Fire News Kentucky, Mar./Apr. 2023

In this issue...

Henderson Garage Fire

Henderson FDhandles a detached garage fire.

See story on page 6

4 Departments Fight

3 Christmas Eve Blazes

Zoneton, Shepherdsville, Nichols and Okolona have a busy Christmas.

See story on page 9

Surprise at Lexington

2-Car MVA

All people are okay, but Lexington finds an eight-week old puppy under the brake pedal.

See story on page 12

Kentucky Fire Commission Report

Status of new building at the academy, free training grant, and more.

See story on page 21

Jakes Brand Fundraiser

Jakes Brand FD fundraiser is a hit with the department and the community.

See story on page 22

Georgetown & Scott Co. Working Together

In 12 hours the two departments demonstrate that working cohesively is a specialty of theirs.

See story on page 25

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pages 16 & 18 Looking Back

page 24

17 Industry News

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

WinterChallenges

I recently checked with my local groundhogs and found that all the seasoned groundhogs had differing opinions on when winter will end. Punxsutawney Phil is predicting six more weeks of cold weather, while Chuckles and General Beauregard Lee are saying we will have an early spring. Since I am an optimist, I’m betting on an early spring! But, regardless of what our groundhogs think, I am staying prepared for a few more weeks of cold weather.

I grew up in the fire service. I remember my dad hated fighting fires in the cold. He always prepared his rack for winter, which included an extra wool sweater, a wool skull hat and a nylon vest. In 1960, I was a full-fledged buff. In those days I ran to fires and immediately found the Salvation Army truck, which was always present. My adopted job was to retrieve a cardboard box filled with coffee and doughnuts and distribute them to the MPOs, so that the members of the companies had a warm beverage waiting for them when they exited the fire building. I know the members appreciated my gesture offering them coffee and doughnuts provided by the Salvation Army. Truthfully, I miss the dedication of the Salvation Army. With the advancement of technology, we now have Recuperation and Care Units (RAC Units). These units respond to all-hands calls and provide members with cool

drinks and cool towels during hot weather and warm drinks during cold weather.

Several times I was asked to run to my father’s company and load up a bag of dry clothing and bring it back to the fire. It didn’t look like fun when I saw firefighters exiting a warm building in wet clothing and standing in freezing temperatures. This changed in the late 60s.

In extreme temperatures, firefighters need protection from both heat and cold at the same incident. While stretching lines and opening up a building, firefighters are exposed to the cold temperatures and, within minutes, they are exposed to extreme heat. Firefighters who are dressed for the cold are likely to become fatigued. It is common for firefighters to be sweating on the inside and covered with ice on the outside. Officers should remind members to stay warm without compromising protection.

Plan and prepare for fighting fires in the winter months. Agood pump operator has a built-in instinct that warns of the dangers of allowing their truck to freeze up. Some departments in cold climates operate with dry pumps. As they arrive on scene they allow water to enter the pump so that it can be out into operation. I recommend that new pump operators speak with a senior pump operator to review cold weather operation. You should also check with the pump

manufacturer to see if they have guidelines for operating in cold weather.

Check with Firehouse magazine. Jim Vaughn wrote a great article called, “Preparedness and Training for Cold-Weather Firefighting.” Check out their December 2020 edition.

Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil is wrong and that springtime is less than six weeks away. In the meantime, stay warm! -

Dennis

Henderson Garage Fire

Henderson Fire units responded to the 1500 block of Cumnock Road fora garage fire. The garage was reported to be fully involved. First units on the scene confirmed that and there were no exposures problems. The fire was underinvestigation.

- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

CarFire on the Twin Bridges

Henderson firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle that was fully involved on the southbound side of the “Twin Bridges” coming into Henderson (KY) from Evansville (IN).

- Photo courtesy of Henderson FD

Cover Story

1 FFInjured at Louisville Blaze

On January 8, 2023, at 1043, Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched to a residential structure fire on the 2200 block of Bolling Avenue. Fire companies arrived to find heavy fire coming from the second floorof a vacant dwelling. Firefighters quickly made entry, searched the building, and began an interiorfire attack. Outside crews deployed ladders, climbing to the roof of the

structure forventilation operations. It took approximately 10 minutes for25 firefighters to bring the fire undercontrol. Aporch roof collapsed during firefighting operations, injuring one firefighter. The building sustained significant damage. Louisville Fire Department Arson Investigators were working to determine the cause. - Photos courtesy of Louisville FD

7-YearOld Perishes in House Fire

Clay City Fire, along with Stanton, Middlefork and Hargett, responded to a house fire. Firefighters were met with the home engulfed in flames. Firefighters were notified that a seven-year-old was trapped inside the home. Two otherchildren and parents were transported by EMS to UK hospital with injuries unknown. The seven-year-old died in the fire.

- Submitted by Lisa Johnson

Louisville

2-Story Fire

On January 5, 2023, at 0224, Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched to a fire on the 2900 block of TaylorBoulevard. Fire companies arrived in two minutes to find heavy fire coming from the rearof an unoccupied two-story dwelling. Firefighters quickly made entry, searched the building, and began an interiorfire attack. Outside crews deployed exposure lines to protect neighboring property. It took nearly 30 minutes for25 firefighters to bring the fire undercontrol. The main fire building sustained significant damage, with minordamage to neighboring homes.

- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD

Birds Rescued at Henderson Garage Fire

Henderson firefighters responded fora detached garage fire on the 1600 block of Wright Street. There were no injuries and a bird cage was removed that contained live birds that appeared to be unharmed.

- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

Firefighters Battle 3 Fires on Christmas Eve

With temperatures in the single digits, Zoneton firefighters, along with Shepherdsville, Nichols and Okolona firefighters, spent overfive hours fighting fires in three separate outbuildings on Christmas Eve morning. No soonerhad crews gotten to the mop-up stage with one fire, when they were dispatched to another working fire. The same happened again with a third fire. All the responding firefighters took a beating with the cold. There were no injuries reported. Two of the fires were in the West Blue Lick Road area, though not otherwise related and one fire was in the Hillview area. One fire was believed to be electrical in nature and the othertwo were underinvestigation.

- Photo courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District

House Destroyed by Louisville Fire

On January 22, 2023 at 1227, Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched to a fire on the 2200 block of West Kentucky Street. Fire companies arrived on scene to find heavy fire coming from a vacant two-story dwelling, with an occupied home nearby. Firefighters quickly made entry, searched the buildings, and began

an interiorfire attack. Outside crews deployed exposure lines t o protect neighboring property. It took 40 minutes for25 firefighters to bring the fire undercontrol. The main fire building was a total loss. The neighboring home sustained only moderate damage.

- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD

1 Scared and Cold Puppy Rescued

Lexington fire crews responded to a non-injury MVAinvolving two vehicles at the intersection of Georgetown at Capstone Drive. Thankfully, no people were entrapped orinjured, but firefighters did rescue one important passenger. Eightweek-old “Arlo” was located underthe brake pedal of the overturned SUV. Firefighters were able to crawl into the wreckage and pull the puppy out unharmed. Otherthan being cold and scared Arlo went home unscathed.

- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD

DriverOkay in Tractor Overturn

The Henshaw VolunteerFire Department in Union County responded to an overturned tractorrecently. The driverescaped injury.

- Photo courtesy of Henshaw VFD

Patches

Obituary

Southeast Bullitt County FD Assistant Chief Michael “Joe” Thompson

Michael “Joe” Thompson, age 58 of Lebanon Junction, returned to his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. He was a firefighter for over 40 years in Bullitt County and was Assistant Chief of Southeast Bullitt County Fire Department. He was preceded in d eath by his parents, Clifford “Tippy” and Bernetty Shofner Thompson; siblings, Jason Thompson, Donnie Shofner and Betty Perkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 39 years, Kim Spriggs Thompson; children, Brandi Thompson (Larry) and Christopher Stillwell; grandchildren, Mackenzie Thompson, Zack Spray (Makenna), Lexie Spray and Bentley Spray; God-son, Sammy Dillander; siblings, Anna Thompson-Fisher (Robbie), Wayne Thompson (Gail), Randy Thompson (Emma) and Sharon Ellingsworth (Fred); brothers and sisters-in-law, Kathy Shofner, David Brian (Bev), Susan Brian (Billy), Robert Spriggs (Terri), Julie Deel (Jeff), Jennifer Smith (Jason) and Cyndi Waters; his many brothers and sisters of Bullitt County Fire Departments; fur-babies, Max and Mindy and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

AMemorial Service was conducted on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in the chapel at Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family to assist in raising his grandchildren are greatly appreciated.

Madisonville Trains

Madisonville A-Shift crews spent the day learning Airway Emergency Medicine with instruction from FirefighterFrank Rodriguez.

- Photos courtesy of Madisonville FD

NE Nelson NewStation and Apparatus

The Northeast Nelson Fire Protection District just opened theirStation 3 in Fairfield. It’s a 50 x 60-foot, three-bay station and houses a new to us 2003 Class A engine and a 2012 2200-gallon tanker.

- Submitted by Scott Thompson

Madisonville - 1989

Looking Back

Shepherdsville - 2007

From the National Transportation Safety Board’s site: “On January 16, 2007, about 0843, a northbound CSX Transportation (CSX) freight train, traveling about 47 mph through a curve, derailed 26 of its 80 cars nearShepherdsville, Kentucky. Twelve of the derailed cars contained hazardous materials. Three of those cars breached and released significant amounts of flammable hazardous liquids, which ignited and burned. About 500 people were evacuated from the area. No one was injured during the derailment; however, 50 people and two emergency responders were treated at local hospitals forminorinjuries related to the hazardous materials release and fire.”

Fire crews on scene of an airplane on fire at Madisonville Municipal Airport in 1989.

- Photo courtesy of Madisonville FD

- Photo courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District

Louisville Airport DisasterDrill

October2022, Airport disaster full-scale exercise in Louisville.

- Submitted by Josh Grimes

Teach Your Children Well ...

One of the more fun/rewarding things firefighters get to do is occasionally visit elementary schools where they spend time with the little ones explaining what firefighters do, what a typical day is like, what training they do and explain some of the many tools used. We dress up in fire gearand try to persuade a teacherto try on some of the heavy stuff we wear. Recently, crews were privileged to visit with the Kindergarten and First Grade students at Freedom Elementary School. - Photos courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District

Kentucky Fire Commission News

The Kentucky Fire Commission is amid a busy winter, both with continuing projects and new projects. Construction on the new building at the Kentucky Fire Academy is progressing nicely. As of the end of January 2023, power has been run to the construction site and the building is covered. Roofing will be finished soon. Apparatus bay doors have been framed and construction is on schedule for a December 2023 completion date. We are excited for the Academy to begin Recruit Class 002 February 13, and look forward to watching the new group of recruits in their journey.

We are in process of finalizing the purchase of property in London to house the District 13 campus. Purchase includes the current District 13 building/property as well as the adjoining five acres and building.

Quotes for the purchase of four-gas meters and batteryoperated combi tools, that were part of a grant program that was opened last fall, are also in process. Purchasing and distribution of the equipment to awarded departments will begin soon.

Through our newest grant program, certified firefighters in Kentucky have the opportunity to participate in EMR and EMTtraining free of charge. Tuition, textbook and the first attempt at NREMTtesting are covered under this grant.

Derrick Hall joined the Fire Commission as a full-time employee January 17, 2023, as the Director of Facilities/Fleet Management. Derrick retired as the Fire Chief and also worked as the City Manager of Hazard. He resides in Richmond. He has been a longtime adjunct instructor for State Fire Rescue Training. Welcome aboard Derrick!

- Submitted by Ericka Adams Cole

Peddicord Back at Hebron

Yet anotherexciting Hebron Board Meeting as we added to ourgrowing team and swore in ournew Assistant Chief of Operations, Adam Peddicord. Adam was originally hired at Hebron in 2002 as a FF/Medic and went on to have an illustrious careerat Newport Fire

Department where he recently retired as a Battalion Chief. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to bring him back to Hebron, and look forward to many years of continued organizational growth and success! - Photos courtesy of Hebron Fire Protection District

Jakes Branch Fundraisera Hit

Jakes Branch Fire Department fundraiserwas a hit with the community. Held at the Jakes Branch Bingo Hall, in Grand Vue Plaza, a good time was had by all. We would like to thank everyone from the community who came out and supported ourfire department.

- Photos courtesy of Jakes Branch FD

ON THE PASSINGOFFIRE ENGINEERING AND FDIC-CLARION EVENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBOBBYHALTON

It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International and Clarion Events family announces the unexpecte d passing of Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering and Educational Director for FDIC. Chief Halton passed away at his home in Oklahoma on December 19, 2022. Halton served as our editor for the past 18 years. Halton led the editorial team and helped build the FDIC into the largest fire service educational conference in the world.

“We are devastated by the news of Bobby’s sudden passing. Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others and his impact serving as VPof Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue, was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. This is a major loss for the Clarion family and the fire service. In this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Marcia, Dean, Ryan, Evan, and the entire Halton family,” said E ric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events - Fire & Resc ue.

Chief Bobby Halton was a native New Yorker. He began his career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department and rose through the ranks to include Chief of Training. Halton was Chief of Operations until his retirement from Albuquerque in 2004. He then became Chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. Halton left Coppell to assume the duties as Ed itorin-Chief of Fire Engineering.

Chief Halton was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, left a member in good standing with the International Associati on of Fire Fighters, was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served on several of the National Fire Protection Association technical committees. He was active with the Nation al Fallen Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives as well as the Fire fighter Cancer Support Network. He was a passionate fire service advocate, speaker, author, and friend to so many.

Chief (ret.) David Rhodes, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Content Strategist Clarion Events

“There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession. He was a trusted friend and mentor who has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Working directly with him full-time for the past five months has been a blessing that I will treasure forever. His life was service. I will miss you my friend.”

Captain (ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY

“Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service bette r than he found it. He believed in family, trust and loyalty and there were not many like him.”

Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville Fire Department, TX

“The fire service just lost an incredible fire service mentor a nd leader. I just lost my big brother. He was an incredible man, father and husband. He was one of my best friends and I am so blessed that I just got to spend the weekend with him in Hawaii where my son also spent time with him. Very few people will ever have the im pact on people lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second t o none. I will miss my big brother so much.”

Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. Working with him for years on Fire Engineering magazine, FDIC, and other projects, I witnessed his unwavering devotion and love for firefighters. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He w ove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act. Bobby was a unique firefighter who touched many lives His presence will be sorely missed at Fire Engineering, FDIC, and in the fire service itself.”

Captain (ret.) Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department

“Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. No one has impacted how I think about the fireground and firefighting more than my mentor, brother and friend. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational, and I believe still does today. Thinking of him catching up with Bruno and Brennan, swapping stories and laughs makes me happy. This world, and my own personal walk in it, now has a hole that I can’t quite believe and it is terribly sa d. Such is the impact of a true leader, legend and authentic man of faith. Salute my friend. I look forward to the day when our Lord looks at you and says, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’Well done indeed.”

Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade Fire Department, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. He has been such a big part of my life. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”

Georgetown and Scott County Make a Good Team

Georgetown Fire Department and Scott County Fire Department have been busy working togetherlately. In less than 12 hours, the departments responded to two structure fires, where they joined forces to extinguish and secure the scenes. They might be two separate departments, but when the bell sounds, they unite as one to get the job done. Good work to the men and women of both departments, as well as Georgetown/Scott County EMS.

- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD

Remembering Martin LutherKing, Jr.

Lexington firefighters participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and march through downtown to honorthe life and legacy of MLK and build on his hopes forourfuture. “Life’s most persistent, and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing forothers?’”

MLK- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD