1st Responder News Florida Georgia May/June Edition

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N ew spaper The Florida/Georgia Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1 9 9 3

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $24/Y E A R

W W W .1R B N .C O M

M AY/JUNE, 2 0 2 4

SCOTT LAPRADE

HUDSON, FL - Firefighters arrived on scene of this mobile home with heavy fire showing. On the initial run card, Engines 20, 21, 39, Res 39, Tankers 20, 21 39, TAC 1 TAC 5, Truck 1 and Bat 1. It took about 30 minutes to knock down the fire.

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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA ADVERTISER INDEX C o m D an v

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KYLE BRADSHAW

A T V & U T V S a f e t y T r a in in g

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R a y m o n d J a m e s & A s s o c ia te s

Cedar Hammock Delivers CRR Adam Chrisman, a Fire Inspector and community am bassa­ dor, recently conducted a highly effective fire extinguisher training session for a local business within the Cedar Ham­ mock Fire Control District. In this session, he personally in­ structed 14 young employees from a local skating rink as part of the District's Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program, equipping them with essential fire safety skills for life. This initiative exemplifies Cedar Hammock's commitment to de­ veloping a comprehensive CRR program aimed at safeguard­ ing the community's fire safety. Inspector Chrisman was assisted by Cedar Hammock members FF's Peter Setefano and Wesley Blalock.

WILLIE CIRONE

2nd Alarm Skies Light Up Over City Of Bradenton Just before 3am City of Bradenton was dispatched to a re­ ported structure fire at the Everest Apartments. The first units on scene were greeted with fire through the roof of a two-story apartment, a second Alarm was transmitted. This stand-alone apartment has no roadway for access, Fire­ fighters have to hand lay into the Fire Building. The resi­ dents escaped with only what they had on their back. The apartment building had 4 units, two involved with fire on Division 2 and minor damage on Division 1. Red Cross was notified for assistance for the displaced families. The City of Bradenton was assisted by Southern Manatee, Cedar Hammock, North River. Manatee County EMS provided Medical and Rehab for the incident.

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

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Florida/Georgia edition - Vol. 1 No. 3 - is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year for $24 per year by Belsito Comm unications, Inc., 1 A rdm ore Street, N ew W indsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing of­ fices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. N o fi­ nancial responsibility is assum ed by this new spaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typograph­ ical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was om itted o r in error. O m issions o r errors m ust be brought to the attention o f the new spaper during the sam e m onth o f publication. Printed in Canada.

A d iv isio n of:

BELSITO communications, inc,

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 lnfo@belsito.net

WILLIE CIRONE

Cedar Hammock Captain Radio Alarm For Roll Over Cedar Hammock Captain making afternoon Station rounds came upon a Vehicle rollover. He noticed people running across Cortez Road, when he stopped to see what was going on the saw a Vehicle on its side in a creek. He radioed dis­ patch for additional units. The driver was able to self-exe­ crated and with help come up out of the creek bed. Manatee County EMS transported the driver with minor injuries.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Belleair Fire Department. Located in Pinellas County, Florida.

Belleair was established in 1890

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

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May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

uIRIILS/TRAININIG To see your Drills n the news] aper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email hem to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

SWFD SCOTT LAPRADE

Engine 39 drills out behind the firehouse on 2nd due Engine company arriving at the hydrant. Pasco firefighters shown hook­ ing up to the firehouse hydrant.

WILLIE CIRONE

In House Training LLC held a NWCG S-131 Firefighter Type 1/ITC Type 5. Over a dozen Firefighters from around the state attended this two-day course. The first day Firefighters learned decision making, Leadership Operations and reviewed LCES and Commu­ nication Responsibilities. The second day Students were put into critical thinking situations with the use of Sand table exercise.

Commercial Fire Response at Local Resort in Sandestin SANDESTIN, Fla. — Late Monday evening. South Walton Fire District (SWFD) firefighters re­ sponded to a commercial structure fire at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Crews arrived on-scene around midnight and found an electrical lire had started within a utilities room on the 6th floor of the Spa Tower. The room's fire suppression system had successfully contained the fire, how­ ever, smoke was present on multiple floors.

Firelighters worked with resort staff to gain access to the lire's room of origin, secure the sprinkler sys­ tem and utilities, evacuate resort guests, and extinguish remaining signs of fire.

Fortunately, no firefighters or civilians were injured during the in-

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Jump to file #051624105

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cident. However, the fire caused sig­ nificant damage to the tower's elec­ trical system, as well as water damage from the activation of the sprinkler heads.

Due to the extended period of time needed to repair the Tower's utilities, guests were relocated to other rooms on the property for their safety.

SWFD wants to emphasize our appreciation for the resort staff and their commitment to ensuring the fire suppression systems in the building were working properly.

The activation of the sprinkler sys­ tem kept the fire in check until fire­ fighters arrived on-scene, in turn

preventing significant injuries or loss of life.

Any business owners who would like to learn more about fire suppression systems or request an inspection for their commercial oc­ cupancy can contact the SWFD Fire and Life Safety Division via email at lifesafety@swfd.org. You can also submit an inspection request for free through the SWFD Smart­ phone App. We respectfully ask any ques­ tions regarding the resort's opera­ tions or timeline of repairs for the Spa Tower be directed to the resort.

Thank you to the responding Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies for the assistance ensuring the scene and all resort guests were safe.

- MACKENZIE MCCLINTOCK

r

EMERGENCY AIRCRAF1

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

WILLIE CIRONE

Over a dozen members of Florida Forestry District 15 certified as UTV-ATV operators. This certification will go on their Red Card for out of state assignm ents. The class given by In House Train­ ing through American Safety Institute. Firefighters completed a E-Course and then spent a day in the field learning safe operating methods.

CHRIS DILLEY

Flagler County Fire Rescue participated at the 2024 Warbirds Over Flagler event that was held at the Flagler Executive Airport 23-24 in March.

May/June, 2024

1ST Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PAGE 5

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Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com)

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Comer) CORRESPONDENTS Willie Cirone • Michael Colombo • Chris Dilley • Joel Gordon • Freddy Howell • Patrick Juliano • Michael Kane • Julian Leek • Kate Lind • Ashley Lopez • Chuck Lowe • Steve Mapes • Mackenzie McClintock • Michael Moser • Doreen Overstreet • Frank Robinson • Bob Romig • Steve Rose • Stephen Sabo • Van Schoen • Shane Shifflett • Ken Snyder • Sasha Staton • Eugene Weber Jr

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at news@lstrespondemews.com. Or, give us a call or post it directly to www. lrbn.co. Publisher resemes the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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emergency responders lost in the line of duty New York: Lamont Killian, Jr., 51 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 22, 2019 Death Date: December 11, 2023 Fire Department: Mount Vernon Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, June 22, 2019, Fire­ fighter Lamont Killian, Jr. was at the scene of a residen­ tial fire when he collapsed. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he suffered a heart at­ tack. Since that time, he has been unable to return to work. He passed away from heart related issues on Mon­ day, Dec. 11, 2023.

New Hampshire: Charles "Chuck" Gallant, 56 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: December 14, 2023 Death Date: December 14,2023 Fire Department: Rye Fire Rescue Initial Summary: On Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, Lieu­ tenant Charles "Chuck” Gallant worked an overtime shift at the station where he participated in a training ex­ ercise and responded to a call. After his shift, he returned home and went to sleep. The next morning, he was found deceased by family members. It was later deter­ mined he passed away from a heart attack on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

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Ohio: Robert Wysong, 70 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 24, 2023 Death Date: December 26,2023 Fire Department: Clinton-Warren Joint Fire and Rescue District Initial Summary: On Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, Chief Robert Wysong responded to a brush fire. After the call, he returned home. Later in the evening, his wife found him unresponsive. He was immediately transported to the Clinton Memorial Hospital where he was evaluated and then subsequently transferred via Miami Valley Care Flight to the Miami Valley Hospital where he passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, from a heart attack.

New York: Joseph "Joe” Maragliano, 76 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: September 1,2023

Death Date: September 2,2023 Fire Department: Nyack Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, Fire­ fighter Joseph "Joe” Maragliano responded to a gas leak at a residence. The next day, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, he suffered a heart attack and passed away.

Washington: Ryan Pleasants, 41 Rank: Engineer Incident Date: Janury 7, 2024 Death Date: Janury 7, 2024 Fire Department: Walla Walla Fire Department Initial Summary: On the morning of Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, Engineer Ryan Pleasants, while working a 48hour shift, was found deceased in his bed at Fire Station 1 from an apparent heart attack.

South Carolina: Robert Earl Brown, Sr., 87 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 18, 2024 Death Date: January 18, 2024 Fire Department: Glendale Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Robert Earl Brown, Sr. was at the scene of a brush fire pulling hose when he suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately taken to the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where he passed away a short time later from an apparent heart attack. Firefighter Robert Earl Brown, Sr., was the past chief of the Glendale Fire Department from 1976 to 2017.

New York: Daniel S. DeWolf, 52 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 21, 2024 Death Date: January 21, 2024 Fire Department: Fairville Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, Firefighter Daniel S. DeWolf responded to the scene of a chimney fire. While attempting to establish a water supply line, he collapsed. EMS on scene immediately initiated CPR. Firefighter DeWolf was then transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The cause of his death has yet to be determined. Firefighter De­ Wolf was past chief of the Fairville Volunteer Fire De­ partment from 2015 to 2016.

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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R E SC U E B A G SY STEM S

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May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

SEMINOLE COUNTY FIRE DEPT.

‘Bring the Heat’ Classic Girls Gymnastics Competition Raises $10,000 to Support Cancer Preventative Initiative s for Firefighters

WILUE CIRONE

Second Job of the Day in The City of Bradenton Residents of Sun Chase Apartments were trying to figure out why City of Bradenton Fire Trucks didn’t respond to the fire. Little did they know the City of Bradenton was still working a structure fire on 30th Street. West Manatee, Cedar Hammock and Southern Manatee took this job in. The fire appeared to have started in the mulch around the building.

Units had to pull the siding to check for extension.

Seminole County, Fla. - Janu­ ary’s Meet Expectations’ ‘Bring the Fleat’ Classic Girls Gymnastics Competition fundraised nearly $10,000 to help support cancer pre­ ventative initiative’s for Firefight­ ers. The meet was in honor of fallen Orange County Fire Depart­ ment Rescue’s firefighter Stephen “Shakey” VanRavenswaay, and Shakey’s daughter Brittney Van­ Ravenswaay was part of the organ­ izing committee for the gymnastics meet. Shakey died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 44 in 2015.

72% of Firefighter line-of-duty deaths are cancer related.

The Seminole County Fire­ fighters Benevolent Fund in Semi­ nole County, Florida (union charity arm) used its $5,000 donation to purchase 150 heavy-duty plastic sealable containers where “float­ ing” firefighters can store their gear when they go to various stations.

“Floater” Firefighters and Lieu­ tenants do not have a permanent station and bring their gear to vari­ ous stations.

Studies show Polycyclic Aro­ matic Flydrocarbons (Group 1 Carcinogens-Known to cause cancer in humans) and Volatile Organic

Jumpto fiie #051324105

Compounds are found to off gas from Firefighter’s contaminated gear for up 72 hours+ after a fire.

These bins reduce the off gassing in Firefighters’ vehicles protecting both them and their families as they store and travel with their gear.

Orange County Fire Charities also received a $5,000 check to benefit cancer-related Firefighter initiatives.

OTHER STATS: Fir-efighters Have: 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and 14% higher risk of dying of cancer than the general public 102% greater chance of contracting testicular than any other type of worker; 53% greater chance of multiple myeloma; 51% greater chance of nonHodgkin lymphoma; 39% greater chance of skin cancer; 32% greater chance of brain cancer; 28% greater chance of prostate cancer;

22% greater chance of stomach cancer; and a 21% greater chance of colon cancer.

University of Cincinnati Study 2006- Grace LeMasters Florida Firefighter Specific study currently being conducted: University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Firefighter Cancer Initiative Flor-ida’s Male Firefighters Have a: 20% higher risk of getting Diges­ tive Cancers; 26% higher risk of getting Colon Cancer; 35% higher risk of getting rectum Cancer; 239% higher risk of getting Melanoma; 210% higher risk of getting Prostate Cancer; 215% higher risk of getting Bladder Cancer (includes female firefighters); 279% higher risk of getting Thyroid Cancer; 46% higher risk of Oral/Pharynx Cancer

- DOREEN OVERSTREET

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

PAGE 9

FLORIDA

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

CHUCK LOWE

Engine Co 40 in Hollywood is assigned a 2022 Pierce Enforcer 1500/650/20F. Station 40 is first due to incidents on Rte A1A, and corresponding beach properties, from the Dania Beach line to Miami Dade.

CHUCK LOWE

Engine Company 3 in Fort Lauderdale operates a 2022 Sutphen Monarch 1500-GPM top-mount pump. It carries 750 gallons of water and 20 gallons of class-A foam.

SCOn LAPRADE

Dunedin Engine 62 on a medical response.

SEMIHOLE COUIfTY FIRE DEPT.

Seminole County Fire Department and HCA Florida Partner to Teach All Keeth Elementary Students Hands-Only CPR Recently, the Seminole County Fire Department partnered F1CA Flealthcare to teach all 550 Keeth Elementary School students (kinder­ garten - 5thgrade) lifesaving hands-only CPR. Flands-only CPR was taught by Keeth staff, the Seminole County Fire Department and HCAFlonda Health­ care. The initiative is part of “Keeth has Heart,” which in­ cludes teaching students howto live a healthy life, learning hands only CPR, and participating in the Kids Heart Challenge jump rope fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association. Students learn about cardiac arrests, what they can do and how they can be empowered to help make a difference. Perform­ ing hands-only CPR doubles a per­ son’s chance of survival.

Most bystanders won’t attempt CPR because they are afraid. For sudden cardiac arrests, you don’t need a team of medical profession­ als around you to do something.

Chest compressions are just needed to move the oxygen in the blood to the brain, and that’s what matters most before first responders arrive.

Time is tissue and seconds and min­ utes matter. It’s essential that when a cardiac arrest happens, first re­ sponders have the public’s help be­ fore arrival in order to help ensure that chain of survival. Sudden Car­ diac Arrest claims one life every two minutes.

- DOREEN OVERSTREET

SEMIHOLE COUIfTY FIRE DEPT.

PAGE 10

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

SCOTT LAPRADE

Fire on arrival in Hudson Firefighters arrived on scene of this mobile home with heavy fire showing. On the initial run card, Engines 20, 21, 39, Res 39, Tankers 20, 21 39, TAC 1 TAC 5, Truck 1 and Bat 1. It took about 30 minutes to knock down the fire. It was overheard that the occupants were in the midst of moving out at the time the fire began. The mobile home was a total loss and is under investigation by PCFD.

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Ocala Fire Rescue Enhances Response Capabilities with the Addition of Rescue 6 (OCALA, FL.) April 12, 2024 - In an enhancement to emergency service response for the residents of Ocala, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) announces the addition of Rescue 6 to its fleet. The unit was offi­ cially welcomed at Station 6, today. This addition comes at a time as when the Southwest Ocala witnesses a surge in development, including both commercial and residential projects.

The inauguration of Rescue 6

TO file #041524104

m l » was celebrated with a traditional push-in ceremony, a symbolic ges­ ture that honors firefighting her­ itage and community service.

Starting Monday, April 15, Rescue 6 will be operational and ready to respond to emergencies, bolstering OFR's capacity to provide emer­ gency services in a region experi­

encing rapid growth.

Fire Chief Clint Welbom em­ phasized the significance of this expansion, stating that," the addi­ tion of Rescue 6 will further facil­ itate our delivery of rapid, life-saving interventions through­ out Ocala.” For more information about Ocala Fire Rescue and the services it provides, please visit www.ocalafire.org.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

SEMINOLE COUNTY FIRE DEPT.

Boca Raton Firefighter & Paramedic Benevolent Charity Softball Tournament The Boca Raton Firefighter & Paramedic Benevolent recently hosted the "Boca Burn" First Responder Charity Softball Tournament it benefited theChildren's Burn Foundation. The Seminole County Fire Department Team (IAFF Local 3254) placed 2nd overall. Congratulations to first place: Miami Fire Rescue. More than 15 other fire departments in Florida played in the tournament, including Orange County Fire Fighters As­ sociation, IAFF 2057, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, West Palm Beach Fire, City of Hialeah Fire Department, Delray Beach Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Mayor Marciano, City Manager Lee, Councilman Hilty, Fire Chief Welborn

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

PAGE 11

Firestorm! The History of the New York City Fire Department’s War Years

OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING

years and assigned apparatus at the time. It shows in particular how antiquated much of the vehicle fleet was, including some pumpers built without water tanks. It may seem odd, but there were actually some other cities with the same.

For instance, Detroit did not start buying pumpers with water tanks until the early 1960's, however their truck companies had booster pumps and tanks. Stories of fires and other incidents are written in short, but to the point fashion, many of which are heartbreaking.

There are photos of fires and fire stations, as well as many apparatus

Keep an eye out for National Events too!

by John Malecky

Firestorm! The Fiistory of the New York City Fire Depart­ ment's War Years

By John A. Calderone 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: S89.95 This is a hard cover coffee table book, measuring 8 14 inches by 11 inches, with 256 pages, as well as 400 photos. The author, a good friend of mine, tells me that it took 10 years of research to compile along with the help of many who are acknowledged on page 3. The author has produced many best selling books, mostly on apparatus. He is a person who thoroughly researches what he writes about and has always sur­ rounded himself with knowledge­ able people to help him along the way. Hence, if you do not come across something, it just was not available through documentation.

There are no actual chapters in the book. There is an introduction and sections on terminology and statistics. Following that are unit locations at the start of the war

Read more from a ll of our colum nists on our website! www.1rbn.com

which brought me back to the older days when I was more up to date of the New York FD and I was able to find many trucks that I knew existed and the stories be­ hind them. The author brings us out of the war years, even though there has never been a time frame denoting it. The last section is 1986, which is followed by an epi­ logue which is certainly worth reading through. The photos are color and are of apparatus, sta­ tions, fireboats, and fires, both routine and spectacular. It again is a book you would want to add to your library!

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Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com

Our readers make all the difference!

UCF RESTORES® 4111 Pictor Lane, Suite 203 Psychology Building Orlando, FL 32816-2385

Measuring M ental Wellness Using Video Technology

We know filling out questionnaires is frustrating. We at UCF RESTORES are working to find a better way to assess stress injuries. Our goal is to make mental health assessment less cumbersome and more engaging. You must be 18 years old or older to participate in this research study. You must also be a firefighter or law enforcement officer (current or retired).

If you agree to participate in the study, you will be asked to fill out four short questionnaires about your mood. You also will watch a series of short videos, developed specifically for first responders, that depict how negative mood might affect your behavior. One week later, you will again watch the videos and record your mood over the last week. This study takes place entirely online.

The first part of the study will take approximately 60 minutes. You will receive a $50 Amazon gift card for your time. The second part of the study will take approximately 30 minutes. You will receive an additional $25 digital Amazon gift card for the second part.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. Christine Seaver or Dr. Deborah Beidel at: Christine.Seaver@ucf.edu or Deborah.Beidel@ucf.edu

PAGE 12

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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PAGE 14

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

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

WILLIE CIRONE

A lm ost a Pin in Southern M anatee Fire D is tric t Southern Manatee and Cedar Hammock Fire District were dispatched to a MVC on 9th Street East. On arrival, they found two vehicles with heavy damage and two others with light to moderate damage. The patient in one vehicle almost had to be extricated, but firefighters managed to get them out. 9th Ave. East was closed for an extended time. A total of three patients were taken by Manatee County EMS to local hospitals.

Forest Area Supervisor Roger Ness at a recent wildfire.

WILUE CIRONE

OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

SCOTT LAPRADE

Firefighter Dan Bonivicin wraps the supply line to the hydrant.

CHUCK LOWE

Former Hallandale Beach Engine 7.

PALM , i ttH i

SCOTT LAPRADE

Ladder 67 truck crew Lt. Chris Eisenhardt, FF Ethan Leak and D/E Sladan Madzar.

CHUCK LOWE

New BSO-FR Engine 7 serving Hallandale Beach.

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PAGE 15

FLORIDA

Residential Structure Fire in WaterSound Beach South Walton Fire District firefighters responded to a resi­ dential structure fire Saturday morning in WaterSound Beach.

The incident originated as a residential fire alarm call dispatch­ ing Engine 1 to re­ spond, but it was quickly upgraded to a full structure fire response after the home’s residents placed a second 911 call and reported signs of smoke in their home.

Station 1 firefighters then ar­ rived on-scene and reported smoke showing from the home’s second floor, classifying two nearby homes as “exposures” due to their proximity to the fire.

On-scene crews deployed multiple hose lines to the second and third floors for an interior fire attack. They also determined all occupants had safely exited the structure through a primary search.

Firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down within ap­ proximately 20 minutes of arriv­ ing on-scene, then overhauled the fire’s area of origin to extinguish hotspots.

The SWFD Fire Marshal in­ vestigated the incident and deter­ mined an outdoor grill on the second floor to be the most likely cause of the fire. Fortunately, the damage was limited to the area where the fire originated.

Working smoke alarms within the home were responsible for waking up the residents and alert­ ing them to the potentially lifethreatening situation. SWFD strongly encourages all commu­ nity members to ensure the smoke alarms within their homes and workplaces are functioning prop­ erly.

Thank you to the responding Walton County Sheriffs Office deputies and mutual aid crews with Bay County Fire Rescue for the assistance on-scene.

- MACKENZIE MCCLINTOCK

SWFD

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PAGE 16

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

FLORIDA

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

V ehicle News

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

CHUCK LOWE

The City of Miami recently placed a 2022 Spartan Gladiator / SVI heavy-duty rescue into service as Hazmat Company 1.

SCOTT LAPRADE

Truck 1 Boss Larry Whitten covered in debris.

CHUCK LOWE

West Palm Beach has taken delivery of a 2023 KME Severe Service MFD 101’ tractor-drawn aerial.

Once training is complete it will go in service as Ladder Co 1.

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

OFR Responds to R esidential Fire in SW Ocala OCALA, FL. - On Tuesday, May 7th, Ocala Fire Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at the 300 block of SW MLK Jr. Ave., around 4:00 p.m. Engines 1, 3, and 4, Squad 7, Rescue 1, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer re­ sponded to the reports of a driver passing by.

Units arrived to find a small, single-story building with smoke emitting from the eaves of the resi­ dence.

Engine 1 and Squad 7 were as­ signed to enter the building to begin the fire attack, while Rescue 1 com­ pleted a primary search to ensure no one was inside. Engine 3 laid their large-diameter hose line in prepara-

td FILE #0509241 DP

-» I tion for the water supply, while En­ gine 4 set up for rapid intervention.

With the fire under control.

Squad 7 completed a secondary search, confirming that the structure was unoccupied.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

OFR's Deputy Chief, the Fire Prevention Division, the Ocala Po­ lice Department, and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

CHUCK LOWE

Cooper City recently placed a 2023 Pierce Enforcer PUC into service as Engine 28. This apparatus has a 1500 GPM pump and carries 750 gallons of water with 30 gallons of foam. Station 28 is staffed

by Broward County Fire Rescue personnel.

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PAGE 17

FLORIDA

-OCALAFiflFBKmp

WILUE CIRONE

Lighting Strike Scorches 100 Acers in Carlton Reserve As Sarasota Burn Mitigation Team was holding their annual truck refresher at Carlton Reserve, a column of smoke started to build to the west. Units were sent to scout the potential fire. Units confirmed it was a wildfire. This block of woods has not burned since 2007 and had a lot of downed trees from the last hurricane. Sarasota County Fire responded to the scene along with Florida Forestry. Englewood and Nokomis were assigned to structure protection on the opposite side of the river. Florida Forestry Spotter Plane and Helicopter worked the fire. Tractor plow units cut line around the fire while engines worked off the plow line mopping up.

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Tragic R esidential Fire in Ocala Claims One Life OCALA, FL. - On April 26th, Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a fatal fire at a home in the 2600 block of Northeast First Avenue.

The call was received at 11:23 p.m. after a concerned neighbor alerted authorities of flames visible at their neighbor's residence.

Engines 1, 3, and 5, Rescue 3, Tower 1, Battalion Chiefs 11 and 22, and a Safety Officer were dis­ patched to the scene.

Upon arrival. Battalion Chief 22, Engine 3 and Rescue 3 found a one-story residence engulfed in flames, with fire burning through the roof. Engine 3 identified poten-

Jump to file #042924107

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tial hazards while beginning an ex­ terior attack on the fire. Despite ef­ forts to make an interior attack, deteriorating fire conditions forced a withdrawal after a powerline af­ fected by the fire fell, preventing access to the water supply.

The fire was aggressively fought from the outside until it was under control. Command main­ tained by Battalion Chiefs 22 and 11 at the front and rear of the home, respectively.

A subsequent search by Rescue 3 uncovered one victim within the residence. Tower 1 performed a secondary search but found no fur­ ther occupants.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshall's Office. Ocala Fire Res­ cue's Prevention Division, the Ocala Police Department, and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.

Ocala Fire Rescue extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

WILLIE CIRONE

Quick Thinking Residents Save House in Southern Manatee Fire D istrict A neighbor looking out his window noticed there was a fire in the carport of his neighbor’s house. They grabbed a garden hose and managed to keep the fire in check until firefighters arrived. The fire appeared to start near an antique car in the carport. The vinyl was melted but there was no extension to the main structure.

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

PAGE 18

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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

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

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Vidalia Fire Department. Located in Toombs and Montgomery County, Georgia. Vidalia was established in 1890 SHANE SHIFFLETT

Is Your Food Keeping You In Pain?

HOLISTIC HEALTH

DEE DEE DIMINO

Have you ever gone out par­ tying and maybe drank too much?

Then, the next day you wake up with a headache, your body hurt­ ing, and feeling exhausted. Or maybe, you just had that second glass o f wine with dinner and you feel ju st as horrible! Or maybe, you wake up one day and say, “Oh my gosh, I felt like I drank last night! I didn’t!”

What if I told you that that same feeling— that same pain— can be from some o f the foods that you are eating? We already know that sugar and fried foods are not the healthiest foods for us, right? However, I think you will be surprised to discover that even

some healthy foods can impact our well-being, causing pain in the neck, back, head, and other parts of the body.

Neck pain from food?

What??? M ost people can relate to abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating caused by food, but very few realize that food can also cause pain in the body.

As a small test, I invite you to try eliminating tomatoes—which would include ketchup, hot sauce and pasta sauce— for seven days.

Be aware o f how you are feeling during this time. On the eighth day, add tomatoes back into your diet— writing down any symp­ toms you are experiencing. Do not disregard any symptom. Good luck!

Cherokee County firefighter at the annual stair climb

Rick Billings tARY MARGARET GAWEL. AGE 10, TAKES OVER THIS MONTH...

I My Dad can't come in ^ J today Chief. Mom says he really tie d one on.

Dee Dee DiMino Health Coach & Educator Awakening to Wellness, LLC dyminl4@ bellsouth.net www.deedeedimino.com

(Views Expressed Dis­ claimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view o f 1st Responder News.)

C 2024 by Rick Billings bear59dog@ yahoo.com @ jampony452

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

PAGE 19

Turning Tragedy into Building Stones; Grieving M other Determined to Share Compassion ROME, Ga., March 27, 2024 Chelsea Johnson was 27 weeks pregnant when her amniotic sac ruptured prema­ turely. She could never have expected how that day - Nov. 5, 2023 - would for­ ever change her life.

Admitted to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center's Mother-Baby Unit, she spent the next 43 days there while her daughter, Addi Jo, grew inside her.

Johnson had good days and bad days, all of them made more tolerable by the relationships she developed with her caregivers.

Being in the hospital is never any­ one's first choice. Her older daugh­ ter, Scarlett, was not even a year old and couldn't be there with her mama. Johnson couldn't prepare for Thanksgiving, decorate for Christ­ mas or take Scarlett to see Santa. It was an emotional and physical hur­ dle she hadn't planned for, but the nurses and staff responsible for her care went out of their way to make those days better.

In Johnson's words, they made the holidays easier and the nights and days shorter.

When Scarlett turned one, the Mother-Baby staff planned a Min­ nie Mouse-themed hospital-based birthday party for her, complete with cake and gifts.

When it was time for pictures with Santa, the team brought St. Nick himself to Floyd Medical Center's third floor so Johnson could be there for that holiday mile­ stone. All the while, the MotherBaby staffers monitored mother and little Addi. They watched her move­ ments, amplified her heart beats and offered hugs and reassurance to Chelsea.

Nine days before Christmas, Johnson went into labor and Addi was bom She was very sick, and, unfortunately died three days later.

What should have been a joyous Christmas was now darkened by grief.

It would have been easy and understandable for Johnson to re­ treat into a shell, and while her grief was tangible, so was her will to carry on. Her husband and daughter needed her, and she had a story to tell. Rather than wallow in self-pity or demand answers to her unan­ swerable questions, she turned her energy to caring for others.

Johnson reached out to Kellie Pearson, director of Women's Serv­ ices at Floyd Medical Center. John­ son perhaps better than anyone, understood what expectant moms feel when they are alone in a hospi­ tal bed. She knows the pain of hav­ ing to leave other children at home.

PROVIDED

She has experienced what it's vlike to spend major holidays in the hospital, missing the Instagram-able moments she thought she'd capture.

She had the ability to empathize, es­ pecially with those patients who, like her, have pregnancies that don't go as planned.

Johnson said she wouldn't have made it those seven weeks in the hospital without the nurses and other caregivers who became her friends, and she wouldn't be working in a job she loves had it not been for the Mother-Baby team that goes above and beyond for all their patients.

The staff provided books, paint­ ings and puzzles to help her pass the time. They even brought items from home so Johnson could do her nails.

Some braided her hair while others brought her lunch or coffee, and when Addi died, some of the nurses came to the hospital to be with her in her time of greatest need.

“They came in and picked up the pieces," Johnson said.

“It wasn't always easy, and I had days I didn't even want the lights to be turned on in the room, but they came in and added light," she said.

“They made my stay livable. I was always, always taken care of by them. They were my second family and home."

Johnson applied for, and was hired, as a certified nursing assistant on the Mother Baby Unit at Floyd Medical Center, so she could, in her words, “provide the love and care this sweet unit had given to me." She loves her job, where she says she de­ livers all the care she can to all the moms who deserve the best.

It is the best kind of therapy, she said.

“I have taken my rough times and turned them into building stones."

About Atrium Health Floyd The Atrium Health Floyd family of health care services is a leading medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Car­ olina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd employs more than

3,500 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at three hospitals: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center - a 304-bed full-ser­ vice, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Med­ ical Center in Centre, Alabama; as well as Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health - a free­ standing 53-bed behavioral health fa­ cility in Rome - and also primary care and urgent care network loca­ tions throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand­ alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such fa­ cility to be built from the ground-up in Georgia.

About Advocate Health Advoca-te Health?is the thirdlargest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States - created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and?Atrium Health.

Providing care under the names?Advocate Health Care?in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas,

Georgia and Alabama, and?Aurora Health Care?in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, con­ sumer experience and value-based care, with?Wake Forest University School of Medicine?serving as the academic core of the enterprise.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients and is en­ gaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardi­ ology, neurosciences, oncology, pe­ diatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, bum treatments and specialized musculoskeletal pro­ grams. Advocate Health employs nearly 155,000 teammembers across 68 hospitals and over 1,000 care lo­ cations and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to equitable care for all. Advocate Health pro­ vides nearly $6 billion in annual community benefits.

- MICHAEL COLOMBO

Visit us for more news on the web at www.1strespondernews.com

May/June, 2024

PAGE 20

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

Atrium Health Floyd EMS Named Georgia’s Service of the Year ROME, Ga., March 27,2024 Atrium Eiealth Floyd EMS was named the Georgia EMS Service of The Year during the Georgia Emer­ gency Medical Services Associa­ tion (GEMSA) awards held Tuesday night in Bu­ ford. It marked the fourth time Atrium Eiealth Floyd has earned statewide the award.

Individual honorees for Atrium Health Floyd EMS include: -Brittany Hol­ comb, emergency preparedness coordinator at Atrium Health Floyd, who won the Joe Lane Cox Excellence in EMS Award -EMT Macey Eickleberry,

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who was named the Georgia Emer­ gency Medical Technician of The Year "We strive to provide a teamdriven, servant leadership culture within Atrium Health EMS,” said Bud Owens, executive director of the service and Atrium Health’s EMS leader for the Georgia market.

“That focus has worked, and our teammates are the best in the indus­ try. They constantly strive to serve our patients, families and communi­ ties with a focus on excellence in everything they do. That is why we are successful. They are truly an elite few and I am so proud of them."

Atrium Health Floyd EMS pro­ vides emergency ambulance and non-emergency transport services to residents throughout Floyd County, northwest Georgia and Cherokee County in Alabama. It is the desig­ nated 911 responder for the majority of Floyd County and all of Chat­ tooga County and Cherokee County, Alabama.

“With over 180 teammates con­ sisting of Paramedics, EMTs, telecommunicators, mechanics, sup­ port staff and leadership, the bottomup leadership culture of the organization is recognized across multiple states,” the GEMSA news release stated. “Over 600 hours of community service and community benefit have been logged during 2023 by teammates who have gra­ ciously served the northwest Geor­ gia and northeast Alabama communities through health fairs, educational programs, event cover­ age, support of athletic events and programs to benefit the health of communities served.

The Joe Lane Cox Excellence in EMS Award recognizes a worthy individual who is not employed in EMS but donates their time and ef­ forts to continue the improvement of EMS on the local, state and national levels.

In her role as emergency pre­ paredness coordinator, Holcomb “is constantly going out of her way to include EMS in every aspect of her job and to any benefit of the commu­ nity,” according to the GEMSA news release. “Her main goal is to have the community comfortable with EMS and to educate the public on the capabilities of an EMS serv­ ice.” Eickleberry received the Georgia Emer­ gency Medical Technician of The Year for her skill, knowledge and dedication to her teammates and her community.

“She is an advanced EMT who serves in a dual role with capabilities of running her own AEMT tmck and is confident enough to support any need her paramedic partner may need,” according to the news re­ lease.

She often buys groceries and other items to help someone less for­ tunate. She has also been known to cook a meal for a patient in need.

“The amount of kindness and

PROVIDED compassion she shows to all she meets is a testament to her servant leadership qualities,” the news re­ lease stated.

Atrium Health Floyd EMS held the most nominations statewide and was recognized with placement in the top three in 12 of the 13 award categories.

Other Atrium Health EMS nominees were Dr. Kevin Hardwell, Greg Goedert, Ben Fleming, Amber Eason, Cristy Harris, Megan Dozier, Darby Hopper, Daniel Herring, Dusty Johnson, Robby Hill and Don Taylor.

The statewide awards come after Atrium Health Floyd EMS also earned recognition on the regional level.

Paramedic Dusty Johnson was named the Danny Hall Memorial Paramedic of the Year by Northwest Georgia Region 1 EMS. Johnson has been a teammate at Atrium Health Floyd since 2018 and serves as both a responder and an in­ structor for EMS. “Dusty has invested himself in the people he works with and those whom he treats. Being a great para­ medic is more than performing emergency medicine on a scene. It is also about helping others reach the same high standard,” a nomination letter for Johnson stated.

Amber Eason and Ben Fleming earned the Richard Gray M.D. Ex­ cellence in Trauma award. Gray was the trauma surgeon at Floyd Medical Center when it became Georgia’s first designated trauma center in 1981.

They were honored for their re­ sponse to an incident when a woman was seriously injured after possibly being hit by a train on June 17, 2023.

“The patient’s survival was due to the care and work of Amber, Ben and the Rome-Floyd Fire Depart­ ment,” according to the nomination

letter.

Atrium Health Floyd EMS teammates were also recognized last year as Hospital Heroes by the Geor­ gia Hospital Association for their re­ sponse to a tragic wreck in Chattooga County in October 2022.

About Atrium Health Floyd The Atrium Health Floyd fam­ ily of health care services is a lead­ ing medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd employs more than 3,500 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at three hospitals: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center - a 304-bed full-ser­ vice, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; as well as Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health a freestanding 53-bed behavioral health facility in Rome - and also primary care and urgent care net­ work locations throughout north­ west Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such facility to be built from the

ground-up in Georgia.

About Advocate Health Advoca-te Health?is the thirdlargest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States - created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and?Atrium Health.

Providing care under the names?Advocate Health Care?in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and?Aurora Health Care?in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, con­ sumer experience and value-based care, with?Wake Forest University School of Medicine? serving as the academic core of the enterprise.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients and is en­ gaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardi­ ology, neurosciences, oncology, pe­ diatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal pro­ grams. Advocate Health employs nearly 155,000 team members across 68 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical ed­ ucation programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to equitable care for all. Advocate Health provides nearly $6 billion in annual community benefits.

- MICHAEL COLOMBO

Read more news online! www.1rbn.com

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

^To i^ne Your Neighbors Can't Be Wrong Jackson Trail (2) | Tift County (3) | Dade County (3) | West Jackson (2) Isn’t it time you joined the TOYNE family? After all, many of your neighboring departments have already done so. Toyne has a long, noble history of remembering departments like yours. We will make you a priority. Many of our expert craftsmen are volunteer firefighters and EMTs w ho also serve their community and they know w hat you need to do the job.

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PAGE 21

PAG E 22

1 st R e s p o n d e r N e w s p a p e r - F L/G A

M ay/June, 2 02 4

BUDDY SHOTS

COMMAND VEHICLES

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

If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

SHANE SHIFFLETT

In sp e c to r H arper & F irefighter Spivey

SHANE SHIFFLETT

C ow eta C ounty Fire D istrict Chief

E N T H U S IA S T S : '

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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

PAGE 23

Man Rescued from Trench Collapse in Dallas Dallas, Georgia - On Friday, March 29th, 2024 at 11:33 AM, Paulding County 911 received a call advising their co-worker was buried in a trench collapse.

Callers advised that he was buried over his head at the bottom of a trench, which was approxi­ mately 20 feet deep.

A co-worker entered the trench in an at­ tempt to free him but was only able to re­ move some dirt around his face and chest, allowing the victim to breathe.

Approximately 7 minutes after dispatch. Engine & Truck 11, ALS Rescue 11, arrived on the scene, con­ firming a patient was trapped under tons of dirt. They could talk to the conscious patient and alert him, and they immediately commenced res­ cue operations.

Due to the instability of the trench and surrounding soil, crews were concerned that attempts to enter the trench might cause a sec­ ondary collapse, completely burring the victim. Paulding fire personnel were in contact with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services’ spe­ cialized Collapse Response Unit, which was already en route to the scene and together formulated a res­ cue plan.

Numerous other units, included in the initial dispatch, began arriv­

ing on the scene, including Squad 1, which carries skilled technical & rope rescue personnel and equip­ ment to handle complex technical rescue incidents. In addition, the City of Dallas Public Works large vacuum truck was dispatched to ex­ tract dirt from around the patient.

During the operation, crews provided supplemental circulating air, monitored the oxygen and car­ bon monoxide levels near the pa­ tient, and reassured him that the plan was working and he would be rescued.

At 3:09 PM, over 3 1/2 hours after the collapse, he was freed and raised to ground level. Awaiting medical crews from Airlife helicop­ ter service and Metro EMS imme­ diately began treating the patient, and he was flown to Grady Flospitafs trauma center. The patient was stable, alert, and talking with per­ sonnel during transport.

Chief Joey Pelfrey said, “I’m extremely proud of the teamwork today that saved a man’s life. Over 40 personnel from Paulding and Cobb County fire departments, Metro EMS, Paulding County Sher­ iff, the City of Dallas Public Works, and Airlife helicopter service worked together to ensure a positive outcome. Thanks to everyone in­ volved, the patient is alive and will see his friends and family on Easter.”

- STEVE MAPES PAULDING COUNTY FIRE/RESCUE

Read more from all of our columnists on our website! www.1rbn.com PAULDING COUNTY FIRE/RESCUE

PAGE 24

May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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May/June, 2024

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May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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

Power Saws

in the event it is necessaiy to do so on the fireground.

a chainsaw from both sides.

Cutter’s Edge: Electric Chainsaw:

Chainsaw: My neighbor asked to borrow my chainsaw. My first thought regard­ ing someone that doesn’t own a chainsaw is that they don’t know how to safely use it. I replied “No, but I’ll cut whatever you need and even show you how to use one” full well knowing I have extensive ex­ perience with chainsaws. The same is true in the fire service in that it is incumbent on instructors and/or of­ ficers to train those that don’t know how to use power saws on the fireground.

Because of the inherent and sig­ nificant safety concerns while using power saws instructors must place an emphasis on safety right from the initial training program. Once the concept of safety has been es­ tablished then instructors can ad­ vance training with saws by discussing typical uses include but are not limited to any truck work such as forcible entiy, ventilation and possibly clearing downed limbs. Saws are also used in extri­ cation and lastly FAST (firefighter assist and search team).

With the assumption that safety has been established this article will focus on characteristics of spe­ cific saws that can and should be taught. As with uses the list of saws presented here is not limited as there isn’t a way to cover each type in a single article. Before delving into specifics there are some com­ monalities that span across all saws.

Uses: Similar to a chainsaw Uses: Cutting ventilation holes in roofs and forcible entry to clearing branches of a downed limbs.

Features: Most chainsaws have a chain brake. It looks like an additional handle but when pushed forward stops the chain preventing it from moving even when the throttle is pressed. This is a safety feature that firefighters must get used to activat­ ing because in many instances there are other firefighters within close proximity to a moving chain.

The handles on chainsaws usually run on top and on the one side. This is because there are obviously times when the bar/chain has to be turned to the side to complete a cut.

Chainsaws are inherently for right-handed people but can be used left-handed and as an instructor I would encourage during drills to use

Features: Also, similar a gas-powered chainsaw with one HUGE excep­ tion. Electric chainsaws will likely not have the torque and power. The end result is that while an electric chainsaw can be used to make a door out of a window for a FAST extrication it may not be the best tool if a gas-powered chainsaw is available because what materials are in a wall is a mysteiy.

Also, batteiy powered chainsaws are limited to their batteiy life so make certain to have spare batteries for applications that require a long period of time.

One advantage to an electric chainsaw is they tend to be more balanced than other power saws and in many cases the chain stops auto­ matically when the throttle is re­ leased making a chain brake unnecessaiy.

Uses: Almost exclusively cutting ventilation holes in roofs.

Features: A cutter’s edge is essentially a chainsaw but with one outstanding feature. There is a depth guard to set that allows the saw to only cut to a certain distance through a roof thereby preventing the cutting of any studs that would weaken the footing underneath.

K12 Saw: Uses: Extrication, ventilation, forcible entiy Features: For the most part a K12 saw will cut through most any material but only in accordance with the blade that is on it is designed to cut.

Other important factors for a K12 are that because it revs at a very high RPM it is inherently unbal­ anced. Combined with its weight

can be difficult to handle as a result.

The most important feature of this saw is that is has no chain brake.

Again because of the high RPM will not stop and remains a safety con­ cern for at least a minute while it slows and stops. From that perspec­ tive it might be better to bury the blade to stop it right away.

As mentioned, the four saws pre­ sented here are the most common but by no means are a finite list as there are quite a few types of power saws available and used in the fire service. For example, a rescue com­ pany might also have a whizzer saw which is a small handheld saw. It has a small blade and revs high be­ cause it is designed to cut tempered auto glass whereas a reciprocating saw can also be utilized in several applications. Regardless of the saw type it is imperative to practice, practice, practice. Using a power saw for the first time on the fire­ ground is not the time to learn the ms and outs of any particular one.

- JOSEPH CEA

ut your scanner to good use

For example: 1) On the fireground always start any saw on the ground or other level area BEFORE proceeding to a roof or down an embankment to use. The reason for this is a fire­ fighter doesn’t want to lose their balance while hying to get a saw initially started (assuming second­ arily the saw starts up smooth and firefighters can position themselves accordingly on an unbalanced roof) and second it’s a lot easier to trou­ bleshoot a startup issue on the ground and also there is likely a tool on the apparatus that can solve any startup problems.

2) Always start up any saw dur­ ing truck checks to ensure that it starts correctly and taken out of service if necessaiy.

3) Check fuel level and/or bat­ tery life both in the saw and any fuel reservoirs to make sure you have enough power for a fireground task.

4) Check sharpness on any cut­ ting edges. This can be done simply by keeping a logbook of uses.

5) Even if your department has a specific person to repair saws eveiy firefighter should know how to take apart and clean each saw so

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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

May/June, 2024

PAGE 27

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May/June, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

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