1st Responder News Southeast January Edition

The Southeast Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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JANUARY, 2021

FIRE ERUPTS AT DAYTONA BEACH SHOPPING PLAZA ON THANKSGIVING MORNING

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach, FL - At approximately 4:00 A.M. on Thanksgiving Day, Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to the Village Plaza Shopping Center, 1104 Beville Road, Daytona Beach, for a commercial structure fire.

- See full story on page 7

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January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Macon-Bibb Responds to House Fire

Macon, GA - On December 1st at approximately 9:00 P.M., Macon-Bibb County Fire was alerted to the 900 block of West Ormond Terrace for a house on fire. Fire crews reported smoke showing from the fire station on Rocky Creek Road. Crews arrived and found a single-story residential house on fire. Bibb County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Peachtree City Firefighters Jenny Griffin and Tina Bates.

PATCH OF THE MONTH

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

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

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Fairburn Fire Department, located in Fulton County, GA.

Lt. Micah Moody of Robins AFB Fire.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

January, 2021

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January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

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Page

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FDIC

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Municipal Equipment

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NAFECO

PFF N STEVERSON - MOUNT PLEASANT VFD

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Fully Involved Vehicle Fire in Deland Deland, FL - On December 1st, Volusia County Fire's Hazardous Materials Team (HazMat) responded to a fully involved vehicle fire near the 128 mile marker westbound on Interstate 4. No injuries were reported.

5

Raymond James

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Waterous

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 22 No. 1 - South East edition is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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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.

Overview of the scene with personnel from Chattahoochee FD, Chattahoochee PD and Mount Pleasant VFD.

Overturned Truck in Chattahoochee Prompts Mutual Aid Response Chattahoochee, FL - At 8:00 A.M. on December 12th, the City of Chattahoochee Fire Department and Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash reported as an overturned gas truck, with a fuel leak and entrapment on Main Street, just South of Pine Street in Chattahoochee.

Responding units requested the City of Tallahassee Hazardous Materials Team, the regional HazMat Team, to be placed on stand by due to the initial reports of a gas truck that had rolled over.

Upon arrival, personnel found an overturned box truck, leaking fluids and no entrapment. For reasons unknown, the box truck traveling North on Main Street struck several parked vehicles along the side of the roadway and overturned. Scene assessment by first arriving units found small amount

JUMP TO FILE #121220103 of DEF and oil leaking from the truck, which was contained quickly and allowed for the cancellation of the HazMat Team.

Gadsden EMS assessed the driver of the box truck who was not injured in the crash. Personnel remained on scene until all of the vehicles were up-righted and safe.

The truck was hauling a couple of pallets of packages for delivery to the local Post Office.

Once completed everyone made a detour to the Post Office so Firefighters and tow operators could assist the Post Office workers with unloading the packages for processing and subsequent delivery, everyone helping to make sure that the mail gets through.

- JAMES ROBERTS III

SASHA STATON

RV Catches Fire at Daytona Beach RV Park Daytona Beach, FL - During the late hours of Tuesday, December 8th, a large RV caught fire at a Daytona Beach RV Park. Daytona Firefighters arrived to this late night fire to find the RV 60% engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to quickly get control of the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby RVs. The occupants were not injured and did not require Red Cross services. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in nature.

PFF N STEVERSON - MOUNT PLEASANT VFD

Overturned truck struck parked vehicles.

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January, 2021

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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

Texas: Frazier Lee Holbert, 57 Rank: Career Incident Date: September 9, 2020 Death Date: September 13, 2020 Fire Department: Carrollton Fire Rescue Initial Summary: On September 9, 2020, at approximately 3:00 am, Fire Captain Frazier Holbert went to bed at the fire station after returning from an emergency call. Soon thereafter, he suffered a stroke. Fellow firefighters later found Holbert unresponsive and transported him to a local hospital. He was subsequently transported to another hospital where he passed away on September 13, 2020.

California: Charles Morton, 39 Rank: Wildland Part-Time Incident Date: September 17, 2020 Death Date: September 17, 2020 Fire Department: San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Hotshots Initial Summary: Firefighter Charles Morton, Squad Boss on the Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Crew, died during interagency fire suppression activities on the El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest in California on September 17, 2020. The Big Bear Hotshots are local to the San Bernardino National Forest.

West Virginia: Richard "Rick" Todd, 58 Rank: Chief Incident Date: September 1, 2020 Death Date: September 23, 2020 Fire Department: Salem Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Fire Chief Richard “Rick” Todd responded to an EMS call where an individual had a known case of COVID-19. Fire Chief Todd subsequently contracted the virus and passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Illinois: Dylan Cunningham, 29 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: September 30, 2020 Death Date: September 30, 2020 Fire Department: South Holland Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, September 30,

2020, Firefighter/Paramedic Dylan Cunningham was participating in a dive training exercise at the Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, IL, when he was found by fellow firefighters in distress. He was immediately taken to the Amita St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee and later transported to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL where he passed away a short time later. The cause of his death has not yet been determined and the incident is under investigation.

California: Jason Cortez, 42 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: October 7, 2020 Death Date: October 7, 2020 Fire Department: San Francisco Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Cortez was participating in a drill at the Mission District Training Facility when he was injured. Paramedics started immediate care and transported him to the San Francisco General Hospital Trauma Center where he succumbed to his injuries just before 1100hrs. An investigation into this accident is underway and the cause of his death has not yet been determined.

Pennsylvania: Edward "Gary" Minnick, 65 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 1, 2020 Death Date: October 1, 2020 Fire Department: Colmar Volunteer Fire Company Initial Summary: On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Firefighter Edward “Gary” Minnick was responding to an oil leak at a gas station. While in the utility truck at the fire department, he suffered a medical emergency and paramedics immediately performed life saving measures. All resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

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FLORIDA

Fire Erupts at Daytona Beach Shopping Plaza on Thanksgiving Morning Daytona Beach, FL - At approximately 4:00 A.M. on Thanksgiving Day, Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to the Village Plaza Shopping Center, 1104 Beville Road, Day- JUMP TO FILE# tona Beach, for a 120820101 commercial structure fire.

There were several units that were affected; however, the origin of the fire began in unit F, which was occupied as a nutritional store. Many of the other units were not currently being leased and all the units were unoccupied and closed at this time of the morning.

Firefighters were faced with an extremely large and difficult fire that was quickly spreading to adjacent units due to this section of the building lacking a sprinkler suppression system.

Daytona Beach Firefighters determined the cause of the fire to be suspicious and contacted the State Fire Marshal to investigate.

- SASHA STATON

Neighboring cities assist the Daytona Beach FD with the structure fire on Thanksgiving Day.

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach Firefighters work together to extinguish a blaze at the Village Plaza Shopping Center.

SASHA STATON

SASHA STATON

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Ocala Installs Florida’s First Safe Haven Baby Box Ocala, FL - Dec. 11, 2020 – The City of Ocala has installed the first Safe Haven Baby Box in Florida at the MLK First Responder Campus (505 NW MLK Jr. Avenue, Ocala).

The Safe Haven Baby Box will be available to the public starting on Tuesday, December 15th after the Safe Haven Baby Box Unveiling Event at 4:00 P.M. The Safe Haven Baby Box is positioned on the southwest corner of the fire administration lobby tower. This is the first Safe Haven Baby Box available in Florida, and the 53rd in the nation.

The Safe Haven Law allows people to surrender their unharmed newborn without fear of criminal prosecution. The Safe Haven Baby Box provides a last resort option to surrender an infant, eliminating the face-to-face interaction with emergency medical personnel and ensuring a safe surrender of a newborn infant.

Florida ranks fourth in the nation for the number of infant abandonments in the past four years with more than 20 reported.

Safe Haven Baby Box Inc. is a non-profit founded by firefighter and paramedic Monica Kelsey.

Kelsey was abandoned as an infant and is committed to installing more Safe Haven Baby Boxes in communities across Florida.

“We know that education and awareness around the Safe Haven Laws and Safe Haven Baby Boxes save lives. Women in crisis need more options, in more locations throughout the state of Florida.

This Safe Haven Baby Box will serve as a new resource available to end infant abandonment in Florida,” says Monica Kelsey.

The Safe Haven Baby Box or-

JUMP TO FILE #121420101 ganization also staffs a 24-hour hotline (1-866-99BABY1) to give women the opportunity to talk to a trained professional as they consider safely surrendering their baby. The hotline has received over 5,000 calls from all states in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“As an organization, we are proud to find innovative ways to serve our community,” said Ocala Fire Rescue Fire Chief Shane Alexander. “The Safe Haven Baby Box will enhance our ability to aid mothers in crisis by offering secure and anonymous means to surrender a newborn child safely.”

There are currently more than 50 other fire stations and hospitals in Indiana, Ohio, and Arkansas equipped with Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Ten infants have been placed in Safe Haven Baby Boxes, with six taking place in 2020. Nationwide, 86 parents have safely surrendered their infants with the help of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes program.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are equipped with alarm systems to notify 9-1-1 immediately. Safe Haven Baby Boxes also have heating and cooling features and lock as soon as the baby is placed inside. It costs roughly $15K to install a Safe Haven Baby Box. For more information about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, please visit www.shbb.org or send questions by email to shbb@safehavenbabyboxes.com.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Firehouse is coming along.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Longboat Key Fire Updating Firehouses Longboat Key,FL - Work is set to begin at Station 91, the northernmost of the town’s two fire stations at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive, adjacent to the town’s police department. Likewise, demolition and construction of Station 92, which fronts the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside golf course at 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is to begin in the same time frame. Firefighters will be housed in a temporary, fourbedroom structure on the site while work is underway.

The renovation project and the demolition-rebuilding project are expected to wrap up in April 2021, and cost an estimated $5.01 million.

Based on estimates developed from 60% completed plans, the Station 91 work will cost $814,000. The

Longboat Key Station #2

JUMP TO FILE #112020107 demolition and rebuild of Station 92 is $4.2 million.

Station 92, which was built in 1986, will be rebuilt to modern standards, with gender-specific sleeping quarters and bathroom facilities for the firefighters, and more public-facing amenities, such as a public bathroom and medical-examination room for walk-ups.

A third garage bay is also part of the design, along with a back-up generator to provide full power to the station, additional storage, a decontamination room for firefighter gear and a safe room that could function as a hurricane shelter or

makeshift emergency operations center.

Station 91 will be renovated with many of the same features as Station 92, but since it was built in 1996, it already conforms updated building standards. Both stations will be built to withstand 160 mph winds.

Station 92 will be built threefeet higher than the existing building, at 11-feet above sea level, and will also be built with conduit installed for the possible future addition of solar power, a feature Mopps said would cost an estimated $200,000 to $300,000 additional.

- WILLIE CIRONE

CIRONE PHOTOS

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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.

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Ocala Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for MLK First Responder Campus VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Daytona Beach, FL - Volusia County Animal Services recently held a free microchip event for pet owners, allowing furry family members to be more easily located if lost. During the event, Volusia County Fire Rescue's HazMat 15 crew was on stand-by and offered pictures of pets with the fire apparatus.

Ocala, FL - Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) and the Ocala Police Department (OPD) hosted an intimate ribbon cutting ceremony for the MLK First Responder Campus, 505 NW MLK Jr. Ave., on November 19th.

The ceremony marked the opening of the project that broke ground in December of 2019. The campus, made possible through the one percent Public Safety and Transportation Infrastructure Sales Tax, encompasses OFR's administration, OFR's Station #1, an OPD substation, a basketball court, a community room, and the Ocala Fire Museum.

JUMP TO FILE #112020103 Remarks were provided by Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander, Chaplain Joe LaCognata, City Council President Jay Musleh, City of Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, Ocala Police Major Lou Biondi, CullisonWright President Barry Mansfield, Senator Dennis Baxley, Pastor James Pullings, and Chamber & Economic Partnership President and CEO Kevin Sheilly.

"This is not a typical government building," said Ocala Fire

Chief Shane Alexander. "This campus is a catalytic project meant to serve as common grounds where residents and public safety personnel can interact freely, safely, and in a familiar manner."

For more information about the MLK First Responder Campus, please contact Ashley Lopez, OFR's Public Information Officer, at 352817-5914, or Corie Byrd, OPD's Public Information Officer, at 352427-2813.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Mobile Home Fire In Southern Manatee Fire District Bradenton, FL - Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a structure fire in Casa Loma Mobile Home Park, off of State Route #70, early Tuesday night, November 24th.

This mobile home park has no hydrants. While units were enroute dispatch relayed that the owner and their pets were out of the house, but the fire was through the roof. First units on scene confirmed heavy smoke and fire coming from the structure. Second and third arriving units nursed the first due engine. The fire was brought under control quickly. Units remained on scene for an extended time for overhaul.

CHRIS DILLEY

The Melrose FD in Putnam County operates a 2002 Ford F550 as Brush 244. This apparatus previously served Pasco County Fire Rescue as Brush 34. Brush 244 has a 7.3 liter Diesel engine and has been recently upgraded with a new front bumper and a full body wrap around brush guard. Brush 244 has a 350-gallon water tank & 10-gallon foam cell with a pump powered by a 18HP Briggs & Stratton motor.

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FLORIDA

PROVIDED

Smoke Alarm Success Story in Clay County POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Kevin Shireman was recently promoted to Deputy Chief.

Polk County Fire Rescue Promotes Shireman to Deputy Chief Bartow, FL - (December 8, 2020) - Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Robert Weech promoted Battalion Chief Kevin Shireman to the rank of Deputy Chief, where he will fill the role of Fire Marshal.

“I am extremely confident that Chief Shireman will represent the division with the highest levels of commitment and integrity,” said Fire Chief Weech. “I am looking forward to working with him and to the contributions he will make to this great agency.”

Starting his career with the Dade City Fire Department in 1983 as a volunteer, Chief Shireman has more than 37 years in the fire service. Joining Polk County Fire Rescue in 2008, he has held the ranks of Fire Company Lieutenant, Train-

JUMP TO FILE #120920107

Clay County, FL - Clay County Fire Rescue recently responded to a house fire at the 1200 block of Spruce Street in Green Cove Springs.

A pot was left on the stove and the home quickly filled with smoke. A neighbor heard the smoke alarm going off from next door and rushed over to help the senior resident out of the house.

The resident was transported to the hospital because of the smoke,

JUMP TO FILE #120920114 but appeared to paramedics to be doing well. The fire was contained to the stove area.

The smoke detector that saved the resident’s life was purchased through a local fire safety grant intended to buy smoke detectors for those who don’t have them. Firefighters were thankful to have

helped lay a role in this smoke alarm success story.

This is a reminder that smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.

Learn more at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Smoke-alarms

DRILLS/TRAINING

- CLAY COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

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

ing Captain and Battalion Chief.

This is in addition to his 12 years spent in law enforcement and nine years with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Receiving a degree in Fire Science from Polk State, he has assisted many other individuals on their paths to public service as both an adjunct fire service instructor at South Florida Community College and an adjunct fire service and law enforcement instructor with Pasco Hernando Community College.

- POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

CIRONE PHOTOS

www.1rbn.com

Sarasota, FL - Suncoast Fire Academy Class #135 recently trained with live car fires as Firefighter I comes to an end. The recruits worked two live fire evolutions, including a car fire evolution and a burn building evolution. For obvious reasons these two days are normally the highlight of the Fire I program. After weeks of preparation and learning about fire, and fire behavior, they get to apply their knowledge. Pictured are the recruits receiving a safety briefing before the live fire evolution.

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January, 2021

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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

2021…Let’s start it off on the right foot!

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

CIRONE PHOTOS

Wildland Firefighter Sandra Cirone at Manatee County Fire Academy teaching the Fire Shelter evolution.

There is absolutely no reason to go into what 2020 was like, we were all there. Instead, let’s look into 2021 with some optimism, hope and culinary adventure. January usually brings on plenty of resolutions and self promises, most often revolving around health and wellness. This is absolutely a good thing, and something I myself tend to partake in. But where I think we fall flat on those commitments is our diet. This is by no means a reference to “diets” like South Beach, Paleo, Keto or any of the other numerous ones out there. I am referring simply to what we are eating and how it will affect the resolutions and promises we made to

ourselves. Healthy food is connected to all sorts of negative connotations, whether it be “expensive” or “lacking in flavor”.

Many of these are not true, and sometimes quite the opposite.

Fresh produce for instance is almost always cheaper than the canned variety. And while flavor is highly subjective, many healthy recipes contain tons of flavor, usually in the form of good fats, fresh herbs and spices.

It would be easy to say just throw some chicken on the grill or toss up a kale salad. These are obviously healthy for you and by all means if that’s what you enjoy, go for it. But sometimes I think the key to sustaining healthier eating habits lie in the more adventurous recipes. The ones that take what we would normally consider unhealthy, but delicious all the same, and flip it upside down using more nutritious ingredients and different techniques. When we make these recipes, it breaks up the monotony

of the “grilled chicken, sweet potato and broccoli” meals. These new and unexpected recipes keep us and our palates excited for more, hence the sustainable aspect of it all.

I challenge you in 2021 to try and think outside of the box when it comes to your cooking. Think of foods that you may not make as often as you would like or should.

Think…cauliflower. Yes, cauliflower gets a bad rap sometimes.

But it is the perfect blank canvas for flavors and textures. And it just so happens to make a great alternative to mashed potatoes. When combined with sweet roasted garlic and some plain Greek yogurt, the cauliflower turns into a creamy dish that will make you forget about potatoes. This recipe has tons of flavor, nutrients and will certainly turn you into a believer that healthy food can be delicious.

Here’s to a Happy and Healthy New Year!

ROASTED GARLIC CAULIFLOWER MASH Serves 4

Ingredients: CIRONE PHOTOS

Suncoast Fire Academy Instructor Kyle Kosianowski at a recent live fire evolution.

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

1 Medium Head Cauliflower 1 Head Garlic 1 Sprig Rosemary ½ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt ½ Cup EVOO Salt, to taste Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 375° F

-Cut the top off the whole head of garlic, place in foil. Drizzle with EVOO and wrap tight. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes or until soft and brown.

-While the garlic roasts, cut the cauliflower into small pieces and place in a pot with a steamer basket. Pick and finely chop the rosemary, add to the cauliflower. Steam cauliflower for 20 minutes or until tender.

SASHA STATON

Daytona Firefighters personally escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus to their post at the Daytona Beach Bass Pro Shops. Every year the fire truck leads the way as Santa travels through the One Daytona Plaza to be welcomed by excited children and families in front of Bass Pro. The Firefighters were able to get some selfies with Santa before getting him safely to his destination!

-Put the cauliflower in a food processor with

yogurt. Squeeze out the roasted garlic into the cauliflower. Add a pinch of salt and buzz until combined. With

motor running add EVOO until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

AJ FUSCO

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Deputy Chief Brian Swartout

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Pasco County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief of Operations Awarded "Chief Fire Officer" Credentials from the Center for Public Safety Excellence Land O Lakes, FL - Pasco County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief of Operations Brian Swartout has been awarded Chief Fire Officer credentials by the Commission on Professional Credentialing.

The Commission unanimously awards Deputy Chief Swartout the Chief Fire Officer designation, a professional designation model that recognizes career excellence and offers continuous personal improvement strategies. Deputy Chief Swartout is one of 1,494 Credentialed Chief Fire Officers worldwide.

“We commend Deputy Chief Swartout’s efforts and dedication in achieving this personal and professional milestone,” said Richard Mason, Center for Public Safety Excellence Program Manager.

"I'm proud of Chief Swartout's investment in his career, department, and community," said Fire Chief Scott Cassin. “Chief Swartout's dedication to obtaining his CFO designation shows his

JUMP TO FILE #121720103 commitment to the men and women of Pasco County Fire Rescue and the community they serve."

Certification is recognition of meeting a specific professional qualification standard. Designation considers broad professional accomplishments and recognizes lifelong career excellence and achievement. These achievements are verified and validated through a third-party peer review process.

Deputy Chief Swartout marks the third member of the Pasco County Fire Rescue Senior Staff to receive this prestigious award and highlights the staffs’ commitment to excellence.

Deputy Chief Brian Swartout joined Pasco County Fire Rescue in 2019, after serving as the Fire Chief of Zephyrhills Fire and Rescue.

- COREY DIERDORFF

www.1rbn.com

January, 2021

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Three Mobile Homes Destroyed by Fast-Moving Fire in Seville Seville, FL - Volusia County Fire Rescue's Station 44 was first due to a structure fire in Seville on December 14th. The fire started in one mobile home and spread to two others in a remote area.

JUMP TO FILE# Since the fire 121420108 was located in a marina and close to boat slips, the engine was able to easily draft from Lake George.

Foam was also used for the attack and overhaul. One patient was transported for smoke inhalation.

The three mobile homes were a total loss, but further exposures were protected with minimal damage.

- KATE LIND

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Firefighters battle the structure fire.

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January, 2021

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January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

PATCH OF THE MONTH

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.

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.

FF JIM ROBERTS/MOUNT PLEASANT VFD

First patch of the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, located in Gadsden County, FL.

Rick Billings

Miami Dade Fire Rescue operates this 2015 Sutphen 1500/300/100' Tower Ladder.

FRANK ROBINSON

My Greatest Gift To You This Christmas, Is A Healthy Me Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

Matthew 22:36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” v37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ v38 This is the first and great commandment. v39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ v40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

In uncertain times, in times where morals are being redefined and so many of the traditional values that many of us were raised with are being re-visited, God speaks to us and provides divine direction. The only two things that God really asks of humanity are encapsulated in the verses we just read. In the Bible, a religious leader asked Jesus: “Which one law in the volumes of writings would you say is the most important one?” Jesus answered: “all the law and all the prophets hang on just two things.” 1) Love God with all you’ve got (with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind) 2) “Love people like

you love yourself.”

No matter what generation we find ourselves in - a real loving relationship with God will reduce the need for a long list of laws.

A real healthy relationship with God is what brings everything else into alignment. Loving God orders your world. Loving God sorts out your love life, family life, friendships… Jesus knew that if we got the top button of our shirts right, the rest should fall into alignment. Jesus is teaching all of us that if we love Him with all of our hearts, we would learn from Him how to love others. Here Jesus replaces rules with relationships. So, the best gift I can give someone in my circle of influence is a healthy me. ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. If you love people, I mean really care about them, then you probably won’t: steal from them, lie to them, cheat on them, verbally abuse them, cuss them out, hurt them, talk behind their backs… What if we approached this Christmas (Jesus birthday) with a determination and a realization that if I would be spiritually healthy, the people around me will benefit from it. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, Hebrews 10:24 So, the greatest gift to you this Christmas is a healthy me!

PAgE 17

January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

STEPHEN COX SASHA STATON

Structure Fire Damages Daytona Beach Flower Shop

Daytona Beach, FL - Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to an early morning fire at Zahn’s Flowers, 140 W. International Speedway Blvd, on December 6th. Upon arrival, the fire was located on the second story, the business operating out of the first floor. The fire started around 5:30 A.M., therefore the shop was not open and no occupants were inside. Due to renovations being completed on the second floor the residential apartment was vacant. Firefighters were able to get control of the fire and prevent it from extending to adjacent units. The second floor of the flower shop received heavy damages and the first floor incurred moderate water damage. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical. No firefighters were injured.

Vehicle Rollover in Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach, FL - Crews from Flagler Beach Fire Station 11 responded to a motor vehicle accident near South 22nd and A1A on December 15th. First arriving units reported a singlevehicle rollover off the highway onto the beach. The driver of the vehicle was assessed and revealed no injuries.

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January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

VEHICLE NEWS

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Hoods for Heroes Donates 65 Particulate Hoods to Pasco County Fire Rescue

CIRONE PHOTOS

Long Boat Key Fire took delivery of their new 2020 75-ft. mid-mount ladder. The rig also has a 1500GPM Hale pump with a 30-gallon foam tank. This new piece will replace a 2013 75-ft. ladder.

Pasco County, FL - A big thank you to Hoods for Heroes for donating 65 cancer-preventing particulate hoods to our department at Station 38. This donation wouldn't be possible without support from community members like Lori Eppley who spearheaded the donation drive. These hoods help protect our Firefighters' heads from cancer-causing particles.

We are so grateful for the community we love to serve!

CIRONE PHOTOS

(L to R): Matt Thornton Terry Farrell Fund, Willie Cirone Instructor, Steve Pontious Board Member Terry Ferrell Fund, Jay Bush EMT-Fire Director, and Bill Kebler Senior Instructor.

E-42 of the Port Richey, FL Fire Department is a 2020 KME 1500/980/20.

KEN SNYDER

Read more news around Southeast! www.1rbn.com

Manatee Fire Academy Donates Engine to Terry Farrell Fund Bradenton, FL - Manatee County Fire Academy recently donated a Pierce Dash Engine to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. This engine will go to a well deserving organization for continued service. The rig was donated to the Fire Academy by the City of Bradenton, but is now being replaced with a newer enclosed apparatus. The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund takes donations of used equipment and fills the needs of less fortunate organizations.

Hollywood Arson Fires VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

Hollywood Arson Fires

By Firestorm HD Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite3 #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-polkice-ems.com Price: 24.95

This DVD is approximately 47 minutes in length and it covers a four-day New Year’s weekend in 2011-12. Within that time there was a total of 53 incidents. The fires took place in the districts of Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood, Burbank, Studio City, Sun Valley and Sherman Oaks.

Pretty much all of the fires involved autos, with and sometimes without extensions, to structures above. Most of the fires started in carports and some were in garages.

All are spectacular, with many fully involved vehicles. That is the aim of arsonists! Some of the complexes are large with a whole line of cars in the carports, making for a horrific sight of burning. Firefighters are kept rather busy stretching handlines and raising aerials for ventilation. Each incident covered with a location, date, type of situation and which fire station is the first due in the district (ex. LAFD FS 27). Many expensive autos were destroyed. In the end there was an arsonist arrested. There was also a fire in an abandoned two-story church, but I do not think that it was attributed to the arsonist.

There is no narration, just the information given on the screen at the start of each incident, however the viewer can hear verbal exchanges among the firefighters in the course of their operations.

Read more columns at www.1RBN.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

January, 2021

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January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Family of Four Saved from Drowning in Orlando Orlando, FL - At approximately 7:24 P.M. on December 10th, Orlando Police patrol officers responded to an overturned vehicle in water in the area of Lee Vista Blvd. and Vista JUMP TO FILE# East Pkwy. A wit- 121020121 ness observed the vehicle drive off the roadway and over an embankment, and when he checked, the vehicle was upside down in the water.

Officers arrived and entered the water with the witness. They were able to assist the first two occupants to safety, a mother and oldest child. Upon the arrival of OFD and their Dive Team, the other two occupants, the father who was trapped and a smaller child in a carseat, were removed.

All occupants were treated at local hospitals with non-lifethreatening injuries.

- DAVID BURNS

PROVIDED

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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January, 2021

TENNESSEE

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.

Whether you’re pre-DROP, post-DROP, or currently in DROP, you need answers to your most pressing retirement questions……… questions about money, family, and health.

Get a complimentary book on DROP by calling 727-567-8804

ALAN HOFFMAN

Engine 32 of the Gatlinburg Fire Department is a 2018 Rosenbauer Commander with a 1500-GPM pump and 1000-gallon tank.

Enjoy taking photographs?

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

October 2020 | Penultimate Publishing, LLC

If you have investable assets of $250,000 or more, please contact us to start a conversation and receive your FREE copy of DROP: The Definitive Guide. This comprehensive book covers the most important concepts relating to DROP and fills a void in the financial press community.

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Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212

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January, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS

PATCH OF THE MONTH

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

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.

PROVIDED

SHANE SHIFFLETT

This patch belongs to State of Alabama Crash Fire Rescue - Dannelly Field ANGB, located in Montgomery, AL.

Todd Hollritt is a firefighter with the West Paterson, NJ Fire Department, Rifle Camp Fire Company 3, "The Ridge Runners", where he achieved the rank of Captain. An avid fire photographer and historian, he has both fought fires and documented fire scenes in photos and videos since 1980, many of which grace the pages of the 1st Responder News website. He has been a correspondent for 1st Responder News since 2004.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

January, 2021

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE