1st Responder Newspaper Ohio Summer Edition

The Ohio Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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SUMMER, 2018

EXPLOSION IN COLUMBUS LEVELS THREE HOMES, INJURES TWO

COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE

Columbus, OH - Firefighters responded to a large explosion that destroyed three homes at 466 North 20th Street on Friday, June 22nd. The blast occurred at 8:15 A.M. and injured two people who were transported to OSU Medical Center with serious injuries.

- See full story on page 12

SEE PAGE 22 FOR DETAILS.

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Summer, 2018

New Philadelphia Fire Department Gets New Station

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 017-633) - Ohio Edition Vol. 16, No. 3 - 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.

Printed in Canada.

New Philadelphia, OH - The New Philadelphia Fire Department has been busy making numerous runs to 132 Front Street SE, and at any given time you could find a medic or engine company parked in the driveway. It’s not due to a JUMP TO FILE# frequent flyer that 071317100 lives at the address, it’s because firefighters have been busy moving into their new quarters between runs. The new station is located a block from the old station, which served the town for the past 111 years.

Local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies from Greater Tuscarawas County were treated to a private advance open house, where guests had the opportunity to wander and explore the new station and take guided tours with New Philadelphia firefighters. Jeff Mizer of HRN Construction & Restoration sponsored the private event and provided an impressive spread for it which included pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw, pizza, ice cream, soda and water.

Several hundred local first responders participated in the advance showing. The public also got a chance to view the new station during the community open house and celebration, which drew thousands.

The new $5-million, two-story, 24,000-square-foot facility was completed on schedule just about a year after the ground-breaking ceremony in June of 2016. The steel and brick low maintenance building was designed and built to accommodate fire department operations as well as training. Several features were included in the design to allow firefighters to train in-house, including a three-story hose tower that features a balcony as well as commercial and residential window openings on the second and third floors. Firefighters can practice rappelling, ladder raises, and aerial placement without having to leave the station. Mezzanines in the apparatus bay also allow ladder training inside the station during winter months and inclement weather.

The new station features (two) three-bay drive-throughs.

The new station also includes a classroom that can accommodate up to 50 people and will be used for city employee and public CPR classes in addition to regular department training. The classroom also includes a large flat screen monitor for instructional videos as well as storage and space for the mannequins and computers for testing.

The second-floor features two bunk rooms for up to 16 firefighters as well as private room for visiting instructors or future female firefighters, a modern commercial grade kitchen, and a multi-teared video/television room that also doubles as a lecture hall and classroom.

A traditional firefighter’s pole was also included for fast access to the apparatus bays and is centrally located for quick access from anywhere on the second-floor.

The six apparatus bays are drivethroughs and feature an automatic vehicle exhaust system to reduce exposure to fumes. Also, all turnout gear is stored in a separate room off the bays to reduce the exposure and accumulation of chemicals and vehicle exhaust.

A cardiovascular and weight room equipped with cross training

circuit equipment and weights is next to the bunk room and can also be accessed from the apparatus floor and can be used during downtime. A modular gas fed burn building and mask confidence trainer is also in the works. This new addition will be located in the rear corner of the parking lot.

Two brick sculptures adorn the new station and were created by local artist, Sherrell Crilow, and the artisans at the Belden Brick Company in nearby Sugar Creek, Ohio. The New Philadelphia Fire logo that adorns the front of the station is actually a raised relief brick sculpture that has been painted in the likeness of the NPFD shoulder patch. A second sculpture of a firefighter rescuing a child greets

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

visitors as they enter the station’s lobby. Both sculptures are laid out and sculpted from brick forms and fired together prior to assembly by bricklayers.

In addition to the new station, the New Philadelphia Fire Department also took delivery of a 2017 E-One Tanker built on a Peterbilt Chassis.

The new tanker features a 1250-GPM fire pump and carries 2000-gallons of water. It replaces 1990 tanker that will be repurposed as a dump truck by the city. These new additions will benefit the residents of New Philadelphia and surrounding communities for years to come.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 info@belsito.net

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.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

The 3-story hose tower was designed to double as a training prop for ladder and aerial training.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

This awesome brick sculpture greets visitors as they enter the lobby.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

New Jersey Heavy Fire VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

New Jersey Heavy Fire Newark, Jersey City and Linden, NJ The 1970’s

By Advanced Print & Video Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price $29.95 (DVD) This DVD is 60 minutes in length. It was reproduced by Fire Line Video Productions in 2002. It has four scenes on it which are also listed on the back of the jacket, however the scene numbers are transposed on two of the them. All of these incidents occurred at night.

The first is in Jersey City and is

a third-alarm at the United Chemical Company. You’ll almost expect to feel the heat in your easy chair while you watch it. It is rip roaring from one end to the other. Firefighters can be seen reversing their helmets to shield them from the heat! Most of the footage is from a distance due to the heat and probably the fire line.

The next is in Newark and involves a residential building fire in which four perished. They can be seen being carried out and placed in ambulances. Crews can be seen using master streams to battle the fire. The next is a dwelling fire in Jersey City that took the lives of seven. They also can be seen being carried out. This “job” is along the same lines as the Newark fire. Finally is the Linden Exxon Oil refinery fire, which was a heavily involved inferno and again seen from a distance for obvious reasons.

All of these incidents happened in the 1970’s and they brought back memories of the older apparatus that served their cities so well. For seeing plenty of fire, don’t miss out on this one!

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.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Sugarcreek's new Tanker 1004 at the fill site during the tanker shuttle. T-1004 went into service in December 2017.

Tanker Shuttle Saves Pole Barn in Sugarcreek Sugarcreek, OH - On April 12th at 4:45 P.M., Tuscarawas County 9-1-1 dispatched the Sugarcreek Fire Department to Andreas Farms in Auburn Township for a confirmed structure fire.

Upon arrival, E-1003 found an 80'x200' pole barn on fire that housed the manure separation operation. An aggressive attack sup-

JUMP TO FILE #042218105 ported by mutual aid and tankers shuttling water saved the structure and manure separator.

Sugarcreek E-1001 established a fill site at a hydrant near the Dutch Valley Restaurant com-

plex two-and-a-half miles from the fire, while the Sugarcreek Police Department provided traffic control for the tankers making the five-mile loop. Tankers from Baltic, Dover, York Township and Wayne Township assisted on the call.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

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.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Burton Fire Department, located in Geauga County, OH.

JIM MCKEEVER

West Lafayette FD's Engine 604 at the scene of a house fire, providing scene lighting to the back of the home.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Joel Miller (Social Media) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS ••• Jeff Garver • Ron Jeffers • Richard Maxwell • Jim McKeever • Dan Page • David Schlosser •Ken Snyder • Eugene Weber • Jim White

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

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

Georgia: Stacey Leigh Boulware, 44 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 12, 2018 Death Date: March 12, 2018 Fire Department: Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Stacey Leigh Boulware collapsed while on duty at Cobb County Fire Station 5. Firefighter Boulware was reported to having responded to two emergency calls and passing a fire department physical agility test in the hours prior to her falling ill. Boulware was treated by fellow responders then transported to Kennestone Hospital where, despite all efforts, she succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Texas: M.V. Hudson, 86 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: February 28, 2018 Death Date: March 10, 2018 Fire Department: New London Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter M.V. Hudson was injured in a fire tender (tanker) crash on the evening of February 28th. Hudson and two other firefighters were responding to a grass fire when the apparatus left the right side of the roadway and rolled over, badly damaging the cab and injuring all three occupants. The three firefighters had to be extracted from the vehicle and were rushed to the hospital.

Two firefighters were subsequently released, but Firefighter Hudson died while in the hospital on March 10, 2018.

Louisiana: Allen Headley, 31 Rank: Firefighter-Operator Incident Date: March 16, 2018 Death Date: March 16, 2018 Fire Department: Plaquemines Parish Fire District # 2 Initial Summary: While on-duty at the fire station, Firefighter-Operator Allen Headley was found unresponsive in the fire station day room. FirefighterOperator Headly was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital but succumbed to a

nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Pennsylvania: Ivan Flanscha, 50 & Zachary Anthony, 29 Rank: Firefighters Incident Date: March 21, 2018 Death Date: March 22, 2018 Fire Department: York City Department of Fire/Rescue Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Ivan Flanscha and Firefighter Zachary Anthony were killed from a collapse at the scene of a multi-alarm fire that began the previous day. Fire crews were still onscene putting out hot spots that were flaring up nearly twenty-four hours later. Firefighters Anthony and Flanscha were transported to the hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Two other firefighters injured in the collapse are reported to be in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Prior to the fire breaking out, the 150 year old multi-story structure, known as the Weaver Organ and Piano building, was being renovated into apartments. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.

Ohio: Rodney D. Baker, Jr., 47 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: March 15, 2018 Death Date: March 16, 2018 Fire Department: Madison Township-Kunkle Fire Department Initial Summary: After attending an earlier fire department training meeting, Assistant Chief Rodney D. Baker, Jr., responded to a grass fire at 2229hrs on March, 15, 2018. Chief Baker (Chief 51) was first on scene as the commanding officer for the incident and was back in service at 2336hrs. The following day, while attending a family event, Chief Baker became ill and collapsed at 1638hrs. Family members trained in CPR immediately came to Chief Baker’s aid while the Pioneer Fire Department and Williams County EMS were called to the scene. Assistant Chief Baker was transported to Bryan hospital where, despite all efforts, he later passed away from a reported cardiac event.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

PAGE 7

Manatee County Fire Services Goes to the Dogs for Early Cancer Detection Manatee County, FL - They say that a dog is man’s best friend; well, soon he may be firefighters' best friend as well.

With cancer rates soaring at an alarming rate, there is only so much a firefighter can do to reduce the risk of contracting this disease.

Early detection is the key in battling it, and the answer might be only a sniff away.

Last summer, while working a fire in California at the Modoc National Forest, I was having lunch with some paramedics from central California and they were talking about the dogs. I listened for a while and then asked what exactly they were talking about. To my surprise, they said they were talking about a program that their fire departments run once a year with dogs from Canada that sniff out cancer.

I have to say at first I really thought they were pulling my leg (especially being that I'm originally from New Jersey), but as I listened, the story was more than believable with the dogs finding cancer in some of their firefighters.

That night when I got back to camp, I called my wife and had her look up "Canada Cancer Dogs," and there it was. We decided that we were going to research it and run the program in Manatee County, Florida where we live.

We gave Glenn Ferguson, owner of Canada Cancer Dogs, a

JUMP TO FILE #051518110 call to set up the program for Manatee County, which he explained my wife and I would now be project managers of. We needed an organization to sponsor the program, so I approached Manatee County Fire Academy, where I'm an instructor. We used the Academy and then traveled to firehouses for a two-week period to take samples.

We opened the program to firefighters and their families, and around 300 samples were taken.

The test starts with participants filling out a medical questionnaire, followed by each individual breathing into a mask for 10 minutes. (Participants pay $20 for the mask.) The masks are then mailed out to Canada for the dogs to test.

Each mask is sniffed by at least four dogs that are about 96% accurate in detecting cancer.

The dogs can find cancer cells at a very early stage, much sooner than conventional cancer testing.

The Chicago Fire Department has been using this program for years, and even has a documentary out about it called “Walking Points”.

For more information about the program and how you and your department can get involved, visit www.CancerDogs.Ca

The true heroes: Indie, Romeo, Buster, Jenkins and Ozzy helping with early cancer detection.

PROVIDED

- WILLIE CIRONE

Firefighters from Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue mask up to take the screening.

CIRONE PHOTOS

CIRONE PHOTOS

Manatee County Project Managers, Willie and Sandra Cirone.

Florida Forestry's Chris Taylor breaths into the mask for 10 minutes.

CIRONE PHOTOS

PAGE 8

Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

HE HE ER ERO EROES ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Medflight 4 on the ground during the Safe Kids Day event.

ZOAR VOL. FIRE DEPT.

Annual “Safe Kids Day” Event Held in Tuscarawas County

John Thomas submitted this tattoo, saying "I had it completed in one sitting on March 22, 2018. It took 6 hours to complete.

I have been in emergency services since 1981 with a few different departments, and I was also an EMT and Police Officer before going back to fire. I've been a firefighter with the current township for 28 years. This is the only tattoo I will be getting. I returned from Ground Zero from my last shift and wanted to do something for all of my fallen brothers; yes I know it took me a few years to find someone this good. The top has my personal logo that I live by, "No Guts No Glory". If you don't have the guts to do the job, you don't get to see the look on someone's face after you just saved one of their loved ones. The medals don't mean anything to me, I have actually turned down a few over the years. The money means nothing but paying bills. I do this because I love the job. I love to see the looks on people's faces when we come out and the fire is out, and the family is safe."

Dover, OH – Firefighters from the Zoar Vol. Fire Department participated in the 2018 Tuscarawas County “Safe and Healthy Kids Day”, held on April 21st at the Tuscarawas County YMCA. Over 600 people attended the event, which featured numerous community, civic and social service agencies in a fun-filled family orientated program. This year’s event was co-sponsored by the Tuscarawas County YMCA and the Tuscarawas County Safe Kids Organization.

The public safety sector was represented by the Zoar VFD, which brought a brush truck, and the Dover Fire Department, which had an ambulance and rescue pumper on hand for the kids to view.

Medflight 4 from Coshocton was the hit of the show when it landed at 1:00 P.M. and spent the afternoon on the ground for all to see. Medflight operations in Columbus shifted helicopter coverage to allow the crew to remain until the end at 4:00 P.M. New Philadelphia Fire Chief Jim

JUMP TO FILE #052518101 Parish was also part of the Medflight duty crew and added a local perspective for visitors.

The Zoar Vol. Fire Department’s program was focused around fire safety tactics as well as their popular, “Meet the Friendly Firefighter” segment. Over 200 people viewed the presentations that ran back-to-back until 4:00 P.M. During the friendly firefighter segment, children met a friendly fireman, who was dressed in street clothes, and watched as he went through the process of donning his turn-out gear until dressed and on air as the narrator talked about the importance of each article of clothing and equipment.

Once the firefighter was fully dressed, he would get on his hands and knees and crawl around on the floor in the darkened room so children could see and hear what he looked and sounded like during a

search. The firefighter also took time to greet the children and remind them not to hide during a fire.

After each session, the visitors were invited to try on the turn-out gear and pose for photos. Children were also given coloring books, crayons, fire safety stickers and pencils. Brochures and pamphlets were also available for parents, which highlighted the key points of the fire prevention program as well wild fire safety and forest fire prevention.

Fire prevention educators David Schlosser and Justin Hayhurst participated in the program, and it was the 15th year that the Zoar Vol. Fire Department has taken part in the “Safe Kids” event.

The Tuscarawas County Safe and Healthy Kids day is held annually in late April and is sponsored by the Tuscarawas County YMCA and Tuscarawas County Safe Kids Organization located in Uhrichsville, Ohio.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Join the Heroes Team!

Becoming part of the Heroes team KDV LWV EHQH¿WV &RQWDFW XV WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW EHFRPLQJ D +HURHV &HUWL¿HG DJHQW info@HeroesRealty.com

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877-541-HERO

Justin Hayhurst's presentation as Dave Schlosser dons turnouts.

ZOAR VOL. FIRE DEPT.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Ohio

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

Vehicle News

PGI Announces the Introduction of FireLine Multi Mission Dual Certified Garments

Firefighters and departments are trained and prepared to respond to a wide variety of situations involving fires, explosions, rescues, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions and natural disasters.

They also respond to nonemergency service calls, good intent calls and false alarms. Less than 10% of fire department runs actually involve fire. EMS and rescue, good intent, false alarm and incident calls account for about 90% of all reported runs. These brave men and women need to be equipped with the proper PPE for their range of operations. PGI, Inc. is proud to introduce FireLine™ Multi Mission dual certified garments — innovative designs for more of what you do.

The number one fatality in line of duty deaths among firefighters and first responders is sudden cardiac arrest, most of which can be attributed to heat stress, overexertion and pre-existing medical conditions.

Studies have shown that modified PPE can substantially reduce heat stress and firefighter fatigue. FireLine Multi Mission PPE is lighter weight, more flexible and better ergonomically designed than traditional turnout gear — reducing heat stress and overall firefighter fatigue.

FireLine Multi Mission garments are engineered to maximize protection, comfort and mobility at a price that’s about one-third the cost of traditional turnout gear. FireLine Multi Mission apparel is engineered for the work you do with proven FR fabrics offering the best combination of flash fire, thermal protection and abrasion resistance in a singlelayer garment. FireLine Multi Mission tech rescue gear features articulated elbows and knees, generous gusseting, radial sleeves and anatomical patterning providing unrivaled freedom of movement. High quality construction and an array of options allows for truly custom gear, so firefighters will have the right gear for the right job. The FireLine Multi Mission line offers first responders peace-of-mind protection with enhanced comfort and

best-in-class performance.

UL Classified, FireLine Multi Mission PPE meets or exceeds both the NFPA 1951 Standard on Utility Technical Rescue for Protective Apparel as well as the NFPA 1977 Standard on Protective Clothing and equipment for wildland fire fighting.

Jim Sonntag, President, PGI, stated, “At PGI, our drive and relentless commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and service is paramount and we are committed to leading the way in the design and manufacture of high performance PPE. We pride ourselves in employing the most advanced materials and premium accessories, allowing us to create technical products that can be trusted to perform in the most extreme conditions.” Sonntag went on to say, “Our philosophy is to design and manufacture products that are as good as they can possibly be, performing over time and beyond expectation at the point of extreme

need.”

Exclusively from PGI, FireLine Multi Mission gear is now available through leading fire service distributors in the US, Canada and throughout the world. For more information visit www.firelinemultimission.com or call PGI at 800-558-8290.

About PGI: As a market leader in technology driven personal protective apparel, PGI designs and manufactures innovative garments for firefighters, EMS, police, military and industrial professionals the world over. The PGI line of high performance products includes Cobra™, Cobra™ NextGen™ and Cobra BarriAire™ Gold Hoods, FireLine™ and FireLine Multi Mission gear, and DriGuard™ FR Base Layer garments.

Rooted in America’s heartland, Green Lake, Wisconsin, PGI products meet or exceed all applicable industry standards.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Erie Valley Fire Rescue recently placed this 2017 Ford Explorer PI into service as Chief - 1.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Erie Valley Fire Rescue recently placed this 2018 Ford/Lifeline ambulance into service as Medic 1.

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.

PGI, INC.

KEN SNYDER

This Brooklyn, Ohio 1981 American LaFrance 1500/500/54' engine is now owned by a PA collector.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Explosion in Columbus Levels Three Homes, Injures Two Columbus, OH - Firefighters responded to a large explosion that destroyed three homes at 466 North 20th Street on Friday, June 22nd.

The blast occurred at 8:15 A.M. and injured two people who were transported to OSU Medical Center with serious injuries.

JUMP TO FILE# The explosion 062718102 broke windows and tossed debris throughout the complex of duplexes. It also caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to doors and stained-glass windows at St. Dominic Catholic Church across the street, church officials said.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

- JAMES MILLER/DIVISION OF FIRE

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Ohio Association of Rehab Support: What It Is & How It Can Help You “Attention! This report of a fire will be on Battalion 1 fireground.

Engines 8, 1 and 9, Ladders 8 and 1, Rescue 3, Medics 8 and 1, Battalions 1 and 6; At 900 East Long Street, a report of a fire in an occupied structure. Atten- JUMP TO FILE# tion all companies, 122017115 we’re receiving multiple calls – possibly people trapped on the second floor."

It is a steamy afternoon in August. The temperature is in the mid-90’s with a cloudless sky. Humidity is about 45% and the winds are calm. As companies roll out of the station, they can see a large column of smoke. Everyone suits up–this will be a worker.

“Engine 8 to dispatch, we have a large two-story, wood-frame, single-family residence with heavy fire showing from several windows on the first-floor and heavy smoke conditions on the upper floor. We also have at least two occupants on the front porch roof…”

To the average firefighter, cocooned in his PPE and now carrying an extra 35-pounds of SCBA, this is the epitome of stress. Lives are in imminent danger. Their work is cut out for them and they rise to the challenge. At the same time, their bodies are trying to maintain a stable core temperature. The body’s first defense against overheating is to perspire.

But the harsh conditions encountered in firefighting demand that the body is well insulated from the high temperatures encountered when fighting a fire and rescuing victims, severely reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.

Perspiring is not effective and, in fact, tends to raise the stress level.

Hence, a firefighter who has actively fought fire for more than a half hour could have easily lost as much as a half-gallon of fluid. As their core temperature changes, certain physiological changes are taking place, including the body’s natural ability to balance fluid levels between the vital organs, muscles, joints and even the blood supply. In severe cases of dehydration, the fluid level in the blood stream becomes thicker and places even more strain on the heart, resulting in significantly higher blood pressure.

This is why rehydration is such an important part of the rehab process. Most firefighters are well aware of the “two bottle” rule.

Through multiple studies done over the past 25 years, this has become recognized as the standard for rotating a company out of active fire suppression and into rehab. When this limit has been reached (and it can be somewhat flexible depending on weather, job conditions and individual department policy), the entire company (for accountability purposes) should be sent to rehab.

As they enter the rehab sector, protective clothing should be removed and each person given a medical evaluation by qualified EMTs.

Vital signs, as well as visual observations and a brief interview, can give an insight into the physical condition of each firefighter. The ideal rehab sector should be an area away from the active fireground, sheltered from the elements, and free from smoke and vehicle exhaust fumes. If possible, it should be inaccessible to the media and the general public as well.

Once the medical evaluation has been completed, rehydration should be started. Replacing lost water content is most critical, but rebalancing electrolytes is also very important.

Sports drink products, diluted 50/50 with fresh water, can accomplish both tasks; however the body can only reabsorb lost fluids at a certain rate. You cannot force too much fluid too fast or you’ll cause more harm.

Rest is also a necessity, as is core temperature stabilization (cooling in hot weather, warming in cold conditions).

Use caution when introducing chilled beverages or air conditioning.

Either can cause the body’s natural functions to shut down and can do more harm than good. After about 20 minutes in rehab, a medical re-evaluation should be conducted to determine the level of recovery. If any one member of a company has not sufficiently recovered, the entire company should remain in rehab. This is much safer from an accountability standpoint. Depending on the results of the re-evaluation, medical intervention may be indicated and the patient transported to a qualified facility.

So… just who (or what) is OARS? Around the country, there are a lot of groups and organizations, many of them volunteer, that turn out to assist our first responders, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Most function as “stand alone islands” that do not have a common voice. Yes, many do informally communicate, especially via social media, but as we’ve observed, they do not always do a real effective job of sharing information. That’s why the Ohio Association for Rehab Support (OARS) was formed–to provide an open forum for sharing ideas, processes, concerns, information, training and resources.

We have an extensive library of reference and training articles, and some of our members have even designed and built rehab vehicles. One group in Central Ohio has developed relationships with some vendors to secure donations of consumable supplies. Earlier in 2017, we were able to distribute 14 pallets filled with products, including sports drinks, coffee, snacks, pre-moistened wipes, bottled water and more–all at zero cost to our member organizations.

What OARS stands for: Organized in 2015, it is the ultimate goal of OARS to make Firefighter Rehab available to every firefighter within the State of Ohio and beyond. In fact, we’ve recently worked extensively with a volunteer group in the Richmond, VA area and are more than willing to provide any

STEVE CLARK

Stark FDRU Rehab Unit #777, a 1994 International 4900 JB Res-Q Air, Light, Rehab and Decon unit based in Alliance, OH at FDRU Station 1.

available assistance and support to any group that is interested in providing such a service.

While OARS does not directly provide firefighter rehab service to first responders, we do strive to be an effective resource that our member organizations can draw from– whether they need training materials, resource information, recommendations, etc. We’d like to be the first place they contact when looking to fill a need. We also take an active role in research towards improving the health and well-being of the firefighters we serve. Subjects like cancer risk/mitigation and PTSD are very much in focus.

Our members, as well as many other formal and informal groups in different areas around the state, do a pretty effective job of taking care of the firefighters on scene. Some go a bit further and include services like air supply, scene lighting, etc., while others function as more of a canteen service. Regardless of the level or type of service provided, replacing lost fluids, restoring the body’s core temperature to a normal range, and de-stressing those who have been actively confronting hazards is paramount. While our focus is on the overall health of firefighters, we applaud any group that is willing to step up and fill a need.

Unfortunately, there are many locations that are underserved, including some large metropolitan areas.

We are striving to reach out to departments in those areas to see if we can generate interest in forming some manner of rehab support. In 2017, we are pleased to say that groups have formed in Athens and Knox Counties. Hopefully we’ll have more areas served in 2018.

Rehab support services are pretty strong in a seven county section of central Ohio. We have one very active member in Northeast Ohio that does their best to provide services in an eight county area, and there are a few groups in west-central Ohio.

Whether your local group (if you have one) currently belongs to OARS

or not is secondary to promoting the fact that Firefighter Rehab is an important component of today’s fire service. NFPA recognizes it, the International Fire Chiefs Association recognizes it, the IAFF recognizes it, and hopefully the fire departments in your area recognize it.

For more information, or if you have a local unit that may be interested in what OARS has to offer, please contact Karen Knisley (Secretary), at knislekx@aol.com Steve Clark adds this about his

unit: The Stark FDRU provides mobile fire ground rehab stations for firefighters on the scene of major incidents and fires. We also provide a 5000psi mobile breathing air cascade fill station, light towers for scene lighting, a search and rescue off-road gator, and a host of other special equipment for rehab and SAR operations.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

STEVE CLARK

Stark FDRU First Wash gear decon shower for removing cancercausing carcinogens.

- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

We provide re-hydration, core temperature stabilization, nutritional foods, portable restrooms, scene lighting, heated or cooled shelters, as well as specialized rehab equipment designed to monitor and improve the safety and wellbeing of firefighters during strenuous fire supression operations.

We operate specially-equipped air conditioned and heated vehicles, capable of supplying up to 200 personnel at a time. Equipment on board includes enclosed tents, tables and chairs, microwave oven, coffee maker, power generation, scene lighting, area and tent heaters (cold weather operations), misting unit fans, cooling fans (hot weather operations), cooling vests, iced rehab towels, heated blankets, cascade mobile breathing air fill station, thermal imager, inflatable decontamination tent and inflatable shelters.

For large scale incidents, we can deploy multiple units and set up zoned rehab sectors to provide chilled water, electrolyte replacement fluids, coffee, hot chocolate, hot soups and nutritional foods. For long-term incidents, we can work with your department to handle meals as well. FDRU trucks all carry heat and serve instant soups and meals, or we can also provide larger type meals during extended incidents.

We provide these fire services to all fire departments in Stark County

for any type of incident. We also provide mutual aid to any county that boarders Stark for major fires, incidents, or search and rescue operations. We are available for fires, hazardous material spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, dive team operations, trainings, or any other short or long term type incidents.

The FDRU has units based in the Alliance and Massillon areas and we are dispatched by Alliance Fire Dispatch at 330-821-1212 by IC request, as well as by predetermined SOPs set up by each department.

Quicker response times are achieved with automatic responses/box alarms for working fires, as well as other major incidents. Quick response is a crucial part of fire rehab when dealing with extremely hot or cold temperatures, rapid dehydration from fire suppression, as well as the other weather and fire scene elements. These types of things can really take a toll on your fire personnel and put their health at risk in a short period of time.

The FDRU will be available 24/7, 365 days a year for use by all participating departments, law enforcement agencies and special response teams. Our units are also available for training exercises where physical excursion warrants the use of our services for your firefighters' safety and wellbeing.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

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EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT

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

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

Medflight 4 departs the Tuscarawas County YMCA after participating in the Tuscarawas County Safe and Healthy Kids Day on April 21st. Medflight 4 is an Airbus EC-130 and is based in Coshocton, Ohio.

- STEVE CLARK

Cleveland Metro Life Flight making final approach to the Coshocton Regional Medical Center for a patient transfer.

JIM MCKEEVER

STEVE CLARK

Stark FDRU EMS assessment area set up at a structure fire in the City of Green, OH.

STEVE CLARK

Box 15 Rehab 3, a 1997 Horton on Ford E-350 Chassis, stationed at Columbus Fire Training Academy.

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

One of Cleveland Clinic's critical care helicopters lifts off from the pad at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio after participating in an educational outreach program.

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Summer, 2018

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.

KEN SNYDER

Quint 72 of the Sugarcreek Township Fire Dept. is a 2013 KME 2000/300/102'.

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

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Vehicle News

The New Philadelphia Fire Dept. recently placed this The Baltic VFD recently placed this 2017 Ford/Advan- The Poca VFD recently placed this 2017 FL-M2/Firovac 2017 Peterbilt/E-One 1250/2000 Tanker into service as T- tec/Ohio Light Truck 250/250 Brush Truck into Service 500/2600 Hawk QP self-loading vacuum tanker into serv2104. ice as T-614. as B-907.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Reeves Foundation and Local Donors Fund Zoar VFD Trail Response Unit Zoar, OH - The Zoar Volunteer Fire Department recently completed a two-year project to obtain and place a trail response and assistance unit into service. It arrived just in time for 2018 Tourist Season, which kicked off in early March.

Its main pur- JUMP TO FILE# pose will be to re- 021918100 spond to calls on the Ohio and Erie Canal Trail and Zoar Wetlands Arboretum.

The new unit will also be used to support fire department operations during the numerous festivals and events that occur in the village throughout the year.

In August 2017, the Reeves Foundation awarded the department a grant for $9,200 to obtain a Cub Cadet Volunteer EFI 4x4 UTV side-by-side utility vehicle.

The “Cubby” as it is known, has a payload capacity of 1,400-pounds, full off-road suspension, and 31hp engine for pulling hills and maneuvering rough terrain. The unit was also ordered with a roof and windshield for the occupants in addition to a bed liner that was included. The Cubby arrived just in time for the Bi-Annual Battle of the Erie Canal Civil War Reenactment in early September and was available for the various events throughout the fall and winter.

In January, the department received donations from the Cindy and Jon Elsasser Advised Charitable Fund and Smith-Lebold Funeral Home of Bolivar, Ohio to equip the unit with emergency lighting and a siren. Vehicle Solutions Emergency Equipment of Navarre, Ohio designed a custom lighting system sized appropriately for the unit’s electric system and performed the installation.

The unit is equipped with six LED strobing lights that can either flash red and white for emergency responses, or burn steady white for scene lighting in dark conditions.

A remote siren is also included for crowd clearing purposes for responses during festivals and other crowed events. An anonymous donor also arranged for the lettering and rear reflective chevron pattern, and is officially rostered as Utility 1608.

The project officially began in the spring of 2015 when the Zoar trail-head to State Route 800 segment of the Ohio and Erie Canal trail opened, and the department noticed a dramatic increase in vis-

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itors. From the Zoar trailhead, the department can respond to mutual aid calls on five-and-a-half miles of the towpath trail, as well as the Zoar Wetlands trail network. In addition, the Village of Zoar has also experienced an increase in visitors and weekend events centered around the Historic District and Garden.

Other uses for the new unit will be the transport of men and equipment during brush fires, fireworks and fire ember patrols, missing persons search and rescue, medical responses, and aid to the residents affected by frequent spring flooding in the Cherry Hill development.

The Zoar Vol. Fire Department is thankful and honored by the community support that made this unit possible.

- DAVID SCHLOSSER

Utility 1608.

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Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

PET FRIENDS

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

The Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office held a special retirement ceremony on March 1st for Fire Investigations Officer "India", who finished her watch with partner John Weber at side. India was an accelerant-detecting canine that spent the past seven years investigating fires over the state, including several high profile cases that made national news. As India was sworn out, "Max", a golden retriever, was sworn in as John’s new partner. India will retire and take a much deserved break while remaining with John and his family as their beloved family pet. Thank you India for your service, and happy retirement!

PRIZED POSSESSIONS

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

DAVID J. SCHLOSSER

We are excited to be debuting our new feature called "Prized Possessions," that will showcase people's FIRE/EMS related possessions and collectibles! We are 'kicking it off' by featuring these flame sneakers worn by 1st Responder News correspondent, Damien Danis. When asked about his infamous sneakers, Damien had this to say: "I wear the sneakers only once a year to the Wildwood Fire Expo. The flames go with my nickname, "Flamien Damien". My friend's brother gave me the nickname years ago and it stuck!!"

DAMIEN DANIS

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Summer, 2018

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Summer, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Volunteer Firefighter Alliance Now Offering Free Fire Prevention Materials Across the Country Knoxville, TN - The Volunteer Firefighter Alliance is kicking off its Spring Fire Prevention Push, in which free fire prevention materials are offered to groups across the country.

The Alliance has free fire prevention activity books available to fire departments, schools and civic organizations. The Alliance hopes that these materials will help raise fire prevention awareness in communities across the nation.

Groups can get started by visiting http://www.volunteerfirefighteralliance.org and clicking on the ‘programs’ tab to request materials. Organizations will then receive the materials in the mail.

The Volunteer Firefighter Alliance is a national non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to assisting volunteer firefighters and their departments through many diverse programs.

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Summer, 2018

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

JUMP TO FILE #032318106 The Alliance is also dedicated to fire safety education of at-risk groups across the nation. Free fire prevention education books for fire departments, schools, and organizations can be requested at w w w. v o l u n t e e r f i r e f i g h t e r a l liance.org.

About Volunteer Firefighter Alliance: The Volunteer Firefighter Alliance is committed to fire safety and prevention through public education. The non-profit organization assists local volunteer fire departments across the country in areas such as recruitment, community outreach, fundraising, and public education.

- VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER ALLIANCE

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Summer, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

Dream Comes True for Father & Son Firefighters in N.J. My name is Mike Nittoli, and all my life I wanted to be a firefighter. My father, Angelo Nittoli, who I consider "my hero", was a firefighter and exchief with the Green Knoll Volunteer Fire Company in Bridgewater, New JUMP TO FILE # Jersey. As a kid, I 042018108 can vividly remember going to the firehouse and being around the trucks, and it was something I looked forward to every day.

Being able to play on the trucks back in the late 1980's was every kid's dream. Back in those days, Mack, Hahn and American LaFrance rigs were the the only ones around; everyone had one of the three in the area. Taking pride in your apparatus in those days was something everyone looked forward to doing and wanted to be a part of.

Green Knoll Fire Company had three Macks back then. One of them I considered a favorite was a 1977 Mack CF600 50' Tele-Squirt.

I was hooked at first sight. I always wanted to be around the Macks. So when I turned 16-yearsold in 1998, I joined the Raritan Borough Fire Department as the department's first junior firefighter. Raritan, along with many other departments in the area, had two Mack trucks: a 1979 Mack CF600 Tower Ladder and a 1983 Mack MC Engine. Again, being able to be around Macks made the firefighting experience for me extra special.

Raritan opened many doors for me as I came through the ranks in the fire service. In 2002, I became a full member once I turned 18years-old, and years later I achieved the rank of Lieutenant. I currently belong to Manville Fire Company #1, and my father be-

longs to the Herbertsville Fire Department in Brick Twp., NJ. Throughout my younger years, and even more so recently, me and my father have talked many times about owning a Mack fire truck.

Every time we would attend a show or parade and see a private collector, we would later talk about how cool it would be to own one for ourselves. So about four years ago, I thought I would search for previously owned Macks by Green Knoll Fire Company.

I belonged to the Mack Fire Apparatus Facebook group and posted there that I was looking for some help. I posted some older pictures and asked if anyone knew of their current whereabouts. Lo and behold, someone reached out and I was able to find two of them!

One was the 1972 Mack Engine, which was in Harrisburg, PA, and owned by a private collector. The other was my childhood favorite, the 1977 Mack Tele-Squirt. It was owned and operated by the Franklin Borough Vol. Fire Department, which is located in Cambria County, just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I contacted the Franklin Fire Department and spoke to their chief, Mr. Jeff Weir. Jeff informed me that the truck definitely came from Green Knoll Fire Company because it still had their name custom built into the steering wheel of the truck. I asked if they would be willing to sell the truck and he informed me that they couldn't sell it since it was still in service. About two years went by and then I received a phone call from Jeff. Jeff advised me that they had received a new ladder truck, and they were putting our Mack up for sale.

I thought "this is it, now is our chance". I spoke to my father and we agreed on a number that we were going to offer. I contacted Jeff, told him what our intentions were, and he advised that he would

bring the info back to the membership for a vote. Well, about a week's time had passed, and then I received some unfortunate news.

My father had gotten laid off from his job, so we were unable to commit to our original offer for the Mack.

I informed Jeff, who gave us his sympathy and told us that he would let us know who would be buying the truck so that we could stay in touch with it. Approximately two months passed before Jeff called to inform me that they had only gotten one offer for the Mack, and that they wanted to give us a second chance at making an offer. I took it upon myself without speaking to my father to make them an offer, using my own funds.

I thought to myself, if this truck was meant to come home, whatever would be will be. On October 1, 2017, I made the Franklin Borough Fire Department a formal offer.

On October 3, 2017, I received a call from Jeff. He informed me that the department had accepted my bid offer and that the truck was mine. He told me that the membership was happy that the truck would be returning to it's original home. Talk about a dream come true! I called my father and we had an emotional moment over the phone. We drove out to pick the truck up on December 2, 2017.

I can't thank the Franklin Borough Fire Department enough. We decided that we would leave Franklin's lettering on the truck as a constant reminder of their sincere generosity.

I wanted to share this story with the Fire Service because miracles do happen. If you have an interest in apparatus collecting, don't wait, you too can do this just like we did.

How the truck looked in 1977 (top), compared to now in 2018.

PROVIDED

- MIKE NITTOLI

PROVIDED

PROVIDED

This photo was taken in June of 1977 when the truck first arrived. Fire Chief Angelo Nittoli is front row, 6th from right.

After picking up the 1977 Mack Tele-Squirt, (L to R): Frankiln Fire Chief Jeff Weir, Mike Nittoli, and Angelo Nittoli.

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Summer, 2018

The Thin Red Line; The Flag And The Firefighter Chaplain's Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

During my career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, each and every shift included the placing and lowering of our flag; a responsibility that could have easily become routine really had meaning for me. There was never a day where I raised or lowered the flag that didn’t come with a sense of awe and respect.

The term “Thin Red Line” is a symbol used by fire departments to show respect for firefighters injured and killed in the line of duty. Many times during my career the flag was raised at half mast in recognition of our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price. Throughout our nation, Firefighters and other Emergency Responders place their lives second to those they protect. They are forced to face their own fears and grasp for every ounce of courage to per-

RICHARD BILLINGS

1ST Responder Newspaper - OH

form the necessary task.

The American flag stands for so much more than some stars and stripes on a piece of fabric. To me, the American flag represents the freedoms we are given here in America. Those freedoms do not come without a price. There are thousands of men and women that are fighting to maintain these freedoms each and every day.

You can disagree with the government, or the way America is run, but we should always respect those who fight (or have fought) for our freedom and well being, some of which fight in foreign lands and others who have responded to emergencies in the streets of our cities.

Although we live in an imperfect world, most people would agree we live in one of the best countries in the world. We have freedoms that people in other countries dream of. Because of those freedoms, we should respect the American flag much more. By respecting the American flag, you are respecting the freedoms you are given, and respecting the people that fight to give us those freedoms.

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