1st Responder Southeast July Edition

The Southeast Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $36/YEAR

WWW.1RBN.COM

JULY, 2016

TWO VEHICLE MVA SENDS THREE TO HOSPITAL

TIM CAVENDER

GA - Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Canton Fire Department responded to an accident on Marietta Highway near the Knox Bridge intersection, at approximately 2 P.M. on May 24th. Emergency service personnel arrived on scene to find a GMC pickup truck had collided with a Buick Lasabre.

- See full story on page 12

Join our Team of Dispatchers Paging with a Rewards Program!

Visit our website to fill out an application.

www.1rwn.com

PAGE 2

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

HUNTSVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE

Huntsville responds to house fire

Around 11:00 P.M. on April 2nd, Huntsville Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire on the 2900 block of Hilltop Terrace.

When the first Engine Company arrived on location, they noticed a vehicle parked in the driveway and reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the southeast corner windows. The house had security bars on the doors and windows. The crew forced the security door down to gain entry and found a patient in the house who required treatment by Fire EMTS. One other patient was transported to the hospital for minor injuries. Fire crews worked simultaneously in extinguishing the fire and ventilating the residence. The fire was contained quickly and the cause is under investigation.

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS

Arab FF/Paramedic Kyle Page treats "Harvey," the family pet, after he was rescued from a house fire.

Family dog rescued from house fire Firefighters from Arab, Ruth and Tri-County battled a house fire for over two hours on Tuesday, May 3rd, at 1802 Hulaco Road. On arrival of Arab Engine1, Captain Jackie Ridgeway found a single-family home heavily involved with fire. An aggressive interior attack was started and the fire was knocked down relatively quickly.

The home owners made the call to Marshall County 911 just before 7:00 P.M., reporting the fire

JUMP TO FILE #050516119 and that a family dog was trapped inside the bathroom of the home.

Once the fire was knocked down, Lt. Brody Potter made a search of the home and located "Harvey," the family dog, inside of the bathroom. He was barely breathing, but still alive. Once outside, AFD Paramedic Kyle Page administered medical aid to the pet. After

about 30 minutes, he began responding with a huge improvement in his condition.

The home suffered major damage from what appears to have been caused by an accidental fire.

Harvey the dog is doing well and was back to his old self the morning after the fire, playing with the children. Harvey's owners have expressed their appreciation to AFD for saving their beloved pet.

- RICKY PHILLIPS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS

Two vehicle wreck in Arab Arab Fire and Police Departments along with Samaritan EMS worked a two vehicle wreck just before lunch on Friday, May 6th. The wreck scene was just outside the city limits of Arab, inside Cullman County. No one was seriously injured in the wreck and one driver was taken by a private vehicle to a local hospital for evaluation. The highway was blocked for close to one hour while Arab Police and Troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the crash.

FRANK WEGLOSKI

The Neel, AL., Fire Department operates this black painted Seagrave "TeleSquirt" that saw original duty in Bayonne, NJ and was painted lime.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

ADVERTISER INDEX

ALABAMA

A guide to finding great companies

Company

1st Priority

Armor Tuff Flooring

Page 16,20

Brindlee Mtn. Fire App.

30

13

Combat Support Products 25 Done Right Fire Gear Fail Safe FDIC

15

11

19

Firehouse Expo

27

Frontline

23

Firehouse Mortgage, Inc. 17

Municipal Equipment

36

Raymond James

21

Task Force Tips

3

NAFECO

Tactical Fire

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS HUNTSVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE

Man rescued from overturned dump truck

Arab extinguishes garage fire

On April 19th, Huntsville Fire's Hazardous Materials team was called out to assist Bobo Fire with a dump truck that had overturned on Bobo Section Road. Bobo Fire was able to rescue a man from the wreckage while the Hazmat Team mitigated the fuel that had spilled from the wreckage. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital to be checked out.

Arab, Ruth and 4-C VFD responded to an afternoon fire in a garage on 7th Place NE in Arab on April 21st. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke pouring out of a two car garage.

The home suffered minor damage from the fire that appeared to have started from discarded smoking material. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured in the blaze.

5

9

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 17 No. 7 - South East edition is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or erA division of: rors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 info@belsito.net

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.

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS

Three vehicle car crash Emergency crews responded to a three vehicle wreck on US Highway 231 at the intersection of 4th Ave NW at 2:20 P.M. on Friday, May 27th. Crews arrived to find none of the drivers of the vehicles injured. One of the vehicles involved was overturned during the crash. Arab Fire, Samaritan EMS and Arab Police were on the scene for about 30 minutes, cleaning up.

The wreck is being investigated by Arab Police.

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS

Outbuilding burns on Eddy Scant City Road An outbuilding at a home on Eddy Scant City Road in Arab burned on Sunday, April 24th. Firefighters arrived to find the structure fully involved. Firefighters from Arab, Ruth and 4CVFD fought the blaze.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

July, 2016

1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

Lindsey Palmer (Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Greg W. Buff (greg@belsito.com)

••• CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Belsito (Michelle@1stResponder.com)

••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION ••• OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR (Rich@1stResponder.com)

Nicole Roby (Nicole@1stResponderNews.com) EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS •••

Rick Billings (Cartoon) Henry Campbell (Staying Safe) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS ••• Michael Black • Albert Borroto • Tim Cavender • Willie Cirone • DJ Corcoran • Scott Dakin • Jill Danigel • Chris Dilley • Brad Dykens • Bruce Garner • Joel Gordon • Alan Glogovsky • Leland Greek • Freddy Howell • Cissy Kelley • Kate Lind • Ashley Lopez • Amy Maxwell • Gregory May • Ashley McDonald • Lauri McMahon • Michael Moser • Armando Negrin • Elisha Pappacoda • Ricky Phillips • Alesha Rinaudo • Charlie Robbins • Frank Robinson • Brad Ruhmann • Stephen Sabo • Smith Brothers • Sammy Solomon • Terry Tokarz • Katie Trammell

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardmore St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all submissions you wish to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

845-534-7500 ext. 212 • (fax) 845-534-0055 News@1stResponderNews.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

If you would like information about how advertising in 1st Responder News can benefit your company call our advertising hotline at:

845-534-7500 ext. 211 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Advertising@1stResponderNews.com

CIRCULATION INFORMATION

1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $36 per year.

845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Circulation@1stResponderNews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING

1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adverA division of: tisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices.

As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce the highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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

North Carolina: Joshua Warren Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 16, 2016 Death Date: June 16, 2016 Fire Department: Alexis Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Warren fell ill from a nature of injury still to be determined while onduty and engaged in physical fitness training at a local middle school. Warren was rushed to CHSLincoln Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injury.

Hawaii: Clifford M. Rigsbee Rank: Firefighter III Incident Date: June 14, 2016 Death Date: June 16, 2016 Fire Department: Honolulu Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter III Rigsbee was found unconscious and floating in the water immediately after being separated from a jet ski/rescue sled while participating in a rescue watercraft training exercise. The firefighter operating the jet ski jumped into the water to initiate a rescue and with the assistance of others, including a nearby off-duty firefighter, brought Rigsbee to shore where he was rushed to the Straub Medical Center in critical condition. The firefighter/operator of the watercraft, who was also injured in the incident, was treated at the hospital and released. In spite of all efforts, Firefighter Rigsbee, who had suffered a spinal column injury, succumbed two days later while in the hospital.

North Carolina: David K. Britt Rank:Fire Chief Incident Date: June 17, 2016 Death Date: June 18, 2016 Fire Department: Severn Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Britt suffered a medical emergency at his home several hours after responding to a motor vehicle crash. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

Ohio: John R. Fritz Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 27, 2016 Death Date: June 27, 2016 Fire Department: Austintown Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty at Austintown Fire Station #1, Firefighter Fritz passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined. Firefighter Fritz ran several emergency calls throughout his shift, and when he did not report to the truck for an emergency medical response, his crew found him in the station unresponsive. Fellow responders and Lane LifeTrans Ambulance provided medical assistance but Firefighter Fritz did not regain consciousness.

Pennsylvania: Michael Morgan Rank: Deputy Fire Chief Incident Date: May 3, 2016 Death Date: June 26, 2016 Fire Department: Garrettford - Drexel Hill Volunteer Fire Company Initial Summary: Deputy Fire Chief Michael Morgan began feeling ill during or shortly after responding to two fire calls on May 3, 2016. After a brief rest period at the firehouse, Chief Morgan reported for his midnight shift at the Delaware County Emergency Communications Center where his condition worsened and was then transported by ambulance to Riddle Memorial Hospital in Middletown. Chief Morgan succumbed to his CVA related injuries on June 26, 2016.

Nebraska: Eric C. Speck Rank: Captain Incident Date: June 23, 2016 Death Date: June 27, 2016 Fire Department: Dakota City Fire Department Initial Summary: On June 23, 2016, Captain Speck complained of chest pains while on-scene of an emergency medical call. Afterward, he traveled to the hospital where it was found he had suffered a heart attack. Captain Speck succumbed to his injury on the morning of June 27, 2016, while in the hospital.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

PAGE 7

July, 2016

TENNESSEE

PROVIDED SAMUEL CATES

Bales of hay on fire in Athens Assisted by Athens City Fire Department on May 8th, firefighters responded to a brush fire involving hay bales. The incident was just one out of 14 other calls that came through the same day involving brush fires.

Crews back on scene after fire rekindles Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department crews were back on the scene at 1619 Georgetown Lane after an early morning fire on May 5th rekindled.

Just before 12:30 A.M., on May 5th, Engines 1 and 4, Ladders 1 and 7 and Rescues 7, 8 and 9 responded to the two-story home. When they arrived, they discovered heavy smoke and flames at the back of the home. The homeowner and his pet were able to escape unharmed.

According to Shift Commander Daryl Alexander, the layout of the home made it difficult to fight the fire. “It got up into the attic,” said Alexander, “but crews did a fantastic job and the bottom story of the home was salvageable.”

JUMP TO FILE #050516113 Crews left the scene around 5:00 A.M. “We were putting water on steam for two hours and were confident that there was no smoke showing when we left.”

They were called back to the scene just 30 minutes later due to a rekindle. Officials say that it is possible that the unique construction of the home is responsible for the rekindling. “There are several void spaces around the exterior walls that we typically do not see in home construction,” said Alexander.

“This may have hindered our ability to detect the fire in these spaces

with use of our thermal imaging cameras.”

The home is now likely a total loss.

It is unclear what started the fire, however; Fire Marshal Carl Peas says it is likely that the fire originated in the sunroom area at the back of the home. “There was an enclosed sunroom with a deck all the way around it that led to the pool,” said Peas. “We won’t know until we get inside, but right now nothing leads us to believe that the fire is suspicious.”

No injuries, either firefighter or civilian, were associated with this incident.

- ASHLEY MCDONALD

ASST CHIEF MIKE GARREN

Blaze battled in vacant home

Crews from Calhoun Rural Fire and Riceville Rural Fire Departments in McMinn County, Tennessee battled a blaze in the early morning hours of May 18th. The call came out at 2:30 A.M., that a home located at 201 Co. Rd. 732 was fully involved. Upon arrival, the structure was found to be appropriately 75% engulfed in flames. Crews were able to bring the fire under control quickly. The residence was found to be vacant and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.

DJ CORCORAN

Resident escapes safely from house fire in Knoxville

On May 6th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to 5112 Asheville Highway for report of a fire. When firefighters arrived, they found the homeowner safely outside the structure, which had flames coming from the front bedroom window.Fire crews quickly gained access with attack lines to extinguish the flames. The homeowner told fire officials that she had only been home for a little while when she heard the crackling of the fire and went searching for the source of the noise. Fire investigators were on the scene to determine the cause. Whether or not the homeowner will need assistance with temporary living quarters is yet to be determined.

PAGE 8

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

Crews respond to house on fire Shortly after 5:00 P.M. on April 24th, units from Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 300 E. Red Bud Road in South Knoxville for report of a house fire. When firefighters arrived, they found fire climbing the exterior walls at the rear of the home.

Crews quickly deployed attack lines to extinguish the flames, which had gained access into the attic area via the eaves of the structure. The husband and wife were

JUMP TO FILE #042516104 away from their home when the alarm monitoring company notified them and the fire department of the incident. Fire Investigators were on the scene to determine the cause, which appeared to be suspicious. No injuries were reported and no additional resources were required to assist the family.

Jonathan R. Julian, D.O.B. 2/21/86, was arrested for arson by investigators from the Knoxville Fire Department's Arson Division.

After extinguishing the flames, investigators discovered that flammable liquid had been poured near or around the foundation of the home and then ignited, causing damage to the rear portion of the structure.

-DJ CORCORAN

DJ CORCORAN

Fully involved in Knoxville

DJ CORCORAN

At 10:16 A.M. on May 14th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to 3030 Hackman St. in South Knoxville for report of a structural fire. When firefighters arrived, they found a vacant structure fully involved. Firefighters took a defensive strategy, attacking the fire from outside for safety reasons. Neighbors reported that the home had been empty for some five years, with no power or utilities. Fire investigators were on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. A little league baseball game at Maynard Glenn ball field was temporarily halted because of the heavy smoke. No injuries were reported.

Brush fire caused by two boys Chattanooga firefighters responded to a brush fire near Amberleigh Ridge Apartments around 5:30 P.M. on May 24th. Battalion Chief Rick Boatwright said the fire was located in a section of pine trees and brush on a very steep bank. The fire was moving fast and threatening to in- JUMP TO FILE# volve some build- 052516104 ings in the apartment complex.

Firefighters from multiple fire companies used hand-held hoselines and set up an aerial on one of the quints to wet down the entire area. Chief Boatwright said the fire scorched about half an acre of brush and trees. No buildings were involved and no injuries were reported.The cause of the fire was traced to two boys, ages 9 and 10.

While being interviewed, the boys told Captain Henry McElvain with the Fire Investigation Division that they had a couple of cigarette lighters and set an old camping chair on fire in the wooded area.

When the fire began to spread, the boys panicked and ran away. Captain McElvain said charges are pending against the two juveniles.

- BRUCE GARNER

DJ CORCORAN

Fire contained to one apartment in complex

BATTALION CHIEF RICK BOATWRIGHT

At 3 A.M. on April 30th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department were dispatched to 4200 Coffey Road for report of a fire at the Southfield Apartments. When fire crews arrived, they found all residents of the four-unit building safely outside. Firefighters forced entry into the end unit to find the fire and were able to contain it to that one particular unit. No victims were found when a primary and secondary search of the apartment were done, however; three cats perished in the fire. Fire investigators were on the scene to determine the cause.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 9

TACTICAL FIRE Phone: (404) 408-7717 • www.tacticalfirevehicles.com EMERGENCY VEHICLE SALES SERVING FL, GA, NC, & SC

PAGE 10

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

When do we stop helping people?

Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

When we joined the fire service, we wanted to make a difference and help people. We have seen that John 15:13 become so real “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

How many times are we willing to risk our lives for a civilian, child and even more so for a brother?

But this is only the beginning or supreme end. We are to have compassion for people as we always do. When are we supposed to stop showing compassion for others?

There is a way that we can save or enhance to about 50 lives, once we die. We can become organ and tissue donors now. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. They state that the organs that can be transplanted are the heart, kidney, livers, lungs, pancreas and intestine.

Since there are more than 122,000 people waiting for transplants in the U.S., that’s a big number, But if you look that, 22 people die every day as they wait for an organ transplant. How or who can you help? Think about the guys in your station, department or their families. Does someone you know have health challenges? Where do you think skin comes from for the graft for burn victims? Yes, they can take the donor skin off of other parts of the patients’ body, but sometimes things will not or cannot work that way. Do you know a brother, who may need a valve job?

No, not his car, but heart. You can help one of them out. Your corneas can help restore sight to someone.

What about bone grafts, ligaments or tendons to help fix diseased bones and joints?

The people who are on the organ donor lists as recipients are praying and hoping for a new organ. I know that for me, it would be nice if God used me to answer someone’s prayers and let them continue to live. Right now, you answer people’s prayers and give them hope when you assist them by answering calls. Continue that spirit when you die. By our concern for

our fellow man, we are called into this profession and we give of ourselves with our time, money, talents, etc.

I, myself, am an organ and tissue donor. I let my family know. I let a lot of people know. I have come to appreciate that if I can help someone, I will. If people can physically benefit from me dying, I do not want to cremate a body part that someone might not be able to live without.

I know that it may be a concern to people, but I feel that this conversation needs to be put out there.

You may want to talk with your family, friends, doctor, or religious leader. I am just making you aware of a situation, not an opportunity to volunteer. You may even know someone who benefited from an organ or tissue donation, or maybe someone who did make a donation.

Romans 12:1 reminds us that we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. If we care for people, why not have a part of us live on and help others.

Would your family be comforted that even though you would not be with them anymore, that you selflessly gave for others?

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local organ and tissue donation organization. If you are concerned about religious implications of organ donation, I have been advised by the NJ Sharing Network, that most religions approve of it. But you can still discuss it with your religious leader.

I mentioned about being a donor and wondered what would happen at wake and I was advised that it would look like me, if I wanted a viewing.

When people were trying to trap Jesus about the greatest commandment, He stated that the greatest commandment was to love your God with your heart, mind and soul and that the second greatest commandment was that we are to our neighbors as ourselves. Do you love people enough to help them when you are no longer living?

I used to belong to a fire department that did not have fire companies, instead we had defender companies. The sign at the firemen’s memorial said “Defenders of life and property”. I’m all in, take what you need to protect someone’s life. What about you?

Visit 1st Responder on the web at www.1RBN.com

TENNESSEE

BRUCE GARNER

Duplex fire displaces residents in Hixson Chattanooga Firefighters responded to a duplex fire shortly after 9:00 P.M. on April 21st in the 4700 block of Forest Wood Lane.

Battalion Chief Chris Warren said a good portion of the right side of the duplex was engulfed in flames when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. An adult male resident told firefighters that he was inside of the duplex when he discovered the fire. As the man attempted to get out, he injured himself. A paramedic/supervisor with Hamilton County EMS said the man was transported to a local hos-

JUMP TO FILE #042216103 pital with an injury to one hand.

Once the fire got into the attic, the flames quickly spread across the duplex, eventually breaking through the roof. It took the firefighters at least 30 minutes to get the blaze under control. Four fire companies initially responded to the fire, but since the duplex was located up on a steep hill, Chief Warren called for a fifth company to set up at the hill and boost water

pressure for the firefighters fighting the fire.

An estimate on the dollar loss was not available and it is not known how many people lived in the duplex. Chief Warren said that no one appeared to be inside the left side of the duplex when firefighters arrived. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga Police and ChattanoogaHamilton County Rescue also provided valuable assistance on the scene.

- BRUCE GARNER

DJ CORCORAN

Flames seen coming from roof At 5:55 A.M. on May 13th, a passerby called 911 to report smoke in the area of Ben Hur at MLK Boulevard. Arriving firefighters spotted flames coming from the roof of the old Olympic Center at 2311 MLK. Fire crews quickly forced entry into the front of the building with charged attack lines while Engine-2's crew attacked from the rear. While at the rear of the building, they heard voices screaming and were able to spot a hand beating on a smoke filled, small, sub-level window. Firefighters were able to break the window and pull one victim to safety. The victim stated that there was another person upstairs, but a primary, secondary and third search never produced a second victim. The fire was under control approximately 20 minutes after arrival. One firefighter was sent to the hospital with a non-life-threatening leg injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 11

TENNESSEE

AMY MAXWELL

Mowbray Volunteer Fire battles mobile home fire

Mowbray Volunteer Fire Department battled a house fire at 12:00 P.M. on May 20th, located at 1232 Hot Water Road (Mowbray Mountain). MVFD Chief Chris Weddington was the first unit on the scene and reported fire showing on the left front corner of the house. He immediately requested a mutual aid response for Sequoyah VFD and Dallas Bay VFD. Fire spread quickly throughout the double-wide mobile home, so firefighters conducted a defensive attack to contain the fire to the single structure.No injuries were reported but Hamilton County EMS was on the scene for any potential injuries to the firefighters. No one was home at the time of the fire and the cause is undetermined. There will be an investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and damages are listed at $35,000.

BRUCE GARNER

Fire displaces mother and son

No one was home when fire broke out in a Chattanooga home on May 6th. The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm around 11:00 A.M., and responded to 2609 Reece Street with four fire companies.Battalion Chief Carlos Hampton said the firefighters made a quick interior attack and got the fire under control in roughly ten minutes. The dollar loss was estimated at $20,000. No injuries were reported.Valierie Lyle told firefighters that she was at work and her son was in school when the fire broke out. Captain Andrew Waters with the Fire Investigation Division said the cause of the fire appears to be accidental and most likely from an electrical malfunction. Volunteers with the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee were called in to provide assistance to the victims. Chattanooga Police and Hamilton County EMS also provided assistance on the scene.

PAGE 12

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

Lindsey Palmer returns to 1st Responder News

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Publisher Joseph P. Belsito announced that Lindsey Palmer has been appointed as Managing Editor for 1st Responder Newspaper effective immediately. Palmer previously served with the company as Office Manager of 1st Responder Wireless News.

“We are thrilled to have Lindsey take point in our editorial department,” said Belsito. “She will not only work hard to forge great relationships with the outstanding correspondents we currently have, but will look to expand our coverage geographically into new areas, which is one of our top goals.”

Palmer will be reaching out to correspondents over the coming weeks to introduce herself and will also be working to further build out her network of contacts throughout the local emergency services community.

General Manager Kathy Ronsini stated, “I am pleased and excited to welcome Lindsey Palmer back to our team. I am confident that she will be an excellent match for the position of managing editor. Lindsey exhibits a high level of care and compassion for the emergency

WWW.SMITHBROTHERSFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

This truck from Ardmore, AL once ran with Gwinnett County, GA.

services and I hope that she will find her work challenging and rewarding.”

Lindsey Palmer said “Thank you to everyone on the 1st Responder News team for the very warm welcome; and I consider it a privilege to be back. I am eager to make a positive contribution to the company and

PROVIDED

I am grateful for your confidence in my abilities. I am already teaming up with our current supporters of the newspapers and am very much looking forward to working with all of the new ones that will be joining us.”

Lindsey can be reached at 845-5347500 ext. 212 or Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

WWW.SMITHBROTHERSFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

This mack truck belonging to Rogersville, AL once ran with Voorhees, NJ.

GEORGIA

WWW.SMITHBROTHERSFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

This 1974 ladder truck which once ran in Montgomery, AL is now privately owned in Memphis, TN. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

TIM CAVENDER

Two vehicle accident sends three to hospital Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Canton Fire Department responded to an accident on Marietta Highway near the Knox Bridge intersection, at approximately 2 P.M. on May 24th.

Emergency service personnel arrived on scene to find a GMC pickup truck had collided with a Buick Lasabre. The passenger inside the Buick was entrapped and

JUMP TO FILE #052416110 had to be extricated. According to Dean Hege with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, the 59-year-old woman had possible injuries to her chest cavity. The 59-year-old male driving the vehicle had injuries to his back and shoulder. The 18-year-old male

driver of the truck had minor injuries. All of the injured were transported to Kennestone Hospital in Marietta and listed in stable condition.

Portions of Marietta Highway were blocked off until the vehicles could be removed. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Canton Police Department.

- TIM CAVENDER

WWW.SMITHBROTHERSFIREPHOTOS.SMUGMUG.COM

This truck from Tuscumbia, AL once ran with Muscle Shoals, AL.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

PAGE 13

July, 2016

SIMPLY THE MOST USED FIRE TRUCKS ANYWHERE. We have never attempted the sale of a fire engine.

Our experience with you was completely painless. I have no reservations about recommending your company to other agencies, and we will not hesitate to use your services in the future!

SO

LD

DC Rob Palffy North Maine Fire Protection District 2003 American LaFrance Eagle Pumper

2006 Pierce Impel Rescue Pumper Cummins 425 Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Waterous 1250 GPM Pump 750 Gallon Tank

2003 E-One Cyclone Custom Rescue Pumper Cummins 400 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission 1750 GPM Pump 750 Gallon Tank

2003 KME 95' Mid Mount Platform Caterpillar Diesel Engine Allison Transmission 1000# Platform Capacity

2003 KME 102' Platform Detroit 500 HP Diesel Allison HD4060 Tranmission, 6 Bottle 6000 PSI Cascade System with 2 Postition Fill station

2005 E-One Typhoon Heavy Rescue Cummins 370 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Winco 20 KW Generator Nightscan Powerlite Light Tower

2008 Pierce Velocity 75' Aerial Detroit 515 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Waterous 1500 GPM Pump 400 Gallon Tank

2004 Rosenbauer Spartan 104' Platform Detroit 515 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Darley 1500 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Poly Tank

2004 Pierce Saber Custom Rescue Pumper Detroit 330 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Hale 1250 GPM Pump 500 Gallon Tank

2003 Central States Ford F-550 Rescue 4x4 Ford 325 HP Diesel Engine Automatic Transmission

2000 E-One Custom Pumper Detroit 330 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Hale 1500 GPM Pumper 750 Gallon Tank

2000 Pierce 85' Platform Detroit 400 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Waterous 2000 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Tank

2000 E-One Freightliner Rescue Pumper Cummins 315 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Hale 1250 GPM Pump 750 Gallon Tank

2008 Pierce Impel Custom Rescue Pumper Cummins 425 HP Diesel Engine Allison Transmission Waterous 1500 GPM Pump 750 Gallon Tank

1994 E-One 75’ Quint Detroit 450 HP Diesel Engine Allison Automatic Transmission Hale 1500GPM Pump 500 Gallon Tank

2010 Ferrara 100' Mid-Mount Platform Hale 2000 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Poly Tank 10KW Diesel Generator

Visit our website at www.FireTruckMall.com to see our entire inventory!

Toll Free: 866.285.9305 • www.FireTruckMall.com

PAGE 14

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

Fire destroys home in the Great Sky Subdivision Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Canton Fire Department responded to a fire in the Great Sky Subdivision, located off of Reinhardt College Parkway just shortly after 2 P.M. on April 21st. Squad-9 with JUMP TO FILE# Cherokee County 042116117 Fire and Emergency Services was the first to arrive on scene to report heavy smoke and heavy flames coming from the two-story structure at 528 Blue Mountain Rise. According to Cherokee County Firefighter Sgt. Michael Vaughn, “You could see the heavy flames coming from the back of the house.” A Cherokee County ladder truck also responded to the scene to assist with putting the fire out. The house was completely gutted by the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Firefighters responded to the call just shortly after 2 P.M.

TIM CAVENDER

- TIM CAVENDER

Get your personal copy of The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The SE Edition

Name:______________________

Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________ City: ______________________

TIM CAVENDER

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.

State:_____ Zip: _____________ __ $36 for one year subscription

__ $60 for two year subscription

PAYMENT METHOD

Communication Divisions Supervisor Cathy Loggins.

__ Check

__ Money Order

Promotion within Barrow County Emergency Services

__ Charge card

Card # _____________________

Exp:____________

Signature ___________________

Send payment to: 1ST RESPONDER NEWSPAPER 1 ARDMORE STREET NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

Amount enclosed: ______

For Credit Card Orders: just fax this to (845) 534-0055 or subscribe online at

www.1RBN.com

PROVIDED

(Savannah, GA): Southside Fire- EMS- Security

SHANE SHIFFLETT

On April 18th, Barrow County Emergency Services promoted Cathy Loggins to Communication Divisions Supervisor. “Cathy has worked hard since joining our Communication Division in August of 2013,” stated Chief John Skinner.

“She is a true asset to the department and I know she will do well in this new position.”

Cathy is a certified communication officer through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training. She is also certified as a Georgia Crime Information Systems Terminal Operator. She came to the department with customer service experience after working in the banking industry.

Since joining Barrow County

JUMP TO FILE #042716102 Emergency Services, Cathy has become known for her optimism and her willingness to fill in wherever she can help the communication center. She is willing to pick up extra shifts when needed and cover for other communication officers that are sick. “Cathy is a great example of the men and women that work for our department and is well deserving of this promotion,” commented Chief Skinner. “I am proud to promote her and look forward to seeing her fulfill her duties in this new role.”

- SCOTT DAKIN

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 15

DONE RIGHT FIRE GEAR Complete Ensemble Cleaning, Inspection & Repair Coats • Pants • Boots • Helmets • Gear & Equipment Bags • Custom & Specialty Items

Call Today for More Information!

Done Right Fire Gear Repair 7621 Maryland Ave. Hudson, FL 34667 • ISP Certified @ E.T.L. • NFPA 1851-14 Compliant • Firefighter Founded & Owned • Multiple Mobile Repair Units

Email: Teri@drfgr.com Phone: 727-848-9019

www.donerightfiregearrepair.com

PAGE 16

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

The man bitten by the snake was evaluated and taken to a local hospital.

FAO Jason Blalock.

PROVIDED

FAO Jason Blalock mourned Evans Funeral Home announced the death of Mr. Jason Anthony Blalock, age 37 of Buford, Georgia who entered into rest on Sunday, April 24th. Mr. Blalock was born in Commerce, Georgia and was the son of the late Deborah Harkins Blalock and Terry Lawrence Blalock of Nicholson. In addition to his mother, Jason is preceded by his Grandfather, Fred Black as well as a brother, Thomas Blalock. Jason was fully devoted to the Dekalb County Fire Department for 11 years and was most recently assigned to Station 24, where he was known as “Mookie” to his fellow firefighters. He was a member of the Creighton Mixed Martial Arts

Academy and was also a wrestling coach at Collins Hill High School.

Survivors in addition to his father are two sisters, Christina Crowe and her husband Charles, of Commerce and Tabitha Wascher and her husband James, of Jefferson. He is also survived by his two grandmothers, Gertrude Blalock of Nicholson and Elizabeth Eubanks of Jefferson. Jason was a devoted uncle to niece Debra Crowe, and nephews Bradly Crowe, Thomas Wascher and William Wascher as well as a baby girl dog named “Meeka," and loyal to many brother and sister firefighters.

- PROVIDED

TIM CAVENDER

Georgia man bitten by copperhead snake Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a call shortly before 11:00 A.M. on May 27th, regarding a man who was bitten by a copperhead snake.

Emergency service personnel arrived on the scene to find a 22year-old man from Acworth who was bitten on the index finger of his right hand. After evaluating his injuries, Cherokee County Paramedic John Carroll, informed the man that he needed to be taken to the hospital.

According to the man’s coworker, they were clearing brush and debris from the backyard of a home at 4430 Whiteleaf Way, which is located off of Univeter

JUMP TO FILE #052716114 Road, when they spotted the snake in the back of their landscaping truck. The man attempted to pick the snake up when he got bitten.

Cherokee County Paramedic Chad Huff, stated that the man’s hand was swollen and it appeared that he received one puncture wound. He was taken to Northside Cherokee to receive anti-venom for his bite.

Derrick Lawrence, with the Cherokee County Animal Services, was dispatched to the scene to remove the snake.

A recent survey by Herpetologists has shown that the population of copperheads is increasing in the state of Georgia. From 377 traps deployed in an array of habitats, the researchers recorded captures of 299 king snakes and 2,012 copperheads. The data showed a decline in the king snake population and an increase in the copperhead population.

Citizens in Cherokee County are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and also be on the lookout for any type of venomous snake.

- TIM CAVENDER

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.

We Buy Used Ambulances!

Unhappy with your trade in price?

Downsizing your fleet?

All makes and manufacturers considered, cash paid “on the spot.” Free pick up available.

Call the Used Vehicle experts at First Priority Emergency Vehicles for a free, accurate and fair appraisal/offer on your preowned ambulance.

Call Today! 1.800.247.7725 CHRIS DILLEY

Garden City Fire Rescue has recently taken delivery of a 2015 Kenworth/Fouts Bros. 3,000 gallon tanker as Tender 22. This apparatus has a 3,000 gallon water tank and a 30 gallon foam tank, along with a Hale 1,000 GPM pump. This Tender is built on a Kenworth T-370 chassis and has a 380 HP Cummins engine and an Allison 3,000 EVS transmission.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 17

Specializing in the Civil Service, Union and Blue Collar Work Force

FIREFIGHTER OWNED AND OPERATED FIREHOUSE “HERO” BUYER PROGRAM

• Offered to the Civil Service, Union, Military, Education and Blue Collar Work Force • No Application Fee • Assistance with out of pocket expenses and closing costs • Pre-Approval over the phone in minutes • One on one relationship

FIREHOUSE “HERO” REFINANCE PROGRAM

• Same criteria as above

Loan Programs

• USDA no money down • VA no money down

• FHA 3.5% down

• FHA 203K Rehab Purchase

• HOMESTYLE PURCHASE

Your Florida Mortgage Provider

• CONVENTIONAL PURCHASE 3% DOWN/FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAM

CONTACT BRENNAN D. KELLEY firehousemort@cs.com Office: 888-701-9891 (toll free) • Fax: 321-768-2769 • Cell: 772-633-4701

firehousemortgageinc.com Licensed Mortgage Broker Business

PAGE 18

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

LELAND GREEK

MCI declared for head-on collision

Sumter County Fire & EMS crews responded to a report of a head-on multiple vehicle accident on SR50, west of CR 471, at approximately 10:45 P.M., on May 8th. Upon arrival, Engine-12 and AMR-303 performed triage of four pediatric and three adult patients. A Multi Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared and all crews worked to provide care to the injured. One vehicle was involved in a rollover while the other vehicle went off of the road and into the woods. Units involved in the rescue were Engines 12, 23, Battalion-11, AMR 300, 301, 303, 515 and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. All patients were transported to area hospitals and listed in stable condition.

STEVE CLARK

Firefighters show team work while participating in the Pensacola Firefighters Challenge in April.

First ever Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge After nearly one year of planning, the Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, was held on April 9th. Picture perfect weather and a challenging, but fair course greeted the nearly 100 competitors from across the Southeastern United States. Pensacola Sports, Wells Fargo Advisors and both the Escambia County and City of Pensacola Fire Departments partnered to develop the first time event.

The course included five obstacles which firefighters train and practice for every day, including forced entry, charged hose pull, kaiser sled, dummy drag and a hose hoist. The unique characteristic to this event was that all obstacles were done in the sugar white sand of Pensacola Beach.

Fourteen teams competed in the relay division. Each person completed one obstacle and then passed a spanner wrench (scoring device) to the person waiting at the next obstacle. A total of 37 firefighters par-

JUMP TO FILE #051816107 ticipated in the individual category, in which a single person had to complete the course by himself/herself.

The Apopka Fire Department (Apopka, FL), comprised of Cody Minchey, Dylan Spencer, Zeynel Alvarado, Christopher Lenahan and Sean Knapp won the team competition with a time of 1:56. Joel Richardson with the Escambia County Fire Department (FL), won the individual category with a time of 1:51. The top finishers are listed below.

Team Category: 1st Place – Apopka Fire Department (Apopka, FL) – 1:56 2nd Place – Bay County Fire Department (Bay County, FL) – 2:01 3rd Place – City of Pensacola Fire Department (Pensacola, FL) – 2:05

Individual Category: Overall – Joel Richardson (Escambia County Fire, FL) – 1:51 Age 18-25 – Josh Bell (Bay St. Louis Fire Department, Miss.) – 3:01 Age 26-32 – Nick Gradia (Escambia County Fire Department, FL) – 2:51 Age 33-39 – Sean Knapp (Apopka, FL) – 2:33 Age 40-over – Chris Overton (Pensacola Naval Air Station, FL) – 3:39 Other events included an emergency vehicle display, a kids hose challenge, team check-in social, participant pub crawl and a blood drive.The Wells Fargo Advisor's stage coach was also on-site, offering free rides.

Planning has already begun to host the 2nd annual Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, on Pensacola Beach in the spring of 2017.

- STEVE CLARK

Vehicle News DAMON ALLEN

Pickup truck entangled in wires At approximately 5:49 P.M. on May 17th, Sumter County Fire and EMS responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident on County Road 48 at the Wahoo Curve, West of Bushnell.

Engine-22 arrived on scene to find a pickup truck suspended by an electrical pole's guide wires. The occupant of the vehicle reported no injuries. Fire crews along with SECO Electric and the Sumter County Sheriff were on scene, attempting to remove the vehicle safely.

CHARLIE ROBBINS

(Lehigh Acres, FL): Newly delivered 2016 Braun Super Chief will go into service as Rescue-102.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

Members of Recruit Class 1501 celebrate their graduation with Capt. Chris Kozikowski.

JACADE LONG

Rockdale County Fire-Rescue welcomes ten new firefighters Rockdale County Fire-Rescue (RCFR), is excited to welcome 10 new firefighters from Recruit Class 1501 to it's team.

County officials, RCFR employees, family and friends all joined together with words of encouragement and appreciation for Recruit Class 1501 at it's graduation ceremony on April 18th at the J.P. Carr Services Community Room.

“On behalf of all Rockdale

JUMP TO FILE #042216108 County Fire-Rescue staff, we are proud to congratulate our new firefighters for the prudence required during training and enduring the situations they thought were impossible,” Fire Chief Dan Morgan said.

The new firefighters completed an intense four-and-a-half month

training period with RCFR, which began in January. They will join 138 additional employees in the fire department, where they will safely provide the community with the highest level of protection through public education, prevention, fire and hazard control, as well as emergency medical services.

- JACADE LONG

CHRIS DILLEY

Lightning strike in Pooler ignites house fire On April 22nd, firefighters from Pooler Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire on Victoria Ct in Pooler, GA. Firefighters were alerted by a 911 call from the homeowner that his house had been struck by lightning. A massive storm moved through the area and dumped a large amount of rain on the area, which complicated the response of firefighters from all four Pooler fire stations. The first arriving apparatus was on scene in under five minutes from dispatch time and promptly went into quick attack mode, halting the forward progression of the fire.

JUMP TO FILE #042516121 Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons responded from home and took command as the other apparatus arrived on scene. The fire was contained to void spaces that could only be accessed after pulling siding and sheetrock from the second-story of the house and front porch area. No firefighters or residents were injured during this incident.

- CHRIS DILLEY

Beat The Budget Blues!

Dive team members respond to the lake to locate the truck.

TIM CAVENDER

Dive team responds to truck in lake Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services received a call just shortly before 11:30 A.M. on the morning of April 21st, regarding a truck in the lake at the boat ramp at Payne Campground off of Kellogg Creek Road.

Cherokee County firefighters arrived on scene to learn that a truck was in the water near the boat ramp.

According to Captain Frankie Martinez, a man and a woman arrived at the campground to enjoy a day of boating. The female driver of the

JUMP TO FILE #042116118 truck backed the boat and trailer down the ramp and into the water.

Once the man gave the driver an “all clear," she proceeded to step on the gas, not realizing the truck was still in reverse. The truck and the trailer went into the water. The driver was able to get out of the driver’s side window and return to land without any injuries. Martinez

also stated that the owner of the truck purchased the vehicle just 3 weeks prior.

The Cherokee County Dive Team was dispatched to the scene to locate the truck and secure a cable to the vehicle so that a wrecker service could pull the truck out of Lake Allatoona. The truck was pulled to shore around 1:30 P.M. that afternoon and the boat ramp was opened up to the general public soon after.

- TIM CAVENDER

Stretch your valuable capital equipment dollars with the Northeast's leading Emergency Vehicle Center!

*Sophisticated SUV Conversion Packages* *Specialized Emergency Vehicle Collision Repair* *Renaissance Remounting of your Ambulance or Rescue*

Fast, free estimates for repairs/upgrades of any type or magnitude. We work on all manufacturer makes and models. All services backed by our extensive warranties. A nationwide network of pick and delivery services available.

Contact us at 800-247-7725 www.emergencyvehiclecenter.com

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 21

5 Things to Consider When Entering the DROP THE INFORMED FIREFIGHTER “YOU PROTECT THE PUBLIC, WE’LL PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE” Whether or not to enter the DROP is a unique decision and one which should be considered carefully.

For some, the decision is a foregone conclusion due to personal circumstances and an attractive plan design.

For others, the decision is less obvious and involves a more thorough review of the costs and benefits. This article covers the most important points to consider when a sworn employee has decided to enter the DROP. The goal is to avoid the common pitfalls in the DROP-decision process and make informed choices that maximize the benefits offered within the pension plan and within the tax code.

The first and most fundamental point regarding DROP is that it is an irrevocable decision. The one consistent feature in all DROP plans is that once the paperwork is completed, the employee is considered “retired” for all practical purposes.

As such, his length of service is suspended, his final average salary is calculated, and he no longer accrues pension credits. When the DROP period ends (5 years typically), the member must separate from service.

It is important to recognize that during the period between DROP-entry and DROP-exit, most plans suspend a member’s contributions. So if a firefighter had been contributing 7% (as required by the plan) to the pension prior to DROP-entry, his paycheck will effectively increase by 7% once he enters DROP. This is an ideal time to increase 457 (deferred comp) contributions by a similar amount (7%), since the employee would not “feel” any difference in his take-home pay. This would likely lead to a higher 457 plan balance at the end of the DROP period and be an important resource in retirement.

In short, a firefighter has every incentive to increase 457 contributions at DROP-entry. Additionally, it would be an ideal time for a certified financial planner to review the member’s 457 allocation and consider rebalancing the portfolio to lower risk.

A second point to consider before entering the DROP relates to timing.

Ideally, one would enter the DROP after a pay-raise from a promotion, or perhaps right after a COLA (cost of living adjustment) is announced.

This would maximize the member’s pension and therefore lead to a higher DROP balance at separation. It is important to time one’s exit from the DROP after the member turns age 50.

Retiring any sooner may compromise the employee’s ability to access the DROP money without a 10% penalty.

Per section 72(t)-10 rules, a member can exit the DROP in the year she turns 50 and not be subject to a premature penalty. This section in the internal revenue code deals exclusively with sworn employees and is a calendar-based rule, not an agebased rule. For example, say a chief is scheduled to exit the DROP in November of this year and anticipates a DROP balance of $350,000. Let’s assume she is presently 49 years old, but will turn 50 in December of this

year. Per IRS guidelines, if she takes a direct distribution for any amount in the DROP, she will not be subject to a 10% early-withdrawal penalty on the money. With proper planning, exiting from DROP should be a smooth process and not involve withdrawal penalties on the DROP balance.

When entering DROP, another important decision a firefighter must make is choosing a pension payout.

The retirement benefit one chooses is a personal decision based on factors such as risk tolerance, investable assets, and whether one is single or married. The default retirement benefit in most plans is 10- year certain.

This benefit is paid to you for life, but you or your beneficiary will receive at least 120 monthly benefit payments in any event. Keep in mind that the period certain begins once a firefighter enters DROP, not at separation from service. So if a member is in DROP for 5 years, he has 5 years of period certain left when exiting DROP. Interestingly, this type of default retirement benefit or “normal benefit”, is not the most conservative option and therefore might necessitate additional life insurance to mitigate exposure to premature death. Other optional forms of retirement benefit include joint & survivor payouts.

While of equal actuarial value as the normal benefit, these optional forms vary in degree of risk. The most conservative option is 100% joint & survivor and guarantees that a spouse will receive an unreduced monthly annuity in the event of a joint pensioner’s death. Other iterations of this retirement payout include modified monthly amounts that are 75%, 66 2/3%, or 50% of the primary pensioner’s benefit.

Another thing to consider in choosing a retirement benefit relates to social security integration. Increasingly, this optional form of benefit is available in retirement plans. If you retire prior to the time at which social security benefits are payable, you may elect to receive a more level retirement income during your entire period of retirement by integrating your social security. Effectively, the city front-loads your pension by giving you a higher monthly amount and then reduces the pension once your social security payments begin. It is also a powerful way to turbo-charge your DROP, since it yields the highest monthly pension. However, many plans only allow social security integration if the member elects a single life annuity payout, a retirement income of a comparatively higher amount, but payable to you for your lifetime only (with no period-certain).

A fourth point to consider when entering DROP is that you will no longer be eligible for disability benefits under most pension plans. As such, if a firefighter becomes disabled in the line of duty while in the DROP, he will not be eligible for benefits unless he has coverage in a private disability plan. Additionally, DROP participants are typically not eligible

for pre-retirement death benefits either. Given this fact, it is important to review insurance coverage prior to entering DROP to minimize exposure.

A final point to keep in mind when entering the DROP is that most plans allow a firefighter to roll unused sick time and vacation time to a 457 account. This tax deferral strategy is ideal for those who have accumulated sizeable balances. Rather than taking a check for these benefits, an employee has the opportunity to defer immediate taxation until a later date.

Also, given the favorable distribution rules for 457 plans, a firefighter can request drawdowns right after separation from service occurs. For example, say a chief enters the DROP and has accumulated $18,500 in sick time and vacation time. He decides

to have the city cut two checks: one to him for $5,000 to pay down debt and another for $13,500 to his 457 provider. So long as he doesn’t exceed federal guidelines on maximum contributions to the plan for the year, he can redirect the larger second check to his 457 account and take distributions on his terms.

There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to DROP and making a mistake can be costly. All of the different rules present potential pitfalls, so leveraging a financial professional is essential. Consider contacting me to discuss your specific situation and I will design a comprehensive, customized plan for you and your family.

Rick Palmer is a Certified Financial Planner™ and a recognized

expert on DROP. He manages money for sworn employees and hosts educational seminars on DROP across the state of Florida. He can be reached at: 2905 Bayshore Blvd Tampa, FL 33629, (866) 347-4482 and www.gotdropusa.com. ©2016 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

©2016 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC

PAGE 22

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

LELAND GREEK

Vehicle crash in Sumter sends three to hospital On May 8th at 9:19 A.M., Sumter County Fire & EMS units along with AMR responded to a vehicle crash, located at CR 468 and CR 515 in the Adamsville area, south of Wildwood. The accident resulted in two trauma alerts, who were transported to Ocala Regional and one ALS patient, who was transported to Leesburg Regional. One of the patients had to be extricated from their vehicle. Both lanes of traffic were stopped until units could package and transport all patients and secure hazards.

ASHLEY LOPEZ

Students evacuated due to gas leak On the morning of April 29th, students from Osceola Middle School's portable classrooms were evacuated while those on the main campus took shelter in place after a gas line ruptured that runs adjacent to the school. Ocala Fire Rescue responded to 526 SE Tuscawilla Avenue at 9:26 A.M., after a gas leak was reported. Aided by the Ocala Police Department, road closures were put into place, directing traffic away from Watula Avenue, between Third and Eighth Street.

TECO Gas Company was immediately notified. While the perimeter was secured, firefighters assessed the scene and verified gas levels. Once the gas line was secured, traffic to the area returned to normal. No one was harmed as a result of the gas leak.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Passing up equipment to the roof crew.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Restaurant catches fire while patrons eat

A beautiful and sunny afternoon turned into what could only be described as a scene from a scary movie for restaurant goers at the local Hurricane Grill & Wings on May 15th. As patrons were eating in the dining room, a fire broke out in the kitchen. The quick thinking staff started evacuating patrons to safety. Once outside, thick black smoke was pouring from the roof with flames shooting high into the sky. As the City Of Bradenton units responded, the smoke could be seen from miles away. Firefighters made an interior attack as a second crew made their way to the roof. Cortez Avenue was shut down for around two hours. The City of Bradenton was assisted by Cedar Hammock Fire District and Medic-10.

JOEL GORDON

As gently as possible, Plantation Paramedics and Firefighters carefully move a 550 lb. patient from a stair chair to a forklift, where he was lowered to the waiting stretcher below.

Fire department rescues patient with forklift On May 15th, Plantation’s paramedics and firefighters were met with a unique challenge when they were called to assist a 500 lb. gentleman from his second-floor apartment. Paramedics from Rescue-25 were originally called to provide care for a man complaining of difficulty breathing and severe pain to his lower extremities.

Upon arrival, they found a subject in the rear bedroom of his apartment who could not walk and weighed an excess of 550 lbs. “We couldn’t fit him through his bedroom door,” explained Battalion

JUMP TO FILE #051716100 Chief Ezra Lubow. “The slightest touch and he was in pain.” To make matters worse, his apartment was on the second-floor in the middle of a long and narrow outside corridor. “Taking him down the stairs was not an option,” said Lubow.

The rescue crew initially called for a ladder truck to remove the patient, but since the roadway behind the building was too narrow, it was

decided to use a forklift instead.

Paramedics treated the man for his pain, carefully packaged and then moved him to the walkway. Firefighters then cut away a piece of the second-floor railing and using the forklift, carefully lowered him to the ground.

The man was then transferred to the department’s bariatric stretcher and safely taken to a local hospital. The rescue took 20 firefighters and paramedics approximately one hour to execute.

- JOEL GORDON

CHARLIE ROBBINS

Lehigh Acres rollover At 12:37 P.M. on May 1st, LAFD Engines 102, 105, Rescues 102, 104 and Battalion-100 with Chief Christensen, were dispatched to 137 Milwaukee Boulevard for a reported vehicle crash with possible ejection. Upon arrival, Engine-102's Lieutenant Midea advised that they had a two-car crash, involving a rollover and one person ejected. He further advised that they had five total persons involved and they would be evaluating. Upon arrival of Engine-105 and Rescue-104, crews assisted in patient care and assessment as well as hazard mitigation. The five people in the second vehicle had no injuries and were all refusals. The ejected patient was transported by ambulance to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.

VOLUSIA COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Volusia County Fire Rescue participates in leadership class

More than 30 members of the 2016 Leadership Daytona Class recently met with staff from Volusia County Public Protection and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The group spent the morning of April 22nd learning how the countywide dispatch system operates and how Volusia County Government coordinates it's response to major weather events. The event wrapped up with a presentation of the Sheriff's Office equipment as well as a live firefighting demonstration.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

The Human Factors, A Contributing Factor in firefighter Injury and Death, Part II STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

This article first appeared when I first started writing this column, Staying Safe, 15 years ago. I repeated it 6 years ago with slight modification, and feel it still holds true today as a leading cause of firefighter injury and death. It can serve as a refresher for senior firefighters and as a safety lesson for newer firefighters Lack of concentration is when the mind wanders and we stop paying attention to the tasks at hand and this is usually when unsafe acts and resulting injury can occur. If injury should occur the individual generally doesn’t have a plausible explanation due to the lack of concentration. Many of us respond to motor vehicle crashes where one or more of the drivers have no idea as to what may have caused the crash. Why not? Because they were not concentrating on their driving, they were busy talking or texting on their cell phone, eating, applying makeup, shaving, or whatever. Unfortunately the most important task, that of driving is getting the least attention. The same holds true in emergency services, lose your concentration with the task at hand and you increase your risk of injury or death. Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on and remain alert and focused to the task at hand, prepared for all consequences.

When you have been operating under difficult circumstances, extreme weather conditions, or any other reason that might impair your concentration for a long period of time notify your officer and obtain relief. There are 2 types of fatigue, physical and mental; both can lead to injury and death if there is no intervention and rest.

Poor judgment is like guessing, and there is no room for guessing at the emergency scene. Evaluate the task that has to be performed and if you are not sure as to what to do in order to handle or mitigate a situation, or how to perform a specific task, stop and seek help. Do not look at emergency incidents or individual tasks through “rose colored classes”, the situation may not be as simple or safe as it appears. Expect the unexpected by being prepared for all eventualities! Whether the incident commander or individual firefighter, always ask yourself “what will happen when I do this?” For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and you must be prepared for it. Be truthful; think what the worse possible scenario is. Can the ladder fall? Will the rope break? Is the roof unsafe? Has the floor burned through?, Can we make an offensive attack? Will the car roll?

What will happen when I force this

door or break this window? What risks are involved? Can I achieve my desired goal? When we ask our self “what will happen when I do this?” we must evaluate the end result and the risks involved. If the risks are too great for the task to be completed safely then we must eliminate or reduce the risks as much as possible in order to increase the margin of safety.

This may require changing the strategy or task being deployed and, if so, go ahead and do it. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat. I am fully aware that risk is a constant companion in our business, but risks can be reduced, if not eliminated, to make for a safer work environment.

Risk a lot to save a lot, risk little to save little!

Contributing to the Human Factor as a cause for unsafe acts with the increased potential for injury and death is lack of training or insufficient training. All personnel at the emergency scene may not have the same level of training and experience, and therefore should not be expected to perform at the same level. Company officers and IC’s should be aware of individual FF/EMT’s experience and training and assign tasks accordingly.

The emergency scene can be good learning ground for inexperienced personnel where they can observe and assist in performing tasks and assignments under direct supervision.

If direct supervision cannot be provided, they should not be assigned any task beyond their level of training. In today’s real world where staffing levels or daytime response may not provide sufficient on scene personnel the tendency may be to use the inexperienced FF/EMT to perform unsupervised tasks beyond their level of training. Avoid doing this.

You may have to reassign individual tasks, or wait until a more experienced FF/EMT becomes available.

Additional skills required to operate specialized pieces of equipment should be learned on the training grounds or back in the station, not at the emergency scene. Untrained FF/EMT’s operating power equipment they have not been certified to use could prove disastrous in more ways than one.

Training and experience are the backbone of any safe operation, and it is equally important for each FF/EMT to be aware of their qualifications and experience. The FF/EMT should also know their limitations, recognizing what is beyond their training and experience and not be embarrassed or ashamed to inform their officer when those circumstances arise. Remember, in the beginning you don’t have to be able to do everything! Learning and gaining experience takes time and if you maintain a proper attitude toward safety, you will have a lifetime of learning.

To be continued next month.

Till next time, stay safe and God Bless!

- HENRY CAMPBELL

Ron Morin with his "EMERGENCY!" replica apparatus at an apparatus muster on Long Island in June.

RON JEFFERS

A paramedic’s gift to the EMS world Ron Morin now runs Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue Service vehicles on U.S. Route 2 East. A television show in the 1970's got him interested in emergency medical work.

“I personally was inspired by the TV series 'Emergency!' to become a paramedic,” he said. In 1982, he was part of the first paramedic graduating class.

Morin has now built a replica of Squad 51's apparatus that dominated the television show, racing around the streets of Los Angeles County. This was made possible by purchasing a 1971 Dodge from the Alna, Maine, Fire Department and an original paramedic rescue body in California.

The Dodge was used by the A.F.D. as a brush fire unit. While searching for a utility body, Morin said he came across a 1983 vintage medic box on eBay that had been in a shed for more than 15-years.

Morin flew to California and dug the body out of the storage shed. It was loaded it onto a rental truck, and he drove back to Maine. He said the Dodge cab was in “immaculate condition,” with only 7,980 miles on the vehicle. The body, however, required some restoration work.

Not to duplicate the LA County Fire Department lettering, Morin has “Lost Angel Fire Department, Rescue Squad and Paramedics” graphics added to the truck. He added, “Lost Angels are lost but not forgotten.”

It took about six months to assemble the replica. Locating some equipment became quite a challenge. The “gutter mounts” for the Twinsonic light bar was one of the hardest to find. A Facebook friend was helpful for that find. Most of the equipment in the replica's compartments is from the 1970's and was on ambulances that were owned

Ron Morin's pride and joy Lost Angels Squad 51.

in Morin's Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue business. A Pioneer “orange box” Telementry Unit was donated by some friends in New Jersey. He also has a telephone-style radio communications box similar to the one used in the TV show.

The original Dodge for the series is located at the LA County Fire Museum.

Morin is excited about his new adventure of showing off his masterpiece. The first showing was at the Fire House Grill in Auburn, Maine, in 2015.

“Having given more than fortyyears in emergency medical services, I now have the ability to give back, by making the younger generation understand where us dinosaurs of EMS came from,” Morin said.

- RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THE STATES 1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 29

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

CHRIS DILLEY

(Orange Park, FL): Fire Marshal's conducting Investigator training at a live fire training in May.

(Bradenton, FL): Incident Commander Tim Geer working a restaurant fire in May. CIRONE PHOTOS

BOB LONG

CHRIS DILLEY

(Orange Park, FL): The Orange Park Fire Department conducted live fire training with an acquired structure in May.

(Atlanta, GA): An Atlanta firefighter rolls up the hose after a drill in the 5th Ward.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

PAGE 30

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Sumter Fire & EMS Special Operations training

Engine-661 and Medic-15 standing by.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Friday the 13th bad luck for one driver in East Manatee One driver is lucky to be alive after his car left the roadway and landed upside down and in a pond next to Creekwood Blvd., in the 7600 Block East, on May 13th. Upon arrival, the driver was out of the submerged vehicle and walking around.

East Manatee Engine-661, along with Manatee County EMS Unit-15, responded to the scene.

On May 10th, members of the Sumter County Fire & EMS Special Operations Team, along with the village's Department of Public Safety, conducted a full scale training exercise in Lake Panasoffkee.

The scenario was based around two unconscious patients who JUMP TO FILE# were exposed to a 051616124 damaged container of anhydrous ammonia. Team members performed a rescue of the two victims and then stopped the leaking container, utilizing various plugging and patching techniques. The victims were treated and then team members went through a decontamination line to ensure that all of the hazardous material was removed from them as well as their equipment. This type of full scale exercise allows all team members to become proficient with equipment and procedures for handling this type of event in a real life situation.

- LELAND GREEK

LELAND GREEK

INSTALLERS WANTED! CALL 908-917-7697

ONE DAY INSTALLATION! LIFETIME WARRANTY Cannot Crack or Fail EVER!

8:00 AM

5:00 PM SAME DAY

DON’T BE FOOLED BY SUPRATILE IMITATIONS NYPD EMS IN BRONX

Priced Comparable to Epoxy Goes Right Over Your Old Floor

ARMOR-TUFF FLOORS, DIVISION OF ARMORPOXY sales@armor-tuff.com • www.armor-tuff.com • 855-72FLOOR

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 31

FLORIDA

ELISHA PAPPACODA

Lake County Fire personnel team up with Red Cross volunteers to install smoke alarms in Leesburg, FL on May 11th.

Lake County Fire Rescue partners with the American Red Cross to install over 250 smoke alarms Fire Captain Chad Robertson.

PROVIDED

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue’s ”Hometown Hero” chosen to fly with Thunderbirds Several weeks ago, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue was approached by a representative of the world famous Air Force Thunderbirds to see if they had a “Hometown Hero” that they could enter to be selected to fly with the elite military team’s “Thunderbird 7.”

Fort Lauderdale Fire decided to find the department's unsung hero. The decision was made to ask members of the fire department who they thought was a firefighter that goes above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis while seeking no recognition for their actions. No one was told why they were asking these questions. Many names were mentioned; however, one name in particular kept coming up, which was Fire Captain Chad Robertson. Every firefighter that mentioned his name told a different story that everyone else had never heard before. Some stories were familiar, such as Captain Robertson and his crew meeting neighborhood children while doing company drills or while on calls and encouraging them to do well in school, or how he always checks up on his patients after work to see if they were OK and if they needed anything.

One of the department's favorite stories involved Captain Robertson and his crew changing the life of a child within the community. The story starts with a young boy watching Captain Robertson and his crew train on a side street. Chad asked the boy if

JUMP TO FILE #050516106 he liked school and the boy said no. When asked why, the young man said that he had trouble with his homework. Chad and his crew immediately dropped everything to assist the boy with his homework and continued to do so for several weeks after. The story ends with Captain Robertson and his crew contacting the child’s mother before Christmas. Captain Robertson, with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum and other firefighter’s generosity, presented the boy’s mother with a computer as well as a bicycle for him to receive on Christmas day.

As usual, never seeking recognition, Chad’s only request to the boy’s mother was that she tell him the gifts came from Santa Clause.

The other stories regarding Captain Robertson include changing patients' bed sheets, doing their laundry, assisting overburdened families with sick loved ones (which is a task usually reserved for nurses or family members), and performing clean up and patch work around houses while on calls or even after getting off duty.

The great thing about these stories is that Captain Chad Robertson was not alone; he was with his firehouse crew. He sets a profound example and is a true leader.

- TIMOTHY HEISER

Lake County Fire Rescue, in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Mid Florida Lakes Emergency Response Team, installed 281 smoke alarms in 167 homes in the Mid Florida Lakes community on Wednesday, May 11th. Fire personnel from Engine 71 and Squad 72 visited residents, educating them on fire safety and installing the free smoke alarms that have tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium batteries.

Home fires are the greatest disaster threat to individuals and families across the country, according to the Red Cross, which responded to more than 60,000 home fires across the U.S. last year alone.

Launched in 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign aims to reduce deaths and in-

JUMP TO FILE #051316105 juries caused by home fires by 2019 through the installation of lifesaving smoke alarms, and by assisting families with home-fire prevention planning.

“Having a working smoke alarm gives residents valuable time to get out of a burning home and significantly reduces the chances of dying in a house fire,” said Lake County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Capt. Michael Vitta. “Coupled with a family fire escape plan, operational smoke alarms save lives.”

In fact, the smoke alarm campaign has helped save 85 lives nationwide, the most recent in St. Cloud, according to Alex Glenn,

Disaster Workforce Engagement Specialist with the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross and it's partners install a limited number of free smoke alarms for those who cannot afford to purchase them, or for people who are physically unable to install them. Last fall, Lake County Fire Rescue, the Montverde Fire Department and the American Red Cross partnered up to install smoke alarms in Monteverde.

National statistics show that more than 95 percent of U.S. households have at least one smoke alarm installed; however, only 75 percent of all homes have a working smoke alarm.

- ELISHA PAPPACODA

ASHLEY LOPEZ

Fatal plane crash at Ocala Airport On April 9th at 8:51 A.M., OFR was dispatched to 1200 SW 60th Avenue, where a small aircraft crash was reported. Firefighters assessed the scene and found two individuals inside of the plane.

Once patient contact was made and one fatality was reported. The second person on the plane was transported to the hospital. Preliminary information suggests that after the plane departed from the Ocala International Airport, the aircraft encountered problems and was turned around. The NTSB and FAA were notified. Airport Operations, Ocala Police, Marion County Fire Rescue and MCSO officials also responded.

PAGE 32

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS

Fire Chaplaincy class, instructed by Joe LaCognata.

LELAND GREEK

24th annual Volunteer Week at Florida State Fire College Over 100 firefighters from around the state attended Volunteer Week at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala during the first week of May. Firefighters had over a dozen training sessions to choose from over this 5-day period. The Fire College can house over 100 students. Courses were not limited to firefighters, as chief and officer training was also available.

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.

Two dogs perish from structure fire in Sumter County At approximately 12:50 P.M. on May 13th, Sumter County Fire & EMS received a call for a structure fire on Jumper Drive South in Bushnell. Initial units arrived on scene to find a single story residential structure with light smoke showing from the front of the structure. The homeowner stated that two dogs were still inside of the home. Upon opening the front door to locate the animals, crews were faced with heavy black smoke to the ground; however, Ladder 11 and Engine 22 crews entered the residence and performed a search.

JUMP TO FILE #051616100 After a rapid primary search, crews located and removed the two dogs, who were unresponsive. Care for the animals was immediately rendered by fire personnel along with Sumter County Sheriff Officers, and then assisted by Rural Metro Ambulance staff. Resuscitation attempts included the administration of CPR and oxygen; however, the two dogs did not survive.

After interior crews had re-

moved the dogs from the structure, they returned to extinguish the fire, which was located in the kitchen.

The kitchen suffered heavy fire damage with additional smoke damage throughout the structure.

Crews performed extensive overhaul and salvage operations. Red Cross was notified to assist the family of two adults and three children who lived in the residence.

The fire has been classified as unintentional, initiating from a kitchen electrical appliance.

- LELAND GREEK

RON JEFFERS

"Damien Danis has been a correspondent for the NJ edition of 1st Responder Newspaper since our very first issue in 1993. He has been a member of the Saddle Brook Fire Department for 25-years, holding the positions of Chief Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain and currently holds the position of Engineer once again. He has been a member of three truck committees and was also Co-Chairman of the department's 100th Anniversary Parade. Damien said, “I have also had the honor of holding the position of President for the New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association for three terms.”

LELAND GREEK

Emergency personnel attempt to resuscitate the two dogs, who unfortunately did not survive.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 33

FLORIDA

Fire department officers obtain international designation

MARK DALTON

City of Deltona puts new rescue in service The City of Deltona Fire Rescue Department placed a new rescue in service recently. Rescue 61, a 2009 International Dura Star built by Med Tech was replaced with a 2016 Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. Firemedic series, Ford F-450.

Deltona Fire formed a committee to help design their latest rescue unit and after careful consideration including visiting several builders, decided to go with a Wheeled Coach built truck. Members of the committee consisted of operational personnel from the fire department.

The committee oversaw the entire build from designing the cab to the patient compartment layout. The new rescue came with several new features, including multiple body mounted drive cameras, Whelen Howler low frequency siren system and a Stryker Power-Load stretcher system. The truck also carries three MSA air packs as well as three spare air bottles and has exterior compartments for each crew member’s turn out gear. Other compartments were designed for easy access of specialized equipment, such as an on-board oxygen sys-

JUMP TO FILE #050516104 tem, back boards and medical equipment needed for day to day emergency calls. Deltona Fire also installed a Mobile Data Terminal that provides crews with a mapping system as well as pertinent call history, giving crews all of the information needed for each call that they respond to.

Rescue 61 is housed at Deltona’s main fire house in the center of the city, Station 61 on Providence Blvd., with Ladder 61 and Battalion 61. The truck is staffed with one Lieutenant/Paramedic, an engineer and firefighter and is considered to be an ALS transport capable unit. Rescue 61 is the latest unit in DFD’s fleet and will be maintained by the city’s fleet maintenance, keeping operational costs at a minimum. Rescue 61 came with a 6.7L turbo charged diesel engine and a 6-speed Torq-Shift automatic transmission. The certified Emergency Vehicle Technicians will perform monthly needed

The Man Behind Badge #711 ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

The Man Behind Badge #711

By Thomas Cooney Available from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Price: $11.00 This is a paperback 8 inches by 5 inches and has 169 pages. It is written by a man who put in 20 years with the New York City Fire Department. We have shown reviews of videos in this publication

of the War Years, a period of time when the department saw its most work with fires and other emergencies. The author, a soft spoken, mild mannered man with a big heart, put his career in during many of those years and most of this time was spent at Ladder 30 in Harlem. His badge number (711) many times turned out to be lucky for him, sparing him from serious injury and even death. He was appointed in 1959 and retired in 1979. He writes about his memoirs from the very beginning in training through the many fires and emergencies he responded to. He includes some family life and from the firehouse perspective, the brotherhood of firefighters and how they help each other out on and off the job. I re-

preventative maintenance outside the scope of any warranty issues that may arise.

This is the first unit collaboration between the City of Deltona Fire Department and Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc., and hopefully the beginning of a long lasting business relationship.

The older rescue was placed into a reserve status and joins an additional reserve rescue, giving the city a total of three rescue vehicles.

When staffing permits, an additional rescue is placed into service at Fire Station 62, which serves the west side of the city with Interstate 4 running along the city’s west side boarder. The hopes are that sometime in the near future, the City of Deltona will become the primary transporting agency within their city, alleviating a little pressure on Volusia County EMS. Currently, the City and Volusia County share a contingency transport agreement and transport when the county’s EMS system is overburdened with emergency calls.

- MARK DALTON

member when on the job whenever I needed a tradesman to help me out I always canvassed the roster of my FD to see who specialized in what trade. They were the first ones I considered. No different here. Some of the book tells of a unique part time job that he had while he was still a firefighter. Still other jobs that he held after retirement are touched on.

The book has 32 remarkable chapters that should keep the reader turning pages. There are good times as well as tragic times written about.

Many of the fires and rescues are described in detail. Many of the memorable tragic fires and incidents are touched on as well. I enjoyed reading this book so much that I did it twice! It is money well spent! Due to the sources that this book is available from and that it was reviewed sometime before the review’s printing, the price may vary slightly either way.

On May 18th, two Plantation Fire Officials received their Fire Officer designations from the Center for Public Safety and Excel- JUMP TO FILE # lence's (CPSE) Fire 052016106 Chief, Laney Stearns. Joel Gordon, a Battalion Chief and the Department’s Public Information Officer since 1996, received his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation while Tommy Demopoulos, a Captain and member since 2007, received his Fire Officer (FO) designation.

The designation recognizes fire officers at a given rank for their education, experience, contribution to the fire service and community involvement.

“This is a very prestigious

Joel Gordon

Tommy Demopoulos

award,” said Stearns. It’s a lengthy and detailed process.” After completing the application and supplying documentation, the applicant must submit for a peer review process and an interview. Finally, a panel reviews and approves the application.”

CFO represents the pinnacle of accreditation under the CPSE process. Fire officer is the first step in the process.

Gordon is 1 of only 2 members from the Plantation Fire Department to earn this accreditation.

Chief Stearns is the other. Demopoulos is the first line officer to obtain the credentialing.

According to the CPSE, there are only 44 CFO credentialed fire officers in Florida and only 139 with the fire officer credentials.

- JOEL GORDON

PROVIDED

PROVIDED

PAGE 34

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Two semi-tractors heavily involved in Sumter County

CSFD Station 64 with the stroke victim who's life was saved due to their quick thinking and precise care.

CORAL SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Coral Springs Firefighter Paramedics honored with several awards Several members of the Coral Springs Fire Department were honored during the week of May 17th at the annual EMS Recognition Ceremony, presented by the North Broward Hospital District.

Captain Dave Schneider, Lieutenant Yair Soto, Driver Engineer Jeff White, Driver Engineer Kevin McCann and Firefighter Paramedics Nick Miller and Megan Jayne were recognized for their outstanding performance on a call involving a 72-year-old patient who had a wake-up stroke with large vessel occlusion. This type of event, if not properly treated, usually has a 100% mortality rate. The crew performed flawlessly and treated and transported the patient to the closest appropriate facility, where she was promptly intervened. The patient herself was there to present the crews with this important award.

Lieutenant Martin Harvey was named the Broward Health Para-

JUMP TO FILE #051916102 medic of the Year for his accomplishments throughout his career, his strong EMS leadership abilities and for his commitment to providing high quality pre-hospital care to our citizens and visitors.

Captain Justin Parrinello was the recipient of the first Dr. Nabil El Sanadi award to a Paramedic/Firefighter from Broward County, who exemplifies a commitment to our communities, a passion for service and feats of heroism.

Lieutenant Jason Valentine was named Broward Health North Paramedic of the Year for his recent accomplishments involving treatment of several cardiac arrest patients, who went on to achieve ROSC and subsequently, a full recovery.

Sumter County Fire & EMS responded to the report of a fire involving two tractor-trailer vehicles in the parking area of the Speedway gas station on SR 44 at I-75 in Wildwood.

Units were dispatched at 2:08 P.M. on Wednesday, May JUMP TO FILE# 18th, with the first 051916100 unit arriving in seven minutes to report that two semi-tractors were heavily involved with fire extending to the trailers.

Crews were faced with burning diesel fuel coming from the vehicle tanks, along with shifting winds, making extinguishment a challenge.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control within 15 minutes; however, they remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul and containing leaking diesel fuel. Both vehicles were a total loss, and the fire was classified as unintentional, starting in the engine area of one of the trucks. The scene was turned over to Florida Department of Environmental Protection for hazard mitigation.

One firefighter was treated at a local hospital for heat related injuries and later released.

- LELAND GREEK

APPARATUS FOR SALE

LELAND GREEK

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR

USED VEHICLES ONLINE! VISIT WWW.1RBN.COM CLICK ON “VEHICLES”

1985 E100 110 Foot Aluminum Ladder 6v92 detroit disel automatic, has full generator and lighting system, hose knozzels Excellent Condition $17500.00 Gurrisi Brothers Auto & Truck Sales & Salvage LLC Please Call 781-389-2655

- MICHAEL MOSER

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

20’ Rescue 1® Walk-Around Demo Available for Immediate Delivery. Spartan Metro Star MFD-2015 chassis, Cummins ISL 450 HP diesel engine, seating for crew of six. 20’ all extruded aluminum body, upper storage compartments.

Curb side roof access lift-up stairway, absorbent compartment with electric re-loader and dispenser, 9000 lbs. portable winch with three receiver positions. Participating co-op purchasing programs: GSA, H-GAC, and New Jersey State Contract. Contact Mike Marquis (800) 752-8786, (732) 223-1411 in New Jersey, or info@plcustom.com

For Sale Extremely Versatile Type III Ambulance Road Rescue Ultramedic remounted onto a 2015 Chevrolet G4500 Diesel Chassis Unique Dual Squad Bench Design - Great for Critical Care, High Risk Transport or Rehab Services.

Can Easily Be Equipped For Bariatric Transport As Well.

Complete Repaint with Bedliner Exterior Compartments. $125,000 For additional information or photos, email vsales@emergencyvehiclecenter.com or call 732-657-1104.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

July, 2016

PAGE 35

FLORIDA

Coral Springs Fire Department achieves ISO Class 1 rating The City of Coral Springs Fire Department is honored to have received it's ISO Class 1 Designation.

Last year, the agency began the process to reevaluate the services they provide the community through the JUMP TO FILE # 050416102 Public Protection Classification Program (PPC). ISO collects information on municipal fireprotection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data, using their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). ISO then assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection while Class 10 indicates that the area's fire-suppression program doesn't meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

By classifying communities' ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the

communities evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, fire equipment, communications equipment and training, utility department infrastructure and firefighter training.

By securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.

Out of the 48,632 rated organizations in the United States, the Coral Springs Fire Department is now among only 178 that are rated as ISO CLASS 1. Out of the 600 rated organizations in Florida, they are among only 24 that are ISO CLASS 1. They are honored and humbled, to say the least. The agency has always delivered the best possible fire protection to the residents and visitors or Coral

Presenting a check to the student.

CORAL SPRINGS COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

CSFD Staff, Mayor Campbell, City Manager Donmez, Deputy City Manager Bramley, Dispatch Staff, ISO Manager Morash and Fire Chief Babinec.

Springs and Parkland. Fire Chief Frank Babinec said, “This ISO Class 1 rating is a milestone in our

department's history. This rating will be the standard that we will always maintain, but we will always

look to improve into the future”.

- MICHAEL MOSER

ANTHONY J VERA

Always on duty for you and the community Hollywood Professional Firefighters came to the assistance of a group of Apollo Middle School kids who had won 2nd place in the Regional Broward County History Fair, allowing them to move up and compete in the State History Fair Competition in Tallahassee, Florida. Unfortunately, the team didn’t have the funds needed for the trip to represent their school/city, almost causing them to forfeit what they had worked so hard for.

Enter Humberto Fernandez; a Lieutenant with Hollywood Fire Rescue, and a 15-year member of the Hollywood Professional Firefighters Association (the union that represents Hollywood's firefighters). When he heard that the students faced the possibility of

JUMP TO FILE #042716108 forfeiting, he started raising the funds needed for these four intrepid students to compete in the state’s capital. He went from fire station to fire station, collecting money from the guys. He then approached the HPFF, which donated the rest of the money the students needed.

It may not seem like a lot of money to raise, but it made the difference between these kids staying home, or going on to represent their school in the State Competition. On Tuesday, April 26th, he presented the check to the school and the group of students who would go on to compete.

“We wanted to show the students that despite whatever obstacles life may throw at you, that they can succeed when they work hard,” said Mr. Fernandez as he addressed the student body, flanked by a delegation of the HPFF Executive Board members. “We [firefighters] do this because we love helping the community, whether it’s running emergency calls or helping those in matters such as this.” He concluded by encouraging the students to “pay it forward whenever they see someone in need."

The firefighters then wished all the students luck and asked them to keep us updated on their journey.

- ANTHONY VERA

ROBERT HANSON

Semi-rollover in Coleman

At 9:15 A.M. on Monday, May 16th, Sumter County Fire & EMS' Engine 33, Tender 33, Squad 22 and Chief 3 responded to a reported tractor trailer rollover on E. Warm Springs Ave., (US 301 in Coleman). First arriving units found the truck and trailer on it's side, with the driver trapped inside. The truck was carrying pine logs, which spilled out and onto the shoulder of the road. The accident blocked south bound US 301.

The driver was freed from the vehicle after E33 removed the windshield and was treated on scene before being transported by AMR Ambulance to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition. E33 and T33 remained on scene to assist with clean up and hazard control.

PAGE 36

July, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE