1st Responder News New England February Edition

The New England Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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FEBRUARY, 2021

FOUR ALARMS STRUCK AT TOWNSEND CHURCH RECTORY FIRE

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Townsend, MA - Townsend firefighters were dispatched for a reported building fire on Highland St. in the early morning hours on December 21, 2020. Arriving crews had heavy fire showing from the large Church Rectory and Command quickly struck three alarms, bringing in mutual aid to the fire.

- See full story on page 30

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

B SPRAGUE

Major Fire Strikes Stratham Burger King During Lunch Rush

Stratham, NH - Around 12:30 P.M. on December 18, 2020, Rockingham County Dispatch started getting calls for heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof area at Burger King on Portsmouth Ave. Stratham Fire was started, and due to the call a first-alarm was called for while en-route. First on scene fire units reported heavy smoke from the roof area and requested a working fire, bringing in firefighters from several towns to assist at the fire or cover empty stations. Employees were able to quickly evacuate the building. Chief Crow reported that the fire was in the kitchen area between the ceiling and the roof. Firefighters were able to make a quick knock of the fire, but were tied up checking for any extension. At this time the cause of the fire is unknown. There were no reported injuries.

JAMIE KELLEY

Two-Alarm Structure Fire in Nashua

Nashua, NH - Nashua firefighters were dispatched for a reported building fire on Conant Road, located a short distance from Station 6, on December 26, 2020. While en route, the fire alarm office advised companies that they were receiving numerous calls. Upon arrival of Engine Co. 6, heavy fire was showing from the split level home. E6 stretched an attack line to the rear of the dwelling to knock down the heavy fire. C4 arrived on scene and struck a second-alarm, bringing in more companies. Ladder Companies 2 and 3 performed ventilation and primary searches while E3 and E2 brought in hand lines to the second floor to extinguish the remaining fire. The fire was knocked down in approximately 20 minutes.

Heavy fire in the attic was knocked quickly in this large 2 family duplex.

JAY L HEATH

Laconia Firefighters Battle Second Fire in Two Days Laconia, NH - After battling a stubborn fire on Christmas day, City Firefighters again went to work on a second working fire the next day.

The Lakes Region Communications Center dispatched all La- JUMP TO FILE# conia fire compa- 122820101 nies, along with automatic mutual aid Engines from Gilford and Belmont at 9:37 P.M. for the occupants reporting the smell of something burning and a possible fire in the attic at 489499 Elm Street. Laconia Central Companies arrived on scene and had smoke showing from the attic of a two-and-a-half story residential duplex. A second-alarm was requested, bringing in off duty personnel as well as mutual aid to the scene.

Firefighters accessed the second floor and found heavy fire in the attic, which was now starting to come through the roof as well.

Although the main body of fire was knocked down quickly, the roof and the walls had to be opened to fully extinguish the fire in the void spaces and in the roof of the structure. It took approximately an hour-and-a-half to bring the fire fully under control, according to Fire Chief Kirk

JAY L HEATH

Firefighters worked for an hour-and-a-half to bring the fire under control.

Beattie.

The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical, starting on the second floor in a breaker panel. Damage and loss are estimated at $100,000 and no injuries to civilians or firefighters were re-

ported. Assisting at the scene were Gilford, Belmont, Meredith, Sanbornton, Tilton-Northfield and Franklin Fire Departments.

- JAY HEATH

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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February, 2021

Advertising Index

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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Fire Tech & Safety

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Mid Atlantic Rescue

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Northeast Rescue Systems

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Professional Vehicle Corp.

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Shipmans Fire Equipment

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Sugarloaf Rescue Vehicles

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Utility Communications

11

JAY L HEATH PATRICK KERRIGAN

Working Fire on Terrell Hill Rd. in Goffstown Goffstown, NH - On December 4, 2020, Goffstown firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from a single-story woodframe on Terrell Hill Road. Crews stretched multiple handlines to knock down the fire. Command requested several mutual aid tankers due to no hydrants in the area. One occupant was transported to a local hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

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

Canterbury, NH - A tractor on fire was pulled from a large barn on the evening of December 12, 2020, preventing a major fire at a farm on West Road. The call was dispatched as a tractor burning inside a barn around 4:20 P.M., with automatic mutual aid coming from Concord, Tilton-Northfield, Penacook Rescue and the Canterbury Fire Department. The owners managed to drag the burning tractor outside of the barn and first due Concord Engine 5 arrived to extinguish the fire, preventing any further damage to the farm.

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

B SPRAGUE

Quick Stop Saves Home in Salem

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 25, No. 2 - 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.

Tractor on Fire Pulled from Barn in Canterbury

JACK STAWASZ/HOLLIS NH EMERGENCY BUFF

On December 12, 2020, 13 Pump 1, a 1996 International 4900 1750/350, was officially retired from the Hollis, NH Fire Department. It’s replacement is a 2005 Spartan Gladiator/Smeal/Dingee with a 1500-GPM pump and a smaller 300-gallon tank. This truck served the department priorly as Engine 1, but was taken out of service in January 2020 and sent to Dingee to be refurbished. It returned in early December and is now officially in service.

Salem, NH - On the cold snowy morning of December 6, 2020, as the day shift was just starting, Salem Fire alarm got a 911 call reporting a garage fire with a person burned. Salem Engines 1 and 2, along with Tower Ladder 1, Squad 1, Medic 1 and C-5 responded. The first on scene company reported a car fire well involved in an attached garage and called for a working fire, which brought a Windham Engine and a Derry medic to the scene. Firefighters were able to hold the fire to the garage. One person was transported to an area hospital.

The fire is under investigation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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February, 2021

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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

Georgia: Keith Obrian Williams, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 17, 2020 Death Date: October 17, 2020 Fire Department: Camilla Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Keith Williams was found unresponsive by fellow firefighters at the Camilla Fire Department early on October 17, 2020. Life-saving efforts began immediately but were not successful. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

Texas: Lemuel Bruce, 44 Rank: Arson Investigator Incident Date: October 16, 2020 Death Date: October 16, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16, 2020, Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce and other members of the Arson Division, Houston Fire Department, tracked down a possible lead to arsons being set in the Houston area. When they arrived at the Timbergrove neighborhood, a suspect fatally shot Arson Investigator Bruce. The suspect was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Georgia: Harold Boone, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: September 17, 2020 Death Date: November 2, 2020 Fire Department: Monroe County Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Harold Boone, while onduty at the fire station, contracted COVID-19 from fellow firefighters who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. He passed away from the disease on November 2, 2020.

Kansas: Johnny Ivison, Jr., 23 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 8, 2020 Death Date: November 8, 2020 Fire Department: Easton Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, November 8, 2020,

Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr., was responding to a call of a residential fire in Easton, Kansas, in his privately owned vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado Truck, when the vehicle went off the road. Firefighter Ivison attempted to correct his path, but overcorrected causing the truck to roll over numerous times, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

Indiana: Matthew D. Bennett, 49 Rank: Engineer Incident Date: November 13, 2020 Death Date: November 14, 2020 Fire Department: Indianapolis Fire Department Initial Summary: Engineer Matthew Bennett drove Engine 1 to a possible structural collapse after a car drove into a home. Upon his arrival and as crews began to work, Bennett complained to the EMS Duty Officer on scene that he was experiencing chest pains. The EMS Duty Officer escorted Bennett to an ambulance to be evaluated. Bennett was then transported to a hospital and immediately taken into surgery. Despite all efforts, however, Bennett passed away the following afternoon. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

California: Sean D. Laffan, 42 Rank: Interim Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: November 16, 2020 Death Date: November 16, 2020 Fire Department: Oakland Fire Department Initial Summary: Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan collapsed in an office of the Oakland Fire Department’s administrative building. Staff on-site began performing life-saving measures until Laffan was taken by ambulance to Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Later that evening, Laffan suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest and, despite all resuscitative efforts, passed away.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

B SPRAGUE WEARE FIRE RESCUE

Hazardous Spill Investigation in Weare Weare, NH - Just after noon on Friday, January 8th, members of Weare Fire Rescue received a report of an unknown contaminant in a stream along North Stark Highway. Once on scene personnel observed a bright green substance in the stream.

“It resembled the Chicago River on Saint Patrick’s Day,” said Fire Chief Robert Vezina.

Further investigation traced the source back to a car wash establishment located on North Stark Highway and the chemicals used in the washing process. Mit-

JUMP TO FILE #011121105 igation efforts included isolating the source of the leak and containing the product that had settled along the stream's path.

NH Department of Environmental Services, Department of Transportation, and the Weare Department of Public Works assisted Weare Fire Rescue.

- ROBERT VEZINA, JR.

Building Collapse Injures Two Workers in Windham

Windham, NH - Windham Fire responded to Chestnut Road around 10:30 A.M. on Monday, January 11th, for a partial wall collapse on the second floor of a house under construction. Two workers were reportedly injured. Due to the location of the injured workers a ladder truck was requested as well as an engine from Derry Fire for manpower to lift the injured workers using a stokes basket. One patient was transported to a nearby landing zone to be flown to a Boston area hospital. The second patient was transported to an area hospital. The accident is under investigation. Pictured are Windham firefighters bringing the second patient off the second floor in a stokes basket.

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

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

CHUCK LOWE

North Hampton once ran this 1972 Hahn as Engine 2. This pumper was rated at 1250-GPM and it carried 500-gallons of water.

JACK STAWASZ/HOLLIS NH EMERGENCY BUFF

Former Ambulance 2 of the Hollis FD, a 2006 Ford E-450/Osage, now serves for Cataldo Ambulance.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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

Newmarket Ladder 2 runs with this 2010 Ferrara Intruder II 1500/400/77' quint.

CHUCK LOWE

South Hampton FD acquired this apparatus in 2014 for Engine 1.

It is a 2009 HME/Ferrara 1750/1250 that came from a department in Florida.

CHUCK LOWE

Lincoln Rescue 1 is a 2007 American LaFrance 1250/500/80F that was acquired in 2019. This unusual rescue pumper previously served in Cottonwood, Arizona.

February, 2021

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

BOX 284 PHOTOS

Fire Destroys Pickup Truck in Preston

Preston, CT - At 1:40 P.M. on Christmas Eve day, the Town of Preston firefighters fought a pickup truck fire on River Road.

Poquetanuck Engine-11, along with Tanker-12 with the career staff and Preston City Engine-21 with the volunteer staff responded. The truck was well involved on arrival and a complete loss. The fire was extinguished within 10 minutes. The cause is under investigation.

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.

RYAN FLAHERTY

Car Flips Through Bus Stop in Norwichtown

Norwichtown, CT - At 8:13 P.M. on Sunday, December 27, 2020, the Yantic Fire Company was dispatched with American Ambulance and the Norwich Police for a rollover with entrapment in front of 42 Town Street. Engine 33 arrived at 8:20 P.M. and found a car that drove through a bus stop and ended up on its roof. American Ambulance assisted the operator out of the vehicle and transported him to Backus Hospital. Crews held the scene until the vehicle was uprighted.

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.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the East Berlin Fire Department, located in Hartford County, CT.

Truck 1 in Stratford operates with a 2015 Seagrave Marauder II 95' Aerialscope.

CHUCK LOWE

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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CONNECTICUT

THEN & NOW

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

Goshen Fire Company, in Waterford, once operated this 1938 Buffalo 5C 750-GPM pumper as Engine 1. It carried just 200-gallons of water. The department still owns and maintains this apparatus. The current Engine 1 is a 2013 KME Severe Service that is rated to flow 1500-GPM. It carries 500-gallons.

Former Goshen E1 - 1938 Buffalo

CHUCK LOWE

Current Goshen E1 - 2013 KME

CHUCK LOWE

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

VEHICLE NEWS

CHUCK LOWE

The Coventry Fire & EMS Department has placed a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe into service as EMS 18.

Stretching the first handline.

BRIAN OWEN

Mid-Morning Blaze Hits Cheshire Home Cheshire, CT - At approximately 10:50 A.M. on December 23, 2020, the CFD was dispatched for a house fire. On arrival of first units there was fire showing from the front door extending from the basement and working its way to the first floor of the house.

Two hand lines were stretched to extinguish the fire while simultaneously searching for any residents inside. The fire was brought under control quickly and the searches were negative. All the residents made it out safely.

Three Cheshire engines and one ladder were on scene, along with one engine and one ladder truck from Southington. There

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JUMP TO FILE #122420100 were no reported injuries. The fire is under investigation by the Cheshire FMO. - BRIAN OWEN

KEN SNYDER

The Plainville, CT FD recently acquired a 2020 KME Predator 2000/300/102 tower and a 2020 KME Predator 1500/1000 engine.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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February, 2021

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

VEHICLE NEWS

RYAN FLAHERTY MARION BODY WORKS, INC-FIRE AND EMERGENCY

Car Drives Through Rockwall and Mailbox in Norwich Norwich, CT - Around 12:15 P.M. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, the Yantic Fire Company was dispatched with American Ambulance and the Norwich Police to 131 Browning Road for a car versus rock wall. Engine 33 arrived to find a car leaking fluid after striking the rock wall and mailbox. The driver was not injured and refused medical treatment.

Stamford, CT - The Belltown Fire Department recently purchased this 2020 Marion, designated Engine 43, that will be delivered in January 2021 and in service in February 2021. It will be replacing Engine 41.

Features include: -2020 Spartan Metro Star Chassis

-Cab Style MFD 10" Raised Roof -Engine Diesel 450HP Cummins L9 -Pumper, Side-Mount, Aluminum -1500 Gpm Qmax Pump, Hale -750 Gallon Tank, Upf Poly III -Crossfire Deck Gun Package

CHUCK LOWE

The Cohanzie Fire Company recently placed a new Track Safety Unit (W54) into service for use at the Speed Bowl. It was built by members of CFC on a 2005 Ford F-350 chassis that was previously Jordan Utility 16. This unique truck carries 175-gallons of water, numerous extinguishers and extrication equipment.

MICHAEL CARENZA JR

One Person Receives Burns in New Britain Apartment Fire New Britain, CT - One person received burns to the hands and face in an apartment fire just after noon on January 8th. The fire, in a third floor apartment at 205 Broad Street, was brought under control within 30 minutes. The cause is under investigation.

CHECK OUT MORE VEHICLES ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.1RBN.COM

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Anxiety Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

Many of us do not think about what it is like to be anxious, but others can be frozen by anxiety.

Some people cannot look at paper from a particular person because it makes them anxious, or cannot go through a certain intersection or part of town. There are some people who cannot bare to throw certain things out because of the anxiety and emotional attachment that they have assigned to an inanimate object.

We may think of people who look like hoarders and we want to tell them to just throw it out.

What we need to do is to come alongside them and see what the anxiety may be attached to and why. Many times we can work on small steps and keep the person's anxiety in check.

The truth is that many people may face anxiety in their own way. I have seen others, that when they are anxious, are basically frozen. They cannot move forward, they are just there. I have seen this with people who may be afraid of heights, or some people that may be afraid of fire or blood.

Some people may want to just say "suck it up, buttercup", but that is not the right solution. How would the people saying it feel, if it was they who became frozen?

Many times, if we take the time to talk with the people, we can help them through their block. True, that some people may need longer time to overcome their anxiety and they may need some professional assistance.

Did you ever get anxious about a test? Interview? Freeze on a high dive? What is it that may make you anxious? How about the holidays or birthdays, when you have to see those relatives?

You may try backing out of it by saying that you have other plans, just to get out of it.

The Bible says to be anxious for nothing and in Matthew chapter 6, it states 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will

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February, 2021

CONNECTICUT wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

These are definitely wise words and directions but it is our humanity that once it gets into the mix, that we do worry or become anxious.

Please have time and understanding for the person that you may work with in a disaster, what-

ever the person identifies as a disaster. Some people are accustomed to working with disasters all the time, but once it is effecting them personally that they truly understand and may become more compassionate to the client.

We can learn so much just by listening to the people that we meet. As a good friend of mine said, "God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe we need to listen twice the amount of time that we speak, after all, I think He knows what He is doing."

Stay safe and listen to people.

It will surprise you once you listen to other people's stories.

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

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

CHUCK LOWE

Chaplin Engine Tank 209 is a 1985 Mack MC 2500-gallon Tanker built by 4 Guys. It has a 1250-GPM pump.

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Three Alarms Struck at Barn Fire in Townsend Townsend, MA - For the second night in a row, Townsend firefighters fought a multiple-alarm fire on December 22, 2020.

This fire, on Turnpike Road, was a large metal barn JUMP TO FILE# involving multiple 122320104 pieces of equipment.

On arrival, crews had heavy fire showing and command quickly struck three alarms, bringing in multiple mutual aid to the scene and to cover.

Crews had the fire knocked down a short time later. Companies stayed on scene for several hours overhauling and checking for hot spots.

- PATRICK KERRIGAN

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PATCH OF THE MONTH

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SHAUN SHATTUCK

Retired Acton Fire Chief Robert Craig recently passed away.

Shown here is a picture from his funeral. May he Rest in Peace.

MIKE PINTO

This patch belongs to Webster Fire Department Group 1/Tower 1, located in Worcester County, MA.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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February, 2021

MASSACHUSETTS

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Attic Fire Damages Shirley Home

Shirley, MA - Shirley firefighters were dispatched to a reported building fire in the area of the Bull Run restaurant on January 4th. Upon arrival smoke was showing from the attic of the two-and-a-half story wood-frame that was under construction. Crews quickly stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch line inside and knocked down the main body of fire in the attic. A working fire was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid to the scene. Crews had the fire knocked down in a short amount of time.

NATE ARNOLD

Members of the Rescue Squad and Truck companies overhaul the second floor of 11 Arion Place.

Fire Burns Roof Off Single-Family Home in Springfield Springfield, MA - A fire that is being attributed to faulty electrical wiring burned the roof off a singlefamily dwelling in the Liberty Heights neighborhood of Springfield just a week before Christmas.

Companies responded to the 3:00 A.M. 911 call on December 14, 2020 to find heavy fire venting from the attic of the home on arrival. Crews split up and conducted an interior attack and exterior attack

JUMP TO FILE #122720111 on the fire simultaneously using small caliber hand lines from the aerial of Truck 4, so as not to endanger the members operating inside the structure.

Using this transitional attack, the main body of fire was knocked down within 15 minutes of the ar-

rival of the balance of the assignment. Companies then overhauled the building and searched for hot spots for the next hour-and-a-half.

The cause of the fire was linked to faulty wiring in the electrical system. Several residents were displaced by the fire and were assisted by the Red Cross.

- NATE ARNOLD

MEMORIES

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

KEN LEGER

Christmas Eve Structure Fire in Fall River Fall River, MA - On Christmas Eve, firefighters responded to 939 Pine Street for a reported fire. Dispatch was notified by calls to 911 reporting alarms sounding and smoke coming from the walls on the second and third floors. Units arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the rear of the building.

The crew of Engine 2 laid attack lines into the building through the front door, while Engine 9 and Ladder 4 went to the rear of the building. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke conditions on the second and third floors, but no sign of fire. Interior crews began opening walls on the 'Charlie' side and exposed hidden fire on both floors. Investigators believe the cause of the fire was electrical in nature.

CHUCK LOWE

Greenfield once ran this 1964 Maxim-S as Engine 2. It delivered 750-GPM and carried 500-gallons of water.

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

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.

JAMIE KELLEY PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Occupant Suffers Smoke Inhalation at Pepperell Second-Alarm

Pepperell, MA - The Pepperell FD was dispatched to a reported building fire on Elliot Street on December 28, 2020.

Pepperell Police arrived on scene and stated that there was heavy smoke showing and that they rescued one occupant who suffered smoke inhalation. Command arrived on scene and struck the working fire, bringing in mutual aid to the scene and to cover. Fire was found to have burned through the floor into the basement. Command struck a secondalarm, bringing in additional manpower. Crews had the fire knocked down in a short amount of time and remained on scene overhauling and checking for extension.

Whitman MA Engine-243, a 2016 E-One e-MAX 1500/750/30F, which is also ALS equipped, is seen here in front of the Toll House sign and plaque at the site of the original Toll House. The Toll House, which sat at the intersection of Bedford Street and Auburn Street, is where the iconic Toll House Cookie was invented.

Bob Long

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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MASSACHUSETTS

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.

K. LEGER

Dryer Fire in Fall River

Fall River, MA - Around 11:30 A.M. on January 4th, firefighters responded to 120 Crane Street for some type of fire reported (unknown due to a language barrier). When firefighters arrived they were met with a light smoke condition showing on the exterior. Police Officers had evacuated the home before firefighters' arrival. Members laid an attack line to the basement where they were confronted with a dryer fire, and quickly extinguished it. The fire produced a heavy smoke condition throughout the home. Members of the Ladder crew set up smoke ejectors to clear the home of the remaining smoke.

CHUCK LOWE

Brookline operated this 2000 Pierce Dash 75' Quint for 14 years. The former Engine 4 was acquired

by Newbury Mass, when retired by Brookline, and placed in to its current assignment as Ladder 3.

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

CHUCK LOWE

Lawrence made some significant changes earlier this year. Engine 5 at Central House was decommissioned when a rescue pumper went in to service as Squad 1 (formerly Rescue Co. 1). This resulted in the firehouse at 311 Ames Street being reopened after being vacant for many years. The apparatus and personnel from Engine 5 were reassigned here, allowing Engine Co. 8 to be resurrected.

CHUCK LOWE

Newton's Emergency Response Unit, or ERU, is a 1985 Chevrolet with a Hessey body. It is the last yellow apparatus in the NFD fleet.

Visit 1st Responder on the Web at www.1RBN.com

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

THEN & NOW

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

Sterling operated this 1967 Farrar pumper built on a large FWD 2-door chassis. It was equipped with a 750-GPM front-mount pump and it carried 1000-gallons of water.

Half a century later, the current Engine 4 is a Seagrave Marauder II that was built in 2010. This custom apparatus is rated to flow 2000-GPM. It hauls 1500-gallons of water and 25-gallons of class A foam.

Sterling Engine 4 (1970)

CHUCK LOWE

Sterling Engine 4 (2020)

CHUCK LOWE

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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MASSACHUSETTS

Vehicle News

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

Engine 2 in Georgetown is a 2020 KME Panther that carries 750-gallons of water with Pittsfield has placed a 2019 Ford F-550 XTL/Gen-T in to service as Ambulance 1.

30-gallons of class A foam. It is rated to pump 1500-GPM.

Boston Engine 30, located in West Roxbury, runs a 2020 Emergency One 1250-GPM The new Squad 1 in Georgetown is a 2019 Ford F-350 4x4 brush truck. It carries 250pumper. This apparatus carries 560-gallons of water and 30-gallons of foam. gallons of water and is outfitted with a 125-GPM pump.

Engine 3 in Grafton has been assigned a 2020 Seagrave Marauder 1500-GPM pumper North Andover placed a 2020 Pierce Enforcer PUC in to service as Engine 1. This that carries 750-gallons of water. new pump has a 1500-GPM pump and carries 750-gallons of water with 40-gallons of foam.

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February, 2021

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

Hingham MA Fire Lieutenant Chris DiNapoli.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

PETER LOBO

Heavy Rain Causes Car to Flip in Waltham

Rockland MA Fire Lieutenant Jonathan Hickey.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Waltham, MA - A Nor’easter was developing on December 5, 2020 beginning with heavy rain, causing a vehicle to skid onto it's side on I-95 South, near the Route 20 exit. Waltham Engine 2, Rescue 1 and Medic 1 responded. Rescue 1 was released when they arrived, as the driver was uninjured.

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

Hull MA Fire Chief Christopher Russo.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Braintree MA Fire Lieutenant Mark McCabe.

Boston Ladder 3 completing morning operational checks.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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MASSACHUSETTS

Three-Alarm Blaze Tears Through Hingham Home Hingham, MA - Around 1:00 P.M. on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 15, 2020, the Hingham Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 392 Main Street.

When companies JUMP TO FILE# arrived, they en- 121720107 countered heavy fire showing from the three-story wood-framed single-family house. A working fire was ordered and first due companies made an aggressive push through the front door while heavy fire poured out of the front of the home.

Shortly after the working fire, a second-alarm was requested.

Firefighters worked quickly and aggressively to knock down the heavy fire which was rapidly spreading through the old home.

Multiple hand lines were placed into operation, both on the interior and the exterior of the building. A third-alarm was struck approximately 30-minutes into the fire on Route-228.

Mutual aid companies from Braintree, Hull, Norwell, Rockland, and Weymouth all worked on the scene. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services sent their rehab to the scene, along with the Boston Spark Association rehab unit. The Red Cross was on-scene assisting residents, as well as firefighters.

While no injuries were reported, the family of five was left homeless following the blaze.

The reportedly recently renovated house, which was built in 1861, was worth an estimated $2.6 million. Initial causes of the blaze is believed to be from a space heater.

- PAT TRAVERS

Visit 1st Responder on the Web at

1RBN.com

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

A Braintree firefighter pulls down a ceiling on the wrap-around porch, exposing some hidden fire.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Charring can be seen on the front of the large single-family home.

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Multiple-Alarm Fire Destroys Apartments in West Springfield West Springfield, MA - A fast-moving fire grew to four alarms early in the evening of December 18, 2020 and damaged or destroyed six units of a garden variety apartment complex in the Ashleyville neighborhood of West Springfield.

Calls to 911 started coming into JUMP TO FILE# West Springfield 122320100 Fire Alarm at 7:00 P.M. for reports of a fire at the Brush Hill Avenue condos on Lina Lane, and first due Engine 3 reported that they had fire visible in the sky over half a mile away.

Arriving on scene, Engine 3 found fire taking possession of the wood-framed porches on the back side of the three-story structure and heavy fire venting from the second and third floors on the opposite side. Crews faced an uphill battle from the start of the operation. Literally. The complex is built into the side of Brush Hill Avenue, which has roughly a 30 percent grade, and the air temperature at the time of the fire was well below 32 degrees, so water was freezing on contact which made for horrible working conditions outside the fire building.

Due to the size and construction of the fire building, extra alarms were struck right away to bring in much needed manpower and both mutual aid and West Springfield fire companies performed yeoman's work to bring the fire under control within an hour of the initial 911 call. Overhaul operations however, extended several hours more, late into the night.

While no civilian injuries were reported, several WSFD members sustained minor, nonlife-threatening injuries due to icy conditions on scene, and one member required transport to the hospital for further treatment.

All residents displaced by the fire were assisted by the Red Cross. The fire, while not believed to be suspicious, is under investigation by the WSFD and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

- NATE ARNOLD

NATE ARNOLD

Agawam FF Luis Delgado checks on roof conditions from the tip of a ground ladder.

NATE ARNOLD

WSFD FFs Justin Rainville and Gerry Filip step out on the porch roof while chasing a hot spot in the ceiling.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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MASSACHUSETTS

Jaws Used for Door Pop in Whitman Two-Car MVA Whitman, MA - Around 8:30 A.M. on the morning of Monday, December 21, 2020, the Whitman Fire Department responded to the intersection of Harvard Street at JUMP TO FILE# 122220100 Auburn Street (Route-14) for a reported motor vehicle accident.

Engine-243, Ambulance-249 and Car3 responded.

Companies arrived to find a two-car accident with two victims. Ambulance-247 was requested to respond to the scene.

Car-3 reported that the Jaws would be put into use for one of the vehicles.

Firefighters utilized Engine243's hydraulic cutters and spreaders to pop the driver's door to extricate the victim. Victims were transported to the Brockton Hospital and South Shore Hospital.

- PAT TRAVERS

BACKSTOP

Two-car accident required the Jaws to extricate one victim.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

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.

IIHS: Rear Automated Emergency Braking Is Standout Safety Feature

• Based on insurance claims for some vehicles, IIHS said rear AEB can reduce damage liability claims by 28 percent, while a backup camera or those beeping sensors reduce that by just 5 percent.

Don’t Back Up Without Backstop Backstop USA

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

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

PAGE 27

Water Rescue Dry Suit

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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 XXXL - $126.50 4XL to 7XL - $137.25

Survitec Imperial #1500 Ice Rescue Suit Universal Adult $575.00

Call Shannon for More Information!

800-492-0779 or 603-436-2836

New England Marine & Industrial Gamewell fire box located in downtown Salem.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

www.newenglandmarine.com

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

MVA with Rollover and Injuries in Newton Newton, MA - On January 7th around 11:00 A.M., Newton Fire got a call for a vehicle rollover at the intersection of Chestnut and Elliot Streets.

Engine 2, Lad- JUMP TO FILE# 010821102 der 3, Rescue 1 and Medic 1 responded and found a car on its side with several people injured.

Eventually, two more Medic units were dispatched.

Three individuals were transported with unknown injuries to Newton Wellesley Hospital.

- PETER LOBO

PETER LOBO

Young Heroes ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Young Heroes

By Paul Hashagen 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: $17.95

This is a soft cover book measuring 6" X 9" with 178 pages. It has five stories of fires in New York City in the horse-drawn days. These were real fires. The author was a firefighter in New York City having retired after 25 years of service, most of it being assigned to Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan. He has written several fantastic books, including the History of Rescue 1. All of his books are extremely interesting including this one. The chapters are named for young civilians who

were not themselves firefighters, but played vital roles in the fighting of these fires. Read the book to see how.

Much of the stories detail super heroic efforts by the firefighters, who in comparison to today, worked with very limited resources when it came to technology alone. Daring rescues utilizing wooden aerial ladders and scaling ladders make for unbelievable accounts of heroism at its best. Most of the aerial ladders were 75-feet and the rescues to be made were from higher levels. Firefighters worked long hours with little time off. They also had to transmit calls for help by tapping a code on the street fire pull boxes.

There were no masks or thermal imaging cameras to enhance operations.

There were two points I learned about during the review of the book.

One was the purpose of spiral staircases in the stations, and the second was the origin of the sliding pole.

The last fire was of the Equitable Building in 1912, which is probably the longest of the stories and latest in the group.

There is also much information to be gained by the reader after going over the author’s notes and acknowledgements. It is another one of Paul’s fantastic books and one I recommend.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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RHODE ISLAND

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

Smithfield ran this unusual looking 1982 GMC/Farrar pumper as Engine 4.

CHUCK LOWE

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MASSACHUSETTS

Vehicle News

PATRICK KERRIGAN

CHUCK LOWE

Lawrence Squad 1 operates with a 2020 Pierce Enforcer 1500-GPM rescue pumper. This apparatus replaced the heavy rescue previously designated Rescue 1. This well-designed apparatus carries 750-gallons of water in addition to a compliment of rescue equipment. It allows the Squad to respond on calls that were previously dispatched to Engine 5. When this company was "formed", the city shut down Engine 5. That apparatus became Engine 8, at the Ames St. station, that was closed for the past decade.

PATRICK KERRIGAN

Four Alarms Struck at Townsend Church Rectory Fire Townsend, MA - Townsend firefighters were dispatched for a reported building fire on Highland St. in the early morning hours on December 21, 2020. Arriving crews had heavy fire showing from the large Church Rectory and Command quickly struck three alarms, bringing in mutual aid to the fire.

Multiple master streams and big lines were used to knock down the main body of fire until crews could get inside to overhaul. Due to water supply and the cold conditions, Command requested three additional engine companies above the third-alarm. Crews remained on scene for several hours and into the day extinguishing hot spots. One person was transported from the scene with burns.

CHUCK LOWE

Engine 7 in Lawrence has been assigned a 2020 Pierce Enforcer 1500-GPM pumper with a 500gallon tank.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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MAINE

Vehicle News

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our Still in Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

CHUCK LOWE

The Windham FD houses and responds with this 1986 Bluebird Bus. It is the Incident Support Unit for Gorham, Windham and Standish.

CHUCK LOWE

Kennebunk has placed a heavy rescue into service at Central Station. This is a 1995 Mack MC, built

by Ranger Fire Apparatus, that previously ran in West Boylston, Massachusetts. The designation of this unit is Squad 5.

Enjoy taking photographs?

CHUCK LOWE

The Willard Hose Company, one-of-three call stations in the City of South Portland, operates this 1990 E-One Hush 110' rear-mount.

It uses the radio call sign "Ladder 42".

Get the most out of your hobby!

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

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information!

CHUCK LOWE

Engine 354 in the Town of Corinna is a 1989 Freightliner tandem axle tanker that was built by Trans-Tech. It hauls 3500-gallons of water and is able to pump 1000-GPM.

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

February, 2021

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An Italian-American classic with a healthy twist!

VERMONT

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.

CHUCK LOWE

Barnet runs this 1984 Chevy Custom as Squad 1. It has a 200-GPM pump and carries 250-gallons of water.

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

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

Walk into any red sauce joint or pizzeria and you are sure to find Chicken Parm on the menu. This classic Italian-American creation, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, has its roots back in Italy where it was first made with eggplant. When Italian immigrants came to America, they brought their recipes but adjusted them to use the now cheaper meats such as veal, pork, beef and chicken. There are many theories as to why it is called Parmigiana, when in fact it is almost always made with mozzarella, but this is not an article long enough to dive into Italian food history.

What we do know is what

makes a dish Chicken Parm.

Breaded chicken cutlets are pan fried in olive oil until golden brown, covered in tomato sauce and then finished with mozzarella which melts and bubbles until brown in some spots. This is what I grew up eating on many Thursday nights at my grandmother's house, right next to my bowl of ziti and meatballs, another ItalianAmerican invention. I love chicken parm so much, I would often order it the next day when we went out to eat at the local Italian restaurants. In its classic iteration, it is just chicken, sauce and cheese, but many chefs and home cooks have put their own spin on it by turning them into “grilled cheese” or stuffing peppers with them. But for me, the classic approach is the best….but, unfortunately it’s not always the best for your waistline.

When I wanted to rethink and reimagine this dish to make it healthier, the first thing that came to mind was the traditional method

of frying the cutlets. In the healthier version, we bake them instead which still allows us to get a crispy exterior without the extra fat and calories. Pre-baking the breadcrumbs also helps us get some color on them before they coat the chicken. And speaking of breadcrumbs, using the Japanese Panko variety also gives us more texture than traditional fine breadcrumbs.

And while the traditional method for breading chicken is flour, egg and breadcrumbs, I wanted to change that up as well. So instead of eggs, this recipe uses plain Greek yogurt, which acts as a binder but also lowers the calories slightly and adds some protein.

This recipe certainly does not beat the traditional chicken parm you are used to ordering, but if you need a healthier recipe to put into the rotation, this one is definitely worth giving a shot. All the familiar flavors without most of the guilt. Stay safe, eat well!

BAKED CHICKEN CUTLET PARM Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts 1 C Flour 1 C Plain Greek Yogurt 2 C Plain Panko Breadcrumbs 1 Tsp. Dried Oregano 28 oz. Whole Peeled Tomatoes, crushed by hand 2 Garlic Cloves, diced ½ Onion, diced ½ lb. Low-Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella 1 Bunch Fresh Basil, chiffonade (sliced thin) EVOO Salt and Pepper, to taste Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 375°

-Place breadcrumbs on a sheet pan, toast for a few minutes until light golden brown. Remove, place in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano. Set aside.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Burlington, VT - Pictured is the Ethan Allen Engine Company No. 4 building, located at 135 Church Street in Burlington, VT. Built in 1887 for a private fire company, it served the city as a fire and police station until the 1960's. It is now privately owned and used as a commercial business. In 1971, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

-Slice chicken breast in half, creating two thin cutlets. Repeat with remaining breasts and set aside. In a large bowl place flour, season with salt, pepper and oregano, set aside. In another large bowl, put in yogurt and a pinch of salt, set aside.

-Place a wire rack in the sheet pan previously used for

breadcrumbs.

-Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess, followed by the yogurt. Wipe off excess yogurt and place in breadcrumb mixture. Firmly press breadcrumbs into cutlet and place on sheet pan with the wire rack. Place chicken in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

-While the chicken bakes, heat EVOO in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and saute until translucent. Add

AJ FUSCO

garlic and sauté until golden brown. Carefully add the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer and continue to cook while the chicken bakes. Stir frequently so it does not burn. Taste and adjust seasoning.

-When the chicken is cooked, remove from sheet pan along with rack. Ladle some tomato sauce onto bottom of sheet pan, add the chicken and top with more sauce. Top each piece with cheese and place under broiler or back in oven until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil.

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