Dennis Whittam, Editor
Guess what I was greeted with on October 9, 2022? I was shocked when I entered my vehicle and found that my windshield was covered with frost. After I cleaned off my windshield with windshield washer fluid, I was on my way for morning coffee at the firehouse. The first question I asked was, “Did anyone have frost on their car windows?” It didn’t take long before I realized I was the only one who experienced one of the side effects of fall. I am sure that by the time you read this editorial, you too will experience frosty windows!
Frosty windows aren’t a big deal, but it is a sign that we are in the fall season and must think about driving safely to the firehouse. Falling leaves become wet and slippery. Throw in some adrenalin as you respond to a call and you have the mix for dangerous slippery road conditions.
Company chauffeurs, engineers, MPOs or drivers must change their response techniques. Be sure to get to the firehouse safely. That ride to the firehouse tells you a lot about what you can expect when you drive your rig to a call. Fall and winter are two times of the year that require extra thought. Think about the safety of your crew and community. Go slowly until you are sure the roads haven’t iced up. Even paid crews that are already at the firehouse could be sur-
prised when the overhead doors are raised, and you find weather conditions have changed.
All company chauffeurs need to seriously think about getting to the call safely. But it is equally important that new chauffeurs are versed in the technical operation of their vehicle. As the weather temperature dips below freezing, it is imperative that you fully understand the operation of your pumps and that you understand how cold can affect its operation. Cold can also affect you; dress warmly and wear gloves.
Looking ahead to an early snowstorm, the passengers in the front seat, namely the chauffeur and the officer, need to be aware of hydrant locations and what hydrants might be out of service. I know we have a little time, but is your crew ready to shovel out hydrants? Maybe it’s time to think about shovel placement on the rig and placement of some salt to melt the forming ice around the rig.
Use the fall season to remind your community that you need their help. An early snowstorm could block a hydrant. This is the time of the year to start a campaign that reminds the community to make sure hydrants are not blocked with snow. Get the word out so your community adopts their local hydrant and makes sure it is clear of snow.
My November editorial could be early for some areas (or late for others!), but I remember one year I had to cancel a Thanksgiving gettogether because of six or eight inches of snow that fell.
To our new Fire News editions that are in warmer climates, drive safely and feel free to share your experiences with weather related problems throughout the year. E-mail me at Li@FireNews.com. I’d love to hear from you.
- Dennis
The Providence (RI) Fire Alarm sent companies to Charles Street for a house fire.
See story on page 6
August 2, 2022, Manchester (NH) firefighters responded to a fire in a 12-unit apartment building.
See story on page
Water an Issue at
Fitchburg (MA) crews responded for a three-alarm fire in a large two-story colonial on August 17, 2022.
See story on page
Afive-vehicle MVAshut down the northbound lanes of F.E. Everett Turnpike (NH) while crews extricated a man from a burning
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See story on page 15 Manchester and East Hartford (CT) fire departments trained together in the IAFF Fireground Safety and Survival Train the Trainer program.
See story on page 21
Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey was elected to the National Association of State Fire Marshals’ Board of Directors.
See story on page 25
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Around 0510 on August 7, 2022, Norwich (CT) fire was dispatched forreported wires on fire with the side of the building burning on 14th Street. Engine 2 reported a working fire with exposures. During this time the fire was upgraded to a second alarm due to extending into the upperfloorof the OMD. As companies arrived,
the fire ran the attic space, and command requested a third alarm. Crew worked the fire forabout two hours before it was brought undercontrol. The fire was underinvestigation.
Manchester(NH) Fire responded to Elm Street, fora fire in a multi-unit apartment building. Firefighters arrived to porches of one building engulfed, a vehicle burning, and the fire spreading to a three-story building. Asecond alarm was requested, and firefighters began searching the building. A call-back of all off-duty firefighters was requested. The roof began to collapse and Battalion Chief Ken Proulx ordered all firefighters out. One firefighterw as transported to the hospital by AMR forheat exhaustion. Many long-term firefighters knew the address as the location of a fatal fire in 2000, in which FirefighterDavid Anderson and two teenage boys died. The American Red Cross assisted more than a dozen people who were displaced from three units in each of the buildings.
On the morning of October1, 2022, the Providence Fire Alarm Office sent companies to Charles Street fora house fire. Engine 12 arrived to find heavy overlapping fire that was rapidly extending to the exposure on the Delta side. Crews attempted an aggressive interiorattack but were withdrawn by command as the fire was through the roof of both dwellings. TowerLadder1 put its masterstreams into both building along with blitz guns and handlines. The fire went to three alarms before being brought undercontrol.
- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
- Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
On August 18, 2022, the Southern Worcester(MA) County Communications Centerreceived a call fora fire at the Mace Adhesive Company on Roberts Road in Dudley (MA). First arriving fire companies found heavy fire in the building. Five alarms with multiple fill in and special calls would ultimately respond
including the state HazMat Team, State Fire Marshall’s Office, Department of Fire Services Special Operations ISU and Rehab, and the District 7 Communications team.
- Fire News photo by Bud HarrisHampstead (NH) crews responded fora reported explosion on School Street in an occupied house. The occupants escaped with minorinjuries and were not transported to the hospital. Several small fires were extinguished. NH State Fire Marshal’s Office handled the investigation.
- Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
Medford (MA) firefighters responded fora second-alarm fire on Forest Street on September5, 2022. Companies had heavy fire showing on arrival from the rearof a large occupied 2-1/2 story wood frame house. Fire extended to the third floorand attic area.
- Fire News photo by Dave Stewart
Around 2115 on August 7, 2022, the Tilton-Northfield (NH) Fire and EMS responded to Elm Street fora report of smoke in the building. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the third floorof the multi-family dwelling. Asecond alarm was immediately requested due to the size of the building and the hot and humid weather. Crews experienced difficulty gaining access to the third floordue to the numerous modifications made to the dwelling overthe years. Once the third floorwas reached, firefi ghters encountered high heat and minimal visibility. The laddercompany was able to vertically vent the roof, which sent fire blowing out of the vent hole. Athird alarm was struck to bring additional manpowerto the scene. Mutual aid companies from Franklin, Belmont, Laconia, Sanbornton, Bristol, Concord and New Hampton responded.
- Submitted by Pat Travers; Fire News photo by Christine Roz
In the early afternoon of September4, 2022, the Attleboro (MA) Fire Department responded to a building fire on Thomas Avenue in the South Attleboro section of the city. The location of the fire building was at the extreme edge of Engine 2’s response area and bordered the state line with Rhode Island. Engine 2 reported fire showing from the second floorof a 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling. The ladder and rescue (ambulance) that share quarters with Engine 2 were unavailable forthis response, so Engine 2 had to initiate an aggressive attack while waiting foradditional companies to arrive. Asecond alarm was transmitted which brought companies from neighboring communities in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All occupants had self-evacuated priorto the fire department’s arrival and several were evaluated by crews on scene with one person transported forsmoke inhalation. The fire was declared undercontrol in about 30 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Ed Burke
On August 7, 2022, Fall River(MA) Fire Communications received a private alarm activation as well as a call from the business owner reporting smoke in the building. Engine 2, 9 and 12, along with Ladders 2 and 4, and Heavy Rescue 1 were dispatched to Alden Street, where Engine 9 reported smoke showing. The crew of Engine 9 laid out two attack lines as well as backing themselves up to a nearby hydrant. Ladder4 put theiraerial in operation to the roof and placed ground ladders on the B side of the building. Firefighters found fire running above the ceiling and chased it forsome time. Investigators believe the cause was electrical in nature. Extensive overhaul was required .
- Fire News photo by Ken Leger - Fire News photo by Jay HeathAugust 2, 2022, Manchester(NH) firefighters responded to a fire in a 12unit apartment building. On arrival, heavy fire was blowing from the eaves as Truck 1 firefighters worked to open up the soffits in the blocklong building. Atrench cut was made on the roof to stop the fire from entering six out of the 12 units. Over125 city firefighters battled the three-alarm fire as ambient temperatures rose into the high 90s. Four firefighters were treated and released forminorinjuries. The fi re was underinvestigation.
Ogunquit (ME) firefighters responded fora three-alarm fire in a historic family business on Main Street on September10, 2022.
- Fire News photo by Robert Nettles
Fitchburg (MA) crews responded fora three-alarm fire in a large two-story colonial on August 17, 2022. The fire started in the basement and extended to the attic, eventually going through the roof, causing companies to be pulled out of the building foran exteriorattack. The fire was at the top of a hill on a dead-end street and waterwas a bit of an issue at first. Several hydrants had to be pumped in a line to get good waterpressure up the hill and to the fire. Mutual aid from several towns and cities responded.
- Fire News photo by David Bryce
Just before 1900 on August 23, 2022, as a flash storm ripped through the Seymour(CT) area. The SeymourFire Department was dispatched to Moss Avenue fora house fire. First units found heavy fire in the attic of the two-story home. Reports from radio traffic were stating that Seymour’s fireground radios were down and transmissions had to be taken overby the mutual aid companies responding. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Dunstable (MA) Tanker1 responded to Saugus (MA) on a District 6 Task force activation fora large brush fire in the Breakheart Reservation. Tanker1 supplied thousands of gallons of waterto handlines and mutual aid forestry units while operating.
Springfield firefighters were dispatched to State Street just before 2330 on August 15, 2022. Crews arrived to find fire and smoke showing on the Aside of the single-story restaurant. Crews made a quick knockdown of the fire, keeping it from spreading inside the structure. Crews were on scene forabout 45 minutes. The fire was underinvestigation by the Springfield Bomb and Arson Squad.
- Fire News photo by John DeForest
On August 14, 2022, just after0630 personnel from the Templeton (MA) Fire Department were toned out fora carfire on Patriots Road in Templeton. Templeton Police Sergeant Hall arrived on scene first and used his extinguisherto help keep the fire contained until fire crews arrived. - Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau
On August 8, 2022, at about 1400, Meriden (CT) Fire responded fora structure fire on South Colony Road in Meriden. Mutual aid came from Southington, Wallingford, Middletown, North Haven, Berlin and South Meriden. - Fire News photo by David Bowen
On August 8, 2022, Lexington (MA) firefighters responded to a fire in an electric powerstation on Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington Center. Heavy fire was showing on arrival. Second and third alarms were sounded bringing mutual aid to assist.
On August 31, 2022, at 1335, the Brookline (NH) Fire Department was dispatched to Gilsun Road fora structure fire with an explosion. Command arrived to a fully involved structure and requested a second alarm forsmoke and fire billowing from the building. Apparatus dumped waterinto porta-tanks. Eventually, command struck a third alarm. Mutual aid came from Amherst, Ashby, Brookline Ambulance, Brookline DPW, Dunstable, Greenville, Hollis, Lyndeborough, Mason, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Boston, New Ipswich, NH State Fire Marshal’s Office, Pepperell, Townsen d and Wilton.
Carver(MA) Fire Company 1 and 3 responded to RochesterRoad fora brush fire. Engine 3 was first-due, reporting a 1/4 of an acre mostly extinguished by the homeowner. Breaker27 assisted in wet ting down the area.
On July 8, 2022, Bridgeport (CT) firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the eaves and gable vents of a private dwelling. They found heavy fire in the attic. Multiple lines were stretched fora quick knockdown. The fire is believed to have started from solar panels on the roof. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, CFPA
by Stacy Schwartz - Vice President, Public Safety and FirstNet Program at AT&T
Emergencies are unpredictable. During these critical moments, public safety needs reliable, interoperable communications. Tha t’s why our approach to 5G for public safety is unlike anything else.
It’s not the typical approach to 5G you’ve seen in television commercials. That’s because 5G on FirstNet® — America's public safety network — is a one-of-a-kind experience. It gives our nation’s first responders the early benefits of this next-generation connectivity while continuing to use LTE, the current gold standard for reliable mobile broadband, for their mission-critical needs. First responders maintain voice communications with always-on priority and preem ption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best rou te for data traffic, whether that’s 5G or LTE spectrum.
In April 2021, we upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity and opened access to AT&Thigh-band 5G+ spectrum. Later that year, we expanded access to the AT&Tlow-band 5G. And now, we’re giving this vital community access to the “sweet spot” of 5G - AT&T mid-band 5G+. All public safety needs to access 5G on FirstNet is a FirstNet Ready® 5G device.
What is 5Gforfirst responders like today?
We’re delivering 5G on FirstNet using AT&Tspectrum bands. Public safety in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G. And we’re continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationw ide:
• High-Band 5G+: Public safety agencies and organizations in parts of more than 45 cities and 45+ venues get super-fast speeds and unprecedented performances in these high traffic areas. This includes places like Los Angeles International Airport and Raym ond James Stadium in Tampa where crowds gather for the amazing concerts or major sporting events like the “Big Game” (but what is really a massive public safety event).
• Mid-Band 5G+: Now, this vital community has access to the “sweet spot” of 5G spectrum in more than 40 cities from coast to coast, including Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis. Mid-band 5G+ spectrum fills the gap between our other bands and provides a great combination of ultrafast speeds and wide geographic coverage.
• Low-Band 5G: First responders in more than 30 cities across the United States — including Austin, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona and Knoxville, Tennessee — can connect using low-band 5G spectrum. It can travel farther, as well as penetrate through buildings and infrastructure better than high-band 5G+.
Many might ask, “why can’t you deploy 5G on FirstNet like it is
on commercial networks?” Simply put, when public safety is responding and lives are on the line, reliability is key. And many of the standards that protect public safety’s crucial communicatio ns from network congestion have not yet been implemented for 5G by the industry.
So, while we’re bringing this community specialized features an d capabilities they’ve never had before, we also have an eye to t he future. It isn’t going to happen overnight. But we’re working to develop the necessary standards and vendor support to create a 5G environment that aligns with public safety’s mission.
Our strategy for 5G on FirstNet takes advantage of the true evolution from 4G to 5G. FirstNet will continue to be a fast follower on 5G while driving innovation of and integration in tested and established mission-critical services on 4G for public safety operations today. That means first responders on FirstNet have the assurance that 4G public safety services are keeping them reliably connected for their lifesaving work, while the commercial side addresses initial start-up challenges of 5G. You know, places where viral videos and live-streaming your favorite football team’s games rule the day — not a place where a call can make all the difference in helping save someone.
On FirstNet, 5G connectivity will be ideal for IoTand video intelligence solutions. Imagine being able to deploy cameras during parades and other celebrations to help identify suspicious bags or packages. Or using 5G in an ambulance to transmit patient data back to the emergency room. That’s just a few ways 5G on FirstNet could help public safety achieve their life-saving missions in the fu ture.
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&Tare committed to advancing FirstNet for all of public safet y. And doing it right. We recognize that uniting the unmatched benefits of FirstNet with the future promises of 5G can unlock a whole new world of public safety potential. As new technologies become available, we understand what’s most important is taking a first respondercentric view in their deployment. That applies to 5G, augmente d reality, edge computing and others. It’s our job as America’s public safety wireless communications provider.
We’re not building 5G on FirstNet for the bottom line. We’re building it for public safety’s unique mission needs. That means making sound decisions and being good stewards of public safety’s network — all to ensure we do 5G right for public safety.
Individual verified first responders not already on FirstNet ca n go to https://www.firstnet.com/signup/ or go to the more than 5,000 AT&Tretail stores across the country.
Afive-vehicle MVA, with one vehicle on fire temporarily shut down the northbound lanes of F.E. Everett Turnpike while crews extricated a man from the burning car. Merrimack Fire, Police, and New Hampshire State Police received multiple reports of cars involved in an accident in the northbound and southbound lanes in the area of exit 12. When responders arrived they found a carthat had been pieced by a guardrail, with a man trapped inside. Bystanders had used fire extinguishers to put out the engine compartment fire. An off-duty Manchester firefighterwho was first at the scene broke windows to access the man and begin administering medical attention. Merrimack firefighters used hydraulic spreading and cutting tools to remove the roof, doors, and gain access to the patient. While working to extricate the man, additional personnel evaluated people from fournorthbound vehicles that were involved in the crash. Afterabout 25 minutes the man was removed from the vehicle and rushed to the Elliot Hospital with serious injuries. Several occupants of the vehicles on the northbound side of the turnpike were treated at the scene, and some transported with injuries that did not appearto be lifethreatening. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
Bedford (NH) Fire and Police responded to a report of an accident involving a motorcycle and passengercaron South RiverRoad nearCommerce Park North. Responders arrived and found three people injured. One person was deceased at the scene, and a second person on the motorcycle was trapped underthe passengercar. DHARTMedical helicopterwas requested to the scene. Firefighters used blocks and hydraulic tools to lift the caroff the injured person. An LZ was set up in the parking lot of a building on South RiverRoad. As the helicopterwas preparing to land, it aborted the landing and the patient was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and succumbed to injuries a short time later. An elderly man who was driving the passengercar was walked to the ambulance and transported to the hospital with what appeared to be minorinjuries. Several people who witnessed the accident assisted the injured people and assisted firefighters when they arrived. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings
At about 0530 on August 10, 2022, Meriden (CT) crews responded to Broad Street where a collapse of an old apartment building was occurring. Meriden Engine 3, 4 and 5 , Truck 1 and Cars 9 and 3 were on scene and put one line in operation to hold down the dust generated by the collapse. - Fire News photo by David Bowen
On the afternoon of September10, 2022, the Seekonk (MA) Fire Department responded to Route 195 West fora two-vehicle MVA. Seekonk Rescue transported at least one person from the scene.
- Fire News photo by Ken Leger
Westminster(MA) firefighterbattling a working fire in Westminsteron a rearporch on August 21, 2022. Mutual aid from several cities and towns responded and the fire was quickly knocked down.
- Fire News photo by David Bryce
Oxford (MA) Fire-EMS Lieutenant Mike Hudon at a recent technical rescue call. - Fire News photo by Bud Harris
New Marlborough (MA) FirefighterBrian Dillon practices ladderskill at a Berkshire RITCo-op session held in Great Barrington (MA) on June 4, 2022. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
In a mock scenario exercise on August 8, 2022, Haddam (CT) VolunteerFire Company was dispatched to Haddam Meadows State Park fora reported personal watercraft (PWC) accident near Haddam Island. In three rotations, crews took turns accessing the scene via Marine-13. There, they worked to rescue multiple “patients” who were unconscious, injured, orinebriated. “We respond to multiple calls a yearon the Connecticut River, so it’s
important that ourmembers are refreshed in both boat operations and waterrescue situations,” said Deputy Chief Jed Morrissey. “Helping to care foran injured patient in the wateris much different, and often more difficult, than a regularassist, and requires a great amount of teamwork and communication.”
- Fire News photos by Olivia DrakeThirty people who usually are in an office setting, providing mental health services to first responders, reversed roles and jumped into the front lines. An intense two-day seminaroffered what it is like to be in a room searching forvictims, and at the scene of a child in cardiac arrest.
- Fire News photos by Jeffrey Hastings
New England LifeFlight recently landed at the meeting of Boy Scout Troop 338 of Charlton (MA). They taught the scouts about pre-hospital first aid in a helicoptersetting as well as aviation skills. - Fire News photo by Bud Harris
On September11, 2022, Bristol County (MA) Public Safety officials gathered to rememberon the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the USA.
- Fire News photo by Ken Leger
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, acting director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), today announced the graduation of 26 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Traini ng Program.
“First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “The rigorous professional training they’ve received provides them with the physical, mental, a nd technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
The recruits of Class 304 trained at the MFA’s Stow campus and represent the 13 departments of Acton, Attleboro, Billerica, Blackstone, Chelmsford, Dracut, Gardner, Lexington, Plainville, Tewksbury, Westford, Wilmington, and Woburn.
The MFA, which marked its 50th anniversary last year, provides recruit and in-service training at three separate campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater. To date, nearly 14,000 firefighters have graduated in more than 450 classes. - Submitted by Jake Wark
On July 26, 2022, the Hartford (CT) Yard Goats hosted theirannual First ResponderAppreciation Game.
- Fire News photo by Coral Ruggiero
The inaugural “Matty’s Mustache Ride” was held on September 24, 2022. The ride was held in memory of Brockton (MA) Firefighterand United States Marine Corps veteran Matthew Flaherty, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in April. Proceeds and donations benefited believet.org, a nonprofit organization that pairs service dogs with disabled vets. Pictured, the ride passes the Whitman Fire Station on Temple Street.
- Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey was elected to the National Association of State Fire Marshals’Board of Direct ors at the organization’s 32nd annual conference and symposium. He was sworn in on August 3, 2022, and will serve a two-year term.
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) unites the most senior fire officials in the United States in a shared mis sion to protect life, property and the environment from fire and related hazards. State Fire Marshal Ostroskey was one of three New Englanders elected to key posts: Michael Desrochers, Director of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, was elected NASFM President and New Hampshire Stat e Fire Marshal Sean Toomey was also elected to the Board of Direc tors.
“I’m honored by the trust my fellow marshals have placed in me to help keep the Association moving forward,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “I look forward to working with our membership, our Board of Directors, and our new Executive Director.”
State Fire Marshal Ostroskey was appointed to his current position in
2016 and leads the Department of Fire Services, the sole agency in Massachusetts responsible for the overall policy, leadership, and coordination of fire safety, training, enforcement, and response services. Prior to his appointment, he served for four years as Deputy State Fire Marshal and served as Deputy Director of the Statewide Emergenc y Telecommunications Board, now known as the State 9-1-1 Department. He has 39 years of experience in the fire service, rising through the ranks of the Uxbridge Fire Department from private to chief.
State Fire Marshal Ostroskey received the 2021 Hall of Fame Awa rd at last year’s NASFM conference, for his role in reducing the number of Massachusetts’child fire fatalities to zero for more than two a nd a half years. He also serves on the NFPA’s Technical Committee on Cros s Functional Emergency that developed NFPA3000 Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
On July 25, 2022, the University of Connecticut (UConn) Fire Department put into service theirnew 2021 Pierce EnforcerPUC (sold by Firematic Supply of Rocky Hill) as Engine 2 at Station 122 in Farmington (CT). This new engine features a 750-gallon tank with 1500-gpm pump, five-seat cab with large ALS cabinet, and Holmatro Pentheon battery operated cutterand spreader. Many thanks to the UConn and UConn Health administration for supporting the purchase and equipping of this engine.
- Fire News photo by Coral RuggieroAHanover (MA) firefighter was named the 2022 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the year at the 27th annual Massachusetts Fire and Life Safety Education Conference, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey announced.
Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Johnson was one of more than a dozen fire safety educators nominated for the award, which was presented by Ostroskey and members of the Department of Fire Services. Johnson manages the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE programs for the Hanover Fire Department, teaching fire and life safety to the town’s third-graders, to seniors at the Council
on Aging and senior living facilities, and to residents of all ages at community events.
SAFE and Senior SAFE programs across Massachusetts are funded by grants through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to local fire departments. Starting in 2019, Johnson started a home safety visit program that includes smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm installation for vulnerable Hanover residents, along with information on fire safety, home escape planning, burn awareness, fall prevention, and other tips. The program has conducted more than 250 visitsincluding one that may have saved a resident’s life. In December of 2021 a kitchen fire broke out at a home in Hanover. The fire activated a nearby smoke alarm. The resident heard the alarm, safely left the home, and called 9-1-1. Crews responded and extinguished the fire. The smoke alarm was installed after a home visit by Firefighter Johnson in 2019.
The Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year
Award honors an individual or a team for their involvement and commitment to making our world safer from fire and other preventable injuries. It recognizes those who have shown excellence in educating their community and demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. This year’s nominees also included: Firefighter Kelsey Bisio of the Norton FD; Firefighter-EMT Christopher Kowal of the Milford FD; Firefighter Anthony Leite of the Lowell FD; Firefighter Matthew Morin of the Sunderland FD; Firefighter Jessica Murray of the Wales FD; Lieutenant Hank Perkins of the Boston FD; Firefighter Michelle Sacco of the Chelmsford FD; Lieutenant Dan Santry of the Belmont FD; Lieutenant Michael Shulman of the Gloucester FD; Captain-Paramedic Brian Tyson of the Barnstable FD; Firefighter Ross Vona of the Brookline FD; and Firefighter Jason ‘Otis’Wilson of the Millis FD.
- Submitted by Jake WarkJack McNamara is a contributing photographerforthe Long Island (NY) Fire News edition. Recently, Jack completed the Introduction to the Fire Service class at the Connecticut Fire Academy. I know Jack through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Hal
Bruno Camp forChildren of Fallen Firefighters. Jack was the incident commanderforthe skills exhibition. He was sponsored by the Mastic (NY) Fire Department.
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, acting director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), announced the graduation of 61 firefighters from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy today. Graduates completed the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program at three campuses: Class 303 trained at the Stow campus, Class S28 trained at the Springfield campus and Class BW21 trained at the Bridgewater campus. Class 303 (Stow): 22 Graduates from 14 Fire Departments
The 22 firefighters of Class #303 represent the fire departments of Amesbury, Cambridge,
Chelsea, Concord, Haverhill, Holden, Hudson, Methuen, Needham, Randolph, Revere, Wakefield, Weston, and Winchester. Class S28 (Springfield): 21 Graduates from 14 Fire Departments
The 21 firefighters of Class #S28 represent the fire departments of Agawam, Ashburnham,
Dalton, Falmouth, Gardner, Monson, Newton, Orange, Southwick, Sturbridge, Ware, West Springfield, Westfield, and Wrentham.
Class BW21 (Bridgewater): 18
Graduates from 11 Fire Departments
The 18 firefighters of Class #BW21 represent the fire departments of Attleboro, Bourne, Eastham, Medfield, North Attleboro, Norwood, Somerset, Taunton, Walpole, Wellfleet, and Weymouth.
The MFA, which marked its 50th anniversary last year, provides recruit and in-service training at three separate campuses and has graduated nearly 14,000 firefighters in more than 430 classes.
- Submitted by Jake Wark
On September28, 2022, members of the Arlington (MA) Fire Department participated in defensive drivertraining in a simula torprovided by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Firefighters simulated operation of fire apparatus in various scenarios which might occurin responding to emergencies.
- Submitted by Owen Carrigan
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The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2023 Health and Safety Conference. The Health and Safety Conference will be held in conjunction with the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Health and Wellness Symposium
January 17-20, 2023, at the Tradewinds Island Grand in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida. Pre-conference programs will be held January 15-16. Registration for the Apparatus Conference, held January 8-10, 2023, at the Gilbert Fire Academy in Gilbert, Arizona, will be available soon.
The FRCE has held successful cancer and behavioral health symposia over the last five years and aims to take a more holistic approach with this year’s event. Combining the two events provides for a more robust group of speakers and allows participants to attend both conferences for one great price.
There are other significant additions to the Health and Safety Conference in three co-sponsors. F.I.E.R.O., Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) and the Science Alliance, a new community of scientists and fire service professionals dedicated to improvin g the health and safety of first responders, have all signed on as sponsors of the event to participate in some way and expand the reach of the conference.
As firefighter health and safety has become a topic at the fore front of the fire service, including these organizations expands our pool of subject matter experts.
Pre-conference events include Health and Safety Officer (HSO) and Incident Safety Officer (ISO) two-day academies, Response to Battery Emergencies, Infectious Control, Accident Investigation , a F.I.E.R.O PPE Workshop and The 5 Reads.
Schedules are now available at https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=17130, an assemblage of notable and highly-skilled instructors. General session speakers include Dr. Richard Gasaway, founder of Situational Awareness Matters!; Dr. Lori MooreMerrell, US Fire Administrator; and Chief Dennis Compton, Mesa, Arizona (Ret.).
Registration is available for these great classes and events. A10-percent discount applies to all registrations until October31, 2022. We look forward to seeing you at one of these great conferences!
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’Association (FAMA) awarded its 2022 Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship to University of New Haven student Andrew Tivadar.
Lou Milanovich, FAMAEducation Committee Chair, stated, “Not only is Andrew an active volunteer firefighter, he is also a very driven and passionate student at the University of New Haven. He plans to graduate next May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering with a minor in Civil Engineering. As Andrew successfully balances being a full-time student, while s erving as a volunteer firefighter and working two jobs, he is well deserving of the Phillip L. Turner Scholarship.”
Dedicated to protecting the citizens of his hometown, Tivadar i s an active member of the Long Hill Fire Department in Trumbull, CT. Tivadar joined the department in December 2017 and now holds th e following certifications: Fire I, Fire II, Aerial Operator, and Hazmat Awareness and Operations. He is a Driver/Engineer for the engine and the rescue truck at his station. Recently, Tivadar received the Chief’s Award for Outstanding Dedication to the department and currently serves on their Board of Directors. To pay for his education, Tivadar currently works as both a small engine mechanic a nd as a fire protection consultant while maintaining his position on the Dean’s List. As a fire protection consultant, Tivadar analyzes drawings and performs building surveys to evaluate the condition and code compliance of buildings, fire alarms and fire protection systems and designs. He witnesses the testing of fire alarms and fire protection systems and assists in the preparation of construction documents and specifications for fire alarm and fire protection designs.
The Phillip L. Turner Scholarship is awarded annually by FAMAand has been sponsored by the Akron Brass Company since 2009. Akron Brass is a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of high-performance life safety, firefighting, and emergency rescue equipment. Hale Products joined Akron Brass in 2021 to support the highly desirable scholarship. Hale builds high-quality firefighting equipment and is known for its exceptional quality and advanced technology. Akron Brass and Hale Products are IDEX Fire & Safety brands and are FAMAmembers.
“As leaders in innovative fire suppression products for more than 100 years, we value the importance of education and its role in leading the next generation in shaping the future of the fire and rescue service,” said Brian Houk, Vice President, IDEX Fire & Safety.
“Akron Brass and Hale Products are honored to continue our partnership with FAMAand the Phillip LTurner scholarship. We are thrilled to recognize Andrew Tivadar as this year’s recipient. ”
On behalf of FAMA, we wish Andrew Tivadar a successful career in fire protection engineering. About FAMA: The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’Association (FAMA) is a non-profit trade association organized in 1946. Members of FAMAare committed to enhancing the quality of the fire apparatus industry and emergency service community through the manufacture and sale of safe, efficient fire apparatus and equipment.
Hundreds of men, women, and children came to the New Hampshire 9/11 Memorial StairClimb at the Delta Dental Stadium in Manchesteron September11, 2022. Memorial stair climbs are a way to honorand rememberthe FDNYfirefighters who selflessly gave theirlives so that others might live on September11, 2001. Aftera ceremony on the field, each participant, many with full firefightergearwalked to a memorial bell and read the names of who they were walking for. Afterringing the bell they began theirtribute by walking the equivalent of 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Many of the firefighters par ticipating were on the job when the incident happened 21 years ago. Some of the youngerparticipants were not even born at the time, but this is a way to bring focus to the event that changed the country. The StairClimbs fund the programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Association to support the families of yourlocal fallen firefighters and the FDNYCounseling Services Unit. - Fire News photos by Jeffrey Hastings
On the 21st anniversary of the September11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, Duxbury Fire Department honored all those who lost theirlives. Members of the department and the public joined in remembering the lives lost. The memorial, built in 2021, is a piece of steel from Ground Zero, delivered by retired FDNY FirefighterCarl Scheetz, which is held togetherby two granite blocks, representing the towers. On the sides there are fourdifferent numbers to always honor: 343, 23, 8 and 37. The fournumbers represent the first responderlives that were lost that day. When retired FNDYFFScheetz delivered the steel, he told us to put it in a place where people can touch it. To feel the lives that were lost. The words “Dedicated to those who fell and those who carry on. May we neverforget 9-11-2001,” are placed on the sides and front of the granite towers. This memorial stands in the front of headquarters. It is visible to anyone who walks ordrives by, and you can feel the sense of respect just by looking at it. To neverforget means to neverforget.
- Fire News photos by Ava Boyle
