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AUG/SEPT, 2019
THREE FIRES IN 24 HOURS RELATED TO SMOKING MATERIALS IN HENRICO
HENRICO FIRE
Henrico County, VA – Three homes were damaged by fires ignited by improperly discarded smoking materials in June despite low wind speeds and high relative humidity. On June 27th, a home on Black Duck Court was heavily damaged with a good portion of its roof burned off in a fire that was sparked by smoking materials discarded the night before. - See full story on page 5
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1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 19, No. 4 - 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 Street, 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 A division of: errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
Three Displaced, Dog Rescued from House Fire in Henrico Henrico County, VA – Three adults were displaced by a fire in their home on the morning of July 17th in northern Henrico. Just after 2:30 A.M., firefighters responded to the 2000 block of Cleary Road in Henrico and arrived to find smoke pouring from the home and flames shooting from the back of the house. Firefighters quickly entered the home to extinguish the flames and search for life. The fire was quickly put out and firefighters found and rescued one dog. One occupant was awake around the time the fire started, smelled smoke and alerted the other occupants who were all able to escape the fire without harm. The Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze and the Red Cross is assisting the three displaced adults.
Three Pets Rescued in Henrico House Fire Henrico County, VA – Three pets were rescued and a woman displaced after a house fire on the afternoon of June 28th. Just before 1:30 P.M., firefighters responded to the report of a house on fire in the 4900 block of Rodney Road. When firefighters arrived, they found flames shooting from the roof and attic of a house. Firefighters quickly entered the home to search for trapped victims and located a dog which was moved to a neighbor’s house while other firefighters attacked the fire and extinguished it. Two cats were found and moved to an unaffected area of the home.
JUMP TO FILE #070119102 The occupant, not home at the time of the fire, was displaced. The Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze. This fire is an excellent example of a community of neighbors helping neighbors. The fire was quickly reported by vigilant neighbors and the displaced woman and her dog were initially taken in by a neighbor. - HENRICO FIRE
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HENRICO FIRE
FRANK ROBINSON
Virginia Beach Fire-Rescue operates this 2017 E-One 1500/300/105' Tower Ladder.
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Aug/Sept, 2019
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Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
VIRGINIA
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
HENRICO FIRE
Henrico Home Suffers Major Fire Damage EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Glen Wilton Fire Department, located in Alleghany County, VA.
Henrico County, VA – A house was seriously damaged by fire in Henrico’s east end on the evening of August 4th. Just before 5:00 P.M., firefighters responded to the 5100 block of Meadows Run for multiple reports of a home on fire. When firefighters arrived, they found large amounts of fire engulfing the back of the home. The fire seems to have started on the rear
JUMP TO FILE #080519120 deck and spread up the exterior wall, into the attic and upper floor of the house. A quick attack by firefighters limited the amount of fire spread. All occupants safely evacuated the home prior to the arrival of fire-
fighters and there were no resident or firefighter injuries. The Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Henrico Police assisted with traffic issues in the area around the fire. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the two adults and three children displaced by the fire. - HENRICO FIRE
PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY SPIVEY
Trash Truck Fire on Virginia Interstate
Chesterfield, VA - Tones sounded around 1:30 P.M. on June 25th, dispatching Fire and EMS crews for a vehicle fire on Interstate 95. Chesterfield firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy fire coming from a trash truck on Interstate 95 southbound, at mile marker 59. The situation was soon under control. It is not known if there were any injuries.
HENRICO FIRE
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Aug/Sept, 2019
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VIRGINIA
Black Duck Ct.
Brody Fleming
PROVIDED
Mom’s Lecturing Pays Off After Son Rescues Friend from Drowning Duluth, MN - All the years of telling my son "everything that can go wrong will, so be prepared," recently paid off. I stopped by his house as he was leaving with friends on June 27th to go cliff diving. I gave him a hug, and normally I would give a short lecture but I didn’t this time. I knew that I have instilled in him to have fun and live life, but to always be cautious and prepared. My normal lecture goes something like "don’t drown please, it would be bad for business!". All joking aside, what happened that day is something he will never forget. My son called me and said, "Mom, I just saved my friend's life in 200 feet of water! Everyone was cliff jumping so I stayed in the water so that if something happened to anyone I would be close by." When his friend jumped and attempted a double, he opened up
HENRICO FIRE
Three Fires in 24 Hours Related to Smoking Materials in Henrico Henrico County, VA – Three homes were damaged by fires ignited by improperly discarded smoking materials in June despite low wind speeds and high relative humidity. On June 27th, a home on Black Duck Court was heavily damaged with a good portion of its roof burned off in a fire that was sparked by smoking materials discarded the night before. Another home in the
JUMP TO FILE #062819108 3000 block of Trio Street was damaged on June 28th and a home in the 1600 block of Lake Avenue was damaged, requiring firefighters to remove a section of the deck and interior and exterior walls to extinguish the fire as it was spreading further into the home. Fortunately,
there were no injuries in any of these fires. Henrico Fire reminds everyone of the importance of properly extinguishing smoking materials, disposing of smoking materials and ashes in appropriate containers and never leaving burning or smoldering smoking materials unattended. - HENRICO FIRE
JUMP TO FILE #070119112 late and knocked himself out. Brody Fleming was just a few feet away. Realizing immediately that there was a problem, he dove under, grabbed his friend and got his head above water. He then found out that his instincts were right and his friend had completely passed out. The friend eventually came to and would make a full recovery. Had Brody been even just a few feet further away, his unconscious friend would have sank straight to the bottom. I am so proud of Brody for not just being in the right place at the right time, but for purposely putting himself there! - CONNIE SYLVESTER
WATER RESCUE INNOVATIONS, INC.
Lake Ave.
HENRICO FIRE
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Aug/Sept, 2019
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Florida: Barry Boulton, Sr., 67 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: May 7, 2019 Death Date: May 7, 2019 Fire Department: Plantation Fire Department Initial Summary: On May 7, 2019, Lieutenant Barry Boulton, Sr., collapsed after completion of a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) drill. Resuscitation efforts were immediately rendered to Boulton who was then rushed to the Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, FL, where he passed away from cardiac arrest. Idaho: Charles Alan Ruffing, 53 Rank: Senior Firefighter/Driver Engineer Incident Date: May 21, 2019 Death Date: May 21, 2019 Fire Department: Boise Fire Department Initial Summary: Senior Firefighter/Driver Engineer Charles Ruffing, who had been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, was found deceased in Boise Fire Department Station 6 as a result of a suicide.
Missouri: Christopher Moore, 42 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: June 7, 2019 Death Date: June 8, 2019 Fire Department: Maryland Heights Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Moore was on duty at the fire station on Thursday, June 6, 2019, and Friday, June 7, 2019. He responded to several fire and EMS calls during his 48 hour shift. He complained of not feeling well in the late morning of Friday, June 7, 2019, and was relieved of duty to go home and rest. He stated that he was going to follow-up with his personal physician. He was found deceased Saturday morning, June 8, 2019, at his residence. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Alabama: Jared Wayne Echols, 35 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: June 17, 2019 Death Date: June 17, 2019 Fire Department: Springville Fire & Rescue Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Wayne Echols was participating in a recruit training exercise in Anniston, AL. While at the training, he became ill and was immediately transported to the RMC Hospital in Anniston, where he passed away a short time later. Investigation into the incident continues. Firefighter/Paramedic Echols was also an active member of the Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Springville, AL. Mississippi: Todd Lanthrip, 53 Rank: Acting Captain Incident Date: June 12, 2019 Death Date: June 13, 2019 Fire Department: Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain Lanthrip responded to an automobile accident on the evening of June 12, 2019. He returned home after the response. At approximately 0130hrs the morning of June 13, 2019, he became unresponsive. Attempts by his wife and first responders were unsuccessful and he passed away. Maryland: Michael "Mike" Powers, 70 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 25, 2019 Death Date: June 25, 2019 Fire Department: Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Michael Powers responded to the scene of a fatal vehicle accident. While at the scene, he collapsed and suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately transported to the Frederick Memorial Hospital where he passed away a short time later. Investigation into the incident continues.
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Aug/Sept, 2019
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MARYLAND
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
“Sweet Heat Shrimp” FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
This dish came together one day when I needed something quick, flavorful and healthy. Normally I try to steer clear of shrimp when cooking in the firehouse. The last thing you want to do is have a run come in while cooking, and have to reheat shrimp upon returning to the station. Overcooked shrimp reminds me of that piece of gum you have been chewing for way too long, rubbery and flavorless…in other words, not good!
But sometimes in life, you need to take a gamble and roll the culinary dice. Luckily this time it paid off with uninterrupted cooking and a delicious meal. Sambal and Hoisin are not words often heard at the firehouse kitchen table, but this recipe is sure to change that. Sambal, particularly Sambal Oelek, is a chile sauce originating from Southeast Asia. It's made with hot red chiles, salt and some vinegar, and quite honestly I think it's more versatile than the more popular Sriracha sauce. It definitely packs some heat but isn’t overpowering and allows the chile flavor to shine. You could definitely use it on its own but I find it used best when mixed into sauces, marinades, mayo or anything else that needs
a kick. You can find it in most grocery stores now, probably right next to Sriracha coincidentally. Hoisin is a Chinese sauce made from a combination of fermented soybean paste, garlic, chiles, vinegar, sesame oil, and some sort of sweetener. Think of it almost like Chinese BBQ sauce! However, it's very potent in flavor so use much more sparingly than you would American BBQ sauce. It's most commonly used in Cantonese cooking on Peking Duck, which is delicious if you've never tried. When combined with the Sambal, you end up with a sauce that hits those salty, sweet, spicy notes that we all love. This would be killer on some wings too….just sayin'
SAMBAL-HOISIN SHRIMP WITH BOK CHOY FRIED RICE Serves: 3-4
Ingredients: EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Glen Echo Fire Department, located in Montgomery County, MD.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
For Shrimp: 1 lb. Shrimp; peeled and deveined 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced 2” Piece of Fresh Ginger, grated or minced Small Bunch of Fresh Basil, leaves picked 3 Scallions, thin sliced ½ C Hoisin Sauce 2 Tsp. Sambal Oelek Sauce (usually found next to Sriracha) 1 Tbs. Canola or Vegetable Oil For Bok Choy Fried Rice: 3 C Rice, *see note below 8 Heads of Baby Bok Choy, sliced into 1” pieces 1 Tbs. Soy Sauce ¼ Canola or Vegetable Oil 1 Clove Garlic, minced *Day-old rice works best for stir fries. If you don’t have day-old rice, cook a batch and spread out on a sheet pan to cool for at least an hour.
DC FIRE AND RESCUE
Harford County, MD - Joppa-Magnolia Vol. Fire Co.'s Engine.
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Procedure:
For the Shrimp: -Combine all the ingredients in a ziplock bag or bowl. Stir/shake to combine. Add shrimp and let
marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. Remove from marinade and set aside.
-Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a few drizzles of oil. Carefully add the shrimp to the pan, flipping as needed to cook through and just until they turn pink. Remove the cooked shrimp, toss with some of the basil and scallion and set aside.
For the Rice: -Clean out the pan or heat another large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil, followed by the bok choy. Stir the bok choy until it just starts to wilt. Add the garlic and then the rice. Continue stirring while the rice starts to crisp up a bit. Add the soy sauce. Serve the fried rice, topped with the shrimp and more basil and scallion. AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Aug/Sept, 2019
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MARYLAND
Tractor-Trailer Fire Shuts Down Interstate 70 in Halfway Halfway, MD - On the evening of July 31st, Washington County received reports of a tractor-trailer fire on Interstate 70 eastbound in the area of the 27 mile marker. Emergency crews from JUMP TO FILE# H a l f w a y , 080119106 Funkstown and Maugansville Fire Companies were dispatched out for the call at 5:21 P.M. Washington County continued to receive multiple calls reporting the blaze, and advised responding units that they had a working fire with the cab of the tractor-trailer fully involved. Crews were able to see a large column of black smoke
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billowing from the area as they responded on the call. Chief Ed Ernst from Halfway was the first unit to arrive, finding the cab of the truck engulfed in flames, and was able to confirm that all occupants of the truck were out of the vehicle. Chief Ernst was concerned with the heavy fire load and immediately requested an additional tanker on the call and established I-70 Command. Halfway’s Engine 26-1, with Deputy Chief Drawbaugh riding officer, arrived and took their position to begin fire attack as Funkstown Engine 10-1 arrived and supplied Engine 26-1 with water. Firefighters off Engine 26-1 and 10-1 worked together to deploy an attack line to begin their fire attack while Deputy Chief Drawbaugh supervised operations. Crews had heavy fire conditions from the cab, but the trailer was not involved at that point. The attack crew worked to extinguish the blaze while trying to protect the trailer when one of the saddle tanks ruptured, spilling fuel which ignited and flashed on the firefighters. Deputy Chief Drawbaugh had Engine 26-1 switch to foam for the attack crew to battle the fuel fire they were faced with. Firefighters were able to get a significant knock on the blaze within 15 minutes of their arrival on scene. Command reported the fire out at 5:40 P.M. and requested Washington County Special Operations to the scene to assist. Firefighters remained committed on the scene for several hours. Upon Washington County Special Operations arrival, the scene was quickly evaluated and it was deemed necessary to request a crew from the Maryland Department of the Environment to respond and assist with cleanup operations. All emergency crews were clear of the incident by 9:00 P.M. The incident caused a major traffic back up. The eastbound lane of I-70 was initially shut down for over 30 minutes as crews battled the blaze. Once the fire was out, apparatus was repositioned and one lane was able to be reopened just after 6:00 P.M. The interstate was able to be fully reopened shortly before 9:30 P.M. once the towing agency had all remaining hazards removed. The cause of the fire is not currently known. It was later confirmed that the driver of the truck was the only occupant and was able to safely get away from the truck without any injury. Emergency crews responding
to the incident included Volunteer Fire Co. of Halfway Co.26, Funkstown Vol. Fire Co.10, Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.13, Mount Aetna Vol. FD Co.16,
Washington County Special Operations Co.20, and Washington County Emergency Support Services Co.25. Maryland State Highway Administration C.H.A.R.T.
personnel and crews from the Maryland Department of Environment also assisted.
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- WILLIAM KING
TERRY SIGLER
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Aug/Sept, 2019
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Aug/Sept, 2019
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES
MARYLAND
INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
TUCKER DEMPSEY
High Angle Rescue Conducted in Kennedyville After Worker Falls Sick on Top of Grain Tank
This tattoo was submitted by Bruce Gallagher, retired EMS Captain and current Chaplain of Flanders Fire & EMS in Morris County, New Jersey. Regarding its concept, Bruce said, "The top of the tattoo is FFD and the bottom is 1987, when I started my career. The left side is my coat number 39 and the right side is my daughter's number 211, Chelsi Gallagher."
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Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
Serving g those who se erve us. HeroesMortgagePrograam.com
87 77-541-HERO
Kennedyville, MD - On Monday, July 29th at 11:27 A.M., the Chestertown Vol. Fire Company, responding as mutual aid to the Betterton Vol. Fire Company, operated on a High Angle Rescue. The location was at the Per- JUMP TO FILE# due Farms Grain 073119107 Facility, 11545 Lynch Road. A worker, located some 85-feet above ground level, had collapsed and was reported as unconscious. As part of the initial response, the Kent County, Delaware High Angle Rescue Team was also requested. When units arrived, the initial assessment of the situation indicated a potential challenge to easily remove the patient from their location. As a precaution and in order to save time, Maryland State Police Aviation was requested in case an aerial hoist operation was necessary. Using Chestertown VFC’s Tower 6, crews were able to safely, efficiently and quickly rescue the individual from their elevated position. As a result, Maryland State Police Aviation and the Delaware High Angle Rescue Team were canceled. A member of the Delaware High Angle Rescue Team arrived at location ahead of the rest of the team and deployed an advanced technology drone to capture aerial surveillance of the operation. This material can be useful during
Tower 6 working on making access to the patient.
the post-incident critique. The patient was treated at the scene and subsequently transferred to the University of Maryland, Shore Medical Center at Chester-
NEVIN STEFFY
town. The condition of the patient is not known. - JAMES RUSSUM
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Aug/Sept, 2019
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Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
MARYLAND
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHIEF PRICE KENNEDYVILLE VFC
Fire Destroys Home in Chestertown Chestertown, MD - On Saturday, July 13th at 12:10 A.M., the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched as mutual aid to the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company for a house fire in Georgetown, near Fairlee. Crews arrived to find a single-story ranch style home well involved with fire. Upon arrival, the homeowner informed the Rock Hall VFC that everyone was out of the house. When Tower 6 arrived, our crew assisted Rock Hall VFC personnel with fire attack. On arrival, our Engine 6 assisted by hooking to a nearby fire hydrant and supplying water to the incident scene. Due to there being a basement and the fire in an advanced stage, for the safety of firefighters it was decided to operate defensively from the exterior. Soon after this
Howard County Squad 1 at the scene of a three-alarm apartment fire in Laurel.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
Clear Spring Tanker 4 is shown here operating at a commercial building fire.
SHANE SHIFFLETT
JUMP TO FILE #071719123 decision was made, the roof collapsed and three out of four exterior walls buckled. Our Tower 6 was then placed into operation to provide master stream application from an elevated position. Crews remained at the scene assisting with operations until approximately 3:00 A.M. There were no injuries to emergency personnel. One civilian was taken to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown with unspecified injuries. The injuries were not believed to be serious, and the condition of the patient is not known at this time. - JAMES RUSSUM
Join the Heroes Team! Becoming part of the Heroes team KDV LWV EHQHÂżWV &RQWDFW XV WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW EHFRPLQJ D +HURHV &HUWLÂżHG DJHQW info@HeroesRealty.com
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Radiation and Crisis Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
In our life, we can learn lessons from our Radiation classes or how it was known in the days of Civil Defense, "Radiological Defense." When dealing with radiation we were taught about time, distance and shielding. We can survive some doses of radiation, when we are given it a little at a time and not that much over a few years. We can survive some radiation if we are far enough from it. How many of us were effected by the radiation from Japan when they had their problem? We also see that when we go for an X-ray, they put the lead apron on us before the technicians move behind their shielding. We also use the same recipe in fighting fires. We are in the heat of the battle for a certain time, usually one or two cylinders of air, then its time for rehab. We have distance that we are from the fire, because some are hotter than others. And we have shielding of our turnout gear and the hosestream. The water acts as our shield as we are in the battle. Back in the days of coats and pull up boots and Fireball gloves, we really understood the shielding that water could provide. With Ems, you have the exposure to the patient and shielding of what bloodborne pathogen
PPE you are using. If we look at that and apply it to crisis, or disaster or bad stuff in life, I am sure that we can all handle the little stresses in life. We can handle the button that comes off our shirt or running out of coffee. But once in a while we need to remember the importance of exposure. We use time, distance and shielding when dealing with toxic people in our lives. We only speak to them when we need to. Time of Exposure. We may wave to them from across the parking lot and not go into detail when we talk with them, keeping them at a Distance. We may communicate with the person by use of only certain methods or we may use someone else to be their point of contact. Shielding. Granted we are supposed to love our enemies and we may have some people that just drain energy from us. When Christ was in the crowd of people, He was able to feel energy leave when the woman just touched the hem of His garment. Other times his disciples shielding Him by keeping the crowd away, at certain times. We all need to keep our strength and energy up for the things that are valuable in life, like sitting down with the person who is truly in pain and needs someone with compassion. May the Lord bless you and keep you and may you be shielded from the toxic people. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
Aug/Sept, 2019
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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC Crews Battle Three Big Fires on Extremely Humid Day Washington, DC - DC firefighters faced both the heat of the day and the heat of battle as they fought three significant fires on Thursday and Friday, July 18th and 19th. The first of the fires erupted around 7:45 A.M. in a bus garage at 3350 New York Avenue NE. First arriving units called for the Working Fire Dispatch as they were greeted by heavy smoke from this 200' x 100' garage containing multiple double decker tour buses. Firefighters moved cautiously into the interior to get water on one of the buses, which was fully involved and spreading to other materials nearby. During the initial attack, one company officer became separated from his crew inside the large smoke filled open area. He declared a “Mayday”, but was able to find his way to a doorway. The roof posed a different hazard, as it was bowstring construction which is prone to collapse. Due to that fact, ventilation was limited to those vents that could be reached via aerial ladder, as no personnel were allowed to work directly on the roof itself. With the bus burning far back inside, it took some time to reach the seat of the blaze, and a second-alarm was requested to relieve the exhausted crews. Despite these challenges, the fire was contained before it could penetrate the structure itself. One firefighter suffered a minor injury, and extensive rehab was required. The cause of the fire was traced to a malfunctioning battery on the vehicle. As darkness descended on the city, the heat and humidity remained. Around 8:00 P.M., a single engine was dispatched to investigate a residential fire alarm at 2919 Woodland Drive NW, a very large house sitting on a hill with very limited access. As the engine was arriving, they were advised the Box was being filled due to further phone calls reporting a fire. They pulled up to find
JUMP TO FILE #080819106 heavy smoke pushing from the eaves. A Working Fire Dispatch was sounded as firefighters began the arduous task of stretching hose lines up the steep and winding staircase to get to the residence, as well as hand carrying ladders up that same path. Once inside, flames were found burning in the walls and extending to the attic. Despite the difficulties and extreme humidity, which did not allow the smoke to lift, the fire was brought under control without further spread. However the battle did take its toll, with two firefighters being transported with minor injuries and two others taken to the hospital with heat related issues. Investigators traced the cause to an overheated electrical circuit on which an air conditioner was being run. Friday’s shift was a few hours old when a Box Alarm was sounded for a fire in a pizza shop at 14th and East Capitol Streets NE. Arriving units encountered fire and smoke showing from the first floor of this two-story building, with residences above. A Working Fire Dispatch was again sounded as firefighters began to make entry and attack the flames. Once again, aggressive firefighting brought the blaze under control relatively quickly, and once again, due to the terrible heat and humidity even at that time of the morning, units were quickly sent to rehab and rehydrate. The second floor was occupied by a DC firefighter and his family. They all escaped safely, but were left homeless. Investigators were able to determine the cause of the fire as accidental, the result of an electrical malfunction.
DC FIRE AND EMS
- DC FIRE AND EMS
DID YOU K NOW
?
In 1948, the first defibrillation took place in an operating room on a patient undergoing lung surgery. When the patient’s heart stopped, the surgeon performed internal massage on the man’s heart while a make-shift defibrillator was rigged. Operating room workers hooked two copper electrodes to an examining lamp, touched the other ends to the man’s heart, and shocked it into normal rhythm.
DC FIRE AND EMS
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
WEST VIRGINIA
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Gassaway Fire Department, located in Braxton County, WV.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHUCK LOWE
The Raymond, Maine Fire Department continues to operate with a 1998 Freightliner/EVI Medium Duty Rescue that once served St. Albans in Kanawha County. This apparatus is designated Squad 8 by RFD.
Aug/Sept, 2019
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Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC FIRE AND EMS
DC FIRE AND EMS
Daughter Saves Bedridden Mother from House Fire
Washington, DC - An elderly woman is alive today due to early warnings from working smoke alarms and the tenacity of her daughter in getting her to safety. The two were asleep in their single-family home at 3521 N Street SE when fire broke out in a bedroom shortly before 3:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 30th. Smoke alarms activated, and the adult daughter rushed to the assistance of her bedridden mother, dragging her to the front door and to safety before rushing to a neighbor's home to seek assistance. Firefighters arrived and assisted the elderly woman away from the front door, and began their attack on the fire. The original Box Alarm assignment was supplemented by a Working Fire Dispatch, and the flames were confined to the room of origin. Both occupants were evaluated on the scene by EMS personnel and did not require transport to the hospital. The fire was determined to be accidental in origin. The National Capitol Region of the American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced residents.
PATCH OF THE MONTH
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month� feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to District of Columbia FD Engine 27, located in Washington, DC.
Squatters Believed to be Cause of Apartment Fire in Northeast DC Washington, DC - One firefighter suffered a minor injury as flames damaged an apartment in Northeast DC on Thursday, July 25th. The fire was reported not long before 2:30 P.M. at UMP TO FILE# 1525 F Street NE, J080819105 an occupied building. Smoke was pouring from a top floor apartment when the first Box Alarm companies arrived, and a Working Fire Dispatch was requested. Crews began an interior attack and were able to confine the blaze to the apartment of origin. All residents were able to safely evacuate, and a pet rabbit in an adjacent apartment was removed by one of our members and handed over to its grateful owner. One firefighter suffered a back injury and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Fire investigators are looking
into the cause, but residents reported that the apartment was occupied by squatters who fled the scene prior to fire department ar-
rival.
DC FIRE AND EMS
- DC FIRE AND EMS
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
Aug/Sept, 2019
PAGE 19
eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes
For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work. With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way. The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers. “The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper. “The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-
“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”
- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND
gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.” Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-
ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space. Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the
down payment dollars needed at closing. The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington. To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements. “We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.” For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.
For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.
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Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC FIRE AND EMS
DC Crews Battle Two Hi-Rise Apartment Fires on Same Day Washington, DC - DC Fire and EMS battled two hi-rise apartment fires within a short period of time on Sunday evening, August 4th. The first blaze erupted shortly after 5:00 P.M. in a fifth floor apartment at 1200 N Street NW. That fire required a Box and Working Fire Dispatch to bring under control. Firefighters sheltered occupants in place as needed and there were no injuries. As units were engaged at the N Street fire, an automatic fire alarm was received from 1160 1st Street NE. While companies were responding, additional calls were received reporting a fire on the seventh floor, and a full Box
JUMP TO FILE #080819102 Alarm was dispatched. Firefighters arrived and found a kitchen involved in a seventh floor apartment, and were able to contain the fire to that one unit. The two occupants of that apartment were assessed by EMS for smoke exposure, but did not require transport to the hospital. Investigators determined that the cause of the 1st Street fire was accidental, and originated in a microwave oven. - DC FIRE AND EMS
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Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
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Enjoy taking photographs?
DELAWARE
Get the most out of your hobby!
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.
Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information! Lindsey@1strespondernews.com FRANK ROBINSON
Bridgeville Fire Company now operates this 2015 Pierce Velocity 1500/750/30F.
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PAGE 22
Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DELAWARE
Into the Fire ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
Into the Fire By Edric Kennedy-Macfoy 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: $12.99
This is a hard cover book measuring 6 ½ inches by 9 ½ inches with 224 pages. It is the memoirs of a London firefighter who put 13 years on the job. Now you may say that it seems like he left the job early and that would be the case, but the author did see his share of action, a selection of which is written about here. He is single, lived with his mother and had a younger brother. There is also a brief mention of a daughter. He worked at many different fire brigade stations in some different capacities and his accounts make for interesting reading, especially when it has to do with the different lingo spoken between the American and British
languages. There are explanations to the reader for certain terms and then there are others that you can pretty much figure out. He explains the command levels as well as the types of apparatus that they use. His calls, or “shouts” as they refer to them as, are diversified from comical, like the swan rescue to the very tragic like the poisoning of two children by their mother. But the most tragic is a fire that involved a large hi-rise residential building which resulted in many deaths and injuries. His input with this fire was not the initial fire attack but rather the overhaul, mop up and recovery which affected him so deeply that combined with other gruesome work that he was called to do collectively caused him to eventually leave the job. There are a lot of details in the descriptions of the operations within the 17 chapters. I sympathize how a firefighter could psychologically suffer. After all, other than in initial training, one does not know what it is like to be in a burning building with minimal to no visibility, unless he or she experienced it within their own home or a building that they had been in. The same goes for medical calls involving the seriously injured or dead! This is a book worth reading! It is one in which a person contemplating a career in the fire service would find enlightening!
DID YOU K NOW
Firefighters ripped open walls inside and outside of the building to check for extension.
RAINMAN14
Talleyville Apartment Damaged by Fire Talleyville, DE - At approximately 11:24 A.M. on July 17th, Stations 25, 13 and 11 along with Delaware County Engine 66 were dispatched to 3575 Silverside Road for an apartment building fire. Due to the caller hanging up during questioning, crews did not get any additional information. Firefighters began searching the area of Concord Plaza when 25-6 arrived to report fire showing from a four-story multi-residential
JUMP TO FILE #071819109 building. Crews quickly stretched and charged lines to knock the fire as two staffed engines were added to the assignment. Deputy 25 took command and reported that they had a bulk of the fire knocked down, and an exterior fire that extended inside. Crews went to work opening up walls on the first and second
floors. Interior crews found minor smoke conditions on all levels and assisted with venting. St. Francis Hospital’s Rehab Unit was requested to the scene to assist firefighters. After extensive overhaul crews began to clear the scene. State Fire Marshals are investigating the fire. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
IN SERVICE
?
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
The first-ever 911 call in the United States happened on February 16, 1968, in Haleyville, Alabama. It wasn’t until 1999 that Congress directed the FCC to make 911 the universal emergency number for the United States for all telephone services.
Christiana Fire Company operates this 2018 Seagrave 95' Tower Ladder.
FRANK ROBINSON
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA
DELAWARE
CLAYTON FIRE CO.
Clayton Purchases Cancer Protection Hoods for Interior Firefighters Clayton, DE - The Clayton Fire Company applied for and recently received a grant from DelMarVa Power to purchase cancer protection for the interior firefighters of the company. Fire Chief Alex Carrow stated, “It is very important for the company to stay abreast of new technology and these new hoods will protect the heads, necks and part of their faces from cancer-causing elements.� Each interior firefighter will receive two hoods; one to use and one to keep clean. The hoods are embroidered with their names so that when they wash them after an alarm they get their own personal hood back. "Smoke from fires are a cause of cancer in firefighters and the company is committed to protecting our members the best we can," stated Captain JJ Burnett. The hoods were placed into service on June 5th.
Bob Long
Aug/Sept, 2019
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Aug/Sept, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - MA