1st Responder Southeast December Edition

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DECEMBER, 2014 DECEMBER, 2016

CAR CRASH IN BUSHNELL SENDS TWO TO HOSPITAL

JERRY RHODEN

Bushnell, FL - On October 12th at approximately 1:04 P.M., Sumter County Fire & EMS Engine-22, Engine-21 and Battalion Chief-11, along with AMR Medic 301 and 313, responded to a motor vehicle collision on I-75 southbound. Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle in the wood line on the southbound side of I-75, with heavy damage and two occupants trapped inside.

- See full story on page 30

Happy Holidays!

To our advertisers and readers

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December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

PROVIDED

Mayor Sandy Stimpson presented the Firefighter of the Month award for September to Firefighter/Driver Randy Reed.

Mobile’s September Firefighter of the Month Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Firefighters Connor Shelton and Will Joy went door-to-door on October 11th in the Skyland Park Community, checking and installing smoke alarms.

TUSCALOOSA FIRE & RESCUE

Mobile, AL - On August 24th, Firefighter/Driver Randy Reed was off duty and having dinner with his wife at a restaurant on Schillinger Road. While dining, Randy’s wife spotted a gentleman that appeared to be choking and alerted Randy.

Randy immediately ran to render aide to the man. As he was approaching the man, he witnessed a young lady, who was eating with

JUMP TO FILE #100516117 the gentleman, trying unsuccessfully to do the Heimlich maneuver on the much larger gentleman.

By the time Randy reached him, the gentleman had gone limp.

With his quick and knowledgeable reaction, Randy was able to successfully dislodge the object

from the gentleman’s throat.

Mayor Sandy Stimpson, on behalf of all the citizens, presented the Firefighter of the Month award for September to Firefighter/Driver Randy Reed.

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department encourages everyone to learn basic first aid, including CPR. - STEVE HUFFMAN

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.

CENTER POINT FIRE DISTRICT

Center Point Fire District Helps Raise Awareness For Breast Cancer Center Point, AL - During the month of October, Center Point Fire District participated in a parade along with events to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure for breast cancer.

Aliceville Fire Department, located in Aliceville, AL.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

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December, 2016

GEORGIA

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Latest Version of Fire Plan Gets Initial Approval from County Commission Cedartown, GA - Polk County residents who have seen a big increase in their homeowners insurance due to an increase in the Insurance Service Organization rating for fire protection will have a chance at some relief thanks to a new plan put before the Board of Commissioners.

A plan that has been in the works for months between County Manager Matt Denton and Public Safety Director Randy Lacey looks to provide round the clock fire protection for county residents, but property owners from the smallest plot to the biggest industry will have to help pay for that protection.

Denton and Lacey presented the plan during the county’s Public Safety committee meeting on Sept. 29, and during the Tuesday night commission meeting, got a unanimous vote to start the process by allowing Lacey to seek out a SAFER grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which would cover the cost of salaries for firefighters in the first two years.

Commissioners will get to vote again if the county receives the grant on whether to put into place a plan that will put a firefighter in seven out of nine stations in Polk County 24 hours a day, with both full time and part time hires planned to make the coverage plan work.

Part time firefighters would be in every station throughout the week for 12 hours a day, and three new battalion chiefs would also have to be hired. Lacey and Denton said the fire department would also need to employ a part time training captain as well, and a captain to handle administrative paperwork full time. The plan also covers the need to replace or remodel stations within the county.

The plan, Commissioner Jason Ward stressed, does not replace any volunteer firefighters still part of the department. He said it would only supplement the work they already do.

Lacey said during the October 4th meeting of the commission that the plan wouldn't work without volunteers. "At some point if we get the SAFER grant we're going to have to make some decisions, and I don't want that to surprise the community," Ward said.

In endorsing the plan from the public safety committee, Commissioner Jennifer Hulsey said

JUMP TO FILE #100716111 that this was only a plan in place so far, and depended on getting the SAFER grant to make it work.

"We all know we've got to do something about the fire plan," she said. "The regional commission has discussed with us what this entails, and they're going to meet with all of us so we understand what the SAFER grant does.

We may have more options, we aren't sure yet."

The overall plan would allow for the decrease of response time, Lacey said, and also ensure that firefighters are arriving at emergency scenes without long waits for equipment or volunteers to arrive. It would also eventually require a consolidation of the current nine stations and remodeling or new stations in the future, Lacey said.

The kicker, Denton said, would be the need to add a fee to property tax bills in Polk County.

These fees wouldn’t be due on the current year’s bills, which went out in September, but would be added to the 2017 tax bills next year if the plan is approved by the board. Fees would be different based on the type of property being protected by the fire department. Residential properties, for instance, will pay a lower fee than commercial or industrial properties. “On average, we’d assess fees around $135 a year per parcel,” Denton said.

Homeowners are expected to pay much less than that per year on the new fees, since commercial and industrial properties are also being included in the average for the fees. Overall, it would cost the county an estimated $1.86 million in the first year to bring on paid firefighters according to estimates generated by Denton with the fees in place. The SAFER grants would give the county the money they'd need for the first two years to handle construction costs of shifting or remodeling stations.

Commissioners voted unanimously to allow Lacey to seek out the grant. Previously, fire plans have been put before voters to choose whether to start a paid fire department, but they have failed in narrow negative majorities.

- KEVIN MYRICK

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TIM CAVENDER

TIM CAVENDER

Late Morning Fire Destroys Home in Cherokee County Cherokee County, GA - Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a fire on October 18th just shortly before 10:00 A.M. at 590 Spriggs Trail, off Yellow Creek Road.

Cherokee County 911 received a call from a neighbor who said that they could see smoke and flames from the front porch. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found that the one-story home was about 50 percent involved. Firefighters had to fight the fire in a defensive mode. The house was gutted by the fire, resulting in the structure being uninhabitable. No one was home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by a Cherokee County Fire Investigator. No injuries were reported.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

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December, 2016

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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December, 2016

GEORGIA

DCFR

One Injured in Bainbridge Apartment Fire Bainbridge, GA - Decatur County Fire & Rescue and Bainbridge Public Safety were dispatched on November 1st to Rivers Apartments for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival of DCFR Engine-224, heavy smoke and fire was confirmed coming out of the opened front door. An attack line was pulled and the fire was pushed back. DCFR personnel then made entry and extinguished the remaining interior fire. After, the facia of the building was pulled to find fire extension. The fire began in the kitchen from an unattended pot and extended through the living room and out of the front door. One victim sustained severe burns to her arms and legs as she attempted to remove the pot from the residence.

DCFR

Two Injured in Single Vehicle Crash Decatur County, GA - Two passengers were injured in a single vehicle accident on October 5th after their truck struck a tree off of the roadway. One patient had to be extricated and transported by helicopter to a regional trauma center. The second patient was loaded by Grady EMS and transported to Bainbridge Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

DCFR

Decatur Hosts Fire Safety Class Climax, GA - Decatur County Fire & Rescue hosted a fire safety class in October for 30 children from Decatur/Grady Head Start. The kids had a great time touring the station.

They learned about fire safety, as well as the dangers of playing with fire and calling 911. Crewmen also dressed and demonstrated "friendly firefighters," to show the children not to be afraid of their gear. Also, the kids got to use a fire hose.

Everyone had a great time!

BARROW COUNTY FD

Early Morning Fire in Atlanta Destroys Home Atlanta, GA - At 1:50 A.M. on the morning of Wednesday, October 19th, communication officers with Barrow County Emergency Services received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the 1300 block of Etheridge Drive. “Firefighters were dispatched to the address and found a single-story structure that was fully involved,” stated Captain Dakin. “Due to the amount of fire, crews fought the fire from the exterior of the home.” Engine-4, Engine-5, Ladder Truck-7, Med-6 and Battalion-1 were dispatched to the incident. The home was completely destroyed by the fire and two adults were displaced as a result. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Fire Investigation Team.

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December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

SCENES FROM FIREHOUSE EXPO 2016 Photos by Steve Clark

The 1st Responder News booth.

Escambia County, FL's Battalion Chief Curt Isakson teaching "Water on the Fire."

Sutphen's exhibit.

City of Dalton FD's Sutphen Engine-2.

Firehouse Magazine "Hall of Fame" 2016 inductees, (L to R): FDNY FF John Norman (ret.), FDNY FF Dennis Smith (ret.), District of Columbia journalist Rich Adams' wife Sherry, accepting the award on his behalf, and Philadelphia Assist.

Chief James Smith (ret.)

Firehouse Memorial Stair Climb at Nissan Stadium (home of the Titans). Participants climbed 2,100 steps to represent the 110 stories at the World Trade Center.

Country Music star Kix Brooks, formally of Brooks & Dunn, shown signing autographs during the expo.

Floor display at Firehouse Expo 2016.

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December, 2016

PAGE 9

TENNESSEE

BRUCE GARNER

Fire Marshal Beau Matlock stands next to the winning poster, created by Best of Show winner McKenna Hood from BoydBuchanan School.

Chattanooga FD Announces Winner of Fire Safety Poster Contest Chattanooga, TN - The Chattanooga Fire Department held its annual Fire Prevention Week awards ceremony on October 24th at the Chattanooga Public Library, downtown. 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 “Don't Wait -- Check the Date!”

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 one month.

CAPTAIN RANDY STEELE

Firefighters Battle Early Morning House Fire Chattanooga, TN - Chattanooga firefighters were busy on the night of October 28th, battling a large structure fire on the south-side of Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 5:12 A.M. and responded to 4212 Fagan Street with four fire companies. Captain Randy Steele, the incident commander, said that a significant amount of flames were visible when the first firefighters arrived on the scene, and they were quickly spreading up and into the attic. Seeing the magnitude of the fire, Captain Steele called for two additional fire companies to bring

JUMP TO FILE #103116110 in extra manpower.

Captain Steele said their efforts were hampered by a live power line that had detached from the house and was stretched out across the front yard, popping and cracking.

The firefighters had to avoid the area until a technician with EPB arrived to shut the power down to that line.

As additional fire companies arrived on the scene, the firefighters attempted an interior attack, but

BOB LONG

DJ CORCORAN

Resident Escapes Safely from Knoxville House Fire Knoxville, TN - At 12:34 P.M. on October 12th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 171 Chickamauga Ave. for report of a house fire. When fire crews arrived, they found heavy flames and smoke coming from the front porch area of the single-floor dwelling. The resident, a female, was out safely when firefighters arrived. Neighbors reported to officials that there was a litter of puppies in the home. Firefighters later found seven of those puppies dead, overcome by smoke and heat, located in the rear of the home. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

when it looked like the roof was about to cave in, Captain Steele ordered the firefighters out of the house. It took the firefighters more than half-an-hour to get the blaze under control. The house was reportedly unoccupied at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.

Captain Steele said the house appeared to be in the process of being renovated. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available, but the house was considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- BRUCE GARNER

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December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Firefighter Bilberry with the rescued cat.

MFRD

Firefighters Knock Down Duplex Fire Murfreesboro, TN — Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department's Engines 1, 3 and 4, as well as Ladder-1 and Rescues 2 and 8, responded to a duplex fire at 1014 Todd Court just before 7:00 P.M. on October 27th.

When crews arrived on-scene, they discovered fire at the back of the residence.

According to Captain/Shift Training Officer Tracy Summar, crews were able to get a quick knockdown on the fire, keeping it from damaging the other unit.

JUMP TO FILE #103116105

Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks with Jackson Peek and his grandmother, Jane Johnston.

MFRD

Both residents from the affected unit made it out safely. A total of three dogs and one cat also survived the fire. Though the exact cause of the fire is unknown, it appears to have started on the back patio. The Fire Marshal’s Office was called to conduct a routine investigation.

- MFRD

MFRD

(L to R): Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks, Jackson, Scott, Macie and Katie Peek (Jackson's dad, sister and mom).

MFRD Presents Courage Award to 5-Year-Old Boy Murfreesboro, TN - Heroes come in all different sizes, some a little smaller than others. Five-yearold Jackson Peek was presented with a “Courage Award” from Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Chief Mark Foulks on Wednesday morning, November 2nd, at Fire Administration.

Jackson’s father, Scott, sent a message via Facebook to the department about his son’s courageous act. On October 20th, Jackson was visiting his grandmother, Jane Johnston, who he affectionately calls “Nema,” when she suddenly fell and sustained an injury that made it difficult for her to get up.

He first tried to assist her in standing, but was unsuccessful. He then tried to show her different

JUMP TO FILE #110216109 ways that she could get up without using her injured shoulder. Although his grandmother appreciated the different ideas he gave her, she was still unable to stand on her own.

Jackson remained calm under pressure and retrieved his grandmother's phone so that she could call for help.

For this act of bravery, Jackson received a “Courage Award” certificate, a letter signed by the fire chiefs, a department patch and his very own MFRD fire hat.

The letter from the chiefs read, “Because of your bravery, the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue De-

partment would like to recognize your efforts with our Courage Award. Thank you for showing outstanding courage in a scary situation.”

Jackson also got a special visit from City Manager Rob Lyons and the crew from MFRD’s Engine-1.

He was even able to try on some turnout gear and test out the driver’s seat of the fire engine!

“We wanted to do something special for Jackson, because this situation is special,” said Chief Foulks. “It is evident that whatever training he has received from his parents or in school, he listened and was able to use it to help his grandmother. We are very proud of him and happy that she is doing well.”

- MFRD

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

MFRD

Gayle Passovoy of Noon Exchange Club, Engineer Doug Inglish and Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks.

MFRD Engineer Doug Inglish Named Noon Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department proudly announces that Engineer Doug Inglish was named “Firefighter of the Year” at the Noon Exchange Club of Murfreesboro’s Annual Crime and Fire Prevention Awards Luncheon on October 27th at Five Senses restaurant.

Inglish was nominated by MFRD Captain/Shift Inspector Brian Lowe for an off-duty act that had a very positive ending for a medical emergency.

Nomination written by Captain/Shift Inspector Brian Lowe for Engineer Doug Inglish: “On June 2nd, 2016, Engine3 was dispatched to an unresponsive person, CPR in progress.

Upon arrival, off-duty Engineer, Doug Inglish, was administering basic life support. Doug maintained patient care and assisted Engine-3's crew with AED use.

The patient was turned over to Rutherford EMS for more advanced care and transport. After the dust settled and the crew delivered the patient to the emergency department, I asked Doug about his actions that led up to activating 911. He recounted by saying that he had just walked out on to his back deck when voices next door caught his attention. He noticed his neighbors trying to wake up the resident and it appeared that he was having a medical emergency. Upon recognition,

JUMP TO FILE #101216113 Doug grabbed his "go bag" and headed next door. He directed family members to activate 911 while he started CPR. Doug's initial actions provided emergency crews with a viable patient. His early intervention lead to a successful save with the AED. The patient is a retired member of the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue department and continues to do well today.”

Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks read the nomination letter and added, “Doug is a humble man, who quietly does his job, but does it well. He never misses an opportunity to help where help is needed. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue is proud to have him as a dedicated employee and proud to announce him as our nominee for Noon Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year!” Foulks mentioned that the victim was a retired Captain of MFRD. Inglish is also one of the recipients of this year’s “Outstanding Service Award,” which he will receive at the First Annual “Fire Awards and Recognition Ceremony” in November. He has been with MFRD since August of 2000.

- MFRD

December, 2016

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December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Coca-Cola Employee Seriously Injured in Haz-Mat Incident

DJ CORCORAN

House Fire Sends Resident to Hospital Knoxville, TN - At 5:35 A.M. on October 5th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 3618 Selma Ave. for report of a fire. When fire crews arrived, they found heavy flames showing from the "B"/"C" corner of the residential structure and immediately secured a water source. The tenant self-evacuated, telling authorities that she had just gotten into the shower, but had been smelling what she described as "something electrical" burning all morning. The resident suffered a minor burn to her leg and was later transported to UT Hospital per medical crew on the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the American Red Cross was called to assist the victim with temporary placement.

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.

Chattanooga, TN - An employee with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company was seriously injured around 10:30 A.M. on October 7th, in a hazardous materials incident.

The employee was reportedly filling a large, plastic container with a hazardous substance when the chemical splashed out and onto JUMP TO FILE # him. Fellow employ- 101016109 ees at the plant got the victim away from the container and called 911. The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the plant at 4000 Amnicola Highway with six fire companies, as well as a full response from the hazardous materials team.

Exactly what caused the accident is still being determined, but Assistant Chief Danny Hague with the haz-mat team said it appears that the container might have been overpressurized, causing it to "rupture violently" and splash some of the chemical onto the employee. The victim was transported to Erlanger Medical Center by Hamilton County EMS. The department's haz-mat technicians were initially told that the chemical involved was Chlorine Dioxide. A few hours later, Chief Hague said it was determined that the chemical was a "Chlorite Solution." There was approximately 250-gallons of the Chlorite Solution in the container when it ruptured.

The plant was evacuated and the area was sealed off for the haz-mat

team. In the meantime, firefighters sprayed water on the damaged container to help contain the vapor cloud coming from the chemical. Chief Hague said that most of the vapor was kept on-site and never presented a danger to the public. He added that the water runoff was kept in drainage lines on-site, and never reached South Chickamauga Creek, which is located nearby.

Marion Environmental, an environmental cleanup company, transferred the remaining Chlorite Solution from the damaged container into a new container. Firefighters then used water to flush the drains on-site. That water was then retrieved

by Marion Environmental, which will treat the water and neutralize the solution.

BRUCE GARNER

The plant normally has 219 employees on-site, but fortunately for the October 7th incident, a plant employee said they were running a "skeleton crew," with only 30 employees on-site when the accident happened. By mid-afternoon, the haz-mat team had finished it's operation and turned the site back over to Coca-Cola and Marion Environmental, which would continue with the cleanup operation. An update on the plant's operation was not available.

Chattanooga police also provided valuable assistance on the scene.

As of October 10th, the victim was listed in critical, but stable condition at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN. - BRUCE GARNER

Knoxville Responds to Structure Fire on Martin Mill Pike

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Almaville Fire Department is located in Rutherford County, TN.

Knoxville, TN - Shortly after 4:00 A.M. on October 6th, units for the Knoxville Fire Department responded to 3846 Martin Mill Pk. for report of a commercial structure fire that was called in by JUMP TO FILE # a passerby. When 101016107 firefighters arrived, they quickly gained entry to extinguish fire on the main floor of the singlestory, block framed building. A heavy plywood ceiling and several layers of asphalt shingles that were under a metal roof made it difficult for firefighters to gain entry into the attic area, where the fire seemed to be hiding. A metal saw and chainsaw were used to gain access through the layers of roofing, followed by an aerial

stream delivering water through the opening. No injuries are reported and the cause of the fire is

DJ CORCORAN

undetermined at this time.

- DJ CORCORAN

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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December, 2016

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PAGE 14

December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

Responding To Gas Emergencies STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

The following article appeared in this column a few years back, in reference to responding to gas leaks, and will serve as a refresher.

Responding to a reported odor of gas or a possible gas leak can result in either a minor problem, or a much more hazardous condition, depending on the situation. It may be a pilot light that has gone out on a gas appliance, or a major catastrophic leak resulted in an explosion, causing a fire as witnessed recently in news articles. Having an SOG covering response to gas emergencies will provide you with initial operating procedures that can be modified as the situation warrants.

As always, the first priority is the safety of responders and the public when responding to a gas emergency.

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1. Personnel responding to a natural gas emergency should be dressed in full protective clothing and SCBA at all times. 2. If a gas leak is detected, request the local gas company to respond. 3. Evacuate the affected area by at least 150-feet, increase area as may be deemed necessary. 4. Deny access to the area. 5. Operate upwind whenever possible. 6. Locate a water supply in the event of fire or explosion. 7.

Remove any possible sources of ignition. 8. Whenever a gas meter is shut off, it should never be turned back on by anyone other than the gas company.

Restoration of gas service should be done by gas company personnel only.

In addition, the following may also be included in your SOG: 1. Spot the apparatus a safe distance from the address of the leak. The first arriving company may enter the block area of the leak and other responding apparatus shall stage one block or a safe distance and preferably upwind of the leak and keep vehicles, spectators and/or occupants away. 2.

Request traffic control by a police agency or fire police, if needed. 3.

Consider evacuation of the structure and other exposures. 4. Try to determine if there is a gas leak and the area of involvement with Combustible Gas Meters. 5. If a gas leak is detected, notify the Gas Company and stand-by until arrival. 6. Evacuate any endangered occupants in the building, as well as the immediate area. 7. Ventilate structure by opening doors and windows from outside. 8. If using electric or gasoline fans, make sure that they are explosion-proof type and keep generators clear of the area. 9. Do not ring doorbells and do not operate electric switches inside the building. 9.

Natural gas is lighter than air, so always check upper levels above the leak site and place apparatus accordingly. 11. Propane is heavier than air and will gravitate to lower levels and should be checked. 12. Shut off gas supply at the meter or propane tank when possible.

13. Shut off electric power to the building to prevent appliances (refrigerator, oil burner, etc.) from coming on. 14. Suppress or remove all sources of ignition in the immediate area whenever possible. 15. Do not attempt to shut down main line gas valves; this should be done by trained gas company personnel. 16. Allow occupants back into the structure only after levels have been reduced to 0% and the gas company concurs.

The above provides some initial suggestions as to what should be done upon response and what additional actions may also be taken into consideration.

As mentioned previously, gas leaks can be very minor, or they can turn into a disaster in a matter of seconds. There are many variables that contribute to the emergency, such as the source of the leak, what is the location of the leak a building or in the street, how long has the gas been leaking prior to notification, and the potential ignition sources in the immediate area.

Gas emergencies pose many dangers to responding personnel and members should be constantly aware of those hazards and maintain necessary precautions to protect themselves from possible injury and death, should a fire or explosion occur.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS

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

PROVIDED

"Todd Bender is a Staatsburg Fire District Commissioner in Hyde Park, NY. When not playing with his five-year-old son Logan, or eating pizza with his 21-year-old daughter Megan, or chatting online with his 22-year-old US Army Combat Medic son Ryan, he can be found wandering throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, looking for stories and pictures to contribute to 1st Responder News.

Todd is a former Dutchess County Legislator who got tired of politics, until he became a fire commissioner, and now he's just exhausted! Todd is always looking for new story ideas and routinely asks for emergency responders to email him at sfdbender64@Gmail.com with their ideas and events."

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

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PAGE 16

December, 2016

Stigma?

Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

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

Why? Are we not human? Who among us are perfect?

Part of the Stigma Free movement should be understanding your challenges, as well as other people's challenges. Sources indicate that "one-in-five Americans live with a mental health condition." Think about that for a minute; one-in-five.

If you have five responders on a truck, one of them may have a mental health issue. Twenty percent of your department may have an issue.

Are you or a member of your family or department one that is living with it, but did not seek any help? Are we judging others that have the courage to admit that they need some help?

Let's look at some things that might be in our stations. There may be a member who has lost someone so close to them that they will have a difficult time making it through the upcoming holidays because they are battling with depression as they grieve. There may be someone who is still having challenges because of a really bad call and they may have PTSD. I know people who are bi-polar, have addictions, in major depression, had a stroke, etc. Should we just tell them to "suck it up, buttercup"? NO! How would you want to be treated?

What if it was your child or family member?

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE Compassion goes a long way.

Whatever mental issues they have does not identify them.

One of my best friends is blind.

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

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

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

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

Happy Holidays and stay safe, Didymus McHugh

D ID YOU K NOW

Front view of Station-3.

AMY MAXWELL

Tri-Community Volunteer FD Opens New Fire Hall Chattanooga, TN - On Thursday, November 3rd, Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department inaugurated their replacement station located on 11115 Park Place in the Apison area. Hamilton County Officials, local fire department agencies and residents came to visit the new fire station and meet the fire personnel of Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department.

After years of discussion and planning, Hamilton County provided $2.3 million for a new fire hall for Tri-Community Volunteer

JUMP TO FILE #110416102 FD. This new station is twice the size of their old station and will include six live-in quarters for fire personnel, a community meeting room, a full-size kitchen and a large bay to “house” several pieces of apparatus.

“In 1966, we had a budget $4,000 and we ran 70 calls. Last year, we responded to 2,172 calls.

So far this year, we have responded

to 2,040 calls. We are a busy volunteer fire service,” said Chief DeWayne Pitts of Tri-Community Volunteer FD. Chief Pitts, a 50-year veteran with Tri-Community Volunteer FD, has seen first-hand how the department has progressed over the years.

The Department has 87 volunteer fire personnel who cover 62square-miles for Hamilton County and has an Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of three.

- AMY MAXWELL

?

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

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

CARLOS HAMPTON

House Fire Displaces Family of Seven Chattanooga, TN - No injuries were reported in connection with a house fire on October 22nd. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 4:11 P.M. and responded to 3308 Dodson Avenue with five fire companies. Captain Wadie Suttles with Engine-4 said heavy fire was showing when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.

As additional firefighters arrived on the scene, they were able to locate the fire in a child's bedroom. Fortunately, no one was in the house at the time.

JUMP TO FILE #102416107 Battalion Chief Carlos Hampton, the incident commander, said the firefighters put the fire out quickly, containing it to just the bedroom, where it started. The rest of the house had some smoke and water damage. An estimate on the dollar loss was not available.

The cause of the fire was ruled as accidental. A fire investigator said combustibles had been placed too

close to a baseboard heater. When the clothes and plastic container got hot enough, they burst into flames.

Fortunately, no one was injured in this fire, but a mother and her six children would have to stay elsewhere for the night. The American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee is helping the family with a temporary place to stay. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the scene.

- BRUCE GARNER

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

PAGE 17

Happy Holidays to all of our good friends in Fire & Emergency Services!

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PAGE 18

December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

RALPH DEMILIO

Ocala Welcomes New Tower Truck Ocala, FL - After weeks of preparation and a year-long wait, Ocala Fire Rescue welcomed its 100-foot platform on October 11th, during a “Push-In” Ceremony.

Elected officials, community members, firefighters and local media gathered at Fire Station #1, located at 235 NE Watula Avenue, to witness history in the making, as OFR welcomed the department’s fourth-ever tower truck!

The ceremony, which began with a presentation of colors by OFR’s Honor Guard, included a brief address by Fire Chief Bradd Clark, who spoke of the truck’s features, the design process and

JUMP TO FILE #101216115 the overall history behind the traditional ceremony. The “pushingin” of the truck, proceeded.

Having completed the age old tradition, dating back to the times when horse-drawn steam engines had to be pushed back into the station by firefighters after a call, Tower-One was announced to be officially in service. Completing an inaugural lap around Tuscawilla Park, Tower-One returned to Station #1 to a warm welcome from those in attendance. The excite-

ment of the night peeked after fascinated community members witnessed the magnitude of the ladder capabilities, and increased further more once the apparatus tours and photo opportunities took place.

“The purpose of this ceremony was to share the excitement of this valuable piece of equipment with the community which we serve.

There simply could not have been a better measure of success than the support exhibited by everyone in attendance,” said Public Information Officer Ashley Lopez.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE RESCUE

Fort Lauderdale Firefighters Rescue Dog From Blaze Fort Lauderdale, FL - On the evening of Saturday, October 22nd, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue received multiple 911 calls for a house on fire at 1521 NW 7th Ave. Units from the 2nd and 16th Battalions rushed to the scene, where the first-due engine advised that they had a working fire in a single-family structure with smoke and flames showing. Crews assigned to the primary search entered the smokey structure and after a few minutes, found a dog in a back room. The dog was quickly brought outside to safety and was uninjured in the blaze.

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Leesburg, FL - To promote Blindness Awareness Month, Lake County Fire Chief Jim Dickerson and Firefighter/EMT Rolando Torres recently spent a day in the life of a visually impaired person as part of the annual “Close Your Eyes for White Cane Safety Day.” The event was hosted by New Vision for Independence and held at Beacon College in Leesburg. Every year since 1964, October 15th has been designated as White Cane Safety Day to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision. Attendees are taught how to be a safe human guide and then are grouped into pairs.

One person on each team is blindfolded and assignments are given to complete a task with reduced or no vision. “I was absolutely amazed…how much better I could hear, how much I relied on my guide,” said Chief Dickerson, adding that he would recommend that his entire department also go through the exercise.

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December, 2016

PAGE 19

FLORIDA

Extrication Required After Crash in Bushnell Bushnell, FL - At approximately 11:22 A.M. on October 15th, Sumter County Fire & EMS Ladder-11, Engine-22 and Battalion Chief-11, along with AMR Medic-300, responded to a motor vehicle collision on West Dade Ave. Units arrived onscene to find two ve- JUMP TO FILE# 101716103 hicles involved with heavy damage and one occupant entrapped in one of the vehicles. It took approximately 23 minutes for firefighters, using the “Jaws of Life,” to extricate the trapped patient from the vehicle.

Only one patient sustained injuries, which were considered non-lifethreatening. They were transported to an area hospital. The occupant of the second vehicle refused treatment or transport. The accident is under investigation by the Sumter County Sheriff's Department.

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December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

SEMINOLE FIRE RESCUE

Pinellas County UAV pilots were (L to R): Steven Hirschfield Seminole CERT, Brad Dykens City of Seminole Fire Rescue and Chief Darryl O’Neal Madeira Beach Fire Department.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conference Attended by Local Agencies Ocala, FL - On September 30th, Florida State Fire College (FSFC) and Florida State University (FSU) partnered to host “Best Practices for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAV in the Florida Fire Service." City of Seminole Fire Rescue, Pinellas County Fire and Emergency services and other fire departments in the state have been working with FSU to learn the best ways for UAVs to be utilized as a tool in emergency situations.

Pinellas County was well represented at the 3rd Annual UAV Seminar held at the Florida State Fire College. Seminole, Madeira Beach, Clearwater, and Pinellas County Emergency Services Staff were

JUMP TO FILE #102316102 among the estimated 100 attendees from around the State. Lead by David Merrick from the Florida State University Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program, the focus of the seminar was to review the FAA regulations associated with unmanned aerial devices; identify the future potential for drone operations in emergency services; and to share ideas and experiences in this rapidly developing field.

Putting discussions into practice, participants were able to fly real-time

“missions” for search and rescue reconnaissance, hazardous materials identification and victim recognition.

Locally, Seminole Fire Rescue, Seminole CERT and Madeira Beach all participated with aircraft and flew training missions. The Seminole Team of two aircraft successfully located three victims in paid time in a mock building collapse scenario that had the victims located on multiple levels. Madeira Beach Fire Department also successfully participated in a separate victim locating exercise.

- BRAD DYKENS

BUDDY SHOT

IMMFIRE STAFF PHOTOS

Immokalee Firefighters Extricate Two Entrapped After Car Crash Hendry County, FL - On October 22nd at 5:45 P.M., Immokalee firefighters responded to County Road 846 East in neighboring Hendry County, for the report of a crash involving a single vehicle. Upon arrival, units found that the two occupants of the vehicle were entrapped after crashing into a tree. Once successfully extricated from the wreckage, the two occupants were declared as "trauma alerts" and flown to Lee Memorial Trauma Center by Lee & Collier EMS helicopters.

Emergency personnel who responded to the scene included Immokalee Battalion-30 as Incident Command, Hendry and Collier EMS, Hendry & Collier Sheriff Office deputies, Florida Highway Patrol, Montura-Flaghole VFD and Immokalee Fire.

Mutual aid response included Lee and Collier County EMS Helicopters and Collier County EMS ground units.

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

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CIRONE PHOTOS

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

PAGE 21

FLORIDA

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

PROVIDED

Kaitlin Murphins, a five-year veteran and Public Education Coordinator for the Plantation Fire Department, was honored during the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on Wednesday, October 19th at 7:30 P.M. at the Jacaranda Country Club and again that evening at the City Council meeting.

Plantation FD Member of the Year Honored Plantation, FL - Juggling work, family and life in general is a challenge for most working mothers. Add to that, being a volunteer firefighter and the Plantation Fire Department’s Public Education coordinator, and you have Kaitlin Murphins.

Kaitlin joined the Fire Department in January of 2011.

Even while going through basic training, she fell in love with Pub Ed. Kaitlin began working with Pub Ed by dressing up as Sparky and Big Bob, the blowup firefighter. She attended parades and special events in costume. And while the costumes were often hot and uncomfortable, especially in the Summer, she found great joy in the smiles on the kid’s faces.

“That is so rewarding,” said Murphins. “To see them smile when they see the fire trucks, or when they repeat the fire safety information makes it all worthwhile.”

Most recently, due to staffing changes, Kaitlin was asked to step into the Pub Ed coordinator’s role. Being only a few weeks before Fire Prevention month, she found herself immediately overwhelmed. But she persevered and helped initiate new procedures to streamline the Pub Ed request process. Since taking over the coordinator’s position, Kaitlin has scheduled and attended more than 50 hours in Pub Ed programs, coordinated the City-Wide Fire Prevention Poster & Essay Contest and all this while balancing a fulltime job, new motherhood and volunteer firefighter duties.

While many people might

JUMP TO FILE #102416102 feel exhausted just hearing what Kaitlin does, she says, “I love it. I want to do more.”

Kaitlin was honored during the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast on Wednesday, October 19th, at 7:30 P.M., at the Jacaranda Country Club and again that evening at the City Council meeting.

- JOEL GORDON

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

DeLand, FL - Lt. Art (“Papa Art”) Riegle, recently retired as a Lieutenant/EMT with Volusia County Fire Rescue (VCFR). Riegle was assigned to Station-22 in Oak Hill and had been employed with VCFR since December of 1993. A gathering was held by his co-workers and friends at the fire station to wish him well and thank him for his service.

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PAGE 22

December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

MEMORIAL BOARD

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

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

PROVIDED FF/EMT A. COTILLA A-SHIFT

Immokalee, FL - Immokalee Fire's Heavy Rescue-31 attracts all kinds of attention with their unique blue color scheme and during a recent outing, it seemed to even attract the attention of a group of Sandhill Cranes that were strolling through the neighborhood!

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Awards Life-Saving Equipment to Polk County Fire Rescue Bartow, FL – Polk County Fire Rescue Engineer/Paramedic Daniel Wintz recently served as a family escort during a ceremony at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park in Emmitsburg, MD. “I had the honor and privilege to escort the survivors of fallen Firefighter Scott Carroll of California, who was a captain for his fire department,” Wintz said of the ceremony, which was held on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center. “It was an emotional time for me as my father was a line-of-duty-death in 2012 and was honored in 2013. Since then, I have gone every year. But this was my first year as an escort.”

At the heart of the park, the National Fallen Firefighters Monument is a striking stone monument

PROVIDED

encircled by plaques listing the names of all members of the fire service who have died in the lineof-duty since 1981. Polk County Firefighter Benjamin Matthew Lang, who died in the line-of-duty in 2004, also is included on the plaque.

“It was a privilege to participate and honor our fallen brothers and sisters,” Wintz said. “It was an amazing experience. The amount of honor guard members; 100 plus members. And pipes and drums members; another 100 plus. The family escorts were from all over the United States to help with this memorial. Many other volunteers too came together. It was just awesome.”

- KEVIN WATLER

Bartow, FL – Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation recently awarded grant funding for Polk County Fire Rescue to purchase an eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life.

The eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life is a set of life-saving, batterypowered tools that doesn’t need hoses or additional power units when freeing trapped occupants in vehicles.

“Earlier this year, one of our engines responded to a passenger vehicle that had crashed into a tree,” said Deputy County Manager Gary Hester. “The vehicle was on fire and the occupant was trapped. Crews on scene were able to control the fire, but had to wait for the arrival of another fire engine that was equipped with the needed extrication equipment.”

This equipment can also be

JUMP TO FILE #102116101 used to gain emergency access to locked structures when traditional methods will not work. Some examples of this include prying through burglar bars and opening security doors during fires.

“We plan to equip all of our fire engines with extrication equipment this year,” said Fire Chief Tony Stravino. “This will improve our rescue capabilities of patients who are entrapped.”

An eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life set costs approximately $30,000. Polk Fire Rescue currently has 45 stations. “The grant funding we’re receiving from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will help us provide

better service to our citizens,” Hester added.

A celebratory dedication event is planned. The date is to be determined.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations.

Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given more than $23 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $4 million in Florida.

- KEVIN WATLER

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

PAGE 23

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December, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Tractor Trailer Versus Van in Sumter County Sumter County, FL - On October 25th at approximately 6:30 A.M., Sumter County Fire & EMS Engine-12, AMR Medics 303, 310 and 515, as well as the Sumter County Sheriff’s office, were dispatched North of the SR-50 and CR-469 intersection for a JUMP TO FILE# motor vehicle colli- 103116102 sion. Upon arrival, units encountered a tractor trailer and two passenger vehicles, all with heavy damage. Medic-303 triaged three patients on-scene and found all patients to be stable and began wound care.

Engine-12's crew quickly secured hazards to stabilize the scene and discovered a dog in one vehicle. The dog was found to be uninjured and Sumter County Animal Services was contacted to secure the animal for the owner, who was transported to the hospital. All patients were transported to local hospitals with minor-to-moderate injuries. The scene was turned over to the Florida Highway Patrol.

FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE RESCUE

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Hires 14 New Firefighters

- LT. BO BURGES

PROVIDED

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue recently hired 14 new firefighters, beginning their career on Halloween day. The new firefighters will undergo an eight week recruit program, where they will receive fire, EMS and special operations training. This is the first group of what will eventually be a total of 30 new firefighters. The second group of 16 will start the recruit program in the Fall of 2017. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue will be placing a new unit into service and the new firefighters will help increase the daily minimum staffing from 80 to 84 firefighters.

The staff of 1st Responder Newspaper would like to extend to our valued readers and advertisers our warmest wishes for a safe & happy holiday season.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

December, 2016

PAGE 25

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December, 2016

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.

The traditional uncoupling of the hose instead of the ribbon cutting.

CIRONE PHOTOS

CHRIS DILLEY

Crescent City Fire Rescue operates a 2010 Pierce/Freightliner Commercial tanker as Tanker-34. This apparatus is configured with a 3000-gallon water tank and a 1000-GPM Hale pump. It is also equipped with two midship preconnect attack lines.

Christine Hollins, granddaughter of Robert "Bob" Kline, addresses the audience.

CIRONE PHOTOS

CHRIS DILLEY

West Manatee Fire District Dedicates New Station West Bradenton, FL - West Manatee Fire District dedicated the new Fire Station #4 on October 10th. Over 100 people attended the long anticipated event. The fire station was dedicated to the late Robert "Bob" Kline, who was the first paid firefighter when the fire company was still called "West End Fire Department." Bob worked his way up to Assistant Chief before becoming the District Fire Marshal. Six years after planning began and almost two years in the making, this 9,000-square-foot fire station is state-of-the-art and also capable of withstanding a Category-44 hurricane. Every feature was well thought out in a functional way.

Crescent City Fire Rescue operates a Central States Fire Apparatus built on a 2000 FL-80 Freightliner commercial cab as Engine-31. It is configured with a 1000-GPM pump and a 750-gallon water tank. It is also a 4WD engine with pump and roll capabilities.

Lawtey Fire Rescue operates a 2010 Pierce Saber as Engine-50. Engine-50 is the first-out engine for Lawtey and is configured with a Waterous 1250-GMP pump and a 1000-gallon water tank. It is also equipped with two midship preconnect attack lines, one front bumper jump line, one booster reel and a deck gun.

CHRIS DILLEY

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FLORIDA

Plantation Firefighters Make Quick Work of Storage Facility Fire Plantation, FL - An early morning fire in a commercial storage facility presented firefighters with some access challenges on October 28th. At approximately 5:45 A.M., Plantation firefighters were dispatched for a reported fire in a stor- JUMP TO FILE# age unit at Plantation 110116102 Xtra Storage, located at 8984 NW 17th Court. On arrival, they found heavy smoke coming from multiple units. Because all the units had roll down metal doors that were locked, firefighters had to use K-12 rotary saws to cut into the involved units.

Once inside, they found heavy fire in a large, three-bay unit. They were able to extinguish the fire quickly, with damage being contained to just the fire unit. Arriving engines also had to lay approximately 1,000-feet of supply hose, as the nearest hydrant was out on the street.

A total of 30 firefighters responded to the scene, two of which received minor injuries. According to the State Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire was related to oily rags being left in a sealed container.

PROVIDED

- JOEL GORDON

FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE RESCUE

LAKE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Lake County Fire Rescue Receives Animal Oxygen Mask Donations

Lake County, FL - The Lake Eustis Kennel Club recently donated Wag'N O2 Fur Life animal oxygen masks to Lake County Fire Station-52 in Lady Lake. The specially designed masks can be used on pets that have suffered from smoke inhalation and those needing resuscitation after losing consciousness from exposure to dangerous toxic fumes. The masks can be used on dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and more, and can also be attached to an ambubag if the pet requires manual breathing assistance.

Fort Lauderdale Officials Declare October 18th as “Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Heroes Drive Pink with AutoNation Day” Fort Lauderdale, FL - On October the 18th, 2016 the City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor and City Commissioners officially declared the day as “Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Heroes Drive Pink with AutoNation Day." October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when businesses, organizations and communities across the nation come together to host, support and participate in events, campaigns and initiatives dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. This year, AutoNation, Inc., America’s largest automotive retailer, is partnering with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue for a unique,

JUMP TO FILE #102016102 innovative campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month called “Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Heroes Drive Pink with AutoNation."

During October, Fort Lauderdale Firefighters are wearing a distinctive “Real Heroes Wear Pink” shirt, with the AutoNation “DRVPNK” logo displayed on the back to increase awareness and raise funds to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds will benefit GlamA-Thon, an organization dedicated to assisting local women affected by

breast cancer, and the AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University.

The City of Fort Lauderdale proudly recognizes Deputy Fire Chief Tim Heiser and his wife Michelle for helping to spearhead this incredible effort. Michelle is a breast cancer survivor who won her battle due in large part to early detection. Today, Tim, Michelle, the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department and AutoNation are all committed to spreading the message that, “Early detection can save lives."

- GREGORY MAY

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FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS

The Jr. firefighters dress in gear, including putting PVC "Air Tanks" on their backs.

JERRY RHODEN

Car Crash in Bushnell Sends Two to Hospital Bushnell, FL - On October 12th at approximately 1:04 P.M., Sumter County Fire & EMS Engine-22, Engine-21 and Battalion Chief-11, along with AMR Medic 301 and 313, responded to a motor vehicle collision on I-75 southbound, near the 317 mile marker.

Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle in the wood line on

JUMP TO FILE #101716118 the southbound side of I-75, with heavy damage and two occupants trapped inside. The vehicle was on its side, requiring emergency personnel to stabilize the vehicle to prevent it from rolling onto the res-

cuers. Once the vehicle was stabilized, rescue personnel extricated the victims using the “Jaws of Life.� Both patients sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Dade City hospital. The accident remains under investigation by FHP. - JERRY RHODEN

Sarasota County Fire and Rescue gave a vehicle extrication demo.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Sarasota County Fire Holds Annual Open House Sarasota, FL - Sarasota Fire Department held its annual Open House on Saturday, October 8th. Hundreds of people attended the massive event. Live demonstrations were held almost every half-hour and over two dozen organizations provided information and/or hands-on experiences for the attendees. Free food and drinks were provided as children made their way through the displays. Fire Marshal Ashley Lusky organized the very successful event.

JERRY RHODEN

Vehicle Strikes Tree and Catches Fire in Sumterville Sumterville, FL - At approximately 9:01 P.M. on October 14th, Sumter County Fire & EMS Engine33, Tender-33 and Battalion Chief-11, along with AMR Medic-301, responded to a motor vehicle collision on CR-470, just East of CR-500. Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle that had struck a tree and then caught fire. The single occupant was able to exit the vehicle and sustained only minor injuries. The patient was transported to an area hospital by AMR. Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

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FLORIDA

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battles Stubborn Mid-Afternoon Blaze

FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE RESCUE

Fort Lauderdale, FL - In the middle of the afternoon on Wednesday, October 20th, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to 1204 Bayview Drive for a report of a residential structure fire JUMP TO FILE# with smoke and 102116101 flames showing.

On arrival, the first-due engine found a two-story house with heavy smoke coming from the secondfloor roof area. The house was undergoing major renovations and the fire was reported in the attic. Ladder-13 was the first arriving ladder and was assigned roof operations, where they quickly made access to the roof and cut a ventilation hole.

Soon after Ladder-13 came down from the roof, a collapse occurred which further compromised firefighting operations. The fire was well involved and it took more than two hours to bring the fire under control. No injuries occurred and the fire is under investigation.

- GREGORY MAY

FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE RESCUE

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.

FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE RESCUE

Roofers Trapped When Fire Breaks Out in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL - In the blink of an eye, what started as a normal day for a local roofing service, turned dramatic when their vehicle and tar pot caught fire on October 13th. The workers were stranded as the fire quickly spread to the building, which engulfed the ladder and then led to the roof. Fort Lauderdale Fire firefighters arrived and quickly removed the workers from the roof while firefighters on the ground extinguished the flames. Quick actions of the firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to the inside of the structure.

No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.

CHRIS DILLEY

The Fernandina Beach Fire Department is located in Nassau County, FL. They proudly protect the residents and visitors of the furthest Northeast City in Florida.

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HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

each month in all of our r editions.

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

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

D ID YOU K NOW

Fire Call ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Fire Call Sounding the alarm to save our vanishing volunteers

By George Devault Available from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and also in most book stores Price: $17.95 This book is soft cover, measuring six-by-nine inches and has 297 pages of 36 chapters within seven parts, plus an introduction and epilogue. The author was a volunteer firefighter for 30 years in Pennsylvania. Part of that time, he was a part-time paid firefighter in the general vicinity. His plea is a valid one attested to in the seven page introduction. It is an eye opener to the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters there are, not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the country.

The amount of information and statistics is overwhelming and sounds a signal that many, if not most, volunteer fire depart-

ments are hurting for members.

That said, it also gives the average age of today’s volunteer. Let’s just say that if they were professional athletes, they would be well retired! He gives many reasons for the shortage, most of which are legitimate, especially when it comes to the economy dictating the need for two or more incomes within families, compounded by the level of stress placed upon men and women today.

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

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

He takes the reader through the many variables of being a volunteer. Not taking anything away from the career firefighter (I was one), the volunteer is subject to be called to duty at any time. While

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

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

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

It is a book you will not want to put down unless something really urgent commands your attention! Also, a quick note that on the last page are ways that a person can ease the burden of a volunteer fire department without necessarily joining the ranks. There are many supportive functions needed, such as grant writers, fundraisers, office workers, cooks (for fundraising), attorney for legal matters, tradesmen such as mechanics, electricians, grounds keeping, chaplain, nurse and many others.

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International Firefighter Safety Chief Talks to Commissioners

TENNESSEE

Deputy Chief Brian Osgood.

PROVIDED

Blount County Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Wins State Achievement Award Alcoa, TN - Blount County Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Brian Osgood was awarded the 2016 Costo McGhee Award at the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squad’s 61st Annual Convention held on October 10th in Pigeon Forge. This prestigious award is given to a rescue squad member who has been both an outstanding squadsman and has been an asset to the citizens of their community through civic work outside their rescue squad.

“Deputy Chief Osgood devotes countless hours of his time to the upbuilding of our squad, while at the same time building and maintaining relationships with other volunteer and civic organizations within the community,” said BCRS Chief Keith Sartin. He continues, “Brian’s love for others and his heart to serve drives him to constantly seek out ways to make a difference in the community.”

Osgood, also a member of the Blount Special Operations Team (BSORT), is a certified Divemaster and works with the team on rescue and recovery missions. He is passionate about diving and enjoys teaching others to become skilled divers and support members.

A nationally-certified emergency medical responder, Osgood is a Neyland Stadium venue supervisor for the American Red Cross First Aid Station Team (F.A.S.T.). His role is to supervise and administer

JUMP TO FILE #101216113 medical care at the University of Tennessee home football games. He has been a member of the F.A.S.T. team since 2009.

Osgood served as Past-President of the Optimist Club of West Knoxville and spearheaded many community projects for the club, including the “Plug Into Your Community” event that created thousands of dollars for local nonprofits and saved over 200 tons of electronics recycling waste from ending up in local landfills every year. He served as chairman of the event for five years.

Deputy Chief Osgood has been a member of the Blount County Rescue Squad since 2011. He was promoted to Assistant Chief after the untimely passing of then Assistant Chief John Yu, and ultimately promoted to Deputy Chief in 2014.

The mission of the Blount County Rescue Squad is to provide public education, prevention and excellence in pre-hospital emergency care and specialty rescue/support services to the citizens and visitors of Blount County and surrounding counties, when called upon by local and state emergency response partners.

- LIEUTENANT LAURA OSGOOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

TODD BENDER

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

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

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

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

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

- TODD BENDER

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FACES OF SOUTHEAST’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your “Faces” shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

SELMA FIRE RESCUE

Selma, AL - The Selma Fire and Rescue Department promoted three Lieutenants in September, including Lt. James Cutler, Lt. Erwin Moore and Lt. Daniel Stevenson! Also pictured are Fire Chief Toney D. Stephens and Assistant Chief Mark Walker.

CIRONE PHOTOS

West Bradenton, FL - West Manatee Department Chief Tom Sousa addresses the attendees and thanks past Chiefs for there involvement in the building project of new Station #4.

Davie, FL - Davie Fire Rescue’s most recent recruit class just graduated and are now assigned to operations! Front row (L to R): FF Gibson, FF Diaz, FF Romeo, FF Casco, FF Rando and FF Call.

Back Row (L to R): FF Chinnici, FF Schuberth, FF Prada, FF Whitman, FF DeNunzio, FF Dunlop, FF Satahoo and FF Fortier.

DAVIE FIRE RESCUE

CENTER POINT FIRE DISTRICT

MFRD

Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department recently welcomed two new employees, (L to R): Frank Camejo and Adam Davis.

Center Point, AL - During the month of October, Center Point Fire District participated in a parade along with events to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure for breast cancer.

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