1st Responder News CA January February Edition

The California Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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JAN/FEB, 2O17

BLAZE RAVAGES THROUGH FIRE STATION

FERNANDO VILLICANA

Buena Park, CA - A fire broke out at 3:40 A.M. on January 12th at Orange County Fire Station-61, located at 8081 Western Ave., directly across the street from Knott's Berry Farm. All firefighters inside of the station, which houses eight firefighters and one battalion chief, were able to evacuate safely.

- See full story on page 16

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

REDLANDS FD

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

Firefighters Battle Commercial Fire in Bloomington

REDLANDS FD

Traffic Collision in Redlands Causes Hazmat Incident

Redlands, CA - On January 5th, crews responded to the Eastbound I-10 Freeway, between Tennessee St. and Orange St. in the City of Redlands, for a significant traffic collision that caused major freeway delays. Battalion-704, Medic Truck261, Medic Engine-263, Medic Engine-264, Medic Squad-264 and multiple CHP units worked to control and mitigate the Hazardous Material incident involving leaked diesel fuel and oil caused by the accident.

Bloomington, CA - At 1:56 P.M. on January 11th, San Bernardino County Fire responded to numerous reports of a commercial structure fire on the Southwest corner of Cedar and Slover Avenues, located in the community of Bloomington. Officers from the California Highway Patrol noticed smoke in the area and located fire coming from the roof of a building.

Firefighters arrived to find a 9,000-square-foot, single-story structure that seasonally serves as a produce stand for the community.

Heavy smoke was pumping from two sides of the property. An aggressive fire attack was initiated by the first-due engine company.

JUMP TO FILE #012017107 The property was determined to be a collection of buildings, one of which included a basement, that was constructed over the years.

Fire was rapidly moving through the numerous structures to the point that an operational retreat was declared. Firefighters transitioned to a defensive attack, with a new goal of minimizing the spread to adjacent structures.

The fire was brought under control in just under 90-minutes.

Four engines, two truck companies, two medic squads, two chief offi-

cers and an investigator, for a total of 27 personnel, were assigned to the incident. Rialto Fire Department provided mutual aid with one engine.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. Damage estimates are still being assessed; however, the buildings have been to determined to be a complete loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Southbound Cedar Avenue and both directions of Slover Avenue were temporarily closed during suppression activity.

- SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

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GARDEN GROVE FD

Garden Grove, CA - The Garden Grove Fire Department, along with many other agencies, carry more than just fire and rescue equipment on their engines. They also carry stuffed animals to comfort and take care of small children who are scared by situations that may be traumatic to them.

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

ADVERTISER INDEX

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Company

Page

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American Trademark

27

Armor Tuff Flooring

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Brindlee Mtn. Fire App. FDIC

FERNANDO VILLICANA

15

SACRAMENTO FD

20,21,40

FF’s First Credit Union

39

Fire Family Foundation

34

Hoffman Radio Network Kimtek

Red Helmet Training

Red Knights Motorcyle Task Force Tips Waterway

35

17,29

13,22

31

5,23

WEH Technologies Zodiac Mil Pro

9

19

25

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 3 No. 1 - California edition is published bi-monthly, 6 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 or erA division of: rors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

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SACRAMENTO FD

FERNANDO VILLICANA

Resident Injured in Brea House Fire Brea, CA - At approximately 5:15 P.M. on December 17th, Brea and Fullerton FD's responded to a reported single-family residential fire, located in the 400 block of Flower St. in Brea. Upon arrival, units found a working fire in the living room. The fire had started in a fireplace. One resident was injured as he attempted to break a window. He was treated onscene and the fire was quickly knocked down.

Five Animals Perish in Sacramento House Fire Sacramento, CA - Fire crews in Sacramento were met with heavy smoke and fire conditions at a house fire on Warren Avenue during the late hours of January 7th. Interior engine and truck crews struggled to advance with extremely high heat and zero visibility conditions until the roof crews were able to cut and ventilate. Once ventilation was complete, the engine crews advanced to extinguish the fire and truck crews completed their search. Five people were evacuated safely, but four cats and one dog were not so lucky. Residents stated that they had a smoke alarm, but it was not working. Neighbors alerted them to the fire by banging on the front door.

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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Jan/Feb, 2017

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) Henry Campbell (Staying Safe) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

Montana: Darryl Elden “Poor Boy” Vielle, 51 Rank: Crew Boss/Engine Boss Incident Date: November 30, 2016 Death Date: November 30, 2016 Fire Department: Blackfeet Forestry and Fire Management Initial Summary: While serving on the Maple Spring wildfire in North Carolina, Blackfeet Nation Fire Management Crew Boss/Engine Boss Darryl Elden “Poor Boy” Vielle was found deceased in his motel room on the morning of November 30, 2016.

The Blackfeet Forestry and Fire Management crew has been supporting firefighters in North Carolina since November 10th.

Michigan: Thomas Gary Walker, 70 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 27, 2016 Death Date: November 27, 2016 Fire Department: Otsego County Fire Department Initial Summary: Later in the day after responding with his fire department to an early morning carbon monoxide alarm, Firefighter Walker collapsed at home and was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.

Washington: Charles “Doug” Archer, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 28, 2016 Death Date: Pending Fire Department: Spokane County Fire District 8 Initial Summary: After responding with his fire department to a residential fire and an aid call, Firefighter Archer returned to his residence to rest where he succumbed in his sleep.

South Carolina: Jeffery A. Worsham, 45 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: December 2, 2016 Death Date: December 10, 2016 Fire Department: Whitesville Rural Volunteer

Fire Department Initial Summary: After responding to a motor vehicle accident call with the Whitesville Fire Department and then returning home, Assistant Fire Chief Jeffery A. Worsham was found in the morning by his spouse in cardiac arrest. The Whitesville Fire Department responded to Chief Worsham’s residence where he was treated and transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injury several days later.

Ohio: Ruben E. Mast, 43 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 19, 2016 Death Date: December 19, 2016 Fire Department: Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Ruben E. Mast was responding to an alarm in his privately owned Ford F-250 pickup truck when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail before overturning.

Mast was reported to have been ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department and Smith Ambulance to Union Hospital in Dover, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Oregon: Ray Rubio, 52 Rank: Firefighter/Smokejumper Incident Date: November 23, 2016 Death Date: December 19, 2016 Fire Department: Redmond Smokejumpers Redmond Air Center Deschutes National Forest Initial Summary: Firefighter/Smokejumper Ray Rubio passed away in the Grandview Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama, from injuries he suffered in a fall on November 23, 2016. Rubio, a Smokejumper (RAC 95) with the Redmond Air Center (RAC) - Deschutes National Forest, had been assigned to the Southeast during an outbreak of multiple large fires in the region. Firefighter Rubio was reported to have been in travel status on his way home to Oregon and staying overnight in Birmingham at the time of his injury.

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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FERNANDO VILLICANA

MODESTO FD

FERNANDO VILLICANA

MODESTO FD

FERNANDO VILLICANA

Crews Battle Motorhome Fire in Garden Grove

Garden Grove, CA - At approximately 2:15 A.M. on December 16th, the Garden Grove Fire Department responded to a motor home fire in the City of Garden Grove. Upon arrival, fire units found a fully involved motor home. The fire was knocked down quickly, with an approximate 15-minute duration.

House Fire Displaces Five Modesto Residents Modesto, CA - On January 19th at 10:09 A.M., crews from Modesto Fire and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District were dispatched for reports of a working structure fire in the 2500 block of Tallent Drive. First arriving units found a garage fire that had extended into the attic over the main house. Crews made a great stop, containing the fire within 20-minutes while also salvaging belongings by using tarps to cover furniture and personal possessions.

A total of 23 fire personnel responded to the incident. Five people were displaced from the fire. The cause is under investigation and damage is estimated at $150,000. The homeowners were given a California Fire Foundation SAVE card to assist them.

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Fire Family Foundation Provides Over $350,000 in Aid in 2016 Assisting Firefighters, Fire Families Los Angeles, CA - As the charitable hand of the Los Angeles-based Firefighters First Credit Union, Fire Family Foundation dispersed more than $350,000 in assistance to firefighters and fire families in need in 2016. That amount more than doubles the previous year.

Serving firefighters, their families and fire victims, the Foundation ensures donations directly support those in need, covering medical expenses, mortgage payments and daily living costs; assistance was distributed to numerous individuals, families and communities impacted by fire.

“Be it fire, devastation, illness or death, the support provided by the Foundation helps families, fire victims, and fire families begin the long process of recovery. We continue to be humbled by the support we received in 2016 from the firefighting community and the general public,” commented Mike Mastro, Foundation Board Chair, who serves as President/CEO of Firefighters First.

“The Foundation continues to respond to those in need, from injured firefighters to a family member with a medical emergency, to a fire victim with a housing crisis. The Fire Family is a close-knit community and we truly try to take care of one another.”

The Foundation helped many this year, including: - Young Annie, who has been battling cancer most of her 5-year life.

- The family of a young firefighter who passed away unexpectedly while on vacation.

- Rialto Fire Department as they aided victims of the 2015 San Bernardino shooting.

- The family of an inmate crewmember killed as she helped battle a wildfire.

- Supporting a vigil for all first responders, including Oakland firefighters, in the aftermath of the devastating Ghost Ship Warehouse fire

JUMP TO FILE #010917141 that claimed 36 lives.

- Educational needs for the son of a firefighter who passed away.

- A fire captain struggling with PTSD. - A veteran firefighter mom battling cancer who also has twin daughters - Victims of the devastating Erskine and Sand Fires, especially housing needs to firefighters who lost their own homes.

The assistance was broad. Support went to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to help the flood victims, firefighters in Indianapolis who have struggled with cancer, and funeral assistance for a Charlotte, North Carolina firefighter as a few examples, plus dozens of fire victims within California.

Foundation Executive Director Robin McCarthy explained the Foundation’s focus and mission: “In 2016, Fire Family Foundation offered a hand to hundreds. Some of our biggest assistance items were $123,000 in mortgages/housing costs; $75,000 for hospital/medical expenses; and $59,000 for education and tuition, to name a few. This year we are helping more, providing support when victims feel alone and not certain where to turn, especially our firefighting community. Once again, we stand behind our dedicated firefighters.”

Learn more about Fire Family Foundation and individuals/organizations that it’s currently helping at www.firefamilyfoundation.org. Follow Fire Family Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/firefamilyfoundation and/or on Twitter at @FireFamilyFound.

- BRENDA REES FOR FIRE FAMILY FOUNDATION

DID Y OU K NOW The first known female firefighter in the U.S. was Molly Williams, a slave from New York, who fought fires side by side with men in 1815.

?

PROVIDED

Oakland firefighters try to clear a path into the burned building.

ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/GETTY IMAGES

Oakland Warehouse Fire Claims 36 Lives Oakland, CA - A massive fire that tore through a converted warehouse during an electronic dance party at 11:30 P.M. on December 2nd left 36 people dead. It was the deadliest fire the United States has seen since 2003, when 100 people perished in a fire at a Rhode Island nightclub.

The blaze completely gutted the two-story, 10,000-square-foot, 86-year-old building, which housed a few dozen artist's studios. Reports stated that more than

JUMP TO FILE #120516120 20 of the artists were also living in the converted warehouse. The building was described as a "sort of live/work art space, with a lot of old decorations and furniture."

The blaze grew so quickly that it trapped many people on the second-floor, leaving them unable to escape. The only path between the first-floor and second-floor was a

wooden staircase that firefighters were unable to reach due to the immense fire.

The warehouse, known locally as the "Ghost Ship," was said to have many building-code violations. Firefighters found no evidence of sprinklers in the building.

Although the cause of the blaze is thought to be accidental, an investigation into the exact cause is ongoing.

- LINDSEY PALMER

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

SACRAMENTO FD

12-Year-Old Burn Survivor Gives Back

Sacramento, CA - On July 4th, 2012 young Skylah (right), was badly burned by sparklers while celebrating the holiday. The Firefighters Burn Institute helped her and her family through her recovery, and she has been a faithful attendant at the Burn Survivors Kid's Camp for the last three Summers. This year, Skylah wanted to do something to give back to the organization that helped her through her difficult time. By organizing a gift wrapping drive and wrapping presents, Skylah was able to raise $110, which she donated to Firefighter Ryan Gardner of the Burn Institute on her 12th birthday. Thank you Skylah, for your selflessness and generosity, and for showing everyone the true meaning of Christmas!

CAL FIRE

CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Battalion Chief Mike Shorrock recently retired from CAL FIRE after 45years of service to move on to the “second phase” of his life, as he travels abroad. Congratulations on your retirement Chief!

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

San Bernardino Firefighters Rescue Boy from Sinkhole Victorville, CA - At 3:14 P.M. on January 15th, San Bernardino County Fire received reports of a possible child who fell into a sinkhole in the City of Victorville. A rescue response was dispatched, which brought multiple units in from both the city of Hesperia and Victorville. JUMP TO FILE# Units arrived ap- 011917126 proximately sixminutes later and found an open pit in a dirt section of land in front of a residential property.

Firefighters made contact with family and witnesses who stated that a young child had fallen into a a sinkhole. A threefoot circular open was found with unstable soil around all edges.

Firefighters' initial priority was to secure the area around the hole to prevent any further soil from falling in and onto the child. Two ladders were placed in order to distribute the weight and allow firefighters to make contact with the victim, an eight-year-old boy.

The child was found alert, approximately 15-feet down inside of the pit, resting in waist high water.

Additional resources were requested to the scene to assist in the rescue. Since the victim was alert and communicating with firefighters and due to the instability of the soil around the opening, a rapid extraction was conducted by lowering pre-tied ropes down to the child which secured his torso, legs and upper extremities. The child was then extracted vertically from the hole without any complications after about 15-minutes. SBCoFD paramedics evaluated the child and eventually transported him locally with minor injuries.

Two truck companies, one paramedic engine, one heavy rescue, one paramedic ambulance and a chief officer responded to the incident for a total of 12 fire department personnel. The City of Victorville was contacted to respond to the scene and evaluate the sinkhole.

SBCoFD would like to remind citizens that if anybody should ever fall into a pit or sinkhole, to keep a safe distance until firefighters arrive. Soil can become soft and collapse unless specific precautions are put in place to secure the ground. This can risk the safety of the victim and potentially hurt would-be rescuers.

The three-foot wide sinkhole.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

- SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

BUDDY SHOTS

Chaplain's Corner

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Didymus McHugh

Grief

FRESNO FD

Fresno, CA - Fresno Fire responded to a residential fire on January 25th. The Engine-12 crew was firstin and reported heavy smoke and flames upon arrival. The fire took over 20-minutes and 20 firefighters to contain. This marked the first fire in a newly promoted position for Captain Hill, Firefighter Specialist Walbeck and probationary Firefighter Zakusilo.

When was the last time that we thought about grieving? People grieve many changes in their lives.

We grieve losing a job, a divorce, death, moving and many other changes. But do we really understand what it is to grieve?

They say that there are five-tonine stages of grief. The five that are most common are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Some people think that you go from step one through step five in that order, but grief is not that neat and clean, or that predictable. A person can spend a long or short time in any of these phases.

They can revisit any phase many times.

You can go from denial, to anger, to bargaining, back to anger again, to depression, to anger again, to acceptance and to depression again. It all depends on the individual.

Let’s look at the death of someone who died from being sick or old. The family may have been taking care of the individual for years.

Even though they understand that the person may be at peace now, it still does not remove the pain.

Months may go by until they decide to deal with the person's belongings. People may want this or that to remember their loved one.

People may not even touch any of the possessions because it may cause them too much pain.

Events that go by may trigger the grieving process again, such as the person’s birthday, the holidays, special landmarks in time or place, a smell that reminds them of the person, or a song. Just like Critical Incident Stress has many triggers, so does grieving; after all, it is a critical incident. Some may just

want to sit there and experience the grief because they are afraid that when they stop grieving, they may forget the person.

God says that we should love one another. Being there to be with someone as they grieve is a sign that you care, even just by helping someone figure out the paperwork, or what to do with the possessions.

My friend told me that it was a great help as we cleaned out a relative’s house. We sat there for hours and talked as we went through everything. We figured out where it was to go, who it would go to, and/or if we would throw it out.

Once in a while we would start to laugh, seeing things from our childhood that they saved from years ago, and seeing what we had from years ago.

It is perfectly fine for someone to mourn. We all need time to process our losses. As I write this, I'm thinking of one of my clients that died, who I knew for about 30 years, and also one of my friend's relatives who died. I'm also thinking of someone who means a lot to me that was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. I, myself, am mourning losses with my friends, as well as preparing myself for things that are inevitable. I know that I may be devastated when the person passes, but I also plan to remember the person close to me and I plan on honoring the person with my service, thoughts and actions.

Children sometimes have a harder time dealing with grief, which people can assist with. There are counselors and also some camps that help, such as Comfort Zone Camps. Comfort Zone is a nationwide camp that assists children when they have challenges dealing with their own grief.

I ask that you be there to grieve with those who mourn, and be patient. It is okay to just be there and be silent when you do not know what to say. It is part of caring for people and being part of a family.

We will all grieve at one time or another.

Stay safe, Didymus McHugh

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Crews Knock Down Apartment Fire in Fullerton Fullerton, CA - On December 4th at 12:26 A.M., the Fullerton F.D. responded to a reported apartment fire in the 1200 block of Deerpark Drive in Fullerton.

Upon arrival, Fullerton Engine-5 reported a single apartment unit well-involved with JUMP TO FILE# fire.

120816104 Crews from Fullerton, Brea and the Orange County Fire Authority extinguished the blaze in approximately 20-minutes.

One resident suffered a laceration and minor burns to the hand and was treated on-scene.

- FERNANDO VILLICANA

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Jan/Feb, 2017

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Blaze Ravages Through Fire Station in Buena Park Buena Park, CA - A fire broke out at 3:40 A.M. on January 12th at Orange County Fire Station-61, located at 8081 Western Ave., directly across the street from Knott's Berry Farm.

All firefighters inside of the station, which houses eight firefighters and one JUMP TO FILE# battalion chief, 011317103 were able to evacuate safely. Other members of the crew were out on a call at the time the fire broke out and reported seeing a large header of smoke as they were returning to the station.

It took 64 firefighters from the OCFA and Anaheim Fire Department approximately 45-minutes to knock down the fire, which destroyed a 100-foot aerial truck, along with many of the station's tools, equipment and firefighter's personal items. The cause of the fire is unknown and being investigated at this time.

- FERNANDO VILLICANA

FERNANDO VILLICANA

FERNANDO VILLICANA

FERNANDO VILLICANA

Firefighters try to save as many personal belongings as possible from the blaze.

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Los Angeles Firefighters Welcome Make-A-Wish Recipient Carson, CA - On December 29th, Los Angeles firefighters welcomed Calvin Grisham and his entire family to Fire Station-127 in Carson. Calvin is a Make-AWish recipient and his dream is to become a firefighter.

JUMP TO FILE #012017116 The crew from Stain-127 gave Calvin the opportunity to ride Engine and Squad 51, and also made

him an honorary firefighter for the day. Calvin learned about line up procedures, emergency response, patient care and how to prepare lunch for a crew!

- LOS ANGELES CO. FD

Calvin's smile says it all!

Calvin shakes hands and thanks his brother firefighters.

BOB LONG

LOS ANGELES CO. FD

LOS ANGELES CO. FD

LOS ANGELES CO. FD

Make-A-Wish recipient Calvin Grisham proudly poses in front of Rescue-51.

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PAGE 19

VENTURA COUNTY FD

FREMONT FD

Faulty Electrical Wiring Causes Structure Fire in Fremont

Fremont, CA - Firefighters from Fremont Fire Dept. responded to a structure fire in a mobile home at 273 Winnipeg Terrace on January 15th. The fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring.

PROMO CODE FH16

Ventura Firefighters Help Family Stranded in Flood Camarillo, CA - On January 22nd, firefighters from Ventura County Station-50 assisted a family who was stranded in a flooded intersection on Pleasant Valley Road in Camarillo.

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FLASHBACK

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

SACRAMENTO FD

Sacramento Firefighters Need Your Vote!

Sacramento, CA - The "Defenders of Midtown" or DOM, are a heavy rock band composed of Sacramento Firefighters assigned to Station-4 on the A-shift, and they need your vote!

The annual Fire Department Instructor's Conference for 2017 is being held in Indianapolis in April. This conference brings firefighters from all over the world to meet and share ideas and training

JUMP TO FILE #012417104 techniques to better the profession. This year, the conference features a "Battle Of The Bands" competition. The winner will receive a prize and will also perform live at the conference.

Please take a moment of your time to vote for the band and help

make their dream come true They are the 8th band pictured at the following link, and voting only takes a moment. The Sacramento firefighters thank you very much!

To vote, visit http://www.fdic.com/battle-of-thebands.html - SACRAMENTO FD

Sacramento, CA - During the floods of 1986, the Sacramento Fire Department was taxed to the limit with flood and rescue calls.

Crews also had the opportunity to fight at least one structure fire in an unorthodox way.

Rick Martinez, who later went on to become the Chief of Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, was a young Sacramento Fire Captain assigned to Engine-18 in North Sacramento.

Chief Martinez describes the scene: "The boat was the Sacramento Fire boat that was on loan to the Police Department for patrol post-flood, watching for looters.

The boat driver is Firefighter Bob Mason. I’m in the water to the right near the tree, and the water is up to my chest. The location of the fire was in the area of Silver Eagle Road and Mable Street. The entire area had been inundated by flood

PROVIDED BY THE SACRAMENTO FD

waters. I was the Captain of Engine-18, and we were first onscene. When we arrived, we drove south on Mable until the water was up to the running boards of the engine. We had a large, four person raft with us and deployed it, putting hose, SCBA’s and a hydrant wrench into the raft and pushed it through the water. A resident in a boat, much like the fire department boat, came upon us and towed us to the burning house.

At the time he started to tow us, I was walking behind the raft and didn’t have time to get in so I literally hung on to the back of the raft and he towed me too. Once on-scene I couldn’t feel the bottom, which was street level, so I slowly let go and the water was badge high. The fire department boat arrived some time later."

- SACRAMENTO FD

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Woman Suffers Burn Injuries from House Fire in Taft Taft, CA - At 7:58 A.M. on January 19th, the Kern County Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the 500 block of Asher Avenue in Taft. A reinforced structure response was started by dispatch- JUMP TO FILE# ers. The first arriv- 012017139 ing firefighters were faced with intense flames coming out of the front door and living room window.

Firefighters received multiple reports that there was a woman still inside of the burning home.

The Incident Commander requested a Code-3 ambulance. An aggressive interior attack was made on the fire while simultaneously searching for the victim.

Firefighters located an unconscious woman with burn injuries.

The victim was quickly pulled out of the burning building and brought to an awaiting gurney.

Firefighters and personnel from Hall Ambulance immediately started emergency care and transported the patient to the hospital.

Property damage was estimated at $25,000. Two dogs were rescued, but unfortunately one perished.

- KERN COUNTY FD

DOUG KEELER/TAFT MIDWAY DRILLER

DOUG KEELER/TAFT MIDWAY DRILLER

DOUG KEELER/TAFT MIDWAY DRILLER

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

A New Years Wish STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

Well, it's the beginning of another year and hopefully your resolution is to make it a safe one for you, the members of your department and the fire service in general. There was no final figure for Line-of-Duty deaths in 2016 as I prepared this article, using the USFA as my source, but the figure on December 14th was 82. We can and must do better in the reduction of this annual toll of lives taken in the line-of-duty and it will require a total commitment from all in the fire service.

Staying out of harm’s way is not easy as we go about the performance of our duties with all of its inherent dangers. There exists tremendous potential from all forms of hazards that we encounter and are exposed to on a daily basis that can result in serious injury or death, even when we are observing caution. Imagine what can occur when you are not concentrating, relaxed, and lowered your guard, or do something just plain dumb.

One must maintain the proper attitude relative to safety in order to remain safe and stay alive, and if you don’t, you can easily become a statistic.

So, what can we do to help reduce this annual loss of life? You can start out by maintaining, or getting in good physical condition, since the leading cause of firefighter deaths is still heart attacks. Remember, round is not a shape unless you are a ball, so get in shape! It will enable you to perform at high physical stress levels, with less risk of a heart attack.

Cigarette smoking is another major contributing factor for heart attack, so if you smoke, do your best to kick the habit. Believe me, I have heard all the stories and glories about "eating smoke at a fire, so why should I quit smoking??" Well for starters, the days of the smoke eater are long past and you should be using SCBA. Secondly, if there is one habit that contributes to almost every medical ailment known to science, it's smoking. Some fire departments have a no smoking policy that they have had in place for many years and in these departments’ retirement and pension, benefits hinge directly to this no smoking policy, especially should heart and lung medical illnesses arise. It might be the perfect time for the entire fire service to incorporate this, or a similar policy.

In conjunction with a no smoking policy, it may also be time the fire service begins enforcing a physical agility standard on an annual basis that requires all firefighting personnel to meet the standard or confront dismissal from the department. It may appear as an unreasonable option, but it may just be what is needed for some individuals to finally decide to take the necessary steps to keep his/her position, while improving and maintaining their health. Many career departments have volunteer participation physical agility programs, and if they have full compliance pro-

grams, they generally do very little policing of those who fail to meet the standard. In the volunteer service, where recruiting new members is becoming more difficult and getting a crew out during the week is difficult, the last thing you want to do is stop anyone from responding, so we sometimes look the other way.

Another key factor relative to heart attacks in the volunteer service is that many members are much older than in the career departments. Many career firefighters have retired by the age of 55, whereas in the volunteer fire service, a member may continue active into his/her 70’s. With the increase in age also comes the increase in the potential of having a heart attack while performing stressful activity. It's tough to hold back some of the old dedicated members, and surely they would be missed, so it is incumbent for the department to make sure these members have a minimum medical examination and get plenty of monitoring and rehab when assisting at the emergency scene. Even then, there still remains the increased risk.

If we can reduce the annual stress related line-of-duty deaths, we will have taken a major step in decreasing the annual death toll. We will not have eliminated LODD’s, but we will be moving toward a goal of reducing the annual death toll. Motor vehicle and apparatus related deaths need to be reduced. Risk management has to be reviewed and some logical determinations made by command officers, as to how much risk will be taken on the fire ground in order to save what? I realize the saving of life is our most important mission, and that includes our own personnel, but after that, almost every material item can be replaced. The life of a firefighter caught in a collapse, trying to save property from further destruction by fire, is too high a price to pay.

So, as we enter this New Year, let us all resolve to do all we possibly can to reduce the annual death and injury toll. It can be done!

Till next time, stay safe and God Bless!

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Jan/Feb, 2017

BUDDY SHOTS

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Santa Ana, CA - OC Firefighters smile for a picture after an afternoon of chainsaw work on a commercial roof. The brotherhood that exists between firefighters is a special bond that will last for a lifetime!

OC FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL-3631

SAN DIEGO FIRE-RESCUE

San Diego, CA - Members from San Diego Fire-Rescue pose together at the station.

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

FACES OF CALIFORNIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your faces in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

Los Angeles, CA - Congratulations to the 145th class of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. These firefighters recently went through a grueling and intense 17-week academy, where they were taught basic and advanced firefighter tactics.

LOS ANGELES CO. FD

San Diego, CA - Members from San Diego Fire-Rescue with their brother firefighters from Saudi Aramco after recently completing the first-ever international fellowship program.

LOS ANGELES CO. FD

Los Angeles, CA - The 32nd annual Kingdom Day Parade took place in South Los Angeles on Monday, January 16th. Fire Chief Daryl Osby, along with members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department participated in the annual celebration to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Lake County, CA - On December 17th, Battalion Chief Mike Wink received a Congressional 2016 Public Safety Hero of the Year Award for his dedication to the community’s safety during the 2016 Clayton Fire and the 2015 Valley Fire. His leadership and quick response undoubtedly limited damage sustained within Lake County.

Fresno, CA - Congratulations to Fresno Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom Cope for recently being nominated "Firefighter of the Year" by the Exchange Club of Fresno!

Garden Grove, CA - Garden Grove FD is pleased to announce the promotion of Drew Garcia to the rank of fire captain. Drew has been an asset to their department and the community, having served as a firefighter, paramedic and an engineer. He has worked hard in preparing for this position, and they know he's going to do well. Pictured: Chief Schultz issuing Drew Garcia his helmet.

FRESNO FD

SAN DIEGO FIRE-RESCUE

CAL FIRE

GARDEN GROVE FD

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

CAL FIRE Forester James Scheid helps aide tree planting efforts.

CAL FIRE

Mayor Libby Schaaf with Chief Pimlott and Urban ReLeaf Arborist Akem Davis.

CAL FIRE

CAL FIRE Participates in Tree Planting Event Oakland, CA - On the morning of January 16th, hundreds of Oakland residents and dozens of organizations came together to plant trees at Brookfield Elementary School. These newly planted trees will help reduce noise from a near-by highway, provide cleaner air, help mitigate the effects of carbon emissions, and also provide an interactive environment for kids to learn about urban forestry. To date, CAL FIRE's Urban Forestry and Community Forestry Program has funded the planting of more than 6,200 trees in Oakland neighborhoods.

Jan/Feb, 2017

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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.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

MIKE RUSSELL

Where to Begin: Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Your Fire Department The new year has rolled in and your fire department has started the dialogue to consider incorporating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), often referred to as “drones”, into departmental operations. Your officers and firefighters have witnessed some of the benefits of using UAS during departmental operations because a local hobbyist has volunteered to fly his aerial vehicle over your fire scenes and has shared the videos in real-time with the chief. So, where do you go from this point?

The first step is to immediately stop what you are doing.

While the intentions of the hobbyist may be sincere and much appreciated by the fire department, they go against federal regulations and can land both the fire department and the hobbyist in serious trouble, including fines adding up to tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. The same holds true for any firefighter who may be using his or her personal UAS on scene for the benefit of the fire department. The bottom line is, this is not allowed within the scope of federal UAS regulations.

Fire chiefs have recognized the value of using UAS during departmental operations. Whether it’s for scene size up, hazmat conditions, search and rescue, or large scale incidents, the benefits of this technology are certainly notable.

The decision to acquire a UAS is not one that should be entered into lightly. For any fire department, this process should be initiated with a strategic-level needs assessment that evaluates a variety of factors, including types of calls, number of alarms, manpower and

JUMP TO FILE #121216109 budget. The appropriate UAS platform and accessories must also be matched with the department’s operational needs. Fire departments need to conscientiously and sensibly establish comprehensive and risk adverse UAS programs along with substantial educational and training protocols for the utilization of this technology as a practical and sustainable tool.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established separate guidelines for the use of UAS by public organizations as compared to hobbyists and commercial entities. As public organizations, fire departments need to follow the procedures set forth in this category by the FAA in order to deploy UAS legally and safely during departmental operations.

Through the FAA, public agencies can apply for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) in order to seek approval to conduct UAS operations in the nation’s airspace. This approval follows a lengthy all-inclusive operational and technical preparation by the fire department and an equivalent review by the FAA. Fire departments may also utilize elements of the newly designated FAA small UAS rule (Part 107) to become properly certified to fly for their department’s aerial vehicle. Attaining this certification, which must be renewed every 24 months, requires becoming proficient in general aeronautical knowledge.

This includes being able to read visual flight rules (VFR) sectional

charts in order to recognize various airspaces and their limits; the understanding of weather phenomena and their effects on your UAS in flight; and specifics about the Part 107 regulations that you will be flying under. Depending upon the individual, preparation for this test could take more than 20 hours of study time. All of these details illuminate the fact that fire departments are not permitted to simply go to a store, purchase a drone, and deploy it during their calls.

It is an exciting time in the world of unmanned aerial technology. Use cases are presenting themselves at dizzying rates as the aerial and imagery technology continues to rapidly advance. In this blur of progress it is essential for fire departments and other public agencies to remember that they are being closely scrutinized by the public. Your department needs to ensure that it has developed and implemented a comprehensive UAS program that encompasses regulatory compliance, ground safety, executive management and operational training. Much consideration needs to be made by your department and municipality in regard to budgeting and vendor management, as well as designing appropriate policies, standard operating procedures and emergency safety protocols. In the end, the essential objective is to be able to deploy your UAS in a safe and responsible manner in order to aid your department in effectively saving lives and property.

- MIKE RUSSELL

REDLANDS FD

Redlands, CA - Redlands FD experienced a new kind of incident in December...a drone rescue! They were more than happy to help the grateful drone owner.

FRESNO FD

Fresno, CA - On January 18th, Fresno Fire's USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team members rappelled down to deliver the game ball during a Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Colorado State Rams basketball game.

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

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NEVER FORGET If you have photos you would like to see in our “Never Forget” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Camarillo, CA - The Ventura County FD is humbled and honored by the support their community continues to show them and the family of Fallen Fire Engineer Ryan Osler! On January 12th, the Los Angeles Kings hosted Ryan's family and honored him as the "Hero of the Game." Additionally, the most recent firefighter academy class to graduate from Oxnard College Fire Academy dedicated their class in honor of Ryan Osler.

Two-Alarm Commercial Fire in El Cajon El Cajon, CA - At 11:59 A.M. on December 4th, Heartland Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched for the report of a commercial fire in the 800 block of West Bradley Avenue in El Cajon. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered a singlestory warehouse, with heavy smoke coming from the structure.

Fire officials called for a secondalarm and two ambulances for reported burn victims.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire in approximately 20-minutes. Simultaneously, fire department and EMS personnel treated and transported two patients to the Regional Burn Center at UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest. The cause of the fire was determined to be from the catastrophic failure of a piece of equipment, causing the fire to spread to other equipment and

JUMP TO FILE #120716108 combustibles that were in close proximity.

Heartland Fire and Rescue units were assisted by Santee Fire Department, Lakeside Fire Protection District, Cal Fire - San Miguel and San Diego Fire Rescue Department. Additionally, San Diego Fire Hazmat-1 and County Hazmat were called to the scene to determine if any hazardous materials were involved. After an investigation, Hazmat determined that no hazardous materials were present and no further action was needed. The estimated dollar loss is approximately $800,000.

- SONNY SAGHERA

20th Century Firefighting VENTURA COUNTY FD

ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

20th Century Firefighting As seen through the eyes of Illustrator, William Hicks, Milton Fireman 1899-1942

By Nathan R. Murphy and Lieutenant Brian Doherty Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite 4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $22.00 This is a soft covered book, measuring 9-inches by 11 ½inches and has 56 pages. From page 6 through 55 there are sketches and illustrations, except for one page which has a photo of a monument dedicated to six Milton, Massachusetts firefighters and two police officers who gave their lives in the line-of-duty to the city.

This book is the product of an idea put forth by Lieutenant Brian Doherty to Nathan R. Murphy, en-

couraging him to write this book while he secured the rights to use the artwork in the book that was done by Firefighter William Hick, Nathan’s great, great Grandfather.

William Hicks was a very talented firefighter and person. He served the city of Milton’s fire department for the first four decades of the 20th century. He was part of the transition of volunteers to career firefighters and from horse drawn to steam engines. He sketched illustrations of all aspects of being a firefighter, from fighting fires, responding to rescues and other emergencies, to firehouse life, social events, duties and what have you. Many, if not most of the sketches are of actual calls with the likes of actual firefighters who responded. Many locations are named and the nature of the call described.

The days of old are well represented and it is an education to anyone interested in history. Modern day firehouse life and firefighting are a light-year difference from much of what you will view on these pages. It is an enjoyable look of yesteryear, but sometimes sad when tragedy results. Nathan used this book as an Eagle Scout project. Lieutenant Doherty is the current president of the Milton Historical Society and helped to establish the Milton Firefighter Memorial Archives.

Read previous columns from John Malecky and the rest of our staff at www.1RBN.com VENTURA COUNTY FD

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Jan/Feb, 2017

PAGE 31

WORKING FACES

?

D ID YOU K NOW

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

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As the wax melts, the paper becomes a wick and one candle will last about 30 minutes.

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BECOME A RED KNIGHT

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2902 Green Tip Cove • Wilmington, NC 28409 Secretary@redknightsmc.com View our web page at: WWW.REDKNIGHTSMC.com

"Loyal to Our Duty"

ROSEVILLE FD

Roseville, CA - The Roseville Fire Dept. is happy to announce the promotion of Jon Davidson to Fire Captain! January 9th was Captain Davidson's first shift in his new role. Pictured here is Captain Davidson receiving his new badge from Chief Bartee.

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1947 American Lafrance Tiller Returning to N.Y. The first-ever American LaFrance 700-series, tractor-drawn aerial ladder truck, was built in 1947 for the Middletown Fire Company in Middletown, NY. It has since traveled across the country and will soon be returning home.

The truck, with a 100-foot long lad- JUMP TO FILE# der, resided in Mid- 010517104 dletown, NY until it was sold in 1967 to the Tulatin Fire District in Oregon. The Continental powered, six-cylinder tiller served Tulatin and eventually made its way into service for the Jackson County-3 Fire District in southern Oregon, where the compartments were modified and the truck was converted into a fire prevention/public education unit. It was with Jackson County that the rig last saw fire-related service.

The truck is being restored by Chief Juan Diaz of California's Mountain View Fire Department, with the intention of returning the apparatus to its original owner. The Cuban immigrant, who arrived in this country at the age of 15, unable to speak English, developed his love of antique iron during his formative years in Cuba and his passion still burns brightly.

Diaz, part of a family of five, arrived in Miami during the Cuban Mariel Boat Lift on a vessel tagged the "Sun Hippie." The family stayed with relatives until relocating to Santa Clara, CA. The young Diaz attended Santa Clara High School during the day and worked as a janitor at night to help his family pay rent in addition to saving money to buy the first of his many classic cars; a 1965 Mustang convertible. A strong work ethic and desire to help others led the young man to volunteer with the Santa Clara Fire Department until he was hired as a career firefighter with the San Jose Fire Department at the age of 23, where he served in a variety of positions during his 25year career with the department, rising through the ranks to the Deputy Chief spot. After leaving San Jose, Juan Diaz was named Chief of the Mountain View Fire Department in May of 2014, where he still serves.

It was the firefighting profession that gave Diaz the opportunity to save for, and purchase many classic vehicles, including a 1956 ElDorado, a 1928 American LaFrance Engine, a 1940 Ford Engine and now, the first-ever 700 series tiller made by American LaFrance.

Diaz discovered the tiller, which had been repainted a bright yellow, had its ladders removed and compartments modified, sitting in a San Jose salvage yard that he passed regularly on his commute to the SJFD. Chief Diaz eventually stopped in to inquire about the apparatus that had been stripped of mirrors, bumpers and anything else of value. The owner indicated that he had bought it in

The 1947 tiller in service in the 1970's. This picture is in the San Jose Fire Museum.

Oregon, spent $1500 to have it towed down, and originally planned to turn it into a rolling art piece for California's famed "Burning-Man Festival." The artwork never started and the 1947 classic just sat in the yard. Diaz couldn't resist. He offered a few hundred dollars to the owner and became the proud owner of a true labor of love.

Chief Diaz has invested over 100 hours restoring the trailer to date and claims to be about halfway through the restoration of that part.

Both the tractor and trailer have been repainted by Diaz to the original color. The purist has not counted all of his receipts yet, out of fear.

The biggest expense, other than getting it hauled back to Middletown,

PROVIDED BY CHIEF JUAN DIAZ

will be the application of handpainted gold leaf. According to Diaz, American LaFrance had gold leaf everywhere and he expects to pay thousands-of-dollars to have it done properly, to the 1947 factory condition.

Chief Diaz, who is working alone for the most part on this project, is planning on getting the apparatus back to Middletown, NY in the Summer of 2018. When asked about his firefighting career and his restoration projects, Diaz said "this is the best country in the world and if you apply yourself, and with God's willing, you can be anything you want."

- TODD BENDER

CHIEF JUAN DIAZ

Mountain View Fire Chief Juan Diaz in the paint booth.

Before and after the return of the AFL red paint.

CHIEF JUAN DIAZ

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Jan/Feb, 2017

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REDLANDS FD

Redlands, CA - Redlands firefighters spent several hours on January 19th applying their knowledge of hydraulics and fluid dynamics as they learned the most effective and efficient ways to draft water from a static water source. These Winter training sessions will ensure that members will be ready to get water from wherever they may find it this Summer in order to fight fire in the many remote locations they are called to help. They are proud to serve and protect the community of Redlands!

NEWPORT BEACH FD

Newport Beach, CA - The Newport Beach FD held a rope rescue training session in December with their new recruits.

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

Jan/Feb, 2017

PAGE 35

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Redlands, CA - Fire Chief Jeff Frazier is extremely proud to announce that Firefighter/ Paramedic Ryan L. Gallagher has been selected as the 2016 Redlands Firefighter of the Year. Ryan is a second generation life-long resident of Redlands.

As a youth, Ryan was a distinguished athlete in Redlands. Ryan graduated from Arrowhead Christian Academy where he was a standout varsity football and baseball player. Ryan played both football and baseball for the University of Redlands, where in 2000, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In 2012, Ryan received his Master’s Degree in Management, also from the University of Redlands. While in the Master’s program, Ryan had the honor of being elected to the prestigious Whitehead Leadership Society.

Ryan began his fire service career in 2007 with the County Fire Department as a Firefighter/ Paramedic. During this time, he was also a Paramedic with American Medical Response ambulance company. In 2009, Ryan was hired by the Redlands Fire Department as a Firefighter/ Paramedic.

Throughout his seven-year career with Redlands Fire, Ryan has taken initiative in seeking out and accepting additional responsibilities and being very active in several critical programs.

He is instrumental in department grant writing, where he has taken a leadership role in the drafting and submission of funding requests. He is active in the department’s Peer Fitness Training program, and has also taken the lead of the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) program, where his vision and management skills have resulted in significant positive system improvements. Not only does Ryan manage the breathing apparatus program, but he is also a certified repair technician for SCBA’s.

Ryan has also taken the initiative to become an instructor in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, a component of the Active Shooter response program.

Most recently, Ryan served with distinction during a difficult palm tree trimmer rescue attempt.

He labored tirelessly from the very tip of a nearly fully extended aerial ladder to free a perilously trapped worker. Operating without the benefit of fall protection, at a height in which a fall would be fatal, he adeptly used a chainsaw and hand tools to extricate the trapped victim. Despite the very best struggles of everyone, the worker succumbed to his injuries.

Ryan’s heartfelt commitment to Redlands is personified by his

energetic involvement in the community. Ryan won the 2016 “Dancing with the Stars” competition to benefit the Redlands Symphony. He currently serves on the Alumni Board of Directors for the University of Redlands, is Vice President of the Redlands City Employees Credit Union, is a member of the philanthropic centered Shamrock Club of San Bernardino, coaches Redlands Baseball for Youth, and coaches AYSO. Ryan is a self-motivated, hardworking individual who is an invaluable and integral part of the Redlands Fire Department and the

community he is sworn to protect.

His positivity and work ethic is infectious, and he is an incredible asset to the department. He continues to establish himself as a “go to” employee that routinely goes the extra mile. His willingness to explore new ideas to further the Department is above the norm in showing initiative and creativity.

Ryan’s contributions to the fire service and his community are a clear embodiment of the traditions of the Redlands Fire Department.

- FIRE CHIEF JEFF L. FRAZIER

Firefighter/ Paramedic Ryan L. Gallagher.

STEVEN WORMSER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Aircraft” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

SBCOFD ENGINEER RYAN VACCARO

OC FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL-3631

Santa Ana, CA - OC Firefighter Academy-43 is pictured here learning about the Air Operations program. Their Bell Helicopter 412EP and crew are capable of hoist rescues, including large animals, water drops, paramedic transport, search, night flight and so much more.

San Bernardino Crews Respond to Vehicle Fire

San Bernardino, CA - SBCoFD Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Harkins and Captain Ted Mohr recently battled a vehicle fire on Little Mountain Dr. in the City of San Bernardino. Crews knocked the fire down quickly and were also successful in preventing fire spread to nearby vegetation.

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5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness: “A New Year, A New You” Let me start by saying, I’ve only ever made one New Year’s resolution that I have actually kept. Well it’s that time of year again, where we all over-indulge in the awesomeness of the holiday season, and then make our amazing New Year’s resolutions, including our new goals and the “it’s time to change” moment. With some very sophisticated internet research, i.e. the Google, I was able to confirm my hypothesis that the NUMBER ONE New Year’s resolution each year is to “get fitter.” I also learned that only about 8% of Americans actually achieve this goal.

My knowledge about the state of fitness within the fire service makes me think that we are no different, and the statistics posted on NFPA.org really speak for themselves: Firefighter Death or Injury by Cause: Overexertion/Stress/Medical 2010: 54% 2011: 52% 2012: 48% 2013: 33% 2014: 58% 2015: 59% Again, I am hypothesizing here, but really, are we any different?? As a whole, we sure do act like it. Just do a quick internet search for “Firefighter T-Shirts.” A number of “we are different” slogans will pop up. I could list them, but why when you all know them by heart, regardless if you actually wear them or not. But are we “really different,” or are we just like everyone else out there??

Physically, for sure; but mentally, maybe not so much. As with any Member of Service, we choose to do a very dangerous job by risking our lives for others. But at what cost??

The cost has to do with those numbers listed above. Just look at the cause provided: Overexertion/Stress/Medical.These causes speak to the type of people we are. We work hard, i.e. overexertion.

We see and do things that are beyond most peoples grasp, i.e. stress. This job taxes us, our bodies and more importantly, our hearts, i.e. medical.

So why aren’t we taking better care of ourselves?! I wish I knew the answer, but I don’t, and I honestly don’t believe anyone really does.

So why not make that change now? A new year and a new you should start TODAY. Before you even begin, let me tell you this much.

It won’t be easy. Actually, it’s going to suck…a lot. Especially during the

JUMP TO FILE #120116101 first 30 days. But again, just look at those percentages listed above. If we all just embraced the “suck,” dug in deep and pushed through, imagine the fire service we could create!

Imagine how much better you’d be, for yourself, for your family and for the fire service as a whole.

Another thing I wish I could do is provide you with a way to make this happen for yourself. But here’s the thing…there’s no manual.

There’s no one book, one DVD, one gym, one diet or one style that will work for everyone. Of course loads of people will disagree with me, mostly because they might have a product, a theory or a style that they claim will change you forever, and it just may!

But I can’t find that for you. That one goes back to the resolution theory.

You have to commit to a positive change. You have to start, and start NOW. Take a few moments while you’re at the station and look around.

You’re not alone there. Your brothers and sisters all put their bunker gear on one leg at a time, and no matter where they are on their fitness journey, they are there to help you.

Another positive about the fire service is that we are all about embracing the “suck” together. The level at which a fire crew works together to achieve a common goal is simply unbelievable to most. So why not make this resolution together?

Why not agree, as a crew, that you’re going to spend time together working on yourselves, both physically and mentally. Together, we can do anything. Alone, we are just that…alone.

Remember that one New Year’s resolution I mentioned earlier, that I actually kept? It was to always return my shopping cart to the cart rack. It seems so trivial, I know, to just push it back to where it belongs. Try it though! You just may be surprised what you learn about yourself and others.

Happy New Year!

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Jan/Feb, 2017

DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our “Drills/Training” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Joshua Tree, CA - On January 12th, Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree hosted San Bernardino County Fire and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept. for a regional active shooter training exercise. Staff, faculty members, and volunteers acted as simulated victims and bystanders for the event.

The focus of this drill was interagency communications with an emphasis on the necessity of coordinated movements to ensure the safest and most efficient mitigation of these call types.

Previous to the exercise, Copper Mountain College's faculty and staff, at the college's request, were provided with a familiarization on

possible actions to take during an escalated threat incident. Commonly known as, "Run, Hide, Fight," the information provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department helps civilians prepare themselves mentally should they ever be involved in one of these situations.

Agencies from throughout the area were invited to participate.

The California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino County Probation Department, rangers from the National Park Service - Joshua Tree, and Morongo Basin Ambulance all took the opportunity to sharpen their skills.

A combination of mannequins,

training aids, and volunteers were used to simulate a multi-casualty event as the result of an active shooter incident. Law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel worked jointly to identify and neutralize the threat, protect and evacuate the innocents, while simultaneously extracting and treating the wounded.

San Bernardino County Fire would like to say thank you to Copper Mountain College for affording them another opportunity to train with their Sheriff brothers and sisters, along with their valued cooperators. Your generosity ensures that their skills remain at peak levels throughout the year.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

Briefing for law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel at the active shooter drill held at Copper Mountain College. Over 70 first responders participated in the regional exercise.

- ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE

PROVIDED

A medical crew from Morongo Basin Ambulance prepares a simulated victim for transport during the drill.

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Jan/Feb, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - CA

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES

ALL IN THE FAMILY

If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Rachelle Lutz has been an EMT for 17 years and is currently in Paramedic Class. She has been a firefighter for 19 years, and is a state Certified Firefighter-1. Rachelle currently runs EMS with Jeannette EMS and Irwin VFD EMS. She is also a firefighter with North Irwin VFC. When asked what inspired her to get the tattoos, she responded "I got the star of life one in 2013 after 13 years of certification. The Maltese Cross one was just done in June of 2016, the same day I received my certificate for passing the state Firefighter-1 exam! If you look, behind both are tendons and muscle (tattoos). This symbolizes that these two things, Firefighting and EMS are a part of me...of who I am.

I have tried to get away from the field, but have always been drawn back to it. My entire family is involved. I have two uncles who are paramedics and have served as officers in the fire department as well. My aunt is a Paramedic and a junior coordinator at a fire department. My mother took the EMT with me, but is no longer active. She is a nurse. My great grandfather was a founder of a fire station. I also have cousins involved in the fire department and/or EMS. The heart shape is simply a symbol of my love for the field.

The EKG lines are important. The one is my husband's rhythm, and the other is mine. He is a Paramedic and a Firefighter-1 as well. In fact, we tested for the state exam together."

SACRAMENTO FD

Sacramento, CA - Congratulations to Sacramento Firefighter/Paramedic Chuck Godfredtsen on his promotion to Captain. Chuck (right), a 21-year veteran of the department, is joined here by his brother Pete, who is also a Sacramento Firefighter/Paramedic.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - CA