1st Responder MA March April Edition

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MARCH/APRIL, 2017

TWO-ALARM FIRE DISPLACES 21 RESIDENTS

HENRICO FIRE

Henrico County, VA – At around 1:45 A.M. on Friday, March 3rd, Henrico firefighters were dispatched for a reported apartment fire in the 3200 block of St. Martin’s Trail in the county’s west end, near the intersection of Homeview and Broad Streets.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

Company

Page

1st Priority

12,22

Armor Tuff Flooring

28

Apparatus For Sale

30

Choice Clean Gear

13

Choice Marketing

21

FDIC

DRILLS/TRAINING

DELAWARE

ADVERTISER INDEX

To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Clayton, DE – “Training is the cornerstone of any organization, especially in the fire service,” stated Clayton Fire Chief Wes Davis. On Monday night, March 20th, 25 members of the Clayton Fire Company participated in class two-of-four in the Firefighter Survival Training course. This class teaches firefighters how to protect themselves in case they get into trouble during a structural fire incident. The course teaches firefighters how to self-rescue, how to properly call for assistance if they should need it, as well as many other tips that will assist them in surviving an incident. This class is just one of many courses designed to train firefighters on how to better serve themselves and others.

DOVER FD

9,27

Firehouse Expo

31

Interstate Rescue

11

Kimtek Corporation

7

Mid Atlantic Rescue

32

Ray’s Pager Sales

15

Sprint

17

Task Force Tips

3

The Fire Store

15

Waterway

25

KEVIN WILSON

Firefighters entering a smoke filled building where there will change out their breathing apparatus before continuing on.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Mid Atlantic Edition - Vol. 17, No. 2 - is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553.

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Fallen Delaware Dept. of Corrections Lt. Steven Floyd.

Firefighters Pay Tribute to Fallen Dept. of Corrections Lt. Steven Floyd

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KEVIN WILSON

Firefighters practice how to properly perform a rescue drag on a fellow firefighter.

Dover, DE - On February 11th, Dover and Little Creek firefighters paid their respects to fallen Delaware Department of Corrections Lt. Steven Floyd as he was laid to rest. Other departments, including 41 (Camden), 43 (Cheswold), 53 (Leipsic), 55 (Magnolia), 40 (Bowers), 49 (Frederica), 57 (South Bowers), 58 (DAFB) and 27 (Middletown) were also set up to pay their respects at other locations. Lt. Floyd was killed during a prison riot on February 1st.

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March/April, 2017

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March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

DELAWARE

DOVER FD

Dover FD Teams Up with Home Depot Dover, DE - In January, Dover firefighters teamed up with the staff of Home Depot to hand out free smoke detectors to shoppers!

KEVIN WILSON

(L to R): Chief Wes Davis, Member of the Month past-Chief Rodney Whalen, and President Robert Faulkner.

Clayton Fire Company Announces Member of the Month

Clayton, DE - During their February meeting, the Clayton Fire Company recognized past-Chief Rodney W. Whalen as the Member of the Month for January 2017. Past-Chief Whalen is a 43-year member of the company and as stated by current Chief Wes Davis, "after 43-years and serving as an officer of the company, past-Chief Whalen can still be counted on to serve." During the month of January, past-Chief Whalen attended 10-of-16 alarms, two uniform company functions, two drills, one fundraising event, one misc. function and one company meeting, for a total of 22 points for the month and 34 for the year. Please join the members of the Clayton Fire Company in thanking past-Chief Whalen for his continued support.

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 Milton Fire Department operates this 2014 Spartan/Rosenbauer Heavy Rescue.

FRANK ROBINSON

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

DC FIRE AND EMS

DC FIRE AND EMS

Busy Morning for DC Fire and EMS Members

DC FIRE AND EMS

DC Fire & EMS Crews Conduct Technical Rescue

Washington, DC - On March 7th, members from DC Fire and EMS responded to a Technical Rescue assist at S. Capital Street and Southern Avenue. Upon arrival, crews found a person down a steep incline. Technical rescue personnel used ropes and stokes to hoist the individual from the stream bed. The patient was then transported to a local hospital for observation.

Washington, DC - Monday morning, February 6th, was a busy one for DC Fire and EMS, as they dealt with a fiery car crash, two working structure fires and an apparatus collision.

The first inci- JUMP TO FILE# dent involved a 021617104 basement fire in the 900 block of Hamilton Street NW. The blaze was dispatched at 12:41 A.M. for a two-story, middle-ofrow, occupied dwelling. A working fire dispatch was sounded, but the flames were confined to the basement. Three occupants were displaced and there were no injuries.

Units were still operating at that scene when a rescue assignment was dispatched at 2:15 A.M. for a vehicle crash in the 200 block of Michigan Avenue NE. The vehicle had struck a pole and burst into flames. The fire was quickly extinguished and four occupants were transported to various hospitals with potentially serious injuries.

The activity continued when at 5:40 A.M., a box alarm was sounded for a house fire in the 2500 block of Alabama Avenue SE. First arriving units encountered a vacant, two-story, detached dwelling with heavy fire in the basement that had already extended to the floors above. A working fire dispatch was sounded and Command ordered an exterior attack due to the advanced stage of the fire and the home's extremely poor condition.

This defensive stance knocked down the bulk of the flames, allowing firefighters to move cautiously inside to extinguish

isolated pockets of fire. There were no injuries during the battle and the cause is under investigation.

While Truck-8 was responding to this incident, they were involved in a collision with a civilian vehicle at Southern Avenue and Valley

DC FIRE AND EMS

Terrace SE. The driver of the car (its only occupant), was extricated and transported with serious injuries. No firefighters were hurt and the initial investigation found fault with the civilian vehicle.

- DC FIRE AND EMS

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March/April, 2017

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In memory of those who gave all

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

Texas: William ‘Iron Bill’ Dowling, 43 Rank: Captain Incident Date: May 31, 2013 Death Date: March 7, 2017 Fire Department:Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain William ‘Iron Bill’ Dowling passed away on March 7, 2017, from complications of the severe injuries suffered in the Southwest Inn fire on May 31, 2013, that killed four other Houston firefighters and seriously injured many more. The Southwest Inn fire is considered the deadliest day in Houston Fire Department history. In a statement, the Houston Fire Department said of Captain Dowling that “the incredible strength and bravery he showed as he and his family rebuilt his life – and theirs – after his injuries inspired us all. Please keep the Dowling family and all of the men and women of our fire department in your prayers.”

Pennsylvania: Dennis DeVoe, 45 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: March 10, 2017 Death Date: March 11, 2017 Fire Department: Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Initial Summary: Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe died from injuries sustained while responding to a multiple alarm row house fire which had confirmed civilian entrapment. DeVoe’s privately owned vehicle was struck on the passenger side at a controlled intersection by a stolen vehicle, reportedly being operated by an intoxicated 19 year-old female who failed to stop. According to reports, the force of the accident sent Lt. DeVoe’s vehicle through a fence and into a parking lot. The driver of the stolen vehicle who fled the scene was arrested later at the hospital by law enforcement.

Mississippi: Clinton Alvin Beasley, 80 Rank: Deputy Chief Incident Date: March 15, 2017 Death Date: March 15, 2017 Fire Department: Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department

Initial Summary: Deputy Chief Clinton Alvin Beasley and Firefighter Loretta Ann Sykes were directing traffic at the scene where a dump truck got tangled in power lines at Mississippi 589 and Oloh Road (Lamar County, MS) when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver. Both Beasley and Sykes passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when hit. The driver of the vehicle was later apprehended by Lamar County law enforcement.

Mississippi: Loretta Ann Sykes, 53 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 15, 2017 Death Date: March 15, 2017 Fire Department: Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Deputy Chief Clinton Alvin Beasley and Firefighter Loretta Ann Sykes were directing traffic at the scene where a dump truck got tangled in power lines at Mississippi 589 and Oloh Road (Lamar County, MS) when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver. Both Beasley and Sykes passed away at the scene from injuries sustained when hit. The driver of the vehicle was later apprehended by Lamar County law enforcement.

New York: Yadira Arroyo, 44 Rank: EMT Incident Date: March 16, 2017 Death Date: March 16, 2017 Fire Department: FDNY EMS Station House 26 Initial Summary: FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo, 44, was assigned to Station 26 in the Bronx and bravely served the Department for 14 years. EMT Arroyo was critically injured while responding to a medical call in the Bronx when an individual seized control of her ambulance and struck her. She was transported to Jacobi Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. She is the 8th member of FDNY EMS to die in the line of duty, and the 1146th member of the Department to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving our city.

EMS

If you have photos you want to see in the EMS feature of our newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

The Hazards of Dirty Bombs The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's SIGMA program has recently concluded.

The Agency states that SIGMA's goal is to prevent attacks involving radiological “dirty bombs” and other nuclear threats.

For approximately seven months starting in July of 2016, the fleet of D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services ambulances was outfitted with DARPA-developed nuclear and radiological detectors, providing the first city-scale, dynamic, realtime map of background radiation levels throughout the Capital, as well as identifying any unusual spikes that could indicate a threat.

The development of technology to address the risk of dirty bombs is welcome. Pending wider release of this technology, emergency responders may find helpful a primer on responding to these threats.

The risk: A "dirty bomb" (sometimes called a 'radiological dispersal device'), combines conventional explosives with radioactive material (for example, certain types of medical and industrial waste).

This combination is unnerving, but should not be exaggerated: a dirty bomb is not a nuclear device. A nuclear weapon splits atoms to cause a catastrophic ex-

Read more from all of our columnists on our website! www.1RBN.com

plosion and widespread radioactive contamination. A dirty bomb is simply a conventional device with contaminants added.

Identification: An explosion is proverbially hard to miss, but radioactive material is unlikely to be obvious unless (for example) the debris contain material with a hazardous goods label.

Ideally, emergency responders will be equipped to detect radiation in the area of an explosion and will be able to relay suitable warnings. It is probably not worthwhile

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

obtaining one’s own Geiger counter or similar advice: the United States' Nuclear Regulatory Commission warns that “many of the Geiger counters available commercially are uncalibrated and worthless”.

The Centers for Disease Control advises that radiation injuries may be indicated by the skin becoming red and swollen and the casualty complaining of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, they caution that the low radiation levels expected from a dirty bomb situation are unlikely to cause symptoms.

Management: Blast Injuries - Where people have been injured in the explosion itself may require first aid for blast trauma.

Radiation Exposure - Casualties who have not suffered blast injuries, but who may have been exposed to radioactive material should be encouraged to avoid any

March/April, 2017

obvious clouds of smoke or dust, and to breathe through tissues or cloth to avoid inhaling radioactive particles. They should not touch detritus in the area of the explosion which may be contaminated. For the avoidance of doubt, unpackaged food or water in the area of the explosion may have become contaminated and should not be eaten. However, food in sealed containers should be safe as long as the outside of the container is washed before it is opened.

Shelter - Casualties should be encouraged to take shelter inside a building of which the doors and windows can be closed, and to avoid public transport. Once inside the building, they should move to an inner room if possible, and limit exposure to radioactive particles which may be outside by closing the doors and windows and shutting off ventilation, heating or air conditioning, which draws air in from outside.

PAGE 7

Decontamination - It would be prudent for casualties (once indoors) to take off any clothing which may have become contaminated and to put it in a sealed plastic bag along with the cloth or similar item through which they were breathing (the clothing can be examined by an expert to estimate the casualty’s degree of exposure to radiation). As soon as possible, they should wash thoroughly to remove radioactive particles from the skin and hair.

Medication - Anti-radiation medications (for example, potassium iodide) may not be helpful and medical guidance should be sought.

This post was prepared using information from the websites of the United States' Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Nuclear Energy Institute.

- STEPHEN TUCK

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March/April, 2017

A Good Job VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

A Good Job Stories of the FDNY HBO Documentary Films Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $19.00 (DVD) This is a 60-minute DVD comprised of a large group of interviews with FDNY firefighters of many ranks, both active and retired, about the memories of their careers, including the good times, the bad times, the happy and sad moments, times of transition and the personal effects that the ordeals and experiences left on them.

The interviews are done by Steve Buscami, an award winning actor and director, who prior to his acting career, had taken the test for firefighter in 1976 and spent four years at Engine-55 in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. Steve returned to Engine-55 after 9/11 to lend a hand on “the pile," in search of missing members.

The interviews address “the war years,” named for the fires in the 1960’s and 1970’s, including the

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Madison Square Tragedy which claimed 12 firefighters in 1966 and the Waldbaum’s roof collapse in Brooklyn in 1978, which claimed six members. The advent of female firefighters, black firefighters, selfcontained breathing apparatus and new bunker clothing is discussed.

Two retired female firefighters, including a battalion chief, give details of their indoctrination and treatment when women first got assigned to stations.

The Happyland Social Club fire in 1989 is discussed and of course, the World Trade Center in 2001.

Some of those interviewed lost family members, including two sons of Deputy Chief Ray Downey. The firehouse kitchen is touched on where jokes and horseplay abound, especially with probationary firefighters.

Retired commissioner Sal Cassano and retired Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn are interviewed. Dunn could have lost his life at the Madison Square fire with the difference of his order by the deputy chief and the order given to Engine-18. If those orders were reversed, we would never have benefited from his textbooks, one of which was “The Collapse of Burning Buildings!”

I believe this video will keep your undivided attention for it's duration and help both firefighters and non firefighters to appreciate what working in a burning building is like, realizing that the horrors of the job can stay with the person for many years to come.

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DC FIRE AND EMS

Explosion at Police Evidence Warehouse Brings Large DC FEMS Response Washington, DC - An explosion and fire at a Metropolitan Police evidence warehouse brought a large DC FEMS response on Wednesday afternoon, January 25th.

A hazmat box alarm was dispatched around 2:15 P.M. to the facility on DC Village Lane in far Southwest. Arriving units were advised by police officials that an explosion strong enough to shake the building had occurred in a vault containing drug evidence.

The working fire dispatch and additional resources including the

JUMP TO FILE #020317111 rehab unit were requested, and firefighters began to cautiously recon the scene and prepare to attack the flames, where sprinklers had already activated. Once it was determined that it was safe to do so, an attack line moved in to extinguish the fire, but was then quickly withdrawn due to the unknown nature of what hazardous materials might be involved.

Efforts to ventilate the smoke

conditions were also hindered by the secure nature of the large windowless structure. The hazmat unit then sent in an entry team, taking readings and making a further evaluation.

Units continued to work through the afternoon and into the evening to bring the situation under final control. All firefighters who entered the building also had to go through a decontamination process.

Fortunately, despite the potential, there were no reports of injuries.

- DC FIRE AND EMS

?

It’s estimated that over 95% of structural fires in Detroit are due to arson, which is fifty times the national average.

DC FIRE AND EMS

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

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March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

VIRGINIA

Two-Alarm Fire Displaces 21 Residents in Henrico’s West End Henrico County, VA – At around 1:45 A.M. on Friday, March 3rd, Henrico firefighters were dispatched for a reported apartment fire in the 3200 block of St. Martin’s Trail in the county’s west end, near the intersection of Homeview and Broad Streets.

The first personnel arrived in less than four minutes to find a two- JUMP TO FILE# story apartment 030317107 complex with heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-floor apartment and roof, with the fire spreading to adjacent apartments. A second-alarm was requested and personnel immediately went into rescue mode, making the evacuation of victims the priority.

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As the apartments were being evacuated, firefighters mounted an aggressive interior fire attack to control the fire. Once all occupants were out and searches complete, ladder trucks were used to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire.

Once the majority of the fire was extinguished, firefighters went back inside to completely extinguish the remainder of the fire. A great deal of care was taken to check for hidden fire in each of the apartments as well.

The fire was brought under control in about 90 minutes. It appears that 12 apartments will be uninhabitable.

The Henrico Office of Emergency Management, as well as the American Red Cross was on scene to assist the displaced occupants with their needs. Both parties worked with apartment management to help with temporary lodging and clothing. A total of 20 adults and one child were displaced by the fire, along with a number of cats and dogs. Unfortunately, one cat perished in the fire.

The Henrico Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause and origin.

- TAYLOR GOODMAN

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RESCUE

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March/April, 2017

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HE HE ER ERO EROES ROES RO OES ES

VIRGINIA

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

HENRICO FIRE

House Fire Displaces 11 Occupants in Henrico County

Spelter, WV - Trevor Vance is a 19-year-old firefighter from West Virginia who has been serving his community since he was just 15-years-old. He is currently a firefighter at Spelter Volunteer Fire Department in Spelter, West Virginia and decided to get this tattoo done approximately two years ago. When asked what inspired him to get the tattoo, he said "being a firefighter is a brotherhood, so I thought to myself, why not get a tattoo that will be there forever and remind me of what I have been through and who I've been through it with." Trevor also said that the tattoo lets him show off what he's so proud of doing.

Henrico County, VA – Henrico County Emergency Communications Officers were notified of a house fire in the 6400 block of Charles City Road in the county’s far east end at 7:15 P.M. on Saturday night, March 11th. Units were immediately dispatched, arriving on scene within approximately six minutes.

First arriving firefighters found a rancher with a fire in the basement. As firefighters immediately began to search for victims on the first-floor, other personnel pushed their way into the basement and found a significant fire.

JUMP TO FILE #031317117 Basement fires can be particularly dangerous due to their limited means of getting in and out. Thanks to the firefighters fast work, the fire damage was limited to the basement. Some smoke damage did occur to the first-floor however.

The fire was placed under control in about 30-minutes. Seven adults and four children were displaced by the blaze and their needs are being addressed by the American Red Cross. There were no in-

juries to the occupants or fire department personnel and the cause is under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office at this time.

This fire occurred on the same night that we moved our clocks forward for Spring, which is also the same time we need to encourage the public to change their smoke detector batteries! Ensure that your alarms are clean and replace any alarm that are more than 10-yearsold. If you cannot afford a smoke alarm, alarms can be provided free of charge.

- TAYLOR GOODMAN

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD FIRE AND EMS

Vehicle Crashes Through Chesterfield Store Chesterfield, VA - Tones sounded on February 24th around 11:24 A.M., dispatching Chesterfield Fire and EMS crews and County police to the 9500 block of Newbys Bridge Road. Upon arrival, crews found a vehicle into the building at the Orange Market. The vehicle was partially inside of the building. Officials said that the driver was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. No one inside the store was injured during the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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March/April, 2017

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March/April, 2017

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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

Two-Alarm Fire Closes Elementary School EUGENE WEBER JR.

Bedford Fire Department is located in Bedford County, Virginia.

Henrico County, VA – At 7:50 A.M. on March 19th, Henrico County Emergency Communications Officers began receiving calls reporting smoke coming from the roof of Baker Elementary School, located in the 6600 block of Willson Road in the county’s east end.

The first firefighters arrived within two minutes and found black smoke coming from the roof of the school. Personnel immediately went to work to locate the fire within the building. Because of the amount of smoke and con-

JUMP TO FILE #032017120 cerns that the blaze could spread throughout the school, a secondalarm was called, bringing in over a dozen additional firefighters.

Once the fire was located, it was quickly extinguished. Ladder trucks were used to remove sections of the upper decorative wall sections to check for extension into the roof area, while other personnel used saws to open portions of the roof to better access damage

and check for hidden fire.

The fire was brought under control within an hour and no injuries were reported to citizens or firefighters. It appears that the building was not occupied at the time of the fire. Several fans were used to remove the smoke, which traveled throughout a majority of the building.

The Henrico Fire Marshal's Office ruled that the fire was accidental in nature, as the result of an electrical problem.

- TAYLOR GOODMAN

BECKY ROBINETTE WRIGHT

Two Displaced After Dangerous Chesterfield Trailer Fire

Chesterfield, VA - One adult and one juvenile were displaced after fire ripped through their mobile home in the 6800 block of Jefferson Davis Hwy. in the Shady Hill Trailer Park on February 20th. Tones sounded at 5:36 A.M. dispatching Engines 3, 11, 17, Rescue-3, Medic-3, TSO, Battalions 1 and 2, Fire Marshal 7 and DLA Engine-23 as mutual aid. A five-inch quick connect supply line stretched over 1,000-feet from a hydrant to the fire scene. The driveway, partially paved at the entrance to the trailer park, had stretches of black ice while firefighters faced temperatures in the low 30’s. Exposure risks included trailer homes on either side of the burning dwelling, automobiles and propane tanks at some of the trailers. The Chesterfield County Police who were also on scene and assisted with crowd control. With an aggressive fire attack, crews soon had the fire under control. Fire Officials said that no one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

HENRICO FIRE

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WEST VIRGINIA

March/April, 2017

PAGE 15

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March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

WEST VIRGINIA

ANDY STOTLER

Berkeley Springs Home Destroyed

by Massive Blaze Berkeley Springs, WV - On March 11th, Morgan County received calls reporting a structure fire in the 100 block area of Apple Orchard Circle in Southern Morgan County. Morgan County dispatched units due on Box 1-1 at 1:27 P.M. for a reported residential structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a residence on Apple Orchard Circle.

Firefighters worked quickly to advance attack lines in the front door to make an interior attack as fire was coming through the roof of the structure. Incoming crews worked quickly to establish a water supply from a nearby pond as firefighters were making their interior attack.

Chief Jami Clark from Berkeley Springs arrived and assumed Command as firefighters worked to battle the blaze, which was rapidly devouring the residence.

Heavy winds hampered fire fighting efforts as it fanned the flames burning through the roof, causing the fire to be pushed throughout the attic. Firefighters worked to battle the blaze for nearly 30 minutes before getting the fire under control. Command reported the blaze knocked down to Morgan County Dispatch at 2:23 P.M. Firefighters remained committed for an extended period, conducting overhaul operations and assisting the

JUMP TO FILE #031917103 State Fire Marshal. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to to investigate the cause of the Saturday afternoon blaze.

The home was a total loss, with damages roughly estimated to be around $180,000 or more. The cause is still currently under investigation.

The occupants were able to evacuate the structure and no pets were lost in the blaze. Both residents of the home were transported to War Memorial Hospital to be evaluated for smoke inhalation, but had no other injuries.

Over 50 emergency responders from four different counties responded out to the incident. Berkeley Springs Fire Co.1 responded out, along with additional assistance from Great Cacapon Fire Co. 2, South Morgan Fire Co. 3 and Morgan County EMS Co. 7.

Mutual Aid was also received from Washington County MD’s Hancock Fire Co. 5 and Emergency Air Unit 25, Allegany County MD’s Little Orleans Fire Co. 43, as well as Frederic County VA’s crews from Reynolds Store Fire Co.20 and Gainesboro Fire Co.16.

- WILLIAM KING

ANDY STOTLER

Wagon-13 on the scene with a working house fire on Spring Drive.

BERKELEY SPRING VFC

Log Cabin Home Destroyed by Fire in Southern Morgan County

Berkeley Springs, WV - On the afternoon of February 8th, Morgan County 911 received reports of a structure fire in South Morgan County. Departments due on Box 3-1 were dispatched out at 2:56 P.M. to 379 Spring Drive as additional reports came in to Morgan County reporting a working structure fire. Berkeley Spring Company-1 was one of the first departments to respond that afternoon with Wagon-13.

Firefighters from Berkeley Springs could see heavy black smoke from eight-miles out as they were responding. Wagon-13’s Officer, Captain Christopher Sipe, immediately requested the Working Fire Dispatch. Captain Sipe evaluated the scene as they were approaching and was able to determine that they had a large structure that appeared to be fully engulfed.

Captain Sipe requested a Tanker Task Force started to help establish an adequate water supply due the rural location in Southern Morgan County. One-mile out from the scene, Captain Sipe made the command decision and requested dispatch to strike a secondalarm due to the amount of fire that could be scene from his position.

Berkeley Springs Wagon-13 was the first unit on the scene to find a large, log cabin style home, fully engulfed in flames. Wagon-13 quickly dropped a five-inch supply line from the back of the driveway to the home, which was quickly picked up by South Morgan Engine 3-11 as they arrived. Captain Sipe assumed Command as firefighters pulled three hose lines off Wagon13 and began their attack on the massive blaze.

Firefighters had heavy fire conditions and conducted an ag-

JUMP TO FILE #021117104 gressive defensive attack on the blaze. The structure's condition was rapidly deteriorating and beginning to collapse as firefighters were working to stretch hose lines to attack the fire. Firefighters worked fast to extinguish part of the blaze that had extended into the woods around the house.

Crews battled the blaze for over an hour before bringing the it under control.

Firefighters were committed on the scene for nearly four hours.

The home was a total loss, but no injuries were reported during the incident. The cause of the blaze is not currently known and is still under investigation. For those interested in helping the displaced family, a Go Fund Me account was established for them at www.gofundme.com/grandparents-losteverything-fire.

Over 50 firefighters from across the four state area responded out to the incident. Morgan County, WV responded with crews from South Morgan Fire Co. 3, Great Cacapon Fire Co. 2, Berkeley Springs Fire Co. 1 and Morgan County EMS Co. 7.

Berkeley County, WV responded with crews from Hedgesville Fire Co. 30 and Back Creek Valley Fire Co. 50. Frederick County, VA responded with crews from Gainesboro Fire Co. 16 and Reynolds Store Fire Co. 20. Washington County, MD responded with crews from Hancock Fire Co. 5, Washington County Air Unit 25 and Washington County Rehab Unit 255. Allegheny County, MD crews responded from Little Orleans Fire Co. 43.

Fulton County, PA crews responded from Needmore Fire Co. 55 and McConnelsburg Fire Co. 56.

- WILLIAM KING

JOHN BORELLI

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

WEST VIRGINIA

Why Isn’t it Okay to be a Fit Firefighter?

JASON STRITE

Fire rapidly progressed as firefighters from Williamsport Fire Co. 2 arrived to find the house engulfed in flames.

Falling Waters Resident Saved

by Home Smoke Detector Falling Waters, WV - On the morning of March 14th, Berkeley County 911 received a call from 35 Gideon Lane in Falling Waters, reporting a possible fire in the house. The 911 call taker was able to hear an active smoke detector in the background at the time of the call.

Berkeley County quickly dispatched out crews due on the assignment for a possible house fire.

Units from Bedington and Williamsport were the first units to respond and were advised that the caller reported a possible fire in the residence, with a strong odor of electrical burning.

Williamsport Rescue Engine2, with Captain Wesley Shipley riding as Officer, was the first unit to arrive on the scene and found heavy fire conditions on side "Charlie" of the structure. Captain Shipley reported that they had a two-story structure with heavy fire conditions throughout the house and immediately established Command. Command evaluated the scene and requested a ladder truck out of Williamsport, along with two additional tankers to assist on the rapidly growing fire.

Heavy wind conditions, over 20-mph, fueled the flames and caused the fire to rapidly spread throughout the interior and exterior of the house. Firefighters from Bedington and Hedgesville arrived shortly after Rescue Engine-2 and worked to establish a water supply, dropping a supply line from the closest hydrant located 1,800-feet from the scene.

Rescue Engine-2’s crew quickly confirmed that all occupants were out of the structure and pulled several hand-lines, working in a defensive mode to protect surrounding exposures.

The fire rapidly progressed and began to collapse as firefight-

JUMP TO FILE #031717104 ers worked for nearly 20 minutes before being able to establish an adequate water supply.

Williamsport Truck-2 was able to quickly set up after arrival and began their ladder pipe operations.

Firefighters were able quickly gain control of the fire and knock down a bulk of the blaze within 15 minutes of beginning ladder pipe operations with Truck-2.

The house on Gideon Lane was unfortunately a total loss.

Firefighters were faced with blizzard like conditions while battling the blaze. High winds and a rural water supply hampered their efforts that morning. Captain Shipley advised that crews also had to be cautious between a propane grill tank that exploded during the fire, along with discharging ammunition that was stored inside the house.

The occupant of the home was awakened by a working smoke detector, which enabled them to safely evacuate the structure without injury. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.

Firefighters were able to protect a detached garage, although it did sustain heavy damage from the fire. Firefighters were committed on the scene for over four hours, finally clearing around 7:00 A.M. Units responding out to the incident consisted of Bedington Fire Co. 40, Hedgesville Fire Co. 30 and Co. 70, Williamsport Fire Co. 2 and Berkeley County EMS Medic 98-6. Additional crews from Washington County out of Maugansville Fire CO. 13 and Fairplay Fire CO. 12 were also started to assist with water supply operations.

It seems almost silly that I’m writing this article. It actually seems like a great waste of time that it even has to be written. However, my inbox continues to fill with questions about why it’s so hard to convince other members of their departments that being fit is really a good thing. It’s almost unreal that in our society we are still convincing people that being fit is good; that our bodies weren’t made to carry hundreds of extra pounds, or that our joints and muscles need to be utilized and trained to work well, or that our organs can only work with our help. Oh and by the way, all of that applies to firefighters' bodies too. We don’t get a “service” discount on that one.

As firefighters, why do we create these stigmas when it comes to fitness within our service, and why do we allow them to continue? I suppose it depends on how you look at the bigger picture because about 30years ago, we wore hip boots and long coats. At that time, anyone who wore bunker pants was wrong. Same with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. I think we can all agree that the level of protection bunker pants provides is far superior to that of hip boots. Wearing your SCBA is much better than eating smoke. In the end, bunker pants are good and so are SCBAs. So, maybe fitness is just as good...maybe even a better thing for the fire service than bunker pants and SCBAs. In part-one of this two part series, I plan to point out some of the common pitfalls that seem to plague the fire service when it comes to fitness and in part-two, I plan to address

some ways to overcome them.

Let’s start off with the biggest one of all. Fitness standards will be used as a way to discipline or even replace firefighters, further discourJUMP TO FILE #013017120

aging people from volunteering. It’s very possible that if a department established a mandatory health and wellness program, a person who refuses to participate could be removed from that department. Why anyone would refuse is a mystery to me. It’s a proven fact that participating in a health and wellness program sponsored by your employer is a benefit to the employee, not to mention you'd also have an added benefit, called living a better life. The statement above also applies on the volunteer end; but, if you have an established health and wellness plan, do you really want a person to volunteer who doesn’t want to be a part of it? Our Line-of-Duty-Death numbers should answer that question for you...

Then we have the firefighter who still feels that the only reason we want to workout is so we look good at the beach. Well, maybe looking good at the beach isn’t such a bad thing for the fire service. After all, we are constantly in the “public's eye." So tell me, who do you want representing your department? The firefighter who looks good at the beach, or the firefighter who can’t see his/her belt buckle because their stomach is hanging over it. Please realize that the above statements have zero bearing on appearance.

Take a moment and picture this...you just called a Mayday from a collapse. Which of the above firefighters would you want on your Rapid Intervention Team?

A firefighter fitness "hater line" that I just can’t seem to wrap my head around is when someone says "you shouldn’t workout on-duty, or at the firehouse because you might be “tired” from working out when a reported fire comes, impairing your ability to respond." In that case, I suppose we should never stretch lines, or put up the ladder, or do any form of training while on-duty because what if a reported fire comes in and we’re tired? It makes no sense to me at all. We are not “working out” at work. We are training our bodies to do our job. We just have to be smart enough to not deplete our entire tank, same as how we watch the air gauge in our masks while entering a commercial structure.

In part-two of this series, I will better explain how to create a fitness culture within your department and trust me, the "quick-fix" haters won’t like this one either simply because it won’t cost $29.99, nor provide free shipping, nor promise you the ultimate weight loss or fitness solution specifically designed and doctor approved for firefighters.

At the end of the day, don’t let any haters keep you down, just let them keep on hating! Every new change that was brought to the fire service was met with resistance and every new change that comes along will be met the same way, fitness included.

- ROBERT “PIP” PIPARO

- WILLIAM KING

PROVIDED

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

Operating Power Tools Safely STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

Power tools have just about replaced the use of manually (muscle power) operated tools not only in the home and industry, but also in the fire service. Life sure has gotten easier, including in the emergency services. Imagine, there are people who have never known anything other than a power driven screwdriver!

The dictionary defines a tool as “a device, such as a saw, used to perform or facilitate manual or mechanical work.” What that means is that a tool is meant to make the job or task at hand easier and if it isn’t making it easier, you are probably using the wrong tool, or using it improperly.

In the fire service, we now have an assortment of portable power tools which can be operated by a variety of power sources.

These power sources include electric or battery operated, compressed air and/or hydraulically operated tools. Whatever the power source, there is no doubt that they make the task at hand easier and faster to accomplish; but they must also be maintained and operated in a safe manner or they can become dangerous devices, especially in the hands of the untrained.

Tools can seriously injure or even kill the operator, or others, when not properly maintained or used. All emergency responders who use power tools must learn to recognize the hazards associated with the different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to prevent those hazards.

Therefore, some precautions are required when using power tools.

First and foremost, we must read the owner’s manual and instructions that came with the tool.

It is also recommended to let the salesperson or manufacturer’s representative give a training session on the proper and safe use of the tool. Learn the proper application, limitation and potential hazards of the tool and operate the tool at all times according to the manufacturer's instructions. Follow the instructions; do not cut corners and do not remove any built in safety devices and controls.

Then, follow up with your department training program where

members can get some additional hands on training before placing the tool in service. Knowing how to start the tool and how to stop the tool is important. I know all of this is pretty basic, but all members who will use the tool should attend the training session. This will help prevent unsafe practices and future problems.

Whenever using any power tool, personal protective clothing must be worn along with eye, respiratory and hearing protection if required. Select the correct tool or tools for the job at hand and never use a tool or attachment for something it was not designed to do.

Don’t expect more from a tool than it can deliver and never operate a tool you have not been trained to operate.

Concentrate on the work at hand when operating power tools, using two hands to control the tool and never looking away from your work. Sometimes the use of power tools under certain situations may require the use of another firefighter as a guide. Should you become distracted, or if someone or something enters the work area, immediately shut down the power tool. Never overreach and maintain your footing and control of the tool at all times. If you feel you are losing your grip or stability, shut the tool down and reposition. If operating at night or under limited light, provide adequate scene lighting to maintain adequate visibility to safely operate the power tools. After each emergency, all tools used should be cleaned and inspected, ensuring that they are in safe operating condition and ready for the next emergency.

Power tools make our everyday tasks much easier and enable us to accomplish many feats in a short period of time, but they also require respect. Most accidents and injuries that occur do so quickly and are usually from lack of concentration or firefighter inexperience with the tool. Accidents can happen to the experienced (over-confident) firefighter just as easily as to a newer firefighter. Being aware of your surroundings, not letting your guard down, expecting the unexpected and operating within the parameters of your training and the manufacturer’s instructions, should result in a safe operation.

Like most accidents, accidents with power tools are preventable.

Till Next Time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

PAGE 19

MARYLAND

WCVFRA-PT: T.SIGLER

Emergency crews from Hagerstown FD and Community Rescue Service work together to extricate the driver from a vehicle.

Hagerstown Responds to MVC Rollover with Entrapment Hagerstown, MD - On the afternoon of March 22nd, emergency crews from Hagerstown FD and Community Rescue Service were dispatched at 4:16 P.M. for a personal injury accident in the 100 block of South Prospect Street in Hagerstown. Washington County 911 received several reports of a vehicle overturned with one occupant still inside the vehicle.

Assistant Chief Mackrell of Community Rescue was clearing a call several blocks away when units were dispatched. Mackrell arrived within a few minutes after dispatch to find a Jeep Wrangler overturned in the middle of the street. He quickly confirmed a single-vehicle rollover with one occupant entrapped. Hagerstown FD crews arrived directly after Mackrell, took up position and worked to quickly stabilize the vehicle, as Hagerstown Battalion Chief Mark Cleck arrived and established South Prospect Street Command.

JUMP TO FILE #032217118 Emergency Crews from Hagerstown and Community Rescue worked together to extricate the occupant of the vehicle from the wreckage. Assistant Chief Mackrell had dispatch pre-alert Meritus Medical Center that they had a Priority-2/Category-C Trauma as crews worked the extrication. Crews worked for nearly 20-minutes before freeing the occupant from the vehicle. As crews worked to package the patient for transport, Command was terminated and units were able to wrap up their operations.

South Prospect was closed for nearly an hour due to the accident.

Community Rescue transported the driver of the jeep to Meritus Medical Center, but their condition has not been released. Engine-4 remained on the scene for a short duration with

Hagerstown City Police while waiting for the tow agency to arrive and remove the vehicle.

Hagerstown City Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

The Jeep Wrangler was heading southbound on South Prospect when it struck the right corner of another Jeep, pushing the parked vehicle onto the sidewalk and causing the Jeep Wrangler that was in motion to overturn, landing on its roof. All hazards from the accident were finally removed by 5:30 P.M. that evening and the roadway was re-opened.

Emergency crews operating at the incident responded from Western Enterprise Station-4, First Hagerstown Hose Company Engine-1, Community Rescues Sub-Station 754, Community Rescue’s Rescue Squad-75 out of their main station on Eastern Blvd., Hagerstown City Police and Hagerstown City Police Auxiliary Unit.

- WILLIAM KING

Read previous columns from Henry Campbell and the rest of our staff at www.1RBN.com WCVFRA-PT: T.SIGLER

PAGE 20

March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

MARYLAND

Man Dies in Overnight Parkville House Fire Parkville, MD - At 3:40 A.M. on March 5th, Baltimore County Fire Dispatch alerted units to Firebox 10-11 for a reported dwelling fire with persons trapped in the 8700 block of Lackawanna Avenue.

Units arrived to find heavy fire through the roof of a one-and-a-half story, JUMP TO FILE# single-family, wood- 030617132 frame dwelling. A Working Fire dispatch was sounded, bringing in additional units to the scene.

Due to heavy fire conditions, crews were unable to enter the dwelling and fought the fire from the exterior, including the use of a ladder pipe.

Two people who had escaped the house reported to incident command that they believed a third occupant was trapped on the second-floor of the dwelling. After the fire was knocked down, crews made entry and searched. During their secondary search, crews found a 28-year-old male deceased on the second-floor.

Crews remained on the scene for several hours performing overhaul. The fire investigation division of the Baltimore County PD was called to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

- CHARLIE LEWIS

Crews work to extinguish the fire that engulfed this home where one person died.

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

CHARLES LEWIS

Enjoy taking photographs?

Get the most out of your hobby!

1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information!

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com SHANE SHIFFLETT

Anne Arundel County, MD - Arundel Volunteer Fire Department Co. 7 has a brick placed at the 9/11 Memorial.

845-534-7500 ext. 212

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

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March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

MARYLAND

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.

HCDFRS

JOHN HOFFMAN

This 1974 International Brush Truck, which has a 750 front mount pump and carries 180-gallons, was in service for 22 years in Manchester, MD. It's now privately owned by John and Angie Hoffman in Maryland, who have attended multiple conventions and musters with it throughout York and Lancaster Counties.

Two-Alarm Fire Discovered at Warehouse in Lutherville Lutherville, MD - Shortly before the clock struck midnight on March 7th, Baltimore County Fire Department Truck- JUMP TO FILE# 1, while en-route 030817100 back to quarters from a previous firebox, advised Fire Dispatch that they were investigating smoke coming from the roof of a commercial building in Lutherville.

Within a few minutes, it was discovered that the smoke was coming from "Jeppi’s Nuts," one occupancy of the 14,000-squarefoot, warehouse-type building. As the fire intensified, Truck-1’s officer requested a firebox assignment (Fire Box 30-1) for 9 West Aylesbury Road.

Arriving crews laid several supply lines, laddered the building on both sides "Alpha" and "Charlie" and began forcing rollup bay doors to access the fire and ventilate the structure.

The fire eventually extended into the building’s roof area and an air handler before being knocked. Crews were on the scene for several hours pulling ceiling, overhauling and ensuring that the fire was extinguished.

First-Alarm House Fire in Columbia Displaces Two Columbia, MD – At approximately 9:30 P.M. on Saturday, February 25th, firefighters and paramedics from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a house fire in the 10900 block of Rum Cay Court. The fire was called into 911 dispatchers by a resident of the home.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire on the first-floor of the two-story house, with extension into the second-floor. Crews were able to extinguish the bulk of the fire within 15 minutes.

Two adults who were home at the time of the fire evacuated before the arrival of emergency personnel.

Both were evaluated for smoke inhalation, but refused treatment. The

JUMP TO FILE #022717125 house sustained extensive damage, therefore the two adults will shelter with family.

One firefighter sustained a nonlife-threatening injury and was transported for treatment to Howard County General Hospital. A water main break occurred during the incident, but operational water supply was not affected. The Department of Public Works (DPW) was on location to handle the water main break. The fire incident is under investigation by the HCDFRS Fire Marshal’s Office.

- HCDFRS

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March/April, 2017

PAGE 23

MARYLAND

HCDFRS

House Ravaged by Flames Collapses in Western Ellicott City

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / WWW.FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM

BCFD firefighters attacking the fire via a ladder pipe.

Baltimore City Firefighters Battle Warehouse Fire for Seven Hours Baltimore, MD - Shortly before 4:00 P.M. on Monday, February 13th, Baltimore City Fire Department units were dispatched on Box Alarm 14-70 in Southwest Baltimore for a reported building fire in the area of Frederick Avenue and South Calverton Road.

BCFD Engine-14 arrived with heavy fire on the third-floor of a three-story, 100x200, vacant warehouse and a Working Fire dispatch was requested.

Command quickly requested a second-alarm, followed by a thirdalarm. Requests were also made for additional engine companies to respond as the fire grew in intensity and conditions deterio-

JUMP TO FILE #021417100 rated, including a collapse of the third-floor and roof.

Firefighters used multiple hand-lines, ladder pipes and the BCFD Water Tower in an effort to control the fire, which was finally brought under control shortly before 11:00 P.M. The building, located at 158 S. Calverton Road, is a vacant warehouse, although it is believed that homeless individuals lived in the structure.

Ellicott City, MD - Just before midnight on March 10th, firefighters from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) were alerted for a tree on fire along Triadelphia Rd., just south of Frederick Road.

While units from the West Friendship Fire Station were responding, a second call came in from Emerald Court reporting that it was a house on fire and that people were possibly trapped inside.

The call was immediately upgraded, bringing in additional HCDFRS and Carroll County

JUMP TO FILE #031317106 units.

First arriving units found a single-family home fully engulfed in fire, and the roof beginning to collapse. It was quickly determined that the occupants of the home were able to evacuate prior to the fire department’s arrival.

Water supply was established using tanker trucks and the bulk of the fire was under control within about 45 minutes.

It took almost two hours to completely extinguish the fire and the home is considered a total loss.

There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians during the incident and the occupants of the home were in the process of moving out, so they made their own arrangements for shelter.

Fire Investigators were on the scene, but had to resume operations the following day due to the collapse of the structure. The approximate value of the home was estimated at $650,000.

- HCDFRS

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

- MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

Tenth District Volunteers operate this Ford F350 180/150 Brush Truck.

FRANK ROBINSON

PAGE 24

March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

Does Social Media Belong in Today’s Fire Service?

Today, almost everyone has a smart phone and endless opportunities to record life in real time, the good and the bad. Fire departments must now embrace the social media world in which we live. But what role does social media play in the fire service?

Most fire departments now have an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) or SOG (Standard Operating Guideline) addressing social media.

But is social media helping or hurting your department? Herein lies the problem. Does the SOP or SOG truly guide the fire service to use social media to their advantage?

Public Relations is something the fire service has definitely not mastered. As a rookie volunteer firefighter in the early 90’s, one of the first things stressed to me was “Never take any pictures because you will end up in court." The truth is, I would end up in court with or without the pictures and it would be much more difficult to convey accuracy without pictures to support and recreate the scene.

Several departments have now used social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, to propel their departments to a new level. This allows fire departments the ability to reach a new generation of firefighters because the new generation is definitely connected by technology and social media. Some departments have even utilized social media to enlist community support to obtain new apparatus, afford pay raises, and seek potential new personnel.

Social media has also heightened public awareness of the dangers involved with firefighting and virtually taken viewers into the fire via social media.

Scott Ziegler, a firefighter with Detroit Fire Department, wore a helmet cam for a year while employed as a firefighter with Highland Park, Michigan Fire Department. Scott then appeared on national news, giving the nation a glimpse into the lifethreatening experiences a firefighter faces every day. Am I implying that all social media, or even news media coverage is good? Absolutely not!

The key is to train staff about social media etiquette and how to embrace the photographers on the side lines of the scene or during an incident.

Yes, you read that correctly; “photographers on the side lines".

I recently traveled to California to experience fire photography as a fire chaser, known as buffing. I had the honor of working side by side with two Southern California fire photographers, Tod Sudmeier (@epn564) and Brandy Carlos (@epn106). I was amazed at how many fire departments not only welcomed our presence, but they actually encouraged us to get close to the action. Of course, we followed the safety rules outlined by each fire de-

BRANDY CARLOS/@EPN106

Chief Joel Miller, Federal Government Fire Chief, fire department social media consultant and owner of the world’s largest Fire Instagram page (@chief_miller).

partment, such as wearing wildland firefighting gear as we stood on the front lines, streaming live footage via Periscope and Facebook Live to hundreds, even thousands of viewers around the world. We each shared awesome pictures capturing the action in real time on some of the world’s largest fire service based social media sites.

Social media has even helped the fire service recruit some of the best candidates for the job simply due to the awareness and visibility, triggering an increase in applicants. Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City and Cal Fire are some of the most recognizable departments in the world, partially due to social media and dedicated fire photographers.

Social media also raises community awareness of the great service their tax dollars are paying for.

Shortly after my California experience, again with California fire photographers Tod Sudmeier (@epn564) and Brandy Carlos (@epn106), we traveled to Detroit, Michigan. Detroit is one of the country’s most deprived cities and busiest fire departments. They are confronted with a high number of arson related fires. I found that the Battalion Chief would be the one to set the temperature as to how well received the fire photographers were on scene.

I made calls where the Battalion Chief himself would be snapping shots as much as he could. Most Battalion Chiefs welcomed us as we followed their rules and stayed out of harm’s way. Real-time live broadcast from DFD went out around the world via social media. The world saw top notch firefighters doing an amazing job, despite the struggles

their department has experienced in the way of equipment and manpower.

We later responded to a call with DFD where the Battalion Chief was anti-fire photographer and anti-social media. As one photographer was streaming live to viewers world-wide (while obeying all the rules and respecting the firefighters on scene from a safe distance outside the hotzone), the Battalion Chief began yelling at him. The photographer, a retired firefighter himself, chose to cut the live feed as to not reflect negatively on the fire department. After all, it was the firefighters that we were there to represent and they deserve the utmost respect. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident and the photographer has felt it necessary to cut live feed on other occasions at different locations.

Realistically, we live in a world where everyone is at the mercy of social media. Fire departments need to embrace the professional fire photographers, as their goal of honoring the fire service is the one true defense guarding fire departments from the negative effects social media can bring. Your department can either stand by and become a casualty of social media, or your department can choose to prepare staff and public relation officers on how to use social media to propel your department to the next level.

Social media is here to stay. I encourage each of you to choose a direction and develop a plan for the role social media will play in the success of your department. The choice is yours, make it a good one!

- CHIEF JOEL MILLER

MARYLAND

Garage Fire Spreads, Causing Severe Damage to Jefferson Blvd. Home Funkstown, MD - On March 15th, the Funkstown Fire Company was alerted at 6:15 P.M. on Box 1016 for a reported structure fire at 20346 Jefferson Boulevard, east of Hagerstown. Funkstown responded out, along with crews from Hagerstown FD and Community Rescue Service for what was reported to be a fire in a residential garage.

As Assistant Chief Mackrell of Community Rescue reported heavy smoke showing from Jefferson Boulevard and Antietam Drive, Washington County received additional calls reporting that the fire was spreading into the house. Dispatch advised units that they were in the process of upgrading the assignment.

Funkstown Chief Eric Fraley responding on the call monitored the reports dispatch was receiving and immediately requested the Safety Assignment started with the upgrade of the call. Community Rescue’s Rescue Squad-75 was the first unit on the scene to find heavy smoke coming from side "Alpha" of the residence, with the garage fully involved.

Engine-3 out of Hagerstown arrived and took position on side "Alpha" of the structure and began fire attack. Crews were initially faced with a limited water supply with no nearby hydrants. Chief-10 immediately requested a tanker task force started for water supply operations.

Funkstown Engine 10-1 arrived on the scene and reverse laid over 800feet of supply line to establish a good water source from a hydrant on Greenhill Drive.

Firefighters had heavy fire conditions that quickly spread from a small fire in the attached garage into the first and second floors of the house. Crews worked to gain control of the blaze for nearly 45 minutes.

Command reported to dispatch that they had the fire knocked down at 7:09 P.M. Firefighters continued to hunt

JUMP TO FILE #032017137 for hot spots and worked to extinguish the fire they still had in the walls of the house. Crews worked for just under one hour before the fire was able to be reported knocked down and deemed under control.

Firefighters were committed on the scene on Jefferson Boulevard for over four hours that evening. Due to the amount of fire, crews conducted extensive overhaul operations to ensure that they had the fire extinguished while awaiting the arrival of the State Fire Marshal, who was called in to investigate the fire.

The cause of the devastating blaze has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Damages to the house were estimated to be around $250,000. All occupants were able to safely evacuate the house without injury and are currently receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Over 50 Emergency Responders responded out to the incident.

Funkstown Fire Co. 10 responded out with Independent Juniors Engine-3, Pioneer Hook & Ladder Truck-1 and Community Rescue’s Rescue Squad on the initial reports of the garage fire.

Additional assistance was received by Longmeadow Fire Co. 27, Antietam Fire Engine-2, Smithsburg Fire Co. 7, Leitersburg Fire Co. 9, Maugansville Fire Co. 13, Mt. Aetna Fire Co. 16, Washington County Special Operations-20, Community Rescue Medic-75, Smithsburg EMS Medic-79, Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Safety Officer101, Washington County Air Unit-25, Washington County Rehab255 and Washington County Fire Police.

- WILLIAM KING

WCVFRA-PT: T.SIGLER

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

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MARYLAND

Baltimore City Firefighters Battle Four-Alarm Fire in Vacant Warehouse Baltimore, MD - On Thursday night, February 16th, Baltimore City firefighters battled their second multiple-alarm warehouse fire of the week.

Shortly before 9:00 P.M., Baltimore City Police Arson Unit's Car-42 was headed northbound JUMP TO FILE# on Interstate-83 021717100 when he called in a “verbal alarm” for heavy fire and smoke showing from a warehouse in the city’s Woodberry community.

Box Alarm 21-71 was struck and upon arrival, units confirmed heavy fire in a three-story vacant warehouse in the 1700 block of Union Avenue, under the West 41st Street bridge and adjacent to the MTA Light Rail tracks. Command quickly struck a second-alarm on arrival. Firefighters placed multiple hand-lines and ladder pipes into service on Union Avenue, the train tracks and the bridge above.

BCFD Water Tower-1 was also utilized to attack the fire from above and several apparatus were positioned on Interstate-83 southbound, which was closed to traffic at Cold Spring Lane. The fire eventually grew to four-alarms and burned well into the following morning.

- MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / WWW.FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM

The Heart of the Matter is a Matter of the Heart Chaplain's Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11) Singleness of heart/purpose is not a foreign concept to the firefighter or EMS worker. The very duties of these occupations cry out for a concerted singleness of our purpose to fulfill the mission.

Meeting the immediate needs of the patient is the first responder's mission. Upon arrival of an emergency call, we must be totally focused on the patient as well as our surroundings. It is essential. This essentiality also applies to our spiritual lives. Only when we pursue God with singleness of heart do we experience the fulfillment of His purpose in our lives - to

rescue us.

Indecision about God is described in the Bible as "doublemindedness" - and doublemindedness is a costly habit. With so much contentment at stake, why do we waver? Why don't we choose God more wholeheartedly?

"Unite my heart to fear Your name." This is a prayer for the integrity of a "pure" heart, one that is not only clean, but also decisive. James wrote, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). What we need is the courage to pursue God with singleness of purpose.

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; (1 Peter 3:8).

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)

Visit 1st Responder on the Web at

www.1RBN.com

MICHAEL SCHWARTZBERG / WWW.FIREPIX1075.ZENFOLIO.COM

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

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March/April, 2017

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RICHARD BILLINGS

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.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

PAGE 29

FACES OF MID ATLANTIC’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

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

DC FIRE AND EMS

Washington, DC - Eight DC firefighters recently raised $17,500 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fight cancer. Firefighter Rocky Baldino alone raised $8500!

Clayton, DE – On February 26th, 21 members of Clayton Fire Company and several members of neighboring fire companies were recertified in CPR and AED skills. (L to R): Past Chief Robert J. Lightcap, Vice President Cheryl Hurlock, Past President Ron Ivory, Firefighter Charles Woloszyn, Firefighter Jim Miller and Chief Engineer Roland Timmons.

KEVIN WILSON

Hagerstown, MD - A Hagerstown firefighter placing the saw back into service.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

HENRICO FIRE

Henrico County, VA – On January 10th, 54 public safety officials graduated from the 3rd annual Metro Richmond Public Safety Leadership Academy, including three lieutenants from Henrico Fire. (L to R): Lt. Ray, Lt. Fye, Asst. Chief Oughton and Lt. McDuffle.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Hagerstown, MD - Hagerstown Fire Department Captain-33 assists with picking up the fire hose.

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March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

MARYLAND

COMMAND VEHICLES If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

The Hagerstown FD Battalion Commander uses this vehicle.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Heavy fire breaks through the roof of this vacant two-and-a-half story, wood-frame dwelling.

CHARLES LEWIS

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.

FRANK ROBINSON

Hughesville Volunteer Fire-EMS operates this 2012 Spartan/Custom Fire Heavy Rescue.

DID Y OU K NOW

Earth is the only known planet where fire can burn. Everywhere else: Not enough oxygen.

?

Wood-Frame Duplex Burns in West Baltimore City Baltimore, MD - On February 10th at 10:30 P.M., box alarm 2010 was dispatched for the report of a dwelling fire in the 3200 block of Clifton Ave., in the Walbrook Junction section of Baltimore City.

Truck-18 arrived in less than one minute and reported a twoand-a-half story duplex dwelling, with heavy fire showing in the rear from the first and second floors.

Battalion Chief-5 arrived and as

JUMP TO FILE #021117100 conditions worsened, he requested the Working Fire dispatch.

At the same time, tactical box 20-10 was dispatched for a report of a dwelling fire in the 2100 block of Hilton Street. Units arrived at the reported location and determined that both calls were the

same. Those units then took the Working Fire dispatch assignment.

The fire took about two hours to bring under control. One firefighter was transported to the hospital. The house was determined to be vacant and there were no other injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- CHARLIE LEWIS

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1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

March/April, 2017

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March/April, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - MA

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