Multiple departments dispatched to fast moving woods fire including air support for water drops.
See story on page 7
Troutman, Shepherds fire rescues responded to a structure fire with Denver Fire Rescue fire boat assisting.
See story on page 10
Mooresville
HVAC Problem
Mooresville Fire Rescue was alerted for a commercial strip mall structure fire.
See story on page 14
Methodist
Duplin County 911 Communications dispatched responders for a truck inside part of the church building.
See story on page 23
Charlotte firefighters from Station 24 responded to a twovehicle MVA.
See story on page 28
Matthews Fire and EMS along with neighboring departments worked to expand certification on trench rescue.
See story on page 32
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17-18 Training
pages 30-32
page 36
January 28, 1953 - July 7, 2023
Fire News’Editor
Dennis Whittam passed away on July 7, 2023, after a 14-year battle with cancer.
We here at Fire News mourn the passing of our friend, colleague and the face of Fire News.
Afull firematic service was held as this issue went to press, of which there will be further coverage in a future issue. Dennis will be sorely missed by his family, friends and by the staff of Fire News.
Continued on page 27.
Fire Engineering
- Submitted by David Miller
- Submitted by David Miller
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
- Photo courtesy of Transylvania County RS
- Submitted by David Miller
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
- Photos courtesy of Transylvania County RS
- Submitted by David Miller
- Submitted by David Miller
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
On June 22, 2023, at 2015, Duplin County 911 Communications dispatched Wallace, Teachey, Rose Hill, Northeast departments and Duplin County EMS, and Wallace Police to the intersection of East Cliff Street at South College Street fora residential structure fire. Units arrived to heavy smoke showing from an abandoned residential structure. The first-in engine caught a hydrant and supplied theirown water. Aquick knockdown was made with an interiorattack, and most automatic aid was cancelled. Wallace Police Detectives requested the Duplin County Fire Marshal and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations to assist with investigating cause and origin. - Submitted by David Miller
On May 7, 2023, at 1000, Duplin County 911 Communications dispatched Faison VolunteerFire Rescue to Warren Road fora vehicle fire. Faison units arrived to thick, black smoke and pulled an attack line. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews preformed salvage and overhaul on the vehicle. The Duplin County Fire Marshal responded to investigate the cause and origin of the fire.
- Submitted by David Miller
The crew of the Atlantic Beach Fire Rescue in front of the “WarWagon.”
The new fire house also has a 911 Memorial dedicated to all those who perished that day.
- Fire News photo by Immsterfirephotos .com
On June 4, 2023, at approximately 0020, Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) responded to a call fora carwhich hit a structure on Tom Short Road. CFD Engine 9 and Ladder32 arrived and found an electric vehicle (EV), had run off the road, hit a wrought iron fence and took out a light pole and electrical box before slamming into the garage of a home. The force of the crash moved a vehicle parked in the driveway & caused a load-bearing wall to shift approximately eight to 10 inches. Due to the shift of the loadbearing wall CFD Heavy Rescue 10 was requested to the scene to check structural stability. Firefighters used the winch system on Rescue 10 to remove the EVfrom the garage in orderto check for furtherstructural damage. Firefighters worked forabout an hour before turning the scene overto CMPD. Miraculously, neitherthe EVdriverorthe two occupants of the home were injured.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
On June 7, 2023, at 1124, South Iredell Fire Rescue responded to an MVAat the intersection of Coddle Creek Highway and Johnson Dairy Road. Arriving units found an overturned dump truck with the driver self-extricated. Iredell County EMS treated the injured driverwho had minorinjuries and crews secured the truck which had no fluids leaking.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
On June 29, 2023, Duplin County Communications dispatched Kenansville VolunteerFire Department, Duplin County EMS, and Kenansville Police to Routledge Street at Kenansville Baptist Church foran MVA. Kenansville units arrived and found a single person pinned and unresponsive in the vehicle. Extrication was started, and a medical helicopterwas requested to respond to the hospital one block away. The patient was removed from the vehicle and transported to the hospital, the helicopterwas cancelled, and the patient was declared deceased. It is believed the driverexperienced a medical emergency causing the accident to occur. Once the investigation was completed and the damage and hole in the church sanctuary was patched, all Kenansville units cleared the call.
- Submitted by David Miller
On June 20, 2023, Sampson County 911 Communications dispatched Faison VolunteerFire Rescue, Sampson County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol to NC 403 Highway at the Interstate 40 eastbound on-ramp foran MVA. Faison units found a tractortraileroverturned on its passengerside blocking the eastbound I-40 entrance ramp. The truck occupants were not injured and refused care of EMS. The ramp was closed while waiting forthe vehicle to be removed from the roadway.
- Submitted by David Miller
On June 1, 2023, Sampson County 911 Communications dispatched Faison VolunterFire Department, Sampson County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol to the intersection of Interstate 40 Connectorat NC 403 Highway foran MVA with unknown injuries orpins. Faison units arrived and found a tractor-trailerwith an unloaded log trailerand a a large pickup pulling an unloaded cartrailerin the middle of the intersection, blocking all lanes of travel. All subjects were o ut of the vehicle when fire units arrived.
- Submitted by David Miller
On June 16, 2023, Duplin County 911 Communications dispatched Pleasant Grove VolunteerFire Department, Duplin County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol to Woodland United Methodist Church on Woodland Church Road fora MVA. Units arrived and found a pickup truck with the front end of the vehicle inside the fellowship hall part of the building. There were no injuries to anyone in the structure and minorinjuries to the driver of the vehicle. Units secured the utilities to the fellowship hall and assisted the members of the church with patching the hole in the building.
- Submitted by David Miller
On May 7, 2023 at 1120, Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a report of a vehicle into a structure on Den Lon Lane in Troutman. Engine 1 was first on scene and reported the vehicle had been removed from the structure and there were no injuries, but struc-
tural damage. The building inspectorand Red Cross were notified, and the scene was eventually turned overto the homeowner.
On July 1, 2023, Charlotte Fire Department responded to a single-vehicle crash with a driverreportedly pinned on 4 Mile Creek Road at Raintree Lane. CFD Engine 39 arrived to find a convertible with heavy damage and the roof sheared off from the vehicle. The carhit multiple large trees before coming to rest pinning the driver. Firefighters from Ladder24-B Shift and Engine 39-B Shift use E-Draulic Hurst tools to extricate the female driverfrom the vehicle. Firefighters successfully extricated the driverwithin 12 minutes of arrival. Mecklenburg County EMS transported the victim to the trauma centerat Atrium CMC with serious injuries.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
On June 19, 2023, Duplin County 911 Communications dispatched Sarecta, Kenansville, Duplin County EMS, Duplin County Emergency Management, Duplin County Fire Marshal, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol to east NC 24 Highway nearWildlife Landing Road. Acareless and reckless vehicle was reported traveling westbound on NC 24. The 911 callersaw the vehicle leave the roadway, drive into the median and then go off the edge of the Northeast Cape FearRiver Bridge. Crews arrived and found the driverout of the vehicle and in the median, Sarecta units cancelled Kenansville units and stood by while the vehicle could be removed from the creek below.
- Submitted by David Miller
On April 7, 2023, at 2000, Duplin County 911 Communications dispatched Warsaw Volunteer Fire Department, Duplin County EMS and Warsaw Police to Peggy’s Kitchen Table on Kenansville Highway (NC 24 and 50 Highway) for an MVAinto a structure. Units arrived to find the front of the vehicle inside the structure. No one inside was injured, but the elderly driverof the vehicle was shaken up.
- Submitted by David Miller
On April 22, 2023, at 2100, Duplin County 911 dispatched Potters Hill VFD, Duplin County EMS, Duplin County Emergency Management, Duplin County Fire Marshal, and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office to LesterHouston Road fora possible tornado touchdown with structural damage. Potters Hill units arrived and started checking the structures forvictims. An area of about 1/4- x 1/4-mile received damage, a camperwas completely destroyed, a detached garage was moved off its foundation, and a metal carport was also destroyed. Several trees were uprooted, and several homes received roof damage. There were no injuries ordeaths, as all residents in the area were not home when the storm hit. The National WeatherService confirmed the damage was caused by an EF-1 tornado.
- Submitted by David Miller
On August 16, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022 into law. This new law (P.L. 117-172) makes significant changes to the Public Safety Officers’Benefits (PSOB) program - extending coverage for first responders who die as a result of suicide under certain circumstances or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of traumatic self-inflicted injury. The law is retroactive to January 1, 2019.
At the first Firefighter Life Safety Summit, held in March 2004, the national fire service organizations realized that firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support and included this when developing the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. The Public Safety Officer Support Act, predominantly promoted by our sisters and brothers in law enforcement, validates that first responders undergo psychological injuries. More must be done to build resilient firefighters, provide access to culturally competent mental health professionals and support
firefighters’mental health.
Here is what we know about the PSOB changes:
Previously, the PSOB only covered physical injuries and excluded any coverage for mental health injuries experienced on-duty.
The law expanded the definition of an injury to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorders, and traumaand stress-related disorders in cases where an officer was exposed on duty to one or more of the following types of traumatic events:
• a homicide, suicide, or the “violent or gruesome death” of a person (including a death from a mass casualty or fatality event or mass shooting);
• a “harrowing circumstance” posing an “extraordinary and significant” danger to the life of, or serious bodily harm to, any person (including a mass casualty or fatality event or
mass shooting); and
• an act of criminal sexual violence against a person.
The new law will:
• Allow those public safety officers who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of traumatic service-related experiences to seek disability benefits for PTSD linked to severe trauma. It directs the PSOB to designate workrelated PTSD and acute stress disorders as a line of duty injury for eligible officers-as well as those who are permanently disabled as a result of attempted suicide; and
• Allow families of public safety officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for survivor benefits. It directs the PSOB to presume that suicides are a result of job duties in certain traumatic circumstances where there is evidence that PTSD or acute stress disorder would be the cause of the injury.
The bill can be accessed at: https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ172/PLAW117publ172.pdf.
resources to provide that development. However, leadership preparation requires exposure of individuals to activities that provide them with the skills necessary to be effective leaders, and in some cases that simply means getting them involved.
Succession planning needs to be inclusive. Organizations often fail because only certain people are allowed to participate. Succession planning does not single out the “chosen one” or good old boy. It’s supposed to provide a group of future leaders that reflect the demographics of our service, and as such, involve all of our personnel in our future.
How many times have you heard the comment that we don’t train company officers in leadership until they get in the position? As such, they struggle with supervisory and leadership issues immediately upon getting the promotion and some never recover. While it is probably a documentable fact in some departments that we don’t provide leadership classes, it is misleading to say we don’t provide them any training. If they haven’t received any leadership training while preparing for the position, it's because of one or two issues: (1) no senior officer, instructor, or company officer took the time to mentor them, or, (2) they didn’t listen. To begin with, leaders are not born, they are grown. In his paper Growing Leaders for Public Service, Ray Blunt shows research that indicates that we learn to lead far more from
Continued from page 4.
tacit rather than cognitive knowledge, as apprentices of senior leaders. Tacit knowledge (as opposed to formal or explicit knowledge) is knowledge that is difficult to transfer to another person by means of writing it down or verbalizing it. In other words, we learn more from watching in relationship to leading than being taught in class. We learn to lead from significant relationships with senior leaders who take the time to serve as our coaches, mentors, and above all, our examples. Leaders are people who have followers, not because of who they are, not because of the rank or power they hold, or even their charisma, but because they have earned trust through humility, moral courage, integrity, caring, and a clear-eyed focus on purpose. One critical test of a leader is not so much whether they make smart decisions or take decisive action, but whether they teach others to lead and build an organization that sustains itself even when they are not around.
Growing leaders can occur in three ways outside of leadership classes, even though classes may be important eventually to formalize their training. The first way is through personal example. As a leader, people watch you all the time. How you make decisions, treat other people, and handle tough issues speaks volumes about you and serves as an example to those that follow. The second is through significant relationships as a mentor. Take the time to mentor recruits, individuals looking to move up
the rank, and people who seem interested in learning. You have far more to offer than just telling them what to do and what you expect. A third way is through varied experiences provided to the individual as a coach. Give them some problems to solve after you’ve mentored them, even if they are hypothetical, and then discuss their handling of those problems. Admit when you make an error so they learn humility is a leadership requirement, and no person is perfect. If you truly want to lead your organization, then serving as a servant leader and mentoring, coaching, or setting the example for those that follow is a critical aspect of good leadership. Assume personal responsibility for developing other leaders. Have a teachable point of view that they can articulate and show others how to organize, what behaviors are needed when, and what values are essential. Use stories to embody this teachable point of view. Always generate positive energy and encourage them when they have tough decisions.
While talking of succession planning and mentoring leaders, the aspects between developing them within an organization, or developing them to serve in leadership positions with a broader geography such as state and federal levels, are the same. We have to look for good people, mentor and guide them, and convince them they have a significant potential of doing something great in guiding our industry.
On June 13, 2023, at approximately 1900, Charlotte firefighters from Station 24 responded to an MVA on Wild Partridge Road and Carmel Road. Engine 24 arrived to find a two-vehicle accident with one vehicle on its side. Mecklenburg EMS treated one patient at the scene while firefighters contained a fuel spill.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
On July 11, 2023, Charlotte Fire Department and Mecklenburg County EMS responded to a reported pedestrian on the outerloop of Interstate 485 nearPark Road in Pineville. Firefighters found a man lying in lanes of I-485 behind a dump truck. The person was pronounced deceased by paramedics. The 67-year-old man, living in Charlotte but from New York, ran across multiple interstate lanes when a dump truck traveling east in the right lane struck and killed him. The man was standing in front of his broken-down vehicle before the deadly crash. The interstate was closed forapproximately three hours while North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troopers investigated.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Matthews Fire and EMS recently trained with Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus on various new Holmatro rescue tools. Firefighters worked with the CORE Series and Pentheon Series of rescue tools. Firefighters learned various spreading and cutting techniques as well as dash displacement on a simulated crashed vehicle. The three-day training was used to familiarize Matthews Fire and EMS on tools they put into service on theirnew 2022 E-One Typhoon Walk-Around Rescue.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Recently, Matthews Fire and EMS became certified to operate in various technical rescue disciplines. On June 1, 2023, crews worked to expand that certification by working with neighboring departments on trench rescue. The scenario began with a workerwho was working on a trench going unaccounted forafter a simulated trench collapse. The drill simulated an initial response by Matthews Fire and EMS and the Mint Hill Fire Department. Undercommand of Matthews Lieutenant Chris Jones, firefighters began the initial setup and rescue until the scene was upgraded and Charlotte Fire Department was sent in to respond. Charlotte sent a crew from the Urban Search and Rescue Trailer(USAR-1), one of theirheavy rescue trucks and CFD Engine 9. The engine company was used as support and extra manpower. Asimulated victim was trapped undera tunnel and tons of dirt. Firefighters worked on various shoring methods as well as working with Paratech Strut System. Crews had the simulated victim extricated from the trench within 50 minutes. The opportunity to work with various neighboring agencies was invaluable.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Legendary retired fire service instructorWilbert ‘Tramp’Dunn spoke to Raleigh Fire Department Recruit Academy 51 on July 7, 2023, inspiring and entertaining both the recruits and theirinstructors alike. He told stories and imparted words of wisdom to the
recruits from his 48 years in the fire service as a firefighter and fire instructor, which included 29 years in the City of Raleigh Fire Department, where he started his career, and retired as a Captain in 2003.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
On June 17, 2023, Durham Engine 4, Tanker17, and Squad 4 participated in the Bull City Juneteenth Parade along Fayetteville Street, in front of North Carolina Central University. Engine 4 is shown passing historic old Station 4, where the city’s first careerblack firefighters served beginning in 1958. They were the first black members of the department since the ExcelsiorHook and LadderCompany during the volunteerera. The all-black company served the predominately black Hayti neighborhood. By 1969, the entire department was integrated and the members of Engine 4 were working at stations across the city. Engine 4 was relocated to Riddle Road in 1999. The old station currently houses the NCCU public safety department.
North America’s official phone app includes Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and charging stations. Owned and operated by an American company, it was developed by a professional Firefighter/First Responder.
The Electric Vehicle Rescue (EVR) app includes all manufacturers’procedures to safely approach and work on electric and hybrid vehicles at the scene of an accident or fire.
Vehicle Specific Features Includes but not limited to:
1. Location of 1st, 2nd & 3rd Batteries
2. Location of Jacking Points to Avoid Crushing the Fuel Cell or High Voltage Wires
3. Location of High Voltage Disconnects or Cable Cut Area
4. Location of High Voltage Cables
5. Location of High Voltage Fuel Cell Additional information can be found on the app.
Co-founder and first responder Phil Scarf:
“The batteries are no longer just located under the hood like gas vehicles, every EVhas the location of their batteries in different locations and could take several minutes to find them along with high voltage cable cut locations. Every vehicle has different jacking points, with the high voltage battery usually located below the entire occupant compartment and it is crucial to know exact jacking locations to avoid puncturing a fuel cell which can lead to an unsafe situation for both occupants and first responders.”
The most common question we receive is how often is the data updated? Unlike traditional response guides, as soon as we receive the updates or the release of new vehicles the data is automatically updated in the app.
The EVRescue App is available for individual firefighters/first responders as well as all station apparatus iPads or Android tablets. To download the app go to EvRescueApp.com. Or the App Store/Google Play Store and search “EVRescue”
Three groups of sessions will be offered between 0800-1230. There will be a break for lunch and then the opening ceremonies will begin at 1400., including awards and the keynote address. The day then will transition to the exhibit floor, where there will be a welcome reception, a Tailboard Talk and a roundtable.
New Classes
“Incident Command: Defining the Expectation,” “Engine Company Operations at Apartment Fires,” “RIT? FAST? RIC? WHO?”, "Flying into a New Era: Building a Drone Program and Utilization in the Fire Service.”
VolunteerDays
Firehouse Expo will offer special programs for volunteer firefighters with a special discounted rate of $75 registration for either Wednesday or Friday. And don’t miss “CPR for the Volunteer Fire Service,” “AFG Strategies for Success,”
Lessons Learned
Attendees of Firehouse Expo in 2022 requested more classes/speakers that concentrate on lessons learned and that p rovide
examination of close calls and fireground incidents. “Out of Air, Can YOU Make It to Safety?” and “I Was Not Ready for This!”
Pre-conference Workshops
Find the full list of pre-conference workshops here: firehouseexpo.com/2023/workshops.You must preregister for these four- and eight-hour workshops, so do it today.
Fire Rescue Systems, a software company for the fire service, has a brand-new look to go along with their new modules; all to better serve fire departments like yours. The company was started in 1983 in Long Island, New York, and has helped hundreds of departments better manage their fire and rescue operations. Instead o f paying high fees for an all-in-one software program, Fire Rescue Systems offers various modules which you can bundle together. This allows you to pay for what you need, without the fluff, and makes it the perfection solution for fire departments of all si zes.
Some of the modules include Dispatch, Bulletin Board, NFIRS, Inventory, MDT, Roster and Attendance, Department Voting and a Mobile Responder Phone App. They also offer finger readers that integrate with other modules. All of the modules help you save time and increase efficiency. The company offers 24/7 tech support for all customers.
Fire Rescue Systems’brand-new look also includes an updated, easier-to-navigate website so you can quickly browse their avai lable modules and get the information you need to decide. For more information and to see their new website, go to firerescuesystems.co m or call 800-651-3059.
Transylvania County Rescue Squad responded on a search and rescue mission recently at the Pink Beds Picnic Area. Thankfull y, this incident had a positive outcome as the lost person was able to call 911 and stayed put. Rescue Squad members are very familiar with the Pink Beds Loop Trail as they consistently have many SAR calls there every year. As anotherbusy hiking season is upon the area, hikers are urged to take necessary precautions before hitting the trails.
- Photos courtesy of Transylvania County Rescue Squad
On June 23, 2023, the members of Cool Springs Fire-Rescue received theirnew Pierce EnforcerPumper. This apparatus was designed by the Cool Springs Fire Department with state-of-the-art technology and designed to betterserve the fire fighters responding on it and the community’s needs. The special planning started two years ago in August and the completed product exceeded their expectations. Atraditional push-in ceremony was held and the new pumperwill be placed into service shortly
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
The First Annual Northeastern North Carolina EMS Competition was held March 4, 2023, in Gaston. The event was hosted by Gaston FireRescue-EMS and Judged by East Carolina University Heath Systems Eastcare. Thirteen teams competed throughout the day in BLS scenarios provided by Eastcare. The winners were:
Senior Division: 1st place. - Whiteville Rescue Unit; 2nd place - Gaston Fire-Rescue-EMS; 3rd place - TaborCity Emergency Services.
Junior Division: 1st place - Gaston Fire-RescueEMS; 2nd place - Whiteville Rescue Unit; 3rd place - TaborCity Emergency Services.
The Dr. Edward Porter, Sr. Sportsmanship Award: Joceline Grubb and Kaitlyn Hubbard, Gaston Fire-Rescue-EMS.
- Submitted by Paul Nowell
