FULLY INVOLVED
THe Evolution of the Fire Service Submitted by Deputy Chief Dwayne Penn Sr., MFRD Support
Many years ago, fire departments all across the nation responded exclusively to fires in the home. Once the fire happens, the local department would receive the call and respond to extinguish the fire. The emergency call center receives thousands of calls per month. Responding to fire calls was the essence of local fire departments. Today, the fire service is multifaceted, all-purpose and all-hazardous. Oftentimes you will see the name change from Fire Department to Fire-Rescue Department or Emergence Response Management. If the call received does not fall under the police department in some active, intentional human caused danger it most likely will be routed to the local fire-rescue department. In some cases, both police and the fire departments may be required. In 1985, MFRD established your Hazmat Material (HAZMAT) unit. This is a highlytrained response team for the growing threat of a hazardous material incident.
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The unique unit is comprised of hazardous material technicians, specialists and support staff. In 1991, MFRD established your ambulance service and advanced life support transport. This by far has been one of the biggest advancements in the fire service industry. It remains today as one of the more robust and critical components in the fire service industry. In 1992, MFRD established your High Angle and Confined Space Rescue Team. The unit responds to any vertical or incline rope or system failure that would result in a person calling due to sustaining serious injury or death. The high angle is more challenging and technical because weight is dependent on rope setup instead of ground level. The critical unit was formed just prior to the 1993 Amtrak Disaster, the largest Amtrak Disaster in history. Continued on page 7
