Fire News North Carolina Feb./March 2023

NORTH CAROLINA

Volume 2, No. 1

Feb./Mar. 2024

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- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

Suspected Mill Arson in Alamance Co. Arrests have been made after a second mill arson in Alamance County.

See story on page 8

Mooresville Factory 2-Alarmer 100s are evacuated due to a fire and explosion in a Mooresville Boulevard factory.

See story on page 10

Pilot Dies After Plane Crash A private plane crashes in an Adrian Lane backyard; the pilot succumbs to cardiac arrest at hospital.

See story on page 12

Ten Ten Road MVA

The Cary Fire Department and Wake EMS handle a car into a ditch MVA. See story on page 15

Talk About Lucky!

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus CONTRIBUTORS: Kenneth Clouser, Kevin Imm, Mike Legeros, Andrew Tetreault COPYRIGHT 2024, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Charlotte crews respond to an MVA into a bedroom. A teen sleeping there is uninjured and the driver is RMA! See story on page 18

Siler City Celebrates 100 Years The Siler City Fire Department celebrates 100 years of service to its community.

See story on page 22

PLUS: Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 20, 23, 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28

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Page 4, Fire News, February/March 2024

Building and Brush Fire on Riverwood Drive

On November 19, 2023, at 0946, Shepherds, Mooresville, Mount Mourne and Troutman were dispatched to a structure fire on Riverwood Drive. Arriving units found a large outbuilding fully involved with a large brush fire. Shepherds Engine 4 stretched one line as additional crews stretched a second line. The fires were quickly brought under control. Crews overhauled the structure and soaked down the brush. The fire marshall was called to investigate the cause.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

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Long Hose Lay at Condo Fire

On December 7, 2023, shortly before midnight, the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) responded to a reported structure fire on Swans Run Road. CFD Engines 19 and 39 C-Shift arrived to a twostory condo with heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor. Engine 39 laid approximately 500 feet of five-inch hose to the first-due engine along Swans Run Road. Under the command of Charlotte Battalion Chief John Renner, firefighters from multiple fire companies made an aggressive fire attack. Firefighters extinguished the fire in 30 minutes with no reported injuries.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Page 6, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Cover Story

Two Alarms at Townhomes in Raleigh

Two alarms were struck on December 30, 2023, at 0321, for a multi-residential fire on Hourglass Court. Engine 17 arrived to a two-story row of townhomes with heavy fire in the front and rear of a second-from-end unit. Behind the fire unit, a gas meter was burning along with a number of vehicles.

Arriving fire units also found three injured occupants and firefighters began patient care and assisted arriving Wake County EMS units, who transported all three. After an interior attack, crews were withdrawn and a period of defensive operations was started with aerial streams and handlines. A second alarm was requested at 0332 with staging set at nearby Fire Station 17. The fire was marked under control at 0449. The first-alarm response included auto-aid from Durham Highway Fire Department. Two townhome units were heavily damaged.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

2 Displaced by House Fire

On November 15, 2023, Princeton Fire Rescue responded to a singlefamily single-story structure fire.

Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy fire conditions from the interior. No one was injured and the Red Cross responded to assist the two adults who were displaced.

- Submitted by Adam Stanley

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Family Displaced by Rowan County Blaze On January 6, 2024, at 1536, the Atwell Fire Department (Rowan County) along with multiple other Rowan County departments responded to a structure fire on Rose Bud Place. Arriving units found the structure well involved and additional mutual aids were called for tankers from Shepherds and South Iredell and a ladder from Mooresville Fire Rescues (Iredell County).The fire was fed by high winds and the structure was heavily damaged. The Red Cross was called to assist the family.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Commercial Fire on Hope Lane Pink Hill Volunteer Fire Rescue, Albertson Volunteer Fire Department, Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department and Duplin County EMS responded to Hope Lane for a commercial structure fire at a swine farm. Pink Hill Car 2 advised a 100- x 50foot building was 75-percent involved. Pink Hill Engine 2 arrived and started the fire attack, while Albertson Engine 2 set up for water shuttle operations, and provided a supply line to Pink Hill Engine 1. Albertson Engine 1 set up a water point at the intersection of Bill Sutton Road and Burncoat Road and all other units provided water with tanker shuttle operations. A special call was made for Sarecta Engine 3 (Snozzle Truck) to assist with fire extinguishment.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Electrical Fire Out on Thorndale Drive

2nd Mill Fire for Alamance County, Suspected Arsonists Arrested

On the afternoon of January 7, 2024, Holly Springs Fire Department units, along with Fairview and Cary fire departments, responded to a report of a fire in a residence on Thorndale Drive. Upon arrival, units had a light smoke condition and transmitted a working fire. A small electrical fire was quickly contained. Pictured: Members from Fairview assist with packing hose.

- Submitted by Chris Creighton

On November 25, 2023, the historic Carolina Mill building along the Haw River in Alamance County was destroyed by a pre-dawn fire. The fire was reported about 0403, and was fully-involved when volunteers arrived from nearby Faucette Township Station 17. Twelve fire departments from across Alamance County were on scene. An estimated one-million gallons of water was flowed during the defensive operations, which included aerial streams and water shuttles. Crews returned the next day, to extinguish rekindled hot spots. The former cotton mill was erected in 1869. The Carolina Mill fire was the second major fire in two weeks to destroy an old mill in Alamance County, following the Culp Weaving Plant fire in Graham on November 12. Both resulted in the arrest of individuals suspected of committing arson.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 9

Page 10, Fire News, February/March 2024

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1 Burned at Troutman Kitchen Mishap At 2316 on November 24, 2023, Mooresville, Troutman and Shepherds fire rescues responded to multiple calls for a structure fire with people trapped on Fesperman Circle. Arriving units found a pot of oil had been burning on the stove and was knocked down by the homeowner. All occupants were accounted for and crews checked for extension.

The homeowner suffered burns to the hand and was treated by Iredell County EMS. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Factory Fire in Mooresville On November 17, 2023, Mooresville Fire Rescue, and multiple departments, were alerted for an explosion and fire at a large factory on Mooresville Boulevard.

A second alarm was transmitted upon arrival as flames were visible from the roof. Hundreds of workers were evacuated and accounted for, as crews made an interior attack and ladder companies operated on the roof. The fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhoto.com

River Landing Structure Fire Northeast Volunteer Fire Department responded to Maple Creek Drive in River Landing for a structure fire with a water supply pump house on fire.

Northeast Car 1 arrived and advised of flames through the roof. Northeast Engine 1 began extinguishment. Northeast Command contacted Four County EMC to respond and disconnect the structure’s power. Once the fire was extinguished and the investigation completed, all Northeast units cleared the call and returned to their station.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Quick Stop on Hall Road Sarecta Volunteer Fire Department, Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department, Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Pink Hill Volunteer Fire Rescue, and Duplin County EMS responded to Hall Road for a residential structure fire. Sarecta Car 1 arrived and found heavy smoke showing from the Alpha side of the structure venting from the carport area. Sarecta Engine 1 started extinguishment and, due to the quick response, the fire was held to the the utility room and carport. As other units arrived, crews checked for extension into the main residence area and attic/crawl space. No extension was found, however there was residual smoke found in the main structure. The structure was ventilated and Duplin County Fire Marshal was requested to respond to assist with the investigation. No injuries were reported.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 11

Out on Arrival Faison Volunteer Fire Rescue, Calypso Volunteer Fire Department, Warsaw Volunteer Fire Department, Piney Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Smith Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, and Duplin County EMS responded to North Church Street at Park Circle for a residential structure fire. Faison Engine 2 arrived to find nothing. Eventually, a fire was found under a carport that had been extinguished by an off-duty firefighter and a volunteer who had arrived in POVs. - Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Highway 24 Shed Fire Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department, Lyman Volunteer Fire Department, Richlands CFD, and Duplin County EMS responded to East NC 24 Highway for a fire in a back yard shed. Beulaville Engine 1 arrived and began extinguishment. The fire was quickly controlled and all units not on scene were cancelled. Once the fire was completely extinguished and the investigation completed Beulaville Engine 1, Engine 3, and Potters Hill Engine 1 cleared the call and returned to their stations.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Greenevers Snuffs Car Fire Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department, Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Depart-ment, and Duplin County EMS responded to Clinic Circle Drive for a vehicle fire endangering a structure. Crews extinguished the fire and investigated the cause and origin.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Statesville Structure Fire On January 9, 2024, at 1912, the Statesville Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire in the vicinity of South Oakland Avenue and Front Street. Arriving units found heavy fire through the roof in the rear of the single-story commercial building. Crews stretched lines and quickly knocked the fire down. Crews cut a hole in the metal garage door to gain better access and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause was under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Page 12, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Pilot Dies After Plane Crash

On December 31, 2023. at 1216, Troutman, Mooresville, Shepherds and Mount Mourne, along with the NC State Highway Patrol, responded to multiple calls for a plane crash in a backyard on Adrian Lane. Arriving units confirmed a plane had crashed, it was on the ground and the pilot was trapped in the plane. Troutman crews stretched a protective hoseline while Mooresville Rescue 1 began extrication. The pilot was extricated and transported to an LZ for a medevac. The pilot went into cardiac arrest and was transported by ground to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Page 14, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Driver Impaired at Overturn MVA On November 25, 2023 at 2240, Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) and Mecklenburg EMS responded to an MVA on Waverly Walk Avenue. CFD Engine 9 arrived and found one vehicle on its roof.

Mecklenburg EMS transported the sole occupant-driver to Atrium CMC with serious injuries. Police later arrested the driver and charged the person with driving under the influence of an unknown substance.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Extrication After Car vs. Building MVA

On November 8, 2023, at 1333, Mooresville Fire Rescue, Mooresville Police and Iredell County EMS responded to a report of a car into the Dairy Queen on Medical Park Drive with a person trapped. Firefighters assisted the uninjured driver out of the car through the back hatch. Luckily nobody in the store was injured.

Firefighters removed all of the broken glass and secured the store front.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirephotos.com

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 15

Penny Branch Road MVA Warsaw Volunteer Fire Department, Duplin County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to Penny Branch Road near West Park Drive for a single-vehicle MVA, with overturn and unknown injuries. Warsaw Engine 3 arrived to find all occupants out of the vehicle and in care of EMS, Warsaw Engine 3 stood by and controlled traffic till released by NCSHP. - Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Potters Hill MVA Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Duplin County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to East NC 24 Highway at the scene of the structure fire for a two-vehicle MVA, with unknown injuries. Beulaville Car 2 advised two patients needed to be checked out. Potters Hill Engine 1 arrived and controlled traffic while EMS treated the patients.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Ten-Ten Road MVA On the evening of December 7, 2023, Cary Fire Department and Wake EMS units responded to a singlecar MVA on Ten-Ten Road.

Upon arrival, units found one car off the roadway into a ditch and into parking lot.

One patient was treated and transported by EMS. - Submitted by Chris Creighton

MVA on NC 403 Faison Volunteer Fire Rescue, Duplin County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to West NC 403 Highway near Water Treatment Road for an MVA with unknown injuries. Faison Engine 2 and Rescue 51 arrived and controlled traffic.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

Page 18, Fire News, February/March 2024

Drugs & Speed Don’t Mix

On November 13, 2023, at 2112, Charlotte Fire Department Ladder 24-C Shift and Mecklenburg EMS responded to an MVA with reported ejection on Rea Road. A sports car traveling northbound at high rate of speed lost control and struck a large brick pillar. The mustang landed in a ditch ejecting the 22-year-old male driver from vehicle. Paramedics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. A subsequent investigation by CMPD discovered drugs/narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Excessive speed and impairment are believed to have been a factor in the crash - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

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2 Injured in Charlotte Highway MVA

On December 23, 2023, at 2015, Mooresville Fire Rescue and Shepherds Fire Rescue, along with Iredell County EMS and NCSHP, were dispatched to an MVA with aided on Charlotte Highway south of Parkertown Road. Arriving units found a serious crash with two people injured. Crews secured the scene and EMS tended to the injured. Charlotte Highway was closed in both directions for over an hour. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Charlotte Car vs. House MVA and a Lucky Teen On November 25, 2023, Charlotte Fire Department Station 24 responded to an MVA on Vista Grande Circle in South Charlotte. Upon arrival, firefighters found a four-door sedan which slammed into the side of single-story home. Under the command of Charlotte Battalion Chief Greg Hildreth, a technical rescue box was added due to questionable structural integrity of the home. Firefighters from Rescue 10 and Station 24 winched the sedan from the home and began shoring up the huge hole caused by the crash.

The driver was uninjured and refused transport by EMS. Fire officials confirmed a teenager was asleep in the bedroom of the home when the car slammed into it. Miraculously the teen was also uninjured.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Duplin County MVA Faison Volunteer Fire Rescue, Sampson County EMS, Sampson County Sheriff Deputies and North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to Connector Road (West NC 403 Highway) for an MVA. Faison units arrived and provided patient care and controlled traffic.

- Submitted by Duplin County Fire News

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 19

Driver & Passenger Escape Death After Collision with Freight Train

On November 13, 2023, shortly before 2200, Matthews Fire and EMS, along with Mecklenburg EMS, responded to an MVA involving a train at the grade crossing at North Trade Street and East Charles Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found a CSX freight train had collided with an SUV with a driver and passenger trapped. The SUV was dragged several hundred feet from the grade crossing by the train causing the SUV to slam into a signal box and overturn.

Firefighters worked simultaneously to extricate the male driver and female passenger. After approximately 20 minutes, both occupants were freed from the wreckage and packaged by paramedics. Both victims were transported with life-threatening injuries to the trauma center at Atrium CMC in Charlotte. After a subsequent investigation by Matthews Police Department, it was discovered the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Rankin Hill Road MVA On December 18, 2023, Shepherds and Mooresville fire rescues responded to a single-car MVA on Rankin Hill Road. The driver was extricated and transported to a local hospital. Crews removed a large tree that had fallen onto the vehicle.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Page 20, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Pineville Firefighters Live Fire Training

On November 8, 2023, the Pineville Fire Department trained for a few days in various live fire scenarios over the border in Indian Land, South Carolina. Pineville firefighters were given the opportunity to train at the Indian Land Fire Department training facility. A training tower constructed of Conex boxes was used for search-and-rescue scenarios, forcible entry techniques and live fire extinguishment. Indian Land Fire Department’s training facility uses hay and wood pallets in their training facility which is all donated by a local business.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

1 Injured in Mooresville MVA

On November 19, 2023, at 0731, Mooresville Police and Fire Rescue along with Iredell County EMS responded to an MVA on River Highway and Limerick Road. Arriving units found one car off the roadway and another car quite some distance away which had crashed into a KFC. Crews secured the scene and the crew from Rescue 1 checked out the structure and awaited a key holder. One person was injured, and Mooresville Police were investigating the accident.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 21

Up Close & Personal

Firefighters from Mooresville Rescue 1 after a recent run.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief Michael Gerin at a recent working structure fire on Swans Run Road in South Charlotte.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief Doug DeJonge after an apartment fire on Hedley Way. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Shepherds Volunteer Fire Department 2024.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Imm

Page 22, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Siler City Celebrates 100 Years The Siler City Fire Department, with a little help from neighboring fire agencies, celebrated its 100th anniversary in style, marking a significant milestone in its history of serving the Siler City community and surrounding areas. This event not only commemorated the department’s centennial but also highlighted its evolution and vital role in the community.

Chief Scott Murphy, reflecting on the department’s journey, noted the celebration was not just about the achievements of the current team of seven career and 40 volunteer members, but also a tribute to the predecessors who laid the foundation.

“We’re not just celebrating my guys and what we’ve accomplished,” said Chief Murphy. “We’re trying to celebrate what was accomplished by the people who came before us, the ones who started this and kept it going into a tradition that now we have to keep going.”

The Siler City Fire Department is responsible for protecting approximately 20,000 people within a 60-square-mile area.

Tracing its roots back to 1896, the Town Commissioners of Siler City took the first steps towards organized fire protection by appropriating $20 to buy ladders for use in case of fire, according to the history of the department on its website. Though the formal organization of the Siler City Volunteer Fire Department occurred in October 1926 with Thomas J. Dark as its first Chief, the first organization of local firemen dates to 1923.

The department’s history is filled with anecdotes of innovation and community spirit. From pulling hose carts by hand to upgrading to a flatbed truck for transporting hoses, each step marked progress. Their first major vehicle, the flatbed truck, was secured by V. M. Dorsett, district manager for International Harvester, and was a source of pride for the firemen, reflecting the community’s support and the firemens’ dedication.

The firehouse, historically located between the First Baptist Church and Smith and Buckner, featured a siren audible for five miles, crucial for alerting volunteers. The city, divided into four sections, had a signaling system to indicate the location of a fire, showcasing early efforts in efficient emergency response.

The centennial celebration, featuring a parade with fire trucks from various counties and a walk by the crew with the restored original hose cart from 1923, paid homage to these humble beginnings and the continuous evolution of the department.

Guests included North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey, outgoing Siler City Mayor Chip Price, and other dignitaries, celebrating a century of service, dedication and community spirit.

The Siler City Fire Department’s 100th anniversary serves as a testament to its enduring commitment to safety and community service, honoring both its rich history and the unyielding spirit of its firefighters.

Apparatus Awards went to: North Chatham Fire Best appearing and Equipped Engine and longest distance traveled.

Franklinville Fire Best Appearing and equipped Rescue Staley Fire Best Appearing and equipped tanker Goldston Fire Best appearing Antique.

Silk Hope Fire Judges Award and best appearing Company Two or more Apparatus.

Pittsboro Fire Best Appearing and equipped Aerial.

- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief, Siler City Fire Department

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 23

Collington Extrication Training

Gray’s Creek Wildfire Training

The Colington Volunteer Fire Department participated in an advanced extrication training program that was hosted by the Dare County Association of Fire Officers and College of the Albemarle. This training included a classroom portion, a day of stabilizing and lifting of vehicles and finished with a full day of cutting, spreading and tunneling vehicles. Other departments from Dare County participated in the three-day event from November 17 until the 19, 2023. The training was held in Nags Head.

- Fire News photo by Lee Goldman

Firefighters from the Gray’s Creek Fire Department, Station 18, conducted wildland fire training recently, in Hope Mills.

- Submitted by Jason Brady

Page 24, Fire News, February/March 2024

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2nd Annual Crystal Coast Fire Conference

The 2nd Annual Crystal Coast Fire Conference was held October 14 and 15, 2023, in Beaufort. The event is put on each year by the Beaufort Firemen’s Association, bringing top level fire service speakers to the beautiful coast of North Carolina. On Saturday, Lieutenant Steve Robertson from Columbus Fire Department (OH) brought his program “Stretching for Success” promoting advanced fire attack tactics. Sunday, Battalion Chief Corley Moore of the Moore (OK) Fire Department brought lessons of commitment and service to the job with his course “9 L's of Leadership.”

There were socials held after the classes where crews had an opportunity to relax and talk about the job with the instructors and others firefighters from NC, VA, and as far away as NJ. - Submitted by Chief Tony Ray

Page 26, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Santa Stops by for a Pancake Breakfast On December 9, 2023, Santa Claus made a special trip to the Pineville Fire Department for some much-needed breakfast. Pineville firefighters treated residents of the Pineville community to a pancake breakfast with Kris Kringle, which has become a yearly tradition.

Children of all ages sat on Santa’s lap and told him what they hoped to get for Christmas.

Santa couldn’t stay long though, as he had to get back to the North Pole to finish up last minute toy-making before Christmas.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Santa Claus Visits Pineville On Christmas Eve 2023, Santa Claus made a special trip to Pineville, prior to heading off on his nightly rounds around the world. Carolina Fire Department escorted Kris Kringle through various neighborhoods throughout the Carolina District. Firefighters and Santa made a special stop in the Oakland Hills neighborhood to deliver toys to underprivileged children. Children of all ages were delighted to see Santa on top of the fire truck as he entered the neighborhood. According to Carolina Fire Department Chief Glen Golding, the department has been participating in the Santa Run every year for as long as he became a member of the department.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

THE CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE (CFSI) HAS CHANGE OF DATE The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has changed the date of the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. Originally scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, the program has been rescheduled for April 29-30, 2024.

CFSI changed the date so we could conduct our program while Congress is in session. While CFSI selects the dates for the program five years out due to the demand for venues in the spring months, Congress releases the congressional calendar shortly before the start of a new legislative session. Unfortunately, the schedule recently released for 2024 has Congress out of session the week of our program.

Each year, we aim to make the trip to Washington, DC a positive experience for all our guests. The date change presents other opportunities for us to enhance the program. Whereas in the past, the Dinner took place on Day 2, it will now take place on the first day (April 29), as will the seminar program. We will focus Day 2 (April 30) on Capitol Hill activities to maximize the fire service presence in Washington, DC, and send a strong message to our federal legislators about the political force of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

We will open registration on our website on January 5, 2024. If you have any questions, you can contact us at update@cfsi.org.

We hope to see you in April!

Sincerely, Bill Webb Executive Director

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 27

Cool Springs 2024 Awards

On January 6, 2024, the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department held their annual awards banquet at Firehouse 1, where service awards were given out. The recipients of those awards were Firefighter Jen Gada for Rookie of the Year, Firefighter Ryan Franklin for Most Calls Answered, and 1st Responder of the Year, Firefighter John Fletcher Firefighter of the year, Firefighter Brittany Loftin for Most Training Hours, Firefighter Jason Little for 15 Years of Service, and Captain Brandon Shives for Officer of the year, John Fletcher Fire Fighter of the Year; went to Captain Brandon Shives; Deputy Chief Thomas Groff; Firefighter John Fletcher; Assistant Chiefs Todd Bowers and Jonathan Teagues; and Chief Andy Webster Jen Gada Rookie of the Year; went to Captain Brandon Shives; Deputy Chief Thomas Groff; Firefighter Jen Gada; and Assistant Chiefs Todd

Bowers, Jonathan Teagues and Chief Andy Webster Ryan Franklin Most Calls Answered and 1st Responder of the Year were Captain Brandon Shives; Deputy Chief Thomas Groff; Firefighter Ryan Franklin; Assistant Chiefs Todd Bowers and Jonathan Teagues; and Chief Andy Webster Brittany Loftin Most Training Hours went to Captain Brandon Shives, Deputy Chief Thomas Groff, Firefighter Brittany Loftin, Assistant Chiefs Todd Bowers and Jonathan Teagues; and Chief Andy Webster Brandon Shives Officer of the Year went to Chief Andy Webster, Deputy Chief Thomas Groff, Captain Brandon Shives, Assistant Chiefs Todd Bowers and Jonathan Teagues.

The Jason Little 15 Years of Service went to Chief Andy Webster and Firefighter Jason Little.

- Fire News photos by Kevin Imm

Page 28, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Shepherds 2024 Awards Dinner

Shepherds Volunteer Fire Rescue held their annual awards dinner on January 6, 2024, at Fire Station 1 on Charlotte Highway. The men and women of the department received awards for their outstanding contributions to the department and to the community.

The first award given out was a lifesaving award to three members (Matt Kraszewski, Dylan Thompson and Carmen DeAndrea, Jr.) for their response to a cardiac arrest call. The crew performed CPR on the victim and was able to get a pulse and revive the victim, who was able to go home to their family the next day.

Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Firefighter Evelyn Lopez for her dedication to the department and community. Captain’s awards were given to Firefighters Terence Schild, Connor Ryken and Timothy Carroll for their commitment to the department and community. Employee of the Year award went to Engineer Tayler Thompson (who was not present). Officer of the Year was awarded to Chief Kelly Robinson for his relentless and unselfish commitment to the

department and to the community.

Life Saving award went to Deputy Chief Ryan Stutts; Assistant Chief Rick Dunn; Firefighters Matt Kraszewski, Dylan Thompson and Carmen DeAndrea, Jr.; Chief Kelly Robinson, and Captains Bill Rosko, Ryan DeAndrea and Jared Dipierro Captains Award went to Captains Bill Rosko, Jared Dipierro and Ryan DeAndrea; Assistant Chief Rick Dunn; Fireifghters Terrence Schild and Connor Ryken; Deputy Chief Ryan Stutts; and Chief Kelly Robinso.

Firefighter of the Year went to Captains Bil Rosko, Jared Dipierro, and Carmen DeAndrea, Jr.; Assistant Chief Rick Dunn; Firefighter Evelyn Lopez; Deputy Chief Ryan Stutts; and Chief Kelly Robinson.

Officer of the Year went to Captains Jared Dipierro and Carmen DeAndrea, Jr.; Assistant Chief Rick Dunn; Captain Bill Rosko; Chief Kelly Robinson; and Deputy Chief Ryan Stutts.

- Fire News photos by Kevin Imm

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Fire News, February/March 2024, Page 29

Then & Now Princeton Fire Department Raleigh’s New Aerial Tower Announces 2nd Fire Station

In October, the Raleigh Fire Department received a new aerial platform. The 2023 Pierce Enforcer Ascendant (bottom), 1500/300/100-foot, was placed in service as Ladder 22 at Station 22 on November 23, 2023. It's the eighth aerial platform for the capital city. The OG tower was delivered decades ago: a 1977 Mack CF/Baker Aerialscope that originally served as Truck 1 at Station 1. It's shown in an undated photo by the late Wayne Greer, from the Andrew Messer Collection. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

The Princeton Volunteer Fire Department announce the land acquisition for the department’s second fire station, Station 2, in the Rains Crossroads area of its coverage district.

The addition of a second fire station in Princeton will significantly improve the level of fire and EMS service throughout the community by decreasing response time in this rapidly growing area. “We are thrilled to begin construction on our second fire station,” said Chief Adam Stanley. “This new station will build on a history of extraordinary fire and emergency medical services in Princeton, while also showing our commitment to providing excellent services as our community continues to grow.” Chief Stanley added the department hoped to have a temporary two-bay structure in place to begin service by July 2024, with plans for a larger, permanent building to be drawn up for completion by 2028.

The department would like to thank the citizens of Princeton, Boon Hill, and the Johnston County Board of Commissioners for the support of this project.

- Submitted by Adam Stanley

Page 30, Fire News, February/March 2024

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Firefighters Pay Tribute to Fallen Greensboro Officer On January 3, 2024, emergency responders from Wake County to Guilford County lined the overpasses and roadways of Interstate 40, as the body of fallen Greensboro Police Sergeant Philip Dale Dix was escorted home from the state medical examiner’s office in Raleigh. Shown are Cary fire units on the Harrison Avenue overpass and Western Wake and Raleigh fire units on the Trenton Road overpass.

- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros

Helping One of Their Own

On December 17, 2023, under harsh weather conditions the men and women of Shepherds Fire Rescue, Mooresville Fire Rescue and members of the community started their 27-mile Ruck for Robinson Benefit Ruck. Chief Robinson is a pivotal member of the Community and 37year veteran of the Fire Service. He has beat cancer five times and is ready to crush it again with his wife and 10-year-old son by his side.

These men and women braved horrible weather conditions to help one

of their own and the departments are still accepting donations to help offset his medical expenses not covered by insurance. If you would like to help you can donate by writing a check to Shades of Love LKN, or Paypal: paypal.me/shadesofloveLKN or Go Fund Me at https;//gofund.me/54047130 and help support a man who has supported his community for 37 years.

- Fire News photos by Kevin Imm