1st Responder News New England December Edition

The New England Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $36/YEAR

WWW.1RBN.COM

DECEMBER, 2020

FIRE GUTS FORMER FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANT IN CONCORD

JAY L HEATH

Concord, NH - Thick black smoke, held to the ground by wet heavy rains, blanketed downtown Concord as fire ripped through the vacant Friendly's restaurant just before 7:00 P.M. on October 13th. Callers reported a fire in the vacant building and a full Box Alarm assignment was dispatched at 6:52 P.M.

- See full story on page 2

Join our Team of Dispatchers Paging with a Rewards Program!

Visit our website to fill out an application.

www.1rwn.com

PAGE 2

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Fire Guts Former Friendly’s Restaurant in Concord Concord, NH - Thick black smoke, held to the ground by wet heavy rains, blanketed downtown Concord as fire ripped through the vacant Friendly's restaurant just before 7:00 P.M. on October 13th.

Callers reported a fire in the vacant JUMP TO FILE# building and a full 102020105 Box Alarm assignment was dispatched at 6:52 P.M. Firefighters found heavy smoke showing with fire well advanced into the attic and roof, making it too dangerous for city firefighters to remain in the building after they made their way inside to attack the fire.

"All companies were ordered to evacuate after 10 minutes and we moved to a defensive operation," said Concord interim Fire Chief Guy Newbery. "It was wood-truss construction in an unsprinklered building, so fire spread rapidly." Newbery added that there were no fire alarms inside either, saying "the fire had a significant headway on our arrival."

A working fire and audible alarm for all off duty city firefighters was ordered, and the fire was not brought under control until 9:12 P.M. Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the night and an investigation began the next morning. No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.

Concord Fire Chief Guy Newbery takes operations as heavy fire and black smoke pour from the restaurant.

JAY L HEATH

- JAY HEATH

Read more stories on our website!

1rbn.com Fire vents from the roof as firefighters set up defensive operations.

JAY L HEATH

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

December, 2020

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Advertising Index

A guide to finding great companies

Company

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Page

Allegiance Fire & Rescue

31

Applied Rescue Technique

26

Backstop USA

28

Beltronics

30

Dinghy Pro

28

ElectriClean, Inc.

29

Firematic

32

Fire Tech & Safety

15

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

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Nashua First Alarm on Lock St.

5

Granite Fire Apparatus Kochek

WORKING FACES

20

Long Island Mega Show

3

Mid Atlantic Rescue

7

New England Marine

27

B SPRAGUE

Salem Fire Dept. MPO Colton House setting up water supply at a recent dumpster fire near a home.

Nashua, NH - Nashua firefighters responded to 96 Lock Street for a reported building fire on October 26th. Upon arrival, C1 (Chief of Dept.) had smoke showing from a two-and-a-half story wood-frame. E1 arrived on scene and stretched a line to the first floor where the fire was located. L1 performed a search and ventilated. Crews had the fire knocked down in a short time. Crews remained on scene overhauling and checking for extension. The fire is under investigation by the Nashua Fire Marshal's office.

9

Northeast Rescue Systems Shaker Auto Group

25

Sugarloaf Ambulance

16

Team Equipment, Inc.

13

Utility Communications

11

Waterous

12

JAY L HEATH JAY L HEATH

Concord Acting Battalion Chief Stone takes command at a recent working fire.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 24, No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, 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 error. in Omissions A division of: or errors be must brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Printed in Canada.

845-534-7500• (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@belsito.com

Crew pic of first due Nashua FD Engine Co. 1.

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Webster Battles Early Morning Garage Fire

Webster, NH - Webster firefighters, along with six other departments, battled an early morning garage fire on October 30th. Concord Fire Alarm dispatched the call at 1:39 A.M. for a fire in the carport at 439 Deer Meadow Road, with automatic mutual aid from Concord, Boscawen, Warner and Salisbury.

A flammable liquid caused the fire in the corner of the garage, with some extension into the house. Concord Fire Chief Guy Newbery said the fire was made difficult because a container of flammable liquid melted, allowing four to five gallons to spill onto the floor and ignite. The flammable liquid, which Newbury said might have been diesel fuel, spread while burning, seeking the lowest point it could find, just like water, and seeped under the home, which was propped up off the ground and had no basement. The fire was knocked down by 2:33 A.M., and no injuries were reported. The homeowners escaped with their cats, and a pair of pet birds was taken out by firefighters.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

December, 2020

1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@Belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

Lindsey Palmer (Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Rosa (Michelle@1stResponder.com) ••• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Joe Belsito (Joe@1stRespondernews.com)

••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@1stResponder.com)

EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS •••

Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS •••

Robert Allen • Nate Arnold • David Bowen • David Bryce • Michael Carenza Jr. • Paul Dolnier • Doug Fenichel • Sean Fesko • Ryan Flaherty • Jim Fortin Jr. • Mark Grabowski • Karin Halstead • Jay Heath • Patrick Kerrigan • William King • Lee Krohn • Roger Lambert • Kenneth Leger • Peter Lobo • Chuck Lowe • Bernie Meehan Jr. • Robert Moran • Kevin Mosio • Brian Owen • Greg Ramsdell • Frank Robinson • Coral Ruggiero • Jason Rushford • Dick Scialabba • Anthony Simanskas • John Sjostedt • Ken Snyder • Robert Sprague • Jack Stawasz • Charlie Tentas • Pat Travers • Robert Vezina • Eugene Weber Jr.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

845-534-7500 ext. 212 • (fax) 845-534-0055 News@1stResponderNews.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

If you would like information about how advertising in 1st Responder News can benefit your company call our advertising hotline at:

845-534-7500 ext. 211 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Advertising@1stResponderNews.com

CIRCULATION INFORMATION

1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $36 per year.

845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Circulation@1stResponderNews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING

1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adverA division of: tisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices.

As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@Belsito.com

In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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

California: Peter Hein, 61 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: August 11, 2020 Death Date: August 11, 2020 Fire Department: Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On August 11, 2020, Fire Engineer Peter Hein was working with the U.S. Forest Service at the Stagecoach Wildfire in Kern County. He suffered a medical emergency and was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

California: Jose M. Perez, 44 Rank: Firefighter III/Paramedic Incident Date: July 22, 2020 Death Date: July 25, 2020 Fire Department: Los Angeles City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter III/Paramedic Jose M. Perez contracted COVID-19 as a result of numerous exposures from positive COVID-19 patients during the course of his official duty for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He subsequently passed away on July 25, 2020, from the virus.

Montana: Thomas Duffy, 40 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 24, 2020 Death Date: August 24, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 24, 2020, Pilot Thomas Duffy, flying a Type 1 Kmax helicopter, was conducting bucket drops while battling the White River Fire in Mount Hood National Forest, when his helicopter crashed. He worked for Central Copters, Inc., a private family run company out of Belgrade, Montana, as a wildland-contract pilot for the U.S. Forest Service. The official cause of the crash is under investigation.

Pennsylvania: David Closs Sr., 67 Rank: Volunteer Incident Date: August 17, 2020 Death Date: August 23, 2020 Fire Department: Avis Fire Company #1

Initial Summary: On August 17, 2020, Firefighter David Closs and other firefighters from the Avis Fire Company #1, responded to a residential structure fire.

Firefighter Closs was working scene safety a short distance away from the actual structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency and was immediately taken to the local hospital. He passed away on August 23, 2020 from an apparent heart attack.

Oregon: Diane Jones, 63 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 31, 2020 Death Date: August 31, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 31, 2020, Firefighter Diane Jones, who worked for a private company during the wildland fire season, KL Farms/Fire LLC, was battling the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest in California, when she was involved in a vehicle crash, along with two other firefighters. Firefighter Jones was repositioning the engine when it backed over an embankment and into a fire. She passed away from the injuries she sustained in the accident. One of the two other firefighters is being treated for injuries sustained in the crash, while the third firefighter was uninjured. Firefighter Diane Jones was a volunteer firefighter for the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department in Cresson, Texas.

Her son, Captain Ian Shelly, also a member of the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, was fighting the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest as well.

Texas: Thomas Searcy, 45 Rank: Career Incident Date: July 27, 2020 Death Date: September 8, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Captain Thomas Searcy was battling COVID-19 when he passed away in the Intensive Care Unit at the Memorial Hermann Hospital. He had been hospitalized for a month fighting the virus. Captain Searcy contracted COVID-19 from exposure in the workplace from numerous fire and EMS calls he responded to where individuals had been diagnosed with the disease.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Vehicle News

CHUCK LOWE

Peterborough's newest ambulance was built by Osage on a 2019 Ford F550 4x4 chassis. 24-A2 is one-of-five ambulances operated

by PFR.

B-SFIREPHOTOS.COM

One Person Transported from Two-Car MVA in Concord

CHUCK LOWE

Loudon has placed a 2019 Dodge Ram 5500/PL Custom into service as 61-Ambulance 1.

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

Concord, NH - Concord Fire and Concord Police were dispatched on October 15th to the intersection of Loudon Road and Hazen Drive for a reported MVA. On arrival first responders found a two-car MVA with heavy damage to both vehicles. Concord Rescue 4 transported one patient to Concord Hospital with a head injury.

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.

CHUCK LOWE

B-SFIREPHOTOS.COM

Firefighters opening the roof to attack fire at a vacant Friendly's restaurant in Concord on 10/13/20.

Hooksett acquired this 2007 Pierce Dash 100' quint last year. It carries 500-gallons of water, 25-gallons of foam and is rated to flow 1500-GPM. It previously served "The Woodlands" Fire Department, located just north of Houston, Texas.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

YOUR LOCAL DEALER!

www.northeastrescue.com

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

Vehicle News

CHUCK LOWE

Turn of River Fire Company in Stamford now operates this 2020 Spartan Gladiator/Marion 3000-gallon tanker with a 1500-GPM pump.

FF Collin Maynard waiting for water.

CHUCK LOWE

Greenwich Fire Department's newest apparatus, this 2019 Seagrave Marauder II, is assigned to the Cos Cob station. It has a 1500GPM pump, 750-gallons of water and a 45-gallon foam cell.

RYAN FLAHERTY

Barn Destroyed by Fire in Colchester Colchester, CT - At 11:14 P.M. on Tuesday, October 27th, the Colchester Fire Department with the Yantic FAST was dispatched to 178 Chestnut Hill Road for a barn fire near a house.

Deputy Chief Lee transmitted the second-alarm while responding, as he could see the glow and header in the sky. This added Hebron Engine 210, Tanker 110, Bozrah Engine 126, Tanker 126, Gardner Lake Tanker 127, and Oakdale Tanker 43 with Marlborough Tanker 117.

JUMP TO FILE #103020103 Car 128 arrived at 11:21 P.M., reporting a fully involved 150’x75’ two-story barn with a partial collapse. Engine 128 arrived at 11:23 P.M. and stretched a portable deck gun, a two-and-a-half inch line and a one-and-three-quarter inch line to protect the exposures and begin darkening down the large volume of fire.

Engine 128 ran out of water and

had to wait until their tanker arrived to continue suppression efforts.

Tankers tied into a triamese at the bottom of the driveway which fed the incident. Crews stayed on scene throughout the night wetting down hot spots.

A Marlborough Engine covered headquarters and an East Hampton Engine covered Westchester. There were no injuries and the Colchester Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

- RYAN FLAHERTY

CHUCK LOWE

Laurel Hill Fire Company in Norwich has placed a 2020 International 1500-GPM, 2000-gallon tanker into service. This apparatus, designated "Engine Tank 61", was built by Deep South Fire Apparatus in Mississippi. The former Engine 61, a 1984 Mack-CF, will be auctioned off as surplus.

MICHAEL R BRINIUS

West Hartford FD recently received a brand new Pierce Impel 107foot Ascendant. This is the first Pierce for West Hartford, and it will be going to Ladder 4.

ET-128 was pumped by FF Swan.

RYAN FLAHERTY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

PAge 11

December, 2020

CONNECTICUT

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

MICHAEL CARENZA JR

Two-Alarm Fire Damages New Britain Home

CORAL RUGGIERO

Windsor Locks Chief gary Ruggiero poses with his son, Lieutenant Anthony Ruggiero, and grandchildren, gianna and Leo Ruggiero, after the fire department's annual memorial service.

New Britain, CT - A two-alarm fire at 817 West Main Street on November 1st left one person displaced. The call came in a little before 8:00 A.M., and was under control in a half hour. The fire started in the basement and is under investigation. There were no injuries.

Providing Communications Products & Services For Over 50 Years

MOTOROLA BATTERY SPECIAL

Offer good on these Genuine Motorola Batteries: NNTN4497 for CP200D PMMN4490* for XPR3300e, XPR3500e Offer valid until December 31, 2020 PMNN4489* for XPR7350e, XPR7550e, XPR75580e RLN5707 for Minitor V *Intrinsically Safe & UL Approved PMNN4451A for Minitor VI

BUY 10 - GET 1 FREE!

Two-Way Radios • Pagers • Camera • Video • Access Control Systems • Whelen Lighting & Outdoor Warning Products • Microwave • Scanners • Dispatch Chairs • P25 Models Custom Engraving • Reconditioned Equipment • Rentals • Consulting & Coverage Studies • Complete Motorola Product Line • Factory Trained Technicians • 24 Hour Emergency Service MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

920 Sherman Avenue, Hamden Connecticut 06514

(203) 287-1306

•

(800) 443-1306

www.utilitycommunications.com

PAGE 12

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board� feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

NORWALK FD

Bedroom Fire Damages Apartment Building in Norwalk Norwalk, CT - Norwalk Firefighters responded to an apartment fire on the morning of October 15th at the Avalon Apartments, 26 Belden Avenue. The reported fire came in along with the building alarm at 9:12 A.M. Firefighters made their way to apartment 1103 and found a small fire in the master bedroom of the two bedroom apartment. The fire was held in check by the sprinkler system and then completely extinguished by firefighters. The occupants of the apartment, a mother and child age 11, were evaluated

by Norwalk Hospital Paramedics and refused transport to the hospital.

Firefighters diverted the sprinkler water out an apartment window, as the sprinkler system was

JUMP TO FILE #101620103 being shut down to limit water damage, which was confined to the apartment and the parking garage below. Evacuated residents were allowed back into the building at 10:30 A.M., once the alarm system was silenced. Building maintenance is working to restore the systems.

Fire Inspectors David Burrows and Dale Roos are investigating the cause of the fire. Four engines, two trucks, a rescue and a command vehicle responded to the incident.

CORAL RUGGIERO

Windsor Locks, CT - On Sunday, November 1, 2020, members of the Windsor Locks Fire Department and the Windsor Locks Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary safely gathered with their families to remember members who have passed away. This year the following names were added to the role of honor: Heidi Vaughan, Joseph Hannigan, Herman True, Joseph LaPierre, Jr., and Charles Hagist.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If your department has photos you would like to see in our Where are they now? feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

- NORWALK FD

Read more articles around New England! www.1rbn.com

CHUCK LOWE

When the Trumbull Center Fire Department replaced this 2005 E-One Cyclone in 2019, it was acquired

by Washington, New Hampshire. This apparatus, with a Salisbury body, will remain white and operate as Engine 1.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

RYAN FLAHERTY

Jeep Crashes into Voc's Bakery in Norwich

Norwich, CT - Around 12:15 P.M. on Sunday, October 18th, Norwich’s Engine 2, Engine 3, Squad A and the Battalion responded to Vocatura’s Bakery at 695 Boswell Avenue for a car into the building. Engine 2 arrived to find a Jeep completely into the bakery and secured the vehicle while checking for patients. Luckily, the car just missed the customers and staff who were not injured. The Squad crew metered the building and controlled some of the utilities with a representative from Norwich Public Utilities. Command called for the building official while Engine 2 held the scene until the vehicle was removed.

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.

SIMSBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company in Simsbury, CT, adopted this patch for their 75th anniversary year.

ROB FISH

Bethel Firefighters Battle Commercial Building Fire Bethel, CT - Just before noon on Thursday, October 15th, Bethel and Stony Hill Fire Departments were dispatched to a commercial building on Greenwood Ave., for a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival of Bethel Car 1, smoke was found pushing from the eaves from a second floor upholstery shop, and a working fire was transmitted. Crews stretched two hand lines into the business and found heavy fire conditions above the drop ceiling. Crews worked to pull ceiling tiles and perform vertical ventilation. Members spent the better part of the next hour chasing hotspots and opening up void spaces in the 70-year-old building. Mutual aid from Brookfield, Danbury and West Redding responded to the scene. The fire was held to the business of origin, however the first floor businesses sustained extensive water damage. One firefighter was treated on scene for a minor injury. The cause is under investigation by the Bethel Fire Marshal's Office. Pictured is Bethel Tower 1 opening up the 'Alpha' side soffits.

FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS

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

CORAL RUGGIERO

Leo Ruggiero, 1, tries on his Dad, Lt. Anthony Ruggiero's bell cap on the bumper of Windsor Locks Tower 1.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 15

CONNECTICUT

Over a Dozen Cars Destroyed by Two-Alarm Barn Fire in Norwich Norwich, CT - At 5:39 A.M. on Sunday, November 8th, the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 115 Corning Road for a structure fire. When JUMP TO FILE # the rigs signed on, 111020102 dispatch said they were taking multiple calls reporting a large barn on fire with horses inside. Crews could see a header while responding, so the Battalion transmitted the working fire and staged secondalarm companies.

This area has a poor water supply, so Laurel Hill’s hose tender and tanker, as well as East Great Plain’s engine-tanker, were immediately requested. Engine 2 arrived at 5:44 A.M. and corrected the address to 81 Corning Road. Lieutenant Sicuso transmitted the second-alarm for a four-bay garage with multiple vehicles well involved.

Engine 2’s crew stretched a two-and-a-half inch hose line to the 'Alpha/Delta' corner while Truck 1 backed up the driveway and positioned for defensive operations.

Squad A laid in from a hydrant on Gillette’s Road up the driveway to feed Engine 2. Engine 3’s crew stretched a three-inch line with a Blitzfire and operated it in the front.

After establishing the initial water supply, the Squad’s crew stretched a three-inch hose line to the rear, where eight vehicles were burning.

Hose Tender 6 laid 1,200-feet of supply line up Corning Road from the hydrant at the corner of Hamilton Avenue which fed Engine 21.

ET-51 established the secondary water supply at 6:09 A.M. and used their hydrant assist valve to boost the pressure which fed Engine 21, who relay pumped to Truck 1. The Truck Company darkened down a large volume of fire with the ladder pipe. Crews worked for about an hour removing garage doors and extinguishing all of the vehicles on fire. Fifteen vehicles inside of or around the barn ended up burning, and unfortunately a pony died inside.

The Taftville, Occum, East Great Plain and Laurel Hill Fire Departments provided manpower on scene. Command asked for a level 1 response from the Connecticut Eastern Regional Response Integrated Team, so the Groton Submarine Base’s Squad 67 responded. The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department provided the FAST while the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection had a representative on scene to assess the runoff.

Crews remained on scene for a couple of hours overhauling with the fire marshals. East Great Plain Ladder 5 and Yantic Engine 33 covered headquarters while Baltic Tower 124 and Jewett City Engine 156 covered Taftville and Occum.

- RYAN FLAHERTY

BILL BLAKE

RYAN FLAHERTY

PAGE 16

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Firefighters Respond to Fatal Train Accident in Weston Weston, MA - On October 28th, Weston Engines 1 and 3, along with Ambulance 1, responded to reports of a person underneath a train on the west- JUMP TO FILE# bound commuter 102920102 train near the Church Street station.

After a short time, all fire units were released from the scene as police conducted their investigation into the fatal accident.

- PETER LOBO

PETER LOBO

Get your personal copy of

The NE Edition

Name:______________________

Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________ City: ______________________

State:_____ Zip: _____________ __ $36 for one year subscription

__ $60 for two year subscription

PAYMENT METHOD

__ Check

__ Money Order __ Charge card

Card # _____________________ Exp:____________

Signature ___________________

Send payment to: 1ST RESPONDER NEWSPAPER

1 ARDMORE STREET NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

Amount enclosed: ______

For Credit Card Orders: just fax this to (845) 534-0055 or subscribe online at

www.1RBN.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

WORKING FACES

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

December, 2020

PAGE 17

NEW ENGLAND

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

KIMTEK® Corporation is proud to be included with Ford Motor Company and Filson...

Bronco® + Filson Wildland Fire Rig Concept

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Candid photo of Pepperell Chief of Department, Brian Borneman.

October 26, 2020–Orleans, VT—For the honor of wildland firefighters who risk it all to protect our forests and our natural resources. KIMTEK is proud to introduce the Ford Motor Company Bronco-Filson Wild Fire Vehicle which features the KIMTEK FIRELITE® Fire Rescue skid unit that includes a Darley-Davey Pump, Hannay Reel, and Mercedes Boostlite Forestry Hose. KIMTEK is excited about this collaboration between Ford, Filson and KIMTEK and more excited to see the formation of the Bronco Wild Fund to celebrate wildland firefighters and to help raise awareness and funds to assist in preserving America's Natural Resources and National Forests! KIMTEK thanks Ford Motor Company and Filson for choosing and trusting the design quality of the FIRELITE

Transport skids manufactured by KIMTEK Corporation.

About KIMTEK Corporation

KIMTEK Corporation is the largest producer and marketer of ATV/UTVspecific skid units for public safety agencies in the U.S. KIMTEK's FIRELITE® fire and rescue skid units and MEDLITE® medical skid units are now in service in all fifty U.S. states and across Canada, all branches of the military, the National Park Service, numerous NASCAR tracks, sporting complexes, schools, universities, and in several countries worldwide. KIMTEK Transport skid units are made in the USA. Founded in 1984 as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire

sciences, KIMTEK Corporation manufactures and markets a full line of FIRELITE and MEDLITE Transport skid units for emergency service UTVs and pick-up trucks. The introduction of the new LEOLITE Transport rounds out KIMTEK’s already full line of UTV-based skid units with a new category specifically for Law Enforcement Officers. For more information, please contact KIMTEK at 888-546-8358 or visit www.kimtekresearch.com and www.brushtruckskids.com.

KIMTEK®, MEDLITE®, and FIRELITE® are registered trademarks of KIMTEK Corporation.

FORD® and Bronco® are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Corporation.

PETER LOBO

Truck Crashes in Waltham Building

Waltham, MA - On the morning of October 27th, Waltham Fire dispatched Engine 4, Rescue 1 and Medic 1 to 716 Main Street, the Citizen’s Bank, for a truck into the building. A trailer truck had driven into the exit to the drive up windows.

There were no injuries. Firefighters removed the bricks from the top of the truck and off the facade of the building. The building inspector was called to the scene.

KIMTEK

PAGE 18

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Vehicle News

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

The MBTA commuter rail stopped at the Abington station, where a fire was found under the train.

Electrical Fire Ignites Under Train in Abington Abington, MA - Around 12:30 P.M. on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 7th, the Abington Fire Department responded to the MBTA Commuter Rail Station at 231 Centre Avenue for a report of a fire under the train. Companies arrived to find smoke showing from under the locomotive, which was parked at the platform.

Companies investigated and found a small electrical fire under the locomotive, which was on the Summer Street side of the MBTA station. The train was evacuated, and the power was shut down to the locomotive. Abington firefighters used CO2 extinguishers to knock down the fire under the train. Once the fire was knocked down, the MBTA representatives made plans

JUMP TO FILE #100720116 to have the train moved to another location by another locomotive.

The incident also caused small fires along the MBTA train tracks near the Essex Street crossing in the town of Whitman. Firefighters used wet water extinguishers to extinguish several small fires, which were believed to have been caused by the fire on the train, as it traveled northbound on the tracks.

No injuries were reported.

MBTA commuter rail service was delayed along the Kingston/Plymouth line for sometime until the train was removed.

- PAT TRAVERS

COMMAND VEHICLES If you have photos you would like to see in our Command Vehicles feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.comor email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

Chief Hamilton, Millbury Car 1, is assigned this 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility.

CHUCK LOWE

Mashpee Ambulance 3 has returned to service with the Lifeline "box section" from the previous medic unit remounted on a 2020 Ford F550 4x4 chassis. This was all that could be salvaged following a rollover accident last August. That vehicle was less than a year old when a vehicle refusing to yield caused a head-on accident that injured two members of the department.

Bob Long

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 19

MASSACHUSETTS

Collier's Mansion Conditions Found at House Fire in Springfield Springfield, MA - A fire reported shortly after noontime on Thursday, October 8th, burned the attic of a large, three-story Victorian style home in the HillMcKnight neighborhood of Springfield and displaced four residents along with injuring one firefighter.

JUMP TO FILE# Crews arrived 101120101 on scene at 169 Princeton Street to find heavy smoke and fire venting from the attic and second floor of the large woodframe home and began stretching lines to initiate an interior attack.

Once on the second floor, companies encountered a hoarding/Collier's Mansion condition that slowed their progress, but they made every effort to get lines to the attic.

The hoarding condition, however, grew worse the higher up the men went and with fire now venting from the roof line, Princeton St. command ordered all members to evacuate the building and switch to a defensive attack for safety reasons. Once outside, crews stretched large caliber lines to multiple sides of the building and opened up Truck 2 and Truck 4's ladder pipes to darken down the main body of fire.

Companies had the fire under control within 45 minutes, but then set about the arduous task of heading back inside to overhaul the building and check for extension. The overhaul operation alone stretched well into the afternoon and resulted in one member of the SFD receiving non-lifethreatening injuries, but requiring transport to a local hospital for treatment.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the displaced residents were assisted by the Red Cross.

A ground monitor is played into the 'Bravo' side as Truck 2's ladder pipe waits for water.

NATE ARNOLD

FF Brendan Shea of the Rescue Squad works to open a hot spot at the peak of the roof on the 'Alpha' side.

NATE ARNOLD

- NATE ARNOLD

PAGE 20

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

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

PETER LOBO

Waltham, MA - Waltham Fire and Police took part in a brief ceremony on October 2nd in front of Central station to honor Weymouth Police Sgt. Michael Chesna, who was killed in the line of duty two years ago. The thin blue line flag will be circulated to fire departments around the state. Waltham’s Rescue 1 will run with both the American flag and the thin blue line flag for several weeks.

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

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Pepperell, MA Fire conducted live fire training at the Nashua Training Grounds on October 20th. Crews performed fire attack, fire behavior and ventilation with their newly placed in service ladder truck.

See more news on

www.1rbn.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 21

December, 2020

MASSACHUSETTS

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES

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

Athol, MA - Chair City Fire Chief retires after 47 years!

Chief Richard Ares joined the Gardner Fire Department as an on call firefighter back on May 1, 1973. In the 47 years following that day, Chief Areas would help pioneer and implement changes in the department, city and the state. Just over two years after starting, on July 13, 1975 Richard was promoted and hired on as a career firefighter for the city. Over the next 45 years Richard would hit the ranks all the way to the top including Lieutenant, Captain, Fire Inspector and eventually became permanent chief of the department on September 15, 2014.

PETER LOBO

Working House Fire in Waltham

Waltham, MA - A reported house fire on October 12th at 39 Greenwood Lane sent Waltham Engines 2, 4 and 7, Rescue 1, Ladder 3 and Medic 1 responding. Deputy Brock Rowland signed off with fire and smoke showing. He requested a working fire and Engine 1 responded. Firefighters were able knock the fire down fairly quickly, but stayed to chase some hot spots. Firefighters were on scene for several hours. There were no injuries.

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.comor email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Chief Ares worked with and taught other career firefighters/on call firefighters at the Massachusetts Fire Fighting Academy in Stow, Massachusetts where he spread his wealth of knowledge accrued over his 4 decades of fire service. Departments (and fire buffs) across all of central Massachusetts know and respect the name Ares in the fire service.

Richard and his two sons are all career firefighters in central Massachusetts, one in a neighboring town to Gardner in which they ended up on calls together often. If a call was "big enough", all three Ares men representing 3 different towns/cities would end up working together to help a community.

Living and working in one city for so long, Chief Ares has seen A LOT, and I mean a LOT of fires in his days. Good fires and bad fires, tough calls and countless sleepless nights. He has seen lots of department members come and go, move on to bigger departments, get promoted up the ranks under him and others retire before him. But he has never forgotten where he came

KEVIN MOSIO

The Chief with his two sons, also both career firefighters in Massachusetts. (L to R): Eric, Richard, and Jim.

from. His humble, hard working, and genuinely nice character has led him to retire as a local legend. The chief helped bring fulltime 24/7 Medic level ambulances to the city's department, new apparatus, and more full time staffing. He also had an implemental hand in creating the state's first Critic Incident Stress Management systems to help first responders deal and cope with the things they see every shift.

Richard Ares, Chief to all who know him, Husband, Dad and Grandfather. Legend.

an honor shooting calls in your city and beyond humbling to be there when you came home to your family.

(Funny note about shooting this....The family and I had set up in anticipation of them coming to the house from a certain direction.... Then, SUPRISE... the engine came around the corner from behind us!! I was trying to record the send off over the air and photograph the family as he arrived, but was caught off guard and sadly missed most of it.)

Happy retirement chief!! It was

- KEVIN MOSIO

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

Prefer emails? Email your press release CHUCK LOWE

Ludlow Forestry 1 is a 2000 Ford F-550 4x4 that was built by Fire One. It carries 300-gallons of water and is rated to pump 300-GPM.

and photos directly to Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

PAGE 22

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

PETER LOBO

Crews were fighting an uphill battle against fire and wind.

NATE ARNOLD

Compost Fire in Agawam Takes Five Days to Extinguish Agawam, MA - A compost pile spontaneously combusting at the Bondi's Island Landfill in Agawam on a sunny, windy Thursday afternoon in October began what would become the largest and most complex, logistically, firefighting operation in recent Hampden County history.

Agawam fire crews were summoned to the yard waste disposal area of Bondi's Island at 1:00 P.M. on October 15th, when passersby on Route 5 and Interstate 91 noticed large volumes of smoke starting to rise from the landfill. The first Agawam crews on scene encountered three large, 15-foot high by nearly 300-foot long, compost piles burning, with more piles beginning to smolder.

A second-alarm was sounded, bringing all remaining Agawam firefighters to the scene and moving West Springfield into town for

JUMP TO FILE #102020101 coverage. Complications in the fire fight arose almost immediately and multiplied quickly. First, the only hydrant on the property was the equivalent of five stories below the fire ground, down the hill and 3000-feet from the burning piles.

Second, the annoyingly strong and persistent wind was blowing from the south and fueled both the fires' intensity and spread. Third, the fire was burning with such intensity that the landfill operator, Covanta's, on site crews were fearful of using their heavy equipment to tear apart the piles which would have expedited the fire fighting operation.

Several more alarms were sounded to bring in enough equipment from neighboring depart-

ments so as to set up a four engine relay pumping operation, but even that wasn't enough. The state's large incident mobilization plan was activated to set up a tanker shuttle operation to overcome the water supply issue on site and this tanker shuttle operation would become the largest in Hampden County history, involving over two dozen departments from Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts and stretching into a five day event.

When the fire was finally declared extinguished on Monday morning, over two million gallons of water had been pumped on the fire and nearly 30 separate fire departments had taken part in the operation with over 100 firefighters involved in a round-the-clock fire fighting effort.

Carbon Monoxide Leak at 5 Guys in Waltham Sends Four to Hospital

Waltham, MA - On the morning of October 30th, Waltham Engine 4 and Medic 1 responded to 5 Guys at 1030 Main Street for an employee who had fainted. She was transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital. At 12:30 P.M., Engine 4 and Medic 1 responded back to 5 Guys for a similar incident. They cleared the restaurant. C2, Deputy Capello arrived and requested Tower 1 and Rescue 1 to respond. Over all, four employees were transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital. High carbon monoxide was detected and a tier 1 hazmat incident was declared to help find the source.

MEMORIES If you have photos you would like to see in our Memories feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.comor email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

- NATE ARNOLD

CHUCK LOWE

Even Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicles were involved in this effort!

NATE ARNOLD

The Town of Billerica once owned this 1966 Chevy C60 1000-gallon tanker that was designated Unit 506.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

2020...A little sweet and a little sour, just like these brussels sprouts

MASSACHUSETTS

Vehicle News

FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

CHUCK LOWE

Tyngsborough placed a 2019 KME Panther 1500-GPM pumper in to service as Engine 1. This apparatus will carry 750-gallons of water and 20-gallons of class A foam.

To say 2020 has been a trip, would certainly be an understatement. Between a global pandemic, one of the most important Presidential elections of all time and everything in between, this year has had its fair share of ups and downs. I have found myself over the course of this past year watching my daughter grow up into a happy and healthy two-year-old, while also watching friends grieve over the loss of loved ones due to Covid-19. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, not just for myself but everyone around me and beyond. With that being said, I do try to keep optimistic for what 2021 has to offer. But for now, let’s pay homage to 2020 with a dish that can describe it no better...Sweet and Sour Brussels

Sprouts!

Growing up I absolutely hated them. They were always served well beyond over cooked, mushy and pale green. Brussels Sprouts belong to the Brassica family, along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They all contain high amounts of compounds, that when exposed to heat, produce hydrogen sulfide, hence the smelly characteristics of these vegetables. But for some reason I feel like brussels sprouts get a worse rap than the rest of them. Maybe it's because so many home cooks just toss them in boiling water, cook them for way too long and then expect all the kiddies to run to the Thanksgiving table asking for seconds. When your first encounter with them includes said stinky boiling situation, you are no doubt setting yourself up to not like them as you get older. But like so many others before me, I gave brussels sprouts the chance to redeem themselves.

Enter the roasted brussels sprout…

Roasting them with high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating texture and a slight bitterness

that balances out the sweetness. It also helps preserve their bright green color, which is much more appealing than the over-boiled stuff you might be used to. And while brussels sprouts, roasted with some EVOO and salt are perfectly delicious, they pair really well with the sweet and sour flavor profile. There are many different ways to accomplish this, but my favorite is definitely using apple cider vinegar for our sour aspect and either honey or maple syrup for the sweet component. The cider vinegar packs just enough sweetness and bite, without being overbearing. The addition of chili flake, while certainly optional, adds yet another dimension of flavor via heat. And the chopped pecans add texture, something that can be lacking in brussels sprouts, enticing our palate to want more.

This recipe is perfect alongside a holiday roast, grilled steak or some pan seared pork chops. They will certainly turn a non-believer into a believer that brussels sprouts can actually taste good!

Stay safe, eat well!

SWEET AND SOUR ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS Serves 4 as a side Ingredients:

CHUCK LOWE

Holliston has placed a 2019 Pierce Saber 1500-GPM pumper in to service as Engine 1. This apparatus was briefly used at the Daytona Speedway before finding its way to the Bay State. It carries 1000-gallons of water.

16 oz. Brussels Sprouts ¼ Cup Honey 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp. Chili Flakes 1 Tbsp. Butter ¼ Cup Toasted Pecans, chopped for garnish Salt, to taste EVOO Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 450° F. Place ½ sheet pan in the oven to preheat as well.

-Trim the brussels and cut in half. Toss in a bowl with a pinch of salt, pepper and a drizzle of EVOO. Carefully remove the preheated sheet pan with an oven mitt. Add the brussels sprouts in a single layer and place back in the oven.

CHUCK LOWE

Newburyport has purchased a stock Quint from Pierce. The 2018 Enforcer has a 2000-GPM pump, 107' aerial and carries 500-gallons of water. It has been designated Ladder 1.

-Roast the brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until charred and tender.

-While the brussels sprouts cook, place the honey in a small saucepan over mediumlow heat. Stir until the honey

starts to bubble, carefully add the vinegar. Simmer until slightly reduced. Add the chili flakes and a pinch of salt, stir to combine.

-Add the butter and remove the pan from the heat. Stir to

combine, set aside.

AJ FUSCO

-Place roasted brussels sprouts in a serving dish, drizzle with honey-vinegar glaze.

Garnish with chopped pecans.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Little things make big changes Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

These are interesting times that we are in. Many times people do not realize how something small will have a major impact on our lives and society.

A major fire may start because of just one spark.

A drop of water on a rock means nothing but if we continually drop water on the same spot of the rock, we will form a hole or possibly split the boulder in two just by using a little water.

Something small can have great impact.

If we catch a medical challenge early enough, we can remove the impact. What would happen if we were able to remove cancerous cells early enough? Or heart disease, diabetes, or other diseases early enough?

We may have a small accident that may impact our lives forever.

We have recently been introduced to how something as small as a germ can effect the entire world.

We may take that germ for granted but how much of an effect has that had on our lives.

Many people have been thrust into becoming more technologically dependent. How many of us have been forced into isolation? It may feel like we were given a prison sentence, especially for those who lived by themselves before the start of this. How many meetings, these days, are now by looking at a computer? People now visit people by viewing them as if they were watching a television program. People are seeing people that they know through closed windows and birthdays are being celebrated by cars driving by and honking their horns.

People say this is the new normal. Many times after a critical incident, we hear some people say that we need to get accustomed to the new normal. I would say that "normal" is fluid. Life is not stagnant. We do not wear the same size clothes all our life. We do not have the same type of transportation as we did. Do to advances in technology and medicine, the way that we do our job has changed. Firefighters have different advantages and just look

at the advances that EMT's, paramedics and the medical field have.

Life is ever changing and we need to realize and change with it but also to hold onto the things that are just, right and true.

Over two thousand years ago the world was changed. A little baby was born. He was born in a manger. So many people knew about the prophecy of His life.

Granted many people questioned the miracles that He did and also if He truly was the Son of God. How many people have seen miracles done in His name? How many people had their physical and/or spiritual lives saved because of this baby?

There are many people who call to Him in times of trials. During an illness, after a death, or dur-

ing a disaster, we may call out to Jesus or God for strength and understanding. This little baby is where so many people draw strength from. The Lord came to us in a way that was not intimating to people. Can you imagine how the people would have reacted if He came down from Heaven on a cloud? People would probably have passed out. They would have been overcome with His presence.

Let us not just dismiss something that is small and, to us, unimportant. It may not be what it is right now but the potential, the unwrapped gift that it truly may be.

Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

MAINE

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.

CHUCK LOWE

Belgrade Rescue 6 is a 2015 Dodge Ram 5500/Custom light duty rescue. It is also utilized as a non-transporting "fly car", staffed with one paramedic during day time hours.

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 27

Notes from the Fireground ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Notes from the Fireground Memoir of a New York Firefighter

By Thomas Dunne 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: $29.95

This is a soft cover book measuring 6” by 9”, with 198 pages.

There are 35 chapters, all of which are very interesting. The author is a retired deputy chief who served 33 years on the job. I also served 33 years in the fire department I was in, and I think we both feel the same about the job…that it was the best job in the world. He comes from a firefighting family and his writing reflects both on the job and family memoirs. Each chapter deals with a single subject so to speak, and for me it was an enjoyable book to read because even though our departments were vastly different in size, there were many common routines and experiences that are similar.

I would say for the most part the book is about when he was a deputy, but there are also chapters that deal from when he was the “new man” up through the com-

pany officer ranks. There are stories dealing with tragedy, which of course are not enjoyable especially when serious injury is involved and life is lost, but the reader, if “on the job”, will go through this book and be able to empathize with the experiences.

There are a number of fires written about both when he was a company officer and chief, including getting into the thick of it as a lieutenant and captain. One chapter is devoted to “buffs” in which there is a slight error with an explanation from me. He stated that buffs were not firefighters. While that is true to distinguish them on the fireground, many firefighters are fire buffs when they are off duty. I figure that in his experience he never ran into any buffs that were also firefighters, career or volunteer, so he was being honest.

While many buffs held menial jobs, many were professionals who earned much more money than firefighters did.

In addition there are memoirs dealing with personalities that he worked with of both good and indifferent natures. Some of the incidents he writes about I remember from the past and he explains them exactly as I remembered being reported, including the Happy Land Social Club arson fire which resulted in the deaths of many young people. He served in many different neighborhoods in busy and not so busy districts, so he was a well rounded firefighter.

There are a number of black and white photos in the book, most of which are of the fireground, including some which were taken by one of 1st Responder News’ correspondents. All in all it is an interesting book to read!

MAINE

Vehicle News

CHUCK LOWE

Ladder Company 1 in Cape Elizabeth is a 2019 E-One Cyclone-Metro 100' Quint. It carries 500-gallons of water and is rated to flow 1500-GPM.

Water Rescue Dry Suit

MSD576 - Call for Price!

Ice Commander Suits Size: Universal Adult IC9001-03 $719.00

I595 Ice Rescue Suit - $459.65 Oversize - $513.75

4185 Type III SAR Vest Small to XXL - $114.65 XXXL - $117.40 4XL to 7XL - $122.50

Survitec Imperial #1500 Ice Rescue Suit Universal Adult $550.00

Call Shannon for More Information!

800-492-0779 or 603-436-2836

New England Marine & Industrial www.newenglandmarine.com

PAGE 28

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MAINE

CHANGE OF QUARTERS If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Change of Quarters” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

Oakland moved into their new home in the Spring of 2020. This 4bay facility is located adjacent to their previous station. It includes living quarters, a training facility, conference room, and twice the garage space of the crammed 70-year-old building that it replaced.

That structure was demolished after the move.

BACKSTOP

THE FULLY AUTOMATIC REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING OBSTACLES BACKSTOP applies the brakes instantly and automatically when a reversing vehicle contacts an obstacle.

COST SAVINGS Installing BACKSTOP minimizes damage costs to both the installed vehicle and surrounding obstacles.

May reduce insurance premiums.

MINIMIZE VEHICLE DAMAGE BACKSTOP projects beyond the rear of the vehicle, minimizing collision damage to doors, lights, and rear steps.

MAXIMUM SAFETY BACKSTOP’s instant and automatic braking system is much faster than a driver’s reaction time.

The brakes remain applied until the driver manually releases the brakes by shifting the vehicle out of reverse gear.

EASY INSTALLATION The BACKSTOP manual provides installation Instructions for almost any truck or emergency vehicle.

Don’t Back Up Without Backstop Backstop USA

Thank You to our Recent Customer!

Woodbridge Fire Dept. CT.

18 Hollywood Blvd. S * Forked River, NJ 08731 Phone: 609-971-2756 * Toll Fre: (Outside NJ) 888-745-2983 * Fax: 609-971-2793 Email: support@backstop-usa.com * Website: wwwkstop-usa.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MAINE

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.

December, 2020

PAGE 29

ELECTRICLEAN, INC. We are your local experts in surface disinfection. Let us help you make all of your spaces or work areas safe, whether it be through a cleaning, or the guidance and products to do it yourself! We proudly use and distribute Vital Oxide, one of the safest disinfectants available today.

Firefighter Owned & Operated

Please contact us, and let us help you with your Covid compliance!

Phone: 508-556-0077 www.electriclean.net EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to South Portland Fire Department Engine 5/Ladder 2, located in Cumberland County, ME.

Worcester, MA

MASSACHUSETTS

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.

CHUCK LOWE

Prius Hits West Concord Packie EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to East Cambridge Fire Department Ladder 2, located in Middlesex County, MA.

Concord, MA - On November 9th, units responded to West Concord Wine and Spirits at 1216 Main St., after a Prius accidentally crashed through the front of the building. The female driver, in her 70's, could not be removed until firefighters stabilized the vehicle. Once extricated, she was transported to Emerson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Nobody inside the business was injured. A heavy duty wrecker from CBK Towing was called to the scene by the incident commander. This equipment was able to lift the vehicle off the front pony wall in an effort to limit structural damage.

PAGE 30

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

VERMONT

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

GREG S RAMSDELL

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the East Dover Vol. Fire Department, located in Windham County, VT.

LITTLE BIG GUYS GREG S RAMSDELL

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

Crews Respond to Barn Fire in Swanton

Swanton, VT - On November 1st, Highgate firefighters responded to a barn fire at 48 Second Street on Route 78 in Highgate. Mutual aid from Swanton and Sheldond Fire Departments also responded to the scene. The fire is thought to be caused by an electrical wire leading from a power pole that was attached to the barn. There were no animals in the barn, and no injuries were reported.

CHUCK LOWE

Bennington Rural FD operates with a 2015 forestry unit built by Fouts Brothers on a Ford F550 chassis. Brush 47 carries 300-gallons of water, 12-gallons of class A foam, and is rated to flow 250GPM.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

December, 2020

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE