VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 2, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021
Story on page 12. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
Powhatan Live Burn Training Please see page 38.
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Barn Burns on Alum Springs Road On August 26, 2021, Little Fork crews were dispatched to a barn fire near Alum Springs Road. See story on page 8
Lightning Strike Damages Suffolk Home On August 22, 2021, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Springfield Terrace. See story on page 14
A Service for Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
Under-Renovation Duplex Fire Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services personnel responded to a house fire in the Jackson Circle neighborhood.
BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES
See story on page 23 COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Remembering September 11th
See storyies on pages 26-29
Lengthly Extrication on I-85 Company 7 (South Hill) was dispatched to an MVA on Interstate 85 at the 14 milemarker northbound. See story on page 34
Obituary Fairfax’ Kevin Weaver See story on page 41
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 30, 37 & 38 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 39 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 44 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 44 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 44 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 45
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Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: 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, October/November 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
It’s That Time Again! It is hard to believe that summer is over and as firefighters we have to once again give thought to educating our communities on the topic of fire prevention. I can still remember when my own kids ventured off to college. As a dad, I was truly happy to watch the enthusiasm that my two girls had when they left home to live on their own in a college dormitory. Another side of me was nervous. I am reminded of the fatal Seton Hall fire at Boland Hall, which claimed the lives of three students and injured over 50 more students. Statistics showed that from 2000 to 2014, 89 fatal fires were documented that occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of the campus, claiming a total of 126 victims — 76 in off-campus housing claiming 107 victims, seven fires in on campus building or residence halls claiming nine victims, and six in Greek housing (fraternities and sororities) claiming 10 victims. The good news is, thanks to our Fire Safety Educators, Juvenile Arson Awareness Programs and to our fire marshals and community fire departments,
2015 was the first year that there were no fatal fires on college campuses. For the year of 2020, fires were down by over three percent. All of the programs in which your fire department is involved help prevent fires and save lives. With the interruption of Covid, I ask if your department’s fire prevention program is ready to go into action? In the past, I urged everyone to evaluate their Fire Safety Education Program. I still urge you to have one of your county or town fire safety organizations to review your program to make sure you are doing the right thing. Understand, children can get mixed messages when they come to the firehouse and watch firefighters set fires and put them out. Educators are aware of the pitfalls of “negative teaching” to get a point across. I worry that someday there will be a student who will see a firefighter set a car on fire and, while being mesmerized by the flames, think that that was the purpose of the demonstration. It is important to show the community our equipment and apparatus, but it is more
important to make sure your audience knows that when a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, they need to act in a specific way. Putting Covid and new school policies aside, at the end of the day, whether the community comes to the firehouse or you go out to the community, the result should be the same. Everyone must understand “stop drop and roll,” how to “get out alive” and what to do when the smoke or CO alarm sounds. Every year, departments do an outstanding job teaching fire safety awareness. Is your program working? Statistics are saying that they are. Keep up the good work! - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Suffolk Firefighters Respond to MVA On September 5, 2021, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to an MVA on Interstate 664 south, near the College Drive overpass. Emergency Communications received a call at 0817 advising of the accident involving a single passenger vehicle. Captain Scott Brower advised that Fire and Rescue units arrived to find a vehicle off the roadway with heavy damage and fire showing. The single occupant of the vehicle had been removed by passing motorists. The driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries considered to be life-threatening. Responding units included Battalion 2, Engine 25, Ladder 5, Medic 5, and EMS 2 along with units from Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation. - Submitted by James Dickens, Deputy Fire Chief
Chesterfield Vehicle Fire Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 14200 block of Midlothian Turnpike for a vehicle fire. Engine 205 arrived and soon found the vehicle behind the Candela’s Pizza Restaurant. Engine 205 advise dispatch that there was fire showing from the vehicle and quickly stretched a line bringing the fire under control in minutes. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear
2 Residences Damaged by Shed Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on August 18, 2021, to a residential fire in the 100 block of Cove Point Drive. Battalion Chief William Kessinger advised that the approximately 10- x 12foot shed was fully engulfed upon arrival of firefighters, with heat damage to the residence in front of the shed and the adjoining residence. The occupant was home at the time of the fire. The fire was quickly knocked down and there were no injuries. Responding units included Battalion 1; Engines 1, 2, and 4; Ladder 6; Safety 1; EMS-1; Medic 3; and Rescue 1 and 6. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Page 8, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Barn Burns on Alum Springs Road
On August 26, 2021, Little Fork crews were dispatched to a barn fire near Alum Springs Road. The caller advised that it was one-totwo miles from their house. A few minutes later a caller advised E911 that it was fully involved and was collapsing. Units arrived to find a small barn that was fully involved and had collapsed. Thankfully, there were no animals involved as the building was
mainly used for storage. There were two exposures that suffered minimal damage. Chief 9 established command and had arriving units cool the exposures and check for fire extension; none was found. Chief 9 conferred with the owners and it was decided to let the debris continue to burn and eventually self-extinguish. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork FRC
Mechanicsville House Fire
Recently, multiple crews responded to a structure fire in the Mechanicsville area. All occupants made it out of the home safely,
and the fire was quickly brought under control without incident. - Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 9
Southwest Bypass Tractor Trailer Fire The Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a tractor trailer fire that resulted in a hazardous materials incident. Emergency Communications received the call at 1129 on August 19, 2021, advising of a tractor trailer fire on the Southwest Bypass headed towards Route 58 northbound. Battalion Chief Chuck Knight advised that the driver of the tractor trailer was able to pull over to the shoulder and detach the cab from the burning trailer. Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews were able to extinguish the fire that was confined to the trailer loaded with computer parts and batteries. Due to the contents and proximity to a nearby retention pond, a Virginia Emergency Management Hazardous Material Officer responded to the scene and assisted in cleanup efforts. Battalion Chief Knight further noted that the cab would be reconnected to the trailer in order to move it from the roadway to another location so as not to further impede traffic. There, the burned contents and debris were offloaded. The Fire Marshal’s Office responded and were investigating the cause of the fire. - Submitted by Diana Klink
3 Displaced By Structure Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on August 17, 2021, to a residential structure fire in the 5000 block of South Links Circle. Firefighters found light smoke showing from the garage upon arrival at the two-story residence and the fire was quickly knocked down and primarily confined to the garage and a section of the first floor. Three adults were displaced but did not request assistance from the American Red Cross. Responding units included Battalions 1 and 2; Engines 5, 10, and 25; Ladder 5; Safety 1; Rescue 1; EMS-2; Rehab 6; Medics 6 and 10; and mutual aid was provided by the Chesapeake Fire Department. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Page 10, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Unattended Candles Cause of Herndon Storage Unit Fire
On August 20, 2021, at approximately 1411, units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched for a reported building fire in the 2900 block of Centreville Road in the Herndon area of Fairfax County. Units arrived to find a single-story, multi-building storage facility with smoke showing from two storage units. The involved building had multiple interior and exterior storage units. Crews were able to quickly address a variety of access issues and extinguish the fire. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started in one of the storage units. The cause of the fire was unattended lit candles too close to combustibles. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax Fire Rescue
Chesterfield Kitchen Fire Held
Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Apple Orchard Court for a structure fire. The caller reported that there was a kitchen fire and it was spreading to the cabinets. Engine 202 arrived to find a two-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling, with smoke showing. A line was stretched and Engine 202 got water on the fire. Battalion 203 took command. Engine 209 arrived and was requested to assist on interior support. Fire units confirmed an all clear on
the structure. Engine 220 checked for extension through the crawl space. Truck 209 handled ventilation throughout. Fire units were able to contain the fire to the kitchen area. Units worked through very low visibility and heavy interior fire conditions, but the incident was put under control within about 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 12, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Cover Story
1 Burned at Farmville House Fire
Dispatch received a call at 0113 for a house fire on Ridge Drive off of Back Hampden-Sydney Road, in the Farmville Fire area. They were told a house was on fire and a person on the front lawn was badly burned. Dispatched to the scene was Farmville, HampdenSydney, Prospect, Rice, and Prince Edward Rescue and Prince Edward Sheriff’s. The first engine attacked with two 1-3/4 inch lines, one to the A side door and one to the C/D side. They stopped
the fire’s advance, as other units relieved the attack lines and setup a water supply. Prince Edward Rescue attended to the burn victim and transported the person to Central Hospital in Farmville. Prospect, Hampden-Sydney and Rice handled overhaul, and Darlington Heights Air 50 filled air bottles. - Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Respond to Residential Fire
On September 2, 2021, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Bute Street. Emergency Communications was contacted at 1423. Battalion Chief Demetri Wilson advised that the first unit found a single-story residence with smoke showing from the front door. The fire was contained to the kitchen with extension to the walls in the kitchen. The fire was marked under control at 1456. The residents had evacuated prior to
the fire department’s arrival. No injuries were reported. The five residents included three adults and two children, and they were displaced. Responding units included EMS 1, Medic 1, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 4, Ladder 3, Engine 5, Rescue 6, Safety 1, Fire Marshal 7, and Suffolk Police. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 13
Fire and Chlorine in Chesterfield
Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 3700 block of Brandermill Parkway for a structure fire at the Brandermill Country Club. Units discovered heavy fire conditions in the laundry room and also determined, that pool chemicals were housed outside the clubhouse. A full hazmat assignment was requested. Fire units were able to get a fast knock on the fire and contain it to the laundry room. Chesterfield Fire and EMS hazmat crews soon worked to decon firefighters and worked interior through chlorine gases. Fire crews were on scene for multiple hours. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Nitrogen Leak in Chesterfield
Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 500 block of Southlake Boulevard for a ruptured 500-pound tank of nitrogen. Units started evacuation throughout the complex. . The Chesterfield HazMat Team was able to control the leak. Fire units were on scene for about four hours. The incident was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 14, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Lightning Strike Damages Suffolk Home
On August 22, 2021, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in the 100 block of Springfield Terrace. Engine 1 arrived to find a single-story residential structure with light smoke showing from the roof. Further investigation revealed that the residence had been struck by lightning, causing thermal and structural damage to the roof line on a dormer. Crews did not find
active fire in the residence. The electricity to the structure was disconnected at the main beaker as the lightning strike had also damaged the homes electrical wiring in the attic. One resident was displaced. Battalion 1; Engines 1, 2 and 4; Ladder 6; Rescues 1 and 6; Safety 1; Medic 1; and EMS 1 responded to the incident. - Submitted by Brian Spicer, Deputy Fire Chief
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 15
Page 16, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Storage Buildings Go in Randolph
Recently, Randolph Fire Department, Farmville Fire Department, Hampden Sydney Fire Department and Prospect Fire Department responded for a commercial fire on Plank Road just inside the Randolph District, north of Farmville. Randolph District Attack 4 Engine was first on scene. There were only three hydrants in the Randolph District, one located on road at the fire intersection. The fire was in 36 attached storage units with wood trussed tin roofs,
brick walls and no fire stops. Randolph attack 4 used their deck gun as the roof was falling in. Engine 4 and Cumberland Engine 2 also used their deck-guns, and Prospect Engine 4 used its four-inch line to boost water pressure - Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 17
Basement Fire in Lake Barcroft
Firefighters from Fairfax County Fire Rescue, Arlington, and Alexandria responded to a structure fire in the 3400 block of Upside Court, in the Lake Barcroft area, recently. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing and located a basement fire. Command
requested a second alarm. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries. All occupants made it out safely. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
Page 18, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Civilian Fatality at Norfolk Blaze
Norfolk B-shift crews were met with heavy smoke and flames on arrival at a structure fire in the Fairmont Park section of Norfolk recently. Engines 01, 02, 07, 09, 11 and 14; Ladders 09 and 14; Rescue 02; Medics 02, 09 and 14; Battalion Chiefs 03 and 02; and the FM Group; responded and battled the blaze in hot tempera-
tures and high humidity. Tragically, the fire resulted in a fatality of one citizen. One firefighter was also transported to the hospital but released soon after. Fire control was called at 0220, and fire marshals remained on scene with the Norfolk Police continuing their investigation. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
I-95 Metal Fire On September 11, 2021, at 0400, several units responded for a large pile of metal on fire in the 9900 block of Richmond Highway. Passersby 911 calls from Interstate-95 and Virginia VDOT traffic cameras showed the fire. Deck guns and several handlines were used to extinguish the fire. Crews used heavy machinery to spread out the pile to complete extinguishment. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 21
Rice Kitchen Fire
On August 3, 2021, there was a report of a kitchen fire on Brown Lane in Rice, spreading to the cabinets. Rice, Farmville, Hampden /Sydney and Prince Edward Rescue 11 responded. The HamptonSydney chief, who was in the area, reported smoke coming from the
eaves and on checking found a woman inside throwing water on the cabinets and knocking down the flames. He had her leave, and canceled HSFD and had Rice Engine 7 and Farmville Engine 1 to handle the call. - Submitted by Dan Pempel
Page 22, Fire News, October/November 2021
Electrical Event Cause of Mount Vernon House Fire
On August 25, 2021, at approximately 1839, units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services responded to a house fire in the 8100 block of Orville Street in the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County. Units arrived to a two-story, single-family home with thick, black smoke
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showing from all sides. Crews worked quickly to control, and eventually extinguish, the fire. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. The fire was caused by an unspecified electrical event involving the wiring for a table lamp. Two occupants were displaced. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 23
Vehicle Fire on I-295
Recently, on Interstate-295 before the Route 360 exit, crews responded to a vehicle fire. The blaze was swiftly extinguished by Hanover Fire-EMS Henry Engine 406. No injuries were reported. - Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS
Under-Renovation Duplex Fire No injuries were reported after Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services personnel responded to a house fire in the Jackson Circle neighborhood. When they arrived, firefighters found half of a duplex fully engulfed. The blaze was extinguished minutes after firefighters arrived. Prince George County and City of Hopewell fire departments provided mutual aid during the response. Both sides of the duplex were under renovation when the fire broke out. Neither was occupied. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Page 26, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Fairfax Station 38 Remembers the 343
Each year, Fairfax County Fire Rescue Station 38, West Centreville, places 343 small American Flags in front of station on the anniversary of 9/11. At the top of each flag is the name of an FDNY firefighter who died that day. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
Remembering 9-11 on its 20th Anniversary
On September 11, 2021, Tower 424, Woodlawn, A-Shift, Fairfax County Police and Fort Belvoir FES Tower 463 joined together at Mission BBQ in Kingstowne in a ceremony to honor and remember all of the lives lost on 9-11-01. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
Page 28, Fire News, October/November 2021
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September 11th Remembrance Ceremony Never Forget...
Hanover County Fire and EMS remembered those who were lost on September 11, 2001. Hanover Fire-EMS Academy 60 assisted with the reading the names of those who gave everything in order to save so many. - Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS
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September 11th Remembrance Ceremony Continued from previous page...
Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 29
Page 30, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Training
Fort Lee, Disputanta Train Together
Recently, Fort Lee Engine 1 and Disputanta Volunteer Fire Department Tanker 2 conducted joint training. It’s great to get together and train with neighboring agencies. Keeping skills sharp
and remaining familiar with each other’s capabilities, helps keep communities safe. - Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Terrain Challenge in I-264 MVA
Norfolk C-shift crews had some geographic challenges with an overturned vehicle near Interstate-264 and Ballentine Boulevard. Engine 04, Ladders 10 and 14, R02, Medic 04 and Battalion Chief 01 responded just after 2315 to find a civilian trapped in the car 20feet down an embankment. They were able to quickly extricate the patient, who was then transported to the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Page 32, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Fairfax SAR Team Haiti Bound
An urban search and rescue team from Fairfax County headed to Haiti after a devastating earthquake hit the country on August 14, 2021. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed at least 1297 people, injured a minimum of 5700 others and destroyed hundreds of homes. People in the Caribbean island nation rushed into the streets to seek safety and to help rescue those trapped in the rubble of col-
lapsed homes, hotels and other structures. Virginia Task Force 1, sponsored by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, joined federal disaster response crews. A team of 65 rescue professionals took 26 tons of rescue and medical equipment to the country, plus four search dogs. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 33
Cumberland Truck into Tree with Entrapment
Cumberland Dispatch received a call at 1305 on August 15, 2021, for a pickup on its side against a tree with two persons trapped. Cumberland Fire sent Engines 21 and 24, which have rescue equipment, and Cumberland Rescue sent two ambulances. Engines 21 and 24 had to first cut the tree to get to the pickup and then cut the roof off and cut the two people out of the vehicle. They were going to fly the patients out to Richmond but all helicopters were grounded due to an area storm. The patients were treated by the rescue crews and taken by ambulance to Chipenham Hospital. - Submitted by Dan Pempel
Page 34, Fire News, October/November 2021
Lengthy Extrication on I-85
At approximately 0032 on September 9, 2021, Company 7 (South Hill) was dispatched to an MVA on Interstate 85 at the 14 milemarker northbound. As Engine 72 was en route, dispatch upgraded the incident to an entrapment, automatically adding Company 5 (Lacrosse) and Southside Rescue Squad. Virginia State Police werealready on scene. Upon arrival of Engine 72, it was determined that there was one vehicle underneath of the trailer of an 18-wheeler with one patient heavily entrapped. Heavy-duty tow/rotator trucks and medical helicopters were immediately called to assist, adding Fred’s Towing and Transport, Smiley’s Towing and Virginia State Police Med-Flight to the assignment. Interstate 85 was completely shut down and remained shut down for hours. Luckily, the patient
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was alert and talking to responders when they arrived. Crews worked for approximately an hour stabilizing both vehicles, cutting pillars, determining the best means of removal, etc., while Southside Rescue maintained patient care and patient stabilization. The patient was successfully removed from the vehicle and was transported via helicopter to a trauma center with severe injuries. South Hill VFD, Lacrosse VFD, Southside Rescue, Virginia State Police, South Hill Police Department, and Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office did a tremendous job tonight during a very long and difficult process. Company 7 units on scene included, Engine 72, Engine 73, Fire 78, Fire 79, and Truck 7. - Fire News photos by Zach Currin
Page 36, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Tanker Overturn and Leaking in Chesterfield On July 29, 2021, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 12200 block of River Road for an MVA with over turn and a flammable liquid spill. The caller reported a tanker truck had flipped on its side and was spilling gas. The driver was reported to be out of the vehicle upon arrival. Engine 219 arrived to the tanker on its side in the ditch, leaking fuel. Engine 219 and Medic 219 handled medical care. Medic 219 transported the patient to a local hospital priority 1, with non-life-threatening injuries. Engine 219 stretched a line to the vehicle and Truck 207 arrived to stabilize the vehicle. Battalion Chief 204 took command. All units responding were advised of the vehicle’s status and size. Chesterfield Fire and EMS HazMat team had the leak stopped within 40 minutes, although 1800 to 2000 gallons were reported to have leaked out of the truck. Fire crews were on scene for at least five hours. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Suffolk Police and Fire & Rescue Respond to MVA On September 7, 2021 Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a single-vehicle MVA at the intersection of Meadow Country and Skeetertown Roads. Emergency Communications was notified at 0800. The adult female driver was extricated from the vehicle by Suffolk Fire and Rescue personnel and, following emergency medical assessment and treatment, was transported by ground to an area hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
Wrong Place, Wrong Time Recently, units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue and Albemarle County Police were dispatched to an MVA on Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Route 53), west of Monticello. A tree fell across the roadway and landed on top of the driver/front passenger portion of a passing vehicle. The driver was extricated within 30 minutes and was transported to UVA Hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. - Photo courtesy of Abbey Stumpf, PIO
Overturned Tractor Trailer MVA Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and Suffolk Police responded to the scene of an overturned tractor trailer on September 8, 2021, on westbound Pruden Boulevard at Route 58 at 1129. There were no injuries reported but the driver did undergo medical assessment at the scene. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 37
Training
Powhattan Trains
On June 5, 2021, the Powhatan Fire Department hosted a live burn at the 3300 block of John Tree Hill Road. All five companies attended the training event. Fire crews did multiple training exercises that consisted of, fire attack, search and rescue, ventilation, RIT and searching for fire in the walls and ceilings. Throughout the training fire crews had their vitals taken multiple times. Crews trained for about seven hours. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Richmond Crane Training
Recently, the Richmond Fire Department trained on a T-crane at a parking garage under construction in the Scott’s Addition area. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 38, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Training
Powhatan Live Burn Training
Recently, Powhatan Fire Department did a live burn training exercise at the 3000 block of Anderson Highway, on a donated house. Powhatan Fire Department has been training at this house the last several months. Their trainings have consisted of ventilation, stretching lines, roof vent operations, search and rescue, and hooking ceilings. The final training consisted of setting several rooms on
fire several times and fire crews making the push knocking down the fire and stopping at the front door. Over the past few months fire crews held 22 training classes totaling 692 hours of training. Powhatan, Chesterfield and Richmond Police held six training classes totaling 840 hours of training. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Large Animal Rescue Class
From August 28 to 30, 2021, Little Fork’s Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team sent 15 newer members to an operations-level class held in Loudoun County, Virginia. The agency has 22 members who previously attended the class and practical scenarios. Dr. Rebecca Gimenez; BS, PhD (animal physiology), taught the course. Dr. Gimenez, is the President of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER). Her first book, Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, was published in 2008. She is an internationally sought instructor in technical rescue techniques, procedures, and methodologies, and has published numerous critiques, articles and journal submissions on horse safety, technical large animal rescue and horse
handling issues. Dr. Gimenez teaches TLAER around the world and assisted with writing NFPA 1670 the National Standard on technical rescue techniques for fire and rescue. This event provided the additional core training for the EMTs and firefighters to be considered as qualified as a TLAR Technician and members of our Technical Large Animal Rescue Team. Congratulations to the following volunteers who participated: Sarah Waltman, Julia Waltman, Robert Ellis, Eldon Frederick, Landan Kitis, James Verrocchio, Cynthia Tetterton, Jason Tetterton, Tori Gongwer, Jasper Faulk, Jeff Stafford, Naomi Hurley, Sean Brown, Susa Smith and Victoria Simpson. - Photos courtesy of the Little Fork Volunteer LART
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 39
Up Close & Personal Firefighters from the Richmond Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Chesterfield Firefighter Brandon Leonard, after a recent structure fire. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear Chesterfield Firefighter Eric Weyant, after a recent structure fire. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 40, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Fort Lee Captain Mike Smith Retires Captain Mike Smith retired on June 30, 2021, with 22 years of service! Congratulations on your retirement Captain Smith. Thank you for your knowledge and dedication to Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Service. You will be missed. - Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services
Norfolk’s FF Rick Rickman Calls it a Career After serving the citizens of Norfolk for 25 years, Firefighter Rick Rickman worked his final shift on August 30, 2021. Station 6, in the Ghent section of Norfolk, was Rick’s final assignment, and Chief DiBacco was there to give him a proper farewell. Rick, thank you for your service to Norfolk Fire-Rescue. Enjoy your retirement! - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Alexandria Fire Department Graduates 3 Recruit Schools The Alexandria Fire Department officially graduated Recruit School 49 on July 22, 2021, and Recruit Schools 50 and 51 on July 23, 2021, at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial after postponing the ceremonies due to the Covid-19 pandemic. AFD welcomed and celebrated 45 new firefighter/EMTs. City of Alexandria’s Circuit Court Clerk Greg Parks presided over the swearing-in after remarks from City Manager Mark Jinks, Vice-Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and Fire/EMS Chief Corey Smedley. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Fire Chief Denise Pouget also offered remarks during the July 22 ceremony. AFD and MWAA partnered for recruit school in 2019-2020 bringing recruits from both organizations together for necessary training to become certified firefighters and EMTs. “It is a privilege and a great honor to look at these recent recruit school graduates with pride,” said Fire/EMS Chief Smedley. “In addition to the rigorous academic curriculum and physical fitness required throughout recruit school, they endured a global pandemic as well. That, in itself, is admirable.” - Photos courtesy of Raytevia Evans, PIO
Patches Hampton Fire Rescue
Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department
Namozine Fire & EMS
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 41
Obituary
Fairfax’ Kevin Weaver The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department was deeply saddened to announce the death of Firefighter Kevin Weaver, who passed away August 28, 2021. Firefighter Weaver has been a valued member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department since joining in September 2018 as a member of Recruit Class 144. He was assigned to Fire Station 1, McLean, at the time of his passing. Firefighter Weaver will be greatly missed. On behalf of Fire Chief Butler and the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, we extend our deepest condolences to Firefighter Weaver’s family, friends, and anyone whose life he touched. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax Fire & Rescue
Page 42, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Virginia Fire Services Board Members Chief Keith Johnson is the current Chief at Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. Chief Johnson is a fourth generation firefighter who began his fire service career in 1982 as a volunteer with the North Merrick Volunteer Fire Department in New York. After accepting a recruit firefighter position, Chief Johnson started his operational career in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, (FCFRD) graduating from the Training Academy in September 1983. Chief Johnson was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2009, and led three divisions. Chief Johnson served as a past member and Deputy Chief of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team and is the former Fairfax County Task Force Leader of the National Medical Response Team. In December 2014, he retired from the FCFRD and became Assistant Chief of Operations with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. In May 2018, he was appointed Chief responsible for overseeing and leading the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System. Chief Johnson is a graduate of the Northern Virginia CC with an AAS degree in Fire Science Administration, and graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a BS in Business Administration, minor in Fire Science. Chief Johnson completed his MA in Security Studies; at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He serves on the Governor’s appointed Fire Services Board as well as a member of Governors appointed Virginia’s Board of Housing and Community Development. - Submitted by Travis Rickman Chief Johnston began her fire service career as a volunteer in her community’s fire department and rescue squad following the September 11, 2001, attacks. She served with the Lynchburg Fire Department for 15 years and became a Nationally Registered Paramedic and achieved the ranks of Master Firefighter and Captain, in the Training Division for two years before assignment as an engine company Captain. She accepted the Deputy Chief of Operations position with Bedford County Fire and Rescue in April of 2019. She earned a MA in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and graduated in April from the Executive Fire Officer Program. - Submitted by Travis Rickman
As an accomplished fire chief with over 27 years of proven fire services, emergency management and leadership experience, Chief R. Scott Garber has served as the City of Staunton’s Fire Chief for the past 10 years. Through his leadership and progressive fire services management, pre-planning and emergency response tactics, Chief Garber oversees the department’s tactical response for an average of 4000 calls annually. Chief Garber earned his BS degree in Management and Organizational Development from Eastern Mennonite University. In 2008, Chief Garber received both the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and completed the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy. He also holds the designation of Member status from The Institution of Fire Engineers. Chief Garber is also a 2015 graduate of the; University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Leading Educating and Developing (LEAD) program and Virginia Commonwealth University's Virginia Executive Institute. Chief Garber serves on tseveral professional boards and received the 2014 Governor’s Virginia Fire Service Award for Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Management and the 2015 Governor’s Virginia Fire Service Award for Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Training. Also in 2015, Scott received the John B. Noftsinger Alumni Award for Public Service from James Madison University. He is also a technical rescue instructor for Spec Rescue International. - Submitted by Travis Rickman
Donald Hart was first elected to the Accomack County Board of Supervisors in 1979. In his 40-plus years in this role, he has served as Chair and Vice-Chair numerous times, most recently helming the Board as Chairman in 2019. Hart has been a longtime member of the Virginia Association of Counties. He is a past president of VACo (20082009) and continues to serve on the VACo Executive Committee as Secretary-Treasury. Besides his work as a member of the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Hart worked as an educator, volunteered as a fireman, and works with the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission. Hart earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Masters in Education and Guidance from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. - Submitted by Travis Rickman
Ernie Little is a retired career Battalion Chief with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue where he served for over 38 years. He retired in January 2013. He began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Sterling Park Volunteer Fire Department from January 1970 to February 1977. He is also a past instructor with the Northern Virginia CC Fire Science Department. He is now a fire plans reviewer for the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office. Ernie holds a BS degree in building construction., an AS degree in Fire Science Management. Ernie possess designation as “Chief Fire Officer” by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, “Executive Fire Officer” by the National Fire Academy, and is certified as a Fire Official, Fire Inspector, Fire Plans Examiner, and Fire Protection Inspector in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also maintains certification as an Adjunct Fire Instructor, Fire Instructor IV, and Fire Officer IV certifications. - Submitted by Travis Rickman
JA ‘Jim’ Calvert is the current BWXT, Corporate Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Audit Programs Manager and the Corporate OSHA Adjudicate. Jim has performed EH&S compliance audits at many of our Nation’s Department of Energy and Weapons Complex Facilities. Jim also serves as the Senior Technical Specialist and Chief of Emergency Operations for the Nuclear Operations Group - Lynchburg site. Jim’s previous work experience includes working as a Safety Engineer with NASA’s Manned Spaceflight Program during the Space Shuttle Program. Jim has served as an Adjunct Professor for the Central Virginia Community College for over 20 years teaching Principles of Industrial Safety and various Fire Science classes. - Submitted by Travis Rickman
Bettie Reeves-Nobles is a retired leadership professional member of the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue. She retired as an Assistant Chief with 29 years of service. Her leadership responsibilities were a variety of administrative assignments and suppression functions. Bettie graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration. She holds a Chief Fire Officer Designation credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. She is serving a second term appointed by Virginia’s governor on the Virginia Fire Services Board as the General Public Member. She continues her membership and servant-hood in her church along with involvement in other organizations. Bettie thoroughly enjoys her retirement by spending some much needed time with her family and friends. - Submitted by Travis Rickman
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 43
The Darlington Fire Department Celebrates Their 50th Anniversary - Submitted by Dan Pempel
Come on Down to Florida in February The Florida Antique Bucket Brigade will be hosting the 2022 SPAAMFAA convention on February, 23-26, 2022, at the Wyndham Hotel in Kissimmee, Florida. We have tours scheduled to visit the Pierce plant, Tampa Fire Department, Cape Canaveral Fire Department Training site, Daytona 500 Experience and Lake Ridge Winery. There will be seminars during the week, 2-½ days of vendors and the apparatus show on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Visit our website for more info: www.fabbfire.org or contact Bob Romig at 863-427-4717.
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Gets $3.4 Million FEMA Grant
Suffolk Fire & Rescue has been awarded a grant of $3,410,000 from the Department of Homeland Security through the Fiscal Year 2020 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to hire 18 additional firefighters. The funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is part of a total of $355 million dollars awarded to an estimated 300 fire departments across the country intended to assist in the increase of the number of firefighters to meet industry minimum standards and to attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate fire protection from fire and fire-related hazards.
Upon learning of the grant award, Chief Michael Barakey noted, “Suffolk Fire and Rescue is excited to receive the SAFER grant award. Funding from the grant will allow Suffolk Fire and Rescue to provide the citizens of Suffolk with even further reduced response times and a more effective emergency response.” The 18 firefighters hired with the SAFER grant will come onboard later this year, and will supplement the needed 36 firefighters for the opening of a new North Suffolk Fire and Rescue Station to be located in the Harbour View area of Suffolk. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Page 44, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Fire News, October/November 2021, Page 45
IN AN EFFORT TO HELP REDUCE OCCUPATIONAL CANCER RISKS FACED BY FIREFIGHTERS, MINERVA BUNKER GEAR CLEANERS, FIRE SOAPS BY DEFENSIVE SOLUTIONS, AND FIREWIPES HAVE JOINED FORCES Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners provides cleaning and care of PPE for thousands of fire departments nationwide from small volunteer departments to large metropolitan departments such as the FDNY. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest maintenance care program available with six locations (NY, OH, CO, NC, GA and FL) to serve the fire service. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaner’s sister company, Defensive Solutions Corporation, is the creator of Fire Soaps, a line of cleaning agents to effectively and safely clean bunker gear. All Fire Soaps products are easy to use, eco-friendly, third party tested and surpass all NFPA 1851 requirements regarding cleaning agents. Fire Soaps is specifically designed for use with all PPE ensembles, i.e., turnout gear, wildland, industrial and aviation fire fighting apparel, fire protective garments (FPGs) for shipboard personnel and proximity suits. Created by a firefighter for firefighters and first responders, FireWipes are designed to provide a quick on-scene decontamination solution for firefighters after exposure to hazardous environments. Firewipes are biodegradable industrial strength disposable wipes infused with cleansing compounds for use on all external dermal areas. The wipe is saturated with a unique formula specifically designed to minimize additional carcinogenic exposure through dermal absorption for the user. Occupational cancer is one of the leading causes of death for firefighters and they have statistically higher rates of multiple cancers than the general population. Research has shown that most of it is caused by carcinogens they are exposed to through soot particulates, and dermal absorption is a likely route of exposure. Particular areas of concern are the face, jawline, neck, and wrists where skin is most permeable. Firewipes use only premium ingredients that are hypoallergenic, latexfree, paraben-free, MI (Methylisothi zolinone) -free, SLS free and contains no alcohol. Each wipe is individually packaged to prolong shelf life, eliminate cross contamination, maintain consistency, limit waste, reduce costs, and provide a quick onscene decontamination solution for firefighters after exposure to hazardous environments. FireWipes will be available for purchase though all six Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners facilities and the Fire Soaps website, with this partnership Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners and Fire Soaps can be your one stop shop for helping firefighters reduce occupational cancer risks. About FireWipes Firewipes is committed to providing the highest level of quality products that are specifically formulated and designed to aid in the removal of potential carcinogenic contaminants from exposure to hazardous environments. Contact: Creston Ludlow, President Phone: 844-947-3483
Email: cludlow@firewipes.com Website: www.firewipes.com About Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest maintenance care program available. We have six facilities (NY, OH, CO, NC, GA, & FL) dedicated exclusively to the cleaning, repair and inspection of PPE as well as wildland, industrial and aviation fire fighting ensembles, fire protective garments (FPGs) for shipboard personnel and proximity suits. We are fully NFPA 1851 compliant and verified by Intertek and UL, both leading third-party verification services, to the current 2020 edition. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is recognized by all PPE manufacturers and is authorized to do extensive repairs and alterations. Contact: Joe Xiras, President Phone: 718-728-7400 Email: Joe@bunkergearcleaners.com Website: www.bunkergearcleaners.com About Fire Soaps by Defensive Solutions Defensive Solutions Corp. supplies cleaning agents and EPA Registered anti-bacterial and sanitizing products that are ideal for use in EMS and fire facilities, emergency vehicles, ambulances, police cars, police stations, municipal government buildings, schools, bathrooms, showers, locker rooms, exercise equipment and training facilities. All of our products are alcohol-free, kill 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria and, when used properly, are proven to significantly reduce the chance of cross contamination from: MRSA, pseudomonas aeruginosa, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Influenza A Virus, E. Coli, HIV-1, Hepatitis B and Salmonella. The active ingredients in our sanitizing products have been proven to kill bacteria and protect against cross contamination from both Gram Negative bacteria and Gram Positive bacteria. Our two products, SureClean™ Plus and Fabric Sanitizer are EPA Registered. SureClean™ Plus is on the EPA N list of registered disinfectants for protection against SARS-COV-2. Defensive Solutions Corp. has also created Fire Soaps™, a line of cleaning agents to effectively and safely clean bunker gear. All of our products are easy to use, eco-friendly, third party Tested and surpass all NFPA 1851 requirements regarding cleaning agents. Fire Soaps™ is specifically designed for use with all PPE ensembles, i.e., turnout gear, wildland, industrial and aviation fire fighting apparel, fire fighting ensembles (FFEs), fire protective garments (FPGs) for shipboard personnel and proximity suits. Contact: Joe Xiras, President Phone: 718-502-9577 Email: info@firesoaps.com Website: www.firesoaps.com
Page 46, Fire News, October/November 2021
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Looking Back Norfolk - 2018
Norfolk - 2019
Norfolk crews battled a commercial structure fire at the corner of 23rd Street and Llewellyn Avenue in August 2018. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Battalion 1 responded to a two-story residential fire in 2019 on Vine Street. Engine and Ladder 8 A shift performed a quick knock down. Unfortunately three pets perished in the fire and four people were displaced and received assistance from the American Red Cross. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Norfolk - 2018
Norfolk Crews battled a residential structure fire on 27th Street in October 2018. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
