1st Responder New England February Edition

The New England Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $36/YEAR

WWW.1RBN.COM

FEBRUARY, 2015

HEAVY FIRE IN NORWICH

RYAN FLAHERTY

CT - Just after 1 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd, the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 76 School Street. Battalion 1 (BC Carter) arrived on scene to find a two and a half story wood frame structure with heavy fire showing from the front of the building.

- See full story on pages 20

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- Page 33

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

1St Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

PAGe 3

MAINE

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

NEW GLOUCESTER FIRE & RESCUE

Dog alerts owner to two alarm fire New Gloucester, ME. A dog alerted its owner to a fire that began in the second floor bathroom on November 4th.

The owner and her dog had to get past the fire room to get to the stairs leading to the first floor. The occupant alerted her tenants on the first floor. Everyone got out safely including two adults and two small children from the first floor.

JUMP TO FILE #122914102

The smoke detectors were sounding when firefighters arrived. Automatic mutual aid was received from the towns of Gray, Raymond, and Poland along with an engine from the City of Auburn.

A Poland Spring bottling truck

was going by and saw the fire and stopped to offer his 8,000 gallons of water. They were very helpful to the water supply sector operating on the busy Route 26.

The fire did heavy structural damage to part of the second and third floors and was ruled to be electrical in cause.

- GARY SACCO

NEW ENGLAND FIRE EQUIPMENT & APPARATUS 10 Stillman Road • North Haven, Connecticut 06473

203-239-5678 • Fax 203-234-7398 • www.nefea.com

EVAN WEBSTER

The Portland Maine Fire Departmentt has this 2012 Seagrave Marauder rear-mount 100 foot stick in service

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

Prefer emails?

Email your press release and photos directly to heather@1strespondernews.com

PAGE 4

February, 2015

Advertising Index

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Character and integrity in today’s fire and EMS service

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A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

1st Priority

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Classified Page

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Dingee Machine Co.

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FDIC

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FD Signon

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Fire Equip. Headquarters

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3

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PL Custom

15

Professional Vehicle Corp.

12

Shaker Auto Group

31

Shakerley Fire Truck Sales

32

Shipman’s Fire Equip.

Commercial building fire in Providence On December 31, 2014 at about 2 a.m., Providence Fire received calls for a building fire at 393 Charles Street. The fire department arrived on scene to find heavy smoke showings from a commercial building. Fire was in a one and two story brick building. Companies used five hose lines to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported to first responders or civilians.

13,32

Spotted Dog Technologies

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Sprint

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Swissphone

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Task Force Tips

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Utility Communications

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Waterway Inc.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 20, No.2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in e r r o r .

A division of: Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

845-534-7500• (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@belsito.com

BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

Multiple calls for house fire in Providence On December 2, 2014 at about 9:30 p.m., Providence Fire received calls for a house fire at 51 Percilla Avenue. Engine 8 arrived on scene to heavy smoke showing from the rear of the dwelling. The fire was on the first floor with extension to floor two of the three story wood frame. Four hose lines were used to knock down the fire. One firefighter was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

It seems that almost on a daily basis when reading a newspaper or online fire service news report there is a member of the fire or EMS service who has managed to become one of that day’s news headlines.

The headline blaring the infraction or crime that has supposedly occurred somewhere across our nation and for which the individual has been charged. These offenses cover a vast variety of lifestyles and laws from alcohol and drugs to misdemeanors to felonies; DWI, theft, assault, theft, including stealing secured drugs from ambulances and stocked supply, and a variety of sexual related offenses.

They all make their way into the news headlines and bring an embarrassment to the fire and EMS services and the majority of good people, who perform and produce an invaluable service every day protecting life and property.

Did these problems exist years ago, or are they a phenomenon of our present and ever changing social culture? I know they existed, though maybe not in the numbers as they do today.

Also, 25 years ago there was no news reporting as it exists today with almost immediate coverage of any form of issue that may even seem like news. Social networking provides an instantaneous form of good and bad news as well as video recordings of the incident being reported.

Anyone with a cell phone and social network can become a news reporter, providing up to the minute reports that will be picked up and rebroadcast in seconds. Before you know it you can have your name and picture posted around the globe, becoming either a hero or a goat.

In moments of weakness, there are some members, who do their own social networking, which can bring embarrassment and humiliation to other members, their department, or municipality.

Irresponsible messages may lead to department investigations and prosecution for which these members will be held accountable for their postings on the social network. Be careful of what you post and aware that it may insult or defame someone.

After the fact, self-embarrassment and weak apologies are generally dismissed as too little too late. That one moment of anger may come with repercussions lead-

ing to department discipline resulting in discharge from the department, and civil lawsuits and/or criminal charges.

What has happened to one’s conscience that discerns right from wrong? Has integrity and moral values, the staunch guardians of our conscience and our actions, disappeared? Does one believe he/she can say and do as they please under freedom of speech?

Does one think he/she can commit illegal and criminal acts and not face repercussion?

Department rules and regulations tend to keep most members with weak moral values in line, but it is the individual personal character and conscience that should be the guiding light, the moral compass.

We perform our daily functions as members of a team and those team operations rely on the trust and respect we have for each other.

The About.com web site, http://humanresources.about.com/, defines integrity, the type of integrity we would like to see in all fellow employees and members: “Integrity is one of the fundamental values that employers seek in the employees that they hire. It is the hallmark of a person who demonstrates sound moral and ethical principles at work.

“A person who has integrity lives his or her values in relationships with coworkers, customers, and stakeholders. Honesty and trust are central to integrity. Acting with honor and truthfulness are also basic tenets in a person with integrity.

“People who demonstrate integrity draw others to them because they are trustworthy and dependable. They are principled and can be counted on to behave in honorable ways even when no one is watching.”

As members of the emergency services we have always been held to a higher standard, one that has elevated us from the ordinary citizen, a position in which the public expects us to be honest and trustworthy individuals who extol those virtues as described in the above definition of integrity.

We are in a service that requires compassion, trust, responsibility and respect for others; all these personal traits are what mold our character and integrity.

A few years ago I received the following poem, author unknown: Destiny Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Till next time stay safe and God Bless!

www.1rbn.com

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

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February, 2015

1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

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BOB LONG

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Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@1stResponderNews.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings, Henry Campbell, Chelle Cordero, Lori Ann Hodgkinson, Bob Long, John Malecky, Gordon Wren

CORRESPONDENTS Nate Arnold • Patrick Belliveau • Brian Blackden Al Boucher • Thomas Brophy • David Bryce • Ed Cabral Sylvia Cancela • Jason Cole • Kevin Czarzasty David Danielson • Paul Dolnier Kenneth Erickson • Jim Fortin Thomas Galliford Tina Gianos • Jonathan Goldman Karen Halstead • Brian Hardy Ed Harvey • Rodman Jordan Erik Kalapir • John Kelahan • Rick Kulmann • Robert Ladd Kenneth Leger • Brian Lehane • Peter Lobo • Paul MacCallum Bernie Meehan • Keith Muratori • George Nigro • Andrew Noyes Jake O’Callaghan • Brian Owen • Greg Ramsdell Zack Schoone • John Sjostedt • Kevin Soucie • Robert Sprague David Stewart • Christopher Tracy • Pat Travers • Alan W Kevin Wiles, Jr. • Nick Zabawar

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty New Jersey: Christopher Hunter, 38 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 14, 2014 Death Date: November 15, 2014 Fire Department: Cinnaminson Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Hunter responded to his last alarm at 3:05 a.m. on November 14. At 1:52 a.m. the next day, Lieutenant Hunter suffered a cardiac arrest at home. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Pennsylvania: Samir “Sam” P. Ashmar, 51 Rank: Fire Marshal Incident Date: November 20, 2014 Death Date: November 20, 2014 Fire Department: Upper Macungie Township Station 56 Initial Summary: Several hours after responding to a medical call, Fire Marshal Ashmar was found in cardiac arrest at his residence. Ashmar was treated and transported by fellow responders to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he succumbed to his injury.

New York: Richard Weisse, Sr., 59 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 15, 2014 Death Date: November 15, 2014 Fire Department: St. James Initial Summary: A short time after responding to a school fire alarm, Firefighter Weisse suffered a medical emergency and passed away. The nature and cause of death are pending further investigation.

New Jersey: Arthur E. “Art” Treon, 62 Rank: County Fire Coordinator/Deputy OEM Coordinator Incident Date: November 18, 2014 Death Date: November 19, 2014 Fire Department: Cape May County Office of Emergency Management Initial Summary: County Fire Coordinator Treon responded to a working multi-family dwelling fire. While operating as fire coordinator, Treon began experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing and was transported by EMS to Cape Region Medical Center for a suspected heart attack.

Fire Coordinator Treon was admitted for possible pneumonia, but subsequently passed away at approximately 10:30 p.m. on November 19th from a nature and cause of injury still to be reported.

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CIRCULATION INFORMATION 1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $36 per year.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adverA division of: tisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices.

As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@Belsito.com

Texas: Alejandro Castro, 40 Rank: Pump Operator/Paramedic Incident Date: November 16, 2014 Death Date: November 16, 2014 Fire Department: Brownsville Fire Department Initial Summary: Pump Operator/Paramedic Castro was found unresponsive while on-duty inside of Brownsville Fire Station 8. Castro had succumbed in the fire station to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

New York: James Foote, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 18, 2014 Death Date: November 18, 2014 Fire Department: Summit Fire Department Initial Summary: Upon returning inside the station to get warm after cutting down two trees on the fire department grounds, Firefighter Foote fell ill and collapsed. Medical assistance was provided by fellow responders and Foote was transported to Cobleskill Hospital, where he later passed away of a heart attack.

Ohio: Tom Rhamey, 71 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 28, 2014 Death Date: November 28, 2014 Fire Department: Western Holmes County Fire and EMS–Lakeville Station Initial Summary: Firefighter-EMT Rhamey fell ill while working at the scene of a residential structure fire. Rhamey was treated and transported by Western Holmes County EMS to Wooster Community Hospital and subsequently flown to Akron City Hospital, where he remained in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit until his passing.

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Small mill fire in Pawtucket Pawtucket, RI. On November 5, 2014 at 10:00 p.m., Pawtucket Fire received the master box at 1005 Main Street. When Engine 1 arrived on scene, crews reported smoke showing from the third floor of a three story brick mill. Companies reported to command that they had a fire that was knocked down by sprinklers. Companies used two lines to check for extension. No injuries were reported.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

Page 9

PAGE 10

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Ice rescue for Laconia On January 11th at 7:35 p.m.; Laconia, Gilford, and Belmont responded to Shore Drive for a snow mobile through the ice of Lake Winnisquam.

Lt. Desrosiers was met by residents of 350 Shore Dr. reporting two victims in the water. One victim had self-rescued and had come to the door requesting help. He then went back out to assist the second victim in the water. LFD personnel could hear two people out in Lake Winnisquam yelling for help.

Four LFD firefighters in ice rescue suits headed out on foot.

The victims could not be seen from shore. They made contact with the first victim on the ice and directed him back to the operations post, 300 feet from shore.

The firefighters were in verbal contact with the second victim, but did not have avisual. Firefighter Chris Beaudoin and Kevin Pierce had to broke through the thin ice, entered the open water, and swim approximately 200 feet to make contact with the victim.

The victim was placed in a rescue float harness and pulled to solid ice, where he was placed in an ice rescue sled and carried to shore. He was extremely hypothermic had been in the water for almost an hour.

JUMP TO FILE #011215123

The rescue took place 1500 feet from the shore line. The first victim was transported to LRGH

by Gilford Fire. The second victim was transported to LRGH by Belmont Fire. DHART was flown in to LRGH, but the second victim’s condition improved fairly quickly and he was not flown out.

This was a tremendous team effort by the three fire departments and Laconia Police. Fish and Game arrived on scene after the victims had been transported and started an investigation. The two snowmobiles are in at least 130 feet of water.

The firefighters were so far out from shore that you could barely see their flashlights. Relays had to be established setting up multiple rescue ropes. Firefighter training paid off in huge dividends.

The first victim reported that he had taken his helmet off and held it against his stomach to act as a flotation device. This probably saved his life. This was the second significant water rescue this winter.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

February, 2015

PagE 11

The NH Department of Safety, Division of Fire Standards & Training & Emergency Medical Services is accepting applications from individuals interested in taking the NH Statewide Entrance Examination for Firefighters. Applications will be accepted from January 16th until March 6, 2015.

ROB STEIZ

Industrial accident in Bradford At approximately 8:00 a.m. on January 14, 2015, Bradford Fire & Rescue along with the Henniker FD Ambulance were dispatched to a reported industrial accident. The call was for a person, who had been stuck in a large milling machine.

Crews found that the patient had self-extricated. Initial patient assessment determined that the patient had possibly life threatening injuries. A DHART helicopter from Dartmouth Hospital in Lebanon was dispatched.

While the patient was being stabilized in the ambulance, the Bradford Fire and Police Depart-

JUMP TO FILE #011515105

The packet may be obtained off our website at: http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/fstems/

ment set up a landing zone at a nearby business parking lot. Once stabilized, the ambulance crew brought the patient to the landing zone and awaited the helo. The patient was then flown to Dartmouth Hospital. With -4 degrees F on the thermometer, working around the helicopter during landing and takeoff was a bite tricky.

Any questions please contact Scott Merrill at Fire Academy 603-223-4200 ex. 31026

- ROB STEIZ

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

JACK WEBB

Firefighter injured at Derry fire At 9:21 a.m. on December 18th, Derry Engines 1, 3 and 2 with Truck 4, Medic 1, and Car 1 were dispatched to 5 North Main Street for a building fire. There was a delay in response caused by simultaneous emergency calls in Derry.

This address is a quarter mile from Derry Central Station, but the crews from that station, Derry Engine 1 and Medic 1, responded from Parkland Medical Center, after having treated and transported a seriously JUMP TO FILE# ill advanced-life- 121914102 support patient. The next closest engine, Engine 3 responded from English Range Road.

5 North Main Street is a 1,774 square foot, balloon frame, twostory, two-family rental home, built in 1900. Three adults, a child, and a dog reside in the first floor apartment; and one adult resides in the second floor apartment.

Two adults were home, asleep, in the first floor unit where the fire occurred. An adult male was woken up by the smell of burning plastic and observed furniture on fire in the living room. He and an adult female then evacuated the building and called 911 from a cell phone.

There was a smoke detector in the apartment, but it did not activate to alert the occupants.

Derry Car 1 arrived on scene 50 seconds after being dispatched and observed an adult barefoot male, wearing only sweatpants and t-shirt, spraying a garden house into the front door of the first floor apartment. There was heavy smoke from the front door, and heavy black smoke, billowing out under pressure from the rear of the apartment.

This person stated there was still an adult female in the second floor apartment. Car 1 immediately called a “working fire” and went up the exterior, second floor stairs to evacuate this person.

Engine 3’s crew backed up by the Engine 1 crew initiated an ag-

gressive interior attack with two hose lines through the front door of the apartment. Engine 2 brought a hose line to the second floor, all while Derry Truck 4 and Derry Medic 1 searched and ventilated the structure.

During this time Derry Firefighter Tom Porter of Engine 1, became ill and had to be removed from the structure. He was treated and transported by Londonderry Fire Medic 1 to Parkland Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. He was treated for over-exertion and released from the Emergency Room at Parkland later that day. There were no civilian injuries or injuries to pets.

Rapid control of the fire was the direct result of Engine 3 and Engine 1 crews being able to quickly deploy two hose lines and hand tools to attack the fire in the first floor apartment.

The fire, smoke, and water damage were all confined to the first floor apartment and the second floor apartment had only minor smoke damage and was reoccupied that afternoon.

An Auburn rescue and a Windham engine responded as part of

BRIAN BLACKDEN

Engine 5 delivers Santa Concord, New Hampshire. Fire Chief Andrus and the Engine 5 duty crew delivered Santa to the Penacook Village tree lighting ceremony. In another way that the Concord Fire Department commits itself to the community, they delivered Santa to a happy crowd of children while enjoying Christmas carols and a tree lighting ceremony in Concord’s Penacook Village, which is initially protected by the “The Land of Misfit Toys, the Pride of Penacook” Manor Station #5.

the working fire assignment.

Auburn provided relief crews while Windham acted as the RIT. When Firefighter Porter became ill, command requested an additional engine company as a reserve. Londonderry responded to the scene. Derry Police provided traffic control and shut down North Main Street. The Greater Derry Salvation Army responded to provide rehab and will assist the family with toys and gifts for Christmas, while family support services were provided by the American Red Cross and the Human Services Department for the Town of Derry.

Public Service of New Hampshire responded and disconnected the power to the first floor apartment.

Station coverage was provided by the Manchester, Chester, Hampstead, and Salem Fire Departments. During the fire there were three other calls including two serious medical calls. These calls were handled by station coverage crews, recalled off-duty Derry firefighters, and a mutual aid ambulance from Windham.

Incident #2014-4337 was dispatched at 9:21 a.m., Derry Car 1 was on scene at 9:22 and Derry Engine 3 was on scene at 9:25. The

fire was under control at 9:48 and all Derry units were secure and available at 11:34 a.m.

Derry Fire Prevention investigated the fire and determined that the origin of the fire was under a desk in the front living room of the first floor apartment. The cause of the fire was electrical equipment that was part of a fish tank. The building is assessed at $150,000.

Damage to the structure is estimated at $70,725.

All contents of the fire apartment were a total loss.

- JACK WEBB

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

PAGE 13

VERMONT

Falling siding sparks recreational vehicle and structure fire On December 28th, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the St. Albans City Fire Department responded to 14 Stebbins Street in St. Albans City for a recreational vehicle fire.

3E1 found an JUMP TO FILE# RV on fire next to a 122914125 building with the building igniting.

St. Albans Town Fire Department was called in for mutual aid. About 1000 custmors were without power in the city when a transformer blew for around two hours.

A worker was taking off tin siding when he dropped a piece hitting an electrical line and sparking the fire. The fire is ruled accidental.

There were no reported injuries.

ST.Albans Police provided traffic and crowd control. Firefighters were on the scene for several hours.

- GREG RAMSDELL

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A firefighter on the ST.Albans City,s Ladder truck overhauls the building

GREG RAMSDELL

Firefighters overhauling the building

PAGE 14

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

VERMONT

GREG RAMSDELL GREG RAMSDELL

Firefighters respond to snowmobile fire Swanton, VT. On January 3rd at approximately 5:05 p.m., t5he Swanton Fire Department responded to a snowmobile on fire on Andy Ave. in Swanton Town. The snowmobile was destroyed by fire. The fire was knocked down quickly by firefighters. There were no reported injuries .It was Swanton’s first call of 2015.

Swanton Fire Department’s 13E1 and 13L4 on the scene

Firefighters respond to second structure fire in three days Swanton, VT. On January 15, 2015 at approximately 10:50 a.m., Swanton Fire Department and Missisquoi Valley Rescue with mutual aid from St. Albans Town Fire Department to the scene and Phillipsburg QC for station coverage at Swanton’s station responded to a structure fire on Middle Road in Swanton Town.

Upon arrival of 13E1, firefighters found heavy smoke show-

JUMP TO FILE #011515110

ing and fire in a room in the basement. Firefighters made an interior attack, knocking the fire down quickly.

There was no one home at the time the fire broke out. After the fire was knocked down, overhaul began.

The room sustained extensive fire, smoke and water damage with the rest of the home receiving smoke damage.

The fire is under investigation.

There were no reported injuries.

MVR stoodby at the scene.

This was Swanton’s second structure fire in three days and the fires are not related.

- GREG RAMSDELL

GREG RAMSDELL

Rollover on Route 105 with no injuries Fisherman on ATV goes through ice

GREG RAMSDELL

On December 9, 2014 at approximately 5:45 a.m., Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR), AmCare paramedics, and Swanton Fire responded to Route 105 for a rollover. There were no injuries.

The accident is under investigation by Vermont State Police.

Swanton, VT. On January 4th, at approximately 7:50 a.m., the Swanton Fire Department, Missisquoi Valley Rescue, Border Patrol, and Vermont State Police responded to West Swanton for a fisherman with an ATV through the ice on Lake Champlain.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found that the ATV had submerged into the lake and the fisherman was just barely hanging

JUMP TO FILE #010515111

onto the ice.

Firefighters quickly went onto the ice with safety equipment and was able to pull the fisherman out of the water and get him and themselves safely to shore.

The fisherman was transported

by MVR to a local hospital. The

firefighters were credited in doing an outstanding job.

The firefighters are well trained on ice rescue and took all precautionary measures to stay safe and get the victim out safely.

There were no other reported injuries.

- GREG RAMSDELL

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

The Flame Within ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

The Flame Within Memoir of a Firefighter By Wayne Mutza Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 07149-1330 1-800522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-pol i c e - e m s . c o m www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $29.95 Call it pulling no punches, all meat and potatoes, telling it like it is, holding nothing back or whatever else you want to call it, this book tells it like it is through the eyes and memory of a Milwaukee firefighter.

Wayne Mutza (pronounced Mootza) was a gung ho firefighter who made it up to lieutenant before retiring. I actually met him back in 1977 when he was a “cub” as the MFD would refer to the least senior member of a station or a company.

I was with a group of buffs from New Jersey, who flew to Milwaukee ultimately on our way to a buff convention in St. Louis, Missouri. We were spending a few days in Milwaukee before driving to Chicago and then took a train to St. Louis.

Wayne, who was assigned to Engine 20 at headquarters gave us a tour of the building. He was only on the job for about a year, but I could tell he was a dedicated man to the job. Ask me how I remember his name back that far and I would have to admit that I really do not know, because there are times that I cannot remember what I had for dinner the night before!

Anyway, the author gives us an unbiased account of the many years of service in which he performed in different capacities. They includes assignments to engine companies, truck companies, both busy ones and slower ones and the training division as well as details to other special units.

Milwaukee, being a major city has many busy stations as well as a number of slower stations. The MFD was involved in first responder calls (medical calls) and like any other fire department, the medical calls are of a much higher volume than fire and other type calls. It is that way in all fire departments.

My reasoning is that there are more people than buildings and other things to burn. A building may have more than one fire during its existence, but a person may need an ambulance many more times in comparison. So in the book you will read about mostly medical calls, accident calls and fires with byproducts such as collapses and things along that nature.

There are accounts of many serious fires. The author’s imagery puts you right there in the midst of the operation. The medical calls are usually responded to when there is

a life threatening situation. As you read the details of some of these calls you will see that little is left to the imagination. You will be exposed to how vicious can be to each other when they are related or not.

When I first visited Milwaukee, I was impressed as it looked like a clean town. But after reading this book, I realized that this is a crime ridden city of which no one, not even emergency service personnel are exempt from abuse and disrespect. He also writes about the politics, the social problems within the department and the attitudes that make the job difficult at times to do.

He also writes about his own family life and the trials and tribulations that came along with living in this society. I would recommend to anyone who takes an interest in memoirs, especially members and past members of the fire service who can closely identify with the author’s experiences.

February, 2015

PAGE 15

VERMONT

Firefighters make excellent save

GREG RAMSDELL

Swanton, VT. On January 12th at approximately 3:10 p.m., the Swanton Fire Department and Missisquoi Valley Rescue responded to Bushey Road in the JUMP TO FILE# Town of Swanton for 011215144 a double wide home on fire.

13E1 arrived to fire and smoke showing under the home and in the walls. Firefighters made a quick attac, knocking the fire down quickly. The fire was contained to the walls.

A person that lived there said the fire probably started by using a torch to thaw out frozen water pipes.

13E1, 13T1, 13L4, 13U6 and MVR responded to the scene. There were no reported injuries.

Swanton firefighters knocking down the fire

Wicked good!

- GREG RAMSDELL

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PAGE 16

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.

Recruit Class # 54 KEN ROSOL

Windsor responds to car into river Windsor Fire Stations 700 and 800 responded to car in the river early Sunday morning, January 4th. Fortunately, the car was unoccupied and the departments assisted in the recovery of the vehicle.

CT Fire Academy Recruit Class #54 Graduation On December 5th, 41 Firefighters representing 24 different communities graduated from the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Firefighter program.

These firefighters worked relentlessly for 15 weeks at the academy in Windsor Locks to lay the ground work for their career in the fire service. The graduation ceremony was held at the Parsons Government Center in Milford, with State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette welcoming the crowd and introducing the program.

The Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums provided the processional as the Connecticut Firefighters Honor Guard led the recruits into the auditorium.

JUMP TO FILE #120514129

Commissioner Dora Schriro of the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection addressed the recruits, welcoming them into the emergency service family. The newly appointed Fire Academy Director of Training Bill Higgins, with one week on the job stepped forward to congratulate the recruits, and offer some real-world advice taken from his long career in the fire service.

Director Higgins recently retired as a captain from the Southington Fire Department.

Chief Kenneth Hanks of the Nau-

gatuck Fire Department delivered the commencement speech, as is customarily done by a member of the career fire chiefs. Chief Hanks is also a long standing member of Connecticut's Fire Service, and acknowledged the commitment of firefighters, as well as their families. Naugatuck Firefighter Nate Peragallo was presented the Michael C Reilly Hard Charger Award, while Bridgeport Firefighter Thomas Veranelli was given the Instructors Award.

A lighthearted speech was given by Class Spokesman Gregory Prior of the Bridgeport Fire Department.

- BERNIE MEEHAN

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

EDWARD PRESCOTT

Three car MVA for Norwalk The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a three car motor vehicle accident on Interstate 95 Monday afternoon, December 29th at 1:24 p.m. The rear end collision happened just prior to Exit 13 southbound in the high speed and center lanes. Four patients were transported to Norwalk Hospital by paramedics with non-life threatening injuries. Southbound traffic was reduced to a single lane for 30 minutes as crews worked to clear the accident.

NICK ZABAWAR

Dunbar Hill Volunteer Fire Company in Hamden, CT used to run this 1984 Mack CF as Engine 8. It is currently out of service.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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PAGE 18

February, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

OLIVIA DRAKE

OLIVIA DRAKE/HADDAM VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Injured hunter rescued, transported by Life Star Life Star was called in after a traumatic hunting accident behind a residence on Wiese Albert Road on December 13 in Haddam. At about 10:30 a.m., Haddam Volunteer Fire Company and Haddam Ambulance Service responded to reports of a wounded hunter with a leg injury. According to State Police, the man accidentally shot himself in the leg with a hunting rifle. Command requested the fire company’s Gator ATV to remove the victim from the woods and activated Life Star. Engine 1-13 set up a landing zone in a field near Candlewood Hill and Foot Hills Road. The flight crew was driven to the a rendezvous point and the victim was brought back to the landing zone via Haddam Ambulance. The patient was flown to Hartford Hospital.

Connecticut State Police and DEEP are investigating.

Fire alarm at Elementary School Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a fire alarm at Haddam Elementary School shortly before 9 p.m. on December 9th. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered smoke coming from the school's basement. Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras and soon discovered the smoke was a result of a faulty belt in a climate control compressor. The school's mechanic was notified to replace the belt. Firefighters placed large ventilation fans in the building to help remove the smoke and odor from the school.

Correspondent Contest Sponsored by FF1 Professional Safety Services The readers of 1st Responder Newspaper have helped make www.1rbn.com the fastest-growing Fire/Rescue/EMS site on the web. Information comes from our valued correspondents. Each time you post an entry on our website, your name will go into a drawing for a monthly prize. Only web entries are eligible.

The prize for our February editions from FF1 Professional Safety Services is a 5.11® Tactical Job Shirt with the new FF1 logo. Our January editions winner of a 5.11® Water Repellent Job Shirt from SAFE-T was Edan Davis from New Jersey. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212.

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DOM RICCIO

Waterbury’s bravest make a quick stop at Bacco’s Pizza On Sunday evening, December 14th at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Waterbury Fire Department was alerted to a possible structure fire at 1230 Thomaston Ave, Bacco's Pizza. On arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke pouring out of the building. Firefighters gained access and quickly knocked down the fire keeping damage to a minimal.

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 19

CONNECTICUT

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Kitchen fire for Baltic Baltic Fire Engine Company # 1 was dispatched for a report of a kitchen fire on Fifth Ave on December 21, 2014. The homeowner was home at the time that the fire started and was able to call 911 before the fire could spread beyond the kitchen cabinet area.

A member of the Baltic VFD lived just a few houses down from the call and upon arrival at the home was able to extinguish the large majority of the fire with his personal fire extinguisher.

Upon arrival of the engine and truck companies, the remainder of the fire was extinguished.

JUMP TO FILE #011515102

An electric heater had been covered up during a kitchen rehab prior to the resident moving in. He never even knew of the toe kick heater until the fire.

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

Firefighters shelter dog after MVA Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a motor vehicle accident at December 7 in front of Dunkin Donuts in Higganum.

A minivan making a left turn into the establishment JUMP TO FILE # struck a vehicle in 080713101 the south bound lane.

The driver was taken to Middlesex Hospital via Haddam Ambulance.

Firefighters also removed the woman’s dog, an eight year old golden retriever named Otis, and cared for the dog in Engine 1-13 until the dog's other owner arrived.

The driver of the truck was evaluated on scene and refused treatment.

The incident is under investigation by the Connecticut State Police.

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RYAN FLAHERTY

Heavy fire in Norwich Just after 1 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd, the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 76 School Street.

Battalion 1 (BC Carter) arrived on scene to find a two and a half story wood frame structure with heavy fire showing from the front of the building.

Squad A was first due and stretched a primary line to the first floor. Engine 3 established the water supply and performed the primary search while Engine 2 stretched a one and three quarter inch hose line to the second floor.

JUMP TO FILE #010815103

Truck 1 members set up the aerial and cut two holes in the roof for ventilation. Members of Platoon 4 worked hard to extinguish the fire and ended up putting three lines into operation.

The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department responded as the FAST and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal.

OLIVIA DRAKE/HADDAM VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

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The firefighters of Cheshire, Connecticut have been making use of this burn trailer, which has been on loan to the department for the month of December. The trailer belongs to the New Haven Fire Department and is made available to departments in New Haven County.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

Page 21

PAGE 22

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

REG PATCHELL

DOM RICCIO

Elm City makes quick work of rooftop fire At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 11th, the New Haven Fire Department was alerted to a report of a fire at 143 Whalley Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire on the roof top of a warehouse type building, which belongs to New Haven Powersports Motorcycle dealership. Firefighters stretched a hoseline and brought it up to the roof and made a quick knock down.

Baltic gives back to community On Wednesday, December 17th at 11:00 at the Baltic fire house, members of the Baltic Fire Engine Company # 1 prepared a full turkey holiday dinner and offered it free to all of the senior citizens in the Town of Sprague (Baltic).

We served close to 40 meals at the fire house and members then brought frozen turkeys and turkey platters to cook with, to each of the senior citizens who were not able

JUMP TO FILE #011515103

to attend our free meal that we offered at the firehouse.

We ordered a total of 55 turkeys from the Lisbon Target Store to give to the seniors as well as the people in the Sprague senior housing complex. We have offered this meal for four years now. This

year, we will also give away gift cards.

In addition to the turkeys, we will serve a full turkey dinner with all the fixings. We will also receive desserts from Mrs. Turban's Sayles School preschool class to show the children how to give back to the community.

- REG PATCHELL

EDWARD PRESCOTT

MVA in Norwalk OLIVIA DRAKE

The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a two car accident with a rollover outside fire headquarters, 121 Connecticut Avenue Friday evening, Decembe 6th, just before midnight. An SUV and compact car hit head on causing the SUV to end up on its roof. The severe impact knocked the left front wheel and strut assembly off the SUV. The female driver of the SUV was assisted out of her car by firefighters.

The driver of the compact car fled the scene as firefighters arrived. A description of the fleeing driver was relayed to police, who searched the area south of the firehouse. The driver of the SUV was transported to Norwalk Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Connecticut Avenue remained closed for about an hour as police investigated the cause of the accident.

Blaze takes over Haddam colonial At 7:15 p.m. on January 10th, a structure fire was reported at a two-story colonial on Killingworth Road (Route 81). Heavy fire and smoke was showing on arrival. Fire suppression required the efforts of seven area fire departments including Haddam, Killingworth, Chester, Durham, Clinton, East Haddam and Haddam Neck, also joined by Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service.

Middletown South District provided a Rapid Intervention Team and Essex provided station coverage for Haddam. The homeowner was inside at the time of the fire, but escaped without injury. Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene remained active. The Haddam Fire Marshal and State Fire Marshal are investigating the cause.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

Page 23

PAGE 24

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

EDWARD PRESCOTT BRIAN OWEN

Car fire after vehicle strikes tree On December 15, 2014 at 1:09 a.m., firefighters were alerted to an MVA involving a car versus tree with fire on Fenn Road in Cheshire. All occupants were out of the vehicle on arrival to this car fire, which was almost fully involved on arrival. The occupant stated he lost control of car on the sharp curve and struck a tree. Engine 5 and Engine 2 handled without incident.

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Single car MVA in Norwalk The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a single car motor vehicle accident at the end of the Route 7 connector, Monday evening, December 22nd at 9:22 p.m. The car, a Mazda 3, was traveling northbound on the connector when it crossed Grist Mill Road and went up an embankment 40 feet coming to rest 25 feet from the roadway.

JUMP TO FILE #122314105

The driver, a woman in her early 20’s, was talking to firefighters and paramedics complaining of neck and back pain. She was removed from the car by firefighters, and transported to Norwalk Hospital with non-life threatening in-

juries.

Fortunately for the driver, the Connecticut DOT removed the rock wall at the end of the connector in 2008 after several fatal accidents.

The gradual inclining hill, which was constructed in its place, prevented this accident from being more serious.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

Page 25

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Car versus tree in Plympton Plympton, MA. Firefighters responded to the area of 117 Lake St. for a motor vehicle accident on January 12th. First arriving units found a pickup truck with heavy damage that struck a tree. The vehicle was checked and there was no operator in the vehicle. Plympton Police, Plympton Fire, Kingston Police, and a Police K-9 Unit from Kingston was called to assist. The operator was found in the woods a short time later with minor injuries.

DICK SCIALABBA

Car into tree in Hinsdale At 8:27 a.m. on December 20, 2014, Hinsdale Fire-Rescue was dispatched along with Hinsdale Police to an MVA for acar into a tree on Washington State Road (Rt. 8) near Bullard’s Crossing Rd. Initial reports indicated at least one injury.

Units assigned were Rescue 4 and H-5(ambulance). Once on scene, units encountered one patient, the driver, a 33 year old female, who had self-extricated with the assistance of a passing dump truck driver.

There was airbag deployment

JUMP TO FILE #010215125

and EMT’s took full C-spine precautions. She was transported to Berkshire Medical Center complaining of right shoulder and arm pain.

Road conditions in the area were extremely slippery from an air inversion that created black ice on a sharp curve in the road. The driver lost control of the vehicle on the curve, ran off the road through

approximately 60 feet of snow bank, glanced off one tree, and hit another tree head on. Damage to the late model Nisson Altima was extensive. The truck driver sanded the curve prior to leaving the scene and HPD notified the state highway department about the road conditions.

Rescue 4 remained on the scene while a tow truck removed the car. All units were back in service by 9:48 a.m.

- DICK SCIALABBA

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Car struck a building in Kingston Kingston, MA. Firefighters responded to 149 Grove St. for a report of a motor vehicle accident on January 11th. First arriving units found a vehicle that struck a house. One patient was transported by ground to BI Plymouth with non-life threatening injuries. The Kingston building inspector was called to the scene to assess the damage to the house.

JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN

Water rescue in Harwich Harwich, MA. Around 9 a.m. Sunday, January 11th, Harwich Fire and Rescue received a call for a bird stuck on the ice at Hinkley's Pond. Arriving on scene, it was determined the juvenile swan was in distress. A neighbor told the firefighters it has been there for over 24 hours. Led by shift commander Captain Donald Parker, Firefighter Eric Elliott slipped into cold water rescue gear and proceeded to the swan. Using an oversized net, firefighter Elliott was able to capture the injured bird. Firefighters Rob Sanders and Brad Willis with Police Officer JJ Larivee were able to reel in the bird with Firefighter Elliott who was on a safety rescue board. Captain Parker carried the swan to a rescue vehicle from Wildcare, Eastham.

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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PAGE 28

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

The heart of the matter Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

So what is the symbol of February?

It is the heart, usually a red heart. It is usually the symbol for the love and devotion that we have for a love, or someone that we have strong feelings for, a spouse, or a girlfiend or boyfriend, or someone that we ask to be our valentine.

Do you remember when you were a child you would hand them out in grammar school?

But let's take a look at the heart through the eyes of a firefighter. We know that heart disease is the number one killer of firefighters. I think that nobody will dispute that fact.

Throughout our entire careers, we will continue to hear that.

There is so much work and research that was done to prove that point.

Heart disease will get us. I have seen it affect firefighters of all age groups; the old, middleaged and also the young.

So what can we do to help keep our hearts in good working condition?

Eat right, exercise, and relieve stress. Hmm, relieve stress. Chew on that for a minute. But firefighting is stressful and so is being around a firehouse. We will come back to that.

Did you think that I would forget to mention to get proper check ups and go for your stress tests?

When was the last time that you had your heart checked? Why? Have the firefighters in New Jersey not checked into the Captain Buscio program? Check it out for yourself at http://www.captainsgift.com/ You will be amazed at who you will meet there.

Do the brothers in other states have similar opportunities? I met a few brothers from some paid departments. Once they go there, the referaal to others becomes so easy.

I met an experienced firefighter, who told his son, who just joined a paid department, to get checked out every year, and the son was in his twenties. Imagine that, the father was giving his son a way to take care of himself.

There are so many ways that we can take care of our heart.

Did you know that stress can kill? Yes, I know that there is good stress and bad stress.

Let's take a look at Critical Incident Stress, for a moment.

Some of the signs are: chest pain, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing.

What is this starting to sound like? Does any of this sound a little like a heart attack? Don't believe me? Google it for yourself.

So what can we do about reducing our stress on our heart? Did you ever think of meditating? A friend that I know also thought

about writing in a journal.

How about praying, reading, running, martial arts, yoga?

What is the thing that works for you?

We also have stress that sits and festers. We may be ticked off at some people or situations.

Maybe you did not get that promotion. Maybe a person at work or the firehouse really gets under your skin. Maybe you do not like what is going on and it eats at you. Maybe the sight of someone raises your temper. Maybe you have problems with your wife, exwife, or girlfriend. Maybe someone is your arch nemisis, like Lex Luther to you being Superman.

This will add to stress onto your heart. Maybe you enjoy getting mad. Why? Are you willing to die because you want to hold a grudge against someone? The other person may not even know or care that you are holding a grudge at them.

So what are you going to do about it? Choose to live. A book that I read tells us that we are to forgive our people. Forgive them seventy times seven times. But also that we are to pray for those that persecute us.

We are to actually love our enemies and do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking, Chappy don't give me that religion stuff. Ok, I won't give it to you in religion.

I listened to a very courageous Marine of the 1st Recon Battalion in Vietnam, Clebe McClary. He said something that stayed with me, "FIDO". This is not a dog, but Forget It and Drive On. We need to forget the garbage that people do.

If we do not, it will sit in us and do its damage to our heart. Do not give that other person that much control of your life.

Refuse to be a victim. Rise above it. Forgive them and pray for them.

Forgiveness is a very powerful medicine.

Can you imagine what would happen if your ex-wife knew that you forgave her? Can you imagine what would happen to the person, who is trying to get under your skin and loves watching you blow up, if they found out that you forgave them?

Release the emotional toxins in your body. Forgive and do good things for your enemy.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Try it. You may be pleasantly surprised.

You may find even more good things will come your way.

Would you be willing to do it if it meant that you might live longer?

Is it worth seeing your kids grow up?

Or keeping your spouse?

Or enjoying life even more?

My brothers, take care of your heart every way that you can.

MASSACHUSETTS

NATE ARNOLD

Jakes save one from burning home Springfield, MA. An occupied two story wood frame single family dwelling sustained heavy damage in an early morning fire on Saturday, December 27, 2014 in the McKnight-Bay section of this city.

Springfield firefighters were summoned to 125 Yale St. at 12:06 a.m. for a reported structure fire and were informed by dispatch that a resident of the home may be trapped inside.

Companies arrived on scene to find heavy smoke pushing from the

JUMP TO FILE #122814108

second floor of the dwelling and set to work stretching a hand line to the second floor while the rescue squad did a primary search.

The squad located the victim in a second floor bedroom and removed him while the remainder of the first alarm assignment companies knocked down the fire in short order.

The male victim, whose condition was unknown at the time of this writing, was taken by AMR ambulance to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and later transferred to another facility in the Metro-Boston area for further treatment.

The fire, which caused an estimated $50,000 damage, remains under investigation by the SFD Arson Squad.

- NATE ARNOLD

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Two alarms struck for Brockton taxpayer Brockton, Plymouth County, MA. Around 3:20 p.m. on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 10, 2014, the Brockton Fire Department struck their Box 1312 for several callers reporting a building fire at 57 Legion Parkway.

Companies arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the front of a one story taxpayer. The fire was in a convenience store called "Ecuamerica" and was at-

JUMP TO FILE #121014116

tached to other stores on the block.

A working fire was requested, and that was followed eventually by a second alarm.

Due to Brockton Ladder 1 being out of service, East Bridgewater Tower 1 responded on the working fire to cover Brockton Sta-

tion 1, but was then upgraded to the scene on the second alarm.

Companies had the heavy fire knocked down within 20 minutes and checked the onestory taxpayer for extension, and hot spots.

Several lines were stretched and in operation at the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

- PAT TRAVERS

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Duxbury RIT with search and rescue training Duxbury, MA. Firefighters practiced locating and rescuing victims and downed firefighters in a vacant house. Firefighters were given permission by the contractor to use the building prior to demolition. Firefighters trained on search and rescue and rescue of a downed firefighter during the training.

Beat The Budget Blues!

Who needs to laugh more than the Fire Companies ---the first responders who deal with dangerous circumstances each and every day?

There’s an innovative concept for fund-raising developed by Joey Novick, who is a stand-up comedian and the Fire Commissioner in his hometown: Stand-up comedy shows.

Fire companies can get much-needed laughs and profit financially as well.

Novick's company, ComedyWorks, provides all-star headline comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Last Comic Standing, and the Tonight Show.

Novick’s been producing comedy shows since 1977, and has experience producing shows with such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Larry The Cable Guy, and Tim Allen.

"The comedians were very funny, and very professional," wrote Mark Bruhmuller, Fire Chief of the Churchtown Fire Company of New York. “Joey Novick did an excellent job. Everybody loves to laugh, and it's a great deal of fun."

ComedyWorks produces more than 300 shows a year, almost 150 of those for emergency service organizations. The money these shows can

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raise varies, depending on things like the number of tickets sold, how they're priced, the amount spent on promotion and whether food and drink are available.

"Mostly companies produce shows in their own facilities, which may hold 300–400 people," says Novick.

"We'll put together a show for them that will bring in comedians from major comedy clubs, with a headliner from HBO, Comedy Central, or the Tonight Show. The feature performer will be someone who's headlined the comedy circuit: Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Comedy Store. The host of the show will be a comedian who's very high-energy, like a gameshow host, to get the audience warmed up. A triple headliner show!”

The Somerset Fire Company of New Jersey produces two fundraisers a year through ComedyWorks.

"We've done about ten shows so far, and it's been great," says Mike Rein-

beck, who coordinates the shows for the 65-member volunteer department.

"A friend of mine who had used Joey told me, 'This guy books really good acts.' So, we did the first show, everything was great, and we've been doing shows with Joey ever since."

"I find their people to be very funny," agrees Adam Hubney, chief of the Atlantic Highlands Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey, which books comedians through ComedyWorks for its annual dinner.

"We have a professional comedy club in our county, and the quality is just as good."

Comedy Works provides a 30-page ‘How-To’ guide that assists organizations through the comedy show production and warns of mistakes to avoid. "We make sure they follow everything in the guide," says Novick. "If a company has never done this before, it gives you everything from you need to know. We make sure that things get done right.

Clients who follow the guide always do very well and tend to make money.”

For information on Comedy Works, call 1 (888) 782-4589, go to www.comedyworks.org or e-mail joeynovick@earthlink.net.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

Page 31

PAGE 32

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

PETER LOBO

Working fire in Waltham garage Waltham, MA. On December 17, 2014, the owner of a unit at 15 Kings Way called the fire department reporting a car fire in his garage.

He reportedly just returned from having his BMW serviced.

JUMP TO FILE # Waltham Fire 121814100 Department responded with C2, E2, E7, Rescue 6 and Ladder 1.

C2, Deputy Hebert, was first on scene and ordered a working fire.

A RIT also responded which brought E8 and Medic 1.

The two cars in the garage were fully involved.

Firefighters had difficulty removing one of the garage doors.

Firefighters entered the D side of the building to check for exposures.

No injuries were reported and the cause and origin of the fire are under investigation.

- PETER LOBO

Visit our website at www.1rbn.com

JONATHAN SOUZA

New Bedford, MA. New Bedford Fire Department Local 841, Station 6 houses Engine 6 and Ladder 6, one of the oldest active stations in the country, built in 1882.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE 1

February, 2015

Page 33

Peoples Home Loans joins 1st Responder to support the Heroes Mortgage Program You risk your lives for us every day without giving it a second thought. It’s just who you are, it’s what you do.

You are brave, selfless and hard-working. You are a hero. Brave men and women like you are why the Heroes Mortgage Program was created.

1st Responder and Peoples Home Loans have proudly collaborated to provide this great mortgage opportunity, which provides low interest rates for firefighters and other members of the emergency services community. In addition to great rates, the Heroes Mortgage Program offers minimal lender fees and promises to get clients in their new home by the contract date.

“We are honored to be serving and working with the true heroes of our community,” 1st Responder Newspaper Publisher Joseph P. Belsito said. “Firefighters and other members of the emergency services community are an important part of the fabric of our society. They are always there for us, always on call. This is just a way to give back to them and their families.

We are certainly excited about the Heroes Mortgage Program and expect it to grow.”

The Heroes Mortgage Program understands how hard you work every day and the sacrifices you and your family make for us. That’s why our staff of respected professionals is committed to providing our heroes with unmatched customer service!

Working with its own resources and Federal government programs, Peoples Home Loans develops solutions that open the path to home ownership, also offering cost-effective refinance

Call the Heroes Hotline today if you need a mortgage or are thinking about refinancing!

877-541-HERO

options. The Heroes Mortgage Program is designed with you and your friends and family in mind!

“We have already started working with clients and are receiving great reviews and referrals, which means a lot to us all,” said Steve Testa, a Peoples Home Loans production manager. “I’ve been humbled to get to know and

work closely with some of these men and women. To be able to help them fulfill their dream of purchasing their first home, or helping them with a better rate on a refinance, is very rewarding. I’m truly excited about developing this relationship with the firefighter and emergency services community.”

To receive more information about the pro-

gram and its benefits, contact Steven Testa (NMLS 460176) at stesta@bankingunusual.com or call 877-541HERO (4376). Peoples Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated. Mortgage financing provided by Peoples Home Loans, a division of Peoples Bank – Equal housing Lender | Member FDIC

Firefighter thrilled with personal service during mortgage process Karl McAleer grew up around the firehouse with his father, uncles and grandfather, among others, serving as his heroes.

As it turns out, Karl McAleer is a hero, too. He’s proud to be a fourth generation firefighter, carrying on the family tradition.

“I just love serving people,” McAleer said. “I love that. For me, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I will be doing this until I physically can’t anymore.”

As proud as McAleer is to serve the community, the Heroes Mortgage Program is proud to have helped him purchase a home for his growing family.

The innovative Heroes Mortgage Program is brought to you by 1st Responder and Peoples Home Loans. This mortgage opportunity provides low interest rates for firefighters and other members of the emergency services community. The program also offers minimal lender fees and promises to get clients in their new home by the contract date.

McAleer, 35, is a volunteer firefighter with the North Branch (N.J.) Fire Department and is the fire sub-code officer in Bridgewater Township. He became a junior firefighter in Franklin Township when he was just 16. The Heroes Mortgage Program helped McAleer purchase a home in Belvidere, N.J. that was much bigger than his previous residence.

Of course, he was provided with a great interest - KARL McALEER rate, low fees and exceptional customer service.

“I thought it was a great tool,” said McAleer, who is married with two children. “I would tell anyone to go with the Heroes Mortgage Program. Steve Testa (Peoples Home Loans production manager) was great. He was always there for us and that meant a lot. I could call him at 6 or 7 o’clock at night and he would happily answer my questions. He was always there, reassuring us with any concerns that we had.”

Peoples Home Loans and 1st Responder are honored to serve the heroes in our community, who risk their lives for us every day. Working with its own resources and Federal government programs, Peoples Home Loans develops solutions that open the path to home ownership, also offering costeffective refinance options. The Heroes Mortgage Program is designed with you and your friends and family in mind!

To receive more information about the program and its benefits, contact Steven Testa (NMLS 460176) at stesta@bankingunusual.com or call 877-541-HERO (4376). Peoples Home Loans and 1st Responder Newspaper are not affiliated. Mortgage financing provided by Peoples Home Loans, a division of Peoples Bank – Equal housing Lender | Member FDIC

“I would tell anyone to go with the Heroes Mortgage Program.”

KARL McALEER

PAGE 34

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Portable space heater ruled cause of smoky fire in Fall River

K. LEGER

Platform 1 sets up for operations

Fall River, MA. An off-duty district chief returning home, discovered his neighbor’s house on fire. D.C. Scott Flannery reported flames showing from the first floor apartment and entered the building to alert the occupants. JUMP TO FILE # Flannery said 121514131 he was able to get one resident on the first floor out then ran up to the second floor to alert those tenants. No alarms were sounding and no one smelled smoke according to reports.

When firefighters arrived, they were faced with a rapidly spreading fire and water supply issues as the first hydrant tapped was inoperable. Firefighters had to move on approximately 400 feet down the road to the next available hydrant.

Incident Commander, District

Chief James Mellen ordered an aggressive interior attack, that was hampered by the conditions inside the fire apartment. The apartment where the fire started was packed with the residents’ belongings making fire attack difficult, it was also reported to have false ceilings and numerous void spaces.

Chief Mellen called for a second alarm and fire investigators to the scene. Firefighters on scene went through several bottle changes as they chased the fire throughout the six unit building.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by a portable electric space heater placed too close to combustibles. 11 residents were displaced by this fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross.

Fall River firefighters have battled 19 structure fires since October 31st.

- KENNETH LEGER

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

NATE ARNOLD

Preparing to extricate the victim from the truck.

Ladder Co. 1, using a spare aerial, directs their master stream into the third floor.

Motor vehicle accident in Whitman sends two to hospital

Third fire in twenty four hours for Springfield firefighters

Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. Around 8:45 p.m. on the rainy evening of Sunday, January 4, 2015, the Whitman Fire Department responded to a reported motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Temple Street and Beulah Street.

Engine 2, Ambulance 247 and Car 3 responded.

Companies arrived to find a two vehicle crash, with a pick up truck that struck a house at 117 Temple Street. A second ambulance was requested to the scene. Abington A 4 responded as mutual aid.

Whitman Ambulance 247 transported a trauma alert 2 victim to the South Shore Hospital utiliz-

JUMP TO FILE #010415110

ing advanced life support. Abington A4 transported to the Brockton Hospital.

Whitman Police and Plymouth County Sheriffs Department BCI unit are investigating the crash.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

While the pick-up truck nearly struck the gas service to the house, the damage to the house was minor.

- PAT TRAVERS

The first twenty four hours of 2015 proved to be rather busy for the members of the Springfield Fire Department with three fires occurring in that time period.

The first fire on Girard Avenue did minor damage to the exterior of an occupied two story wood frame dwelling. The second fire, involving several small storage buildings at a local construction company did several thousand dollars damage to equipment and destroyed two antique cars stored inside one of the buildings. The third fire, on January 2, resulted in a family losing their home of over 40 years.

Shortly after 4:30 a.m. Springfield firefighters were called out to 35 Oak Grove Avenue for the reported structure fire. First due En-

JUMP TO FILE #010215140

gine 8 reported heavy smoke in the sky coming out of quarters.

Companies arrived on scene minutes later to find heavy fire venting from an occupied three story wood frame dwelling with fire already breaking through the roof before the first hand line was put into operation.

Oak Grove Ave. command ordered all members out of the home and switched to a defensive attack as the fire had taken possession of the second and third floors and was melting the siding on the Bravo side exposure building.

Companies set up two ladder

pipes and multiple large caliber hand lines to knock down the fire from the exterior and spent the next two hours attacking the fire from all sides of the dwelling. While the first alarm assignment was able to knock the fire down within two hours, the home is considered a total loss as both the roof and a portion of the Charlie side wall collapsed half way through the operation.

The homeowner, an elderly woman who has owned the home since the 1960's, was treated for smoke inhalation, but is expected to be alright.

The cause of fire remains under investigation.

- NATE ARNOLD

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

PAGE 35

MASSACHUSETTS

Multi-vehicle accident in Waltham results in fatality Waltham, MA. A four car accident on Trapello Road near the Smith Street intersection sent Waltham Engine 7, Medic 1 and Ambulance 1.

A call was received for a driver in cardiac arrest.

Arriving ďŹ reďŹ ghters began CPR until the Medics arrived.

C2 (Deputy Mullin) requested Rescue 6 to respond to asset with

JUMP TO FILE #121814108

the operation.

There were four people transported to area hospitals.

According to reports, one patient did succumb to injuries.

- PETER LOBO

PETER LOBO

PETER LOBO

Waltham promotions JAKE O'CALLAGHAN/CWN

Fire at Rodeway Inn in Orleans Orleans, MA. A welders torch started a fire in the wall at the Rodeway Inn on Route 6A on December 15th.

The 2 p.m. fire filled the basement with smoke and was quickly brought under control by the Orleans JUMP TO FILE # 121614101 Fire and Rescue.

Mutual aid from Brewster and Eastham assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

The Waltham Fire Department recently promoted three firefighters at City Hall. Mike Crane was promoted to captain. Bill Withycombe and Marck Girouard were promoted to lieutenant.

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PAGE 36

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

Vehicle News

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Scituate, MA. Ladder 1 is a E-One Custom Cyclone II HM Marshfield, MA. Engine 2 is a 2014 E-One Custom Ty- New Braintree, MA Engine 2 is a International 7600 6x4 110’ rear- mount aerial. phoon Pumper. pumper/tanker.

KEN SNYDER

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Waterford, CT. Engine 1 is a 2014 E-One Custom Ty- Boston L-16 is a 2014 KME 109' phoon pumper.

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Westford, MA. Engine 1 is a 2014 E-One Custom Quest II pumper.

Oven fire knocked down in Whitman

KEN SNYDER

Squad 67 of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services in New London,CT will soon operate this 2014 KME

Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. Just after 6:00 p.m. on December 15th, the Whitman Fire Department received a call reporting a fire in an oven at 9 Edward Drive, off of Route58. Box-55 was struck and Engine JUMP TO FILE # 2, Ladder 1, and 121714125 Car 3 responded.

Companies arrived to find heavy smoke in a one and a half story raised ranch style occupied dwelling.

The crew from Engine 2 brought in an extinguisher, and command, under Deputy Joseph Feeney, requested a dry hand line be stretched as a precaution. Engine1 responded to the scene, staffed with mostly off-duty personnel that responded to the station on call back.

A second extinguisher was brought into the house when Engine 1 arrived. Several smoke ejectors were set up to evacuate the smoke which was hanging very heavy in the house. A thermal image camera was brought in to check for extension of the fire.

The fire was contained to the oven in the house. No extension was reported to be found. No one was reported to be injured during the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

GREENWOOD EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Belmont, MA. Engine 1 is a 2014 E-One Custom Typhoon pumper.

- PAT TRAVERS

Firefighter Mike MacCurtain prepares to enter the home.

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February, 2015

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

PETER LOBO

Entrapment in Waltham On January 8, a report of a rollover at 333 Wyman Street in Waltham sent Engine 7, Rescue 6 and Medic 2. Engine 7 arrived and reported the vehicle was on its roof and that Rescue 6 was needed to shore up the vehicle and use the Jaws of life. It took firefighters 15 minutes to extricate the driver, who was then transported to Lahey Clinic.

Alarm of fire in Seekonk On December 2, 2014 at 4:30 p.m., Seekonk Fire was dispatched to 12 Bergeron Street. Upon arrival, smoke was showing from a one story 25x50 wood frame. Fire was found in the basement. One line was used to knock down the fire.

No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

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Page 39

PAGE 40

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Car smashes through pole in Whitman

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. In the 2 o'clock hour on the morning of December 27th, the Whitman Fire and Police Departments responded to the area of 357 Franklin Street for a report of an MVA. Engine 2, Am- JUMP TO FILE # bulance 247 and 122714100 Car 3 found a single car vehicle versus a telephone pole. The vehicle appeared to lose control while traveling south bound on Route 27, and collided with the pole in reverse. The pole was shattered at the bottom, and the top. The collision left a house service dangling at a low height across Route 27.

One occupant of the vehicle

refused medical treatment on the scene, but was seen in police custody following the crash. Another occupant reportedly fled from the scene of the accident. Whitman Police called in a K-9 from the Plymouth County Sheriffs Department to assist in locating the occupant, and were later found at their residence, near the crash scene.

National Grid and Verizon were called to the scene to replace the shattered pole. Whitman Police and the Plymouth County Sheriffs Department BCI unit are investigating the cause of the crash.

No other vehicles were reported to be involved and no injuries were reported.

- PAT TRAVERS

Easthampton catches one at shift change

PETER LOBO

Three alarm fatal fire in Waltham Waltham, MA . On December 9, 2014 at approximately 10 a.m., Waltham firefighters received a report of a house fire fully involved at 48 Albemarle Road.

Two engines, a heavy rescue, ladder tower and C2 (deputy) responded. When C2 arrived, fire was coming out all of the windows.

He transmitted a second alarm and quickly transmitted a third.

This brought from Waltham a total of seven engines, a heavy rescue, two ladder trucks, Medic 1 and C1(chief).

Firefighters tried to enter the house, but were pushed back by the flames.

JUMP TO FILE #120914105

A secondary search found a 53 year old man, who had perished.

Additional apparatus from Arlington, Belmont, Somerville, Newton, Lexington, Weston, and Watertown either helped fight the fire or filled in stations.

The State Fire Marshal, State Police, Waltham Police and Fire are investigating the fire, but the cause was determined to be careless smoking.

- PETER LOBO

As D Group was putting away their turnout gear and C Group was taking theirs out for the start of the 24 hour tour, Easthampton Fire Dispatch was receiving 911 calls reporting a backJUMP TO FILE# yard shed on fire.

Having two dif- 121314102 ferent shifts in the station at the same time afforded the shift commander the luxury of having double the manpower at the get go.

Engine 2, Ladder 1 and A1 filled out the first alarm assignment and as Engine 2 crossed through the intersection of Union and Cottage Street, the gateway to the city's cultural district, one look over out at Nashawannuck Pond and the crew knew they had a working fire with a large column of smoke rising up over the water.

Engine 2 dropped a five inch supply line at the nearest hydrant and the Ladder 1 crew tagged it and established the water supply.

The Engine 2 crew stretched a two and a half inch attack line followed by a couple of one and three quarter inch back up lines, Given the location of the shed near the water’s edge and away from any structures, exposures were of no concern for command.

It took about ten minutes to bring the fully involved structure under control and crews spent about an hour overhauling and hitting hot spots. The cause is to be determined and no injuries were reported. The structure and contents were a total loss.

- DAVE SAFRON DAVE SAFRON

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

PagE 41

ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THe STATe To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

ENG27INE FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Firefighter P. Sheridan and Firefighter T. Valdivia of Northbridge Fire open the roof.

ENG27INE FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Firefighter John Sheridan, Northbridge Fire Department Ladder 1

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Brockton Fire Lieutenant Ed Williams with the East Bridgewater Tower-1 crew at a recent second alarm.

MATTHEW CARTER

Lt. Foley from Waltham cuts a hole in the exterior wall to check for extension.

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Boston Medflight crew takes over patient care from Kingston Firefighters.

PAGE 42

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

Page 43

PAGE 44

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Fire damages vacant four story block in Springfield

NATE ARNOLD

Members begin to mop up on scene on Worthington St. after the main body of ďŹ re was knocked down

A building that has been vacant and boarded up since a November 2012 natural gas explosion in this cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment district was the scene of a working fire on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2014.

911 calls came JUMP TO FILE # into Springfield Fire 111614106 Dispatch shortly before 5:00 p.m. reporting a building on fire at 493 Worthington Street, less than half a block from Springfield Fire Headquarters.

Engine 1 and Ladder 1 turned out and arrived on scene within two minutes to find heavy smoke pushing from the first floor Alpha side of a vacant four story ordinary construction apartment building.

After cutting through several sheets of plywood, which were covering the first floor entrances

and windows, companies found a well seated fire in the basement of the structure that had extended to the first floor.

Just as crews were beginning to attack the fire inside the building, a water main that runs under Worthington Street and dates back to the last century, broke, sending water cascading down the street and dropping water pressure on scene.

Command was forced to call in an additional engine company to tag another hydrant away from the break and lay into the scene.

In spite of this setback, the working fire assignment companies managed to knock down the main body of fire within 30 minutes.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SFD Arson Squad.

- NATE ARNOLD

Fire & Iron MC makes several charitable donations for the holidays

BRIAN HARDY, BIGDOGFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

Mini van fire in Attleboro On December 3, 2014 at approximately 2 p.m., a mini van caught fire on Route 1 in Attleboro, MA at a Shell gas station.

No injuries were reported and the fire was quickly extinguished.

Brockton, Plymouth County, MA. Station #144 of the Fire & Iron MC based out of the South Shore area of Massachusetts has been able to make several charitable donations over this holiday season to families in need.

The motorcycle club, made up of area firefighters, fire department em- JUMP TO FILE # ployees, retired 123014123 members and friends, has made a point to make donations to worthy local causes since their inception.

Before this years Thanksgiving, members from Fire & Iron MC Station #144 presented six full turkey dinners to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society in Brockton, to be dispersed to six families in need.

The dinners included turkeys, all the fixings, and a pie for dessert. Station #144 has provided turkey dinners for families in need for several years.

Just before Christmas, Fire & Iron MC Station #144 was able to provide 75-100 toys that were donated by members and friends to the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Pediatric Unit that provided toys to approximately twenty needy families in the Brockton area.

Station #144 has also been sending toys to needy children for several years. The Pediatric Unit at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital also receives an annual

FIRE & IRON MC STATION #144

Six turkey dinners donated to families in need for Thanksgiving.

donation from funds raised through a motorcycle run that Station #144 holds in May of each

year.

- PAT TRAVERS

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2015

PAGE 45

MASSACHUSETTS

PETER LOBO PETER LOBO

Motor vehicle accident in Weston Weston, MA. On January 6, 2015, Weston and Newton Fire Departments responded to an accident on Commonwealth Avenue/Rt 30 at the town line. Both departments sent an engine, ladder and an ambulance. Newton firefighters arrived to find a two car accident with an SUV on its roof. Firefighters removed the person in the SUV, who was sent to Newton Wellesley Hospital.

Gas leak in Waltham Walham, MA. On December 29, 2014, a back hoe ruptured a large gas main on Second Avenue. Waltham Engine 2, Tower 1 and C2 responded. Gas was leaking enough that C2 (Deputy Mullin) requested the box, which brought Rescue 6 and Engine 7. Firefighters evacuated the area including a construction site and Second Avenue was closed. Engine 2 laid a line as a precaution. Firefighters were on the scene for over an hour until National Grid could shut the main line down.

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Vehicle rollover in Hinsdale On December 21, 2014 at 10:52 a.m., Hinsdale Fire was dispatched to an MVA, vehicle rollover, at 2 Ridge Rd. in Peru, MA. This location was on the Hinsdale-Peru JUMP TO FILE# town line, but 010215124 inaccessible for Peru VFD without going through Hinsdale.

Rescue 4 and H-5 (ambulance) responded. Hinsdale provides ambulance service to Peru.

Peru Police notified Hinsdale units prior to arrival that there was one occupant of the

late model Kia sedan, who was out of the vehicle and would require an assessment.

Once on scene, EMTs checked one female patient and found no apparent injuries. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

The cause of the accident appears to be a very steep, hard packed snow covered road that was extremely slippery.

Peru Highway was called to sand the road prior to the towing service arrival in order to facilitate removal of the car which had rolled over into a roadside drainage ditch.

All Hinsdale units were returned to service at 12:05 p.m.

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August, 2009

February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Boynton Beach hosts record event to help NFL alumni charities BOYNTON BEACH, FL - It wasn’t supposed to happen at all.

The crippled economy, the housing slump, the unemployment explosion, even the oceanic conditions threatened to beat down the 4th Annual Fishin’ & Firehouse Chili Grand Slam put on by the Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Association on April 18th.

It just wasn’t supposed to happen this year—the members looked at the state of the world and asked themselves, “How do we ask for sponsorship money, boat entry fees, donations and support at a time like this?”

Somehow though, in a mighty confluence of tenacity and generosity, South Florida’s firefighters, fishing fanatics, chili connoisseurs and their taste testers pulled together for a full day of fun and excitement to set a few records and raise over $20,000.00 for some kids who really need it—especially during this economic crisis.

The popular Boynton Beach fishing tournament and chili cook-off has grown like a wildfire since it’s first go-round in 2006 when it attracted a respectable 43 boat entries—not bad for a first year tournament in South Florida, the fishing tournament capital of the world. With hopeful expectations for the same in 2007, Boynton firefighters were shocked when 74 captains entered their boats. In 2008, that number fell to 63 entries, but understandably so as there were three other tournaments that same day, most with much higher payouts to draw some captains away.

However, with the global economic abyss swallowing boats and every other luxury item folks have to unload just to stay afloat, a decision was made to forego the 2009 event. Then, suddenly, a title sponsor— Sutphen--offered up the $5000.00 sponsorship donation, and then, other large sponsors sent $1,500.00 checks, $500.00 checks, boat entries, chili teams, prizes, food!

In the end, this “little engine that could” wound up beating its own records with 76 boats registered, the tournament’s recordbreaking fish weighing in at 63plus pounds, over 870 pounds of fish donated to the cause by their captors, and a new department single event donation record of over $20,000.00 for charity!

It’s a story that speaks to the overwhelming generosity of Americans—people helping people who need it when they need it most, giving of themselves when

PAGES

the last thing that makes logical sense in such trying times is to give at all.

The Boynton Beach Firefighter Benevolent Association and IAFF Local #1891 can not possibly express the heartfelt gratitude that each shares for everyone who stood up and threw down for this very worthy cause. Heroes all.

- STEPHEN M. LEWIS

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February, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NE