find out before starting out as you will have other responsibilities and concerns, and the added anxiety that comes with not being sure of your destination will detract you from those responsibilities. When responding in your personal vehicle remember you are not an Emergency Vehicle, rather just another vehicle sharing the road with no special privileges. You must comply with all traffic regulations whether responding to the fire station or directly to the scene of the emergency. The blue light identifies you as a volunteer member of the Fire/EMS department responding to an emergency call. If the driver in front of you is kind enough to yield the right of way, be thankful, the next one may not. Be patient, no matter how important you think you are. Responding with your personal vehicle or driving apparatus, do not pass through red traffic lights, stop signs, do not cross traffic lines or pass unsuspecting motorists, and do not exceed the speed limit. Yield at all yield signs and yield whenever the other driver fails to do so. Should there be a crash, you will be judged by what action you took to avoid the crash, even if you had the right of way. I am oft reminded of an old verse “Here lies the body of Robert Gray, He died maintaining his right of way, He is dead, just as dead, As if he had been wrong!” Reckless driving of your personal vehicle or an emergency vehicle can lead to accidents, and accidents can lead to injury and death. No matter the consequences of injury and/or death, ultimately there will be lawsuits and trials and it is always more difficult than you think to exonerate yourself in
a court of law. Responding while driving an emergency vehicle includes all of the above, and requires additional considerations, skill, and proper mental attitude. Emergency apparatus drivers should be selected upon satisfactory completion of an emergency vehicle operators training program. Just because someone drives a truck for a living does not qualify him or her for a position as an emergency vehicle driver. Mental attitude is as equally important as mastering the driving skills. Some drivers get behind the wheel of an emergency vehicle and think they “own the road,” driving to out race the speed of the siren. They are asking for trouble, an accident waiting to happen, a seat behind the steering wheel is not for them. Emergency vehicle response requires maintaining the apparatus in good mechanical condition, all equipment secured and stored properly, and warning lights and audible sounding devices operating properly. The response begins with dispatch, ensuring all personnel are onboard, in full protective gear, and all secured with seat belts, including you. A slow, cautious exit from the station, which may require personnel to stop vehicular traffic in the street and if so, stopping for them to board and fasten seat belts. Now as you begin your response with your valuable cargo, being alert and driving with caution will be your major concerns. Red warning lights must be on and you must be sounding an audible warning device to be in an Emergency Vehicle mode. Should the response not warrant “lights and siren” then, you are not considered an emergency vehicle and are required to comply with all traffic laws and regulations. When responding as an Emergency Vehicle with “lights and siren,” you may cautiously violate some traffic regulations. You may cross traffic lines and lanes, pass through red traffic signals, and exceed the posted speed limit. My recommendation is DON’T. Never exceed the speed limit while responding; should you be involved in a crash, it will be used against you. Excessive speed does not help to reduce response time; it only increases the risk for crashes, resulting in injury and death. Always stop for red traffic lights and stop signs, looking in all directions before continuing ahead. Look twice! Anticipate vehicles passing vehicles that have stopped to yield you the right of way. Be alert for children playing and their increased excitement as you pass and the potential for them to do the unexpected. Scan all sides of the street for vehicles that may be entering the roadway from residential driveways, shopping malls, etc. Almost everyone is in a hurry today with the radio blasting, preoccupied while they eat, drink, do their hair, read, talk on a cell phone or a myriad of other things. The one thing they may not be doing is paying attention to their driving, adding to your responsibilities for a safe response. Upon your safe arrival at the scene of the emergency (turn your siren and unnecessary lights off!), locate your emergency vehicle according to need,
TENNESSEE
BRUCE GARNER
Arson believed cause of barn fires Chattanooga, TN. On April 8th and for the second time in about a week, Chattanooga firefighters responded to 2882 Harrison Pike to extinguish a barn fire. The first fire involving the dilapidated historic barn on was the morning of April 1, 2016. The fire caused substantial damage to the structure before the firefighters could
JUMP TO FILE #041116107 get the blaze under control. The second fire occurred around 8:30 last night. The firefighters put the fire out quickly. No injuries were reported in either fire. Captain Henry McElvain with
the Fire Investigation Division said both fires appear to have been intentionally set. The barn is located on city property at the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. - BRUCE GARNER
SAMMY SOLOMON
New Market hosts annual Easter Egg Hunt
New Market Fire and Rescue Team had their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26, 2016. On front row is 0-2 age group Rosalie Standifer to the right. 3-5 Ke'shad Carr left front. 6-8 nick William back middle. 9-11 Diane Mannis back left and 12-14 Mackenzie Holstrom back right. department SOP’s, or as directed by an officer. If at all possible, try not to block the road unless that is the intent. Additional apparatus/ambulances may be required and the closer to the scene they can locate, the more efficient. All apparatus should be chocked once at its final destination. Should you have responded to the scene in your personal vehicle; park it out of the way, preferably a half-block or more away. Returning to quarters is done in full
compliance with the traffic laws. No lights, no sirens, and no needless haste, with all passengers riding with their seat belts fastened. When approaching quarters you may wish to turn your warning lights on, come to a complete stop and permit personnel to disembark and control street traffic to facilitate your backing into quarters. Once the apparatus/ambulance is safely in quarters, it is time to prepare for another safe dispatch.
One final subject is BACKING UP. Extreme caution and a guide are required when backing up. Never back up if it can be avoided, many fender bender type crashes occur when backing up, some resulting in injuries and deaths. Remember, whether driving for pleasure or driving an emergency vehicle, driving is a full time chore, requiring your full attention.
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
May, 2016
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GEORGIA
Fire damages Cherokee County home Cherokee County, GA. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Canton Fire Department responded to a fire at 703 Creekwood Lane, off Marble Quarry Road, in Holly Springs shortly after 2 p.m. on the afternoon of April 14th. Special Opera- JUMP TO FILE# tions Chief, Darrell 041416119 Mitchell, arrived on scene to report that the two story house was about 75% involved. Firefighters learned that the residents of the home were out, but there were reports of dogs still inside the house. Firefighters were able to retrieve the three animals from the burning structure. Two-thirds of the house received major damage from the fire and the American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family with housing. Creekwood Lane was completely blocked until the operation was complete. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. - TIM CAVENDER
Structure Fires 2014, Volume 1 VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
Structure Fires, 2014, Volume 1 Alan Simmons Productions
Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite 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 (DVD)
TIM CAVENDER
A Cherokee County firefighter continues to put water on the fire.
This DVD is 55 minutes in length and covers three fire incidents. The first is the Colby fire, which took place in January of that year and started as a result of an illegal campfire, which spread in the morning hours during Santa Ana winds. It took six houses within the first hour and spread a great distance. This was in the area of Glendora in the Angeles National Forest.
Need I say more? It made for some spectacular fire and firefighting by the L.A. City and County Fire Departments assisted by other agencies. A show called air show took place with Canadair Super Scooper’s (air tankers), which jointed the battle. This is followed by two third alarm fires fought by Glendale and Burbank Fire Departments. Both were pretty much “surround and drown” events. The first was in a large bakery/café, which was two stories in height and the fire was throughout thebuilding. Ladder pipes and street streams operated and truck crews opened up roofs to try and check the spread. Ladder pipes and street streams also operated at a strip mall in which most of the occupancies had been compromised. Fire was through the roof in both incidents. The collection of apparatus is impressive. As I have said in the past, there is plenty of fire for everyone. It is a DVD of interest for those who want to see fire operations.
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
GEORGIA
MICHAEL BLACK
Early morning fire proves fatal in Mcdonough Mcdonough, GA. Early morning house fire claimed the life of unidentified male on April 7th. Henry County and the City of McDonough Fire Department’s responded at 7 a.m. to reports of a working house fire. Units arrived on scene and found heavy fire and smoke conditions from a single story residential
JUMP TO FILE #040716105 structure. One victim was removed from the structure and treated and transported to the hospital in critical condition. The victim was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at PHMC.
City of McDonough Fire Investigators are conducting a thorough investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. The fire victim has not been identified by the fire department at this time. - MICHAEL BLACK
CISSY KELLEY
St. Marys Fire Department takes delivery of new trucks On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, the City of St. Marys and the St. Marys Fire Department took delivery of two new custom designed firetrucks from E-One in Ocala, Florida, that have been purchased through FireLine, Inc. Engine-22, a pumper, and Quint-91, an aerial apparatus, are currently at city fire stations, and are in the final stages of being outfitted with fire hose, tools, air packs and other equipment essential to emergency operations. An important goal of the fire department has been to put its men and women in the best situation possible in order to do their jobs safely so they can continue to effectively serve the citizens of St. Marys.
JUMP TO FILE #041816115 In addition to firefighters, water, hoses, ground ladders, etc., these trucks also carry medical equipment including automated external defibrillators (AED’s). The trucks have tremendous pumping capabilities which allow firefighters to apply water to a fire as quickly as possible. This is a critical factor for saving lives and limiting property loss. Chief Robby Horton anticipates the trucks being placed into service in a very short period of time. - CISSY KELLEY
We Buy Used Ambulances! SCOTT DAKIN
Barrow receives two new ambulances Barrow County Emergency Services Chief John Skinner presented two new ambulances to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday March 8th. “The ambulances were delivered to the department on February 9 and went into service on February 15th,” stated Chief Skinner. “They replace two older ambulances and help to keep our fleet with modern and more dependable ambulances. In 2015 this department ran over 6,900 medical calls to assist our citizens. Having quality dependable ambulances for these calls is critical.” The ambulances were pur-
JUMP TO FILE #031616103 chased through Ten-8 Fire Equipment in Forsyth Georgia at a cost of $202,584 each. They are mounted on 2016 Dodge Ram 4500 and are manufactured by Braun Industries. Braun has been manufacturing custom made ambulances for 42 years, with their state of the art manufacturing plant located in Ohio. They are considered to be the best ambulance manufacturer in America.
The new ambulances will operate out of the fire stations located in Bethlehem and Auburn. They were purchased as part of the capital improvement funding in this fiscal year’s budget. We want to thank the Board of Commissioners for approving this purchase,” commented Chief Skinner. “The two ambulances are second to none in quality and the modern features will assist us in delivering quality customer service to our citizens.” - SCOTT DAKIN
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May, 2016
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
ALABAMA
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
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HUNTSVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE
This 1974 ladder which ran in Montgomery, AL is now privately owned in Memphis, TN.
Huntsville responds to house fire Get your personal copy of
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Around 11:00 p.m. on April 2nd, Huntsville Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire on the 2900 block of Hilltop Terrace. When the first engine company arrived on location, they noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway and reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the south east corner windows. The house had security bars on the doors and windows. The crew forced the security door to gain entry and found a patient in the house, who required treatment by Fire EMTs.
JUMP TO FILE #071513129 Fire crews worked simultaneously in extinguishing the fire and ventilating the residence and had the fire contained quickly. The cause of the fire in under investigation. One other patient was transported to the hospital for minor injuries. - HUNTSVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE
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This truck from Ardmore, AL once ran with Gwinnett County, GA.
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TUSCALOOSA FIRE & RESCUE SVCS
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On February 27th, Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service participated in the Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. They won first place in the first responder category.
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This truck from Tuscumbia, AL once ran with Muscle Shoals
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
May, 2016
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ALABAMA
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos you would like to see in our Antique Apparatus feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
HUNTSVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE
Overturned dump truck
On April 19th, Huntsville Fire Hazardous Materials Team was called out to assist Bobo Fire with a dump truck that had overturned on Bobo Section Road. Bobo Fire was able to rescue a man from the wreckage and our hazmat team mitigated the fuel that had spilled from the wreckage. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital to be checked out.
Huntsville's antique Ahrens Fox
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
FLORIDA
LAFD paramedics tend to the motorcycle operator.
CHARLIE ROBBINS
Lehigh Acres motorcycle versus car At 2:57 p.m. on April 4th, Engine 105, Rescue 101 and Battalion 100, Chief Christensen, were dispatched to the intersection of Bell Boulevard South and Ashland Street East for a motorcycle crash. Upon arrival, Engine 105 Lieutenant Lee Liedtke advised they had a car versus motorcycle with a victim down on the side of the road. Rescue 101 paramedics began treating the motorcyclist who was wearing a helmet and body armor,
JUMP TO FILE #040416133 which likely saved his life. A witness to the crash stated the motorcycle was traveling at what he estimated to be 100 miles per hour when a white Chrysler 300 attempted to make a left turn from Bell Boulevard onto Cadis Street East. The motorcycle struck the Chrysler in the right rear corner
sending bike and rider on a nearly one block tumble and slide. The operator ended up nearly a block away near Ashland Street East and his bike came to rest in a nearby canal. Due to his safety equipment, the biker received only moderate injuries and was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital by LAFD Rescue 101. The driver of the Chrysler was not injured. - CHARLIE ROBBINS
DAMON ALLEN
Commercial vehicle fire in Bushnell
Units from Sumter County Fire & EMS (SCFEMS) responded to a tractor trailer fire on southbound Interstate 75 at the 314 exit in Bushnell on March 18th. Battalion Chief 11, Engine 22 and Tender 23 arrived on scene to find fire coming from the rear of the vehicle. Units extinguished the fire quickly, saving the tractor and trailer. The cause is expected as resulting from overheated brakes.
LELAND GREEK
BATTALION CHIEF MIKE INGLETT, VCFR
Deputy Chief Howard Bailey; Firefighter Scott Knudsen; Lt. Kyle Schloss; Firefighter Rhonda Adams and Fire Chief/Director Jeff Smith.
VCFR Squad Engine 46 in service The new Squad Engine 46 now responds to rescue and fire incidents throughout West Volusia County. The apparatus holds a four-person crew, has a 1,500 gpm pump and holds 750 gallons of water with a compressed air foam system
JUMP TO FILE #031016100 (CAFS). Other features include perimeter lighting and a rotating light
tower increasing safety by illuminating the incident scene around the vehicle. Response will be from Station 46 on Glenwood Road in DeLand.
- KATE LIND
Fire at Robbins Manufacturing in Webster Sumter County Fire & EMS responded to a report of a structure fire at Robbins Manufacturing in Webster just after midnight on Tuesday morning, March 29. Upon arrival, crews encountered a small operational equipment building that was fully involved in fire. The fire was brought under control within approximately five minutes after arrival, however, the fire destroyed the building and major operating equipment within the building. The cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature.
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May, 2016
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May, 2016
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FLORIDA
ARMANDO "MANDO" NEGRIN, PIO CHARLIE ROBBINS
Lehigh Acres works 15 acre wildfire At 4:28 p.m. on April 19th, LAFD Stations 105, 102 and Battalion 100, Chief Christensen, were dispatched by Lee Control to the area of 926 Eisenhower Boulevard for a reported outside fire. Upon arrival, Tender 105 advised they had approximately one acre of heavy fuel involved and the fire had already jumped Eisenhower Boulevard and was threatening several residential structures. Upon hearing this information, Battalion 100 requested Engine, Brush and Tender 101 to respond to
JUMP TO FILE #042016104 the fire and advised Engine and Brush 101 to take a position one street west of the fast moving flames to cut off the head of the fire and protect threatened structures. While knocking down flames adjacent to a house, Engine 101 advised command that the fire had jumped the street they were on and to send additional companies as the fire was rapidly advancing west-
ward. At this time, Chief Christensen requested all LAFD units to respond to the fire and also requested a strike team of five brush trucks and a bulldozer from the Florida Department of Forestry. With the arrival of the additional units, the fire was finally contained after approximately one hour and fire apparatus would remain on scene for several hours mopping up hot spots.
This past April, ImmFire personnel successfully completed their annual PAT/Air Consumption testing requirements. The performance based test consisted of seven different fireground activities to be completed within an allotted time frame. In addtion, firefighters were required to complete these tasks in full PPE turnout gear while wearing both an SCBA device and safety harness (aerial) ascending and descending all while on air. Upon the completion of an evolution, the candidate's bottle pressure was recorded and the candidate was directed to the rehab station for both hydration and close monitoring of their overall well being prior to being released.
ASHLEY LOPEZ
CIRONE PHOTOS
- CHARLIE ROBBINS
Flames burst through garage windows in Ocala Ocala, FL. Flames broke through a garage’s windows and buckled it’s door as firefighters made their way to 4023 NE 23rd Place. Ocala Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chiefs 11, Squad 1, Engines 1, 2 and 5, Rescue 2, safety officer, public information officer, and inspectors responded to reports of a structure fire at 4:03 p.m. At 4:11 p.m., the first units arrived to find smoke and flames protruding from the single family home’s garage
JUMP TO FILE #032416105 side windows and roof. The owner, who had evacuated the home prior to firefighter’s arrival, was found safely outside with a dog in arms. Firefighters were advised that there was another dog in the home, as fire knock down began. Auxiliary crew members proceeded with the search of the pet in question. Despite finding the dog
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shortly thereafter, it had been too late. The fire was called under control at 4:39 p.m.; twenty seven minutes after the first unit’s arrival. Firefighters remained on scene ensuring no hotspots were present, and salvaging personal items. Marion County Fire Rescue, and Ocala Police Department officers were also on scene.The cause of the fire is under investigation. - ASHLEY LOPEZ
Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue responds to gas leak Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue responded to Strategic Materials, a recycling business, on East 19th Street on the morning of April 8th. A four inch gas line was leaking, and employees were evacuated a safe distance as firefighters and Teco Utilities attempted to secure the line. The roadway was also closed as a precaution. Firefighters assisted by digging around the line so the gas company could clamp it off. Engine 311-312 and Battalion 3 responded to this incident.
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
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 Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department operates a 2006 Pierce Dash as Hazmat 21.
The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department operates this Pierce as Engine 20
CHRIS DILLEY
FRANK MICO
The City of Melbourne, Florida Code Compliance Division uses this combination of repurposed Rescue Truck (Ford F-550 Diesel) equipped for investigation.
CHRIS DILLEY
The Windsor Fire Department operates a 1994 E-One as Pumper 30. Pumper 30 has a 1250 GPM pump and a 1000 gallon water tank.
May, 2016
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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
May, 2016
FLORIDA
The second hand line is stretched off Engine 102.
CHARLIE ROBBINS
Lehigh Acres fully involved on arrival LAFD Engines 102, 101, 103, Truck 104, Tender 101, Rescue 105 and Acting Battalion Chief Lance Delgado were dispatched at 9:31 p.m. on April 2 to 219 Ogden Avenue South for a possible house fire. While responding, Lee Control advised that callers were reporting flames were visible and that the roof had collapsed. Upon arrival, Rescue 105 confirmed the reports, stating they had a single family residence fully involved with roof collapse.
JUMP TO FILE #040316134 Battalion 100 arrived minutes later with Engine 102 and the first hand line was stretched followed by a second line stretched from Engine 102 by Engine 101's crew who had just arrived with Tender 101. All companies assumed a defensive posture due to the possibility of further eminent structural col-
lapse and advisement by neighbors that no residents of the fire building were at home. The bulk of visible fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and with the arrival of Truck 104, overhaul and salvage were commenced followed by investigation by Ken Bennett, the LAFD Fire Marshall. - CHARLIE ROBBINS
DEPUTY CHIEF M. CHOATE
Immokalee firefighters respond to separate rollover crashes “in as many days”
Immokalee, FL. Two separate crashes resulting in overturned vehicles kept members of ImmFire's A-shift busy on back to back shifts. In the first accident, a four door sedan ended upside down in a canal after a young female driver lost control of the vehicle while traveling on State Rd. 29 South near Oil Well Rd. The driver, who was one of two occupants in the vehicle, was airlifted to the local trauma center via Collier County’s Medflight helicopter as a declared "trauma alert". However, it appeared that her injuries were non-life threatening. In the second accident, a commercial vehicle fell victim to a driver's inability to maintain control of his vehicle causing it to overturn. The driver and single occupant of this vehicle was transported to Lehigh Regional Medical Center as a precautionary measure.
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LELAND GREEK
Vehicle crash with extrication At 5:40 a.m. on April 16, Sumter County Fire & EMS (SCFEMS) responded to a motor vehicle crash on SR 44 in Wildwood. The crash, just west of SR 44a, involved a passenger car into the side of a tractor trailer, with three elderly patients trapped in the vehicle. Additional units were requested to assist in the extrication and treatment of the victims, re-
JUMP TO FILE #041816108 sulting in SCFEMS Engines 31, 32, 33, Squad 22, and Battalion 11, along with Rural Metro units 304, 310, 311, and 515, assisting in the incident. Crews were able to complete the difficult extrication of all three patients within 29 minutes of their arrival.
The three patients, all considered trauma alerts, were transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, two transported by ground, and one by air. The driver of the Semi was uninjured. Sumter County Sheriff's Office and Florida Highway Patrol managed traffic around the scene, and are investigating the crash. - LELAND GREEK
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May, 2016
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FLORIDA
PBCFR
Congratulations PBCFR Recruit Class #64 Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Congratulates Recruit Class #64 "The Forged" on completion of the recruit academy and being assigned to shift. Twenty new firefighters added to our ranks!
CIRONE PHOTOS
South Manatee Fire & Rescue attacks piles of mulch and stumps Shortly before noon on April 10th, South Manatee Fire & Rescue was called to a fire at One Stop Landscaping on Whitfield Rd. As units approached the scene, a large column of smoke could be seen. First arriving units found piles of mulch and stumps well involved. Some of the piles stood 40 feet high and over 100 feet in diameter. High winds pushed smoke into local neighborhoods along with ash, and across busy Route 301. The wind caused a spotting problem inside the complex lighting many other fires in piles. Additional units from East Manatee Fire Department and Florida Division of Forestry responded to the scene. Firefighters laid long hose lays to reach some of the piles, heavy equipment from the company and two dozers from Forestry continued to rip apart the burning piles.
LAURI MCMAHON
Trauma training by Iona-McGregor Ft. Myers, FL. The Iona-McGregor Fire District Training Division recently held a three day training event on responding to trauma scenes. Led by Training Captain Brian Crisman and Battalion Chief of Training Tracy McMillion, the scenarios were set up as real time trauma scenes with moulaged patients and were responded to over the three days by over 75 responders. Responders were dispatched to a scene and given information to which they were expected to apply skills taught to treat the patients. Some of the skills they needed to use were needle chest decompression, pericardiocentesis, spinal immobilization, traction splint, CPR, and an impaled object management. Responders were evaluated by the training division and afterwards a ‘hot wash’ or review was held where feedback was received and given.
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
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May, 2016
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PAGE 24
May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
FLORIDA
CIRONE PHOTOS
Fire held to van in Southern Manatee
As units responded to a van fire on the afternoon of April 18th, heavy smoke was reported. On arrival, Engine 331 found a van fully involved only 20 feet from the dwelling. Firefighters quickly stretched in to knock down the fire. Battalion 3 remained on scene, Cedar Hammock units were released.
CHARLIE ROBBINS
Lehigh Acres double trauma alert crash
At 12:10 p.m. on April 16th, LAFD Engine 103, Rescue 104, Battalion 100 Chief Rudy Naranjo, Tice Fire Rescue Engine 215 and Lee County EMS Medic 11 were dispatched to the intersection of Gunnery Road North and Sunset Road for a vehicle crash. First to arrive was Tice Engine 215, who advised they had a two vehicle crash with multiple patients including two trauma alerts needing extrication, and they were beginning extrication. LAFD units arrived on scene one minute later and Engine 103 and Rescue 104 paramedics began treating the two trauma alerts. One trauma patient was transported by Rescue 104 and the other by LCEMS Medic 11 to Lee Memorial Trauma Center.
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FLORIDA
STEPHEN SABO
2nd Annual Touch-a-Truck Festival
Jupiter FL. On February 28, 2016, the City of Jupiter held it's Touch-a Truck Festival for the citizens of the city. They showed off all the different types of trucks and vehicles that service the City of Jupiter for all to see. It let children and adults see up close the workings of the vehicles and to ask questions of their operators. They had cement trucks, utility trucks, public works trucks and also first responder vehicles. The children ,when looking at the first responder vehicles, blew the sirens, the horns, and anything else that made noise to amuse them. They had a bounce house for the kids, McGruff the Crime Dog made an appearance, and they even had a few super heroes show up. The first hour of the festival was a horn-free quiet zone for kids with disabilities and those with sensitive hearing problems.
BRAD DYKENS
District chief’s vehicle upgraded The City of Seminole Fire Rescue has completed an upgrade of the DC29 command vehicle. District Chief Jim Meegan introduced the revamped command and control center located at the rear of the vehicle. Modular in design, the command center features a large LED screen monitor that can be programmed to split screen to enable the incident commander
JUMP TO FILE #022616117 to better understand the incident around them, also an upgraded communications package of two radios capable of communicating on both VHF and UHF frequencies. The upgraded features were
designed by DC Meegan with the custom aluminum cabinetry constructed by local craftsman Bobby Gunn. Photographed with newly designed Command center is District Chief Jim Meegan and Assistant Fire Chief Chris Hengstenberg. - BRAD DYKENS
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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
FLORIDA
The female sits with the flotation device just before tossing it aside and jumping in.
BRAD RUHMANN CHARLIE ROBBINS
Lehigh Acres occupied car in water At 2131 hours on 4/1/16 Engine & Rescue 102 and Battalion 100, acting Chief Lee Liedtke, were dispatched to the area of Bermar Street and Columbus Boulevard for a car in the water with a person possibly trapped. Upon arrival of LAFD units they found a intoxicated female standing on the roof of her totally submerged car who had removed her shirt and was stating she would swim to shore. Fire fighters advised the
JUMP TO FILE #040316153 young lady to remain on the roof and they would have a ladder across to her momentarily. The girl refused and sat down preparing to jump in the alligator infested water. With the female threatening to jump, firefighters threw her a flotation device with a rope attached just prior to her entering
the water which she threw aside, jumped in the water, and proceeded to swim to the canal bank where she was assisted up the embankment and checked for injuries. The patient refused treatment and was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and possibly causing several other property damage crashes in the area including knocking down a fire hydrant. - CHARLIE ROBBINS
CIRONE PHOTOS
Three car pile up on the bridge in Bradenton City
As beach goers headed out Route 64 to Anna Marie Island, three cars heading east piled up and closed the east bound side of the bridge. Two of the drivers were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The call was originally dispatched as an MVA with entrapment. On arrival, firefighters found no entrapment. Firefighters assisted EMS and contained the fluids leaking from the vehicles.
Butterville: Polk County Fire Rescue’s Best Training Grounds Butterville sounds like any other place. You’ll hear about a quiet house front, a two story home and a furnished apartment. The difference, however, is this particular place will frequently go into a state of emergency for days on end. Fires will begin to rage, buildings can be on the verge of collapse and emergency personnel constantly work to save those that are trapped. If you think Butterville sounds less than inviting, you don’t need to worry about ever passing through because it is not a place like any other; it is an indoor training facility used to prepare Polk County Fire Rescue personnel to handle real emergencies. Named after Battalion Chief Steve Buttermore, PCFR’s Training Chief, the facility was created after PCFR vacated their previous location at Bartow Airport in favor of the newly acquired county procurement warehouse in 2014. While the PCFR staff was cleaning up the warehouse, Buttermore noticed that some of the pallet racks seemed to resemble a house, which inspired him to create a facility that could resemble complete buildings, as well as rooms that would fully immerse firefighters in an emergency situation. The facility was a perfect solution to one of PCFR’s biggest issues when scheduling training drills—the Florida weather. Butterville can also be used for urban search and rescue training. One of the structures at the facility is equipped to simulate a collapsed building the firefighters have to deal with to save those inside. Since its inception, many new features have been added to the facility. Plywood has been utilized to construct the more advanced structures like the apartment or collapsible wall front, and props such as a power line, fire hydrants and trucks have been brought in. The facility also now utilizes smoke machines to simulate smoke conditions anywhere from one room to
JUMP TO FILE #032416153 the entire facility. Every new feature added to Butterville helps to make the drills as realistic as possible for those going through the training. “Our facility is able to recreate many scenarios that actually happen in the field, which helps prepare our emergency personnel to avoid making mistakes in a real life or death situation,” Buttermore said. “We put our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics through simulations together to complete the realistic feel of the emergency.” In real emergencies, firefighters would take residents in need of help from the burning building directly to the waiting paramedics who would immediately begin to work on them, which is exactly what they are able to do during the drills at this facility. When asked more about the about the facility, Buttermore said, “Most of our drills are based on actual near-misses or line of duty deaths in fire service. The main goal of the training at the facility is to focus on those types of scenarios to prevent them in the future by creating muscle memory in our personnel. We run drills over and over so by the time they are in the field, everything is second nature to them, allowing them to handle situations quickly and effectively.” Some of the drills that can be performed in this facility are firefighter down drills (May-Day), firefighter bailouts, Denver Drills, Nance Drills, Pittsburgh Drills and VEIS Drills. They are also able to conduct residential or large area searches, work with ladders and practice working around any possible ventilation problems they could run into. - BRAD RUHMANN
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May, 2016
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Vehicle News
The City of St. Marys and the St. Marys Fire Department Jacksonville Fire Rescue (FL) recently placed into serv- The Windsor Fire Department (FL) placed into service a (GA) took delivery of two new custom designed ice a 2015 Pierce Enforcer as Engine 21. 1998 Stewart and Stevenson M-1078 LMTV as Woods 30. firetrucks from E-One CISSY KELLEY
CHRIS DILLEY
Jacksonville Fire Rescue has recently placed into serv- Jacksonville Fire Rescue has recently paced into service a 2015 Pierce Enforcer aerial as Ladder 44. ice a 2015 Pierce Enforcer pumper as Squad 16. CHRIS DILLEY
CHRIS DILLEY
CHRIS DILLEY
If your department has a new vehicle you would like featured in “Vehicle News,” send a nicely posed and lit photo with text to news@1strespondernews.com
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
May, 2016
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May, 2016
1ST Responder Newspaper - SE
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May, 2016
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May, 2016
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FLORIDA The “heart” of the matter... Head-on crash results in three fatalities Is physical fitness in the Immokalee, FL. Members of forefront of your department? ImmFire A-shift responded to
FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
Each year, we review those all too familiar statistics reaffirming that the number one cause of premature death in the fire service is heart disease. It’s always alarming, yet never a surprise. Although more and more departments are implementing fitness and wellness programs, the reports continue to come in. I am thrilled with the growth of physical training that continues within the fire service. That being said, I can’t help but ask, “Are we doing enough?” I am continually met with responses like “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make ‘em drink”. I know all the limitations legally and otherwise, that sometimes prohibit just how much we are able to require. So being my stubborn self, I just have to ask, “if we can’t make ‘em drink, maybe it’s the “leading to water” part that needs a bigger push. We need to ask ourselves, are we doing enough leading? Yes, the opportunities to get and stay fit (and well) within the fire service are more available than ever. That’s great news. Now look within your department and see what percentage of your membership is taking advantage of what’s provided. Additionally, which sector of your department is participating in your fitness program? Are the services being utilized by those members who need it most? Conversely, is it predominantly being utilized by the healthiest and most fit individuals who would be physically active regardless of whether a department program was present? I’ve written numerous times about “no exerciser left behind”. Is your department doing all it can to reach out to those who have the greatest need? Unfortunately, it’s quite possible we have gotten caught up in the legal aspect and approached fitness as “legally we have to provide it…it’s up to each individual whether or not they choose to take advantage of it.” Hey, I get it. I truly do. Again, I am not suggesting we “mandate or make it happen”. I am, however, suggesting that we do more to present the opportunities making it as accessible and doable to all individuals at all times. Fitness is often an entity of opportunity. I have found that striking while the iron is hot is a key factor in participation and continued compliance. Often the department work I do is performed on an annual basis. Medical clearance is obtained annually, along with fitness assessment and exercise prescription. That is a great thing. It was a long time com-
ing and I am grateful for the progress that led to its establishment. This process has reached many and the programs continue to grow. To bring this forward to reach more and more members (especially those in need), we have to do things to keep physical fitness (wellness) in the forefront all year long. We do provide fitness assessments and exercise prescriptions periodically to catch those who may have resisted or have fallen through the cracks at year’s onset. This is done at the member’s request. It certainly helps, but I believe we need to do more. Here are just a few ways that I continue to recommend in order to keep Fitness in the Forefront. Utilize your newsletter-Add a fitness section to your newsletter. If you don’t already have a newsletter, put together some fitness facts and distribute it monthly. Remember to include information regarding how to get started in the department physical fitness program for those who are not yet participating. Utilize your website-devote a section on your website to fitness. If possible make it interactive so that personnel have a place to go and exchange information. Again, post dates and times that fitness assessments, orientations and exercise prescriptions will be available. Utilize your meetings, classes and drills-Occasionally, begin scheduled meetings with a group warm-up and stretch or at the very least a short presentation on physical fitness and its importance in the fire service. It can be as simple as providing a single fact/statistic or tip. You already have a group assembled; make it an opportunity to get information out or a message across. Did you stir some interest? Announce how and when members can get additional training. Utilize your bulletin board–Post fitness tips, exercise suggestions or interesting statistics to keep fitness in the forefront of the minds of your members/personnel. You can use humor/cartoons or go the more serious route with firefighter death and injury reports. Once again I urge you to post dates and schedules of fitness activities so everyone is in the loop. Provide workshops–schedule a workshop provided by a fitness professional where members can gain fitness and wellness knowledge as well as practical experience. Organize weekly group workouts–schedule weekly workouts – even if it is just an outdoor walk with or without gear. Provide nutritional counseling– proper nutrition is a key component to any fitness/wellness program. Schedule a session with a registered dietician to provide important usable information to help your members/personnel understand and adopt good dietary habits. -continued at www.1rbn.com
State Rd 29 south, where three persons sadly lost their lives in a horrific head-on collision just before noon time on St. Patrick's Day 2016. The impatience of one driver resulted in their own fiery death and that JUMP TO FILE# of two others trav- 031816114 eling in the opposite direction. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and eyewitnesses stated the four door sedan traveling northbound caused the accident as it unsuccessfully failed to overtake several vehicles including a couple of tractors trailers eventually striking the southbound full-size van head on. First arriving units found the sedan fully involved with the female driver still inside. The van was off the roadway with the driver stilled pinned in the vehicle and the passenger laying about 50 yards away on the ground. Responding fire suppression units projected their plan of action prior to arriving on scene from the radio traffic and updates while enroute to the call. First on scene Engine 32, under the command of Lt. J. Strickland, proceeded to extinguish the vehicle fire while second due Heavy Rescue 31 tended to the pin-in and CCEMS Medic 32 tended to the ejected passenger. The two lane roadway remained shut down for several hours until the completion of the
ARMANDO NEGRIN, PIO
Van came to rest some 40 yards from point of impact with heavy driver side intrution
crash investigation. Agencies and ImmFire units on scene included CCEMS Medics 32, 30 & Medflight helicopter, Collier County Sheriffs, Engine 32, Heavy Rescue 31, Chief 30, 31
and Support 31(PIO30) with Battalion 30A incident commander, FHP Crash Investigation - ARMANDO NEGRIN
COMMAND VEHICLES
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Bradford County Fire Marshal Ford Explorer
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FLORIDA
PBCFR
CIRONE PHOTOS
Hot zone in a school zone Bradenton, FL. Just as students began walking and parents driving to a local elementary school on the morning of April 14th, a fire broke out in a minivan. Students were rerouted to walk around the back of houses and new drop off areas were set up for students. Engine 311 first on scene had a well involved engine compartment, and stretched in for the attack.
PBCFR Pipe and Drum Band members attend South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy
Members of the department band attended the South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy held at Boca Raton Fire Rescue headquarters for five days. There were six instructors from Scotland, who were working with the pipers and drummers. There were band members from Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Dade and Boca Raton Fire Departments. Various topics were covered in addition to learning new skills and music, such as: Tuning drones and chanter, Bagpipe/drum maintenance, Highland Dress, Massed band sessions: starting with a drum roll, marching in step, stopping on a dime, and deportment. Massed band tunes and settings are sent to students in advance of the session. On Sunday, a concert was performed for the public. Our own Pipe Major John Flynn won the award for most the most promising piper.
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FLORIDA
Public Safety Officer John Joliff was recently appointed to the CFFCA's Board of Directors
CAPTAIN ALBERT BORROTO
PROVIDED
Public Safety Director John Jolliff appointed to Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Board of Directors TAVARES — Lake County Public Safety Director John Jolliff has been installed as a member of the Board of Directors with the prestigious Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (CFFCA), serving public fire and emergency medical service (EMS) agencies in Lake, Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. The CFFCA’s mission is to promote proactive leadership throughout the Central Florida fire, EMS and emergency services profession that establishes and supports common goals and objectives, cooperative partnership opportunities, and the professional development that meets the needs of its agencies, members, and the communities they serve. “I am thrilled to serve on one of the state’s largest fire chiefs’ associations, and hope to share my expertise as well as learn from my peers so that I may give back within my own county, and beyond,” said Director Jolliff. Jolliff has more than 42 years of fire service experience, most recently as Public Safety director/fire chief with Lake County for the last five years, having joined the organization as deputy fire chief in 2004. Director Jolliff has written over
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$2 million in grants for the department, helped maintain and grow Lake County Fire Rescue during his tenure, and worked to establish automatic aid agreements with six cities over the last two years. “Lake County has made tremendous strides in working with local municipalities on automatic aid agreements, which allow the closest available unit, whether city or county, to respond to emergency calls,” said Jolliff. “These successful partnerships help supplement manpower and equipment and provide citizens with a higher level of service and quicker response times, while saving taxpayer money.” Jolliff began his career as a firefighter with the Altamonte Springs Fire Department in 1974, working his way up to assistant fire chief. Jolliff retired in 2000, having led the department in a painstaking accreditation process. He later became the Mount Dora Fire Department chief, where he established advanced life support (ALS) services and hired on the city’s first firefighter/paramedics. - ELISHA PAPPACODA
PBCFR Station 91 Helps Students from Local Elementary Go on Year End School Trip Firefighters from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, found out that many North Grade Elementary 4th grade students would not be able go on an end of the year field trip to Epcot because their families couldn’t afford it. The crews from Station 91, in Lake Worth, started a campaign and raised enough money to send all 63 students who would otherwise be unable to attend. On Thursday April 7th the firefighters presented the school principal and students with the gift. The students in return thanked the crews with homemade cards and a special banner. Great job Station 91 and everyone involved in this project!
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