Owensboro firefighters arrive to heavy flames and smoke from what started as a porch fire.
See story on page 7
Training Around the Commonwealth
Concord, Hopkinsville, Louisville, Henderson, Madisonville and Pembroke honing their skills.
See stories on pages 10, 11, 14, 15
New Firefighters for Owensboro
Owensboro swears in four new firefighters.
See story on page 16
93rd Kentucky Fire School
The school welcomes 641 students for 36 classes in downtown Lexington.
See story on page 17
AHappy Ending to a Baby Box Story
The first baby in Kentucky, surrendered in 2022 ,celebrates her birthday with her new parents.
See story on page 20
AMeeting of the Chiefs
Bowling Green’s Chief Justin Brooks continues tradition with a chief’s roundtable lunch.
See story on page 21
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Housebridge Road Fire
Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue, the Cairo VolunteerFire Department, the Henderson City/County Rescue Squad, and Deaconess EMS responded to the 5900 block of Housebridge Road forthe report of a house fire. Upon arrival, units found a working house fire with flames visible, with reports of someone trapped inside. Family members arrived at the scene and confirmed no one was inside. Units worked the fire for several hours, and battled several layers of roofing undera metal roof. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation, but was not deemed suspicious. Thanks to Waverly FD, Robards Community FD, and Henderson 911 Emergency Communications. Also a HUGE thanks to the Corydon Civil Defense Fire and Rescue’s Auxiliary, forproviding us rehab while we cleaned and restocked ourapparatus.
- Submitted by Bryan Coghill
HazMat Call in Louisville
At 2028 on June 13, 2024, Louisville Fire Department crews were dispatched to a food processing plant on Story Avenue forthe report of a chemical spill. Fire and HazMat companies arrived and gathered information from a facility manager. Reported was a sodium bisulfite 40-percent leak inside the facility. HazMat teams began airmonitoring and establishing control zones, while entry teams suited up in protective equipment and prepared to make entry. AHazMat entry team entered the facility at 2215 and was able to stop the leak within 12 minutes afterthe solution was found to be leaking from a malfunctioning coupling on a pipe. The team exited the facility and underwent decontamination. The leak was contained inside the building. Louisville Fire crews remained on scene forairmonitoring. The operation was terminated and the scene turned back overto plant managers at 2347. MSD, Health Department, Louisville WaterCo., LMEMS, and LMPD also responded to this incident. No injuries were reported.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FR
Scott County Vacant House Fire
Georgetown Fire Department (GFD) and Scott County Fire Rescue (SCFD) were dispatched to a structure fire in a vacant home in the county. GFD assisted SCFD with initial fire suppression activities. Although air temperatures were near90 degrees, no injuries were reported. Thanks to Georgetown/Scott County EMS foryour help by ensuring all of ourfirefighters stayed hydrated and were well taken care of.
- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD
Concord Knocks Down
Vehicle Fire
Concord firefighters operated at the scene of a recent vehicle fire.
- Submitted by Tanner Bazarnyj
Owensboro Smoke and Heavy Flames on Arrival
Owensboro 2nd Crew was dispatched to the report of a fire on the porch of a home in the 900 block of Conway Avenue. Initial reports indicated the fire started from a motorcycle located on the front porch. Upon arrival, Command 95 advised heavy flames and smoke from the front of the house and initiated an offensive attack. Engine 1 made the initial attack and was assisted by Engine 3. The fire was knocked down quickly, but crews remained on scene foroveran hourforoverhaul operations. Responding units included Engines 1, 3 and 5, Ladder1, Rescue 1, Fire 95, Fire 97, Fire 98 and Fire 29. No injuries were reported and the cause was underinvestigation. Thanks to Central Dispatch, OPD, OMU and the American Red Cross fortheirassistance.
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Hopkinsville House Fire
On July 14, 2024, Hopkinsville firefighters from three stations worked to extinguish a structure fire on the 600 block of Evergreen Park Drive. Crews were notified around 0245 and arrived within minutes to find fire coming from the rearof the home. Three occupants were able to safely evacuate uninjured. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire/EMS
Tree Down on Wires in Henderson
Henderson firefighters responded to a structure fire in 700 block of South Main recently. The cause was determined to be a tree falling on powerlines, which led to arcing and a fire inside the home. There were no injuries to report. - Photo courtesy of Henderson FD
2 Displaced by Louisville Barbershop Blaze
Louisville Fire Department crews were called to the 2100 block of Portland Avenue on the report of a barbershop on fire on June 15, 2024. Crews arrived in three minutes and found the fire was extending into a nearby home and its attic. Firefighters made entry with hoselines to extinguish the fire and conduct search and rescue operations in both buildings. All occupants were able to safely evacuate. It took 35 firefighters 28 minutes to gain control of the fire. No injuries were reported but one adult and one child were displaced; the Red Cross was assisting them. The origin and cause of the fire was under investigation by arson investigators.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FR
Kitten Rescued in Lexington
The firefighters of Lexington’s Engine 9, 2nd Platoon, successfully rescued a kitten trapped in a storm drain aftera concerned resident alerted them to the trapped kitten. The team arrived at the intersection of Richmond Road and Mt. TaborRoad and Engine 9 worked to free the kitten from trash and debris. We’re happy to report that the kitten is safe and sound, receiving lots of love, care, and even a bath. The name “Stormy” seemed appropriate since he was rescued from a storm drain. And before you ask, Stormy has already been claimed by one of the firefighters at Station 9. Special thanks to Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control fortheirhelp on scene.
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Concord Trains on Donated House
Getting Ready for Fall Sports Season
Hopkinsville Fire EMS on-duty crews spent theirweek training with local athletic trainerMike Long and the Sports Medicine staff to become betterprepared forfall sports season. While we hope we neverhave to respond to any local athletic event, rest assured HFD personnel will be prepared to assess and safely treat injuries that may occur.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire EMS
Concord firefighters on a house given to the department to use for training priorto its demolition, the crew at the time was training on ventilation from the roof. - Submitted by Tanner Bazarnyj
Structural Collapse Training
Recently, the latest group of Louisville firefighters underwent an 80-hourcourse to become Structural Collapse Rescue Technicians. Technical rescue operations are often more complicated than the incidents typically encountered by fire companies on a daily basis. They require special certifications in orderforpersonnel to safely and efficiently perform specific functions during these types of incidents, using specialized tools and skill sets forvarious types of emergencies. In orderto train the next generation of Structural Collapse Technicians, the Louisville Division of Fire held three Structural Collapse Rescue classes overthe past few months, assisted by instructors from the company Spec Rescue International. Fire personnel trained in this discipline will respond to building collapses (orothertypes of infrastructure collapse) caused by natural disasters, catastrophic failure, orhuman causality. They will respond to incidents not only in Louisville, but with otherdepartments across the Commonwealth needing assistance, such as the deadly tornado in Mayfield that struck a candle factory in 2022. Over60 Louisville Fire Department members participated in the training, as well as 15 members from Pleasure Ridge Park Fire District.
- Photos courtesy of Louisville FR
Making It as Real as Possible
Henderson firefighters conducted a rope rescue training session on outer Fifth Street recently. The scenario was that a workerhad climbed to an area on a catwalk, but experienced a medical issue and was not able to climb down on his own. Initially, Henderson’s ladderwas going to be involved in the rescue, but crews had to go with a backup plan when the ladderwas suddenly taken out of play, (which could happen in reality,) thus making the scenario slightly more challenging due to the sudden change in tactics required.
- Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
TRAINING
Madisonville Trains on MasterStream Ops
Madisonville Fire crews spent theirFriday morning training on masterstream operations. Each crew took theirturn operating both the deck gun and portable ground monitor. The ability to quickly deliverlarge volumes of watercan help firefighters to get large fire undercontrol rapidly.
- Photo courtesy of Madisonville FD
Pembroke Trains in Smoke Maze
Pembroke members used Kentucky State Fire Commission’s smoke maze trailerrecently to conduct SCBAtraining.
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Photo courtesy of Pembroke FD
I Hope We Look This Good at 75!
Lexington’s fleet staff, with theirunparalleled expertise, and GorillaShine Detailing PPFTint and Ceramic, with theirmeticulous attention to detail, brought ourparade truck back to its vibrant self. A1949 firetruck, which retired from the line in 1972, the truck
has been around longerthan everyone who’s working now. Each person took great care and energy to ensure this truck was beautiful and in tip-top shape. - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Owensboro Swears in 4 New Firefighters
The Owensboro Fire Department proudly swore in fournew firefighters recently. Congratulations to: Ryan Black, Wyatt Griskey, Jeffrey Hall and Andrew Wilson. - Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD
93rd Annual Kentucky State Fire School
The 93rd annual Kentucky State Fire School was held in downtown Lexington June 5 to 9, 2024. Ateam of over200 came togetherto make this event possible. The school was excited to welcome 641 students, 36 classes, and Friday evening vendorshow back to downtown Lexington forthe school. The weathercould not have been more perfect, and students received a collective total of thousands
of hours of training and knowledge they will take back to their departments and communities. On behalf of the State Fire School committee, we offera round of applause and many, many thanks to everyone who participated in the school. Planning will soon commerce forthe 94th edition of the school, and we will see you in 2025!
- Submitted by Erika Adams Cole
Fire Academy Graduates 29 Recruits, Aligns with MCTC as SACSCOC Facility
The Kentucky Fire Commission recognized 29 recruits from 13 fire departments across the Commonwealth on May 17, 2024, in a graduation ceremony at the Fire Academy of Kentucky. Class 004 recruits spent 13 weeks training in Muhlenberg County and will return to theirrespective fire departments as certified firefighters ready to serve theircommunities. The Fire Academy of Kentucky is now aligned with Madisonville Community and Technical College as a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) facility. Each recruit received 21 college credits, placing them approximately one third of the way to a KCTCS Associate of Applied Science-Fire Science Technology degree, which was recently recommended forfive-yearreaccreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certifying entities. - Submitted by Erika Adams Cole
Working Hard to Ready for Frontline Service
In May 2021, the Bowling Green Fire Department opened Station 7 on Lovers Lane in Bowling Green. At that time, the crew operated with “Big Red,” the oldest of the frontline fleet. The replacement Engine 7 was purchased in January 2022 and delivery was in late June. Crews worked diligently to get it ready forfrontline service just two days afterdelivery. Tools were mounted, hose loaded, tablets installed. Some came in off duty and several stayed late to get this truck in service at 2130 on June 27, 2024. Special thanks to Deputy Chief Doug Morris, Captains Merv Hochstetler and Phillip Tarrance, EngineerJustin Donnelly, and Emergency Vehicle Technician Jordan Stice. - Submitted by Elsye Jonker
AHappy Ending Thanks to a Baby Box
Madisonville Cools Down the Kids
Madisonville Fire Department visited Christ the King day care recently. The children enjoyed playing in the waterthat was sprayed by Ladder1 crew.
- Submitted by Elyse Jonker
In early February 2023, a newborn was surrendered in the Safe Haven Baby Box at Bowling Green Fire Department Station 7. This was the first newborn surrendered in a baby box in Kentucky following a legislative change made in 2021. This happened just overone month afterthe box opened in December2022. The baby was soon placed in fostercare. One yearlater, a birthday celebration was held forherat Station 7. On June 14, 2024 members of the crew that responded to the baby box alarm, as well as members of the command staff, had the special opportunity to witness the adoption of Sylvia Jewell by herparents, Eric and Stephanie. The mission of the BGFD is to serve, save, and protect, to make it better. The baby box resource has certainly made it betterforMiss Sylvia and herfamily.
- Photo courtesy of Madisonville FD
Thanks forthe Save
Recently, members from Georgetown Fire Department and Georgetown/Scott County EMS, were delighted to receive a visit from a recent cardiac arrest survivor. Mrs. Thacker, along with herfamily, stopped by to meet the GeorgetownScott County EMS crew and Georgetown Fire Department members who played a crucial role in saving herlife. Crew members included: GFD - Battalion Chief Kevin Conley, Captain Will Leonard, FF/EMTWyatt Anderson, and FF/EMTJonathan Mullins (not pictured), EMS - Captain D. Herlensky, Paramedic R. Ball, Paramedic C. Money, EMTJ. Conley and Paramedic Student C. Thompson. - Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD
AMeeting of the Chiefs
Beginning with his promotion to Fire Chief in August of 2021, Chief Justin Brooks invited all formerchiefs back fora roundtable lunch. Continuing this tradition, on May 30, 2024, another chiefs’roundtable lunch was held. Anyone who served in the role of chief, whetherinterim orappointed, was invited. The wisdom and discernment in the room was obvious and appreciated. Topics included the long-term vision forthe department, successes, and room forimprovement. Pictured from left to right: Deputy Chief Doug Morris, Deputy Chief Bret Smith, Interim Chief Brian O’Callaghan, Fire Chief Gerry Brown, Interim Chief Walter Jordan, Fire Chief Jason Colson, Interim Chief Jim Morrow, and Fire Chief Justin Brooks. - Submitted by Elyse Jonker
The Brotherhood Rides
On July 18, 2024, the Kentucky Brotherhood Ride visited Zoneton Fire. This group spent several days traveling Kentucky on bicycles to pay tribute to fallen first-responders. They were supported by many allied agencies to make this ride happen in a safe manner. Thank you Brotherhood foryourkindness and caring!
- Photos courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District
NFPA’S
R. DAVID PAULISON NAMED NEWBOARD CHAIRPERSON
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on June 17, 2024, which included the naming of a new chair, the election of two new members, and the reelection of a third member of the board.
R. David Paulison has been elected by the Board of Directors as the new chairperson. Paulison, who has been serving on the NFPA Board since 2015 and was the First Vice Chair, brings extensive experience in emergency management and fire safety to his new role.
He has had a distinguished career, previously serving as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and as the U.S. Fire Administrator. He also spent 30 years with the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department, from 1971 to 2001, rising through the ranks from firefighter to becoming Fire Chief in 1992.
Paulison takes over from Russell Leavitt, executive chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc., who is completing his second two-year term as Board Chair.
The Board also elected a slate of officers that includes John Bonney as First Vice Chair, Roger Montembeault as Second Vice Chair, Lou Paulson as Secretary, Stacy Welch as Treasurer, Reggie Freeman as Assistant Treasurer, and Russell Leavitt as Immediate Past Chair. Kwame Cooper will continue in his current role as Assistant Secretary.In addition, NFPAmembers elected two new Board members, and a third was reelected to three-year terms on the Board. They are Christina Francis, P.E., FSFPE; David Hittinger; and Raj Arora, P.E.\
AFGAND SAFER REAUTHORIZATION BILL PASSES SENATE
On June 18, 2024, the US Senate passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870), a bill to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) through 2028. The legislation also extended the sunset date for AFG and SAFER to September 30, 2030. The bill has been sent to the President to be signed into law. Once signed, these programs will be protected for the next several years, ensuring that the fire and emergency services can continue to access vital federal support. On July 9, 2024, President Biden signed S.870 into law.
USFA50TH ANNIVERSARY
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) kicked-off its 50th anniversary celebration with a staff gathering at the National Fire Academy on July 11, 2024. During the campus event the 50th anniversary cake was cut by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and Branch Chief Smiley White. Chief White is the longest serving USFAemployee and is still an active member of the Guardian Hose Company in Thurmont, Maryland, and an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MFRI). Additional anniversary events will occur throughout the year.
