The Lima and Shawnee Township Fire Departments responded to an apartment fire on West Spring Street.
See story on page 8
The Three Rivers Fire Department was paged out to a call of smoke coming from the bathroom in a mobile home.
See story on page 11
the Warren Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the area of Maple Street SW and Tod Avenue SW.
See story on page 13
Cleveland firefighters operated at an occupied house fire on East 168th Street, north of Villaview Road.
See story on page 16
Two people were transported to a local hospital and an one was taken into custody after fleeing the scene of a fiery three-vehicle crash.
See story on page 18
Willoughby Station 2, A-Shift responded to Lost Nation Sports Park for an owl caught in a soccer net.
See story on page 22
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The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has announced a change in venue forthe 2023 National 9/11 Memorial StairClimb for Fallen Firefighters.
This annual event benefits the FDNY Counseling Service Unit and NFFF programs for families of fallen firefighters. The 2023 National Stair Climb will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open Championships. More info at www.nationalstairclimb.org.
Post-9/11 combat veterans who served between 2001 and 2013 have until September30, 2023, to enroll in Department of Veterans Affairs health care. The date will conclude a one-year “special enrollment period” provided by the PACTAct. This provision of the PACTAct took effect in 2022. It gave the potential to receive compensation to mil-
lions of veterans or their survivors who were exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals while in uniform, going back to the 1960s.
The VAenrollment period for post-9/11 combat vets is meant to get those veterans deemed to have been exposed to toxins based on their deployments onto the VA’s rolls and into care in which the providers are cognizant of toxic exposures, said Cory Titus, an Army infantry veteran and director with the Military Officers Association of America who led the association's PACTAct advocacy.
The bill automatically assumes troops who served in certain locations were exposed. Once enrolled, veterans’individual circumstances will dictate how much care they'll actually be eligible to receive.
ACampus Fire Forum will be held in Grapevine, TX, from November6 to 9, 2023 The forum will cover Lithium-Ion batteries, MicroMobility devices, Safety issues on campus (from codes to management issues), Active shooters, Blocked/Locked exits, Crowd Management, Drones and Rockets, Students with Disabilities, the fire aspects of special events on campus and more. For more info: https://www.myccfs.org/forum.
The University of Maryland Autonomous Micro Air Vehicle (AMAV) student team competed in the First Responder UAS Challenges hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Annual Design-Build-Vertical Flight Competition hosted by the Vertical Flight Society (VFS). Their AMAV’s Gambit was a low-cost, easyto-fly drone specifically tailored to operate indoors, while providing full light, low light, and thermal imaging. The drone design, fabrication, assembly, and testing were performed by University of Maryland students. The students won over $150,000 in the national competition.
Thermal, HD, and night-vision cameras were mounted on a remote-controlled gimbal with a 180° range of motion, which enabled the drone to precisely maneuver in constrained environments and positively identify objects of interest in any lighting condition. Theirdrone was based on the DJI Matrice 300 drone, a popularchoice forfirst responders. For more go to https://www.nist.gov/ctl/pscr/amav-umd.
By Kevin S. Reardon, Ohio State Fire Marshal
As the State Fire Marshal, it is my duty to help ensure the safety and preparedness of Ohio’s first responders. I am pleased to present our newest website - a summary of available statewide hazardous materials training programs provided by the Division of State Fire Marshal, FEMA, PHMSA, and other industry partners at com.ohio.gov/HazMatTraining
Most of these training programs are provided free of charge to our dedicated first responders and are available in various formats, including in-person, online, and direct delivery in local communities.
Our own nationally-ranked Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) offers a multitude of courses to assist first responders. The OFAis ready to support training initiatives by making its training facility available as needed. T hey also facilitate the delivery of derailment-specific training programs, such as Rail Car Incident Response, Emergency Responder Training, and Rail HazMat training specifically tailored for first responders.
Recognizing the importance of chemical incident training, the O hio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) offers free training for first responders, including volunteer departments. Their focus is on hazard awareness and initial actions during chemical emergencies. Additionally, BWC provides a wide range of safety courses and virtual trainings, including topics such as chemical safety, fire and explosion safety, emergency response guidebook, air monitoring, personnel protective equipment, decontamination, and chemical and physical health hazards
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) plays a vital role in awarding grants for training public safety and emergency services person-
nel in the management of hazardous materials spills and releases during transportation. They fund courses covering various levels of hazardous materials training, incident response exercises, intermodal training, rail/highway incident response training, as well as hazardous materials planning and survey studies.
Railroad companies like Norfolk Southern and CSX have been actively involved in safety training for emergency responders. Norfolk Southern’s Operational Awareness and Response (OAR) program aims to strengthen relationships with local and state agencies, provide increased training opportunities, and offer better resources for emergency responders, including the AskRail mobile app. CSX hosts a free online training program that educates emergency personnel on rail operations and safety protocols, empowering them to respond safely and effectively to incidents involving railroad property and equipment.
These are just a few of the resources available on the website and I encourage all of Ohio’s first responders to visit com.ohio.gov/ HazMatTraining often as we will keep it updated with the latest offerings available. I want to thank all of Ohio’s fire service for their dedication and commitment and I look forward to continuing our work into the future.
Editior’s Note: Kevin S. Reardon was appointed Ohio’s 39th State Fire Marshal on June 11, 2020 after his career in the fire service with the Columbus Division of Fire, rising through the ranks from firefighter to battalion chief.
Recently, the Warren Fire Department was dispatched to the 200 block of Penn Avenue Nothwest fora structure fire. Firefighters used two lines to make an interiorattack on the fire and brought it undercontrol within 20 minutes. There were no injuries to civilians orfirefighters.
Crews from Green Township Fire and Rescue Station 55 and Station 53 responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate 74, causing a temporary road closure in the area. No injuries were reported.
Saturday, November 18
Chief Frank Viscuso - Step Up and Lead
Join Chief Frank Viscuso’s inspiring event “Step Up and Lead” on November 18, 2023, at 9:00 AM.
Organized by Tiffin Fire / Rescue Division
Location: North Central Ohio ESC 928 West Market Street Tiffin, OH 44883
Harlem Township Division of Fire Station 450
Multiple area companies including Madison and Grass 101 assisted Heath Fire Department on a large field fire neara city park recently.
Several fire stations worked to extinguish a residential fire in Clark County. Firefighters from Clark, Greene, and Miami counties were dispatched to the 11500 block of Gerlaugh Road on reports of a house fire. When firefighters arrived, they reported black smoke emanating from the front of the house and consequently upgraded the fire to a working fire.
The Three Rivers Fire Department was paged out to a call of smoke coming from the bathroom in a mobile home at about 1800 on July 28, 2023. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke from the bathroom and from the area of the waterheaternext to the bathroom. They made access to the waterheaterfrom a dooron the outside of the home. Waterwas sprayed on the heaterand the situation was quickly contained. Removal of the waterheaterand some overhaul underthe mobile home concluded the situation. Also on scene was the Coshocton Fire Department, and the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office.
- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever
June 2, 2023, Proctorville Fire Department responded to an early morning structure fire. Six fire departments assisted on the call.
- Submitted by Chief Thorton Thomas III
Gorham Fayette Fire responded fora combine-and-wheat-field fire on County Road 21 nearthe Ohio Turnpike. Thanks to Archbold, Alvordton, Morenci and Wauseon fire department crews helping in extinguishing this fire. With dry conditions and winds out of the southwest this fire could have been a lot worse. Especially if the wind would have been out of the north. Visibility would have been zero on the Ohio Turnpike.
Cleveland firefighters operated at an occupied house fire on West 86th Street south of Clark, caused by a candle in the bathroom. NEVER leave a lit candle unattended orthe fire department may be forced to “remodel” yourbathroom. Two adult residents were transported by Cleveland EMS to MetroHealth in stable condition. American Red Cross was assisting.
- Photo courtesy of Cleveland FD
On June 24, 2023. at approximately 0035, the Warren Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the area of Maple Street Southwest and Tod Avenue Southwest. Units arrived and reported heavy fire from the rearof the building. As crews were attacking the fire, a simultaneous search of the house was conducted forany trapped occupants. The fire was extinguished in 30 minutes and there were no injuries to civilians orfirefighters. The cause of this fire was underinvestigation. While cleaning up from this fire, units were dispatched to a serious MVAat Tod Avenue Southwest and Palmyra Road Southwest. Warren fire crews operated on scene forapproximately 30 mins before returning to service.
- Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204
Around 2300 on August 10, 2023, South Zanesville (SZFD), Newton Township and Zanesville fire departments were dispatched to a possible structure fire. Lieutenant Duhamel arrived and advised it was not a structure fire but an abandoned trailer on fire. Newton Ladderwas requested to cancel and bring a brush truck due to access problems foran engine. Crews quickly extinguished the flames with SZFD Grass 1412 and Newton Brush 1082. - Fire News photo by John Duhamel
Companies responded to a fatal fire recently on Wanda Avenue east of Bellaire in Battalion 3. Crews located an elderly female and she was rescued from the second floorby Technical Rescue Squad 2, and was transported by Cleveland EMS to Metro Hospital where she succumbed to herinjuries. An adult male resident jumped from second story, and was in critical condition at Metro. The cause of thefire was underinvestigation by officials.
- Photo courtesy of Cleveland FD
Two people were transported to a local hospital and an individual was taken into custody afterfleeing the scene of a fiery three-vehicle crash on Elida Road recently. At 1616, an Ohio State Highway Patrol unit came upon a crash at the intersection of Elida Road and Cole Street. An SUVcrashed into a traffic light pole, with sedans on eitherside of it, both vehicles also having sustained damage. The SUVwas engulfed in flames. The American Township Fire Department responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the flames. The Allen County Sheriff’s Office and the Lima Police
Department also responded. According to the fire department, each of the sedans had a single occupant, both female, and both were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the fire department, the driverof the SUVwas not in the vehicle but had fled the scene. The Allen County Sheriff’s Office did say that the individual was in custody. The crash also damaged the traffic signal at that intersection. No details on what led up to the crash were released.
The Madison Fire Department was dispatched to the Licking River between Staddens Bridge Road and Brownsville Road fora patient suffering from an allergic reaction. The patient was originally contacted by firefighters on foot and in a UTVabout 1/4 mile west of the old trestle, which is located about a half-mile west of Brownsville Road along the river. Rescue efforts were complicated by people parking behind the new guardrail forthe bridge on the south and west sides of the river. They were able to get a UTVin to the old oil well access path aftera few attempts to get it to fit. All otherequipment including the grass truck had to stage on the bridge as there was
no place to pull off the road nearthe entrance to the scene. Most members had to hike back to the patient. The paid staff responded with two members and a juniorfirefighteron the medic. Eight volunteers eitherwent to the scene orstaffed the UTV, grass truck, and rescue. The patient was loaded onto a Stoke’s basket and carried to the UTV. Halfway down the old oil path the patient was removed and carried undera very large downed tree blocking the path. The UTV then went down a steep embankment and around the tree and resumed transporting the patient to the medic waiting on the bridge.
- Photos courtesy of Madison Twp FD
Madison Medic 101, Grass 101, UTV101, Chief 111 and 112 responded to Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve (west of Brownsville Road) to the old train trestle foran injured person from a rope swing accident. Thank you to anyone there that day who didn’t block access. Unfortunately, yet anotherlarge tree must have fallen in the past few days and blocked the trail. As it did last time, the UTVfound a way around. While the Medic, UTVand
chiefs were dealing with the patient back at the trestle, Grass 101 cleared enough of the large tree across the path to make it passable forthe UTVon its way out with the patient. Due to the patient being a minorhe was transported to Licking Memorial. Some of his family arrived on scene and rode in the medic and/orfollowed the medic in. - Photos courtesy of Madison Twp FD
Willoughby Station 2, A-Shift responded to Lost Nation Sports Park foran owl caught in a soccernet. Firefighters carefully freed the owl and requested the response from the ODNR which sent a wildlife
officerwho transported the owl to a rehab centerforevaluation and treatment.
In remembrance of those lost on 9/11, Cleveland Fire Department Chief Anthony Luke, spoke at the the Western Reserve Fire Museum and Education Center. Luke reflected on his experience being on duty that day at Fire Station 10, including off-duty members coming in forcamaraderie and support. Firefighters were
encouraged to honorthe memory of the fallen, follow theirexample of service and commitment and remain united. “We are always strongerand more resilient together.”
If you haven’t joined us in Columbus at this point for Firehouse Expo and experienced all that the city offers, know that an article in Forbes Magazine called Columbus a “hidden gem” and touted its diverse food and art scenes and highlighted unique offerings of the country's 14th largest city. We continue to partner with Columbus Division of Fire, the Ohio Fire Academy and departments throughout Central Ohio to provide unique training opportunities with top national instructors.
To add more educational opportunities to Wednesday happenings, we updated the day’s schedule. 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.
This year’s classroom schedule includes the return of popular classes and instructors along with a variety of new instructors and topics.We are excited to have David Decker, host of the well-kn own @CommandVisionFire channel on YouTube, bring his sessions to Firehouse Expo this year. Many of you have ridden virtually with him now you can attend his class, “Incident Command: Defining the Expectation.” Firehouse Magazine Engine Essentials columnist Jonathan Hall will bring his popular article on apartment fires to life in his new session, “Engine Company Operations at Apartment Fires.” Robert Policht will help attendees look at current RITn eeds and deployment practices to assess their own needs in “RIT? FAS T? RIC? WHO?”
Are you prepared to use your department’s drone? During “Flying
into a New Era: Building a Drone Program and Utilization in the Fire Service,” Christopher Yoch will explain his department’s drone program, from concept, to equipment, to deployment at fires, for searches for missing people, and at large-scale incidents for victim search and responder safety.
Firehouse Expo will offer special programs for volunteer firefighters with a special discounted rate of $75 registration for either Wednesday or Friday. Sessions those days include tactics and leadership, training, and best practices for recruitment and retentio n. There also will be roundtables regarding various volunteer-focused topics.
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.
FIREHOUSE EXPO PREVIEW: MORE LESSONS LEARNED, VOLUNTEER DAYS, ‘AFAMILYBUSINESS’
The Madison Township Fire Department received new wildland fire gearfor12 members The gearwas made possible through a grant awarded by the State Fire Marshall’s Office. This gearis made specifically forfighting brush and grass fires and is a fraction of the weight of normal structural fire gear. This gear reduces workload and heat stress on firefighters, helping them to be more effective while reducing the risks of overexertion.
- Photo courtesy of Madison Twp FD
Green Township Fire and EMS Lieutenant Mike Joseph worked his final shift forthe agency as he retired aftera long and successful career. Joseph joined the department in 1991 with no firefighting experience. He became a part-time firefighter/EMT, then a paramedic, moved up to full-time and was laterpromoted to Lieutenant. Thank you Mike for32years of service to the residents of Green Township! Enjoy yourretirement.
- Photos courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS
On the evening of June 1, 2023, EMS personal of the Mechanicsburg Fire Department were honored in a public ceremony for their heroic role in the successful resuscitation of community resident Mr. John Donnersbach. Mr. Donnersbach was on hand to present each individual EMS provider with an engraved plaque that commemorated their team actions. These actions ultimately resulted in a second chance at life for Mr. Donnersbach, who had suffered a full out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on the evening of March 6, 2023.
Mechanicsburg Chief Matt Bebout spoke before the presenting of awards. “Through the outstanding efforts of the family, dispatchers, EMS crews, deputy sheriff, nurses and doctors, Mr. Donnersbach made a full recovery.” Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Coordinator Steve Castle also stated that, “The very fact that this incident occurred in a rural community with a small rural EMS agenc y responding, makes this story very unique and newsworthy.”
The day of Monday March 6, 2023, was a typical beautiful prespring day for John and Ruth Donnersbach. John was occupying his leisure time with his model train set and his wife, Ruth had decided that she and her daughter, Jennifer Faugh, would take an afternoon walk.
Ruth and Jennifer returned from their afternoon walk and entered the house and noticed that John was sitting at the dining room table unresponsive. Ruth, who is a retired PCA, further saw that John was not breathing and had no pulse. Ruth immediately lowered John to the floor and initiated CPR and instructed Jennifer to dial 911. Champaig n County 911 dispatchers answered the call and very promptly dispatched Mechanicsburg Fire Department EMS crew to the Donnersbach residence for the 61-year-old male in full cardiac arrest with CPR in progress.
Upon hearing the initial radio dispatch, off duty Mechanicsburg Paramedic, Drew Ream, who lives nearby, responded from his home in his personal vehicle. Paramedic Ream, being the first on scene EMS
provider, arrived at the residenc and relieved Ruth of her resuscitation efforts. Within six minutes after dispatch the advanced life support paramedic crew from the Mechanicsburg Fire Department arrived on scene. From that point, the following ongoing resuscitation efforts were a collectively applied, highly coordinated, and precise execution of psycho motor skills and cognitive knowledge of pre-hospital resuscitation of cardiac arrest.
The Mechanicsburg EMS crew worked diligently to re-establish John’s heartbeat using a combination of medication, and electric therapy along with effective delivery of each breath. The efforts produced very positive results, and they were able to regain a pulse (i.e., restart the heart) for John while on scene. He was subsequently transported to Mercy Hospital in Urbana Ohio for further stabilization and finally relocated to Springfield Regional Medical Center where he was admit ted and received definitive care. John was discharged after a seven-day stay with an implantable defibrillator that monitors his heart rhyth m 24 hours a day and is designed to administer a lifesaving electric shock in the event that his heart suffered any further life-threatening arrhythmias.
EMS Coordinator Steve Castle stated that statistically, out-of- hospital cardiac arrest such as what John suffered, have poor outcomes. Fortunately for John, on the day of March 6, 2023, everything necessary for a favorable outcome was in place, i.e., immediate on-scene high quality CPR, highly trained ALS (advanced life support) EMS providers along with BLS (Basic Life Support) EMS providers who were available to deliver the necessary care. The availability of local e mergency medical services is an absolutely vital part of a community pub lic safety program. Public support is strongly encouraged and is worthy of the utmost priority.
- Submitted by Steve Castle, Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Coordinator, Mechanicsburg FD
Congratulations to fourmembers of Green Township Fire and EMS. They participated in the American Lung Association “Fight forAirClimb” at Great American Ballpark. Excellent job to Firefighters ( left to right) John O’Toole, Matt Kroeger, Justin Moody and Cody Meyer.
- Photo courtesy of Green Township Fire & EMS
