1st Responder Southeast December Edition

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DECEMBER, 2015

LARGO ACCIDENT SENDS TWO TO TRAUMA CENTER

TERRY TOKARZ

FL - Just after 11 a.m. on October 26th, Largo Fire Rescue and Clearwater Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle accident involving three vehicles, including a rollover. Two occupants, in the vehicle that rolled over, were transported to the Bayfront Medical Center for treatment.

- See full story on page 32

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

ELBA VFD

ROGERSVILLE VFD

Possible drowning for Elba On November 7th, at approximately 4:10 p.m., the Elba Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Highway 189 North in the Hudson Store Community to assist Coffee County EMS at the scene of a possible drowning.

Units arrived on scene to find Coffee County EMS on scene with two drowning patients. Paramedics/EMTs from Elba Fire went to work on the male patient while CCEMS and Elba Fire worked diligently on the female patient.

Other arriving Elba Fire units then secured a landing zone for the

JUMP TO FILE #112015129 incoming air ambulances. It was discovered that the male patient was sucked through a pond drain pipe and discharged out of the pipe on the back side of the pond dam.

The female patient became distressed while trying to rescue the male patient. The female patient was airlifted by Haynes LifeFlight 2 in critical condition. The male patient was packaged,

treated, and then transported by Wiregrass LifeFlight in serious, but stable condition with traumatic injuries.

Elba PD, CCEMS, Elba Fire, Coffee County S.O., Kinston PD, Zion Chapel FD, Haynes LifeFlight 2, and Wiregrass LifeFlight responded to the scene and worked together flawlessly.

A huge thank you to our dispatchers at Elba PD for handling all of the communications throughout the incident.

- ELBA VFD

Tractor trailer versus passenger car

ROGERSVILLE VFD

Trunk or Treat event Rogersville firefighters hosted their 2015 Trunk or Treat Event as sponsored by the Rogersville Kiwanis Club. It was estimated that over 1,000 people attended the event this past in Rogersville. A huge thanks to the Town of Rogersville and Mayor Richard Herston for their help. A special thank you to all the businesses and civic organizations that participated.

On October 27th, at approximately 5:45 a.m., Elba Fire units were dispatched to Highway 84 at Highway 141 for a two vehicle MVA, tractor trailer vserJUMP TO FILE# sus passenger car.

Units arrived to 112015130 find one passenger car in the median with heavy damage, two patients, minor injuries and no entrapment along with one tractor, which was jack-knifed in the wood line with heavy damage and the driver uninjured.

Units assisted Coffee County EMS, secured both vehicles, then stood by while Alabama State Troopers, State DOT, and Coffee County EMA responded. Elba Police and Coffee County Deputies handled traffic control.

An environmental hazardous materials team responded and secured the fuel in the tractor along with cleaning up the spilled fuel.

All units returned to service several hours later.

- ELBA VFD

ELBA VFD

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December, 2015

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December, 2015

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GEORGIA

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 16 No. 12 - 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.

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MICHAEL BLACK

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.

MICHAEL BLACK

Twenty two year old woman survives submerged vehicle accident On Tuesday, October 27, 2015, Kayla Jenkins of Jackson, Georgia was traveling on unfamiliar roads when her vehicle left the roadway.

Her vehicle plunged 50 feet off the road and into Swan Lake off of Lakeshore Drive in Stockbridge, Georgia.

Kayla found herself upside down pinned to her seat by the seatbelt, with the roof of her car submerged in water and mud.

The Henry County Fire Department received the call for assistance and responded from the closest location at 792 Flat Rock Road. Station 11 took the call and is the location of Squad 11, which is the fire department’s technical rescue team covering North Henry County.

Units arrived in minutes and quickly went to work to free Jenkins from the vehicle. Crews entered the water without hesitation, bringing with them their heavy rescue tools. Despite the mud, water, and zero visibility below the surface, crews were able to pry open the ve-

JUMP TO FILE #110215113 hicle doors not knowing what they would find inside. Jenkins was alive, but struggling to breathe.

She later told the paramedics, “I panicked but was able to use the light of my cell phone to disconnect my seatbelt.” She also described to crews how she managed to crawl to the back and find a small air pocket located on the floor board; which was now the only space above the water level.

Henry County paramedics transported Jenkins to Atlanta Medical Center where she was treated for having water in her lungs.

Miraculously, she suffered no serious injuries and has reached out to her rescuers to thank them for their quick actions which saved her life. A reunion is in the works after she has made a full recovery.

- MICHAEL BLACK

As October Fire Safety Month comes to an end, Energizer and the IAFC reminds everyone to “Change Your Clock Change Your Battery.”® November 1, 2015 marks the date when everyone sets their clocks back one hour. This also marks the date when everyone is encouraged to change the batteries in all their smoke alarms.

This year the Henry County Fire Department attempted to go viral with the message by encouraging Facebook followers to help spread the word. Department personnel and Facebook followers were asked to take a ‘Selfie’ while changing their smoke alarm batteries, and share it on Facebook.

“We decided to try something

JUMP TO FILE #110415108 different this year,” stated Captain Michael Black. “I have never seen a selfie smoke alarm blitz.”

Efforts were made to show the public that firefighters practice what they preach, and to help get the word out to the thousands of Facebook followers. A recent unrelated post made by the fire department generated over fifty thousand views.

Captain Black stated, “This is a perfect way for the department to stand together, and show others they too can help save a life.”

- MICHAEL BLACK

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December, 2015

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December, 2015

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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

Missouri: Larry J. Leggio, 43 Rank: Fire Apparatus Operator Incident Date: October 12, 2015 Death Date: October 12, 2015 Fire Department: Kansas City (Missouri) Fire Department Missouri: John V. Mesh, 39 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 12, 2015 Death Date: October 12, 2015 Fire Department: Kansas City (Missouri) Fire Department

Initial Summary: Fire Apparatus Operator Larry J. Leggio and Firefighter John V. Mesh died from injuries sustained in a structural collapse while working at the scene of an apartment building fire.

Multiple units were dispatched at 1927hrs on initial calls that indicated fire visible from the structure; additional units were dispatched as the incident escalated, with a full second alarm requested shortly after arrival. Tactical assignments were made, including establishing a Rapid Intervention Team, and crews began operating to effect fire suppression and occupant rescue, rescuing multiple occupants by ladder prior to deteriorating conditions and forcing a shift to defensive operations. Evacuation was ordered at 1952hrs. At approximately 2007hrs, a collapse was reported on the east side of the building. Two MAYDAY calls were received from the collapse area, indicating firefighters in urgent distress; four firefighters were reported trapped by the collapse. The Rapid Intervention Team witnessed the collapse and held their ground for no more than 10 seconds until Command ordered them to effect the rescue. They located, uncovered and removed several firefighters from the immediate area.

The first ambulance transporting a firefighter departed the scene at approximately 2013hrs, arriving at Truman Medical Center (TMC) approximately five minutes later. A second emergency transport left the scene at approximately 2021hrs with arrival at TMC five minutes following. Both those firefighters, Fire Apparatus Operator Leggio and Firefighter Mesh, were pronounced dead at the hospital after paramedics, nurses and doctors had attempted to revive them. A third firefighter was transported to University of Kansas Medical Center at 2023hrs and a fourth transported non-emergency to St Luke’s at approximately 2027hrs; their condition is still to be reported.

The cause of the fatal fire is being investigated by local, state, and federal authorities.

Tennessee: Antonio Smith, 46 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: October 6, 2015 Death Date: October 7, 2015 Fire Department: Memphis Fire Department Initial Summary: Fewer than 24 hours after responding to an emergency call with the Memphis Fire Department, Fire Lieutenant Smith was found deceased near his residence inside of his personal vehicle. The nature and cause of Lieutenant Smith's fatal injury are still to be reported.

Ohio: Charles “Chuck” Horning, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 13, 2015 Death Date: October 13, 2015 Fire Department: Townsend Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Captain Horning was found deceased, slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle, approximately eight hours after responding to a fire call with his fire department. The nature and cause of the fatal injury is still to be determined.

New Jersey: Gerald "Bear" Celecki, 70 Rank: Fire Police Officer Incident Date: October 14, 2015 Death Date: October 14, 2015 Fire Department: South Amboy Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Police Officer Celecki collapsed while directing traffic at an emergency incident. Celecki, who was also chief of the Middlesex County Fire Police, was treated on-scene by fellow responders and transported to the hospital but succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Texas: Larry O'Neil , 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 25, 2015 Death Date: October 25, 2015 Fire Department: Lone Camp Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter O'Neil was responding to an emergency medical call in a fire department vehicle and had just arrived on-scene when fellow responders noticed that he had become ill. Firefighter O’Neil was removed from the vehicle, provided medical assistance, and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of injury still to be reported but thought to be cardiac related.

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GEORGIA

BCES awarded 2015 Fire Prevention Program of the Year

STEPHANIE LEGGETT

Left to Right, GA State Fire Marshal Dewayne Garris, Firefighter Ben Pape, Firefighter/EMT Victoria Pape, Firefighter/Paramedic David McAuley, Fire Inspector Jason Blalock, Chief Freddy Howell, Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens

Bryan County Emergency Services received the 2015 Fire Prevention Program of the Year Award from the Ralph T. Hudgens, State of Georgia Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner.

Members at- JUMP TO FILE # tended a special 110215124 luncheon held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center on October 29th.

The award celebrated the achievements by the department through educational and entertaining shows put on by employees and volunteers.

BCES employees applied for, and were awarded, grant money from Georgia Power, Coastal Electric and Canoochee Electric which allowed them to purchase a Sparky the Fire Dog costume, puppets and build a puppet stage like a fire truck.

Throughout the past two years BCES has been traveling to all the schools teaching fire and life safety

messages with this program.

Also, during October's fire prevention month, a coloring sheet was distributed to all local children.

Once the sheet was colored it could be redeemed at businesses for a free ice cream cone.

BCES also spread the fire prevention message with the help of Deano's Pizza in Pembroke, That's Italian and Papa's Pizza in Richmond Hill. Every pizza purchased had a fire prevention flyer taped to the box with a reminder about smoke alarms and exit plans.

BCES employees work year round at several other fire safety programs and activities but these are just a few that were mentioned in the nomination.

BCES accepts this award on behalf of all citizens who participated in and benefited by these activities, and would like to thank all of the companies who partnered with us and have contributed to the success of this program!

- FREDDY HOWELL

MICHAEL BLACK

Submerged vehicle crash victim reunites with rescue crews A special guest paid a visit to Henry County Fire Station 11 to express her gratitude for their heroic actions.

Kayla Jenkins survived a motor vehicle accident, which nearly took her life, thanks to the rapid response and quick actions of the Henry County Technical Rescue Team.

Miraculously Kayla suffered no serious injuries and immediately began thinking about the firefighters who saved her life.

Kayla stated, “My car was upside down in a lake, and I didn’t think anyone knew or cared.” “I was fearing the worst when a hand

JUMP TO FILE #110615106 reached in and grabbed hold of me.”

The fireman were grateful for her return and greeted her with open arms.

Humbled by the experience each member down played their actions saying, “It’s just part of the job.” Firefighter Nick Smith stated, “It does not happen often, but it’s nice when someone stops by to thank us for what we do each day.” (see article on page 4) - MICHAEL BLACK

JC Tucker and family

DONNA ALLEN

BCES honors founding member on 90th Birthday Family, friends and the members of the Bryan County Emergency Services gathered at the Blichton Volunteer Fire Station in the Northwest community in Bryan County to celebrate one of the founding members on his 90th birthday. Mr. J.C. Tucker, a lifelong resident of the Blichton community in Bryan County, still is an active volunteer firefighter and has been a mentor to many.

Back in the 1960’s or early 1970’s, the Ogeechee restaurant in the community caught fire and a man knocked on Mr. JC Tucker’s front door and asked for help. Mr. JC Tucker got up and ran to help put out the fire.

The community didn’t have a fire station and the closest one was in Pembroke. The restaurant completely burned down. After which,

JUMP TO FILE #110215125 Mr. JC Tucker and some more members went to the Bryan County Commissioners to ask for money to form a fire department. The Bryan County commissioner helped purchase a fire truck and Mr. Tucker and the other members raised money through fundraisers and built the first fire station. Some 43 years later at the age of 90, Mr. JC. Tucker is still active with Bryan County Emergency Services.

Chief Howell, spoke briefly at the birthday party saying what an honor and privilege it is to celebrate Jasper C (JC) Tucker’s 90th birthday. He mentioned if you will look around, you can see the fruits of Mr. Tucker's labor and you can read

about some of his accomplishments on some of the plaques and words on them that describe him such as: Community servant, Loyal volunteer, Determined, Dedication, Dependable/ Mr. JC Tucker was named the 2002 fireman of the year and in 2006 he received the chief’s award.

Brunswick Deputy Chief Jerry Allen said one man who cares makes a difference and Mr. JC tucker has made a huge difference.

On behalf of the Bryan County Commissioner, Bryan County Emergency Services employees and volunteers ,Chief Howell presented Mr. JC Tucker the Golden Axe for his 43 years of service on his 90th birthday. The plaque holding the axe was built by the BCES employees and volunteers.

- FREDDY HOWELL

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GEORGIA

Cherokee County firefighters asked to assist Pickens County with structure fire Pickens County, GA. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services received a call on the morning of November 23rd, just shortly after 9:30 a.m., for assistance with a structure fire in Pickens County.

Engine 15, from the Mica Fire Station, responded to the fire at 285 Lawson Federal Drive, off Yellow Creek Road.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. The four occupants of the house were able to get out without any injuries.

According to Pickens County Fire Marshal, Curtis Clark, the family was using a kerosene heater

JUMP TO FILE #112315112 in one of the rooms.

One of the occupants smelled smoke and opened the door to find flames inside the room.

The center section of the home was destroyed while the other portions received smoke and water damage.

Portions of the Lawson Federal Drive were blocked until the operation was complete.

- TIM CAVENDER

TIM CAVENDER

1st Place Fire Safety Essay Winner Brendan Carroll – 10th grade Woodland High School MICHAEL BLACK

MICHAEL BLACK

Henry County hosts fire and emergency services instructor workshop Friday, October 23, 2015, the fire department’s training division led by Division Chief Ike McConnell, played host to the Metro Atlanta Training Officers Section.

MATO is a section of the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association.

The semi-annual instructor’s seminar featured guest speakers and a lunch and learn session covering

JUMP TO FILE #102715108 topics such as Out-of-Hospital Arrest Survival, Photography for the Fire Service, and The Company Officer as an Instructor. State agency updates were also presented by the Office of Emergency Medical Serv-

ices, the Georgia Fire Academy and Georgia Public Safety Training Center. Metro fire department training officers, company officers, and lead agencies filled the auditorium sharing one common goal – to enhance delivery, development, and design of training programs.

- MICHAEL BLACK

Students honored for fire safety achievement On Thursday, October 29, 2015, The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner held the 23rd Annual Life, Fire & Safety Awards Luncheon at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia. Winners of the statewide Fire Safety Contest were recognized for their outstanding achievements in essay writing and artwork. Fire Chief Bill Lacy was in attendance to congratulate the winners from Henry County, who were present for the ceremony.

“These students are incredibly creative,” said Chief Lacy. “They took

JUMP TO FILE #110515119 a very serious topic, fire safety, and presented it in innovative ways.”

Henry County Schools had a total of five students selected to receive awards. Winning artwork and essays will be displayed on the fire department’s web page at www.co.henry.ga.us/Fire/FirePreventionWeek.shtml. Congratulations to all winners!

- MICHAEL BLACK

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December, 2015

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TENNESSEE

Murfreesboro responds to early morning fire

Take the “pressure” off!

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

On the heels of Halloween and Thanksgiving and the busy holiday season fast approaching, many of us are soon to abandon our regular exercise routine. Unfortunately, in many cases fitness routines are replaced with poor eating patterns laden with sugar, salt, cholesterol and fat. Less exercise and increased food consumption is a double whammy!

Many of us are well schooled in the danger of consuming excessive amounts of high fat food. Although it is important to limit the amount of fat you consume, many of us are unaware of the negative effects a diet high in sugar and salt can have on our weight and our health. One such negative effect is high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure has long been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and more.

Before you trade in your exercise program for a holiday season of poor eating, consider the long term consequences.

A recent client presented as overweight, and newly diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension). His physician not only recommended weight loss, but also wanted to prescribe multiple medications. Since this was a recent diagnosis (which did not present at a doctor’s visit in previous months) the physician agreed to give the client an opportunity to manage his blood pressure on his own. (Please note,

this decision can only be made by a physician and is dependent on the severity of the hypertension and condition of the individual.)

Although it is possible to wean off medication as blood pressure is managed over time, in many cases blood pressure medication continues long term and sometimes lifelong.

My client (Bob) wanted to avoid medication if possible, so he set out to manage his blood pressure naturally. The physician cleared him for mild to moderate exercise (based upon the individual), and sent him on his way with an appointment to return in three weeks for reevaluation.

Upon first interview with Bob, I learned that a typical breakfast for him was a sugared cereal and a glass of chocolate milk. Lunch (since he was on the go) was typically pizza, a hot dog or sometimes a soup and sandwich. Additionally, on average there were two to three glasses of iced tea or other soft drink per day.

Snacks were often chips, pretzels and an occasional candy bar. Dinner, was much better, a lean meat – starch and a vegetable. Alcohol consumption was occasional.

Since, bodyweight, as well as sodium, caffeine and alcohol consumption (and of course saturated fat and cholesterol) all significantly affect blood pressure, Bob’s daily food/beverage choices seemed the best place to start. Along with a mild exercise program, Bob agreed to make some dietary changes. A dietician can be of significant benefit, so after checking with one, here is what we managed to workout.

The sugary cereal at breakfast was replaced with shredded wheat or oatmeal (read the label, zero sugar

ASHLEY MCDONALD

Murfreesboro, TN-- Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department's Ladders 6 and 7, Rescues 7 and 8, and Engine 4 responded to a fire at Bridget Drive and Chanda Lane (1707 Bridget Drive) just after 1:00 Wednesday morning, November 4th.

When crews arrived on scene, they found a fully involved two story residence.

Crews began exterior fire tactics after discovering that there were no victims inside.

According to Shift Commander Daryl Alexander, crews used the aerial on Ladder 6 to knock down the bulk of the fire, but three handlines were also in action. "We arrived to heavy flames exiting the structure," said Alexander, "but crews were able to get the fire under control quickly."

Once it was safe, firefighters entered the structure to begin interior operations and extinguish any hotspots.

No injuries were associated

zero sodium). Bob added a ½ of a banana and ¼ cup of (raw, unsalted) almonds. The chocolate milk had to go (sugar and caffeine). Instead, he had a cup of decaf coffee with just a splash of flavored creamer (less than 1 gm saturated fat, zero sodium, zero cholesterol and 2.5 gms sugar). He also added a multi-vitamin daily.

His mid morning snack was an orange. Lunch was more typically grilled chicken or turkey on light bread (sodium is only 70mg/slice as opposed to most breads which contained closer to 200mgs/slice). The bread didn’t seem to taste much different, was really just a bit thinner than most, which probably accounted for the lower calories and sodium content.

Later day snacks were unsalted popcorn or ¼ a cup almonds. Dinner remained pretty much the same. He paid more attention to portion sizes and avoided prepackaged foods or canned vegetables since they are all loaded with sodium. Evening Snack was a “Healthy Choice” brand fudge bar. Please note these are merely a few examples of what worked for him. His diet contained a wide variety of foods. Your dietary choices should be tailored to your needs.

Bob originally thought soup and salad was a healthy meal, but the labels show most canned soups contain over 600 mgs of sodium in just one serving. Many of the salad dressings are high in fat and contain 350700mgs of sodium in just two tablespoons. That doesn’t leave room for much else if you are looking to stay between 1500 and 2300mgs of sodium per day. (see the DASH eating plan, a dietary plan for reducing blood pressure at http://dashdiet.org/default.asp) The sugary soft drinks had to go.

Bob now drinks plenty of water and naturally flavored seltzer. An occasional soft drink can be tolerated, but

consuming two, three and sometimes four per day had him exceeding recommended sugar levels.

Exercise, was four days per week for 30 minutes. Considering hypertension, workouts were mostly cardiovascular in nature. We avoided overhead lifting, used light weights and did lots of circuit training.

After three weeks Bob dropped ten lbs. I know we typically recommend a weight loss of only two lbs per week, but calculations showed that Bob had dropped more than four lbs of water (as per measured on a bioelectrical impedance scale) and a little more that five lbs of fat. That had him well within recommended levels. His high sodium diet had him retaining a great deal of water and reducing his sodium intake released a good amount of water.

He returned to the doctor and his blood pressure had dropped enough for the Dr. to grant him a few more weeks of self management. (Remember, the physician, and only the physician can safely make this determination.) After three additional weeks, Bob dropped another seven lbs (for a total of 17 lbs). His blood pressure was within normal range and the physician deemed no medication necessary at this time.

Bob had been consuming far too much sugar, which was keeping extra weight on him. His sodium content had him retaining far too much water.

Originally, the Dr. would have prescribed a diuretic along with an antihypertension medication, but Bob’s weight loss brought him success on all counts.

Presently, as this holiday season approaches, he continues to lose weight, at a somewhat slower rate.

Bob will check in with the dietician for further recommendations and eventually some maintenance advice.

His blood pressure and weight are within healthy ranges. He is still

JUMP TO FILE #110415100 with this incident.

The home is believed to be abandoned and MFRD's Fire Marshal's Office has been called to the scene to investigate.

Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department officials say the early morning house fire at 1707 Bridget Drive Wednesday appears accidental.

Assistant Fire Marshal Carl Peas said the fire started in the floor/ceiling area of the master bathroom of the two story home, around the vent fan and light.

“There were conflicting reports that suggested the fire was suspicious due to the property being vacant,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Carl Peas. “However, we determined that the fire was not intentionally set.”

- ASHLEY MCDONALD

medication “free”. He continues to exercise, and we constructed a plan to fit his holiday schedule. As of our last workout, he reports that he is not going hungry and is not feeling deprived at all. By reading the labels, he has been able to make better choices and avoid unnecessary food traps. He has worked some of his favorite, and less healthy food choices into the mix, but has limited portions and also managed to find tasty satisfying versions.

Next time you are in the food store, pick up a few of your favorite foods and read the label. Check the fats, and saturated fats. Compare the sodium and sugar levels. Not only will you be surprised how high some of them are, I bet you will also notice a significant difference in many brands of the same product. Be sure to pay close attention to serving size as often they are much smaller than we think.

For more information on label reading go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm For more information on daily sugar intake go to: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Ne wsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm4 55837.htm For more information regarding sodium intake go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm315393.htm For further information on reducing blood pressure through nutrition go to: http://dashdiet.org/default.asp for the “DASH” diet I referred to earlier.

Get your holiday exercise plan in place and by January you can be enjoying a Happy Healthy New Year!

More than ever, a physician’s approval is the place to start.

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December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

AMY MAXWELL

Hamilton County EMA Director, Tony Reavley, addresses the media on getting prepared before winter weather arrives in the Chattanooga area.

Hamilton Co. EMA partners with Electric Power board on winter weather preparedness Get your personal copy of

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Hamilton County Emergency Management and Electric Power Board (EPB) held a press conference at the Emergency Operations Center to speak about winter weather preparedness.

Here is some of the information that they addressed: As we approach the winter season, it is important for the citizens of Hamilton JUMP TO FILE # County to start plan- 111715114 ning ahead for the potential threat of winter weather. To help get ready, Hamilton County Emergency Management and the Electric Power Board (EPB) are joining forces to promote Winter Awareness in November.

EPB representative, Mr. Wendell Boring, shared important information to help customers stay safe and comfortable in their homes in the event of prolonged power outages due to severe weather events.

While the automated smart grid is the community’s first defense against weather-related power outages, fallen trees and downed power lines require labor intensive efforts to restore service. It is during these times when customers should be prepared for the potential loss of service.

Because Tennessee’s winter weather can be difficult to predict and can quickly become severe, we are encouraging the citizens of Hamilton County to begin preparing now before the winter weather sets in our area. Among some of the preparations include: • Creating a family emergency plan and an emergency kit with bot-

tled water and food that can be prepared without cooking in case of a power outage. Kits should include bottled water, canned or dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first aid kit.

• Make sure all heat sources, such as fireplaces, woodstoves and oil heaters function properly. If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and that your generator functions properly. ONLY OPERATE GENERATORS OUTDOORS! • Creating a winter car kit. This includes a blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks, jumper cables, shovel, and sand to give tires traction.

It is also important to people to stay current on weather forecasts and understand the key National Weather Service terms: • Winter Storm Watch: indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-24 hours.

• Winter Storm Warning: indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening.

• Ice Storm Warning: are issued for ice accumulation of a quarterinch or more.

It is never too early to be prepared for winter! By preparing together for winter weather, we can make families safer and our communities stronger. Hamilton County Emergency Management is urging people to check their disaster preparedness plans now, before our community is potentially threatened by freezing temperatures, icy conditions and power outages.

- AMY MAXWELL

Visit our website daily at www.1rbn.com

ASHLEY MCDONALD

MFRD exceeds smoke alarm challenge Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department not only met the challenge from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) to install 100 smoke alarms on Saturday, November 14, but the department far exceeded the goal!

With the assistance of volunteers from the American Red Cross, MFRD installed 195 smoke alarms on as part of the SFMO’s “100 for 100 Challenge.” MFRD was one of ten departments across the state challenged to install 100 smoke alarms in recognition of the 100th year anniversary of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Crews from each MFRD station set out at 9:00 and canvassed

JUMP TO FILE #111715106 several areas of Murfreesboro, going door to door to see if residents needed smoke alarms.

“I am very proud of the efforts our personnel made to ensure that several citizens in Murfreesboro are now equipped with working smoke alarms in their homes,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks.

“We are thankful for the assistance of the Red Cross volunteers and to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of this program.”

- ASHLEY MCDONALD

ASHLEY MCDONALD

MFRD welcomes new firefighter

Murfreesboro, TN—Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department welcomed a new Firefighter this week. Brandon McCullough began orientation Monday. He is a certified Paramedic and has over six years of experience in the fire service. “We are confident that Firefighter McCullough will be a great asset to the MFRD team,” said Chief Mark Foulks. McCullough will begin shift work Thursday, October 8 and will be stationed at Headquarters on Vine Street.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Fire forces evacuation of Kmart A small fire broke out in the Hixson Kmart on October 25th.

The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 3:22 p.m. and responded to 5380 Highway 153 with six fire companies.

Captain Richard Britt with Quint 19 said no fire was visible when the first firefighters arrived, but when they went inside, smoke was building up quickly in the right, front portion of the building, which is used as a printing room.

Battalion Chief Don Bowman, the incident commander, said the entire building was evacuated as firefighters made their way inside.

Chief Bowman said the firefighters made a “good catch” by locating the fire and quickly getting the blaze under control.

The building’s sprinkler system was also a contributing factor in keeping the fire in check until firefighters arrived. The fire dam-

JUMP TO FILE #102615106 age was contained to the printing room. The rest of the store however, had substantial smoke damage. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire will be ruled accidental. Chief Bowman said the fire appears to have originated from one of the printers. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available.

The firefighters set up powerful fans to help ventilate the large building. Employees with Kmart said it may take a day or two to clean up the smoke and water damage.

Chattanooga police, Hamilton County EMS and EPB all provided valuable assistance on the scene.

- BRUCE GARNER

BATTALION CHIEF DON BOWMAN

HCEMS partners with Austria and Slovakia paramedics during recent visit Members of the Austrian Red Cross and the National Emergency Center of Slovakia had the opportunity to shadow the Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) team recently dur- JUMP TO FILE# ing their visit to 111115101 Chattanooga, announced HCEMS Director Ken Wilkerson.

“While all emergency medical services provide quality care and basically the same services for their community, this opportunity provided both the Hamilton County team and the members from Austria and Slovakia a time to share information,” said Director Wilkerson.

Two members of the Austrian Red Cross Burgenland, Mario Promintzer and Sandra Nestlinger, and two members of the National Emergency Center of Slovakia, Michal Derzak and Miriam Hyllova, toured the 911 Center, Erlanger Life Force, Emergency Operations Center, spoke in front of the Chattanooga City Council, met with City of Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and attended a Board of Directors meeting of the American Red Cross SETN. They concluded their week working with HCEMS administration, paramedic supervisors and field EMS crews.

The purpose of their visit is to

Pictured left to right are National Emergency Center of Slovakia Paramedics Miriam Hyllova and Michal Derzak, SETN Red Cross Executive Director Julia Wright, HCEMS Director Ken Wilkerson, Austrian Red Cross Burgenland Paramedics Mario Promintzer and Sandra Nestlinger .

BOB WILLIAMS

learn more about the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee and Emergency Services in our community.

They work in both of these services as paramedics and as emergency dispatchers in their respective countries.

Julia Wright with the American Red Cross SETN served as an Ambassador for the Austrian and Slovakia visitors and worked in conjunction with Bryan College to make this visit possible according to Director Wilkerson.

“This is a rare opportunity,” said Director Wilkerson.

“I know we have a better understanding of the emergency services in both Austria and Slovakia, and I feel our visitors have a better understanding of how our service operates in our community. Overall, this has been a great experience and this sharing of information, improving emergency medical services locally and internationally, is invaluable.”

- AMY MAXWELL

Visit us at www.1rbn.com

BATTALION CHIEF RICK BOATWRIGHT

No injuries in wall collapse

A brick façade broke loose at the GSET – Hindi Temple. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 9:04 a.m. and responded to 7717 Canyon Drive with six fire companies on October 26th. Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said no one was injured by the falling bricks, but a gas meter was hit and damaged, resulting in a gas leak. When firefighters confirmed the gas leak, technicians with the Chattanooga Gas Company were called in and they had the leak shut off in minutes. No one was injured. The city’s building inspection department will be investigating the cause of the wall collapse.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2015

PAGE 17

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

F.O.O.L.S. helping F.O.O.L.S. train

ASHLEY MCDONALD

Front: Sharon Graves, Lisa Eddy, Brandy Herman, Thomas Crawford, Althea Pemsel Back: Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks, James Chavez, Sandy Kovacic, Michael Figura, Jonathan Herman, Carl Markline, Joe Hawkins, Tim Montgomery, Ryan Leiser, Assistant Chief Allen Swader

Thirteen graduate from MFRD’s Citizens Fire Academy Murfreesboro, TN. Thirteen students graduated Tuesday night from the 13th session of the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Citizens Fire Academy.

The students completed a sixweek course in which they participated in activities that MFRD personnel perform on the job. Students donned turnout gear, experienced climbing a 55’ aerial, practiced extrication, conducted a search and rescue using GPS and thermal imaging cameras, and much more.

Graduates of the class were: James Chavez, Thomas Crawford, Lisa Eddy, Michael Figura, Sharon

JUMP TO FILE #102915116 Graves, Joe Hawkins, Brandy Herman, Jonathan Herman, Sandy Kovacic, Ryan Leiser, Carl Markline, Tim Montgomery, and Althea Pemsel.“We welcome these students into our MFRD family with open arms,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks.

“We are glad they enjoyed their experience and hope they will encourage others to apply to the program next year.”

- ASHLEY MCDONALD

Blood & Fire Vendetta ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Blood & Fire: Vendetta By K.M. Bozarth Available from Amazon.com Price: Paperback $15.43 Kindle: $3.43 I read this book, which is soft cover measuring 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches.

It has 24 chapters within 209 pages and is the first of what is to become a series of novels by this author.

The author has been a firefighter since the year 2000 and has worked in volunteer and paid fire departments in Burlington County, New Jersey. This county is New Jersey’s largest in area and spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River, which sepa-

rates the state from Pennsylvania.

The book is fiction, but is based on her personal experiences. Being a female, one can imagine the obstacles she faced within her career working in what for many years was considered a “man’s job.!”

In a very unbiased way, she writes about being treated differently by different individuals in her crew and in the department, particularly by an officer in command of her company.

She is married and her husband has a different public safety type job.

Both go through trying times from the demand of their jobs in which PTSD can become a by product.

For her character, she takes you through station life, training sessions and emergency calls and helps you develop the imagery of being right there in their midst.

It is a good read for both genders, whether you are an emergency service worker or not.

The Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (F.O.O.L.S.) holds training as one of their core passions and encourages their 162 chapters throughout the U.S, JUMP TO FILE# Canada and Belgium 110915121 to pass on the skill and craft of the fire service to their 6,800+ members as well as other fire service members.

The Redneck Riviera F.O.O.L.S. hosted the Middle Tennessee F.O.O.L.S., who delivered two classes this past November 6 and 7, 2015 in Elberta and Perdido Beach, Alabama. On Friday evening a light dinner was provided at the Elberta Volunteer Firefighter’s Hall where Middle Tennessee F.O.O.L.S. Training Trustee, Ret. Lt. John ‘Bones’ Earley, shared his first hand account of ‘Surviving the Worst Day on the Job.’ Lt. Early along with three other Louden County firefighters survived a flashover at Meadowood Court, May 25, 2008.

Through pictures and video, Lt. Earley recounts the timeline of the fateful ordeal and how his training and properly worn personal protective equipment (P.P.E.) saved his life.

Thirty firefighters and family members attended this presentation and gained a greater appreciation for the time invested in training so ‘Everyone Goes Home’ can be more than a saying!

On Saturday, November 7, Perdido Beach Volunteer Fire Department welcomed the Redneck Riviera F.O.O.L.S. as Middle Tennessee F.O.O.L.S. President, Dave Brasells, Treasurer, Gary Hutchinson, and Training Trustee, John ‘Bones’ Earley delivered ‘Down & Dirty Extrication.’

32 firefighters attended the classroom portion while 20 firefighters participated in the hands-on extrication skills scenarios. The classroom portion focused scene safety, scene size-up, P.P.E., basic cribbing, Total Side Removal, Leaving the Windshield attached when removing the roof, and dash lift with spreaders. After the approximately one-hour classroom presentation, three sets of hydraulic tools along with accompanying extrication equipment was set up on the training grounds for three groups to get hands-on experience.

The instructors demonstrated the Total Side Removal to the entire group and then it was time to split up and students worked in two-person teams to try the technique. This technique was chosen as it applies to most extrication needs we face day-to-day and often is quicker than removing one door. It also protects the patient from the weather and gives rescuers uninhibited access to the patient. This is especially beneficial with larger patients.

After a lunch break, the instructors demonstrated minimizing laminated glass dust affecting the

patient and first responder by only cutting the bottom portion of the windshield and leaving it attached when roof removal becomes necessary. The next skill was performing a dash lift using spreaders. The advantage of not swapping the spreaders for rams is saving time, and since you can use the spreaders at a perpendicular angle to the vehicle, the tool is not in the way to remove the patient when the dash lift is complete.

The students were shown how peeling the front quarter panel away and making a relief cut as close to the dash as possible relieves the energy sent to the front bumper when lifting the dash and allows for greater lift of the dash giving more relief to the patient’s leg which are pinned in the pedals/dash making the dash lift technique necessary.

To bring all the techniques to-

gether for the students, a timed completion was presented where two sixperson teams had to remove glass, perform total side removal, roof removal; leaving windshield attached, and then lift the dash. This challenge helped student apply the skills/techniques learned in class while under the pressure of the clock.

Several students commented on how much they appreciated this training opportunity and that they learned new skills and really enjoyed the experience.

The following fire departments were represented by the students in attendance: Elberta Volunteer Fire Department, Perdido Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Orange Beach Fire Department, Prichard Fire Department, Satsuma Fire Department, Fowl River Fire Department.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Highway 58 VFD Ladder Truck extinguishing a house fire.

PJ KELLAM

Highway 58 receives improved fire protection ratings Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) received an improved rating for fire protection services, earning a Class 4/4x Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

ISO rating scale goes from a 1 (exceptional fire protection) to a 10 (recognized as no fire protection).

The rating is based on emergency communications, capabilities on responding to emergency calls and providing water supply. The rating is also determined on structures that are located within five miles of a fire station and 1,000 feet from a water source. This new rating will provide

Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

This time of year, we are so busy running around. We are decorating the station and the fire apparatus for the holidays and getting ready to take Santa around for the children. Then, there is the gathering of your fire company members and a party at the station also.

Oh, we forgot to mention the family. We need to pick up the presents for the children and the rest of the family members and the relatives that we may see once a year.

Then comes the thought of the actual day. Do you dress up? Whose house will you celebrate at? Is it your parents’ house or your spouse’s relatives? Or, do you go to Aunt Jenny’s house or a friend’s house?

Have you thought about the less fortunate? Have you bought them anything? What about the homeless? Do you really know who they are? How many veterans are homeless? Have you decided to work and feed some people? Or bring joy to those who have nobody?

Just look at your members or retired members or those in the firemen’s home or local nursing home.

Have you taken time to be still and just be with God? Maybe it is time to thank God for all the blessings in your life. We forget God said that He will take

JUMP TO FILE #111115104 Highway 58 VFD with a valuable tool when planning, budgeting and justifying fire protection improvements.

The Highway 58 VFD district consists of an area of Ooltewah, Harrison, Birchwood, Georgetown, and Snowhill and protect approximately 110 square miles maintaining five fire stations and a training center.

- AMY MAXWELL

Reflections

care of our needs, not wants, but needs. Have you thanked Him? Yes, I understand that we go through hard times, but did we learn something from that, become stronger or more compassionate?

Have you reflected and truly looked in the face of people who need help? Do you really know if it is God in disguise? Let us remember what the holidays are really about.

Miracles.

For Christians, it is about the miracle of our Savior being born, as a man. For the Jews, it is the miracle of the Hanukkah, which was a miraculous military victory, but a tiny cruse of oil proved more miraculous and enduring in the memory of the Jewish people.

Let us reflect on the miracles that we have seen in the past year. Who lived after a bad car accident or survived a fire, or a fall, that by all means should have been dead?

We do not always notice the hand of God at work around us. I challenge you to do as Psalm 46:10 states and “be still and know that I am God”. He is always here for you, not just when things seem to fall apart.

Kiss your loved ones. Let them know how much they mean to you and keep coming home to them after your calls. Express now to people how much they mean to you. You will also light up their day.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah! Stay safe.

December, 2015

PAGE 19

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December, 2015

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TENNESSEE

BOB WILLIAMS, HCEMS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Pictured from left to right are Paramedics Crystal Johnson Tracie Shannon, and Leah Butcher, V.P. of Memorial Oncology Kathy Dittmar, HCEMS Director Ken Wilkerson, HCEMS Deputy Chief John Combes, Memorial Foundation President Jennifer Nicely Paramedic Patrice Schermerhorn, Lt. Brandy Rogers, Paramedic Vincent Vella, and Lt. Brian Bricker All of the winners of the poster contest posed for a group photo with members of the Fire Prevention Bureau.

BRUCE GARNER

Fire Prevention Week contest winners announced The Chattanooga Fire Department held its annual Fire Prevention Week awards ceremony at the Chattanooga Public Library. Fire Marshal Beau Matlock and Assistant Fire Marshal Chuck Hartung announced the winners of the fire safety poster contest. The winning posters were the ones that best illustrated this year’s fire safety theme, which was “Hear the Beep, Where You Sleep!”

The winners received gift cards from Walmart, and the overall winner (i.e. Best of Show) will have her poster prominently displayed on a billboard for a month. A complete list of the poster contest winners is included below: Individual grade winners Kindergarten–Haelee Harris, St. Nicholas $50 Walmart gift card 1st Grade–Claire Hooper, Berean Academy $50 Walmart gift card 2nd Grade–Rie’Leya Reed, Orchard Knob Elementary

JUMP TO FILE #102615114 $50 Walmart gift card 3rd Grade–Sarah Beth Underwood, Silverdale Baptist Academy $50 Walmart gift card 4th Grade–Mallory Wright, Lookout Valley Elementary $50 Walmart gift card 5th Grade–Ayla Luna, Rivermont Elementary $50 Walmart gift card 6th Grade–Ta’Shayla Hyter, Dalewood Middle $50 Walmart gift card 7th Grade–Renyhia Crutcher, East Lake Academy $50 Walmart gift card 8th Grade–Kiara Butler, Dalewood Middle $50 Walmart gift card 9th Grade–Hailey Nichols, Boyd-Buchanan School $50 Walmart gift card 10th Grade–Jillian Waterhouse,

Boyd-Buchanan School $50 Walmart gift card 11th Grade–Briana Fitch, BoydBuchanan School $50 Walmart gift card 12th Grade–Kelley Lockmiller, Boyd-Buchanan School $50 Walmart gift card Top overall winners: 3rd Place – Jillian White, BoydBuchanan School 9th Grade/$60 Walmart gift card 2nd Place –Carl Joseph Vonnoh IV, Boyd-Buchanan School 9th Grade/$70 Walmart gift card 1st Place –Elizabeth Hoilman, Boyd-Buchanan School 10th Grade/$80 Walmart gift card Best of Show–Mackenna Hood, Boyd-Buchanan School 10th Grade / $100 Walmart gift card and poster displayed on billboard - BRUCE GARNER

HCEMS makes donation to MaryEllen Locher Breast Cancer Center The 139 employees of Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) wore pink shirts as part of the official HCEMS uniform during the month of October in recognition of breast cancer awareness month and in celebration of the life of local television personality MaryEllen Locher, who courageously fought the disease until her death ten years ago and brought awareness of breast cancer to the forefront in the Chattanooga community.

“I am very pleased with the efforts and involvement of the Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services personnel. Hamilton County EMS staff supported the cause by purchasing and wearing the shirts during this successful event.

The HCEMS committee members volunteered their time to help promote this event through local radio and television appearances, as well as delivering each shirt sold to help meet and surpass our goal,” stated Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services Deputy Chief John Combes.

“As a group we wanted to con-

JUMP TO FILE #111115103 tinue to promote awareness of the disease in our community, the efforts being made to help find a cure and to support breast cancer survivors and their families.” said Deputy Chief Combes HCEMS employees purchased the pink shirts to wear during October.

From the sale of the 1070 shirts, Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services recently donated $5,300 to the MaryEllen Locher Cancer to further assist those with breast cancer and their families and to help in finding a cure for this devastating disease.

“It is our goal to provide quality emergency medical care for our community,” said Combes. “This month-long awareness campaign is an effort of our employees to continue to set the standard of care in our area and provide service and assistance to those in need.”

- AMY MAXWELL

Three Hamilton County EMS medics honored After more than eight months following an automobile accident, which resulted in trauma brain injury for accident victim Ashlyn Anderson, she and her family recognized three Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service employees at a luncheon held in their honor.

“They saved my life,” said Ashlyn Anderson. Nineteen year old Ashlyn Anderson was involved in a major automobile accident in February, 2015 and was found unconscious inside her vehicle suffering from head trauma with multiple facial lacerations by Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service crew Paramedic Scobey Newman, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Jamie Jackson and Lieutenant Paramedic Chris Dill.

On the scene, she was quickly assessed and immobilized with spinal precautions along with en-

JUMP TO FILE #111115102 dotracheal intubation for airway management and transported to a local hospital. The three medics’ immediate actions and continued airway management at the scene and during transportation contributed to her recovery and the opportunity to reunite with the three members of HCEMS Staff.

The Anderson family told Ashlyn, the luncheon was a birthday party for her grandmother; however they surprised her by reuniting her with the HCEMS staff that “saved her life.” Held on November 1st, emotions were high as hugs were exchanged by Ashlyn, her family members and the three medics as they talked about her journey from accident to recovery.

“It was just a joy to see her and the EMS personnel today and I’m

just so thankful to them for their actions and the care they gave my daughter that day,” said Ashlyn’s father Jay Anderson. “They gave her the chance to be here today and I am so thankful for them. They were the best (paramedics) at the exact spot at the exact time that they were needed….they were her guardian angels.”

“I have been in this field of work for many years and many times accidents with less trauma than Ashlyn suffered didn’t work out as well, but in this case, it’s nice to see that there was such a positive outcome,” said Paramedic Charles “Scobey” Newman. “It is our goal to provide quality emergency medical care for our community,” said HCEMS Lt. Chris Dill. “This was a real honor to meet Ashlyn and her family and to be acknowledged for doing our jobs.”

- AMY MAXWELL

BOB WILLIAMS, HCEMS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Pictured left are Advanced EMT Jamie Jackson center Paramedic Scobey Newman Lt. Paramedic Chris Dill Center behind patient Ashlyn Anderson.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

Residential sprinklers versus firefighter safety STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

On August 13th, the New York City Council passed legislation that requires the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in pet stores that house animals for 24 hours.

The deadline for compliance is December 2016.

The councilman sponsoring the bill, Councilman Corey Johnson was quoted as saying the sprinklers will save the lives of animals and firefighters who attempt to rescue them.

Contrary to Mr. Johnson’s concerns for firefighters, on August 19, the New York State Codes Council, after extensive lobbying by the construction and realtors association, failed to adopt requiring the installation of residential sprinklers in all new one and two family homes.

The Code will still require residential sprinklers in wood frame construction that exceeds two floors above grade. Needless to say, this was a disappointing defeat for the New York fire service, which had waged its own lobbying campaign in support of the requirement.

Executive Director Jerry DeLuca of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) commented, “I am deeply disappointed that in voting to remove residential sprinklers from the statewide building code, members of the Code Council have chosen to put profit ahead of safety.”

On October 13, the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned the residential sprinkler requirement that required the installation of residential fire sprinklers in all newly constructed homes in excess of 4500 square feet. The Builders Association of the Twin Cities had initiated the appeal of the requirement by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry claiming the 4500 square foot size was an arbitrary figure and unsupported.

The Minnesota Court issued the following statement: “We are mindful today that we are declaring a rule adopted by an administrative agency of the state invalid. We do not do so lightly, but rather thoughtfully and unanimously. Nevertheless, we are bound to apply the law.”

The executive director of the Builders Association of the Twin

Cities also issued a statement: “Safety is the highest priority of Minnesota builders, and we are proud that new homes in Minnesota are among the safest in the nation.

The sprinkler mandate would not have changed that safety record, but it would have made homes more expensive for Minnesota families. The Court’s decision to invalidate the sprinkler rule confirms what the public, legislature, and code experts have overwhelmingly stated all along, the sprinkler mandate is arbitrary and not supported.”

A few key issues in the debate over residential fire sprinklers is the additional cost for purchasing a new home requiring sprinkler installation when most homes require smoke detectors which do an excellent job in alerting the residents to exit the home in a timely and safe manner.

Also, that the older homes will not be required to have sprinkler systems thereby presenting a greater loss of life hazard than the newer constructed homes.

I don’t think so!

The modern constructed homes burn faster and hotter due to contents and materials and the collapse dangers are increased by the use of truss construction in floors and roofs, posing an increased life hazard to firefighting personnel.

The answer to this issue is for firefighters to operate from exterior positions, avoiding any possibility of being trapped in a collapse.

Over the past few years, the concern for firefighter safety has increased due to the economic climate of the nation.

The reductions in staffing in many municipal departments and the decrease in volunteer firefighters could be offset to some degree by the installation of fire sprinklers in the home.

It would seem that with the reduced number of firefighters, there would be a far greater justification for residential sprinklers.

If all the newly constructed homes that have been built over the past 25 years had been required to have residential sprinklers installed, maybe we could face the present economic crisis and firefighter cutbacks feeling a little more secure about the safety of firefighters and the people residing in those homes.

New York City Councilman Corey Johnson was concerned with not only saving lives of animals, but firefighters also.

Till next time stay safe and God Bless!

For additional columns

by Chief Campbell, visit our website at www.1rbn.com

FLORIDA

Firefighter Cremia uses the jaws on the driver's door.

CHARLIE ROBBINS

Lehigh Acres heavy entrapment At 3:22 p.m. on November 8th, Truck 104, Rescue 104 Battalion 100, and Chief Naranjo were dispatched to Lee Boulevard and Joan Avenue North for a vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, Truck 104 advised they had a car wrapped around a tree with a heavily entrapped driver and they were going to work on the driver's side door with the jaws.

JUMP TO FILE #110815103 Chief Naranjo, who was still responding, requested Engine 102 and Rescue 102 to respond as well as Leeflight helicopter due to Truck 104 calling a trauma alert.

The occupant was pinned in by the dashboard and Chief Naranjo

ordered Engine 102 to put their Hurst tool to work on the passenger door and to remove the car's roof.

After a 30 minute extrication, the patient was removed from the wreckage and loaded into Rescue 102 for transport to the landing zone at nearby Lehigh Regional Medical Center.

- CHARLIE ROBBINS

NEW LEGISLATION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES !"#$%&'()*#+$'%)#'%,"!#) $ 4B

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December, 2015

PAGE 23

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

CAPTAIN ALBERT BORROTO

Firefighters respond to vehicle fire at local elementary school

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station 33 responded to a vehicle fire near Pine Jog Elementary School on Summit Blvd. First arriving crews reported a fully involved vehicle near the parent pick up lane of the school. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and there were no reported injuries. Crews on this incident included Engine Company 33 and Rescue Company 34.

ELISHA PAPPACODA

Lake County Fire Rescue purchases six new LIFEPAKs for ALS stations Tavares, FL. Six Lake County Fire Rescue stations are being outfitted with brand new LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator units, considered the top-of-the-line in care for advanced life support (ALS) emergency responders.

“You can check a person’s heart rate, you can check the oxygen level in their body, you can check their cardiac rhythm, and with the carbon monoxide option, you can check if they’ve been exposed to gasses in a fire,” said Lake County Fire Rescue Training Lt./Paramedic Jason Rivera.

The portable units contain blood pressure cuffs, electrodes, defibrillator, a 12-Lead ECG to monitor heart rate, Bluetooth capabilities and more. The

JUMP TO FILE #102715110 LIFEPACK 15 units also come equipped with several upgrades to the previous LIFEPAK 12 systems, including a carbon monoxide detector and metronome.

“One of the options on the LIFEPAK 15 is CPR mode, and a benefit with CPR mode is a metronome for ventilations,” Rivera explained. “If you’re doing CPR, it gives you a metronome so you can stay within the right range, because scenes can be very chaotic.”

Lake County Fire Rescue ALS Stations 112 in Clermont, 76 (SORT/HAZMAT) in Yalaha, 15 in

Pine Lakes, 21 in Eustis, 53 in Fruitland Park and 14 in Altoona now have the new LIFEPAK 15s on their trucks.

The six new LIFEPAKs were purchased for $162,821 through the infrastructure (penny) sales tax, which can only be used to support capital projects and infrastructure.

Some of the older units were also traded in to help offset the cost.

“We have a plan within the next several years to replace all of the older LIFEPAKs with the newer models,” said Lake County Public Safety Fire Chief John Jolliff. “We are working within our budget to ensure our personnel have the most up-to-date equipment available.”

- ELISHA PAPPACODA

MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS

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

GINGER LYLE

Two Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue employees given all star recognition

Two of Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue’s firefighters were awarded with All Star Recognition Awards on October 22, 2015 by Tony Degina, Largo Medical Center CEO. The awards were given to Firefighter/Paramedic Douglas Howard and Firefighter/EMT Robert Lawson. The awards were given in appreciation for their positive working relationship with Pinellas County HCA hospitals and EMS. These two employees were recognized along with their co-workers for their hard work and dedication to the community. From left to right in the photo are Tony Degina, Robert Lawson, and Douglas Howard.

GINGER LYLE

At a recent meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District, Salvatore A. D’Angelo, Fire Chief (left) gave Executive Assistant Ginger Lyle her ten year service pin

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2015

PAGE 25

FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS

Garage fire in South Manatee A 911 call came into Manatee County fire dispatch of a structure fire on 32nd Ave on October 9th.

On arrival, the fire appeared to be in the B/C' corner of the structure. After stretching in through a jungle like yard, firefighters found a garage on fire behind the main house.

A vehicle was also on fire in-

JUMP TO FILE #071513129 side the garage. Once lines were stretched, the fire was brought under control quickly.

- WILLIE CIRONE

Vehicle News

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue recently finished final inspections on eleven Braun Super Chief Medical Rescue units. The cab is a 2015 Freightliner standard M2 on a conventional chassis.

GREGORY MAY

ASHLEY LOPEZ

Motorcycle accident in Ocala results in trauma alert Palm Beach County Fire Rescue would like to announce the retirement of Special Ops 19, Asset # 10136434 and welcome aboard the new Special Ops, Asset # 10197868.

CAPTAIN ALBERT BORROTO

Ocala, FL. On November 13, 2015, two vehicles and a motorcycle were involved in an accident on East Silver Spring Boulevard and 36th Avenue. Ocala Fire Rescue units Engine No. 5, Rescue No. 2, Battalion Chief 11, and a safety officer responded to the scene, where a motorcycle impacted the rear of a compact SUV, which in turn hit the pick-up truck that was in front of it.

The accident resulted in temporary lane closures on East Silver Springs Boulevard, and a trauma alert who was transported to a local hospital.

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT PROFILES

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

The Sarasota County Fire Department has been serving the community for over 100 years and operates out of 19 fire stations.

What started out as an all volunteer fire department has developed into primarily a career fire department with some volunteers. The department provides services such as fire suppression, special operations, emergency medical services, fire prevention and public education. Shown here, Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station 1

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station 2

Fort Lauderdale saved victim bitten by rattlesnake in CO More than 30 firefighters from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue traveled to Colorado to attend the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, where one of their coworkers Lieutenant Kevin Johns was placed on the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial wall SepJUMP TO FILE # tember 19th.

100815108 After the memorial, a group of firefighters were returning to their hotel when they noticed a large rock formation in the Colorado skyline. As firefighters often do, conversation began by Captain Salzano on how he thought he could climb a large rock formation in 20 minutes. The other firefighters didn’t think he could do it, so Salzano accepted the challenge and drove the crew to the rock where he began climbing 200 feet to the top.

The other firefighters stood below watching Salzano climb the rock formation when they heard a loud scream in the distance. The firefighters ran to the scream and they found a 24 year old female, who was walking her dog and had been bitten by a very large rattlesnake.

The female suffered a bite to the leg and the firefighters noticed two large puncture wounds that had blood coming out of the holes. The

female was in severe pain and could not walk.

Captain Gollan quickly called 911 and notified Colorado Springs Fire Rescue of the snake bite. Because they did not have a physical address, Gollan directed the firefighters to the scene by using reference points. Firefighters Perazzelli and Coello carried the female on their back, keeping her calm and minimizing her movement.

The female was carried a great distance from the rock formation and across a large field to a road, where they met the responding crew from Colorado Springs Fire Rescue Engine 9.

GREGORY MAY

The patient received ALS treatment from the Colorado Springs firefighters with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale firefighters. The patient was taken to a local hospital, where she received several doses of antivenom for the rattlesnake bite. The crew from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue remained on scene with the patient’s dog until her family could arrive.

Later that night, Firefighter Gallignani spoke with the family and was told the female was doing well and should make a full recovery after a lengthy stay in the hospital.

- GREGORY MAY

Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station 3

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

JOEL GORDON

Plantation firefighter reports news from Carolina floods Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station 4

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Station 5

Plantation, FL. When most firefighters go on a deployment, they usually fight fires, perform rescues, or do some kind of fire-rescue related work.

However, for one Plantation firefighter, the call was to do something very different, provide aerial news coverage.

As a volunteer firefighter, Robin Russell could expect to be deployed to a disaster for emergency response services. But in her full time capacity as a news helicopter video journalist for Helicopters, Inc. the service that provides aerial news coverage for several markets across the country, including South Florida, she never expected to be deployed to report the

JUMP TO FILE #110315105 news.

While the rains were still falling, Russell and her pilot Clem Carfaro were requested to fly to South Carolina to cover the flooding.

According to Russell, the Columbia television market has no regular aerial news coverage. Her assignment was to provide as much of it as they could. From the moment they arrived, they began filming and broadcasting. They remained on the assignment for two weeks.

“You can’t appreciate how massive and devastating the damage

was,” she reflected. “The images on TV don’t do it any justice. It was horrible.”

Russell, who won an Emmy in 2005 for her coverage of Cuban migrants coming on shore, provided almost all the aerial video and photos of the flooding seen nationwide. She even found herself doing some live audio. Something she hasn’t done in years.

The pair also recently received national recognition for being first on scene of a plane crash in the Florida Everglades.

Sounds like a second Emmy may be on the horizon.

- JOEL GORDON

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December, 2015

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December, 2015

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FLORIDA

TERRY TOKARZ

Largo donates equipment In keeping with a long tradition of helping those in need, Largo Fire Rescue made a donation of equipment to the Pinellas Park High School First Responders Program. The donation of portable radio chargers, portable radios, protective hoods, turnout gear bags, fire gloves, fire boots, fire helmets, sets of turnout gear, and spare portable radio batteries will assist the program's mission to ready students for entry into postsecondary education and/or employment opportunities as first responders through a comprehensive program that trains individuals for planning and initial response to emergency and disaster situation.

JUMP TO FILE #110415106 While the protective gear is no longer compliment with current fire industry standards for â&#x20AC;&#x153;realâ&#x20AC;? fire conditions and the radios are no longer compatible with the current digital radio system used by Pinellas County, the donated equipment will serve as great training and practice gear for the first responder program.

The First Responders Program is a four-year magnet program opened in the Fall of 2009 at Pinellas Park High School.

- TERRY TOKARZ

LIEUTENANT ESCHMANN

Possible rush fire turns out to be structure

On August 28, 2015, units from Palm Bay Fire Rescue Station 4 responded to Grant Rd for a possible brush fire. As the engine started heading to the location, the lieutenant immediately saw the column and requested more brush units. As the engine arrived on scene, the crews were faced with a large detached garage fully involved. A first alarm structure assignment was requested immediately with tender support due to the rural location. Firefighters made a defensive attack with brush units surrounding the structure to keep the fire from spreading into the woods. In all, three engines, three tenders, two brush trucks, and two chief officers responded.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2015

PAGE 29

FLORIDA

CAPTAIN ALBERT BORROTO

Palm Beach County firefighters rescue dog from fire Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to reports of a structure fire in Palm Beach Little Ranches. The first responding crews reported a large column of black smoke visible from several miles away. First arriving firefighters stated they had active fire from a large residence.

An offensive fire attack was started and a second alarm fire was called. During firefighting efforts, there was a partial roof collapse and

JUMP TO FILE #110415114 operations were transitioned to defensive operations.

A third alarm was called allowing for more resources to be brought to the scene and the fire was brought under control.

One dog was treated by firefighters with oxygen on location and turned over to family members.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue investigators have determined the cause of this fire as accidental.

Investigators found that a dryer vent became loose from the vent flue inside the wall, inside the laundry room. The dryer was in use at the time of the fire and over time, the heat ignited the wood wall studs inside the wall causing the fire.

- ALBERT BORROTO

JACK NORRIS

Rescue 32 recognized for lifesaving efforts

On Monday November 2, 2015 members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Rescue Company 32, received the Call of the Quarter Award 2nd Quarter 2015 from Delray Medical Center.

Members from Delray Medical Center presented Lieutenant Rohan Rusolen, Paramedic Chris Mills and Paramedic Conner Coine the award for their lifesaving efforts on June 26, 2015.

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December, 2015

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FLORIDA

TERRY TOKARZ CHARLIE ROBBINS

Lehigh Acres double pin, trauma alerts At 6:07 p.m. on November 7th, LAFD Engine 102, Rescue 102 and Battalion 100 Acting Chief Lance Delgado were dispatched to Lee Boulevard at Hazelwood Avenue for a motor vehicle crash with possible entrapment.

Engine 102 advised they had a pickup versus SUV with two people trapped in the SUV. Engine 102 gave an update and advised they had two trauma alerts trapped.

Still responding, Battalion 100

JUMP TO FILE #110715103 requested Truck 104 and an additional rescue, as well as two helicopters. Lee Control advised they would have Leeflight enroute and would attempt a mutual aid helo as well.

Lee Control advised Battalion 100 that a second helicopter would be 30 minutes out and the chief advised to have Leeflight land at the

landing zone at Lehigh Regional Medical Center, which is adjacent to the crash scene. Chief Delgado further advised Lee Control to cancel the second helo and that the second due rescue would transport the second trauma alert.

With the assistance of Truck 104, both trauma alerts were extricated and transported to Lee Memorial Trauma Center.

- CHARLIE ROBBINS

Dump truck rollover

Edgewater Fire Rescue crews were called on November 13th at 2:41 p.m. for a reported dump truck rollover. A second call reported that it was a box truck that had rolled over at the intersection of eastbound SR 442 (Indian River Boulevard) and southbound US 1 (Ridgewood Avenue). Upon arrival at 2:43 p.m., crews found the driver of the vehicle sitting on a nearby curb denying injuries. The driver of the truck advised he was carrying bagged ice for Snow Days Ice. Edgewater Police Department routed traffic around the truck while a heavy duty tow truck rolled the truck upright and removed the bagged ice from the scene. All lanes of SR 442 and US 1 were opened by 4:30 p.m.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

TERRY TOKARZ JILL DANIGEL

Dozens of animals rescued from house fire Shortly after 4:30 p.m. on November 11th, Edgewater Fire Rescue crews were called for a possible vehicle fire at 112 West Pine Bluff Avenue. The caller advised that they believed it was an RV on fire next to the residence. Another caller reported smoke coming from the back of the home. A caller also reported that the homeowner was not home, but there was a reported 2050 animals in the home.

Upon arrival, units found a working structure fire with fire from the back corner of the home behind the

JUMP TO FILE #111615117 carport.

Firefighters quickly were able to get water on the fire and began to rescue the numerous animals inside the home and carport. A total of two prairie dogs, five dogs, ten cats and approximately thirty birds were rescued. Edgewater and Volusia County animal control officers assisted in the assessment and security of the animals.

The homeowner and animals are staying with nearby family and neighbors. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Edgewater Fire Marshal and found to be accidental, relative to a failure of electrical wiring.

On scene apparatus included Edgewater Engines 55 and 57, Rescue 57, Chief 55, Division 55 and Fire Marshal 55. Mutual aid included New Smyrna Engines 52 and 53 with Battalion 52.

- JILL DANIGEL

Largo accident sends two to trauma center

Just after 11 a.m. on October 26th, Largo Fire Rescue and Clearwater Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle accident involving three vehicles, including a rollover. Two occupants, in the vehicle that rolled over, were transported to the Bayfront Medical Center for treatment. Firefighters from Largo and Clearwater worked together to have both occupants of the overturned vehicle extricated in twenty minutes. The two other drivers involved refused further treatment on-scene.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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December, 2015

FLORIDA

ASHLEY LOPEZ

OFR: Homage to 130 years of history Ocala, FL. With beginnings dating back to 1885, almost as far back as the establishment of modern day Ocala in 1849, much of Ocala Fire Rescueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history lies throughout the city in plain sight.

This November, that history will come to the forefront.

In a subtle homage to Ocala Fire Rescue's 130th anniversary celebration, OFR's Heritage Committee arranged two displays with some of the departments most treasured and historically relevant artifacts, at two of Ocala's most history rich sites: Headquarters Li-

JUMP TO FILE #111615125 brary and The Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS).

Comprised of items such as hose segments, fire helmets and turn out gear, as well as daily log books and a collection of fire extinguishers that exhibit the changes throughout the decades, the display housed at Headquarters Library, for the month of November, could be considered a look at OFR throughout the years.

BOB LONG

While the display at HOPS, at the old Bryant House, holds original newspaper clippings and photographs that transport visitors back in time with a simple glance.

The displays, created by OFR Heritage committee members- former Assistant Fire Chief Brian Stoothoff and Olivia Ortiz, are meant to remind the public of the role Ocala Fire Rescue has played in the development of the City at it is known today.

- ASHLEY LOPEZ

BRAD DYKENS

Two responders receive honor as EMS All Stars Seminole, FL. On Friday, October 30, 2015, HCA West Hospitals of West Florida honored City of Seminole Firemedic David Berry and Firefighter EMT Tristan Rogers with the distinction of being HCA Pinellas County EMS All-stars.

In a brief ceremony held at Fire Station 29, HCA Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Brenda Simpson presented Berry and Rogers with certificates of appreciation and a computer tablet keyboard.

They were nominated by Lieutenant Eric Fayad for their performance during several challenging incidents that they re-

JUMP TO FILE #071513129 sponded to.

In one incident they were recognized for their patience, kindness, and compassion while dealing with a patient suffering from a psychiatric situation.

In another incident they were praised for their care of an elderly patient suffering with a serious medical situation compounded with a declining mental condition again exhibiting extreme compassion and patience.

- BRAD DYKENS

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ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THE STATE

December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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

ALABASTER FD

Alabaster Vol FD (AL) Chief Jim Golden, Battalion Chief Pat Conn and Battalion Chief Phillip Reid in command.

CIRONE PHOTOS

South Manatee Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Rick Blanco recently commanding at a fire.

ASHLEY MCDONALD

MFRD exceeded the Smoke Alarm Challenge from State Fire Marshal’s Office in Tennessee

D. PEREZ

The Coral Gables Fire Department Extrication Team was recognized during the recent Coral Gables Commission meeting. “We are extremely proud of our Team’s First Place finish and look forward to next year’s competition” said Fire Chief Marc Stolzenberg.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue Firefighter-Chauffeur Dwayne McKeever of Engine-321 working at a recent fire.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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December, 2015

FLORIDA

Multi-family dwelling suffers two fires in five hours Ocala, Fl. OnNovember 16, 2015. a long-standing wood framed building, turned multifamily dwelling, was heavily damaged after it suffered two fires within five hours.

The first fire occurred at 4:16 a.m.

Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to reports of a structure fire at 703 SE Broadway Street, where smoke was showing from the eaves of the west side unit.

Upon arrival, Engine No. 1 personnel advanced into the apartment in search of the seed of the fire, while Rescue No. 1 personnel searched the premises to ensure no residents were inside.

Engines No. 3 and No. 5 assisted with extinguishing the fire

JUMP TO FILE #111715102 and cooling off the roof. The fire was reported extinguished at 4:39 a.m.

The preliminary investigation of the fire, which originated in the restroom and extended up into the attic, indicates the fire was likely electrical in nature. The apartment located at 703 SE Broadway Street was deemed uninhabitable.

All OFR units were cleared from the scene by 6:08 a.m., only to return at 9:16 a.m. when a second fire at the same apartment was spotted by a driver in the area.

This time, flames were seen burning through the roof.

FACES

Engines No. 1, 3, and 5, Tower No. 1, Rescue No. 1, and BC 11 responded to the scene, where a working fire was in progress.

Engines No. 1, and 5, worked on extinguishing the attic fire on the west side, while Tower No. 1 and Engine No. 3 made access to the attic from the east side apartment (Unit No. #713) to extinguish the remaining fire in the attic space.

No injuries were reported from either fire, but the damage sustained by the structure left four individuals without a home.

The cause of each fire is still under investigation.

- ASHLEY LOPEZ

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GREGORY MAY

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue attends search and rescue training with US Coast Guard

CAPTAIN ALBERT BORROTO

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Goes Pink at Butterfields in Royal Palm Beach

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE