Fire news new england 1 16

VOLUME 4, NO. 1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JANUARY 2016

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by Bill Noonan

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Fire News, January 2016, Page 3

In this issue...

Glastonbury Building Fire On November 11, 2015, Glastonbury firefighters responded to a general alarm at Roaring Brook Plaza.

See story page 7

Quick Work in Woonsocket Woonsocket (RI) firefighters were dispatched to a fire in an occupied dwelling on Fournier Avenue.

See story page 9

East Great Plain Car Fire Recently, the East Great Plain Department of Norwich handled a car fire during rush hour.

See story page 13

Dudley Commercial Garage Destroyed Dudley firefighters responded to a fire in a large commercial garage located on the outskirts of West Dudley.

See story page 14

Fast Work at Hartford Fire On October 28, 2015, Hartford firefighters responded to a fire on Franklin Avenue in the city’s South End. See story page 20

Obituary: Somerville’s Robert Quinn Firefighter Robert Quinn, a 29-year member of the Local 76 passed away after returning home from his shift.

See story page 30

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . . . .pages 32-33 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 34 Industry News

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 35

A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

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FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREG JONES, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS GABE BALSAMO, ALAN BRACKETT, MARIE BRENNAN, AMANDA CARMODY, THOMAS CARMODY, OWEN CARRIGAN, DAVID CINQ-MARS, ROGER CONANT, KEVIN CZARZASTY, TIM DELANEY, ROB DILLON, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, OLIVIA DRAKE, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, JIM FORTIN, JR., SEAN FREIMAN, MATT GASKINS, TIM GORMAN, JOHN HANLEY, ED HARVEY, JEFFREY HASTINGS, STEPHEN HESS, MIKE IPPOLITO, DORRANCE “DOC” JOHNSON, RICK KULMANN, KEN LABELLE, ROBERT LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, PAUL LAROCHELLE, JR., KEN LEGER, MIKE MCGONEGAL, CHARLIE MCGRATH, KEITH MURATORI, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., REG PATCHELL, JIM PERUTA, PETER POZERSKI, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, LARRY RILEY, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, NICK STEHN, CHRIS STEINES, PHIL SULLIVAN, RICK SUSI, KEVIN TAPPE, PAT TRAVERS, STEPHEN WALSH, KEVIN WHITE COPYRIGHT 2014, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Page 4, Fire News, January 2016

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Reflections December has arrived and 2015 has gone by in the blink of an eye. As I sit back and reflect on the year I leave 2015 with mixed emotions. As Fire News moves into its 43rd year of publication, we continue to grow, playing an integral part of the entire fire service. Hopefully you have grown as a responder in your department.

You, the responder, continue to do a job that at times appears thankless and has become more difficult than in the past. You train to be the best that you can be at your profession. Whether you are a paid responder or a volunteer, training has increased to a point that it reiterates the saying “being a first responder is not a job, but a lifestyle.”

As the year comes to an end, I thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to your community.

As we enter the holiday season, I ask you to give thought and remember the families of the fallen. Sadly, but proudly, Fire News honored as many responders as we could.

Whether or not it was a line of duty death or

a death from natural causes, we made the effort to honor as many members as possible in our paper. We were proud to honor the individuals who gave their life to the fire-rescue and emergency service. To date, there have been 71 firefighter fatalities in the United States. If your department had the misfortune of losing a member, please reach out to the families during the holidays to let them know you are there for them.

What should you do in 2016? You should attend the seminars that raise funds to help various causes. Attend events that are held by departments and organizations to raise funds for “the cause.” When you see an event that was covered in Fire News, ask yourself why you were not there.

Training is what keeps you alive.

Remember, life saving skills must become second nature, and that only happens if you constantly train. As we end 2015, ask yourself why you are part of the fire-rescue and emergency services. If you “talk the talk, but do not walk the walk,” do something

WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper.

Feel free to e-mail your photos to li@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where” information.

We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue.

- Ed.

about it. Quitting is not an option. Make the people who we have lost this year proud of you. Train like you mean it, respond to calls with the passion that you may be saving a family member and remember the lessons learned from the heroes of the past.

Wearing a uniform shows you are a member of an organization. When you wear your uniform, wear it with meaning. The next time you put on your uniform, wear it with dignity and ask yourself if you are really doing all you can to deserve the title of being a first responder.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. On behalf of Fire News, I thank you for what you do. Reflect on 2015 and ask yourself how you can do more in 2016.

Happy holidays! ....Dennis

ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016 CALENDARS ARE READY The Connecticut Fire Photographers Association proudly announces its 2016 Calendar. View a year of fires from around the state of Connecticut in this 12-month calendar.

The cost is $19.99 and makes a great gift for any firefighter or fire buff. All proceeds benefit the club. Go to: bit.do/firecalendar; to order on lulu.com.

Page 6, Fire News, January 2016

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Stratford Comm’l. Fire

On October 27, 2015, the Stratford Fire Department was dispatched to Ontario Street off of Honeyspot Road for a building fire. First companies reported heavy smoke showing from the rear and roof of a single-story, masonry, commercial building.

The building, belonging to Cray Valley, Inc., works with plastics and polymers. Members on scene quickly located the source of the fire, which seemed to be coming from a dryer room. Hazmat was also called in for decon.

- Fire News photo by Keith Muratori

East Providence Car Wash Fire On November 19, 2015, the East Providence Fire Department received calls for a building fire at the Suds Plus Car Wash on Newport Avenue. First to arrive, Engine 3, reported heavy smoke showing from a single-story car wash. As firefighters entered the building, the building’s owner notified the incident commander that chemicals were stored in the area. Firefighters found heavy fire involving a vinyl sided interior wall. Engine 3 called for vertical ventilation, but members of the ladder companies informed command that the roof was concrete and they were unable to cut through. Firefighters then performed horizontal ventilation and interior conditions quickly improved. The fire was knocked down and searches were negative. There were no cars inside, as the car wash was not open for business at the time of the fire.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Lincoln Garage Fire On October 28, 2015, Deputy Chief Todd Tucker arrived to find heavy fire conditions venting from an attached multi-vehicle garage on Angell Road in Lincoln (RI). Engine 32 arrived and began fire attack from the Bravo side of the property. Heavy overlapping fire was now venting from two of the three overhead doors as lines were placed into service.

Cars, lawn equipment and a tow truck were in the garage creating a maze for the attack team. Ladder 51 nosed into a front driveway and threw their aerial to the roof for vertical ventilation. The crew cut a perfect hole over the seat of the fire, which greatly improved conditions for interior crews. Engine 31 assisted with backup lines along with members from Engine 24.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Rescue at Wethersfield Blaze On November 18, 2015, Wethersfield firefighters responded to a reported house fire on Brimfield Road. Responding units were informed that a resident was trapped in the structure. Shortly after entering the structure, crews found the victim and removed him from the house. The victim was transported to the hospital and was expected to recover. Area departments responded to the scene and for station coverage. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 7

Glastonbury Building Fire

On November 11, 2015, Glastonbury firefighters responded to a mutual aid departments assisted at the scene or covered the stageneral alarm at Roaring Brook Plaza. The building housed numer- tions.

- Fire News photos by Sean Freiman and Patrick Dooley ous businesses and was occupied at the time of the fire. At least 10

Page 8, Fire News, January 2016

Winchester Attic Fire

Recently, the Winchester (MA) Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire on Highland Avenue. The fire was behind insulation in the attic, and was quickly extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

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Branford PUC Baptized

On October 27, 2015, the Branford Fire Department responded to a two-alarm kitchen fire on Indian Neck Avenue. The first-due company arrived to find flames blowing out of windows on the first floor and extending to a second floor apartment. The crew knocked down the fire with a two-inch attack line and chased the remaining fire upward for the next 30 minutes. A cat and a dog perished in the blaze. It was the first fire for the department’s new Pierce PUC. - Fire News photo by Doc Johnson

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 9

Quick Work in Woonsocket

Wilmington House Fire

On November 3, 2015, Woonsocket (RI) firefighters were dispatched to a fire in an occupied dwelling on Fournier Avenue.

Rescue 2 arrived to find smoke showing from the rear of the occupied dwelling. Engine 1’s crew stretched a line and quickly contained the heavy fire that was running the Delta side stairwell.

The aggressive attack knocked the fire down without the need to charge the hydrant.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

On November 1, 2015, Wilmington firefighters were called to Pleasant Road for a house fire. Companies arrived to find a 1-½ story Cape with heavy fire on the C/D corner. Mutual aid came from Tewksbury and North Reading. The bulk of the heavy fire on the exterior was knocked down in short order. However, the fire had extended into the attic where fire crews had a more difficult time getting to and putting it out.

- Fire News photo by Kevin White

Page 10, Fire News, January 2016

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Cover Story

Quincy firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire on Newport Avenue on November 4, 2015.

- Fire News photos by Bill Noonan

Page 12, Fire News, January 2016

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Norwalk Strip Mall Fire

On November 12, 2015, Norwalk Fire responded to a fire in the Foster Square strip mall. Engine 3 arrived to find a mini mart with heavy smoke showing. Companies attempted an interior attack, but were forced to retreat due to rapidly deteriorating conditions. Companies went defensive and set up multiple master streams and tower ladders went into operation. The fire spread to stores on exposure 1 and 4 sides before being brought under control. Mutual aid came from Stamford and Westport.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Windsor Fire A working fire in Windsor (CT) on October 26, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

2-Alarmer in Marlborough On November 13, 2015, the Marlborough Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Hosmer Street. Police arrived and reported smoke coming from the left side of the house.

Car 2 arrived and reported smoke showing from a split level

dwelling. Engine 3 was ordered to stretch a line to the front door and Tower 1 was assigned to vent the roof. Companies made an aggressive interior attack and had the bulk of the fire knocked down in 15 minutes. An additional engine and ladder were requested for manpower, as well as coverage companies. Crews were on scene for a couple hours for extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photo by Jim Fortin, Jr.

Boston Firefighters Rescue 4

Four Hyde Park residents are alive today, thanks to the quick work of Boston firefighters. On November 21, 2015, firefighters responded to a building fire, with children trapped, on Greenwood Avenue. First due companies, Engine 48 and Ladder 28, found heavy smoke and fire showing from an occupied 2-1/2 story house. Four people were unable to make it out on their own and were rescued over ground ladders. As crews attempted to extinguish the fire in the basement, they quickly realized that the fire was spreading up and being fed by a broken gas line. While members of Rescue 2 were performing their primary search, the captain ran out of air in the attic and gave a Mayday. Additional alarms were struck and the RIT was activated. The captain was located and removed to the outside, where he was met by members of Boston EMS and taken to the hospital. Once the Mayday was cleared, the incident commander ordered all companies to withdraw from the building and begin defensive operations. Ladder pipes, deck guns and large lines knocked the heavy fire down. A collapse zone was established around the house. Two residents and two firefighters were taken to the hospital but all have since been released. Four alarms were required to bring the fire under control and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

FireNews.com

3-Alarm Chimney Fire in Newton

On October 18, 2015, the Newton (MA) Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire on Bishopsgate Road. The fire started in the chimney and extended to the attic. Three alarms were sounded.

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

Fire News, January 2016, Page 13

E. Great Plain Car Fire

Recently, the East Great Plain Department of Norwich handled a car fire during rush hour.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

Page 14, Fire News, January 2016

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Bridgeport East End Fire

On November 3, 2015, a house fire was called in by police on routine patrol in the city’s East End. Engine 10 reported heavy fire in the area on arrival. Truck 10 arrived to find a 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling heavily involved on the number one side second floor, and attic. Companies used a transitional attack and quickly knocked down the heavy fire, followed by an interior attack.

The house was occupied at the time of the fire, however all searches proved negative. The fire was brought under control within 45 minutes with extensive overhaul required. Two firefighters received minor injuries fighting the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Woman Burned in New Haven A woman was severely burned when a gas stove exploded in her camper on Howard Avenue in New Haven on November 16, 2015.

Fire crews arrived to find the camper fully involved with flames encroaching on an adjacent two-story warehouse. The fire was knocked down in a matter of minutes and the burn victim was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital by an ambulance that was passing by when the fire broke out. The camper was totally destroyed.

- Fire News photo by Doc Johnson

Dudley Commercial Garage Destroyed

On October 30, 2015, Dudley firefighters responded to a fire in a large commercial garage located on the outskirts of West Dudley. The garage housed several pieces of heavy equipment. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke pushing from the 60 x 100-foot structure. Before a line could be stretched, the structure’s overhead doors collapsed, allowing heavy fire to vent from the interior. The building was located in a rural setting with no hydrants available, so a tanker shuttle was immediately initiated by Incident Commander Captain Paul Konieczny. Mutual aid was requested for tankers to establish the water supply, and the towns of Southbridge, Webster, Charlton, Sturbridge, Oxford, and Muddy Brook from Woodstock (CT) responded. The fire totally ravaged the contents of the garage and one of two 53-foot box trailers being used for storage.

Once a water supply was established, the fire was knocked down fairly quickly, but the garage and its contents were considered a total loss. Dudley Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski called in the State Fire Marshal’s Office to assist in determining a cause of the fire, which was not considered suspicious.

- Fire News photos by Alan Brackett

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 15

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Cranston Arson to Cover a Crime

One of the leading reasons a person will set a fire is to conceal a crime. Such was the case on November 13, 2015, in Cranston.

Dispatchers received a call reporting smoke and flames from a house on Marcy Avenue. Engine 1 arrived first and reported nothing showing. The homeowner and resident of the second floor, frantically met firefighters saying that he was the one that called and there was a fire on the top floor and the residents of that apartment were still inside. Once on the top floor, Engine 1 had a heavy smoke condition and high heat banking down to the floor.

Primary searches were immediately begun by members of Engine 3, Ladder 3 and the Special Hazards. Engine 1 came across a victim while making their way to the seat of the fire. The pregnant female was removed from the house and immediately taken to Rhode Island Hospital. The hospital was unable to save either the woman or her baby. Firefighters were able to determine that something seemed “off” with the contents of the apartment and notified the Cranston Police Department. They determined the woman’s death was ruled a homicide. An arrest in the case has been - Fire News photo by Tom Carmody house to be a crime scene and upon completion of an autopsy, the made.

2-Alarmer in Vernon Recently, Vernon firefighters responded to a second alarm on High Street in a 2-1/2 story wood frame. Heavy fire was showing on arrival, and mutual aid came from Tolland and Manchester 8th District.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Blue Hills Fire Recently, the Blue Hills Fire Department responded for a working fire on Sutton Place. Units arrived to fire showing out the second floor.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Quick Work in Hartford On November 18, 2015, firefighters responded to a basement fire on Plain Drive in Hartford. The fire extended from the basement before firefighters made a quick knockdown.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, January 2016

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Textron Towers HVAC Blaze

Reports of heavy smoke from the roof of the Textron Towers in Providence were called into 911 on November 29, 2015. The 311-foot-high Textron Tower is the city’s secondhighest building. Heavy black smoke was billowing up as companies arrived. The OIC ordered a quick second and third alarm on his arrival. Firefighters went into high-rise operations and carried up bundles of hose to the upper floors. Once on the rooftop, crews found a well-involved large HVAC unit. Staging was two floors below on the 23rd floor for manpower and equipment. Firefighters stood by at the ready on the 24th floor in case the fire spread to the building under the HVAC unit. Two firefighters were transported for minor injuries. The fire was contained to the HVAC unit with no extension to the structure.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

House Fire in Lawrence On November 5, 2015, Lawrence firefighters responded to a report of a building fire on Elm Street.

Companies arrived to smoke and fire from the roof of a large six-family three-decker. After a quick size-up, it was determined to be burning construction materials on the roof. The fire was quickly knocked down with a single line.

- Fire News photo by Kevin White

Fall River House Fire Fall River firefighters responded to Swindell Street for a smoke-showing call in a three-story wood frame structure. Firefighters used two attack lines to knock down the fire, which appeared to be in the ceiling and walls between the second and third floors. Firefighters believe the fire started in a bathroom ceiling fan.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger

Hartford Garage Fire Hartford firefighters were called to Hillside Avenue in the city for a reported garage fire. Once on scene they reported a detached garage with multiple cars on fire and the garage to the rear on fire. A second assignment went out to a reported fire on the street to the rear and arriving companies determined that it was the same fire.

- Fire News photo by Jim Peruta

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 19

West Haven Structure Fire

Bridgeport Condo Blaze

On November 11, 2015, West Haven firefighters responded to Main Street for a structure fire. First-due companies arrived to fire on the roof. Three lines were stretched, as the truck crew opened up to confine the fire to the area of origin. The home was occupied at the time of the fire, but there were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

On November 8, 2015, while East Side companies were tied up with a trash fire, a box was transmitted for a fire at the Alanson Road condominium complex, bringing companies from the other side of the city. The 1st Battalion arrived to find a 2-1/2 story, middle-ofthe-row, apartment building with heavy fire throughout. The fire had gained considerable headway. Trucks opened up to find fire extending into the attic and into exposure 2a and 4a, as companies continued with the interior attack. An additional engine and truck were special called. Firefighters were hampered in venting due to a slate roof. Companies were eventually removed in order to allow the tower ladder to knockdown the heavy fire venting through the roof. The fire burned three units in this complex. No one was injured as a result of the blaze, but multiple people were left homeless.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Page 20, Fire News, January 2016

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Fast Work at Hartford Fire

On October 28, 2015, Hartford firefighters responded to a fire on to control the fire and brought the fire under control in a short time.

- Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, Franklin Avenue in the city’s South End. Ladder 6 and Engine 1 Patrick Dooley and Sean Freiman were the first to arrive on the scene. The companies worked hard

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New Britain 2-Alarmer

On November 24, 2015, firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire in a three-story, brick, residence-over-commercial on Main Street in New Britain (CT).

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Fire News, January 2016, Page 21

Page 22, Fire News, January 2016

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Hartford Fire

Hartford firefighters responded to a two-alarm blaze on Oakland Terrace on October 24, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Sean Freiman

Braintree 2-Alarmer On November 18, 2015, Braintree firefighters responded to Lisle Street for a house fire. On arrival, companies found smoke and fire showing from an occupied house. The fire appeared to begin on the exterior and spread to the house and attached garage. A second alarm was struck, bringing Quincy and Randolph to the scene, as well as other communities to cover empty houses. The fire was quickly knocked down and searches turned up negative.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Sandwich Rollover MVA Sandwich (MA) Fire Alarm received multiple 911 calls reporting a rollover MVA. An off-duty Sandwich firefighter was passing by as the call was dispatched and provided care until companies arrived. The driver was extricated and transported by Firefighter/Paramedics-EMTs to the hospital.

- Fire News photo submitted by Sandwich FD

FireNews.com

Wethersfield MVA

On November 21, 2015, the Wethersfield (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to an MVA with wires down and possible entrapment at the corner of Nott Street and Wolcott Hill Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found a vehicle rollover, two broken telephone poles and wires down in the area. One person was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.

- Fire News photo by Jim Peruta

Fire News, January 2016, Page 23

Dudley MVA

Recently, Dudley firefighters and paramedics responded to a single-car MVC on Charlton Road. The involved auto was reported to have struck a tree. First to arrive on scene was Dudley Fire Captain Paul Konieczny, who lived nearby. He reported to Dudley Fire Alarm that two people were injured, and the operator was pinned inside the convertible. The passenger of the car was able to self-extricate prior to the arrival of first responders. Dudley paramedics responded, along with a mutual aid ambulance from Webster EMS. The passenger apparently had minor injuries while the operator sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Firefighters extricated the trapped driver from the vehicle using hydraulic tools in about 10 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Alan Brackett

Page 24, Fire News, January 2016

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Car Into River

On November 18, 2015, a 911 caller reported seeing a car being driven into the Blackstone River along the boat launch area in Cold Spring Park. Companies arrived to find evidence that a car hit a tree and then drove over the embankment into the river. The Blackstone Valley Regional Dive Team was called as Engine 3 launched their boat to try to find the submerged car. The car was located about an hour into the search in 20 feet of water. The car had broken windows and appeared to be ditched in the river.

Divers secured a tow strap around the B-post to the heavy tow cable from the wrecker without incident.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Andover MVA Requires Medevac Andover Fire-Rescue personnel responded to Interstate 93 southbound in the area of Route 133 for a serious MVA on November 23, 2015. The most serious injuries were to the male driver who had fractured both lower legs. He was transported by Andover Fire A2 and medics from Lawrence General Hospital to the LGH helipad to meet the crew from Boston MedFlight for air transport to a Boston Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Kevin White

Sandwich Rope Course Injury Sandwich (MA) Fire Alarm received a 911 call reporting an instructor had fallen off a rope course. Firefighters arrived to find the instructor fell approximately 25 feet onto a gravel area. The person was conscious and complaining of injuries. Firefighter/Paramedics and EMTs transported the person to the Forestdale School where a medevac helicopter was waiting.

- Fire News photo submitted by Sandwich FD

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 25

Live Burn Exercise

On October 26, 2015, Recruit Class #56 of the Connecticut Fire Academy held a night live burn exercise.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley

Page 26, Fire News, January 2016

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Structural Collapse Technician Training in Beverly

For eight days at the end of the month of October, Massachusetts Task Force-1 hosted members from the Canadian Armed Forces, Newton Fire Department, and members of the Southeastern Technical Rescue Teams (Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk and Plymouth) for a structural collapse technician course at their facility in Beverly.

Students worked for eight, 10-hour days in both classroom and practical settings covering an incredible amount of information, which spanned safety, lifting and moving, shoring operations, t-breaching and breaking, cutting with torches, and much more.

Students worked with an extensive cache of hand, pneumatic, hydraulic and gas powered tools. Both oxy-acetylene and Petrogen cutting tools were utilized and explained during training evolutions.

Students left the course with a vast understanding of structural collapses, and how to search for and rescue people who are trapped, thanks to the unmatched caliber of the experienced instructors.

- Fire News photos by Pat Travers

Norwich Downtown Drill

Recently, the City of Norwich Fire Department staged a large-scale drill for a possible fire in the downtown area. The exercise brought in numerous hose tenders to the inner harbor area for water supply, and an aerial ladders and towers for suppression and exposure protection. Responders also touched on inter-agency communication needs and logistics.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 27

Beverly 9/11 Memorial

Baltic Donates AED

The 9/11 Memorial at the headquarters for FEMA’s Massachusetts Task Force 1 headquarters in Beverly, Massachusetts.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

On October 24, 2015, Baltic Fire Engine Co. No. 1 donated a Philips AED to Bubbles to Butterflies swim school in memory of fallen Firefighter and past-Assistant Chief Edward C. Bastien.

Bubbles to Butterflies is a local swim school that recently instructed Baltic members in pool and water rescues. They also provide lifeguards to a local state campground where they teach swimming.

Ed Bastien always spoke fondly of his neighbors who owned the school and frequently brought up the topic of having the pool and water rescue drills, which were started this past summer.

After speaking with owner Margee Charron, the department voted to donate an AED with the money that was donated to the Baltic Fire Department in Ed Bastien’s memory.

(Left to right): Assistant Chief Thomas Girard; Eric Bastien with his a son Gavin Bastien standing in front of Eric; Ellen Bastein (Ed’s widow); Corey Bastien (daughter of Ed); owner of Bubbles to Butterfly Margee Charron; Selene Sullivan (life guard and swimming instructor from the school); and Baltic VFD Captain Donald Allen, Jr. Donna Sanford who oversees the Ambulance Billing is in the red shirt making the presentation to Margee Crarron. The person taking pictures is Mr. Charron, husband to Margee Charron.

- Fire News photo by Reg Patchell

Page 28, Fire News, January 2016

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Glastonbury Anniversary On October 24, 2015, Glastonbury celebrated the 50th anniversary of Company 4 at a memorial members built.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley

MA Fallen Firefighters Memorial The annual ceremony at the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial was held on October 19, 2015. Firefighters from Amesbury, Bedford, Brookline, Cambridge, Fall River, Hanover, Lawrence, Longmeadow, Massachusetts Fire Chaplains, Mansfield, Medford, Melrose, Sharon, Swampscott, Waltham, Watertown and Westfield were added to the Ring of Honor - Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg

Ashford Tanker Goes In-Service The Ashford (CT) Fire Department has placed into service a 2015 Spartan 1500/1000 gal. Engine Tanker as E.T. 120.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

Reading Extrication Demo Reading Firefighter/Paramedic Dan Pouliot takes out a side window of a car during a recent extrication demo.

- Fire News photo by Kevin White

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 29

Leominster Donates for Thanksgiving

Boston Sparks Meeting

Leominster Firefighters Local 1841 donated food to Ginny’s Helping Hands thrift shop. The food aided 20 families by supplying Thanksgiving meals. The money raised came from the Community Outreach Program.

- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

On November 9, 2015, a meeting of the Boston Sparks Association was held at the Massachusetts Fire Academy. A gas fire demonstration was held at the event.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Page 30, Fire News, January 2016

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Obituary

Somerville’s Firefighter Robert Quinn Somerville’s Rescue 1 outside the funeral service for active Firefighter Robert Quinn, a 29-year member of the Local 76. FF Quinn passed away after returning home from his shift.

- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

Lee Central Fire Station The Lee Central Fire Station on Route 20, in Lee, Massachusetts.

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

Hartford Promotions On October 27, 2015, the Hartford Fire Department held a promotion ceremony for members promoted to Deputy Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Pumper Driver and Ladder Driver.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Manchester Pumper Test Manchester 8th Utilities Squad 5 pump tested at the East Hartford Boat Launch. The Hartford Skyline is in the background.

- Fire News photo by Jim Peruta

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 31

Cooking for Life As I was going through my mail, I came upon a letter from a teacher in Rocky Point, New York, which stated how her class was a big fan of Firehouse Kitchen. Upon reading this I thought, :What would be better than for Firefighter Ray to give her class a visit.” I contacted the teacher and told her my idea. She was excited and we set the date!

So began my trip to the northeast shore of Long Island. As one drives out that way, you cannot miss the feeling that you are in another place. The landscape goes from the suburbs to a more rural and it is breath taking. For a moment, I forgot I was only 30 minutes from home! The class I was visiting, was a life skills class. The main objective of the class is to get the students ready for the real world. What is more necessary in the real world than to know how to cook? Therefore, I showed them how to cook a meal.

When I got there, they made me feel like a movie star. They were beside themselves with the presence of Firefighter Ray — woo hoo! We went through a little Q&A and then got right to work. I thought chicken skewers would be perfect. I did most of the cutting and they did most of the skewering. When the skewers were cooking in the oven, they thought it would be fun to watch an episode of Firehouse Kitchen. They chose to watch the one when I cooked with my wife, Lori. They thought it was funny how she was ‘busting my chops.’ Lovely! When the episode was over and the berating stopped, we had a delicious meal accompanied by many smiles. This life skills class is an important class and brings so much joy to the students involved. A very special thanks to Kyle, Kathleen, Valerie, Joey and Nikki. They are going to do great in life.

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, or how to become a sponsor, visit to firehousekitchenshow.com.

Ray’s Chicken Skewers 3 pounds of chicken Onions Green peppers Grape tomatoes

Skewer sticks Teriyaki sauce Greek yogurt

Directions Cube up the chicken and soak in teriyaki sauce.

Cube up onions and green peppers. Skewer a piece of chicken, a green pepper, an onion and a tomato and continue in that order until skewers are full. Put in oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let slightly cool before eating. Dip in yogurt sauce and enjoy!

Page 32, Fire News, January 2016

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal

Firefighter Danny Desmarais was recently hired as the Millville (MA) Fire Department’s newest fulltime firefighter.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Hartford firefighters at an October 30, 2015 fire on Edgewood Street in the city’s North End. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta

Quincy Chiefs looking at a drone set up by Brewster Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Bill Noonan

Boston Rescue 2 Firefighter.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Glastonbury firefighters responding to a multiple alarm at a commercial building fire on November 11, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Sean Freiman

Chief Tim Jencks of Taftville along with firefighters Brandon Rafuse, Vinny Dejesus, and Sean Raymond at a recent incident.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 33

Up Close & Personal

East Providence car wash fire.

- Fire News photo by Tom Carmody

Structural collapse technician training in Beverly.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

A Blackstone Valley Regional Diver after locating an automobile submerged in 20 feet of water.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Firefighters battling a Bridgeport condo blaze on November 8, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Glastonbury firefighters responding to a general alarm on November 11, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Stratford commercial fire on October 27, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Keith Muratori

Hartford firefighters after a basement fire on November 18, 2015.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Page 34, Fire News, January 2016

FireNews.com

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FireNews.com

Fire News, January 2016, Page 35

FDSOA EVENT OFFERS TRIO OF POWERHOUSE KEYNOTES

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association will offer three popular keynote speakers during their annual Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium and their concurrent Safety Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 18-22, 2016.

The week will feature three of the fire services’ most popular straight-talkers. The three keynote speakers are: James (Jim) Juneau, Gordon Graham and Chief Billy Goldfeder.

James J. Juneau, Juneau, Boll, Stacy & Ucherek, Dallas, Tx, will kick off the Apparatus Symposium on Monday, January 18th. Juneau, a nationally recognized legal authority on issues relating to fire apparatus and emergency vehicle design and operational safety, is a straight-talking attorney on emergency vehicles and firefighter safety training and across the United States and Canada.

“We’re going to talk about fire apparatus and the law,” said Juneau. “We’ll deal with safety issues, we’ll deal with the kind of things that matter when you go to the court room and we’ll talk about some of the things that can get you in trouble, like crazy driving, ignoring right-of-way intersections, railroad crossings and intoxication on the job.”

Gordon Graham, Graham Research Consultants, Long Beach, Ca, will wrap up the Apparatus Symposium and kick-off the Safety Forum conference, with his comprehensive program, “What real risk management is all about”. Graham, a former California motorcycle police officer, is a police/fire service risk management expert and attorney, dividing his time between study, research, writing, speaking, and consulting in the discipline of risk management.

“The focus is going to be on all the things that an informed fire department, informed firefighters, mechanics and safety officers need to know about risk management and what they can do to reduce the injuries and the deaths through the specifying, acquisition, bidding, transport and the training process,” said Graham.

Billy Goldfeder, deputy chief, Loveland-Symmes, Ohio, a firefighter since 1973, has served on several IAFC and NFPA commit-

tees and is a prolific writer and outspoken critic of unsafe practices and stupid decisions.

Goldfeder’s passion for firefighter safety and “Everyone goes home” has made him the conscience for the North American fire service. Chief Goldfeder, along with Gordon Graham, host and sponsor the website FireFighterCloseCalls.com.

Goldfeder will wrap-up the Safety Forum conference on Friday, January 22nd, with his powerful presentation, “Why Things Go Wrong--And What Safety Officers Can Do About It.” “There has been no greater time for fire department safety officers to arm themselves with the best information than now!” said Goldfeder. “Never has the fire service and it’s leadership been so aware of the issues related to firefighter safety, health and survival-and it’s the fire department safety officer who can make the connection between their ‘awareness’ and the ‘reality’ and importance of leadership related to FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL. Truly the fire chiefs ‘right hand person’ when it comes to keeping fire and EMS personnel out of the hospital, and leadership out of the media and the courtroom, the FIRE DEPT SAFETY OFFICER can assure the unnecessary risks are minimal.”

Goldfeder added, “What is the one conference focused EXCLUSIVELY on the Fire Department Safety Officer? This one - the only one!”

The FDSOA 28th Annual Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium will be held January 18-20, while the 2016 Annual Safety Forum will start concurrently with two Safety Officer Academies and continue with the Safety Forum Wednesday thru Friday, January 22nd. The IAFC’s Safety Health & Survival Section is partnering with the FDSOA to host the Safety Forum and bring safety education to as many fire chiefs and safety officers as possible.

For a complete conference agendas and registration information: www.fdsoa.org or contact: Rich Marinucci, Executive Director, Ph: 248-880-1864 or visit: www.fdsoa.org.

HONEYWELL, DUPONT BRING ADVANCED TRAINING TO FIRST RESPONDERS IN ANNUAL FDIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Honeywell (NYSE:HON) and DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) today announced that Honeywell First Responders and DuPont Kevlar have teamed up to award 20 firefighters, EMS and HazMat responders with an expenses-paid scholarship to attend the 2016 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).

FDIC is the largest and most important North American fire training event and tradeshow in the fire service industry with more than 32,000 attending the 2015 event. Hosted every year in Indianapolis, the FDIC 2016 event will take place April 18-23.

This scholarship program from Honeywell First Responders and DuPont Kevlar will provide financial support for 20 outstanding, peer-nominated persons to attend classroom training, seminars, and the trade show, beginning Tuesday evening and ending Saturday after the show.

Candidates may register for the scholarship program at: app.snapapp.com/fdic-2016-scholarshipprogram.

“Restrained budgets often force fire departments to limit the number of attendees to the FDIC show, which may impact their ability to learn about the technologies and techniques that can expand their fire department’s ability to save lives and protect fire fighters,” said Eric Schlett, vice president, PennWell Fire Group/FDIC. “Thanks to

Honeywell and DuPont, advanced safety training will be made available to those who need it most: firefighters who are meritorious, passionate and committed to the noble mission.”

To enter, nominators must select a colleague for a chance to win a scholarship to attend FDIC 2015 and submit a short video explaining why you are nominating him/her as a candidate. Examples for consideration: extensive or superior work in his/her role within the fire department; distinguished leadership; remarkable devotion to the community or crisis management; helping upand-coming members of the firefighting profession; and a history of attending training seminars/classes and implementing best practices from his/her training that benefit the department.

As a special incentive for submitting videos, this year, the videos will be posted online for voting by Fire Engineering readers, FDIC attendees and the general public. Top videos will be automatically moved to the finals for review by the selection committee.

The scholarship is available to residents of the United States and Canada only, and both career and volunteer fire fighters, EMS and HazMat personnel are eligible. The selected scholarship recipients will be announced in February 2016.