SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND Serving VOLUME 8, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
See story on page 29. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Thanks to All Our First Responders for Their Hard Work During the Covid Pandemic See page 4.
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 3
In this issue... 7 Houses Damaged, 4 Hurt in Springfield Blaze Springfield (MA) firefighters were called to Mansfield Street on September 19, 2020, for a structure fire. See story on page 6
Ellington Barn Fire On August 2, 2020, Ellington (CT) Fire was dispatched for a barn fire on Job Hill Road. See story on page 7
Kingston 2-Alarmer Kingston (MA) Fire responded to a fire in a 2-1/2 story colonial recently. See story on page 12
Horse Rescued in Hanson On September 1, 2020, the Hanson (CT) Fire Department responded to Burrage Pond WMA for a report of a horse stuck in the mud. See story on page 19
Training Done: 54 New Firefighters Ready On August 21, 2020, the Boston Fire Drill Class graduated 54 new firefighters who went through five months of training. See story on page 23
Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial 2020 This year was a virtual ceremony that was broadcast on September 11, 2020. See story on page 26
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 21-22 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31
A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, Graphic Artists: GREG JONES, LYNN SEDLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALAN BRACKETT, AMANDA CARMODY, THOMAS CARMODY, OWEN CARRIGAN, KEVIN CZARZASTY, JOHN DEFOREST, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, OLIVIA DRAKE, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, JIM FORTIN, JR., 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, KEITH MURATORI, BOB MYERS, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., CHRIS PALMER, JIM PERUTA, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, JON TENCA, PAT TRAVERS, DEVON WHALEN, KEVIN WHITE COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Eight Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, November/December 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Has Your Department Adapted? As we enter November, I ask, have you and your department adapted to working with the rules that deal with Covid-19? By now, all of us realize that this disease turned out to be a very serious disease and from the onset, the fire-rescue and emergency services worked hard to set up guidelines that protect you, the first responder. At the onset of the new rules and procedures, most of you wore your mask, used the hand sanitizer that was placed in numerous locations throughout the firehouse and kept your distance between one another. Recently, I noticed that many are not keeping their distance from one another, and many of you are not donning your facemask when you enter the firehouse. I know your immediate concerns are not to stop and put a mask on when you are running to don your gear and hopping on the truck to get to a call. However, it is important that after you get on the truck in a confined space that you give thought to wearing your facemask. If you have a call where you are going to work, your SCBA will take the place of the surgical mask. But, what should you do when you leave the building and remove your SCBA? Please, reach into your pocket or see your EMS responders to get a surgical mask. I know, you are think-
ing I’ve lost my mind, but when you are standing shoulder-to-shoulder outside of the fire building, you should don your cloth or surgical facemask. My department held a meeting recently in the truck bay. We kept our distance from one another and wore our surgical masks. Everyone from the chiefs to the probationary members, wore their masks. When the meeting was over, everyone washed up or used hand sanitizer and went home. Let’s face facts. When large groups get together, it is a scenario for the spread of Covid-19. Look at what has happened in certain areas of NYC. In my area, a catering hall was heavily fined when 37 people left the party with Covid-19; 28 children and nine adults tested positive for it. As a result of this incident, 300 people were placed under quarantine and eight schools had positive Covid-19 cases. My point is that it is easy to catch this disease and it probably is just as easy to prevent exposure by wearing your mask, keeping your distance from people and washing your hands as soon as possible. All departments must maintain their training schedule and drills. Officers, if you are going to hold a drill, before the drill starts, remind your members of the protocols that they must follow to
be safe from contracting Covid-19. Safety officers — remind your members when you see them standing around discussing the drill to don their masks. This is November. It is a month to give thanks for all that we have. Your family and friends mean a lot to you. Let’s make sure that we all remain healthy so that we can celebrate Thanksgiving together in a creative, safe way. Yes, this holiday will be different, but the meaning will be the same. Happy Thanksgiving to all! -Dennis
Thanks to All Our First Responders By Gary P. Joyce According to The US Fire Administration, there are 1,115,000 firefighters in the US — 370,000 career and 745,000 volunteers. In 2011 the National EMS Assessment reported a total of 826,000 licensed and credentialed — paid and volunteer — EMS practitioners in the US. The National Law Enforcement National Memorial Fund estimates there are over 800,000 police in the US, and the estimate of nurses in the US — of all levels of training — is 2.86 million. The commonality? All of these men and women fall under the heading of first responders. But the title “first responder” has taken on a more ominous meaning now than ever before because of the ongoing Covid pandemic. It is far too early in the progression of this pandemic to know how many of your brethren have contracted the disease while in the course of doing their jobs, nor to understand the mortality rate among your professions. But we know the virus is there, and we know the ramifications grow with each call answered, each day that passes and each patient treated.
We here at Fire News want you to know that we laud you for your devotion to duty under what can only be considered even more extreme circumstances than you normally face. And all of you go about this in a very matter of fact way. “It’s my job,” seems to sum up most of your attitudes, and while it is a simplistic answer to a serious question it seems to reflect how all first responders go about their jobs — quietly, efficiently, with little acknowledgement aside from a job well done. We thank you for your continued dedication, and we at Fire News wish you all the best in health as you continue along this thin line of providing for the public while maintaining your own safety. Martin Luther King, Jr. was once quoted as saying “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” You, the first responders, epitomize the answer to Dr. King’s question. You give your all for others and we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to you for your service and all you do.
Page 6, Fire News, November/December 2020
Spencer House Fire
On the hot afternoon of August 10, 2020, Spencer (MA) firefighters arrived at a rooming house on Main Street and were greeted by fire in the third-floor walls and attic of a structure that was built in the 1800s. Numerous mutual aid companies were called to assist due to
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the heat. Companies made a great stop. A couple of firefighters were treated for heat related injuries. - Fire News photos by Bud Harris and Paul Shea
7 Houses Damaged, 4 People Hurt in Springfield Blaze
Springfield (MA) firefighters were called to Mansfield Street on September 19, 2020, for a structure fire. Upon leaving Station 3, crews could see heavy black smoke in the sky. Crews arrived to a 2-1/2 story wood frame fully involved with multiple exposures starting to burn. A second alarm was sounded immediately. Fire raged into the D side exposure and made its way to the attic requir-
ing a third alarm from Car 1. East Longmeadow was called as they were the scene’s RIT team. Seven houses and three cars were damaged, a family pet died and four people were transported to the hospital. The Red Cross was on scene to assist. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by John DeForest, Jim Peruta, CTFPA, and Nick Peruta
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Ellington Barn Fire
On August 2, 2020, Ellington (CT) Fire was dispatched for a barn fire on Job Hill Road. First units rolling, could see a column of smoke from across town. Units arrived to a barn heavily involved and called mutual aid from Tolland, Crystal Lake, West Stafford and Broad Brook. - Fire News photos by Joey Mayette and Patrick Dooley
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Brockton 4-Alarmer On August 31, 2020, after Brockton (MA) Police found smoke coming from a vacant building, Squad A, Engine 5, Engine 4 and Ladder 1 responded to heavy smoke from a two-story wood frame. Deputy Chief Nardelli ordered a second alarm. Crews made an interior attack as heavy smoke vented from the roof. Several handlines were stretched and crews pushed in. A third alarm was struck. Fire extended throughout the building and a fourth alarm was sent. - Fire News photo by Bob Myers
Special Call at Andover 2-Alarmer Andover (CT) firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on September 20, 2020, at 0706, for a house well involved. Numerous mutual aid companies assisted with a special call for additional tankers above the second alarm. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Fire Destroys Farm House in West Bridgewater Around 1720 on September 23, 2020, crews responded for a building fire on Center Street in West Bridgewater (MA). Companies arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing from a two-story farm house. A second alarm was struck, bringing in mutual aid companies. Crews began an interior attack, and hit the fire on the B side, but the fire was too far ahead of them. The fire spread quickly throughout the occupied dwelling. Companies moved to a defensive posture and additional companies were called. Mutual aid came from from Bridgewater, Easton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham and Whitman; Hanson covered. Ambulances came from Brockton and Bridgewater; and the Department of Fire Services Rehab 6 responded. At least one firefighter was transported with minor injuries. The house was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Worcester Cold Storage Fire Worcester (MA) firefighters were called to the A&D Cold Storage facility on July 29, 2020, for a report of a fire. Worcester is no stranger to cold storage fires. They fought a fire in a similar building in 1999 which claimed the lives of six city firefighters. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing. Companies fought the fire in a defensive posture. Four alarms were sounded before the fire could be brought under control. A mobile ventilation unit was called to help evacuate smoke from the building once the fire was out. A rehab truck from the State Department of Fire Services was requested due to the high ambient heat. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 9
Manchester House Fire
On September 20, 2020, Manchester (CT) firefighters arrived to find fire showing out two windows of a 1-1/2 story private dwelling on Jarvis Road. They quickly stretched two lines to darken down the body of fire. One cat was rescued in good condition in the process. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. The cause of the fire was careless smoking. - Fire News photos by Glenn Duda, CFPA and Jim Peruta, CFPA
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Long Fight in Chelsea Chelsea (MA) firefighters and mutual aid companies battled a fire on High Street on September 18, 2020. Crews made an aggressive interior attack but were forced out due to the heavy fire conditions. Crews were able to knock down the fire a few hours later and remained on scene for extensive overhaul. - Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan
West Springfield 2-Alarmer West Springfield (MA) firefighters were called to Lowell Street recently for a structure fire. Crews battled this stubborn two-alarm fire for almost 90 minutes. Agawam Engine 1 went to the scene for mutual aid. Springfield Truck 1 and Westfield Engine 4 covered West Side. - Fire News photo by John DeForest
Fire Under Boston-Bound Train in Abington
Around 1230 on October 7, 2020, the Abington (MA) Fire Department responded to the MBTA Commuter Rail Station on Centre Avenue for a report of a fire under the train. Companies arrived to find smoke showing from under the locomotive at the platform. Companies found a small electrical fire under the locomotive. The train was evacuated, and the power was shut down. Abington firefighters used extinguishers to knock down the fire. The incident also caused small fires along the MBTA train tracks near the Essex Street crossing in the town of Whitman. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Fight Goes Exterior in Shirley
Crews responded to a working fire in Shirley (MA) on September 18, 2020, on Front Street. Heavy fire was showing on arrival. Crews made an initial attack and were pulled from the building due to fire conditions. - Fire News photo by David Bryce
Meriden 2-Alarmer On September 28, 2020, Meriden (CT) firefighters responded to Spice Hill Drive for a house fire. Engine 1 arrived to heavy fire in the front that extended to attic in the 2-1/2 story d w e l l i n g . T h e f i re went to a second alarm and required mutual aid. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
Right Place, Right Time for Foxboro
About 0615 on October 4, 2020, Foxboro (MA) Fire was operating at a MVA on Morse Street as crews spotted smoke coming from a commercial building complex. Foxboro Engine 24 responded and found a transformer fire extending to a mobile home and a building. Foxboro Engine 21, 22 and 24; Ladder 26 responded; a second alarm was transmitted bringing mutual aid. Foxboro Ladder 26 was set up with a ladder pipe working with several handlines. The fire was contained to a small section of the complex. A water relay used Walpole engine at a hydrant about 1800-feet away feeding Norfolk’s engine which was also drafting from the Glue Factory Pond. - Fire News photo by Bob Myers
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 11
Stamford Boat Fire Extends in West Branch Canal Just after 1530 on October 3, 2020, Stamford (CT) firefighters were dispatched to the West Branch Canal at the Hinkley Boat Yard on Selleck Street for a boat fire at the gas dock. Crews found a boat well involved close to the dock. As Engine 3 began to stretch lines the boat floated away from the dock and started to push to the east side. Command ordered other units to head to the east side. The boat came to rest against three other boats and a floating Tiki bar. Companies began to fight the fire from both land and sea as fireboats from the FDNY, Norwalk, Darien and Greenwich responded. The original boat, and a second boat to which it had extended, drifted south and were finally secured. An explosion of the original boat’s fuel tank caused a floating fuel fire as well as endangering other boats. Additional firefighting units down the canal were able to control the southern fire and put foam into operation to finish off the rest of the boats as well as the fuel fire. The fire was brought under control around 1700. The US Coast Guard also arrived to help with clean up. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Sturbridge 3-Alarmer On September 18, 2020, Sturbridge (MA) firefighters handled a three-alarm fire on Sheperd Road, which heavily damaged the attic of an occupied house. - Fire News photo by Paul LaRochelle
Page 12, Fire News, November/December 2020
Fire Out, Cat Saved in Webster
On September 21, 2020, Webster (MA) firefighters responded to a house fire on Carla Circle. Firefighters were met with heavy fire in the garage extending into the house. Chief Brian Hickey sounded a second alarm, bringing in mutual aid from multiple departments. The initial attack was with master streams. After the fire was extinguished they were able to recover the resident’s cats unharmed. - Fire News photo by Bud Harris
Tully Mountain Water Drops
A member of the Massachusetts National Guard secures a 400-gallon Bambi Bucket at a recent brush fire in Orange (MA). The crew of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter performed water drops on Tully Mountain. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Arlington House Fire
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Kingston 2-Alarmer
Kingston (MA) Fire responded to a fire in a 2-1/2 story colonial recently. Crews were met with heavy smoke conditions in the structure which caused command to strike a second alarm. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
Springfield Taxpayer Blaze
Springfield (MA) firefighters were called to Mill Street on August 2, 2020, just before 0230, for a structure fire. Engine 3 arrived to fire and smoke showing on the A side of the single-story taxpayer. An extra engine was called as the RIT was put to work. Car 1 called for an extra truck and engine making it an equivalent second alarm. It took crews about 90 minutes to put the fire out. - Fire News photo by John DeForest
Fatality at Truck MVA
Arlington (MA) firefighters responded for a house fire on Hillside Avenue on August 23, 2020. Although the fire was under investigation, a lightning strike was the suspected cause. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
On August 17, 2020, Wethersfield (CT) firefighters responded to a fatal MVA and fire on the Berlin Turnpike. Two tractor trailer trucks were involved with fire and fluid spills. Multiple agencies remained on the scene for most of the afternoon. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
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Hartford Vacancy Goes On October 9, 2020, at approximately 0530, Hartford (CT) Fire Alarm transmitted a building fire at the corner of Garden and Capen Streets. Companies arrived to a vacant two-story brick, residential-over-commercial with fire throughout. Shortly after, companies went to a defensive operation. All exposures were vacant lots. The fire held at one alarm plus an additional truck company for their waterway. - Fire News photo by Maurice Delage
Hartford House Fire On September 20, 2020, Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to Wyllys Street in the city’s South End for a house fire. Damage was slight and companies were on scene for a short time. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CTFPA
Basement Fire in Hartford On August 4, 2020, Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to a basement fire on Risley Street in the city’s North End. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta
Construction Accident in Worcester Crews responded to a construction site in Worcester (MA) on August 25, 2020, when the operator of a lift flipped it over on some soft earth. The victim had significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. OSHA was called to investigate. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 15
Only One Way Out in Fitchburg Crews responded to a two-car MVA with entrapment in Fitchburg (MA) on September 23, 2020, on Milk and Ellis Streets. One car’s driver’s side door was pinned by the other car and the passenger door pinned by a telephone pole. Crews had to cut the roof off the vehicle and had the driver out in 15 minutes. - Fire News photo by David Bryce
Car vs. Motorcycle MVA On July 7, 2020, Charlton (MA) and Oxford received multiple 911 calls for a motorcycle-versus-car accident on Route 20 near the town line. Both departments responded and found the accident in Charlton at the intersection of Glenmere Road. The driver of the motorcycle was transported by Charlton Fire to UMass in serious condition. The accident was under investigation by Charlton Police with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police. - Fire News photo by Bud Harris
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Waterbury MVA On September 18, 2020, Waterbury (CT) Engine 5 responded for a three-vehicle MVA on East Main Street. The accident involved a bus with children aboard, but there were only two minor injuries reported to people in the cars involved. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
Medical Emergency Likely Causes MVA in Whitman Around 1145 on August 26, 2020, the Whitman (MA) Fire Department was dispatched for a reported medical emergency on South Avenue. While en route, dispatch reported the incident to be a motor vehicle versus a house. Car 3, Engine 243 and Ambulance 249 responded. Companies arrived to find a single-vehicle accident, with a pickup truck smashed against an occupied residential building. Firefighters extricated the victim from the truck to Ambulance 249. The victim was treated and transported to the Brockton Hospital for further care. The building inspector was requested to the scene to check the structural stability of the building. Only minor damage was reported to the house. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Tractor Accident in Kingston
On August 8, 2020, crews in Kingston (MA) responded for a MedFlight incident. An elderly man was involved in an accident in which a tractor drove over him. The patient was transported to
MVA in Carver Carver (MA) Fire companies 1 and 3 responded to a MVA with reported entrapment on Federal Road. C-2 was first-due reporting no entrapment and only continuing Engine 3 to the scene. Engine 3’s crew assisted EMS with patient care. - Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon
Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for his injuries. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
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Horse Rescued in Hanson Around 1400 on September 1, 2020, the Hanson (CT) Fire Department responded to Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area for a report of a horse stuck in the mud. Companies located the horse and uninjured rider within the maze of trails. The Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team, was activated with their large animal rescue equipment. Veterinarians with the team also responded to assist with sedating the animal while crews worked to freeit. A Hanson Water Department backhoe was used as a crane to safely lift and move the animal. “Libby”, a 13-year-old horse walked out of the woods with the help of its owner to make a full recovery. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Boating Accident, Victim Recovered Auburn (MA) firefighters received a call of a boating accident on Dark Brook Reservoir on September 17, 2020. Firefighters found an unoccupied boat circling with no operator aboard. The regional dive team was activated to begin a search, which was called off shortly after dark. and resumed early the next morning. The regional dive team was assisted by the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. A search and rescue K9 from the Auburn Fire Department assisted and found two different scent trails. The victim was recovered a short time later. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
Recovery Effort at Sutton Excavator Accident Crews responded to a technical rescue in Sutton (MA) on September 29, 2020. A 66-year old man was working in his yard in his excavator when it went over an embankment and fell about 40-feet into a ravine. Chief Matt Belsito arrived and could not locate the operator, but saw a large amount of blood underneath it. The chief immediately called for a heavy-duty tow truck and the tech rescue team from the fire district. Unfortunately, they were unable to get the tow truck close enough to lift the excavator. The tech team set up a rope and pulley system and went down with air bags and chisels in an attempt to free the victim. It took about seven hours before the man’s body could be recovered. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Page 20, Fire News, November/December 2020
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Tree onto House in Leicester Crews responded for a tree that fell onto a house on Locust Street in Leicester (MA) on July 29, 2020. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Stamford Water Rescue Call On September 20, 2020, Stamford (CT) firefighters were dispatched to the area of the Stamford’s West Branch Wall for the report of three people in the water screaming for help. While firefighters launched the fireboat other crews worked to get the department’s Zodiac in the water to assist with the rescue. As fire companies responded the police department boat, which was in the water, was able to get to the victims and pull them to safety. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Medevac For Riding Accident Recently, Halifax (MA) crews responded to a call for a 20-year-old female who was thrown from a horse on Plymouth Street and suffered a back injury. Medflight was requested and the LZ was set up at the local Walmart. The patient was airlifted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. - Fire News photo by John Sjostedt
Haddam Handles LZ Ops for MVA The Haddam (CT) Volunteer Fire Company responded on mutual aid to Killingworth at 2223 on October 2, 2020, to spearhead LZ operations for Hartford Hospital’s LifeStar, a critical care helicopter service, following an MVA on Route 148, west of the Reservoir Road in Killingworth. The patient, who was extricated from a rolled-over vehicle, was transported by Killingworth Ambulance Association to the LZ established at Killingworth Recreational Park. The patient was airlifted to a trauma center with serious injuries. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake
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Training
Lost Acres Trains
Lost Acres (CT) Fire Department of Granby, partook in the Connecticut Fire Academy’s live burn recently in the Class A building. The live burn was under the direction of Jason Gilbert. The Lost Acres members were able to train on fire attack and SAR during the event. - Fire News photo by John DeForest
Arlington Trains
Arlington (MA) firefighters training on entering a room through a window to conduct a search of the house for a trapped victim. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Page 22, Fire News, November/December 2020
Training
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Plane Fire Training
On August 20, 2020, Broad Brook, Shaker Pines, North Thompsonville and Enfield were able to take part in some live fire training involving an airplane simulator at Bradley Airport (CT)
under the direction of the Airport Fire Department. The training lasted roughly two hours. - Fire News photos by John DeForest
Tanker Task Force Drill On October 6, 2020, the Stamford (CT) Fire Department worked with Turn of River, Belltown, and Long Ridge firefighters on a high level tanker task force drill. The drill brought in mutual aid tankers from Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Round Hill, Vista and Pound Ridge. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Water Supply Drills
On August 14, 2020, Worcester (MA) firefighters trained with MassPort firefighters at Worcester Regional Airport on water supply drills. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
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54 New Firefighters On August 21, 2020, the Boston Fire Drill Class graduated 54 new firefighters who went through five months of training. They were appointed March 25, 2020, and classes ended with the graduation, held at the John A. Martin Training Academy, on Moon Island. Two members held an American flag which was flown over Afghanistan with Marine Unit 1, the John S. Damell in the background. - Fire News photo by Bill Noonan
Orange Firefighters Honor Deceased Members Two additional members were added to the list of firefighters who have died as National Fallen Firefighter Weekend is marked. Members of the Orange (CT) Volunteer Fire Department quietly honored past members who have died. The annual memorial service usually takes place on Memorial Day. Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas noted the difference in the timing and circumstances of this year’s service as he addressed members. Night was falling and members stood quietly with their heads bowed, their faces masked and with some distance between members. - Fire News photo by Doug Fenichel
Page 24, Fire News, November/December 2020
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Whitman’s Robert Hover Retires After 34-Years
On August 31, 2020, Whitman (MA) Fire Lieutenant Robert Hover signed off the air after 34-years of service to the Town of Whitman. Lieutenant Hover was driven home in Whitman Engine 243, which was chauffeured by his son, Firefighter Allen Hover of the Walpole Fire Department. Following close behind was nearly every piece of Whitman fire apparatus. He arrived at home to find a welcoming committee of family and friends, along with a large electronic sign congratulating him on his career, which included two years as a call-firefighter, 11 years as a firefighter, and his last 21 years as Lieutenant, most served as the shift officer of Group 3. Shortly before noon, he traveled with Engine 243 as they responded to Brockton Station 2 for a cover assignment. When the RIT company was put to work, Engine 243 moved up to cover Station 1. As Engine 243 was backing into Station 1, the OIC of the fire struck a third alarm, moving Engine 243, among others, to the scene. The fire ultimately
went to four alarms. The Whitman crew was immediately put to work and, after spending a couple minutes on the second floor, Lieutenant Hover’s relief arrived after being shuttled over from Whitman, and he was pulled out of the building. Lieutenant Hover returned to Whitman with Chief Timothy Grenno, as his retirement ceremony would be underway shortly. Friends, family, co-workers, elected officials, and others all congratulated Lieutenant Hover and wished him well during retirement. Lieutenant Hover received commendations and recognition from local Selectmen Don Salvucci, State Representative Alyson Sullivan, State Senator Mike Brady, US Congressman Stephen Lynch, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, IAFF Local 1769, the members of Group 3 and from the fire chief, among others. Lieutenant Hover’s replacement, newly promoted Fire Lieutenant Tom Ford, took over duties as Shift Commander of Group 3 on September 3. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
Fall River 9/11 Ceremony Fall River (MA) Public Safety officials gathered at the Massachusetts State 9/11 Memorial at Battleship Cove to remember the victims of September 11, 2001, attacks. The ceremony was held under cloudy skies before a sparse crowd due to Covid restrictions. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Worcester’s O’Connor Retires After 40 Years
Recently, Worcester (MA) Firefighter Robert O’Connor retired after over 40 years of service. These are some images from his last fire, which was a two-alarmer on Oxford Street. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 25
Tri State Shields vs. Hudson Valley Mountaineers The Tri State Shields semipro football team played their second game on October 3, 2020, looking to move to a record of 2-0. Unfortunately, for the Shields, they fell to the Hudson Valley Mountaineers 26-8. The Shields are made up of firefighters, police officers, corrections officers, court officers, federal agents, military members, and EMS personnel from across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Remembering the Fallen The stone in memory of Arlington Firefighters Edward J. Ryan and Herbert G. White is located at Arlington Fire headquarters. On October 27, 1945, Firefighters Ryan and White sustained injuries in an explosion at the Kelly Oil Corporation on Massachusetts Avenue, which resulted in their deaths. Firefighter White died on October 28, 1945, and Firefighter Ryan died on November 3, 1945. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Retired Wareham Firefighter Gets Tour of New Rescue-1
On September 14, 2020, following a training session, Wareham (MA) firefighters showed off their new Rescue 1, a 2019 Spartan/EVI Heavy Rescue to a familiar face. Retired Wareham Firefighter David ‘Wally’ Wahlstrom was happy to receive a visit from his former co-workers at home. Wareham firefighters gave him a grand tour of all the compartments and new equipment stored in the heavy rescue. Then, much to his excitement, they gave Wally a ride in their new rig, with him in the officer’s seat. The new Rescue 1 was placed into service on September 13. - Fire News photos by Pat Travers
Page 26, Fire News, November/December 2020
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Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial 2020
This year was a virtual ceremony that was broadcast on September 11, 2020. Pictured is Quincy (MA) Firefighter Steve Sweet as ceremonial bagpiper/Pipe Major from the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums. - Fire News photos by Liz Feitelberg
Three Firefighter Recruit Classes Graduate from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) Director David C. Evans announced the graduation of the three classes that completed the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. Class 284 trained at the Stow campus, Class S16 trained at the Springfield campus and Class BW03 trained at the Bridgewater campus. They came together at the Stow campus to participate in a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and to receive their certificates of completion. Class 284: 16 graduates from 11 fire departments. The 16 graduates represent the 11 fire
departments of Bellingham, Clinton, Northbridge, Pepperell, Reading, Sharon, Shrewsbury, Walpole, Watertown, Westwood, and Wilmington. Class S16: 10 graduates from seven fire departments. The 10 graduates represent the seven fire departments of Easthampton, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Northampton, Southbridge, Turners Falls, and Westfield. Class BW03: 16 graduates from eight fire departments. The 16 graduates represent the eight fire
departments of Avon, Duxbury, Fairhaven, Falmouth, Middleborough, North Attleboro, Scituate, and Taunton. - Submitted by Jennifer Mieth
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 27
Oldie But a Goody A 1944 Chevrolet/General Detroit Class Fire Truck seen in Moultonborough (NH). - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
So That’s Where They Got the Name! Whitman (MA) Engine 243, a 2016 E-One e-MAX 1500/750/30F, which is also ALS equipped, is pictured alongside the Toll House sign and plaque at the site of the original Toll House. The Toll House, which sat at the intersection of Bedford Street and Auburn Street, is where the iconic Toll House Cookie was invented in 1938. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Page 28, Fire News, November/December 2020
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Up Close & Personal
The crew of Stamford (CT) Engine 4 stand by their new rig. This fire was the first fire for Engine 4 which took place in Stamford on September 21, 2020. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Firefighters from the Boston Fire Department after a recent structure fire. - Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan
On August 22, 2020, Springfield (MA) firefighters were called to Prince Street for a structure fire. - Fire News photo by John DeForest Two Dudley (MA) firefighters report to Chief Kochanowski after exiting a structure fire. - Fire News photo by Bud Harris
An Engine 4 Firefighter responding to a two-car MVA with entrapment in Fitchburg (MA) on September 23, 2020, - Fire News photo by David Bryce
The Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team was called to Hanson (MA) to rescue “Libby,” a 13-year-old horse, from the mud. - Fire News photo by Rob Reardon
On September 13, 2020, Arlington (MA) Fire Captain Dan Kerr ran a virtual Marathon to raise money for The Hundred Club of Massachusetts and the Arlington Firefighters’ Relief Association. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Abington (MA) Fire Captain George Gardiner and Firefighter Justin Silva. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
West Bridgewater (MA) Fire Chief Kenneth May and Raynham (MA) Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Paxton (MA) Fire Ladder 1 crew after a recent fire. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 29
Cover Story
Fatality at Milford 2-Alarmer
On September 14, 2020, Milford (CT) companies arrived to find a fire on the lower level of a vacant strip mall on Roses Mill Road. Firefighters were not allowed to go interior due to the condition of the long-abandoned commercial building. They tried to hit the fire with 2-1/2 inch handlines, but were unsuccessful in stopping its spread into the void spaces and the cockloft. One tower, two aerial master streams, several multiversals and handlines were operated for over two hours to darken down the stubborn fire. The cause of the fire was being investigated. One body was found in the rubble during overhaul. - Fire News photos by Glenn Duda, CFPA, PuckStopperPhotography.com and FireGroundImages.com
Page 30, Fire News, November/December 2020
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HAVE CLASS, WILL TRAVEL The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) is known to teach ISO and HSO classes in local jurisdictions if there is enough interest. This year, with the pandemic keeping firefighters and paramedics busy at home, most departments are not allowed to travel. To date, FDSOA has taught one HSO class in San Diego with multiple departments in attendance, and three other ISO courses, in Alpena, Michigan at the Air National Guard Base; Redmond, Washington; and in Chesterfield, Michigan, also with multiple departments in attendance. Chairman Eric Valliere said, “What’s nice about teaching the course in their own jurisdiction is that we can base the curriculum around the way they respond. Each fire department is going to have different priorities for incident safety.” Valliere taught the ISO class in Redmond with FDSOA Board Member Scott Yurczyk. If you are interested in hosting an HSO or ISO class in your district, please contact Executive Director Rich Marinucci at publications@fdsoa.org, or at our website, www.fdsoa.org.
The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. FDSOA works to helps fire departments achieve proficiency and promote the recognition of training, skills and a secure future. In May 2016, FDSOA won the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its work over 28 years, “as an organization fully dedicated to the health and safety of the nation’s firefighters.” FDSOA can be found on the web at www.fdsoa.org. Please follow FDSOA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
FIREHOUSE EXPO 2020 MOVES TO A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE Decision Made as Nashville Continues to Experience High Covid Cases Endeavor Business Media and the Firehouse Expo event team have closely monitored the developments around the Covid-19 pandemic with the highest priority of protecting the health and safety of its attendees, instructors, exhibitors, sponsors and employees. In these efforts to host a safe and productive event, the very difficult decision has been made to shift from an in-person event to a virtual experience to be held in early December 2020. “In our commitment to transparency, we believe that it is important to specifically outline the reasons behind this decision. Quite simply, the crushing impact of Covid-19 on Nashville has made it impossible for us to guarantee your safety or provide you with the experience that you deserve. We cannot in good faith move forward with an event that we think puts you, your co-workers, or your families at risk,” said Bill MacRae, Vice President and Group Publisher of Firehouse Expo. “It disappoints us greatly to not host an in-person event, but we know that there is no other responsible decision to make.” As Covid cases continue to surge in Tennessee, local officials, partners and the
Nashville hospitality industry are unable to predict the availability of everything that makes Firehouse Expo special — the availability of hands-on training sites, the ability to deliver the conference program due to travel bans and quarantine policies, and even nightlife activities on Broadway. Despite creating detailed protocols to keep attendees and exhibitors safe, the virus poses too high of a risk in bringing thousands of people together. “Though we can’t meet face-to-face in October, the impact of the pandemic has made training and preparation more important than ever. We are deeply committed to providing a platform that enables the fire service to come together to share experiences, lessons learned and tactics that can save more lives. We also recognize the need to get back to business as best we can and that providing opportunities for our exhibitors to network and demonstrate their products and services is vital,” said Peter Matthews, Firehouse Expo Conference Director. “To that end, we are excited to announce the launch of Firehouse Expo Direct, an interactive platform designed to engage, educate and connect with colleagues,
experts and leading vendors across the industry.” Firehouse Expo Direct will be a multifaceted virtual event experience featuring top instructors in the fire service leading webinars, panel discussions and chat forums to exchange information and share ideas. Firehouse Expo’s parent company, Endeavor Business Media, has put its full arsenal of resources and expertise behind producing high-quality, productive and engaging virtual events and Firehouse Expo Direct will be no exception. Additional details will be announced soon in both direct communications and on the Firehouse Expo website, www.firehouseexpo.com. The entire Firehouse Expo team is sincerely grateful for your support and understanding of these changes and stand ready to assist you with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in 2021, September 14 to 18 in Columbus, Ohio. Stay safe. Stay well.
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Fire News, November/December 2020, Page 31
