Fire News Kentucky, May/June 2023

Story on page 6.

- Photo courtesy of Pembroke FD

In this issue...

Georgetown Stops

2nd-Floor Blaze

Georgetown FFs save cats and kittens, and make a quick stop on Chambers Street fire.

See story on page 8

Eastside Tech Tours

Lexington Sta. 2

Eastside Technical students get up close and personal with Lexington Station 2.

See story on page 19

Henderson’s Foreman

Calls it a Career

Chief Scott foreman’s retires and he and Engineer Deardorff are honored for a save.

See story on page 20

Bryant Stiles Officers School

The 36th Annual Bryant Stiles Officers School is held in Owensboro.

See story on pages 22-23

Kentucky Fire Commission Report

The Nat’l Responder Preparedness Center in Greenville, is now The Fire Academy of Kentucky.

See story on pages 24-25

Obituary

Lexington’s Jason O’Nan

See story on page 26

AService for Kentucky Firefighters and EMS Providers

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page 4 Training

pages 12 & 13

page 24

Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Qualified to Drive? From the Editor’s Desk

Several years ago, my fire department asked me to become involved with their driver qualification committee. Having served as a certified NYS Driver Education Instructor for 20-years, I felt I would enjoy being part of our Emergency Vehicle Operation course. So, for two full days I attended EVOC training that was provided through my department's insurance company. When I returned home, our chief set up a full committee to implement following the guidelines set forth by VFIS. The recommended guidelines included classroom time, a competency course, and a road course.

The training started with in-class instruction. Our insurance company provided us with a thumb drive that contained numerous videos and lessons for presentation to our students. I should point out that even our seasoned drivers had to participate in the class. It was the seasoned drivers who added and shared their experiences with the younger drivers. Their real-life experiences added realism to the in-class lesson. It should also be noted that this course was to be given every other year. Our committee decided that since new drivers were always being added to the list, we would present an updated lesson throughout the year at department meetings.

In addition to classroom learning, all drivers had to take the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle

Operator Course). This course soon became known as the “cone-course.” Since we marked the parking lot with paint, it was easy to set up the cone course throughout the year. Once the member finished the EVOC course, we left the parking lot to go on a road course. The course challenged the thought process of the driver. Our fire district has a few railroad crossings and railroad overhead tracks that have the maximum height requirement marked on the overpass. We made it a point to stop and take note of the maximum height requirement. Since our vehicles are marked in plain sight with that measurement in the cab of the truck, students know they must share that measurement with the evaluator.

In general, the course we set up was approved by our Board of Fire Commissioners. We are into this program for several years now, and we are continually tweaking the program so it stays current. If a driver leaves the department and comes back a few years later, it is easy to take a standardized road-test to re-familiarize the driver on the trucks on which he used to be qualified. Usually, the individual is fine with the operation and handling of the vehicle. Remember that all emergency vehicle operators should take EVOC. I also encourage officers to take the VFIS course to Train the Trainer.

Are we finished? Well not exactly. EVOC is

a program that shows the chauffer how to safely operate the piece of equipment that is being driven. PERIOD! Further training is needed to learn how to safely operate at a working call. What 's next? Read John Salka’s article on The Engine Company Chauffer: Part 1 The article is in the July 1997 Firehouse Magazine

Getting our responders safely to a call is important. Knowing what to do when you arrive on scene is equally as important.

Drive Safe!

- Dennis

House Fire in Pembroke

Pembroke crews (Chief Belair, Deputy Chief Peterson, Engine 1751 - FirefighterMurray, Engine 1750FirefighterRodgers), and mutual aid from Fairview, Honey Grove, Oak Grove and Trenton, responded to a structure fire recently. Crews were able to contain the fire to the main living area of the home, but the entire home suffered majorsmoke damage. The family lost two pets. One firefighterwas transported to the hospital with injuries. - Photos courtesy of Pembroke FD

Zoneton Stands By forGas Leak

On February 20, 2023, at 1145, Zoneton firefighters were standing by while LG&E workers attempted to secure a damaged gas line. New Christman Lane was shut down at Maple Branch, but side streets were available forbypass. Awindy day helped to dissipate the gas.

- Photos courtesy of Zoneton FD

Chambers Avenue Fire Snuffed

The Georgetown Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Chambers Avenue recently. First arriving units reported smoke showing from the second floor. Fire units were able to quickly gain access to the second story and extinguish the fire. The fire caused uninhabitable damage to the home and one person was transported to the hospital forsmoke inhalation. Firefighters were able to locate and save a litterof kittens along with theirparents. Thanks to Georgetown/Scott County EMS, Georgetown Police Department, Scott County Fire Department and Georgetown-Scott County EMAfortheirassistance.

- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD

Louisville Vacant Home Total Loss

At 0101 on April 13, 2023, Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched fora structure fire with rescues in the 1700 block of West Kentucky Street. Fire crews arrived within two minutes to find the rearof a single-story vacant dwelling fully involved with fire extending to occupied neighboring homes. Firefighters immediately established defensive operations on the main fire building, deployed exposure lines to protect adjacent property, and initiated search and rescue operations in the occupied homes. It took approximately an hourforover30 firefighters to bring the fire undercontrol. The main fire building was a total loss. Neighboring property sustained moderate damaged. Apasserby alerted sleeping occupants and safely evacuated six adults priorto firefighters arrival. No civilians orfirefighters were injured during the in cident. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced. LFD Arson Investigators were investigating the cause.

- Photos courtesy of Louisville Division of Fire

Covington, Newport Handle Commercial Blaze

The Covington and Newport fire departments responded to a commercial building fire in the 2600 block of Madison. Crews were alerted at 2342 and were on scene forovertwo hours.

- Photo courtesy of Covington FD

Taking Down a Dangerous Sign

The Henderson Fire Department recently responded to the 400 block of South Green Street to remove what was left of the DollarTree sign that was apparently damaged by high wind and then struck a parked vehicle. Crews removed the remaining part of the sign as a precautionary measure due to its close proximity to the parking lot and nearby Green Street’s southbound travel lanes.

- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

CarFire in Henderson

Henderson firefighters on the scene of a vehicle fire nearthe d rivethru lane at Fazoli’s on Garden Mile Road in Henderson.

- Photo courtesy of Henderson FD

Faxon Barn Fire

TankerRolls En Route to Field Fire Call

- Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR

Calloway County Fire-Rescue was dispatched to the Faxon community fora barn fire. Units arrived and found the barn to be fully involved. First in units were able to rescue two dogs that were trapped in a pen on the exteriorof the building. The fire was contained to the involved building only. No human orK-9 injuries were reported.

On February 18, 2023, at approximately 1800, Calloway County Fire-Rescue was dispatched to the Dextercommunity forthe report of a 10-acre field fire. First arriving units found the field fire to be an unreported controlled burn. On scene command immediately cancelled all otherresponding units. Shortly thereafter, one of the responding tankers was involved in a rolloveraccident nearthe intersection of KY80 east and Green Valley Road (KY-1346). Fortunately, the engineer, who was by himself in the vehicle, was uninjured in the accident and was released from the ER laterin the evening. No othervehicles were involved in the incident.

- Photo courtesy Calloway County FR

Extrication Training

Madisonville B-shift has been doing hands-on extrication training and utilizing the lift bags.

- Photos courtesy of Madisonville FD

Bailout Practice in Henderson

Henderson Green Shift crews took advantage of the gorgeous weatherand practiced theirladderbail outs and window hangs forfirefightersurvival.

- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

Meeting of the ‘Boards’

Patches

Honoring Slone, Mackenzie forNat’l Social WorkerMonth

March was National Social Workermonth. The Lexington Fire Department would like to thank ourcertified social workers, Maria Slone and Mackenzie Gross fortheirwork. We are a betterdepartment because of them. They are valuable members of ourCommunity Paramedicine team. They advocate for individuals by being a voice forthem in working with healthcare professionals, educating them on how to have theirown voice, and teaching all of us the importance of advocacy. Daily, they accompany us during Paramedicine visits with individuals and are an integral part of the assessment and interview process. They continue follow-up and engagement through phone, text and email to those needing continued support. These ladies bring a unique perspective in responding to those in ourcommunity needing support. They have guided us in ourengagement, taught us improved communication skills, including choice of words, tone and volume, and improved ourbody language. In performing theircommitment to ourclients, they support the client’s self determination, a significant tenet of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Today we thank you and all social workers who work to make every individual seen and heard.

- Photo courtesy of Lexington FD

Hazard’s Seagrave

Hazard's 1924 Seagrave Fire Engine.

- Photo courtesy of Hazard FD

Green RiverBoard and Kentucky Firefighters Association members.

- Submitted by Marc Henderson

Hebron Fire Protection District

Bell County VolunteerFire Department

Browning Fire DepartmentWarren County

Madisonville at Thrive Early Learning Acad.

Madisonville Fire Department B-Shift visited Thrive Early Learn ing Academy recently. The students learned about community helpers. Firefighters spoke to students about how they help and serve the community. Then students learned about fire prevention and toured the towertruck.

- Photos courtesy of Madisonville FD

Pembroke’s Peterson Celebrates 35 Years with the Department

The Pembroke Fire Department would like to congratulate Deputy Chief Phillip Peterson who is celebrating 35 years of service with the Pembroke Fire Department. Thank you from the department and residents of the Pembroke.

- Photo courtesy of Pembroke FD

Eastside Tech Tours Lexington Sta. 2

Recently, Eastside Technical students were able to tourLexington Fire Station 2 and enjoy lunch at the Fire Training Academy. The department is excited to have these community partnerships. - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD

Henderson’s Scott Foreman Calls It a Career

The Henderson Fire Department celebrated the retirement of Chief Scott Foreman. He had a wonderful career over the past 23 years, which Division Chief Dixon highlighted. He focused on both physical and mental health of our firefighters and helped establish a strong dive team. But, overwhelmingly, the message from those who spoke at his retirement ceremony was about how he inspired others to be the best version of themselves and how he was so focused on the community.

During the ceremony, the Henderson 911 center toned him out for the last time. Division Chief Watson also recognized both Chief Foreman and Engineer Deardorff with the lifesaving award. Back in April 2008, Chief Foreman (then Lieutenant) and Engineer Deardorff (then Firefighter) arrived at a structure fire and were told by bystanders there were still people in the home. They entered and rescued an eightmonth-old child. They never received an award, so Division Chief Watson wanted to recognize this act.

Above all, the department wants to wish Chief Foreman the best in all his future endeavors. His daily presence will be missed, but we know that he will remain in the Henderson Fire Department service based on all the programs he has instituted and all the personnel he mentored. Good luck, Chief! - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD

36th Annual Bryant Stiles Officers School

The 36th Annual Bryant Stiles Officers School was held in Owensboro in February leading out the spring Fire School season. There were 855 students registered for the conference from seven different states. Final count for students in attendance was 776. The Bryant Stiles Officers School offered 41 classes with instructors travelling from other states for 28 of the classes. We saw four of the classes with more than 100 in

attendance. Students in attendance represented all areas of the Commonwealth.

The 2024 Bryant Stiles Officers School will be held February 23-25, 2024.

Summary:

855 students registered.

776 students attended.

Fourclasses had more than 100 students. 37 classes held.

Reps from seven states in attendance. All SFRTDistricts represented.

32 classes offered.

28 classes had instructors from otherstates. 251 agencies represented.

- Submitted by Marc Henderson, Kentucky Fire Commission, Region 1 Coordinator

More photos next page

36th Annual Bryant Stiles Officers School...continued

Kentucky Fire Commission Report

After the overwhelming success of the Recruit Academy pilot program last fall, the former National Responder Preparedness Center, located in Greenville, has officially rebranded as The Fire Academy of Kentucky, and welcomed 21 new recruits to Recruit Academy Class 002 on February 13, 2023.

The class is made up of recruits from 10 different fire departments from across Kentucky, from London to Paducah, and includes 20 males, one female, 19 Caucasians, one African American, and one Hispanic. Twelve of the recruits join the class with zero firefighting experience and are brand new to the fire service. The remaining nine recruits range from six months to nine years of experience from various other roles. Four of the recruits have served or are serving in the military, with one of the recruits being sent to the Recruit Academy by the Kentucky National Guard Firefighting Teams. The youngest recruit is 18 years old and the oldest is 42, with a class-average age of 27. New to the Recruit Academy this year is the acceptance of volunteer firefighters to the program. This class received one recruit from Concord Volunteer Fire Department, with the remaining 20 recruits being hired through a career department.

The Fire Academy of Kentucky sits on a nearly 60-acre campus and is currently constructing a new facility with offices for the expanding full-time staff and new larger classrooms, along with a large drive-through bay area and dorm rooms. The campus is surrounded by the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center, a 12,000-acre training ground for the Kentucky National Guard. Recruits live in the military dorms throughout the week

and are provided meals. Recruits report to the main facility each morning and begin their day with one hour of physical conditioning, followed by all-day training in numerous topics ranging from structural firefighting, aircraft firefighting, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, first-aid, and CPR. The trainings vary from intense live-fire scenarios to the classroom learning about fire dynamics. Recruits will remain in the Academy for 13 weeks and graduate on May 12.

Upon completion of the academy, recruits will have earned nearly 400 training hours, including 300 hours in topics required by the Kentucky Fire Commission to become eligible for annual incentive pay in addition to their salaries. Pending successful testing at the end of the academy, recruits will earn certificates from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Driver Operator Pumper and Mobile Water Supply. IFSAC certifications are accredited and recognized internationally in the fire service.

The Recruit Academy and all meals, lodging, and training materials are provided at no cost to Kentucky fire departments. The next Recruit Academy class is scheduled to begin on August 21, 2023. For more information on The Fire Academy of Kentucky, please reach out to Academy Coordinator Pat Thompson at pat.thompson@kctcs.edu.

- Submitted by Dustin Staves

More photos next page

NAVRAEXTRICATION TRAINING

MAY24-26, 2023 ATSUBARU PARK, CHESTER, PA

The North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) will present Patient-Centered Extrication Training, taking place at Subaru Park, in Chester, PA, on May 24 to May 26, 2023. The training features a two-day workshop on skills and tactics as well as a Q&Awith technical, medical, and command assessors. This will be followed by a one-day mini rescue challenge. This will be the first time NAVRA training will take place in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for emergency responders up and down the East Coast to get involved in this impactful and fun event.

Subaru of America, Inc., ESI Equipment, Inc., Turtle Plastics and Fire News are proud to sponsor NAVRA’s Patient-Centered Extrication Training at Subaru Park. Extrication Teams involved in the training play a vital role in the operational objective and function as their agency’s liaison with the vast networking opportunities associated with these extrication challenges.

NAVRA’s experienced industry expert members work tirelessly to train all of our emergency responders with innovative techniques, advanced equipment, and authentic competitions — all of which are based on the NFPA1670 guidelines and exceed the State of Florida for Fire Service Instructors standards. Fortunately, we’re able to do this by integrating corporate support into public service and subsidizing training costs.

This is a free event for all. You can participate in the training and competition or just be an observer. This training seminar is focused on the Team Challenge Concept, and is ideal for potential extrication teams and departments that are interested in forming teams to learn new skills and techniques from leaders in the field. What is learned can be brought back and shared with their departments to improve

skills and decreases rescue times.

Teams will consist of six to eight people: a captain, medical team, and a technical team. All scenarios are run with live patients in the vehicles. The training will be three days, split as follows:

-Day 1: Educate participants on extrication options through multivehicle scenario using current model Subaru vehicles. An instructor and an assessor for each discipline will be with the team guiding and coaching. At the close of day one, the team will work a multi-vehicle scenario through completion.

-Day 2: Using learnings and scenarios from day one, teams will perform a live scenario without stops while the Instructor Team evaluates performance. The instructor team will hold a debrief with the team and cover important learning points in incident command, technical rescue and medical treatment.

-Day 3: The culmination of the event will be the Rescue Challenge. Each Team will perform a live scenario under Rescue Challenge conditions, without stops, while the instructor team evaluates performance. Multivehicle scenarios utilizing current model Subaru vehicles will provide top-level training that teams can bring back to their departments. Day 3 spectators are welcome to watch the challenge activities and enjoy food trucks, music and other local attractions. To sign up for this event or to lean more visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navra-training-seminar-tickets568671591037.

NAVRAis a non-profit organization committed to preparing today’s rescuers for tomorrow.

For more information on North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) visit www.navraus.org.

Kentucky Fire Commission Report...continued

Lexington’s Jason O’Nan

The Lexington Fire Department laid to rest brother firefighter Jason O’Nan after his brave battle with ALS. Jason Lee O’Nan was born in Lexington on September 2, 1978, and passed away in Middletown (OH) on April 6, 2023 at the age of 44.

Jason was a Firefighter and Paramedic with the Lexington Fire Department, a member of the Sherman Church of Christ, the Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a lifetime member of the NRA, a former volunteer for the Dry

Ridge (KY) Fire Department, a former Dry Ridge City Council member and a former member of Kiwanis. He loved spending time with his family and was passionate about his job and considered his fellow firefighters to be extended family members.

Jason is survived by his wife, Ashley C. Cummins O’Nan of Dry Ridge, two sons, Liam Tyler and Declan Lee O’Nan of Dry Ridge, KY, his mother Cathy Ann Penick, a brother, Joseph ‘Jody’(Jodi) O’Nan of Williamstown, KY, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his father Bill Dean O’Nan.

Our thoughts and prayers will stay with Ashley and the boys. The funny stories around the firehouse we'll take with us, along with the memory of the man you were.

Rest in peace, Jason.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lexington Firefighter’s Toy Program, 2205 Thunderstick Drive, Lexington, KY40505.

- Photos courtesy of JT Marshall and the Lexington FD