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DECEMBER, 2014 HOLIDAY, 2016

LIGHTNING STRIKE CAUSES STRUCTURE FIRE IN ZOAR

- Page 31

Join our Team of Dispatchers!

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Zoar, OH - A slow moving thunderstorm and multiple lightning strikes were responsible for two fire calls during the early hours of Wednesday, August 10th. The first call received by the Tuscarawas County 911 Center came in at 4:11 A.M., when the homeowner of a house in the 100 block of West 7th Street called to report that their house had been struck by lightning and was on fire.

- See full story on page 19

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Happy Holidays!

To our advertisers and readers

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Holiday, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

ADVERTISER INDEX

A guide to finding great companies

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22,23

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Mobile Eyes

Spotted Dog Technologies Sutphen

Task Force Tips Waterway

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

The East Rutherford Fire Department in New Jersey has put the American flag with the thin blue line on all of their fire apparatus.

East Rutherford Fire Department and East Rutherford Engine Co # 2 support our brothers and sisters in blue.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

PROVIDED

25

FiroVac Power Systems Kimtek

PROVIDED

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36 3

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Ohio Edition Vol. 15, No. 4 - is published quarterly, 4 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or erA division of: rors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

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PUBLICATION CONTENT

Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

Southwest Licking Fire District Hosts Scotts Firefighter Combat Challenge Pataskala, OH - The Southwest Licking Fire District and City of Pataskala hosted the 2016 Scotts Firefighter Combat Challenge on August 20th. Aside from a brief interruption caused by a line of fast moving storms passing through, the event was successful!

East Rutherford, NJ - Paterson Ave. in East Rutherford has been painted with a thin blue line, where the town is showing support for police officers.

To all of the 1st Responder News supporters, let's keep this Pro-Police trend going!

Upload pictures showing your support for police to www.1rbn.com, or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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Structure Fire in Columbus Dispaces 25 Residents Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office-3 Unit received the report of a fire around 4:20 P.M. on Thursday, November 3rd, located at 8318 3688 Cleveland Avenue.

Arriving Clinton Twp. Fire JUMP TO FILE# Department crews 111116105 reported a threestory, multi-family brick unit with fire showing from a second "B" side apartment unit.

Clinton Twp. Fire Department's Lt. Childs requested a second-alarm be struck due to the time of day and the number of residents occupying the building.

Command reported that a total of five residents were transported to local hospitals with non-lifethreatening injuries. There were no reports of injured firefighters or police officers who were helping to evacuate the structure. The American Red Cross assisted 25 displaced residents as COTA provided a warming bus for them.

- DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOF OHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

JIM WHITE

Two-Alarm Garage Fire with Extension in Columbus Columbus, OH - On October 30th around 3:20 P.M., the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire took calls reporting a fire in the area of Bruntsfield Drive, located on the north side of the city. Crews reported seeing a large amount of smoke while en-route. Upon arrival, crews had a row of detached garages that were well involved, with extension to two apartment buildings. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing in additional crews. No injuries were reported and crews remained on-scene hitting hot spots and completing overhaul. BOX-15 provided rehab and the Columbus Fire Auxiliary also responded for additional manpower.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Crews Battle Two-Alarm Fire in Columbus Warehouse Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office-2 Unit received the report of a fire around 5:50 A.M. on Saturday, September 10th, located at 3003 Silver Drive. As crews tried to reach the seat of the fire, a second-alarm was transmitted. The fire was found to have started in the warehouse portion of the Bunk & Loft Factory. Smoke from the fire spread to the NAPA Auto Parts Store and other businesses in the complex as well.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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••• OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Nicole Roby (Nicole@1stResponderNews.com) EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS •••

Rick Billings (Cartoon) Henry Campbell (Staying Safe) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS ••• Jim McKeever •Dan Meyersburg •Dan Page • David Schlosser •Ken Snyder •Jim White

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

In memory of those who gave all

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

Nevada: Yaphet Miller, 43 Rank: Captain Incident Date: September 23, 2016 Death Date: October 5, 2016 Fire Department: North Las Vegas Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Captain Yaphet Miller succumbed to a medical injury suffered after working a multi-alarm fire in a shopping plaza that damaged six businesses on September, 23rd. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

tus with getting back into service. While at home the following morning, Bichler collapsed in the driveway of his residence. Emergency 911 was called and his home department, Evesham Fire Department, responded along with paramedics for the medical call. Firefighter Bichler was found to be in cardiac arrest. His fellow fire department members performed CPR and transported him to a local hospital where he succumbed.

New Jersey: Joseph Bichler, 66 Rank: Senior Firefighter Incident Date: October 30, 2016 Death Date: October 31, 2016 Fire Department: Evesham Fire-Rescue (Evesham Fire District #1) Initial Summary: Firefighter Bichler responded to two fire calls on October 30, 2016. These calls were at 1302hrs and 2340hrs, respectively. For both calls, he responded to the station and stood-by until fire apparatus returned and then assisted the appara-

Ohio: Adam Long, 44 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 31, 2016 Death Date: October 31, 2016 Fire Department: Defense Supply Center Columbus Fire and Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Adam Long suffered a massive cardiac arrest while on-duty. Fellow responders treated Long and transported him to the hospital, but despite all efforts, Firefighter Long passed away.

Colorado: Jermaine Frye, 31 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: October 25, 2016 Death Date: October 29, 2016 Fire Department: Cimarron Hills Fire Department Initial Summary: The day after being released from the hospital for treatment of a work-related injury he sustained during training, Firefighter/Paramedic Frye was found at his home in cardiac arrest.

According to the fire department, Wescott Fire Protection District responders tried unsuccessfully to revive Frye, but he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Wisconsini: John C. Brocker, 65 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 31, 2016 Death Date:October 31, 2016 Fire Department: Town of Oneida Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Brocker responded on a fire unit to a single vehicle vs. utility pole crash. The vehicle was occupied by five teenagers, one of whom died from injuries sustained. Upon arrival, Brocker advised the department chief he was having chest pain. After sitting down, he was given oxygen and began to feel better. A short time later, Firefighter Brocker collapsed in full arrest at the scene. He was transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI, where he passed away.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

House Fire on Ontario Street Quickly Knocked

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office3 Unit received the report of a fire around 1:00 A.M. on Sunday, October 29th, located at 2327 Ontario Street. First arriving crews reported heavy black smoke rolling from the "C" side of the fire structure and requested a working fire assignment.

Crews worked quickly to knock down the fire, preventing any further extension into the front of the fire structure. There were no reports of injuries to the occupants or firefighters.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Pickerington, OH - On Sunday, October 16th, the Violet Twp. Fire Department held their annual Open House. While many different local agencies were represented, there were additional hands-on displays for children of all ages to enjoy, reinforcing the importance of year-round fire safety. The event was momentarily interrupted when crews responded to the report of a house fire.

BOB LONG

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Units Respond to Apartment Fire in Columbus

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office1 Unit received the report of a fire around 9:15 A.M. on Sunday, October 29th, located at 5411 New Dawn Ct. The occupants of the building were leaving for Sunday morning services when the fire was located within the apartment. Arriving crews quickly knocked down the fire, preventing extension to the "D" side of the apartment building. There were no reports of injuries to the occupants or firefighters.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

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DRILLS/TRAINING

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

Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

Stigma?

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

As part of Genoa Township's participation in National Night Out, held in August, the Genoa Twp. Fire Department conducted a demonstration showing the benefits of sleeping with your bedroom door shut. The demonstration was quite impressive, especially considering that there have been several fires throughout central Ohio this year, where just a single closed bedroom door made the difference between life and death.

There is a movement currently going on about stigma and mental illness. In emergency services, if we admit to having a challenge, we do not want our brothers and sisters looking at us in a different light. Why? Are we not human?

Who among us are perfect?

Part of the Stigma Free movement should be understanding your challenges, as well as other people's challenges. Sources indicate that "one-in-five Americans live with a mental health condition." Think about that for a minute; one-in-five. If you have five responders on a truck, one of them may have a mental health issue. Twenty percent of your department may have an issue. Are you or a member of your family or department one that is living with it, but did not seek any help? Are we judging others that have the courage to admit that they need some help?

Let's look at some things that might be in our stations. There may be a member who has lost someone so close to them that they will have a difficult time making it through the upcoming holidays because they are battling with depression as they grieve.

There may be someone who is still having challenges because of a really bad call and they may have PTSD. I know people who are bipolar, have addictions, in major depression, had a stroke, etc.

Should we just tell them to "suck it up, buttercup"? NO! How would

you want to be treated? What if it was your child or family member?

Compassion goes a long way.

Whatever mental issues they have does not identify them.

One of my best friends is blind. I do not think of him as "Blind Steve". He is just Steve and life goes on. He will tell me if he needs my assistance. Other times I let him know about a situation coming up that he may need to know about.

If a person in your department has a substance abuse challenge, are you going to just get rid of him from your department, or are you going to be a brother and come along side of them and help to lead them to a program that can assist them. The person may be a great responder BUT they have a challenge and need help.

It is perfectly alright to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor and get the help that is needed.

If you have physical challenges, hopefully you go to the doctor and get help, so why not mental health? Why not take the course Mental Health First Aid? 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' - Isaiah 41:10 Do not keep trying to make it on your own. God is with you during your struggles. Seek out the help that you, a family member, or member of service may need. Understand those who have the challenges. Let us remove the stigma in emergency services. Let us first get the help that we need and understand those who have mental health issues.

Let emergency services be Stigma Free. Let us get to the point where the stations are safe for all. Let us try to help those with mental health issues.

Happy Holidays and stay safe, - DIDYMUS MCHUGH

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The Human Factors, A Contributing Factor in Firefighter Injury and Death, Part II STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

This article first appeared when I first started writing this column, Staying Safe, 15-years ago. I repeated it six-years ago with slight modification, and feel it still holds true today as a leading cause of firefighter injury and death. It can serve as a refresher for senior firefighters and as a safety lesson for newer firefighters.

Lack of concentration is when the mind wanders and we stop paying attention to the tasks at hand.

This is usually when unsafe acts resulting in injury can occur. If injury should occur, the individual generally doesn’t have a plausible explanation, due to the lack of concentration. Many of us respond to motor vehicle crashes where one or more of the drivers have no idea as to what may have caused the crash. Why not? Because they were not concentrating on their driving.

They were busy talking or texting on their cell phone, eating, applying makeup, shaving, or whatever else.

Unfortunately the most important task, that of driving, is getting the least attention. The same holds true in emergency services. Lose your concentration with the task at hand and you increase your risk of injury or death. Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on and remain alert and focused to the task at hand, prepared for all consequences. When you have been operating under difficult circumstances, extreme weather conditions, or any other reason that might impair your concentration for a long period of time, notify your officer and obtain relief. There are two types of fatigue, which are physical and mental. Both can lead to injury and/or death if there is no intervention and rest.

Poor judgment is like guessing, and there is no room for guessing at the emergency scene. Evaluate the task that has to be performed and if you are not sure as to what to do in order to handle or mitigate a situation, or how to perform a specific task, stop and seek help. Do not look at emergency incidents or individual tasks through “rose colored glasses," because the situation may not be as simple or safe as it appears. Expect the unexpected by being prepared for all eventualities! Whether the incident commander or individual firefighter, always ask yourself “what will happen when I do this?” For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and you must be prepared for it. Be truthful and think what the worse possible scenario is.

Can the ladder fall? Will the rope break? Is the roof unsafe? Has the floor burned through?, Can we make an offensive attack? Will the car roll?

What will happen when I force this door or break this window? What risks are involved? Can I achieve my desired goal? When we ask our self “what will happen when I do this?” we must evaluate the end result and the risks involved. If the risks are too great for the task to be completed safely, we must eliminate or reduce the risks as much as possible in order to increase the margin of safety. This may require changing the strategy or task being deployed and if so, go ahead and do it. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat. I am fully aware that risk is a constant companion in our business, but risks can be reduced, if not eliminated altogether, to make for a safer work environment. Risk a lot to save a lot, risk little to save little!

Contributing to the Human Factor as a cause for unsafe acts with the increased potential for injury and death is lack of training or insufficient training. All personnel at the emergency scene may not have the same level of training and experience, and therefore should not be expected to perform at the same level.

Company officers and IC’s should be aware of individual FF/EMT’s experience and training, and assign tasks accordingly. The emergency scene can be good learning ground for inexperienced personnel, where they can observe and assist in performing tasks and assignments under direct supervision. If direct supervision cannot be provided, they should not be assigned any task beyond their level of training. In today’s real world where staffing levels or daytime response may not provide sufficient on-scene personnel, the tendency may be to use the inexperienced FF/EMT to perform unsupervised tasks beyond their level of training. Avoid doing this. You may have to reassign individual tasks, or wait until a more experienced FF/EMT becomes available. Additional skills required to operate specialized pieces of equipment should be learned on the training grounds or back in the station, not at the emergency scene. Untrained FF/EMT’s operating power equipment that they have not been certified to use could prove disastrous in more ways than one.

Training and experience are the backbone of any safe operation, and it is equally important for each FF/EMT to be aware of their qualifications and experience. The FF/EMT should also know their limitations, recognizing what is beyond their training and experience, and not be embarrassed or ashamed to inform their officer when those circumstances arise. Remember, in the beginning you don’t have to be able to do everything! Learning and gaining experience takes time and if you maintain a proper attitude toward safety, you will have a lifetime of learning.

To be continued...

Till next time, stay safe and God Bless!

Holiday, 2016

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ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Fire Call

Fire Call Sounding the alarm to save our vanishing volunteers By George Devault Available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and also in most book stores Price: $17.95 This book is soft cover, measuring six-by-nine inches and has 297 pages of 36 chapters within seven parts, plus an introduction and epilogue. The author was a volunteer firefighter for 30 years in Pennsylvania. Part of that time, he was a part-time paid firefighter in the general vicinity. His plea is a valid one attested to in the seven

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page introduction. It is an eye opener to the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters there are, not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the country.

The amount of information and statistics is overwhelming and sounds a signal that many, if not most, volunteer fire departments are hurting for members. That said, it also gives the average age of today’s volunteer. Let’s just say that if they were professional athletes, they would be well retired! He gives many reasons for the shortage, most of which are legitimate, especially when it comes to the economy dictating the need for two or more incomes within families, compounded by the level of stress placed upon men and women today.

Contributing to that are the multiple ways that people today can be contacted, including many kinds of phones, answering machines, email and pagers to name a few. He makes his living at a reputable publisher, where he has progressed intoto a management position. He is also an organic farmer. His office is across the street from the fire station, so when at work, it was easy access to respond to a call.

He uses part of the book to explain how his journalism job sparked an interest in becoming a volunteer firefighter, particularly when he worked the police desk so to speak at a newspaper in the large city of Ohio. It was after he took a job at the publishing company that he relocated and became a firefighter.

He takes the reader through the many variables of being a volunteer.

Not taking anything away from the career firefighter (I was one), the volunteer is subject to be called to duty at any time. While career firefighters work in teams and advance in skills together, the volunteer almost never knows who will show up to answer a call, thus it is a guess who will make up this team. The number of personnel showing up is also questionable at a call. I can say that most career FD’s don’t do much better with the numbers game, as firefighters are expensive today, but even years ago when they weren’t, few departments had adequate manning.

He goes through all aspects of training for volunteers, which included inside firefighting. Other parts of the book group all kinds of fires and emergencies fought and handled in a non-perfect world.

When reading some of these, you may forget that these are volunteers, as many of the details resemble those you may have read from other authors in career fire departments.

It is a book you will not want to put down unless something really urgent commands your attention!

Also, a quick note that on the last page are ways that a person can ease the burden of a volunteer fire department without necessarily joining the ranks. There are many supportive functions needed, such as grant writers, fundraisers, office workers, cooks (for fundraising), attorney for legal matters, tradesmen such as mechanics, electricians, grounds keeping, chaplain, nurse and many others.

NEVER FORGET

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

On Saturday, September 10th, Yellow Springs honored those who died at the World Trade Center 15 years prior, during their 3rd Annual 9/11 Stair Climb. This year, the memorial climb raised over $20,000 for the widows and survivors of those who perished.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

2016 Alliance Pump-In Held at Galmorgan Castle Alliance, OH – Rain and the threat of thunderstorms couldn’t keep people or fire trucks away from the fun and festivities of the Alliance 2016 Pump-In, held at the Glamorgan Castle JUMP TO FILE# on Sunday, August 082316112 14th. The Pump-In was sponsored by the Alliance Firefighters Local 480 and is considered the kick-off event for the Alliance Carnation Festival, which ran through August 21st.

Over 1,000 people braved the rain to view over 30 fire trucks that spanned over 90 years of firefighting history. Retired fire apparatus owned by private collectors, as well as active units from area departments, drafted from the pond and showed off their impressive pumping capabilities. Two of the oldest units on display were brought by Ted Elder and family.

Ted displayed the pumping capabilities of his 1925 Ahrens Fox 750-GPM Pumper, which previously served Dover, Ohio and also his 1925 Seagrave “Squad Car” chemical engine, which had served Canton, Ohio in the mid-1960’s.

Dover Fire Chief Russ Volkert remarked that though these two rigs have been present together at Musters, the last time these rigs actually worked a fire together was at the Great Reilly Tar Plant Fire of 1926 in Dover.

The newest unit on display was the Alliance Fire Department’s 2016 E-One Cyclone II 100’ Platform, which had arrived just weeks before. On a related note, this year’s Muster marked the end of an era with Alliance’s current Ladder-14. The 1986 Duplex/Thibault 100’ Platform “Ladder-14” made her last appearance before being donated to Stark State University’s fire science program, where she continues serving by training new firefighters. Old

Ladder-14 served the community for 30-years and ended her career in grand fashion, working side-byside with the new Ladder-14 at a spectacular multi-alarm feed mill fire just two nights after the Muster.

Other new units on display included Marlboro Twp.’s KME Rescue Pumper and Sebring’s new Ford F250 4x4 Command Unit.

The Fire Department Rehab Unit also recently acquired Rehab #2, which was donated by the Massillon Fire Department. Trucks from East Sparta, Lexington Twp., Beloit, Berlin Center, Baltic and Washington Twp. were also present and spent time pumping at the pond.

Other events which took place over the course of the day included timed firefighter relays, extrication demonstrations and a water barrel tournament. Also present was a plywood house that allowed children to knock down flames with an attack line under the supervision of Alliance firefighters. A StatMedivac helicopter made a fly-by during the late morning, but didn’t land due to scattered pop-up storms that threatened the area during the afternoon. A grand fire truck parade kicked off at 1:00 P.M. and many of the trucks returned even though the rain had picked up. Later in the afternoon, the activities continued with a water barrel completion, tours of the Galmorgan Castle and an old time baseball game.

The Alliance Pump-In is traditionally held on the second Sunday in August, in conjunction with the Alliance Carnation Festival. The Muster kicks off the week-long event, which includes a rib burnoff, balloon launch, concerts, beauty pageant, fashion show, golf tournament, road races, carnival rides and the Carnation Festival Grand Parade. It ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

Baltic firefighters competing in the Water Barrel Fight.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Ted Elder's "Class of 1925" fire truck display. Canton's Seagrave and Dover's Ahrens Fox represent the golden age of Ohio built fire trucks.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

The Liberty Twp. Fire Department held their annual Open House on Sunday, October 9th. While many different local agencies were represented, there were additional hands-on displays for children of all ages to enjoy, reinforcing the importance of year-round fire safety. The event also included a visit from Medflight of Ohio.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Columbus Units Knock Fire Down

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office 3 Unit received the report of a fire around 3:00 PM on Sunday, 10/16/16 at 3721 Francine Ct. According to apartment management on the scene, maintenance work had been conducted earlier that morning in the unit which resulted in a worker falling and being transported. There was not immediate cause reported as crews quickly knocked down this fire and there no reports of injuries to the occupants or firefighters.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Read more news from around Ohio on our website! www.1rbn.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

st

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

Holiday, 2016

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

PAGE 17

Ohio

Fire-Dex Recognizes Hometown Hero, Jamie Brock

Medina, Ohio - November, 2016 Fire-Dex representatives, Todd Herring and Jessica Meade, presented the first Fire-Dex Hometown Hero award to Volunteer Firefighter, Jamie Brock, on November 8, 2016.

Jamie received a beautiful award, a new Fire-Dex helmet and a pair of FDXL-100 Red Leather Fire Boots.

Additionally, Fire-Dex will make a $500 donation to the charity of Jamie's choice.

COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE

This picture was sent to the Columbus Division of Fire from a member of their community, thanking them for the friendliness and generosity extended to their grandson during a recent visit to Station-25. The writer stated, "I can't thank you all enough for being so gracious and friendly. Thank you for all you do and for taking the time to bring such joy to our grandson." Thank you to the members at Station-25 for bringing a smile to this young boys face!

DID Y OU K NOW

Jamie has served his community in his volunteer firefighter role for more than 30 years. On September 28, 2016, he went above and beyond the call of duty. He heard on his pager of an active shooter at a local school, Townville Elementary School. He immediately rushed to the scene and without hesitation tackled the shooter. He detained the shooter until authorities arrived. His efforts were applauded as likely preventing others from being hurt.

Townville Fire Chief Billy McAdams spoke about how the community is doing after the terrible shooting incident. "We come together as a community as well as a county, state," Chief Billy McAdams said. "We've had a lot of support, a lot of good people helped us. So,

tonight is basically the people that responded that day. It's our time to be together."

Join Fire-Dex in congratulating Townville Volunteer Firefighter, Jamie Brock, our first recipient of a Fire-Dex Hometown Hero award, for his heroic efforts on that fateful day.

Fire-Dex, headquartered in Medina,

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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.

In 1981, a pediatrician saved the life of a 3.2 pound premature baby boy by working around the clock to beat the odds and stabilize him.

In 2011, the pediatrician was pinned inside a burning vehicle after a car collision, but was saved by the premature baby, who had grown up to become a paramedic.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Firefighters John Malcom and Bob Seward of the Zoar VFD take a break on September 1st after an early morning structure fire in the village.

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WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM TODD BENDER

Highland, NY - Tiffany Weaver is 27-years-old, a mother of two, and a member of Highland Hose Company No. 1. She was inspired to join the fire department because of her desire to save lives and assist her community in times of need. Weaver, employed as a phlebotomist at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY was previously a member of the Roosevelt Fire Department Rescue Squad in Hyde Park, NY. Highland Hose Lt. Joe DeFellipo is proud to have Tiffany in the department and looks forward to having her complete driver training in the near future. Under the guidance of her fellow firefighters, Tiffany has been honing her driving skills on Highland's 1994 E-One Hurricane.

Investigators Called to Determine Cause of Fire in Columbus Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office 2 Unit received the report of a fire around 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 30th, located at 600 Industrial Mile. A second call reporting a fire nearby was also received, but nothing was found. Crews contained the fire quickly and investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause.

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PAGE 19

Lightning Strike Deemed Cause of Structure Fire in Zoar Zoar, OH - A slow moving thunderstorm and multiple lightning strikes were responsible for two fire calls during the early hours of Wednesday, August 10th. The first call received by the Tuscarawas County 911 Center came in at 4:11 A.M., when the homeowner of a JUMP TO FILE# house in the 100 090116110 block of West 7th Street called to report that their house had been struck by lightning and was on fire. The caller also reported that all the occupants were out of the house and safe. Within one minute of the call, dispatchers dropped tones for Zoar E-1601, Fairfield Twp. E1502, Mineral City E-1401, Dover E-201 and Bolivar E-102 to respond due to the high humidity and confirmation of a working structure fire.

Within one minute of dispatching units to the structure fire, a second call in the 9400 block of State Route 212, which abuts the village corporation limits, was received, with the caller advising that their home had also been struck by lightning and that there was smoke in the building. Bolivar Chief Shawn Lynch and Bolivar E-101 were dispatched to the second call and requested Strasburg E-1203 and an engine from Canton Township to this location for additional manpower. The second strike occurred less than 300-feet from the 7th Street fire. Though smoke was present, the small fire that resulted was extinguished when the power went out. As that incident played out, crews transferred to the 7th street incident to provide support and manpower for the working structure fire.

E-1601 was first on-scene, arriving at 4:21 A.M., followed closely by E-102 and E-1401, which laid in a five-inch LDH supply line from a hydrant located at the corner of West 7th Street and State Route 212. E-102 and E-1401 took up position on the "A" side of the residence as Zoar Chief Charlie Meiser established E-1601 command. During his size-up, Chief Meiser reported that the main body of fire was on the "C"/"D" sides of the structure and that the windows in the bedroom (located on the corner of "C"/"D" side), were smoke stained and filled within seconds, causing the fire to grow rapidly.

Chief Meiser and Zoar Firefighter Chris McCoury made a transitional attack on the fire through the bedroom window using fire extinguishers in an attempt to darken it down, as Bolivar and Mineral City crews pulled a one-and-threequarter inch attack line from E-102 and a one-and-three-quarter inch back-up line from E-1401. They then proceeded toward the front door, which by that time was issuing heavy fire from the entrance.

Crews then made an interior attack as another made their way to the roof and preceded to cut vent and inspection holes and check for fire extension.

Dover E-201 and Smith Ambulance Medic M-69 arrived on-scene at 4:30 A.M., followed by Fairfield Twp. E-1502, Pumper-Tanker 1503 and Zoar Brush 1607. The Smith Ambulance crew stood by and monitored the situation as they watched over the fire crews during rotation and the swapping of air bottles during rehab. Dover E-201 was assigned to vent on the "B" side and pulled the attic fan vent to check for fire extension in the attic, located over the kitchen, as well as the garage. During that time, the Fairfield Twp. crews filled in on the attack line and pulled soffit vents, looking for hidden flames in the eves.

As the interior attack crews made progress on the fire, Chief Mesier ordered a ventilation fan be placed at the front door to provide positive pressure ventilation in order to help clear the smoke and cool the interior down.

The fire was declared under control by 4:40 A.M. as crews switched to overhaul operations.

Shortly after 5:00 A.M., the Salvation Army Canteen Unit SA-1 arrived on-scene and distributed drinks and snacks to crews working on the fire ground. Firefighters rotated on the hose lines and continued hitting hot spots as they pulled out smoldering debris until 6:00 A.M., when it was officially declared out.

During the operation, less than 1200-gallons of water from the engines' booster tanks was used.

Though the supply was in position and hooked to the hydrant at the corner of State Route 212 and 7th Street, it was not required.

Shortly after 6:00 A.M., crews began packing up and units were released back into service. Zoar E1601 and B-1607 remained on-scene providing support until the board-up crew from HRN Restoration secured the structure. The Zoar VFD was assisted on-scene by 35 firefighters from six departments and also by deputies from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from Ohio Highway Patrol, who managed the traffic flow on the busy state route. Crews from AEP also assisted on-scene, pulling the meter from the house and checking on the electrical service at the second lightning strike location.

The official report attributes the cause of the blaze to a lightning strike that hit the corner of the residence where the bedroom was located. Reports from neighbors (including Chief Meiser), from up to a mile away from the strike, reported being awakened by the loud thunderclap and concussion from the impact. The home owners also added that as soon as they were awakened by the lightning strike, they saw flames shooting from the electrical outlets in their bedroom.

Damage to the structure was mainly contained to the bedroom, dining room and living room areas. No damage estimates were available.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

Chief Mesier in a face-to-face discussion with Dover firefighters.

Zoar Firefighters hit hot spots during overhaul.

Bolivar E-102 on-scene.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

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Holiday, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Vehicle News

The Massillon Fire Dept. recently placed this FL- The North Lawrence VFD recently placed this 2008 The Mineral City VFD recently placed this 1991 KME PM106/Rosenbauer 1000/3500 pumper-tanker into serv- Ford/Lifeline ALS Ambulance into service as Medic-8. 22 1000/600/55 Pumper into service as Rescue Engineice as Tanker-217.

1403.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

The Alliance Fire Dept. recently placed this 2016 E-One The Mineral Sandy Ambulance District recently placed The Apple Creek Volunteer Fire Department recently Cyclone II 2000/270/30 HP-100 Platform into service as this 2016 Ford E-450/Osage Ambulance into service as placed this 2015 Ford/Firovac 150/225 brush truck into Ladder-14.

Medic-1411. service as Brush-106.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

The Sugarcreek Fire Dept. recently placed this 2012 The Mineral City VFD recently placed this 1996 FL-80/E- The New Pittsburgh FD recently placed this 2016 KenFord/Braun ALS into service as Medic-1010.

One Heavy Rescue into service as R-1406. worth/Firovac 350/2000 Hawk QP High-performance tanker into service as T-165.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

See your NEW truck in this space!

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER VIA FIROVAC

The Westhampton Fire Department recently placed this 2016 FL-114/Firovac 1000/3000 Hawk QP Tanker into service as Tanker-1.

If your truck is new from a manufacturer or new to you, we want to feature it in our vehicle news section!

Email a clear, outdoor, well-lit photo to us at: News@1stResponderNews.com, along with a brief description of the vehicle as well as the name of the department.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

PAGE 21

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Holiday, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

2016 Hudson Memorial Fire Truck Muster and Parade Hudson, OH - Sunday, September 11th was a spectacular day for the 2016 Memorial Fire Truck Muster and Parade, which was held at the Barlow Farm Park.

Eighteen pieces of equipment were on display, spanning more than 125 years of firefighting history. This year’s muster kicked off at 10:00 A.M. and ran through 3:00 P.M., with several hundred people enjoying the day’s schedule of events.

The oldest piece on display was an 1890 Howe hand pumper, on loan to the Chardon Fire Department from the Geauga County Historical Society. The hand pumper required six firefighters to operate and at one time, was considered state-of-the-art. The newest piece was the Hudson Fire Department’s 2015 Pierce Impel 2250-GPM rescue pumper, which has a 1000-gallon water tank. The next oldest piece was the Twinsburg Fire Department’s 1934 Ford/Baron-American pumper and it was obvious that from that point on, trucks continued to grow in size and complexity.

Another notable truck was a 1941 Buffalo 750-GPM pumper that originally served the American Steel & Wire /Republic Steel Fire Brigade in Cuyahoga Heights and later with the Newburgh Heights Fire Department. It also provided a great photo opportunity thanks to the owners, who brought their two Dalmatians, which enjoyed visiting with the crowd.

Other trucks included a stylish 1946 ALF 600 Series pumper from

JUMP TO FILE #092916116 Winamac, Indiana; a 1951 GMC/John Bean high pressure pumper from Steptoe, Washington; a 1951 ALF 700 Series open cab pumper from Shelby, Ohio; a 1963 Maxim open cab pumper from Bristol, Rhode Island, which is owned by Carl Raatz; Ted Elder’s 1963 International/Barton American pumper from Dalton, Ohio; a 1976 ALF Century Series pumper from Bedford Heights, Ohio and a 1980 ALF Century Series pumper from Strongsville, Ohio.

The Chagrin Falls Fire Department was also well represented at this year’s muster, with a beautiful 1948 GMC/American open cab pumper and a classic 1967 Mack CF pumper. The Hudson Fire Department, which was a major supporter of the event, had a 1948 Jeep and Mack sedan pumper, 2010 Sutphen 100-foot Tower, the 2015 Pierce rescue pumper and two Ford Explorer units on display as well.

This year’s event featured a fire truck parade, which kicked off at 12:30 P.M. and proceeded to the newly completed Hudson Fire Museum and Education Center on the village greens in the historic and beautiful town square. Once parked, all in attendance were invited to the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Hudson Fire Museum and Education Center, where they got the chance to tour the facility. The trucks re-

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

A classic 1963 Maxim open cab pumper in front of the Hudson Fire Museum and Education Center.

mained on display at the museum for the majority of the afternoon until returning to Barlow Farm Park, where the event ended at 3:00 P.M. This was the seventh annual muster, which started in 2009 in honor of Bill and Ida Varnes, who were the founders and supporters of the Western Reserve Fire Buffs Association in 1972. The event is

always held on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Plans are currently underway for the 2017 Muster, which will be held at the Hudson Fire Museum and Education Center on Sunday, September 17, 2017 on the town square. It will feature a display of hand and horse drawn apparatus, in addition to a vast array of motorized fire apparatus. The muster is

A 1890 Howe hand pumper on display.

No muster is complete without Dalmatians!

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

sponsored by the Hudson Fire Museum and Education Center, the Western Reserve Fire Buff Association, Greater Cleveland Fire Buffs Association Chapter of SPAAMFAA and the Hudson Fire Department members who volunteer their time to make this a fun family event.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

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

Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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Holiday, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

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.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Pickerington, OH - The Metropolitan Emergency Consortium Communications Center received the report of a fire during the Violet Twp. Fire Department's Open House on Sunday, October 16th, located near 4100 7 Pines Drive. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and there were no reports of injuries to the occupants or firefighters.

JIM WHITE

Columbus, OH - Columbus F.D. Engine-33 working a structure fire in July.

COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE

Columbus Engine Hit by Vehicle While En-Route to Fire Call Columbus, OH - On Sunday, October 30th, Columbus Fire Engine-6 was responding to an apartment building that was on fire, but was struck by a motorist on Route 161. Fortunately, no one from the Division of Fire was injured, but the motorist suffered minor injuries. The fire engine was badly damaged and was unable to respond to the fire. We’d like to take this time to remind drivers how to react when they are approached by an emergency vehicle. The Ohio Revised Code requires motorists to give emergency vehicles the right of way. See below for more information.

Summary of driver’s responsibilities: -DO move to the right when a safety vehicle approaches. Stopping is not enough. Public Safety drivers are taught not to pass on the right, so if a driver in a per-

JUMP TO FILE #111716111 sonal vehicle stops in the left lane and refuses to pull to the right, the safety vehicle will have to proceed left of center or stop altogether.

-DO consider road flares to be the same as cones. Flares are used to either block or direct traffic around a hazard. They are used to protect both private vehicle drivers from a hazard and firefighter/EMTs from traffic. Driving over them is dangerous.

-DON’T pull back into traffic after an emergency vehicle passes you without first looking for a second or third vehicle. Fire emergency vehicles often travel in multiples. Especially when coming from the same station.

-DON’T attempt to drive around an emergency vehicle

when red lights are activated. Firefighter/EMTs are often moving quickly and using equipment in all compartments of a vehicle. Someone may be suddenly appearing from between vehicles during an emergency operation and will easily be struck by a driver trying to squeeze through. Have patience.

-DON’T make sudden moves on the freeway. Pulling to the right and slowing down is often all that is necessary on the freeway. Slamming on the brakes or swerving suddenly to the right can cause an accident. Make safe lane changes the way you always do.

-DON’T drive over a fire hose.

-DON’T follow emergency vehicles closer than five hundred feet.

- COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE

COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Holiday, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness: What’s your “why”?

What's your "why"? It seems like an odd question for a fire service newspaper to be asking, however; when it comes to fitness in the fire service, I feel it's the key question that we should all be asking ourselves and each JUMP TO FILE# other.

072016125 Fitness in the fire service has been, and continues to be, a shelved issue. It's continually put on the back-burner by firefighters, chiefs and department administrators. At times when it does come to the foreground, the true "why" of it is lost in products, plans and paperwork.

So, what's your "why"? It seems almost offensive or wrong to ask this to emergency service providers, because our "why" begins the day that we place our hand on the bible, swearing an oath to protect the lives and property of the citizens we serve.

That, my friends, is a monumental task in itself, and one that puts both our bodies and minds at risk to host medical issues every single day.

This article could end here, with me giving you three simple steps to follow: become a firefighter, swear an oath, and make fitness a priority. But year-afteryear, the lead killer of firefighters is from cardiac-related disease and year-after-year, nothing changes to fix it. We keep moving on, forgetting the "why," and pretending like everything is okay.

Are we lying to ourselves? Or are we just too afraid to put in the required work, which in the end, will only make us better at doing what it is we claim to love.

When we hear the word "fitness," we are constantly bombarded with the "how-to's," which go hand-in-hand with the "ultimate weight loss products," that are usually featured on infomercials, in gyms, and now even in our own service. Let me give you some insight that I'm sure many of you are already aware of.

There is no "one" specific product, or fitness discipline, that will make you become a healthier firefighter. Countless departments have spent tens-of-thousands-ofdollars on high-end gym equipment, expensive trainers, and on gimmick products and programs, but they rarely see positive results because they never gave their people the "why."

Our fitness levels need to be near a professional athlete's level.

No one reading this can deny the fact that the job we perform at a fire is not physically demanding, and in addition to the physical demands, we are asked to perform it under conditions deemed as extremely dangerous. Is your "why" starting to creep into your mind yet? Because it should be! Over

Robert "Pip" Piparo.

the years, we have wasted our time making fire service fitness complicated, when it really doesn't have to be!

Here I am, asking you to think of your "why," when I haven't even given mine yet. Sort of hypocritical, right?! My first "why" is my family. My wife and my sons are my life, and I could never imagine leaving them early simply because I refused to commit 30-45 minutes each day to making myself healthier. My other "why" is for my co-workers, my crew, and all the men and women I pledged an oath to protect every single day. My last "why" is my 55-5 Firefighter Fitness family, who day-in and day-out, have found their "why" and are living the "Train Hard Do Work" lifestyle that 5-5-5 Fitness encompasses.

By this point, you should all have a glimpse of what your "why" is, along with a promise to yourselves to start making some positive changes. But I know it's not that simple, and it would be wrong of me to just leave you here to do it all alone. What's simply amazing, thanks to technology, is that there are over 70,000 other firefighters just like you, who follow 5-5-5 Fitness and are ready and waiting to support you along your

TODD POOLE

fitness journey. You're never alone when it comes to fitness, just like you're never alone when fighting fires!

Check back in future issues for more fitness tips from Pip. About Robert "Pip" Piparo: Robert, better known as "Pip," is currently a Lieutenant with the City of New Brunswick Fire Department, located in New Brunswick, N.J., and has been there for 12-years. Pip has been a part of 5-5-5 Fitness for threeyears.

About 5-5-5 Fitness: 5-5-5 Fitness is a non-profit organization, founded by motivated firefighters with one specific mission: to reduce cardiac related firefighter line-of-duty deaths.

Each and every day, they stay true to their mission by providing workouts free of charge and also by providing free fitness equipment to fire departments, nationwide. What started as an idea has grown into a call for change within the emergency services field. They have chosen to not accept the "it's because we have always done it that way" mentality, but instead have chosen to stand up and lead the charge for change.

- ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO

Visit us on the web! www.1rbn.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

PAGE 29

Holiday, 2016

Beachwood, N.J. Fire Department starts Pro-Police trend in support of Dallas Beachwood, NJ - The guys from Beachwood FD put a sign up at their station in support of police after the recent police shootings in Dallas, TX. Shortly after, many other fire departments and EMS squads across Ocean County in N.J. followed suit, posting their own supportive signs.

The "I Got Your Back" slogan was started by Sugarland, Texas Firefighter Greg Hopper approxi-

JUMP TO FILE #071116104 mately one-year-ago. In October of 2015, Beachwood FD received a few stickers displaying the slogan from FF Hopper, which they proudly still have on their Chief car.

- BEACHWOOD VOL FD

Beachwood, NJ - Beachwood FD put a sign up at their station in support of police after the recent shootings in Dallas and shortly after, many other fire departments and EMS squads across Ocean County, N.J. started doing the same.

BEACHWOOD VOL FD

PINE BEACH VOL. FIRE CO.

Pine Beach, NJ - Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 shows their support to police.

Howell, NJ - Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad No. 1 showing their support.

PROVIDED

PROVIDED

Toms River, NJ - Manitou Park Vol. Fire Dept. shows their support from Toms River, NJ.

Jackson, NJ - Cassville Vol. Fire Co. showing support for their town's PD.

PROVIDED

To all of the 1st Responder News supporters, let's keep this Pro-Police trend going!

Upload pictures showing your support for police to www.1rbn.com, or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

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

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

each month in all of our r editions.

1st Responder News correspondent Artie Osniak, from Pennsylvania, has been a firefighter for over 20 years. Family tradition is what inspired him to get this tattoo, which shows the helmet fronts of his father, himself and his son, with the years that each one started in the fire department.

Would youyou likelike youryour emergency services related Would emerge ency services related featured here? ? Contact tattootattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey us at at News@1stResponderNe ews.com

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

DID YOU K NOW

?

Firehouses have spiral staircases because horses that were used in the 1800’s to pull fire wagons had learned how to walk up straight ones.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

The 3rd Annual 9/11 Stair Climb was held on Sunday, September 11th, at the Chase Bank Building in Columbus to honor those who were killed at the World Trade Center terrorist attack 15-years-ago.

This year's memorial climb raised over $20,000 for the widows and survivors of those who died.

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

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Four-Alarm Fire Destroys Structure in Columbus

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Division of Fire Alarm Office2 Unit received the report of a structure fire around 4:16 P.M. on Monday, August 22nd. Upon arrival, units reported heavy fire showing on the "C"/"D" side of the fire building, located in the recycling yard. Investigators would later determine that the four-alarm fire started as a small burn on top of a pile of recycling material that was waiting to be sorted. The fire caused an estimated $600,000 in damages.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

The Washington Twp. Fire Department held their annual Open House on Sunday, October 9th, where children of all ages got to participate in hands-on activities while learning about the importance fire safety.

Over 1,500 Customers Over 35 Years Experience Over 150 Fire Stations

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

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.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Columbus Division of Fire runs this 2016 Sutphen Tower 100'/1500-300 as Ladder-22.

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Rochester, NY - Ewa Hlebowicz is a Career Firefighter/Paramedic at the Barnard Fire District, located in Rochester, NY. She has been in the public safety profession for over 10years. Ewa graduated from the New York State Fire Academy in 2008 and soon after, received her Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration and Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology and Paramedicine. Ewa’s other passion and full-time profession is fitness and personal training. Ewa spent several years instructing Crossfit classes and also attended the Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX to specialize in physical fitness of Law Enforcement and Fire Service Personnel.

In 2014, Ewa began working with 55-5 Firefighter Fitness alongside Robert Piparo, which has since gained a lot of attention for the work they are doing to reduce cardiac-related line-of-duty-death numbers in

the fire service. With the help of social media, their free app, seminar/expo appearances, and lecture series, 5-5-5 Fitness is able to provide free workouts, education and motivation, in an effort to promote health and fitness in the fire service.

Since their start three-years-ago, 5-55 Firefighter Fitness has gained over 90,000 followers from firefighters and their families all over the world, in addition to raising over $30,000 worth of fitness equipment and wellness products that have been given away to fire departments across the United States.

"People say lifting weights is dangerous for women," says Ewa. "Wrong! Women lifting weights to be strong and fit is not dangerous.

Being weak is dangerous, especially in this line of work."

PROVIDED

- EWA HLEBOWICZ

MEMORIAL BOARD DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Upper Arlington DOF runs this 2015 Sutphen 1500-500 as ER-71.

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

COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

The Washington Twp. Fire Department runs this 2016 Sutphen 95'/2000-300 as L-91.

Columbus, OH - With heavy hearts and sadness, the Columbus Division of Fire announced the passing of Lieutenant Stu Tudor in October. He was a beloved member of their division and will be greatly missed.

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International Firefighter Safety Chief Talks to Commissioners At the Association of Fire Districts of NY annual Fall Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY, internationally acclaimed Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder gave the keynote address to approxi- JUMP TO FILE# mately 370 Fire 101416107 District Commissioners from all over New York state.

C h i e f Goldfeder brings decades of firefighting experience to his presentations and the address on October 14th was no different.

Goldfeder has been in the fire service since 1973 and his career continues today. In addition to currently serving as Deputy Fire Chief for the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department in Loveland, Ohio, he serves as the International Director for the Safety, Health and Survival section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The 1993 graduate of of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program serves as an Associate/Contributing Editor for many fire service publications, co-hosts a website solely dedicated to the safety and survival of firefighters and in 2001, was appointed Honorary Battalion Chief of the FDNY. Chief Goldfeder came to the conference to stress the need for communication between commissioners and their chiefs. He stressed the need for people who put the fires out to understand the role of the commissioner and the need for commissioners to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the department, without becoming a micro-manager.

The speaker continued by telling everyone in attendance that the commissioners and every person involved in the fire department needs to protect three separate, but equally important customer bases; the district taxpayers, the district's firefighters, and the families of the firefighters. By keeping those three groups in mind at every decision, the district will be better served.

With regard to safety, the chief called on his own experience and expertise to state that most line-of-duty deaths are preventable. He went further by saying that the departments with the most stringent rules and drills have higher call turnout and better safety records. He advanced the idea that departments hold frequent drills and firefighters that miss them are not permitted to respond to calls until the drill requirement is met.

Equipment purchasing was also mentioned during the three hour event. Chief Goldfeder stressed the importance of buying

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.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Tri-Township Fire Dept. runs this 2015 KME Ford F-350 1000250/650' LDH Genesis Tools 10 Class-A as ER-336.

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

West Jefferson Township Fire Dept. runs this 2016 Sutphen 15001000 as ER-251.

TODD BENDER

Staatsburg Fire District Commissioner/1st Responder News Correspondent Todd Bender and Chief Goldfeder.

equipment such as thermal imaging devices, that will benefit the three customer bases previously mentioned. He argued that equipment that can save lives and property would not be objectionable to the taxpayer, would give the firefighters one more tool to aid in safety, and the families of the firefighters would have some peace of mind. Chief did say that when equipment is asked for and subsequently purchased, that the commissioners demand that the chief draw up a policy for utilizing the equipment. The theory is that the best tools on the market only work when you take them off of the apparatus and actually use them. He also said that department officers should be responsible for making sure the policies are observed by the members of the department.

On policies themselves, Goldfeder said that three things need to happen before a policy is enforceable;

classroom session on the policy, hands on training, and testing on the material covered in the classroom and hands on exercise.

Cancer, the ever-growing problem in the fire industry, was also mentioned. Chief Goldfeder stressed the need for policies that keep firefighters away from fires unless they are wearing their SCBA equipment. There is enough validated research that shows the correlation between toxic fumes at fires to the diagnosis of cancer among firefighters and commissioners should demand that the appropriate breathing equipment be used at all times. Goldfeder also encouraged the older members in attendance to get periodic cancer screenings due to previous exposure and the benefit of early diagnosis.

- TODD BENDER

DAN MEYERSBURG, WWW.FIREHOUSESOFOHIO.SMUGMUG.COM

Violet Township Fire Dept. runs this 2016 Pierce Velocity 1500-500 as Rescue-592.

DID Y OU K NOW After 9/11, famed actor Steve Buscemi rejoined the New York Fire Department to help firefighters sift through the rubble of the World Trade Center.

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