Fire News Maryland, Nov./Dec. 2023

MARYLAND Nov./Dec. 2023

Volume 2, No. 5

Story on page 14.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos

Bomb Squad Safely Detonates Unearthed Explosives See story on page 13.

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 3

In this issue...

Vacant Building Fire in Baltimore Baltimore City firefighters battled a raging fire in a vacant building.

See story on page 6

Working House Fire in Pikesville Westside Baltimore County fire units were dispatched to Fire Box 2-21, reporting a house on fire.

See story on page 11

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Working Fire on Brooks Lane Baltimore City firefighters battled a working fire in a private dwelling.

See story on page 13

Kentland Responds to CSX Derailment Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched for a train derailment.

See story on page 22

Hunting Accident in Hebron The Hebron Fire Department was alerted for a subject fallen.

See story on page 24

Shock Trauma Call in Ocean City Ocean City Paramedic Engine 1 and Paramedic 1 responded to an unconscious JV. See story on page 26

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Page 4, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Kanawha County Structure Fire

On October 7, 2023, at 1614, Kanawha County’s Station 5 Belle VFD, Station 3 Malden VFD, Station 6 Cedar Grove and Station 7 Glasgow VFD were alerted for a reported structure fire in area 5 on Branch Road. Engine 51 was the first unit on scene, advising that a large garage was well involved and had exposure issues. Units worked for about 2-1/2 hours to bring the blaze under control.

There were several pieces of equipment inside which made overhaul difficult and foam was used. Units that responded were Belle Engines 51 and 52, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, Cedar Grove Engine 62, Glasgow Tanker 71, Utility 73, and KCEAA 151.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Page 6, Fire News, November/December 2023

Vacant Building Fire in Baltimore

Baltimore City firefighters battled a raging fire in a vacant building with possible squatters inside on Morton Street near West 26th Street on October 5, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

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Franklin Structure Fire

On August 16, 2023, at 0600, Franklin Community VFD was alerted to respond to a fully engulfed structure fire. Engine 7 arrived and found a two-story structure with massive amounts of fire showing. The original foundation of the structure dated back to the late-1800s and was remodeled in the mid-1900s but has sat vacant for several decades. Franklin Community was assisted by Hooverson Heights, Colliers and tankers from Mckinleyville and Avella (PA).

- Submitted by Gerald M McClain, Fire Chief, Franklin Community VFD

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 7

Baltimore 2-Alarmer Extends

Long Lay for Suspicious Fire

Baltimore City firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze in a vacant structure on East 26th Street on August 28, 2023. Companies faced heavy fire on arrival and the fire quickly spread to the exposures on both sides. No serious injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

On September 18, 2023, at 2150, Kanawha County’s Station 2 Pinch VFD and Station 3 Malden VFD were alerted for a house fire on Meadowbrook Drive in area 2. Engine 21 went en route and advised to add Station 27 WVANG to the call. Engine 23 arrived and advised they had a single-story vacant house fully involved. WVANG Engine 274 laid in 1000 feet of five-inch supply line to Engine 23 and crews extinguished the fire. The fire was considered suspicious and the WV State Fire Marshal Office was contacted. Units that response were Pinch Engine 21 and 23, Squad 2, Utility 25, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, WVANG Engine 274, KCEAA 182, KCSD 82,90.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Page 8, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Long Stretch at Kanawha County Blaze

On September 20, 2023, at 1845, Kanawha County’s Station 3 Malden VFD, Station 4 Rand VFD, and Station 5 Belle VFD were alerted for a reported structure fire in area 3 on Eight Mile Hollow Road. Utility 3 and Chief 3 arrived and advised that a single-story house was well involved with fire through the roof. Engine 32 arrived and pulled a 1-3/4 inch attack line to extinguish the blaze,

Rand Engine 43 laid a 400 feet of four-inch supply line from a hydrant. Crews worked for around 2-1/2 hours to extinguish the fire. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Squad 3, Utility 3, Rand Engine 42, 43, Belle Engine 52, KCEAA 151.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

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Working House Fire in Pikesville Shortly before 2200 on September 22, 2023, westside Baltimore County fire units were dispatched to Fire Box 2-21, reporting a house on fire in the 4000 block of Raleigh Road in Pikesville. Advised by dispatch of multiple calls being received, Battalion Chief Kemp, responding from Station 3, observed heavy fire over a treeline and requested a working fire dispatch. BC Kemp and Engine 2 arrived and confirmed heavy fire showing from the attached garage of a 1-1/2 story single-family house, with extension to trees and power lines in the rear of the house. Several attack hoselines were deployed and, upon confirmation that all occupants escaped safely, firefighters were ordered to operate exterior only.

The fire was declared under control in about an hour and was under investigation by the Baltimore County Fire Department-Fire Investigation Division. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Mike Schwartzberg

Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, November/December 2023

Outbuilding Fire in Kanawha County

On September 13, 2023, at 1658, Kanawha Counties Stations 3 Malden VFD, Station 4 Rand VFD and Station 5 Belle VFD were alerted for a structure fire in area 3 on Staten Drive. Utility 3 Chief 3 arrived at 1703 reporting an out building on fire with exposures issues. Engine 32 arrived and deployed a 1-3/4 inch handline to knock down the fire. There were no injuries and the fire is considered to be accidental in nature. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, Rand Engine 43,42 Belle Engine 52, and KCEAA AS501.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

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Kentland Two-Story Blaze

Recently, Kentland Truck 33 was dispatched as the first-due truck company to Box 30-03 for a reported house fire in the 4200 block of 71st Avenue. Engine Company 30 arrived and reported fire showing from Side C of a two-story, single-family dwelling. Truck 33 arrived on scene, searched the immediate fire area and opened up while the outside team laddered the structure.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland FD

Clarksburg Vacant Home Goes

At 0217 hours on October 8, 2023, Company 8 (Reynoldsville VFD), 71, 121 (Stonewood VFD), and 111 (Spelter VFD) were alerted for a structure fire on Junkins Avenue in Clarksburg. Engine 71 responded as did Tanker 7. Clarksburg was originally alerted for an unknown type fire but it was determined the incident would be outside of the city limits. Engine 231 arrived on scene to find a singlestory, vacant dwelling fully involved. Engine 71 arrived behind

CFD units and assisted with a defensive attack by pulling an additional 1-3/4 inch cross lay before taking over as the primary suppression unit to allow CFD units to return to service. Engines 122, and 82, and Tanker 7 supplied 71 and 231 with water before Engine 112 laid over 1000 feet of four-inch LDH from a hydrant for water supply.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 13

Bomb Squad Safely Detonates Working Fire on Brooks Lane Unearthed Explosives Bomb technicians conducted a controlled detonation on explosives that were unearthed during a construction project in Hagerstown recently. Construction workers were moving dirt and rock for a stormwater retention pond behind the Sam’s Club in the 1700 block of Wesel Boulevard when they saw a suspicious item. They immediately stopped work and called 911.

Hagerstown Fire Department responded, and upon observing the item, the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office requested the Bomb Squad.

Bomb technicians examined the explosives and, after an extensive evaluation, concluded the safest and most effective way of rendering the explosive material safe was to conduct an onsite emergency disposal. With the assistance of allied agencies, Sam’s Club and nearby hotels were evacuated to ensure the public was safe, and just before 1500, the detonation occurred.

This is the second time the Bomb Squad has responded to this location. On July 18, 2023, the Hagerstown Fire Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad responded to the same area when a construction crew unearthed an explosive. Bomb technicians deployed a robot and determined they could safely remove the explosive from the area to the Beaver Creek quarry, where the device was rendered safe. - Courtesy of the Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

Baltimore City firefighters battled a working fire in a private dwelling on Brooks Lane on September 19, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

Page 14, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Cover Story

Harbor Tunnel Multi-Vehicle MVA

Baltimore City firefighters and EMS units were on the scene of a multi-vehicle accident in the southbound tube of the Harbor Tunnel on August 31, 2023. Multiple tools were put into operation as extrication was required to reach the injured occupants.

- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 19

Quick Thinking by Nitro Neighbors

Some quick thinking by a group of neighbors helped minimize the damage to a garage fire on Walker Street, in Nitro recently. Prior to the fire department arriving on the scene, Nitro Fire Chief Casey Mathes said, “Next door neighbors saw the fire and started fighting the blaze, which was mostly exterior, with a garden hose. They probably saved the garage with their neighborly act.” When the firefighters arrived, it didn’t take them long to finish extinguishing the blaze and keeping the majority of the damage to the exterior. There was minor damage inside. There were no injuries reported and the cause of the blaze was determined to be caused by a battery exploding.

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Vacant Structure Goes on Gap View Dr. On August 14, 21023, at 0312, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden VFD, Station 4 Rand VFD and Station 5 Belle VFD were alerted for a house fire in area 3 on Gap View Drive.

Chief 3 W.L. 'Squeak' Peterson with Utility 3 arrived and confirmed a working fire in a vacant structure. Engine 32 crews went to work to extinguish the blaze. Rand Engine 43 laid in 500 feet of four-inch supply line and contained the fire within an hour. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Squad 3, Utility 3, Rand Engine 42,43, Belle Engine 52, KCEAA 157, KCSD 50, KCOEM 991.

- Submitted by AC Bradley 'Sparky' Scott, Malden VFD

Page 20, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Car Fire in Malden On August 19, 2023, at 1943, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VFD was alerted for a reported vehicle fire on Georges Creek Drive. Chief 3, Utility 3 and Rescue Engine 33 arrived to find a vehicle with an engine compartment fire in a field off of the main road. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze. The vehicle owner advised they had lost power and smoke started coming from the engine compartment. Crews cleared the scene around 2030 after Hutch’s Wrecker removed the vehicle. Units that responded were Rescue Engine 33, Engine 31 and Utility 3.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden

Baltimore Car Fire Engine 8 of the Baltimore City Fire Department extinguished a vehicle fire on the evening of September 19, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

Announcement

ODENTON

The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary is having a craft show at the firehouse at 1425 Annapolis Road, on November 11, 2023 from 0900 to 1400.

- Submitted by Patti Kidwell

Page 22, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Baltimore City Fire in Attached Dwellings Baltimore City firefighters from Engine 8 and Truck 10 battled a working fire in attached private dwellings on Edmonson Avenue on September 19, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

Entrapment, Overturn at Rte. 50 MVA On September 9, 2023, the Mardela Fire Department was alerted for an accident with injuries on eastbound Route 50 in the area of Calloway Farms. Paramedic A-9 arrived to find a twovehicle MVA with one vehicle overturned and an entrappment.

Wicomico 911 upgraded the alarm to an accident with rescue, which brought in Dorchester County Station 11 Venna on the assist. Rescue crews used struts to stabilize the overturned vehicle. The roof needed to be removed to gain access. Station 14 Sharptown responded with an ambulance to transport one of the patients. Command put the situation under control a short time later. Maryland State Police investigated the cause of the accident.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Kentland Responds to CSX Derailment Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched for a train derailment in Company 9’s first-due area. The crew worked with a CSX employee to relay hazards to command. The company operated for approximately two hours before returning to service.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland FD

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T-Bone MVA on Kanawha Blvd.

On September 6, 2023, at 1745, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VFD was alerted for an MVA on Kanawha Boulevard at the railroad crossing and Piedmont Road. Chief 3 Utility 3 was the first unit on scene advising of a two-vehicle T-bone collision with one vehicle which had rolled several times. Both occupants of that vehicle were transported to CAMC General Division; the driver of the second vehicle signed a refusal and went to the hospital POV. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33; Utility 3; KCEAA 506, 174 and 180; KCSD 70, 95 and 105.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Hunting Accident in Hebron

On the afternoon of September 10, 2023, the Hebron Fire Department was alerted for a subject fallen on Quantico Road.

While crews were en route, the Wicomico County 911 Center advised them that the call was for a hunter who fell about 25 feet out of a deer stand located about a half-mile off the roadway. When EMS crews arrived, they traveled as far as they could in their unit then walked the rest of the way because of the rough terrain. When they arrived at the scene, they found a male hunter on the ground

with serious injuries. The Paramedic A-5 crew began to stabilize the patient for transport. The patient was first loaded into a pickup to transport him to where the ambulance was parked. Once transferred into Paramedic A-5, he was taken to Tidal Health in Salisbury for treatment. The Department of Natural Resources investigated the accident.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 25

Charleston HazMat Team Responds to WV Tpke.

Malden MVA with Entrapment

Recently, the Pax Fire Department (Fayette County) requested hazardous materials assistance from the Charleston Fire Department. The team quickly deployed to an accident along the West Virginia Turnpike where they assisted throughout the day.

The CFD operates multiple specialized units and stands ready to respond regionally to our mutual aid partners.

- Photo courtesy of Charleston FD

On September 19, 2023, at 0855, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden VFD was alerted for an MVA with reported entrapment at the Route 60 (Kanawha Boulevard) Malden entrance ramp westbound. Utility 3 Chief 3 arrived to a two-vehicle crash with three patients with one being entrapped. Rescue Engine 33 arrived at the scene and began extrication. KCEAA transported two patients to CAMC General Division. Hutch’s Wrecker Service removed the vehicles. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Utility3, KCEAA AS 511, 591, 114, 118and 157, KCSD 15, 81 and 96.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Institute Wins Fire Prevention Parade Award

Institute Rescue 242 participated in the annual Malden Fire Prevention Parade recently. Thank you to Malden Fire Department for the invite and for the Best Appearing Rescue Award.

- Photo courtesy of Institute FR

Page 26, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Shock Trauma Call in Ocean City

On June 21, 2023, Ocean City Paramedic Engine 1 and Paramedic 1 responded to an unconscious juvenile cyclist hit by a bus. A medevac was requested to and an LZ was setup at the Coast Guard Station at the inlet. Trooper 4 responded and transported the party to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 27

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci Awarded The Olin Greene Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award

K9 Kachina Retires from the Office of the State Fire Marshal

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci has been awarded The Olin Greene Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award by the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) at their annual meeting in Wilmington, North Carolina. Along with the award, Geraci was re-elected as the Vice-President of NASFM, comprised of the most senior fire officials in the United States. State Fire Marshals’ responsibilities vary from state to state. They are mainly responsible for fire safety code adoption and enforcement, fire and arson investigation, fire incident data reporting and analysis, public education, and advising governors and state legislatures on fire protection.

The Olin Greene Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award is a lifetime achievement award established by NASFM in 2008. It is awarded to those who have dedicated their career to fire prevention and public safety and have achieved substantial accomplishments. The first recipient of this award was Olin Greene, one of NASFM's founders and a former U.S. Fire Administrator.

In addition to this year’s award, Geraci was awarded the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award in 2020. - Courtesy of the Office Maryland State Fire Marshal

With a list of accomplishments as long as her leash, beloved K9 heads into retirement After eight years with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kachina, one of Maryland’s most beloved arson detection dogs, is retiring.

The 10-year-old black lab is one of four Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) trained dogs within the agency. She was the most senior canine among the 62 teams across the United States.

She and her partner, Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire, have assisted in over 600 cases in their time together throughout Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. During her career, Kachina has responded to or trained in every Maryland county and Baltimore City, an accomplishment that few K9s have experienced and a testament to her drive and dedication to everyone in Maryland.

Kachina was initially trained as a guide dog to aid the visually impaired by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind. However, her drive was recognized to be better suited as a working dog.

- Fire News photo provided

HazMat Call on Federal Street On August 4, 2023, at 0055, Bluefield Fire Department Engine 1 responded to The West Virginia Manor on Federal Street for an activated medical alarm. The crew of Engine 1 noticed a strong chemical odor coming from a hallway once they exited the elevator.

Engine 1 made contact with the occupant of the apartment on the eighth floor and she advised firefighters she had accidentally mixed bleach and ammonia within the apartment. Engine 1 immediately evacuated both residents from the apartment and upgraded the

call to a Hazardous Material response and requested Engine 3 as well as the Princeton Fire Department (PFD) Hazardous Materials Team. While waiting for the HazMat Team, Engine 1’s crew evacuated the eighth floor of the building. Upon arrival of PFD, a member from Engine 1’s crew and the PFD HazMat Team made entry into the apartment to mitigate the spill.

Once mitigated, the crews set up ventilation of the room and the floor.

One person was transported by Bluefield Rescue Squad.

- Photo courtesy of Bluefield FD

Page 28, Fire News, November/December 2023

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LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE ADVOCATE VICKIE PRITCHETT RECEIVES NFFF’S GLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has recognized Ms. Vickie Pritchett as the newest recipient of the Foundation’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Pritchett serves as the Vice President/Executive Officer at the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and is being recognized for her many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “Vickie is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “Her dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.”

Vickie is a long-time advocate for safety throughout the fire service and for NFFF, specifically. Her constant support of and participation in numerous NFFF events and activities, such as the Memorial Weekend, the Truman Fire Forums and Firefighter Life Safety Summits, and most recently the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control and the subsequent “Fire Stop Tour.”

She is a key component of the Foundation’s national leadership efforts and strategic grassroots programming. Her impressive resume and influence throughout the fire service is well known, and her support of NFFF is constant.

“Vickie is the true embodiment of the spirit of the Glatfelter award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to support and further the mission of the NFFF. For many years, her innovative

thinking and great leadership have not only benefitted the Foundation but have promoted firefighter safety and amplified the voice of safety in the fire service overall. I am confident that her impact as a connector, liaison, spokesperson, and hands-on partner for the NFFF will continue for years to come,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. 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 volunteer firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its mission and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Pritchett was presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on September 27, 2023, during the opening session of Firehouse Expo in The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. “Vickie Pritchett 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 Vickie with this award.”

NEW LOOK & SOFTWARE FOR FIRE RESCUE SYSTEMS Fire Rescue Systems, a software company for the fire service, has a brandnew look to go along with their new modules; all to better serve fire departments like yours. The company was started in 1983 in Long Island, New York, and has helped hundreds of departments better manage their fire and rescue operations.

Instead of paying high fees for an all-in-one software program, Fire Rescue Systems offers various modules which you can bundle together. This allows you to pay for what you need, without the fluff, and makes it the perfection solution for fire departments of all sizes.

Some of the modules include Dispatch, Bulletin Board, NFIRS, Inventory, MDT, Roster and Attendance, Department Voting and a Mobile Responder Phone App. They also offer finger readers that integrate with other modules. All of the modules help you save time and increase efficiency. The company offers 24/7 tech support for all customers.

Fire Rescue Systems’ brand-new look also includes an updated, easier-to-navigate website so you can quickly browse their available modules and get the information you need to decide. For more information and to see their new website, go to firerescuesystems.com or call 800-651-3059.

FDSOA TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR SAFETY OFFICER OF THE YEAR Fire departments from across North America can showcase their most dangerous thing facing the fire service today. “There are a lot best incident or health and safety officer by nominating that of unknowns, but it is really ourselves, because we are the officer for this prestigious annual award. ones who fear the unknown.” Preparedness, he said, is The Fire Department Safety Officers Association is not a destination, but an ongoing effort to learn and again accepting nominations for its annual Safety improve.

Officer of the Year award. Nominations can be FDSOA’s Safety Officer of the Year award is submitted until November 10, with the winner about honoring the best of the best, Marinucci being announced at FDSOA’s annual Health and said. “And it is also about setting the bar high for Safety Conference. others to strive for. That means staying educat“Safety officers are often the unsung heroes ed, innovating and constantly preparing.” of their departments,” says FDSOA Executive This year’s winner will be honored at Director Rich Marinucci. “They are quietly FDSOA’s Health and Safety Conference in making sure our firefighters go home in one Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 14 - 18, 2024 and have her or piece after every call or shift. And they are buildhis travel expenses to the conference paid. ing policies and procedures to ensure they can live To nominate someone for this award, visit the longest, healthiest life possible.” https://www.fdsoa.org/page-18152 for rules and a Casey Jones, the 2023 Safety Officer of the Year, link to the nomination form. said in his acceptance speech that the unknown was the

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Nitro Fire Prevention Month

During National Fire Prevention month, Nitro Firefighters Chase Petry and Russell Miller took the opportunity to speak to students at Nitro Elementary School about fire safety.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 29

Racing Without a Jockey and Saddle Surprisingly enough, field mice racing in the 1930s was a popular. activity. The Linthicum Heights Volunteer Fire Company (LHVFC) held these races at their annual carnivals. Other fire companies from Anne Arundel County including Odenton, Earleigh Heights, Jessup, Orchard Beach, and Rivera Beach entered mice in the race. Several entries also came from Howard and Baltimore Counties. The feature races included both the Maiden Handicap and the Gubernatorial Handicap. It was noted in an article in the Baltimore Sun on July 18, 1934, the original entries for the race were bred and trained for the most part in Southern Maryland and particularly in Anne Arundel County. Unfortunately, mice were scratched in more senses than one a few days ago when a cat got into their stable and ended their racing days forever.

- Submitted by Patti Kidwell

Karen Willman Receives Anne Arundel County VFA2023 Greg Croft Rookie of the Year Award On September 8, 2023, Probationary Firefighter (PFF) Karen Willman received the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighter Association’s Greg Croft Rookie of the Year Award for 2023.

Karen was briefly an Odenton (OVFC) administrative member in 2009 but resigned after just a few months due to family commitments. When her personal situation allowed, Karen joined OVFC again on October 12, 2021, again, initially as an administrative member. She served on the Maps Committee and the Grants and Corporate Support Committee and participated in the fundraisers and community events. But, in her own words, she “caught the fever” and decided to start firefighter training.

In 2022 she completed Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter I, and the other required introductory courses and was cleared to serve as a probationary firefighter in December 2022. She then immediately signed up for the EMT-Basic course. She passed EMT and was Pro Board Certified in June 2023 as Firefighter I and Ambulance Technician and began the clearance process as an ambulance aid.

In the last six months since starting to ride, Karen has worked 51 shifts totaling 316 hours, in addition to her time in EMT class. She has responded to 94 fire calls and 31 ambulance calls (as a student).

Due to her flexible work schedule, she is typically on duty in the afternoon when extra staffing is needed. She participates in all required company functions. PFF Willman is always interested in learning from other members and practicing important skills.

The OVFC is very fortunate to have enthusiastic and committed “rookies” like Karen to maintain the vitality of the organization. She is very conscientious in the performance of her duties and is always striving to learn more and do more to help the fire company and the community.

- Submitted by Patti Kidwell

Page 30, Fire News, November/December 2023

Rand Gets a New Siren

The Belle Fire Department assisted the Rand Fire Department on July 27, 2023, to finish the relocation of the flag pole at the station.

The pole was relocated after a new siren was installed by the Kanawha County Commission and their Emergency Management.

The department would like to thank the Kanawha County Commission and the Belle FD for their help.

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

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Institute Gets Grant for Rescue Gear

West Virginia American Water presented the Institute Fire Department with a grant check recently. The Firefighting Support Grant will be used to purchase new rescue equipment.

- Photo courtesy of Institute FR

Obituary

Monongah’s Mark Aldridge Passes

It is with deep regret the Monongah Fire Department made the announcement of the passing of retired long-time member Mark ‘Hooch’ Aldridge.

Please keep Hooch’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

- Photos courtesy of Monongah FD