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AUGUST,2025
RYAN MOCEK
NORWICH, CT - At 5:08 PM on Tuesday, July 22nd, the East Great Plain Fire Department with Norwich’ s Engine 3, Truck 1 and Battalion 1, were dispatched to 577 West Main Street at the former Colonial Car Wash for flames coming from the roof. -
S e e full story on P a ge 8
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
RYAN FLAHERTY
Crews had fire showing from the rear on arrival.
Liquor Store Fire in Norwich NORWICH, CT -At 11:48AM on Thursday, June 19th, the East Great Plain Fire Department with Norwich's Engine 3, Truck 1 and Battalion 1were dispatched to 526 West Thames Street, Big Harry's Discount Liquors, for a structure fire. Norwich Dispatch was taking multiple calls and transmitted the working fire, which added the Mohegan Tribal FAST and an Ameri can Ambulance. Battalion 1 arrived reporting fire showing from the rear o f a sin gle-story wood-frame commercial building. Engine 3 stretched a 1.75" hose line to the Charlie side and knocked the fire. Truck 1 per formed the primary search o f the
MICHAEL CARENZA JR
Jump t o f i i e #062225101
store and opened up the rear wall. Engine 52 laid in from the hy drant and gave Engine 3 their tank water. ET-51 stood by the hydrant and performed the secondary search while Rescue 5 filled air cylinders. Squad A assisted with opening up and the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. The Norwich Police Department shut down the roadway and Nor wich Public Utilities secured power to the building.
- RYAN FLAHERTY
MICHAEL CARENZA JR
NORWALK FD
V eh icle Vs. Building in Norwalk NORWALK, CT - The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident that involved a pick-up truck vs. a residential structure at 7 Rockmere Rd just after noon on June 17th. The driver appeared to have suffered a medical event, causing the accident. Police and firefighters were able to remove the driver from the vehicle after removing unstable debris, and they were transported to Norwalk Hospital. Fire fighters temporarily shored up the building to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official, as several structural columns were destroyed in the collision. An Engine, Ladder, Rescue and Command staff responded with a total of 15 firefighters. The Norwalk Police Department is investigating the accident.
MICHAEL CARENZA JR
Detached Garage Fire Damages Several Cars and Home in Newington NEWINGTON, CT - Heavy fire in a detached garage in the rear of 80 Reservoir Road extended to several cars and into the attic of the home on July 12th. Task Force 51 was activated for town coverage and a Rocky Hill company was sent to the scene. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.
August, 2025
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
A d ve rtisin g Index A guide to finding great companies
Corrmanv
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EMS & Fire Pro Expo
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23 RYAN FLAHERTY
PL Custom
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Single Fin Golf Co.
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Sugarloaf Ambulance
15
Fire Destroys Garage Apartment on South St. in Norwalk The Norwalk Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 22 South Street, July 4th. Upon arrival, crews encountered a fully involved detached garage apartment, with flames ex tending to the main residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the occupants were not home at the time of the incident. The garage apartment was completely gutted by the fire, displacing two individuals. The main house su s tained only external fire damage. The incident was brought under control by the initial responding units. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING We Need Your Help!
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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder N ew s (ISSN 1525-1683) - N ew Eng land edition - Vol. 29, No. 8 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Com munica tions, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 A rdmore Street, N ew Windsor, NY 12553. N o financial responsibility is assum ed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted or in error. O m issions a division of: or errors must be brought to communications, inc. the atten tion o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.
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RYAN FLAHERTY
North Stonington Celebrates Station 51 NORTH STONINGTON, CT - On Tuesday, July 1st, the North Stonington Fire Department held a Taco Tuesday dinner with a flag raising ceremony to celebrate their new station desig nation. They will now be known as Station 51 and are being dispatched by Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications. Members enjoyed a delicious meal and then watched Chiefs Steinhart & Taylor raise their new Station 51 flags. Their forestry/first responder vehicle will now be known as Squad 51 in memory of the popular show Emergency.
Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com Keep an eye out for National Events too!
O u r r e a d e r s m a k e a l l the d if f e r e n c e !
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 5
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
1 "R e s p o n d e r N ew spaper
In memory of those who gave all
1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (fa x) 845-534-0055 • N e w s@ 1 stR e sp o n d e rN e w s.co m
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1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Nicholas BelsitO (Nicholas@1stResponderNews.com) DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich® 1stResponder.com)
EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Corner)
New York: John "JR”R. Gaudet, 40 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 12, 2025 Death Date: February 12, 2025 Fire Department: Binghamton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, February 12, 2025,
him to the Welch Community Hospital. While in transit, Deputy Fire Chief Lawson became unconscious. Re sponders initiated CPR on Deputy Fire Chief Lawson who, despite the lifesaving efforts, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The cause o f his death has yet to be determined.
firefighters from the Binghamton Fire Department re
Patrick Kerrigan •William King •Lee Krohn •Kenneth Leger •Peter Lobo
were immediately transported to the UHS Wilson M ed
Mississippi: Terry Wayne Dykes, 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 1,2025 Death Date: March 3, 2025 Fire Department: Pinedale Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Fire
•Chuck Lowe •Patrick Nlagyar •Phillip NlcCully •Bemie Meehan Jr •
ical Center where Firefighter Gaudet was pronounced
fighter Terry Wayne D ykes was at the scene o f a
deceased. The two other firefighters were treated and re
grass fire when he fell from the top o f a brush truck
leased.
and suffered m ajor head trauma. He was immediately
CORRESPONDENTS Nate Arnold •Sterling Beaucage •Jeffrey Belschwinder •Sayje Benjamin • David Bowen •David Biyce •Michael Carenza Jr. •Dylan Conway •Doug Fenichel •Sean Fesko •Ryan Flaherty •Karin Halstead •Jay Heath •
Keith Milton •Kevin Mlosio •Brian Owen •Edward Prescott •Greg Ramsdell •Frank Robinson •Coral Ruggiero •Dick Scialabba •Shaun Shattuck • Shane Shifflett •John Sjostedt •Ken Snyder •Robert Sprague •Jack
sponded to the scene o f a multi-alarm commercial struc ture fire. While fighting the fire, a wall collapsed. A short time later a mayday was declared and Firefighter John "JR”R. Gaudet was rescued from the debris. Two other firefighters were also injured at the scene. All three
Stawasz •Pat Travers •Peter Walsh Jr •Eugene Weber Jr •Diana White
_______ EDITORIAL INFORMATION_______ Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder N ewspaper w elcom es subm issions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1Ard more St. N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Or, giv e us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all sub m issions you wash to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
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CIRCULATION INFORMATION
transported to the hospital where he passed away on
Virginia: Steve A. Weikle, 70 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: Feb. 13, 2025 Death Date: Feb. 13,2025 Fire Department: Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, Inc. Initial Summary: On February 13, 2025, Firefighter
845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 C ircu lation @ 1stR esp ond erN ew s.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder N ews’ graphics team w ill work with you on your adver tisement free o f charge. A ddition ally, w e offer a com plete marketing department for all o f your printed . communications, inc. needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, n o one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices. A s a newspaper in the Belsito Com m unications Inc. family, 1st Responder N ews has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scan ning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP C olor 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 lnfo@ B elsito.com
tained in the fall.
and Rescue to a report o f a collapsed bam with a trapped
North Carolina: Christopher Rothmeyer, 27 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 5,2025 Death Date: March 5, 2025 Fire Department: New London Volunteer Fire
animal. After freeing the animal and within 24 hours o f
Department
this response, Firefighter Weikle was found outside o f
Initial Summary: While responding to an emergency
his home in cardiac arrest. Emergency medical services
incident, Firefighter Christopher Rothmeyer crashed on
were called to the scene where Firefighter Weikle was
N C Highway 8. Numerous responders administered life
pronounced deceased.
saving measures to Firefighter Rothmeyer at the scene.
West Virginia: Jeffrey Lawson, 54 Rank: Deputy Fire Chief Incident Date: February 17, 2025 Death Date: February 17, 2025 Fire Department: War Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, February 17, 2025,
hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sus
Steve Weikle responded with the Boiling Springs Fire
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Monday, March 3, 2025, from the injuries he sus
Firefighter Rothmeyer was then transported to a nearby
Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Lawson was responding in an engine to a report o f a structure fire when he became ill and told the driver that he needed medical attention. The driver o f the engine met an ambulance which transferred
tained in the crash.
PAGE 7
August, 2025
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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PAGE 8
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
RYAN FLAHERTY
East Great Plain Extinguishes Car Fire NORWICH, CT - Around 7:43 PM on Monday, June 16th, the East Great Plain Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 39 Wawecus Hill Road for a car fire. Engine 52 arrived and knocked the fire with tank water. The Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.
If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Then & Now”feature, please upload them on our website, ww. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@l stResponderNews.com
Westfield Fire District, located in Middletown, Tanker 4 currently op erates with a 2023 Spartan Gladiator/Custom Fire 150Q/2500/25A/75B. This apparatus replaced the 1999 Spartan/General 1500/2500/60B that was previously assigned here.
CHUCK LOWE
CHUCK LOWE
Current Westfield Tanker 4
RYAN MOCEK
Former Car Wash Burns in Norwich
THEN & NOW
Old Westfield Tanker 4
Engine 3 and Truck 1 awaiting the water supply.
NORWICH, CT - At 5:08 PM on Tuesday, July 22nd, the East Great Plain Fire Department with Norwich’ s Engine 3, Truck 1 and Battalion 1, were dispatched to 577 West Main Street at the former Colonial Car Wash for flames coming from the roof. D is patch said they were taking multi ple calls and could see it on the city cameras, so they transmitted the working fire, adding the Mohegan Tribal FAST, American Am bulance and Norwich Public Utilities. Engine 3 arrived at 5:12 PM reporting heavy fire from the roof and that they were stretching a 2.5”hose line. Truck 1 set up for defensive operations on the “ Alpha/Delta”corner and awaited the water supply, while Squad A laid in from the hydrant. Early in the incident, live power lines came down in the front, which Norwich Public Utilities ad dressed. Engine 52 established a sec ond water supply and fed Ladder 5 who positioned on the “ Alpha/Bravo” corner. Com pa nies operated two ladder pipes and three hand lines, which dark ened the bulk o f the fire in 15 minutes. Yantic Engine 33 pumped the hydrant for Ladder 5 and the Mohegan Tribal Fire D e partment provided the FAST. The Norwich Fire Marshal’ s Office is investigating.
- RYAN FLAHERTY
RORERT ROSS
The secondary water supply which was established by East Great Plain.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
August, 2025
PAGE 9
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PAGE 10
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
Norwich Holds Fundraiser at These Guys Brewing M ultiple Departments Battle Intense House Fire in Colchester NORWICH, CT - On Monday, July 1st, instead o f responding to emergencies, over 20 Norwich Firefighters tried their hand in the restaurant business. The members worked hard alongside the amazing staff of These Guys Brewing while pro viding delicious food and bever ages to patrons all evening. Thanks to owners Raymond and Rebecca Alberts, all tips received that night and 15% o f the profits went to Local 892. In turn, this fundraising event helps to sustain the donations we make to local
Jump t o f i i e #070825100
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charities and organizations to sup port great causes in our commu nity throughout the year. Lots o f raffle prizes were also available at the event, and w e’ d like to thank the generous donors who provided various prizes for our customers. Thank you to everyone who came out and en joyed another great night
- RYAN FLAHERTY
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.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
CHUCK LOWE
Wethersfield Engine 33 is a 1992 Sutphen Deluge 1500/500/50. It originally operated at Engine 21, but now serves as the depart ment's backup pumper.
COLCHESTER, CT -At 6:40 PM on Saturday, July 5th, the Colchester Fire Department with Hebron Squad 210, Marlborough Engine 117, Bozrah Ladder 126 and the Yantic FAST were dispatched to 203 Lebanon Avenue for a house fire. Engine 128 ar rived at 6:43 PM with heavy fire from the rear o f the second and third floor o f a 2.5-story wood-frame residential over commercial structure. Engine 1 laid their own supply line and stretched a hose line to the rear, knocking a large volume of fire. The crew then ad vanced that line into the back of the second floor. Simultaneously, a hose line was stretched through the front while Truck 128 went to the roof for vertical ventilation. A second alarm was transmit ted, which added Lebanon Engine 206, Salem Engine 121, East Hampton Engine 212 and Hebron Truck 110. Companies placed four lines into operation and had to open up a lot o f void spaces. Members worked extremely hard to keep the roof on this building. The Oakdale and Portland Fire Departments provided station coverage, and the Colchester Fire Marshal’ s Office is investigating.
- RYAN FLAHERTY
CHFD
Companies arrived to a large volume of fire from the rear of the second and third floors.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
The Evolution of Aerial Fire Apparatus ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
The Evolution o f Aerial Fire Apparatus By Walter P. McCall Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $32.95 This is a soft covered book measuring 8 inches by 11 inches, with 158 pages. The author in my opinion (and o f many others), is an expert in fire apparatus. He is also the author o f American Fire Engines Since 1900 and other outstanding books. This has 11 chapters, plus an appendix and color gallery. The rest o f the out
August, 2025
PAGE 11
CONNECTICUT
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 Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
standing photos in the book are black and white. I would strongly suggest that you, the reader, look over the Forward before starting to delve into this book. It has a wealth o f information with many surprising facts within it. Eight o f the chapters are divided into 10 years each, with the tenth chapter including the years 1990 through 2000’ s. Chapter 3 is devoted to the hydraulics and steel, and Chapter 11 is devoted to the water tower, the class later known as the elevat ing platform. At the end o f Chapter 10 on page 124 is a list o f eight aerial devices that were on the market in 2008, 141 years after Daniel D. Hayes introduced the first successful mass produced aer ial ladder in the United States. This was done in San Francisco where he had become an SFFD machin ist. However, this information is within the Forward o f the book so I will not go any further, but let you read it. I cannot emphasize enough about how many interest ing and rare apparatus are in the photos. If you are a fan o f fire ap paratus, this book is a must for you!
Colchester Truck 1 and Engine 1 operating at the scene of a house fire, July 5th.
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PAGE 12
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
Vehicle News Brookline FD has taken delivery of two 2024 Pierce Enforcer 1500/500 pumpers. They are now in service running as Engine 1 and Engine 4.
K. LEGER
Brookline Engine 1
CHUCK LOWE
K. LEGER
Exterior Fire Clim bs to the Eaves in Fall River FALL RIVER, MA - On Saturday evening, July 12th, firefight ers responded to Pitman Street for a reported still alarm structure fire. While enroute, Command was notified that the correct address was 552 Alden Street and dispatch was re ceiving multiple calls reporting this fire. Ladder 4 on ap proach, reported heavy smoke in the area. Command arrived on scene and reported an exterior fire that was climbing an outside vinyl sided wall on a three-decker all the way to the roof. Two attack lines were laid, one interior and one exterior, to knock down all visible fire. All searches were negative and Command called for the Fire Investigation Unit and the Build ing Inspector to respond.
Brookline Engine 4
CHUCK LOWE
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
August, 2025
PAGE 13
Enjoy Taking Photographs?
Vehicle News
Get the most out of your hobby.
CHUCK LOWE
Littleton placed a 2024 Ford F350 STX pick-up truck in service as Service 1. This vehicle replaces the 2010 Chevrolet 2500 pick up that was previously designated Car 11.
K. LEGER
The Fall River Fire Department recently took delivery of a new forestry/brush unit. The new vehicle is a 2024 Ford F-550 Bulldog 4x4 with a 225-GPM pump and a 300-gallon Tank. The truck is des ignated as “Brush 1.”
1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.
Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information! Lindsey@ 1strespondernews.com
845-534-7500 CHUCK LOWE
Newton recently put this 2025 Mack MD/Morgan into service as Special Operations 1.
ext. 212
PAGE 14
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
K. LEGER
Fatal Fire at Fall River A ssisted Living Facility FALL RIVER, MA- On Sunday, July 13th, Fall River Firefight ers responded to 261 Oliver Street, the Gabriel House as sisted living facility, on a box alarm. The box alarm was followed by multiple calls. Command arrived on scene and had heavy fire and smoke showing, with multiple victims hanging out windows. Command called for a second-alarm and ordered all companies to begin ladder rescues of the trapped victims. Nine people perished and 30 people were transported to local hospitals. Medical Command called for a major MCI and requested all available medical units in the area to respond. Fire Command ordered all off duty members to respond to the scene and to man spare apparatus.
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories”feature please upload them
JOHNSJOSTEDT
on our website www.lRiBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
Child Struck on Bike with M edflight in Plymouth PLYMOUTH, MA - On June 21st, Firefighters and Paramedics responded to the intersection of Rocky Hill Rd at White Horse Rd for a 13-year-old child that was struck by a motor vehicle while riding his bike. The child was brought to the Bl-Plymouth Helipad where Boston Medflight transported the child to Boston Children's Hospital with traumatic injuries.
CHUCK LOWE
This 1995 GMC Topkick/E-One was operated by Rescue 1 in Lynn. The city disbanded the Rescue Company in 2002, and two years later, it donated this apparatus to the Lynnfield Fire Department.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 15
August, 2025
MASSACHUSETTS
Ribbon Cutting Held for New Fire Station in Falmouth FALMOUTH, M A - On July 1st, Falmouth FD held a ribbon cut ting for the grand opening o f Station 6 at 878 Sandwich Road in the Hatchville (section) o f Falmouth. The station will man the station on July 15th with En gine 20 and Ambu lance 37. The location will enhance the response time for this area. - PETER LOBO PETER L 0 B 0
Get your personal copy of
PETER LOBO
Congratulations Hillsboro Fire Department on the delivery of their new PL Custom Type I Classic Ambulance!
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PAGE 16
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
Kingston Fire Department C elebrates Prom otions and New Hires KINGSTON, MA - Members of the Kingston Fire Department were present at a swearing-in cer emony at the Kingston Town Hall, June 17th. Firefighter Josh Hatch was pro moted to the rank of Captain. New-Hire members Caroline Reed, Lize Ewell, Patrick O'Donovan, and Mark Leary were all sworn in as new Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic. Congratulations to the mem bers o f the Kingston Fire Depart ment.
- JOHN SJOSTEDT III
J0HNSJ0STEDT Captain Josh Hatch is sworn in at a ceremony in Kingston.
JOHNSJOSTEDT Firefighter Liz Ewell is sworn in at a ceremony in Kingston.
JOHNSJOSTEDT
JOHNSJOSTEDT
JOHNSJOSTEDT
Firefighter Mark Leary is sworn in at a ceremony in Kingston.
Firefighter Patrick O'Donovan is sworn in at a cere mony in Kingston.
Firefighter Caroline Reed is sworn in at a ceremony in Kingston.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
August, 2025
PAGE 17
MASSACHUSETTS
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories”feature please upload them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
K. LEGER
Construction Equipment Catches Fire, Spreads to Structure in Fall River
Shrewsbury, Mass, ran this 1975 Ford F750/Farrar 750/500 as Engine Co. 3.
FALL RIVER, MA- On June 19th at around 5:30 PM, firefight ers were dispatched to a report of a piece of construction equipment on fire. Engine 12 on approach reported heavy smoke showing. On arrival, they reported the equipment on fire with rapid extension to the office building exposure. Two attack lines were used to quell the flames. No interior exten sion was noted after careful overhaul.
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little B ig Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
K. LEGER
E le ctrica l Fire S trikes D w elling in Somerset CHUCK LOWE
Essex Squad 1 is a 2017 Ford F550 XLVCET 300/300.
SOMERSET, MA - Around 2:30 PM on June 20th, Somerset Firefighters responded to 330 Lees River Avenue for a working fire. On arrival, Command reported smoke showing from the exterior with fire spreading to the eaves. Firefighters made a quick knock down of what appeared to be an electrical fire, and confined the fire to the D side.
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
Vehicle News
CHUCK LOWE
Hampton received two 2025 E-One Typhoon 1500/740/40F pumpers. They operate as Engine 5 and Engine 6.
PATRICK KERRIGAH
Fast A ction by Nashua Crew s S top s G arage Fire From Spreading NASHUA, NH - Nashua firefighters responded to a reported garage fire in the early morning hours of July 18th. Engine 4 arrived on scene to heavy fire showing from a single-story de tached garage with exposure problems. Companies stretched multiple handlines and had the main body of fire knocked down in a short amount of time. Ladder companies performed searches of the exposure buildings. Companies remained on scene for several hours over hauling.
STILL IN SERVICE CHUCK LOWE
Gilford recently took delivery of a 2025 Spartan Metro-Star MFD/Toyne 1500/1000 that is assigned to Engine 4.
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
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FIRE'RESCUE
CHUCK LOWE
The Northwood Fire Department has repurposed the chassis from their 2013 Ford F-550/AEV ambulance. The members acquired sev eral components, including a Duramag body, a small pump, a 250gallon water tank, and a 10-gallon Class A foam tank, to convert the vehicle into the new "Forestry 1." Autotronics remounted the box from this ambulance on a 2022 Dodge Ram 5500 chassis for Ambulance 1, and the previous Forestry 1 was returned to the State's forestry division.
CHUCK LUWE
Henniker Rescue 1 is a 1998 Freightliner FL70 with a Valley Fire body.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
August, 2025
PAGE 19
Are you a Discourager or an Encourager Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh
Yesterday brought things home for me as far as having people in your life to encourage us. I sat with a friend as he went for his first chemo treatment. I could under stand that it can be scary, no matter who you are. I tried to uplift his spirits and encourage him. We are easily finding those people who want to discourage us. They may beat us down, make us feel that we are useless, or some may threaten our lives. These peo ple are to be ignored. There are enough naysayers around. Why waste our time on the negative? If I want negative, I will turn on the tel evision and watch the news. We need to have the proper balance in our lives. People who yell at us should be put where they can best serve society by keeping them away from people. We need encouragers in our lives, those who speak possibilities into us, lift us up, speak hope into our lives. When there are people who put drugs into their bodies or alcohol as a coping mechanism, we need to speak hope and possibilities into their lives. People have proba bly been speaking negative into their lives the entire time. Maybe we can see what they are good for or talented. When we are learning new skills, we would like encouragers. They would take the time and show us again and again how to do it the right way. They may celebrate the improvements that we are making, no matter how small. They may take extra time to coach us on the side so that nobody else would know that we might have been struggling. I know that there are certain leaders who have encouraged the people in their teams, where the in dividuals would rally around the positive and the encouragers. Those people would have their people willingly follow them into very dangerous situations because they knew that they trained where there was no way that they would fail a mission and would not want to let the encourager be let down. As a good leader, friend or per son, we should work to encourage
people. There is an old question that asks if people are better off when you leave versus when they came to you. You can speak value into some one’ s life. You can develop the attitude of encouraging each person that comes into your life. It does not take long or much effort, unless you encounter one o f those discouragers who is try ing to make you feel like garbage in stead o f them seeing the brighter side in life. For these people, if they are so head strong on being one of those people sucking on lemons their entire life, then don't waste your time. In the Bible, in Hebrews 10:24 it states, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds". Through the proper encourage ment, we can develop the next gen eration. We can train the generation, maybe we can encourage them to en counter other people in person and encourage them to learn the proper coping skills. We should also be the encourager for others to develop the skills that they need for life. We can encourage people to help them get away from using sub stances like alcohol and/or different drugs that are harmful to them. When was the last time that you spent time and talk with people about what their passion is in life and direct them and encourage them to explore their dreams or talents. You may not realize how valu able your conversations are. I have had two people, different times in my life, tell me how valuable my conversation with them was. They both said that the conversation changed their lives. All I did was talk with them and speak into them the possibilities that can happen in their life or what God may have in store for their lives. Apparently, from those two conversations, there are two less people that were about to be suicide statistics. Have you ever felt so down that you did not think that you could lift yourself and then someone comes and may point out some o f your good qualities. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states "therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." For me, as I was sitting with a friend that was receiving his first chemo therapy it was brought to me, " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God o f all com fort, who comforts us in all our trou bles, so that we can comfort those in
any trouble with the comfort we our selves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. It is through the encouragement that we receive that we can encourage each other. As we watch some teams, for many fields, someone in the group can lift up their team, so that when the team needs encouragement, they can sup port each other. Most encouragement does not take much. You can send a text, make a phone call or something else that is simple with your own person ality to speak into others. One o f the things that I did to uplift someone was I took something that said, and I made a personalized painting for that person. Maybe you have another talent that would make someone en couraged. Maybe making a meal or helping do repairs on a car or house or helping with children. Romans 15:5 "May the God who gives en durance and encouragement give you the same attitude o f mind to ward each other that Christ Jesus had" Proverbs 12:25 "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." What a way to help someone! Cheer someone up. Talk with someone who looks like they are carrying a load and weighed down by their situation. Maybe you can assist the person with their chal lenge or maybe you can just listen. Many times, people may just want to get something off their chest with no response or no advice. There are times where people may need to rant and rave and need to vent but it would probably mean a lot to the in dividual, if you can find a way to en courage them later. Who can you encourage? You are a special and unique individual and only you can encourage people the way that you do, positive and up lifting. If you want, I am sure that you can find information from credible source as to how to listen and how to encourage. Remember that when you come across the information to make sure that you just don't trust the first thing that you see, research with reliable sources. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh .com
JAY HEATH
JAY HEATH
JAY HEATH
W ebster Barn Fire P rom pts 2nd Alarm WEBSTER, NH - On July 7th at 7:43 PM, firefighters responded to a fully involved garage that extended into a barn on Deer Meadow Road. A second-alarm was called before the fire was knocked down.
PAGE 20
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
Bob Long
K. LEGER
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Fire Consumes House in Tiverton TIVERTON, Rl - Around 5:30 AM on June 20th, Tiverton fire fighters responded to 26 Lee Road for a reported house fire. On arrival, Command reported a single-story wood-frame fully involved. Mutual aid was called in from Fall River, MA for their Ladder Truck.
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August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
THEN & NOW If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Then & N ow ”feature, please upload them on our website, www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@l stResponderNews.com
Warwick currently operates a 2020 E-One Cyclone heavy rescue. The company previously ran a 2005 Spartan Sirius/Crimson Heavy Rescue.
CHUCK LOWE
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CHUCK LOWE
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PAGE 24
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
OLD AND NEW If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Old and New”feature, please upload them on our website, ww.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
The Paris (Maine) Fire Depart ment is proud to introduce the latest upgrades to our fleet of emergency apparatus. We're especially excited to showcase our new command vehicle and our upgraded forestry truck, Forestry 1. For many years, our depart ment relied on a 1987 2%-ton “ Red 6x6,”generously donated by a supportive town resident. This rugged vehicle served us well, battling wildfires in som e of Maine’ s most remote forests and mountainous terrain. After decades of hard work, it was time for an upgrade. We’ re thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Forestry 1 — a 1990 AM General 6x6 affec tionately known as “ New Yeller.” This upgraded truck features an automatic trans mission, a heating system, in creased ground clearance, super single tires in place of dual rears, an air brake system, and power steering—making it far more capable and comfort able in the field.
PROVIDED
Retired 1987 6x6 AM General
PROVIDED
New (Forestry 1) truck is a 1990 AM General 6x6 5-ton, (New Yeller)
Alongside this, w e’ ve also added a new command vehicle: a 2023 Chevy Tahoe. With a spacious interior, improved off road capabilities, and en hanced maneuverability, this vehicle is a significant step for ward for our operations. It re places our long-serving 2013 Ford Explorer, which faithfully served South Paris and the sur rounding communities for over 11 years. Our previous command vehi cle, affectionately known as "Old Reliable," endured a seri ous T-bone collision on the dri ver’ s side late in its service life. Remarkably, it was repaired and remained in use for an other two years. However, rec ognizing the increasing demands of our work, we felt it was time to retire the Explorer and welcome a new era of com mand response with the Tahoe. These additions reflect our on going commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fire department in all types re incredi of emergencies. We’ bly grateful for the continued support of our community as we work to serve you better every day.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
August, 2025
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PAGE 26
August, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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@lstResponderN ews.com.
Truck Checks If ever there was a necessary evil in the fire service it is defi nitely truck checks. It’ s not going out on a limb to su ggest that there aren’ t many fire fighters that actually like to conduct truck checks. Not be fore drill when you ’ re itching to cut open a car and certainly not after a call or drill when you ’ re wiped out from drag ging hose lines and overhaul. To put it bluntly firefighters, need to stop making ex cu ses to participate in truck checks because they serve several le gitimate purposes most if not all are fairly obvious. First, truck ch ecks allow fire fighters to get to know the lo cation of all the tools on each apparatus. An argument can be made that getting to know where the tools are on the ap paratus is more important for younger firefighters becau se they don’ t have the knowledge base thus tool location may not have p rogressed to be com ing secon d nature yet. That is simply not true. Every firefighter young and old stand to benefit from partici pating in truck checks. For starters, tool locations may change over time based on need and use. Hopefully the inventory sh eets have been updated and the company in formed (as a station keeper I actually made my own be cau se my employer did not provide them when asked)! Not to mention that tools do som etim es get put back in the wrong spots; happens all the time. This is a circumstance a veteran firefighter should be able to remedy immediately. All that said truck checks are from a skills standpoint low level. As such they are an out standing drill for Explorers and junior firefighters (JF) s o that on ce they becom e mem bers, they hit the ground run
ning knowing where every thing is located. Having Ex plorers and JF conduct truck ch ecks also benefits those that are tasked with teaching them sin ce an advisor needs to be present throughout. As an aside DO NOT let Explorers and JF handle pack/cylinder ch ecks without an advisor present to make sure this is done properly. Even as a veteran firefighter in the volunteer service you may not get to operate each tool consistently. If you haven’ t started a chainsaw or K12 in a quite som e time this is your opportunity to do so. Lastly, to expand on that thought not only might firefighters not handle all the too ls co n s is tently, they may not even ride each apparatus consistently to recall all tool locations. On a personal note, I have my routine getting on the primary engine for an alarm but that routine was usually disrupted when having to take the res cue truck for an extrication be cau se not only are the tools different but were not in the sam e locations. Truck checks help to solve that problem. Truck ch ecks as tedious as they are simply train all of us to be more efficient when a particular tool(s) is needed; especially if doubles are needed such as requiring two sets of irons for forcible entry and knowing where the s e c ond set is housed is certainly advantageous. Seriously ask yourself, if the first set of irons is in the cab, d o you know where the secon d set is lo cated if you needed them? Beyond the practical aspect there is also the development of a personal connection with each apparatus and the tools themselves. Personally, I pre fer a Halligan and usually
gravitate toward getting the irons. That personal con n ec tion further develops into a sen se of pride; pride that each tool is functional and ready to go, pride that each apparatus is maintained and clean. Fire fighters can also identify sp e cific tools that they may need additional training with includ ing applicable situations. Last on a personal aspect is that truck ch eck s also assist in helping firefighters decide their preferences i.e. engine or truck. Departmental SO Ps govern how and when truck ch eck s are completed with each com pany deciding the specifics as to how and when. Most depart ments do s o on paper. This unfortunately has contributed over the years to the com pla cen cy and monotony. In som e cases, there is one person with a clipboard with perhaps 3-4 firefighters in tow assist ing by calling out tool names. This system d o e s not allow everyone to participate and/or enables a lack of participation.
som e cases, ready the appara tus for a public appearance such as being part of a Memo rial Day Parade. Usually, it works with a team assigned or chosen by the line officers for each apparatus. Once com pleted each piece is judged by mem bers of neighboring de partments and the winner re ceiving bragging rights and possibly a more tangible prize. Som e departments have out side com panies com e in for this annual cleaning but that undermines som e of the ben efits outlined earlier. The last aspect is using a dig ital format to conduct truck checks. Although there are likely several programs avail able, one of the better on es is PSTrax. This is an online sy s tem where each member is as signed a login that on ce online can view each apparatus bro ken down into the respective compartments and the tools listed that belong in that com partment. Each firefighter can then take a compartment, check off all the too ls in that compartment and com plete the inventory. This is done in “ real time”s o on ce a section is com pleted it is removed from the list s o there is no du
On a weekly basis there are a couple of other ways to allevi ate this. The first is to assign firefighters to a particular ap paratus and then further bro ken down to have each compartment com pleted by one member of the team and report back to an officer. Many hands make light work is a com m on phrase used in many departments and is certainly applicable with truck checks. On an annual basis why not make truck ch eck s more fun and/or competitional to make this daunting task tolerable? Many departments also have an annual “ inspection dinner” that results from a thorough cleaning and truck check. This will identify missing tools and maintenance issu es and, in
plicate effort. Once imple mented truck ch ecks could be done as efficiently as ten min utes. The set up for PSTrax is sim ple, their team assists depart ments build their site and checklists and is a true turn key solution. The end result is a streamlined truck check sy s tem that accom plishes all the positive a sp ects with few, if any, disadvantages - perhaps teaching firefighters to em brace and use new technology as the only downside! PSTrax can be contacted at www.PSTrax.com. At the end of the day, truck ch ecks are a n ecessity for all firefighters and they aren’ t going anywhere. G ood advice then would be stop putting wasted energy into avoidance instead of participating and getting the m ost you can out of this activity. The latter will only result in a much more positive firefighter experience especially when tools are ob tained professionally resulting in a more efficient firefighting operation. - JOSEPH CEA
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August, 2025
PAGE 27
Brivado Cigars: Where First Responders Unwind in Style Tucked away in the vibrant city o f Orange, New Jersey, Brivado Cigars isn ’ t just another cigar lounge - it’ s a sanctuary, a celebration, and a second home for heroes. Owned by Deputy Fire Chief Brian Agnew of the Flolmes Marshall Fire Company in Piscataway, Brivado Cigars is a place where first responders can kick back, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life - all while being hon ored for their service. Located at 14 N. Center Street, Orange, NJ, Brivado C i gars stretches across a generous 6,000-square-feet, offering the perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and community. From the moment you step through the door, it’ s clear that this isn ’ t your average cigar spot. The vibe is elevated yet wel coming, the energy is electric, and the amenities? Next level. To show appreciation for those who protect and serve, every Tuesday is First Responder Ap preciation Day, with half-price day passes offered exclusively for firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other first respon ders. It’ s Brian A gnew ’ s personal way of giving back to the brother hood and sisterhood he knows so well, serving for over 19 years. “ Brivado is more than cigars,” says Agnew. “ It’ s about creating a space for camaraderie, reflection, and celebration. As a firefighter, I know how important it is to de
compress and connect with people who understand the weight of the work we do.” And connect, they do. Brivado Cigars boasts one of New Jersey’ s largest walk-in hu midors, stocked with premium, hand-rolled cigars for every palate. Add to that its BYOB status, 15 high-definition TVs broadcasting every major network game, an in sanely efficient, hospital-grade ventilation system, and the com fort o f plush leather seating, and it’ s easy to see why this has be come a go-to destination for cigar lovers and public servants alike. But it’ s not just about the smoke. Brivado also features a private, non-smoking banquet space that accommodates up to 100 guests, ideal for hosting birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, prom o tion ceremonies, union meetings, fundraisers, car and bike rallies, and more. Whether it’ s a night out with the crew or a full-blown event, Brivado delivers a tailored experience with class and flair. What truly sets Brivado apart is its mobile cigar operation ready to roll into your firehouse or fundraiser and bring the Brivado experience on-site. Whether it’ sa department event, wedding, or
community celebration, the team provides top-tier service and even offers custom-labeled cigars for wet-downs, weddings, birth an nouncements, promotions, re tirements, and charitable events - a personal touch that adds a nice touch to any occasion. Agnew, a lover o f cigars, scotch, and bourbon, founded Brivado Cigars with a simple phi losophy: cherish the moment. That vision echoes throughout the space - from the curated accessories and private cigar lockers to the laugh ter and memories shared nightly among its guests. So if you ’ re a first responder looking for a spot that honors your commitment and caters to your lifestyle, make your way to Brivado. Because when the shift ends, you deserve a place that un derstands what it means to serve and celebrates you for it. Brivado Cigars 14 N. Center St., Orange, NJ 732-366-3044 www.brivadocigars.com brivadocigars@gmail.com
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PAGE 28
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
August, 2025
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