WEST VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 1, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
Story on page 6. - Photo courtesy of Nitro Fire Department
Happy New Year from the Staff at Fire News
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 3
In this issue... Sissonville Trailer Fire The trailer was fully involved when crews arrived, but the occupants made it out safely.
A Service for West Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
See story on page 8
Working Structure Fire in Institute Institute Fire Rescue members responded to a working structure fire. See story on page 11
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
Monongah Structure Fire Monongah volunteers arrived to find a working fire in the roof area of a two-story industrial building.
BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES
See story on page 16 COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
House Fire in Wallace The Wallace Volunteer Fire Department responded to a single-family structure fire. See story on page 18
Rand Trailer Fire Kanawha County Stations 4 Rand and Station Malden were alerted for a trailer fire. See story on page 20
Malden MVA Two vehicles were involved in a headon with confirmed heavy entrapment in one vehicle and a possible code black. See story on page 22
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24-25
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 1 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com
Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, January/February 2022
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
As We Enter 2022 … As Fire News welcomes everyone to 2022, I would be remiss if I didn’t pause to look back to December 2021 and offer condolences to the Malveaux family and to the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Recently, FDNY Firefighter Vincent Malveaux was in training and began to feel ill and lost consciousness during his daily training at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. ‘Pablo,’ as Malveaux was affectionately known to his classmates, was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died. As a firefighter, I know the sadness of losing a brother or sister firefighter. Fire News will bring you coverage of the Line of Duty funeral to honor Firefighter Vincent Malveaux in a future edition of our paper. As we enter 2022, I would like to congratulate all firefighters and officers as you take on your new positions of being a firefighter and a new officer. To all firefighters, especially those firefighters who have some time under their belts, take the time to share your knowledge with your newer members and take the time to offer learning experiences that will
help your company officers lead you through the year. New officers should confer with past officers so you don’t repeat the same mistakes that they may have made. As a new leader, never embarrass a member who may seem weak in certain skills. You will soon learn that as a new officer, you now take on the role of being a teacher. Firefighters must practice what they have learned to become proficient in the skills that save lives, including your own. Officers need to make sure every member knows how to use the tools of your trade - firefighting! Anyone with experience will tell you that going on calls is the easy part of our job. Making sure you and your colleagues know what they are doing is the hard part. Hopefully everyone realizes the importance of drills, training, and truck maintenance. Yes, I said truck maintenance! Saws must start; air packs must work as expected and simple things like making sure the fuel tanks are full is important. When you leave the firehouse after a call, stop, and look around and give thought to anything that requires attention. If you see something is wrong, don’t wait until the next day to make changes. As an officer, you must set the example and keep the bar raised high, so that your troops are ready for action.
On New Year’s Eve, hug your loved ones, say a prayer for world peace and dust off your training manuals so that you can be the best at what you love to do. Also, remember Firefighter Vincent Malveaux and offer prayers of comfort to his family. In my family, we have a tradition; at the stroke of midnight, we hug one another and start the new year with three foods: herring, lentil soup and rye bread. Yes, I know, to some this sounds horrible. But the symbolism is meaningful. I wish everyone good luck, good health, and prosperity in 2022. Happy New Year and good luck to all! - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, January/February 2022
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Cover Story
House Damaged in Nitro
Recently, units from Nitro, St. Albans, Tyler Mountain and Teays Valley responded to a one-alarm house fire on 33rd Street in Nitro. The house received extensive fire damage and an adjacent house received radiant heat damage. The lone occupant got out safely. The cause was under investigation by officials. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
Page 8, Fire News, January/February 2022
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Sissonville Trailer Fire
At 1212 on November 9, 2021, the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department Station 26 and Malden Volunteer Fire Department Station 3 were alerted for a trailer fire on Thaxton Hollow in area 26. Engine 263 with a crew of one requested Pinch Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 for an engine and manpower. The trailer was fully involved when crews arrived, but the occupants made it out
safely before the fire department arrived. There were no injuries and crews cleared about two hours later. Units that responded were Sissonville Engine 263, Engine 264, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3 and Pinch Engine 22. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 9
Abandoned House Fire on Maplewood
Fire units from Nitro, Tyler Mountain and Institute Fire Departments responded to a structure fire in an abandoned house on Maplewood Drive. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photos courtesy of Institute Fire Rescue
Page 10, Fire News, January/February 2022
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Structure Burns in Wallace
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD At 1533 on November 30, 2021, Tankers 7 and 11 (Spelter) were alerted to assist Wallace, Lumberport, Shinnsto and Worthington with a structure fire on Ashcraft Addition Road in Wallace. Tanker
- Photo courtesy of Wallace VFD 7 responded with two personnel and provided a load of water and assisted with fire extinguishment. Tanker 7 operated on scene for an hour before returning to service.
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 11
Working Fire in Institute
At 1422 on November 27, 2021, Institute Fire Rescue members responded to a working structure fire on Stover Road in Institute. West Side and Tyler Mountain assisted. - Photos courtesy of Institute Fire Rescue
Page 12, Fire News, January/February 2022
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2 Working Fires in 1 Hour
At 0312 on November 9, 2021, Company 1 (Anmoore), Engines 71, and 121 (Stonewood) were alerted for a structure fire on Layton Drive in East View. Engine 72 staffed with four responded in three minutes. Engine 11 arrived to find fire in a single-wide trailer with a built on addition. It was determined the trailer was unoccupied. Tanker 7 and Unit 74 responded with an additional two personnel. Engine 72 arrived on scene right behind Engine 11 and assisted in placing a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service as well as forcing entry through the front door, finding heavy fire in two rooms of the trailer. After clean up, units returned home just before 0600 hours. Anmoore EMS was also on scene. While units operated on the first fire, at 0401, Company 13 (Summit Park), Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood), and 81 (Reynoldsville) along with HCES were alerted for a structure fire on Jack Run Road in Glen Falls. Engines 112 (Spelter) and 31 (Lost Creek) were added due to two of the original companies working the fire in East View. Engine 71 responded with three personnel in less than five minutes. HCES arrived to fire through the roof of a single-story dwelling. Engines 131 and 71 arrived with Engine 112. Engines 81 and 31 assisted with fire suppression with Engine 31 along with Tankers 3 and 11 performing water shuttle operations. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 13
Business Apparently Appropriately Named in Lost Creek
At 1452 hours on November 29, 2021, Engines 71 and 511 (Bridgeport) responded for a working structure fire at Diane’s Hotspot on East Main Street in Lost Creek. West Milford, Jane Lew and Johnstown also responded. Engine 72 and Engine 32 arrived to find a single-story structure with fire showing from the roof area and all occupants out. Crews placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service
to begin an interior attack. Engines 153 and Lewis 21 established a water supply laying in from a nearby hydrant. Engines 72 and 511 arrived on and sent their manpower to place an additional 1-3/4 inch cross lay in service and assist with interior attack, finding heavy fire in the attic area throughout the structure. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
Page 16, Fire News, January/February 2022
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Monongah Structure Fire
On December 8, 2021, Monongah volunteers were alerted for a structure fire in the Ford Street area. Captain Slagle arrived to find a working fire in the roof area of a two-story industrial building. Engine 101 responded with a crew of three and arrived to heavy fire in the roof which prevented crews from initially making an interior attack. Crews deployed a 2-1/2 inch attack line. A water source was secured from a nearby hydrant which later supplied water for
Engine 101 and Harrison Truck 10 which provided an aerial water supply. Crews worked for approximately 90 minutes before placing the fire under control. Special thanks to assisting companies from Shinnston, Valley, Farmington, Bridgeport, Boothsville, Winfield District and Marion County Rescue Squad and Sheriff’s Department. - Photos courtesy of Monongah FD
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 17
Looking Back Cedar Grove - 1956
Alum Creek - 1987
Cedar Grove Fire Department's 1956 Diamond Rio. - Photo courtesy of Gary Scott
Belle - 1994
Crews at a June 24, 1994, four-vehicle MVA on Route 60 in Belle. The driver of this vehicle survived the crash after a threehour extrication. Belle, Malden and Rand were also on the scene. - Fire News photo courtesy of AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
A brush fire occuring in late October 1987. Dry conditions throughout the state caused brush fires throughout West Virginia that year. - Fire News photo courtesy of AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Page 18, Fire News, January/February 2022
House Fire in Wallace
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On November 26, 2021, at 1252, the Wallace Volunteer Fire Department responded to a single-family structure fire on Big Elk Road. Engine 141 arrived to heavy smoke showing and a working fire. An interior attack was made by firefighters from Wallace, Folsom and Lumberport. Spelter and Nutter Fort arrived to assist and complete overhaul operations. Harrison County EMS also responded. - Photos courtesy of Wallace VFD
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 19
Electrical Smoke at WV State U
At 1827 on November 26, 2021, Instuitute Fire Rescue members responded to Sullivan Hall on the campus of West Virginia State University for a report of smoke on the third floor by WVSU Campus Police. Members found a haze and a burnt electrical odor on the third floor and, after an extensive search, determined it was caused by a faulty heater in an unoccupied dorm room. Members were assisted by West Side, Tyler Mountain and Dunbar. - Photo courtesy of Institute Fire Rescue
PATCHES
Bluefield Fire Department, WV
Ryneal Fire Police Martinsburg, WV
Henlawson Fire Department, WV
Page 20, Fire News, January/February 2022
Rand Trailer Fire
On November 19, 2021, at 2201, Kanawha County Stations 4 Rand and Station Malden were alerted for a trailer fire on Raven Drive in Rand. Rand Engine 41, followed by Malden Engine 31, found a single-wide trailer fully involved with major exposure issues on sides C and D. Crews went to work and quickly knocked the fire down and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
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Malden Assists Marmet at Trailer Fire
Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was alerted at 0713 on December 9, 2021, to assist Kanawha County Station 15 (Marmet) with a trailer fire on Lens Creek Road. Station 3 units assisted with extinguishment and overhaul. All units cleared at 0840. -Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Page 22, Fire News, January/February 2022
Malden MVA
Kanawha County Station 3 Malden Volunteer Fire Department was alerted at 1340 on December 9, 2021, for an MVA on Route 60 eastbound just east of Malden. Chief 3, Utility 3, William (‘Squeak’) Peterson arrived on scene at 1343 advising of two vehicles head-on with confirmed heavy entrapment in one vehicle and a possible code black. Two people in the second vehicle were out of the vehicle and
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were transported to CAMC General Division with minor injuries by KCEAA. It was determined that an elderly male was driving west in the eastbound lanes of Route 60. Other units responding were KCEAA Medics 113,149 and 154, Supervisor 511, KCSD 12, 31, 34, 78 and 9, and KCEM units 990 and 991. - Fire News photos by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 23
Tractor Trailer Overturn on the WV Pike
Woman Injured in Route 60 MVA
At 2011 on November 21, 2021, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden and Charleston Fire Department Station 400 were alerted to the West Virginia Turnpike milepost 96 south for a tractor trailer rollover with a second vehicle involved. Chief 3 and Utility 3 advised that a tractor trailer was on its side blocking both southbound lanes and single box truck was in a ditch. Both drivers were uninjured and were out and ambulatory. Units stood by till Hutches Towing could slide the tractor trailer off to the side of the road to open up traffic. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
At 0645 on November 2, 2021, Kanawha County Station 3 and Malden Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to Kanawha Boulevard (Route 60) in the area of Burning Springs Road eastbound for an MVA with entrapment involving a car and a loaded coal truck, Rescue Engine 33 arrived with a crew of two and worked for about 25 minute to extricate the injured female, who was conscious but in critical condition. KCEAA 159 transported the patient to CAMC General Division. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Squad 3 and Utility 3, KCOEM 994, KCEAA Medic 159, 144 and Medic Supervisor 511, KCSD 15, 20, 39 and 93, and Hutch’s Wrecker Service. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
I-77 Car vs. Box Truck MVA
On November 4, 2021, at 2334, Kanawha County Station 3, Malden Volunteer Fire Department and Charleston Fire Department were dispatched to the area of Interstate 77 at milepost 96 for an MVA involving a car and a box truck. CFD Truck 461 was first on scene advising that the crash was actually at the 97.5 milepost southbound. They found a male Priority 1 patient lying on the interstate
with a vehicle over the hillside. The patient was transported to CAMC General Division. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3 CFD Truck 461, Rescue 482, KCEAA Medic 150 and Supervisor 511 KCSD Unit 58 and 97 Hutch's Wrecker Service. - Fire News photos by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD
Page 24, Fire News, January/February 2022
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FLEET COMPLETE ASSET TRACKERS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS LTE-M FOR FIRSTNET A complete range of the latest low-power asset tracking solutions - AT1s now certified for use on FirstNet and available to First Responders and the extended public safety community. AT1s are LTE-M devices and fit any level of organizational requirements. Fleet Complete is launching a comprehensive suite of long-term evolution (LTE) asset trackers for use on FirstNet - AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar. These small devices fit on any equipment and have built-in sensors for ambient temperature, humidity, light, impact, and motion. FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in a publicprivate partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) - an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for public safety. The new solar and wired asset trackers are among the first to be officially recognized as LTE-M for FirstNet. This fully integrated solution is specifically designed for public safety organizations - first responders and those that support them - to provide critical connectivity and insights into assets in the field. With advanced analytics and GPS tracking, Fleet Complete for FirstNet helps improve dispatch efficiency, response times, and safety. Before being certified and approved for use on FirstNet, devices are subject to hundreds of tests that cover a number of aspects, from security and durability to network impacts. This helps make sure that they can meet the needs of first responders. These are the smallest, low-cost solutions that are suited for emergency response and public safety. This also includes use cases for transportation, healthcare, and utilities. The devices can be outfitted on powered and nonpowered equipment, such as medical equipment, generators, trailers, chassis, containers, among other mission-critical tools. With built-in sensors that monitor location, temperature parameters, light, and impact, AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar provide capabilities that ensure assets are always where they need
to be, as well as reports and analytics on environmental conditions of sensitive equipment with proof of action around their safety requirements. “This really brings everything together for public safety agencies — and those who support them,” says Brent Dutka, Vice President of Business Development at Fleet Complete. “Depending on the operational requirements, public safety agencies now have a variety of tracking options that operate on FirstNet. This helps ensure that your assets are accounted for and where they need to be when emergency strikes. You have collective visibility over your resources on one screen, and you can combine it with fleet tracking on the same platform, without switching systems.” “We’re excited about the growth of LTE-M for FirstNet and to collaborate with Fleet Complete to offer their LTE-M for FirstNet Asset Tracker,” said William Stovall, vice president, Mobility and IoT, AT&T. “This gives first responders and the extended public safety community that supports them visibility into critical assets such as generators, trailers, and essential equipment to help them be more efficient and stay safe during everyday operations and emergency response.” Fleet Complete is among the first to provide a suite of fleet and asset telematics devices that support use on FirstNet. The asset-tracking devices included are: • AT1 Wired that comes with 9 feet of cable and connects directly to equipment’s power source. It is able to recharge whenever the power is on at 100mA charge rate and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge. • AT1 Solar that provides an option of recharging the tracker’s battery whenever it’s exposed to direct sunlight and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge.
- Photos provided by Fleet Complete
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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 25
Getting Ready for Christmas
Petersburg’s Rescue 400
Rand Volunteer Auxiliary member Darrel Savage is getting Rand Engine 42 ready for Christmas parades. - Photo provided courtesy Rand VFD
Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company Rescue Engine 400. - Submitted by Hunter Whetzel
DAVID RUSSELL APPOINTED FEMSA PRESIDENT David Russell, Owner and President of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., has been elected as President of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., has been a member of FEMSA since 2012, with Russell as the company representative since inception. “I’m honored to have been elected as President by my fellow committee members. Since being elected to the Board in 2017, I have held positions as Board Member, Treasurer and most recently Vice President. During this time, I have seen previous Presidents create crucial progress for the benefit of the industry. I am hum-
bled to continue this important work and look forward to my term,” said Russell. Russell is the first industry dealer to be elected President in over 20 years. His duties will be to oversee daily operations of the organization while developing and implementing the strategic vision and planning of the organization with the assistance of the other officers and board members. FEMSA is the leading trade association for the fire and emergency services industry, representing over 140 companies that provide products and services for fire and EMS professionals all over the world. If you would like more information, please contact Ashley Ross at aross@f-ss.com.
Page 26, Fire News, January/February 2022
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A New AC Keeps It a Family Affair
(Left to right, front row): Harvey Coffman, Stacy Woody, Connie Coffman, Michelle Murray, Crystal Christopher, Zane Bice. (Middle row): Brooklyn Woody, Jason Christopher, Justin Murray, Emily Christopher, Samantha Bice. (Back row): Chucky Hamrick, Zachary Woody, Joe Bice, James Christopher. Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department in Morgantown has a new Assistant Chief. Samantha Bice is no stranger to the fire service having been around the department her whole life and a firefighter for the past 10 years. “I have a lot of memories as a kid at the fire department. From helping with events, going to parades, and dressing up as Sparky the fire dog, to running around playing with the other kids there. I think my favorite memory though, was running outside to listen to the siren and watch the trucks take off every time there was a call.” Sam’s six-yearold son, Zane, is now one of the kids watching the trucks leave for a call, making this a family affair. In fact, Sam’s entire family is heavily involved in the Cheat Lake VFD. That’s right, her husband, son, father, mother, brother, sisters, and her nieces and nephews. Her husband, Joe, is a firefighter and trustee. Her son Zane may only be six but he still helps stack the chairs on the chair racks after events and has been known to run the broom up and down the hall to help with clean up. Sam’s father, Harvey Coffman, ran calls for decades and held an officer position for a lot of them before transitioning to doing more administrative duties such as the Trustee position he currently holds and organizing the annual gun bash. Her mother, Connie Coffman, runs the kitchen for all of the events with the help of her sisters. The Cheat Lake VFD’s chief for the past 10 years is Sam’s brother, Jason Christopher. He has been a firefighter with the department for over 20 years. His wife, Crystal, helps Connie in the kitchen during
events as well as helps organize many more events such as the annual Craft and Bake Sale every December. Both of Jason’s and Crystal’s children are active members of the department as well. Their daughter, Emily, who is Sam’s oldest niece is a firefighter and in charge of the educational tours with the scouts. Emily has even recruited her boyfriend, Chuckie, who is taking Firefighter I. Sam’s nephew, James, is a junior firefighter at the department and also taking the Firefighter I course. Sam’s oldest sister, Michelle Murray, helps their mother Connie in the kitchen for events. She also meets future renters to tour the hall and sign contracts. Her son, Justin Murray, Sam’s nephew, is a firefighter and on the bingo committee. Sam’s youngest sister, Stacy Woody, can be found working the entry table at most events after helping with the prep work in the kitchen. Zachary Woody, Stacy’s oldest child, is a Junior Firefighter. As you can imagine Sam’s family makes up a lot of our department. However, she and her family make us all feel like we are part of their family. Essentially we are. We make up the fire family. As you have read, Sam has had many examples of how to be a firefighter and lead the department. Now she gets to transition from a line officer to our Assistant Chief. We are looking forward to her taking on this role. We have no doubt she will lead us well. - Submitted by Whitney Porter (CLVFD President)
