Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched as the search company for a reported building fire with multiple calls.
See story on page 6
The Singerly Volunteer Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire.
See story on page 8
Nearly 100 firefighters from Cecil County and multiple other departments, battled a stubborn three-alarm blaze.
See story on page 11
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that ripped through multiple townhouses.
See story on page 14
Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and multiple mutual aid companies were alerted for a dwelling fire.
See story on page 18
Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched to an MVAwith entrapment.
See story on page 27
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To many Star Wars buffs, May 4 has meaning. In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 Star Wars Day to commemorate the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge — a Star Wars theme park. But, what does this day have to do with the May 4 I prefer to think about? The answer is nothing.
I prefer to remember May 4 as St. Florian’s Day and International Firefighter’s Day. International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). Today, many firefighters wear a religious medal of St. Florian. St. Florian was the commander of a firefighting unit in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, with his unit while protecting life and property, just as firefighters all over the world do today. His feast day is May 4. St. Florian is remembered in many parts of central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is remembered as a powerful protector to those in danger from fire or water. Take the time to read about St. Florian.
International Firefighters Day came about after a tragedy occurred in Australia. On December 2, 1998, firefighters in Australia were fighting a large wildfire and needed assistance. Their urgent call for help brought in firefighters from all over the area. Not knowing what was in
store for them, a crew formed a five-man strike team and responded. As the five headed out from the fire to refill their tanker with water, a sudden violent wind change hit the area, engulfing the truck in flames, and killing all five members.
J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and wanted to start a movement to remember the firefighters killed in this tragedy and other tragedies throughout the world. Her New Years resolution in 1999 was to organize an internationally recognized symbol of support and respect for all firefighters and a date for which this could be coordinated worldwide. The date chosen for International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian. The International Firefighter Day ribbons are linked to the colors symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with. The ribbon is similar to the pink breast cancer awareness pin, the firefighter’s ribbon is red for fire and blue for water.
On May 7, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation marked International Firefighters Day by encouraging everyone to Shine Your Light for Firefighters. Buildings and homes were lit in red as a remembrance of International Firefighters Day. In many areas, memorial services were held to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.
In conclusions, I leave you with Lt. J.J. Edmondson’s quote from 1999:
“The role of a firefighter in today’s society be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy fire no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”
- DennisOn April 5, 2023, at 0324, Kanawha Counties crews were alerted for a vehicle and structure fire on Springfield Drive. Engine 32 ad vised of a vehicle fully involved with fire extension into a garage with exposures to the D side of the house. Crews went to work and quickly extinguished the blaze; there were no injuries. Units responding
On April 16, 2023, at 2136, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were alerted fora structure fire on Campbells Creek Drive in Blount. Utility 3 Chief 3 W. L. ‘Squeak’Peterson arrived to two storage buildings and a singlewide traileron fire. Engine 32 arrived and made an aggressive attack on the fire, knocking it down. Rand Engine 42 laid a four-
inch supply line from the hydrant 400-feet away. Units that responded were Malden Engine 31, Engine 32 and Utility 3; Rand Engine 42 and Engine 43; Belle Engine 52; KCEAA175; and KCOEM 991.
Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched as the search company to the 4100 block of Suitland Road in Company 17’s area fora reported building fire with multiple calls. First arriving comp anies found a pool house with fire throughout the first floorand through the roof. Defensive operations were declared as RE 33 arrived on
the scene, and multiple ladderpipes were placed in service. Onc e the fire was knocked down, the crew entered the building via the Delta side with a handline to conduct searches. The five volunteers operated for90 minutes before returning to the LandoverRoad firehouse.
On May 23, 2023, the Singerly VolunteerFire Department responded to Union Church Road in Elkton, Cecil County, fora residential structure fire. The fire was called in by a passerby. Approximately 30 firefighters battled the blaze fornearly an hourbefore it was
placed undercontrol. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental, due to an unspecified electrical fai lure.
At 0420 hours on April 23, 2023, NutterFort Company 7, Engines 121 (Stonewood), 11 (Anmoore), 511 (Bridgeport) and Company 7 EMS were alerted fora structure fire at the Finders, Not Keeper s Thrift Store on Buckhannon Pike in NutterFort. In five minutes, Truck 7 and Engine 72 arrived with six personnel to find a singlestory commercial structure with heavy smoke showing from throughout the building. Crews forced entry through the front doorand placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service. Engine 112 (Spelter) was then added to the assignment. Engine 72 secured its own watersource laying approximately 100-feet of four-inch LDH to a nearby hydrant. Initial attack crews located a fire in a rear room of the establishment. Mutual aid companies arrived and the bulk of the fire was extinguished. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0517. No injuries were reported. Medic 718 provided standby and Engine 112 remained on scene as the transferengine. Assistant Chief Richards had command. Units on scene were Engines 72, 122 and 112; Units: 74 and 75; Truck 7; Ladder521 and Medic 718. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Nearly 100 firefighters from Cecil County and multiple other departments, including those from Delaware and Pennsylvania, battled fornearly three hours to contain a stubborn three-alarm blaze at the formerHoward House in Elkton. At around 1730 on May 21, 2023, Singerly Fire Company and nearby departments were called to West Main Street, at the intersection of North Street, in the heart of Elkton. The fire was quickly upgraded to two-alarms and then three laterin the evening. The fire heavily damaged the historic vacant four-story structure that dated back to 1853, along with a three-story commercial building next to it. The investigation by a team of Deputy State Fire Marshals, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, concluded the fire originated on the rearexterior. An off-duty Delaware fire-
fighterwho observed smoke coming from behind the building assisted investigators in theirexpeditious conclusion. Afterobserving the fire, he attempted to use fire extinguishers before it rapidly spread into the two buildings. He remained on the scene and assisted in describing what he had seen and done, which allowed Deputy State Fire Marshals to focus theirattention on a small area to determine the cause, which remained underinvestigation. No evidence has thus been found to indicate an act of arson. Nine occupants of the apartments were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross. One firefightersustained minorinjuries and was transported to nearby Christiana Care Union Hospital.
- Photos courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal & Cecil County Fire Blog
On April 24, 2023, at 0716, Kanawha Counties Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand, and Station 5 Belle were dispatched to Jonquil Drive in Area 3 fora structure fire. Engine 32 arrived and deployed a 1-3/4 inch attack line and made an aggressive attack on the fire. There were no injuries reported and crews cleared the scene around 0900. Units that responded were Malden E31, E32 and U3; Rand E42 and E43; Belle E52 and U57; KCEAAM149; and KCOEM Unit 991.
On May 23, 2023, the Singerly VolunteerFire Department responded to Union Church Road in Elkton, Cecil County, fora residential structure fire. The fire was called in by a passerb y. Approximately 30 firefighters battled the blaze fornearly an hour before it was placed undercontrol. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental, due to an unspecified electrical failure.
On April 8, 2023, the Kennedyville VolunteerFire Company responded to Luhaven Road in Worton, Kent County, fora vehicle fire. Crews arrived to find an involved sedan. Firefighters made quick work of the blaze and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was ruled as an accidental-unspecified electrical m alfunction.
- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
Avacant building on East Church Street has had two previous fires in it - in January and June 2022 - both of which were determined to be arsons. Deputy State Fire Marshals are asking the public's assistance in helping to identify who is responsible forsetting the fires. You can remain anonymous. Please contact Deputy State Fire Marshals with any information at 410-713-3780.
- Photo courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that ripped through multiple townhouses, caused collapses and extensively damage. At around 2245 on May 21, 2023, 911 calls reported hearing several explosions in the 4700 block of Witchhhazel Way in Aberdeen. Nearly 70 firefighters responded from Abingdon, Aberdee, and surrounding departments, to the twoalarm fire, which took around two hours to control. The conflagration caused three of the homes to collapse, with the others sustaining extensive fire, soot and waterdamage. The heat from the fire caused extensive heat-related damage to multiple others. One firefightersustained a non-life-threatening injury. Eighteen residents were displaced and were assisted by Harford County Disaster Assistance and the Red Cross.
- Photos courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal & John Sheridan
Kentland Fire Department crews responded fora house on fire in the 3200 block of Johnson Court recently. Rescue Engine 33 arrived to find smoke coming from the roof of a single-story singlefamily dwelling. As the company was stretching the Kentland front bumperline, one resident was attempting to enterthe home and a second was exiting the structure. Both of the residents were removed from the structure with no injuries. Fire was located in the attic extending from an attached shed on side Charlie. The crew completed the primary search priorto dropping the ceiling and quickly extinguished all fire in the attic and shed.
- Photos courtesy of Kentland FD
Fire Department crews responded to a house fire on Marquis Avenue in Salisbury. Delmar, Fruitland and Hebron assisted at the blaze. The home was in its final stages of being built and was deemed a total loss. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office was investigating the fire's cause.
On April 27, 2023, at approximately 1645, Bel AirVolunteerFire Company and multiple mutual aid companies were alerted fora dwelling fire on Gannet Court in Bel Air. Chief Snyder, arrived to fire showing on all floors of a two-story split-level dwelling. The fire originated on the outside rearof the dwelling and quickly went up the exterioras well as spreading to the interior. Crews deployed
lines to the rearto extinguish the exteriorfire as well as advancing multiple line to the interior. The homeowners were home at the time of the fire but were able to escape without injury. One firefighter received minorinjuries battling the fire.
- Submitted by John Gallagher
Brunswick crews responded to the 600 block of E H Street in Brunswick fora house fire with entrapment. Upon arrival units found fire showing from a two-story single-family home with extension to two otherhouses. RID and a second alarm was requested. Crews battled the stubborn blaze foroveran hourbefore it was
placed undercontrol. The building was gutted. Crews remained on scene forextensive overhaul. Five adults, three children and multiple pets were displaced and being assisted by family and the Red Cross. Approximately 80 to 100 firefighters responded.
- Submitted by Sarah Campbell
Rand VolunteerFire Department responded to a two-carMVAin the 5200 block of Midland Drive. Engine 41 responded with three personnel and several others responded in POVs. Fire personnel assisted in removal of one man from a pickup, and provided traffic assistance to the Kanawha Sheriff’s Department. The Kanawha County Ambulance transported the man to the local hospital.
On May 1, 2023, at 1730, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden was alerted fora single-vehicle MVAwith entrapment on Campbells Creek Drive. Rescue Engine 33 arrived and advised of a single vehicle around a tree with heavy entrapment. Crews worked for approximately 45 minutes with assistance from Hutch’s Wrecker Service to extricate the female who was transported by KCEAAto CAMC General Division as a Priority 1 Trauma patient. Two patients were sent to CAMC General Division. Units that responded were Rescue Engine 33; Squad 3; KCEAA511, 149 and 157; KCSD 100 and 94; WVSP329 and 640.
On March 26, 2023, Berlin Fire held a training drill, in which crews came togetherto perform several interiorburns to allow the newerfirefighters to gain experience with live fire. Aftersever al burns, the house was allowed to burn forthe homeownerto rebuild at a laterdate. The Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Powellville and Willards fire departments attended the drill.
Monongah Fire Department would like to thank Valley Volunteer Fire Department, along with members from Clinton District, and RiverRoad departments from Monongalia County forattending “The Art of Reading Smoke” training class held at Company 10’s
station. Members learned the importance of reading smoke to predict fire behaviorand choosing attack strategies. Special thanks to instructorDonnie Goodwin from WVPublic Safety Training.
- Photos courtesy of Monongah FD
Recently, Kentland Rescue Engine 33 was dispatched to the intersection of Martin LutherKing, Jr. Highway and Whitfield Chapel Road. While responding, the run was upgraded to an MVAwith entrapment. RE 33 arrived to find a three-vehicle accident with a SUVon its side and the occupant still in the vehicle. The crew stabilized the vehicle with Paratech struts and the winch from RE 33 to create a tie back. Once the vehicle was stabilized, cuts were made on the posts at the top of the vehicle as well as relief cuts to some of the bottom posts in orderto flap the roof down and provide access to the patient. The patient was turned overto EMS and Company 33 returned to the LandoverRoad firehouse.
- Photo courtesy of Kentland FD
Kanawha County Station 3 Malden and the Charleston Fire Department were dispatched to Interstate 77 south in the area of the 97 milemarker, foran MVAwith injuries and fire. Chief 3, Utility 3 and Charleston E454 arrived to find a fully involved vehicle on the berm and a second vehicle 600-feet south off the berm. E 454 deployed a 1-3/4 inch handline to extinguish the fire. Malden Rescue Engine 33 arrived and provided additional waterto E 454. There were no injuries.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Following the recent retirement announcement of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki, the NFFF and FRCE Board of Directors began a nationwide search for a replacement. Utilizing the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington DC-based executive search firm specializing in non-profit work, the Board-established search committee has selected NFFF Managing Director Victor Stagnaro to lead the organization after Chief Siarnicki finishes his term in December of 2023.
Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff in 2010 and serves as the Managing Director, overseeing NFFF’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management. Prior to that, he served for 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations in early 2010. His involvement with the Foundation dates back to 1998, when he served as the Incident Commander for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for several years; he also served as a member of the initial Ne w York Response Team on 9/11 for the Foundation.
“We are delighted to have Victor take the reins of our organization as he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the mission of both the NFFF and FRCE since joining our team. It was an exhaustive process, and he clearly exhibited the capabilities to take over this leadership role. We look forward to what he will do to move both organizations forward,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.
“I have known Victor back to the days when he served with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and his level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been his mainstay in all that he has been involved with. I know he will take the FRCE to new levels as it continues to service our Public Safety Partners,” said Chief Ernie Mitchell, Chairman of the FRCE Board of Directors.
Staying ahead in the fire and emergency service industry requires continuous learning and networking. That’s why attending the International Association of Fire Chiefs’(IAFC) Fire-Rescue International (FRI) conference is an invaluable opportunity. This year, we’re heading to Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center, August 16 - 18, 2023, to learn, network and collaborate.
• Professional Development and Education: At FRI, participants have access to a diverse range of educational sessions, workshops and presentations led by industry experts. FRI offers valuable insights on the latest firefighting techniques, leadership strategies and technological advancements. From hands-on training to interactive discussions, the conference equips attendees with practical knowledge to enhance their professional skills and contribute to their organizations’success.
• Networking and Collaboration: FRI brings together fire service professionals from around the world, creating a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration The conference provides opportunities to connect with industry peers, leaders and vendors. Attendees can exchange ideas, share best practices and build meaningful relationships. These connections can lead to collaborations on projects, mentorship opportunities, and
even potential career advancements. FRI’s social events and networking lounges further facilitate relationship-building.
Innovative Solutions: One of the highlights of FRI is the expansive exhibit hall, showcasing the latest products, services, an d technologies in the fire and emergency service sector. Attendees ca n explore a wide array of cutting-edge equipment, apparatus, software, and firefighting tools. This exposure to innovative solutions enables fire service professionals to stay updated with industry trends and identify advancements that can improve their department’s efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, exhibitors often offer demonstrations and hands-on experiences, allowing attendees to test and evaluate products firsthand.
Plus, this year we will be celebrating IAFC’s 150th Anniversary at FRI!
Attending FRI is an investment in your professional growth and the advancement of the fire and emergency service industry. By participating in this memorable even t, you position yourself at the forefront of industry knowledge and foster connections that can have a lasting impact on your career. Lear n more and register today.
Deputy State Fire Marshal William ‘Bill’ Pennock has been selected as the Northeast Regional Office nominee for Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. Deputy Chief Dexter Hodges, Regional Commander of the Northeast Region, nominated Pennock. The Northeast Region comprises Carroll, Cecil, and Harford counties and state facilities within the Baltimore metro area. It is historically the busiest region in the state, with over 300 investigations per year.
In 2022, Deputy Pennock was the primary investigator on 27 fire and explosive investigations. His investigation resulted in a 62-percent closure rate, with 15 percent ending in an arrest. Deputy Pennock’s investigation included the felony arrest of a University of Maryland Baltimore County law enforcement officer charged with committin g multiple arsons on the university’s campus.
Deputy State Marshal II
Adam Rounds has been selected as the Western Regional Office nominee for Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. Rounds was nominated by Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst, who was acting supervisor of the Western Region after Deputy Chief Mowbray was promoted to Chief Deputy in May 2022.
Rounds had 37 initial fire investigations and 167 fire safety inspections for the year, one of the highest inspection rates among statewide deputies. Of the 37 investigations, 10 were criminal; 18 cases were closed, including five cases being closed with an arrest. He was also praised for assisting other investigators within the Western Region, which consists of Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, the largest in square miles the Office
Recently, Charleston Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic James W. Spencerwas honored forhis heroic actions on January 30, 2022, saving two people who were trapped inside a residence which was engulfed in fire. Spencerused a ground ladderto enter the second floorof the house — despite the extreme risk to his own personal safety — navigated in heavy fire and smoke conditions to
rescue the two occupants who were entrapped in a room adjacent to the main body of the fire. On March 11, 2023, Spencerwas awarded the West Virginia Medal of Valorforhis “Heroic and expeditious actions.” During the March 20, 2023, City Council meeting, Spencerwas recognized with a proclamation.
