The official publication of the Virginia State Firefighters Association.
See pages 7 to 10
2-Alarmer
Hoarding conditions make extinguishment a problem.
See story on page 14
A2-story multi-use structure is a total loss despite the best efforts of FFs.
See story on page 21
Suffolk Trench Rescue Assist
Teamwork of Hampton Roads Regional FDspecialty teams prove their worth once again.
See story on page 24
Atruck overturns and the driver self-extricates, but ‘Jethro’has to be assisted out.
See story on page 27
3-Alarmer
Aplane crash ignites a large area of trees and brush.
See story on page 35
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I would like to take a moment to ask everyone to remember Dennis Smith. Dennis Smith was a retired FDNYfirefighter who wrote Report from Engine Co. 82 and was the founder of Firehouse Magazine, which went into publication in 1976. Firehouse Editor-inChief Peter Matthews said it best; “Dennis had the ability to share life-saving techniques to firefighters across the country and share the stories of firefighters around the world.” He impacted the fire service with his writings and with his hands on experiences as Captain of Engine 82. Dennis served during the “War Years” of the 60s and 70s, which was the busiest time in the FDNY. His writings motivated me to serve the volunteer fire service for almost 30 years and to join the staff of Fire News , which was started in 1973. Almost 50 years later Fire News continues to represent the fire service in a positive light. May Dennis Smith be remembered for his love of the fire service and making it what it is today. Dennis died on January 21, 2022.
Moving along to spring 2022; what are you doing to improve your skills to be a better first responder? Recently, the NYSAFC held the Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo
at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. I had a smile on my face as I watched many of the attendees pack the seminar room to attend classes that were presented by many of the great names in the fire service. Thank you to those speakers, who spent time talking with our responders well after their classes were finished.
April is the month that our field training reopens at our county and state fire academies. Over the winter, most training facilities have been overhauled and set up to challenge firefighters with new evolutions to test the skills of firefighters throughout our country.
In my firehouse there is a list of the handson classes that responders must attend. The intense training is well received by most members. I encourage our chiefs to share their opinions of the evolution with the staff at the fire academy. Keep in mind that most academies will “tweak” an evolution to better serve a department that comes from a different locale. If you want to see a change in an evolution, discuss it at the firehouse kitchen and bring up your ideas at your town and county fire chiefs council where the suggestions will be brought back to the academy.
Change happens with positive discussions.
In closing, I remember the recent loss of too many firefighters over the past few months. Fire News tries to honor everyone in our newspaper. This cannot happen if departments do not have an active Public Information Officer, who makes sure that Fire News has photos and a write up about the individual who has passed. I have asked many times for departments to make sure their PIOs get the word out to Fire News of all activities they would like to see in your newspaper. Yes, Fire News is your newspaper and represents your department. Please make sure we are kept abreast of what is happening in your department. You can email us with questions. The masthead on page 3 of every edition has an email address, so you can contact the newspaper with questions.
Stay safe and continue to train as if your life depends on it!
- DennisOn November24, 2022, at 1132, Little Fork volunteers were dispatched foran MVAin the 8600 block of Rixeyville Road. Arriving units found one occupant trapped in the vehicle which had overturned end-to-end and then rolled on its side several times. The EMS crew assessed the patient, while the engine and heavy rescue crew began extrication. It was decided to airlift the occupant to a trauma center. Chief 9 requested a helicopterand the soccerfields at Emerald Hill School were selected forthe LZ. The patient was extricated by totally removing the driver’s doorseven minutes afterthe arrival of the engine and heavy rescue. Rescue 9 set up the LZ while Medic 9 treated and transported the patient to the Fairfax Trauma facility. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
HanoverCounty Fire and EMS crews responded to a fire on Cobbs Farm Road. Crews arrived to find a detached garage and single residence involved. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross assisted.
- Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS
Louisa County Fire and EMS units were alerted foran early morning structure fire recently. Initial reports were that the back of the home was well involved with secondary reports that fire was through the roof with a partial collapse. Chief 102 arrived to find a well involved detached home with the residents out front. Units from the Mineral District fire station were the first suppressi on units to arrive. Operations focused on an exteriorattack due to large amount of fire and lack of structural integrity. Fire department tankers started a watershuttle operation. Fire and EMS units from Louisa and Spotsylvania worked foran extended amount of time to bring the fire undercontrol. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the residents. Thanks to Spotsylvania, Goochland and Albemarle counties forproviding assistance with operational and station fill needs.
- Photo courtesy of Louisa County Fire & EMS
Prospect VolunteerFire Department was called out fora trailerfi re with a fully involved shed and an exposure to a house on Coleman Drive off of Route 15 in the 500 block of Sheppards Road. Farmville and Hampden-Sydney were also toned out forthe call. Acouple of explosions were also reported. Prospect Assistant Chief Redford was in charge. Upon arrival the trailerand shed were on the ground. Prospect used two handlines on the fire and one handline to protect the house and extinguish a brush fire.
- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel
At approximately 1450 on December2, 2022, units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) and Albemarle County Police Department responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash on Ivy Road between Tilman Road and Morgantown Road. Upon arrival, crews found a tractor-trailerupside down in a ditch and on fire. The driver was out of the truck and had only minorinjuries. There was also one person with minorinjuries who went to the hospital in a personal vehicle. No otherinjuries were reported. The crash resulted in the tractor-trailerlosing its load of lumberand forcing the closure of Ivy Road between Tilman Road and Morgantown Road. VDOTand ACFR remain on the scene forclean-up and traffic control.
- Photos courtesy of Albemarle County FR
On Christmas Eve 2022, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Pinetta Drive fora structure fire. The caller reported the house was fully involved. Fire crews arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing and quickly stretched multiple attack lines. Crews began an exteriorattack on the fire and soon got a good knock down and the incident was placed undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by CFN Media
Norfolk C-shift crews were dispatched to ManchesterAvenue just before 0700 recently to find heavy smoke from a residence. E07, E12, Navy E15, L07, M07, R01, BC02, BC01 and the FM group made a quick stop on the fire. There were no injuries and the occupants and theiranimals were all able to escape safely. The fire was underinvestigation. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR
At approximately 1445, crews responded to North 35th Street in Richmond fora house fire. They arrived to light smoke coming from the structure. No occupants were inside. With extreme hoarding conditions in the home, crews worked to put out the fire. The incident was first marked undercontrol at 1531, but due to the excessive amount of items in the structure, anotherfire started
within the hour. Asecond alarm was struck foradditional manpower. Crews reported hoarding conditions to the ceiling, which made it difficult forthem to find the seat of the smoldering fire. Crews rotated two at a time in the interiorto remove contents to access and extinguish the fire. The incident was then marked undercontrol at 1952.
- Photos courtesy of Richmond FD
On December26, 2022, at 1842, Fairfax County Fire Rescue units were on the scene of a house fire in the 3500 block of Goodview Court in the Mantua area. First arriving units reported a home fully involved. One occupant was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One occupant was unaccounted for.
- Photos courtesy of M. Clark & Fairfax County FR
Recently, Hopewell companies were dispatched fora smoke alarm activation. Battalion 3 arrived to smoke and fire showing from the front of a house. Occupants alerted crews that a number of animals were still unaccounted for. Companies entered the structure and performed fire attack while others searched. Searches were made difficukt by heavy smoke and clutterinside the house. All animals were eventually located alive. Medics on scene administered oxygen via pet oxygen masks. Fouradults were displaced.
- Photos courtesy of Hopewell Fire & EMS
On February 5, 2023, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to a building fire in the 100 Block of Beechwood Drive. First arriving units found heavy fire showing from multiple windows and smoke pushing from the eaves of the single-story brick residence. Fire crews performed an aggressive interiorattack and performed search and rescue efforts for possible occupants. One occupant had evacuated priorto arrival of fire units and was alerted of the fire by smoke detectors. The residence sustained heavy fire damage. The two occupants were displaced and were assisted by the Red Cross.
- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Units from the Zion Crossroads Fire and EMS Station 7 responded to a report of a vehicle fire with possible exposures to a commercial building. Battalion Chief 104 arrived to find one vehicle involved in the parking area and not posing a risk to the business. Units from Station 7 arrived within a few minutes of the chief and went to work, quickly knocking down the fire and mitigating any furtherissues. The ownerof the vehicle was able to escape from the vehicle with no reported injury.
- Photo courtesy of Louisa County FR
The Galax Fire Department found a passenger vehicle 70-percent involved on East Stuart Drive and made quick work of the job. No injuries were reported. Impressed by the Domino’s Pizza fortaking the occupants out of the rain and taking care of them! Thanks to Galax Police Department and Twin County E-911 forthe assist. All units cleared in 20 minutes.
- Photo courtesy of Galax FD
- Submitted by Zachary Hottel
The Woodstock Fire Department, Edinburg Fire Company, Toms Brook Fire Department, Woodstock Rescue Squad, and Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue responded to a kitchen fire at a local restaurant on November7, 2022. First arriving crews quickly extinguished a grease fire and prevented extension into the structure.
On December1, 2022, at 1424, units were dispatched fora house fire in the 7200 block of Devereux Court in the Kingstowne area of Fairfax County. Units arrived to find a 2-1/2 story, single-family home with fire showing from the attached garage extending to the roof. The fire was quickly located and extinguished. There were no reported injuries. Five occupants were home at the time. One occupant heard a loud popping noise coming from the garage and, upon investigating, the occupant discovered smoke and fire. All occupants self-evacuated and called 911. Fire Investigators determined the fire was caused by an electrical event involving a laptop computer. The Red Cross assisted the five occupants displaced.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
Norfolk C-shift crews were called to the 2700 block of Middle Avenue fora structure fire recently. Firefighters arrived to sm oke and flames showing. Soon after, they upgraded the incident to a second alarm assignment due to the close proximity of a neighboring home. Multiple apparatus responded and found the fire had extended into the exposure home as well. There were no civilian injuries, but one firefighterwas transported to the hospital for assessment with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FR
Louisa Fire and EMS units were dispatched to a structure fire located in Louisa Station 1’s fire district. Fire apparatus arrived along with Chiefs 101 and 102 to find a single-story detached home with smoke showing. Chief-102 established command and confirmed there was smoke evident on all foursides of the home. Engine crews from Louisa Engine 1 and Zion’s Squad 7 made entry through the front door with a hoseline to attempt to locate and extinguish the fire. Simultaneously, crews from Louisa Ladder1 and Zion’s Ladder7 ventilated the structure. The fire was located and reported under control within 30 minutes of initial dispatch. Watersupply was established making use of tankers from Louisa and Mineral. Crews were able to locate and rescue the homeowner’s dog but several cats perished in the fire.
- Photos courtesy of Louisa County FR
On December29, 2022, at 0227, Little Fork was dispatched fora structure fire on Old Bridge Road. Units arrived to find a twostory building fully involved. The building was used as a woodworking shop and had a small apartment on the second floor. Chief 9 established command. Hoselines were deployed and stopped the spread of fire to adjoining buildings, vehicles and otherproperty. Aneighborhad discovered the fire; called 911 and notified the ownerwho was asleep in the main house. The building and contents were a total loss. Mutual aid came from from Fauquierand Rappahannock counties. - Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR
Suffolk Fire Rescue Battalion 1, Safety 1, Engine 2, Medic 1, Medic 8, and Rescue 1 responded to a three-vehicle MVAwith injuries on Whaleyville Boulevard. One carsustained moderate damage, an SUVsustained majordamage and was fully involved, and a tractor-trailersuffered moderate damage. One patient was transported to Sentara Obici Hospital. - Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR
Suffolk Fire Rescue provided mutual aid to Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services fora trench rescue incident by sending Rescue 1, Ladder 11, Battalion 2, and theirtrench trailer. Excellent teamwork of Hampton Roads Regional Fire Department’s specialty teams who train togetherand run fire and medical calls daily.
- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Early on the morning of November29, 2022, the Woodstock Fire Department was alerted for an MVAwith entrapment within town limits. Upon responding, Engine 12 was advised one person was trapped inside a vehicle, which was also reported to be on fire. Crews from Woodstock, Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue, Edinburg VolunteerFire Company, and Woodstock Police Department were able to quickly extinguish the fire and extricate one individual. The occupant of the vehicle was airlifted.
- Fire News photos by Zachary Hottel
Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 200 block of Brandermill Parkway foran MVA with entrapment. Fire crews arrived to find one vehicle off the roadway and into the woods. Fire crews found one Yellow patient heavily entrapped and crews began the extrication processes.
- Fire News photo by CFN Media
On December31, 2022, at 2017, Little Fork volunteers responded to an overturned truck in the 8600 block of Rixeyville Road. The driverself-extricated as crews arrived, was checked by EMS and refused service. But, a passengerin the truck’s cab required extrication. ‘Jethro’the driver’s dog remained in the cab uninjured, but needing help getting out of the cab. Using two ladders, firefighters handed the dog off to each otherand eventually got him to the ground.
- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on January 1, 2023, to a commercial structure fire at the New Jerusalem Church Ministry in the 400 block of East PinnerStreet. Battalion 1 found heavy smoke and fire showing from the rearof the second floorof the two-story church. The second floorof the church was occupied at the time, but all occupants were out when firefighters arrived. Crews isolated the fire to the second floorand the fire was placed undercontrol at 0508. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Truck 12 responded to a structure fire on December 27, 2022. Acable repairperson created an electrical arc while installing cable which led to a small fire on the exteriorof a two-story residence. The fire was extinguished through the collaborative efforts of personnel from Edinburg Fire Company, Toms Brook Fire Department, and Shenandoah County Department of Fire & Rescue.
- Submitted by Zachary Hottel
On December27, 2022, Company 3 (Chase City), Company 1 (Boydton), and Company 4 (Clarksville) were toned out fora residential structure fire. Once en route, E34 noted a large co lumn of black smoke from several miles out. Fourth-due (Buckhorn) and fifth-due (Bacon District) companies were requested foradditional manpowerand tankers. EMS 1 arrived to heavy fire showing from the Alpha side with reports of one victim trapped. E34 arrived shortly and pulled a 2-1/2 inch handline forfire attack and VES’d via a rearwindow where the victim was initially reported to be. Heavy fire conditions hindered a search in the rest of the residence. Unfortunately, one victim perished in the fire.
- Submitted by Josh Whitten
On January 22, 2023, at 2323, the Stanley Fire Department was called fora structure fire on Lucas Hollow Road, three miles South of Stanley. While en route, the Page Emergency Communication Centeradvised that two occupants were possibly trapped. Fire Chief Terry A. Pettit reported a caradjacent to the house was on fire. Three Page County Sheriff Department Deputies, Zach Tiller, Frank Stillson and Marcus Debellaistre, attempted to gain entry, but were hampered by boarded up or nailed shut windows and doors. The occupants shouted theirlocation and Deputy Stillson was able to break open the plywood. Both occupants and a dog were assisted out the window and helped to the ground. Firefighters were able to quicky knock down the fireand while doing a secondary search found a second dog in a back room which was taken to safety. - Submitted by Terry Pettit
Explorers learned what the tools are and where to find them on each truck and did some hands-on training with them. It was a break-stuff kind of night where they learned about leverage and which tool worked best fora particularassignment. Absolutely outstanding job by all. - Photos courtesy of Galax FD
It was anotherexciting week in the world of special operations with Norfolk Fire Rescue. Norfolk hosted the TidewaterRegional Technical Rescue Team Drill, challenging members from Norfolk Fire-Rescue, Portsmouth Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, City of Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue, Chesapeake Fire Department, and Virginia Beach Fire Department in various disciplines of technical rescue. The skills tested included rope work, confined space, breaching and breaking, lifting and moving, HazMat detection and monitoring, as well as patient packaging and removal. This was one of the most complex and challenging regional team drills we have had in years. Special thanks to NFR’s Technical Rescue Training CoordinatorCaptain Jeremy Williams and members of the Technical Rescue Training Committee fordeveloping and implementing this training event at NFR's Training Tower. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR (More photos next page)
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 200 Block of South 7th Street, in Downtown Suffolk, fora residential structure fire. Medic 3 arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing from a single-story detached residential structure. Aftersearches were completed an d with the fire advancing through the roof of the structure, a defensive operation was used to control the blaze. One animal was rescued by firefighters. The residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR
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The NFPAorganization recommends annual pump, hose and laddertesting of fire apparatus and equipment. The pumps are tested to the rated capacity - most Little Forks pumpers are 1500 gallons perminute. Testing is very thorough and several components are
evaluated. Hose and ladders are also tested to ensure that they can handle the pressures and working weights. We are happy to report that all of ourapparatus and equipment passed the testing.
- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR
Woodstock Fire Department firefighters conducted a refreshercourse on vehicle stabilization, jacks, struts, and lifting operations on November3, 2022. It was part of an annual, month-long series of courses related to vehicle extrication.
- Submitted by Zachary Hottel
Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is proud to introduce its newest class of firefighters: John Barger, Calvin Nguyen, Michael Parker, Zach Poole, Eric Sadlon and James Williams.. During a 12-week abbreviated recruit school a class of six firefighters with previous experience, went through skills evaluations, learned the ACFR way of firefighting, and reviewed the ACFR emergency medical services treatment protocols.
- Photo courtesy of Larry Bouterie
On December29, 2022, the new Medic 10 was placed in service. This unit is a 2022 Ford F550 gasoline chassis, Type 1 Ambulance that is licensed as an Advanced Life Support capable unit through the VAOffice of EMS. Special features on this unit include: Liquid Spring rear suspension; Privacy tinting on the patient care compartment windows; Interiorpatient care compartment oxygen storage; fourpoint safety harness seatbelts; Whelen siren and emergency lighting packages; StrykerPowerLoad cot mounting system forimproved patient and providersafety; Ziamatic electric oxygen tank lift and storage for improved providersafety; Ourdepartment’s signature black-over-red paint scheme, with touches of gold.
- Photo courtesy of Portsmouth FR
Thank you, National Charity League, Inc. of Virginia, Bluebells Chapter, who packaged and delivered approximately 1500 care packages to fire stations and headquarters as a token of gratitude to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue firefighters, paramedics, volunteers, and professional staff. The care packages were generously donated by Operation Gratitude, which delivers care packages to deployed troops, first responders, military families, veterans, wounded heroes and caregivers.
- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation’s Culpeper Foundation Grant awarded funding that will assist Little Fork’s training program. The grant was utilized to purchase a Complete Infant Crisis Manikin. The training manikin is designed forteaching life-saving techniques forinfants (both BLS and ALS). Some of the procedures that can be practiced include: CPR; Airway Management; IVArm and Leg; 4 Lead ECG/Umbilical Cannulation Skin; Intraosseous Infusion leg; Umbilical cord allows practice of propertechniques that include cutting and clamping. Ourvolunteers would like to thank the Foundation for theircontinued support!
- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR
Suffolk Fire Rescue is always serving. Recently, due to the cold temperatures, E3 drafted 500 gallons of waterout of a main sprinklervalve box at the Tabernacle Church. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 3900 block of Carolina Road fora large brush fire as the result of a plane crash. Engine 8 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a large area off the 3900 Block of Carolina Road. Firefighters found a plane had crashed approximately a quartermile off of Carolina Road. The resulting crash caused a large area of brush and trees to catch fire with homes in the area threatened by the rapidly progressing fire. At this time, Suffolk Fire and Rescue called a threealarm fire to contain the spread of 35 acres of open field and forest. Numerous units also responded.
Fairfax County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief James Masiello retired after37 years of service. Station 15, Chantilly’s A-Shift hosted a dinnerin his honorrecently. Congratulations! Have a healthy and happy retirement! - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR
On January 21, 2023, Stafford County Fire and Rescue Recruit Academy 16 graduated with 15 personnel.
- Submitted by Katie C. Brady
The Woodstock Fire Department recognized their Top Ten Responders for2021 at ourNovember12, 2022, awards banquet. (Left to right): Firefighters Butch Funk and Wayne Bowers; Sergeant. Richard Keel; FirefighterDennis Brown; Captain Zachary Hottel; Chief Aaron Sigler; and Captain Phil Hottel. Not pictured are FirefighterRyan Wetzel, Lieutenant. Brian Miller, and Assistant Chief Grant Pearson. - Submitted by Zachary Hottel
Thanks to the Herndon High School Leadership Class fortheir thoughtful holiday gift of lunch forthe firefighters and paramedics at Station 39, North Point, A-Shift. Personnel provided the three students who brought the food with a tourof the station and equipment. - Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR
It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International and Clarion Events family announces the unexpecte d passing of Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering and Educational Director for FDIC. Chief Halton passed away at his home in Oklahoma on December 19, 2022. Halton served as our editor for the past 18 years. Halton led the editorial team and helped build the FDIC into the largest fire service educational conference in the world.
“We are devastated by the news of Bobby’s sudden passing. Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others and his impact serving as VPof Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue, was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. This is a major loss for the Clarion family and the fire service. In this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Marcia, Dean, Ryan, Evan, and the entire Halton family,” said E ric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events - Fire & Resc ue.
Chief Bobby Halton was a native New Yorker. He began his career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department and rose through the ranks to include Chief of Training. Halton was Chief of Operations until his retirement from Albuquerque in 2004. He then became Chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. Halton left Coppell to assume the duties as Ed itorin-Chief of Fire Engineering.
Chief Halton was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, left a member in good standing with the International Associati on of Fire Fighters, was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served on several of the National Fire Protection Association technical committees. He was active with the Nation al Fallen Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives as well as the Fire fighter Cancer Support Network. He was a passionate fire service advocate, speaker, author, and friend to so many.
Chief (ret.) David Rhodes, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Content Strategist Clarion Events
“There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession. He was a trusted friend and mentor who has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Working directly with him full-time for the past five months has been a blessing that I will treasure forever. His life was service. I will miss you my friend.”
Captain (ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY
“Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service bette r than he found it. He believed in family, trust and loyalty and there were not many like him.”
Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville Fire Department, TX
“The fire service just lost an incredible fire service mentor a nd leader. I just lost my big brother. He was an incredible man, father and husband. He was one of my best friends and I am so blessed that I just got to spend the weekend with him in Hawaii where my son also spent time with him. Very few people will ever have the im pact on people lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second t o none. I will miss my big brother so much.”
Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering
“Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. Working with him for years on Fire Engineering magazine, FDIC, and other projects, I witnessed his unwavering devotion and love for firefighters. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He w ove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act. Bobby was a unique firefighter who touched many lives His presence will be sorely missed at Fire Engineering, FDIC, and in the fire service itself.”
Captain (ret.) Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department
“Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. No one has impacted how I think about the fireground and firefighting more than my mentor, brother and friend. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational, and I believe still does today. Thinking of him catching up with Bruno and Brennan, swapping stories and laughs makes me happy. This world, and my own personal walk in it, now has a hole that I can’t quite believe and it is terribly sa d. Such is the impact of a true leader, legend and authentic man of faith. Salute my friend. I look forward to the day when our Lord looks at you and says, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’Well done indeed.”
Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade Fire Department, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering
“Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. He has been such a big part of my life. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”
Firefighters and fire departments from throughout the state and region are invited to participate in the Woodstock 200th Anniversary Parade to be held at 1100 on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Email co12@shentel.net formore information and to register.
- Submitted by Zachary Hottel
During a ceremony held on December 20, 2022, Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) recognized the valiant work of Firefighter Christopher Oakley and Firefighter Benjamen Noble with ACFR’s Award for Valor.
On September 24, 2022, Firefighters Oakley and Noble were on duty at Station 17, a mediconly station that covers the southern portion of Albemarle County. Around 0200, Medic 17 was dispatched to a fire at an apartment building in downtown Scottsville. The two firefighters arrived in their ambulancefirst and were faced with the daunting task of responding to an active fire without the support of a fire engine. Several things then occurred in quick succession. Firefighter Oakley observed smoke visible from the second story and met a group of occupants
who had evacuated the building, but it was quickly determined that one person remained inside. Firefighters Oakley and Noble prepared to enter the building carrying a portable 2-½ gallon water can. Upon entry, conditions required them to force open a door to a second-story apartment where they found floor-to-ceiling smoke. As they searched for the victim, they worked to keep the fire in check with the water can. Within minutes, they found the occupant and safely removed her from the building. Once the victim had been taken to safety, Firefighters Oakley and Noble reentered the building to limit the fire from spreading any further. Once the first engine arrived, the two continued to assist in fire suppression efforts. Thank you for your courageous actions and strong work. - Photos courtesy of Albemarle FR
The Woodstock Fire Department awarded TreasurerJeff Coffelt with theirorganization’s President’s Award at theirNovember12, 2022, awards banquet. This award was in recognition of Jeff’s commitment to professionally and efficiently managing the financial aspects of the organization.
- Submitted by Zachary Hottel
