Fire News Virginia, Dec. 2022/Jan. 2023

Story on page 11. - Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR

issue...

Long Fight on Mount Hermon

Rd.

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 1400 block of Mount Hermon Road for a structure fire.

See story on page 12

Albermarle House Fire Displaces 5

Units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue were dispatched to a fire on the 2500 block of Kimbrough Circle.

See story on page 16

2 Dogs Die in Carport Fire

Farmville Fire Department was dispatched to Lakeside Drive for a house fire.

See story on page 17

Occupants Displaced in Laurel Fork Fire

The Galax Fire Department, along with mutual aid, responded to a structure fire on Bellspur Road in Laurel Fork.

See story on page 22

3 Injured in Bridge Road MVA

Suffolk Fire Rescue units from Battalion 2 responded to an MVAon Bridge Road

See story on page 28

VA-TF1 & 2 Work Hurricane Ian Aftermath

Virginia Task Forces assist in Florida for a Hurricane Ian response.

See story on page 30

AService for Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers

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DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor

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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, NY11713.

Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready To Meet The Press? From the Editor’s Desk

As we enter the holiday season, I ask everyone to pause for a moment and say a prayer for our brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty. Take the time to remember the members in your department, who have served and have passed, leaving a void in their department. Experience tells me that the fire service will never forget those members who have passed in 2022.

To our officers, who prepare to lead their companies and departments in 2023; are you ready to make a difference? Ask yourself what you can do differently in the upcoming new year to instill an awareness of safe enthusiasm. I am proud to see my company members coming down to the firehouse on their own to check the rigs, test equipment, and to make sure their gear is in order, so they can quickly and safely respond to calls.

In November, I had the honor to attend the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation fundraiser as a Public Information Officer. No matter how large or small and incident is, you should be following the guidelines of the Incident Command System to make sure that every aspect of your event is safely covered by a qualified and responsible person. My job was to prepare to greet the press that may or may not show up to our event. I prepared a package that gave the history of Black Sunday, and I explained the purpose of the organization and how it has helped fire-

fighters stay safe over the past 10 years. My job was to greet the press and set up a liaison from our group who could take the press around the handson training evolutions and answer any questions that they may have had for us.

As the editor of Fire News, I often receive telephone calls, text messages and emails requesting coverage for a special event at a local fire department. I explain to the person asking for help that I will do whatever I can to help them, but I cannot guarantee that one of our photographers will be able to make the event. I let the departments know that the Fire News photographers are freelance reporters, who typically cover emergency situations in their area. During my conversation, I will often ask, “Do you have a Public Information Officer?” It is my hope that they do.

APIO is the perfect job for a senior member who has good communication skills and knowledge of their department’s events. Today, with the advent of cellphones, word processing skills and email operations, your PIO can get photos and a writeup to all the local press, Fire News included. Your local fire academy often has a class to teach your PIO what to say and what not to say. Yes, sometimes the PIO must explain to citizens why certain situations appear to have gone wrong at a call when in fact nothing went wrong at all. A good PIO is a buffer between the public and the

chief. Achief really cannot say he didn’t know something went wrong. APIO can say, “Let me get back to you on this.”

PIOs should start out slowly. Prepare a few photos and copy, about the event and send the information to Fire News. Now that Fire News has grown to 12 editions, turn to page three to find the email address for your paper.

I look forward to your stories. Have a safe holiday season!

- Dennis

Cover Story

ExteriorFire Extends Inside

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Norfolk Fire Rescue B-shift crews went to work in the 8100 block of Foxdale Drive. On arrival, crews found fire on the exteriorthat had extended into the home. Units made a quick attack and were able to obtain fire control in 30 minutes. There were no injuries, but two residents were displaced. The Red Cross was called in to assist the displaced occupants. The incident was underinvestigation by officials.

Long Fight on Mount Hermon Rd.

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 1400 block of Mount Hermon Road fora structure fire. While units were responding, a large column of smoke was visible. Crews arrived to heavy fire and smoke visible from all sides of the structure and went in to make an offensive attack, but soon switched to defensive mode. Due to this incident being in a no hydrant area, multiple tankers were put on the assignment. Crews continued fighting this blaze forhours and were eventually able to mark it undercontrol.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Suffolk, Chesapeake Respond to 1-CarMVA

Suffolk Fire Rescue responded with Chesapeake Fire to a single-vehicle accident with fire recently. The incident occurred on Route 58 West, between the Hampton Roads Airport and the Suffolk city line. The single occupant of the vehicle sustained minorinjuries.

- Photo

courtesy of Suffolk FR

Randolph Stops Barn Fire

Randolph District VolunteerFire Department was toned out for a barn fire on Angola Road in Cumberland County. Cumberland and Farmville were also called out formutual aid. ARandolph district captain who lives on Angola Road advised the chief that the three Randolph units could handle the fire, and dispatch released the othertwo departments. The fire was underinvestigation, since the powerwas turned off long ago.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel

Exposures Saved at Richmond Blaze

Recently, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 2000 block of Gilbert Street fora reported structure fire. While uni ts were responding, multiple calls came in reporting heavy smoke coming from the rearof the structure. Fire crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the delta side of the structure and quickly stretched lines and made an aggressive attack on the fire. Fire crews also worked to protect two houses as exposures. Fortunately, crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the exposures, although, one of the exposures did sufferminor damage. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down on the exterior, crews moved into the interior. They quickly found heavy fire conditions were still present through the attic and the second floor. The incident was able to be marked undercontrol within a little overtwo hours.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

3 Rescued from Newport News Barge Blaze

Albemarle House Fire Displaces 5

At approximately 1358 on October26, 2022, careerand volunteerunits from Albemarle County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the report of a fire on the 2500 block of Kimbrough Circle. The first apparatus arrived to find fire coming out of a front window of a single-story house. Crews made entry to extinguish the fire and search foroccupants. All occupants had safely evacuated on theirown and there were no reported injuries. Five people were displaced and were being assisted by the Red Cross. The Office of the Fire Marshal determined the cause of the fire was unattended cooking.

Vacant Home Fire in Norfolk

Norfolk Fire Rescue B-shift crews made a quick stop on a residential fire on Barney Street recently. Engines 02, 01 and 11, Ladder10, Rescue 01, Battalion Chief 01, Medic 02 and the Fire Marshall’s Group arrived to find smoke showing from the vacant home and made an aggressive interior attack. There were no injuries, and the fire marshals were investigating the cause.

I-81 Truck Fire

On August 19, 2022, the Woodstock Fire Department assisted Toms Brook Fire Department with a tractortrailerfire on Interstate 81. Afire in a truck carrying produce required several hours of effort to extinguish.

- Submitted by Zachary Hottel

Three employees were safely evacuated from a barge on fire near Newport News Shipbuilding recently. According to a Newport News Shipbuilding spokesperson, the fire started around 2230 in the James River, about 150 yards from the shipyard. Newport News, Hampton, and Suffolk fire departments, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the blaze. The fire was extinguished around midnight. No injuries were reported, and no surrounding facilities orvessels were impacted. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

- Photo courtesy of Albemarle County FR

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR

2 Dogs Die in Carport Fire

- Submitted by Dan Pempel

Farmville Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Lakeside Drive fora house fire at the end of the drive. Farmville Engine 1 was first on the scene down a one-lane road to find the carport engulfed with fire and headed to the D side. HampdenSydney laid in with a four-inch line and otherunits from Prospect fed waterto Engine 1 which attacked the fire with two handlines. Two dogs died in the fire.

Quick Stop, But 4 Displaced at Birch St. Fire

Fairfax County Fire Rescue and Arlington County Fire Department were dispatched fora house fire in 6900 block of Birch Street. Fire was showing on arrival. One dog perished. and the fire was brought undercontrol in under10 minutes. The Red Cross assisted fourdisplaced occupants.

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Johnston Road CarFire

The

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E. Osborn Street Basement Fire

At 1500 on October21, 2022, Farmville, Hamden-Sydney and Randolph District responded to a call on East Osborn Street for smoke coming from undera single-story house. Farmville arrived to smoke and fire on the B and C side and removed the siding on the C side and from the crawl space on the B side. They attacked the C side and then went into the crawl space to put out the rest of the fire, which it appeared to be electrical in nature.

FFD Chief Clark was IC.

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Structure Fire Spreads in Stanley

Residents in the house attempted to extinguish the blaze but it became too hot and they had to back away. The building was a total loss. The camper and pickup also suffered fire damage along with the neighbor’s storage building. Five units from the Stanley and 25 firefighters responded and it took about 20 minutes to contain the fire. Page County EMS also responded but no injuries were reported. The Page County Sheriff’s Department also assisted.

-

Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Farmville Fire Department was dispatched to Johnston Road fora carfire fully involved.

Submitted by Dan Pempel

Stanley Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported that the Stanley Fi re Department was called fora building fire on September4, 2022, on Purdham Hill Road, east of Stanley and was fully ablaze when firefighters arrived. Chief Pettit also stated that the fire was quickly spreading onto a nearby camper, pickup truck, and a neighbor’s storage building.

Submitted by Terry A. Pettit

Submitted by Dan Pempel

Hopewell Stops Lee Street Blaze

At around 1415 on September17, 2022, Hopewell Fire-EMS was alerted to a house fire in the 2800-block of Lee Street with reports of fire coming through the roof. First arriving units found a house with heavy fire and heavy smoke coming from the rear. Engine 2 and Engine 1 (Quint 1) performed an aggressive initial attack through both the front and reardoors of the house. Engine 2’s crew was met with heavy fire at the rearof the structure and performed a quick knockdown and entered the structure. Engine 3’s crew went to work quickly performing a primary search of the house, which was vacant at the time of the call. Companies encountered trouble accessing the attic space due to olderconstruction in the house. Engine 3’s crew was sent to the roof to cut a hole. Crews operated inside the house fora good portion of the fire, but were pulled out of the structure due to deteriorating roof conditions. The fire took the bulk of the roof and attic area of the house, but the inside structure of the house remained intact. Engine 1 began mas-

terstream operations from above the fire. This quickly knocked out the bulk of the fire, and was used to mop up the rest of the hot spots inside the house. Once conditions became better, crews worked back into the house to put out the remaining hotspots. The Hopewell Fire Marshal’s Office arrived to begin an origin and cause investigation. The cause of the fire was considered suspicious in nature. Hopewell Fire-EMS would also like to thank the citiz ens next doorto the incident that went around the cornerto 7 Eleven and got crews on scene packs of waterand ice, Prince George Fire and EMS who came out to assist with filling airbottles. Also, Chesterfield Fire and EMS who came out and brought theiraccelerant K9 to perform a search of the property forpossible accelerants.

- Submitted by Capt. Benjamin P. Gomes, Fire Marshal

CarFire Extends in Chesterfield

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 1200 block of Wescott Way fora reported structure fire. The callerreported theirSUVwa s on fire and spreading to theirhouse. AChesterfield County Police unit arrived first to the scene to report a fully involved vehicle that had spread to the garage. He also reported a second vehicle was possibly about to catch fire. At that time, a second alarm was requested. Fire crews arrived to find a fully involved vehicle that had spread to the garage of a town home. Lines were quickly stretched and waterwas marked on the fire. Fortunately, crews were able to get a fast knock on the fire.

Occupants Displaced in Laurel Fork Fire

The Galax Fire Department, along with mutual aid, responded to a structure fire during a recent hurricane in the 1100 block of BellspurRoad in Laurel Fork. Galax was requested as fourth due on the wind-driven structure fire. Hillsville, Laurel Fork, and Meadows of Dan made an impressive hold on a well seated, very hot fire. Galax split crews, with one assigned vertical ventilation and the second to basement overhaul. Afteran hourfight, final extinguishment was achieved with foam. Multiple rooms and contents were saved, but the occupants were displaced. Additional thanks to Twin County E-911 and Carroll County Fire and Rescue.

- Photo courtesy of Galax FD

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Assisted Living CenterFire

At approximately 1710 on September9, 2022, units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue and Charlottesville Fire Department were dispatched to the report of a fire at the Morningside of Charlottesville Assisted Living Centeron Crestwood Drive. The first apparatus arrived to find a fire in a laundry room that had activated the sprinklersystem. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire that had been contained in the laundry room. All occupants were safely evacuated and there were no reported injuries. The cause was underinvestigation by the Albemarle County Office of the Fire Marshal.

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Submitted by Albemarle County FR

35 Displaced by Fairfax County Apartment Fire

On September24, 2022, at 2259, units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and the City of Alexandria Fire Department were dispatched foran apartment fire in the 7500 block of Republic Court, in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County. Units arrived to a three-story, garden apartment with fire showing from the roof. Asecond alarm was requested. Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and started in the attic. Thirty-five occupants were displaced by the fire and the Red Cross was assisting the displaced occupants.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

FIRSTNETAND 5G: RELIABLY CONNECTINGFIRSTRESPONDERS TO HELPKEEPCOMMUNITIES SAFE

by Stacy Schwartz - Vice President, Public Safety and FirstNet Program at AT&T

Emergencies are unpredictable. During these critical moments, public safety needs reliable, interoperable communications. Tha t’s why our approach to 5G for public safety is unlike anything else.

It’s not the typical approach to 5G you’ve seen in television commercials. That’s because 5G on FirstNet® — America's public safety network — is a one-of-a-kind experience. It gives our nation’s first responders the early benefits of this next-generation connectivity while continuing to use LTE, the current gold standard for reliable mobile broadband, for their mission-critical needs. First responders maintain voice communications with always-on priority and preem ption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best rou te for data traffic, whether that’s 5G or LTE spectrum.

In April 2021, we upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity and opened access to AT&Thigh-band 5G+ spectrum. Later that year, we expanded access to the AT&Tlow-band 5G. And now, we’re giving this vital community access to the “sweet spot” of 5G - AT&T mid-band 5G+. All public safety needs to access 5G on FirstNet is a FirstNet Ready® 5G device.

What is 5Gforfirst responders like today?

We’re delivering 5G on FirstNet using AT&Tspectrum bands. Public safety in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G. And we’re continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationw ide:

• High-Band 5G+: Public safety agencies and organizations in parts of more than 45 cities and 45+ venues get super-fast speeds and unprecedented performances in these high traffic areas. This includes places like Los Angeles International Airport and Raym ond James Stadium in Tampa where crowds gather for the amazing concerts or major sporting events like the “Big Game” (but what is really a massive public safety event).

• Mid-Band 5G+: Now, this vital community has access to the “sweet spot” of 5G spectrum in more than 40 cities from coast to coast, including Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis. Mid-band 5G+ spectrum fills the gap between our other bands and provides a great combination of ultrafast speeds and wide geographic coverage.

• Low-Band 5G: First responders in more than 30 cities across the United States — including Austin, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona and Knoxville, Tennessee — can connect using low-band 5G spectrum. It can travel farther, as well as penetrate through buildings and infrastructure better than high-band 5G+.

Looking ahead

Many might ask, “why can’t you deploy 5G on FirstNet like it is

on commercial networks?” Simply put, when public safety is responding and lives are on the line, reliability is key. And many of the standards that protect public safety’s crucial communicatio ns from network congestion have not yet been implemented for 5G by the industry.

So, while we’re bringing this community specialized features an d capabilities they’ve never had before, we also have an eye to t he future. It isn’t going to happen overnight. But we’re working to develop the necessary standards and vendor support to create a 5G environment that aligns with public safety’s mission.

Our strategy for 5G on FirstNet takes advantage of the true evolution from 4G to 5G. FirstNet will continue to be a fast follower on 5G while driving innovation of and integration in tested and established mission-critical services on 4G for public safety operations today. That means first responders on FirstNet have the assurance that 4G public safety services are keeping them reliably connected for their lifesaving work, while the commercial side addresses initial start-up challenges of 5G. You know, places where viral videos and live-streaming your favorite football team’s games rule the day — not a place where a call can make all the difference in helping save someone.

On FirstNet, 5G connectivity will be ideal for IoTand video intelligence solutions. Imagine being able to deploy cameras during parades and other celebrations to help identify suspicious bags or packages. Or using 5G in an ambulance to transmit patient data back to the emergency room. That’s just a few ways 5G on FirstNet could help public safety achieve their life-saving missions in the fu ture.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&Tare committed to advancing FirstNet for all of public safet y. And doing it right. We recognize that uniting the unmatched benefits of FirstNet with the future promises of 5G can unlock a whole new world of public safety potential. As new technologies become available, we understand what’s most important is taking a first respondercentric view in their deployment. That applies to 5G, augmente d reality, edge computing and others. It’s our job as America’s public safety wireless communications provider.

We’re not building 5G on FirstNet for the bottom line. We’re building it for public safety’s unique mission needs. That means making sound decisions and being good stewards of public safety’s network — all to ensure we do 5G right for public safety.

Individual verified first responders not already on FirstNet ca n go to https://www.firstnet.com/signup/ or go to the more than 5,000 AT&Tretail stores across the country.

Bucket Truck Rescue

On November1, 2022, at 1204, Little Fork’s volunteers were dispatched to rescue a tree workertrapped in a bucket truck on Jamesons Mill Road. Just afterraising the bucket to about 35 feet a hydraulic line broke. As a safety design, the cylinders lock up after they lose pressure. The site supervisordecided that the safest way to move the uninjured workerwas to activate 911. While ourunits were en route, CulpeperVFD Tower1 was dispatched to assist.

Outriggers were set and the truck crew went to work. The worker, (who was wearing a safety harness) was moved overto the platform of the towerwithout incident. He was lowered to the ground and units went back in service. Thanks to Culpeper’s crew fortheir assistance. Little Fork responded with Rescue Engine 9, Rescue 9, Medic 9 and Chief 9 with 10 volunteers.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR

PATCHES

Not a Good Spot to Take a Rest!

Recently, Suffolk Fire Rescue responded to a unique medical call. An elderly citizen was feeling unwell and sat-down to rest at the top of a steep embankment, overlooking a body of water. The man then apparently had a medical emergency and fell to the waterwhere the lowerpart of his legs were submerged. SFR Medic 1 provided ALS care to the patient and Rescue 1 and Engine 1 set up a haul system to perform a low-angle technical rescue. The patient was transported by ambulance to an area hospital fortreatment.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

County of Warren Fire Rescue Services

Ashburn Fire Rescue

Lynchburg Fire & EMS

3 Injured in Bridge Road MVA

Chesterfield Head-on MVA

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Elkhardt Road foran MVAwith entrapment. AChesterfield County Police unit arrived to find one of the patients unconscious and barely breathing. Fire crews arrived to find a head-on two-vehicle MVAwith one vehicle overturned and a U.S Postal vehicle into the woods. Fire crews soon determined they were working one red, one yellow, and two green patients. They also had two patients trapped. Once both patients were removed, they were quickly rushed to local hospitals. One baby was also involved in this crash but was reported to be okay.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Woodstock Extrication

Cumberland Road Head-on

At about 1615 on October7, 2022, Farmville and Randolph crews responded to a two-vehicle MVAin the 2000 block of Cumberland Road involving a trailer-towing pickup and an SUV. Randolph had Cumberland respond due to a possible entrapment. Prince Edward Rescue was able to get the person out of the pickup and called fora Med Flight 1 to transport the person and a second ambulance foranotherperson in the SUV. Cumberland setup an LZ at Randolph’s station.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Suffolk Fire Rescue units from Battalion 2 responded to an MVA on Bridge Road at College Drive. Three adults were ground transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital forinjuries.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

On August 9, 2022, Woodstock firefighters extricated one patient from a vehicle rolloverin town limits.

- Submitted by Zachary Hottel

VA-TF2 Works Hurricane Ian Area

VA-TF1 Working Hurricane Ian Aftermath

VA-TF1’s

dent

Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2) has been working on search and rescue missions in Charlotte County, Florida, since the recent Hurricane Ian. The Task Force has been augmented from a Type III to a Type I with the arrival of an additional 35 members. VA-TF2

has helped numerous citizens with medical assistance, evacuation and provided information on humanitarian assistance.

- Photos courtesy of Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search & Rescue Team

helping local first responders in Florida. The crew as sisted City of Lauderhill Fire Department, who are assisting with the Hurricane Ian response in the Fort Lauderdale area, with a resi-

needing medical care. The patient was transported fortreat ment aftercrews were able to help ensure herdog was cared for.

- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Fort Lee - Circa 1917

Looking Back Fairfield - 2019

- Photos courtesy of Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services

Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services was founded in 1917 during WWI. It was originally known as Camp Lee. During the many years of growth, reductions and expansion, the fire department has been in some sort of operation forover100 years. It’s nice to look back at ourpast and see how we’ve grown and changed.

On June 29, 2019, crews responded to a garage fire on Red Hill Road in Fairfield. First-due units arrived to find a well involved garage. Firefighters from South River, Rockbridge Baths, Raphine, Walkers Creek and Buena Vista assisted, along with the Rockbridge duty officer. The fire was quickly knocked down without incident.

- Photo provided

Fairfax County Fire Rescue Live Fire Training Training

On September12, 2022, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Field Training Section conducted a live training burn utilizing an acquired house located in the Town of Vienna. The Field Training section rotated crews through live fire training burns focusing primarily on interiorfire behavior. Firefighters, led by an instructor, had an opportunity to observe a fire’s progression. Of particularimportance, crews observed how airflow, through different openings, affected the fire’s behaviorbased on its location inside the house. Once this was training activity was completed, additional firefighters focused on fire attack. The day was a tremendous success and involved more than 30-plus operational firefighters and 15-plus training personnel. This invaluable training was possible because of the FCFRD Acquired Structures Program. The program provides a valuable hands-on experience for all members of FCFRD.

- Photos courtesy of Battalion Chief Rodney S. Vaughan, Field Training Section - Training Division

Little Fork Trains

On September14, 2022, Little Fork Company held a drill night. Crews practiced advancing hose lines and then repacking them. Thanks to the 11 volunteers who took time away from friends and family to participate in this training.

- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR

Galax Explorer Training Night

Galax VolunteerFire Department’s ExplorerTraining Night had “Search” as the topic of the evening. An awesome job by all in attendance.

- Photo courtesy of Galax FD

Swift Water Rescue Training

On August 18, 2022, joint swift waterrescue training was conducted by the Woodstock Fire Department, Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue, and the Seven Bends State Park at the park near Woodstock. Crews reviewed skills forland-based rescuers.

- Submitted by Zachary Hottel

VADept. of Fire Program Supports Wise Fire School

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs supported the Wise Regional Fire School. Classes offered included surface waterrescue, machinery rescue operations, and rural watersupply. Executive DirectorBrad Creasy briefly addressed the students and stopped by during some of the course offerings.

- Photos courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Training the Next Gen of Firefighters

Virginia Department of Fire Programs collaborates with career and volunteerrecruit academies across the Commonwealth to prepare the next generation of Virginia’s fire service. Roanoke Fire-EMS Recruit Class 31 recently completed the components of VDFP’s Vehicle Awareness and Operations course.

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Fairfax Fire Department Hockey Team

Three Amigos

courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs

A

Fire Marshal’s Best Friend

Photo

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax FR

Norfolk firefighters Caley, Sara and Emily aftera recent alarm.

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR

AChesterfield Fire Marshal and his canine Clover, in action at a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Fairfax Open House Returns

On

In Division II, the winners were:

Battalion 4: Station 8 - Annandale and Annandale Volunteer Fire Department

Battalion 5: Station 19 - Lorton and Lorton Volunteer Fire Department

Battalion 6: Station 24 - Woodlawn

Battalion 8: Station 22 - Springfield and Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.

October 15, 2022, Fairfax County Fire Rescue opened its doors to the public, after a two-year hiatus, for a return to the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House event. Apart of the tradition is declaring a winning fire station in each battalion for best open house.

- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR

FF/PM Chad Johnson Calls it a Career

Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Johnson, who has completed his career with the Portsmouth Fire Department.

FF/PM Johnson was hired on June 3, 2002 and served the city for 20 years.

Congratulations on a great career. The City of Portsmouth and the community, are thankful for your dedicated service. FF/PM Johnson’s official retirement date was August 31, 2022.

- Photo courtesy of Portsmouth FR

2 Displaced by Norfolk Fire

Norfolk A-shift crews spent theirHalloween afternoon on Lasser Drive, making a good stop on a structure fire. Engines 14, 15 and 16, Ladder14, R02, BC03, BC02 and the FM group responded and found smoke pushing from the attic space on arrival. Soon after, fire breached the roof and crews continued theiraggressive attack to obtain fire control in just under30 minutes. There were no injuries, but two occupants were displaced and the Red Cross responded to assist. The fire was underinvestigation.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Invest in yourself! The National Fire Academy (NFA) has the courses to help you meet your professional development goals and reduce all-hazard risks in your community. The courses you take through the NFAcan be considered for college credit. NFAresident courses are free of charge and for those selected to attend, the NFA will reimburse your travel, provide lodging, offer a world-class professional development opportunity, and you will be in a class with your peers from around the country. Your cost is your time and buying meals on campus.

The application period is open for National Fire Academy classes scheduled on the Emmitsburg, Maryland, campus from April to September 2023.

Please apply between October 15 and December 15 (2022) for on-campus courses scheduled from April to September 2023.

The process is all on-line and easy to use https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/admissions/how-to-apply.html

We look forward to seeing you at the NFA!

FirefighterCancerSupport NetworkVirginia 2022 Golf Tournament

On September 19, 2022, the Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network held its second annual golf tournament at Lee’s Hills Golf Club in Fredericksburg. The event was a huge success due to our generous sponsors, golfers and volunteers. This year we honored eight Virginia firefighters who lost their lives to occupational cancer since our last golf tournament.

Welcoming the players was Spotsylvania County Fire Chief Jay Cullinan, FCSN Chief Operations Officer Joe Schumacher and Virginia State Director Steve Weissman. Bag Piper, Fairfax County Battal ion Chief Matt Lopez led the field of teams to the course where the competition and camaraderie began.

Funds raised from the golf tournament support the Firefighter Cancer Support Network’s mission to assist firefighters, EMS providers and their immediate families diagnosed with cancer. T he FCSN provides badge to badge support and cancer awareness training at no cost. If you are interested in supporting our mission, please visit our website at www.firefightercancersupport.org.

- Submitted by Steve Weissman

Woodstock Open House

On October9, 2022, Woodstock Fire Department conducted its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House. The company welcomed approximately 150 community members to learn about the organization and department.

- Submitted by Zachary Hottel

Fun and Fire Safety

Albermarle County Fire Rescue having some fun while teaching the community the importance of fire safety.

- Photo courtesy of Albermarle County FR

Welcoming Home Lt. Huffman

Fellow firefighters and auxiliary members welcomed Lieutenant Colin Huffman home afterspending five days in the VCU Medical CenterBurn Unit in Richmond. Colin was accidently burned when a candle ignited his clothing causing him to sufferburns to his face and chest. Colin, who has been in the department forsix years was able to quickly extinguish the fire by dropping to the ground and patting the flames out. He was flown by AirCare from nearthe scene to Richmond and firefighters gathered around the squad to wish him well while being wheeled to the helicopter. He was greeted with a surprise escort home when he entered Stanley’s first due by Command 24, Engine 24 and Engine 25, Page County EMS, Stanley Police, Page County Sheriff’s and Virginia State Police Lieutenant Huffman was back answering calls a few week laterand is recovering well.

- Submitted by Chief Terry A. Pettit, Stanley FD

Fairfax Toys forTots Program

The Fairfax County Fire Rescue Department is participating in the Annual 2022 Toys forTots Campaign. The campaign intends to “bring holiday joy and delivera message of hope to children.” Fire stations will accept donations until Sunday, December11, 2022.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

In the picture Colin is in the middle with his mom Kathy Huffman to the right and his sister Brittany Weaver to the left. Both are auxiliary members.