The Newport News Fire Department operated at the scene of a residential structure fire in the 600 block of River Road. See story on page 6
Townhouse 2-Alarmer in Burke
Fairfax County firefighters responded to a townhouse fire in the 9500 block of Gatecross Place.
See story on page 14
Kentucky Springs Road Fire
Multiple area agencies responded for a reported structure fire on the 8000 block of Kentucky Springs Road.
See story on page 16
Commercial 3-Alarmer in Richmond
The Richmond Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1800 block of 3rd Avenue.
See story on page 20
DOF Aiding Clean Up After Helene
Numerous Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) wildland firefighter crews deployed to reopen hundreds of miles of roads.
See story on page 33
Stanley Poultry House a Total Loss
The Stanley Fire Department responded to a poultry house fire on the Silver Creek Farm on Dovel Hollow Road.
See story on page 36
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Suffolk FR and PD Respond to Report of Unexploded Ordnance
On November14, 2024, Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Suffolk Police responded to the 1100 block of Nansemond Parkway fora report of an unexploded ordnance discovered in the Magnolia Lakes neighborhood. Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue arrived and confirmed the discovery. As a result, nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution. The Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office and the Virginia State Police Bomb Squad also responded. Virginia State Police Bomb Squad took possession of the item, noted to be a live ammunition round, forfurtherevaluation. Responding units included Battalion 1, Engine 3, Medic 3, Safety 1, Fire Marshal 2, Fire Marshal 6, and Suffolk Police. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
3 Displaced by Newport News Fire
The Newport News Fire Department operated at the scene of a residential structure fire in the 600 block of RiverRoad. Crews had visible fire on arrival. Vertical ventilation was performed while multiple landlines were deployed to extinguish the fire. Three adults were displaced and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
- Photos courtesy of Newport News FD
House Fire in Stanley
Stanley Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported that the Stanley Fire Department responded to a house fire on Judy Lane just off East Main Street in Stanley. Chief Terry A. Pettit stated that firefighters were on the scene within six minutes and fire was showing from one end of the house. The house suffered severe damage to the inside. The fire started in the bedroom ceiling and quickly spread into the attic. Pettit said six units and 17 firefighters from the Stanley Fire Department responded to the call and it took about 45 minutes to bring the fire undercontrol. Firefighters remained on the scene for
three hours to make sure the fire was out. The Luray Fire Department was called to assist with covering calls at the Stanley station. Page County EMS also responded with one unit and crew and no injuries were reported. The Page County Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic control and Judy Lane was totally blocked by fire apparatus and East Main Street (340) was partially blocked forabout two hours by hose lines connected. The Red Cross is assisting the Rivera’s with temporary living arrangements.
- Submitted by Terry A. Pettit, Fire Chief
Meth Lab Found During Warrant Service
Townhouse
2-Alarmer in Burke
Fairfax County firefighters responded to the scene of a townhouse fire in the 9500 block of Gatecross Place, in Burke. Units arrived to fire and smoke showing from a middle-unit townhouse. Asecond alarm was called.
- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Doing the Right Thing Pays Off
On October4, 2024, Chesterfield Police Department was serving a search warrant on the 4200 block of North Cresthill Court. While officers were serving the warrant, they came across a meth lab inside of the home. Afull hazmat response was immediately requested. Police and firefighters worked to block the area off and evacuate surrounding homes. In addition, C.C. Wells Elementary School was placed on lock down while units on scene determined the severity of the incident. Chesterfield Fire and EMS hazmat crews worked with Chesterfield Police and the Clandestine Team from Virginia State Police to remove the substance from the home.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
Midlothian
Turnpike
CarFire
Chesterfield Fire and EMS, along with Powhatan Fire and Rescue, responded to Midlothian Turnpike between Old Hundred and County Line Road fora reported vehicle fire. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered the vehicle engulfed in flames. When Engine 702 arrived, they extinguished the fire.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
Galax Fire Department responded fora reported structure fire on the 100 block of Eastview Street. Arriving units found light smoke coming from a single-story structure. The occupant and two children were safely outside and reported a cooking fire. Firefighters found a small fire on the stove, completed extinguishment, checked forextension and cleared the house of smoke. Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential structure fires in the US. This occupant did everything correctly to keep this fire from becoming a big problem. All units cleared in 30 mins.
- Photo courtesy of Galax FD
Kentucky Springs Road Fire
On October20, 2024, at 2045, multiple area agencies responded fora reported structure fire on the 8000 block of Kentucky Springs Road. Companies working were: Mineral VolunteerFire Department, New Bridge, Louisa, Bumpass, Zion Crossroads, Louisa County VolunteerRescue Squad- Rehab1, Battalion104, Chief 101, Chief 102, Prevention 103, Logistics 106, Louisa County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia Department of Transportation. - Photos courtesy of Louisa County Department of Fire & EMS
Fairfax FR Handles Reston Fire
reported civilian orfirefighterinjuries. Fire investigators were working to determine a cause of the fire.
Recently, Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews operated at the scene of a two-alarm building fire in the 1900 block of Association Drive in Reston. Units arrived to fire showing from the roof. There were no
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Commercial 3-Alarmerin Richmond
At approximately 0205 on October27, 2024, the Richmond Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 1800 block of 3rd Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke showing from a commercial building. Crews then quickly worked to make an offensive attack on the blaze. However, the fire rapidly escalated, forcing crews to evacuate. Asecond alarm was called, and as the fire continued to spread, a third alarm was added. Richmond Fire Chief Melvin Carterreported that over75 firefighters
responded to the scene. Afterseveral hours of intense work, crews were able to bring the fire undercontrol. While crews worked to control the incident, Chesterfield Fire and EMS, along with the Henrico Fire Department, assisted in covering Richmond’s stations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though several businesses sustained damage. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by CFN Media
Busy Night forFarmville
Chesterfield Handles Hull Street Road
CarFire
On October1, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 7200 block of Hull Street Road fora reported vehicle fire. Engine 202 arrived to find fire showing from a car. Engine 202 quickly stretched and operated a handline. Firefighters were able to have the fire knocked down within minutes. Nobody was inside of the vehicle and no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
On October7, 2024, Farmville VolunteerFire Department was just starting a drill when they received a call of a car smoking at Murphy’s off South Main Street. They responded in Squad 1. Upon arrival there was light smoke in the vehicle. Firefighters opened the hood, disconnected the battery, and found the smoking wires in the cab. Crews then returned to the firehouse to continue theirdrill.
- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
Adult Male Pinned in a Tree
On October28, 2024, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 5900 Block of Bennett’s Creek Lane foran adult male pinned in a tree. Emergency Communications dispatched the incident at 1806. First crews arrived and found an adult male pinned in a tree approximately 20 feet in the air. The male was alert and oriented, however, he was pinned in the tree by his harness due to a very large tree branch that had become tangled in his safety gear. The man was in extreme pain and discomfort due to the amount of pressure that was being placed on his lowerextremities. The incident scene was complex and a Technical Rescue Response went to work build-
ing systems to secure the very large tree limb, which included a lifting system, progress capture, and a lowering system. The adult male was placed into a patient harness and removed safely from the elevated position once the large tree limb’s weight was transferred off him and was lowered to the ground safely at 1837 and was evaluated and released on scene by emergency personnel. Once the incident stabilized, crews worked to remove the large limb. Responding units included Battalion 2, Car10, Car6, Engine 5, Engine 2, Ladder11, Rescue 1, Medic 5, EMS 2, Safety 1, and Suffolk Police. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Brush Fire on Portsmouth Blvd.
On October28, 2024, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 1200 block of Portsmouth Boulevard fora commercial building fire. Crews arrived to find multiple brush fires that were caused by downed high voltage powerlines. Furtherinvestigation found that a tractor-trailernearthe intersection of Portsmouth Boulevard and C Street had contacted the powerlines causing the pole to break and the lines to be pulled from the pole. Dominion Energy responded and secured powerto the area so that crews could continue extinguishing the fire.The fire did not extend into any buildings and there were no reported injuries. Responding units included Battalion 1, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 6, Engine 10, Ladder3, Ladder6, Rescue 1, Medic 3, EMS 1, Safety 1, and Suffolk Police.
- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR
Kingstowne Townhouse Fire
Fairfax County firefighters responded to the scene of a townhouse fire in the 6300 block of Rockshire Street, in the Kingstowne area. Units arrived to fire showing from the rearof a middle-unit townhouse. Firefighters contained the majority of the fire to a single occupancy. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Location, Location Always Matters
Chesterfield Kitchen Fire
On October11, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 10700 block of Timberun Road fora reported structure fire. Fire crews arrived to find smoke showing from the exteriorof the home, quickly stretched a line and went into the offensive mode. When crews made entry, they discovered a kitchen fire. Crews were able to get the fire undercontrol in just over30 minutes. No civilian orfirefighterinjuries were reported, but sadly, a dog died as a result of the fire. The Chesterfield Fire Marshals Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
Hampden Sydney VolunteerFire Department was called out about 1230 on October18, 2024, fora hay traileron fire neara house on Abilene Road off Route 15 in theirdistrict. Since the fire was called in as close to a house, Farmville and Darlington Heights were also toned out. Hampden Sydney was first on scene and canceled the othercompanies since it was a 18-foot trailertowed by a pickup in the street on fire, not endangering any structures.
- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
Being Prepared forEVFires
By Matthew Pruitt EVGoat01@gmail.com
Firefighters are no strangers to new technologies. In fact, most of us pride ourselves on being able to improve our tactics and strategies using the most up-to-date, state-ofthe-art equipment. It’s really no different in any other industry. Since the late 90s, car manufacturers around the world have been working tirelessly to bring consumers an engine that is safe, energy efficient, and great for our environment. The internal combustion engine evolution from the Model T, to the Prius and now to fully electric vehicles has created a need in the fire service to be prepared for some of the most dangerous, albeit somewhat low frequency, fires we’ve ever encountered. The infrequency and increased risk of electric vehicle fires makes it impossible to ignore and necessary to train for.
Extinguishing the typical, traditional car fire is pretty straightforward. We pull a bumper line, and go to work. Electric vehicle fires are vastly different, as you will read in this article. Extrication of a patient trapped inside an electric vehicle is delicate, for sure. You have to be extremely careful when cutting on an electric vehicle. The orange cables may be charged if the car’s safety mechanism has failed. Also the top of the battery tray, which is basically the entire floorpan of the car, could be charged. And, in my experience, thermal runaway can begin as soon as an external source - the accident or your extrication equipment - damages the battery, so you have to consider how long it has been since the accident happened. In addition, when fighting EV fires, it seems that the more water we put on them, the longer they burn. That’s true actually because the water only cools the battery cells, and will simply slow down the fire, causing it to last for hours and hours because, when burning, lithium-ion batteries create their own oxygen. Just like a fish is able to “breathe” underwater, so is a lithium-ion battery. You can’t drown either one of them.
lably hot and propagates to the next cell, eventually spreading to all the cells in the module. Even at the point of ignition, there may be no way to know where, exactly, the problem starts.
Also, unlike traditional car fires, when an EVis in thermal runaway, the motor (s) lock down. As you may know, an electric car’s battery weighs at least 1,000 pounds by itself. When added to the regular weight of a car, you’re looking at a paper weight that weighs up to 9,000 pounds. This excessive weight of a car with locked wheels presents a plethora of difficulties, to say the least.
So, what do we do? How do we fight an EVfire? What are the safest and most effective tactics? After having the opportunity to train on live EVfires in controlled environments, and having responded to multiple EVrelated incidents, we have been able to test some strategies. Some have worked better than others. I’d like to share with you some of the most impactful takeaways from my experiences.
(this is only the latest measurement of an EV fire temp, it could be hotter).
First and foremost, you will need to always make sure to wear your gear when approach-
“The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire”
The heat of a Li-Ion battery fire is a threat, but an equally dangerous threat is the toxic emissions from the fire. You need to be aware that Li-Ion batteries in thermal runaway can give off hydrogen fluoride gas. When we apply water to the gas, it becomes hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a colorless, odorless liquid that is acutely dangerous. It can damage your eyes, your lungs and your skin. The danger is that hydrofluoric acid is slow burning. You may not have symptoms of exposure for several hours.
Another difference is that getting water to the origin of the fire is nearly impossible. The composition of an electric vehicle battery tray looks something like this: thousands of battery cells are put together in water-tight sets called modules, the modules are placed into a battery tray which is encapsulated in a watertight shell. There are vents in the tray to allow smoke and gases to escape, but the vents will not allow water or foam inside the tray. Think of a battery failure inside the tray like a winddriven fire. One damaged cell gets uncontrol-
ing a wrecked electric vehicle, even if you don’t see fire or smoke. I have witnessed an electric vehicle go from not burning, to fully involved, within minutes. On the other hand, I have also seen this progression take several hours. Time starts the instant that the battery is damaged, not when you learn about the incident. When you respond to an EVemergency, you have to be dispatched, get out of the station and make it to the scene. You may not know the exact timeline, so it’s always best practice to be safe and wear your gear. It is also important to consider how hot an EV fire actually is. An electric vehicle that is in thermal runaway can burn as hot as 2700°F
Now, you’re on scene, have your gear on, and you’re ready to put some water on the fire. What’s best? In my experience, I have found the use of an EVblanket to be vitally important. The EVblanket is designed to limit the oxygen available to the fire, but the burning batteries create their own oxygen so the blanket itself will not extinguish the fire. Before deploying the blanket, you must knock down the fire on the inside of the vehicle just like you would on a traditional car fire. This step immediately begins cooling the car so that it will be less likely to burn through the blanket. Once the car is extinguished, throw the blanket over the vehicle. Make sure to throw the blanket high so that it is not damaged by sharp edges or parts of the vehicle that may be protruding. EV blankets, depending on the brand and type, come in a variety of sizes.
Being Prepared for EVFires...continued
and type, come in a variety of sizes. Depending on the brand of blanket that your department uses, your team may need to open up the blanket before use to mark the front, rear and center. Some brands of EVblankets have already marked the front and rear of the blanket for you, which would save you a step. Sometimes EV blankets are rectangular, rather than square, which can cause difficulty on scene if you have not previously marked them. Once the blanket is deployed and covering the car, tuck it under the vehicle to keep it from blowing up so that it will continue to limit the oxygen that the fire can use. It is very important to keep the blanket cool. The best way to do that is with the line you used to knock down the fire initially.
I also recommend, and have had great success with, an EVnozzle placed under the car with a second line. Again, you are not trying to put out the fire, you can’t. The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable. You do not really want to cool the battery too much because it will only prolong the incident. I recommend using an EVnozzle with low gallonage because it cools the battery while still allowing it to burn safely.
from previous page
Using these tactics have been successful for us in the past. I am often asked about the time frame between extinguishing the fire and moving the car from the scene. Although there is no good way to determine with absolute certainty that it is completely safe to move the damaged vehicle, I do have a few tips and tricks that might help. The first, and most obvious, is that there is no visible sign of fire, including no evidence of smoke or off-gassing. Make sure, too, that you no longer hear the sounds of cells popping (sounds like popcorn in the microwave). In addition, it may be helpful to monitor the temperature reduction of the battery using a Thermal Imaging Camera. Although nothing is for certain, in my experience, my crew and I have been able to safely transport a damaged vehicle after a couple of hours. This may seem like a long, drawn-out event, but this method is much quicker than submerging the vehicle into a large, watertight container - a separate method of EVfirefighting that can take several days to weeks before the vehicle is safe and is not necessarily feasi-
ble in a crowded city or on the side of the interstate.
“The fire has to burn itself out. The purpose of the EVnozzle is to cool the battery tray. Cooling the tray will not extinguish the fire, but it will make the scene safer and more manageable.”
Still, if you move too quickly then the threat of reignition is very great due to the stranded energy in the batteries. Stranded energy is when the batteries have not expelled all of their energy. Since the cells are already damaged, stranded energy in them creates a greater threat of reignition. This threat is why it is important that you escort the tow. If the car reignites while being towed, disconnect it from the tow truck so you don’t have two car fires. Knock down the fire and then continue the tow, Make sure to tell the tow yard management that the car you’re leaving with them is an electric vehicle.
Ultimately, the decisions you make on a fire scene belong to you and your department. These suggestions have worked for my department. We have had great successes when dealing with EVincidents using these strategies and tactics. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at EVGoat01@gmail.com.
Fatality at Richmond MVA
In the early morning hours of October25, 2024, the Richmond Fire Department, responded to Chamberlayne Parkway and School Street foran MVAwith entrapment. Upon arrival, fire crews found a single vehicle into a tree with significant damage. Crews quickly confirmed that one individual was trapped inside the vehicle and
began extrication. During the extrication, it was determined that the individual was dead. Firefighters remained at the scene foran extended period of time to assist police. The Richmond Police Department was investigating the cause of the crash.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
Little Fork Responds to 2-CarMVA
On October11, 2024, Little Fork Fire Rescue responded to a two-vehicle MVA on Rixeyville Road at Alum Springs Road. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Ambulance 9-2, Rescue Engine 9, Ambulance 9 and Chief 9 responded to this late afternoon incident.
- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
Early Morning Boat Crash
On November9, 2024 at 0110, Suffolk ECC was dispatched fora boat crash in the area of 100 Riverside Drive. Three boaters in a 19-foot centerconsole skiff ran into an object in the watercausing significant damage and a loss of power. One subject was thrown overboard but was able to board the vessel with assistance of otheroccupants. FireBoat 1 arrived at 0140 and boarded the disabled vessel and treat-
ed the injured in Bennett’s Creek. FB 1 then towed the disabled vessel to Decoys Seafood Marina and delivered the boaters to awaiting medics. One occupant was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. The othertwo were assessed and refused transport. Responding units were : B2, C10, E5, E9, EMS2, FB1, L11, M5 and 10, Marine 9, Rescue 1, Safety 1. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Several Injured in Chesterfield MVA
On October19, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Midlothian Turnpike at Huguenot Springs foran MVAwith entrapment. Truck 205 arrived to find a two-vehicle crash with heavy damage. Firefighters determined there was one person trapped in the vehicle with serious injuries and began extrication. Multiple people involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals, though theirconditions were unknown. All lanes of Midlothian Turnpike westbound at Huguenot Springs were closed during this incident. - Fire News photo by CFN Media
DOFAiding Clean Up AfterHelene
Hurricane Helene downed countless trees across southwest Virginia, blocking residents and hampering emergency response efforts. Numerous Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) wildland firefightercrews deployed into multiple counties to use theirchainsaw skills and reopen hundreds of miles of roads.
- Photos courtesy Virginia Department of Forestry
I-66
Multi-Vehicle
MVA
Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene of a multiple-vehicle MVAnearInterstate 66 eastbound at Monument Drive. Crews extricated two patients who were transported to a local hospital with injuries.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
T-Bone MVAat
307 and 460
Rice and Farmville Volunteerfire departments were called out at about 0805 fora two-carMVAat the intersection of Route 307 and Route 460 eastbound on October4, 2024. The two cars were both turning in the median to Route 307 when they collided. One person was injured and transported by Prince Edward Rescue Squad to be checked out at Centra Hospital in Farmville, State Police were investigating the cause of the accident.
- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
Two MVAs with Extrication
Randolph District VolunteerFire Company (RDVFC) was dispatched to a car rolled overin a ditch on Putney Road at 1800 on October9, 2024. Randolph and Cumberland VFDs were both dispatched along with Cumberland Rescue. The call was about eight miles east of RDVFC. Engine 47 arrived to a vehicle on its side and they were able to extricate a person. Anothercall then came in foran MVAon Route 45 across from RDVFC with people trapped. RDVFC 47 and Engine 42 left the first accident and dispatch also toned out Cumberland VFD Rescue and two Cumberland ambulances and Prince Edward Rescue for ambulances. One carT-boned the otherat the intersection overturning it and both vehicles were in a ditch. Two persons were removed from one carand the person in the othercarhad to be removed through the rearhatch back. One was taken to Chippenham in Richmond and to othertwo were taken to Centra in Farmville. State police were investigating the accident
- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
Extrication at West Branch Road MVA
In the early morning hours of October10, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS, responded to an MVAwith entrapment on the 6200 block of West Branch Road. Crews arrived to find a vehicle into a tree with heavy damage and one person trapped. They also discovered a gasoline leak, prompting them to quickly deploy a handline. Within about 15 minutes, firefighters successfully extricated the patient, who was rushed to a local trauma center. The Chesterfield County Police Department was investigating this incident.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
Stanley Poultry House a Total Loss
Stanley Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported that the Stanley Fire Department responded to a poultry house fire at 0240 on the Silver Creek Farm on Dovel Hollow Road, about five miles southwest of Stanley. Chief Pettit said the poultry house was fully ablaze when firefighters arrived. The 70- x 300-foot poultry house was a total loss. Five Stanley units and 21 firefighters responded to the blaze
and it took an hourto bring the fire undercontrol. Firefighters remained on scene forthree hours. The department was assisted by tankers from the Luray (also covered) and Shenandoah. Page County EMS responded to the call but no injuries were reported. The Page County Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic control.
- Submitted by Terry A. Pettit, Fire Chief
Little Fork Handles Chest Pain Call
On November6, 2024, Little Fork Fire Rescue was dispatched fora call of a chest pain incident. Units arrived, assessed the patient, finding that the patient was experiencing a STEMI. Medics summoned a helicopterfora flight to Fairfax Hospital. Heart muscle is progressive-
Virginia Task Force 2 is Home
Members of Virginia Task Force 2 returned home safely from overtwo weeks of deployment. Working in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR
ly damaged due to a blockage. Ourvolunteers began treatment during transport to the LZ, located at the Jeffersonton Baptist Church. Medic 9 transported and Rescue Engine 9, Utility 9 and Ambulance 91 set up the LZ. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
Training Into the Future of Firefighting
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Special Operations received an invite to attend training at the Insurance Institute forHighway Safety: Vehicle Research Centerin Ruckersville, VA. This event was a collaboration with the National Auto Body Council, MES, and Hurst Jaws of Life. Attendees received training on hybrid and electrical vehicles, a tourof the institute, watched a crash test, and participated in hands-on training with newerconstruction and technology vehicles. Awealth of knowledge and information was obtained and VDFPSpecial Operations Division will utilize this opportunity to enhance program delivery and curriculum forthe commonwealth’s stakeholders.
- Photos courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Norfolk Teaches HS Students
Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Public Education Team with assistance from members of Stations 9 and 15 taught students at Granby High School hands-only CPR and how to properly use fire extinguishers. It was a fun day forall. Hopefully some future first responders will come from the class. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR
Farmville Fire Department Company 1
Henrico Fire Department
City of Manassas Fire Rescue
Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Special Operations Participate in 4-Day TowerRescue Class
Members
of Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Special Operations, participated in a four-day TowerRescue Class. This class was funded by HRCP and also included Hampton Fire-Rescue. These skills enable the 2
departments to work togetherin the complex industrial environment of the HRBTTunnel boring project.
- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR
NFR Rescue Reunion
Arescue reunion! Norfolk Fire Rescue’s (NFR) Station 13 B-shift crew had the amazing experience of hosting a reunion with a patient of theirs who survived a cardiac arrest. Also in attendance was the Good Samaritan who sprang into action and performed CPR until
theirarrival, and Norfolk’s 911 dispatcherwho handled the call. Fire Chief Carroll presented a Life Saving Commendation to the Good Samaritan in front of family and friends of all involved. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR
Spotsylvania Crew Recognized forCardiac Save
Chief Brad Williams of the Spotsylvania VolunteerFire Department would like to recognize the volunteercrew that staffed Spotsylvania’s Engine 4 on September1, 2024, fortheirlife-saving actions during a cardiac arrest incident. Theirquick action resulted in return of spontaneous circulation forthe patient they were responding to who was subsequently transported. The SVFD crew consisted of (left to right) FirefighterRyan White, FirefighterCollin Burtt, FirefighterJoseph Adams, and Lieutenant Matthew
Pummer(Chief Williams is pictured in the middle, presenting their award). The crew quickly started chest compressions upon arrival and properly switched providers through CPR cycles, resulting in 90-percent chest depth accuracy throughout the code. The Lucas device was neverdeployed because it was not needed. We thank these firefighters fortheircommitment to the citizens and visitors of Spotsylvania County, Virginia and theirconstant willingness to serve. - Submitted by Emily Shade
RapidSOS Aquires eDispatches
Move Aims to Provide the Critical Situational Awareness Needed in an Emergency.
RapidSOS, the intelligent safety company, announced the acquisition of eDispatches, an industry leader in providing communication services to emergency responders. This strategic move aims to provide the critical situational awareness needed in an emergency by leveraging RapidSOS’intelligent safety platform and eDispatches’communications technology to field responders in an emergency.The acquisition of eDispatches joins RapidSOS’2022 purchase of IamResponding.
For the past decade, thousands of public safety agencies have shaped RapidSOS’technology roadmap.
eDispatches addresses limitations in traditional two-tone paging systems often used by emergency responders, which can be hindered by range or topography.
The collaboration between RapidSOS and eDispatches marks a significant milestone in the evolution of first-response technology. eDispatches has been dedicated to providing value-driven, secondary notification services to the emergency responder community. By joining forces, RapidSOS and eDispatches are poised to deliver next-generation communication solutions that can improve emergency response times and outcomes on a broader scale, benefiting more communities and individuals in need.
“One of the critical benefits of this acquisition is the expansion of intelligent safety data to field responders. By providing additional context in an emergency, first responders will have the information they need to facilitate more efficient and effective responses,” said Michael Martin, CEO and cofounder of RapidSOS.
Eric Valliere
Confirmed
as FDSOAChairfor a New 3-YearTerm
Eric Valliere, the current Chair of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), has been reappointed to a new three-year term beginning in January 2025. Valliere expressed his enthusiasm for maintaining his leadership role and looks forward to advancing FDSOAinitiatives with the support of the dedicated Board of Directors team and new management team. His reappointment reflects FDSOA’s confidence in his vision and commitment to strengthening safety standards within the fire service industry.
Join us at the 2025 FDSOAHealth Safety & Apparatus Conference this January 2025 in St Pete Beach FL(Go to FDSOA.org for more information)
Albemarle County Fire Rescue Awarded $1.74 million
FEMAGrant
Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) has been awarded a $1.74 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire, train and deploy seven full-time firefighters to ensure 24/7 coverage at the North Garden station and the surrounding communities in Albemarle County.
“This grant enables Albemarle County to make significant progress in our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” said Jim Andrews, Chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. “We are deeply appreciative of FEMA’s support and the hard work of our County staff in securing this competitive award, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality services.”
Upon acceptance of the grant, seven grant-funded firefighters will join the five firefighters currently on a daytime schedule, facilitating the transition to 24/7 coverage at the North Garden station and the sur-
rounding communities in Albemarle County.
“I want to express my gratitude to our staff for their dedication and hard work, which were instrumental in securing this important funding,” said ACFR Fire Chief Dan Eggleston. “With the continued support of the Board of Supervisors and County leadership, our department remains committed to proactively enhancing our ability to deliver professional and consistent services to the residents of Albemarle County.”
To fill these newly added positions, ACFR has been actively recruiting throughout the summer. Starting in January 2025, the new hires will attend a six-month recruit academy to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. Their training will cover emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation, emergency vehicle operation, and a range of other essential competencies for success.
Norfolk’s Chereskin and Jordan
Retire
Norfolk Fire Rescue (NFR) wishes to congratulate David Chereskin (38 years) and Arthur‘Bill’Jordan (22 years) on theirretirement! Today they were officially not on the mandatory overtime list.
