KENTUCKY Serving
VOLUME 1, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973
MAY/JUNE 2022
Story on page 10. - Fire News photo courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
Send Your Photos to Fire News Please see page 4.
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 3
In this issue... Fatality at Owensboro Blaze While conducting searches, firefighters discover a deceased victim.
See story on page 6
A Service for Kentucky Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher
Fire News’ Looking Back
TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor
In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a look at Louisville’s first women firefighters. See story on page 8
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director
Historic Buildings Destroyed in Greenville Four structures burn in a fire that started in the J. L. Rogers building. See story on page 14
CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant GREG JONES: Graphic Artist COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Water Rescue Training Water Rescue Techs from Jakes Branch and Hazard fine tune their skills.
See story on page 18
Henderson Personnel Honored for Save Three firefighters and a 911 operator are honored for a cardiac save.
See story on page 22
Obituary Henderson’s Charles Trodglen See story on page 30
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . page 19 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 1 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com
Twelve Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Another Year Down… Just Around the Corner As I was reading the April Long Island Fire News at my firehouse, I took note of our emblem that says, “Fire News 49th Anniversary.” I found it hard to believe that Fire News’ 50th Anniversary is around the corner. I finished being a Captain in the Terryville (NY) Fire Department in 2000. My company knew that in a previous life, I buffed fire calls in NYC as a young kid. I’d ride my bicycle to calls. Eventually, I acquired an inexpensive camera and took photos of the members of Engine 291 and Ladder 140. My childhood heroes loved the photos. Sadly, I never made copies for myself. But I can say the many dinners I had with the members was my reward for taking the photos. Eventually my dad’s chauffer took me under his wing and introduced me to photography. Richie Kubler had a family photo business, and my first paid job was picking up the undeveloped film and bringing it back developed the next day. Whoever thought this job would open the door to working at Fire News as a photographer? In 2000, I gained a reputation as being a photographer who had one goal in mind. My goal was to honor the volunteer fire service with photographs of the members of the
Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services in a positive light. Yes, I still have many of my first photos because I was part of the digital age. Eventually Fire News decided to expand and started a New Jersey edition, the Wildwood edition, which highlighted the NJ Firemen’s Convention, and a New York State edition, which included the emergency services throughout NYS and New York City. How did this happen? Our early expansion happened because of the support from Publisher Frank Trotta, Executive Editor Tim Edwards, Advertising Specialist Barbara Connolly, an art staff which included Cliff Chiesa, Lynn Sedler and Greg Jones. The man who brought our production of 12 editions that reach 15 states is Gary Joyce. Gary is the guy you never see, but his work is seen by everyone. Since Fire News is all digital, our stories come into the paper via email. It is a monumental job to keep the stories sorted. Bryan Lopez spends hours downloading and filing our stories, so that our art staff can prepare the photos for print. Our 12 editions would not be possible without the support of our dedicated advertisers. Their products are highlighted in their
ads, in the Fire News Special Features page and in our Industry News section. Yes, Fire News is now more that stories. Our advertisers work hard to bring you new products on a regular basis. Finally, Fire News has a dedicated staff of recognized photographers, who go out in all kinds of weather to cover events happening all over the states that they cover. Thank you to our photographers who cover fires, motor vehicle accidents, training, dedications and so many other areas that make all of us better firefighters. In a few months, our 49 Years of Excellence will read 50 Years of Excellence! I am proud to be part of this great paper that was started by Jeb Ladouceur. Sadly, Jeb has recently passed away. He will never be forgotten as he guides my pen when I write my monthly editorial. In closing, I say thank you to the Fire Service for enjoying Fire News. There is more to come! - Dennis
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1 Transported, 1 Fatal in Henderson
The Henderson Fire Department responded to a mobile home on Carter Drive that was heavily involved upon arrival. One person was transported to the hospital for injuries while, tragically, one person did not survive this fire. The cause is under investigation by officials. - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
Walnut Street Fire Fatality
Recently, the Owensboro Fire Department was dispatched to the 600 block of Walnut Street at 2257, due to a neighbor reporting smoke from a structure. OFD responded along with OPD and AMR to find a building in the back yard of a home with light smoke showing. While performing an interior primary search, Engine 1 person-
nel located a male occupant who was found to be deceased. The fire was extinguished quickly and no one else was found to be in harm’s way due to the smoke or fire. Thanks to the Daviess County Coroner’s office for their diligence. The incident was under investigation by OPD. - Fire News photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
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Looking Back Honoring Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Louisville Division of Fire recognized its first female firefighters. Vicki Bell, Deidra Berry and Cynthia Lewis are pictured here with Recruit Class 158. The class graduated on July 23, 1984, and included current Louisville Chief Gregory Frederick. - Photo courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
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Louisville Commercial Blaze
At 2301 on February 6, 2022, Louisville crews were dispatched to reports of a structure fire in the 1500 block of West Oak Street. Fire companies arrived in three minutes to find heavy fire coming from a vacant two-story commercial property. Firefighters quickly made entry, searched and worked to extinguish the blaze, while outside crews deployed exposure lines to protect a neighboring property. Crews eventually transitioned to defensive ops, due to deteriorated conditions of the building. It took less than 30 minutes for approximately 25 firefighters to bring the fire under control. The main fire building was a total loss. A neighboring house sustained minor damage. - Photos courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
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Cover Story
Louisville Vacancy a Total Loss At 0153 on February 15, 2022, Louisville crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 900 block of East Madison Street. Fire crews arrived on scene in four minutes to find heavy fire coming from a vacant single-story dwelling. Firefighters quickly made entry, searched the building, and began an interior fire attack. Outside crews deployed exposure lines to protect neighboring property. Crews eventually transitioned to defensive operations on the main fire building, due to deteriorated conditions of the structure. It took approximately 20 minutes for 25 firefighters to bring the fire under control. The main fire building was a total loss. An adjacent structure sustained only minor damage. - Photos courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
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1 Fatality at Owensboro Fire
Recently, in the early morning hours, Owensboro firefighters responded to a reported residential structure fire in the 1400 block of West 12th Street. Upon arrival Engine 1 found heavy smoke and flames coming out of a bedroom window. A rapid search and rescue commenced, along with aggressive firefighting. One resident was
located in the search of the dense smoke and was removed to be treated by EMS. The patient was taken to the local hospital , but sadly succumbed to her injuries. This fire was under investigation. Partnering agencies including Central Dispatch, AMR, OPD, OMU, and OHRH. - Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 13
Flue Heat Ignites Combustibles, Starts House Fire At 1033 on January 27, 2022, Louisville crews, along with with Shively Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to a structure fire in the 2100 block of East Lane. Fire companies arrived within five minutes to find fire coming from a two-story, single-family dwelling. An adult and child occupant were alerted and safely exited the structure prior to firefighter’s arrival. Firefighters quickly made entry, searched the building, and began an interior fire attack. It took approximately 20 minutes for nearly 30 firefighters to bring the fire under control. The home sustained moderate damage. No other homes were damaged. One adult occupant sustained a minor injury and was treated on scene by EMS. Kentuckiana Red Cross assisted displaced occupants. The Louisville Division of Fire Arson Bureau completed their preliminary investigation of the fire and determined the cause to be heat from a furnace flue igniting nearby combustibles (clothing). - Photo courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
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Historic Buildings Destroyed by Fire in Greenville In the early morning hours of April 7, 2022, four historic buildings were destroyed by a fast-moving fire. Crews responded to the northeast corner of Main Street and Main Cross Street, in Greenville. Upon arrival, flames were discovered in the upper floors of the J.L. Rogers Building. Fire crews from the city, as well as Central City and county volunteer departments responded to battle the stubborn blaze. The Madisonville Fire Department, Auburn Fire Department, and Ohio County departments later responded to assist. - Photos courtesy of Sydney Patterson
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Tree, Branches Down in Perryville
The Perryville Fire Department responded to Leonard Street between East Second and East Third, recently, due to a tree down in the roadway. There were lots of small limbs down throughout the city on other streets, but they were passable. PFD staff and Perryville Public Works worked on tree removal throughout the city. No injuries were reported. - Photos courtesy of Perryville FD
Body Found in Troublesome Creek On January 13, 2022, multiple agencies conducted a search in the Ary community. The Swift Water Technicians from the Jakes Branch and Hazard fire departments located a deceased male subject while searching the Troublesome Creek area. The scene was then released to the Kentucky State Police. - Photo courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
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So, You Wanna’ Work Water Rescue Water Rescue Technicians from Jakes Branch and Hazard fire departments spent the day on the water recently doing a training exercise to prepare additional units to complete the certification required to join the water rescue team. - Photos courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
Flatwoods and Raceland Train
Flatwoods and Raceland fire departments trained together in Raceland recently. - Photos courtesy of the City of Flatwoods local government
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Up Close & Personal
Henderson firefighters ready to enjoy a pizza kindly donated by the local Pizza Hut. - Photo courtesy of Henderson FD
Firefighters from the Jakes Branch Fire Department. - Photo courtesy of Jakes Branch FD
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Henderson Rope Training
The Henderson Fire Department crew at Station 4 recently held a rope training seminar. The crew said they used some new rescue equipment to practice setting up various types of lowering and hauling rope systems. - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 21
Patches (Clockwise from right) Crossroads Fire Department Ft. Knox Fire Department Lexington Fire Department
Perryville Gets PPE Grant Great news for Perryville Fire Department and the City of Perryville. Perryville Fire was awarded a PPE Grant from the Kentucky Fire Commission. This grant will be utilized to purchase turnout gearhelmets, boots, gloves, coats and pants for firefighters. Thanks to the Kentucky Fire Commission for this program that awarded PPE grants to over 200 departments throughout the state of Kentucky! - Photo courtesy of Perryville FD
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Henderson Personnel & 911 Operator Honored for Save Recently, at the Henderson Fire Department's regular scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting the mayor and the fire chief presented certificates of appreciation and Life Saving commendations to the following Henderson Fire Department employees and a 911 operator from the Henderson Dispatch Center: Engineer Cory Agnew, Firefighter Eli Wright, Firefighter Isaac Damrath and 911 Operator Mark Doepel. Chief Foreman said, “I would like to say thank you and excellent job on your prompt and well executed actions and bravery on the structure fire resulting in the rescue of an occupant in the basement that took place in the 800 Block of Highway 2084 South on January 12, 2022. “Coordinated efforts between the 911 operator and the firefighters on scene definitely produced positive results by saving a human life. I truly believe that had either piece of that puzzle not shown up at work with their A game, the results would have been different. Both parties knew what needed to be done and it was executed perfectly. “Your efforts and professionalism are appreciated and applauded! Safety is always a top priority; your mission that day was to make a rescue. Was it ‘Worth the Risk?’ Yes, it was; no one else was coming to do what you did. “This incident went the way it did because of your dedication, commitment, training, and professionalism. I am very proud of you and your actions during this incident.” - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
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Hazard Fire Department at Hazard MS The Hazard Fire Department was honored to spend the day, recently, with the students and staff at Hazard Middle School. - Photos courtesy of Hazard FD
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Louisville Division of Fire Promotions The Louisville Division of Fire would like to congratulate their most recently promoted personnel within the division. Chad Greathouse, promoted to Fire Battalion Chief, with the rank of Major. Kyle Fekete, promoted to Fire Battalion Chief, with the rank of Major. Jamill Greene, promoted to Fire Company Commander, with the rank of Captain. Javaudis Lowe, promoted to Fire Company Commander, with the rank of Captain. Christopher Meredith, promoted to Fire Company Commander, with the rank of Captain. Gregory Weathers, promoted to Fire Company Commander, with the rank of Captain. Bradley Baker, promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator, with the rank of Sergeant. Brandon Williams, promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator, with the rank of Sergeant. Ramiro Rodriguez, promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator, with the rank of Sergeant. Cory Trenholm, promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator, with the rank of Sergeant. Congratulations to all! - Photos courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
Hydrant Repairs in Hazard
Several fire hydrants were repaired recently to better assist crews in keeping the community safe. - Photos courtesy of Hazard FD
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Safe Haven Baby Box On March 16, 2022, the 105th Safe Haven Baby Box in the nation was blessed at Engine Company 6 (2500 Griffiths Avenue). The baby box is a final resource for parents in crisis to ensure the safe surrender of an infant, while legally protecting the mother’s identity. Funding for this baby box was generously provided by Jim and Connie Rogers. The Safe Haven Baby Box organization staffs a 24-hour hotline (1-866-99BABY1) to give women the opportunity to talk to a trained professional as they consider options, including safely surrendering their baby. - Photos courtesy of the Louisville Division of Fire
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NSFC Honors Henderson for Fire Prevention Work Recently, the Henderson Fire Department was honored to be presented with a 20-year plaque from the National Fire Safety Counsel. It was presented to the agency by Mr. James Perry for “dedication and success” at being such a strong fire prevention advocate to the community. Thank you to the National Fire Safety Counsel and to Mr. Perry for the recognition of the effort our personnel have put into fire prevention (which really began approximately 40 years ago). - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
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LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE LEADER KARL RISTOW TO RECEIVE NFFF GLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is recognizing Chief Karl Ristow, CFO, as the newest recipient of the organization’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award. Chief Ristow, who currently serves as the Program Director for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) program at the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), is being recognized for his many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board Of Directors. “Karl is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “His dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.” Chief Ristow became involved in the NFFF in 2007, when he served on the incident management team that developed and executed the memorial service and burials for nine Charleston, South Carolina firefighters killed while fighting a fire at the Super Sofa Store. Since then, as a volunteer, donor, and educator, Ristow has supported the NFFF in raising awareness and funds for its prevention and support missions. Chief Ristow is second Chairman and National Coordinator for the NFFF Memorial Golf Tournaments program. In the five years that Chief Ristow has dedicated his time and energy, the tournaments have raised more than $1.7 million in support of the NFFF. Along with his wife, Barbara, Chief Ristow volunteers for the Hal Bruno bereavement camps for the children of fallen firefighters, serving as Big Buddies, Healing Circle Assistants, and Floaters. The Ristows are also members of the NFFF Giving Circle, a group comprised of the Foundation’s most generous financial donors. Karl’s commitment to the fire and emergency service family is evident in both his accreditation work with the CPSE and his dedicated volunteering with the NFFF, shared CPSE Chief Executive Officer, Preet Bassi. “Both organizations are lucky to have him as part of our teams.” Before joining CPSE, Chief Ristow served as Fire Chief for the St. John’s Fire District in South Carolina for 14 years and as a Resident Training Specialist for the South Carolina Fire
Academy. Chief Ristow is a retired United States Air Force Fire Protection Supervisor. He holds a master’s degree in Management and Public Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and associate degrees in Fire Science and Instructor of Technology and Military Science. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, a Chief Fire Officer Designee through the Commission on Professional Credentialing, and a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE). The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service. In 1969, Glatfelter created the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company of its kind to meet the insurance needs for firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its missions and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Chief Ristow will be presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on March 22, 2022 during the opening session of the CPSE Excellence Conference in Orlando, FL. “Chief Ristow represents everything that Art Glatfelter stood for,” Campisi said. “We are grateful for leaders who carry the standard for the fire service, and it’s a privilege to present Chief Ristow with this award.” The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by Congress in 1992 to honor and recognize firefighters who died in the line of duty each year. To meet this mandate, the Foundation reviews the circumstances of each firefighter fatality reported to determine whether the death also meets criteria for inclusion on the National Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The guidelines by which these determinations are governed can be found on our website at https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighters/memorial/. The NFFF is closely reviewing COVID-related deaths to determine eligibility for inclusion on the National Memorial.
SUTPHEN CORPORATION TO DISPLAY NEW TRACTOR DRAWN AERIAL IN FDIC BOOTH 3324 Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, announces that FDIC 2022 will be the showcase venue for Sutphen’s new Tractor Drawn Aerial. The tractor drawn aerial will add to Sutphen’s already extensive product lineup and will be the first Sutphen TDA since the 1990s. “We cannot wait to showcase this new product at FDIC 2022,” said fourth-generation family member and Sutphen vice president, Julie Sutphen Phelps. “We know this will be the talk of the show, and we are excited to unveil the Sutphen TDA in front of such a large audience.” The truck, destined for DeKalb County Fire Rescue in Dekalb County, Georgia, will be available to see in Sutphen Booth #3324 in
the Indiana Convention Center Thursday, April 28 through Saturday, April 30. “This is why people go to FDIC,” said Sutphen’s director of sales and marketing, Zach Rudy. “People go to FDIC for the excitement and the unveiling of new products across the fire industry. We know that the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium will be abuzz with talk of the Sutphen Tractor Drawn Aerial.” If customers have questions or would like additional details about the apparatus prior to the show, they are encouraged to contact their Sutphen dealer. Customers can find their Sutphen dealer by following the link here: https://www.sutphen.com/locations/.
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2022 Bryant Stiles Officer School The 2022 Bryant Stiles Officer School presented by the Green River Firefighters Association was held February 25-27, 2022, in Owensboro. The school's attendance was over 600 students from multiple states. The Officer’s School provides company officers and command staff with up-to-date command tactics to help make them better officers and give them more tools for their toolboxes. This school is not just for people who are already officers, but for the up-and-coming firefighter wanting to gain skills to become a company officer or chief officer in the future. One of the biggest draws to the school is that instructors are brought in from all over the United States to bring different perspectives to the students. Saturday night with the vendors is the biggest fire vendor show in Kentucky. This year’s vendor show was the best one yet, with multiple apparatus including engines, ladder trucks, tankers, brush trucks, and ambulances. Along with the trucks there were multiple equipment vendors. The vendor show attendance was estimated at over 2000 people. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Owensboro on February 24-26, 2023. Board members include: President Lee Williams; 1st Vice President Troy Roberts; 2nd Vice President Charlie Rafferty; Secretary Marc Henderson and Treasurer Pat Thompson. - Fire News photos provided
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Obituary
Henderson’s Charles Trodglen
Former Fire Chief Charles Trodglen passed away on March 24, 2022. He was 79-years old. Members of Henderson Fire Department Honor Guard, as well as all Henderson Fire
Department fire engines, drove along Chief Trodglen’s processional route. Henderson FD is blessed to be able to help the family say goodbye to an honorable man that was loved
by so many. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Anthony’s Hospice. - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
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