VIRGINIA Serving Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973
VOLUME 2, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022
Story on page 10. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Happy Holidays from the Staff at Fire News
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 3
In this issue... 1 Burned at Richmond House Fire On October 23, 2021, the Richmond Fire Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of Decatur Street for a structure fire. See story on page 7
9 Displaced in Apartment Building Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to a residential apartment building fire in the 300 block of Wellons Street. See story on page 9
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
Holland Home Destroyed by Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to a residential structure fire in the 6500 block of Holland Road on October 6, 2021. See story on page 12
2-Vehicle MVA with Entrapment Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded for a two-vehicle accident on North Main Street at the Kimberly Bridge. See story on page 16
Extrication at 2-Vehicle MVA Suffolk Fire & Rescue and Suffolk Police responded to the scene of a twovehicle accident, on October 7, 2021. See story on page 22
Supporting CAYA On September 18, 2021, Little Fork provided an EMS standby for the CAYA (Come As You Are) organization’s sixth 5k run/walk. See story on page 27
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 29-32 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 34
BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 1 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com
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, December 2021/January 2022
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Ready To Lead? As I write my December editorial, Thanksgiving is almost upon us. I sincerely hope you “remember the reason for all seasons,” and give thanks that you are part of one of the greatest organizations, namely, the Fire Service! Over the next few weeks, our departments will be holding their elections of new officers. I know some of you hold elections of new officers later in 2022. Regardless, whenever you hold elections, my thoughts for new officers are the same. Sitting in the front seat is only a small part of your job. Are you ready to lead by example? A few weeks ago, I attended a Lieutenant Joseph P. Dibernardo Seminar. If you were not there, especially as an upcoming officer, you missed a terrific three-day seminar that challenged the skills of everyone who attended. As I photographed the firefighters utilizing the search maze, I realized my place is behind the lens. Wow! Were the participants challenged! I spoke with a few members who finished the course. Their comments were similar and concluded that they were out of shape and needed to get back to the gym. As a new officer, or even an officer who is in a second year of the position, are you ready for the challenging call? I urge you to look into the mirror and evaluate yourself. We live in troubled times. Can you handle the serious or unconventional call that
you are presented with when you get off the truck? As a new officer, it is your job to motivate your crew. Is your crew serious about doing truck maintenance? If you weren’t serious about this as a firefighter, chances are your crew will follow in your footsteps. The last thing you need as an officer is to ask for a piece of equipment and it does not work. Guess what? You as the officer could be liable for not following through and checking what your crews did during truck maintenance. Remember, when your members speak to you, listen completely! Don’t just evaluate your members, evaluate yourself first. Lead by example. If you want your team to get up at 0300, you better be there with them. As we enter the holiday season and hold Santa parades, breakfasts with Santa, and toy drives, remember to set the example and exude professionalism and goodwill toward the people you serve. According the US Fire Administration, the fire service has lost 118 active firefighters in the Line of Duty. As a new officer, visit the US F i r e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n o n l i n e a t https://apps.u sfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/. Click on a few of the names of our fallen members and look at the causes of the fatalities. No matter what holiday you are enjoying with
your loved ones, pray for those who are away from their families and let those who lost loved ones in 2021, know that you are there for them. Remember the words of an ex-chief in my division who was taken from this world too soon. As a chaplain, Rick ended his prayers to us by saying, “Remember the reason for the season.” He encouraged all of us to give thanks and to be watchful over each other. To all of you; May the true reason for the season be remembered. From the staff at Fire News, have a blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas! - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
Suffolk Trash Truck Fire
Recently, Suffolk firefighters responded after a trash truck caught fire close to a shopping center in the northern part of the city. Engine 25 advised that, upon their arrival, the trash truck was on fire and close to the building. The driver of the truck was able to exit the vehicle safely. Chesapeake Fire Department provided automatic aid to the incident. Their Ladder 10 and Engine 12 responded. Suffolk units on scene were Battalion 2, Safety 1, EMS 2, Engine 25, Engine 5, Ladder 5, Engine 10, Engine 9, Ladder 6, Medic 5, Fire Marshal 4 and Fire Marshal 6. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk Fire Rescue
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 7
1 Burned at Richmond House Fire
On October 23, 2021, the Richmond Fire Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of Decatur Street for a structure fire. The caller reported there was smoke coming from their house and that they had suffered burnes Engine 13 arrived to find a two-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling, with smoke showing. Engine 13 preformed a 360 and determined smoke was starting to come from all sides. Units went into the offensive mode and lines were quickly stretched. Once crews entered the structure they determined that
the fire had started in a bedroom and spread to the attic. Command advised all units that fire was becoming visible on the CharlieBravo side of the structure. Truck 2 and Truck 5 arrived and put up ladders. Fire crews began to get a good knock on the fire and the incident was soon able to be placed under control. Richmond Ambulance Authority transported one adult male to VCU with severe injuries including burns and smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 8, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Suffolk Garage Fire Stopped
Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Suffolk Police responded on October 17, 2021, to a building fire in the 1400 block of Nansemond Parkway. Engine 3, Ladder 3, and Medic 3 arrived to find a large, two-car, detached garage on fire in the backyard of a residence. Units placed three lines into service and were vable to prevent the fire from spreading from the well-involved garage to nearby struc-
tures. The garage sustained heavy fire damage. The main residence sustained heat damage. Responding units included Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Engine 3, Engine 1, Engine 26, Ladder 3, Medic 3, Rescue 1, EMS-1, Safety 1, and Fire Marshal 7. - Submitted by Michael J. Barakey, Fire Chief
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 9
9 Displaced in Apartment Building Fire
Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on September 19, 2021, to a residential apartment building fire in the 300 block of Wellons Street, in Downtown Suffolk. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0300 and the first unit arrived on scene at 0304. Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 2 and Rescue 1 arrived to heavy black smoke showing from the front door and flames visible from the rear of the structure. An aggressive interior attack found heavy fire on the first
floor of the two-story residential apartment building with fire venting from the rear. Residents had to be evacuated on the second floor of the building by fire crews. Nine adults were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. There were no injuries. The fire was called brought under control at 0338. The fire was ruled suspicious. - Submitted by Michael J. Barakey, Fire Chief
Diesel Fuel Leak in Chesterfield On September 5, 2021, at 1549, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to 900 Walmart Way at the Walmart for a full hazmat assignment. A truck was reported to be leaking diesel fuel from a refrigeration trailer. Engine 205 quickly had a line stretched and the leak was controlled within minutes of arrival. Hazmat 202 was needed to the scene to assist with cleaning up the approximately 25 gallons of diesel fuel that leaked onto the parking lot. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 10, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Cover Story
4 Injured at Ghent 3-Alarmer
Recently, Norfolk B and C shifts worked a three-alarm fire on six occupants, four of whom were assisted down exterior ladders. Greenway Court in Ghent. The call came in at 0439 and was Four occupants were transported to the hospital with non-lifeupgraded to a third alarm by 1710. Fire crews affected rescues of threatening injuries. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue
Page 12, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Holland Home Destroyed by Fire
Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to a residential structure fire in the 6500 block of Holland Road on October 6, 2021. The first units arrived at 1551 to find heavy fire showing from the front of the two-story residence, and firefighters began an exterior attack of the fire that extended to the first and second floors. It was confirmed that all of the occupants had safely evacuated prior to their arrival. The structure was determined a total loss and a neighboring residence also sustained extensive heat damage to the exterior siding. Responding units included Battalion 1; Engines 1, 2, 4, and 7; Tankers 1, 7, and 8; EMS-1, Rescue 1, Ladder 6, and Safety 1. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
Richmond House Fire Snuffed
On October 2, 2021, at 1824, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 4800 block of Hanover Avenue for a structure fire. The caller reported that they could see smoke coming from their neighbor’s house. Engine 19 arrived to find smoke coming from the alpha side of a single-story structure. Engine 19 began an aggressive
fire attack on fire showing in the corner of a bedroom. Battalion Chief 1 declared a working fire. Fire crews soon got a knock on the fire and then the incident was able to be marked under control. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 14, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Good Rescue at Suffolk House Fire
Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and Suffolk Police responded on October 24, 2021, to a residential building fire in the 700 block of Hollywood Avenue. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0126 and the first unit arrived on scene at 0131. Engine 3, Ladder 3, and Medic 3 arrived to heavy fire showing from the front of the structure and fire venting from the left side and attic space of a singlestory residence with a report of a person trapped. One occupant was pulled out of the structure by citizens and was in the street prior to arrival of fire units. Citizens confirmed one occupant still trapped. Ladder 3’s crew initiated a vent, enter, search tactic by entering the rear window of the structure and found a disabled and bedridden male in the bed with heavy smoke conditions and zero visibility. The rear window was cut to make a large opening and the male occupant was rescued through the opening. The rescue was
completed at 0141. Other fire units placed two lines into service and were able control the fire in the structure while the rescue was taking place. The fire was contained to the front porch, front living area and attic space. The residence sustained heavy fire, smoke and heat damage. Three occupants were displaced and the occupant rescued was transported to SNGH in critical condition with the flight crew of Nightingale Air Ambulance. The occupant rescued by citizens was evaluated on scene by medics and refused transportation. The fire was under investigation by the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office with Fire Marshal 5 and 6 leading the investigation. Responding units included Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Engine 3, Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 3, Medic 3, Medic 6, Rescue 1, EMS-1, Safety 1, and Fire Marshal 5 and 6. - Submitted by Michael J. Barakey
Truck Fire Held from Extending On September 27, 2021, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 2200 block of Apperly Terrace for a vehicle fire. Battalion Chief 204 arrived to find a fully involved box truck with a structure as a immediate exposure. Engine 216 then arrived and stretched a line. Engine 205 arrived and assisted Engine 216 with the fire attack. Fire units got a knock on the fire and controlled it from spreading to the exposure. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear
Pets Die at Richmond Blaze On September 26, 2021, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 2110 block of 2nd Avenue for a structure fire at 1524. The caller reported that they could see black smoke coming from the structure and that the fire had started in the kitchen. The caller also advised that there was a dog and a cat still inside. Fire units arrived and found black smoke showing from side Alpha and Bravo. A line was quickly stretched. Battalion Chief 1 took command and advised smoke was still showing from side Alpha. Truck company 2 preformed a primary search throughout the structure. Fire units quickly got a fast knock on the fire and the incident was put under control. Animal control was requested to the scene. One dog and a cat were found dead at the scene. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 15
2 Rescued, 1 a Fatality, in Mechanicsville Blaze
Hanover Fire-EMS crews were dispatched to the Pine Apartments on Garden Park Lane in Mechanicsville, for a reported explosion with injuries and trapped occupants. Upon arrival, crews found smoke escaping from a first-floor apartment. During the search of the apartment, crews discovered a victim who was quickly removed and transported to VCU Medical Center. The victim’s injuries
appeared to be life-threatening and unfortunately, upon arrival at VCU, the person succumbed to their injuries. A second patient was identified with non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. This subject refused transport. - Photo courtesy of Hanover Fire -EMS
Page 16, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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2 Injured at Rixeyville Rd. MVA On September 19, 2021, Little Fork was dispatched for an MVA at the intersection of Rixeyville Road and Colvin Lane. Initial reports stated possible entrapment. Units arrived to find all occupants outside their vehicles. There were three vehicles involved. Crews transported two occupants to Fauquier Hospital. Medic 9-1, Ambulance 9, Rescue Engine 9 and Chief 9-1 responded to this incident. - Photo courtesy of Little Fork Fire Rescue
Medevac at Rixeyville Road MVA On September 30, 2021, at approximately 1530, Little Fork was dispatched for an MVA on Rixeyville Road in front of Hillcrest Memory Gardens. The volunteers were advised that it involved an SUV and a tractor trailer; the road was blocked and a vehicle was smoking. Chief 9-2 confirmed an entrapment. Chief 9 arrived minutes later, assumed command and assigned Chief 9-2 to the extrication. Both ambulances arrived and the crews began to assess the trapped occupant while Rescue Engine 9’s crew began extrication. After assessment it was decided to airlift the injured occupant to the closest trauma center. An LZ was established on Jeffersonton Road. The engine crew opened and removed two doors for patient extrication. Additional Little Fork volunteers responded with their second pumper and completed the LZ set up for AirCare 6. - Photo courtesy of Little Fork Fire Rescue
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Responds to Overturn Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and Suffolk Police, responded to the scene of an overturned box truck MVA on October 1, 2021, in the 6000 block of Route 58/Holland Road. Suffolk emergency communications was contacted at 0844. Following emergency medical assessment and treatment, the driver was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
2-Vehicle MVA with Entrapment Suffolk Police ,and Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded for a two-vehicle accident that occurred in the 600 block of North Main Street at the Kimberly Bridge. Emergency Communications received calls at 1946, advising of the accident involving two vehicles, a pickup and passenger car, in a T-bone collision with one person trapped. Both southbound lanes were briefly closed to extricate the driver from the passenger car. The driver and one passenger of the passenger car were transported to Norfolk General with non-life-threatening injuries. - Submitted by William Kessinger, Battalion Chief
Page 20, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Fatality at Suffolk MVA On September 17, 2021, Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews responded to an MVA involving two vehicles on Whaleyville Boulevard. Crews had to extricate one of the drivers. Both drivers were transported to area hospitals in critical condition. One driver succumbed to his injuries hours later. - Photo courtesy of Suffolk Fire Rescue
Gasoline Leak at MVA On September 14, 2021, Little Fork was dispatched for an MVA at the intersection of Rixeyville Road and Lee Highway. Units arrived to find a two-vehicle collision with two occupants. Ambulance 9-1, Ambulance 9, Rescue Engine 9, Chief 9 and Utility 9 responded. One vehicle had a gasoline tank ruptured with no fire. The engine company took care of the hazards while EMS units checked the occupants. One person was transported to Fauquier Hospital. The remaining units assisted the state police with traffic control. - Photo courtesy of Little Fork Fire Recue
Extrication at Ambulance vs. Car MVA The Hampton Sydney Volunteer Fire Department (HSVFD) responded to a head-on two-vehicle MVA recently, with one person confirmed trapped and another injured on Route 15, about a mile north of Kingsville. Prince Edward Rescue was also dispatched. Dispatch received more info that the MVA involved was an ambulance. Squad1 and HSVFD forced the car door open and crews extricated a victim. The driver of the ambulance had minor injuries. Both patients were transported to Central Hospital in Farmville. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 21
Driver Airlifted Following MVA on Whaleyville Blvd. Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a two-vehicle accident on September 21, 2021, that resulted in the closure of the roadway in both directions in the 2500 block of Whaleyville Boulevard. Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews had to extricate the driver of the passenger vehicle, and the adult male received emergency medical assessment and treatment for critical injuries and was airlifted via Nightingale to a local hospital for further treatment. The adult male driver of the work truck also received emergency medical assessment and treatment and was ground transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Responds to 3-Vehicle MVA on Bridge Tunnel Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded September 14, 2021, to a three-vehicle MVA on the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel involving a pick-up and two passenger vehicles. Battalion Chief Barney Howard advised Emergency Communications was contacted at 0628 advising of the accident. Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews provided emergency medical assessment and treatment for an adult female and adult male who were ground transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. - Submitted by Diana Klink
Page 22, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Extrication at 2-Vehicle MVA
Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and Suffolk Police, responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident, on October 7, 2021, on westbound Route 58 near Bob Foeller Drive. One vehicle overturned during the incident with the adult male driver having to be extricated from the vehicle. Following emergency medical assessment and treatment, the driver was transported to an area hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The roadway at this location was closed for approximately one hour. - Submitted by Tim Kelley
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 23
Up Close & Personal
Firefighters from the Chesterfield Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Firefighters from Chesterfield Fire and EMS. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 24, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Summer May Be Over, But …
Though summer is long over, the boat traffic on the Potomac River doesn’t stop! Recently, Fairfax County Fire Boat 420, Gunston B-Shift, checked out equipment and conducted training on the river to maintain operational readiness for any water related emergency that may occur. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
Page 26, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 27
Supporting CAYA
On September 18, 2021, Little Fork provided an EMS standby for the CAYA (Come As You Are) organization. This was the sixth 5k run/walk that has been held in the community (at Verdun). CAYA is a substance abuse prevention nonprofit organization. This event helps raise awareness and educates the community on the dangers of substance abuse. Proceeds assist in supporting prevention programs and reduces the stigma of addiction in the community. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork Fire Rescue
Page 28, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Looking Back
Fairfax County - 1970s Over 50 years ago (1971) the 18th recruit school started. There were 14 members of the class who would go through eight weeks of training. Starting pay for firefighters in 1971 was $8,250 a year. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Fire Rescue
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 29
Training
Fort Lee Trains with Air Care Eagle
Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services recently trained with the Air Care Eagle medical helicopter team. - Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire Emergency Services
7th Annual Tri-Cities 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
E m e rg e n c y response departments, fitness teams and other participants from all over east Tennessee and southwest Viginia converged on Bristol Motor Speedway to participate in the 7th annual Tri-Cities 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The annual stair climb held special meaning this year, with the event date aligned with the 20th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The stair climb covered 110 flights, 2200 steps, symbolizing the steps the FDNY firefighters took to scale to the top of the World Trade Center Towers. The day started with Kingsport firefighter and event coordinator Andrew Catron announcing the exact times the two aircraft hit the towers. A recording of the fire department radio traffic continued for the next three hours. Calls could be heard for more resources; engines and trucks responding that they were on the way — the playback echoing throughout the speedway. Many of the firefighters completed the climb in full gear to match the responders’ loads in their ascent of the towers. Law enforcement officers were in full uniform, some with full tacti-
cal vests containing a full equipment loadout Other participants and fitness team members wore weight vests. Parents would carry their children up and down the steep colosseum steps when the little ones became too tired to continue. This year the Tri-Cities event was sold out with 500 registered participants. One of those participants was Greeneville Fire Department’s Patrick Johnston. “It’s a good cause,” Johnston said. “I climb to pay tribute and raise awareness of 9/11.” One of the larger teams in the event was Greeneville’s CrossFit Arcane with 21 climbers, 11 more than last year. “We want to grow the team each year,” Arcane member Priscilla Wampler said, explaining the team climbs to honor and pay tribute to the country’s veterans. To date, the Tri-Cities 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb has raised over $200,000. This year is estimated to be around $35,000, with The Town of Mosheim Fire Department and CrossFit Arcane listed in the top 10 fundraising teams. The money raised goes directly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The stair climb fund the programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. - Submitted by Eric Kaltenmark
Page 30, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
Training
Central VA Tech Rescue Quarterly Training
Recently, the Central Virginia Technical Rescue Team, comprised of members from Hanover Fire-EMS, Henrico Fire, Richmond Fire and Emergency Services and Chesterfield Fire and EMS, held their quarterly drill in Hanover. Their focus and was on ta rench rescue scenario. A T-style trench with a vehicle overturned and with trapped patients tested their teamwork, planning and skill execution throughout the exercise. Three days of training which repeated, gave the team a great problem to solve and everyone an opportunity for hands-on work. - Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS Department
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Page 32, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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Training
Vehicle Stabilization Training
Richmond Company 10 doing vehicle stabilization training. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
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Fire News, December 2021/January 2022, Page 33
Richmond Engine Company 10 Richmond Engine Company 10 doing fire prevention at Lowe’s during Fire Prevention Week. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear
Chesterfield County Fair Back for 2021 During the week of August 27 to September 4, 2021, the Chesterfield County Fair was held. Unfortunately, last year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the fair wasn’t able to happen. But this year, members of the community came out and had a great time, watching a parade, enjoying rides, eating fair food, and interacting with their emergency service first-responders. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear
Page 34, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022
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FIRSTNET AND WILDFIRE RESPONSE OPERATIONS: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Since the launch of FirstNet in 2018, the network has become an important tool in the toolbox for wildland firefighters. At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), our goal is to support public safety in operationalizing their network, FirstNet, and ensure it continues to evolve to meet public safety’s communications needs. As part of our engagement efforts, we spoke to several wildland firefighters and agencies about lessons learned of using public safety broadband for combating wildfires. Here are their takeaways and key things to keep in mind when it comes to using FirstNet to support the frontlines: 1. Know how to request FirstNet’s deployable assets for a Wildland Fire Incident When disaster strikes, the FirstNet fleet of dedicated public safety deployables assets provides users with the ability to add FirstNet coverage and capacity where they need it most. The fleet is made up of more than 100 deployable assets, like SatCOLTS, Compact Rapid Deployables, and Communications Vehicles, which are available to FirstNet subscribers 24/7 by request and at no extra charge. These mobile cell sites link to FirstNet via satellite, provide access to FirstNet’s Band 14 public safety spectrum, do not rely on commercial power availability, and provide similar capabilities and connectivity as a cell tower. FirstNet has a dedicated team of customer service representatives available around the clock. If at all possible, fire teams are strongly encouraged to fill out a FirstNet Deployable Request form for an incident to ensure all operational requirements are clearly detailed. Requests can be submitted via email to the AT&T FirstNet Help Desk(link sends e-mail) and by calling FirstNet Customer Service at 1-800-574-7000. Be prepared and have your FirstNet Agency Number (FAN) on hand. For more tips, read our deployable factsheet. 2. Incorporate FirstNet in your agency’s SOPs For example, fire teams can outline the process for requesting a FirstNet deployable asset and other FirstNet support in advance of an incident to prevent communication delays during a fire. Here at the FirstNet Authority, we work together with public safety across the country to help them get the most benefit from their network. Fire agencies and personnel can take advantage of a series of opportunities offered by the FirstNet Authority to engage with us prior to wildland fire incidents to ensure teams are adequately supported. Contact your FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor to learn more. 3. Pre-configure, update, and maintain devices Whenever possible, public safety users are encouraged to pre-configure, update, and maintain devices prior to incidents to avoid challenges experienced on the fire scene. When firefighters enter austere or rural areas, devices can be difficult to remedy in a fast-paced inci-
dent response environment. Keeping devices updated can help you leverage area hotspots for data connectivity to applications, situational awareness tools, video conferencing, and printing. 4. Consider hotspots and train your team on using your cache of FirstNet devices, applications in advance Agencies also told us FirstNet data solutions, such as hotspots, were important to operations. In addition to routine operations, hot spots have been used to support virtual briefings for command staff from remote locations and to enable medical updates from spike camps. FirstNet subscribers have access to a list of applications dedicated to public safety in the FirstNet App Catalog. If you download and/or purchase applications to meet your team’s specific needs, plan to integrate them in your cache of FirstNet devices prior to an incident to prevent potential tech related delays during a fire. Pre-incident preparedness should also include a staff training on the applications selected for use. Also, teams should make sure all applications are updated. 5. Know when and how to rely on FirstNet Central to extend priority access to supporting entities or gain situational awareness on network status It’s important to know how to access FirstNet Central, a centralized dashboard for FirstNet customers to manage their dedicated FirstNet services. This portal provides important tools for situational awareness and operations. Your access to FirstNet Central is provided by your agency. When an agency is assigned a FirstNet Account Number, an agency employee is also identified as an administrator for the account. A FirstNet user who has been provided with access to FirstNet Central by his or her agency administrator can then go into the portal and access tools, such as the Network Status Tool, which allows users to view current network outages and to set alerts for notification of unplanned network outages. For wildfire response, knowing where communications might be a challenge in the incident area ahead of time can provide the additional situational awareness. FirstNet Central also provides tools for local control. During a wildfire, communications between first responders and Extended Primary partners, like utilities or public works, is critical. To learn more about this, the FirstNet Uplift Request Tool, check out the video. We are here to support you. – Billy Freeman; Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority
