Fire News Ohio, Dec. 2023/Jan. 2024

OHIO Volume 2, No. 6

Dec./Jan. 2023/24

Story on page 6.

- Photos courtesy of TFRD

Milton’s Dave Dunn Gets Mahoning FF of the Year Award See Story on Page 18

PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

1 Rescued from Fayette Single-Wide Fire A man is pulled from a single-wide but two dogs don’t make it.

See story on page 8

Spencerville Rd. Rollover Shawnee Twp. Police investigate a rollover on Spencerville Road.

See story on page 10

A Service for Ohio Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales

Live Fire Training in Canton

SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager

Canton Twp. FD hosts their annual multi-jurisdictional live fire training.

Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES

BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant

See story on page 14 COPYRIGHT 2023, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Advanced Fire Training Days A four-day hands-on training seminar offers Engine and Truck operations.

See story on page 16

Practicing for a Spill

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Cincinnati Fire Boat 3 doing a boom deployment exercise on the Ohio River recently.

See story on page 17

Madeira-Indian Hill Get New Apparatus

Madeire-Indian Hill holds a Push-In ceremony for its new engine, carrying on an age-old tradition.

See story on page 20

Obituary Coshocton’s Leslie Albert Johnson See story on page 22

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

Total Loss in Fayette

Recently, the Gorham Fayette Fire Department was called to a fully engulfed house fire in Fayette. A big thank you to Archbold Fire, Alvordton Fire, Brady Fire, Morenci Fire, Pioneer Fire, Fulton County Dispatch and Kunkle Enterprises for your assistance at the fire; the house was a total loss. Also, a special thank you to Fayette’s Rescue and Life Flight.

- Photo courtesy of Gorham Fayette FD

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Cumberland Valley VFAWe Are Changing Our Name Not Our Mission During the Cumberland Valley VFA Fall Meeting in Odenton, MD, members unanimously adopted a resolution stating that the organization will be known as Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (CVVFA) going forward.

This change is largely ceremonial to reflect the dedication and operations of that CVVFA displayed for the last 122 years. According to our Constitution and By-Laws the legal change to our name must take place at the annual convention. Because we are forward thinking, we decided to begin calling ourselves a “Firefighters” Association now reflecting the makeup of our membership.

What once began as a collaboration between four neighboring states, CVVFA is now a nationwide organization, comprised on men and women who not only are members of fire and EMS departments but also law enforcement agencies, tow operators and more. We started with a mission to standardize hose couplings in 1901 and have further expanded our focus on responder safety at roadway incidents, community risk reduction and reputational risk management.

Over the next months, CVVFA will continue to enhance our brand under the new name as we head to our 123rd CVVFA Convention in Halfway, MD, in August where the official name change will take place.

- Submitted by Steve Austin

Page 6, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Cover Story

All-Day Fire on East Perry Street

On October 31, 2023, at 1225, Tiffin Fire Rescue Division was dispatched to the Tiffin Cab Company building on East Perry Street.

Personnel arrived within one minute of dispatch and found smoke coming from the entire building with fire at the front-bay area. Offduty personnel were recalled, Clinton Fire, Fostoria Fire, and Bascom Fire were all requested for manpower and apparatus.

Together, nearly 50 firefighters were at the scene. Initially, one fire hydrant was being used. As the need for additional water was determined, several others were put into service requiring Market Street to be closed. Crews battled the fire for several hours. Eventually, the fire had burned holes through the floors making access to the fire impossible. The building also began to develop structural compro-

mises which significantly elevated the risk to the firefighters. The decision was made to have Allen Excavating assist by pulling down the front part of the building in an attempt to extinguish the fire.

After 9-1/2 hours (and a brief snow squall) the fire was fully extinguished. The cause of the fire was accidental and it occurred while a vehicle was being worked on. The following responded: Bascom EMS, CERT, Seneca County EMA, Tiffin Police, Tiffin Public Works, Red Cross, 1-800-Board-up, Allen Excavating, AEP, and Columbia Gas for their assistance during this fire. We also thank the generous citizens and businesses for all of the pizza, Wendy’s chili, McDonald’s burgers, and Bailiwick’s coffee.

- Photos courtesy of TFRD

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 7

Glendale Covers Whitewater Recently, Glendale Engine 45 and crew moved up to Station 105 to provide coverage for Whitewater Township Fire/EMS while they and many other agencies from the west side of the county went to work on a large structure fire for much of the afternoon. We are proud to be a member of the region’s mutual aid network!

- Photo courtesy of Glendale FD

Mobile Homes on Fire in Pike Twp. Bethel crews assisted Pike Township on several mobile homes that were on fire.

Other agencies that assisted were: New Carlisle Fire, German Township Fire, Bethel Miami Fire, Huber Heights Fire, Red Cross, Ohio Edison and Columbia Gas. - Photo courtesy of Bethel Township FD

Page 8, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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1 Rescued from Fayette Single Wide Fire

On September 30, 2023, at 2036, the Fayette Township Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire with possible entrapment on Township Road 1027 in Burlington. In accordance with Lawrence County 911’s dispatching policy, the Chesapeake-Union Township Fire Department and South Point Fire Department were also alerted to respond for automatic mutual aid. Engine 5 from Fayette Township went en route at 2045 with a crew of four and arrived to find a single-wide trailer with smoke showing. Bystanders advised they believed a male resident was still inside the residence. A handline was stretched from E5 and the front door was forced open. Once entry was made, the male resident was located and extricated to the care of Lawrence County EMS personnel. Additionally, two dogs were removed from the fire but did not survive.

After the male had been extricated, crews made an aggressive interior attack on the fire and had it knocked down within five minutes.

The male occupant was transported by Lawrence County EMS to an area hospital The fire was under investigation hv the Ohio State Fire Marshal office.

- Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD

East Holmes Garage Fire

East Holmes Fire Department was dispatched for an early morning garage fire. First arriving crews made a quick knockdown of the fire and kept it from spreading. Thanks to Holmes Fire District 1 and Winesburg FD for providing mutual aid.

- Photos courtesy of East Holmes FR

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 9

South Zanesville Assists Recently, South Zanesville (SZFD) firefighters were dispatched as automatic aid to Crooksville on a commercial structure fire. SZFD responded with Engine 1415 and Tanker 1413 with seven members. SZFD operated on scene for approximately three hours before returning to service. Crooksville was also assisted by Roseville, Newton Twp., Somerset, New Lexington and Corning Fire Departments.

- Photos courtesy of South Zanesville FD

Page 10, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Spencerville Road Rollover Shawnee Township Police Department investigated a rollover accident on Spencerville Road recently.

- Fire News photos by Richard Parrish / The Lima News

Auto Accident Victim Pulled from Ravine

Ambulance personnel and firefighters from Toronto were dispatched on October 20, 2023, at 1046, to get a 48-year-old man from a ravine into which his vehicle had crashed late the evening before.

Clark Crago, chief of the TEMS Joint Ambulance District, confirmed the man was transported by ambulance to Trinity Medical Center West to be treated for multiple injuries after being lifted in a Stoke’s basket by rope up a straight embankment that is about 200 feet high. Crago said the man, who was conscious, had pulled himself from his pickup after it veered off Knox Township Road 242 at around 2200 on October 19, 2023. Crago said family members

who had come looking for him found him about 500 feet from his vehicle, which was destroyed in the crash, and called 911. He said four members of the ambulance service and Toronto Fire Department ascended into the ravine to assist the man. “All agencies worked great together to recover the patient and the rescuers from the valley,” said Crago, who noted members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Richmond and Knoxville volunteer fire departments assisted with the rescue. The accident was under investigation by the highway patrol.

- Photos courtesy of Warren Scott

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 11

1 Serious in Route 30 MVA For the second time in a week, American Township firefighters handled a crash on US Route 30, this time at Wapak Road.

Two SUVs were involved. Three occupants from one vehicle signed off RMA and the sole occupant of the other vehicle was transported to Mercy Health-St. Rita’s with serious injuries. That driver had to be extricated. The State Patrol handled the accident investigation.

- Photo courtesy of American Township

Extrication for Sylvania Fire-EMS Excellent job by Sylvania Fire-EMS crews navigating a difficult extrication in a two-vehicle MVA recently. One patient was transported to a local hospital by Life Squad. Also assisting with care was Richfield Township Fire.

- Photo courtesy of Sylvania FR

Page 14, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Live Fire Training in Canton

Canton Township Fire Department hosted their annual multi-jurisdictional live fire training. Approximately nine Stark County fire departments came together on October 26, 2023, at the Canton Township Fire Departments Live Fire Training Facility to hone their skills and commitment to the job. Crews practiced working together with scenario-based structure fires, under the guidance of an excellent instructor group.

- Submitted by Rick Morabito, Assistant Chief

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Extrication Training Together Recently, Delaware County EMS crews at Medic 10 worked alongside our partners at Berlin Township Fire Department of Delaware County, to do some extrication training.Practicing with our partners is always important. With DCEMS Medic 10 housed at BTFD, we’re proud to say this collaborative training happens often.

- Photos courtesy of Delaware County EMS

Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Advanced Fire Training Days

The Canton Township Fire Department annually hosts the University of Akron’s “Advanced Fire Training Days.” This four-day, hands-on training was conducted by some of the best fire instructors from around the state. Multiple firefighters from array of Northeast Ohio fire departments attended this intense training, under live fire conditions.

Instructors facilitated an “Engine Company Operations” track or a “Truck Company Operations” track for students to choose from. The event hosted approximately 50 firefighters daily. These folks truly go above the call of duty, investing themselves and sharing their knowledge to those around them for the challenges of the job! - Submitted by Rick Morabito, Assistant Chief

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 17

Practicing for a Spill Cincinnati Fire Boat 3 doing a boom deployment exercise on the Ohio River recently.

- Photo courtesy of Cincinnati FD

Sylvania Trains on Stabilization Sylvania A-shift at Station 61 took full advantage of a sunny day to train on stabilizing cars. Training is a crucial part of being a firefighter, not only how to effectively operate the tools but to establish teamwork. Happiness is when your crew works in harmony! Great Job Station 61!

- Photos courtesy of Sylvania FR

Whitehouse, Waterville Foam Training

Sterling, Rittman Drill

Firefighters from Sterling and Rittman fire departments drilled recently on hose advancement.

- Photos courtesy of Rittman FD Firefighters from Whitehouse and Waterville held joint training focused on foam knowledge, application and practical usage.

- Photo courtesy of Whitehouse FD

Page 18, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Celebrating 50 Years of Service Recently, we celebrated (a year late) our Chief Don Alexander being active in the fire service for 50 years. Donny started at the age of 18 in 1972.

Our new building addition was dedicated to him, but the highlight of the day for him was a personalized video message from Randy Mantooth, (Johnny Gage, from Emergency).

- Submitted by Cody Smith

Dunn Gets Mahoning FF of the Year Award Lieutenant Dave Dunn, Jr., of Milton Township Fire Department, was awarded Mahoning County’s Firefighter of the Year. This award, sponsored by The Vindicator and Servpro, is given to a firefighter who has made an impact on a particular family or within their community and demonstrates the characteristics of dedication, loyalty, productivity and professionalism. This is the first time a member from a smaller combination department has received this award.

- Submitted by Julianna D’Amico

Delaware Co. EMS at Veterans Day Parade

Ladder Testing at Whitehouse

Members of Delaware County EMS had the distinct honor of participating in the Delaware Veteran’s Day parade recently. Not only did our Medic 1 and Captain 462 drive the route, but they were led by our honor guard and a group of bag pipers from Shamrock Club of Columbus featuring our own paramedic, Hilary. It was a great parade and a wonderful day!

- Photo courtesy of Delaware County EMS & Lieutenant Ries

To ensure safety, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets testing standards for many things in a fire department arsenal. Here’s what ladder testing looks like with 500 pounds in the middle of the ladder for five minutes … and it has to come back to the original shape. If it can hold this weight, it can hold us and won’t fail during extreme use!

- Photos courtesy of Whitehouse FD

Page 20, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Madeira-Indian Hill New Apparatus

Recently, the Board of Trustees and other special guests officially placed the Madeira and Indian Hill Joint Fire Department’s new E-One engine into service with a Push In ceremony. The Push In tradition goes back to the hand-pulled and horsedrawn days when firefighters unhooked the horses from the hose and ladder carts so that they could push the carts back into the station. The new engine is in service at the Station 64 in Indian Hill. Thank you to our board and to the citizens who contributed their hard-earned tax dollars toward the purchase of this truck. The truck will service our communities for the next 15 years!

- Photos courtesy of Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 21

Portage Fire Receives Grant for Equipment

Sardis Fire Crew on Heroes Day

The Portage Fire District Firefighters Association was the recipient of a generous grant from AgCredit, as part of their 2023 Mission fund. These grant funds are being utilized to purchase a new, better ‘skid’ unit for our side-by-side. The new equipment will provide better utilization of resources in field/wildland fires. This is the second grant that the Portage Fire District Firefighters Association has received from Ag Credit in the last few years. With the nature of our rural area, the last grant was used purchase grain rescue equipment.

- Photo courtesy of Portage Fire District

Firefighters from the Sardis Fire Department walked the Heroes Day 5k in full turnouts, including SCBAs. (Left to right): Lieutenant Dillon Miller, Firefighter Dakota Stead, Assistant Chief Jason Headley (white helmet), and Firefighters Jeff Kelby, Deavon Biggs and Brandon Miller.

- Submitted by Ezria Miller

Page 22, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Obituary

Coshocton’s Leslie Albert Johnson Beloved Fire Captain Leslie Albert ‘Les’ Johnson of Coshocton, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was 84.

He was born on November 24, 1938, in Greenfield, Ohio, and raised by his adopted parents, Nellie and Charles Johnson. After graduating from Coshocton High School in 1956, Les joined the US Air Force, serving his country proudly from 1957 to 1963.

Les worked at Dawson Funeral Home, Shafer Tent and Awning, and General Electric for many years. He also worked for the Coshocton Fire Department, retiring after 28½ years as their Captain.

Les was a member of the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle and was a long-time member of the American Legion and golfed six days a week with the Outlaws Golf Team.

Les was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, Captain and friend and will be truly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah

(Patterson) Johnson of 21 years; six children, Tracy (Alan) Richards of Coshocton, Steve (Kelly) Johnson of Coshocton, Todd (Sherry) Johnson of Coshocton, Sherri Covic of Conesville, Carrie (Jason) Dean of West Lafayette, and Leslie (Darren) Mansfield of Coshocton; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Miller of Springfield, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Beth Triacheff and Joyce Lippel; brothers-in-law, Dennis Wonders and Jerry Millett; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family, Tad (Darlene) Johnson, Heath (Katrina) Johnson, Wendy (Chuck) Turner and JT Johnson.

Along with his parents, Les is preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Marlyn Johnson; biological mother Winifred Sumner; brother, Jerry Sumner; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Wonders and Chuck Triacheff.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Les’s name to the Coshocton County Animal Shelter or to the Coshocton Fire Department or to Community Hospice, Truman House, in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

- Submitted by Jim McKeever

Patches (From left) Whitewater Township Fire Department Miami Township Fire Department University Heights Fire Department

Page 24, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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