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Case Preparation
Fire Prevention & Life Safety Trailer
INDY Honor Flight
CANCER AND THE FIRE SERVICE
The PFIA Protector is printed quarterly by the Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association. The Executive and Editorial Offices are located at 101 E. 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Local: 317-581-1913 or toll-free: 1-800-221-PFIA (7342) Creative Services . . . . . . . Rebekah Brownson
Myles was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Queens when he was 10-yearsold. He graduated from Beach Channel High School, started working construction, and shortly thereafter married the love of his life, Tesra.
Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association
Myles and his wife Tesra moved to Augusta, Georgia in 1990 as he continued working in construction. After a year and half, he got laid off and the opportunity to become a firefighter for the Augusta Fire Department presented itself. Seizing it, he applied and was hired on May 10, 1992.
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark S. Kemp Senior Vice President, Executive Secretary . . . . . . Peter F. Episcopo Vice President, Treasurer . . . . . . . Tom Clines
Board of Directors Dave Brunner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camby, Indiana Mike Carrigan . . . . . . . . . . Littleton, Colorado Ruben Cevallos . . . . . . . . San Antonio, Texas Tom Clines . . . . . . . . . . . Noblesville, Indiana Peter F. Episcopo . . . . . . . . . Carmel, Indiana Edward Griffith, III . . . . . . . Brick, New Jersey Gerald Housel . . . . . . . . . . Speedway, Indiana Tom C. Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . Peoria, Illinois Mark S. Kemp . . . . . . . New Palestine, Indiana David G. Lentz . . . . . . . . . . Slidell, Louisiana Alan Melancon . . . . . . . New Orleans, Louisiana Steve D. Murphy . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis, Indiana Don Trejbal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Akron, Ohio Salvatore Valvo . . . . . . . Lancaster, New York Legal Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Davis Coots John D. Hoover Michael B. Murphy Donald J. Pistillo Lawrence W. Schmits Actuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Griffith Griffith, Ballard and Company
In 1998, attending Augusta Technical College for Medical Transcription and Emergency Medical Technology skills that would later prove valuable, as fire fighters in Augusta are now required to be Emergency Medical Technicians. Opportunity arose again in September of 2002, when the Director of Marketing for PFIA, Matthew Longobardi came to Augusta looking for a new Representative. Interim Fire Chief Carl Scott had given him a list of names and Myles name was on the list. After the interview, Mr. Longobardi said that he had others to interview and would let him know something after speaking with the other candidates. He replied to him, “you’ll be calling me back.” A few hours later my phone rang and when I answered Matt said, “I’m back”, and hired him as the new Account Representative. Matt began training him, visiting many fire stations, and he demonstrated how to explain PFIA products. Lt. Greg Taitague was the first guy they talked with. He was already a member but we explained to him the new upgrades that PFIA now had and upgraded his policy. Three months later, he received a phone call from Greg’s station and was told that Greg had been in an accident and did not make it. Devastated, Myles called Matt and he walked him through the process of what to do. A couple of weeks later the check came; though sad and grieving, the family was grateful. “It was at that moment, I realized the power of being a PFIA member and even more the responsibility of being a PFIA Account Representative,” he explained. In December 2002, Myles was appointed to the Advisory Board, attended three Supreme Legislative Body meetings, and qualified for 12 National Conventions consecutively. He was promoted to rank of sergeant in 2010 with the Augusta Richmond County Fire Department and has been a faithful deacon in his church for 24 years, as well as, a Boy Scout Troop Leader for 20 years. He also has been a volunteer board member for the Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries Food Pantry for the last 20 years. (DCCM provides canned goods, meat, juice, and cereal to low-income individuals that face chronic food insecurity.) Myles enjoys helping those in need. Myles has been married to Tesra for 26 years. Tesra is a registered Pediatric Neonatal nurse at University Hospital in Augusta, GA. They have one son Caleb, who is 8-years-old, an honor roll student, and athlete. “Being elected to the Board of Directors of PFIA is truly an honor. I understand the enormous responsibility that comes with this new position and I intend to continue to work diligently for this great organization.”
CONGRATULATIONS to our new Board Member MYLES CHRISTIE
Volume 31, Number 1
We would like to welcome Myles Christie, Jr. to the Board of Directors as of April 8, 2015.
CONTENT
Spring 2015
COVER STORY
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18 CANCER AND THE FIRE SERVICE Of the 259 deaths within MDFR as of January 2014, 37% of all our deaths were due to cancer, which is twice as many members to cancer than to cardiac.
FEATURES
10 DNA CASE PREPARATION Changes in DNA and the challenges that can present to those who have to deal with DNA issues in criminal cases. 13 INDY HONOR FLIGHT Transporting American’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their sacrifices. 17 FIRE PREVENTION & LIFE SAFETY TRAILER Statistics were shocking for the MFD deciding that it was imperative they provide the most comprehensive fire prevention education as possible.
DEPARTMENTS 2 PRIVACY POLICY 3 HEROES HALL OF FAME 4 IN THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD 8 PFIA REMEMBERS 20 TIMELINE 22 BODY SHOP
27 MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD 28 REGIONAL MANAGER DIRECTORY 29 ABM/AR DIRECTORY 33 MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN
24 ODDS & ENDS
18 ON THE COVER Keith Tyson reminding us that we must remove our heads from the sand and realize that this cancer issue has truly gotten out of control... Special thank you goes out to Jeff Sullivan from the Indianapolis FD for our cover photo!
25 SWAP SHOP 26 CHILI & DONUTS facebook.com/PFIA1913
twitter.com/PFIA1913
You can find the online magazine issues at: www.issuu.com/pfia or www.pfia1913.org/protector.html. © 2001 Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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PRIVACY POLICY Your privacy is important to us. Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association has been committed to protecting your privacy and earning your trust since 1913. We respect your right to keep your information confidential and avoid unwanted solicitations. Please read this notification to learn how we handle your personal information.
Types of information which we collect: We collect information about you to help us serve your financial and fraternal needs, provide customer service, offer new products or services, and fulfill legal and regulatory requirements. Application information: This is information we receive from you on applications and other forms. It includes your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, employment, gender, marital status, prior insurance information, home ownership, and medical history. Consumer report information: This is information we receive from a consumer reporting agency and is used to confirm or supplement application information. It includes credit report information and personal history information. Medical information: This is information we receive from your personal physician and hospitals. Information is used to determine the premium applicable to the insurance coverage you have requested.
Parties to whom we disclose information: We may disclose information to non-affiliated third parties only as permitted by law. For example, we may disclose information in response to a subpoena or to comply with an inquiry by a government agency or regulator. Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association does not have affiliates and we never sell lists of names and addresses of our members, either current or past.
Confidentiality and Security: Access to your records is limited to our employees who must use that information to provide insurance and fraternal services to you. Our employees have been instructed and trained to exercise the highest level of confidentiality regarding all personal, non-public information which they may be required to handle in performing their job. We maintain physical and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your non-public personal information.
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A LICE ND F PO SURANCE AS IRE SO CI A
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Deputy Takes Action
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n Armstrong County Texas, Deputy Fleta Barnett and Sheriff J.R. Walker, were dispatched to handle a disturbance call, where a suspect used a knife to threaten his wife. He was arrested, taken to jail, where he attacked and overpowered the sheriff, assaulting him repeatedly. The deputy tried to stop the attack but was unable to do so. Barnett opened fire on the suspect resulting in a gun shot wound which later killed the suspect.
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Little Time to Waste
olice Officer Nicholas Militello responded to a fire observing the south side of the building in flames. It appeared that a clothing bin had been set on fire at the base of the structure reaching the roof, which was engulfed in smoke. With little time to waste, Officer Militello notified radio of the situation and searched each floor to alert any occupants inside. On the second floor of the building he had awoken a man and evacuated him safely without harm. Lieutenant Ricky Lark was also on the scene, helping search the burning building for occupants. As the smoke began to thicken and the heat intensified, they evacuated without harm. PO Militello had to be taken to
hold of the flotation device. Officer Donovan, sensing the woman could not stay above the water much longer, took off his gun belt and, with total disregard for his personal safety, dove into the lake to save the woman. Donovan swam about 50 feet to reach the woman, who began fighting him off, but the officer succeeded in taking hold of her and they were pulled ashore by Jajkowski with assistance from firefighters and other officers.
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Leading to Safety
irefighters William Espinoza and Michael Rubine plunged through the wall of smoke, standing over the scorching flames looking for anyone inside. Searching the three story building, two of the fifteen people who lived in the apartment building were home. Smashing each door, making sure that no one is left behind, even leading the two men out a window from the ground floor. The fire was contained within about a half hour and no one was hurt in the rescue.
ECMC for treatment due to smoke inhalation.
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Swim Rescue
olice Officers Joseph Donovan and Jeffrey Jajkowski arrived at the lake in response to a call of an individual wading into the water, refusing to return to the shore. The 82-year-old woman, whose husband died recently, shouted to the officers to leave her alone and continued to head into deeper waters. Jajkowski hurried to his patrol car and obtained a “life sling” and hurled it out to her, but she refused to grab
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Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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ammond, Indian a Fire Departmen t swearing in 5 ne recruits. w
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ew Orleans Fire ABM Paul “Fluffy” Melancon playing Santa at Local 632 NOFFA Christmas Party for the kids at St. Michael Special School.
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BM/ Director Mike Carrigan presenting a plaque at the Denver Police Dept. Officers fund raiser/ Bronco party, to Officer Brian O’Neil and his wife, Amy, along with the president, Sgt. Joe Engelbert.
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he Dover New Jersey (Morris County) F.M.B.A. Local 60, Picatinny Arsenal I.A.F.F. Local F-167 and the town of Dover Municipal employees took part in a “Wear pink for breast cancer awareness” fundraiser. Firefighter-EMT Allen Bell of Local 60 coordinated the ordering and selling of pink t-shirts, and arranging for retired Captain Tom Gaylord and Picatinny’s Tower Ladder to take the photo in front of Dover Fire Headquarters. The funds raised by the sale of the t-shirts will go to support local cancer research projects. (Story and pictures submitted by local Account Representative Chad DiGiorgio)
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Pictured: Retired Dispatcher Dave Ellsworh JFRD, Engineer James Baity JFRD, Retired Captain Dennis Zimmerman PFD, Lieutenant Jason Kerr JFRD, Captain Mike Lesniak JFRD, District Chief Mike Strickland JFRD, Lieutenant Chris Lewis JFRD
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acksonville firefighters were flying to Las Vegas for a bachelor party, helped save a man who fell seriously ill on their flight. Firefighter Jason Kerr said their United Airlines flight from Houston to Las Vegas was interrupted by a flight attendant on the intercom asking if anyone had medical training. Jason Kerr, Chris Lewis, and Capt. Mike Leslinak responded and found a 41-year-old man with ashen skin, extremely low blood pressure, and a weak heart rate. They elevated his legs to get blood flowing to his heart, and used an onboard medical kit to start an IV of fluids. The man’s blood pressure and heart rate improved, and the crew called for emergency services to meet them at the gate. He was awake and talking stating he felt nauseated, telling them his medical history, which didn’t indicate anything that would present this. Kerr said the man was alert and looking better when they landed. So we’re on our second leg flight to Vegas for Jason’s bachelors party. What a way to start a Bachelor Party.
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ark McDonnell representing PFIA at the 44th Annual Community Christmas Party. Firefighters of Station 16 provided children with food, presents and fun activities. Pictured: Mark McDonnell
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egional Manager Marshal Herklotz, Debbie Herklotz, agent Tara Burnett, and Roger Burnett at the Wounded Warrior Banquet in Huntsville, Texas. We sponsored a table at this event and were proud to be there for our third year. We also donated two plaques for the silent auction.
presenting a fraternal donation to Captains’ Tom Towhey and Alfonzo Howard of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department at Fire Station 16.
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aniel Brelsford is a newly appointed firefighter for the Bridgeport Fire Department in Connecticut, also new member of PFIA. He was 22-yrs-old when he came on in 2013. He always had a penchant for cooking, especially noticed when he kept asking mom for mixing bowls at age 5! He is a great fit as a FF, always cooking for the shift inchester, Indiana Fire Dept. (was greatly in demand by many offiraised $1,500 in t-shirt sales cers!) Was coaxed to cast as a contestant for the Cancer Services of Randolph for the show, The Taste. County. (Pictured: Chief Bill Yost and
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Firefighter Kevin Shook)
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In the Spirit of Brotherhood continued
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his event is an amateur boxing competition between central Indiana’s bravest police officers and finest firefighters. The police team and the fire team consist of 13 fighters, who strap on the headgear and boxing gloves and step through the ropes to fight for charity. The team with the most victories at the end of the night is the championship team. There is a lot on the line here, as each fighter has to go back to the firehouse or back to the beat and face their peers. They are also fighting for possession of the “Staff of Champions,” our roving team trophy. Pride, bragging rights and a custom championship ring are all on the line. Championship style fights with a Championship style atmosphere makes for a great night of entertainment for friends and family.
Proceeds Benefit
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This is an all charity event with the proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We only had to hear two stories, before we completely knew that all our efforts would go to this amazing organization.
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In the Spirit of Brotherhood
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BM Tony Ragans stands in the lobby of Headquarters next to an Engine that was used in the Great Fire back in 1901. Jacksonville , FL
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FIA representative Greg Toyeas standing with Sergeant Lisa Crisafi and her trainer Police Officer Steve Peponis. Sergeant Crisafi won her bout against a Cincinnati Firefighter. She also wound up winning two (2) other awards: Outstanding boxer & Outstanding Bout. Both awards were voted on by the judges who decided all the bouts.
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FIA representative Greg Toyeas, Cincinnati, Ohio giving a donation on behalf of PFIA to Ed Buns Hamilton City sergeant and committee chairman for The State of Ohio Fraternal Order of Police Special Olympics.
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ibault High School women’s basketball coach, Shelia Pennick, receives a sponsor donation from ABM Tony Ragans to help with “Game Day” meals as they prepare for travel throughout the state of Florida. Jean Ribault High School, located in Jacksonville, Florida is the home of Back to Back (2013-2014) State Basketball Champs. Over the last 11 seasons, Coach Pennick has won over 200 games. The Lady Trojans have won more championships (10) than any women’s basketball team in the state of Florida. The Lady Trojans are going for their 3rd consecutive championship. Good Luck.
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he Fraternal Order of Police Queen City Lodge 69 of Cincinnati, Ohio held their annual golf outing at Pebble Creek Golf Course. Pictured: Matt Cornacchione, PFIA representative Greg Toyeas, Sam Sala and Darrin Graczyk.
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Charles Kondek - December 21, 2014 Tarpon Springs Police Department (FL) 22-year veteran Police Officer Charlie Kondek was shot and killed while responding to a noise complaint call. Residents of an apartment complex had called police because a man who had been knocking on apartment doors at approximately 2:00 am. When Officer Kondek arrived at the scene he was shot by the subject. The subject, who had recently been released from prison on parole, then drove over Officer Kondek as he fled the scene. The subject was arrested a short distance away after crashing into a utility pole and parked car. Officer Kondek had served with the Tarpon Springs Police Department for 17 years and had previously served with the New York City Police Department for five years. He is survived by his wife and six children. James E. Foster - December 30, 2014 Denham Springs Police Department (LA) 6-year veteran Police Officer James Foster succumbed to injuries sustained the previous evening in a motorcycle crash while he responded to an accident.
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Officer Foster, along with two marked patrol cars, were responding with their lights and sirens activated, when a vehicle made a left turn in front of him at East Riverdale Avenue. Officer Foster’s motorcycle struck the car and he was thrown approximately 80 feet. He was transported to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. The driver of the vehicle who turned in front of him was cited for failure to yield. Officer Foster had served as a full-time officer with the Denham Springs Police Department for five years and had previously served with the department as a reserve officer for one year. He was a U.S. Army veteran. James Bethea - November 12, 2014 Baltimore Fire Department (MD) 41-year veteran Lt. James Bethea died of smoke inhalation after falling through a floor at a vacant rowhouse, where he remained for hours before an off-duty firefighter happened to see his car outside and called for help. Bethea, was responsible for making sure firefighters were following proper safety procedures at a dwelling fire. He also was in charge of alerting firefighters to potential hazards. Bethea had responded with other firefighters. Fire officials said
the scene was cleared and all units were recalled to fire stations or sent to other emergencies. His body wasn’t discovered until his shift was scheduled to end. Craig Chandler - January 9, 2015 Baltimore City Police Department (MD) 6-year veteran Police Officer Craig Chandler succumbed to injuries sustained two months earlier when he was involved in a crash during a pursuit of a moped. He and other officers were attempting to detain a group of individuals who were riding dirt bikes, which are illegal to operate in the city. One person they were attempting to detain was picked up on a moped which then fled the scene. Both the moped and the patrol car Officer Chandler was riding in struck a utility pole. Officer Chandler was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. He remained in the hospital until succumbing to his injuries on January 9, 2015. The driver of the moped was charged with reckless driving, negligent driving, and fleeing and eluding. Officer Chandler had served with the Baltimore City Police Department for six years and was assigned to the Northeast District. He is survived by his wife and two children. Eligio Garcia - January 14, 2015 Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TX) 22-year veteran and Christopher Davis - January 14, 2015 Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TX) 17-year veteran
apart.
The bus was transporting 10 inmates from a transfer facility in Abilene to the Rogelio Sanchez State Jail in El Paso. The vehicle struck a patch of ice on an overpass, causing it to slide off the highway and down an embankment. The bus then struck a passing train and was dragged along the tracks, breaking
Officer Garcia and Officer Davis, along with eight inmates, suffered fatal injuries at the scene. One other officer and four other inmates were transported to hospitals in critical condition.
I didn’t really leave you EVEN though you may think so I’ve gone home to heaven AND AM closer than you know
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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DNA and Case Preparation By: David Bentley
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ome major changes in DNA technology and analysis have recently come on to the forensic scene – but with little fanfare to accompany those changes, busy practitioners could be forgiven for not having noticed them. This article will set out those changes and go on to explore the challenges they can present to those who have to deal with DNA issues in criminal cases. The first, and the one which needs the closest scrutiny, is the adoption by DNA service providers (such as Cellmark and LGC) of computerized interpretation software to provide statistical evidence regarding contributors to complex DNA mixtures. The second is the general replacement of SGM Plus, the testing kit widely used for analyzing DNA samples in this jurisdiction, with a new and more discriminating kit known as DNA17.
The basics Over the last 30 years, DNA evidence has come to be regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in forensic science. With a clear DNA sample from a single contributor, the crime sample can be compared with the ‘suspect’ profile. If the comparison shows a complete match, a simple calculation can produce an impressively high match probability (RMP) – usually expressed in terms of the probability of such a matching profile originating from someone else unrelated to the suspect as being in the order of 1 in 1 billion. Even a partial match can still produce large RMPs – the greater the number of matching peaks (or ‘alleles’) the greater the RMP. Such a comparison can also quickly rule out a suspect – if nonmatching alleles appear at any point on the profile. No one argues with this type of DNA analysis, nor with simple mixtures from clear DNA samples, which are now amenable to non-controversial statistical analysis. Crime scenes often yield only tiny amounts of DNA material for subsequent analysis. These low-level and often incomplete profiles have raised some important evidential issues, but the law is now relatively well settled. Below a certain level (the ‘stochastic threshold’),
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the admissibility of the profile can be challenged with expert evidence [1]. Above that level, no such challenge can be made.
Low-level complex mixtures DNA mixtures introduce a whole new level of complexity, and a recent ‘hot topic’ has been how to interpret complex mixtures from low-level, incomplete samples [2]. Here, the conventional (and transparent) methods of analysis break down. Reporting analysts have been unable to provide any statistical basis for the possible inclusion of a match to a suspect’s profile within such mixtures. In a (controversial) decision [3], the Court of Appeals has permitted the limited use of subjective, non-statistically based opinions – where based on their ‘experience’, analysts will suggest that due to the number of matching alleles from the suspect’s profile contained within the mixture, there is ‘some’ or ‘moderate’ support for the suspect being a contributor. This represents, some may think, a radical departure from the previous belief that DNA results had to be accompanied by a statistical weight, but as we will see later, this may prove to be no more than a temporary stopgap – as computerization takes hold. Practitioners may also have noticed that a new type of conclusion is appearing in DNA reports. It may be claimed that a mixed DNA sample recovered from a crime scene provides statistically based evidence against a suspect. If the report contains words and phrases such as ‘low level’, ‘incomplete’ or ‘complex mixture’, alarm bells should start to sound. So too if, rather than giving a traditional RMP figure, the report sets up competing hypotheses (the prosecution hypothesis vs. the defense hypothesis) and goes on to suggest that the former is ‘x times more likely’ than the latter. These are Likelihood Ratios (LRs), not RMPs, and require different analysis and understanding. So if you come across any of the above, it is likely that you are now dealing with a wholly different set of challenges, arising from the use of a computerized model for interpretation.
Computer modeling Over the last few years, evidence based on computerized analysis has been both admitted and rejected by the courts on a fairly ad hoc basis. One system, LikeLTD, pioneered by Professor David Balding at UCL, has been rejected on one occasion, but subsequently allowed in – often without challenge. Another, True Allele, a US-developed software, has certainly on one occasion been successfully challenged here [4], but has been accepted in Northern Ireland (and in certain states within the US). Other models have also been developed, such as STRmix and DNA Resolve. At the time of writing, (December 2014), none of these computerized systems have yet been considered by our appellate courts [5].
What’s the problem? Each of these computer models is of enormous complexity, and, like all models, is seeking to best capture the biological and mathematical problems that underlie analysis of low-level DNA mixtures. There are widely varying approaches as to how, for example, important phenomena (such as drop-out, drop-in and peak height imbalance) should be modeled. To understand (and therefore critique) these models, you need the skills of an advanced statistician, a computer scientist and a molecular biologist. Little wonder, therefore, that there have been few challenges to such evidence when it has come before our courts. The real problem for those who have to advise in relation to statistics generated by such programs is being confident that they are producing reliable and robust evidence. While it is true that there is peer-review and validation testing being carried out, these mainly show that the programs behave as they are expected to do. Sadly, there is no ‘gold standard’. There is no fixed or definitive answer to what the correct LR in a particular case should be. There is no ‘ground truth’ [6]. Additionally, there are limitations with some of the software. DNA Resolve can apparently only allow for a hypothesis
based on a maximum of two unknown contributors to a multi-person mixture. Many crime samples stretch these programs to the limit [7]. In validation testing using samples from known contributors, there have been on occasions ‘false positives’ – that is, some statistical support for the inclusion in a mixture of someone who could not have contributed to it. So-called ‘continuous’ models (such as True Allele) may give different LR figures from the same sample if run more than once, due to the way they model probability. A further problem lies in finding the right person to question about the robustness of the particular software being used. While until recently the scientists who developed the programs have been made available when challenges have been raised, that is likely to change now that providers such as Cellmark and LGC have trained some of their own analysts to be able to input the relevant data, and then report the statistics that the software generates. Scrutiny of expert evidence is today very much at the forefront of the criminal justice system [8]. New criminal procedure rules, drawing on recent court cases, came into effect last October [9]. These formalize a similar approach to the US Daubert and Frye admissibility hearings. Before expert evidence can be admitted, the court ‘must be satisfied that there is a sufficiently reliable scientific basis for (it) to be admitted’. The courts are ‘encouraged actively to enquire into such factors’. In considering reliability, the courts should be ‘astute to identify possible flaws in such opinion which detract from its reliability’, which would include whether it is ‘based on a hypothesis which has not been subjected to sufficient scrutiny.” It is important to note that even where computerized DNA evidence is admitted, it is still subject to certain key caveats. First, the ‘garbage in, garbage out’ principle applies here as in any computer case. If incorrect data is fed in, then the resulting statistic will similarly be incorrect. How to ‘call’ a particular profile often involves a subjective input from the analyst, which may itself be the subject of challenge. Second, challenges can sometimes be made to the hypotheses put up by the prosecution. Changing these can radi-
cally change the statistics. Is, for example, the suggested number of unknown contributors a robust assertion, or may there be more? Third, subjective (nonstatistical) opinions can be challenged by a close examination of the expert’s claimed experience. An expert may indeed have looked at large numbers of mixed profiles over their working life, but have those numerous cases been sufficiently audited or independently peer-reviewed? So-called observer bias is also a recognized factor here [10]. Lastly, in the case of low-level DNA, the presence of a match to a suspect’s profile tells you nothing about how or when it got into the mixture. Innocent transfer (direct and indirect) and contamination remain key areas of scrutiny.
erized analysis and the use of DNA17 is likely to serve only to accelerate this process. As a result, it is increasingly important to be aware of what you are dealing with. Initially, served reports will often be brief to the point of being uninformative, so if in doubt, ask for clarification. If, subsequently, there is to be a challenge to the evidence, make sure you get the right legal and scientific experts on board as early as possible.
DNA 17 To obtain the DNA profile, the DNA material has to go through a polymerase chain reaction process, which culminates in the production of peaks on a graph (electropherogram) corresponding to DNA markers at certain locations along the DNA molecule. The testing kit in general use (SGM Plus) until last year has tested for DNA at 10 locations (loci). DNA 17 replaced it last July, and it will now be used for profiles entered on to and searched on the National DNA Database. This new kit tests for six additional loci. What this means in practical terms is that that there is now more to look for in a potential match – and the statistics generated from a ‘matching’ profile will be that much more probative (that is, powerful) than before. Additionally, DNA 17 is said to be considerably more sensitive than its predecessor, so will be able to generate profiles from smaller quantities of DNA than before.
Conclusion Things are changing fast in the world of forensic DNA testing. Samples previously thought too complex to report upon are now being used to seek to secure convictions. The introduction of comput-
Footnotes [1] See R v Reed & Reed [2010] 1 Cr.App.R. 23 & R v Broughton [2010] EWCA Crim 549. [2] Sometimes referred to as ‘low-template DNA’ or ‘LTDNA’ for short. [3] R v Dlugosz and others [2013] 1 Cr.App.R. 32, and scientific criticism of subjective opinions, The Times, 13 November 2014, quoting Professor Peter Gill at Oslo University. [4] R v Broughton [2010], Oxford Crown Court. [5] Although fresh analysis of old DNA samples using LikeLTD featured in a decision to permit a ‘double jeopardy’ retrial in Scotland – see HMA v Sinclair [2014] HCJAE 131. [6] See presentation by Tim Clayton of LGC during NIST webinar – Probablistic Genotyping and Software Programs (part 2) September 2014. (National Institute of Standards and Technology, part of the US Department of Commerce.) [7] See presentation by Matthew Greenhalgh of Cellmark as above. [8] See eg Lord Thomas,CJ in CBA Kalisher Lecture 14October 2014 – Expert evidence-the future of forensic science in criminal trials. [9] CPD V Evidence Part 33A. [10] See Subjectivity and bias in forensic DNA mixture interpretation, Dror and Hampikian, Science & Justice 51 (2011) 204-208. Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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In the Spirit of Brotherhood
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ach year Americans mark September 11th with proper reverence and search for ways to honor those who lost their lives in an attempt to save others. In Denver, Colorado, two local non-profit organizations, The Denver Police Law Enforcement Museum (DPLEM) and the Denver Firefighter’s Museum (DFM), whose mission is public safety history preservation and education, teamed up to host the first annual “First Responders Car Show.” The goal was to create a community outreach event in which families could interact with first responders through a display of both new and vintage public safety vehicles. The intent was to honor those who lost their lives responding to the events of September 11th, as well as recognize our public safety departments for their ever vigilant and steadfast dedication to keep our communities safe. The car show featured various public safety vehicles including a 1928 vintage fire truck, 1963 Ford Galaxie police car and 1974 Miller Meteor Cadillac ambulance. A tribute ceremony, introduced by an Aurora Boy Scout troop color guard, featured comments by Denver Police Chief, Robert White, Executive Director of Public Safety, Stephanie O’Malley and Denver Fire Chief, Eric Tape. This fundraising event was made possible through the generosity of our sponsors including Denver PFIA Account Representatives, Mike Carrigan and Jim Synder who provided a table display for the event and have been past supporters of both museums. The Denver Police Law Enforcement museum (www.denverpolicemuseum.org) and The Denver Firefighter’s museum (www.dfm.org) are both non-profit 501(C) (3) organizations.
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honda Benavides presenting memorial check to Captain Roman Clark on behalf of Firefighter Lt. James Bethea. Captain Clark worked with the fallen fireman for over 25 years. Pictured: Rhonda Benavides, Baltimore City Fire Chief Niles Ford, and Captain Roman Clark.
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ewark, New Jersey Firefighter’s Union Annual Valor Awards Dinner. The annual event honors Newark firefighters for actions above and beyond the call of duty for the past year. Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association has been there as a proud sponsor of the citation bars, and certificates for the last 20 years. Pictured from left to right: Newark Firefighter Union President Chuck West, FF Juan Ramos (and base drummer for Newark Firefighter’s Pipe Band) Union Vice President Kevin “Stretch” Simpson, and Retired Fire Captain, and PFIA Board of Director Ed Griffith.
gent Tara Burnett presenting a fraternal benefit check to Kenneth and Karilyn Natho to help with burial expenses for the loss of their son, Kerstan Natho. We had a very nice benefit with a silent auction and sold barbecue sandwiches to help with the final expenses and to help take care of Kerstan’s two month old daughter. He was electrocuted out on a drilling rig. Kenneth is a truck driver for TDCJ and Karilyn is a Corrections Officer.
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gent Tara Burnett, Lt. Michael Gunnels and Sgt. Chesney Gunnels from the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice receiving a fraternal benefit check for a fundraiser to help cover the medical and funeral expenses of their daughter, Madyson Gunnels and their unborn grandchild. Mady and her unborn child were killed in a one vehicle accident a month ago. Mady was an organ donor and went on to help several others after her death.
Winter 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Indy Honor Flight
Their goal was to take the town of Wessel. Five minutes before their appointed jump time, they started taking enemy fire. When asked about whether he was nervous about jumping into combat, Chuck didn’t hesitate to respond. “Hell no. I wanted out of that plane.” When he hit the ground his rifle drove into the ground. As his fellow paratroopers took up defensive positions, he started cleaning the sand out of his rifle. To have not done so meant it might not fire when he needed it. His friends, of course, gave him grief. According to Chuck they took the town of Wessel with little effort. “During the days it was quiet. At night
though both sides let loose and lit up the night sky.”
It was for men like this the Honor Flight program was set up. They’re known as the greatest generation as much for their modesty as their accomplishments. The depression would turn into a time of preparation for the trials to come. Some of them would leave home and not return for five years. They would participate in the most brutal war ever experienced by mankind and afterwards return home to help build the greatest and most benevolent superpower to exist on planet earth. After doing all this it came as a surprise that 50 years after the completion of the war there wasn’t a national monument to their accomplishments. So Senator Bob Dole led a movement which would result in the creation of The World War 2 memorial on the mall in
Washington D.C. There was just one problem with waiting so long. The generation who’d earned this honor was too old to visit it. Retired Air Force Captain Earl Morse would fix this problem. As a physician’s assistant for the Department of Veteran Affairs
in Ohio, he treated these modest heroes. After asking them repeatedly if they’d had a chance to visit the recently completed memorial and all said they hadn’t. That’s when he realized most of these men were too old, maybe lacked the finances or just needed a reason to go see their monument. So in December of 2004, Earl asked one of his World War II veteran patients if it would be all right as a private pilot if he personally flew him out to D.C., free of charge, to visit his memorial. Mr. Loy broke down and cried. He told Earl that at his age he would probably never get to see his memorial otherwise, and graciously accepted the offer. A week later he asked a second World Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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By: Steve Kemp
On March 24, 1945, Corporal Charles Brooks strapped on a pair of jump boots, donned his od green uniform and strapped a parachute on his back. A cheap metal helmet sat on top of his head, a less expensive knife strapped to his body and an assortment of items were tucked into a kit wrapped around his waist. He climbed aboard a plane with 49 of his closest friends with an ML rifle in his hands and a goal of jumping behind enemy lines in Germany.
War II veteran, and he too cried before enthusiastically accepting the offer. Earl realized he would need help to keep up with the number of veterans he needed to take. So he went to the aero club and asked for volunteers to fly these veterans
out to D.C. at their costs and escort them around for an entire day. Eleven pilots volunteered without ever having met the vets they would take. Earl would lead a small fleet of planes in May to D.C. before realizing they would need to expand the operation. This is where the son of a World War II veteran and nephew of a B-24 bomber pilot killed in the war entered. Jeff Miller owned a dry cleaning company in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He’d volunteered to the memorial and wanted to take Morse’s idea to the next level. By the next year he would fly 300 veterans to D.C and provide the bases for today’s Honor Flights. CBS Sunday Morning would cover one of these flights and help make it a national story. Men like Art Potter would get to experience the warm welcome of a grateful nation. As a side gunner on a B-17 over
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Europe, his crew reached the magic number of 25 missions which meant they could go home. Command decided to change this goal to 30. So they flew mission 26 but didn’t return. Art would finish the war in Stalag IV. As the Soviets started their push west, Adolph Hitler ordered prisoners brought back into Germany from occupied countries. This meant while the Battle of the Bulge was taking place in some of the worst winter conditions, Art and his fellow POWs were marching up to a thousand miles in what would be known as the Black March. Art paired up with another American prisoner and to this day says they saved each other’s lives. While others were dying in the scores due to the harsh weather conditions, they would find the best shelter possible each night, lay one of their winter coats on the ground and use the other as a blanket as they spooned together to retain body heat. For each flight, men like Art and Chuck are paired up with a guardian. For the September 2014 Indy Honor Flight, 58 Indianapolis Firefighters would act as guardians and medical personnel. This entailed getting to know a World War II veteran before the flight and arranging for transportation and any needs to all events. The first was an informal dinner the night before the flight. A band was
assembled playing Glen Miller songs and serving a free dinner provided by sponsors. In fact, all meals are donated by local companies. Each of the guardians pays their own way with all other donations paying for the veterans. Companies step forward in all facets of the operation. The airlines offer discounted rates for a chartered flight. Bus companies offer transportation in the D.C. area and to and from the airport. Local D.C. residents volunteer as tour guides. The Indianapolis Fire Department stepped up to do their part by raising $12,000 in less than a month by hosting a spaghetti dinner. Most of this came straight from the wallets of everyday firefighters. For the day of the flight, the veterans walk straight through security at the airport. Upon landing in Washington D.C., they are given a warm welcome by a local charity and anyone who might be standing around in the airport. Throughout the day, people from all over the country and the world go out of their way to say thank you. At one point Chuck received the thanks of a tour group from Spain. Their first destination is the World War II Memorial. To say it’s the monument they fought for would be an oversimplification to some of their careers. Many of the vets stayed in the military and fought during the Korean and Vietnam conflict. Some of them made an even greater sacrifice by sending their children off to fight in, and even
teered just the same.
make the ultimate sacrifice for their country in these two wars. By the end of the day, the vets and their guardians have visited every part of the mall including the Lincoln Memorial. With such a confluence of heroes there is never a shortage of people coming up and offering their thanks and even having their picture taken with the real deal. My veteran, Charles, noticed some people were a bit nervous about approaching so he became vocal. “Now don’t be afraid of me, I won’t bite. Just step right up and get your picture taken with a real vet.” On the Memorial Chuck showed another reason we consider them the Greatest Generation, which is honesty. A pair of couples approached while at the memorial. One couple came up and thanked Chuck for his service before pointing out the other couple with them was from Germany. From his wheelchair Chuck turned and looked them over before saying this. “I jumped in on your people.” They didn’t respond so we went in search of the Kilroy markings on the monument. As a guardian, one of the best ways to get stories was to ask veterans about families and friends. One veteran talked about his mother calling him in England and asking if he could check on a neighbor’s kid who’d gone Missing in Action. So he
went to the next base over and walked in to find his boyhood friend alive and well. He told the man to contact home because they were worried and then asked what happened to him. The friend said he’d been flying as a side gunner when another plane was shot down nearby in formation. A sixth sense gripped the man and he jumped out of the airplane. He would be the only survivor from his crew. He would land in occupied France for the second time as a downed air crewman. The French Resistance would pull him in and offer to get him back to the war. His response was simple. “I’m in no hurry to get back.” After being shot down twice the door gunner decided tending vegetable gardens in France would be his best contribution to the war effort for a couple of weeks. The tour of Washington D.C. finished with a trip to Arlington Cemetery for a changing of the guard. This was the most surreal moment of the trip. All the vets were quiet. I chalked it up to being late in the day. Our tour guide did her best to lighten the mood with jokes and by pointing out the tombs of well-known Americans. What was lost on most was the hillsides were filled with their friends and family. Some had put the guts of their best friends back in so the body would fit into a body bag. Others had watched large artillery render it impossible to find enough of their friends to fit into a coffee can. A few had even sat at home with their mothers and watched telegrams come to the door stating their brothers had been killed in action in places they’d never heard and couldn’t find on a map. They’d volun-
Here was a collection of warriors returning as a group to be with those they’d served with. The survivors guilt could be heard in their silence. With many over the age of eighty they didn’t have the energy, or the time in the schedule to go seeking them out. All they could do is offer their silence as a show of respect to the fallen. They did this on the entire bus ride into and out of Arlington and throughout a respectful changing of the guard ceremony where a wreath was laid in honor of their flight visiting General Lee’s former property. The day finished with a plane ride home which featured mail call. On the previous flight from ours, one vet had stated he wouldn’t get any mail. When a large envelope was put in his lap with thank you letters he broke down in tears. Many of our vets decided they would wait until they were home to read the letters. This was man code for not wanting to show their emotions in front of the collection of men assembled around them, including the firefighters who’d taken the day to show their gratitude. After arriving home, the vets were tired and just wanted to go home. One final surprise awaited them. Plainfield High School hosted a welcome home ceremony which brought these old men back to life. Mike Pence, the Governor of Indiana, was one of several thousand to cheer for over an hour to show their respect for the World War II veterans present. One final note for this story came a couple of weeks later. The Indiana Pacers offered an invitation to all the veterans of Indiana Honor Flight to take the floor at halftime. I was able to meet one more veteran, who was on a tank crew both in Okinawa and the Philippines. He talked of waking up in fox holes filled with water deep enough to drown a man. His crew had sunk a ship 15 miles off the coast of the Philippines and shot down a Japanese Zero. He talked highly of General Douglas MacArthur and said what an honor it was to oversee the surrender of the Philippines from his tank overlooking the signing. Everyone in the stadium offered them a standing ovation. Standing on the floor of Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Conseco Fieldhouse in the shadow of these great men wrapped up one of the greatest honors of my life. Even at over eighty years in age, these veterans carried themselves with pride and showed what’s great about this country. It made me proud to be an American and I could see the same look on every Indianapolis Firefighter who was a guardian on this trip.
Andrew Turner works for Middletown Fire Department and volunteers as a medic for the Honor Flight. As you may know, Honor Flight is a non profit that’s goal is to take veterans to the WW2, Korean, and Vietnam Memorial. It is no cost to veterans. Priority is given to WW2 and terminally ill veterans first. As a medic, Turner works with the medical crew to make sure all are safe, distribute needed meds and make sure they see it as “their” day. Turner is not a veteran but started doing this in honor of his grandfather, who was an “island hopper” in the Philippines during WW2. It was ironic that a couple days prior to his latest flight, he found out his great uncle (his grandfathers brother) was going on the honor flight and a pleasant surprise to find he was assigned to the same bus, by pure coincidence. The day consisted of Dayton to Washington DC, charter buses to the WW2 memorial, tomb of the unknown soldier with the changing of the guard, Air Force memorial, Korean War and Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial while squeezing lunch and dinner before a flight back. Upon arrival, the veterans are greeted to a band and as many family and friends as possible for a welcome home. It’s a long but rewarding day.
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Fire Prevention and Life Safety Trailer
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adisonville Fire Department is a career department that has been in existence for over 100 years.
For over 30 years, the department has operated a comprehensive fire and life safety division. This operation has had a significant impact not only on the 19,591 residents of Madisonville, but also on the entire Hopkins county population of 46,920. MFD staffs 61 full-time career firefighters, among them a full-time fire prevention and life safety officer. Our old fire prevention trailer was in use for 20 years. The trailer was bought new with the help of several local businesses. Each year it went to area schools and several special events. It was two stories tall and not handicap accessible. It took four people to properly operate. Due to manpower shortages, it was hard to find the proper staffing to operate the trailer. The other disadvantage was that it was only designed to be used for smoke and fire escape training. The 20 years it was in service simply wore it out. The department determined that the trailer was unsafe for us to utilize. Repair costs outweighed the trailer’s value and the cost of a new purchase was not an option due to current budget constraints. The trailer was taken out of service and parked for over a year. This hampered our ability to provide comprehensive fire prevention education to the community. Since 2000, our county has experienced seventeen firerelated deaths. Forty-three percent (43%) of these fatalities were under the age of 14. According to the 2010 census, nineteen percent (19%) of our service population is 14-years-old or younger, another fifteen percent (15%) of our community is over the age of 65 and seventeen percent (17%) of our population is classified as disabled. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) recognizes these three groups as high-risk population groups. Over 16,000 of our residents are classified as under the age of 14 or over the age of 65. This represents thirty-four percent (34%) of our total county population. In addition, almost 8,000 residents classify themselves as disabled. After looking at these statistics, our department decided that it was imperative that we provide the most comprehensive fire prevention education possible, in an attempt to decrease fire injuries and loss of life, as well as educate and protect our high-risk population. Thus, we decided to apply for an AFG FP& S grant. We
By: John S. Dunning/Captain - Madisonville FD successfully applied and were awarded. After much research, the department chose to go purchase the BullEx Fire Safety Trailer, as the training it provided best suited our needs. This trailer enabled us to expand our interactive fire prevention activities to not only include young children, but also to the disabled and senior adult populations. The new trailer is handicap accessible and includes a kitchen with an interactive stove, trash can, oven, and toaster fire training scenarios that integrate digital flame, smoke, and sound effects. Fires start, grow, and respond to the actions of the training extinguisher and trainee. In addition to fire extinguisher training for those old enough to operate an extinguisher, the kitchen also has cooking safety, such as instruction on making sure that pots and pans have their handles turned in so small children can’t pull them off. There is also a chemical cabinet to instruct young children which chemicals to avoid. The bedroom of the trailer includes a heated and smoking door that teaches the trainees how to feel for heat and seal the door to prevent smoke from entering the room. The room includes a window escape ladder for evacuation if the heated/ smoking door is activated. There is also a smoking outlet. Our children are taught to get out, stay out, and call 911. They actually make a call to 911 using a phone from the trailer. The operator answers: 911, What’s your emergency? Proper instruction is given on what to tell the operator. In November of 2005, our city was devastated by a tornado. The NWS determined that it was the only F4 tornado in the United States that year. The department wanted to include a weather incident scenario training in the new trailer. The simulator includes a tornado, earthquake, flood, and hurricane weather emergency instruction. It is very realistic. It has a NOAA weather radio that produces broadcasts; it has flashing lights to simulate lighting, it has great sound effects (rain, thunder, and house being torn to pieces around you) with surround sound. We also included a live fire extinguisher training system and Sparky costume. The extinguisher training is a great interactive tool that lets us teach and educate our population and businesses. This service is offered at no cost (continued on page 27) Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Cancer and the Fire Service
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By: Keith Tyson Vice President – Education, Research and Outreach Firefighter Cancer Support Network Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, (Retired)
ANCER! This simple six letter word strikes fear into anyone who has been diagnosed with the dreaded disease and yet, too many members in the fire service are like the proverbial ostrich with their head buried in the sand, because they feel that if they ignore the issue, that somehow it won’t affect them or it will go away! Unfortunately, that is absolutely NOT the case! In my 34 years on the job I knew that some of my own members either had, or died of some form of cancer, but frankly I was like many of my fellow “ostriches”, ignoring the issues, stating that it was “them, not me”, maybe from ignorance or maybe from a simple lack of actual knowledge! That is, until 6 months after my retirement, when at the age of 56, the doctor sat me down and said, “I’m sorry to tell you, but you have prostate cancer, it IS an aggressive form of cancer, and I strongly recommend surgery!” With that diagnosis, my “retirement” changed dramatically, and I began to really examine and UNDERSTAND what is happening within the fire service, and maybe even more importantly, what is NOT happening, as it relates not only to our health and safety, but what we are failing to do to change the culture of the fire service! What I began to discover while doing my own research is that there have been quite a few research studies done on firefighters and cancer, including several major ones! Additionally, fire departments around the country have also noticed that just within the last 5-10 years that this issue that we have ignored for so long has become an epidemic in the fire service! How big is the problem you ask? Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, considered one of the largest departments in the U.S., has been fortunate to work closely with its union members and their health insurance trust, and consequently we have some “unfortunate” stats to work from! The following info comes from both United Health Care and our own union data and does NOT violate any
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HIPA regulations! For the years 2008-2010, 32% of our 2000+ ACTIVE members had been diagnosed with some form of CANCER ISSUE! That’s 1 in 3 in ONLY 3 years! This number represents 1711 males and 307 females in active duty status. Some of the major cancer issues found amongst our male members within this three year period were: 21 prostate, 13 testicular, 12 melanomas of the skin, 8 brain/nervous system, 8 head and neck (different than brain/ns) 6 bladder, 4 colon and numerous other types of other Cancer issues. Cancers found on the women’s side: 22 cervix, 12 thyroid, 10 breast, 4 melanomas of the skin and numerous other Cancer issues. In a followup study in 2013, we found that 304 of our 1804 members (16%) and 45% of all our retirees were diagnosed with some form of cancer in just this one year alone! We have also been able to track our member’s deaths going back as far as 1952 and the following is what we found: of the 259 deaths within MDFR as of January 2014, 37% of ALL our deaths were due to Cancer, as compared to 17% of our deaths due to cardiac! This means that we are losing OVER TWICE AS MANY members to cancer to cardiac! During the years 2008-2010, cancer deaths compared to all the deaths from that year for our members were 53% (8 of 14 total in 2008), 41% (5 of 11 total in 2009) and 83% (5 of 6 total in 2010) respectively, and yet, as per the CDC, “only” 23% of the general population died from Cancer in the year 2009. This means that we lost almost twice as many members to cancer than the general public. (Incidentally, suicide is our third major leading cause of all deaths, at 7%!) Yet for some reason, much of the fire service continues to argue that Cardiac is the leading cause of death, the “ostrich factor!” What we are learning is that we MUST get our heads “out of the sand” and begin to put a MAJOR EMPHASIS
on CANCER AWARENESS, PREVENTION, and PROTECTION within the Fire Service. All too often, because we are “alpha dogs,” we feel that this is not an important enough issue, or that it won’t affect us, yet far too often we are finding ourselves in the Dr.’s office getting a different viewpoint! We must understand and realize that although our PPE and SCBA is better than in past years, many of our members are NOT EVEN USING IT DURING OVERHAUL! This at a time when study after study shows that we MUST be using it more than ever, because we have found that today’s fires are far more toxic than in the past, and that the toxins released during overhaul are far worse, in many cases, than during the active burn! Wearing full PPE/ SCBA during overhaul MUST be ENFORCED by ANY, AND ALL OICs, no questions asked! The City of Jacksonville, FL has
instituted an “overhaul team” concept that is, in my personal opinion, revolutionary and should be looked at as a new standard! Short version, they will call in a unit that was not on the original dispatch to do overhaul and they must wear full PPE, NO EXCEPTIONS! 1) We have learned from not only the University of Cincinnati study, but several other recent studies, that we are absorbing many of these chemicals/toxins directly thru our skin,… think of morphine or Nicoret patches and that we MUST shower/DECON ASAP after a fire to remove the toxins from our skin! Too many members think “it’s no big deal, it’s ONLY SOOT!” Yet according to the IARC, soot is a GROUP 1 CARCINOGEN, meaning that is amongst the list of the worst possible carcinogenic offenders! Now think of some of the other byproducts of combustion that we face on every fire we roll out on, such as benzene, formaldehyde, styrene and vinyl chloride, to name just a few! 2) Because of these hidden chemicals and carcinogens, EVERY fire MUST be considered a hazmat incident, and we must begin to DOCUMENT our fire as exposures and place those documents in our member’s health files. This should be no different than an exposure to a TB or HIV patient, a needle stick, or an accidental exposure to a chemical environment! (I don’t care if you have a cancer presumption law or not, we must begin doing this for every firefighter in every department, without exception! Let the laws catch up, but without documentation, good luck on litigating your cancer presumption if needed! 3) Because of the absorption issues, we must insure that our members have CLEAN PPE, including their Nomex hoods, gloves and helmets and have a regular cleaning program/SOP! The research data is starting to add up more and more, the fact is that dirty gear is more responsible for many of our issues than we thought in the past. Look at the types of cancers and possible exposure routes, 1) testicular and prostate cancer via dirty/contaminated pants, 2) thyroid cancer via dirty hoods, 3) brain and NS via dirty helmets, (when was the last time you cleaned your helmet and liners?) Melanoma and skin cancers via all of the above! Again, the toxins are found in our PPE after a fire and ARE being absorbed thru our skin as we sweat and our pores open up. 4) We must remove the diesel exhaust from our stations. Diesel exhaust is a KNOWN HUMAN CARCINOGEN, and yet we “pump” this toxin into our stations every single day because we open our station doorways after a truck has started and that exhaust now blows into the station and pumps thru our A/C units! By the way, open truck bay-doors are NOT an “adequate ventilation system!” So, how does your department handle this daily toxin? 5) ANNUAL MANDATORY COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICALS that are NON-PUNATIVE, are a must for the early detection of NOT ONLY cancers, but elevated blood pressure, EKG, and other related workmen’s comp issues! Management and staff need to understand that if these items are caught early, treatments options are more readily available, as well as more inexpensive compared to detecting an issue late! Stage 1 cancer is far easier to deal with than Stage 4, emotionally, physically, as well as financially for ALL parties involved! As I started with, we MUST REMOVE OUR HEADS FROM THE SAND and realize that this Cancer “issue” has truly gotten out of control and has become an epidemic in the fire service. We must either make changes in the way we do business or realize that we are dooming ourselves to a much higher risk of cancer than necessary! Ask any Cancer survivor if they would change the way they did business in the past or would they willingly do the same things all over again! I’ll bet you they’d say “Make the changes!” Change is difficult to accomplish, but we MUST do it to try to avoid hearing that six letter word! Keith Tyson was a firefighter/paramedic with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for 34 years, retiring in 2008, and currently is the Vice President for Education, Research and Outreach for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, a nationwide organization dedicated to assisting fire/ems members diagnosed with cancer. He is also a prostate cancer survivor. He can be reached at KTyson@FCSN.net or at 786 351-3276. I had the pleasure of speaking with Karlos Birt, an 18-year veteran of Augusta, Georgia Fire Department. He took action several years ago by purchasing our cancer policy just briefly after it came out. “Sometimes you think that your paying for something you’ll never need until the day it comes knocking at your door,” says Karlos. After having various symptoms for 2-years, in June of 2014, Karlos was diagnosed with colon cancer. Being a full time firemen and having to cut your hours down to part-time is not what he had planned. Karlos said, “Having Police and Firemen’s Insurance has supplemented the increment of part-time employment, as well as having sick time built up from not missing a day on the job.” The financial challenges that he and his family face are very real. During an illness, you may find it hard to find the time or energy to keep your family financially healthy and you are glad to have free time when you aren’t going to doctor visits, tests, treatment, and running related errands. You begin to start taking back control of your life and being so thankful for investing in your future with an excellent company such as Police and Firemen’s Insurance, for you and your family. December 16, 2014 was Karlos’ last chemo treatment. December 30th he was scanned and the 31st he was informed that he is cancer free! He is very thankful for all the love and support from family and friends through this life changing journey. Continued prayers for health and healing are much appreciated. Rebekah Brownson Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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TIMELINE
FIRE HOSE EVOLUTION By: Hector J. Cardenas
Retired San Antonio Fire Department, Chairman San Antonio Fire Museum
E
veryone has heard of the “Bucket Brigade” and its connection for the extinguishment of fire. One pictures folks lined up passing buckets filled with water, hand to hand, until they reach the person closest to the fire. What one rarely thinks about is the other line of volunteers passing the empty buckets hand to hand back to the source of water. The manpower needed for this process depended on the proximity of the water source. Sometimes it would take 75 to 100 people to form a brigade if a well, creek, river, pond, cistern, etc. was a good distance. Organized fire departments utilized “Hand Tub Fire Engines” to extinguish fires, since colonial times. These mechanical piston action pumps, some small and some large, allowed closer attacks on fire and many were out-
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fitted with a mounted gooseneck nozzle that allowed a stream of constant water at a closer and more efficient distance to the fire. But these machines did not eliminate the bucket brigades because these early firefighters continued to rely on them to keep the tubs full with water during the firefight. Some of the larger hand tubs could require up to 16 men manning the brakes (long handles that would be pushed up and down to work the pumps pistons). The bucket brigade and the men on the brakes added up to a tremendous amount of manpower needed on the fire ground. Not until the invention of the fire hose did things get better for those fighting fire. The first fire hose was invented in Amsterdam in 1673 by Jan van der Heiden and his son Nicholas, but was not introduced to the US until 1874 in Philadelphia. Constructed of canvas, the hose never lived up to its intended purpose and was soon replaced by a more efficient and durable model made of sewn heavy leather, however, it also failed to perform adequately because of leaks and bursts. In 1807, two Philadelphia firemen, J. Sellers and A. Pennock, having witnessed the problems associated with the stitched leather hose firsthand, revolutionized leather hose by developing a method using copper rivets with washers to piece together the leather strips into an almost non-leaking fire hose. They manufactured them in 25 to 50 foot sections with metal couplings. The hose was not without maintenance and weight problems. They weighed about 85 pounds dry; they would dry out and crack and had to be washed and dried. The leather also had to be preserved. Preservation entailed working fish oil, beef tallow or Neat’s Foot (made from cattle bones) into the leather after use. The stench at the fire house lingered for days. The preservatives would also, under radiant heat from the fire ground,
make the hose become sticky and even more foul smelling. Drawing water by pulling draft (vacuum) was not possible until the clever invention of the same two Philly firemen when they lined hose with wire to keep it from collapsing. Their idea of a hard suction hose made it possible for water to be drawn at draft by an engine and not having to employ a bucket brigade. The installation of water system hydrants in major cities in the late 1800’s made it possible to hang the buckets up for good. In 1839, with the invention of “Vulcanization” (process of curing raw soft rubber into a harder, more useful product), the fire service began a slow transition into the use of unlined linen hose, then into a multi-layer rubber lined and coated hose with an interior fabric reinforcement. This rubber hose was as bulky, heavy, and stiff as leather hose but was not prone to leaking. Much like the hose used in today’s fuel delivery hose. But it proved more durable than unlined linen hose. BF Goodrich developed rubber hose reinforced with cotton ply in 1871 eight years later the first seamless cotton fire hose was put into service by The American Fire Hose Manufacturing Company. Its maintenance necessitated testing yearly, washing, draining and hanging it to dry in order to prevent rot. This form of fire hose, single and double jacketed, became the standard up until the 1970’s when Polyester and Dacron non-rotting fabrics replaced cotton jacketing, but it also had
to be washed and dried and hydro tested yearly. Today’s hose is made of a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics. It is lighter, does not require washing, can be repacked wet and is resistant to harmful chemicals. The adoption of this type fire hose material has allowed the improvement of a range of sizes. Large diameter supply hose now permits the supply of water to the fire ground easier and quicker than before. For many years the fire scene could look like a jumbled mess of fire supply hose coming from different directions and hydrants. Thanks to the synthetic hose, one single five inch supply line, stretched a distance from a hydrant to an engine, was a feat not possible in the recent past. The technological development of fire hose, which is stronger, lighter, with lower maintenance, continues. However through all these developments, the constant still remains: “Get water to the fire.” Firefighting research and development of new materials, apparatus and techniques continues to evolve in the ongoing effort to help make the job easier and safer for those brave men and women who continue to risk their lives and health holding that nozzle to the fire. The fire hose is a large part of that exploration.
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Top 10 Things You REALLY Need to Know about
EBOLA
Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. There are five identified Ebola virus species, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus); Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus); Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus, formerly Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus); and Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo ebolavirus). The fifth, Reston virus (Reston ebolavirus), has caused disease in nonhuman primates, but not in humans. Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa. The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. However, on the basis of evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir. Four of the five virus strains occur in an animal host native to Africa.
Your dog or cat is not spreading Ebola. There have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or other animals. Because the risk of an Ebola outbreak spreading rapidly in the United States is very low, the risk to pets is also very low.
Food and drinks imported into the United States from West Africa are safe to eat and drink. To date, no one has been infected with Ebola from foods that are imported into the United States. You can’t get Ebola from food grown or legally purchased in the United States.
Mosquitoes are the deadliest insects in the world, but they don’t carry Ebola. There have been no reports of mosquitoes or other insects transmitting Ebola virus. Only mammals (for example,
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The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
humans, bats, monkeys, and apes) have become infected with Ebola virus and spread it. Mosquitoes do carry other organisms, like malaria and West Nile virus, that can make people very sick, and sometimes even cause death.
Your family members, coworkers, and neighbors returning from countries with Ebola outbreaks don’t pose a danger to you and your family. Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) from a person sick with Ebola. Not everyone coming from countries with Ebola outbreaks has been in contact with someone who has Ebola. Travelers coming from countries with a large Ebola outbreak will be given a CARE (Check and Report Ebola) kit at the airport to help monitor themselves for Ebola symptoms. In addition, they will be actively monitored, meaning they are checked on at least once a day by public health officials. It’s
safe for you and your family to be around people being monitored as long as they do not have signs or symptoms of Ebola.
Household bleach and other disinfectants kill Ebola. Household bleach or an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant will kill Ebola.
If you’re feeling sick, think flu not Ebola. Although flu and Ebola have some similar symptoms, Ebola is a rare disease, particularly in the United States. Flu is very common. To date, four cases of Ebola have been detected in the United States, and two of those were imported from West Africa. Every year in the United States, millions of people are infected with flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu. Unless you have had direct contact with someone who is sick with Ebola, your symptoms are most likely caused by the flu and you do not have Ebola.
Ebola is not airborne. Ebola is not a respiratory disease and is not spread through the airborne route. There is no evidence that Ebola is spread by coughing or sneezing. Ebola might be spread through large droplets (splashes or sprays) but only when a person is very sick. That’s why hospital workers must wear personal protective equipment to stay safe around people with Ebola.
The Ebola outbreak is not affecting the safety of airline travel. Airline travelers in the United States are extremely unlikely to become infected with Ebola. All travelers coming from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, or Mali, arrive at one of five airports in the United States where entry screening by Customs and Border Protection and CDC is taking place.
Ebola is only spread from one person to another once symptoms begin. Symptoms of Ebola appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days (average 8 to 10 days) after being exposed. A person infected with Ebola cannot spread it to others until symptoms begin.
You can’t get Ebola from a handshake or a hug. Ebola is spread through direct contact with body fluids from a person sick with Ebola. Direct contact means that blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) from an infected person (alive or dead) have touched another person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or an open cut or wound. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevetion
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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courage N bravery Harrison Township fire crews were dispatched on a report of an apartment fire. Upon the first crews arrival, they were presented with a rapidly developing fire on the third floor of an apartment building. Ladder 95 received a report of two juveniles trapped in a third floor apartment across from the fire apartment.
Agent Tara Burnett and Roger Burnett’s son, Kevin, returned from deployment with the US Army to Latvia! Happy to welcome him home to Texas!
Rhonda Benavides AR Baltimore City PD takes The Plunge for Special Olympics
Ladder and Medic 95 crews immediately changed tactics and modes putting a rescue plan into action. The crews entered the building with a hose line, contained the fire to the effected apartment and conducted a search of the adjacent apartment. Crews located two children in the bedroom of the apartment and quickly rescued them out of a third story window to waiting firefighters. The crew had to then immediately exit the building due to air management issues, water supply issues and rapidly deteriorating fire conditions.
Lil’ Fireman!
Ladder and Medic 95’s crews provided the level of service that we all strive for, along with exhibiting high levels of skill, bravery and courage.
Left to right: Ryan Moore, Bob Spirk, Andrew Follick, Chad Brown, Caleb Stelle
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The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
Agent Tara Burnett’s grandson, Colton Burnett “driving” the old tanker at Crabbs Prairie Volunteer Fire Department
MOVING? Please, fill in your new
Pueblo, Colorado police officer and EOD tech looking to trade police, fire, bomb and military patches. Will trade one for one, with many extras. Contact R. Jones at k-rjones@comcast.net; or mail items to R. Jones, 24400 Gale Road, Pueblo, Colorado, 81006-1995. (1014) •
OTHER Retired Cleveland Police Officer, Bob Guttu’s book titled “Community Policing (It Really Works)” Available at www. smashwords.com, search word: community policing. Contact Bob Guttu at bobguttu@ymail.com. (0314) • Fire Bike Painting commemorating 9/11 by artist “Motor Marc Lacourciere.” A framed GicLee Collector’s Piece #2 of 250 - $1,500. Contact William Irby at 386-316-8275 or skipirby@aol.com. (0314) • Honor your badge hero today … Give them a Personalized 8x11 Color Print with their name and prayer for their service and safety - with free prayer cloth $6.00 free shipping. Visit www.FirePolicePrayer.com. (0314) • Looking for old or unique sprinkler heads. Contact Mike Bunyon at mlbunyon@aol.com (1014)
PFIA, Attn: Susan Shinabarger, 101 E. 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032
•
__________________________________________________________
Starting a Police & Fire patch/pin collection for my grandson. Will trade one for one. Just add self addressed envelope with your patch. I am a 35-year veteran. Contact Sal Franscino, 63 Lauren Lane, Brick, NJ 08723 or by phone at 908-9070844. (0115)
Custom-designed blankets with PD/FD logos. Choice of colors to match department and company patches. Contact NHRF&R FF Stefan S. Vassallo at 973768-1049 or Sv145@aol.com. (1014)
__________________________________________________________
•
•
__________________________________________________________
PATCHES
New Address _______________________________________________
address below and send it with the mailing label on the back of this issue.
Swap Shop is for firefighters or law enforcement officers who have items to swap or sell, or are looking for items to add to a collection. There is no charge for this service, but we ask that you follow one rule: items advertised must relate to your profession as firefighters and/or law enforcement officers.
PFIA solely makes it possible for you to contact one another. PFIA does not accept any responsibility for transactions. To participate, please complete the form below and mail to Swap Shop, 101 E. 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. You may use any address and/or telephone number you wish.
Name ___________________________________________________________________ Contact Information _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ My Swap Shop ad should read as follows: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Grandma Elizondo’s
Recipe Submit
ted By:
White Chicken Chili This recipe feeds 15 people.
Ingredients:
Toppings:
.........................................................
.........................................................
♦ 6 chicken breast
♦ Chopped onion
♦ Large can of chicken broth
♦ Large bag of cheese
♦ Large jar of white navy beans
♦ Tub of sour cream
♦ Three cans of diced green chilies
♦ Corn chips
♦ One large onion ♦ Two bushels of green onions ♦ Three tablespoons of cumin ♦ Three teaspoons of chili powder ♦ Three teaspoons of crushed red pepper ♦ Two teaspoons of paprika ♦ Two teaspoons of sea salt ♦ Two teaspoons of black pepper ♦ Two teaspoons of garlic powder
Directions:
.........................................................
ugh
1. Boil the chicken breast in a large pot. 2. While the chicken is boiling chop the green onions and large onions. 3. In a large pot mix all the ingredients. 4. Shred the Chicken breast when cooked and add to the large pot. 5. Bring the chili to a rapid boil then set on low for an hour. 6. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and bag of corn chips.
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Sean Chesebro
Enjoy The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
Now I know you have probably seen this jokester! Who says officers can’t have fun! To serve, protect, and maybe sing along to Taylor Swift from time to time, too. For one brief, fleeting moment, all was right with the world after the Dover Police Department released this video of one of their officers singing along to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” recorded by a dashcam in the officer’s car. The Huffington Post
T
he Passaic Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire where the occupant was trapped on the roof. Upon arrival, a large fire of a 2 1/2 story home made it impossible for the female to escape through the interior stairs due to the extreme heat and smoke condition. Firefighter Ruperto Alfaro of Ladder Co. 1 proceeded to carry a 28 foot ground ladder up the front stairs of the property, which was on a steep hill set back from the street. Alfaro raised the ladder to the third story room and proceeded to climb the nearly fully extended ladder and calm the victim who was enveloped in smoke. Alfaro guided her onto the ladder and slowly escorted her down to the ground where she was turned over to Passaic EMS for treatment.
T
he Providence Fire Department was dispatched to a building fire with 3 people trapped on the third floor. Firefighter Ron Smith and Brian Sutton arrived with immediate action positioning the truck to raise the aerial. Lieutenant Craig Grantham viewed 2 civilians standing on the outer windowsills of both third floor windows. One civilian was holding on to the soffit return near the roof on the side ¼ corner in immediate danger. Lt. Craig returned to the rear of the truck to appraise firefighters Ron and Brian of the situation. The jacks were coming down and as soon as they touched, Ron climbed to the pedestal while Brian switched controls from jacks to ladder. Following Brian, Lt. Craig began to ascend the aerial as Ron was beginning to put it in position for rescue of the civilians. Ron reminded Lt. Craig to watch his feet on the rungs as the ladder was moving and Brian followed him up the ladder. There was heavy smoke emanating from both windows so Ron did not have a clear view of the tip of the ladder but still managed to save the most severely exposed victim first, as well as the second and third. After the rescue was made, these firefighters began to perform vertical ventilation. We commend these firemen for removing these victims from danger in less than 8 minutes and performing without hesitation to rescue these civilians.
Fire Prevention and Life Safety Trailer (continued from page 17)
to our businesses. It teaches proper use of extinguishers. Our goal is to teach each business once a year. The last concept of our new trailer is that it also has a section that demonstrates residential sprinkler systems. It shows a fire start, heat buildup, and finally the residential sprinkler activates and the fire is extinguished. Hopefully with education and seeing in action, our community will embrace residential sprinkler systems and we will have more of them installed. As stated earlier, our old trailer was simply geared towards kids escaping a fire. It was not effective anymore and we had to evolve. Our new BullEx fire prevention trailer is aimed at children, senior citizens, and disabled populations. It teaches life safety techniques, kitchen fire safety, poison chemical safety, smoke detector activation, silent call shake-up kit (hearing impaired), exit drills in the home, alternate means of egress, proper 911 activation, severe weather safety, earthquake preparedness, fire extinguisher awareness, handson, carbon monoxide awareness, and stop, drop, and roll. MFD will continue existing partnerships with our local school system and senior adult facilities and include other community partners to reach those previously not served or our underserved populations. Simply put, MFD’s new BullEx trailer allows us to expand the educational component to include our most vulnerable populations, the disabled and senior adults. This means an additional 8,100 individuals will receive this much needed fire prevention training each year. It allows all elementary school students and elderly residents’ access to an accessible, ADA compliant, comprehensive interactive safety training environment.■
Sgt. Gass had responded to a shots fired call. Upon his arrival he was shot and wounded by the suspect. He was transported to an Amarillo Hospital where he was treated then transferred to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas. He underwent surgery and is recovering at home. He vows he will return to active duty at the Pampa Police Department. This fundraiser was a great event for PFIA and we made a lot of contacts at this event.■
“Each Other’s Keeper”
Meritorious Service Award
The Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association helped sponsor Back the Badge in Amarillo, TX. This was a great event and helped raise funds for Sgt. Houston Gass of the Pampa Police Department in Pampa, TX.
Joe and Claudin Ponder at the PFIA table
Joe Ponder presenting a check to Cpl. Sean Slover (Amarillo Crime Stoppers)
Joe Ponder, Claudin Ponder, Sgt. Houston Gass, Mrs. Gass and Officer Brian Massey (Pampa Police Dept. Liaison Officer) doing a check presentation to Sgt. Gass.
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Home Office Directory 317-581-1913
P
1-800-221-PFIA
•
www.pfia1913.org
•
olice and Firemen’s Insurance Association is the only group in the world that exclusively caters to police officers and firefighters. Our members enjoy competitive premium rates
and products designed specifically for police officers and firefighters, which are unavailable anywhere else.
Products Life Products One Pay Life (Single Premium Whole Life) Select Whole Life Yearly Renewable Term 10-Year, 20-Year or 30-Year Level Term Life Riders Guaranteed Purchase Option Children’s Benefit Waiver of Premium
Executive Committee
Individual Retirement Accounts & Annuities Interest rate of 2%, no management fee.
Mark Kemp President
Peter Episcopo Senior Vice President/ Executive Secretary
Tom Clines Vice President/ Treasurer
Association Offices Chairman of the Board Tom Jackson
Vice President of Operations Jeanie Williams
Departments Accounting
Sherrie Vermande Beth Grubbs Nancy Brown Roxanne Hamm
ACH/Accounting Shadonna Williams
Agency/Commissions Brandy Bushman Leona Fearrin
Krista Ramsay
Information Services Chris Marlor Josh Bernardin
New Business Adam Cutler Brian Kinnaird Mindy Roberts
Policy Owner Services
Claims
Anne Karn Annette O’Neil Tamara Huffman
Claims Examiner
Secretary to the Executives
Amanda Phillabaum Susan Pickett
Chief Underwriter Tana Dulin
Creative Services Rebekah Brownson
General Services
Susan Shinabarger-Woolf
Statutory Accounting Joe Tauber
Supplies/Mail Room Cristian White
Sarah Gronde
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The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
Accident & Sickness Products Cancer Protection (optional family coverage) Accidental Death Only (optional family coverage) Accident Only (optional coverage for spouse/children) Non-Fatal Gunshot Wound Rider Non-Fatal Burn Rider Accident and Health Disability Income
Regional Managers Florida Ben Kiszkiel 321-432-3057 (C) 321-215-7319 (F) fire230@bellsouth.net
Louisiana & Texas Marshall Herklotz 936-662-6606 (C) 936-448-7327 (F) hzherk@earthlink.net
Mid-Atlantic Mike Tersigni 973-460-0740 (C) mptersigni750@aol.com
Midwest Bradd Roembke 317-498-4348 (C) pfia282@gmail.com
Northeast Alan “Tom” Evans, Jr. 716-628-4774 (C) nypfia@gmail.com
Directory of Advisory Board Members & Account Representatives (H) Home Phone
Alabama Birmingham FD RAPHAEL HALE rrhfire@gmail.com 205-335-7028 (C) Birmingham PD GRADY COLLIER JR. 205-625-3759 (H) Birmingham PD CHRISTY MILLER 205-981-6566 (H) 205-296-6808 (C) redts@bellsouth.net
Arkansas Monroe Cty. FD, PD, & Sheriff FLOYD RAY 870-734-6106 (C) drflr@sbcglobal.net
California San Jose FD RICHARD FLOYD 800-832-7333 (B) Treasure Island FD PAUL WALLACE 415-564-6587 (H)
Colorado Berthoud FD/Longmont PD LEE BRIAN SCOTT 970-532-2869 (H) lscott@uis-usa.com Colorado Springs FD EDWARD BREECE 719-320-5232 (C) eebreece@gmail.com Colorado Springs PD DENNIS M. JUHL 719-574-3828 (H) 719-351-2067 (C) Denver FD THOMAS A. MANERBINO 303-936-2649 (H) Denver FD JAMES H. SNYDER 303-888-0810 (C) 303-425-6042 (F) jsnyder6181@msn.com Denver PD & Sheriff MIKE CARRIGAN 303-619-6112 (C) mikefandpattys@msn.com Denver West Metro Fire Rescue DUANE G. PELL 303-238-2328 (H) 303-810-2480 (C) pelldp@q.com
(C) Cell Phone
Littleton FD BRIAN A. CRONIN 303-346-1671 (H) Littleton PD & Sheriff JASON CARRIGAN 303-994-7575 (C) pfiacarrigan@gmail.com Mountain View FD MIKE STRATTON 970-587-8923 (H) 970-412-6730 (C) mikestratton@gmail.com mstratton@mvfpd.org Pueblo FD JEFFREY MIZE 719-251-2255 (C) m4ize@hotmail.com Berthoud FD & Longmont FD LEE SCOTT 970-532-2869 (H) 970-290-6423 (C) spockk73@gmail.com
Connecticut Bridgeport FD LUIS A. RIVERA 203-526-1976 (C) hogfire@optonline.net CT State Corrections Garner SCOTT STRIELKAUSKAS 203-206-2027 (C) 203-757-0036 (H) sjjns@yahoo.com Meriden FD BRIAN WILKINSON 203-427-1298 (C) Wilky412@Live.com New Britain FD TIM CYR 860-841-7242 (C) ctpfia@outlook.com New Britain PD PAUL BAK 860-560-3973 (C) pbak66@comcast.net New Haven Corrections JOHN M. BARRETT 203-808-5052 JMBarrett04@snet.net
(B) Business Phone
(F) Fax Number
(P) Pager Number
New Haven FD and Branford FD & PD WILLIAM CUSACK 203-494-6762 (C)
Fort Lauderdale FD LEONARD ENSALACO 386-517-6601 (H) 386-931-5841 (C)
St. Petersburg FD WINTHROP M. NEWTON 727-323-1213 (H) iwilldo@earthlink.net
Norwalk FD & PD RONALD SPAGNUOLO 203-854-3081 (B) 203-515-1365 (C) rspagnuolo@norwalkct.org
Fort Pierce FD KEVIN HERNDON 772-461-7756 (H) 772-201-1755 (C) kevmedic@aol.com
St. Petersburg PD RICHARD THOMAS 727-798-7165 (C) rthomas1@knology.net
Norwalk FD & PD GARY MECOZZI 203-965-5345 (B)
Gainesville FD COLLEEN DENMARK 352-219-9745 (C) colleendenmark@yahoo.com
Southington FD & PD MICHAEL KAHN 860-982-5567 (C) kahn358@hotmail.com Stamford FD PATRICK J. TRIPODI 203-452-8271 (H) ptripodi@charter.net Stamford PD FRANKIE FORBES 203-469-5320 (H) 203-627-0259 (C) dblf11484@sbcglobal.net Waterbury FD JOHN PERUGINI 203-233-3394 (C) jjperugini1969@aol.com West Haven FD & PD CHRISTOPHER STRATTON III 203-627-8568 (C) stratco7@aol.com
Delaware Capitol PD SGT. MICHAEL HERTZFELD 302-562-0378 (C) 302-376-5289 (H) Hertzy2@yahoo.com New Castle FD JOSEPH D. MOSER 302-757-4776 (C) jd.moser@comcast.net
Gainesville PD MARTIN HONEYCUTT 352-871-5360 (C) martinh5360@gmail.com Hollywood FD JOSE MORALES JR 786-303-5673 (C) juniorm009@aol.com Hollywood FD ANGELO GANGUZZA 361-504-5149 (C) ajganguzza@gmail.com Jacksonville FD ANTHONY E. RAGANS 904-768-3546 (H) 904-699-7181 (C) tbone247@att.net Metro Dade County PD RAYMOND F. TERSIGNI 954-435-7577 (H) RFTersigni@aol.com North Miami Beach PD ZOILA SIMMONS 772-621-0056 (C) zoilasimmons@yahoo.com Orlando FD BOB COSCHIGNANO 321-303-3679 (C) HZMTLT@aol.com Orlando PD JASON BATURA 321-228-7821 (C) pfiaorlandorep@aol.com
Wilmington FD & PD ANTHONY HARRIS 302-250-5276 (C) Aharris275@msn.com
Palm Bay FD & PD JIM TURNER 321-258-4679 (C) jimturner@cfl.rr.com
Florida
Palm Bay FD & PD ROBERT YOUHAS 321-725-4172 (H) 321-501-9383 (C) pm367nw@juno.com
New Haven Corrections JAMES ELLIOT 203-500-55373 (H) pfianewhaven@yahoo.com
Cape Coral FD ERIC CHUDZIK 239-560-0930 eric.chudzik@yahoo.com
New Haven FD and Branford FD & PD JASON T. CUSACK 203-996-0597 (C) qball0056@gmail.com
Deltona FD MIKE MAPLES 386-804-6767 (C) quickstartcpr@earthlink.net
St. Petersburg FD TOMMY DORSEY 727-647-8807 (C) tdd1121@aol.com
Tampa FD HARRY AUGELLO 727-804-5591 (C) harry.augello@tampagov.net Tampa FD JACE KOHAN 813-229-7540 (B) 813-229-7543 (F) sectreas@tampafirefighters. com Tampa FD RON HOEDEBECK 813-610-0641 (C) rhoede2@gmail.com Tampa PD ROD GLYDER 941-321-5444 (C) rglyder@verizon.net Temple Terrace FD RON HOEDEBECK 813-610-0641 (C) rhoede2@gmail.com
Georgia Atlanta FD MARK V. McDONNELL 678-797-9728 (H) 770-301-3394 (C) mcdnl2410@yahoo.com Augusta FD MYLES CHRISTIE, JR. 706-951-9620 (C) mylestes@bellsouth.net Cherokee County FD SEAN VOLLMER. 404-285-4062 (H) sean.vollmer1@gmail.com Savannah FD & PD LARON WARD 912-257-8002 (C) Laronward2002@yahoo.com
Illinois Chicago FD MICHAEL WALSH 773-852-2927 (C) pfia3210@att.net Chicago FD MICHAEL J. SHANAHAN 312-307-8795 (C) mspfia@msn.com Chicago, Southern Suburbs FD & PD, University Park FD JEFFERY A. DUHOSKI 708-927-0960 paidnproud@aol.com
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Peoria FD PHILIP SNOWDEN 309-635-0777 (C) psnowden23@yahoo.com Peoria PD TERRY L. PYATT 309-697-9325 (H) Rock Island FD NICK THOMPSON 309-314-6276 (C) nick3146276@yahoo.com
South Bend FD & PD JAMES T. BRIEN (BREEN) 574-340-4677 (C) 574-233-9554 (H) captaintruck@yahoo.com
Iberville Parish PD FDSherrif and Corrections BRIAN J. DAIGLE 225-324-9652 (C) brian2432@aol.com
Prince George’s County Sheriff SEAN M. BABCOCK 202-321-2176 (C) smbc78@gmail.com
Terre Haute FD ROBERT L. KIEFNER 812-249-2551 (C) RKiefner@ma.rr.com
Jefferson Parish Sheriff KIM LENTZ 985-774-4414 (C) 985-639-1723 (H) lentz1848@bellsouth.net
Massachusetts
Iowa
Urbana FD JAMES G. KINGSTON 217-485-5102 (H)
Burlington FD KENNETH MORRIS 319-753-6285 (H)
Indiana
Cedar Rapids FD LYLE THEISEN 319-462-3912 (H) Lylepatthe@msn.com
Anderson FD & PD MATTHEW COLE 765-208-5179 (C) fftmc773@yahoo.com Columbus FD GARY E. BURRISS 812-371-7007 (C) 812-579-6756 (H) g.burriss@comcast.net Evansville FD & PD GREG LEHMAN 812-455-3443 (C) 812-624-0023 (H) glehman64@gmail.com Ft. Wayne FD & PD JEREMY BUSH 260-385-1600 (C) president@iaff124.org Ft. Wayne FD & PD SCOTT C. HINTON 260-438-1437 (C) treasurer@iaff124.org Hammond FD JEFF HARTLERODE 219-671-2167 (C) pfia707@gmail.com Indianapolis Corrections KURT BENSHEIMER 317-999-5199 kbensheimerpfia@aol.com Indianapolis FD STEVEN M. KEMP 317-250-9933 (C) K3706@Indygov.org Indianapolis PD STEVE D. MURPHY 317-786-8198 (H) 317-696-7562 (C) pfsmurphy@gmail.com Indianapolis PD DAVID V. ROTH 317-490-9008 (C) 2340@earthlink.net Kokomo FD & PD MATTHEW COLE 765-208-5179 (C) fftmc773@yahoo.com Muncie FD & PD MATTHEW COLE 765-208-5179 (C) fftmc773@yahoo.com Richmond FD BRIAN BENEDICT 765-277-2770 (C) bbpfia@yahoo.com
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Des Moines FD JOE GIUDICESSI 515-288-0811 (H) 515-250-2218 (C) jdgiudicessi@msn.com Des Moines FD DEAN RODRIGUEZ 515-282-6266 (H) 515-669-7848 (C) dmrod1223@gmail.com Des Moines PD RAYMOND A. GALLARDO 515-205-2414 (C) ray.gallardo13@gmail.com
Lake Charles FD & PD MACK KENNEDY 337-855-3714 (H) New Orleans & Slidell FD ALAN MELANCON 504-905-3185 (C) 985-690-1441 (H) wizmelancon@charter.net New Orleans & Kenner FD PAUL J. MELANCON 504-524-3878 (H) 504-430-1962 (C) New Orleans PD DAVID G. LENTZ 985-649-5741 (H) nameck2@aol.com Shreveport FD & PD, Caddo Parish Sheriff GARY L. RALPH 318-426-4034 (C) garyralph@bellsouth.net
Polk County FD & PD DAN LAMB 515-967-2469 (H) 515-779-3887 (C) dmfd273@msn.com
Shreveport FD & PD, Caddo Parish Sheriff MADYLINE WALKER 318-489-7536(C) 318-965-1066 (H) 318-673-7300 (W) mnmccalister@yahoo.com
W. Des Moines FD G. DOUGLAS REX 515-222-3423 (B) 515-991-3684 (C) doug@rex-com.net
Slidell PD DAVID L. LENTZ 985-639-1723 (H) aquarium4578@bellsouth. net
Kansas Junction City FD, PD & Sheriff J. R. REYNOLDS 785-238-7835 (H) 785-375-1340 (C) j.r.jcfd@firehousemail.com Kansas City FD LOARN JEANNERET 913-371-5704 (H) loarnjeanneret@hotmail.com
Kentucky Ashland FD & PD KELLY GRIFFITH 606-923-4843 (C) jharlerode@gmail.com
Louisiana Alexandria PD & Probation Parol COLE GRALAPP 318-487-5301 (B) 318-623-9458 (C) cgralapp001@gmail.com Baton Rouge FD PAUL H. OWENS 225-772-4190 (C) paulowens1948@gmail.com
The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
Maryland Anne Arundel Co. PD/FD/ Sheriff ZACHARY KOSHLAP 201-450-1183 (C) zkoshlap@gmail.com Baltimore PD RHONDA BENAVIDES 443-896-4277 (C) rleach7905@aol.com Calvert County PD TIM PALCHAK 202-468-6042 (C) timpalchak@gmail.com Charles County FD, PD & Sheriff JOSEPH PIAZZA 301-751-5514 (C) pfia276@comcast.net Montgomery County PD CARLO CORVOISIER 301-580-2595 (C) Corvoisier12@verizon.net Prince George’s County FD CHRIS CUNNINGHAM 410-739-7191 (C) cunninghamsvcs@gmail. com
Hampden County Sheriff WILLIAM GRIFFITH 413-562-0493 (H) 413-626-4709 (C) BBGriffith@verizon.net Wayland FD DANIEL BUENTELLO 508-922-2247 (C) danfd50@yahoo.com
Michigan Flint PD MICHAEL P. SULLIVAN 810-232-3381 (C) 810-237-6888 ext. 4479 (B) Grand Rapids FD KATHLEEN THOMPSON 231-937-6009 (H/F) KThompso@ci.grandrapids. mi.us
Kansas City PD MICHAEL SATTER 816-665-5222 (C) msatter.pfia@outlook.com St. Louis FD BRYAN A. RADLEY 314-724-3005 (C) bryan.radley@yahoo.com St. Louis PD JOSEPH MADER 314-808-7531 (H) jbmader@aol.com
Nebraska Lincoln FD & PD BRIAN S. GILES 402-202-9311 (C) bgiles23@gmail.com Omaha FD JAMES E. CLINES 402-553-2634 (B) 402-968-1053 (C) jclines@cox.net Omaha PD MARK T. SCHENKELBERG 402-932-8787 (H) m.mschenkelberg@cox.net
Grand Traverse Cty. FD & PD KARYL L. MOORE 231-947-1758 (H) Dfivestar@chartermi.net
Omaha & LaVista PD JEFF WARNOCK 402-312-3211 junebug1568@gmail.com
Ingham County Sheriff HARVEY J. CLARK 517-285-5075 (C) hclark2935@gmail.com
Atlantic City FD WILLIAM J. SCULLY 609-653-0337 (H) peakey1@aol.com
Lansing FD ERIC WEBER 517-272-2991 (H) 517-749-5451 (C) eweber421@yahoo.com Oakland Cty. PD & Sheriff ROBERT NEGRI 810-240-1632 (C) 810-239-4597 (H) rnegri273@yahoo.com
New Jersey
Atlantic City PD JOSEPH A. KELLY 609-214-7161 (C) ffgjkelly@gmail.com Bayonne FD & PD STEPHANIE BURT 973-713-2199 (C) Bloomfield FD HUGH R. FLAHERTY 973-429-7940 (H)
Oakland Cty./Macomb FD MELISSA A. MEDICI 586-855-7136 (C) jmmedici@comcast.net
Brick Township PD WILLIAM J. RUOCCO 732-262-1100 (B) 732-575-5116 (C) wruo125@aol.com
South Central PD TONY WELDY 810-614-5194 (C) bluebull297@gmail.com
Camden FD DANIEL C. PAYNE 609-605-8887 (H) pfianj@comcast.net
Washtenaw Co. FD NATHAN DARLING 317-201-4316 ndarling198@gmail.com
East Orange FD & PD ANTHONY L. THOMPSON 973-202-9001 (C) 973-674-7486 (F) thompson513@gmail.com
Wayne Cty. PDs & Sheriff MICHAEL L. DUFFEY 727-648-9051 (H) sgtduffey@aol.com
Missouri Kansas City FD & Surrounding Metro Areas DONNIE SHOOK 816-315-9943 (C) pfiashook@gmail.com
East Orange FD CHARLES SALLEY 908-392-0006 (C) schas1260@aol.com Elizabeth PD ANTHONY “FOGE” FAZIO 908-377-2052 (C) foge69@aol.com
Hackensack FD THOMAS J. FREEMAN 201-843-6183 (H) Hackensack FD JUSTIN J. DEREVYANIK 201-394-6860 (C) HFD126@aol.com Haledon PD CHRIS LEMAY 862-505-0730 (C) lemay1469@msn.com Hoboken FD BRIAN J. GREENE 201-933-9206 (H) przygreene@hotmail.com Hunterdon County Correx. EDWIN VAZQUEZ 973-610-8180 (C) thunderbolt516@aol.com Jersey City FD ROBERT PILGER 201-638-5297 (H) rpilg@aol.com Jersey City PD VINCENT COOK 973-476-2199 (C) vjc2598@msn.com Jersey City PD ALLAN SLATTERY 201-315-4314 (C) allanslattery1959@gmail. com Linden FD STEVEN SMIGELSKY 732-634-8582 (H) 732-236-3036 (C) srs214@msn.com Mercer County & Trenton FD GREGORY A. SWANSON 609-352-9931 (C) njpfia@gmail.com Monmouth County FD & PD JAMES P. FAY 732-489-0744 (C) gldstr37@optonline.net
Ocean County FD, PD & Sheriff HARRY ROON 609-709-6314 (C) hgroon@comcast.net Ocean County PD KEVIN C. LYONS 609-597-7820 (H) 609-548-2930 (C) klyons286@comcast.net Passaic FD & PD JASON AYALA 973-249-7976 (H) samjay134@gmail.com Passaic County Sheriff THOMAS M. PANZARINO 973-296-8006 (C) 973-225-3689 (B) bkckgangarino@optonline. net Paterson PD FRANK DAUNNO 973-330-2968 (C) jrdaun@aol.com Paterson FD JOHN A. MAURO, JR. 973-865-9577 (C) AJM1524@gmail.com Brick TWP PD WILLIAM RUOCCO 732-458-1531 (H) 732-575-5116 (C) wruo125@aol.com South Bergen FD EDWARD J. TANDERIS 973-472-8999 (H) WSET1@aol.com Sussex County FD & PD KENNETH KUZICKI 973-222-2198 (C) kuzicki.pfia@yahoo.com Trenton Corrections RICHARD J. WILLIAMSON 908-420-8014 rwillpfia@yahoo.com
Albany FD EDWARD VERHOFF 518-378-1488 (C) everhoff@hotmail.com Binghamton FD CHRISTOPHER K. GILFILLAN JR. 607-2060923 (H) cgilfillanjr.pfia@gmail.com Binghamton FD JOHN M. SULLIVAN 607-771-6318 (H) Binghamton FD WILLIAM H. NEWLAND 607-724-5351 (H) Buffalo FD JOHN E. MURPHY 716-553-7611 (C) 716-876-1633 (F) jmurphy737@roadrunner. com Buffalo PD JOHN A. PETRICCA 716-380-2057 (C) 716-649-3441 (H) jpd441@verizon.net Buffalo PD SALVATORE A. VALVO 716-651-9904 (H) salvatorvalvo@roadrunner. com Cattaraugus County Sheriff NATHAN A. ROOT 716-938-2334 (B) 716-498-3252 (C) naroot@cattco.org Monroe County Sheriff ALFRED N. DeROSA 585-208-3902 (C) 585-753-4021 (B) aderosa58@gmail.com Niagara County Sherrif KEVIN MACK 716-573-4115 (C) kdmotors1@verizon.net
Trenton PD & FD KENNETH S. LUGO 609-977-8777 (C) KenLugo@hotmail.com
Niagara Falls PD BRYAN DALPORTO 716-628-3221 (C) bdalporto@msn.com
Union City PD DOMINICK DePINTO 201-401-4351 (C) dominick226@comcast.net
Niagara Falls PD LOUIS V. TERRITO 716-523-0786 (C) LT357@roadrunner.com
Wayne FD & PD SCOTT RAPPAPORT 973-632-2885 (C) srappaport@me.com
Niagara Falls FD JOSEPH TORRE 716-940-8225 (C) j.torre@nypfia.org
Newark PD & Essex County Sheriff ALEX MARTINEZ 973-390-1918 (C) 973-398-7666 (H) alnpd@mac.com
New Mexico
Rochester FD & PD JONATHAN YOUNG 585-310-2259 (C) PFIA@mac.com
North Hudson FD JOSEPH D. McLEAN 201-725-6513 (C) joemclean74@verizon.net
New York
Morris County FD & PD CHAD DiGIORGIO 201-206-5183 (C) chadckfd@verizon.net Newark FD EDWARD J. GRIFFITH, III 732-674-3143 (C) ejg3@comcast.net
Nutley FD & PD JOHN HUND 201-615-5831 (C) Hund@optonline.net
Bernalillo Co FD, PD, Sheriff & Corrections KYLE ALTHERR 505-350-3055 (H) kylealtherr@gmail.com Albion Corrections THOMAS SUTTON 716- 471-9326 (C) co11to7@aol.com Albany County Sheriff CHRISTOPHER J. PARKER 518-378-2283 (C) parkerc24@yahoo.com
Schenectady FD RON BAIER 518-527-5107 (C) 518-864-7482 (H) Ltreb4@aol.com Syracuse PD JOHN J. KAVANAGH 315-956-0470 (C) jkavanagh@syracusepolice. org
Syracuse FD JAMES ENNIS 315-430-0340 (C) 315-468-8630 (H) jennis@twcny.rr.com
Cuyahoga Falls PD JOHN J. SIM 330-310-7273 (C) 330-923-1986 (H) simjj@cityofcf.com
Troy FD RAYMOND J. DAVIS 518-423-8918 (C) sdavistroy@hotmail.com
Dayton FD BRIAN BENEDICT 765-277-2770 (C) bbpfia@yahoo.com
Utica FD PETER A. CARUSO 315-725-5712 (C) pfiapete@yahoo.com Utica PD PETER A. CARUSO III 315-269-4886 (C) paac3@yahoo.com Wende State Corrections ANGEL L. MENDEZ 716-818-3797 (C) lou811@netzero.net
Ohio Akron PD DON G. TREJBAL 330-352-4502 (C) APD506@aol.com Akron FD GREG GEARHART 330-351-2673 (C) gearhartpfia@gmail.com Canton FD Massillon FD & PD MARC R. JACKSON 330-491-1073 (H) CFD110@aol.com Cincinnati PD GREG TOYEAS 513-738-4141 (H) 513-484-2459 (C) gregtoyeas@yahoo.com Cincinnati/Hamilton Co. FD MARK REUSS 513-574-3340 (H) 513-706-1287 (C) jamreuss@fuse.net Cleveland FD VINCE VIANCOURT 440-835-5647 (B) 216-534-6927 (C)
benefits.consulting@hotmail.com
Cleveland PD DAN VIANCOURT 216-990-2882 (C) dsv.pfia@gmail.com Columbus FD WAYNE REDMON 614-496-2211 (C) 614-833-1812 (H) wredmon@insight.rr.com Columbus PD WILLIAM CAPRETTA 740-983-6347 (H) 614-563-9636 (C) Coshocton County FD & PD CORY WILSON 740-502-9240 (C) cwilsoniaff@roadrunner.com
Dayton PD HOWARD JORDAN 937-750-4886 (C) daytonhojo@aol.com Dayton Region BRADD ROEMBKE 317-498-4348 (C) pfia@gmail.com Licking County FD & PD JOHN CAPRETTA 614-554-6688 (C) jcapretta@aol.co25 Loveland/Symmes FD OTTO HUBER 513-583-3001 (B) Marietta FD JOE A. MATTHEWS 740-373-3053 (H) mayorjoe@suddenlink.net Marion FD & PD MICHAEL M. RADCLIFF 740-386-2582 (B) mandjradcliff@roadrunner. com Toledo FD TIM BOHLAND 419-874-3771 (H) 419-376-4543 (C) Youngstown FD SHAWN MURRAY 330-518-2966 (C) 330-793-7363 (H) mur511@sbcglobal.net Youngstown PD & FD CHARLES GUZZY 330-707-2171 (H) 330-743-9380 (B)
Oklahoma Tulsa FD STEVEN DANIELS 918-691-0719 (C) sdaniels24@yahoo.com Tulsa FD KENNY GUNN 918-231-6805 (B) gunnkl@msn.com
Pennsylvania Alleghney County PD STEVEN NAVE 412-704-7508 (H) 412-913-4613 (C) stevematt3@aol.com Erie PD GREGORY L. BANEY JR. 814-440-2694 (C) gbags44@hotmail.com Erie FD & PD STEVEN McKENRICK 814-774-4159 (H) 814-746-0716 (C) stevemckenrick@roadrunner.com
Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
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Johnstown FD ROBERT J. OPETT 814-659-9313 (C) opett24@ymail.com Lehigh Valley FD/PD/ Sheriff CRAIG McGINNIS 484-223-9245 (C) cbmacg@hotmail.com McKeesport FD & PD JEFFREY D. TOMOVCSIK 412-523-3903 (C) 412-675-5021 (B) JTomo170@comcast.net Penn. Law Enforcement JONATHON RUSH 412-952-5615 (C) jrushpfia@hotmail.com Philadelphia FD LOU LUPO 267-847-9681 (C) 215-423-1362 (H) loulupo@aol.com Philadelphia FD TIMOTHY G. McSHEA 215-518-9683 (C) tbonemick@comcast.net Pittsburgh FD DONALD DORSEY 412-433-0755 (P) Pittsburgh FD THOMAS HERAK 412-761-6281 (H) Pittsburgh FD JEFFREY E. LAW 412-578-0293 (H) 412-418-5199 (C) law735i@gmail.com Pittsburgh PD CARL R. MOROSETTI, JR. 412-600-2806 (C) carl3393@verizon.net Scranton FD & PD, & Waymart Corrections ANDY POLANSKY 570-961-9024 (H) 570-878-1248 (C) andy.polansky@verizon.net
South Carolina North Myrtle Beach FD & PD RICHARD BUDDELMEYER 843-249-5334 (B/F) pfia1913@sc.rr.com
Falls Cty. FD, PD, Sheriff DARRELL ALLEN 254-229-2951 (H) d_insuranceman@yahoo. com
Tennessee
Fort Bend Sheriff CHERYL L. HILLEGEIST 713-480-6033 (C) chill77040@yahoo.com
Bristol FD & PD DENNIS M. LEY 423-652-2895 (H) 423-361-0747 (C) tabc340@yahoo.com
Galveston Sheriff & Corrections CECILIA FIELDS 409-370-7322 (C) niecies@swbell.net
Texas
Garland FD JEFF TOKAR 972-781-7111 (B)
Angelina County Sheriff GREGORY DAWSON 409-489-8749 (C) dawsongreg@sbcglobal.net
Gatesville Corrections CAROLYN L. IRISH 254-223-3449 (H)
Beaumont PD FD TARAH KEY 409-790-3663 (C) tarahm55@yahoo.com
Gurney Unit Corrections CINDY ARNOLD 903-724-9007 (C) cindyarnold18@yahoo.com
Beaumont PD FD DAWN A. WILLIAMSON 409-728-3174 (C) wmsonda@aol.com
Jasper FD & PD STANLEY D. CHRISTOPHER 409-381-0350 (H) chiefjpd@hotmail.com
Jasper County Shrf/Corr. TERRY LEE 409-420-0662 (H) 409-383-7580 (C) tel87@yahoo.com Amarillo FD& PD JOE C. PONDER 806-584-0953 (C) joeponder2012@yahoo.com Bee County FD, PD, Sheriff & Corrections RICHARD L. WEBB 361-319-3758 (C) urout_78102@yahoo.com
Jefferson County Corrections DAWN A. WILLIAMSON 409-728-3174 (C) wmsonda@aol.com Jefferson County Sheriff ROBERT ADAMS 409-722-1033 (B) bobbyadams288@hotmail. com Lubbock FD RICK MURPHY 806-891-4370 (C) lubfire@aol.com
Port Arthur FD STEPHEN L. CURRAN 409-656-2828 (C) scurran@ci.port-neches.tx.us Port Arthur FD & PD BRIAN K. SIMMONS 409-460-0039 (C) firebksman@yahoo.com Pinehurst FD & PD KIESHA LUNA 409-330-0013 (C) kieshaluna@yahoo.com San Antonio FD JOE VALADEZ 210-656-9046 (H) 210-693-4344 (F) valadezjp@aol.com San Antonio FD RUBEN CEVALLOS 210-861-4578 (C) ruben.cevallos@gmail.com Tarrant County Sheriff & surrounding Metroplex area TANYA YOUNG 817-988-9704 (C) 817-292-5388 (F) tanyayoung7800@sbcglobal. net Tyler PD Sherrif & Corrections ELBERT SHEFFIELD 409-377-1315 (H) 409-283-5262 (C) bubbasheffield1968@gmail. com Walker County FD & PD TARA M. BURNETT 936-668-9193 (C) burnett.t2013@yahoo.com
Brazas County Sheriff DAVID C. STEWART 936-662-7962 (C)
McAllen FD & PD AMADO CANO, JR. 956-867-4257 (H)
Walker County FD, PD, Sheriff & Corrections CATHY STOKES 936-661-0929 (C) 936-594-6072 (H)
McAllen PD ROLANDO CASTILLO 956-655-8476 (H) r.c.21@hotmail.com
Webb County Sheriff JOEY MEDELLIN 956-324-1352 (C) joeymedellin4130@gmail.com
Rhode Island
Brazoria County FD, PD, Sherrif & Corrections VICKE MOSSBARGER 979-864-0286 (C) pfia.texas@gmail.com
Johnston PD SETH D. CROSBY 401-641-1575 (C) 401-921-0159 (H) scros788@gmail.com
Brazoria County FD, PD, Sherrif & Corrections WILL MOSSBARGER 979-864-9126 (C) wm635@aol.com
McLennan Cty. PD & Sheriff KATHY MEALS 254-722-1711 (C) mealsk16@msn.com
Williamson Co. FD, PD, Sheriff & Corrections LANG SPENCER 512-490-7288 (B) 512-940-6085 (C) pfia@yahoo.com
Pawtucket FD Raymond J. Masse 401-639-0164 (H) pfia1261@gmail.com
College Station FD & PD JIMMY O. YOW 832-595-7575 (C) 979-828-3055 (H) jyow26@gmail.com
McLennan County Sheriff SHEILA THUN 254-405-3797 (C) sdthun@ctwa.com
Washington, D.C.
York County and Dauphin County FD & PD CHAD DEARDORFF 717-747-6358 (C) yfdbadge47@comcast.net
E Providence FD & Providence FD ANTHONY LANCELLOTTI 401-569-3551(C) 401-946-6939 (H) iggylance29@cox.net Providence PD SCOTT ZAMBARANO 401-265-1657 (C) zambarano1075@yahoo.com
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Denton County Sheriff LES WOODS 817-675-6151 (C) lwpfia@yahoo.com El Paso Sheriff THOMAS DOWNS 915-790-9256 (C) tdowns.pfia@yahoo.com
The PFIA Protector • www.pfia1913.org
Montgomery County PD, Sherrif & Corrections THOMAS M. PIERCE 936-355-0490 (C) toetee@aol.com Pasadena PD & FD JOHN NOEL 832-788-4414 (C) jnvnoel@yahoo.com
Washington, D.C. FD PETER J. BAGDOVITZ 301-980-0843 (C) pjbagdovitz@juno.com Washington, D.C. PD MIGUEL MIRANDA 202-439-2292 (C) miguel.miranda@verizon.net
West Virginia Huntington FD & PD RANDY D. ELLIS 740-886-5388 (H) 304-633-4975 (C)
Wisconsin Milwaukee PD MIKE CRIVELLO 414-412-0746 (C) crivello@milwaukeepoliceassoc. com
Wyoming Laramie Cty. FD, PD & Sheriff B. JOHN FITZGERALD 307-775-9610 (H) jcatfitz@msn.com
O
ur members are in a unique position to spot missing children. PFIA urges you to make a special effort to try to locate these missing children.
If seen, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children immediately at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) or report a sighting online at www.missingkids.com. You may also call or visit the website for free abduction prevention tips.
MISSING HELP BRING ME HOME
Brandon Wallace Sex: Male Race: White Birth: 1/7/1998 Age Now: 17
Height: 6'1'' Weight: 155 Eyes: Blue Hair: Brown
Missing: December 4, 2014 Waynesboro, VA
His left ear is pierced and he has two stars tattooed on his forearm and wrist. Brandon has a scar on his neck.
Malik Grimes Sex: Male Race: Black Birth: 11/27/1997 Age Now: 17
Height: 5’09” Weight: 140 Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
Missing: December 25, 2014 Atlanta, GA
Malik is believed to be in the local area.
Alize Rivera Sex: Female Race: White Birth: 10/26/1997 Age Now: 17
Height: 5’0'' Weight: 180 Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
Missing: December 23, 2014 Tampa, FL
She has tattoos on her right hand and left wrist.
Ketie Eason Sex: Female Race: White Birth: 11/6/2000 Age Now: 14
Height: 5’05” Weight: 120 Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown
Samantha Eberhardt Sex: Female Race: White Birth: 11/6/1997 Age Now: 17
Height: 5'03'' Weight: 137 Eyes: Blue Hair: Brown
Missing: December 23, 2014 Urbana, IL
Her ears and nose are pierced and she has a tattoo of “Love” and an infinity symbol on her upper right hip.
Aaliyah Bell Sex: Female Race: Black Birth: 1/30/1996 Age Now: 19
Height: 5’06’’ Weight: 145 Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
Missing: December 29, 2014 Kinder, LA
Missing: November 25, 2014 Rock Hill, SC
Ketie may have traveled to Texas. Her ears, nose, and lip are pierced.
She is believed to be in Atlanta, Georgia or Charlotte or Fayetteville, North Carolina. Aaliyah’s lip is pierced.
DONT HESITATE CALL 911 OR 1-800-843-5678 SPECIAL NOTE: Height and weight are listed from the date an individual went missing and may not currently be accurate. Spring 2015 • The PFIA Protector
33
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Photo courtesy of Chris Mickal