Fire News Ohio, August/September 2023

In this issue...

Linden Street

House Fire

Firefighters from Lima and Shawnee Township operated at a working house fire on Linden Street .

See story on page 8

Township Road

Barn Fire

On June 13, 2023, East Holmes Fire and EMS was dispatched to a barn fire on Township Road.

See story on page 9

Fulton Road

House Fire

Firefighters from the Shawnee operated at a residential structure fire in the 1000 block of Fulton Road.

See story on page 11

Fireboats Coming and Going

The Cleveland Fire Department held its “Changing of the Fireboats” ceremony recently..

See story on page 19

American Twp.’s Keith Brickner Calls it a Career

The American Twp. FD honored Keith Brickner, on his retirement.

See story on page 20

Obituaries

South Richland’s Hal Hanenkrath

Vermillion’s William John McCale

See story on page 26

AService for Ohio Firefighters and EMS Providers

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From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

It’s YourTurn; Are You Ready?

Many years ago, two senior members in my company looked at me as I walked into the ready room. I had the feeling they were up to something. As I sat down, one of the ex-chiefs leaned over and asked me if I was running for lieutenant. I looked at him and said no! By the time I finished my coffee, I was a candidate for my company elections. Was I ready to do the job? I really couldn’t say. The short version of my story is that over the next few weeks, the senior members tested me at county drills and company drills. I must have past their secret criteria because I was elected to the position of lieutenant in my company.

I am sure your company and department have rules and requirements for upcoming officers. My department has a list of requirements for upcoming officers. They are good requirements, but my experience has shown that there is more to being a good officer than having a few extra classes. If you were responsible for sanctioning a new officer, what would you require?

Can you communicate? I am not talking about transmitting on a radio. I am talking about speaking professionally to a homeowner

who has a question for you. Do you know how to speak with a member who isn’t doing their job? Even now, I see members who can’t tie a basic knot to tie up a hose line so it can be pulled to the roof. I see members who have difficulty starting saws, using a rabbit tool or even talking on the radio to relay messages to their officer. When you are an officer, you set the example for others to follow. Yes, unfortunately you must know everything that you expect your members to do. For the experienced officers; how many of you have ever wanted to rip a tool out of the hands of an individual who had no idea what they were doing? Many of us have been there. Agood officer has patience and knows how to instruct and motivate their members to learn the proper techniques when using tools and how to train to stay fluent with its operation.

Most new officers I have seen are good firefighters. However, as an officer, your job changes and now you are responsible for the safety of your crew as well as making sure they are doing a specific job correctly. Now that you are an officer, you are responsible for keeping company records. You now must learn to docu-

ment training records, tool maintenance records, along with other computer and writing skills. When PESH visits a department, they ask for your documentation and records. Give this some thought.

My advice to new officers is to ask for guidance from the people whose footsteps you are following. Good luck to our upcoming officers. Riding the front seat is not as easy as it looks, especially when you pull up on a working fire with occupants within. Are you ready for the job? Only you can answer this question.

- Dennis

Cover Story

The East Holmes Fire Department crews responded mutual aid with Holmes Fire District 1 fora residential fire recently. Crews assisted with fire attack and also assisted with venting the

roof. Crews were on scene fortwo hours. No serious injuries were reported.

Structure Fire on CR 32

Chesapeake Union Township firefighters operated at a recent structure fire on County Road 32.

- Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS

- Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Union Township FD

2 Fires in 12 hours in Warren

On June 22, 2023, at approximately 1020, the Warren Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 200 block of Atlantic Street NW. Units arrived to light smoke showing from the front and fire showing in the back of the building. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent furtherdamage to the house. Crews operated foran hour. There were no injuries reported and the fire was ruled accidental due to an electrical problem. Afew minutes after2300, the fire department received a call fora possible structure fire in the 1400 block of Edgewood NE. Engine 5, located one block away, reported fire showing from the front of the house. The Engine 5 crew made a quick interiorattack and the fire was undercontrol in a few minutes. Crews were able to locate and rescue two dogs from the house. There were no injuries reported and the fire was underinvestigation.

- Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204

Fire Alarm = Active Fire

Gorham Fayette Fire Department Station 300 responded to a fire alarm that turned into an active fire. Thank you to the quick response of ourmembers along with the assistance of Archbold and Morenci departments.

- Photo courtesy of Gorham Fayette FD

Quick Stop by Sylvania

Excellent work by Sylvania Fire crews recently, making a quick stop on a well involved house fire. Sylvania was aided by Springfield Township and Richfield Township crews. All occupants were safely out and two pets were rescued from the structure.

- Submitted by Vicky Loeffler, Sylvania Fire-EMS

Linden Street House Fire

Firefighters from Lima and Shawnee Township Fire Departments operated at a working house fire on Linden Street recently.

- Fire News photos by Richard Parrish

Township Road Barn Fire

East Holmes Fire and EMS was dispatched to a barn fire on Township Road 604 on June 13, 2023, at 1235. On arrival, crews found a 50- x 140-foot barn fully engulfed in fire. The contents of the barn included approximately 300 large hay bales, a tractorand othermiscellaneous items. There were no animals in the barn and

no injuries reported. The cause of the fire was being investiga ted. Mutual aid came from Holmes Fire District 1, Prairie Township, South Central Fire and Winesburg Fire.

- Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS

Fire Then MVA forWarren

On June 24, 2023, at approximately 0035, the Warren Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the area of Maple Street SWand Tod Avenue SW. Units arrived to heavy fire from the rearof the building. As crews were attacking the fire, a search of the house was conducted. 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 SWand Palmyra Road SW. Warren fire crews operated on scene forapproximately 30 minutes before returning to service.

- Photo courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Union Local 204

Solida Road 2-CarMVA

Fayette Township crews operated at the scene of a two-vehicle MVAat the intersection of County Road 18 (Solida Road) and County Road 144 (Charlie Creek). Traffic was restricted to one lane due to the incident.

- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Lima 2-Car MVA

Crews responded to a two-carMVAat the intersection of Jameson and Market Streets, recently in Lima.

- Fire News photo by Richard Parrish

2 Injured in Elida Rd. MVA

The American Township Fire Department responded to a single-vehicle MVA involving a small SUVstriking a guard rail nearU-Haul in the 1800 block of Elida Road. Crews transported two females with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries to Mercy Health St. Rita’s. They were assisted on scene by the Allen County SO, Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, ODOT, and B & L Recovery. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation.

- Photo courtesy of American Township FD

Fulton Road House Fire

Firefighters from the Shawnee Township Fire Department operated at a residential structure fire recently in the 1000 block of Fulton Road.

- Fire News photos by Richard Parish

Sardis Handles

TankerRollover

Patches

Members from Sardis VolunteerFire Department, in Monroe County, operated at a recent tankerrollover.

- Submitted by Ezria Miller

- Photo courtesy of Glendale

Training Rural WaterSupply Training

The Richfield Fire Department held a joint training event cover ing rural watersupply. Members from Hinckley, Richfield, Granger Township and Bath Township took part in the training covering pump operations and using the tankertrucks to haul waterfrom a

watersource when hydrants are not available. The drop tanks you see each hold 2000 gallons of water. Thank you, Richfield forinviting us to this informative and educational training.

- Photos courtesy of Hinckley FD

Whitehouse Scouts TheirTerritory

Whitehouse crews spent the morning reviewing building construction, features, fire alarm systems, and more. Thank you to ourlocal businesses allowing us to walk through and learn more about these buildings … just in case!

- Photos courtesy of Whitehouse FD

Training Green-Perryville PIN Removal Training

Thank You, Chad Marcino

times each yearto supply us with vehicles that we can tearapart with ourhydraulic tools. And no matterthe weather, the day, or how busy he is, Chad ALWAYS comes through! So, Chad

Recently, members of the Green Perrysville Joint Fire District drilled on different methods forextricating victims pinned under

a vehicle utilizing one of theirATVs.

- Photos courtesy of Green Perrysville Joint Fire District

This may look like a line of wrecked cars but it’s more than that. It’s actually a display of the unlimited support that ourfire department receives from Chad Marcino. Between ourtraining academy and ourown fire department training sessions, we ask Chad fourorfive

Marcino, thanks again!

- Photos courtesy of Wintersville FD

Past and Current Members Dinner

The Gorham Fayette Fire Department recently held the irpast and current members dinner. Thank to all who were able to attend and we missed all that couldn’t. Congrats to Matt and Brad on your

promotion! Thank you to all that helped with food and helped served it!

- Photos courtesy of Gorham Fayette FD

Fireboats Coming and Going

The Cleveland Fire Department held its Changing of the Fireboats at the Collision Bend Brewing Company recently. The Anthony J. Celebrezze was decommissioned, and the Garrett A. Morgan com-

missioned. Thanks to all who came to the ceremony, especially the Celebrezze and Morgan families.

- Photos courtesy of Cleveland FD

Women’s Weekend in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Fire Department had an awesome time at its Women’s Weekend. Certified firefighters participated in high speed, live fire evolutions, and women with questions about the fire service had a chance to see what the job was like. Many thanks to event organizerLieutenant Alexis Mundy, and herteam of firefighters forleading the way. Thanks also to Atlantic Emergency Solutions and Bullard Emergency Responderfor theirsupport. - Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati FD

Glendale’s Touch-A-Truck a Hit

Glendale Fire Department members recently attended the City of Sharonville’s Touch-a-Truck event. We had a great time teaching the community about ourrig and equipment! Thanks forthe invitation!

- Photo courtesy of Glendale FD

American Twp.’s Keith BricknerCalls it a Career

Recently, the 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 a nd positions including Firefighter, Advanced EMT, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, F ire Inspector and Zoning Inspector.

Keith has made a hugely positive impact, dedication and hard wo rk 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, 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!

- Photo courtesy of American Township FD

Cincinnati Fire Cadets

Cincinnati Fire Department’s newest fire cadets are off to a great start forthe summersession. The fun has just started and we are changing lives every second. The first week is complete and we look

forward to sharing more love and knowledge to each one of these future leaders of America.

- Photos courtesy Cincinnati FD

Fayette Boot Drive

Fayette Township firefighters went out to the local Walmart/Sam’s parking lot taking donations forthe Firefighters Association, a state and federally registered 501c3 charitable organization that supports both ourfirefighters and ourcommunity members through community events and fundraisers. This boot drive served as a general funding opportunity to support company operations.

- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Fayette Twp. Rescue Wins Award

The Fayette Township Fire Department is thrilled to announce that its incredible Rescue 1 has been awarded the title of “Best Rescue Fire Apparatus” at the Charleston Steernwheel. The department is immensely proud of theirdedicated team and theirunwavering commitment to protecting ourcommunity. This recognition is a testament to theirhard work, expertise, and cutting-edge technology. Thanks to everyone who has supported them on this journey. Together, we will continue to serve and safeguard the community with utmost dedication and excellence.

- Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Looking Back Gorham Fayette Fire Department 1950s

Firefighters from the Gorham Fayette Fire Department line up fora photo outside the firehouse in the 1950s.

- Photo courtesy of Gorham Fayette FD

Portage Mother’s Day Drive-Thru

On May 14, 2023, the Portage Fire District Firefighters Association held a Mother’s Day Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ at theirstation on West WaterStreet. The event was a success! Thanks to all who supported!

- Photos courtesy of Portage Fire District

South Richland’s Hal Hanenkrath

We regret to announce that Fire Chief Hal Matthew ‘Matt’Hanenkr ath of the South Richland Fire Department died in the Line of Duty due to a card iac event. He was 40years old. Chief Hanenkrath was on a fire scene and started experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain. He was immediately treated, and then tak en to the hospital where he passed.

Matt is survived by his loving wife Ashley of Ayersville, his children, Haleigh, Brynn and Bentley Hanenkrath, his mother Lori Hanenkrath of Ayersvill e, two brothers, Joshua Hanenkrath of Ayersville and Kurt (Jayde) Hanenkrath of Defiance, and seven nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to a Trust Fund for the children, c/o Ashley Hanenkrath.

Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in peace., Matt. - Fire News photos provided

Vermillion’s William John McCale

On June 10, 2023, Firefighter-Medical First Responder William John McCale, 50, of the Vermillion Township Fire and Rescue Department passed away. He was attending training and pulled a five-inch hose from the hose bed to connect to the intake. He was found by a fellow firefighter at the pump panel. Medics immediately assisted McCale to the back of the ambulance. He was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released on June 8, 2023.

On June 10, 2023, Firefighter/Medical First Responder McCale was discovered in his backyard on the ground by his wife. He was immediately trans-

ported back to Mercy Regional Medical Center where he passed away later from an apparent heart attack.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Stephanie (nee Stafford) McCale of Vermilion; daughter, Isabelle ‘Izzy’McCale of Columbus; son, Tyler McCale at home; mother, Jeanne Marie (nee Kissel) McCale of Vermilion; sister, Colleen (Charlie Grisel) McCale of Vermilion; brother, Gregory (Suzie) McCale of Grove City; and several nephews. Memorial contributions tmay be sent to the Vermilion Township Fire Department, 1907 State Road, Vermilion, OH 44089 - Fire News photo provided

THEYSAVED NEWYORK

Glenn Usdin is a professional photographer and a firefighter for over 40 years who has been photographing fires and firefighters in NYC since the mid 1970s. Dan Potter is a retired FDNYfirefighter with the ability to tell the stories that bring the reader right into the firehouse or on the fireground. Together, Usdin and Potter conceived, photographed and told the stories that captures a wide range of firefighters in They Saved New York.

In the late 1960s, through the 1980s, the New York Fire Department experienced a historic rapid amount of fire duty. The firefighters who worked those years saw more actual fires in a week than most firefighters across the country saw in a year. Usdin felt strongly that these firefighter’s legacies needed to be preserved and honored in a unique way. That was the inspiration for the project that became They Saved New York.

Dan Potter spent hundreds of hours interviewing featured firefighters and then crafted their stories for the book with his deft writing style. Usdin captured evocative portraits of each of them, as well as hundreds of action photos he shot at fire scenes over 40 plus years. The result is a large format photo documentary that honors the profession as well as the featured individuals.

Aportion of the proceeds from this book will support four foundations that serve the needs of retired and current firefighters.

You may find out more about those foundations and the book here: www.TheySavedNY.com

FIREHOUSE EXPO PREVIEW

Schedule Change forFirst Day

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.

is about people who head into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.