1st Responder Southeast August Edition

The Southeast Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $36/YEAR

WWW.1RBN.COM

AUGUST, 2017

DEKALB FIRE & RESCUE BATTLES TWO-ALARM BLAZE

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Brookhaven, GA - On the morning of June 3rd, Dekalb County dispatched units shortly after 8:00 A.M. for a structure fire in the 3600 block of Buford Highway, south of Drew Valley Road in Brookhaven. Dispatch advised units as they marked up on the call that they had reports of two occupants possibly entrapped. Firefighters responding that morning could see heavy smoke billowing from the area as they approached the scene.

- See full story on page 10

Join our Team of Dispatchers Paging with a Rewards Program!

Visit our website to fill out an application.

www.1rwn.com

PAGE 2

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

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.

RICKY PHILLIPS

Truck Carrying Blasting Agent Wrecks in Marshall County

This patch belongs to Center Point Fire District, located in Jefferson County, AL. FIRE CHIEF DONNIE P. WEST

Guntersville, AL - Responders from several Marshall County agencies responded to an overturned truck on Warrenton Road near the Marshall and Blount County line on June 9th. The wreck occurred just before 7:00 A.M. and involved a commercial vehicle from a local explosives company. The truck's driver was critically injured and entrapped in the vehicle on arrival of volunteer firefighters from 4CVFD and Georgia Mountain. Mutual Aid was requested from Guntersville Fire/Rescue for assistance with extrication. Operations to free the driver took approximately 35 minutes, utilizing the crew and equipment from Guntersville's Heavy Rescue-4. Samaritan EMS transported the driver to a nearby landing zone to meet with an AirEVAC Life Team helicopter for transport to UAB in Birmingham. The wreck is being investigated by Alabama State Troopers.

Enjoy taking photographs?

Get the most out of your hobby!

1st Responder News compensates correspondents Muscle Shoals Crash-2 with a YAK-52 aircraft.

CHRIS DILLEY

Muscle Shoals Firefighters Participate in “Rally at the River” Fundraising Event Muscle Shoals, AL - The 2017 "Rally at the River" St. Jude's fundraising event has incorporated air support for the first time. Numerous warbird aircraft staged out of the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport on June 10th to provide flyovers during the event. Muscle Shoals Fire Rescue firefighters were on standby and provided fire/crash rescue coverage during the all-day event. After the last aircraft landed, firefighters even provided a water arch to mark the end of yet another successful event that raised an excess of $21,000 to assist children in need.

for their article & photograph submissions.

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information!

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

August, 2017

ADVERTISER INDEX

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

A guide to finding great companies

Company

AirVac 911

Page 29

Armor Tuff Flooring

24

Choice Marketing

11

Brindlee Mtn. Fire App.

Done Right Fire Gear FDIC

Finley Fire Equipment Firehouse Expo

13

9

27

15 25

Firehouse Mortgage, Inc. 17 Municipal Equipment NAFECO

32

5

Raymond James

19

Task Force Tips

3

Tactical Fire

Zodiac

31

18

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 18 No. 8 - South East edition is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 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 St., 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.

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.

PROVIDED

PROVIDED

(L to R): Battalion Chief Chris Youmans, Employee of the Quarter Casey VanKouwenberg, and Deputy Chief Mike Dick.

Employee of the Quarter Named for Bryan County Emergency Services Bryan County, GA - Firefighter/Paramedic Casey VanKouwenberg has been named Bryan County Emergency Services' “Employee of the Quarter” for the second quarter of 2017. Casey VanKouwenberg was nominated by several BCES members and below is a direct quote from a nomination.

Most would describe Casey VanKouwenberg as unique, uncommon and one of a kind. His commitment to his crew and the department is extraordinary.

Casey sets the bar high for new hires whether they’ve been in EMS/Fire for 10 years, or this is their first job right out of school.

Recently, Casey has had the opportunity to be paired up with a very green EMT. Casey has taken Zach under his wing. He was upfront about what was expected and very adamant about teaching him the right way of doing things.

Things as simple as properly checking off the trucks (fluids/tire pressures), to patient care/assessment.

Let’s be real, most seasoned medics don’t want a green EMT, fresh out of school. They want someone that knows what they’re doing and many times, don’t want to be bothered with the extra responsibilities of a new EMT.

JUMP TO FILE #070717110 Casey is the exception.

He has taken up every spare minute with Zach to work on his driving, patient assessment skills, firefighting and confidence levels.

Over the last month, we have seen a tremendous improvement in Zach’s skills and confidence because of Casey’s dedication to making BCES a better place. His dedication to teaching and mentoring goes above and beyond and is incomparable to many that I’ve seen.

After knowing Casey for many years, we all know he’s not much into “peopling," as he calls it. But after sustaining a back injury in 2011, Casey has a new prospective about his job and outlook on life. Not knowing if he’d be able to ever work in a job he truly loved and took for granite, he let barriers down. He wants what’s best for the department and our crew. He came back stronger than ever, with a new prospective of the job and life in general.

Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Casey VanKouwenberg!

- FREDDY HOWELL

JASON EVANGLEISTA

Busy Weekend for Roswell Fire Crews Roswell, GA - Roswell Fire Department crews had a very busy weekend on July 10th. Crews started out the late morning with a water rescue incident. Upon arrival, firefighters from the Roswell Fire Department's Special Operations team deployed resources to conduct a water rescue. One male patient was was treated for injuries in the water and transported to a nearby trauma center. Crews were then dispatched at approximately 3:45 A.M. on July 11th to the scene of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a single-family residence with heavy fire involvement.

All occupants were confirmed out of the structure and crews took a defensive posture. One occupant was treated and transported for smoke inhalation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

August, 2017

1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

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

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

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

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

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

Greg W. Buff (greg@belsito.com)

••• CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Belsito (Michelle@1stResponder.com)

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

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) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Joel Miller (Social Media) AJ Fusco (Food Blog)

CORRESPONDENTS ••• Michael Black • Albert Borroto • Tim Cavender • Willie Cirone • DJ Corcoran • Scott Dakin • Chris Dilley • Brad Dykens • Bruce Garner • Joel Gordon • Leland Greek • Jose Gregorisch • Chuck Hartung • Timothy Heiser • Steve Huffman • William King • Kate Lind • Ashley Lopez • Steve Mapes • Amy Maxwell • Gregory May • Ashley McDonald • Elisha Pappacoda • Ricky Phillips • Charlie Robbins • Shane Shifflett • Sammy Solomon • Sasha Staton • Anthony Vera • Kevin Watler • Eugene Weber Jr.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

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

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

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

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

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

CIRCULATION INFORMATION

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

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING

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

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

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055

In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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

Kentucky: James "Dewon" Wells, 52 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: May 5, 2017 Death Date: May 6, 2017 Fire Department: Montgomery County Fire/EMS Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic James "Dewon" Wells worked his shift on May 5, 2017, from 0800hrs to 1600hrs. During his shift, he complained to a fire department member that he was experiencing numbness in his mouth. Immediately before leaving the station at the end of his shift, he complained to his chief that he had a headache and did not feel well. The following day, May 6, 2017, at approximately 1400hrs, Firefighter/Paramedic Wells was still not feeling well and went to a medical clinic, but returned home since he started to feel slightly better. Soon thereafter, his wife came home and found him unresponsive on the couch and not breathing. He wife initiated CPR and Firefighter/Paramedic Wells was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Mount Sterling, where he was pronounced deceased.

Florida: James Franklin Dorminy, 55 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: May 9, 2017 Death Date: May 18, 2017 Fire Department: Reedy Creek Emergency Services Initial Summary: Lieutenant James Franklin Dorminy worked on May 8, 2017, and ran three calls: amusement park ride evacuation; rescue-assist at citizen cardiac arrest; and a false fire alarm. His shift ended at 0700hrs on May 9, 2017. After his shift, Dorminy went to an off-site, private gym for his regular workout. Lieutenant Dorminy was found floating in the pool by bystanders at approximately 0830hrs and was resuscitated. He never regained consciousness and the family terminated life support on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Texas: Scott Deem, 31 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: May 18, 2017 Death Date: May 18, 2017 Fire Department: San Antonio Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Scott Deem died from injuries received while operating at a fouralarm fire in a shopping center. Fire crews were searching a gym in the strip mall for any possible occupants as fire conditions rapidly intensified and the structure began to collapse. All firefighters were ordered to exit the building but Deem was unable to do so before becoming caught and trapped. Crews continued to battle the fire but due to conditions were unable to reach Firefighter Deem. According to initial reports, another member of the initial search team was also trapped in the fire but was pulled to safety along with an injured member of the Rapid Intervention Team. The two injured firefighters were transported to the hospital where one remains in critical but stable condition.

Georgia: John Chester, 56 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: May 18, 2017 Death Date: May 18, 2017 Fire Department: Whitfield County Fire Department Initial Summary: Several hours after answering an emergency response call during his normally scheduled shift, Battalion Chief John Chester passed away while at home of a yet to be determined cause.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

PAGE 7

August, 2017

GEORGIA

WORKING FACES

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Working Fire Destroys Home in Stone Mountain

Sandy Springs, GA - Sandy Springs Firefighter Scudder on a recent working fire assignment.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Stone Mountain, GA - During the early morning hours of June 9th, Dekalb County firefighters were dispatched out for a house fire in the 400 block of Sherwood Oaks Road in Stone Mountain.

Emergency crews due on the assignment were dispatched out around 4:45 A.M. that morning.

Firefighters arrived shortly after dispatch to find a two-story residential family dwelling with heavy fire conditions throughout the structure. Engine-13 was the first-in Engine that morning, reporting that 100% of the residence was involved.

Firefighters working the incident that Friday morning were forced to conduct exterior operations in a defensive mode due to the heavy fire conditions making it unsafe to enter the structure. The heavy fire conditions caused a par-

JUMP TO FILE #071417100 tial collapse of the structure during their fire attack. Crews battled the blaze with multiple attack lines for nearly 45 minutes before getting a significant knock down on the flames. Firefighters had to concentrate on the fire building itself while other crews worked to protect surrounding exposures.

Once the scene was determined to be under control, firefighters switched to an offensive mode, making entry and conducting a full search of the house for victims, which turned up negative. Crews were committed on the scene for several hours conducting extensive overhaul operations. The owner of the building arrived and confirmed

that no one was home at the time of the blaze.

The house was considered a complete loss, but luckily, no injuries were reported during the incident. Chief Joe Tinsley reported that they were able to keep the fire contained, protecting all surrounding exposures. The cause of the blaze is currently undetermined and still under investigation.

Dekalb County Fire Department crews responded with Engines 11, 13, and 25, Heavy Rescue-24, Quint-24, Truck-25, Rescue-22, Air22, and Battalion Chiefs 5 and 2.

Additional assistance was received from American Medical Response Medic-61, which supplied EMS support on the scene.

- WILLIAM KING

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Roswell Fire Participates in “Touch a Truck” Event Roswell, GA - In June, the Roswell Fire Department participated in the 2017 "Touch a Truck" event, held at Roswell City Hall. The event kicked off National Public Works Week and featured trucks from Roswell Police and Fire, the Transportation and Environmental/Public Works departments, and several vendors as well. It allowed citizens of all ages a firsthand look at the equipment used to provide necessary services to Roswell’s families. This year's theme for 2017 is “Public Works Connects Us". National Public Works Week celebrates the vital role public works plays in connecting us all together.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Sandy Springs, GA - A medic with AMR stands ready, awaiting the extrication of a firefighter from a roof.

PAGE 8

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS

PROVIDED

1st Responder News correspondent, David Burns, covering the arrival of Air Force One at Newark Liberty Airport.

David Burns has been a 1st Responder News correspondent since 2013.

He has 35 plus years of experience (first major page at the age of 16) shooting and covering breaking and national new events.

Some of his credentials include eight years as a lead photo editor at two major New York City area newspapers (NY Post and NY Daily News), NJ/NY State Certified EMT, former Chief of Operations for a NYC based volunteer ambulance corp., and Honorary Chief in the New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs' Association.

Some of his specialties include photojournalism, photo editing, emergency medical response, emergency management public information officer, fire and police scene photography, assignment desk operations, twoway radio communications, public safety communications and event planning.

JUMP TO FILE #060317100 David has covered some major stories over the years, including the release of US hostages from Iran in 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992; Presidential campaigns and Inaugurals; the United States Space Shuttle Program; Papal trips to America in 1980, 1987 and 1995; the first Reagan/Gorbachev summit in Geneva, Switzerland; US Military operations in Central America in 1983 and 1993; and the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

David also planned and executed the New York Post's special coverage of the 2008 Papal visit to the United States. He directed coverage on the death of Osama Bin Laden, and also planned and executed coverage of the US 2012 Presidential Campaign, including the Inaugural.

GEORGIA

Dekalb County apartment building sits in ruins after the two-alarm blaze.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Two-Alarm Blaze Destroys Brookhaven Apartment Building Brookhaven, GA - On the night of May 13th, Dekalb County firefighters were dispatched out to a reported apartment building fire at the Sanctuary at Oglethorpe Apartment Complex in Brookhaven. Units were dispatched around 10:30 P.M. that night. Firefighters arrived shortly after dispatch to find a working structure fire.

DeKalb County firefighters arriving on the scene at 1706 Oglethorpe Drive found a threestory structure with heavy fire through the roof. First-in firefighters went to work attempting an interior attack, but were quickly pulled out due to the instability of the structure.

Command requested a second-alarm started and reported that crews would be operating in a defensive mode, battling the blaze from the exterior only. Firefighters worked with multiple attack lines and utilized aerial trucks to set up for ladder pipe operations to battle the intense flames.

Firefighters worked to establish a good water supply, but were ham-

JUMP TO FILE #052917100 pered by motorists who were driving across the charged hose lines during the two-alarm blaze. Captain Eric Jackson advised that this was a major problem, placing firefighters in danger until police were able to arrive to help remedy the issue.

A motorist who allegedly ran over the hose in front of one of the police officers, was arrested and later charged not only with running over the hose putting firefighters at risk, but was also with DUI as well.

The Saturday night blaze was a fast moving fire that quickly spread, causing building conditions to rapidly deteriorate. Firefighters working the exterior were threatened with several partial collapses throughout the incident during fire attack operations. Firefighters battled the Brookhaven Blaze for nearly an hour-and-a-half before getting a significant knock down on the flames just before midnight. Crews were

committed on the scene for several hours into Sunday morning conducting extensive overhaul operations.

The fire displaced families in 16 units at the apartment complex and the building was a total loss. The American Red Cross Disaster Action Teams were on the scene that night assisting multiple displaced families. All occupants who were home at the time of the fire were able to safely escape the blaze. Firefighters did make several pet rescues during the incident. Some pets had to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns, but there have been no reports of any being lost during the incident.

The incident brought in over 40 firefighters from Dekalb County to battle the flames. Dekalb County Fire Marshals were on the scene working to determine what caused the devastating blaze. The origin of the fire has not yet been determined and their investigation is still ongoing at this time.

- WILLIAM KING

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.

The first major assignment that David worked on was the Carter v.

Reagan campaign in 1978.

DAVID BURNS/@FD4D

Truck 14 of the Atlanta FD is this 2013 KME Predator Severe Service 101'.

KEN SNYDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 9

DONE RIGHT FIRE GEAR Complete Ensemble Cleaning, Inspection & Repair Coats • Pants • Boots • Helmets • Gear & Equipment Bags • Custom & Specialty Items

Call Today for More Information!

Done Right Fire Gear Repair 7621 Maryland Ave. Hudson, FL 34667 • ISP Certified @ E.T.L. • NFPA 1851-14 Compliant • Firefighter Founded & Owned • Multiple Mobile Repair Units

Email: Teri@drfgr.com Phone: 727-848-9019

www.donerightfiregearrepair.com

PAGE 10

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Dairy Queen Heavily Damaged by Fire

Lawrenceville, GA - Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services was alerted in the early morning hours of June 1st to the newly remodeled Dairy Queen at 611 E Crogan St. in downtown Lawrenceville for reports of a fire. A passing motorist called 911 and advised that there was “lots of smoke inside the business�. First arriving apparatus found heavy fire conditions inside the building. Crews made an aggressive attack before being pushed back from the extreme heat. The building sustained significant damage right before its grand re-opening. The business had re-opened May 19th after undergoing a remodeling. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

What is the Root of the Problem?

Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

I am going to start off by stating that I am not an expert, nor do I play one on TV, but sometimes common sense just prevails and makes one think.

There are many people today using many different substances for many different reasons. I remember growing up in a firehouse, where on Sunday mornings and many nights, the members would drink. Nobody really asked why. It was the culture.

There was one person that had a bottle of brandy in his pocket. He said that it was to treat a toothache.

Many people, society, use so many different substances these days. So many get hooked on opioids. Some get hooked after surgery.

There are some people that get hooked after a surgery, then the insurance will not cover the prescriptions to cover it when they need to use it for pain. They tell me that it is cheaper to use street drugs.

There is also another class of people that use substances. That class may be the people that you may stereotype, but many that you would never expect to be using substances.

When you get a chance to actually sit down and hear these peoples stories, you hear the other type of pain. You hear the trauma that they have lived with, the depression, the crisis, the "untreated" behavioral/mental health issues. They express that they feel the pain and use the substances to self-medicate.

The question that comes about is why don't they get the help that they need to handle the behavioral health issues? Is it stigma? Is it insurance?

Is it that they were told that they are not supposed to discuss their problems with anyone?

What challenges are members of your department facing that may be causing them to self medicate? Do they know where to reach out? Do they know that there are locations that rehab and detox emergency services? Brothers want to help brothers/sisters. We are one family.

We, ourselves, need to get to the root of why we really do a certain action.

People avoid certain people or places because it brings up pain or bad memories. For others, the pain may be too great.

If you know someone who may have a substance abuse problem, including alcohol, please say something and help them get the help that they need. There are many treatment facilities out there.

Stay safe, Didymus McHugh

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Dekalb Fire & Rescue Battles Two-Alarm Blaze at Brookstone Garden Apartments Brookhaven, GA - On the morning of June 3rd, Dekalb County dispatched units shortly after 8:00 A.M. for a structure fire in the 3600 block of Buford Highway, south of Drew Valley Road in Brookhaven. Dispatch advised units as they marked up on JUMP TO FILE# the call that they had 071017132 reports of two occupants possibly entrapped. Firefighters responding that morning could see heavy smoke billowing from the area as they approached the scene.

First-in crews arrived at 3649 Buford Highway to find a threestory garden style apartment building with heavy fire conditions extending to the roof of the Brookstone Garden Apartments. Firefighters worked to conduct rescue operations and protect exposures as the second-alarm was struck, bringing additional units in on the call.

Once rescue operations were complete, full focus was directed on battling the blaze. Firefighters had heavy fire conditions in the center building of the three-building complex, with extension into both adjacent buildings. Multiple attack lines were used to battle the blaze, along with ladder pipe operations.

Crews were committed on the scene for several hours battling the blaze before getting a good knockdown. Due to the amount of damage, crews were also faced with an extensive overhaul operation.

Fire officials advised that over a dozen units were damaged during the incident, displacing 38 residents of the apartment complex. Two occupants were transported to area hospitals as a result of the incident.

One was trapped by the fire and had to jump from their third-floor apartment, suffering moderate injuries as well as smoke inhalation. Another

patient was transported with serious burns and smoke inhalation sustained while trying to escape from the building. No other injuries were reported during the incident.

The cause of the fire and point of origin has not yet been released by investigators. It is currently believed to have started in the middle of the building, spreading up and outward, but they are still working to confirm the origin. Firefighters' efforts were able to limit the amount of damage, protecting exposures and keeping the bulk of the fire contained to center building, which was the main fire building. The center building received the most damage, with moderate extension to the two adjacent buildings on both sides.

Over 40 emergency personnel responded on the two-alarm blaze that Saturday between Dekalb Fire & Rescue, American Medical Response EMS Personnel and Brookhaven Police. The American Red Cross also responded out and reported that they were assisting 11 families that were displaced by the incident with food, clothing, lodging, medication replacement and other essential needs.

Out of the two patients transported from the scene by EMS, the burn patient was last reported to be in critical condition and the second patient only had moderate injuries, but their condition is unknown.

- WILLIAM KING

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Dekalb County crews arrive to find heavy fire conditions at the Brookstone Garden Apartments.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

DJ CORCORAN

Knoxville Firefighters Battle Commercial Structure Fire

Knoxville, TN - At 5:30 A.M. on May 31st, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to Maryville Pk., near Chapman Hwy., for the report of a vacant, two-story commercial structure on fire. Upon arrival, fire crews found flames shooting from a front entrance and the rear balcony of the multi-unit structure. Firefighters quickly knocked down the initial flames and began searching for horizontal fire extensions and possible victims. No victims were found and fire crews were able to contain the fire damage to two units. Fire Investigators were on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

MFRD

MFRD Takes Victory Over MPD in Guns-N-Hoses Charity Softball Game

Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department extinguished Murfreesboro Police Department’s hope for a victory in the last inning of the Guns-N-Hoses charity softball game on Saturday, June 17th at Old Fort Park. In a back and forth game where the lead was exchanged several times, MFRD secured the win 16-15. The two departments collectively make up the “Boro Public Safety” Relay for Life Team. “The real winners to us are the men and women who benefit from the funds raised by our efforts,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks.

Proceeds assist Rutherford County’s efforts to raise money for cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

Bob Long

DJ CORCORAN

Four Units Destroyed in Knoxville Apartment Fire

Knoxville, TN - On Wednesday, June 21st at approximately 10:00 A.M., units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to Bell Walker Apts. at 8351 Blockhouse Way, for the report of a fire. This fire resulted in four units being destroyed by fire, while the remaining units suffered smoke and water damage. All residents from the 24-unit building were displaced. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. After a thorough follow up from fire investigators, the cause of the fire has been determined to have started on the wood deck of Apartment #331 of Building #8351, from accidentally or carelessly discarded incendiary device, (cigarette).

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

PAGE 13

August, 2017

SIMPLY THE MOST USED FIRE TRUCKS ANYWHERE. We have never attempted the sale of a fire engine.

Our experience with you was completely painless. I have no reservations about recommending your company to other agencies, and we will not hesitate to use your services in the future!

SO

LD

DC Rob Palffy North Maine Fire Protection District 2003 American LaFrance Eagle Pumper

2006 E-One Cyclone 95’ Quint Platform Hale 1500 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Tank Detroit Diesel Allison Transmission

2013 Pierce Custom Pumper Pierce 1250 GPM Pump 750 Gallon Tank Foam System Cummins Diesel

2005 Pierce Pumper Waterous 1250 GPM Pump 1000 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

2008 Ferrara Heavy Rescue Cummins 330HP 20KW Generator Light Tower Cascade System

2000 KME Renegade Walk-Around Heavy Rescue Detroit 400HP 25KW Generator, Front Winch Light Tower, Breathing Air System Air Reel, Cord Reels

2001 HME 75’ Quint Hale 1500 GPM Pump 500 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

2003 American LaFrance Freightliner Pumper Tanker Darley 1000 GPM Pump 3000 Gallon Tank Caterpillar Diesel Allison Automatic

2009 KME Mid-Mount Tower Waterous 2000 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

2013 KME Custom Pumper 1500 GPM Pump 750 Gallon Poly Tank A&B Foam System 20,990 Miles

2008 Spartan SVI Heavy Wet Rescue Hale 250 GPM Pump 250 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

2007 Pierce Kenworth Rescue Cummins 315 HP Onan 25KW Generator Wil-Burt Light Tower 14,333 Miles

2008 Pierce Saber Custom Heavy Rescue Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic Onan Generator Automatic Tire Chains

2007 Pierce 100' Platform Waterous 1500 GPM Pump 400 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

1999 E-One Cyclone 75' Quint Hale 1250 GPM Pump 500 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Generator

2005 Spartan Crimson Pumper 1250 GPM Pump 1000 Gallon Tank Low Miles

Visit our website at www.FireTruckMall.com to see our entire inventory!

Toll Free: 866.285.9305 • www.FireTruckMall.com

PAGE 14

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Hoarding Situation Hampers Firefighters' Efforts in Knoxville Knoxville, TN - At 11:45 A.M. on the morning of June 27th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 4009 Valley View Dr. for the report of a house fire. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the eaves and heavy JUMP TO FILE# flames through a 062917107 window near the center of the onestory, half-brick facade rancher. Two residents and two dogs exited safely.

The contractor, who was sweating copper plumbing fittings with a torch underneath the house, attempted to extinguish the flames with an extinguisher before calling 911. Firefighters found it difficult to access the flames because of debris blocking their way. No injuries were reported and fire officials will investigate and determine the exact cause.

- DJ CORCORAN

Get your personal copy of

The SE Edition

Name:______________________

DJ CORCORAN

Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________ City: ______________________

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

__ $60 for two year subscription

PAYMENT METHOD

__ Check

__ Money Order __ Charge card

Card # _____________________ Exp:____________

Signature ___________________

Send payment to: 1ST RESPONDER NEWSPAPER

1 ARDMORE STREET NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

Amount enclosed: ______

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

www.1RBN.com

DJ CORCORAN

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

DJ CORCORAN

Firefighters Respond to House Fire on Orlando St.

Knoxville, TN - Shortly after 6:00 A.M. on the morning of July 3rd, units from the Knoxville FD responded to 3344 Orlando St. for the report of a fire, called in by a neighbor. When fire crews arrived, they found heavy flames shooting 15 to 20-feet up the vinyl siding from an exterior kitchen door at the right side of the home, and flames coming from the front window which appeared to be a living room. All eight members of the family were able to exit the home without injury prior to firefighters' arrival. Fire crews quickly went to work deploying attack lines and controlled the flames within 20 minutes of arrival. Fire investigators were on the scene to determine the cause of the fire, which appears at this time to be accidental, starting near or around the kitchen area. The American Red Cross will assist the family with their needs.

DJ CORCORAN

Over Two Dozen Residents Displaced

by Apartment Fire Knoxville, TN - At 10:00 A.M. on June 12th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 8351 Block House Way, the Bell Walker Crossing Apartments, for the report of a fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found a 24-unit brick faรงade, woodframed structure, with heavy flames visible through the roof. Firefighters quickly went to work at extinguishing the flames and searching for any possible victims. A second-alarm was called for by the incident commander. The 911 dispatchers were

JUMP TO FILE #062117114 initially made aware of the fire by a maintenance worker who detected the flames on the third-floor balcony.

An attempt with a fire extinguisher was made by the maintenance person before calling 911.

When additional units arrived, they were instructed to draw a defensive line between the unburned portion of the building and the damaged portion. They were able to hold

that line and preserve at least onethird of the building. Because of the time of day the fire broke out, most all residents were away working, however the few who were still onsite managed to exit under their own power.

No injuries were reported and the exact cause of the fire is being investigated. A total of 33 residents were displaced. The American Red Cross will be assisting those affected.

- DJ CORCORAN

AMY MAXWELL, PIO

Front Row (L to R): HCEMS Lt. Billy Burnette, CPD Sgt. Steve Wiertel, CPD Sgt. Andrew Peker and CPD Asst. Chief Eric Tucker. Back Row (L to R): HCEMS Captain John Miller, HCEMS Paramedic David Sinclair, AEMT Sharon Smith, CPD Chief David Roddy, HCEMS Director Ken Wilkerson and HCEMS Deputy Chief John Combes.

Hamilton Co. EMS Recognizes Chattanooga Police Personnel for Lifesaving Efforts Chattanooga, TN - Recently, Hamilton County EMS Deputy Chief John Combes gave a special presentation to Chattanooga City Council in regards to two Chattanooga Police Officers who responded to a possible drowning accident that occurred on May 27, 2017.

Combes mentioned CPD Sgts.

Steve Wiertel and Andrew Peker, who gave immediate CPR to a 6year-old child who had drowned in a

DJ CORCORAN

JUMP TO FILE #071217107 swimming pool. Due to their excellent lifesaving skills, the child survived without any deficits. Combes said, "If it was not for these two officers, this could have had a very different outcome. In my opinion, these officers saved this child's life."

- AMY MAXWELL

Vacant Structure Fire for Knoxville Crews

Knoxville, TN - At 5:20 P.M. on July 17th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to the intersection of MLK and Alice Street for the report of a house fire. When firefighters arrived, they found an overgrown lot and a vacant structure, with flames shooting from the front and right side of the home. An initial knockdown of the flames from outside, followed by a interior attack with additional manpower searching for any possible victims was conducted. There were no persons found and no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 17

Specializing in the Civil Service, Union and Blue Collar Work Force

FIREFIGHTER OWNED AND OPERATED FIREHOUSE “HERO” BUYER PROGRAM

• Offered to the Civil Service, Union, Military, Education and Blue Collar Work Force • No Application Fee • Assistance with out of pocket expenses and closing costs • Pre-Approval over the phone in minutes • One on one relationship

FIREHOUSE “HERO” REFINANCE PROGRAM

• Same criteria as above

Loan Programs

• USDA no money down • VA no money down

• FHA 3.5% down

• FHA 203K Rehab Purchase

• HOMESTYLE PURCHASE

Your Florida Mortgage Provider

• CONVENTIONAL PURCHASE 3% DOWN/FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAM

CONTACT BRENNAN D. KELLEY firehousemort@cs.com Office: 888-701-9891 (toll free) • Fax: 321-768-2769 • Cell: 772-633-4701

firehousemortgageinc.com Licensed Mortgage Broker Business

PAGE 18

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Two MFRD Firefighters Retire After Serving the City for More Than Seven Decades Murfreesboro, TN— Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department Engineer Kenneth Richmond and Firefighter Wayne Reed worked their final shift together on Friday, July 7th, at Station-5 on Florence Road. Their UMP TO FILE# years of service J071717104 total 71.

Engineer Richmond came on the job in 1985 and sites the reason he has enjoyed his career is helping people, as well as the firefighter shift schedule allowing him time with his family and friends. Richmond sites that his most memorable call was a structure fire on Van Cleave Lane where the temperatures outside were below freezing and everything had a coating of ice, including the buckles on the firefighters' bunker coats which also caused helmet chin straps to freeze to their faces. He plans on spending his retirement time on his fourwheelers and kayaks!

Firefighter Wayne Reed has spent nearly his entire career on C-Shift, where job security brought him to his 39-year calling. Reed also moonlights at Hooper Supply Company, located in the heart of the city near Cannonsburgh Village. Firefighter Reed states that “The biggest change I have seen in my career is the medical response growth!"

MFRD began responding to medical calls as First Responders in 2003 and announced on the two’s last day of work that it had launched to paramedic response.

MFRD’s Chief Foulks wishes them a long and prosperous retirement with great health for them and their families. He states, “We are so thankful for their faithful service to the citizens of Murfreesboro!”

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspaper er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELATED ATED TATTOOS

MFRD retired Engineer, Kenneth Richmond.

MFRD

I'm Brigid Macellis and this is Firefighter Tinkerbell! I've been a member at Slackwood Fire Company in Lawrence, NJ since 2014. I joined as a Junior and then worked my way up to being state certified Firefighter 1. I decided to get the Firefighter Tinkerbell tattoo because as a kid, I'd always dress up as a firefighter and my mom called me Firefighter Tinkerbell! I got the tattoo done in January of 2017.

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

- MFRD

MFRD retired Firefighter, Wayne Reed.

MFRD

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

PROVIDED

Fatal Head-on Collision Causes Vehicle Fire

Daytona Beach, FL - Several fire engines from Daytona Beach FD responded to 800 N. Tomoka Farms Rd. on July 19th for a motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle fire. Two pickup trucks were traveling in different directions on Tomoka Farms Rd. in their respective lanes when one truck swerved into the opposite lane, crashing head-on into another pickup truck.

The pickup truck that swerved then caught fire and quickly became fully involved. While en route to the scene, firefighters could see a large column of smoke coming from the location and after arrival, found a fully involved vehicle.

Firefighters worked as quickly as possible to contain the blaze and determine if there were any passengers inside. One of the drivers was able to exit his truck on his own with injuries; however, the driver of the vehicle that caught fire was not able to and sadly died as a result.

Tell Me Exactly What Happened ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Tell Me Exactly What Happened Dispatches From 911

By Caroline Burau Available from: Anywhere books are sold Price: $16.95 The book is softcover, measuring 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches and has 182 pages within 31 chapters. As you can see, the chapters are fairly short. These are memoirs of the author who worked in two different dispatch jobs.

One was a 911 operator for the White Bear Lake, Minnesota Police Department. The center also covers the township, which combined, has a population of 35,000. It is a suburb of the twin cities. The 911 desk has a single operator, so you can imagine the demand and restrictions placed on that one person, right down to getting a chance to perform human bodily functions.

She eventually leaves this job to work as an EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) for a private ambulance company so diversified that it even has air ambulances! One thing you will realize is that dispatchers can and do save lives from their desks by coaching callers about the proper things to do while help is on

the way, and by calling the appropriate agencies to handle the situations.

You’ll also realize that they do get emotionally and personally involved with the outcome of the calls, especially when life is at stake, because with very few exceptions, they never leave their positions no matter how serious an incident gets. The exceptions are dispatch centers manned by emergency personnel who would have to leave their posts and call forward to the police for instance, because they have to respond in an emergency vehicle at a busy time.

The chapters will hold your attention. Not all are about calls. Some involve work conditions with respect to time off, seniority, personalities, private space, fatigue and many other aspects of the job. Dispatchers reading this book will relate accordingly with respect to their own work environment and the ever present hierarchy. Personal life comes into play as well because her husband is also a dispatcher and they have a school-aged daughter.

The chapters are peppered with slang, locker room talk, humor and other things that go on amongst themselves, never of course on the air or on the phone. The reader will be amazed about how many diversified emergencies happen in the jurisdiction.

I believe this book will help educate readers about the highs and lows of the job and about how versatile dispatchers can be, helping them to respect these workers. She is also the author of “Answering 911, Life in the Hot Seat".

August, 2017

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

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.

SASHA STATON

Fatal Structure Fire in Daytona Beach EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to Bonita Springs Fire Department, located in Lee County, FL.

SEMINOLE FIRE RESCUE

City of Seminole Fire Rescue Welcomes Five New Firefighters

Seminole, FL - City of Seminole Fire Rescue welcomed in five new firefighters on Friday, July 14th. A swearing in ceremony was conducted at City of Seminole Fire Station-29 in front of family and friends, formally introducing Firemedics Kaitlyn Armstrong, Scott Bingham, Dennis McCormick, Jason Sutton and Firefighter EMT Josh Turner as the newest members of the department. Fire Chief Heather Burford presided over the ceremony with City Clerk Patty Beliveau administering the firefighter oath. Pictured are Firemedic Kaitlyn Armstrong, Scott Bingham, Dennis McCormick, Jason Sutton and Firefighter EMT Josh Turner.

Daytona Beach, FL - On June 10th, numerous engines from Daytona Beach Fire Department battled a large structure fire in a two-story residential home, which sadly resulted in the fatality of an adult male and two dogs.

Just before 5:00 JUMP TO FILE# P.M., a neighbor who 061217136 was on their balcony saw smoke pouring out of the house and called 911. When firefighters arrived, the smoke was so thick on the street that the house was not even visible.

The homeowner ran to firefighters as they arrived and advised them that her husband and dogs were still inside the home.

The firefighters were met with dangerous conditions as the home quickly became fully engulfed. Live power lines were coming down and the house had ammunition inside that was going off. It was reported to firefighters that the adult male still inside the home was bedridden and unable to exit on his own.

Firefighters located an unconscious man inside the home and quickly carried him outside. Lifesaving efforts were immediately attempted and continued while en route to the hospital. Unfortunately, the male was pronounced dead at the hospital.

During a primary search of the first-floor, the ceiling began coming down on the firefighters, so they had to quickly evacuate the home and switch to a defensive mode. A Quint aerial apparatus was deployed to battle the blaze from above. The fire continued for over two hours. Two firefighters were injured during the fire.

The house was completely destroyed and the State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the cause.

- SASHA STATON

SASHA STATON

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 21

FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS

Real Smoke Shown from Cedar Hammock Vape Supply Store Fire

Cedar Hammock, FL - Shortly before 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday night, June 13th, Cedar Hammock Fire & Rescue responded to a fire at 5209 26th Street West, which happened to be across the street from Fire Headquarters. As the Battalion Chief pulled out of the station, smoke was seen coming from the one-story commercial building. Within minutes, fire and heavy black smoke broke through. A second-alarm was struck as crews made their way into the structure. The fire was knocked down in around one hour. Cedar Hammock Fire & Rescue was assisted by the City of Bradenton Engine-12 and Tower-19, Southern Manatee Engine-321 and Manatee County EMS District-13 Medic-3.

PROVIDED

Pictured are American Legion Post 252 Commander Joe Capri, American Legion Sergeant At Arms Ed Hand, VFW 9272 Canteen Manager Kristy McCamnon, American Legion Auxiliary Marie Hand, City of Seminole Mayor Leslie Waters, CERT Program Manager Brad Dykens, CERT President Devon Blackburn, Otto Fox, CERT Vice President Ray Beliveau, CERT Board Members Carl Gingola and Duane Crandall.

Crews arrive at carport fire.

DEPUTY CHIEF GARY BERKHEIMER

Golf Cart Fire Damages Mobile Home in Pinellas Park Pinellas Park, FL – Pinellas Park Fire Department responded to an early morning fire at the Golden Gate Mobile Home Park on Thursday, June 29th. The 911 call came in at 6:32 A.M., with the caller stating that her golf cart was on fire underneath the carport of her home. The 911 dispatcher could hear the sound of a smoke alarm in the background and the caller stated that she was evacuating along with her dog.

Several Pinellas Park units responded to the call, with Truck-33 arriving first on scene to see smoke and flames showing from the mobile home’s carport. The golf cart and carport area were fully involved

JUMP TO FILE #063017100 and the fire had spread to a vehicle parked behind the golf cart. Truck33 made a fast attack and had the fire knocked down within 3-4 minutes. Crews did a primary and secondary search of the home and reported it to be all clear with no injuries reported.

The homeowner stated that the golf cart had been plugged in to charge on Tuesday, and she was not aware of the fire until she heard the sound of the smoke alarm that morning. The Pinellas Park Fire De-

partment had installed the smoke alarm in 2016 as part of its fire prevention initiative.

The home sustained fire damage to the entire carport area and side entryway, and had smoke damage throughout the interior. The home and contents were not insured, however the vehicle was fully covered.

Since the home was not habitable, Fire Prevention Specialist Jillian Rose provided the homeowner with the fire department’s “After the Fire” kit and contacted the Red Cross to assist the homeowner with temporary housing and necessities.

DRILLS/TRAINING

- SUZANNE BOISVERT

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

Veterans Present Seminole CERT with U.S. Flag Seminole, FL - Representatives from Seminole American Legion Post 252 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9272 presented a US Flag to the Seminole CERT program at its regular monthly meeting held Tuesday, June 20th at Seminole Fire Station-29.

CERT, American Legion and VFW member Otto Fox introduced a delegation of officials from the American Legion and VFW to present the flag. The standard was awarded to the CERT organization in recognition of the

JUMP TO FILE #062317102 countless volunteer hours contributed to Seminole by its membership and will be proudly displayed at CERT meetings and special events.

In attendance was Mayor Leslie Waters who led the group in the “Pledge of Allegiance,” recognizing this honorable occasion.

- BRAD DYKENS

CHRIS DILLEY

Putnam County, FL - On Sunday, June 4th, volunteer fire students from Putnam County Fire EMS conducted vehicle fire training in St. Augustine. A propane powered prop was used to simulate a car fire. The students were required to force the hood and trunk, and also fight fires in the interior of the car and a wheel/brake fire.

PAGE 22

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 23

FLORIDA

WORKING FACES

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

Heavy fire vents from the roof as crews stretch lines to the fire floor.

CHARLIE ROBBINS

Cape Coral Fights Apartment Building Fire Bradenton, FL - Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue FF/Driver Dave Sedgely picking up hose after a recent structure fire.

CIRONE PHOTOS

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

Cape Coral, FL - At 9:12 A.M. on July 10th, units from Cape Coral Fire Rescue were dispatched to 1118 SW 47th Terrace for a reported structure fire. First to arrive on scene, Battalion-1, advised that he had a two-story, multi-unit apartment building with heavy fire and smoke showing from the second-floor.

Engine-6 arrived moments later and began stretching a oneand-three-quarter inch hand-line up the stairs to the fire apartment while second due Engine-9 laid in

JUMP TO FILE #071017124 from the hydrant one block to the east.

Engine-6 made the fire apartment and began an aggressive interior attack while crews from Ladder-1 and other members began pulling ceilings to access fire that had extended to the cockloft.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down within five min-

utes, and overhaul and salvage operations were commenced while Command made requests for the electric company to secure power and also for the Red Cross to respond for several displaced residents.

There were three residents in the fire building at the time of the fire who all got out safely with assistance from passersby and CCPD officers. No residents or emergency personnel were injured.

- CHARLIE ROBBINS

PROVIDED

Fully Involved Forklift in Daytona Beach CIRONE PHOTOS

Oneco, FL - In June, City of Bradenton Battalion Chief Tim Geer presented his son, Justin Geer, with his Firefighter Certificate during the graduation ceremony at Manatee Technical College Fire Academy.

Daytona Beach, FL - Firefighters from Daytona Beach FD and Volusia County Fire Rescue responded to a local business for a fully involved forklift and passenger car on July 18th. A forklift on the premises had a dead battery, so employees attempted to jump start the forklift using a nearby passenger car. During the process, an explosion was heard and both the forklift and vehicle caught fire quickly, becoming fully involved. Firefighters worked under dangerous conditions as the forklift and car were right next to a diesel tank carrying approximately 500-gallons of fuel.

PAGE 24

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Plane Crashes on Cape Coral Street, Causes Citywide Power Outage Cape Coral, FL - At 9:30 A.M. on July 7th, City of Cape Coral 911 began receiving calls reporting a plane flying low with no engine in the southend of the city, and subsequent callers began reporting a small plane had crashed in the roadway after striking power lines on Miramar Street, JUMP TO FILE# just west of Del 070717113 Prado Boulevard South.

Multiple fire and EMS units were dispatched. First arriving fire personnel reported that they had a Cesna 172 down on Miramar Street and that the pilot, the only sole onboard, was out of the wreckage and complaining of minor injuries.

While Lee County EMS paramedics treated and transported the pilot to Lee Memorial Hospital, firefighters from Cape Coral Fire Rescue Ladder 1, along with Engines 1 and 3, inspected the plane for hazards and spread a foam blanket for any fuel that may have leaked.

Approximately 1800 residents and businesses were without power for several hours due to the downed power lines. All power was restored by 1:00 P.M. - CHARLIE ROBBINS

The Cesna 172 is mangled after striking power lines and crashing onto Miramar Street.

CHARLIE ROBBINS

ONE DAY INSTALLATION! LIFETIME WARRANTY Cannot Crack or Fail EVER!

8:00 AM

5:00 PM SAME DAY

DON’T BE FOOLED BY SUPRATILE IMITATIONS NYPD EMS IN BRONX

Priced Comparable to Epoxy Goes Right Over Your Old Floor

ARMOR-TUFF FLOORS, DIVISION OF ARMORPOXY sales@armor-tuff.com • www.armor-tuff.com • 855-72FLOOR

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

Your Personal Size-Up STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

Most of us are familiar with the term “size-up," including what it is and how it aids in analyzing and bringing to termination a safe and effective emergency response.

Coupled with any pre-plans and SOP’s, it enables one to readily plan strategies and carry out tactics in order to accomplish specific goals in a safe manner.

The goals may include rescue, confinement, extinguishments, extrications, hazmat mitigation, medical intervention and transport, and whatever type of emergency to which we have responded. Included in our size-up are Scene Safety and Risk Evaluation, primary concerns of the Incident Commander and Company Officers. What about you, do you leave size-up to the IC and officers?

You shouldn’t, you should be just as diligent in doing your own personal size-up as your officers are in doing their overall size-up.

Just maybe you will spot and report on something that may have been missed or has changed. Remember, the scene of most emergencies is dynamic and complicated with change, especially in the early stages. Many heads work better than one! More importantly, your own size-up doesn’t have to be as broad based as the IC’s, but it is just as important to your safety and the safety of other firefighters, as well as EMS personnel on scene.

Your personal size-up should be carried out each time you respond to an emergency. The brief time it takes to engage one's personal computer and visual recording equipment, our brain and eyes; much information can be garnered that will improve one's personal safety and help keep you out of harms way. The brain, upon receipt of the alarm, begins to process all of the information that it has stored on the specific location and/or type of incident.

Included also will be “real time” information, such as time of day, day of week, weather conditions, response route, traffic conditions and any known response hazards. All should be taken into account and adjustments should be made in order to complete a safe response to the incident scene.

Once on scene, the eyes should scan the entire area, taking in the “Big Picture;" now is not the time for tunnel vision. (In the emergency service business, there is never time for “Tunnel Vision”.)

If it is a fire situation, where does the fire appear to be located? What floor, or area is it in? Are there alternate escape routes for you, such as fire escapes, porches, adjoining buildings or roofs, should you need them for a hasty exit. What way is the wind blowing? No, you don’t have to wet a finger or throw grass in the air; just look at the travel direction of the smoke.

Wind direction is important, as it will push smoke, flames and heat.

If ordered to ventilate, you want the wind at your back and to be working back into the wind in order to safely complete your assignment.

If the fire is in a private residence, what type of house is it?

Ranch, split or high ranch, salt box, modern contemporary, Cape Cod, or Queen Anne? Once you decide on the style of the house, the layout for that style house will almost always be the same, one that you will be familiar with. You know a lot about the layout of the various styles of houses if you take a second or two to recall the common layouts.

Most houses are divided into two sections, living quarters and sleeping quarters. If it's 3:00 A.M. in the morning and search and rescue has to be completed, the bedrooms should be the most likely area to begin the search. Therefore, knowing where the bedrooms are improves chances for a successful search and save, while increasing one's own personal safety.

If conditions deteriorate and you have to make a speedy retreat or bailout, it is comforting to know there is a deck, porch, garage roof, or other readily accessible safe escape routes just outside this window or that door; something you may not have known if you hadn’t done a personal size-up.

Your on scene size-up should include being alert for any changes in the immediate area where you are operating. Are fire conditions changing, such as color and intensity of smoke, flames, heat? Is there fire in an area where there was no fire upon arrival? Are the changes for the better, or for the worse? Have there been any changes structurally in the area where you are operating, such as sudden cracks in walls appearing, or partial ceiling, wall or other form of interior collapse?

Any of the aforementioned will require immediate notification to the IC and reevaluation by you or your immediate officer as to whether to withdraw or relocate to a safe position. Remember, the fire is dynamic; what was may not be any longer, therefore there is a constant need for size-up, caution and staying alert to the situation.

When in doubt, get out!

To be continued...

Visit 1st Responder on the Web at

www.1RBN.com

FLORIDA

BAYNEWS9

July 4th Fire Destroys Pinellas Park Pavilion Pinellas Park, FL – A popular playground in Pinellas Park was the scene of a late night fire on July 4th that destroyed a picnic pavilion and severely damaged its neighboring playground equipment.

Reports of a fire in Pinebrook Park at 7202 118th Avenue started coming in to 911 around 10:15 P.M. Multiple units from Pinellas Park, along with an engine unit from Largo Fire, arrived on scene within minutes to find the pavilion and playground equipment fully involved.

Pinellas Park Truck-33 established a water supply while Pinellas Park Engine-34 pulled a courtyard lay and initiated a fire attack on the west side of the structure. Pinellas Park Truck-35 and Largo Engine-38

JUMP TO FILE #070617104 attacked the fire from the east side.

After knocking down several hot spots, the fire was fully extinguished at 10:39 P.M. No injuries were reported.

Though the information could not be confirmed, statements made to investigators indicated that a group of people were setting off fireworks in the park and fled the area when the fire started. An investigation of the fire scene revealed large amounts of used fireworks in and around a garbage can located under the pavilion. The garbage can had burned down to within fourinches of the ground.

The Pinellas Park fire report lists the fire as unintentional. Pinellas Park Police do not consider this to be a criminal case and will not be pursuing charges. City workers have dismantled what remained of the pavilion and the playground, but there is no word yet on a timeframe for replacement. Rough estimates to replace the playground and pavilion are between $130,000 and $150,000.

The five-acre park is located across from the Pinebrook Estates subdivision and offers amenities such as lighted tennis, racquetball and multi-purpose courts, playground equipment, and picnic pavilions with picnic tables and grills.

- SUZANNE BOISVERT

CIRONE PHOTOS

Bad Exhaust Fan in Cedar Hammock Causes Fire

Cedar Hammock, FL - As temperatures hit the mid-90's on July 12th, with a real-feel of 106-degrees, air conditioners and fans were working overtime. A call from Super Auto at 5805 14th Street West reporting smoke in their used auto offices brought Cedar Hammock and Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue to the scene. On arrival, smoke was coming from side "C" in the attic area. Units found an attic fan that may have malfunctioned, catching fire with minor extension.

Crews quickly cut the power and extinguished the fire. Fire Marshals and the building department were called to the scene.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

SASHA STATON

Firefighters Borrow Jet Skis to Rescue Bridge Jumper Daytona Beach, FL - On July 12th, Daytona Beach firefighters responded to a local bridge where a man had jumped from the tallest point, approximately 65-feet, in attempts to commit suicide. When firefighters arrived, the victim was in the middle of the river. Firefighters borrowed two jet skis from a jet ski rental business to get to the middle of the river to rescue the male. When they approached him, he began to swim away, not wanting to be helped. As he began to struggle in the water, firefighters were able to retrieve him and place him on board of one of the jet skis. The male lost consciousness several times while firefighters were bringing him back to shore. The male admitted to firefighters that he was attempting to end his life. He was transported to the hospital for injuries. The next week, Daytona Beach firefighters went back to the jet ski rental business to recognize one of its employees for assisting firefighters by providing the jet skis for them to use for the rescue.

APPARATUS FOR SALE

The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Uniondale Fire District will accept sealed Bids until 2:00 pm, June 19, 2017, for the sale of one (1) Red 2005 International Ambulance. Add’l detailed info can be obtained. At 3pm, June 19, 2017, bid(s) will be opened and publicly read aloud. Vehicle is to be sold “as is”. The minimum accepted bid for the vehicle is $35,000 w/ firematic pkg.

Sealed bid(s) may be delivered in person to District Office M-F 9:00a-5:00p at 501 Uniondale Ave., 2nd Floor, Uniondale, NY 11553. Sealed bid(s) must be marked “Bid for 2005 International Ambulance”. Sealed bid(s) must be accompanied with a check in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid price submitted or the bid will not be accepted. Contact District Secretary at (516) 481-8411 8:30a-5:00p M-F. The final sale payment is to be by certified or bank check. The Uniondale Fire District reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Firefighters hosting the first ever "Fries with a Firefighter" event.

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach FD Creates and Hosts “Fries with a Firefighter” Event Daytona Beach, FL - The Daytona Beach Fire Department created and hosted a community event recently called "Fries with a Firefighter". The event is the department's spin on "Coffee with a Cop".

UMP TO FILE# On July 6th, J071717110 Daytona Beach firefighters welcomed citizens and visitors of Daytona Beach to come to a local McDonald's and share some french fries with them. This was a great opportunity for members of the department to engage the community and for residents of the city to meet their local firefighters.

All ages attended the event where they were able to speak to firefighters one on one, learn about fire safety, and have some fun. There was a Hands Only CPR station, a kids corner, and many items for citizens to leave with, teaching them about fire safety. Due to the success of the event, the Daytona Beach Fire Department plans to host another "Fries with a Firefighter" event during Fire Prevention Week in October.

- SASHA STATON

SASHA STATON

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

No Hose Engine Exhaust Removal Industry’s most effective and hands free exhaust removal

SEE US AT FIREHOUSE EXPO IN NASHVILLE BOOTH #425

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Fully automatic • Self contained • No hoses • Vertical or Horizontal Airflow • Address the entire apparatus area • Meet current NFPA 1500/Fema accepted/GSA • Complete system-address both gasses and particulate • 100% effective for a clean & safe environment

CONTACT US FOR A FREE PROPOSAL!

www.airvac911.com

Phone: 800-540-7264 • Email: sales@airvacuumcorporation.com

PAGE 29

PAGE 30

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Chief Attains Executive Fire Officer Designation

POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Baby Osprey Rescued by Polk County Firefighters Bartow, FL - A baby osprey that fell from its perch was returned to its nest by Polk County Fire Rescue firefighters on June 13th. Firefighters were told that the juvenile fell from the nest a couple days earlier. Residents who live in Indian Lake Estates were monitoring its progress, but the bird wasn’t old enough to fly and needed to be returned to its perch. The residents then asked the firefighters at Indian Lake Estates Station-960 to assist. Captain Paul Shannon, Engineer Keith Jenkins and Firefighter Tyler Rucker used a bucket truck provided by the Indian Lake Estates homeowners association to reunite the bird to its home. As crews pulled away, the osprey’s parents flew over to check on the juvenile.

Coral Springs, FL - The City of Coral Springs Commission and City Staff recognized Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Fire Chief Frank Babinec in June for attaining the United JUMP TO FILE# States Fire Admin- 062817104 istration/National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Office Designation.

The Executive Fire Officer Program is a 4-year grant funded program that is an initiative of the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy, delivered at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The Executive Fire Officer Program provides senior officers and others in key leadership roles, with an understanding of the need to transform fire, emergency medical and emergency services organizations from being reactive to proactive and to reflect the diversity of America's communities. Executive Fire Officer Program participants enhance their professional development through a unique series of four graduate level courses (each two weeks long) and completion of four Applied Research Projects (6 months to complete) that relate to their organization.

Chief Babinec said, “The program required tremendous support from the city, the fire department and my family. I would like to say thank to the commission and city administration for allowing my participation, the department for covering me while at the academy, and my family, for not only supporting me in this very important accomplishment, but also the continued support they have provided me throughout my career”.

Chief Babinec joins the ranks of a small group of fire chiefs from across the nation who hold this Executive Fire Officer designation. The EFO program has had 3,901 graduates over a 31-year period. Currently, the International Association of Fire Chiefs has only 1,198 EFO designated professionals in their entire organization. The members of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department are proud of Chief Babinec’s accomplishments.

Chief Babinec will use the knowledge gained from this program to better the services in which we provide to our residents and visitors.

- MICHAEL MOSER

www.1rbn.com

CORAL SPRINGS COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Chief Frank Babinec.

APPARATUS FOR SALE

PL Custom Stock Units Available for Immediate Delivery PL Custom has a number of stock ambulances available for immediate delivery. We have Type I ambulances on Ford F450 and Dodge 4500 4x4 chassis and Type III ambulances on Ford E450 chassis. We participate in the H-GAC co-op purchasing program.

For more information, find your local dealer at www.plcustom.com or email us at info@plcustom.com.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

August, 2017

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

August, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE