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Industry News
LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE LEADER KARLRISTOWTO RECEIVE NFFFGLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is recognizing Chief Karl Ristow, CFO, as the newest recipient of the organization’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award.
Chief Ristow, who currently serves as the Program Director for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) program at the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), is being recognized for his many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board Of Directors.
“Karl is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “His dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.”
Chief Ristow became involved in the NFFF in 2007, when he served on the incident management team that developed and executed the memorial service and burials for nine Charleston, South Carolina firefighters killed while fighting a fire at the Super Sofa Store. Since then, as a volunteer, donor, and educator, Ristow has supported the NFFF in raising awareness and funds for its prevention and support missions.
Chief Ristow is second Chairman and National Coordinator for the NFFF Memorial Golf Tournaments program. In the five years that Chief Ristow has dedicated his time and energy, the tournaments have raised more than $1.7 million in support of the NFFF.
Along with his wife, Barbara, Chief Ristow volunteers for the Hal Bruno bereavement camps for the children of fallen firefighters, serving as Big Buddies, Healing Circle Assistants, and Floaters. The Ristow's are also members of the NFFF Giving Circle, a group comprised of the Foundation’s most generous financial donors.
Karl’s commitment to the fire and emergency service family is evident in both his accreditation work with the CPSE and his dedicated volunteering with the NFFF, shared CPSE Chief Executive Officer, Preet Bassi. “Both organizations are lucky to have him as part of our teams.” Before joining CPSE, Chief Ristow served as Fire Chief for the St. John’s Fire District in South Carolina for 14 years and as a Resident Training Specialist for the South Carolina Fire Academy. Chief Ristow is a retired United States Air Force Fire Protection Supervisor. He holds a master’s degree in Management and Public Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and associate degrees in Fire Science and Instructor of Technology and Military Science. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, a Chief Fire Officer Designee through the Commission on Professional Credentialing, and a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE).
The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service. In 1969, Glatfelter created the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company of its kind to meet the insurance needs for firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its missions and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Chief Ristow will be presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on March 22, 2022 during the opening session of the CPSE Excellence Conference in Orlando, FL. “Chief Ristow represents everything that Art Glatfelter stood for,” Campisi said. “We are grateful for leaders who carry the standard for the fire service, and it’s a privilege to present Chief Ristow with this award.” The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by Congress in 1992 to honor and recognize firefighters who died in the line of duty each year. To meet this mandate, the Foundation reviews the circumstances of each firefighter fatality reported to determine whether the death also meets criteria for inclusion on the National Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The guidelines by which these determinations are governed can be found on our website at https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighters/memorial/. The NFFF is closely reviewing COVID-related deaths to determine eligibility for inclusion on the National Memorial.
SUTPHEN CORPORATION TO DISPLAYNEW TRACTOR DRAWN AERIALIN FDIC BOOTH 3324
Sutphen Corporation, the largest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, announces that FDIC 2022 will be the showcase venue for Sutphen’s new Tractor Drawn Aerial.
The tractor drawn aerial will add to Sutphen’s already extensive product lineup and will be the first Sutphen TDAsince the 1990s.
“We cannot wait to showcase this new product at FDIC 2022,” said fourth-generation family member and Sutphen vice president, Julie Sutphen Phelps. “We know this will be the talk of the show, and we are excited to unveil the Sutphen TDAin front of such a large audience.”
The truck, destined for DeKalb County Fire Rescue in Dekalb County, Georgia, will be available to see in Sutphen Booth #3324 in the Indiana Convention Center Thursday, April 28 through Saturday, April 30. “This is why people go to FDIC,” said Sutphen’s director of sales and marketing, Zach Rudy. “People go to FDIC for the excitement and the unveiling of new products across the fire industry. We know that the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium will be abuzz with talk of the Sutphen Tractor Drawn Aerial.” If customers have questions or would like additional details about the apparatus prior to the show, they are encouraged to contact their Sutphen dealer.
Customers can find their Sutphen dealer by following the link here: https://www.sutphen.com/locations/.
FireNews.com
Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 35 GovernorYoungkin Recognizes Recipients of 2021 Governor’s Fire Service Awards
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2021 Governor’s Fire Service Awards as part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and Rescue Conference in Virginia Beach.
Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards honor excellence in Virginia’s fire services and are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board.
“I am pleased to recognize these outstanding fire service professionals,” said Governor Youngkin. “I’m so grateful to Virginia’s fire service personnel for risking their lives every day to protect us. I’m proud to honor and thank Virginia’s first responders and support staff for their dedication to the Commonwealth.”
“The recipients have navigated the challenges of the pandemic all the while strategically developing new procedures and trainings to stay well equipped for any emergency,” said Virginia Department of Fire Programs Acting Executive Director Garrett Dyer. “We are proud to recognize these courageous men and women who work tirelessly to protect their communities.”
“We celebrate these 13 award recipients from across Virginia,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Robert Mosier. “Each of them has contributed something toward the betterment of Virginia’s fire service and we are grateful for their contributions to the Commonwealth.” 2021 Governor’s Fire Service Awards Recipients
EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIAFIRE SERVICES
Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue High Threat Team
The Loudoun County High Threat Team consists of uniformed members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. In 2021, this team worked cooperatively across disciplines to develop new levels of integrated training, policy development, and combined response initiatives. The most innovative and successful integrated training is the ‘Act of Violence Unified Command Competency Lab Training.’Conducted in the fire and rescue command lab, police commanders and fire commanders are confronted with a simulated active shooter incident. Together, they form unified command and direct units to deploy into the warm zone for patient care and extraction. Through these trainings, fire commanders and police commanders develop effective working relationships (and handle simulated incidents) before handling actual incidents. This greatly improves the interagency cooperation on all incidents. The daily working relationship and unified command training fostered by the Loudoun County High Threat Team is unmatched. It provides an example of fire and law enforcement cooperation, not just for the active shooter incident, but for all incidents handled together.
EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIACOMMUNITY
RISK REDUCTION
Marlow Jones, Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Marlow is a fire services professional driven to serve people in need and is a creative problem-solver with a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit. As a Deputy State Fire Marshal in the eastern region, Marlow regularly seeks opportunities to benefit the community, not only sharing fire prevention strategies but also in creating innovative outreach programs. He recently launched a comprehensive home fire inspection program that is offered free of charge to Petersburg residents. His program addresses an unmet need and reduces resistance to using fire protection tools such as smoke detectors by avoiding cost and cultural barriers.
Henrico Division of Fire, Fire Marshal’s Office
For more than 20 years, the Henrico Division of Fire has offered an invaluable service through the Fire Marshal’s Office for at-risk youth. Recently, the Division has significantly enhanced the program and truly encompassed the ideas of community risk reduction to address the identified hazards around youth-set fires. Each class is different and focuses on the identified individual needs of the participants. The Division works with the Henrico Sheriff’s Office, Virginia Commonwealth University Evans-Haynes Burn Center and other community partners that share the common goal of preventing fire setting and burn injuries.
EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIAFIRE SERVICE TRAINING
Captain Earl Copes, Lynchburg Fire Department
Captain Earl Copes is a fire service professional that has dedicated his life to improving the Lynchburg Fire Department’s response abilities. Captain Copes developed a Recruit Academy Academic Report Card to assist recruits in being successful through continuous feedback during their academy experience. This comprehensive evaluation system identifies strengths and weaknesses that assists the recruit in prioritizing areas of focus for overall program success. In addition, Captain Copes initiated a Wide Area Search Rope Train the Trainer program for regional responders to increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities on searching large open areas such as schools and warehouses and also developed a Firefighter Assistance Search Team Train the Trainer program for regional responders on firefighter rescue and removal techniques.
Page 36, Fire News, April/May 2022 Albemarle County Fire Rescue Celebrates Recent Promotions
In the fall of 2021, Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) conducted a promotional process to fill needed leadership roles within the department. The result of that extensive process —which included multiple interviews, practical scenario assessments, and background reviews —six candidates were promoted to the rank of Captain.
Pinning ceremonies have been held during the last few months to commemorate the accomplishments of these individuals. The last of these celebrations were held this week. Badge pinning ceremonies have a long and proud tradition in the fire service. They signify the introduction of department members to their new duties and position.
Congratulations to the following individuals and thank you for your service to Albemarle County: Captain Doug Brede, Captain Cody Gillespie, Captain Zach Matthews, Captain Matt McCain, Captain Gilbert Monroe and Captain John Rebert. - Fire News photos provided
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OUTSTANDINGFIRE DEPARTMENTRESPONSE
Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton VolunteerFire Department
At an incident on June 27, 2021, Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department and Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue responded to a residence for a sickness. Due to no response at the door, units made entry where they located and extricated three unconscious victims who all required emergency breathing assistance. The call was soon upgraded to a gas leak. With three unconscious victims and very limited resources, due to the rapid upscaling of the incident, the on-scene units from multiple departments worked together to treat the patients. Timing in this situation was everything and the outcome was a result of the way the units managed the situation.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department, et. al
On April 29, 2021, Stafford County Fire Rescue Department responded to a reported commercial vehicle crash. Upon arrival, units found a large flatbed truck hauling a 1000-gallon concrete septic tank that had rear ended a box-style tractor trailer. First arriving units reported major damage to both vehicles and the driver of the flatbed was entrapped and pinned. The on-scene report preempted requests for a second heavy rescue, Fauquier County’s EMS supervisor and a medevac helicopter. An advanced life support provider entered the cab, performed a patient assessment and began treatment. The patient was extricated and turned over to a combination of EMS personnel from Stafford County, Fauquier County and PHI Aircare 2. Once stabilized, the patient was transferred to the nearby helistop and transported to Fairfax Hospital. After a lengthy hospital stay, numerous surgeries and family support, the patient was released from the hospital.
PRIVATE SECTOR EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA
FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT
United Rentals
For the past six years, United Rentals has supported technical rescue training at the Virginia Public Safety Center. United Rentals provides equipment such as a large excavator and specialized transport service to and from the trainings due to the size of the equipment. Additionally, United Rentals, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, has supported events, such as the Trench Safety Stand Down, to educate utility contractors about the importance of trench safety and how first responders systematically work to mitigate trench rescue scenarios.
CIVILIAN EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA
FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT
Rebecca Brewster, Tazewell County
Rebecca Brewster has worked tirelessly throughout the year to provide support for the fire and EMS personnel of Tazewell County. She provides support to the Tazewell County Chief’s Association by keeping the minutes, as well as supporting the individual fire departments. She has assisted with grant writing, designed multiple fire department forms and has assisted in training members in computer skills. She has volunteered her time for all Covid-19 vaccination clinics throughout the year, as well as many other events. The firefighters of Tazewell County are truly blessed to have her support.
Chesapeake AmateurRadio Services
Chesapeake Amateur Radio Services is comprised of a dedicated group of amateur radio operators who provide back-up emergency communications for the City of Chesapeake and surrounding areas during times of natural disasters. The team ensures the City of Chesapeake, as well as the region as far away as Richmond, will have worldwide emergency communications even when all other systems are down. While their members are not affiliated with the fire service, the critical service they provide greatly enhances the capability of both the fire and police departments should normal communication systems be disabled. They are a group of highly skilled, community-minded volunteers working diligently to help protect the citizens of Virginia from the devastating effects of environmental disasters. Not only do members donate their time and expertise, they often donate equipment that will improve the function of the radio system. story continues next page
ERSI’s Joe Kroboth New Tech Memberof NCUTCD
Emergency Responder Safety Institute is pleased to congratulate ERSI Charter Member Chief Joe Kroboth, III, PE, on his appointment as a Technical Member of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD). He will serve on the Temporary Traffic Control Technical Committee. The NCUTCD is responsible for the technical aspects and development of the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD is a national standard detailing requirements for roadway features and operations such as signs, pavement marking, traffic signals, railroad grade crossings, personal protective equipment, and temporary traffic control devices. Kroboth’s appointment was approved based on his combined background in transportation engineering and construction coupled with more than 40 years of fire service experience operating at highway incidents. Kroboth is the President of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fireman’s Association, the organization that founded and oversees the Emergency Responder Safety Institute.
Kroboth is a 35-year career professional in public sector transportation and capital infrastructure. He is currently the Director of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure for Loudoun County, VA. Kroboth serves on other technical committees, including NFPA502: Standards for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’Committee on Geometric Design of Streets and Highways. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the NCUTCD committee, not just in transportation, but also in fire service operations. “I am humbled and delighted to accept this appointment,” said Kroboth. “Given my long career in transportation and experiences as a volunteer firefighter, I feel a responsibility to advocate for the safety of all parties impacted by the MUTCD, whether they are highway workers, emergency responders, or the public. We must keep striving to improve the standards that govern our roadways and craft them to reflect the realities of today’s society and technology.”
Kroboth joins Jack Sullivan, ERSI Director of Training, who has served with distinction on the NCUTCD since 2009. As fire and emergency services professionals with an intimate knowledge of roadway incident response safety and traffic control, Kroboth and Sullivan are important voices who bring the first responder’s perspective to the development of the MUTCD. “Emergency responders must have input into standards like the MUTCD,” said Sullivan. “The boots on the ground are the ones responsible for implementing the provisions of the MUTCD and the ones in harm’s way from oncoming traffic. We need to be in the room to say how these requirements are going to affect us and what we need to be better protected on the roadway. I’m thrilled Joe has stepped up to be one of those voices.”
Kroboth’s ties to the fire service in Maryland are deep. He is the retired Director of Fire and Emergency Services for Washington County, MD and currently an Assistant Fire Chief of the Longmeadow Fire Company in Hagerstown, MD. Kroboth is also a family survivor of a struck-by line-of-duty death. His father, Chief Joe Kroboth, Jr. of The Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway, MD, was struck by a vehicle and killed in 1998 while working an incident on I-81 in Washington County, MD. Kroboth III subsequently served as Chief of his father’s department. The elder Chief Kroboth’s death and the Pennsylvania Turnpike incident that same year were the catalysts for the founding of the Emergency Responder Safety Institute.
To learn more about the MUTCD and how its requirements apply to emergency responders, please visit the Responder Safety Learning Network (RSLN.org) and watch the module titled, “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.”
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VIRGINIAFIREFIGHTER OFTHE YEAR
Lieutenant Andrew Zysk, City of Newport News Fire Department
Colleagues say there is no finer training officer and no person of higher character than Lieutenant Andrew Zysk. His passion for physical fitness inspires his students to dedicate themselves to become stronger firefighters, and it shows as they progress through the academy. When it comes to fire ground skills, he believes that “every rep is a gift,” a chance to do things better and more efficiently. He asks nothing of his students that he does not do himself. When he demonstrates a skill, he is able to break down the mechanics of it so that the students clearly understand. He upholds the belief that you shouldn’t train until you get things right, you train until you can’t get it wrong. He does not treat every evolution as a test upon which his students should feel judged or embarrassed if they are unsuccessful. He allows them to recognize the mistake, learn from it, and move on. Lt. Zysk takes a holistic approach to dealing with the stresses and hardships his recruits as part of the program. He maintains an open-door policy, and is accessible and approachable to offer advice or assistance. His genuine care for the well-being of each recruit is obvious, and is a natural expression of his high character and altruism. Beyond his work with the fire academy, he participates annually at a camp for children who have received burns in house fires.
Russell Stevens, Town of Bedford Fire Department
Since joining the fire service in 1974, Russell Stevens has been a hallmark of the central Virginia fire and emergency services and a stable force in the volunteer fire community. He has served as a Bedford County Fire training officer for many years and is one of the original Deputy Hazardous Material Coordinators, which is a role that he continues to serve in today. Many of the roles that Russell has performed have greatly evolved over time with the advent of technology and Russell is a true believer and user of technology. His willingness to aid any person regardless of their need is so uncommon that he is not only a tremendous example of the Virginia’s fire service but he is a family man, spouse, church member and dear friend and mentor to so many. His actions and dedication to the fire service are examples of a man that truly reflects the mantra of “service above self.”
VIRGINIAFIRE CHIEFOFTHE YEAR
R. Scott Garber, City of Staunton Fire & Rescue
Under his leadership, Chief Garber has demonstrated for many years how greatly he cares for the community that he serves. He has continued his support of the Firefighters for Literacy program that was developed by the department in 2019. Chief Garber enables the department to interact and form pivotal relationships with the community. Leadership and inspiring confidence are common themes with Chief Garber. He has not only dedicated his time to the department, but also to educating others around the Commonwealth, as he instructs more than 20 classes each year around the state. He goes above and beyond to advocate for members of the department and works tirelessly to ensure that staffing needs are met. Colleagues say they know Chief Garber has the entire department’s best interest at heart and that is something they all benefit from.
Brad Creasy, Town of Bedford Fire Department
The amount of leadership, comradery, and passion that Chief Brad Creasy has brought to the Bedford Fire Department is unimaginable, and truly impossible to put into words. Leadership for Chief Creasy comes naturally, and his drive and determination are contagious to those around him. Since walking into the department in 1996, Chief Creasy has kept up with the history and core values established before him and has remained committed to instilling them into the members of the department. Chief Creasy is an advocate for continuous improvement and encourages training through classroom workshops, drills, cross training with other organizations, and peer-to-peer education and coaching. He recently completed the Chief Fire Officer program which he can now add to the long list of accolades achieved over the years. - Photos courtesy of Virginia Beach Fire Department/ Multimedia Service Unit
FirefighterCancerSupport Network Partners with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey CancerCenter
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)-Virginia Chapter has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center to conduct a survey of Virginia firefighters to get a better picture of the cancer problem in the Virginia fire service.
In the coming months, an online app will be available to Virginia firefighters regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with cancer or not. The intent is to capture data from all segments of the Virginia fire service that are 18 years and older including volunteer firefighters, career firefighters, fire marshals and retired/separated members, so we can further identify prevention strategies, mitigation tactics and educational opportunities to reduce incidences of occupational cancer in the Virginia fire service.
We understand firefighters are concerned about privacy and confidentiality. All aspects of this survey including the app, web portal and data will comply with VCU’s security and confidentiality protocols. Only summaries of the data (not individual data) will be shared for the purpose of communicating findings of the survey. Reports will be distributed and made available to all Virginia fire service stake holders or individuals upon request.
The mission of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network is to assist firefighters and EMS providers and their immediate families diagnosed with cancer by providing badge-to-badge support, guidance and training. “Our vision is to be the global leader in firefighter cancer support, awareness and training” said Steve Weissman, FCSN Virginia State Director. This program will be managed by research staff from VCU Massey Cancer Center in Richmond, Virginia which is a designated National Cancer Institute Facility. Success of this program will be dependent upon participation from all segments of the Virginia fire service. For more information, please contact FCSN
Virginia State Director Steve Weissman at sweissman@fcsn.net.
- Submitted by Steve Weissman
Obituary Hanover’s, Black Creek’s James Alexander, Jr.
James ‘Jimmy’Alexander, Jr., 59, of Aylett peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home, on February 9, 2022.
Jimmy started his career in the fire department as a volunteer at age 18 by joining Hanover Fire-EMS in August 1980, serving the department and citizens of Hanover County for more than 42 years. Jimmy was a long-time member of both the East Hanover and Black Creek Fire Companies, serving in various leadership roles before joining the department as a career member in July of 2007.
Before joining Hanover Fire-EMS full time, Jimmy served in the Virginia Air National Guard Fire Department, protecting F-16 fighter jets stationed at Richmond International Airport. Jimmy served in a variety of assignments in Operations and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in May 2012. In 2015, Jimmy was assigned to the Logistics Section where he focused on facilities management for all the department’s stations and facilities.
He also served his community as an HVAC technician with his company JMA Mechanical and as a realtor. Jimmy loved Dallas Cowboys football and tinkering on his Kubota tractor. He was a proud Pawpaw and a loving and devoted husband and father. His family was his whole world. He was a friend to all who knew him and always willing to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed personally and professionally.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Mae and James Alexander, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife, best friend and soul mate, Cathi Hurt Alexander; his children, Ryan Alexander (Kerri), Savannah Alexander (Aria), Grant Alexander (Carly), and Jessica Leigh Archer; his grandchildren, Brady Johnson, Taelynn Goddard, and arriving in June, Sophia Alexander; his sister, Kimberly Pohlig (William “Bubba”), nephew, Braxton Pohlig, niece Tiffany Pohlig, his fur baby, Jake; and his devoted Hanover Fire- EMS family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made the Hanover CREW Foundation, at PO Box 2553, Mechanicsville, VA23116. - Photo courtesy of Hanover FR
