1st Responder News New England June Edition

The New England Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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JUNE, 2019

TWO ALARMS STRUCK AT NEW MILFORD APARTMENT FIRE

BERNIE MEEHAN

New Milford, CT - On May 28th at 4:45 A.M., tones went off for the Water Witch Hose Company of New Milford, reporting a possible structure fire at HarryBrooke Village apartments on Lanesville Road. Within minutes of responding, dispatch reported that they were receiving multiple calls about the fire.

- See full story on page 18

eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes SEE PAGE 32 FOR DETAILS.

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Allenstown FF Keith Melanson knocks down heavy fire in the rear of the house.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

Vehicle in Bedford Rolls Over Into Woods

Bedford, NH - On April 28th, the Bedford and Amherst Fire Departments were dispatched to an MVA rollover on Route 101 near the town line. Companies initially had difficulty finding the accident due to the involved vehicle rolling down an embankment into the woods, making it impossible to see from the roadway. The reporting party was able to flag a police cruiser down and soon after, companies arrived and checked on the occupant. After stabilizing the vehicle, crews were able to cut off the windshield and remove one person. The cause is under investigation.

JAY L HEATH

Three-Alarm Fire Destroys House in Pembroke Pembroke, NH - A two-story home sustained heavy damage from a fire, which appeared to have started in the back of the house, on Saturday, May 25th. The first call came in at 3:16 P.M. to Concord FireAlarm reporting a fire in a screen house in the back of the residence at 376 Perley Avenue.

Heavy smoke could be seen from the Pembroke firehouse.

First-due companies arrived and

JUMP TO FILE #052919105 found heavy fire in the rear and spreading throughout the house. A second-alarm was sounded, bringing a dozen mutual aid towns to the scene.

Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack while Pembroke's Tower Ladder cut holes in

the roof as fire vented through.

Three firefighters were transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion, resulting in a third-alarm being struck for additional manpower due to the humid conditions that day.

All companies cleared the scene by 7:30 P.M. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- JAY HEATH

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

Chichester Rescue 2 is a 1989 Pierce Dash with walk-thru body and open jump seats. It was acquired from a department in the Moriches section of Long Island, New York several years ago.

CHUCK LOWE

Pembroke's Tower Ladder set up and venting the roof.

JAY L HEATH

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Advertising Index

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Aire-Deb Corp.

VEHICLE NEWS

Page 45

All Hands Fire Equipment

35

Autotronics

13

Armor Tuff Floors Backstop USA

Eastford Fire & Rescue EJ Boughton Co.

27

40 34

50

Firehouse Expo

41

Firovac Power Systems

42

Firematic

Five Star Fire

Granite Fire Apparatus

52 5

47

Hoffman Radio Network

39

Long Island Mega Show

3

Kimtek

22

Marcus Communications

20

Mid Atlantic Rescue

25

Marion Body

Minuteman Fire & Rescue New England Fire Equip.

48 51 9

New England Marine

27

Penflex

37

Norcom

PL Custom

43

15

Professional Vehicle Corp.

12

Shaker Auto Group

31

Sutphen

23

TurboDraft

44

Yankee Fire & Rescue

38

Ribcraft

Smart Power Systems The Fire Store Utility Communications

The Hudson Fire Department in Hillsborough County has added two more Seagrave Marauder apparatus to their fleet. Engine 4 is a 2018 model that has a 1500-GPM pump and 750-gallon water tank. It's assigned to the new fire station on Lowell Road. The second piece is a 2019 model 100-foot, rear-mount aerial that's designated Ladder 2 and will run out of Headquarters.

49 44 17

CORPORATE INFORMATION

11

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New England edition - Vol. 23, No. 6 - 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 in error.

Omissions A division of: or errors must be 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

CHAD NEWSOME

Mike Marquis, Vice President of Rescue 1 Sales, retired after a successful 36-year career with PLCB.

Hudson Engine Co. 4

CHUCK LOWE

PLCB Rescue 1 Sales VP Retires with 36 Years of Successful Service May 31st marked the last day for Mike Marquis, Vice President of Rescue 1 Sales, here at P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. (PLCB), and the beginning of a welldeserved retirement. JUMP TO FILE# Mike is capping off 053019105 a 36-year successful career here in Manasquan. Over the years, Mike grew with the company, working first as an electrician, followed by developing our graphics department, then as a contract coordinator, and finally as the driving force behind our Rescue 1 division.

Initially sold as PL Custom Emergency Vehicles Rescue Trucks, Mike and Bud Smock developed the rescue division into what is now known as Rescue 1.

Formalized with that name in 1985, Mike became synonymous with the Rescue 1 Extreme Duty brand of rescues, command centers, haz-mat, and other specialty purposed emergency vehicles produced under the Rescue 1 moniker.

Under his watch, Rescue 1 has grown to enjoy a solid reputation as a custom manufacturer of Extreme Duty rescue trucks. Mike became intimately involved with each unit that was built here, developing strong relationships with our

customers.

In discussing his retirement date, Mike said, “I have seen Rescue 1, and by extension, PL Custom, expand into new markets. The Rescue 1 brand has made tremendous strides and I look forward to watching the continued growth.

Now I am looking forward to focusing on family and fishing. I have met and worked with many great people over these past 3+ decades, from customers, sales reps, vendors, and fellow employees. It has been a great career and I know that our past will shape our future.”

Today’s fire and emergency vehicle manufacturing industry is filled with daily personnel changes and company acquisitions. Just as PLCB remains a privately held, family-owned company today, Mike’s continuity with our Rescue 1 division is in stark contrast to the prevailing industry trend.

We look forward to hearing stories from Mike of his well-deserved retirement and know that he looks forward to spending time with his wife, Irene, his two sons, Michael and Matthew, and his dogs, Bro and Dude.

On behalf of all of us here in Manasquan, we wish you all the best!

- CHAD NEWSOME

Hudson Ladder Co. 2

CHUCK LOWE

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

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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

Illinois: Jacob "Jake" Ringering, 37 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 5, 2019 Death Date: March 5, 2019 Fire Department: Godfrey Fire Protection District Initial Summary: While at the scene of a residential structure fire, Captain Jacob Ringering and three additional firefighters were injured when a portion of the structure collapsed as they attacked the fire. Ringering was taken to the hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sustained. One of the additional firefighters was flown by helicopter to the hospital where he is in stable condition. The two remaining firefighters were treated and released.

Pennsylvania: Michael Bernstein, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 20, 2019 Death Date: March 20, 2019 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Michael Bernstein suffered a medical emergency while on-duty at Engine 78 at Philadelphia International Airport. Bernstein was transported to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital where he passed away. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

California: Daniel Laird, 41 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 27, 2019 Death Date: March 27, 2019 Fire Department: United States Forest Service Tahoe National Forest Initial Summary: While helping with an aerial delivered prescribed burn in the Sam Houston National Forest in Texas, Captain Daniel Laird’s helicopter went down. Laird passed away from the injuries he sustained in the crash. Other crew members sustained non-lifethreatening injuries.

Connecticut: James "Woody" Woodman, 55 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: October 5, 1999 Death Date: March 29, 2019 Fire Department: West Haven Fire Department

Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic James “Woody” Woodman was a member of Recruit Class #15 at the Connecticut State Fire Academy. Only two days after being out of the academy, on October 5, 1999, Woodman was part of an ambulance crew transporting a child who had been struck by a vehicle to the Yale-New Haven Hospital. As they neared the hospital, the ambulance was broadsided by a bus and rolled over multiple times. Woodman sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in his living in a long-term care facility until his death on March 29, 2019. The child who was being transported and other crew members of the ambulance were seriously injured but have all made complete recoveries.

New Jersey: John "Jack" Leming, 78 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 15, 2019 Death Date: April 15, 2019 Fire Department: Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company #1 Initial Summary: Firefighter John Leming attended a drill on 04/15/2019 at the fire station at approximately 7:00 pm. At the conclusion of the drill, he returned home. During the night, he became ill. His wife called 911 and EMS responded. During transport to a local hospital, Leming went into cardiac arrest and life saving measures were not successful. Leming was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival at the hospital.

South Dakota: Dwain Hudson, 73 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 17, 2019 Death Date: April 17, 2019 Fire Department: Argyle Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On April 17, 2019, Argyle Volunteer Fire Department was called to an active wildland fire that was endangering structures. While responding as a passenger in the department’s compressed air foam truck, Firefighter Dwain Hudson experienced a medical emergency. Firefighters and EMS personnel immediately provided emergency medical aid to Hudson. He was transported to Custer Regional Hospital where resuscitation efforts continued but were not successful.

Hudson was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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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.

JAY L HEATH

Fire Causes Heavy Damage to Home in Deerfield

Deerfield, NH - A first-alarm response was dispatched to a house fire at 16 Birch Road on June 4th at 7:21 P.M. in Deerfield. Firefighters arrived and found a two-story home with heavy fire throughout both the upper and lower levels. Despite hoarding and junkyard conditions surrounding the home, the fire was brought under control about one hour later with extensive overhaul following.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

Salem, NH operates this 2015 Sutphen SPH100 1500/400 with a 100' mid-mount aerial as Tower Ladder 1.

JACK STAWASZ

The Speedway Safety Services at NH Motor Speedway runs this 2012 Ford F-550/Dingee. This truck carries 200-gallons of water and 100-gallons of foam.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

Third Annual Walter Sanborn & John Sawyer Memorial Fire Truck Show a Success Epsom, NH - Sunny skies welcomed fire buffs both young and old to Webster Park in Epsom on May 11th, where the NH chapter of SPAAMFAA held its third annual Walter Sanborn & John Sawyer Memorial Fire Truck Show and parade. Apparatus from all around New England, including a large number of privately owned apparatus, made the trek for this event. Put on by the Amoskeag Reserve Engine Co., the event included a static display of fire apparatus, a flea market, trophies and door prizes, pumping demonstrations, and a parade through town. This year's event was the first one to not be hampered by the threat of rain and as a result, it was the largest turnout in the event's short history.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

This converted 2000 International with a 1981 Hackney body serves as one-of-two hazardous materials units in the City of Nashua, NH. Both units, along with the air supply truck, will be replaced this summer with a new Pierce heavy rescue.

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MAINE

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.

BILL FARRELL

Dog Perishes in York Beach House Fire

FRANK ROBINSON

West Hempfield Fire Rescue in Lancaster County, PA operates this 2007 Ford F450/Rescue 1 Traffic Unit that once saw service in Fryeburg, Maine.

York Beach, ME - During the early afternoon of May 14th, a working fire was quickly knocked down at 36 Greenleaf Parsons Road by crews from York Beach, York Village and Ogunquit. One dog was removed from the structure, but was sadly unable to be resuscitated. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

ANTIQUE APPARATUS

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

CHUCK LOWE

Acadia National Park FD in Bar Harbor once operated this unusual 2001 Freightliner/Darley 2000gallon tanker. It was relocated to the Cape Cod National Seashore FD several years ago and is now Tanker 279 out of their Wellfleet station.

Stay on top of the news! Visit 1st Responder CHUCK LOWE

This 1956 Ford F-600 pumper appears to have been operated by Strong in Franklin County as Pumper 1. The well maintained apparatus is now privately owned.

on the web at www.1RBN.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

PAGE 9

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.

IN SERVICE If you have photos for our In Service feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

This patch belongs to the Freeport Fire Department, located in Cumberland County, ME.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

North Yarmouth Engine 2 operates a 2012 E-One Typhoon 1500-GPM Pumper. This apparatus is equipped with a class A CAFS system that has a 30-gallon foam cell. It carries 1000-gallons of water.

This engine was delivered in a silver-over-yellow color scheme. The department has since abandoned that yellow in favor of a more traditional red. The roof remains painted silver.

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES

CONNECTICUT

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Overall view of the scene.

PROVIDED

Small Plane Crashes Into Danbury House

This tattoo belongs to Daniel Pfeiffer, a 44-year member and past chief of Delran Fire Dept. Station #232 in Delran, NJ. The four helmets in the tattoo represent the four generations of firefighters in his family. "I'm the son of a past station chief, the grandson of a past Delanco fire chief, and my son is currently an engineer with the Lexington Fire Dept. in Lexington, South Carolina," said Daniel.

Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Danbury, CT - On June 4th at 5:54 P.M., the major alarm tone sounded for the City of Danbury, announcing an "Alert-3 Aircraft Down" on Golden Hill Avenue.

Further information reported that an aircraft had struck a house.

A full crash as- JUMP TO FILE# signment was dis- 060419109 patched with Car 30 (DC Meehan) arriving on scene first. A small powered glider had struck a twostory wood-frame home at the roof line, and went into the attic of the home.

Firefighters, Police Officers and EMS personnel worked together to sort out what was going on, and what would be needed. The aircraft, a 2016 Alisport - Silent 2 Electro, had lost power, clipped a tree, and then went nose first into the attic of the house at #5 Golden Hill Avenue.

The sole occupant/pilot was able to self-extricate, and with the help of a neighbor, made his way to the front yard of the house.

The house was occupied by a mother and her two small daughters at the time of the incident. The pilot and the occupants of the house were transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Meanwhile, firefighters worked to make sure that the aircraft and house were safe from any further issues. The FAA was contacted by Danbury Airport managers and it was decided that they would come to the crash scene the following morning. The Danbury Police would provide security overnight.

Fire units were returned to service a short time after.

- BERNIE MEEHAN

Truck 1 getting an aerial view.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

PAGE 11

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

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.

RYAN FLAHERTY

Four Animals Perish in Norwich Kitchen Fire

KITTY VANGUNTEN

Simsbury FD's Tower 12 gets inspected and serviced behind Main Station so that it's ready for annual testing to ensure that it meets national safety standards. Tower 12 is a 2007 KME 100’ mid-mount tower ladder.

Norwich, CT - At 6:18 P.M. on Friday, May 17th, the Taftville Fire Department was dispatched to 54 Hunters Avenue for reports of smoke coming from the house. One minute later dispatch said police were on scene reporting smoke showing from the first floor, prompting Car 28 to start two engines from Occum and an engine from Yantic.

Engine 21 arrived at 6:23 P.M. and transmitted the working fire for smoke coming from the first floor of a three-story, wood-frame residen-

JUMP TO FILE #052019120 tial apartment house. Engine 21’s crew advanced a one-and-threequarter inch hose line through the front door and knocked down a kitchen fire.

Tower 25 set up in the front of the building and their crew performed the primary search, at which time they found three dogs and a cat and removed them from the building. Engine 22 laid a supply line

from the hydrant at the corner of South B Street while Engine 42’s crew stretched a backup line from Engine 21. Yantic’s Engine 33 checked the upper floors for extension.

Crews from Taftville and American Ambulance tried to resuscitate the animals, but sadly were unsuccessful. The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department provided the FAST and the Norwich Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

- RYAN FLAHERTY

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Congratulations Woodsville Emergency Services, Woodsville, NH

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

New Britain Apartment Fire Displaces 40 Residents New Britain, CT - A two-alarm fire left about 40 people displaced at one of the apartment buildings in the Springwood Gardens Complex on Allen Street, May 10th. The first call came in at 3:09 P.M. with reports of fire JUMP TO FILE# showing from win- 051119106 dows on floors two and three.

The first car on scene confirmed that fire was rolling out of the windows of floors two and three on the building's east side.

With all companies working on scene, a call went out to Meriden, Bristol, West Hartford and Hartford to cover the city and soon after, Meriden, Bristol and Hartford Fire Companies were called to the scene to relieve the New Britain firefighters.

At least two people were rescued by firefighters. The fire appears to have started in a rear stairwell, but the cause is under investigation. Firefighters did a great job in holding the fire to the one end of the three-story brick building.

- MICHAEL CARENZA JR

Fire blowing out of the rear windows.

MICHAEL CARENZA JR.

MICHAEL CARENZA JR.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

PAGE 15

CONNECTICUT

Car Carrier Fire Destroys Multiple Vehicles on I-95 Norwalk, CT - At 2:27 P.M. on May 5th, the Norwalk Fire Department responded to Interstate 95 for a reported car carrier fire.

Upon arrival fire service personnel found a tractortrailer car carrier JUMP TO FILE# with the cab in- 050619106 volved in fire, along with three vehicles on the carrier fully involved in the passenger compartment of the fourth vehicle.

Initial response companies included the command car and two engine companies. When the extent of fire was seen, an additional engine company was requested along with a tanker from the Darien Fire Department and second tanker from the Noroton Heights Fire Department to shuttle water from the nearest hydrant location.

Also requested on special call was Norwalk Fire Department Truck Company 1, which is a bucket ladder company to be utilized for access to the vehicles on the upper level of the carrier.

Upon arrival of Truck Co. 1, foam was initiated to suppress and extinguish any remaining fire. In total, (six) five-gallon cans of foam were used on the incident.

Interstate 95 northbound was shut down throughout the incident to allow access for fire department vehicles and the shuttling of water to the scene with tankers.

Fire department operations ceased at 4:00 P.M. and the highway was reopened a short time later.

There were no reported injuries and the Norwalk Fire Marshal Division is investigating the cause of the fire.

- NORWALK FD

Stay on top of the news!

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

NORWALK FD

NORWALK FD

PAGE 16

June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

Simsbury VFC Members Complete Charity Stair Climb Hartford, CT - The Simsbury Vol. Fire Company team consisting of Firefighters Brian Tomaska and Ken Boudreau, Lt. Rick Callahan, Firefighter Victoria Williams and Captain Todd Kelley, recently competed in the 2019 Fight for Air Climb.

The climb, JUMP TO FILE# which consists of 34 043019111 flights (688 stairs), is held as a fundraiser for the American Lung Association.

The group was the second-place fundraising team with $7,472; Kelley was fourth in individual fundraising with $3,275; and Boudreau was sixth with $3,124.

- KITTY VANGUNTEN

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The Town of Berlin is divided into four separate districts, with each having their own Fire Department. The Kensington Fire Department is all volunteer and serve approximately 20,000 people with response to 500 calls annually.

Apparatus assigned to their five-bay station on Farmington Ave. include Engine 2, Squad 4 and Tower 3. They do not staff an ambulance. EMS services to the town are provided by Hunters Ambulance.

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CHUCK LOWE

Squad 4 is a 2002 American LaFrance Eagle 1500-GPM with 750gallons of water.

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CHUCK LOWE

Engine 2 is a 2016 Pierce Velocity 1500-GPM with 500-gallons of water.

Tower 3 is a 2013 Pierce Quantum 85' Tower.

CHUCK LOWE

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

ORANGE VOL. FD

Second Graders in Orange Visit Fire Department

Orange, CT - About 50 second graders from Orange's Racebook Elementary School visited Orange Fire Department's Station 2 on Boston Post Road, Wednesday, May 15th. The kids learned about fire safety and what firefighters do, and also got to see them dressed in turn-out gear. Pictured are Orange firefighters and members of the Orange Fire Marshal's office talking with the students about fire safety.

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.

New Milford Tower 25

BERNIE MEEHAN

Two Alarms Struck at New Milford Apartment Fire New Milford, CT - On May 28th at 4:45 A.M., tones went off for the Water Witch Hose Company of New Milford, reporting a possible structure fire at HarryBrooke Village apartments on Lanesville Road.

Within minutes of responding, dispatch reported that they were receiving multiple calls about the fire.

New Milford Police Officers arrived within minutes to a working fire and began rousting residents from the eight-unit building.

First arriving fire officer, New Milford Car 6 Lt. Sean Delaney, immediately requested a second-alarm as he saw fire extending up the back of the 150' x 35', two-story apartment building. Engines 21 and 17 arrived, pulled up to Side 'A' and went to work.

As Assistant Chief Richard Squires arrived and took command, two crews took to the initial fire attack. One line went into the end unit

JUMP TO FILE #052819112 where the fire was coming from, while a second line was stretched to Side 'C' to wash down the exterior and slow the extension of fire.

Various other firefighters went door to door to assist the NMPD with evacuations. As this was going on, dispatch had sounded the second-alarm, requesting Northville, Gaylordsville and Brookfield to the scene. Washington and Kent covered New Milford and Gaylordsville.

Engine 27 was the next to arrive and laid a five-inch line from Side 'A' out to a hydrant in the street.

Northville Engine 104 assisted with this operation as Tower 25 pulled into the driveway and took up a position at the corner of Side 'A/D'.

Brookfield Engine 1 (a 77-ft. Quint)

pulled into the driveway and positioned themselves at the corner of Side 'A/B'.

With smoke under pressure issuing from both gable ends, the decision was made to open the roof. A crew went up on the New Milford Tower Ladder and cut a vent hole on the 'D' end. As the interior crew knocked down the fire, the vent hole allowed smoke and heat to exit and the fire was rapidly extinguished.

An additional engine and squad were requested from Danbury to assist with overhaul. New Milford and Sherman EMS units stood by at the scene and assisted with firefighter rehab. The American Red Cross also responded to assist the displaced residents. There were no injuries, and the New Milford Fire Marshal's office is investigating cause and origin.

- BERNIE MEEHAN

CHUCK LOWE

New Britain has started putting company patches on their apparatus. Pictured here is Engine 5's "Beast from the East" patch as it appears on the new pumper.

Side 'C'.

BERNIE MEEHAN

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

PAGE 19

June, 2019

CONNECTICUT

Vehicle News The New Britain FD recently received three 2018 Emergency One Typhoon pumpers that are now in service at Engines 1, 2 and 5. They have 1500-GPM pumps with 500-gallons of water. The apparatus previously assigned to these houses have been reassigned to other companies in the city.

These three pumps embrace the true needs of a city engine company. They have a shorter overall length, allowing the engineer to navigate tight streets and access difficult spots. The hose bed is much lower, enabling rapid deployment of all hose lines. None of the hose configurations are preconnects, so there is added flexibility. A single attack line is located in the middle of the apparatus, and everything else plays off the rear.

With this acquisition the department has changed it's color scheme to solid red with a black accent stripe. Company patches have also been added to the apparatus for the first time in department history. The members are thrilled to have these logos and the ability to show company pride.

NORWALK FIRE DEPT.

Driver Seriously Injured in One-Car MVA on I-95 in Norwalk

NBFD Engine 1 - Beaver St. Express

CHUCK LOWE

Norwalk, CT - The Norwalk FD responded to a single-car accident on I-95 on the morning of April 24th at 1:15 A.M. The car, a Toyota Corolla traveling south between exits 14 and 13, struck a tractor-trailer that was stopped in the breakdown lane. When crews arrived, the lone driver of the car, a male approximately 30-years-old, was lying on the highway, being assisted by other drivers. He was treated by firefighters and paramedics on scene and transported with serious injuries.

The southbound highway was closed for about one hour as debris, along with the tractor-trailer and car were removed.

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.

NBFD Engine 2 - The South Side

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

NBFD Engine 5 - The Beast from the East

CHUCK LOWE

Moosup Fire Department, located in the Town of Plainville, operates this 1943 Ford World War II weapons carrier that was converted into a brush truck as Forestry 194. This unusual apparatus has a 250-GPM pump with a 300-gallon water tank.

PAGE 20

June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

ANTIQUE APPARATUS

LITTLE BIG GUYS

If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

If you have photos for Little Big Guys please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

Pine Rock Fire Company 4 in Shelton operated this 1937 Ahrens Fox 500-GPM pumper as Engine 41.

It continues to appear at parades in the area.

The 8th Utilities District Fire Department in Manchester operates a 2016 Ford F-550/EVI light duty rescue. This apparatus, designated Rescue 7, utilizes the body from a 2000 Ford that the agency operated previously. This versatile vehicle carries 275-gallons of water with a 250-GPM pump in addition to the rescue equipment.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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CONNECTICUT

“Retired” Smoke Jumper Aircraft Heads for D-Day Commemoration Oxford, CT - The C-47 aircraft christened "Miss Montana" finally made it to the shores of France, 75 years after D-Day. The plane was completed in 1944, too late to join her sisters overseas in the original invasion.

Bob Johnson, pioneer aviator, purchased the plane in 1946 as military surplus to replace the familiar Ford Tri-motor in aerial firefighting and propelling smoke jumpers, and she served in that capacity until 1970.

During the 30 years following the plane’s departure from Montana and the forest fire service, Stan Cohen, Dick Komberec and Steve Smith founded the Museum of Mountain Flying in 1993 to share the history of the mountain flying service stationed in Missoula, Montana.

They were able to locate the plane in Arkansas and raised the $250,000 needed to buy her.

Dick Komberec and his son, Eric, traveled together to fly the plane back to Missoula in 2000, taking her out of freight service and setting her up as a static display in the museum for the next 18 years.

There were no plans to return her to the skies until Pilot and Project Leader Bryan Douglass was introduced to Connie Bowlin of the Warbirds In Review, founder of a popular program which showcases warbird aircraft, pilots and veterans.

When he learned of the D-Day Squadron, which was preparing to fly a fleet of C-47's and DC-3's to Normandy on June 6th, he and Eric Komberec were inspired to

JUMP TO FILE #060219103 get their plane into the largest collection of equipment flying over Normandy since 1944. They brainstormed, calculating that it would take $500,000 to restore the plane and to purchase insurance and fuel.

With less than a year to the plane airworthy, she was rechristened Miss Montana to Normandy, taking her name from the nose art on the B-25 flown by Capt. Malcolm W. Enman, a Drummond, Montana resident who distinguished himself with his service to the country. The name also honors the 57,000 Montana citizens who served during World War II in the military and on the home front.

The woman painted on the nose of the plane carries smoke jump wings to honor the plane’s service to fighting fires.

When the new nose art was unveiled on June 10, 2018, supporters donated $50,000 and hundreds of new members joined the museum. Phillips 66 became a significant sponsor, helping the effort.

Don Micknak grew up in Oxford, Conn., and moved to Montana in 1960, where he worked as a mechanic for Johnson’s Flying Service. Following the restoration, Mr. Micknak now volunteers at age 87 to ensure the plane was sound as she flew to his hometown, where his nephew, Jack Micknak of Beacon Falls, Conn., was able to climb aboard before the plane began her journey across

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

Newington's Engine 1 operates the department's newest apparatus, a 2017 Pierce Velocity 1250-GPM top-mount pump with a 500-gallon water tank. A similar 2008 Velocity operates out of Station 3.

the North Atlantic.

“That’s why we do this work,” said Eric Komberec. “The connections, the people, and the stories are remarkable.”

Following the D-Day commemoration, Miss Montana to Normandy will participate in the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and, in August, the 50th anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire near Helena in 1949. The plane dropped 12 smoke jumpers and one smoke chaser, all of whom landed safely but later died fighting that fire.

The story was described in Norman Fitzroy Maclean’s book, “A River Runs Through It”, and was later adapted into a movie directed by Robert Redford.

Smoke jumpers have volunteered to participate as paratroopers in the D-Day commemorative jumps. Eric Komberec pointed out, “These smoke jumpers will include the only female paratroopers in Normandy.”

Those who want to learn more about the plane and its rich history can visit www.missmontanatonormandy.com or like 'Miss Montana to Normandy' on Facebook. Additional information is available at www.ddaysquadron.org.

- LINDA ZUKAUSKAS

C-47 "Miss Montana" and her crew.

Bob Long

LINDA ZUKAUSKAS

PAGE 22

June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

VERMONT

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

ASHLEIGH DEYO

Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department member Joseph Deyo (right) and Mike Antoniak from Winooski Fire Department take a break to get a quick photo together.

DID Y OU K NOW

?

The first arrest due to an emergency call happened on July 8, 1937, at 4:20 a.m. when the wife of John Stanley Beard dialed 999 to report a burglar outside her home in England.

The burglar, 24-year-old Thomas Duffys, was arrested.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

PAGE 23

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Long-Time Whitman Call-Firefighter Passes Away Whitman, MA - Long-time Whitman Call-Firefighter Robert (Bob) Schmitt, 91, passed away following a brief illness on April 18, 2019. For 47-years Bob worked as a callfirefighter in Whitman, before retiring in 2011. Bob also served the town as the Emergency JUMP TO FILE# Management Direc- 051019101 tor and was instrumental in organizing Whitman's CERT Team, which later developed a fire ground rehab unit. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and the community he served for so many years. His full obituary is below: Robert H. Schmitt, 91, of Whitman, MA died on April 18th, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

Born in Calumet, MI in 1928 to Henry Schmitt and Catherine (Madajewski) Schmitt, he graduated Calumet High School in 1945. After graduating he served in the Michigan State Guard from 1945-1946 before enlisting in the United States Army where he served from 1946-1950. While serving, he met his late wife Grace (Spagna) Schmitt in 1946 in Avon, MA, they married in 1949, and moved to Whitman in 1953.

After his service, he attended the Brockton Business College and graduated in 1951 as Class President, he then was recruited to work for the Clipper Abrasive Company until he retired in 1986 as Vice President of Administration. He was a proud Rotarian of the Rockland-Hanson Rotary Club for 50 years where he held numerous positions including President. He was instrumental in the development of the Rockland Chamber of Commerce. He was active in the Civil Defense Administration beginning in 1960, which became the Whitman Emergency Management Agency, where he served as Director until 2011. During his time as Director he helped develop the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He was a man of many accomplishments, but he was most proud of his time serving Whitman as a call-firefighter. He first volunteered as an auxiliary firefighter in 1961, was appointed as a call-firefighter in 1963, and retired in 2008 after 47 years of service to the Whitman Fire Department. He loved sharing experiences of his childhood in “Copper Country�, Calumet, Michigan and most importantly spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Grace (Spagna) Schmitt and

Bob Schmitt working the announcement booth at a Fireman's Muster.

his daughter Jeanne Harrington.

He is survived by his brother Rudolph Schmitt of Calumet, MI, his daughter Theresa Ferris of Bradenton, FL, his daughter Catherine Schmitt and her husband Mark Lindquist of Kingston, his son-in-law Kenneth Harrington of Sun City Center, FL, his granddaughter Nicole Hayes and her husband Nick of Whitman, his grandson Patrick Harrington and his wife Kimberly of Bridgewater, his granddaughter Lauren Pagnini of Carver, his grandson Derek Harrington and his wife Gabrielle of Whitman, and eight great-grandchildren.

His funeral services were held on Friday, April 26th at 10:15 AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Visiting hours were held on Thursday, April 25th from 4:007:00PM. - PAT TRAVERS

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Hanson firefighters, covering Whitman, salute the procession as a wreath is laid at the fireman's memorial.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

Fish in Foil; yes it’s exactly what it sounds like...

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

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Occupant Extricated from MVA on Railroad Tracks in Kingston

Kingston, MA - On May 2nd, firefighters responded to Route 3 South near Exit 9 for a vehicle that went off the road and landed on the railroad tracks. One patient was extricated and transported by ground with non-life-threatening injuries.

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

“I will have the dry, flavorless fish please,” said no one ever.

With high-heat, dry methods such as grilling and sautéing, you run the risk of overcooking your protein, especially delicate fish.

Cooking in foil is actually derived from the French technique of cooking called “en papillote”, or as it is known in Italian, “al cartoccio”. Essentially it means food cooked in a parcel or package, traditionally made from parchment paper.

To make this a little more “firehouse friendly” we forego the intricate technique of folding parchment and instead use plain ol’ aluminum foil for its ease of sealing. By cooking the ingredi-

ents this way, you are essentially creating a fast cooking, high-heat steam environment, which is perfect for delicate proteins like fish and shrimp. The one downside to this technique is the inability to periodically check on your food to see if it is cooked because of the sealed package, so it may take a few tries for you to figure out this technique.

The other plus side of cooking this way is less cleanup, which is perfect for the firehouse. All your ingredients, aside from any accompaniment like rice or potatoes, are cooked in foil which gets tossed at the end of the meal. Your crew will definitely thank you for that! And while this recipe calls for the package being cooked in an oven, you could definitely use the grill instead. Just use indirect heat by lighting half of the grill on high and placing the packages over the “cool” side; this is perfect for the summer.

With this technique you have to keep in mind the fast cooking

time, so any aromatics or vegetables you add should be quick cooking or cut small and thin enough so that they will cook in time. With vegetables like carrots, bell peppers and celery, the preferred cut would be a julienne (thin strips) or diced (smaller than chopped). While I like to add a little white wine, you can use just water, citrus juice or even stock.

This liquid, while not necessary, will help create a steam environment, along with the steam given off by your other ingredients.

Use your imagination when deciding what flavors you are looking for. A simple combination that works well is butter, garlic and lemon, perfect for sole or shrimp. Thin sliced fennel and orange works great with salmon, for a dinner high in Omega-3’s! Either way, the important thing to remember is to have fun and learn from your mistakes, although this one is pretty hard to mess up! Stay safe, eat well!

FISH IN FOIL WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, LEMON AND CAPERS Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 six-ounce Hake Fillets (Striped Bass, Sole, Trout or any flaky white fish work well) Small package of Cherry Tomatoes 1 Lemon, thin sliced Small Jar of Capers in Brine, drained Handful Fresh Parsley Salt Extra Virgin Olive Oil Splash of White Wine (optional) Aluminum Foil Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 500°F or as high as it will go.

In May, all Waltham fire companies went through a multi-unit drill exercise at the fire department's drill tower. The drills were conducted by training division Deputy, Tim Pratt. Apparatus pulled up to a structure fire, stretched lines, ran attack lines, did a search and rescue, and ladder companies ventilated. After companies completed the exercise, Deputy Pratt and Captain John Bonadio critiqued what went right and what could be improved. The drill was then repeated to capitalize on the lessons learned.

PETER LOBO

-Tear off 4 pieces of foil, large enough to fit each fillet with plenty of extra room. Season the fillets well with salt and place on the foil. Fold up the sides of the foil so the ingredients stay put. Drizzle the fish with enough olive oil to cover most of the bottom of

the foil. Evenly distribute the lemon slices on top of the fish, followed by the tomatoes, capers and parsley sprigs. Sprinkle with a pinch more of salt and add a splash of white wine if using. Fold the sides of the foil in and seal well. Place on a tray or sheet pan and

put in the oven. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. This will depend on the thickness and type of fish. If you open the packet and it still looks raw, carefully seal back up and cook longer.

AJ FUSCO

*This recipe and technique also works well on the grill!

MASSACHUSETTS

BUDDY SHOT

PAGE 27

June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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

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Oxford FIRE-EMS FF/EMT Morris and Massachusetts State Trooper Daoust are pictured here at the Boston Marathon. FF Morris has volunteered for several years with the Boston Marathon's medical staff. Trooper Daoust was a dedicated EMT for the Town of Oxford for 10 years prior to joining the Massachusetts State Police. Both Trooper Daoust and FF Morris are active members of the Oxford Fire-EMS Honor Guard.

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PAGE 28

June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Patient Airlifted to Hospital Following Car Crash in Plymouth

Plymouth, MA - Firefighters responded to Cherry Street for a head-on car crash on May 2nd. Upon arrival, crews found one patient trapped in the vehicle and a Medflight helicopter was called. The patient was extricated and transported to the Holmes Field landing zone where care was transferred over to the Medflight crew. The patient was then transported to a Boston Hospital.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Fire Does Heavy Damage to Hanover Home Hanover, MA - Around 5:30 P.M. on the evening of Friday, May 24th, the Hanover Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at the corner of Hoover Road and Lincoln Lane.

Companies arrived to find smoke showing from a one-and-ahalf story wood-framed dwelling located at 43 Hoover Road. A working fire was requested, bringing a mu-

JUMP TO FILE #060119100 tual aid engine from Norwell to cover Hanover's station.

Companies advanced a line into the building and found a basement fire, which they quickly knocked down. Firefighters performed primary searches and found the build-

ing to be uninhabited at the time of the blaze.

Crews remained on-scene overhauling and checking for extension.

The Hanover Fire Department and Police Department are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

Damage to the home was estimated at $100,000.

- PAT TRAVERS

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

PETER LOBO

Driver in Weston Crashes Head-On Into Wall Weston, MA - Weston Fire responded to Route 20 and Summer Street for an MVA on May 7th around 1:45 P.M. Engines 1 and 3, along with Rescue 1 responded with reports that the driver may have suffered a stroke, causing the accident. The truck had veered off the road and knocked out a power line before crashing into a wall. First responders arrived and transported the driver to Mass General Hospital. Traffic on Route 20 was stopped in both directions for almost two hours during the incident, and power in parts of Weston and Waltham was out for over one hour.

CHUCK LOWE

This 1923 Maxim 500-GPM pumper, pictured here on display in 2014 at the 100th anniversary of Maxim, once served the town of Northborough.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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June, 2019

MASSACHUSETTS

Vehicle Rollover in Boston Shuts Down Blue Hill Ave. Boston, MA - On June 3rd, Boston Fire, EMS and Police were dispatched to a reported MVA with rollover at Blue Hill Avenue and Morton Street.

Engine 52 and Ladder 29 arrived on scene, reported a vehicle on its side and told Rescue 2 JUMP TO FILE# to be ready to work 060619102 when they arrived.

Crews used hydraulic tools to remove the roof of the car and at least two occupants were transported to the hospital.

The northbound lanes of Blue Hill Avenue (State Route 28) were shut down while crews worked.

- SEAN FESKO

Crews use hydraulic tools to remove the roof of the car.

DRILLS/TRAINING

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

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

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Final Shift for Whitman Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Feeney

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Whitman firefighters recently had an opportunity to work on roof operations and other skills on a building that was set for demolition. Pictured are Whitman Firefighters Steve Foster and Brian Trefry looking on as FF Nick Grasso works to make a cut on the roof.

Whitman, MA - On Thursday, May 30th, Whitman Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Feeney worked his final 24-hour tour with Group-2. Firefighters from his group prepared a meal and invited his wife, Sally, and son, Ryan, to join them for dinner, which was complete with a fire helmet cake, modeled after his own helmet. Deputy Chief Joe Feeney is retiring following a 32-year career with the department. Feeney was appointed as a firefighter in Whitman in 1987 and promoted to Deputy Chief in 1999. He will remain working with Lt. Al Cunningham, who will replace him as Deputy Fire Chief, until his official retirement date of July 7th.

PAGE 30

June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

THEN & NOW

New England

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

Lynnfield operated a 1956 American LaFrance 75-foot aerial that had an open cab. Very few of the current LFD members remember this classic truck. The current Ladder 1, a 2007 Seagrave Marauder II 100-foot tower ladder, is significantly larger.

Lynnfield Ladder 1 - 56 ALF.

Lynnfield Ladder 1 - 07 Seagrave.

CHUCK LOWE

CHUCK LOWE

RIBCRAFT Delivers Fire Boat to the Portsmouth, NH Fire Department As the leading manufacturer of professional grade rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for law enforcement, safety professionals, and military agencies around the world, RIBCRAFT recently delivered a specialized 25’ RIBCRAFT 7.8 to the Portsmouth FD.

Marblehead, MA (May 2019) – Located on the Piscataqua River in New Hampshire, the Portsmouth Fire Department provides on-water search and rescue operations as well as fire protection to the seacoast community. This RIB expands the Department’s firefighting and rescue capabilities while providing a safe and reliable vessel for their firefighters.

Featuring a center console with an extended hard top with a drop down enclosure for all weather protection, the 25’ RIB provides excellent open aft deck space for rescue operations, divers, personnel and equipment. To answer the department’s fire suppression needs, the 7.8 features a forward positioned portable fire pump that is hard plumbed but can be easily removed when additional deck space is needed. Powered by a single 250HP Mercury Verado outboard, the RIB will reach speeds in excess of 45mph while still providing unparalleled safety and unsurpassed performance.

RIBCRAFT worked with the Chief to understand their operational requirements and built a boat that meets all of their demands. The De-

partment not only needed a reliable and improved rescue boat, but a boat with fire suppression capabilities. The RICBRAFT 7.8 provides the versatility, ease of use, and accessibility the city and department was missing with their older larger boat.

Features of the 25’ RIBCRAFT 7.8 include: -Forward positioned console with extended aluminum hard top with full size windscreen and three sided canvas drop down enclosure -Aluminum antenna arch with integrated dive ladder -Forward aluminum bow post -Portable fire pump in front of console -Keel guard -Red Hypalon tube with heavy duty rubstake and additional tube accessories including bow reinforcement, boarding wear patches and tube grab handles -250 HP Mercury Verado outboard -Full set of electronics including: VHF, GPS, FLIR stabilized camera, Hailer/Siren, Department radio, LED light bar, and LED flood lights providing 360° illumination Designed specifically as a surf res-

cue craft, the RIBCRAFT RIB greatly expands the Department’s on water response capabilities with its increased maneuverability and rough water performance. Within hours of delivery the new boat was put to use in a search and rescue mission. The 7.8 is a fast response offshore RIB providing RIBCRAFT’s signature stable, dry ride.

Extremely durable, stable, and reliable, RIBCRAFT RIBs with their heavy duty inflatable tube and deep V hull are an excellent platform for law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine interdiction.

About RIBCRAFT: RIBCRAFT designs and builds safe, durable, performance oriented rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) that fulfill the most demanding military, professional and recreational applications. A leading manufacturer of professional grade RIBs and inflatables for safety professionals, military agencies, yacht clubs, and recreational boaters throughout the world, RIBCRAFT offers vessels starting at 15’, capable of fulfilling most any mission. For more information visit www.ribcraftusa.com

RIBCRAFT

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes

For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work.

With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way.

The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers.

“The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper.

“The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND

gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.”

Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-

ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space.

Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the

down payment dollars needed at closing.

The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington.

To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements.

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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MASSACHUSETTS

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.

BREWSTER FIRE/RESCUE

Brewster Fire/Rescue Accepts Delivery of Fire Safety Education Trailer

BILL FARRELL

On the morning of May 22nd, a shed fire at 30 Robbins Farm Road in Dunstable was quickly extinguished by firefighters. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Brewster, MA - Brewster Fire/Rescue is pleased to announce it has accepted delivery of a new state-of-the-art Fire and Life Safety Education trailer that was mutually funded through a $35,500 Federal Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention Grant, a $5,000 donation from the Brewster Fire/Rescue Association, and a 5% match of $1,775 from a fire department grant match funding article.

The trailer, which was built by Surrey Fire Safety House, a division of the Walters Group located in Napoleon Ohio, comes with a modern group of fire safety education props that will provide our certified Public Educators and other Brewster firefighters the ability to educate a variety of school-aged

JUMP TO FILE #051419102 children and other age groups on smoke detector use, cooking safety, surviving a fire, crawling low in smoke, fall safety, 911 notification, and exit drills in the home.

The department plans to utilize this unique fire safety educational resource to enhance the level of fire prevention awareness and daily fire and life safety of the residents of our community. To meet this objective we have developed a robust strategic plan that includes employing the trailer in our schools during fire prevention week, utilizing the unit to present fire safety programs at Fire Department Open House

and other selected Town events, and in pre-planned appearances throughout the community during the upcoming implementation of our new and innovative “Visit the Neighborhood� program.

The Brewster Fire/Rescue Department would like to thank the members of the Select Board and our residents for supporting this grant application and the Brewster Fire/Rescue Association for their generous $5,000 donation that enabled us to move this project to realization. We look forward to using this outstanding fire safety resource to educate our residents and visitors to the community for many future years.

- ROBERT MORAN

VEHICLE NEWS

K. LEGER

Memorial Day Parade Held in Fall River Fall River, MA - Fall River Public Safety units participated in the 2019 Memorial Day parade in May, including Firefighter rank and file members, EMS personnel and a Fire Museum unit.

CHUCK LOWE

Westminster has purchased a new UTV built by KimTek on a Gravely Atlas 4x4. It has a 90-GPM pump with a 55-gallon water tank and a 5-gallon class A foam reservoir.

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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.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

One Dead Following Chelsea Blaze

This patch belongs to the Freetown Fire Department, located in Bristol County, MA.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Chelsea, MA - On May 3rd, Chelsea crews responded to a reported fire on Watts Street during the late afternoon hours. Companies had heavy fire showing on arrival in the rear of two buildings and immediately struck a second-alarm. A third-alarm was struck shortly after, bringing in mutual aid from cities such as Boston, Revere, Everett, Winthrop, Somerville, Malden and an engine from Massport. Companies searched for a reported missing occupant, who was later found deceased in the fire building. The fire was knocked down in about one hour.

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www.eastfordfireandrescue.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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MASSACHUSETTS

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

The City of Quincy, Massachusetts operates eight engine companies, three ladder companies and a rescue company out of eight stations. The Wollaston Station, located at 111 Beale Street, is home to Engine 4 and Ladder 2. Engine 4 is a 2007 E-One Typhoon 1500/500, and Ladder 2 is a 1998 E-One 1250/300 with a 75' rearmounted aerial. A new KME tiller is expected to replace this unit in 2019.

PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

Minor Injuries Following Car Vs. Pole MVA in Whitman Quincy, MA Wollaston Station.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

Whitman, MA - Around 10:10 P.M. on the evening of Tuesday, May 7th, the Whitman Fire Department responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on Temple Street, near Old Mansion Lane. Engine243, Car-3 and Ambulance-249 responded.

Companies arrived to find a car

JUMP TO FILE #051019102 into a telephone pole. The car was heavily damaged, with airbag deployment and the pole was split in half, but still upright. National Grid was requested to the scene to repair

the pole.

The single occupant reportedly suffered minor injuries and was transported to Brockton Hospital by Whitman Ambulance-249. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

- PAT TRAVERS

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.

Engine 4's 2007 E-One Typhoon 1500/500.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

Ladder 2's 1998 E-One 1250/300/75'.

SEAN FESKO/FDNH911

CHUCK LOWE

Wellfleet Forestry 90 is a 2007 Chevrolet 3500 4x4 that has a 120-GPM pump and carries 200-gallons of water and 20-gallons of class A foam. The body of this apparatus was built by Wellfleet Public Works.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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MASSACHUSETTS

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

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Jaws Used in Plympton to Extricate Injured Driver

Lynn Fire Department H1 is assigned a 2015 Ford Explorer 4x4 Interceptor. This is the department safety officer, a Captain, who responds to predetermined incidents, as well as on request.

CHUCK LOWE

Plympton, MA - On May 10th, firefighters responded to an MVA on Center Street for a reported vehicle off the road in the woods. On arrival firefighters found a vehicle off the road that had struck a tree, with one person trapped. The Jaws were used to lift the roof and cut the door off to extricate the victim. Medflight was called but was unavailable, so the patient was transported to South Shore Hospital with multiple traumatic injuries.

Yankee Fire & Rescue, Inc.

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• 10,000 Sq. Ft. service facility • Factory Trained Technicians

1311 Park St., Palmer, MA Phone: 413-284-0556 Fax: 413-284-0100 yankefireandrescue@aol.com • www.yankeefirerescue.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

PAGE 39

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MASSACHUSETTS

Small Basement Fire Knocked Down in Brockton Brockton, MA - Around 8:00 A.M. on the morning of Friday, May 10th, the Brockton Fire Department struck Box-4533 for a reported house fire at 141 Quincy Street.

Companies arrived to find a small fire in the basement of a one-and-a-half JUMP TO FILE# story wood-framed, 051019103 occupied dwelling.

Crews stretched a pre-connected hand line to the rear of the building and were able to make a quick knock down.

Crews then worked to wet down, overhaul and check for extension in the basement. The fire reportedly involved a mattress and extended to the contents of the room. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

- PAT TRAVERS

Ladder-4 (running a spare) and Engine-7 in front of the fire building.

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PAT TRAVERS/NEFIREPHOTO.COM

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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MASSACHUSETTS

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

DID YOU K NOW

?

The phone used to answer the first 911 call in the United States is in a museum in Haleyville, Alabama. A duplicate is still used at the police station there.

CHUCK LOWE

Shrewsbury Unit 2 was built locally by Farrar Fire Apparatus on a 1962 Ford F800. This truck, like many of the apparatus from that era, had a 750-GPM front-mounted pump and carried 500-gallons of water.

CHUCK LOWE

Hanson operated a 1976 Hendrickson pumper as Engine 4 until 2004. At that time the apparatus was sold to a department in Maine. It was built locally by Farrar with a 1250-GPM pump, 800-gallon water tank and 50-gallon foam tank.

Scope 1 in Worcester was a 1975 Mack-CF/Baker 75' Tower Ladder.

CHUCK LOWE

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

Bad Call ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Bad Call

By Mike Scardino 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 $27.00

This is a 6” x 9” hard cover book with 304 pages. It is a group of memoirs of the author, who worked part time in the late 1960’s on a New York City ambulance in the boro of Queens in order to help pay his tuition in college. There are 43 chapters, plus acknowledgements, and I can certainly tell you that the title very much gives justice to the majority of these calls.

If you, the reader, ever ponders the idea of wanting to work on an ambulance (that does emergency calls), read this book and realize what real life is, both on the streets and behind closed doors in the homes and workplaces of these patients!

For 24 years I worked both part time in EMS and for a few years answered first responder calls with my fire department, and just when you thought you saw the worst, you eventually see something even more worse! If you thought you had problems, ride an ambulance and see other people’s problems. Then, your own will become less in comparison.

This book is not for the weak, especially if you empathize with the author and the situations faced. He also writes about his different partners with reference to the personalities, skills and stamina.

This is not a book you would want to put down because each chapter is exciting in its own way!

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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June, 2019

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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

JOHN SJOSTEDT

Kingston Firefighter Ryan Pitsley at the scene of a Hazmat incident in May.

Non-sprinkler living room demonstration.

K. LEGER

2019 Tri-State Firefighters Meet Held in Webster Webster, MA - On Sunday, May 19th, at Memorial Beach Park in Webster, the Southern New England Fire Apparatus Association held the 2019 Tri-State Firefighters Meet, where dozens of antique and modern fire apparatus were on display, as well as a Lifeflight helicopter.

Organizers built side by side identical furnished living rooms for the event, one with sprinklers

JUMP TO FILE #051919106 and one without, to show how a working sprinkler system can control and extinguish fires and save lives. The Douglas Fire Department provided their fire safety trailer and offered tours to attendees.

The Massachusetts Depart-

ment of Fire Services brought their mobile command center and observation drone along with a forced entry simulator, and of course, Smokey the bear. Numerous vendors displayed their wares and had a steady stream of buyers all day.

The Connecticut Fire Service Experience Volume 2 The Tradition Continues

by Kevin R. McKeon

867 color and 120 black and white photos of apparatus, stations, firefighters, training, memorials, historical photos and informative text!

Re-live the experience once more!

- KENNETH LEGER

Only $35.00

Order your copy today online!

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www.ctfireapparatus.com or www.fire-police-ems.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

June, 2019

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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

Quick Knockdown in Fall River

Fall River, MA - Shortly after 2:00 A.M. on May 26th, firefighters responded on a still alarm to 1367 County Street for a report of fire. Engines 2, 4 and 9, along with Ladders 2 and 4, Rescue 1 and Car 2 responded. Engine 9 arrived on scene and reported fire showing from an exterior deck that was communicating up the exterior wall to the eaves. Command called for an immediate primary search of the single-family home, as well as a search of the attic space for fire extension.

The crew of Engine 9 were able to hold the fire to the exterior while Ladder 4 put the stick up to the peak to overhaul the wall, leading to a quick knockdown of all visible fire.

CHUCK LOWE

The Town of Burlington operated this 1996 International S-4900 for 18 years that was built by Conway.

It was acquired by Lancaster, Mass in 2014 where it continues to run as Forestry 2.

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MASSACHUSETTS

VEHICLE NEWS

JOHN SJOSTEDT

MVA with Medflight in Plympton CHUCK LOWE

Westminster has taken delivery of a 2019 KME Severe Service pumper. This new apparatus has a 1500-GPM pump with a semi-enclosed modular pump panel. It carries 1250-gallons of water and 25-gallons of class A foam. The 1999 KME that previously ran as 32-E1 is being sold to a nearby department.

Plympton, MA - Firefighters responded to Parsonage Road on May 2nd for a head-on MVA. A Medflight helicopter was called after one patient was found with traumatic injuries. Medflight landed at the Sysco landing zone and the patient was transported to a Boston Hospital.

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Insanity Defined Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

There are different definitions of insanity. Webster’s describes it as “a severely disordered state of the mind usually occurring as a specific disorder”, or for legal “unsoundness of mind or lack of the ability to understand that prevents one from having the mental capacity required by law to enter into a particular relationship, status, or transaction or that releases one from criminal or civil responsibility”. There are people who define insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. That quote has been credited to so many different people I will not even try to give the credit.

The version that I think we have heard when we joined the fire service is that insanity is being a firefighter. When there is a burning building and all the rats and roaches are running out, we are the ones running in. And we do that willingly.

We have many self-destructive tendencies, according to the public.

We willingly put ourselves into situations that people do not want to see, or acknowledge that they even exist. We have seen people who did not survive fires, all ages. We have seen people mangled up in car wrecks. We have responded to calls with our Brothers and Sisters as the victims. We have responded to calls at our loved one’s houses. And we do this because we have the skill set that is required.

We have said “hello” to emergency services and “Goodbye” to the age of innocence. We at times take on so much that it affects us.

Maybe not at the scene, or the next one, or the next, but we forget that stress affects us cumulatively. How many of us may have the whiff of a smell that brings us to a bad call?

You know the smell that brings you back.

Do you avoid certain parts of town or certain holiday celebrations? I recall on Christmas morning, when I first joined, we had a house fire at about 0800 hours and the house was fully engulfed. We found out after the fire that the

homeowner perished within threefeet of the door.

We need to find ways to correctly process these thoughts and memories. I have recently spoken with someone who found a member of his station dead in their station, apparently by his own hands. The person who told me this still told it with tears in his eyes, but he was able to deal with it.

When a life is taken, so much is lost, so much knowledge, humor, love. If we look at it from one side, the person has spent so much time in training and has so much experience that it would be a shame to lose all of that. But the human side of me says, that was someone with a family, mom, dad, brother, uncle, aunt, sister, son, daughter, instructor, mentor, friend, Brother, Sister, someone that we may have answered many calls with. What is that person worth to you? Would you be willing to open up your mouth to help them? Are you willing to ask them what is wrong, when they do not look or act right?

I had a friend who died a while back. He always taught that the human needs a certain amount of hugs a day to thrive. I forgot what the number was. Does it really matter?

We all need human contact, a sign of affection. Are you willing to let someone cry on your shoulders? Do you have someone that is close enough that if you need to cry, that you can cry on their shoulders? Don’t worry, you do not have to do it in front of a crowd, if you are not comfortable.

I had someone tell me that their father said that real men don’t cry and that he was never allowed to talk about the problem. Wow, the father basically cursed the son for thirty years. I gave him the safe zone to talk about it. He cried on my shoulders, first time in thirty years. Do you how much that helped and started him in his healing process.

It is okay to hang up your Superman cape, once in a while, so that you take care of yourself. Maybe you need to talk with a peer, a chaplain, a crisis team member, a crisis line, or a psychologist or social worker. It’s okay. Your family will thank you.

You will thank you. Please take care of it instead of picking up the bottle or something worse.

Please stay safe, Didymus McHugh Didymus-mchugh.com

RHODE ISLAND

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

This 1962 Maxim-S pumper is privately owned by a member of the Southern Connecticut Fire Apparatus Collectors. It appears to have been operated as Engine 23 in the town of Portsmouth.

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

CHUCK LOWE

Providence Engine 1 was disbanded in 1992 when the City established "Special Hazards 1". Their final apparatus was a 1981 Maxim-F model 1250-GPM pump with a 500-gallon water tank.

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