1st Responder News Southeast December Edition

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NEIGHBOR ALERTS RESIDENT TO HOUSE FIRE IN DAYTONA BEACH

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach, FL - Crews responded to a structure fire at a Daytona Beach home on November 3rd. Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the side of the house.

- See full story on page 16

Happy Holidays!

To our advertisers and readers

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

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

VEHICLE NEWS

KEN SNYDER

PROVIDED

Vinemont-Providence Fire Department (Cullman County, AL) Division Chief (EMS), Jason Veres.

Engine 1 of the Scottsboro, AL FD is one-of-three 2020 KME Panther (1250/500/25) engines recently acquired.

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.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Engine 1 with the Foley Fire Department is a 2020 KME Panther top-mount pumper with a 1500-GPM pump, 750-gallon tank, and 20-gallon foam tank.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Excel Fire Department, located in Monroe County, AL.

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December, 2020

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GEORGIA

ADVERTISER INDEX

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

ATV Safety Training

22

Backstop USA

16

Done Right Fire Gear

13

FDIC

15

Firehouse Mortgage

17

Fire Rescue East

19

First There First Care

21

Long Island Mega Show Municipal Equipment

9 24

NAFECO Raymond James

5 12

Team Equipment Inc. Waterous

3 23

BARROW COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES

Plane Crashes at Barrow County Airport SUSAN DASHER

BCES Names “Employee of the Quarter”

Bryan County, GA - Bryan County Emergency Services Firefighter/EMT Erin Baker has been named the “Employee of the Quarter” for the 3rd quarter of 2020. FF/EMT Erin Baker is with B Shift South Battalion Station 9. She was nominated by several BCES members and following are direct quotes from those who nominated her. "FF/EMT Erin Baker passed her Apparatus Driver/Operator checkoff on schedule and has been performing her job duties with little supervision."

"FF/EMT Erin Baker has taken on the responsibility of quartermaster for the south end and has been doing great with those duties. She has also organized the gear room and has been performing gear fittings for new employees." "FF/EMT Erin Baker has a positive attitude that is very much appreciated and should be contagious!" FF/EMT Erin Baker is a definite asset to BCES and we congratulate her on a JOB WELL DONE!!!! Pictured is FF/EMT Erin Baker and Chief Howell.

Barrow County, GA - Just before 1:30 P.M. Friday afternoon, November 6th, Communication Officers with Barrow County Emergency Services received a 911 call reporting a plane crash at the Barrow County Airport on Ronald Wood Road. Communication Officers dispatched Fire, EMS and Sheriff Office units to the scene.

Upon arrival crews found a plane that was off the runway and leaning on a fence.

“The pilot was the only subject on the plane and he was not injured,” stated Captain Scott Dakin.

“He was out of the plane prior to our arrival.”

The plane suffered heavy dam-

JUMP TO FILE #110920106 age from the crash. Firefighters ensured there was no fuel or oil leaks and that no other hazards were on the scene.

“The pilot was wearing his seatbelt which likely saved his life,” stated Captain Dakin. “The plane suffered extensive damage as a result of the crash.”

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

- STEVE ROSE

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.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 21 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 errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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PUBLICATION CONTENT

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CHRIS DILLEY

Pooler Fire Rescue operates a 2017 Ford F-350 4x4 as Squad 62. It was modified by Kimtek Corporation with a Firelite 125-gallon skid unit. Squad 62 also has a 10-gallon foam tank and a 100-GPM pump.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the East Dublin Fire Department, located in Laurens County, GA.

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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

California: Peter Hein, 61 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: August 11, 2020 Death Date: August 11, 2020 Fire Department: Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On August 11, 2020, Fire Engineer Peter Hein was working with the U.S. Forest Service at the Stagecoach Wildfire in Kern County. He suffered a medical emergency and was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

California: Jose M. Perez, 44 Rank: Firefighter III/Paramedic Incident Date: July 22, 2020 Death Date: July 25, 2020 Fire Department: Los Angeles City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter III/Paramedic Jose M. Perez contracted COVID-19 as a result of numerous exposures from positive COVID-19 patients during the course of his official duty for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He subsequently passed away on July 25, 2020, from the virus.

Montana: Thomas Duffy, 40 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 24, 2020 Death Date: August 24, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 24, 2020, Pilot Thomas Duffy, flying a Type 1 Kmax helicopter, was conducting bucket drops while battling the White River Fire in Mount Hood National Forest, when his helicopter crashed. He worked for Central Copters, Inc., a private family run company out of Belgrade, Montana, as a wildland-contract pilot for the U.S. Forest Service. The official cause of the crash is under investigation.

Pennsylvania: David Closs Sr., 67 Rank: Volunteer Incident Date: August 17, 2020 Death Date: August 23, 2020 Fire Department: Avis Fire Company #1

Initial Summary: On August 17, 2020, Firefighter David Closs and other firefighters from the Avis Fire Company #1, responded to a residential structure fire.

Firefighter Closs was working scene safety a short distance away from the actual structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency and was immediately taken to the local hospital. He passed away on August 23, 2020 from an apparent heart attack.

Oregon: Diane Jones, 63 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 31, 2020 Death Date: August 31, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 31, 2020, Firefighter Diane Jones, who worked for a private company during the wildland fire season, KL Farms/Fire LLC, was battling the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest in California, when she was involved in a vehicle crash, along with two other firefighters. Firefighter Jones was repositioning the engine when it backed over an embankment and into a fire. She passed away from the injuries she sustained in the accident. One of the two other firefighters is being treated for injuries sustained in the crash, while the third firefighter was uninjured. Firefighter Diane Jones was a volunteer firefighter for the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department in Cresson, Texas.

Her son, Captain Ian Shelly, also a member of the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, was fighting the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest as well.

Texas: Thomas Searcy, 45 Rank: Career Incident Date: July 27, 2020 Death Date: September 8, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Captain Thomas Searcy was battling COVID-19 when he passed away in the Intensive Care Unit at the Memorial Hermann Hospital. He had been hospitalized for a month fighting the virus. Captain Searcy contracted COVID-19 from exposure in the workplace from numerous fire and EMS calls he responded to where individuals had been diagnosed with the disease.

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GEORGIA

BUDDY SHOTS

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

BARROW COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES

The graduates (L to R): Daniel Broadhead, Braylin Fisher, Joseph Martinez, Trevor Giddens, Bradley Marusarz, Joshua Smith, Josh Fisher, Day’Troy Lyons-Lee, and Ryan Witt.

Nine Recruits Complete BCES Training as New Firefighters

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Robins AFB Fire Asst. Chief of Prevention, Lupe Diaz, and Sparky at the base exchange handing out material for this year's campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen".

Barrow County, GA - On Friday, November 6th, nine recruits graduated from the Barrow County Emergency Services (BCES) training program. The internal recruit training program lasts for 16 weeks, and includes an intense regimen of physical training and academic study. During training, the students learned many important skills they need to become firefighters. Topics include fire behavior, victim rescue, vehicle extrication, and numerous other subjects.

Captain Brett Skinner, Training Captain for BCES said, “I could not be more proud of this group of men.

They learned the meaning of brotherhood, and excelled both physically and academically in recruit

JUMP TO FILE #111620102 school. The entire group graduated with above a 93 GPA or higher.

When we set out to recruit firefighters to take this department into the future, these are the type individuals we are looking for.”

The graduation ceremony for Recruit Class 113 was held at River Hills Church, and the keynote speaker was Program Director for AirEva Lifeteam, Eric Kidd. Each recruit was presented with his fire helmet surrounded by friends and family. The graduates leave the recruit training program certified to the level of Firefighter I and II,

Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Hazardous Materials Operations.

All nine have been assigned to stations around the county and began reporting for duty the day after graduation. They will continue their education over the next 18 months to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

Receiving awards at graduation were: “Top Rung”- Joseph Martinez and Braylin Fisher “Academic Excellence” – Daniel Broadhead “Fire Ground Excellence” – Bradley Marusarz

DRILLS/TRAINING

- STEVE ROSE

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Warner Robins Arrives to Home with Fire Showing

Warner Robins, GA - On October 1st, communications received a 911 call that was made by a neighbor regarding a home that was on fire on Gawin Drive. WRFD E-4 arrived on scene to a one-story house with a moderate amount of smoke coming from the kitchen area. Units dropped LDH and made a quick knockdown of the fire. The residents were not inside the home at the time of the incident. A Warner Robins fire inspector reported that the fire appeared to have started from the stove. No injuries were reported.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Houston County, GA - Firefighters from several different Air Force bases recently trained at Robins AFB.

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TENNESSEE

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

ALAN HOFFMAN

This Dodge Ram pickup truck, designated unit FD-2, is utilized by Gatlinburg Fire Department's fire Inspector.

AMY MAXWELL

Fire Destroys Home in the Ooltewah Area

ALAN HOFFMAN

This Chevy Tahoe is utilized by Chief 302 of the Gatlinburg Fire Department.

Hamilton County, TN - A fire destroyed a home in the Ooltewah area on the morning of November 2nd. At 6:40 A.M., a neighbor called 911 reporting a house fire located at 9013 Azlar Drive.

Tri-Community Vol. Fire Department responded and arrived on scene reporting that half of the home was fully involved with fire. Neighbors informed firefighters on scene that the homeowners were out of town. No injuries were reported, but HCEMS was on scene for any potential injuries to firefighters. The cause of the fire will be under investigation by the Tri-Community VFD Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire officials report that the house is a total loss, and damages were listed at $120,000. Tri-Community VFD requested a mutual aid response for their fire. Chattanooga Fire Department stood by in their district for additional emergency calls, and Hamilton County Rescue provided rehab for firefighters on the scene.

VEHICLE NEWS ALAN HOFFMAN

The Deputy Chief with Pigeon Forge Fire & Rescue utilizes this Ford F-150 pickup as their command unit.

ALAN HOFFMAN

The Fire Chief with Pigeon Forge Fire & Rescue utilizes this Ford Expedition as their command vehicle.

CHRISTOPHER RADOIAN - NJ TO AZ EMERGENCY PICS

Williamson County, TN - Fernvale - Brush 35 was recently placed in to service with a 2018 Ford F550 built by Rosenbauer. It has seating for two with SCBA in extended cab section. A 175-GPM diesel pump with 400-gallon water tank gives this unit a type 5 engine status.

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Little things make big changes Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

These are interesting times that we are in. Many times people do not realize how something small will have a major impact on our lives and society.

A major fire may start because of just one spark.

A drop of water on a rock means nothing but if we continually drop water on the same spot of the rock, we will form a hole or possibly split the boulder in two just by using a little water.

Something small can have great impact.

If we catch a medical challenge early enough, we can remove the impact. What would happen if we were able to remove cancerous cells early enough? Or heart disease, diabetes, or other diseases early enough?

We may have a small accident that may impact our lives forever. We have recently been introduced to how something as small as a germ can effect the entire world.

We may take that germ for granted but how much of an effect has that had on our lives.

Many people have been thrust into becoming more technologically dependent. How many of us have been forced into isolation?

It may feel like we were given a prison sentence, especially for those who lived by themselves before the start of this. How many meetings, these days, are now by looking at a computer?

People now visit people by viewing them as if they were watching a television program. People are seeing people that they know through closed windows and birthdays are being celebrated by cars driving by and honking their horns.

People say this is the new

normal. Many times after a critical incident, we hear some people say that we need to get accustomed to the new normal. I would say that "normal" is fluid. Life is not stagnant. We do not wear the same size clothes all our life. We do not have the same type of transportation as we did. Do to advances in technology and medicine, the way that we do our job has changed. Firefighters have different advantages and just look at the advances that EMT's, paramedics and the medical field have. Life is ever changing and we need to realize and change with it but also to hold onto the things that are just, right and true.

Over two thousand years ago the world was changed. A little baby was born. He was born in a manger. So many people knew about the prophecy of His life.

Granted many people questioned the miracles that He did and also if He truly was the Son of God. How many people have seen miracles done in His name? How many people had their physical and/or spiritual lives saved because of this baby?

There are many people who call to Him in times of trials. During an illness, after a death, or during a disaster, we may call out to Jesus or God for strength and understanding. This little baby is where so many people draw strength from. The Lord came to us in a way that was not intimating to people. Can you imagine how the people would have reacted if He came down from Heaven on a cloud? People would probably have passed out. They would have been overcome with His presence.

Let us not just dismiss something that is small and, to us, unimportant. It may not be what it is right now but the potential, the unwrapped gift that it truly may be.

Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

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2020...A little sweet and a little sour, just like these brussels sprouts FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

To say 2020 has been a trip, would certainly be an understatement. Between a global pandemic, one of the most important Presidential elections of all time and everything in between, this year has had its fair share of ups and downs. I have found myself over the course of this past year watching my daughter grow up into a happy and healthy two-year-old, while also watching friends grieve over the loss of loved ones due to Covid-19. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, not just for myself but everyone around me and beyond. With that being said, I do try to keep optimistic for what 2021 has to offer. But for now, let’s pay homage to 2020 with a dish that can describe it no better...Sweet and Sour Brussels

Sprouts!

Growing up I absolutely hated them. They were always served well beyond over cooked, mushy and pale green. Brussels Sprouts belong to the Brassica family, along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They all contain high amounts of compounds, that when exposed to heat, produce hydrogen sulfide, hence the smelly characteristics of these vegetables. But for some reason I feel like brussels sprouts get a worse rap than the rest of them. Maybe it's because so many home cooks just toss them in boiling water, cook them for way too long and then expect all the kiddies to run to the Thanksgiving table asking for seconds. When your first encounter with them includes said stinky boiling situation, you are no doubt setting yourself up to not like them as you get older. But like so many others before me, I gave brussels sprouts the chance to redeem themselves.

Enter the roasted brussels sprout…

Roasting them with high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating texture and a slight bitterness

that balances out the sweetness. It also helps preserve their bright green color, which is much more appealing than the over-boiled stuff you might be used to. And while brussels sprouts, roasted with some EVOO and salt are perfectly delicious, they pair really well with the sweet and sour flavor profile. There are many different ways to accomplish this, but my favorite is definitely using apple cider vinegar for our sour aspect and either honey or maple syrup for the sweet component. The cider vinegar packs just enough sweetness and bite, without being overbearing. The addition of chili flake, while certainly optional, adds yet another dimension of flavor via heat. And the chopped pecans add texture, something that can be lacking in brussels sprouts, enticing our palate to want more.

This recipe is perfect alongside a holiday roast, grilled steak or some pan seared pork chops. They will certainly turn a non-believer into a believer that brussels sprouts can actually taste good!

Stay safe, eat well!

SWEET AND SOUR ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS Serves 4 as a side Ingredients:

16 oz. Brussels Sprouts ¼ Cup Honey 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp. Chili Flakes 1 Tbsp. Butter ¼ Cup Toasted Pecans, chopped for garnish Salt, to taste EVOO Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 450° F. Place ½ sheet pan in the oven to preheat as well.

-Trim the brussels and cut in half. Toss in a bowl with a pinch of salt, pepper and a drizzle of EVOO. Carefully remove the preheated sheet pan with an oven mitt. Add the brussels sprouts in a single layer and place back in the oven.

-Roast the brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until charred and tender.

-While the brussels sprouts cook, place the honey in a small saucepan over mediumlow heat. Stir until the honey

starts to bubble, carefully add the vinegar. Simmer until slightly reduced. Add the chili flakes and a pinch of salt, stir to combine.

-Add the butter and remove the pan from the heat. Stir to

combine, set aside.

AJ FUSCO

-Place roasted brussels sprouts in a serving dish, drizzle with honey-vinegar glaze.

Garnish with chopped pecans.

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FLORIDA

Plantation Fire Department Names New Battalion Chief

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Pasco County Fire Rescue Responds to Five-Vehicle Crash with Multiple Victims

Hudson, FL - On the afternoon of October 31st, Pasco County Fire Rescue received a call for a multiple-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Road 52 and Colony Blvd., in Hudson.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they reported a fivevehicle crash blocking the eastbound lanes of State Road 52.

Firefighters secured the scene, started multiple patient extractions, and began the process of evaluating five patients.

Command on the scene declared a level 1 mass casualty incident due to the number of injuries. Firefighters advised command of two adult trauma alerts, one pediatric alert, and two advanced life support patients. The pediatric trauma alert was flown by medical helicopter from the scene.

PATCH OF THE MONTH

Plantation, FL - Leslie Ethridge was promoted to the position of Battalion Chief within the EMS Division, Fire Chief, Don Todd announced on November 3rd.

Ethridge, who JUMP TO FILE# was serving as a 110520109 Lieutenant in the EMS Division, joined the Plantation Fire Department in 1999. She worked through the ranks, beginning as a paramedic. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003 and Captain in 2016.

Lt. Ethridge fills the supervisory position on “A” shift vacated

by Ezra Lubow, who was promoted to Division Chief of EMS in October of 2020.

“She brings a tremendous amount of experience to the position,” said Chief Todd. “Leslie is part of our future and will help lead this Department into its next chapter.”

Ethridge will supervise five EMS crews on “A” shift and is responsible for all operations, including staffing and shift training.

Leslie lives in Coral Springs with her wife, Miranda, and their son, Aiden.

- JOEL GORDON

Battalion Chief Leslie Ethridge

PLANTATION FIRE DEPARTMENT

VEHICLE NEWS

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.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the East Lake Fire Department, located in Pinellas County, FL.

FRANK ROBINSON

U.S. Navy, Key West, recently placed this 2020 KME (1250/2500) Pumper Tanker in to service.

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

BSO Appoints First CaribbeanAmerican Fire Chief Broward County, FL - The Broward Sheriff’s Office again makes history as Sheriff Gregory Tony announces the appointment of the first Caribbean-American as the next chief of fire rescue following the retirement of Fire Chief Joseph Fernandez.

In a statement, Sheriff Tony remarked, “I am pleased to announce JUMP TO FILE# the promotion of 110620100 Deputy Chief Gregory Holness, a pillar in the Caribbean-American community, to chief of the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Department. Throughout his 37year career he has demonstrated sound leadership and is highly respected by BSO employees.”

Chief Holness, 59, began his career in 1983 as a paramedic and a member of the then Broward County Emergency Medical Services, which later merged with the Broward Fire Department to become Broward County Fire Rescue, and in 2003 became part of the Broward Sheriff’s Office to become Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. During that time, Chief Holness has risen through the ranks serving as a captain, acting battalion chief, operations district chief, assistant chief and most recently deputy chief of administration.

In 1994, Chief Holness was transferred from the field to the bureau of logistics where his responsibilities included the review, specification and purchase of fire and EMS equipment. He was also the primary architect of a nationally recognized Regional Logistics Program still currently in existence. His additional achievements included the co-development of the Common EMS Protocol, as well as many trade journal contributions and assisting in the development of

BSO

Fire Chief Gregory Holness proudly sits for his new agency photo.

a national standard on airway management. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2004 and transitioned to oversee areas such as Support Services and the operational districts of Lauderdale Lakes, Central Broward and Port Everglades.

Chief Holness has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Saint Thomas University and is a graduate and past vice president of the BSO Executive Leadership Program. He is also a graduate of Florida International University’s Strategic Management Institute, as well as the Florida Emergency Services Leadership Institute. Chief Holness currently is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Florida Fire Chief’s Association. Throughout his career, Chief Holness has received numer-

ous commendations from municipal and civic organizations, not-forprofit enterprises as well as local public schools. In 2013, he was selected as the Community Partner of the Year by Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes for his contributions to the educational community. Chief Holness has long been a mentor to both departmental employees as well as local community members and shows no signs of slowing down.

Chief Holness' commitment to the fire service and relationships with community leaders will certainly take the Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue moving in an ever-forward direction.

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December, 2020

PAGE 13

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Southern Manatee Fire Assists Florida Forestry Service with Brush Fire Bradenton, FL - On November 15th, the Florida Forestry Service was called to the scene of a smoke complaint at 2317 41 ST EAST. On arrival, a large pile of debris JUMP TO FILE# was on fire.

Southern Mana- 111520104 tee Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the same location at the same time. The two services came up with a plan to extinguish the large pile of debris.

Southern Manatee Fire District shuttled water from a nearby hydrant, using just under 3,000-gallons to extinguish the fire.

- WILLIE CIRONE

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ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Notes from the Fireground Memoir of a New York Firefighter

By Thomas Dunne Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $29.95

This is a soft cover book measuring 6” by 9”, with 198 pages.

There are 35 chapters, all of which are very interesting. The author is a retired deputy chief who served 33 years on the job. I also served 33 years in the fire department I was in, and I think we both feel the same about the job…that it was the best job in the world. He comes from a firefighting family and his writing reflects both on the job and family memoirs. Each chapter deals with a single subject so to speak, and for me it was an enjoyable book to read because even though our departments were vastly different in size, there were many common routines and experiences that are similar.

I would say for the most part the book is about when he was a deputy, but there are also chapters that deal from when he was the

“new man” up through the company officer ranks. There are stories dealing with tragedy, which of course are not enjoyable especially when serious injury is involved and life is lost, but the reader, if “on the job”, will go through this book and be able to empathize with the experiences.

There are a number of fires written about both when he was a company officer and chief, including getting into the thick of it as a lieutenant and captain. One chapter is devoted to “buffs” in which there is a slight error with an explanation from me. He stated that buffs were not firefighters. While that is true to distinguish them on the fireground, many firefighters are fire buffs when they are off duty. I figure that in his experience he never ran into any buffs that were also firefighters, career or volunteer, so he was being honest. While many buffs held menial jobs, many were professionals who earned much more money than firefighters did.

In addition there are memoirs dealing with personalities that he worked with of both good and indifferent natures. Some of the incidents he writes about I remember from the past and he explains them exactly as I remembered being reported, including the Happy Land Social Club arson fire which resulted in the deaths of many young people. He served in many different neighborhoods in busy and not so busy districts, so he was a well rounded firefighter.

There are a number of black and white photos in the book, most of which are of the fireground, including some which were taken by one of 1st Responder News’ correspondents. All in all it is an interesting book to read!

CIRONE PHOTOS

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

The Volusia County Hazardous Materials (HazMat) team, a state resource Type 2 team, is designed to provide a specialized response of personnel and equipment to incidents involving materials that present a physical, health, biological or radiological hazard to the public. The team recently engaged in grounding and bonding training, as well as highway emergency fuel offloading training.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2020

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Neighbor Alerts Resident to House Fire in Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL - Crews responded to a structure fire at a Daytona Beach home on November 3rd.

Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the side of the house.

JUMP TO FILE# The occupant of the 111920103 house was asleep when a neighbor noticed smoke and went to wake him up to exit the house.

The owner evacuated and was not injured.

Crews attacked the fire, which started in the home’s utility room/laundry room, and were able to keep it from spreading.

The Red Cross was called to assist the homeowner and one tenant with living assistance.

- SASHA STATON

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2020

PAGE 17

Merry Christmas to all of our good friends in Fire & Emergency Services!

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

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.

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Pasco County Fire Rescue Fights Three-Alarm Fire in Hudson Hudson, FL - At approximately 6:00 A.M. on November 2nd, Pasco County Fire Rescue received a 911 call reporting a residential structure fire in the 6500 block of Driftwood Dr., in Hudson.

When firefighters from Engine 10 arrived, they reported three homes on fire with heavy winds pushing the fire across the road and into adjacent homes. Due to the heavy fire involvement and wind conditions, firefighters quickly upgraded the fire to a third-alarm.

One patient was flown by medical helicopter from the scene with severe burn injuries. There

JUMP TO FILE #110520106 were a total of four homes that suffered fire damage. Two of those homes are a complete loss.

Additionally, three vehicles and a boat were damaged in the fire.

At the peak of the incident, over 30 units responded to the scene, with approximately 80 firefighters from Pasco County Fire Rescue, Hernando County Fire Rescue, and New Port Richey Fire.

- COREY DIERDORFF

VEHICLE NEWS

TAMARAC FIRE RESCUE

Tamarac, FL - Weighing in at 36,000-lbs., the 2020 E-One Typhoon engine features a 1500-GPM pump, 750-gallon water tank and 30-gallon foam tank. This unit is equipped with six attack and supply lines, totaling 2,500-feet of fire hose with an additional booster line built in. This engine is also designed with a clean cab concept, focused on decreasing firefighter exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens.

This is the first of its kind within our department, as we are committed to firefighter safety. Included in this delivery were two new 2021 Freightliner Rescues. Designed and built with the clean cab concept, in addition to the exclusion of the pass through from the cab to the box, anti-bacterial lighting, and a Power-Load stretcher. These rescues will operate out of Tamarac Station 36 and 41.

CHRIS DILLEY

Clay County Fire Rescue recently wrapped Engine 25 with a National Guard themed design. Engine 25 is stationed at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, which is a military training base for the Florida National Guard. On the left side of the apparatus there is a F-15 Eagle that is operated by the Florida Air National Guard. The right side of the apparatus features a UH-60 Blackhawk, which is one of three helicopter types operated by the Florida Army National Guard. Engine 25 is a 2018 Pierce/Freightliner commercial cab engine with a 1500-GPM pump, 750-gallon water tank, 3 midship pre-connects, 2 midship booster reels, 1 jump line on the front bumper and another pre-connect in the hosebed. Pictured is Engine 25 with a HH-60M Blackhawk at Cecil Airport.

Bob Long

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December, 2020

FLORIDA

Leaking Barrels Prompt Local Response in Gadsden Gadsden, FL - On October 20th, Greensboro Volunteer Fire Rescue and Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a Hazardous Materials Incident with an unknown type chemical spill on the roadway in front of 3314 Greensboro Hwy (SR 12), just north of Interstate 10.

Prior to arrival of fire personnel, a passerby that moved two 55gallon barrels to the side of the road, began experiencing a medical issue and was treated by Gadsden County EMS. Greensboro Fire Chief Doug Stiles established command and began the process of setting up the hot zone, isolating the area which involved shutting down State Road 12, and assigning tasks to incoming units. Mount Pleasant personnel were assigned with investigating the scene and identifying the labeling on two 55-gallon drums that were on their side, with one leaking a greenish liquid. Greensboro personnel were assigned as the RIT. Command requested that the Tallahassee FD HazMat team be placed on stand by as well as law enforcement for traffic control.

Mount Pleasant Assistant Chief

JUMP TO FILE #110420102 Clay Fallis and Mount Pleasant Firefighter Jim Roberts donned air packs and went downrange to investigate and identify the product labels and report back to the IC. Upon investigation Assistant Chief Fallis and Firefighter Roberts reported that the drums were labeled "Benefect DECON 30". Further investigation found that the product was disinfectant made of botanical thyme oil and a subsequent check of the manufacturer's (Benefect) website by Mt. Pleasant and Greensboro personnel confirmed the product safety data sheet (SDS) that indicated the HMIS ratings as Health - 0 / Flammability - 0 / Reactivity - 0.

Command was also able to confirm with Tallahassee FD HazMat personnel that the substance was non-hazardous and did not require PPE. The SDS indicated that it could be washed down with water and Greensboro personnel conducted the wash down.

- JAMES ROBERTS III

FF D HERNANDEZ - MOUNT PLEASANT VFD

Greensboro Firefighters Cody Henderson and Roger Hostetter conducting the wash down.

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FLORIDA

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

CHRIS DILLEY

Melrose Participates in Food Distribution Point

CIRONE PHOTOS/MTC PROVIDED

Manatee County Fire Academy recently held Hydraulics and Apparatus Operator training. This training consists of 80 hours of classroom and hands-on. Sixteen Firefighters from East Manatee, North River, City of Punta Gorda, City of Bradenton and Avon Park attended.

Melrose, FL - Melrose firefighters partnered with the Lake Area Ministries Food Pantry and Feeding Northeast Florida charities on November 5th to create a food distribution point.

The event was successful in distributing food to over 200 families in need of assistance. To speed up the delivery of the food, a drive thru process was used with cars pulling up next to the station's auxiliary bays, which did not hinder apparatus response from the main bays. Melrose firefighters are proud to be a partner with local agencies that are making a difference in the lives of the citizens that we serve.

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FLORIDA

Malfunctioning A/C Unit Causes Fire at Daytona Beach Hotel Daytona Beach, FL - Firefighters responded to a Daytona Beach hotel for a commercial structure fire on November 9th.

Crews determined that the fire was on the second JUMP TO FILE# floor and had all the 111920105 hotel occupants evacuate their rooms for safety.

Once the affected room was located, firefighters were able to get the fire extinguished, and through investigation, found out the cause was a result of the A/C unit malfunctioning.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to any adjacent rooms. No hotel staff or occupants were injured.

- SASHA STATON

SASHA STATON

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FLORIDA

SASHA STATON

DBFD Goes Blue for Movember

Daytona Beach, FL - In support of Firefighter health, the Daytona Beach Fire Department is going blue for Movember 2020! In our fight against firefighter cancers, we must continuously battle this growing enemy through proactive action and awareness. For the month of November, these special edition light blue shirts featuring a mustache will be the uniform for the Daytona Firefighters.

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE