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OCTOBER, 2015
MAINTENANCE GARAGE FIRE
AUGUSTA FIRE-RESCUE
ME - Fire departments from Augusta, Belgrade, Oakland and Rome responded to Sidney this morning, September 9th, for a fire at Kramer's on the West River Road. The fire started in the attic of a large maintenance garage and caused significant damage. - See full story on page 12
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
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VERMONT
Advertising Index
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Utility Communications
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Vehicle News
2
Minuteman Fire & Rescue
My EMS Supply
ment, and Swanton Police Department were summoned to the scene. The operator of the truck received minor injuries and was treated at the scene by MVR and released. SPD is investigating the accident.
5
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Morningside VFD
JUMP TO FILE #072015151
23
Grant Guys
Greenwood Emergency
GREG RAMSDELL
Swanton, VT. On July 19, 2015 at approximately 10:20 p.m., a tractor-trailer truck travelling east bound on Route 78 in West Swanton pulled to the right to yield for an ambulance, which was behind the truck. The operator got the truck onto the soft shoulder of the road, causing him to lose control of the truck and rolled it down an embankment. Missisquoi Valley Rescue (MVR), Swanton Fire Depart-
CORPORATE INFORMATION
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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 20, No.10 - 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.
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GREG RAMSDELL
Firefighters respond to barn fire On August 24th at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Swanton Fire Department and Missisquoi Valley Rescue responded to Route 207 near Woodshill Road for a barn fire. Mutual aid was called in from Highgate, St. Albans Town, and Sheldon Fire Departments. The fire appeared to have started in the area where round bales of hay were stored, but the cause is under investigation. There were no reported injuries. Firefighters saved the barn as well as the main dairy barn.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Idaho: Terry K. Sonner, 33 Rank: Wildland Full-Time Fire Operations Supervisor Incident Date: June 10, 2015 Death Date: June 10, 2015 Fire Department: Boise District Bureau of Land Management Initial Summary: Fire Operations Supervisor Sonner collapsed after he and his fire crew finished physical training at the Hammett Guard Station, Idaho. Fellow firefighters initiated medical treatment on scene but Sonner succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
Wisconsin: Michael P. Miller, 45 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: June 20, 2015 Death Date: June 20, 2015 Fire Department: Green Bay Metro Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Miller was found collapsed on the floor in the fire station near his bunk in the early morning hours of June 20, 2015, and was quickly attended to by other department members who found no vitals signs present. Lieutenant Miller was pronounced deceased in the location found at 04:55AM. Lieutenant Miller was working a 24 hour shift and had responded to his last alarm, an EMS call, several hours earlier. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be determined.
Colorado: John Whelan, 46 Rank: Engineer Incident Date: June 28, 2015 Death Date: July 15, 2015 Fire Department: Denver Fire Department Initial Summary: On June 28, while checking for extension from a dumpster fire, Engineer Whelan was critically injured when a skylight collapsed and he fell through the roof of an abandoned building at 3860 Blake Street. Whelan was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital for medical care including several surgeries. On July 15, several days after being released from the hospital to recover at home, Engineer Whelan was taken to St. Anthony North Health Campus with shortness of breath where, less than an hour later, he passed away from medical complications. Pennsylvania: Melissa “Missy” Doll, 41 Rank: Fire Police Officer Incident Date: July 15, 2015 Death Date: July 16, 2015 Fire Department: Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Police Officer Doll passed away from an apparent cardiac arrest on July 16 after responding to a mutual aid structure fire late the night before.
North Carolina: James Alan Hicks, 44 Rank: Captain Incident Date: July 26, 2015 Death Date: July 27, 2015 Fire Department: North Carolina Air National Guard Fire and Emergency Services Initial Summary: Captain Hicks was found unresponsive in his fire department bunkroom several hours after responding to a mutual aid structure fire at 39025 Kemp Road, Albemarle. Captain Hicks was treated by fellow firefighters and other responders but was pronounced deceased at the fire house. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be determined by authorities. South Carolina: Tyron Weston, 51 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 3, 2015 Death Date: July 26, 2015 Fire Department: Columbia Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Weston fell ill while on shift on July 3, 2015. During his recovery, Firefighter Weston passed away on the morning of Sunday, July 26, 2015. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.
California: David “Dave” Ruhl, 38 Rank: Acting Assistant District Fire Management Officer Incident Date: July 30, 2015
Death Date: July 30, 2015 Fire Department: Big Valley Ranger District of the Modoc National Forest Initial Summary: Acting Assistant District Fire Management Officer Ruhl was reported missing during the initial fire attack on the Frog Fire Wildfire in the Modoc National Forest. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office was called for assistance in searching for the missing firefighter. Search and rescue personnel started the initial search at approximately 2000hrs and continued until about midnight when it was halted because of hazardous fire conditions. Efforts began again at 0600hrs, July 31, and continued until Captain Ruhl’s body was discovered at 0917hrs. The incident remains under investigation by local, state, and national authorities. California: Michael "Mike" Hallenbeck, 21 Rank: Fire Police Officer Incident Date: July 8, 2015 Death Date: July 8, 2015 Fire Department: U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Initial Summary: Firefighter Hallenbeck, a member of Organized Crew 36 on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, was struck and killed by a tree during the initial attack on the Sierra fire that broke out south of the Echo Summit mountain pass in California. A second firefighter was injured in the same incident but was treated and released from the hospital.
North Carolina: James D. “JD” Robinson, 59 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: August 14, 2015 Death Date: August 14, 2015 Fire Department: Brasstown Fire Department Initial Summary: While on standby at a local race track, Fire Chief Robinson told other members that he was going to take a break and rest. A short time later when members realized that he was not breathing, CPR was begun immediately and EMS was contacted. Fire Chief Robinson was treated at the scene and transported to Murphy Medical Center but succumbed to his injury; the nature and cause of which is still to be reported. North Carolina: Christopher Joe Daniels, 40 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: August 17, 2015 Death Date: August 17, 2015 Fire Department: Pine Level Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Daniels arrived on shift at 0600hrs and per his normal routine ran for 30 minutes. He returned to the department's day room and was later found unresponsive at 0723hrs when members responded to a call. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be determined. Washington: Richard Wheeler, 31 Rank: Firefighter Washington: Andrew Zajac, 26 Rank: Firefighter
Washington: Tom Zbyszewski, 20 Rank: Firefighter
Incident Date: August 19, 2015 Death Date: August 19, 2015 Fire Department: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Initial Summary: Firefighter Wheeler, Firefighter Zajac, and Firefighter Zbyszewski were killed and one additional firefighter was injured when the Twisp wildfire trapped them in their apparatus on state forest land. The firefighters, members of an engine crew from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, were involved in initial attack operations on the fire near Woods Canyon and Twisp River Roads in Washington State when their vehicle crashed and fire overtook it after winds suddenly shifted. The injured firefighter remains in the hospital in critical condition. Several other firefighters with dozer crews were also reported to have been injured. Investigation into the fatal incident continues.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
MUTUAL AID GORDON WREN
Earlier this year, one of our local fire departments was dispatched to a possible structure fire. When the fire chief signed in service, the dispatcher advised him that they received several calls reporting heavy smoke coming from what they had listed as a one-family home. When the chief got on the scene, he reported a working fire on the second floor and in the attic. He ordered the first line through the front door, utilizing the interior stairwell to get to the upper levels. As the first crew went through the front door, they found that the rooms that would normally be set up and furnished as a living room, dining room, etc., had been changed to a rooming house with multiple locked individual rooms. The same applied to the basement, second floor and attic. So instead of an occupancy consisting of a typical family unit, the firefighters faced an unusually heavy occupancy load of over two dozen people and needed to force every locked door, except for the shared kitchen and bathrooms. Our county has seen a tremendous proliferation of these illegal conversions, where absentee landlords charge $500 per month on average per single room. There are no leases, and many former one-family homes bring in well over $100,000 per year in cash. The problem with these scenarios is that many times when you look at these buildings from the street, they do not look much different from when they were legally occupied for one or two families. However, if one looks closely, there are usually signs indicating
illegal conversions such as air conditioning units installed in the windows of attics, basements, garages, etc., multiple satellite dishes or cable hook-ups, entrance doors to basements where garage doors used to be, numerous vehicles parked in driveways and front lawns, several garbage pails, usually overflowing, curtains in the windows of normally non-habitable space, and numerous young men hanging out outside, particularly during the warm weather. Our local volunteer fire departments have started reaching out to civic groups, working with residents to ferret out these illegal conversions. Residents are taught what to look for and frequently will talk to other residents who are living in legal buildings located near the illegally occupied buildings. These law-biding residents are usually angry about the conditions in their neighborhood and will give valuable information regarding the illegal use and frequently the name and contact information for the illegal landlord. We then show them how to report the possible violations to the proper authorities. Unfortunately, we have found in some communities, there is an appalling lack of enforcement, with almost no fines or penalties levied. With little or no deterrent, the absentee slum landlords are purchasing legal buildings and converting them as just described at a frenetic pace, placing the occupants and our firefighters in extreme danger. In next month's column, I will explain how our county government has taken strong action to provide the needed deterrent.
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Dogs alert owner to fire in Derry Derry Fire Communications Center received a 911 from an occupant of 40 Mill Road reporting a fire in an attached garage on August 20, 2015 at 2:55 p.m. The caller was UMP TO FILE# alerted to the fire J082415122 first by her dogs and then by smoke detectors in the house. A full first alarm assignment was dispatched consisting of Truck 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Medic 1 and Car 1. Because of information from the caller, Car 1 immediately requested a mutual aid tanker and engine on the initial response. Truck 1 responded in place of Engine 1, which was out of service due to scheduled maintenance. Upon arrival, Car 1 observed a light haze of smoke from the garage. The garage windows were fully smoke stained, and the garage door inside the house was hot. The call was upgraded to a “working fire”. Crews deployed hose lines to the interior and the rear of the house. Additional crews forced open the garage doors. A ventilation-limited (smoldering) fire was found in the rear of the garage, which briefly flared up and was quickly extinguished by the interior crew. The fire was under control at 3:21 p.m. Smoke and heat damage was limited to the garage and garage contents. There was also moderate smoke damage to a parked car. There was minor smoke damage to the residence, which was limited by early ventilation. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The occupant had evacuated the house with all the family pets before the arrival of the fire department. After metering for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide and ventilating, the occupants were able to safely re-occupy the
house. The garage will require extensive cleaning and some remodeling. Mutual aid to the scene was provided by Windham and Chester Fire Departments; while Londonderry, Manchester and Salem provided station coverage. The fire is under investigation by the Derry Fire Prevention Bureau. They will release the fire cause and origin as well as damage estimates once the investigation is complete.
This fire was an example of the importance of building codes, fire codes, and smoke detectors. The combination of double layers of sheet rock and a fire rated door that separated the garage from the house greatly limited the spread of the fire and contained the fire and smoke to the garage. The smoke detectors helped provide early notification to the residents. PAUL MACCALLUM
- JACK WEBB
Three Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue members complete firefighter certification Wolfeboro, NH. Three call members of the Wolfeboro FireRescue Department recently completed their Firefighter 1 certifications through New Hampshire Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services. Chief Butch Morrill announced that Firefighter Taylor French, Firefighter Timothy O’Keefe, and Firefighter Peter Kelly completed the 212-hour program.
JUMP TO FILE #071415112 “We’re extremely proud of these three,” said Chief Morrill. “Finishing this program is a huge accomplishment and shows incredible dedication to the fire service and to the Town of Wolfeboro.” The Firefighter 1 program cov-
ers the basics of firefighting, including fire behavior, fire suppression, hoses and streams, ropes and knots, personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, and much more. French’s class was held at Center Ossipee Fire-Rescue, while O’Keefe and Kelly’s class was at Tuftonboro Fire-Rescue.
- TOM ZOTTI
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
PAUL DOLNIER
Firefighters battling a working shed and brush fire in Rochester, NH
PAUL DOLNIER
Working shed and brush fire in Rochester At about 2:45 p.m., Rochester 911 started getting multiple calls for a large column of black smoke visible from the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16). On September 7th, the multiple calls did not have an address, but the responding units narrowed the search to an area and located the fire on French Hussey Road in Rochester at the end of a long driveway and into the woods with nearby transmission power lines.
JUMP TO FILE #090815100 Neighbors at the scene were reporting they heard a large explosion and then saw flames and smoke in the area of the shed. The shed was totally destroyed during the fire and damaged a motorcycle inside. The blaze also burned about a quarter of acre of brush.
No injuries were reported at the scene, Frisbee EMS provided heat relief to the firefighters due to 90+ degree temperaturess and high humidity. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Dover, Somersworth, and Milton Fire Departments responded to the scene. Farmington Fire Department provided station coverage - PAUL DOLNIER
Fire reported at St. Mary’s Church in Dover
At about 12:45 a.m. this morning, August 31st, a second alarm was struck for a working structure fire at the address of Third Street in downtown Dover, NH. Upon arrival at that location, fire companies discovered a large wooden garage structure about 50 by 50 foot next to the rectory building at St. Mary's Church that was fully involved. The garage was located next to the rectory building, which is located next door to the main building of St Mary's Church. The garage was a total loss due to the extensive fire damage. The rectory building had minor fire exposure damage. The main church building was not damaged. No Injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under Investigation.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
PAGE 11
NEW HAMPSHIRE
B SPRAGUE
Firefighters save exotic fish and other pets
On a warm summer afternoon, the Salem Fire Department received a report of a house fire on August 26th. First due Engine 1 reported on scene to light smoke coming from a single story ranch house. Crews quickly stretched a line. Once inside the home, firefighters found a heavy smoke condition and called for a working fire. Firefighters quickly found the seat of the fire, which was an aquarium containing exotic saltwater fish. The heat from the small fire broke the fish tank and kept the fire from spreading. Firefighters were able to save six to eight saltwater fish and several other pets.
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PAGE 12
October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MAINE
Globe, DuPont, and NVFC announce more winners in 2015 Gear Giveaway Globe, DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont), and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have announced the second round of winners in the 2015 Globe Gear Giveaway. This is the fourth year that Globe has partnered with DuPont and the NVFC to provide volunteer departments with critically needed sets of turnout gear. The Georgetown (ME) Volunteer Fire Department and North Fork (ID) Fire Protection District will each be outfitted with four sets of new, state-of-the-art Globe turnout gear.
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JUMP TO FILE #082615109 “We are pleased to announce two more recipients in the 2015 Globe Gear Giveaway,” said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. “Compliant, correctly-fitting gear is paramount to keeping firefighters safe as they work to protect our communities, yet many departments struggle with providing adequate gear to their responders. We thank Globe and DuPont for their generosity and dedication to the safety and well-being of firefighters throughout the U.S. and Canada.” The 2015 program will provide a total of 52 sets of turnout gear to 13 departments who demonstrate a need for gear. To be eligible to apply, departments had to be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be legally organized in the U.S. or Canada, and be a member of the NVFC. To help departments meet this last requirement, Globe sponsored NVFC department memberships for the first 200 non-members to apply. The Georgetown (ME) Volunteer Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services to their island community as well as several mutual aid communities on the mainland. The island population consists of approximately 1,200 year-round residents, with up to 3,000 in the summer. They also provide emergency medical services to many smaller island communities that can only be accessed by boat. In addition to responding to calls, Georgetown firefighters donate many hours to fundraising events, which accounts for about half of the department’s annual budget. Currently, they only have one set of gear that is less than ten years old. “The safety of our 30 volunteer firefighters is paramount… We need to have current, serviceable gear to handle any eventuality,” said firefighter Sharon Trabona. She added, “The donation of new gear would benefit our department and mutual aid communities greatly.” The donation of gear from Globe, DuPont, and the NVFC will allow the department to welcome new recruits with new gear as they work to meet the needs of their community. - NVFC
AUGUSTA FIRE-RESCUE
Attic fire at maintenance garage
Fire departments from Augusta, Belgrade, Oakland and Rome responded to Sidney this morning, September 9th, for a fire at Kramer's on the West River Road. The fire started in the attic of a large maintenance garage and caused significant damage. It took over two hours to dig the stubborn fire out. The cause is not known and the fire marshal has been called into investigate. Great work by all of the departments that responded.
AUGUSTA FIRE-RESCUE
Firefighters extinguish car fire Firefighters Lt. Art True, Del Hume and Thomas Ginn work to extinguish a truck fire in the parking lot of O'Connor GMC at the intersection of Route3 and Riverside Drive on September 8th. The truck caught fire while driving down the road and the driver pulled in to the lot.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
RHODE ISLAND
Risk, Possibility, and Probability STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
Many Rhode Island residents woke Tuesday morning on August 4th to trees and power lines down after a macroburst slammed part of the state. This branch broke through a window to a room that had an infant sleeping in a crib and landed on the hood of a Prius. The infant slept through the ordeal and was uninjured. NICK ZABAWAR
Severe weather slams Rhode Island On Tuesday, August 4th, 2015, parts of Rhode Island were hit by a macroburst. Severe storms came through the state early in the morning, but around 6 a.m., things went from bad to worse in a matter of minutes. Officials reported the hardest hit was the Governor Francis area of Warwick; however, many parts of the state reported damage. Trees were uprooted, large branches came down on cars and homes, and power was out to over
JUMP TO FILE #081115104 100,000 customers, with some not getting it back until the weekend. Crews from National Grid along with the help from crews as far away as Quebec, Canada, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and New York, worked to restore power. Tree crews from all over New England also came to the area. Fire and emergency crews
were busy all morning responding to multiple calls. At one point, all firefighters could do was respond to an address, determine there were no injuries or fire, and immediately respond to the next call. The storm moved out by 7:30, and by 8, the sun was out and the sky was blue, with only the destruction to tell that something bad had happened. - NICK ZABAWAR
PORTSMOUTH FD
Marina fire for Portsmouth Portsmouth Fire Department, with assistance from our neighboring fire departments battled a marina fire on the morning of September 14th at Hinckley Yachts.
The following article was first published in 2006 and has been revised and updated as I discuss risk in the next few columns. It was April, 2006 when a midwest fire department responded to a controlled burn that had gotten out of control and spread to adjacent brush. During the operations at the fire, one of the apparatus became stuck in soft ground. In order to free the mired apparatus, a tractor was employed to do the pulling and a driver needed to steer the fire apparatus. During the towing operation, according to reports, the clevis connection failed and the tow rope/cable whipped back through the windshield striking the firefighter steering the apparatus in the forehead. He was flown to the nearest trauma center, where he underwent brain surgery. The firefighter passed away as a result of his injuries a few days later. Over the years, the word risk has become a common word in the field of firefighter safety. We risk a lot to save a lot, and we risk little to save little. Of course the risk that we are talking about is one’s life. How much jeopardy (risk) shall we place upon our life in order to accomplish a specific task or function? When we speak of risk, isn’t there risk in our everyday lives as well? The potential to fall in the shower, get hit by a car, be involved in a motor vehicle accident, having something fall on us, or just simply trip and fall injuring ourselves. What about the folks in our great country who live in areas devastated by a multitude of other possibilities like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes? Do we lock ourselves at home only to have the ceiling fall on us? Do we pack our bags and move? The answer to both questions, of course not! We go about our daily routine with very little thought given to the aforementioned risks as life goes on. We base our rationale on possibility versus probability. There are those who have the sky falling, as everything is possible, but the folks who crunch numbers based on past experience talk in probabilities. Like what was the probability of that clevis failing? It is the real world we operate in and therefore we must, when making a risk assessment, consider probability over possibility.
Doing so does not negate a review of all the risk factors that may be encountered on scene and consideration given to both possibility and probability. The proper risk analysis requires one to eliminate any life hazard whenever and wherever possible, or to reduce the risk hazard by altering the plan of operations whenever the hazard cannot be eliminated, and in this case visually checking the tow rope/cable and related equipment. The American Heritage Dictionary defines Probability as a number expressing the likelihood that a specific event will occur, expressed as the ratio of the number of actual occurrences to the number of possible occurrences. It defines Possibility as the fact or state of being possible, something that is possible; and it defines Accident as an unexpected and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm: car accidents on icy roads. Risk is defined as a factor, thing, element, or course involving uncertain danger. Could one have planned for such an incident? The possibility of the tow rope or cable may have been a passing thought for most on scene personnel. How old was the cable or rope? Was it inspected prior to use? It would still have to penetrate the windshield, which was acting as a simple protective barrier, but whoever would think it would or could happen. How about your operations at motor vehicle incidents? Do you clear the immediate area of all personnel whenever the tow truck hooks up to a disabled vehicle? What is the reliability and dependability of the tow cable? Who certifies the operator of the tow vehicle? Many questions to which I don’t have the answers, but all pose the potential of risk should the cable snap and how much thought do we give to that occurring? Do we continue to second guess ourselves about every detail after making a decision, if we do, nothing will be accomplished? There is only so much that we can prepare for without becoming paranoid. If we believe that everything can and will go wrong, there will be little need for us to leave the fire station. We do our best to be prepared and sometimes, despite all our efforts, things just don't go the way we had anticipated. In this incident, I believe accident is the correct word, what occurred was just an accident; unfortunately it claimed the life of a firefighter. Till Next Time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
PAGE 15
On Call ON THE BOOK SHELF Jr
by John Malecky
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This is a soft cover book measuring six inches by nine inches and has 229 pages. It is a compilation of memoirs of a paramedic firefighter, who served a career in the Clark County, Nevada Fire Department whose headquarters is in Las Vegas. During his career, he served as a firefighter, paramedic and arson investigator, so the 57 chapters in the book reflect on memories of all three duties and as you can imagine the stories are short! Not all of the stories are “in the field”, shall we say, as some of them take place in the station and other places. I believe it is helpful to explain a little about Clark County and the fire department. The county itself is the largest in the state of Nevada and is the size of the state of New Jersey which is 7790 square miles. One of it’s jurisdictions is protection of the Las Vegas strip, so alarms on that strip receive a dual response from the county and the city. They also cover the largest part of Las Vegas Valley, which is 293 square miles and to three resort townships. They maintain 29 career and 13 volunteer stations the latter being in rural areas. In any event this book is a good read!
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
RYAN FLAHERTY
RYAN FLAHERTY
Garage fire for Taftville On August 22, 2015, the Taftville Fire Department with mutual aid from Occum, Yantic and the Mohegan Tribal FAST responded to 29 Sheas Lane for a garage fire. Car 20 arrived first to find a four bay garage with fire showing from the rear. Companies worked for about an hour to bring the fire under control and the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
Firefighters Ciarlo and Edelman
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
Greenwich promotes two, hires two On August 17th, the Greenwich Fire Department hosted a promotional and swearing in ceremony at the Town Hall on Field Point Rd. Chief Peter Siecienski welcomed the crowd and spoke of the varied tasks the fire service is charged with, and how surprisingly busy the Greenwich Fire Department truly is. He then introduced First Selectman Peter Tesei, who also serves as the fire commissioner who was the one to swear each member into their position. First to be promoted to Lieutenant was Dennis Frulla. Lt Frulla is an 18 year veteran of the Greenwich Fire Department, and formerly a Ridgefield firefighter, where he was a legacy member with both his father Gary, and late Grandfather Mario served in the fire department there. Dennis is a certified Fire Officer II, Instructor and Incident Safety Officer. Chief Siecienski described Dennis as a 'workhorse' for the department, despite his nickname being 'the Mule'. Next up, Matt Brooks was also promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Lt. Brooks is a ten year veteran of the department, has a bachelors degree from St.
JUMP TO FILE #081715111 Bonaventure University, and serves as the secretary of the local firefighters union. Selectman Tesei referred to Lt. Brooks as 'the voice of reason'. Once the newly promoted lieutenants received their oaths from Selectman Tesei, and their new badges from their family members, it was on to swearing in two new probationary firefighters. Firefighter Forrest Edelman has been a volunteer firefighter for the Weston Fire Department for seven years, and has a Bachelors Degree in Fire Service from the University of New Haven. Firefighter Vito Ciarlo comes from the Watertown Volunteer Fire Department, and has an Associates Degree from the Naugatuck Valley Community College. Both new firefighters were sworn in by Selectman Tesei, and their respective mothers pinned their new badges on them. Both men will attend the CT Fire Academy Recruit Program from September until December. - BERNIE MEEHAN
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
EJ WAIDO
OLIVIA DRAKE
Waterball competition in Haddam
Members of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company (CT) participated in a waterball competition August 24 at Haddam Meadows State Park. In waterball, firefighters use a charged hose line to move an elevated ball across a rope or wire. The team who moves the ball closest to the opponent’s goal or target wins. “The game teaches us how to use nozzles and hose lines to increase firefighting proficiency while having a little fun,” said HVFCo. Capt. Richard Zanelli.
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Working fire in East Lyme On July 1, firefighters were dispatched to 41 Cardinal Rd. in Flanders District to a two and a half story single family residence for a house struck by lightning. First arriving units reported heavy fire through the roof. Multiple towns responded for manpower. The home was a total loss. Two cats and a dog perished in the fire. The homeowners were away on vacation at the time of the blaze.
October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 19
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PAGE 20
October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
REG PATCHELL
CHAS KONARSKI
Firefighter Smokey Dreher honored for 65 years of service On August 18, 2015 at a special Town Council Meeting, Firefighter Alfred (Smokey) Dreher was honored by the Town of Vernon and the fire department for his 65 years of service. Smokey retired as of his anniversary date of 65 years. Thank you for all his years of dedicated service.
Submitting photos and press releases is REG PATCHELL
House fire in Canterbury Multiple mutual aid companies were dispatched to a house fire in Canterbury. On scene in addition to Canterbury Fire Department were Baltic along with Plainfield, Lisbon and Scotland Fire Departments.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
“Prevention” Sounds Great to Me – Let’s Do it!!!!!
CONNECTICUT
FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson
PROVIDED
Hard landing at Danbury On August 14th at 3:09 p.m., the Danbury Airport Tower notified Danbury Dispatch of an aircraft incident on Runway 26 at Danbury Airport. Dispatch immediately sent a crash assignment of two engines, ladder, rescue, tanker, ambulance, medic supervisor and deputy chief. Engine 26, which is stationed
JUMP TO FILE #081415158 adjacent to the airport, arrived within seconds and found a 1970 Cessna Skymaster that had hit the runway hard, broke off its nose gear and the slid into the grass. The pilot was out of the aircraft
and uninjured. He was evaluated by EMS and released. The aircraft sustained considerable damage and the fire crew assisted airport personnel with clearing the wreckage and getting the airport re-opened. -BERNIE MEEHAN
Norwalk building fills with smoke On September 10th at 1:44 p.m., Norwalk Combined Dispatch Center received calls from the Shorehaven Golf Club for a building filling up with smoke. Norwalk Fire Department was dispatched to 14 Canfield Ave. Engine 3 reported heavy smoke coming from the roof. It was reported everyone was out of the building, but the building was searched anyway. E3 stretched an attack line to
JUMP TO FILE #091115101 the second floor and found the fire in a large storage room. The roof was cut open and windows were removed to aid with ventilation. A second hand line was stretched to back up the first line. Power was cut to the building as a precaution. In total, three engines, two ladder trucks, one res-
cue, and a command car responded. Also, Chief McCarthy and Assistant Chief Reilly arrived to assist if needed. The fire is being investigated by Inspectors McDonald and Feola of the Fire Marshal’s Office. One firefighter was taken to Norwalk Hospital for dehydration, but did return to work. - GINO GATTO
Each year, October rolls around and we are surrounded with information, events and activities in the area of Fire Prevention. The efforts I observe from local fire departments are remarkable. Countless hours volunteered to bring the information to schools, businesses and communities. It’s organized, it’s well thought out and it works. It saves property. It saves lives. Excellent! As remarkable as it is, It prompts me to wonder what is it that has all these wonderful people dedicating so much of their lives to saving others yet keeps them from recognizing the value of prevention in their own lives. In my line of work, I often obtain new clients soon after they have experienced a health issue. Sometimes it is high blood pressure…sometimes elevated cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Diabetes, Heart Disease and Cancer often send folks in my direction. Age doesn’t seem to discriminate. They are young and old alike. Many are firefighters. Many are the same firefighters that I have watched devote countless hours to the community in all areas, including fire prevention. Rest assured, I love them all and shall always willingly do all I can to guide them on a proper journey to Health and Wellness. When they arrive to me, there are no lectures of “why didn’t you come to me sooner?” There are no “I told you So’s”. I will always stand at the ready. Always – and be grateful they came, regardless of when or why. BUT….. (I imagine you knew there was a BUT!)… I naturally urge you (and all of them) now (while healthy) to dutifully consider Personal Health and Wellness. See your physician. Take the first steps toward improving your nutritional habits. Get going on that exercise program. Surely once cleared by your physician you can get moving on that, even on the most basic level. Quite simply: Begin and Continue. I am not sure what is keeping people away. I know we are all well versed in the perils of Heart Disease and its title as the #1 cause of “Line of Duty” deaths. I know the fact that Cancer is
the fastest growing killer amongst firefighters has been duly noted. I have yet to run across anyone who doesn’t know that exercise can reduce the risk factors of both Heart Disease and Cancer. It’s a well known fact that exercise has long been touted for decreasing Obesity, High Blood Pressure and Stress. Heck it can even enhance more restful sleep. Surely sleep has gotta be up there on the list of ‘must haves'. Do we need to run through the entire list? It is frustrating to me, yet a fact nonetheless, that I cannot make the decision for others. They have to be ready and they have to be committed. Ready and committed are two qualities ever present amongst firefighters – so I remain hopeful things will change. I have often told firefighters it’s quite possible that I am addressing the wrong audience. I just may have greater success addressing their loved ones, because we are the ones who will be left behind to miss ‘em like crazy. “We can’t imagine our lives without you and we don’t ever want to lose you”. I say “we” because this is something that is all too familiar to me. Lost my Dad 26 years ago (“Line of Duty” Heart Attack”). Since that time I have lost many many friends, young and old (far too soon) to a disease that has been proven to be preventable in many cases. We all know there are no guarantees. We also know that prevention is about decreasing the risks. Let’s go for that and keep more of you around for many years to come. prevention – sure sounds g reat to me! I urge you all to see your physician and get on the Road to Prevention ASAP. Stay Safe…See ya Next Month - and the month after that…and the month after that…etc...Yes???? PS...Fitness programs are popping up in more and more fire houses throughout the country. I am thrilled that everyday more and more of you are exercising. To those of you who are already on the right track, I commend you. Quite possibly you have a buddy or two, who has yet to take that first step. Why not make October "Take your Buddy to the Gym Month"? Of course they have to see the Dr. first, but I'm confident you'll get the job done. Spread The Word. Save a life!
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
Kitchen fire extends up to cock loft, 75 residents displaced
NATE ARNOLD
Ladder companies one and three have aerials set to the A side of the building as smoke pushes from the roof line.
An occupied five story, ordinary construction apartment block suffered $180,000 damage when a kitchen fire that started on the third floor auto-vented up to the fourth floor and gained a foot hold in the cock loft of the block shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday September 9, 2015. Springfield Fire Companies were sent to the apartment block at the corner of Fort Pleasant and Belmont Avenues and arrived on scene within four minutes of the alarm to find smoke and fire showing from a third floor unit with flames auto venting up to the fourth floor unit right above the apartment of origin. Within minutes of arriving on scene, District Chief Michael Raimer struck out the second alarm, bringing additional manpower and equipment to the scene and necessitating a call for mutual aid from the West Springfield and Holyoke Fire Departments among others to back fill empty city firehouses. Crews on scene attacked the
JUMP TO FILE #091215105 fire from both the Fort Pleasant and Belmont Avenue sides of the structure for the better part of two hours, stretching hand lines to the third and fourth floors and opening the roof up in several different places to bring the fire under control. One fire fighter, suffering from chest pains, was transported from the scene to Baystate Medical Center for observation and the resident of Apartment 3L, where the fire started was transported with burn injuries as well. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though the SFD Arson Squad is looking into a possible cooking mishap. The Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross was called in to help most of the 75 residents who were displaced by the fire find temporary shelter. - NATE ARNOLD
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
John F. Barros, Chief of Economic Development for City of Boston; Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh; Dennis Cataldo, Vice President of Cataldo Ambulance Service; Dan Riendeau, Director of Operations – Somerville Division of Cataldo Ambulance Service.
Bedroom fire damages single family Ambulance donated to Cape Verdean City Sao Filipe dwelling in Springfield A fire that originated in a second floor bedroom and extended up to the attic damaged an occupied single family dwelling in the Forest Park section of Springfield early Sunday morning, September 13th. Springfield jakes where called out to the address of 132 Dickinson Street at 2:15 a.m. for the reported structure fire. First Due Engine 3 and Ladder 3 arrived on scene moments later and were confronted with an occupied two story wood frame single family home with heavy smoke pushing from the sec-
JUMP TO FILE #091515129 ond floor A/D corner of the building. Engine 3 advanced an attack line to the second floor and knocked down the bulk of the fire before the balance of the first alarm assignment arrived on scene. Crews then began to open up the walls and check for extension and found several deep seated hot spots that necessitated taking the
Alpha side exterior wall down to the studs to knock down the remaining fire A family of seven was able to escape the home prior to the arrival of the fire department, but is now being assisted by the Red Cross in finding a new place to call home. The fire caused an estimated $60,000 damage to the 147 year old home and was found to have been caused by an overloaded extension cord.
- JEFFREY GOLDBERG
Somerville, MA. Cataldo Ambulance Service is honored to announce the donation of an ambulance to the Cape Verdean City of Sao Filipe, Fogo off the Western Coast of Africa. Sao Filipe, Fogo has been in a long state of recovery since a devastating volcanic eruption last November; with more than one thousand families displaced from their homes, This event is considered the worst natural disaster in Cape Verde history. To this day, many are still in dire need of assistance and services. The ambulance donation was
JUMP TO FILE #080315108 facilitated by the Economic Development Office under Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh after Cape Verde issued a call to the international community for a wide range of assistance. This donation will have an immediate and significant impact on the recovery efforts. The ambulance was scheduled to depart Boston for Cape Verde on August 1, 2015. - LINDSEY SONN
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
PAT BELLIVEAU
Quick knockdown of kitchen fire On Saturday evening, September 5th, first reports were of a kitchen fire with people trapped on the upper floors, and a full response was sounded. On arrival, the fire was knocked down. Engine 3, was tasked to respond to an upper rear bedroom for a handicapped person still in the smoke-filled home, while other companies completed their primary search. Members ventilated the house and companies were tied up for a short time overhauling.
Hand lines go into operation on the A/B corner of the dwelling.
NATE ARNOLD
Blaze destroys home, displacing family of four in Springfield A fast moving fire that reportedly started somewhere in the attic of the structure destroyed a two story Cape Cod style dwelling in the East Forest Park section of Springfield late Saturday night, September 5, 2015. The family of four living in the home was able to safely evacuate the home prior to the arrival of the SFD thanks in part to working smoke detectors. Springfield jakes where called to the home at 39 Oregon St. at 11:30 p.m. for the possible structure fire. Upon arrival, they had smoke showing from the attic of the two story home.
JUMP TO FILE #090615102 Companies stretched hand lines to the first and second floors and began an aggressive interior attack on the fire. Roughly 15 minutes into the fire fight, while crews were opening the walls on the first floor, heavy fire was discovered in the void spaces. With fire beside and above his firefighters, District 2 Chief, David Colon made the decision to sound the evacuation tone and switch to a defensive attack. After withdrawing from the structure,
members set to work putting several hand lines, a deck gun and a ladder pipe into operation for the better part of the next hour. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, companies headed back inside to knock down hot spots and overhaul what was left of the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SFD Arson Squad and the family is receiving help from the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. - NATE ARNOLD
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
MVA in Hanson Hanson, Plymouth County, MA. At around 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of Thursday, August 27th, the Hanson Fire Department responded to a reported motor vehicle accident in the area of 1200 Main Street. Companies arrived to find a two vehicle accident. One of the vehicles was a commercial minivan that is used for student transportation. It was unclear if the vehicle had any students on-board at the time of the accident. The ambulance was the first to arrive and reported that the jaws may be needed for a door pop. Companies were able to extricate two victims without the use of the hydraulic tools. Car 6-0 requested an additional mutual aid ambulance to respond for one of the victims. Whitman Ambulance-248 responded. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the Hanson Police Department.
PROVIDED
Early morning rollover in Easthampton At around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, August 30th, Easthampton 911 Dispatch started receiving calls for a vehicle off the road rolled over with entrapment. Engine 1 and A1 were dispatched with reports of the vehicle smoking and an occupant trapped inside. Units arrived to find a Dodge Dakota pickup truck rolled onto it’s side about 15 feet down an embankment against some trees. The A1 crew assessed the patient and with the Engine 1 crew and police assistance were able to extricate the driver through the drivers side window. The patient was transported to Bay State Medical Trauma Center in Springfield for treatment and evaluation.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
9/11 Rite of Reflection held at Battleship Cove Fall River Fall River, Ma. Battleship Cove and Bristol County Public Safety officials held a " Rite of Reflection" ceremony to mark the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attack on our country. Fall River is the site of the official State Memorial to the Massachusetts residents killed during the terrorist attack. Held under a cloudy, rainy sky, the ceremony began with the presentation of the Colors by the assembled Honor Guards led by a lone bagpiper. Then, a bell was rung aboard the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy 5555, the signal used in the fire service to denote a line of duty death, followed by the singing of our national anthem. After a brief speaking pro-
JUMP TO FILE #091115118 gram, a 21 gun salute was fired from the big guns of the Battleship Massachusetts. Several musical selections were performed by the US Navy band based out of Newport R.I., this was followed by the release of doves and the sounding of taps. Hundreds of Fall River School children were bused to the waterfront to witness the event. Most of these children were three years old or younger when the attacks happened, so this became their history lesson for the day. - KENNETH LEGER
Visit our website at www.1rbn.com to see additional 9/11 memorials Giant Flag flies between two Ladder Trucks
K. LEGER
Unspoken Words (sometimes silence is not golden) Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
There are many times that we do not keep quiet when we should, but there are times that are worse. It is the time that we should open our mouths, but do not. It may be because we are ashamed, or do not know who to talk to, or think that we should be able to handle the situation. Well, there are times to be vocal and this is the time to start the discussion. We would do a disservice if we never continue the conversation. Firefighters hurt in so many ways, but all too often, we’ve become used to being hurt and do not want to admit that we have a problem. This subject will be brought up more often. The topic for the month is SUICIDE, in particular firefighter and EMS suicide. I have been going to classes about suicide and there is so much information, that people ignore. The public may talk about police suicides. This sticks out because the officers have the method of suicide strapped to them, almost all day and night. I reminded the instructor that they forgot about the entire population of firefighters and EMS.
They told me that they did not hear about a firefighter going home with an axe and dieing via suicide. We know so many ways and are exposed to many more ways and methods. So far, about 675 cases of suicide have been tracked. Out of that number, five deaths were by immoliation, that is setting yourself on fire. The major method was via firearms. There is something wrong going on here. We need to be sensitive to our brothers. We need to know each others’ base line behavior, so that we can tell when they are off their game. Remember that you are allowed to have tailboard chats to express your concerns about a brother one on one with nobody around. One of my friends had a good friend who died via suicide and it was painful. “Why did I not see it coming?” We start asking a lot of questions after it happens, but how about a lot of questions to possibly help the person? Do you even know what to look for? According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, these are the Suicide Warning Signs “People who kill themselves exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. The more warning
signs, the greater the risk. Talk if a person talks about: • Killing themselves • Having no reason to live • Being a burden to others • Feeling trapped • Unbearable pain • Behavior A person’s suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss, or change. • Increased use of alcohol or drugs • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means • Acting recklessly • Withdrawing from activities • Isolating from family and friends • Sleeping too much or too little • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye • Giving away prized possessions • Aggression Mood People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods. • Depression • Loss of interest • Rage • Irritability • Humiliation • Anxiety My thoughts are that so many times a death by suicide is swept under the rug and reported a dif-
ferent way. This may be done so that the family receives all the life insurance and death benefits. But people, look at the reasons. How many people know that the divorce rate for firefighters is 85% versus 77% for police? We walk around with so much stress and just keep burying it inside. We still hold onto the “macho” personality that we can handle anything. Do we reach out for our help or the help of a brother? Why not? If we use a CISM team for incidents, and might discuss the incident, why do we hold back? If we keep bottling up our stress, it will come out. This is not too be debated. It can be our health. I have talked with some people, who have attempted death via suicide and found that hope seemed to be missing in their lives. There are many places to find hope. It is interesting that the number one way of death by suicide for law enforcement is also the number one way of death by suicide for fire and EMS. The most reported deaths by suicide is of active firefighters versus retired, fired, resigned or disabled. The high number of deaths by suicide by age are close from 18 to 50. So far this year, there have been 68 completed suicides. Last year was the largest amount since
the tracking began and that was 104 deaths. What happened last year? I personally ask that if you are thinking of hurting yourself or if you know of someone thinking about hurting themselves, please call either Serve and Protect at 615-373-8000 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Even though times may seem extremely dark, there is hope that can be found and people that are will to assist you. Psalm 23 states “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” I want you to think about the word “through”. We go through the hard times. We do not continue to live there. Granted it may take some time and may be painful, but please remember that God is there with you. You may feel alone, but it is alright to call out to Him for help. I ask that you do not give up, there is hope. (If you learn of a fire or EMS death by suicide, please report it to ffbha.org, so that we have accurate information to help our brothers and sisters) Thank you and stay safe.
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MASSACHUSETTS
APPARATUS IN ACTION
If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.
PETER LOBO
Fire in Falmouth
JIM FORTIN
Framingham Engine 1 and DCR 14-1 operating at a brush fire on Rt. 9 next to the railroad tracks.
C&S
Falmouth, MA. On August 1, 2015, Falmouth Fire received a call for a dumpster fire at the rear of 70 Davis Straights. Engine 21 was dispatched and found a fire in the rear was extending up the rear wall. A full recall was requested with several local departments also responding. The fire appeared suspicious, so the State Fire Marshal was called in.
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser
FIRST IN PHOTO'S
Leominster tractor trailer driver narrowly escapes major injury On Friday, August 21st at approximately 11:33 a.m., a tractor trailer driver making a left turn on a narrow residential city street struck a tree as he was making the turn. The tree snapped off at the base and struck the tractor trailer unit. The very large heavy tree fell between the cab and box unit of the rig, brushing the cab of the truck. The accident certainly could have been more serious to the driver if it had hit the cab. Crews worked until 3:00 p.m. removing the tree so the truck could be moved. Leominster Engine 2, Ladder 1, and DPW assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported.
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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
VENDOR TIDBITS Notes from the emergency service business community
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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New England VENDOR SPOTLIGHT BATFAN, New portable battery fan
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Compact & mobile, it folds up and stows easily in vehicle trunk (2 BATfan occupy the space of one conventional fan)! It is quicker to set up than conventional fans as there is no time wasted searching for a power socket! BATfan is multi-functional equipment for PPV attack, PPV combined ventilation, etc. More info: www.leadernorthamerica.com
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Fire-Dex Welcomes Jessica Baumgartner and Jordan Paris as the Newest Editions to the Sale Team
Medina, Ohio - (July, 2015) - FireDex is pleased to announce the addition of Jessica Baumgartner and Jordan Paris as Regional Sales Managers. Jordan Paris will be covering the Northwest Territory, T55, which includes AK, ID, MT, OR, WA & WY. Jordan is a Marine veteran, serving as squad leader during his two tours in the Middle East. He resides in Tacoma, Washington, not far from where he was raised. Jordan has a background in public
relations along with over 5 years of sales experience and is currently working on a Business degree. He enjoys spending time with his fiancé, hiking, snowboarding, and target shooting. Jordan's contact info is as follows: Email - jordanparis@firedex.com Office - (330) 723-0000 ext. 373 Mobile - (253) 677-1486 Jessica Baumgartner will be taking over the Southeast Territory, T20, which will now include FL, GA, AL, MS, and AR. Jessica has 10 years of sales & marketing experience work-
ing with such companies as Jim Beam, Unilever, Sony & Cannon. She holds a degree from The Ohio State University. Jessica currently resides in the Indianapolis area but will be relocating to Florida in the near future. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys cooking, running, traveling, and attending OSU football games. Jessica's contact info is as follows: Email jessicabaumgartner@firedex.com Office - (330) 723-0000 ext. 389 Mobile- (614) 638-9443
What You See Isn’t Necessarily What You’ve Got
EMS ISSUE CHELLE CORDERO
You’re called to the scene of heated family dispute; a young man is throwing things against the wall and his mother is scared so she dialed 911. The police arrive moments before the ambulance crew and announce that the scene is secure. You enter and mom tells you that her son is autistic and gives you a list of medications he’s on. She adds that his behavior isn’t normal. Since autistic patients often respond better with familiarity you ask mom to come in the ambulance with you while you transport the young man to the hospital. While in route to the hospital, mom begins to complain of a headache and nausea… Suddenly you begin to wonder if the young man’s erratic behavior is being caused by something other than his autism. Some apparent behavioral disorders often have some not-so-obvious causes. It’s necessary to look beyond the assumptions and actually treat the patient to the best of our abilities. The “intoxicated patient” that dispatch sent you to may not have had a drop of alcohol, the angry and foul mouthed senior may normally be docile and polite, and the hysterically crying teen may have something wrong beyond simple upset. Toxins, drugs, diabetic emergencies, physical traumas, fevers, strokes, CO poisoning, internal hemorrhaging, pain, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and some tumors may present as behavioral disorders. A chemical imbalance can cause confusion, erratic behavior, tremors, lack of response, or unconsciousness. Failure to medically treat some of these conditions may cause more harm,
or worse, for your patient. Dealing with emotionally disturbed or volatile patients can be challenging and even dangerous. Your first priority is always safety for yourself, your crew and your patient. Restraints, soft only, should only be considered if the patient is a threat to you, others or him/herself — and if restraints were necessary, don’t remove or loosen them because the patient “promises” to behave. Be careful, if restraints are used, that you are not impeding the patient’s ability to breathe or cutting off circulation. No matter what the situation is, your patient is a human being and entitled to both quality care and respect. Always evaluate your patient from a medical standpoint in case there is any physiological cause for his behavior. Even if there is a physically medical explanation, such as hypoglycemia, causing the patient’s volatility, use caution because he can still cause harm by striking out. Remain alert at all times. If your patient is suffering a case of acute anxiety disorder, severe depression, uncontrollable rage, there is no need to force him to talk out his problems (if he wants to talk you can certainly listen) but don’t push an attitude adjustment or lecture him on what he should be feeling. Be careful in dealing with suicidal patients, ordering them to put down a weapon or come off a ledge may be perceived to be more of a challenge than a suggestion. The best idea is to remain calm and express concern for the patient; transport to the appropriate medical facility (local protocol may indicate a psychiatric facility) and leave counseling to the professionals. Remember whenever you respond to an EDP (emotionally disturbed patient), be alert and aware of scene safety, remain calm, don’t assume anything, call for assistance (law enforcement) if necessary, transport and document everything carefully.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
BOB LONG
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MASSACHUSETTS
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Gas main struck a second time Whitman, Plymouth County, MA. For the second time in less than a month, a work crew doing work on South Avenue struck a gas main in Whitman. This time, around 11:20 a.m. on the morning of August 17th, the Whitman Fire Department responded to a reported gas line struck in the area of 418 South Avenue, near Pleasant Street. Engine 2 and Car 3 responded. Companies found a high pressure gas line struck by a work crew. Box-55 was struck for manpower, and Engine 1 was requested to the scene. Engine 2's crew grabbed a hydrant and stretched a three inch hand line as a precaution.
JUMP TO FILE #081715107 Also as a precaution, several surrounding buildings were evacuated and checked for gas in the buildings. National Grid responded to the scene and had the leak secured within an hour. The previous leak occurred on July 29th, when a work crew in the area of South Avenue and Brigham Street accidentally tore up a high pressure gas feed during construction. No injuries were reported at either incident. - PAT TRAVERS
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FACES OF NEW ENGLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com,
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Hanson (MA) firefighters relay scene information to Whitman Firefighter Jay Mahoney.
BERNIE MEEHAN, JR.
On September 3rd, the Danbury Fire Department appointed two Lieutenants to the position of Deputy Fire Marshal, Lt Eric Handau and Lt Tyler Bergemann
North Yarmouth Fire Rescue (ME) congratulates their SMCC live in students, Else and Phyllis for completing the academy.
NORTH YARMOUTH FIRE RESCUE
Whitman (MA) Firefighter Bryan Smith.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
Hanson (MA) Firefighter Kevin Mossman.
PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM
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MASSACHUSETTS
DAVE SAFRON
PETER LOBO
Car strikes house
A car struck a house at 187 Grand Avenue Falmouth Heights, MA on September 4th. Engine 21 and Ambulance 37 responded. One person in the car was taken to Falmouth Hospital with minor injuries. The building inspector was also called to the scene.
Farm tractor and car collide in Easthampton
Early Saturday afternoon, August 29th, Easthampton 911 received several 911 calls reporting a collision of a farm tractor and a car on Pleasant Street in the Mill District part of the city. A Volvo wagon and a 4210 John Deere farm tractor collided when the Volvo was making a left turn onto Berkley Street and the tractor's left rear tire made contact with the Volvo's right rear quarter panel, which in turn pushed the front axle of the tractor into the side of the car and broke off the frame. The tractor was traveling from Suffield Ct. to Northampton Ma. to do some field work when the accident took place. No injuries were reported and both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
October, 2015
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MASSACHUSETTS
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DAVE SAFRON
Tree cutting brings down wires Around 9:40 a.m. on August 13th, Easthampton 911 started getting calls for a reported car fire on Pomeroy Street in the city's "Plains" section. Easthampton Police confirmed a fully involved car fire and the car energized by two primary power lines that snapped from a pole and entangled the car. Police reporting did not know if any occupants were still in the vehicle. Engine 2 and A1 arrived and were informed that a resident was cutting down a tree on his property. The tree shifted and leaned into the power lines snapping them off the cross arms still energized and ig-
JUMP TO FILE #081315114 nighted the vehicle on fire. The Utility Company Eversource was doing routine maintainece work in the city and were able to respond quickly to shut off all power to the downed lines. The Nissan Sentra was a total loss and the power infrastructure sustained heavy damage. Power was restored by late afternoon. No injuries were reported
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Fully staffed engine company makes fast work of RV fire
Each September, the City of West Springfield plays host to the nation's fifth largest state fair, the Eastern States Exposition. Locally known as the "Big E," the fair runs for 17 days and draws an average of 100,000 visitors each day to the exposition’s large, multi-acre property off Memorial Avenue in this city, whose 2010 U.S. Census population registered as just below 30,000 people total. Having such a large fire and life safety hazard present for nearly a month each year, fire de-
NATE ARNOLD
JUMP TO FILE #071513129 partment commanders decided many years ago to air on the side of caution, and station a five man engine company on the property for the entire run of the exposition. The fairgrounds, as a result of the 17 day run, also plays host to a myriad of vendors who travel from points near and far in recreational vehicles of all sizes. Ranging from the "fifth
wheel" style pop up trailers to large motor homes, these vehicles pose a unique firefighting challenge in and of themselves with their extensive gas and electrical systems used to heat and cool the vehicle as well as power all on board systems. It was during the second day of the 2015 edition of the Big E, September 19th, that the five member Engine Co. 4 crew proved that a fully staffed engine company, strategically located on the fair grounds, offers the best
protection for this city within a city. Engine 4 was called to responded shortly before 2:00 p.m. for a reported camper on fire in the R.V. parking lot just inside Gate number 9 on the East end of the exposition property. Pulling up on scene less than three minutes after dispatch, jakes were confronted with a small van chassis type recreational vehicle with heavy fire venting from the engine block and impinging on the passenger cabin/living area of the
NATE ARNOLD
vehicle. Thanks to the five man staffing on Engine 4, members broke up into the necessary fire attack and ventilation crews and made fast work of what could have become an extensive fire. Neither of the R.V.'s on either side of the vehicle of origin suffered fire damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at the time this article was written. - NATE ARNOLD
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October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
APPARATUS FOR SALE
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ROBERT S ALLEN
Head on afternoon crash in Leominster sends two to hospital On Monday August 24th at approximately 2:25 p.m., two vehicles struck head on at the intersection of Water and Mechanic Streets in Leominster. Two people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. This intersection has been the scene of several serious accidents over the year. Responding equipment was LPD, LFD E4, R1, R2, R5, C3.
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2004 KME 75’ Aerialcat Quint For Sale Detroit Series 60 500 HP @ 2100 RPM, Allison HD4060P Transmission, 10 KW Harrison Hydraulic Generator 1,750 GPM Hale QMAX Pump (11/14 Cert.) 710 GWT 20 Gallon Foam Cell (Poly) • 43,900 Miles Unit is currently in service & availability is negotiable Sealed bids should be sent to: Union Fire Company No. 1 35 W. Louther St. Carlisle, PA 17013 • Attn: Engine 241 Bids Bids currently being accepted and will be opened 12-8-15. For information or inspection contact: Deputy Chief John Quirk, Email: Chief34105@aol.com Union Fire Company No. 1 reserves the right to accept/reject any & all bids
NOTICE TO BIDDERS: Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners, Uniondale Fire District, Town of Hempstead, NY until 5PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 6:45PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 in the meeting room of the Board of Fire Commissioners, 501 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, NY for: Emergency Ambulance. Instructions to Bidder, Form of Bid Bond, Proposal and the Specifications are “Contract Documents,” Prospective Bidders may pick up the “Contract Documents” at 501 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 or contact the Fire District Secretary at (516) 481-8411 between the hours of 9AM to 5PM, Monday-Friday. The bidder shall furnish a 5% Bid Security assuring fulfillment of the contract in all its provisions. Security for bid as set forth herein must be presented with the bid. Failure to provide the required security will render the bidder nonresponsive and the bid will not be accepted. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the bid will be rejected within forty-five (45) days of the date of opening. The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bid(s). The proposal shall be annexed hereto a noncollusive bidding certification as prescribed in 103-d of the General Municipal Law.
The Town of Weston is seeking bids on a 1976 Mack R-600 Attack Pumper. 50 Gallon Fuel Tank • 21,000 miles. Heavy Duty 5 Speed Standard Transmission. 1,000 Waterous Pump 1,000 Gallon Water Tank. Very Good Condition. All bids must be submitted to the Town Office in a sealed envelope by noon September 21, 2015 clearly marked “Bid 1976 Firetruck.” Mail to Town of Weston Attn: Selectboard PO Box 98 Weston, VT 05161. Bids will be opened on September 22, 2015. The Town of Weston reserves the right to refuse or reject any or all bids. For more info please contact Brian Lundberg at 802-824-6788 or email lundbergvt@myfairpoint.net.
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PCTRT nighttime dive training
Abington, Plymouth County, MA. At 7:00 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2015, the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team held a nighttime dive drill at Island Grove in Abington. Divers and tenders from across the county worked during the dark of night on dive operations. Some of the evolutions utilized the contingency bottles in case of a divers emergency while under water. Tenders worked hand signals with the divers, and communications personnel utilized the teams underwater communications equipment to talk to the divers working in the water.
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