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On May 6, 2023, Lima and Shawnee
Township fire departments battled a house fire on Atlantic Avenue.
See story on page 8
Crews made a very fast hit on the fire and kept it contained to a single unit.
See story on page 9
Firefighters from Oberlin Fire battled two structure fires at the same time.
See story on page 10
Cleveland firefighters operated at a twoalarm warehouse fire on West 65th south of Denison.
See story on page 12
Delaware County EMS met the community at the Delaware Community Center YMCAfor Healthy Kids Day.
See story on page 22
Recently, Concord Township Fire Department received a grant from Firehouse Subs-Sawmill Place.
See story on page 30
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To many Star Wars buffs, May 4 has meaning. In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 Star Wars Day to commemorate the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge — a Star Wars theme park. But, what does this day have to do with the May 4 I prefer to think about? The answer is nothing.
I prefer to remember May 4 as St. Florian’s Day and International Firefighter’s Day. International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). Today, many firefighters wear a religious medal of St. Florian. St. Florian was the commander of a firefighting unit in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, with his unit while protecting life and property, just as firefighters all over the world do today. His feast day is May 4. St. Florian is remembered in many parts of central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is remembered as a powerful protector to those in danger from fire or water. Take the time to read about St. Florian.
International Firefighters Day came about after a tragedy occurred in Australia. On December 2, 1998, firefighters in Australia were fighting a large wildfire and needed assistance. Their urgent call for help brought in firefighters from all over the area. Not knowing what was in
store for them, a crew formed a five-man strike team and responded. As the five headed out from the fire to refill their tanker with water, a sudden violent wind change hit the area, engulfing the truck in flames, and killing all five members.
J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and wanted to start a movement to remember the firefighters killed in this tragedy and other tragedies throughout the world. Her New Years resolution in 1999 was to organize an internationally recognized symbol of support and respect for all firefighters and a date for which this could be coordinated worldwide. The date chosen for International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian. The International Firefighter Day ribbons are linked to the colors symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with. The ribbon is similar to the pink breast cancer awareness pin, the firefighter’s ribbon is red for fire and blue for water.
On May 7, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation marked International Firefighters Day by encouraging everyone to Shine Your Light for Firefighters. Buildings and homes were lit in red as a remembrance of International Firefighters Day. In many areas, memorial services were held to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.
In conclusions, I leave you with Lt. J.J. Edmondson’s quote from 1999:
“The role of a firefighter in today’s society be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy fire no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”
- DennisRecently, Fayette Township firefighters were alerted for a vehi cle fire on US-52 westbound in front of a car wash. While responding, crews received information that a military vehicle was on the s cene. Engine 5 and Rescue 1 responded and found the 811th Ordinance Company on the scene with their fire apparatus, which had the fire
knocked down. The 811th Ordinance Company of the US Army Reserve was returning to its headquarters in Rainelle, WV. They noticed the fire and turned around. Their assistance with traffic control and fire suppression was greatly appreciated.
Recently, Sylvania firefighters operated at a structure fire on Parliament Square. Crews made a very fast hit on the fire and kept it contained to a single unit. Special thanks to Richfield Township and Springfield Township forassisting, and Toledo forcovering.
- Photos courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS
Glendale Fire Department Engine 45 was dispatched into Woodlawn fora fire alarm activation at an industrial facility. Upon arrival, units found smoke issuing from the roof of the structure and upgraded the run to a working fire. Woodlawn’s crew located the source of the fire, which had been held at bay by the building’s sprinklersystem, and Engine 45 stretched a hoseline into the structure forfinal extinguishment. - Photo courtesy of Glendale FD
Firefighters from Oberlin MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Fire battled two structure fires at the same time. Ten departments responded including Amherst, South Amherst, Carlisle Township, Wellington, Eaton Township, Elyria, Elyria Township, LaGrange
Township and Camden Township. Multiple hoselines and two aerials worked defensively on the old three-story home. The fire appeared to have started in basement.
- Fire News photos provided
The Willoughby Fire Department along with area mutual-aid responded to a construction site at Chagrin Riverwalk Apartments. Crews arrived to find the four-story building well-involved in fire. Because of the fire conditions, the main efforts were focused on the apartment buildings and occupants on either side as well as the Fine Arts building and Andrews Osborne Academy across the street. The fire eventually went to three alarms.
- Photo courtesy of Willoughby FD
Gorham-Fayette Fire Department Station 300 responded to a fire alarm that turned into an active fire. Mutual-aid came from the Archbold Fire Department and Morenci Fire Department.
- Photo courtesy of Gorham-Fayette FD
US 52 eastbound was shutdown recently at CR 410 (Walmart Way) due to a MVAwith injuries. Traffic was diverted via CR 410 to CR 1.
- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township Fire Department
Just before 0800, Rescue 1, Engine 5, and Car12 responded to the intersection of East Market Street and Willard Avenue fora single-carMVAwith possible entrapment. Units arrived on scene and found a vehicle stuck on a guy wire. The occupants were assisted from the vehicle and were not injured.
- Warren Professional Fire Fighters Union Local 204
On March 24, 2023, at the 117 milemarker, the Groton Township Fire Department responded to an MVAon the Ohio Turnpike eastbound. The tankerwas carrying 6900 gallons of number1267 crude oil, but there were no leaks and minorinjuries only.
- Photo courtesy of Groton Twp. FD
Excellent work by Sylvania T63, E61 and M63 on swiftly stabilizing and extricating an entrapped victim of a recent MVA. One patient was transported by Life Squad to a local hospital.
- Photo courtesy of Sylvania FE
Crews participated in a training exercise simulating extricating special needs patients from a school bus. Thank you to everyone that participated and Holmes County Training Centerforproviding the bus and 1 of the instructors.
courtesy
Madeira-Indian Hill crews drilled on confined space operations. This is a low-frequency, high-risk operation.
- Photos courtesy of Madeira Indian Hill Joint FD
U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) joined U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) in passing bipartisan legislation to extend federal pro grams that help support local fire departments across the country. The bill would reauthorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs are set to expire and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
“The brave firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to serve the First State deserve the tools and training they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Carper, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Firefighters do so much more than fire safety, responding to over 36 million emergency calls every year. Just last month in Delaware, our first responders led people to safety when a tornado struck the south of our state. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation and I will always work to ensure our firefighters have what they need to keep our communities safe."
“Fire departments rely on critical federal resources to keep fi refighters and emergency responders safe, and these heroes need our support as they continue protecting our communities in Michigan and acr oss the country,” said Senator Peters. “Now that the Senate has passed my bipartisan bill, the House must quickly send it to the President’s desk so brave firefighters can continue to count on these programs for up-todate equipment and trainings that save lives.”
“Firefighters across Maine and the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their towns and cit ies,” said Senator Collins. “I helped create FEMA’s firefighter grant programs in 2003 as part of a bipartisan effort to ensure that firefighters have adequate staffing, equipment, and training to do their important jobs as effectively and safely as possible. By reauthorizing these programs, we can continue to deliver this critical assistance to fire depart ments.”
“Last year, three million acres of land burned in Alaska, accou nting for nearly half of the acres burned in the entire United States. Wildfires are becoming more prevalent throughout the country, and resources are stretched. Alaska’s vast geography makes response difficult, whether it’s our first responders heading to a wildfire hundreds of miles away or helping with a house fire in the next village during a snow storm with no plowed roads,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “As Fire Caucus Co-Chair, I’m working hard to ensure our first responders have what they need to keep our communities safe. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bill which helps provide funding opportunities to help our fire departments with the resources they need to do their critical work in protecting Alaskans and their communities.”
Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and reta in additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and eq uipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also use the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters.
The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and the USFAuntil 2030. It authorizes $95 million for USFA— a nearly $20 million increase from current levels — and maintains currently authorized levels of funding for the SAFER and AFG programs.
Earlier this week, the Senator spoke on the floor to urge passage of the bill and today, thanked his Senate colleagues and the organizations advocating for the legislation.
Glendale Fire Department (GFD) members recently attended training provided by Norfolk Southern Railway to learn about response to emergencies involving locomotives, railcars and the hazardous materials they can carry. Each day, numerous trains pass through Glendale along a historic rail artery around which the village grew in the 19th century. GFD stands ready to respond to incidents of any nature.
Gorham-Fayette Fire Departments recent fire training consisted of search and rescue. Firefighters blacked out theirmask and had to navigate around rooms and floors. It can be a little tricky when you think you have window ordooraccess but when you get inside it’s blocked by furniture.
- Photos courtesy of Gorham-Fayette FD
Groton Township firefighters conducted live burn training on April 15, 2023, along with crews from Perkins, and Margaretta assisting with instructors.
- Photo courtesy of Groton Township FD
Delaware County EMS met the community at the Delaware Community CenterYMCAforHealthy Kids Day. EMS members, showed theirapparatus, handed out some swag, taught hands-only CPR, and much more. - Photos courtesy of Delaware County EMS
Recently, firefighters took the opportunity to go out to Collins CareerCenterto use the house forsearch and rescue training. Crews preformed primary search and communications skills while having theirairmask blacked out forzero visibility.
- Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Union Township Fire Department
Lieutenant Darby Rehbeck and FfirefighterParamedic Aaron Berkley were recently recognized at the 42nd Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame and Fire Awards forsaving a civilian from a house fire in November2022. Congratulations on a job well done!
- Photo courtesy of Newark Ohio Division of Fire
The Mechanicsburg American Legion Post 238 recently purchased two portable Honda electric generators to donate to the Mechanicsburg Fire Department. The presentation of the generators took place on the evening of March 9, 2023, at the American Legion hall in Mechanicsburg. The generators will replace the existing antiquated generators that have been in service overthe past several years and are in need of extensive repair. The Mechanicsburg Fire Department is very grateful to communityoriented organizations such as the American Legion that show overwhelming support to local public safety services.
- Fire News photo by Steve Castle
The Girl Scouts Daisy/Brownie troop 2053 of Mechanicsburg, rece ntly earned their first aid badges during theirMarch 23, 2023, meeting at the Mechanicsburg Public Library. Members of Mechanicsburg Fire/EMS were on hand to offe rone-on-one instruction to each memberand offerdemonstration of various first aid concepts and techniques. Each membereagerly participated in first aid skills demonstration and expressed genuine interest by asking a broad range of questions. Learning topics consisted of bleeding control, obstructed airway relief (choking), along with properuse and etiquette of the 911 system. Sitting front row (left to right) are Erin Fraizer, Faith Fraley, Brayleigh Young and Felicity Fraley. Bac k row standing (left to right) are MFD EMTKristin Koester, Troop LeaderJustin Fraley, and MFD Assistant Chief Steve Castle. - Submitted by Steve Castle
Sylvania Fire and EMS made a very special delivery to the Penta Career Center. Firefighters delivered the out-of-service Engine 62 to the Firefighter Program. The excitement of the students to have an updated truck fortheir training program is inspirational. Sylvania Fire-EMS is happy to be involved with the youth of ourindustry and look forward to working with Penta CareerCenterfirefighters in the future.
- Photo courtesy of Sylvania Fire & EMS
The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people. - Kailash Satyarthi
Members of the community recently donated custom artwork that was specifically designed forEast Holmes Fire and EMS. Both the flag, made by Drew Miller, and the oil painting, made by Sara Schlabach, are hanging on display at the fire station. All of us are thankful forthese tokens of appreciation to remind us we serve a great community.
- Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS
Ohio Governor. Mike DeWine’s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force recently delivered its 31-page report containing the group’s recommendations to improve volunteer fire service in Ohio.
“This report emphasizes Ohio’s leadership in protecting our state’s citizens,” said DeWine. “The Task Force has given us a roadmap to continue improving the critical service our first responders provide Ohio’s communities.”
The comprehensive report contains recommendations across several focus areas that include:
• Volunteer recruitment and retention; Training issues to enhance volunteer firefighter training; and Financial stability of Ohio’s volunteer fire departments.
“The progress made since the Task Force was formed is evident in this report,” said the Governor. “I applaud the work completed in such a short time and look forward to seeing many of these recommendations integrated into improvements for the fire service in the near future.”
Governor DeWine reviewed the initial report and included some recommended items in his Executive Budget without raising taxes or fees. Those items include:
• Hire a full-time volunteer coordinator within the State Fire Marshall’s Office - approximately $90,000 per year.
• Develop series of volunteer firefighter recruitment PSAs - approximately $200,000.
• Waive State Fire Marshall Academy fees for volunteer fire fig hters - approximately $600,000 over the biennium.
• Update and expand current training ITsystem - approximately $350,000.
• Increase firefighter I and II Grants - approximately $600,000 over the biennium.
• Increase equipment grants - approximately $2 million over the biennium. Connect with us! com.ohio.gov
“The task force is pleased that so many of our recommendations were put into the budget without an increase in fees or taxes,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon.
“These quick actions will make a direct, positive impact on imp roving the volunteer fire service is Ohio’s communities.”
Many of the proposed recommendations will require legislative s upport and approval while others will require policy changes within existing programs that regulate firefighter and EMS training and support. Several additional recommendations include: Length of service awards program; Tuition vouchers for higher education; State income tax credit; Local property tax abatement; Expanding paid leave for State employees; Institute live-in programs for college students, young singles, and others; Establishing a new firefighter turnout gear grant program; Redesign training curriculum to improve competencies; and a Volunteer cadet program.
In April 2022, Gov. DeWine formed the task force. The group was spearheaded by the Ohio Department of Commerce, chaired by State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon, and comprised of local elected officials and firefighters from arou nd the state. Governor DeWine has charged the task force to continue its work with a next phase examining response times for both fire and EMS incident calls.
“We are excited to build on the initial success of the task for ce’s work,” said Reardon. “The members of the task force are ready, willing, and able to begin phase two to support the Governor’s vision and support continued improvements for the fire service.”
- Submitted by Andy Ellinger
Recently, American Township Fire Department honored Keith Brickner, who is retiring after working full-time for American Township since 1988 and is the department’s first ever retiree as well! Keith has served in several ranks and positions including Firefighter, Advanced EMT, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, Fire Inspector, and Zon ing Inspector.
Keith has made a hugely positive impact on our citizens and num erous other firefighters through the years. His dedication and hard work in protecting the lives of everyone in the communities we serve is a
great example for all of us to live by.
We’d like to thank everyone who stopped by today; it was a great time and a great way to show our thanks to Keith for his service to our community.
Thank you Keith, for all you have done to protect and serve American Township and surrounding areas! We wish you well and hope you enjoy your retirement. You deserve it!
- Photos courtesy of American Township FD Continued on next page.
Following the recent retirement announcement of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki, the NFFF and FRCE Board of Directors began a nationwide search for a replacement. Utilizing the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington DC-based executive search firm specializing in non-profit work, the Board-established search committee has selected NFFF Managing Director Victor Stagnaro to lead the organization after Chief Siarnicki finishes his term in December of 2023.
Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff in 2010 and serves as the Managing Director, overseeing NFFF’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management. Prior to that, he served for 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations in early 2010. His involvement with the Foundation dates back to 1998, when he served as the Incident Commander for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for several years; he also served as a member of the initial Ne w York Response Team on 9/11 for the Foundation.
“We are delighted to have Victor take the reins of our organization as he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the mission of both the NFFF and FRCE since joining our team. It was an exhaustive process, and he clearly exhibited the capabilities to take over this leadership role. We look forward to what he will do to move both organizations forward,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.
“I have known Victor back to the days when he served with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and his level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been his mainstay in all that he has been involved with. I know he will take the FRCE to new levels as it continues to service our Public Safety Partners,” said Chief Ernie Mitchell, Chairman of the FRCE Board of Directors.
Recently, the Whitehouse Fire Department welcomed its new Fire Chief, Jason Francis. Chief Hartbarger is moving “uptown” to Village Hall and assuming his new role as the Chief Operating Officer for the Village of Whitehouse. Chief Francis was sworn in by Mayor Atkinson and Chief Hartbarger took his last ride home in Truck 85.
Under Chief Hartbarger’s leadership, the fire department has expanded its Advanced Life Support Services, increased full-tim e staffing, and expanded operations into a Co-Op with the City of Waterville Fire Department. We look forward to seeing continued forward progress and improvement in our department and operations under the leadership of Chief Francis.
- Photos courtesy of Whitehouse FD
Recently, Concord Township Fire Department received a grant from Firehouse Subs-Sawmill Place. The grant provided the opportunity to update department rescue tools to newerbattery powered tools. The new tools give increased mobility on the rescue scene.
Also providing us with tools to preform rescues on newer, stronger vehicles. Thanks to Firehouse Subs forthe grant.
- Photos courtesy of Concord Township FD