VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 1, NO. 5
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020
Story on page 13. - Submitted by South River FD
First Responders Across Smyth County are Mourning the Loss of a Fallen Brother See story on page 8.
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 3
In this issue... Large Fire in Norfolk Extends Norfolk Fire Rescue units responded to a large fire in the 8100 block of Ridgefield Drive. See story on page 8
Recycling Fire in Stanley The Stanley Fire Department responded for a fire at the Shenandoah Waste Service Facility. See story on page 10
Vacant Farm House Goes On July 26, 2020, the Woodstock Fire Department assisted Mt. Jackson Rescue and Fire with a structure fire. See story on page 12
Hard Time on Hard Times Crews responded to a rollover of a garbage truck on Hard Times Road in Prince Edward County. See story on page 21
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Horse Down in Fauguier Co. On June 5, 2020 a vet requested assistance with a 38 year-old Irish WB gelding who had fallen. See story on page 22
Stanley Fire Department Sisterhood The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department has a sister trio in the department. See story on page 32
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Page 4, Fire News, October/November 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Give a Thought to 2020 Fire Prevention It is that time of the year, when fire departments reach out to their community and schools to educate everyone about Fire Prevention. Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observation of Fire Prevention week. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. According to the NFPA, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. For 2020, the NFPA has chosen, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” as the campaign for 2020. According to the NFPA, cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. As first responders, it is our job to educate our community about fire safety. The question is, how are you going to do this keeping the rules and practices for Covid-19 safety? I recently asked my Chief of Department what our plans were for dealing with our Fire
Prevention Program during Covid? Together, we discussed numerous ideas and ways to initiate a modified Fire Safety Program. I will share my thoughts with you. For 35 years, I was an industrial arts/technology teacher in Nassau County, Long Island. Every year, one of the Nassau County Fire Marshals came to our school to speak with the students. The program was simple. He held an interactive discussion with the students at each grade level. Using an overhead projector, he challenged the students with tough, provoking question on what to do if a fire broke out in their home. To this day, I remember the incredible conversations the students had with Fire Marshal Andy Steinmuller. What Andy didn’t realize was that the teachers walked away learning that fire prevention is something of which even adults must be aware. So, how are we going to handle Fire Prevention Awareness in 2020? I came up with an idea that might be an answer to the problem. Here is my plan for 2020; to avoid large crowds coming to the firehouse for our fire safety program, my department is planning on using the props that we use during our community program to create a video that reinforces the theme of Fire Safety in the Kitchen. Once the video is
made, we will notify our community and local schools to visit our website, where there will be a link to the video that can be shared with the students and community. I feel confident that next year, our community will be back to visiting the firehouse to learn about fire prevention. In the meantime, visit www.nfpa.org/PublicEducation /Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-PreventionWeek/About, to learn more about the NFPA’s program ideas. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Wind-Fueled Blaze in Norfolk
Recently crews from Norfolk Fire Rescue’s C Shift, 1st Battalion, went to work at a wind-fueled blaze in a residential structure located in the Campostella section of the city. Battalion 1; Engines 1, 10, and 8; Ladder 10; Rescue 1; Medic 1; and Chesapeake Engine 1 responded. Heavy flames and smoke were visible on arrival. Thankfully, nobody was home and there were no injuries. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Randolph, Cumberland Handle House Fire Dispatch was contacted at about 0550 on August 19, 2020, for a blitz fire, and two attack lines, quickly getting the fire under conhouse fully involved on Perkins Lane in Cumberland County. Two trol. Two tankers from Randolph and two from Cumberland Randolph Fire Department units were at the fire scene in three min- brought in enough water to keep a constant flow going. utes. Everyone was out of the house. Crews battled the fire with a - Submitted by Dan Pempel
Kind of a Car Fire on US 340 On August 13, 2020, at 1141, the Stanley Fire Department responded to a car fire located in the recycling area of Shenandoah Waste Services on US Highway 340 Business West. Three units and 12 members responded, along with one Page County EMS unit. - Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 7
Page 8, Fire News, October/November 2020
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First Responders Across Smyth County are Mourning the Loss of a Fallen Brother Adwolfe volunteer firefighter Charles ‘Dog’ Woods died the morning of September 23, 2020, while helping battle flames at a house fire. Woods, 58, is believed to have gone into cardiac arrest. Adwolfe Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Charlie Moser said the department, along with Marion Fire and EMS, responded to a heavily involved structure fire on North Overlook Drive just after 0200. At around 0330, Woods was waiting in a freshly filled tanker to help douse the flames with another load of water, when he is believed to have gone into cardiac arrest brought
on by overexertion, Moser said. A Marion native and Adwolfe resident, Woods began his stint as a volunteer firefighter 34 years ago in 1986 when he joined the department. Later, he became an EMT. During his time with the Life Saving Crew, Woods had an impact on more than just the individuals whose lives he saved. Charles ‘Dog’ Woods will be missed not only by his family, friends and fellow firefighters, but also by the community he served so proudly. - Fire News photo provided
Large Fire in Norfolk Extends
Norfolk Fire Rescue units responded to a large fire recently in the 8100 block of Ridgefield Drive. Engines 16, 14, 13 and 9; Rescue 2; Ladder 14; Medics 13 and 16; Battalions 2, 3 and 8; and Car 4 all responded. Heavy fire, intense heat and thick black smoke ripped
through a detached garage and quickly advanced into the attic of the home. The Norfolk Fire Marshall’s Office responded and was investigating the cause of the blaze. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
MVA Fully Involved Fort Lee Engine 1, Medic 2 and Engine 2 assisted Prince George Fire and EMS with an MVC with possible injuries recently. The vehicle was fully involved upon units arrival. - Photo courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Page 10, Fire News, October/November 2020
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South River Vehicle Fire On July 17, 2020, South River fire crews extinguished a vehicle fire. - Submitted by South River FD
Fairfax Recycling Fire Townhouse Fire in Stanley
Recently, Fairfax crews responded to a townhouse deck fire in the 8000 block of Gatehouse Road in Merrifield area. Crews quickly stopped the fire from spreading into attic. Fire investigators responded to the scene to determine cause. No injuries were reported. - Photo Courtesy of Fairfax County Fire-Rescue
Stanley Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported that the Stanley Fire Department responded for a fire at the Shenandoah Waste Service Facility on US Hwy 340 Business West. Chief Pettit and firefighters arrived to several large piles of recycled material on fire and threatening a nearby building, along with power lines. Firefighters were able to keep the building from burning and Shenandoah Valley Electric Coop shut the power off. A hose line was stretched to the Shenandoah River about 2500 feet away, requiring the shutdown of US Hwy 340 for about three hours. The fire started in a vehicle that was being crushed and quickly spread into a pile of material nearby. Six units and 31 firefighters responded to the call and were on the scene for nearly four hours. Mutual aid came from Shenandoah, along with a foam unit from Merck. Units from Stanley Rescue and Page County EMS also responded. - Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit
Page 12, Fire News, October/November 2020
Vacant Farm House Goes
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On July 26, 2020, the Woodstock Fire Department assisted Mt. Jackson Rescue and Fire with a structure fire in the Hawkinstown area of the county. An unoccupied farm house had been discovered fully involved. Defensive operations prevented the spread to surrounding structures. WFD’s Truck and Wagon 12 responded and operated for approximately three hours. High temperatures made operations difficult and several firefighters suffered from heat related illnesses. - Submitted by Zach Hottel
Charters Bluff Trail Fire
Recently, fire units responded to the report of a house fire in the 14500 block of Charters Bluff Trail. Engine Company 16 stretched a handline to the attic and got a quick knockdown on the fire, limiting its spread to the rest of the residence. Medic 16 was assigned RIC, Engine 20 assisted with exterior operations, while Engines 4 and 24 assisted on the interior. Battalion 3 assisted on the Alphaside with command while Battalion 4 was assisting on the Charlie side. The following responded: Engine 16, Engine 24, Engine 20, Engine 4, Truck 7, Battalion 3 and 4, Shift Commander, Medic 16, Ambulance 45 and TSO. - Fire News photo by Christian Davies
Norfolk Structure Fire
Recently, units responded for a reported structure fire in the 2700 block of Lafayette Boulevard in Norfolk. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation at this time. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 13
Cover Story
South River Handles Car Fire
South River firefighters made quick work of a vehicle fire on July 1, 2020. - Submitted by South River FD
Page 14, Fire News, October/November 2020
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New Kent House Fire
Apartment Fire Stopped
New Kent Fire and Rescue, along with Henrico Fire, responded for a house fire on the 5900 block of Wesleydale Drive. The fire was reported to be on the back porch. Henrico Fire also responded to assist New Kent Fire crews but were cut loose shortly after. Assignment: E501, E503, E502, SQ502, SQ503, M504, BC501, C500, E303, EMS302 and R318. - Fire News photo by Christian Davies
At 0037 on August 30, 2020, units from Stations 3 (Cave Spring), 7 (Clearbrook) and 11 (Back Creek) responded for the report of a commercial structure fire in the 3500 block of Sunchase Lane in the Sunscape Apartments. Crews arrived to smoke and flames. One person was injured while attempting to gain access to a fire extinguisher. That patient was treated on scene and refused transport. The fire was marked under control in approximately 22 minutes. The fire appears to have started on an outdoor balcony. Most of the fire damage was contained to the exterior of the structure. - Submitted by Brian Clingenpeel
Barn Destroyed in Conicville A crew from Woodstock Fire Department’s Truck 12 operated at the scene of a barn fire in Conicville Fire Department’s first-due area. The barn was completely destroyed and there were no reported injuries. - Submitted by Zach Hottel
Investigators Seek Public’s Help in Two Fires at Same House
Lightning Strike House Fire Chesterfield Fire Department Engines 16, 24, 20 and 4; Truck 7; Battalions 3 and 4; the shift commander, Medic 16; Ambulance 45; and TSO were on scene of a structure fire in Chesterfield in 14500 block of Charters Bluff Trail on August 2, 2020, at 1700. The house was struck by lighting and the third floor caught fire. No one was injured and everyone had evacuated the house. There was one cat rescued by fire units. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn
Firefighters Respond to Residential Fire Fire investigators are asking for the public's help gathering information regarding two fires that occurred at the same house, one on July 28, 2020, and the other August 29, 2020, in the 2900 block of Dunbar Street in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County. On July 28, at approximately 0211, units responded to the same address for a fire. A neighbor observed fire coming from a window and called 911. On August 29, at approximately 0746, units responded to the same address for a house fire. Units arrived on the scene of a vacant single-story, single-family home with light smoke showing from
the roof area. Crews located a smoldering fire involving two mattresses and quickly extinguished it. Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to contact Lieutenant Michael Adams with the Office of the Fire Marshal at 571-221-1031 or Michael.adams2@fairfaxcounty .gov. Additionally, anyone in the area who may have home security video footage from between 1200 and 0230 on July 28, and 0530 and 0930 on August 29, is asked to contact Lieutenant Adams. You may remain anonymous. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Fire-Rescue Fire-Rescue
Suffolk Fire & Rescue units responded on July 30, 2020, to a residential structure fire in the 3000 block of Woodlawn Drive. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0921, and the first unit arrived in the Idlewood neighborhood at 0928. Battalion Chief Demitri Wilson advised that first-arriving fire units found light smoke showing from an electrical panel in the single-story residence. The fire was out upon arrival and damage was isolated to the electrical panel in the garage. Two adults were displaced. There were no injuries. Responding units included Battalion 1, Engines 6, 26, and 1, Ladder 6, Medic 6, Rescue 1, EMS1, Safety 1, and Tankers 1 and 7. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Page 16, Fire News, October/November 2020
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2 Entrapped at Norfolk 3-Car MVA
Norfolk Fire-Rescue responded to a major MVC involving three vehicles. Two patients were trapped in a car for an extended time. Multiple agencies worked together to safely extricate the two victims. Units involved came from Virginia Beach Fire, Virginia Beach Police, Norfolk Police Department, Dominion Energy, trauma surgeons from Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, and Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Entrapment on Red Hill Rd. South River crews responded to a single-vehicle crash with entrapment on July 31, 2020, on Red Hill Road in Fairfield in Rockbridge County. The vehicle left the roadway and ran through a board fence. Parts of the fence became lodged in the vehicle causing injury to, and entrapment of, the passenger. South River Engine 74 and Response 73 worked and extricated the patient within 20 minutes, who was transported by Fairfield Rescue Squad career staff. - Submitted by South River FD
Another Nice Commute … Not On September 11, 2020, Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to a single-vehicle accident in the 3400 block of Holland Road/Route 58 involving an overturned tractor trailer. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0611 advising of the accident. There were no injuries. Suffolk Police remained on scene alternating traffic between Lummis Road and Manning Bridge Road. Traffic was impacted due to the load of flooring being partially lost. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Rollover in Stanley Stanley Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported that the Stanley Fire Department was called for a single-vehicle accident with entrapment. The accident occurred on June 22, at 1036. The driver —the only occupant — drove too close to the edge of a culvert and slid off the road, flipping upside down. It took firefighters around 10 minutes to cut her out by removing the passenger side door; the woman suffered minor injuries. Fire units and 14 firefighters from Stanley responded, along with a Page County EMS, the Stanley Police Department and Page County Sheriff’s Department. - Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit
Page 20, Fire News, October/November 2020
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I-81 Single-Car Crash
On August 31, 2020, South River Volunteer Fire Department and Fairfield Rescue Squad (career staff) were dispatched for a single-vehicle crash at the 197 milemarker on Interstate 81. South River Engine 74 arrived with in four minutes and found no injuries. One lane of the interstate was shut down for about 45 minutes. - Submitted by South River FD
2 Car MVA Injures 2 On September 3, 2020, at 1530, units from Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Station 9 (Fort Lewis) responded for a two-vehicle crash, with one pickup on its top and a patient entrapped. Two patients were transported, one with life-threatening injuries and one with non-life-threatening injuries. Salem Fire and EMS also assisted. - Submitted by Brian Clingenpeel
RMA at Chesterfield Overturn On August 13, 2020, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 1100 block of Midlothian Turnpike for an MVA. The call came in around 1552. Engine 5 arrived to find a vehicle on its roof. Engine 5 got the patient out of the vehicle and Medic 20 assessed her. She had no life-threatening injuries and refused transport. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn
Chesterfield MVA with Overturn Chesterfield Fire Battalion 4, Engine 2 and Ambulance 4 responded for an MVA with overturn on July 27, 2020, around 1305, at North Woolridge Road and Charter Colony Parkway. Chesterfield Police shut down the road for the towing company to upright the vehicle. One person was transported to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 21
Hard Time on Hard Times
Crews responded to a rollover of a garbage truck on Hard Times Road in Prince Edward County on the morning of August 29, 2020. Hampden Sydney Fire Department was alerted and Farmville was
requested for their HazMat trailer, due to a large spill of fuel and other liquids in the roadway. - Submitted by Dan Pempel
Page 22, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Horse Down in Fauquier Co.
On June 5, 2020, at 1018, a vet requested assistance with a 38-yearold Irish WB gelding who had fallen in a barn in the Warrenton/Orlean area of Fauquier County. ‘Dylan’ had fallen in the main barn entrance and could not regain his footing to stand. He had worn himself out and everything had been tried. The vet had examined him and found nothing else wrong with him. He had been down for about an hour or so and he was being moved side to side to reduce the chances of losing blood flow in both of his legs. The Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team
was activated and units found Dylan resting on the floor. Crews called for assistance from the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company for additional manpower. While mutual aid units were en route, crews applied head protection and developed a plan with the vet to move the horse out and lift him. Crews decided to let him try one more time and, true to form, once rested he tried to lift himself up. He just could not get up on his rear legs. Once Warrenton arrived, Dylan was sedated and crews used straps to pull Dylan onto the rescue glide. Crews then pulled the glide around so that the tractor could position behind him. The Becker sling was attached and he was lifted to a standing position. Crews slowly lowered him back down in small increments as the sedation wore off, and Dylan stood on his own as members removed his “party hat” (the head protection). He could not wait to go munch on some grass! - Photos courtesy of The Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team
No One Can Teach … Standing?... So Well as a Horse* On August 6, 2020, at 1400, Little Fork’s Volunteer Technical Large Charlotte tolerated placing the first strap on her. However, placeAnimal Rescue Team was dispatched to assist ‘Charlotte’ a 20-plus- ment of the second strap caused her some duress and she began to try to get up. She actually sat up in a year-old Quarterhorse. Charlotte tripod position leaning against the lives very close to Little Fork’s stafence. Crews stopped the operations tion. She slipped and fell on an incline to see how she was going to react and and found herself with her back the vet set up a sedative for her. As in against a fence. A vet was on scene typical horse fashion, (where you and had examined her before the call never know what they are going to for assistance. It was determined that do), Charlotte was smart enough to if crews could relocate her away from use the fence as a brace and got up on the fence and off the incline she could her own. Equine 9 and Chief 9 probably get up on her own. Units responded to this call, as did performed the usual size up and Ambulance 9-1. - Photo courtesy of decided on a simple plan. A tool stagThe Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team ing area was established and the team went to work. Head protec*With apologies to C.S. Lewis tion was applied and then the crew began to place straps under her.
The Dangers of Working an Entrapment On August 22, 2020, Chesterfield units were dispatched to an MVC at the intersection of Hull and Courthouse Roads. While Engine 2 was en route, Chesterfield police advised that a victim was trapped. Multiple units were assigned to the incident due to heavy entrapment. Crews extricated the victim. A police vehicle was struck by another vehicle while on scene operating. Multiple patients were transported to a local hospital for injuries. Crews secured all involved vehicles, and handled all fluids and debris in the roadway. - Fire News photo by Christian Davies
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Suffolk Fire & Rescue and Police Respond for Industrial Accident
On August 29, 2020, Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Suffolk Police responded to the scene of an industrial accident which occurred in the 2000 block of Northgate Commerce Parkway on August 29, 2020. Emergency Dispatch was notified of the incident at approximately 1413. Emergency crews confirmed there were two deceased victims. Suffolk Fire and Rescue, along with Chesapeake and Virginia Beach Technical Rescue Teams, completed the primary search of the scene with no additional victims located. All other workers at the job site were accounted for and no additional injuries were reported. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
Multiple Homes Damaged by Storm Across Suffolk. King’s Fork Emergency Shelter Opened On August 4, 2020, Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue worked multiple incidents involving downed trees on residences and across roadways across much of Suffolk. Emergency Communications was notified at 0344, that a possible tornado had touched down in the 100 block of Saratoga Street in the Downtown Suffolk area. Fire Station 1, located at Market Street, sustained damage including broken windows and power lines down. A residence at Cedar Street sustained damage when a tree fell on the residence, displacing 12 individuals, including two juveniles. Multiple residences in the Riverview neighborhood sustained damage from downed trees, including a tree across a residence on Dumville Avenue. Trees also fell on residences in the 300 block of West Constance Road and the 500 block of County Street. Public Works crews worked multiple locations for trees down across the roadway, including the 1400 block of Carolina Road and Route 58 eastbound at the Regional Landfill. A business on Saratoga Street, Knight Financial, also sustained heavy damage. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 23
Page 24, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Up Close & Personal
Chesterfield firefighters after a recent working structure fire. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn
Firefighters from the Hampden-Sydney and Farmville at an August 29, 2020, rollover. - Submitted by Dan Pempel
Fort Lee firefighters gather for a group photo after a recent training in Blackstone. - Photo courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Members of the Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team. - Photo courtesy of The Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team
Chesterfield Fire and EMS responding to a structure fire on at the AOC Metals warehouse on September 2, 2020. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn
Firefighters from the Chesterfield Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Christian Davies
A Chesterfield Fire Department firefighter at a structure fire caused by a lightning strike on August 2, 2020. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn Firefighters from Norfolk Fire Rescue. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Page 26, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Focusing on Teamwork in Hanover
Recently, Hanover County recruits have been sharpening their forcible entry, fire attack and search/rescue skills during live-fire evolutions. Their biggest focus, however; has been working together as one team. Well done recruits! Keep up the good work. - Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire-EMS Dept.
Beating the Heat
Recently, Norfolk Fire Rescue Station 10 B waited until sunset to conduct training. They were able to beat the heat, and train on water supply, master streams and apparatus positioning. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Pumper Driver Training
On multiple dates, crews attended the Rockbridge County Driver Pumper Operator class drafting operations, relay operations and more. - Photos submitted by South River FD
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 27
We’ve Been Working on the Railroad
Recently, Fairfax County Station 26, Edsall Road, C-Shift practiced lifting and stabilizing rail cars at the WMATA West Falls Church Rail Yard. Captain (ret.) Konczal provided expert instruction. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax Fire-Rescue
Rockbridge County Career Staff Training on VEIS - Submitted by South River FD
Page 28, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Fort Lee Live Fire Training at Blackstone
On June 17 and 18, 2020, Fort Lee firefighters participated in two days of live fire training in Blackstone. Crews had to display proficiency in using hand tools, ladders, using search and rescue skills and working in the Incident Command System. This event was also Master Firefighter evaluations for three of the members. To become a Master Firefighter the individual must display mastery in structural firefighting, hazardous materials response, emergency medical response and technical rescue. Special thanks to the Blackstone Fire Department for the use of their facility. - Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Compressed Gas Fire Training
Recently the Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services had the opportunity to assist with a training evolution, along with the Dominion Power Safety and the Emergency Response Training Team, at the
Prince George County Basic Fire Academy. Crews drilled on extinguisher training and compressed gas fires. - Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 29
Forcible Entry & Breach Training
Recently, Fort Lee Fire and Jefferson Park Volunteer Fire Department trained together on forcible entry and breaching train-
ing on an acquired building. - Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Page 30, Fire News, October/November 2020
It’s a Family Affair
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On July 10, 2020, at the graduation of Roanoke Valley Regional Recruit School 26, Battalion Chief Craig Robertson got to pin the badge on his son, Cody Robertson, who is now also employed at Roanoke County Fire and Rescue. The fire service really is a family affair! - Submitted by Brian Clingenpeel
Henrico Goes Back to Red Henrico Fire Engine 306 and Truck 306. The first station in their county to have a red engine and truck, after their switch from neon apparatus back to red. - Fire News photo by Christian Davies
Educating on Fire Safety Recently, members of Norfolk Engine 7-C were able to demonstrate some of their skills to a group of Boy Scouts-Larchmont. Education is the key to prevention when it comes to fire safety! - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 31
Stanley Gets a Wet Gift The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of canned drinking water donated from Anheuser-Busch through the National Volunteer Fire Council. Chief Pettit applied for the water and was awarded 294 cases. This water will serve as a vital source of hydration for our first responders. A big thank you to Virginia Eagle Distributing for taking the time to deliver the much-needed water to the station. (Left to right): EMS Officer Casey Burner, Virginia Eagle Sales Director Todd Michael and Chief Terry A. Pettit. - Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit
What’s in a Name?
On the afternoon of August 15, 2020, the B-shift hit 100,000 miles Beaulieu, Lieutenant Colin Bunn, and Firefighters/Medics Carter on Engine 401, fondly nicknamed “Tammy” by the crew. Tammy is Gryder and Jacob Wilkinson. Keep her safe, boys! - Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire-EMS Department a 2012 Spartan Gladiator that currently resides at Fire Station 1, Ashland. Posing with “Tammy” (left to right): Lieutenant Andy
SCBA Class Starts Volunteer Fire Academy 19-1, which is being conducted with Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS, started their unit on SCBA on August 29, 2020. - Submitted by Brian Clingenpeel
Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Chesapeake FD Begin Automatic Aid Program On September 2, 2020, Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the Chesapeake Fire Department announced the beginning of an automatic aid program between the two. This program is building on the successes of an existing automatic aid agreement between the Fire Departments of Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. Suffolk and Chesapeake have shared resources for years to cover bordering responses from Route 58 near the Hampton Roads Airport, to Churchland and Northern Suffolk areas. The automatic aid agreement will enhance the structure fire response and reduce response times to bor-
dering areas by having resources automatically dispatched without the delay caused when either department has to request resources. Predefined locations along the
Suffolk/Chesapeake border will trigger a response from both cities, thereby quickly placing critical resources on the scene of an emergency. Over the past year, firefighters from both departments participated in livefire training at the Virginia Beach Fire Training Center. During these evolutions, departments worked to streamline communication and fireground tactics in preparation for automatic aid responses. Fire administrators also identified call types, developed new dispatching practices, and shared policies to ensure firefighters have the tools needed to work as one team. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Page 32, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Stanley Fire Department Sisterhood
Sisters in the Stanley Fire Department, Heidi and Ariel Beales stand by in the department’s UTV. - Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit
The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department has a sister trio in the department, Two are firefighters and one is an auxiliary member. Heidi Beales is the oldest at 27 and joined the department in 2009 and was a member for several years before moving away. She moved back to Virginia and rejoined the department in July 2019. Ariel is 20-years old and joined the department in 2018. Younger sister Harmony, 18, joined the auxiliary in 2019. All three are very dedicated hard-working members.
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Fire News, October/November 2020, Page 33
SUTPHEN CORPORATION ANNOUNCES NEW SALES AND SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE IN VIRGINIA Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, announced the addition of Interstate Rescue as an official sales and service representative in Virginia. With Interstate Rescue’s ownership and entire employee workforce comprised of current or former firefighters, the team extends the Sutphen dealer network’s already expansive knowledge of the fire industry and firefighter needs. “With Interstate Rescue’s experience within the Virginia fire industry, we are excited to welcome them to our family of dealers,” said Sutphen director of sales and marketing, Zach Rudy. “Their eagerness and ambition are clear, and we cannot wait to see what they can bring to an already established area.” Located in Winchester, Virginia, Interstate Rescue will sell and service Sutphen apparatus throughout the commonwealth. “Sutphen’s established and well-known family atmosphere makes our two organizations the perfect fit,” said president of Interstate Rescue, Brian Gallamore. “Having formed in
2006, our organization has grown exponentially over the past 14 years, and we know this opportunity will enhance our growth and development.” The addition of Interstate Rescue alongside long-time Virginia dealer, Ron Garber, will ease the transition as Garber retires over the next two years. “Ron and our family have been in business together for many, many years,” said vice president of Sutphen Corporation, Dan Sutphen. “Ron worked to develop Virginia as a Sutphen territory. Our family appreciates his time and friendship, and we all wish him the best in his last two years as he nears retirement and beyond.” Fourth-generation president of family-owned Sutphen Corporation, Drew Sutphen, said that the blended transition between Garber and Interstate Rescue will create opportunities for Virginia fire departments. “Ron’s time with Sutphen has seen the growth and development of our business like few have seen first-hand,” said Sutphen. “We are excited to begin passing the torch and create another long-lasting relationship with Interstate Rescue. Their experience and
ambition will be of great success to both of our businesses.” For more information regarding Interstate Fire Rescue: https:// www.interstaterescue.com/team/. For more information regarding Sutphen as a company: https:// www.sutphen.com/. To see the breakdown of Sutphen’s entire dealer network: https://www.sutphen.com/locations.
KOCHEK AND AWG TEAM UP TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING VALVE QUALITY Kochek Company, LLC, has announced its new alliance with AWG Fittings, GmbH. The two companies have partnered to provide Kochek loose equipment dealers with the superior performance and reliability for which AWG valves are known throughout the industry. As Kochek’s primary supplier of several sizes of gate, ball, intake, hydrassist, manifold, Siamese, and pressure relief valves, AWG plays an important role in Kochek’s efforts to ensure the continued satisfaction of its dealers and customers. With every order, Kochek custom fits each valve to exacting specifications. Kochek President and CEO, George J.
Wessner, said of the relationship with AWG, “We’re thrilled to work with AWG to make this quality possible for our customers. They
rely on their Kochek equipment when it matters most, and our valve performance is something they can always count on in the
field.” Headquartered in Putnam, Connecticut, Kochek Company is a leading producer of water movement products for fire, water works, and irrigation markets throughout North America and abroad. In order to achieve its mission to manufacture and deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, Kochek follows the guiding principles of lean manufacturing. More information about Kochek and the company’s entire product line may be found at www.kochek.com. AWG Fittings is a unit of IDEX Corporation.
Page 34, Fire News, October/November 2020
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Stanley Gets Grant and New UTV
The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department recently participated at a superhero’s event held at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park on US Highway 211 East in Luray. Pictured is the departments new UTV and trailer that was purchased by US Rural Development Grant. - Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit
All Volunteer Harrison Rescue
The Harrisonburg Rescue Squad is a 100-percent volunteer organization. The squad has approximately 200 active members, and runs over 9,000 alarms a year. The Harrison Rescue Squad proudly serves Harrisonburg, and parts of Rockingham County. - Submitted by Bryan Goetz
Page 36, Fire News, October/November 2020
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