1st Responder News Southeast March Edition

The Southeast Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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MARCH, 2020

FOUR BRADENTON APARTMENTS DESTROYED

BY EARLY MORNING BLAZE

CIRONE PHOTOS

Bradenton, FL - Just before sunrise on the coldest morning of the year so far, Southern Manatee Fire District was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at Mire Lagos Apartments. On January 20th, heavy fire was showing from Divisions 1 and 2 and the 'Alpha' and 'Bravo' side of 358 34th Street.

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

Investigators process a murder/arson scene in Arab.

RICKY PHILLIPS

Murder/Arson Under Investigation in Arab RON JEFFERS

Rookie Firefighter Sam Springstein with his family, Fire Chief Steven McGill and Mayor Steve Fulop.

A Fire Department Ceremony With National Attention Jersey City, NJ - The Jersey City Fire Department added 15 new members on the morning of January 14th during a ceremony that attracted local and national media personnel. The City Council Chambers in City Hall was standing room only as family, friends, city officials and first responders gathered to see the new firefighters sworn in by Mayor Steven Fulop and Chief of Department Steven McGill.

Among the new recruits was the son of Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, Sam Springsteen.

His parents and family members watched with pride as he was sworn in. Sam, 25, is the youngest of Bruce and Patti Scialfa's three children. Sam has previously served as a volunteer firefighter in the state.

As usual, the department's ceremony was professional in every way, leaving good memories of this important day for recruits and their families. The recruits were led into the chambers by the Fire Department Honor Guard and the Jersey City Firefighter's Pipes and Drums Emerald Society. The Springsteen rookie wasn't singled out during the swearing-in, he was just one of the new recruits.

“This is my son's day,” The Boss said after the ceremony.

“We're very proud of him.”

In reference to his completed training at the Morris County Pub-

JUMP TO FILE #011720110 lic Safety Training Academy, Sam Springsteen said, “It wasn't easy.”

These new members also received EMT training.

Chief McGill pointed out that the Fire Department now has its first two sisters on the job. Battalion Chief Constance Zappella stood with her sister, Francesca, as she took the oath. Francesca had served the city as a police officer for three years.

“If I hadn't seen how much she loved her job I don't think I would've switched over,” Francesca said of her battalion chief sister.

The Fire Department now has 666 members protecting the city of nearly 200,000. Mayor Fulop was proud of the fact that the city no longer has a “brown out” policy, that closed as many as five fire companies on a shift when manpower was low.

The other new appointed firefighters are: Thomas McFarlane, John Bramley Jr., Conor Keim, Shane Richeal, Jason Garrison, Omar Soto, Sean Brady, Connor Wujciak, Angel Ortez, Francis Degnan, Richard Ferment, Andrew Crilly and Luke Gibbons.

- RON JEFFERS

Arab, AL - An investigation is underway in Arab after fire crews discovered a female suffering from a fatal gunshot wound during a structure fire.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 4th. Fire crews responded to a reported structure fire at about 3:19 A.M. They arrived within three minutes of the call to find flames visible from one room of the structure. Crews attacked the fire, containing it to the room of origin.

Firefighters were conducting a search of the structure when they

JUMP TO FILE #012120105 discovered the victim.

Fire crews secured the scene and called for Investigators. Investigators collected fire debris samples, searched the scene with an accelerant detection K-9 and quickly ruled that the fire was arson. It was also determined that the victim had died from a gunshot wound.

The scene was processed by Investigators with the Arab Fire

Department, Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office, Marshall County District Attorney's Office, Marshall County Coroner's Office and Arab Police.

The victim's car was located in Tennessee, where Michael Hammock was arrested and charged with Arson 1st Degree, Murder 1st Degree, Theft of Property 1st and 2nd Degree. He is being held in the Marshall County Jail on a $2,000,000 bond.

- RICKY PHILLIPS

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March, 2020

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March, 2020

TENNESSEE

ADVERTISER INDEX

PATCH OF THE MONTH

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

All Hands Fire Equipment ATV Safety Training

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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.

3 22

Done Right Fire Gear

PROVIDED

Tullahoma FD Implements the Use of Fast Trucks for First Response

9

Emergency SMC

15

FDIC

21

Firehouse Expo

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Firehouse Mortgage

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Kimtek

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Municipal Equipment

24

NAFECO

VIC ACCURSO JR, TRAINING CAPTAIN

This patch belongs to the Signal Mountain Fire Department in Hamilton County, which is located outside the city of Chattanooga on a mountain top. They are a small paid department that covers 8-square-miles, with 27 line personnel and 2 administrative personnel out of 2 stations.

5

Raymond James

15

Waterous

23

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.

JUMP TO FILE #020620130 ing ladder, and chainsaw to equip this vehicle for multiple response needs. These units are also utilized as brush trucks capable of driving across rough terrain.

The size and all-wheel drive capability has been well received among the firefighters and community alike, as during a medical call the smaller truck being more maneuverable and smaller causes less of a spectacle during a medical emergency at a residence.

The vehicles were bought on state contract and are expected to provide 15 years plus of emergency response capabilities.

- MELISSA ALLEN

MEMORIES

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 21 No. 3 - South East edition is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

Tullahoma, TN - The Tullahoma Fire Department recently placed into service two Ford F-250 crew cab 4-wheel drive trucks to be utilized as First Response medical vehicles.

Tullahoma Fire along with many other departments has experienced an increase in medical calls within their districts. Tullahoma EMTs and First Responders respond to approximately 1200 medical calls annually. This call load was having a tremendous effect on the frontline Pumper wear and tear and maintenance budget, along with increased fuel cost.

The total cost of these units fully equipped equaled about $40,000 each, verses $500,000 for a new Pumper. The fire department also installed 40-gallon water tanks with pumps, an assortment of fire extinguishers, a fold-

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

DJ CORCORAN

Neighbors Alert Knoxville Resident to House Fire

Knoxville, TN - At 11:05 A.M. on February 5th, units from the Knoxville FD responded to 1505 Cherokee Blvd., for the report of a house possibly on fire. When fire crews arrived they found smoke coming from both attic vents on opposing sides of the one-story brick rancher. One resident was home at the time and told fire officials that neighbors knocked on her door, making her aware of the danger. She immediately called 911 to report it. When firefighters arrived they found the occupant safely outside and began investigating the source of the smoke. Firefighters discovered burning roof trusses above the garage. Access holes were cut in the ceiling of the garage and crews stopped the flames before they reached the living area of the home. Fire investigators were on the scene to determine the cause. No injuries were reported.

EX-CHIEF VERNICE BROADWAY

Scotts Hill Fire Dept. operated this 1979 F-700 Ford Plain Jane Pumper, their first new Class A Pumper. It carried 750-gallons of water with a 750-GPM front-mount pump. This apparatus has since been retired. It ran front line for about 22 years.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

March, 2020

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March, 2020

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS •••

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

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In memory of those who gave all

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

Colorado: Kenneth Jones, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 7, 2019 Death Date: December 7, 2019 Fire Department: Summit Fire & EMS Authority Initial Summary: On Saturday, December 7, 2019, at approximately 0200hrs., Firefighter Kenneth Jones responded to a multi-residential structure fire. Jones had climbed to the roof of the five-story building in search of access to the fire when he fell off of the structure. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away.

Pennsylvania: Michael Christopher Malinowski, Sr., 40 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 2, 2019 Death Date: December 3, 2019 Fire Department: Morton-Rutledge Volunteer Fire Company Station 13 Initial Summary: On Monday, December 2, 2019, at approximately 2000hrs., Captain Michael Christopher Malinowski responded to a call of reported downed wires and trees. After returning to the station, he complained to his fellow firefighters that he wasn’t feeling well. The next day, Tuesday, December 3, 2019, while at work, he became ill and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away a short time later from an apparent heart attack.

New York: Michael Cardinale, Sr., 63 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 18, 2019 Death Date: December 18, 2019 Fire Department: East Farmingdale Fire Company Initial Summary:On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at approximately 1140hrs., Firefighter Michael Cardinale, Sr., responded to a vehicle crash. After returning to the station, he went upstairs to the sitting area. Approximately 25 minutes later, a fellow firefighter found him

unresponsive and immediately performed life-saving efforts to revive him. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Missouri: Charles "Chuck" McCormick, 30 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 5, 2020 Death Date: January 5, 2020 Fire Department: West Peculiar Fire Protection District Initial Summary: On Sunday, January 5, 2020, at approximately 1104hrs., Firefighter Charles “Chuck” McCormick responded to a residential structure fire. When Firefighter McCormick entered the structure, the floor collapsed and he fell into the basement. He was rushed to the Belton Regional Medical Center where he later passed away from the injuries he sustained in the fall.

Maryland: Otis L. Isaacs, Jr., 73 Rank: Assistant Engineer Incident Date: December 28, 2019 Death Date: December 29, 2019 Fire Department: North East Fire Company Initial Summary: On Saturday, December 28, 2019, Assistant Engineer Otis L. Isaacs, Jr., was fixing a break on a fire engine and was on stand-by for two responses.

While on stand-by, he assisted with a function the fire department was having that evening by setting up tables and chairs. He returned to the station the next morning, Sunday, December 29, 2019, to work on another fire department vehicle. When he returned home late that morning, at approximately 1130hrs., he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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March, 2020

Spring makes Jack Frost green with envy…

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

But why would Jack Frost be so jealous of Spring? Oh I don’t know, maybe it's because the vegetables and herbs he murdered are all coming back to life like a bunch of delicious, green zombies! Ok, maybe I took it a little too far with the zombie thing. It’s just that I get really excited thinking about all the green starting to sprout up, some of the first being fresh herbs. They make a dish pop more than any other garnish and when properly used, can separate most home cooked meals from those found in restaurants. Details like the use of fresh basil as a garnish for your pasta or fresh rose-

mary on roasted potatoes can take your food to the next level, much more so than using the stale dried stuff that has been sitting in the back of your cabinet for 3 years.

Fun fact: I actually found Paprika in my mom’s house from 1983, the year I was born!

All joking aside, fresh herbs add so much flavor and nutrients to a dish without adding extra fat or calories. But it also comes at a cost. Some recipes only call for a scant amount, which can inevitably lead to the rest eventually rotting away in the crisper. If your soft fresh herbs like parsley, basil or cilantro are starting to wilt, soak them in ice water for 20 minutes and they should perk right up.

But if that doesn’t work, blend them into a sauce like the aptly named Green Sauce.

My first experience with Green Sauce was at a restaurant I worked at in Manhattan, where we served it with rotisserie chicken.

TENNESSEE

It’s bright, tangy flavor cut through the richness of the chicken perfectly. Under the command of Chef April Bloomfield, we wasted NOTHING! It was a whole animal butcher shop/restaurant so we were very conscious about using all the scraps from the animals and vegetables. This ethos has stayed with me ever since.

In my version of Green Sauce, I use whatever herbs I have lying around. Sometimes it may be only cilantro, and others cilantro, basil and parsley. It is one of those “good on everything” recipes that pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken. And while grilled

chicken breast would certainly do just fine, why not take it up a notch and grill a whole spatchocked chicken. If you are not familiar, spatchcocking is a technique which involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird out. This allows the chicken to cook at a more even rate, meaning the legs will cook at roughly the same time as the breast. It also cooks faster than if kept whole due to the more even heat distribution.

And finally my favorite reason, crispy skin! The fat is able to render out much better this way, which results in more skin getting more crisp. Now spoon some of

that bright, healthy Green Sauce over top and you have one helluva meal!

I wanted to really showcase Spring in this recipe so I served the chicken with peas, as this is when they are in season. But I actually prefer the frozen kind because they are packed at the height of their freshness, consistently sweet and quite frankly, much more convenient than shelling your own. I guess just using peas, whether frozen or not, is enough validation that Spring is finally here. Till next year Jack!

Stay safe, eat well!

GRILLED SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN WITH GREEN SAUCE, FARRO AND PEAS Serves 4

Ingredients:

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

PROVIDED

Knoxville, TN - Hearts are heavy as the Knoxville Fire Department announces the passing of one of our former chiefs. Pat Edward Cureton, (February 24, 1937- January 05, 2020), was 81-years-old.

Chief Ed Cureton was called back from retirement in 2002 under then Mayor Victor Ashe to lead the department. Cureton joined the Knoxville Fire Department in June of 1964. Cureton also served as director of emergency services for the 1982 World's Fair, and was a consultant of emergency services during the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. Chief Ed Cureton will sadly be missed by the department.

Chicken: 1 - 4lb. Whole Chicken, *spatchocked 2 tsp. Salt EVOO

*Place the chicken on a cutting board, breast-side down with the legs facing towards you. Dry with paper towels.

Using kitchen shears, cut along one side of the back bone staying as close to the spine as possible. Cut along the other side of the spine and remove, reserving for stock. Flip the chicken so the breasts face up. Using your palms, press down on the bird to flatten it out. If time allows, place the flattened chicken on a wire rack on a pan. Season all sides with salt and place in fridge skin-side up overnight.

Green Sauce: 4 Cups of Mixed Fresh Herbs such as Parsley, Mint, Cilantro, Marjoram, Basil 1 Garlic Clove Juice of 1 Lemon 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt 1 Tbs. Capers Pinch of Chili Flakes, to taste 1 Tbs. Salt ½ Cup EVOO Farro: 2 Cups Pearled Farro, *pearled farro cooks faster than whole 2 Cups Frozen Peas ½ Onion, chopped 6 Cups of Water or Chicken Broth

EVOO Salt, to taste Juice of 1 Lemon Optional: Crumbled Goat Cheese and Chopped Pistachios Procedure: Chicken:

-Turn on grill to medium, leaving the center burner(s) off. While the grill preheats for 15 minutes, take the chicken out of fridge and rub skin with EVOO.

-Place the flattened chicken skin-side down on the middle of the grill. There should be no fire directly under the chicken.

-Grill for 20-30 minutes, flip to skin side up and cook for another 20-30 minutes or until the internal temp on the thigh is 165° F. Green Sauce:

-While the chicken cooks,

place all the Green Sauce ingredients except the EVOO in a blender or food processor. Buzz the ingredients until smooth and with the motor running drizzle in the EVOO. Taste and adjust seasoning, set aside. Can be done a day in advance.

AJ FUSCO

Farro with Peas:

-In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of EVOO over low heat. Add the chopped onions and a pinch of salt.

Sweat the onions until translucent without browning. Add water or chicken broth and bring to boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the farro. Cook according to package. When the farro is almost done, add the peas.

-After the farro and peas are drained well, add back to the saucepan with lemon juice and drizzle in some more EVOO. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature with crumbled goat cheese and pistachio.

PAGE 8

March, 2020

RICHARD BILLINGS

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

PROVIDED

St. Marys FD Participates in 2020 American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb

St. Marys, GA - Proudly representing St. Marys Fire Department at the 2020 American Lung Association Bank of America Fight for Air Climb in Jacksonville, FL, pictured are Jen Todd and Cissy Kelley! They climbed 36 stories straight up in full gear at the event, held on February 1st. It was a wonderful, inspirational and hard won experience and achievement benefiting this amazing organization!

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.

JAMES A TODD

This patch belongs to Kings Bay Fire Rescue, located in Camden County, GA.

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March, 2020

PAGE 9

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FLORIDA

March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

FLL personnel stand proudly in front of their latest addition.

JEREMY RIFFLARD

Coral Springs regional Institute of Public Safety hosted a swing stage scaffold rescue course on January 27th and 28th. Firefighters around south Florida came to participate in the course which learns about the hazards of suspended scaffolding, 5 different rescue situations, how to operate the scaffolding and various rescue techniques. This is the first state of Florida approved rescue course for this type of construction equipment. Rescue from the suspended scaffolding are becoming more prevalent with the building construction boom throughout Florida.

MICAHEL B. KANE, BATTALION CHIEF/PIO

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Places Two New ARFF Apparatus Into Service Broward County, FL - On January 13th, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue placed into service two new Rosebauer PANTHER HRET 6x6 crash trucks. To mark the event, a traditional ‘wet-down and push-in’ ceremony was held at Fire Station 10 located on the airfield of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

The ceremony was presided over Fire Chief Joseph R. Fernandez and emceed by Airport District Fire Chief Robert Palestrant.

Also on hand to participate in the reception were Broward County

JUMP TO FILE #011920103 Commissioner Michael Udine, IAFF Local 4321 President Jason Smith and Rosenbauer CEO Christian Kleebauer.

The two newest additions, Truck 4 and Truck 8, are the most technologically advanced, stateof-the-art apparatus serving Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue to date. Additionally, Truck 4 is the 2,000th Rosenbauer delivery marking a major milestone in the company’s history. The PAN-

THER class of fire apparatus boasts a Volvo Penta D-16, 700 horsepower engine which is able to reach a top speed of 72-mph and accelerate the 39-ton apparatus from 0-50 in less than 34 seconds.

The new apparatus will serve alongside a fleet of other crash trucks and structural firefighting equipment which serve the nearly 40,000,000 passengers that travel through the eighteenth busiest airport in the United States.

- MICHAEL KANE

VEHICLE NEWS CIRONE PHOTOS

Class #39 Graduates Manatee County Fire Academy 20 Strong

Bradenton, FL - After months of hard work and determination, Class #39 of the Manatee County Fire Academy graduated. Friends and family gathered to honor the new recruits in a packed auditorium. Some of the students came from the East Coast and only went home on weekends. Class #39 was a full time class, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The class received the highest number of students with perfect attendance, in the history of the academy. The graduates are now ready to go out job hunting.

CHUCK LOWE

The new DeLand Engine 83 entered service following a wet down on January 10th. This apparatus is a 2019 Pierce Impel 1250-GPM pumper that carries 750-gallons of water.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

RAY BRIANT, BSFR

BSFR firefighters arrived to find the 1,300-square-foot home fully engulfed in flames.

BSFR Fights Abandoned House Fire in Deerfield Beach Deerfield Beach, FL - An abandoned home on a quiet street in Deerfield Beach had neighbors exploring to investigate when the small, single-family home in the College Park neighborhood became engulfed in flames on Saturday night, January 18th.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue firefighters responded to the residential structure fire, located at 409 NW 2 Way in the city of Deerfield Beach, shortly before 6:00 P.M. As firefighters descended within blocks of the scene, they could already see heavy smoke bearing down on the neighborhood, which is located East of I-95 and North of Hillsboro Blvd.

The 1,300-square-foot home

JUMP TO FILE #011920104 was fully engulfed and aglow in fire with flames blowing out of nearly every window as firefighters made an aggressive attack on the structure, which took the near 30 firefighters on the scene about 20 minutes to quench.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, however the home is a total loss. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office will be investigating.

Thankfully, no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

- MICHAEL KANE

March, 2020

PAGE 11

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

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

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Pasco County Fire Rescue Responds to Two-Alarm Fire at the Saddlebrook Resort EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Hollister Fire Department, located in Putnam County, FL.

Wesley Chapel, FL - Pasco County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a commercial structure fire on the evening of February 1st, at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire conditions upon arrival to the resort and requested a secondalarm assignment due to a large amount of fire and the size of the structure.

Firefighters started an aggressive attack on the fire and search of the building for victims. Crews searched the first and second floors,

JUMP TO FILE #020620131 and their search returned negative for fire victims. Additional firefighters worked with an interior attack to knock the fire down.

Pasco County Fire Rescue Drone 1 was launched at the scene to assist on scene command with tactics. It was noted from the thermal imaging that the fire was in the attic and in the center of the building. Firefighters from Ladder 37 re-

located and cut a vent hole in the roof, knocking the remaining of the fire down.

Firefighters brought this twoalarm fire under control in approximately 90 minutes. Their aggressive tactics stopped the fire from spreading to additional buildings. All eight units suffered substantial fire damage in one building.

There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

- COREY DIERDORFF

WORKING FACES

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

NICHOLE NOTTE/BSFR

Family Thankful After Being Rescued by BSFR Airboat

Everglades, FL - After launching their small boat from Holiday Park in Western Broward County just after noon on January 21st, the Reeves family set out for an afternoon of fun. Aboard their 16-foot vessel, the grandfather and three grandchildren expected a fun-filled family adventure in the Florida Everglades. They didn’t expect a sticky situation filled with desperation. Stuck in the mud for over two hours, David Reeves called 911 to request assistance. An airboat from BSO Fire Station 106 was dispatched and soon arrived to aid the Reeves family. Safely back on dry land the Reeves family is forever grateful and paused to reflect on their ordeal with a picture alongside the personnel who brought them home safe.

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach FD welcomed 10 new firefighters to their team. After three intense weeks of orientation and training, these 9 males and 1 female graduated and were pinned by their families. They are now assigned to their shifts and stations and have begun their one year probationary period. Congratulations to Edwin Cintron, Marcus Ellis, Susan Ford, Craig Jaramillo, Cody Johnston, Richard Krinitz, John McCormack III, Jacob Paradis, Ian Prado, and Brayden Taber.

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March, 2020

PAGE 13

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These Heroes Are Not Sandwiches Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

In the fire service we are loaded with priorities and important choices. One of the issues of Time Magazine offered a list of 20 people they considered to be heroes of the last 100 years. Some of those names I recognized and possibly agree could be considered heroes, names like Billy Graham, Anne Frank, Helen Keller, Mother Teresa, and the American G.I.. Still others listed I question their being called heroes; Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee, or the Kennedys. I guess it would depend upon your definition of the word “hero”. Still others were names that I didn’t rec-

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ognize and had to look them up to see what they were known for.

Names like Emmeline Pankhurst, Bill Wilson, or Harvey Milk.

If I were to ask you who your heroes were, what names would you give me? Would I recognize any of those names? How do you define the word hero? I have my own definition, but I had to look up the word in a dictionary just to see how “they” define what a “hero” is. Of course, just as each of us may have different ideas or definitions, the dictionaries I looked in had different definitions.

Webster’s dictionary says that a hero is “a man of distinguished valour or intrepidity”. Then, of course, I had to look up “intrepidity”. It means, “fearless bravery in danger”, “undaunted courage”. Good definitions, I think. Then, in Cody’s Merriam-Webster dictionary, a hero is, “one that is much admired or shows great courage”. Finally, in my Random House college dictionary a hero is defined as, “a man regarded as having heroic qualities and is considered a model or ideal” and “a small loaf of Italian bread”.

It is interesting to me how our definitions of hero have been modified over the past half century. We have gone from “fearless bravery in danger” to “one that is much admired” and “a small loaf of Italian bread”. For some reason, we had been putting the “hero” label on people who could play sports, sing songs or act on TV or in the movies.

But who are your heroes? *True heroes aren’t the ones rushing for touchdowns, they are the men and women who are rushing to the scene of a burning building, or a traffic collision – willing to risk their own lives to save the life of someone else. *True heroes are not recognized because they wear baseball uniforms, they are recognized as the men and women in Fire, Police and EMT uniforms. They are the ones who are wearing the uniforms of our various branches of the military. *True heroes aren’t the people who take center stage at a concert, they are the ones taking classes in their spare time so that they are trained to the best of their ability when they come to your aid. *True heroes aren’t the ones wearing gold medals on their chests, true heroes are the ones with the badges on their uniforms. *True heroes aren’t the modern day pop stars driving around in their big limousines, they are the officers driving around in emergency vehicles that promise to “protect and serve.”

True heroes are those who serve the citizens of the city that they work for and place themselves in harms way each and every day.

These Heroes Are No Sandwiches.

FLORIDA

BSO, COURTESY

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony Administers the Firefighter Oath of Office to the 67 personnel recently blended into the BSFR family.

BSFR Grows to Nearly 800 Personnel Through Latest Merger Broward County, FL - The Broward Sheriff’s Office held a formal swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, January 28th, welcoming 67 additional firefighters who recently joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office from the City of Hallandale Beach through a comprehensive fire-rescue merger. The event, which was held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, included remarks by Sheriff Gregory Tony, Fire Chief Joseph R. Fernandez and elected officials from the City of Hallandale Beach.

Standing proudly before a sea of family, friends and elected offi-

JUMP TO FILE #013020107 cials, the 67 public safety professionals raised their right hand as Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony administered the firefighter Oath of Office.

The merger also brings three additional fire stations totaling seven apparatus, along with the immense wealth of knowledge and experience from the many dedicated professionals BSFR is so grateful to receive through this transition. The unification of serv-

ices will greatly expand the Broward Sheriff’s Office southern fire rescue district by combining resources between the cities of Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Park and West Park, considerably improving efficiencies and emergency responses to the southeast region of Broward County.

The latest integration of resources will increase BSO’s footprint to 26 fire stations, nearly 800 combat personnel and a projected emergency response service load of 58,000 incidents in 2020.

- MICHAEL KANE

BSO, COURTESY

Formerly Hallandale Beach Firefighters; the now Broward Sheriff's Office family members are administered the Firefighter Oath of Office by Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony.

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

CHANGE OF QUARTERS If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Change of Quarters” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

St. Johns County Fire Station 5, located at 3370 US Rte 1 South, opened last June. This facility replaces a pair of older structures, Stations 5 & 11, that were built in the 70s. Squad 5, Truck 5, Woods 5, two ALS Rescues and a Battalion Chief run out of this "Super Station". This facility is shared with the Sheriff's Office and serves as their South Regional Command Center. It includes a training center for Fire Rescue, fitness center, living quarters and four drive through apparatus bays. This project cost approximately $6.4 million.

March, 2020

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SCENES FROM FIRE RESCUE EAST 2020 Photos by Willie Cirone/Cirone Photos

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March, 2020

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HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

"My name is Matthew Plew and I'm a volunteer firefighter for Brunswick Fire Company No.1 in Upstate New York. I've been a firefighter for almost 7 years now, following in my dad's footsteps, who is the chief of my department. This tattoo means a lot to me. Firefighting is a huge piece to my life and has been for many years. My hardwork and dedication to my community, and becoming a firefighter 7 years ago was the best thing I ever did."

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

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

FLORIDA

Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Earns Medal of Valor Award Bartow, FL - As 2019 came to a close Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) held its annual awards ceremony and holiday banquet in which Battalion Chief Brian Golden was awarded the JUMP TO FILE# Medal of Valor for 021020110 his actions during a second-alarm fire in Polk City, Florida.

Just prior to 5:00 P.M., PCFR Battalion Chief Brian Golden was traveling west on State Road 33 when he noticed smoke and flames emanating from the roof of the residence. He immediately entered the neighborhood. Upon arrival on scene, Golden found a home involved with heavy smoke and flames showing, and two adults attempting to exit the structure.

He exited the vehicle and proceeded to evacuate the two individuals to safety before heading back to check the neighboring homes for any additional residents. While conducting his search, he contacted dispatch and alerted them to the ongoing structure fire. Approaching the neighboring home to the east, Golden found a resident and instructed him to immediately exit the home.

He then proceeded to escorted this individual to the safety area, as this home was now also showing flames.

At 5:01 P.M., PCFR units were dispatched to the scene. The battalion chief then began inquiring about possible residents being located in the neighboring home to the west of the structure of origin.

He was informed that it was unoccupied at the current time, and that the residents were out of town.

Upon arrival at 5:09 P.M., PCFR Squad 7 immediately began to place water on the fire. They were quickly followed by PCFR Engine 39. At 5:13 P.M., due to the number of structures now involved, the fire was upgraded to a two-alarm fire and additional units from PCFR and the Auburndale Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

A total of 21 fire rescue units were dispatched to the scene throughout the duration of the fire, while the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission officers aided with scene security. A family cat was also able to be saved by the crews on scene.

Dispatch was notified that the fire was under control at 6:23 P.M. All three structures were a total loss, with a fourth structure receiving minor damage due to the heat that was emitted from the blaze.

Thanks to the battalion chief’s quick and decisive actions on this

POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

BC Brian Gold and Fire Chief Robert Weech with award.

day, no residents or pets were injured during the ordeal. For this he was nominated by his peers to receive the 2019 Medal of Valor Award.

“Chief Golden’s overall day to day work ethic and pace is how the Firefighting Industry grew to such a high degree of respect,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Robert Weech. “He truly is an ex-

ample for others to follow. The fact that he was faced with a very tough real life scenario and his actions were flawless and life-saving do not surprise me. I am both very happy and proud to be able to award Chief Golden the Medal of Valor for his actions.”

POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

- POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

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FLORIDA

STILL IN SERVICE

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

CIRONE PHOTOS

Quick Stop in Southern Manatee Fire District Shortly before midnight Dispatch received a report of a house fire on the 3100 block of 51 Ave, multiple calls started coming. On arrival Firefighters found a heavy smoke condition and active fire. One of the occupants needed to be treated for smoke inhalation. The Firefighters were hampered by conditions inside the house.

CHUCK LOWE

Lauderdale by The Sea Volunteer Fire Company uses this 1989 HME / Grumman 102' Tower Ladder that it acquired in 2009. It originally served the North East Fire Co in Maryland.

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FLORIDA

March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

CIRONE PHOTOS

Four Bradenton Apartments Destroyed

by Early Morning Blaze

Pasco County Fire Rescue Special Operations firefighters recently held a high angle rescue training with firefighters from across the county. The "real world" timed scenario, held on the side of one of our county radio towers, gave firefighters 15 minutes to set up rope operations to rescue an unconscious patient dangling from the side of the tower. Firefighters utilized Truck 1, Squad 1, and high angle rescue ropes to bring the victim down approximately 50-feet of the tower.

PASCO COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

Bradenton, FL - Just before sunrise on the coldest morning of the year so far, Southern Manatee Fire District was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at Mire Lagos Apartments. On January 20th, heavy fire was showing from Divisions 1 and 2 and the 'Alpha' and 'Bravo' side of 358 34th Street. Command ordered a second-alarm as companies went to work. A floor and roof collapse made an interior attack and search difficult. Residents had no time to grab anything but what they were sleeping in. Manatee County EMS brought blankets for the displaced residents to use. Four of the eight apartments were destroyed and the electric meters on an exposure building were also destroyed. Due to the condition of the interior of the building, a Sheriff's K-9 was brought in to search the building.

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New York’s Rescues VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

New York’s Rescues 5 DVD Set

By Advanced Print & Video Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson,, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $69.95

This five DVD set is sold for the above price and is activity recorded for all five of New York City Fire Department’s rescue companies. Each company has its own DVD. All are 60 minutes with the exception of Rescue 5, which is 45 minutes. We will be presenting each DVD separately for this first review of Rescue 1 and the next four.

For the review of Rescue 1, the coverage starts off in late 1997 and

1998. There is brief narration, however radio traffic can be heard so the viewer has a better idea of what is going on. It starts off with clips of various incidents in which the company operated with “Rescue Me” sung in the background by Fontella Bass. This goes on for a few minutes followed by a brief talk by a firefighter who has about 16 years in the department and has been assigned to Rescue 1 for the past six months. He describes the many types of calls the rescue company trains for and answers, and the many different types of diversions that make up the city. All of the action is in Manhattan where the unit is stationed. There is a fifth-alarm, a third-alarm and an all-hands, as well as horrendous accidents, a building collapse just before New Year’s Eve of 1997 (near where the ball would drop), and some training thrown in. The coverage is action packed but there is also some firehouse life scenes, such as preparing for a meal. I feel it is a good representation of the company and its pride all feeding to the interest of the viewer, especially if he or she is a fire buff with interest in the FDNY.

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