1st Responder News Southeast February Edition

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FEBRUARY, 2020

MACON-BIBB CREWS BATTLE SUSPICIOUS FIRE ON SKIPPER ROAD

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Macon, GA - Macon-Bibb County Firefighters were alerted just after 6:30 P.M. on December 20th to a fully involved building at the old driving range on Skipper Road.

Multiple calls were received by 911 operators from motorists on I-75 and local residents reporting a large fire.

- See full story on page 2

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February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

Macon-Bibb Crews Battle Suspicious Fire on Skipper Road Macon, GA - Macon-Bibb County Firefighters were alerted just after 6:30 P.M. on December 20th to a fully involved building at the old driving range on JUMP TO FILE# Skipper Road. Mul- 010120105 tiple calls were received by 911 operators from motorists on I-75 and local residents reporting a large fire.

Firefighters arrived, found heavy fire conditions and dropped several hundred feet of hose to the scene. Two aerials operated onto the structure along with several hand and ground monitors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was on scene assisting MB Fire Investigators. Crews had the fire out by 2:30 A.M., and no injuries were reported. The property had recently been put back up for sale prior to the fire.

- SHANE SHIFFLETT

Macon-Bibb firefghters battle the intense fire.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

PATCH OF THE MONTH

WORKING FACES

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.

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

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Helen Fire Department, located in White County, GA.

Macon Bibb Fire Captain Jeremy Harmon.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

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February, 2020

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February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

ADVERTISER INDEX

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Firehouse Mortgage

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Municipal Equipment

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Raymond James

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NAFECO

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Raynor Garage Doors

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Team Equipment, Inc.

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Rock Star Training

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

Waterous

Water Rescue Innovations

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27

21

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 21 No. 2 - 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.

PAULDING COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE

Fatal New Year’s Eve House Fire in Paulding County Claims One Life Dallas, Georgia - At 11:04 P.M. on Tuesday, December 31st, Paulding County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a residential structure fire located at 244 Trace Road. The initial 911 call was placed by a neighbor who indicated that an elderly male, the only resident, might be at home.

Approximately three minutes after dispatch, a Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on the scene and reported a fully involved two-story residence. Paulding Fire units arrived four minutes later and began suppression efforts, including an interior fire attack. Engines 3, 8 and 1, Truck 11, Squad 1, Rescue 3 and several command officers responded.

During search & rescue operations the roof collapsed, forcing crews out of the home and into de-

JUMP TO FILE #010220115 fensive suppression mode. The fire was declared under control at approximately midnight.

Unfortunately, during overhaul operations, units discovered the body of a 65-year-old male inside the home. As a result, Investigators from Paulding Fire requested assistance from the State of Georgia Fire Marshal’s office, which is standard protocol for fires involving fatalities.

The cause is still under investigation. No personal information for the victim has been released yet, pending notification of nextof-kin.

- STEVE MAPES

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

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PUBLICATION CONTENT

Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Hull, GA - Madison County Fire Water Rescue returning from assisting in Florida.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Atlanta Fire Rescue Department 5" connected to the plug during a two-alarm building fire.

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February, 2020

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February, 2020

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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

Nebraska: John Sing, 67 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 11, 2019 Death Date: November 11, 2019 Fire Department: Boys Town Fire & Rescue Initial Summary: On Monday, November 11, 2019, at approximately 0200hrs, Chief John Sing responded to an EMS call. When he returned to the station, he collapsed and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Massachusetts: Jason Menard, 39 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 13, 2019 Death Date: November 13, 2019 Fire Department: Worcester Fire Department Initial Summary: In the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Lieutenant Jason Menard and his crew responded to a multi-residential structure fire, with heavy smoke coming from the building. The fire grew to four alarms and, at one point, firefighters issued a mayday call from the third floor.

Lieutenant Menard and other firefighters became trapped by heavy fire conditions. He helped two firefighters escape the blaze, but the fire quickly worsened and Lieutenant Menard was unable to flee and succumbed to his injuries. Three other firefighters were taken to the hospital. Two of the firefighters have been released and the third is in serious condition.

New York: Darryl Rollins, 42 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 19, 2019 Death Date: November 20, 2019 Fire Department: North Amityville Volunteer Fire Company Initial Summary: On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at approximately 1900hrs., Chief Darryl Rollins responded to a possible residential fire. He returned home and was found unresponsive early the next morning. He was im-

mediately taken to the hospital where he passed away from a cardiac arrest.

New York: Robert White, Jr., 65 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 5, 2019 Death Date: December 5, 2019 Fire Department: West Stockholm Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, December 5, 2019, at approximately 1930hrs., Chief Robert White responded to a residential structure fire in Potsdam, New York.

After arriving at the scene, he collapsed and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away. The cause and the nature of death have not yet been determined.

Georgia: George "Johnny" Childs, 64 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 4, 2019 Death Date: December 5, 2019 Fire Department: Arcade Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at approximately 1545hrs., Firefighter George “Johnny” Childs responded to a residential structure fire. The next morning, Thursday, December 5, 2019, he was found unresponsive by his personal vehicle outside a local business. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away from cardiac arrest.

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GEORGIA

Macon-Bibb Firefighters Battle New Year’s Day Apartment Fire Macon, GA - On New Year's Day, Macon-Bibb County Fire was alerted at 6:44 A.M. for a reported apartment on fire at The Park at Northside Apartment Homes on Northside Drive.

Firefighters arrived and found a multi-story apartment building with heavy smoke and JUMP TO FILE# fire showing. Com- 010120100 mand immediately requested additional units to assist. The fire eventually vented through the roof and firefighters had to evacuate the structure.

Captain Colvard advised that a total of four apartments sustained damage and all occupants were displaced. The American Red Cross was called in to assist.

According to the occupant of where the fire started, she stated that she was making breakfast when she fell asleep and woke up to a smoke filled apartment. She used the nearby fire extinguisher and then water bottles, but neither methods worked.

Macon-Bibb Fire Investigators are investigating the fire. No injuries were reported. Community Ambulance was also on scene.

- SHANE SHIFFLETT

Macon-Bibb FF Michael Carpenter hits hot spots on the roof.

Residents look on as firefighters battle the fire.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

SHANE SHIFFLETT

PAGE 8

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Cucina Povera FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

DJ CORCORAN

Knoxville Residents Displaced

by House Fire Knoxville, TN - At 2:45 P.M. on December 22nd, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to 3521 Lyle Avenue for the report of a house fire. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the exterior attic vents. The five-member family, including two adults and three children, had already safely evacuated the home upon firefighters' arrival.

Fire crews quickly went to work finding fire in the attic above the bathroom. The homeowner reported to fire officials they had smelled what they described as electrical wires burning just before neighbors knocked on

JUMP TO FILE #010320113 their door, telling them there was smoke coming from their roof. A quick call to 911 and firefighters were on the scene. The electrical meter was pulled from the home

by KUB officials as a safety precaution.

The American Red Cross will assist the family with temporary needs until a more permanent solution can be determined. No injuries were reported.

- DJ CORCORAN

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.

Cucina Povera translates from Italian to English as “poor cooking”. It is a term used to describe the food and recipes of rural Italian cooking centuries ago. This “style” of cooking was not one of intentions, but more of necessities.

These times were very trying and with meat being so scarce, many of the recipes that come from this period are very heavy on vegetables. There was also no waste, as evident in the recipe for biscotti, where the Tuscans “twice-cooked” the biscuits to make them last longer. Or in Ribolitta, a thick bread soup which is “re-boiled” to further extend its use.

Cucina Povera can be looked at from a philosophical point

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 Yellow Onion, chopped 3 Cloves of Garlic, chopped 3 Carrots, peeled and rough chopped 3 Celery Stalks, rough chopped 3 Yukon Gold Potatoes, cubed 5 Stalks Kale, leaves torn and stems chopped Handful Fresh Green Beans, ends removed and cut into 1” pieces 2 Zucchini, chopped 1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary 1 Bay Leaf 1 T Tomato Paste 28 oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes (No Salt Added if possible) 48 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth 19 oz. Can of Cannellini Beans Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chili Flakes Salt to taste -Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add enough oil to just coat the bottom of the pot. When the

These Firefighter and Police Officer Snowmen are congratulating each other on a job well down along the parkway in Gatlinburg, TN.

waiting to die a slow, wilting death. So rather than plan a meal based off what I want to cook, I like to base it off of what is available to use. And no dish is designed better for this application than soup!

Minestrone soup is a dish from the Cucina Povera era, and is still popular many years later after it originated. For good reason too!

It is packed with vitamins, nutrients, protein and flavor! There are many recipes out there for it, but use what you’ve got on hand. Any vegetables will work, just keep in mind cooking times vary for the types you use. In this recipe I also blend some of the beans with the stock, which when added back to the soup, adds body. If you prefer a more liquid soup, skip this step.

There is also no meat in this recipe, but if you must, the addition of crumbled sausage would be delicious!

Stay safe, eat well!

MINESTRONE SOUP

Procedure:

ALAN HOFFMAN

rather than specific recipes. Using what you have, rather than seeking out ingredients, is one philosophy of this era. The Italian peasants either used whatever vegetables they had on hand, or found ways to repurpose what they had already cooked. It is absolutely one of my favorite ways to approach cooking, especially for the firehouse.

We all know cooking at the firehouse is one ripe with budget constraints and opinions. Using the Cucina Povera approach allows us to keep costs low by using ingredients we may have on hand already, rather than having to go out and shop for an entire meal. I almost always take a look in the fridge before heading out to the supermarket, a reconnaissance mission of sorts. There is almost always a half onion not used, or maybe a bag of carrots on their way out. Leftover fresh herbs, which I highly recommend for their flavor over dried, are going to be inevitably left in the crisper

oil starts to shimmer, add the onions, bay leaf and rosemary. Season with a pinch of salt and chili flake.

When the onions are translucent add the garlic, carrots, celery and kale. Stirring often, cook until the vegetables are light golden brown.

Add the tomato paste and stir for about a minute.

-Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the potatoes, half of the beans, zucchini and green beans. Continue cook-

ing until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.

AJ FUSCO

-While the soup is cooking, take a ladle of soup broth and put in a blender with the remaining half of the beans.

Let cool for a couple minutes. Carefully, blend the beans and add the bean purée to the soup.

-Taste and season before serving. Garnish with celery leaves, parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

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February, 2020

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February, 2020

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TENNESSEE

COMMAND VEHICLES If you have 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 Chevy Tahoe is the command vehicle for the Gatlinburg FD.

DJ CORCORAN

Break in Wire Believed to be Cause of House Fire in Knoxville ALAN HOFFMAN

This Ford F150 pickup is in service with the fire inspector of the Pigeon Forge FD.

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.

Knoxville, TN - At 12:07 P.M. on December 26th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 2329 Woodbine Avenue for the report of a possible house fire, called in by an alert neighbor.

When firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke coming from the rear portion of the home, where electrical utilities feed into the structure. No tenants were home at the time firefighters arrived, so forcible

JUMP TO FILE #010220120 tactics were used to gain entry. Once inside, through a scuttle hole in the ceiling, firefighters were able to locate flames that had climbed the exterior wall into the attic.

A Fire Investigator pointed out a break in the neutral aluminum wire near the weatherhead above the electrical meter, which he believes

a squirrel may have chewed through, causing the fire. No injuries were reported.

Safety tip: from the ground, look overhead at the electrical line from the utility pole to the weather head of your home. If you happen to notice a break in any wiring between the two, immediately kill the power to your home and notify your utility provider.

- DJ CORCORAN

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Medical Services” 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 Highland Fire Department, located in Robertson and Sumner County, TN.

Nashville Fire Medic 4

SHANE SHIFFLETT

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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.

FRANK ROBINSON

Boca Raton Fire Rescue operates a 2010 Sutphen 1500/500.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Kennedy Space Center Fire Truck 1 in Cape Canaveral.

CHUCK LOWE

St. Lucie County FD Engine 3 operates a 2017 E-One Typhoon 1500-GPM pumper that carries 780-gallons of water.

Panama City Beach Fire Rescue Engine 32.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

February, 2020

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February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Manatee County Emergency Services Mourns Loss of a Chief and Friend Manatee County, FL - Chief Sheffield was born on November 15, 1954 in Lakeland, FL, where he graduated from Bartow High School in 1972 and then Polk Community College in 1981 with an associate’s degree in fire science.

He was a fire- JUMP TO FILE# fighter and EMT 122219107 with the Highland City Vol. Fire Department near Bartow, which is now part of Polk County Fire Rescue, where he eventually became the Chief. He also worked for the Polk County Property Appraisers’ Office.

In November 1983, he was hired as the first paid fire chief of the Braden River Fire Control District in eastern Manatee County and moved there with his family. He graduated from the Executive Fire Officers (EFO) program of the National Fire Academy in 1987 and received a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Eckerd College in 1992. While serving at Braden River, he helped form the first hazardous materials team in Manatee County and served as a team commander.

He was also active with the Manatee County Arson Task Force, Manatee County Fire Mutual Aid Assn., the Managerial Association of Emergency Services, Manatee County Fire Chief's Assn., Florida Fire Chief's Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire Protection Association, Florida Forest Service “Red” Incident Management Team (IMT), Florida Emergency Management Division IMT, and served as the County Fire Coordinator for the State Emergency Response Plan.

He received many local and state awards and recognition during his career at Braden River, which is now East Manatee Fire Rescue. After 24 years of service, Chief Sheffield retired in 2007 and accepted a position on staff at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, FL, where he served in both the Training and Standards Sections until 2014. He then returned to Bradenton to work for the Manatee County School District as Coordinator of the Fire Academy at Manatee Technical College - East Campus until his passing.

Chief Sheffield addressing one of the graduations, always with an interesting story.

CIRONE PHOTOS

- WILLIE CIRONE

Last viewing.

CIRONE PHOTOS

CIRONE PHOTOS

Wildland Field days would always be held at Chief Sheffields farm.

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February, 2020

PAGE 13

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February, 2020

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FLORIDA

Casseroles Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

I was listening to a speaker a while back and they were discussing that certain diseases or health conditions earn certain food.

If you think about it, you will notice the truth behind it. People with certain diseases, visitors come over and bring casseroles. If other people spend time in the hospital, an edible arrangement, of fruit, is sent to the house.

Recently, I went over to a friend’s house, who has a physical challenge, and there was a team of supporters, with 14 people in the

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room. It was good to see that there were so many people there to show support and love.

This morning it made me think, what is it like for someone with a mental health issue or substance abuse challenge? Where is the team that comes together for them? I know people who deal with depression or PTSD or substance addiction.

You want to guess how many people show support? What food do you bring over?

I have talked with many people who have substance addictions.

Many of them told me that they had a crisis or trauma in life. They never sought help for one reason or another. I have even heard of people being told that they are to never cry or talk about what happened. Talk about a reason why some of these people have challenges. Do we take the time to really talk to people?

For many of us, when someone is in the hospital for a surgery or treatment, we may go over to visit.

How do we handle someone with a mental health issue? Do we just avoid the person? How would you feel if you were that person?

Many people put a stigma with people who have mental health issues. Did you know that 20% of Americans have mental health issues? That means that 1 in 5 of us has challenges. Think about people in your family. Who do you know that may be depressed? Do you realize that depression untreated may lead to someone taking their own life?

One thing that sticks me strange is that so many times people say that they never expected the person to take their own life. My question is simple, did you bother to engage the person when they were going through depression, or did you just walk away?

Have you taken a Mental Health First Aid Course, or a Suicide Awareness Course, or a Psychological First Aid Course? There are many places that we can learn to help someone, but are you willing to take the first step? Did you check out the SAMHSA website? Or any other mental health website?

Be brave enough to help others.

By helping others on this issue, you may even find out that you may need some assistance, or you may finally take care of the issue that you have been denying for years.

The first part of healing is to admit that you have a challenge and work to get the assistance that you need. The best thing that you can do, to be a good friend, relative, church member or what have you, is to care about all people. The Good Book that I read tells me that we are to love our neighbor. That’s it PERIOD. There are no qualifications as to who that person is, or what condition that they have.

Remove the Stigma, Show the love.

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

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

CHUCK LOWE

Orlando Air Care is a hospital based transport service for Central Florida's only Level One Trauma Centers: Orlando Health. One of their airships is this 2004 Eurocopter EC-135 P2.

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

Reedy Creek Fire Department Advanced Life Support in Orlando, FL.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

February, 2020

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February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

PET FRIENDS

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

FMFD Fire Chief Tracy McMillion

FMFD

Tracy McMillion Promoted to FMFD Fire Chief Fort Myers, FL (Dec. 20, 2019) – Interim Fire Chief Tracy McMillion has been promoted to Chief of the Fort Myers Fire Department.

Previously a firefighter paramedic with FMFD, McMillion went on to serve the Iona McGregor Fire District (IMFD) as a firefighter paramedic prior to his promotion to Training Captain and then IMFD Division Chief of Training in 2015. McMillion was appointed Interim Chief in November 2019 following the resignation of former Fire Chief John Caufield.

McMillion has been an EMT Adjunct Professor at Florida SouthWestern State College, an

JUMP TO FILE #010320112 Instructor and Fire Academy Coordinator at the Fort Myers Fire Academy, and has been accepted into the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.

“Chief McMillion has nearly 25 years of fire service in our community,” said City Manager Saeed Kazemi, P.E. “McMillion brings an advanced skill set and teaching experience to the department, and his collaborative approach is unmatched.”

CITRUS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Citrus County, FL - At 4:56 P.M. on January 6th, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a smoke alarm activation at a residence on South Garcia Ter. in Inverness. The crew on the first arriving apparatus at 5:03 P.M. from Highlands station Engine 8 found a 1500-square-foot concrete block structure with nothing showing. Upon further investigation, smoke was visible through the rear sliding glass door. Engine 8 crew made entry and found three adult dogs and the stovetop smoking heavily.

Engine 8 crew brought the dogs outside. The homeowner arrived on scene and advised that three puppies remained inside the residence. Engine 8 crew reentered the home, removed the pot from the stove, turned off the burner, and removed the remaining three puppies from the home. Battalion Chief LJ White declared the fire under control at 5:13 P.M. Engine 8 crew ensured proper ventilation and smoke removal from the residence. Crews from Kensington station 23 with Squad 23 and Battalion Chief 1 responded to the scene. A negative secondary search was reported for any other occupants. Crews cleared the scene at 5:50 P.M. No injuries were reported. Pictured are firefighters with six dogs rescued from the home.

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

- FMFD

St. Lucie County Fire Rescue Division Chief 1 responds in a 2014 Ford F150.

CHUCK LOWE

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HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES

FLORIDA

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

"I'm a supporter and former volunteer of the Crescent City Fire Department in Crescent City, FL. I still work for the city now as a meter reader. I'm also a volunteer for Fire Dog Services Program (a turnout gear recycling program for hand-me-down gear), which I've done since 2011'ish. I got this tattoo around 2013, and I designed it myself. It was inspired by my interest through life being a junior/explorer to a volunteer. Working with FDSP, I have witnessed many stations willing to donate hand-me-down gear to less fortunate smaller stations, and I believe it's just one of the many true definitions of brotherhood; our Fire brothers and sisters working together to help one another out, even in other areas or other parts of the world."

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Email: captainmrossi@gmail.com

PALM COAST FD

Palm Coast FD and Professional Firefighters Local 4807 along with Santa Claus hosted the first ever “A Very Merry Christmas” event on December 21st.

Palm Coast Firefighters Spread Holiday Cheer with “A Very Merry Christmas” Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast Fire Department along with Professional Firefighters Local 4807 were successful in spreading the holiday cheer by hosting the first ever, “A Very Merry Christmas” event.

The event was held on Saturday, December 21st, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Palm Coast Community Center. This was the first event of its kind and was hosted by the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Local 4807 and their local charity, Palm Coast Firefighters Benevolent Fund Inc. The event was coordinated by Firefighter Julie Rivera and Driver Engineer Patrick Juliano, both officers of Firefighters Local 4807.

“We wanted to bring some joy and spread the love we have for our community to our community,” said Rivera. “We wanted to uplift the spirits of the children in the community and give them something they will remember when they are older.”

This year’s event was jampacked with over 500 children and adults in attendance. Funding was provided by a grant from Target and the amazing staff at Super Target of Palm Coast. “Our friends at the Super Target of Palm Coast were like our Guardian Angel, who

JUMP TO FILE #010320116 came in and helped make this possible," said Driver Engineer Juliano.

“The Palm Coast Professional Firefighters recognizes the importance of being involved in the community, ensuring that we have developed community relationships and understanding the needs of the community before the call,” said Juliano. “Opportunities like ‘A Very Merry Christmas’ build a community, fasten relationships and by meeting with the community, it allows us to be better at preparing to meet their needs.”

This inaugural had all the promises of making incredible Christmas memories for the community. The event kicked off with reindeer games and fun, including building your own gingerbread firehouse. Fire Chief Jerry Forte hosted Christmas Story time by reciting How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Local musical talent Shane Patrick dazzled the audience with a Christmas carol sing-along.

“Doing without asking,” said Fire Chief Forte. “These inspiring folks looked outward to the com-

munity to meet their needs and not their own. Their selfless acts and willingness to make Palm Coast a better place, every time is encouraging.”

Santa Claus arrived from the North Pole to the Palm Coast Community Center aboard a Palm Coast Fire Engine. The role of Santa Claus was played by local talent Ric Giumenta. In addition to taking photos with Santa Claus, all of the children were provided with a small gift, including a Firefighter Dalmatian stuffed animal Santa complimentary of Local 4807.

“I want to commend our Palm Coast Firefighters who selflessly serve our community every day for their efforts in going above and beyond,” said Mayor Milissa Holland. “They are enhancing the spirit of our great community and making memories for families to cherish for a lifetime”.

This year’s event has sparked so much interest that the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters have already started planning next year’s event. Save the date for the 2nd Annual ‘A Very Merry Christmas’ on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

- PATRICK J. JULIANO

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

WORKING FACES

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

West Panama City Beach Fire Captain Tait Iverson.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

February, 2020

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FLORIDA

Firefighters Extinguish Oven Fire in Stuart Restaurant Stuart, FL - Stuart Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at the Twin Dragons Asian Cuisine Restaurant on SE Ocean Blvd., December 26th.

JUMP TO FILE# Three ladders 010720113 and one engine responded from Stuart and Martin County. Firefighters quickly extinguished the oven fire while the restaurant was closed for business at the time.

The blaze was brought under control within 20 minutes.

- FRANK ROBINSON

FRANK ROBINSON

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Guide to New York City Fire Apparatus ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Guide to New York City Fire Apparatus 2019 Edition Edited by John A. Calderone 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 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches. It has 88 pages, which are color coded to specify different types of apparatus. The photos are all in

color, plus there's an introduction page, abbreviations, and the last two pages have apparatus assignments by unit.

The book has quality page material and as is usual for Fire Apparatus Journal, it is put together magnificently. It portrays the apparatus that was part of the department at the time the book was made up. It includes a photo of each apparatus with appropriate data and the number purchased in the order. In most cases, registration numbers and assignments are given. There is also an explanation on how to interpret the registration numbers.

The apparatus photos in the case of special units does not always have an indication as to the responsibility of that unit. Hard core buffs of the New York City Fire Department would naturally know the duties. The photos again as usual are of top quality by experienced apparatus photographers.

Enjoy the book…it’s another winner!!

FLORIDA

Vehicle News

FRANK ROBINSON

Palm Beach Fire-Rescue now operates a 2019 Pierce Enforcer 110' Ascendant with 1500/470/30 Foam.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

PATCH OF THE MONTH

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

February, 2020

PAgE 23

Enjoy taking photographs?

Get the most out of your hobby!

1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph submissions.

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information!

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212

This patch belongs to the Hollins Fire Rescue, located in Clay County, AL. EUGENE WEBER JR.

BACKSTOP

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COST SAVINGS Installing BACKSTOP minimizes damage costs to both the installed vehicle and surrounding obstacles.

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MINIMIZE VEHICLE DAMAGE BACKSTOP projects beyond the rear of the vehicle, minimizing collision damage to doors, lights, and rear steps.

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

CHRIS DILLEY

CITRUS COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Firefighters shown reviving 5 cats using pet oxygen masks.

Quick Response Saves Home and 8 Cats in Citrus Springs Citrus Springs, FL - At 4:56 P.M. on January 4th, Citrus County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire at a residence on North Elliot Way in Citrus Springs.

At 5:09 P.M., the crew on the first arriving apparatus from Pine Ridge station Engine 20 found a 1500-square-foot, single-story, wood-frame home with smoke showing. The complainant reported that no one was home, but heard barking and advised there was possibly approximately eight cats in the home.

Crews made entry at 5:14 P.M., reporting negative results on the primary search at 5:30 P.M. for any residents. There were eight out of 10 cats able to be saved from the fire and five of them required reviving using pet oxygen masks. Unfortunately, two cats were unable to be saved.

Battalion Chief Bob Bessler

JUMP TO FILE #011020100 declared the fire under control at 5:27 P.M. Crews from Citrus Springs station 14 with Engine 14, DeRosa station 9 with Engine 9, Connell Heights station 7 with Rescue 7, Battalion Chief 1, Safety Captain 103, and the Rehab unit from Citrus Springs station 14 responded to the scene. A negative secondary search was reported at 5:43 P.M. for any other occupants. After overhaul, crews cleared the scene at 6:34 P.M. The fire appeared to have started in the clothes dryer and is not considered suspicious in nature. The Red Cross was called to assist four adults and one child whom were displaced due to the smoke and water damage.

- CRAIG STEVENS

On Sunday, January 5th, firefighters from the Melrose Fire Department performed training with general aviation aircraft at Melrose Landing. Firefighters had the opportunity to perform emergency training on multiple aircraft. Training was provided on crew extraction and general airfield operations.

Bob Long

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FLORIDA

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

These patches belong to Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue, located in Broward County, FL.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Read more articles on our website! www.1rbn.com

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