1st Responder Texas Spring Edition

The Texas Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $15/YEAR

HISTORIC HOME LOST IN MASSIVE FIRE

WWW.1RBN.COM

SPRING, 2015

tgage Program m Heroes Mortgage e will benefit emergency com mmunity services community

Members of the first-responder community now can be connected to participating lenders to receive exclusive home-buying benefits.

Page 31

hom me Steadfast home search pays offff for U.S. Army Veteran Veteran eteeran 2015 Apple iPa ad iPad Giveawaay Giveaway

S h h serve us..

Serving those who

Paage 30 Page

See page 31 31 ffo or details deetails See for

D GL̆HUH HQFH :KHQ VHFRQGV PDNH D GL̆HUHQFH communications made ade easy Mass-communications

SHERI HEMRICK

Page 34

Hillsboro, TX - Hillsboro lost a historic home on February 26, 2015. The occupants awoke to smoke that smelled like electrical smoke. The two occupants got out safely with two of their dogs, but a third dog was unaccounted for.

- See full story on page 10

Join our Team of Dispatchers Paging with a Rewards Program!

Visit our website to fill out an application.

www.1rwn.com

PAGE 2

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

TRAINING INTENSIFIED HANDS-ON TRAINING • WORKSHOPS CLASSROOM SESSIONS • EXHIBITS

APRIL 20 - 25, 2015 INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER • LUCAS OIL STADIUM

INDIANAPOLIS, IN • WWW.FDIC.COM PRESENTED BY

OWNED & PRODUCED BY

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 3

Tim me for TFT TTFT to Triggerr an IMPULSE… IM MPULSE… Time The Ultimatic Series of Automatic ange of Nozzles with a Flow Range 10-125gpm @ 100psi or 75psi

The METRO 0 Series of Fixed Gallonage Nozzles withh Flow Choices m @ 100psi of 20, 40, 60 or 100gpm or 20, 40 or 60gpm @ 75psi

The METRO 1 Series of Fixed Gallonage Nozzles withh Flow Choices of 5gpm @ 100psi or 60, 95, 125, 150 or 175gpm 00gpm @ 75psi or 60, 125, 150, 175 or 200gpm 95 125, 125 150 or 185gpm m @ 50psi 95,

The MidMatic Series of Automatic ge of Nozzles with a Flow Range 70-200gpm @ 100, 75, or 55psi

...REALLY! Task Forcee TTips ips New Task Im mpulse Trigger Triggeer Valve Valve System Systeem Impulse Is Now N Available Available On A Wide Range Raange Of Nozzle Configurations Configurations

The MidForce Series of Dual Pressure Automatic Nozzles with a Flow Range of 70-200gpm @ 100, 75, orr 55psi

Visit Us A At Visit

ooth h 35 511 Booth 3511

®

www.tft.com m • 800 348-2686 348-2 2686 www.tft.com

PAGE 4

Spring, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Firefighter safety, is everyone getting the message? Part II

ADVERTISER INDEX A guide to finding great companies

up.

Company

Page

1st Priority

8,9,22

AGT Battery Supply

18,99

AirVac 911

27

Armor Tuff Flooring

23

Circle D. Lights

21

FDIC

2

FireDex

5

Firehouse World

11

Kimtek

13

Leader

7

STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

SONORA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Medix Specialty Vehicles 15 Raymond James

17

Red Knights

33

Spotted Dog Tech

25

Sutphen

36

SwissPhone

29

Task Force Tips

3

TurboDraft

32

Wildland Warehouse

14

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 1 No. 1 - Texas edition is published quarterly, 4 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore St., 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 error.

Omissions A division of: 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.net

PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

SONORA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lengthy extrication for Sonora Sonora, TX - On November 13, 2014, the Sonora Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a major incident involving two semis a the Kimble County line. Crews received reports that subjects were trapped. Firefighters arrived and quickly go to work to extricate multiple patients. Eastbound traffic was suspended for two medevac landings. The cause of the accident is under investigation and the status of the patients is unknown.

When you think of firefighter safety what comes to mind? What comes to my mind, and should to yours, is that you want to return from each call in the same condition you were in when you responded, career or volunteer firefighter. Your family expects it and your fellow firefighters and department expect it.

We have seen many and various slogans for safety over the years and the one I like best is “Safety Is No Accident”.

It can be interpreted two ways, first as not having or being injured due to an accident. The second interpretation meaning you have to work at staying safe, it just doesn’t happen by chance (accident).

The major issue is getting all fire and EMS personnel involved in working and practicing safe work habits.

Simple personal tasks that are ignored on a regular basis increase the annual death and injury toll in the fire service.

Buckling into a seat belt prior to responding takes just seconds, yet many firefighters continually fail to do so, often resulting in death and injury if the apparatus is involved in a crash or rollover.

Some departments are now issuing some form of discipline to personnel who fail to buckle up.

How about emergency apparatus drivers, who fail to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and to consider and comply with all traffic regulations and department SOG’s when responding?

Don’t let the adrenaline rush cause you to take foolish chances.

Getting the crew and apparatus safely to the scene of the incident is an important responsibility of the driver and officer.

Adding a minute or more to the response time in order to arrive safely far outweighs excessive speed and the possibility of being involved in a crash.

Apparatus and personal vehicles responding to and returning from alarms contribute to between 20 and 25% of the annual death toll.

On February 5 of this year, a fire chief from a small town in Illinois was killed when he was run over by an apparatus backing

The Illinois State Police reported the fire department was attempting to close a road for a helicopter to land in a medical emergency. I don’t know what the circumstances were surrounding the accident, but there are safety rules that govern safely backing apparatus in order to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

How will this tragedy impact the family, community, fire department and the apparatus driver? In a small department in a small community it may have a lasting effect.

Cigarette smoking, obesity, and lack of physical agility and conditioning contribute approximately 50% of the annual firefighter death toll through stroke and cardiac arrest.

If there is one item that contributes to so many medical conditions it is cigarette smoking, and for many, difficult to stop.

Failure to use seat belts, lack of control when driving fire apparatus or private vehicles, which result in motor vehicle rollover and/or crashes, along with stroke and cardiac arrest are the main causes of firefighter deaths.

It is these major areas that add 60-70% of the annual firefighter death toll, and it is within these areas that we must improve our safety and education.

Firefighting and emergency scene activities are dynamic, leading to a variety of issues that can result in death or injury, some of which we have no control over.

We do have control over the aforementioned and therefore all personnel should strive to reduce carelessness, recklessness, and bad habits while encouraging all members to do the same.

By stopping unsafe behavior, you will be successful in improving the level of safety within your department then you have accomplished much; a safer work environment for you and your fellow firefighters.

Don’t be shy about speaking up to those fellow firefighters about their disregard for firefighter safety, point out the proper and safe way to perform a task.

Let them know how it impacts them and all their brother/sister firefighters in the department. You just might save a life, maybe theirs, and maybe even yours!

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

Additional columns by Chief Campbell can be found on our website at www.1rbn.com

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 5

PAGE 6

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

BOB LONG 1 Ardmore Street • New Windsor, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (Fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

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

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

Heather Pillsworth (Heather@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Greg W. Buff (greg@belsito.com)

••• WIRELESS OFFICE MANAGER

Michelle Belsito (Michelle@1stResponder.com)

••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@1stResponder.com)

••• OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Nicole Roby (Nicole@1stResponderNews.com) EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Henry Campbell (Staying Safe) Lori Hodgkinson (FF Fitness) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf, Video) CORRESPONDENTS Christian Bove • Pat Canales • Michelle DeCrane Jason Evans • Deborah Foster Andrea Goodson • Randy Harley • Sheri Hemrick Bill Kelly • Joel Lavender • Mike Miller Jim Reaves • Flor Salas •Ken Scar Linda Stewart • Eugene Weber Becky Robinette Wright

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 Street, 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.

845-534-7500 ext. 212 • (fax) 845-534-0055 News@1stResponderNews.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION If you would like information about how advertising in 1st Responder News can benefit your company call our advertising hotline at:

845-534-7500 ext. 211 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Advertising@1stResponderNews.com

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.

845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Circulation@1stResponderNews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your A division of: advertisement 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

In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty Missouri: Christopher A. Tindall, 42 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 7, 2015 Death Date: January 8, 2015 Fire Department: South Metropolitan Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Several hours after responding to an emergency incident, Battalion Chief Tindall passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

California: Franck W. Tremaine, 58 Rank: Captain Incident Date: January 9, 2015 Death Date: January 10, 2015 Fire Department: Jackson Fire Department Initial Summary: Several hours after responding to a motor vehicle accident, Captain Tremaine passed away at home in his sleep from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Kansas: Ronnie W. Peek, 49 Rank: Captain Incident Date: January 22, 2015 Death Date: January 22, 2015 Fire Department: Garden City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Peek fell ill while participating in fire department mandated air management training.

He was subsequently transported to the hospital where he suffered a heart attack and passed away.

Kansas: Clifford “Cliff” Sanders, 55 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 28, 2015 Death Date: January 29, 2015 Fire Department: Caney Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Sanders became ill and collapsed at the firehouse while responding to a grass fire call.

Sanders was treated immediately at the station by fellow responders and transported to Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and then on to St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa where he died January 29th from a stroke.

Wisconsin: Leslie "Les" W. Fryman, 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 14, 2015 Death Date: January 21, 2015 Fire Department: Rosendale Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Fryman was a passenger in a tanker/tender responding to a mutual aid structure fire when he went unresponsive. Fellow responders treated Fryman and transported him to a local hospital. Firefighter Fryman was subsequently transferred to another hospital where he succumbed to his injury seven days later. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be officially reported.

Iowa: Mike "Coop" Cooper, 61 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: January 30, 2015 Death Date: January 31, 2015 Fire Department: Centerville Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Fire Chief Cooper died at home from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined several hours after being released from the scene of a large structure fire in a commercial occupancy.

New York: Charlie V. Wallace, 74 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 10, 2015 Death Date: February 3, 2015 Fire Department: Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wallace died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle on January 10th while directing traffic in front of the fire station as apparatus were leaving for a response call.

Illinois: Kenneth Lehr, 59 Rank: Chief Incident Date: February 5, 2015 Death Date: February 5, 2015 Fire Department: Medora Community Fire Protection District Initial Summary: While attempting to close off Illinois Route 111 to allow for a helicopter to land safely for a medical emergency, Chief Lehr was struck by a fire apparatus as it was backing up. Chief Lehr passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when he was struck.

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 7

PAGE 8

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

ROCKPORT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Chimney fire for Rockport A call for a Chimmeny Fire at 931 S. Water Street on February 13th turned out to be at 901 S. Water. It was not a big fire, but it took five hours to get the parts of the roof off so we could get to the part that was smoldering under the metal roof. We had a good turn out from RVFD and FVFD. About 15 minutes into this call came an alarm of fire off of Whispering Woods. One RVFD and one FVFD engine went to that alarm. At the chimney fire, crews had to keep water on inside of house mopped up. The roof was too slick to work off of. Crews were on scene for three and a half hours.

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.

JASON EVANS

Four firefighters transported after accident Dallas, TX. While responding to a 911 call for a structure fire, one of our fire trucks was involved in a major accident with a cement truck on Tuesday, January 6th. Dallas Police are investigating exactly how the accident took place, but what's known is that all four firefighters were taken to a local hospital for evaluation of non-life threatening injuries. The cement truck rolled partially onto the top of a pick up truck as well. As a result, the driver of pick-up truck was also taken to a local hospital for evaluation of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the cement truck refused transport. By Tuesday, all four firefighters were discharged from the hospital and are doing well.

We Buy Used Ambulances!

Unhappy with your trade in price?

Downsizing your fleet?

All makes and manufacturers considered, cash paid “on the spot.� Free pick up available.

Call the Used Vehicle experts at First Priority Emergency Vehicles for a free, accurate and fair appraisal/offer on your preowned ambulance.

Call Today! 1.800.247.7725 LUBBOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lubbock Fire Department Engine 4 is a 2014 Rosenbauer and one of their newest apparatus.

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 9

PAGE 10

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

Historic Hillsboro home lost in massive fire

SHERI HEMRICK

Hillsboro, TX. Hillsboro lost a historic home on February 26th.

The occupants awoke to smoke that smelled like electrical smoke. The two occupants got out safely with two of their dogs, but a third dog was unaccounted for.

Upon arrival, Hillsboro firefighters attempted to attack the fire, but it soon became apparent that they would not be able to save the home.

JUMP TO FILE #031215101

The fire appeared to start near the back of the house, and quickly spread throughout the house.

Smoke could be seen spiraling in the turret area before it finally collapsed.

The 119 year old wood burned fast and hot.

All departments then began the task of saving the neighbor’s house and keeping the fire from spreading into the trees.

Because of the intensity of the burn, the investigation is expected to be lengthy.

Hillsboro was assisted by Itasca, Abbott, Bynum, Covington, Whitney and Peoria.

- SHERI HEMRICK SHERI HEMRICK

Annual wildfire academy takes place at Camp Swift Bastrop, TX. Firefighters from across the country converged at Camp Swift in Bastrop, to attend one of the nation’s largest wildfire academies.

The 17th Annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy was designed for all levels of municipal, rural volunteer and wildland firefighters. The academy has hosted thousands of attendees from all over the world.

Offering 36 different classes ranging from basic to advanced firefighting and leadership to emergency vehicle and dozer operations, attendees have the option to choose the class most applicable for their needs.

“We're proud of the success of this Texas interagency wildfire academy,” Jan Amen, academy public information officer said.

“Students from previous years are coming back as instructors with vast experience. Our focus is safety and teaching firefighters how to safely respond to fires and minimize unnecessary risks” The cost was $60 per day and included breakfast, lunch and course materials. Volunteer fireJESSICA JACKSON

JUMP TO FILE #111014109

fighters can be reimbursed for this cost through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a grants program funded by the state and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.

“This is one of the premiere interagency fire academies in the nation,” Chris Angerer, academy incident commander said. “We offer a variety of classes for the many different fire service disciplines. Students get vital information, training and needed qualifications to help them progress in the wildland firefighting field.”

The academy is a joint effort coordinated by Texas Army National Guard, Texas A&M Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Weather Service, The Nature Conservancy, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Texas Wildfire Association, Bastrop Fire Department and Bastrop County.

- JESSICA JACKSON

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

TM

CHANGING FIRE SERVICE

WITH THE EDUCATION. TRAINING. TECHNOLOGY. DON’T STAND IN LINE – REGISTER TODAY! Don’t miss out on the largest fire service show on the West Coast. This year’s show features 20% more educational options to choose from than last year plus, new products and product demonstrations on the exhibit floor.

SMOKIN’ EVENTS IN THE EXHIBIT HALL M Exhibit floor product demonstrations – Try products before you buy them! See an auto extrication demonstration from FS3 and vehicle stabilization demonstrations from Paratech and Res-Q-Jack.

M Firefighter Throwdown – The most exciting Crossfit competition just for First Responders.

M Mechanics clinic – Get troubleshooting and how-to tips from apparatus and fire equipment manufacturers as well as fleet professionals.

M Moderated panels – Without question a program you don’t want to miss! Sessions will address Tactics and Training for the Modern Fireground and Navigating the Turbulent Seas of Change.

M Firehouse Fever – Register to win daily prizes! Stop by participating companies daily and enter to win great prizes.

MUST-ATTEND OPENING CEREMONY AND KEYNOTE PRESENTATION TUESDAY, JAN. 27 | 10:15 AM

CHANGE IS IN THE WIND A motivational presentation about the wave of change in the fire service and how your department can implement changes when barriers exist.

Presented by Derek Alkonis, Battalion Chief, Los Angeles County, CA, FD

REGISTER TODAY AT FIREHOUSE.COM

JANUARY

26-29

2015 SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER FIREHOUSEWORLD.COM

Firehouse World is the largest gathering of fire service professionals on the West Coast.

WILDLAND FIRES | FIRE DYNAMICS DYNAMICS | ACTIVE SHOOTERS | FIRE-BASED EMS E | STRATEGY & TACTICS CS | LEADERSHIP | PLUS MORE

Page 11

PAGE 12

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

MIKE MILLER

Residential fire in Abilene SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire chief recognizes heroic 12-year-old

Around 1:20 p.m. on January 23, 2014, the Abilene Fire Department was called to the scene of a single family dwelling structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters reported smoke coming from the residence. A quick attack was made in the kitchen and the fire was extinguished fairly quickly. Fire investigators were on the scene searching for the cause. In all, five pieces of equipment responded. There were no injuries. Investigators have determined that this fire was started in the kitchen from food on the stove and has been ruled accidentally.

Estimated damages are $25,000 to $30,000.

The San Antonio Fire Department recognized 12-year-old Jacob Munoz, who is being credited with saving his family’s lives after a fire broke out in their home at 3426 Weir Avenue in the early morning hours of January 15, 2015. Jacob woke up to smoke and flames in his bedroom, and after breaking a window, he woke his family up and got everyone out of the house. Chief Hood presented Jacob with a plaque as well as a Challenge Coin for his heroic act. Jacob's family was also presented with a Visa gift card and Jacob's fouryear-old brother was also given a bag of toys.

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.

LUBBOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lubbock battles afternoon garage fire At 4:48 p.m. on February 18th, Lubbock Fire Department's E12, E16, E19, T12, 830 & 820 responded to 9612 Topeka for a structure fire. Crews arrived to find flames coming from the garage. They were ventilating the structure and checking for extension. LP&L and Atmos were both notified to respond, as was the Fire Marshal's Office. The fire marshal is investigating the cause. The garage suffered major fire damage and the interior of the house suffered major smoke damage. The Red Cross has been notified to help two adults and one teenager.

SHERI HEMRICK

Mutual aid engines in action recently in Hill County

spring, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

Over 2800+ units in service worldwide!

Standard features Affordable price!

速

Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

KIMTEK's got you covered!

Transports for UTV's

Transports for UTV's

Transports for Trucks

MTB-101

FP-201

FDHP-301-125

MTS-102

FD-202

FDHP-302-160

MTD-103

FDH-203

FDHP-303-200

MTSTR-104

FST-204

FTUHP-400

A

LL U FULLY NITS SHI P ASSEM BLED

Scan our QR-CODE with your smart phone

follow us: 速

NEW Product Ultra High Pressure (UHP) skid unit See it on our web site:

KIMTEKRESEARCH.com

速

KIMTEK CORPORATION

2163 Vermont Rt. 5A, Westmore, VT 05860 888.546.8358 KIMTEKRESEARCH.com

Proud Member

Page 13

PAGE 14

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

LIBERTY EYLAU VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

DEBORAH FOSTER

Firefighters honored in San Antonio Several of our firefighters and paramedics, along with other first responders, were honored on February 25th for their part in saving the life of Airport Police Officer Collis Boone. On the evening of August 21, 2014, Officer Boone suffered immediate cardiac death while on duty.

Among those present was newly promoted Fire Engineer Robert Groff, who had just returned from vacation. He stepped off the plane and right back into his role as a life saver.

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

LIBERTY EYLAU VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Driver transported after accident Liberty Eylau firefighters responded to a single vehicle motor collision on Highway 59 and Randal Road on March 1. Crews encountered additional hazards, as the driver hit a gas meter with the vehicle. The driver was packaged and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

POLICEANDFIRESURPLUS.COM

Texas - Houston Station 55

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 15

PAGE 16

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

LUBBOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lubbock responds to plane crash Lubbock Fire Rescue was on scene of a plane crash at 5600 Ave. A on February 4th. It appeared the plane struck the KCBD News Channel 11 tower. A large portion of the tower was destroyed and the plane came to rest in a field just north/northeast of the station/tower. There was one confirmed fatality. The plane was a Piper Malibu, single engine aircraft. The KCBD building was evacuated as the remaining tower was not believed to be stable. There was also damage to surrounding power lines and reports of power outages in the area.

HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Houston firefighters’ memorial ceremony The Houston Firefighters' Memorial Ceremony recognizes not only those members, who have passed away in the line of duty, but also every Houston firefighter who is "gone, but not forgotten." The 2015 ceremony was held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 4 p.m. in the Memorial Garden, 4225 Interwood N. Parkway. The ceremony was open to the family, friends and current and past members of the Houston Fire Department.

LIBERTY EYLAU VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Single vehicle rollover On March 2, 2015, the Liberty Eylau Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Kings Highway for a single vehicle rollover. No injuries were reported.

Texas A&M Forest Service celebrates a century of service February 12, 2015. College Station, TX. Over the past 100 years, Texas A&M Forest Service has accomplished many feats, including establishing itself as a premiere entity in both forestry and allhazard response.

The state agency was established in 1915 by the 34th Texas Legislature under the Texas A&M College, making TFS the first state forestry agency in the nation to be part of a land grant institution. A fact not lost on former TFS director (1980-1996) Bruce Miles.

“Texas A&M Forest Service has always been a leader nationwide among state forestry agencies,” Miles said. “A big part of this comes from being part of the state’s land grant institution system where our department heads shared information, technology and research results.”

For the past century, the people of TFS have been answering the call to service by monitoring the forests to improve health and productivity; working with communities to plant, care for and conserve the trees where people live, work and play; and by informing and educating landowners on sustainable land management practices.

"The employees of this agency are so vital in continuing to accomplish the goals and dreams that were put in place. TFS has become the most highly respected national leader in forestry," said former director (1996-2008) James Hull.

"However, there has never been a time in our one hundred year history that the agency was not striving to do the best it could to meet the needs

JUMP TO FILE #021215127

of forestry."

With a duty to protect, TFS is mandated by the state as the lead agency in wildfire suppression and through predictive services, prevention programs and response models have revolutionized the way states prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.

TFS leads incident management teams during state disasters and has led responses to such incidents as the Space Shuttle Columbia recovery, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, and the 2011 wildfire season.

Having led the agency through the historic drought and wildfire season in 2011, current state forester and director Tom Boggus has seen the dedicated service and innovative spirit of TFS employees through the good times and bad.

“What an honor to represent the people of this agency as the director, especially during our centennial celebration year,” Director Tom Boggus said. “Words like ‘first agency in the nation’ and ‘a national model’ have been used repeatedly over the last century to describe TFS and they still ring clear and true as we begin our next century of service.”

TFS is one of four agencies under The Texas A&M University System that is also part of Texas A&M AgriLife—a cornerstone of one of the state’s premier institutions of higher education.

"Texas A&M AgriLife brings today’s best teaching, research,

extension and service to Texans. For 100 years, Texas A&M Forest Service has embodied service as it protects against wildfires, provides forestry education, and leads the way in sustainability and conservation" William A. Dugas, acting vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences said. “We are proud to have them as part of the AgriLife family!"

With no signs of slowing down, this year marks the first century of service for TFS. The agency will have celebrations across the state to recognize this centennial milestone.

The centennial celebration kicked off at the annual Texas A&M AgriLife Conference the first week of January and continues in February as the agency is recognized during the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents meeting, and by the Texas Legislature.

TFS has partnered with the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation to host an exhibit, History in the Making: Texas A&M Forest Service, highlighting the agency’s past 100 years. The exhibit is open March 16–November 8.

The agency will also host several events throughout the state, including 100 tree giveaways, a commemorative tree presentation to each county in Texas and has published a new edition of the 1970 book Famous Trees of Texas: Texas A&M Forest Service Centennial Edition.

- TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

The Problem With Being the Hero EMS ISSUES Chelle Cordero

The problem with always being the one to take care of others is WHO takes care of you?

People, who call 911, are usually at their worst, in crisis, in pain, scared, helpless and desperate. You are supposed to help.

At the end of the day, it’s hard not to bring some aspect of the job home with you.

How can you turn off the crying, the fear or, worse, the losses?

One of the many complicated and heartwrenching calls EMS gets called to is the suicide or suicide attempt.

In 2010, the CDC reported more than 38-thousand Americans killed themselves, one million attempted suicide and more than eight-million seriously think about doing it.

Adding to the horror of these statistics, in 2010 suicide was the third-leading cause of death for ages 10 through 24.

It’s hard to remain stoic when you just responded to the remains of a young adult, who told themselves that life wasn’t worth living.

Emergency responders already deal with high-stress situations; they also see the pain of loss in the survivors’ faces.

Family and friends still expect you to perform a miracle — maybe you expect that of yourself, too.

EMTs, paramedics and other ambulance crew members will carry the sights, sounds and stories of each call with them, even when they don’t realize how deeply they’ve been affected.

The highs they felt after resuscitating a suicide attempt will crash when they show up to the same victim, who has now completed the act.

Every word of compassion that they used on previous calls is seemingly now void of meaning or purpose. The wails of survivors remain in a responder’s

dreams.

There is no escape; the emergency responder is a human being with emotions.

Every 911 call for suicide, in process or completed, also implies potential personal dangers for responders and includes everything from irrational behavior to methods such as CO poisoning, other gases, guns, fire, and more.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, Goals and Objectives in 2001 which includes techniques for training emergency responders, medical personnel, and caregivers to deal with suicide victims and survivors.

Targeting key personnel, who deal with the public everyday and especially in times of need; this program was built with the intention of recognizing the key signs of suicide, how to speak with potential victims and vital resources for the emotional and physical support that is necessary.

Even so, sometimes potential victims elude detection.

Some of the signs experts do say to watch for when responding to emergency calls for help are: a previous history of suicide attempts; drug or alcohol abuse; dependency on pain killers; depression; expressed feelings of worthlessness; availability of suicide means; and admitted desire and/or plans to die.

Any person, who threatens or has attempted suicide, should be transported; if a coherent patient refuses to go, call medical control and follow your local protocols.

Establish a compassionate and honest rapport during transport, don’t belittle their feelings, monitor the patient for vitals or behavioral changes, and document all findings on your patient care reports.

If it’s suspected that the patient ingested possible toxins, bag and transport containers to the hospital for identification and diagnosis.

At all times from response to the scene, transport with the patient and release to the hospital be aware of your surroundings and assure a safe scene for yourself and your crew.

Additional columns from Chelle Cordero can be found at www.1rbn.com

spring, 2015

Page 17

GOT DROP?

Before you hang up your hat, Talk to the DROP Expert . . .

• Comprehensive Financial Planning for Sworn Employees • Educational Seminars • DROP & Deferred Comp Analysis • Customized DROP Distribution Strategies

RICK PALMER, CFP® Vice President 2905 Bayshore Boulevard / Tampa, FL 33629 D 813-835-2415 / T 866-347-4482 / F 813-835-2444 richard.palmer@raymondjames.com

www.gotdropusa.com ©2013 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP(R), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S.

PAGE 18

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 19

PAGE 20

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

CORPUS CHRISTI FIRE DEPARTMENT

Certificate of Commendation Captain John Gravell received the department’s certificate of commendation for rushing to the aid of a homeowner in the neighboring city of Portland. While off duty, Captain Gravell noticed a plume of smoke and extinguished a fireplace fire that was beginning to get out of control with a garden hose.

FRISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Mourning a long time colleague The Frisco Fire Department is very saddened at the loss of our longtime colleague and former Fire Chief Donnie Mayfield. Donnie served the City of Frisco since 1954, starting as a volunteer firefighter. He rose through the ranks and served as the fire chief 1967-1970. In later years, Donnie was named the Chief Building Official and then Project Manager until his recent retirement in 2014. We at the Frisco Fire Department offer our sincere condolences to the Mayfield family. We will keep them all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. R.I.P. to our brother, Donnie Mayfield.

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.

CRYSTAL CITY EMS

Delivering presents CRYSTAL CITY EMS

Crystal City EMS

Crystal City EMS with the assistance from Crystal City Police and Santa delivered presents to families in December.

spring, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

Page 21

Circle D Lights is the largest stocking distributor of Streamlight products.

ricteindg pis LL po ,xU E le b e a ir r F u D g , r d u e b is rriz iaulsHtoam SpecC tso! xes! ncB ou ti d c o r n u p J D ” D le c le ircCir “C on ! bbeebbeeaatt! ’t ’t n n a a c c t t a a h th t s ese liglihgthpt rpicric am retraem StS ingg!! ipppin ip h h s s te e t ia d ia e d e m m Im Im 883--883822 00--8 0 8 0 : 8 w : o w n o r n e r d e ll-llfr-fereetotooorrd Cllalltoto Ca

The Leading Name in Emergency Lighting Manufacturing only Quality, Reliable Products... each developed and tested to industry standards Serving Professionals with our Strength & Dependability for over 67 years

UL Listed

201.933.5500

• • • •

Rugged, Light Weight & Compact Covered with Durable Powder Coating Available in Silver Hammertone or High Visibility Yellow Made of Heavy Duty Cast Aluminum

www.circle-d.com

800.883.8382

Made with Pride in the USA • Natale Machine & Tool Co., Inc., Carlstadt, NJ 07072

PAGE 22

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

PROVIDED

Dog rescued from burning home in Malone Malone, TX. A dog was rescued by two firefighters from a fire in Malone on January 18th. The dog was given oxygen and then the owner walked him around for a while to make sure that he JUMP TO FILE # was ok.

031215103 No other injuries were reported. All occupants were able to escape the home uninjuried.

According to reports, one of the occupants had fallen asleep in a recliner and awoke to the smell of smoke in the house.

The home sustained extensive damage.

HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Captain Dwight Bazile remembered

- SHERI HEMRICK

PROVIDED

Five alarms in Dallas with two fatalities and three civilian injuries At 2:13 on December 10, Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) responded to a 911 call for a structure fire at the Gatewood Senior Citizen Complex, located at 6008 Ridgecrest Road, in Northeast Dallas.

Firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire coming from the top floor of the four story building.

With at least 300 people, the majority of which had mobility issues, in need of assistance, the response quickly escalated to that of a five alarm fire.

While some teams were attacking the fire, just as many were helping residents out of their rooms through hallways, balconies, windows, etc.

An unknown number of people were evaluated at the scene,

JUMP TO FILE #121014112

but five were taken to hospitals, throughout the course of the morning, for issues related to smoke inhalation and breathing difficulty.

Unfortunately, two deceased civilian bodies were found in the unit of origin as well; and during clean-up operations, one firefighter suffered a back injury and had to be taken to a local hospital for evaluation. He has since been released to go home.

While the unit of origin, the unit directly across the hall and the hallway itself were the only places to sustain any fire damage, the entire building (due to lack of power) is uninhabitable, displac-

ing 110 residents.

Most residents had been out in the cold since the fire began; but in response, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) kindly sent two buses to the location to serve as warming stations.

Property ownership is encouraging family members of the displaced to help; but with the arrangements they’ve made with local hotels, everyone who needs shelter should have it.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Once it has been, the release of that information will be pending the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s findings on the victims’ causes of death.

- JASON EVANS

Captain Dwight "B.B." Bazile, 46D, passed away Saturday, February 21st at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Captain Bazile collapsed on a fire scene Thursday, February 19th and was fighting for his life at Memorial Herman Heart & Vascular Institute. A Public Memorial Service was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 27th at the Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Blvd., Houston, TX 77084 A family assistance benefit account was set-up at the Houston Texas Fire Fighters Federal Credit Union (www.htfffcu.org) for the family of Captain Dwight Bazile. Donations payable to: “FBO” Dwight Bazile

Beat The Budget Blues!

Stretch your valuable capital equipment dollars with the Northeast's leading Emergency Vehicle Center! *Sophisticated SUV Conversion Packages* *Specialized Emergency Vehicle Collision Repair* *Renaissance Remounting of your Ambulance or Rescue*

Fast, free estimates for repairs/upgrades of any type or magnitude. We work on all manufacturer makes and models. All services backed by our extensive warranties. A nationwide network of pick and delivery services available.

Contact us at 800-247-7725 www.emergencyvehiclecenter.com

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

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.

spring, 2015

PAgE 23

Fire on wood frame in Dallas claims victim At 10:31 p.m. on February 2nd, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a 911 call for a structure fire, located at 4015 Spring Avenue, in the Fair Park area of South Dallas.

When firefighters arrived at the one-story home, they observed heavy fire coming from the windows of a bedroom in the front of the structure. They deployed hand lines, moved in for an offensive fire attack and quickly extinguished the flames.

Unfortunately the occupant of the house was unable to make it out, as the deceased body of an elderly man was found inside after the fire was out.

JUMP TO FILE #020515121

Though the room of origin is apparent, investigators were looking into what the exact cause may have been. Nonetheless, the cause of the fire will remain undetermined pending the final cause of death report from the medical examiner's office.

There was one smoke detector, found in a rear bedroom, in the house. However, it is unknown if it was operational and warned the victim.

- JASON EVANS

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

Prefer emails?

BURNET VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Newly refurbished Forest Service truck, now Burnet Volunteer Fire Department #4356, was in the Burnet Christmas Parade on December 13th.

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

ONE DAY INSTALLATION! LIFETIME WARRANTY Cannot Crack or Fail EVER!

8:00 AM

INSTALLERS WANTED! CALL 908-917-7697

5:00 PM SAME DAY

Priced Comparable to Epoxy NYPD EMS IN BRONX

Goes Right Over Your Old Floor

ARMOR-TUFF FLOORS, DIVISION OF ARMORPOXY sales@armor-tuff.com • www.armor-tuff.com • 855-72FLOOR

PAGE 24

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

Structure fire in Abilene quickly extinguished

AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire involving multiple structures

The Abilene Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the corner of S 7th and Sammons earlier this afternoon, March 2nd.

Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the carport on arrival.

A quick attack JUMP TO FILE # was made and the 030315109 fire was under control within minutes.

Investigators are on the scene, but it appears that a mechanical issue with the vehicle parked under the carport is to blame.

There were no injuries reported.

Approximately $5,000 in damages.

The vehicle and carport were a total loss.

- MIKE MILLER

Austin, TX. On January 21, a fire at 6400 Wilcab Road involved multiple structures and vehicles, resulting in a total loss of the property. The cause of the fire will remain undetermined. There was just too much damage to definitively pin down a cause. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

MIKE MILLER

The forgotten memories of the blue soldiers ON THE BOOK SHELF On The Book Shelf by John Malecky

The Forgotten Memories of the Blue Soldiers By Leo P. LePage, Jr. Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800522-8528 E-mail: support@firepolice-ems.com www.fire-policeems.com Price: $19.95 This is a soft cover book measuring 6 inches by 9 inches and has 263 pages. The author is a retired sergeant from the Hartford, Connecticut Police Department and this is his second police book.

His first book, The Badge, the Street and the Cop, was reviewed one year ago. If you read it and it made an impression on you, you will not want to miss reading this latest one. To refresh your memory, the first book was about the author who worked during the 1960's era where there were no portable radios. They were mem-

oirs about him.

This second book is memoirs about members of the police department that he worked with.

As gruesome and horrific the first book was, this book is the same and even worse regarding the incidents that occurred to others on the job. I can honestly say that with some of these chapters, I could never have imagined that human beings can behave as some did. Once you think you've read the worst, another horrible story from the next chapter hits you.

There are 21 chapters, many of which have a side story named, "Cop Talk" at the end of the chapter's story in which the author and some of his former coworkers reminisce about stories from the past, a good portion of which I would say were things you can laugh about.

They might serve as a bid to dilute the horror that is in the chapter and they take place at a favored establishment frequented by cops. I would be remiss if I did not mention two stories about female police officers, one of which was the first female on the HPD. The memoirs about these women and their dedicated service is worth reading about.

The first female in the HFD

LIBERTY EYLAU VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Assisting the American Red Cross On February 25th, the Liberty Eylau fire assisted the American Red Cross at Church on the Rock. Due to all of the recent power outages, they set up a temporary shelter in the "powehouse" part at Church on the Rock in Texarkana.

was enlisted in some special assignments that were best assigned to her gender. One of them which she volunteered to do when presented with the problem at hand was something most people would not do including

myself. Read about her assignment and the outcome in the book.

Other chapters cover those who were just plain crazy for lack of a better term! There are stories of cops being shot with no word or warning as well as other assaults

that would make the reader appreciate what they do and how their lives are put on the line everyday they work. It is a very good book to read for those who have strong stomachs!

spring, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

!

!

Page 25

!

!

! !

Meet ROVER. ! !

Meet His App ! ! !

!

!

“ROVER! MOBILE”

!

!

!

! !

!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- -! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!

!

!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

!

!!!! !!!!$71.85!-./!&-9:8;5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!3$71.8!-./!3$-/! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!3$71.8!-./!3$-/! !

!

!

! ! < < ! • www.spotteddogtech.com Phone: (203) 445 6536 ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- ! !

! !

!

!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

Built by firefighters, for firefighters

!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PAGE 26

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

DFR PERSONNEL

Tractor trailer in precarious position in Dallas The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department was on the scene of an accident on March 9th, in which an 18-wheeler, traveling Northbound on Interstate 35, somehow ran its cab over the side of an overpass near Saner Avenue (responded at 4:36 p.m.).

While the cab was hanging over the edge, it was still attached

JUMP TO FILE #031015111

to the trailer which was still on the highway.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team was called out for what they thought was going to be a technical rescue situation, but

fortunately, the driver of the truck and his passenger both made it out safely.

The HazMat team was also on location as the truck has leaked an unknown amount of diesel (from its saddle tanks) onto the highway and the road below.

- JASON EVANS DFR PERSONNEL

What does sacrifice look like?

Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

When we join the fire service, we do not know all the sacrifice that we will be making. We sacrifice our time going to classes, time away from our loved ones, when we are on duty or get called in for extra duty of filling in for someone that banged out sick. We sacrifice money to help those in need, our talents helping rebuild communities that have been affected by fire or disasters that we have responded to.

A brother from Buffalo reminded me of all the sacrifices that a single parent makes. A single mother, who raises her children on her own and also working a full time job.

How many of us make the sacrifies for our children? How about our families sacrificing us, so that we can serve others? Or sacrificing what we want for our children? I know that many times in families, some of the parents may go without some meals, so that their children

can eat three meals a day. I have seen senior citizens eating cat food, so that they had money to pay for their medication.

We know that also part of the job may be to put in time for the citizens or a brother, but why do we do it? What is the underlying reason that we are ready to sacrifice?

We may not say it or even know consciously, but I believe that it is that we care for our fellow man and that starts with our family and members of our company. When one of our own members needs help, especially for a mayday, we are willing to make great sacrifices. We carry out what we are taught, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." or another sign of sacrifice is: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."

We make sacrifices by rolling out for calls, when the thermometer does not even come close to 0 degrees, when it is just so hot that we are sweating even before putting on our gear. We make sacrifices by giving up our sleep to respond to calls. We sacrifice our bodies when

we refuse to take care of ourselves and still handle calls when sick or injured. We always are willing to go, no matter what.

Let us remember all the sacrifies that were made by our brothers, those who have gone into a burning building, when a brother is trapped or those whose may stay in a building past the time that is safe. We look at the gain versus the risk, but many times we risk our lives, to save another's life.

Those who have served in the military are willing to make sacrifices for freeedom, and for that we should always say “Thank You!” This month is the time that we also remember other sacrifices, especially the sacrifice that was made for us 2015 years ago, when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again.

So many of us forget that sacrifice.

His risk.

His sacrificed life so that the gain for all would be great. All we have to do is to be willing to accept the gift that He gave to us through His sacrifice. Would we be willing to be tortured and nailed to a cross, when we know that we are innocent?

Happy Ressurection Sunday

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

DEBORAH FOSTER

Trench rescue for San Antonio SAFD responded to a Trench Rescue call at S. Alamo and Cesar Chavez shortly before 5:30 p.m. on February 18th for a report of a man in his mid 60s stuck in a trench at a construction site with wet cement up to his thighs. Our Technical Rescue Team, along with other firefighters, worked for over an hour to free the man and bring him to safety. He was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

Short, but far from sweet “work harder, yet smarter” FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

Short on time? Metabolism need a boost? Tired of the same old routine? Ready for something new? How about a 15 minute workout that will cover all the major muscle groups – get that heart 'pump pump pumping' and give your metabolism a long term boost too?

This routine will not only save time, the “high intensity training” (more commonly referred to as metabolic training these days) can raise your metabolic rate and keep it there for up to 48 hours following the workout.

Although many consider this type of training to be advanced, there are ways to modify it so that it can suit all ages and fitness levels.

Healthy individuals, who have their physician’s approval to exercise without restriction, can reap the benefits of “Metabolic Training”.

The key is working at the highest intensity level each individual finds possible.

Working as hard and as quickly as you can without sacrificing safety and proper form and alignment is essential.

You won’t have to “suck wind,” but working at a level of slightly increased respiration on the verge of moderate breathing as tolerated works.

The biggest mistake I see individuals make with this type of training is not working within their own limitations. This is not only ineffective it can be extremely dangerous.

They either work too fast to perform the exercises correctly, or they work to absolute respiratory exhaustion.

Individuals, who continue to work beyond the point of fatigue, sacrifice proper form and alignment.

This often leads to injury, which defeats the whole purpose of training.

The routine outlined below is based upon 30 second intervals.

The goal is to perform as many repetitions within the 30 seconds with proper form/alignment and at a tolerable level of respiration.

Again, slightly increased breathing on the verge of moderate is acceptable.

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being “breathlessness”, individuals can work at a level between 8 and 9 with 10 representing full fatigue.

Remember to have your physician’s approval to exercise without restriction.

Observe the modifications put in place here by avoiding total breathlessness and/or absolute fatigue.

Begin the routine slowly to establish your own limitations and challenge yourself as you become more comfortable with the routine and intensity level.

You can substitute exercises that work the same muscle groups.

If you fatigue before the completion of the 30 second interval, rest until you can properly continue.

Adjust your intensity level, so that you can work as hard as you can safely and properly. Remember to warm-up and cool-down.

To stay hydrated drink 4-8 ounces of water before your workout. Sip throughout, and drink at least eight ounces of water when you are finished.

30 seconds each Push-ups Squats Cardiovascular exercise (like jogging, jumping rope, jumping jacks, or similar) Leg curls Seated Russian twists (or any rotational abdominal exercise for the obliques) Bent over dumb bell row (or other upper back exercise) Lunges Cardiovascular exercises (see above for examples) Calf raises Crunches Shoulder presses Tricep kickbacks Cardiovascular exercises (see above) Bicep curls Any abdominal exercises Rest 30-60 seconds Repeat entire circuit Cool down Rest 30-60 seconds Cool down with a full body stretch

Additional columns

by Lori Hodgkinson can be found at www.1rbn.com

spring, 2015

Page 27

No Hose Engine Exhaust Removal Industry’s most effective and hands free exhaust removal

See us at FDIC Booth #123

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Fully automatic • Self contained • No hoses • Vertical or Horizontal Airflow • Address the entire apparatus area • Meet current NFPA 1500/Fema accepted/GSA • Complete system-address both gasses and particulate • 100% effective for a clean & safe environment

CONTACT US FOR A FREE PROPOSAL!

www.airvac911.com Phone: 800-540-7264 • Email: sales@airvacuumcorporation.com

PAGE 28

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

Page 29

MUTUAL AID Gordon Wren

Have you noticed how law enforcement has adopted and are increasing the use of dash cams and related devices?

They even have television shows, showing the dumb things that people do.

For whatever reasons, the fire service has been very slow to wrap their arms around this new technology.

In fact, a friend recently sent me an article where an Australian firefighter got in trouble with the bosses in his department for capturing eight minutes of "GoPro" helmet camera footage at a serious fire.

It sounds like he may have gotten in trouble for uploading the footage to YouTube, where thousands of viewers could observe first hand the dangers of firefighting.

I am aware of some departments, who purchase these miniature cameras and then use them afterwards for training and afteraction reviews.

Seeing actual footage of the fire certainly adds to the quality of a training session or an AAR. Recently, one of our young, aggressive interior firefighters/officers purchased one of these units at his own

expense and turned it on as he and a team of firefighters entered a condominium complex that was well involved in a working fire.

It shows the firefighters' advancing up to the second floor, discovering heavy fire above them, and then records a very loud bang that sounded like a pistol shot.

Afterward, when the smoke had cleared, they discovered that the firefighters in question had made it through a near miss.

The camera actually recorded a small explosion and a projectile, passing near the firefighters.

When they looked at the area, they discovered that the collapsible stairs to the attic did not have the usual springs, but had pressurized struts, similar to what you find installed on the hatchback door of a vehicle.

When it exploded, a metal rod a few inches long went across the hallway and through the sheetrock of the wall.

There are, of course, concerns about liability and sharing footage outside your own department.

In the case of our local firefighter, the footage was used as part of a discussion of emergencies for the month at our local Rockland County Fire Chiefs'

PROVIDED

Metal rod discovered after a recent near-miss during a structure fire.

Association Meeting.

One of our Deputy Fire Coordinators was part of the interior team and co-authored an article on this event for Fire

Engineering Magazine, where the information was shared all over the world.

This new technology, which is really not that new, can be a

tremendous aid if it is handled properly.

Hopefully, we will catch up with law enforcement in the years to come.

e at

nch will b

au Product L

dianapolis In , 5 1 0 2 FDIC oth #3008 o B , 5 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 23.

Alerting at its Best with the next generation of Swissphone Pager www.swissphone.com

PAGE 30

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

Page 31

PAGE 32

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

FACES OF TEXAS’ EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your photos in the newspaper, upload them on our website at www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

LUBBOCK FIRE DEPARTMENT

Congrats to these members who received their new badges today, January 23, 2015. Pictured (L-R) E/Os Michael Weaver, Quincy Mitchell, Rodolfo Martinez, Jesse Russell and Nefertari Alexander, Sr. Captain Matthew Holloway, E/Os Rene Gomez and Rorick Fuller, and Captain Andrew Tite.

Lubbock Fire Department congratulates the newest ten members of Lubbock Fire Rescue. Blake Thrash, Jason Jaquess, Mario Parras, Dillion Shaw, Joshua Burkett, Kaleb Pounds, Evan Foxworth, Tyler Fairchild, Stephen Marquez and Carlos Blanco have completed their six weeks of recruit orientation and received their badges of office. All but Evan Foxworth who is a Paramedic will begin sixteen weeks of EMTIntermediate training on Monday. Foxworth reported to duty on February 20.

PORT ARTHUR FIRE DEPARTMENT

LESLIE ARRIAGA

Port Arther Fire Department C Shift conducted ventilation training on December 18, 2014.

Congratulations to Lt. Jorge D. Oyervides, FF Daniel D. Arriaga, and FF William A. Butterfield for their great accomplishment. They are now Certified Peace Officers.

The solution in accessing static water sources

Visit our website at www.1rbn.com

• Lightweight design sets up in minutes with minimal personnel using 5-inch large diameter hose (LDH) • No need for cumbersome hard suction hose • Gain access to static water sources previously unreachable using traditional drafting techniques • Usable in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, canals, swimming pools, etc.

• Recognized by insurance agencies as an alternate water supply source • Generate usable fire flows of 670 gpm or more • Eliminate need for multiple dry hydrant installations • Suitable for emergency dewatering and flood mitigation 2510 Me tropo litan Drive, Trev ose, PA 19053

tel: 215-639-0900 • 800-752-8558

www.turbodraft.net

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

PAGE 33

Agency assists, the heart of rural Texas Fire Departments Hill County is a fairly large county of 986 square miles, made up of mostly small communities and lots of rural area.

The county has 17 fire departments, and only one is a fully paid department.

So when there’s a large fire, it sometimes takes a village to put it out.

Volunteers and paid firefighters work well together in this rural community comprised of farmers, industries, and small business owners.

Anytime there is a possible structure fire, or any other fire that has the potential of being large, multiple departments are toned out. In those cases, there’s a job to be done, and no one cares if you are paid or volunteer.

There’s no power struggle

JUMP TO FILE #031215115

here, just a common goal to protect life and property.

Each community within the county seems to have it’s own strongpoints, and they all balance each other out.

While all of the departments are fairly well equipped, some have tankers and others don’t, and some have rehab units and others don’t.

Crossing community to assist isn’t a problem. Everyone is eager to help.

That’s what makes being a firefighter in a rural community so great.

- SHERI HEMRICK

SHERI HEMRICK

Firefighter safety, is everyone getting the message? Part II STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

When you think of firefighter safety what comes to mind?

What comes to my mind, and should to yours, is that you want to return from each call in the same condition you were in when you responded, career or volunteer firefighter. Your family expects it and your fellow firefighters and department expect it.

We have seen many and various slogans for safety over the years and the one I like best is “Safety Is No Accident”.

It can be interpreted two ways, first as not having or being injured due to an accident. The second interpretation meaning you have to work at staying safe, it just doesn’t happen by chance (accident).

The major issue is getting all fire and EMS personnel involved in working and practicing safe work habits.

Simple personal tasks that are ignored on a regular basis increase the annual death and injury toll in the fire service.

Buckling into a seat belt prior to responding takes just seconds, yet many firefighters continually fail to do so, often resulting in death and injury if the apparatus is involved in a crash or rollover. Some departments are now issuing some form of discipline to personnel who fail to buckle up.

How about emergency apparatus drivers, who fail to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and to consider and comply with all traffic regulations and department SOG’s when responding?

Don’t let the adrenaline rush cause you to take foolish chances.

Getting the crew and apparatus safely to the scene of the incident is an important responsibility of the driver and officer.

Adding a minute or more to the response time in order to arrive safely far outweighs excessive speed and the possibility of being involved in a crash.

Apparatus and personal vehicles responding to and returning from alarms contribute to between 20 and 25% of the annual death toll.

On February 5 of this year, a fire chief from a small town in Illinois was killed when he was run over by an apparatus backing up.

The Illinois State Police reported the fire department was attempting to close a road for a helicopter to land in a medical emergency. I don’t know what the circumstances were surrounding the accident, but there are safety rules that govern safely backing apparatus in order to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

How will this tragedy impact the family, community, fire department and the apparatus driver? In a small department in a small community it may have a lasting effect.

Cigarette smoking, obesity, and lack of physical agility and conditioning contribute approximately 50% of the annual firefighter death toll through stroke

and cardiac arrest.

If there is one item that contributes to so many medical conditions it is cigarette smoking, and for many, difficult to stop.

Failure to use seat belts, lack of control when driving fire apparatus or private vehicles, which result in motor vehicle rollover and/or crashes, along with stroke and cardiac arrest are the main causes of firefighter deaths.

It is these major areas that add 60-70% of the annual firefighter death toll, and it is within these areas that we must improve our safety and education.

Firefighting and emergency scene activities are dynamic, leading to a variety of issues that can result in death or injury, some of which we have no control over.

We do have control over the aforementioned and therefore all personnel should strive to reduce carelessness, recklessness, and bad habits while encouraging all members to do the same.

By stopping unsafe behavior, you will be successful in improving the level of safety within your department then you have accomplished much; a safer work environment for you and your fellow firefighters.

Don’t be shy about speaking up to those fellow firefighters about their disregard for firefighter safety, point out the proper and safe way to perform a task.

Let them know how it impacts them and all their brother/sister firefighters in the department. You just might save a life, maybe theirs, and maybe even yours!

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

HERE IS AN OPEN INVITATION TO THOSE OF YOU WHO OWN OR HAVE ACCESS TO A MOTORCYCLE TO JOIN ONE OF THE MOST ELITE FIREFIGHTERS CLUBS IN NORTH AMERICA

BECOME A RED KNIGHT

®

For more information, contact: Bill Snodgrass Executive Secretary Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc.® 1677 Jackson Rd. • Columbus, OH 43223 Secretary@redknightsmc.com View our web page at: WWW.REDKNIGHTSMC.com

"Loyal to Our Duty"

PAGE 34

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX

MUTUAL AID DEPARTMENTS IN HILL COUNTY To see your photos in the newspaper, upload them on our website at www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

When Wh hen seconds sec co cond onds nd ds matter. ma atter. at r.

SHERI HEMRICK

SHERI HEMRICK

SHERI HEMRICK

SHERI HEMRICK

844-4 4 CMDESK K 8 844-426-3375

Saving Sav S av viin v ng g time ttiime im me e means me m mea ea ean ns n s saving sav s av viin v ng g lives. lliiiv ive ives ve v es s.

Communications De Desk esk of offers ffers fers a cost-ef cost-effective ffective fective and relia reliable able way to broadcast your message ge during a crisis. Our ZHE EDVHG HPHUJHQF\ QRWL¿FDWLRQ V\VWHP LV HDV\ WR XVH DQG HQDEOHV UHDO WLPH WZR ZD\ FRPPXQLFDWLRQ IRU ZHE EDVHG HPHUJH

HQF\ QRWL¿FDWLRQ V\VWHP LV HDV\ WR X

XVH DQG HQDEOHV UHDO WLPH WZR ZD

D\ FRPPXQLFDWLRQ IRU

¿UVW UHVSRQGHUV DQG HPHUJHQF\ VHUYLFHV SURYLGHUV YLD SKRQH H PDLO DQG 606 WH[W PHVVDJLQJ $GGLWLRQDOO\ ¿UVW UHVSRQGHUV DQG

G HPHUJHQF\ VHUYLFHV SURYLGHUV YLD

D SKRQH H PDLO DQG 606 WH[W PHV

VDJLQJ $GGLWLRQDOO\ &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 'HVN XVHUV FDQ FRQQHFW SHRSOH IRU RSHUDWLRQDO LQFLGHQWV RU DQ\ RWKHU FRPPXQLFDWLRQV QHHG &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 'H HVN XVHUV FDQ FRQQHFW SHRSOH IRU R

RSHUDWLRQDO LQFLGHQWV RU DQ\ RWKHU F

FRPPXQLFDWLRQV QHHG

$QG ZLWK RXU SDUWQHU 5DSLG1RWLI\ ZH RIIHU D FRPSOHWH VXLWH RI G\QDPLF FRPPXQLFDWLRQV SURGXFW SDFNDJHV WKDW $QG ZLWK RXU SDUWQHU

U 5DSLG1RWLI\ ZH RI IIIHU D FRPSOHWH

VXLWH RI G\QDPLF FRPPXQLFDWLRQV

SURGXFW SDFNDJHV WKDW

FDQ EH FXVWRPL]HG WR PHHW \RXU VSHFL¿F QHHGV FDQ EH FXVWRPL]HG W

WR PHHW \RXU VSHFL¿F QHHGV

Â&#x201E; Broadcast B alerts instantlyy Â&#x201E; Easy E operation Â&#x201E; Real-time R responses for ETA a availability and ET TA A Â&#x201E; Send S simultaneously to v voice, text and e-mail

Â&#x201E; Powerful group messaging tools training Â&#x201E; Unlimited online tr raining Â&#x201E; 24/7 live support hardware Â&#x201E; No special hardwa are or software necessary ry

CommunicationsDesk.com tionsDesk.com Mass Notifica Notification ation Â&#x201E; Commun Communications nications Desk Â&#x201E; Severe W Weather eatherr Alerts Â&#x201E; Scheduling uling Desk

1st Responder Newspaper - tX

spring, 2015

PAGE 35

ROCKPORT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Fire through roof on arrival CORPUS CHRISTI FIRE DEPARTMENT

Around 9:40 p.m. on February 1st, a call came in for a structure fire on Corpus Christi at Merinel St. fully involved. On arrival, fire was through the roof on the back end of 80' trailer. A quick knock down kept it from spreading in the rest of the trailer. FVFD gave mutual aid. Rockport assisted with water, EMS stood by and the Sheriff’s Department shut down CC Street.

AppArAtus For sAle CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR USED VEHICLES ONLINE! VISIT WWW.1RBN.COM AND CLICK ON “VEHICLES”

Pls. take notice the Board of Fire Commissioners, Uniondale Fire District will accept sealed Bids until 2:00p, April 3, 2015 for the sale of one (1) 1991 Ford 350 White 24-Seat Passenger Bus – good condition. Bids open 3:00p. Vehicle sold “as is condition.” Min. accepted bid is $4,000. Sealed bids may be delivered in person to the District Mon.-Fri., 9-4p at 501 Uniondale Ave, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sealed bids must be marked “Bid for 1991 Ford 350 Passenger Bus” & accompanied with check for 10% of bid or bid will not be accepted.

Final pymt. - Certified/bank check. For more info call District Secretary at (516) 481-8411 9-4p Mon.-Fri. ONLY.

CORPUS CHRISTI FIRE DEPARTMENT

House fire for Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX. On February 25, 2015, Corpus Christi firefighters responded to a house fire on the 3300 block of Houston Street. Two elderly residents were assisted out by a neighbor. No injuries to civilians were reported at the scene. One firefighter suffered a lower leg injury and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. As of yet, no cause of the fire has been determined. The cause and origin are under investigation.

For Sale First Priority Renaissance Wheeled Coach Type 1 Ambulance on a 2014 Chevrolet K3500 4x4 Diesel Chassis. This unit was completely refurbished. Some upgrades include new FPEV RCT Electrical System, hoseline 12v Heater/AC Unit, new LonPlate Mica Grey Floor, Interior LED Lighting. $115,000 For additional information or photos, email vsales@emergencyvehiclecenter.com or call 800-247-7725.

1995 Ford E350-Horton Ambulance 37000 miles, 7.3 turbo diesel Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Locks, Rear view camera, Air conditioning, front and rear Ready for immediate use.

Ready for immediate sale, Asking $11,000.00 Call Vincent Sorrentino, District Mechanic 516-931-3546, extension 211

PAGE 36

Spring, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - tX