1st Responder News Florida Georgia February March Edition by Belsito Communications Inc.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2025

OCALA FIRE RESCUE OCALA, FL - On January 29th at 12:45 P.M., Ocala Fire Rescue was dispatched to a single-vehicle accident with possible entrapment on Blitchton Road and the 1-75 North Ramp (Exit 354). Upon arrival, crews found a semi-truck filled with produce that had overturned, resulting in a punctured saddle tank. -

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Ocala Fire Rescue Responds to Semi-Truck A ccident w ith Fuel Leak OCALA, FL On January 29th at 12:45 P.M., Ocala Fire R escue was dispatched to a single-vehicle accident with possible entrapment on B litchton R oad and the 1-75 North Ramp (Exit 354). R espon d ing units included Engine 1, Tow er 1, R escu e 6, Battalion C h ief 11, the Deputy Chief, and a Safety Officer. U pon arrival, crew s found a semi-truck filled with produce that had overturned, resulting in a punctured saddle tank. The driver, the vehicle's sole occupant, had self-extricated before responders arrived. However, due to the pre carious nature o f the incident, the northbound on-ramp to 1-75 was immediately blocked o ff by Tower 1. C rew s from Engine 1 and Tower 1 worked swiftly to address the fuel leak - w hich triggered a state warning point - while Rescue 6 assessed the driver's condition.

SCOTT LAPRADE

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The driver was transported to the hospital by M arion County Fire Rescue. Crew s used absorbent materi als and sealing putty to contain an estimated 100 gallons o f fuel spilled. A total o f 30 bags o f 40pound absorbent bags were d e ploy ed from the hazardous material response unit. A ddition ally, a class D w recker w as re quested to assist with lifting the semi-truck o f f its side. O cala Fire R escu e units cleared the scene at 2:26 RM. The Ocala P olice Department, Florida H ighw ay Patrol, and R oad Rangers also assisted with the re sponse. A s o f 6:20 PM., the north bound 1-75 ramp remained closed.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE S C O n LAPRADE

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T a c tic a l F ire E m e rg .

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service”feature, please upload them on our website, www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

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HUDSON, FL - Pasco Fire received a call for a fire at the end of Placid Rd., February 3rd. The first call came in for an out side fire, and then a call for a possible structure fire. First due Engine 39 arrived, but the crew was unable to get the engine down the dirt road to the area on fire. At this time, they had to call in brush trucks as they are 4-wheel drive and a lot smaller to get in. The area was large and contained a lot of miscella neous items from a car to other items, including propane tanks that were exploding during the fire. The fire was moving fast and picking up a lot of the brush that surrounded the large dirt area as flames rushed up some of the smaller trees. The Florida State Forestry team was also called in to assist.

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Florida/Georgia edition - Vol. 2 No. 1 - is published bi-monthly, 6 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 of fices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No fi nancial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typograph ical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.

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Large Debris Pile Catches Fire in Hudson

CHUCK LOWE

Water 58 in East Lake is a 2004 Freightliner M2-106/American La Fra nee that carries 2500-gallons of water and 500-gallons of foam.

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

February/March, 2025

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

AHOREA GUERRERO, FMFO CHUCK LOWE

Pasco County Engine 15 operates this 2015 E-One Cyclone 1750/780 pumper.

CHUCK LOWE

Hillsborough County Station 24, located in Lutz, is assigned this 2020 Freightliner M2-106/Pierce 3000-gallon tanker.

FMFD Annual Directional Meeting: Fostering a Stronger Future FORT MYERS, FL - The Fort Myers Fire Department (FMFD) re cently held its Annual Directional Meeting, focusing on the forwardthinking o f the department as it con tinues to build a strong, unified team. This meeting centered on re inforcing the power o f collabora tion, shared goals, and the importance o f unity within the de partment as a whole. A key part o f the discussion was the alignment o f the department’ s direction. Administrative personnel discussed their commitment to the department's future, reviewed the department’ s standards and expec tations, and emphasized how every one is working toward common objectives. The meeting also in-

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m 30 eluded valuable team-building exer cises, designed to strengthen bonds and enhance communication across all levels o f the department. One o f the highlights o f the meeting was reviewing the strategic goals set over the past few years. FMFD personnel recognized signif icant accomplishments, demonstrat ing how the department’ s focus on growth and unity has been success ful. Since the department began holding these meetings five years ago, each goal has been met, and we strive to ensure that this year’ s goals are no different.

An essential part o f the meeting was a SW OC (Strengths, Weak nesses, Opportunities, and Chal lenges) analysis, allowing the team to evaluate where they can invest more energy in the coming year. This open-floor, honest feedback session gave everyone the opportu nity to voice their input and con tribute to the department’ s growth. With 170 personnel in the de partment, the annual directional meeting ensured that all members are on the same page, working to gether toward a common goal: to continue enhancing the safety and well-being o f the City o f Fort Myers.

-ANDREAGUERRERO

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CHUCK LOWE

East Manatee runs a 2018 Pierce Enforcer 2000/475/25F/107' Ascen dant aerial as Ladder 679.

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Engine Company 1 in Sarasota serves the downtown area using a 2021 E-One Cyclone 1250-GPM pumper that can carry 1000-gallons of water and 30-gallons of foam.

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ricane Helene when a tree fell on the cab o f their fire apparatus. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

pronounced deceased. Fire Engineer Hall was also a vol unteer member o f the Clarksburg Fire Protection Dis trict.

fighter Jason Gould was rescuing a woman from an

gency during a fire department training exercise. He was

Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Comer) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Comer)

Bodie were responding to a structure fire during Hur

Massachusetts: Jason Gould, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 19, 2016 Death Date: September 8,2024 Fire Department: Brockton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, June 19, 2016, Fire

Fire Engineer Timothy Hall suffered a medical emer

COLUMNISTS

immediately transported to the hospital where he was

apartment fire when his mask was knocked off. When

CORRESPONDENTS Willie Cirone •Michael Colom bo •Chris Dilley •Joel Gordon •Freddy Howell •Patrick Juliano •Michael Kane •Julian Leek •Kate Lind •Ashley Lopez • Chuck Lowe •Steve Mapes •Mackenzie McClintock •Michael Moser •Doreen Overstreet •Frank Robinson •Bob Romig •Steve Rose •Stephen Sabo •Van Schoen •Shane Shifflett •Ken Snyder •Sasha Staton •Eugene Weber Jr

Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper w elcom es submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at news@ lstrespondernews.com . Or, giv e us a call or post it directly to www. lrbn.co. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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ing the incident a tree fell on the cab o f his fire depart ment pickup truck, killing him instantly.

South Carolina: Chad Satcher, 53 Rank: Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Saluda County Fire Service Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024,

his mask became dislodged, he took in a large amount o f smoke and suffered lung damage. After his retirement in 2023, Firefighter Gould received two lung transplants. On Sunday, September 8, 2024, he passed away due to complications from another lung procedure, directly re lated to the incident that occurred in June o f 2016.

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North Carolina: Tony Ray Garrison, 51 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Bat talion Chief Tony Ray Garrison was assisting in the res cue o f victims o f a landslide during the response to

Bodie were responding to a structure fire during Hurri

Hurricane Helene, when a second landslide occurred. He passed away from the injuries sustained in this incident. Battalion Chief Garrison also served with the Garren

cane Helene when a tree fell on the cab o f their fire ap

Creek Fire Department.

paratus. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

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downed powerline that was on fire. When he was leav

Chief Chad Satcher and Probationary Firefighter Cale

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Georgia: Leon Davis, 69 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Blackshear Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, As sistant Chief Leon Davis responded to the scene o f a

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1st Responder N ews’ graphics team will work with you on your advertisement free o f charge. Addition ally, we offer a complete marketing department for all o f your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or

California: Timothy Hall, 59 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: September 23, 2024 Death Date: September 23,2024 Fire Department: West Sacramento Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, September 23, 2024,

South Carolina: Cale Bodie, 18 Rank: Probationary Firefighter Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Saluda County Fire Service Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, C hief Chad Satcher and Probationary Firefighter Cale

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DRIIIS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

21 students recently completed a 5-day Basic Wildland class at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg. Students came from around the state to participate in this class. After 32 hours in class, the last day was a field day where students put to use what they learned. Some students will use this new learned skill to partici pate in prescribed fires, others will fight wildland fires.

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CIRONE PHOTOS

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Palm Bay Fire Rescue Graduates 24 New Recruits PALM BAY, FL - O n D ece m ber 18, 2024, Palm Bay Fire R es cue proudly graduated its latest new hire class, "24-02." Like their predecessors in "2401," this group endured a rigorous 8-week orientation, tackling the same dem anding challenges. Flowever, "24-02" w as tw ice the size, requiring even greater team w ork and dedication. Our cadets banded together to support and strengthen one another, m eeting the ob jectiv es set forth by our Training Division.

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D uring this recruit class, the n ew firefighters perform ed 587 forcible entries, pulled m ore than 37,000-feet o f hose, threw over 5300-feet o f ladders, and co n ducted 24 live fire company drills. Their hard w ork culm inated in a graduation cerem ony on D e ce m ber 13, 2024, where, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones, they officially received their shift

and station assignments. A tremendous jo b w ell done to the 24 m em bers o f "24-02" and the dedicated m en and w om en who shaped their training to meet the high standards and ethics o f Palm Bay Fire Rescue! This group o f 24 new hires w ill bolster our ranks in preparation for the open ing o f two n ew stations in 2025. Their addition ensures w e are ready to m eet the grow in g needs o f our community.

- JOHN RINGLEB

CIRONE PHOTOS

Students learn how to use the wildland hose clamp.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Learning the proper way to light a wildland fusee.

JOHN RINGLER

February/March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PAGE 9

FLORIDA

SWFD CIRONE PHOTOS

Showing defensible space around the house.

South Walton Fire D istrict Responds to Residential Structure Fire SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL South Walton Fire District firefight ers responded to a residential struc ture fire Sunday, February 9th, at approximately 7:00 RM. 911 callers first reported the in cident to the SWFD Emergency Communications Center at 6:54 P.M., stating a frailer was on fire near the area o f W. Hewett Road in Santa Rosa Beach. When SWFD crews arrived on scene at 6:58 RM., they confirmed a mobile home was heavily involved in fire and multiple structures nearby were threatened by the flames. Crews began extinguishing the flames and securing a water supply. After approximately 30 minutes on scene, crews noted fire emanating

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from underneath the mobile home. For the safety o f personnel on-scene, they switched to an exterior opera tion for the remainder o f the inci dent, meaning they extinguished the fire from outside o f the mobile home. Firefighters remained on-scene into the late evening hours extin guishing the flames and overhauling the structure. SWFD requested the State Fire Marshal’ s Office to the scene to in vestigate the cause o f the fire. Pre liminary findings on the cause o f the fire were undetermined but could not

rule out an electrical malfunction. Investigators also determined the fire originated near the front side o f the home. According to crews on-scene, the structure was heavily damaged during the incident. However, the exposed structures did not suffer any damage. Fortunately, no civilians or responding personnel were injured. SWFD would like to thank all responding partner agencies for their work on scene and providing mutual aid coverage, including but not lim ited to the Walton County Sheriff’ s Office and local utility companies.

- MACKENZIE MCCLINTOCK

WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

CIRONE PHOTOS

Walking the dog.

Annual Flatwoods Fire & Nature Festival GAINESVILLE, FL - Flatwoods Fire & Nature Festival drew hundreds to this annual event held in Gainesville. Over two dozen agencies and organizations participated. The high light of the event is the three prescribed fires. There were ta bles full of fire prevention lectures, wildlife specialists and nature. Another highlight of the day was the narrated hayride through the scenic forest.

CIRONE PHOTOS

After months of inactivity, the Sarasota County Burn Mitigation Team has been reorganized. Retirements and key personnel vacancies made the team unable to fulfill the burn policies. With new key personnel, the team was able to accomplish the first burn at Carlton Reserve in Venice. The burn was a prep for the Fire Fest held in January.

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February/March, 2025

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FLORIDA

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the Emergency Services”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

S C O n LAPRADE

CHUCK LOWE

scon LAPRADE

Captain D'Alessandro, along with Firefighters Hernandez, Rodriguez, and Peralta, of Miami Beach Engine Co. 4.

Cat Rescued from Hudson Mobile Home Fire HUDSON, FL - At 8:29 P.M. on January 20th, PCFD was dis patched to a reported fire in a mobile home at 7808 Sesame St. On arrival of Engine 10, it appeared they had a good fire condition out the front of the home. On the initial call were Engines 10 and 11, Truck 1, Tanker 21, Rescues 10 and 21, and Battalion 1. A cat was rescued from the fire and returned to the homeowner.

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CHUCK LOWE

MDFR Captain Eddy Pacheco with his crew on Engine Co. 7.

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February/March, 2025

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FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Family Displaced After Structure Fire at Apartment Complex in Ocala

CIRONE PHOTOS

Family Pets Lost in Southern Manatee Fire

OCALA, FL - Ocala Fire Res cue responded to a structure fire at Berkley Pointe Apartments, 2869 NE 7th St., at 9:00 P.M. on Thurs day, February 6th. Engines 2, 3, and 5, along with Rescue 5, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 22, and a Safety Officer, arrived to find heavy black smoke pouring from a first-floor apartment unit. The unit's occupants had evacuated the building. Engine 5 made their way through the smoke-filled living room and into the fire room in the back o f the apartment, while En gine 3 began exterior efforts, dous-

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ing the flames from the fire room's window. The dual approach helped contain the fire to the room o f ori gin. As the firefight ensued. Rescue 5 conducted a primary search o f the unit, finding and rescuing the fam ily's cat. Engine 2 assisted by clear ing adjacent apartment units and aiding in ventilation. Once the flames were extin guished, crews checked for hot spots that could rekindle.

The fire, determined to be elec trical in nature, displaced one adult, two children, and their cat. While no injuries were re ported at the scene, an occupant from an unrelated apartment unit was transported to a local hospital following a concern raised to EMS personnel. Additional agencies that re sponded to the scene included the Fire Prevention Division, the Ocala Police Department, the Building Department, Ocala Electric Utility, and Marion County Fire Rescue.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Watercraft feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

BRADENTON, FL - Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue re sponded to a reported house fire with family pets still in the structure on February 4th. On arrival, there was heavy fire on the Charlie side. Firefighters pushed in through heavy smoke and heat to locate the family pets. The fire was brought under control within an hour.

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February/March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS

SEMINOLE COUNTY FD

Seminole County Fire Department Recognizes Son-in-Law Who Helped Save His Father-inLaw’s Life w ith CPR

CIRONE PHOTOS

SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL The Seminole County Fire Dept, recently recogn ized a son-in-law who helped save his father-inlaw ’ s life with CPR. On Septem ber 14, 2024, in Sanford at 4:15 p.m., 61-year-old resident Randy Youngblood suffered a severe car diac arrest and coded. The day b e fore, Randy’ s mother passed away from a cardiac arrest and the fam ily were all gathered together that day. Randy’ s daughter Cayla im mediately called 911 and was thankful for Dispatcher MiKayala K ruse’ s assistance. Their son-inlaw Mason Brown performed CPR until Seminole County Fire D e partment (SCFD) units arrived on

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scene and swiftly took over and stabilized Randy using defibrilla tion, and other ALS protocols. He was then transported to HCALake M onroe and recovered. Brown, a former Marine who served in Afghanistan, im m edi ately started performing CPR on Randy. H is skill and training kicked in. “ I’ m very close to my fatherin-law and we were all determined that he was goin g to live,” said Brown. “We were doing every thing in our pow er to work to gether with the first responders at

the Seminole County Fire Depart ment and we are so thankful Randy is here today.” Brown and his family stressed the importance o f everyone learn ing hands-only CPR. M ason was honored with a Citizen Life Saving Award for his integral role in saving a life along with the Seminole County Fire Department members: Lieutenant Raul Sanchez, Engineer/Param edic Luis Santiago, Firefighter Joshua Tackett, Firefighter Hunter Martin, and Dispatcher MiKayla Kruse.

- DOREEN OVERSTREET

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Annual Fire Fest Held in Sarasota County VENICE, FL - Sarasota County recently held their annual Fire Fest at Carlton Reserve. Over two dozen agencies and organ izations set up displays. During the day many agencies had demonstrations, from Search and Rescue K-9 to Live Fire Demos. This free event was attended by over 600 people. RILL TOMPKINS - WWW.RTFIREPHUTOS.COM

Tampa Fire Rescue Promotional/Parade Unit; 1969 American LaFrance 900, 1250-gpm/500-gwt. Former Temple Terrace, FL, former Kirkwood, N.Y.

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February/March, 2025

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FLORIDA

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the Emergency Services” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey @ 1stResponderNews. com.

CHUCK LOWE

CIRONE PHOTOS

MFR Captain Sotolongo, along with Firefighters Cunningham & Parera, of Miami Engine Co. 3.

Sarah Schultz and Alexis Anthony, members of the Sarasota Burn Mitigation Team, at a recent burn.

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February/March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

VEHICLE NEWS

TAMARAC FIRE RESCUE

Quint 15 will be operated out of Station 15. This new 75’ Aerial apparatus, built on a Pierce Enforcer Chassis, has a 2000-gpm PUC pump with a 500-gallon tank.

CIRONE PHOTOS

This Florida fire hydrant must be expecting a snowstorm...

FIRE COMPANY LOGOS If you have photos you would like to see in our “ Fire Company L ogo”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

TAMARAC FIRE RESCUE

Engine 36 is a Heavy Duty Rescue Pumper on a Pierce Enforcer Chassis with a 750-gallon tank, and over a thousand-feet of supply and fire hoses. Engine 36 officially went into service on January 25th, with a push back ceremony taking place at Station 36.

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February/March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

Rick B illings C he C01P HARP TRUTH... W OW / A HOME RON/ I'M SORRY I MISSED THE GAME PUPPY...

CIRONE PHOTOS

Tough W ildfire in the City of Bradenton BRADENTON, FL - The City of Bradenton was dispatched to a report of trees on fire next to Bradenton Village Apart ments, January 23rd. While enroute, units saw a large black column of smoke. Once on scene, companies had limited ac cess to the fire. Firefighters cut through a chain link fence and then had to cut their way through thick Brazilian Pepper. A one-and-a-half-inch line was established to put out the heavies on fire.

c 2025 by Rick Billings @ jampony452

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February/March, 2025

PAGE 19

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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

RESCUE SQUAD, The origins of Rescue Co. 1, FD of the City of New YoA, 1915-1925 ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

RESCU E SQUAD, The ori gins o f Rescue Co. 1, FD o f the City o f N ew York, 1915-1925 By Paul Elashagen Available from: FSP B ooks & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M AO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www. fire-police -ems .com Price: $19.99

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This b ook is soft cover and measures six inches by nine inches, with 292 pages which in cludes a glossary. It includes the first 10 years o f operations o f R es cue 1, which was the first rescue squad established in the country. It was organized in 1915 for the pur pose o f rescuing firefighters. As time went on, its duties expanded. It is written by a firefighter who retired from the FDNY with 25 years o f service, 20 o f which were spent assigned to Rescue 1. He has written two other books about R es cue 1. His writing is truly a labor o f love. In this book with the help o f many and what I w ould per ceive as countless hours o f re search, he chronologically writes about the many operations o f R es cue 1 laid out in individual chap ters o f each year. Each chapter also is reported on chronologically month by month. They are laid out in great detail, plus there are indi vidual names o f each member from beginning to end. Since res piratory protection was non-exis tent for other fire com panies for the m ost part, firefighters were hampered by smoke and other gases which resulted in prolonged fire extinguishment, injuries and death. The rescue company was equipped with specialized smoke helmets, which allow ed them to get through dangerous conditions to rescue firefighters and others. They were equipped with a pulmotor (an early form o f a resuscitator) for reviving those who stopped breathing. The truck had other spe cialized tools and equipment. Their crew members were also specialists in the trade (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.), which increased the effectiveness o f the company. And as with all firefight ers, they were fully enthusiastic in their work. They performed hero ics and made unbelievable rescues. This book, which is all taken from records, shows the miraculous ways that the squad saved many. Unfortunately, there was death o f firefighters and civilians recorded in the book, but it is another writ ing by a retiree who loved his work and his assignment.

CITY OF ATLANTA FIRE RESCUE DEFT.

Extrication Conducted for Car Down Embankment in Buckhead BUCKHEAD, GA - Outstanding teamwork was displayed among Battalion 6, Squad 4, Truck 26, Engine 27 and Grady EMS on February 10th completing a special ops rescue in 8 minutes. Units worked together to extricate a driver from a vehicle that careened down an embankment in Buckhead just after 4:30 A.M. This low angle rescue involved the use of a coordinated haul sys tem. After being securely fastened into a stokes basket with webbing, the patient was hauled up the embankment and transported to the hospital.

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February/March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our Patch o f the Month feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Cedartown Fire Department, located in Glynn County, GA.

1IRILLS/TRAININIG If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .

Members of Dekalb County Fire Rescue's Technical Rescue Team (TRT) and Emory University Engi neering Team recently participated in confined space safety class. This session teaches how to prop erly perform a rescue or recovery when working in tight, hazardous spaces.

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February/March, 2025

PAGE 23

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February/March, 2025

1ST Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

NAVIGATING THROUGH CRISIS Seasonal Changes Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

The circumstance may be out o f your control, but how you transition is optional (your choice, your atti tude). The old saying: “ Attitude de termines Altitude”is so true. Each of us will face situations which brings us to a place of transition. Transition is the process or a period of changing from one state or con dition to another. How can we thrive in times o f change and crisis? CRISIS = a time of intense dif ficulty, trouble, or danger: Another definition of a crisis is an an unexpected change or event over which we have no control over. Sound familiar? We have all been in situations where we had lit tle or no control over it. Life is all about seasonal changes. And the truth is, our success many times de pend upon our ability to navigate through storms and personal con flict. THE BENEFITS OF SEA SONS. 1. Nothing is permanent Ex cept God and His promises.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: God is saying: Everything has a season, nothing is permanent. Everything we go through is only for a time, it w on’ t last. And one thing you can count on is that God never changes. God and His prom ises are permanent and can be de pended upon. 2. Seasons guarantee change. Seasons of your life (good or bad) will introduce change. Change is inevitable. So, no matter how cold it gets in the winter, summer is coming. One of the keys to living a victori ous life is knowing how to outlast

the season. If you can stay warm long enough to survive winter, sum mer is coming. When winter comes you don’ t throw away your swum trunks and t-shirts. You don’ t drop them off at the Goodwill. You store them in a drawer. Why? Because you know that winter is temporary (a season). Every crisis offers an opportu nity. I know this may sound as through I am trivializing someone else’ s pain or suffering, but the truth is that we can grow thought what we go through. There are positive les sons to be learned in every season of difficulty. One thing we know about storms - they’ re always moving. We STAND, til it MOVES past us. That is why we should never respond per manently to a temporary problem. The Bible says: “Weeping may last

for a night but jo y cometh in the morning'*12'’ In other words; there will be things in life that cause you to weep - but don’ t worry, the season of laughter will return again.

Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. ” 3. G od’ s blessing comes in every season. You may find yourself in the cold right now -God’ s message to you: warmth is on it’ s way. Some of you are in darkness right now - Daytime is coming.

Ezekiel 34:261 will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. 1 will send down showers in seasons; there will be showers o f blessing. Your shower is coming. Even G od’ s blessings come in seasons. So, let’ s have faith that “ this too shall pass”. Whenever you experi ence something that in your mind comes under the category of a crisis (a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger) I want you to think and say - Opportunity. Always remember - what lies behind us and what lies before us is nothing compared to what lies within us. Pastor Fernando Villicana Fire Sendee Chaplain

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February/March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .

Leadership in the Fire Service There are literally dozens of roles within the fire service. There are firefighters, line offi cers, civil officers and instruc tors to name a few. One title that will likely never be found is “leader” and that is because leadership cannot be contained and defined in a label. There is no NFPAstandard. Further, lead ership might be a long-lasting concept such as an officer that has to consistently design and implement drills or it could be momentary on the fireground when any firefighter regardless of rank can take the lead in knocking down the flames. In French “je ne sais quoi” translated literally means “I don’t know what” but is used to portray an indescribable, spe cial distinguishing feature. Leadership can be thought of in these terms due to often being intangible. Also that any fire fighter can inspire other fire fighters to follow his/her lead. Leadership may also come in a more tangible and indeed ad ministrative form such as lobby ing for safer firefighting tactics and equipment, changing an employment policy to allow leave for firefighter to respond to calls or ensuring that instruc tors have the necessary gear to teach with or pursuing legal remedies such as the volunteer firefighter benefit law (VFBL). Not to complicate this topic even more but being a leader is sometimes natural but can also be developed. There are some firefighters that simply give off an aura that compels others to follow them into a burning build ing while other leaders in the fire service over the years put in the time, energy and effort to learn their craft and as a result as cended the ranks to leadership positions. A good example of developed leadership would be the perfection of radio commu nications since this skill typi cally must be practiced consistently. How leadership is attained is ir

relevant when considering one of the common roots i.e. knowl edge of necessary skills. Fire fighters won’t simply follow a title and are far more likely to fol low someone that has intimate knowledge of firefighting and firefighting tactics to the point they make quick, decisive choices when necessary. One other intangible quality that defines leadership is confi dence. On the fireground that translates to having the confi dence to trust the firefighters around you and under your command. When comparing those officers/chiefs that trust their blackhats to do the job ex pertly, effectively and safely ver sus those that feel that they must control every aspect of the firehouse from the fire scene to rolling hose in the apparatus bay and you’ll find the most effi cient and successful is the for mer model. What then is the role of a fire service instructor relative to leadership? First and foremost, instructors are typically leaders themselves that consistently display leadership whether it’s in the classroom facilitating a discussion or demonstrating motor skills. Instructors are the first line in recognizing natural leaders (one could argue it takes one to know one) and certainly in developing others. In most cases, leaders display those skills consistently which from an omnipotent standpoint is easily recognizable. There are times when an instructor will have to have a simple conversa tion with a potential leader be cause that firefighter may not recognize their own potential. What then can an instructor do to beyond recognition. That an swer is also simple. Provide op portunities to shine. Provide opportunities to lead and in struct other firefighters within the class such as designating that firefighter as team manager. This is not to say that an instruc tor should ignore potential lead ership abilities in other

firefighters. Rather focus on the most promising students - real istically, there are only so many opportunities in a given class. Since leadership also involves having a more intimate knowl edge of the fire service Instruc tors can also recommend firematic books such as Seven Fires by Peter Charles Hotter. As an aside this is an excellent book about seven historical fires that shaped the current fire serv ice. Displaying leadership may also involve having the authority to discipline other firefighters under your charge. In this regard there is a time, place and method to do so. Generally, it is wise to be critical but not criti cize. Remember that leadership involves improving the perform ance of those around you. Being critical as a form of evaluation aimed at improving firefighter skill sets is essential. Criticism on the other hand is typically un necessarily negative and has the opposite effect breeding con tempt and resentment - two properties that any fire company can do without. In the quest to develop leaders and leadership there are defi nitely impediments. If ever there was an enemy of leadership it would be bureaucracy and com placency. Standing tall based on principle is a necessity even it means having to endure some backlash. For example, not being complacent with current, unsafe practices or possibly fol lowing the chain of command above and beyond the first level bringing awareness to an ongo ing safety concern. Displays of leadership can be described in this regard as the “Courage to be Safe”. Fire Learning Net work’s online class in this re gard can be accessed here: https://www.fireherolearningnetwork.com/training_programs/co u rage_to_be_saf e.aspx To summarize: Brendan Boyle, a civil officer for a capital region (NY) volunteer fire company, in a recent speech

commemorating the installment of officers remarked the follow ing in reference to leadership:

tone, foster teamwork, and en sure that we are well prepared to meet the challenges ahead.

The role of an officer is one that requires selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. The well being of each other. It’s a calling that goes far beyond just wear ing a uniform—it's about show ing up when it matters most... and serving with integrity and pride. It’s about abandoning your ego and putting your com mitments before all else.

Leadership is a privilege. As we move forward, let’s continue to work together to ensure that we remain a beacon of resilience, committed to readiness and service to our community.

Leadership is a sacrifice. It is. To those stepping into leadership roles, you’re not just officers— you are the leaders of our com munity, the exemplar who set the

Leadership is the greatest honor. To our outgoing officers, we ex tend our sincere gratitude. Your hard work, dedication, and vi sion have shaped the direction of this department, and we owe much of our success to your leadership. Your contributions will be felt for years to come. - JOSEPH CEA

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