1st Responder Southeast September Edition

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SEPTEMBER, 2O18

DAYTONA BEACH FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE HOTEL FIRE

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach, FL - After an extremely long day of battling a high-rise structure fire, a local building is gone. Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to the Bayview Hotel in Daytona Beach in the early morning hours of July 27th for a structure fire located in the boiler room on the bottom floor.

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

ALL IN THE FAMILY

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

Caleb Walls’ first day on the job as a Fire Trainee was August 6th, exactly 28 years after his dad, Captain Clay Walls, started his firefighting career at Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department. Clay is excited to see his son following in his footsteps.

What’s even more impressive is that Clay’s father, Hencil “Hank” Walls, began his career with MFRD has a Firefighter in 1963 and retired at the rank of Captain in 1987.

Third generation MFRD employee Caleb remarks, “With the exception of a three year gap, MFRD has always had a Walls.”

“I take pride in this patch,” Caleb says as he taps the sleeve of his new department uniform.

“Every morning when I get up and get dressed, I’m excited to be a part of this department… this legacy.”

Caleb also realizes he has two sets of big shoes to fill. “My dad and my grandfather are both very well-respected," he said. “I have a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and realize I will have to perform at a high level to meet everyone’s expectations.”

Hank, reflecting on his career at MFRD, then known as Murfreesboro Fire Department, noted the many changes that have occurred over the years.

He said he never had to deal with medical calls and acknowledged that the majority of Caleb’s career will likely center around those.

When Hank started, the schedule was 24 hours on and 24 off. Clay said, “I remember Dad saying, every day you’re either walking into work or walking out.” Hank said there was no form of breathing apparatus and the only training they received the first day on the job was, “Find you a pair of turnouts and if the engine moves, be on it!”

Clay reminded him, “They did show you how to slide down the pole.” Hank nodded and laughed.

Hank said when he first started at the department, only two people were allowed to live outside the city limits. There was a siren located where the Discovery Center is now. They were able to sound that siren from the fire department and if off duty firefighters heard it, they were expected to respond to the station and report for duty.

“You made just enough to put food on the table,” said Hank.

“But when you got into it, you wouldn’t have any other job in

Three generations of Walls firefighters, (L to R): Clay Walls, Caleb Walls and Hencil “Hank” Walls.

MFRD

the world.”

Hank’s advice to Caleb? “Do the best you can, pay attention to your instructors, and follow orders.”

Clay added, “Take every opportunity offered to you to learn and improve your skill set and knowledge. Always strive to better yourself…it keeps you safer and helps you to more effectively serve the citizens in our community.”

Lastly, he said, “Listen to your senior firefighters and captains…take advantage of the stories they tell…the experiences they’ve had…their knowledge; do that while you can.”

Caleb began a 10-week Recruit Class at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle, Tennessee at the end of August.

- MFRD

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.

PROVIDED

This patch belongs to the Flat Creek-Bethesda Fire Department, located in Williamson County, TN.

PROVIDED

Kaye Jernigan, one of only 1,308 CFOs worldwide and the first female CFO in Tennessee.

Local Assistant Chief Becomes First Female CFO in Tennessee Kaye Jernigan has successfully completed the process that awards the professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” (CFO). The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) met on July 10, 2018 to confer the designation. Jernigan becomes one of only 1,308 CFOs worldwide and is the first female CFO in Tennessee.

The Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.

The CFO designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all of the organization’s stringent criteria.

JUMP TO FILE #082018101 Achieving this designation signifies Jernigan’s commitment to her career in the fire and emergency services.

This professional designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement, as well as adhere to a strict code of professional conduct The Commission on Professional Credentialing, an entity of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc., (CPSE) administers the Designation Program. The CPC consists of individuals from academia, federal and local government, and the fire and emergency medical services profession.

To learn more about CPC, visit www.cpse.org.

- CPSE

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

September, 2018

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September, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

TENNESSEE

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 19 No. 9 - 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 typoA division of: graphical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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MFRD

MFRD and MPD Collaborate on Lip Sync Challenge Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro Fire Rescue and Police Departments released their Lip Sync Challenge video on August 10th.

The two departments collaborated with country rap musician “Big Smo” to fulfill multiple requests from social media followers to join in the lip sync challenge fun spreading across the nation.

“We might have been a little late to the game,” said MFRD Public Information Officer Ashley McDonald, “but I think the public will see that it was well worth the wait.”

McDonald contacted MPD Officer Skyler Harris about another matter and the conversation came up about doing a lip sync challenge video. McDonald told Harris there were plans in the works for MFRD to start filming.

The two decided that a collaboration between the departments would be an awesome idea, highlighting the fact that they work together on a daily basis and it’s all about teamwork!

Despite joining the challenge a little later, the video took less than a week to produce after the concept was developed.

“We wanted to do something different,” McDonald said. “We didn’t want to choose songs that had already been used in the other challenges, we wanted something applicable to the work we do, and we wanted a ‘WOW’ factor.” --That’s where “Smo” came in.

Smo, a huge supporter of public safety and military personnel, jumped at the opportunity to assist

JUMP TO FILE #081018104 the departments with the challenge. His song “Workin,” which has millions of views on YouTube, was selected for its relevance to both agencies.

CityTV’s Michael Nevills and MFRD Firefighter and drone operator Jeff Clementi filmed the entire video and got amazing shots of both agencies at some familiar locations in Murfreesboro, including the Doug Young Public Safety Training Center and MPD’s new Headquarters.

“We are very proud of the finished product,” said Harris. “This is a great opportunity for the Murfreesboro community to see public safety professionals in a different light. I hope we’ll have more opportunities in the future to ‘let our hair down’ and engage with the people we serve.”

The video can be found on both department's Facebook pages.

As for Smo, this was a rewarding experience for him. “It’s moments like this in your career that you know you are on the right path,” he said. “We all have heroes in our lives…those who fight for our freedom like my father did, but we also must never forget those who protect us on a daily basis…our Fire Rescue and Police personnel. It was my pleasure to work with these two departments.”

- MFRD

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DJ CORCORAN

Fully Involved TractorTrailer in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - At 7:31 P.M. on August 27th, units from the Knoxville Fire Department responded to a tractor-trailer fire on I-40 West at Midway Road. When units arrived they found a trailer fully involved. Two engine companies and a tanker, under the command of a District Chief, worked for just over two hours to extinguish the flames. Once extinguished, the westbound lanes of traffic were reopened. In order to keep the fire from damaging the rig, the driver was able to disconnect from the burning trailer prior to the fire department arriving. No injuries were reported.

TULLAHOMA FD

Tullahoma FD Wins Big at Mid-State Firefighter Showdown Eagleville, TN - Tullahoma Fire Department participated in the Mid-State Firefighter Showdown in Eagleville on July 22nd.

A four-man team consisting of Capt. Ed Host, Lt. Craig Stroop, Engineer Josh Nelms, and FF Brandon Berridge competed against other teams from multiple fire departments in the region. A variety of team challenges, including relays and timed circuits, were performed by each team. Tullahoma's team competed very hard and came out on top with the Grand Champion Helmet and Keg-O-War trophy. Tullahoma Fire was represented well and we feel honored to bring the helmet and trophy home to the city and its residents.

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September, 2018

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September, 2018

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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

North Carolina: Richard L. Sales, 52 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: April 8, 2018 Death Date: April 8, 2018 Fire Department: Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Richard L. Sales was killed in a single vehicle crash while traveling on fire department business. According to initial reports, Sales was on I-40 Eastbound when he struck barriers in the middle of the road, lost control of his vehicle, and went down an embankment onto roadways below before coming to a stop. The cause of the wreck is still under investigation, but the local news reported it was the same area where a motorcyclist and the driver of a semi-trailer died in separate wrecks on March 31, 2018.

New York: M. Kent Stillwagon, 52 Rank: Firefighter-Paramedic Incident Date: April 16, 2018 Death Date: April 17, 2018 Fire Department: Greenlawn Fire Department Initial Summary: Shortly after responding to numerous calls on the evening of Monday, April 16, 2018, Firefighter-Paramedic M. Kent Stillwagon was found just after midnight at his residence in cardiac arrest. His fellow volunteers and friends from the Greenlawn Fire Department responded and tried valiantly to resuscitate him, but after being transported to Huntington hospital and an extended resuscitation attempt by hospital staff, FirefighterParamedic Stillwagon passed away.

Georgia: Gregory Jackson, 50 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 14, 2018 Death Date: April 19, 2018 Fire Department: Fort Benning Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Gregory Jackson became ill at the end of his shift on April 14, 2018.

He was transported to a local hospital where he

passed away on April 19, 2018. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

Georgia: Adam Taylor, 30 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 30, 2018 Death Date: March 30, 2018 Fire Department: Decatur County Fire Rescue Initial Summary: Late in the evening of his scheduled shift and after conducting search and rescue drills in full protective gear including SCBA, Firefighter Adam Taylor began to complain of chest pains he related to a muscle pull. Shortly after leaving work to go home because of the pain, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced deceased upon arrival at a local hospital.

Virginia: Herbert Tyler "Butch" Wilcox, 77 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 18, 2018 Death Date: April 19, 2018 Fire Department: Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wilcox responded to two fire calls on April 18, 2018, one at 1300hrs and a brush fire at 1605hrs. After returning from the brush fire, Wilcox complained of neck and back pain. He went to a local MediCenter where he was examined and then sent home. At approximately 0730hrs the next morning, Firefighter Wilcox's wife tried to wake him but found him unresponsive and immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived on scene and began CPR, but after 30 minutes of resuscitation efforts, Firefighter Wilcox was pronounced deceased at his residence. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be determined.

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TENNESSEE

DJ CORCORAN MFRD

(L to R): Daryl Blair, Fire Chief Cookeville FD; John Talent, Fire Chief Madisonville FD; Gary Farley, Assistant Commissioner at Commerce & Insurance, TN State Fire Marshal’s Office; Michael Williams, Fire Chief Paris FD; and Mark Foulks, Fire Chief, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue.

MFRD and State Fire Marshal’s Office Push “Close the Door” Campaign Murfreesboro, TN – Three simple words can save lives during a fire: “Close the door!”

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) are telling the community to remember those words during a fire.

Closing the door reduces fire growth and spread, limits damage to your home, and could possibly save lives. A closed door can hinder flames and smoke from spreading to other rooms and can help deprive a fire of the oxygen it needs to grow.

“Fires can spread fast,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. “Closing the door can help control the fire and provide precious seconds needed for you and your loved ones to escape.”

Getting out of a burning building and calling 9-1-1 are crucial to survival during a fire, but closing doors during an escape can potentially limit the structural damage a fire can cause and save lives. For example, if you leave your apartment door open during a fire, you could contribute to the rapid spread of smoke and fire, making it more dangerous for firefighters to fight a fire and more difficult for other occupants to escape.

During a fire, remember: -Close the bedroom door when sleeping, if possible.

-Close doors behind you when escaping a room/building that’s on fire.

-If you are unable to escape a building that is on fire, close all doors between you and the fire. Use towels or sheets to seal the door

JUMP TO FILE #081518104 cracks and cover air vents. Call the fire department to report your exact location.

-Keep fire doors closed. These specialized doors are used to compartmentalize a building and prevent the spread of smoke and flames.

Never wedge, disable, or prop open fire doors in apartments or other buildings.

Check out this public service an-

nouncement from local fire service leaders including Chief Foulks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= hx6mDye8gDo&feature=youtu.be.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and MFRD also urge citizens to have working smoke alarms on all levels of their homes and to develop a home fire escape plan. For more tips on keeping your home fire-safe, download the State Fire Marshal’s home fire safety checklist at http://1.usa.gov/1DcZeqt.

- MFRD

Resident in Knoxville Discovers Home Filled with Smoke Knoxville, TN - At 5:23 P.M. on July 31st, units from the Knoxville FD were dispatched to 5501 Dandyline for the report of a residential fire. When firefighters arrived they found heavy smoke coming from the 'B' side of the basement brick rancher. The resident was out safely and reported to fire officials that he had returned from errands to find the home full of smoke, and called 911 to report the incident. No injuries were noted and fire damage was contained to the lower level of the structure. The two residents with three dogs are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

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September, 2018

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GEORGIA

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.

Manchester City Council recognizes Chief Jolivette for completing the NFA's four-year Executive Fire Officer Program.

PROVIDED

Manchester Fire Chief Completes Executive Fire Officer Program

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to Dekalb County Fire Department Engine 1/Ladder 1, located in Delkalb County and Fulton County, GA.

Manchester, GA - Fire Chief Roderick B. Jolivette of Manchester Fire Department has successfully completed the “Executive Fire Officer Program” (EFO), through the National Fire Academy (NFA).

The National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration. The courses and accompanying research examine how to exercise leadership when dealing with difficult or unique problems within communities.

JUMP TO FILE #081518108 The program takes four years to complete and consisted of taking one course per year. Each course is two weeks in duration and is the equivalent of an upper division baccalaureate or graduate level course.

Students are required to complete an Applied Research Project (ARP) that relates to their organization within six months after the completion of each of the four courses. When the final ARP is

completed, and has received a passing grade, the student is awarded the EFO Program certificate.

Chief Jolivette started his career in 1986 as an Albany Airport Fire and Police Officer. He has been in Public Safety for over 30 years and currently serves as Fire Chief with the City of Manchester, Georgia.

To learn more about the program visit the Executive Fire Officer Program on the USFA/NFA webpage.

- RODERICK JOLIVETTE

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Atlanta Home Destroyed

by Fast-Moving Fire

Atlanta, GA - Just before 2:00 A.M. on July 28th, the City of Atlanta Fire-Rescue Department was alerted to the 200 block of Springdale Road for a house on fire. The first arriving apparatus arrived on scene and advised that they had a singlestory residential with heavy fire conditions. They dropped lines and made a fast attack. All occupants made it out safely, but two dogs died in the fire. The American Red Cross assisted the family due to the home being a total loss.

Houston County Firefighter Ondrea EveningStar Zink smiles for a quick photo.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

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September, 2018

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GEORGIA

(L to R): Interim Chief Alan Shuman, Lt. Seth Pilcher and Battalion Chief Jonathan Franklin.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Barrow County Paramedic Promoted to Lieutenant Barrow County, GA - In August, Barrow County Emergency Services (BCES) announced the promotion of Fire Medic Seth Pilcher to the rank of Lieutenant.

In his new role, Pilcher will take over the daily supervision of a crew of firefighters and EMTs at the station level. He has been assigned to Station 1, B-shift.

Lt. Pilcher began his fire service career in 2004 with the Lo-

SHANE SHIFFLETT

BCES

JUMP TO FILE #082118109 ganville Fire Department, and has been with BCES since March of 2015. Pilcher currently holds certifications as a Paramedic, Hazardous Materials Technician, Sheriff’s Office SWAT Medic, and other advanced certifications including an Associate Degree in

Fire Science.

Interim Chief Alan Shuman said, “Lt. Pilcher encompasses the type of leader that will be the future of Barrow County Emergency Services. He has prepared himself through years of training, makes sound tactical decisions at emergency scenes, and sets a high standard for those around him.”

- STEVE ROSE

FUTURE 1st RESPONDERS

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Marietta Fire Museum Holds Open House After Remodeling

Marietta, GA - The Marietta Fire Department held an open house for the public in July after being closed for several months while remodeling. Marietta firefighters set up their modern day apparatus static display, held a vehicle extrication demonstration, and gave tours showing their day-today living quarters. The firefighters even cooked lunch for the public. The museum, located at 112 Haynes Street in downtown Marietta, offers free admission and has many items on display used by the Marietta Fire Department since the 1800's.

Lexus Shifflett, daughter of FF Shane Shifflett, operates the handline on the RIV at the Fire Department Training Grounds in Robins AFB. SHANE SHIFFLETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

GEORGIA

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Robins Air Force Base Fire Lieutenant, Kevin Harper.

Structure Fires 2017 VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

Structure Fires 2017

By Alan Simmons Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $12.95 (DVD) This is a 44 minute program covering two fires in the City of Los Angeles and one in Burbank, California. The first is a Greater Alarm Fire in Sun Valley which involved a one-story commercial structure occupied by the Universal Iron Door Company. There is heavy fire inside challenging handlines. These outside lines attempt to gain advancement supported by a ladder pipe. The fire makes it through the roof and is eventually knocked down. Crews are then seen mopping up during final extinguishment. There is a nice mixture of different brands of apparatus which responded.

The second fire is a residential structure fire in the Highland Park

section. It is a frame building with fire through the roof. The building is partly obscured by trees on the property. Outside handlines operate here also. It appears that they still use wooden truss ground ladders, no doubt in an attempt to avoid electrical hazards.

The Burbank fire is a secondalarm that involves a private house. Size up is difficult because the house appears to be one-anda-half stories, but it is attached to another similar type structure which is two stories. I could not determine if this was two attached buildings to one large building, but either way the fire communicates to both.

White smoke is showing when the camera gets there and flame eventually shows through the roof, particularly after the “truckies” ventilate with saws and hooks, and later worsens. Handlines are then stretched to the roof and operated on the flames. Apparently crews could not make the ground floor entry, as it was too far for them to revert to this tactic.

It certainly appears to be a stubborn, intense fire. At one point it seems that there are more firefighters on the roof than on the ground! It gave the firefighters "a run for their money", and I could sympathize with their frustrations!

September, 2018

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

ALABAMA

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS

Motorcycle Crash in Arab Ends in DWI Arrest Arab, AL - Emergency responders worked a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on US Highway 231, located south of Arab, on Friday, August 17th. On arrival, AFD found a female victim lying on the highway suffering non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was treated at the scene and transported to Huntsville Hospital by Samaritan EMS. Arab Police and Alabama State Troopers investigated the incident, taking one driver into police custody for intoxicated driving.

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.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to Fairhope Fire Department, located in Baldwin County, AL.

A blaze destroyed the Warrior Creek Baptist Church located south of Arab on August 21st.

CHIEF RICKY PHILLIPS

Warrior Creek Baptist Church Destroyed

by Fire Arab, AL - Multiple fire crews battled a fire that destroyed the Warrior Creek Baptist Church located just south of Arab.

A call to the 911 center came in around 8:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 21st reporting the JUMP TO FILE# fire. Arab Engine 1 082318100 arrived to find the sanctuary fully involved. An initial attack was started, however water supply was an issue, as there are no hydrants in the area. Water shuttle operations involved tankers from several area volunteer fire departments.

The fire eventually spread through the Sunday School building and Fellowship Hall. A portion of the church that was built in the late 1890's was saved, but the remainder of the building was a total loss.

Fire departments working the scene included Arab Fire Department, Summit VFD, Brooksville VFD, Joppa VFD, Baileyton VFD, Fairview VFD and 4C-VFD. Samaritan EMS provided onscene medical and rehab support while the Cullman County Sheriff's Department provided scene control. Arab Electric Co-Op worked to control the utilities.

Crews remained on scene throughout the night controlling hot spots. The scene was guarded by the Cullman County Sheriff's Department until the investigation could begin the following morning.

The cause of the fire is being

Crews arrived to find a well involved fire at Warrior Creek Baptist Church.

SAMARITAN EMS

investigated by Arab Fire Investigators, the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office, the Cullman County

Sheriff's Department, and the ATF.

- RICKY PHILLIPS

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

September, 2018

PAGE 13

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Pasco County Fire Rescue Responds to Historic Stilt Home Fire Over the Gulf of Mexico Port Richey, FL - At approximately 7:50 P.M. on August 25th, Pasco County Fire Rescue 911 received a call regarding a structure fire at a stilt home located over the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Cotee River.

JUMP TO FILE# Pasco County 083018115 Fire Rescue arrived on scene to find a stilt home in the open water fully engulfed in flames. With assistance from Pasco Sheriff's Office Marine units and a portable fire pump from Port Richey Fire Rescue, firefighters were able to battle the fire.

Due to the remote location of the fire, Pasco County Fire Rescue also requested mutual aid from Tarpon Springs Fire's fireboat. The stilt home, known locally as the "American flag stilt home," is a total loss.

Firefighters remained on scene mopping up hot spots.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be from a lightning strike. There are no injuries reported, and no one was inside of the stilt home at the time of the fire.

- COREY DIERDORFF

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September, 2018

FLORIDA

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

Daytona Beach firefighters work to get the fire under control.

CIRONE PHOTOS

Suncoast Technical College Class #126 of the Fire Academy trained on live fire at the Fire Academy on Ringling Blvd. in August.

The recruits trained on LPG tanks and overturned tankers leaking material. The recruits were assisted by the Sarasota County Fire Department to help back up lines.

DAVID BURNS/FD4D

Orange County Fire Rescue Responds to MVA with Rollover Orlando, FL - Orange County Fire & Rescue, along with the Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Highway Patrol, responded to an overturned pickup truck on Landstar Blvd. late Friday afternoon, August 3rd. The condition of the driver was unknown.

SASHA STATON

Daytona Beach Firefighters Battle Hotel Fire Daytona Beach, FL - After an extremely long day of battling a high-rise structure fire, a local building is gone. Daytona Beach Firefighters responded to the Bayview Hotel in Daytona Beach in the early morning JUMP TO FILE# hours of July 27th 080618106 for a structure fire located in the boiler room on the bottom floor. Firefighters were able to put the fire out, but soon discovered that the fire was inside the walls and traveled up four floors quickly.

All 36 occupants that were inside the 38-room building, built in 1924, were safely evacuated with no injuries. Approximately 50 firefighters from three different agencies battled this enormous fire for hours. Using a quint and a tower truck, firefighters dumped thousands of gallons of water onto the structure to get the fire under control.

Following getting the fire completely out, it was soon determined by the City that due to the structural damage caused by the fire, the building must be condemned and demolished. The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter for the residents that were displaced. The fire was ruled accidental and did not appear suspicious.

- SASHA STATON

SASHA STATON

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September, 2018

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September, 2018

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HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES

FLORIDA

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Tri-Rail derailed along the I95 corridor south of SW 10th Street in Deerfield Beach.

TOM RAY/BSFR

Tri-Rail Derails in Deerfield Beach, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Responds

Reading, Pennsylvania Firefighter Dan Wade shows off his tattoo that features his badge number and the names of his children, Allison and Matt.

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Deerfield Beach, FL Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue received a call on August 14th at approximately 3:15 P.M. for the report of a train derailment on the southbound Tri-Rail tracks under the SW 10th JUMP TO FILE# Street overpass in 081418117 the city of Deerfield Beach.

When firefighters arrived, they located the southbound Tri-Rail train, which was bound for Miami International Airport, with it’s leading locomotive derailed from the tracks.

Approximately 200 passengers were aboard the three-car train; none were injured in the accident and it is unknown what led to the derailment.

In an effort to offer some comfort to Tri-Rail’s passengers, firefighters along with the South Florida Rehab and Emergency Support Team began distributing water to the many travelers who had been on board the railway for more than an hour.

Passengers would be transferred by bus to continue onto their final destinations.

All passengers were removed from the train by 5:00 P.M. and the scene was turned back over to the Tri-Rail authority.

- MICHAEL KANE

TOM RAY/BSFR

BSFR Firefighters hand out water to stranded passengers.

Visit us on the web! www.1rbn.com

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

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FLORIDA

PCFR

Pasco Fire Charities Assists Family in Need

Pasco County, FL - Firefighter Charities of Pasco, a volunteer not-for-profit organization made up of Pasco County firefighters, hit the streets in Moon Lake in July to assist a family with some repairs needed on their home. The team helped repair a roof, floor, wheelchair ramp, and also performed painting for the family. Pasco County Fire Charities is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community they love.

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PAGE 20

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

FLORIDA

Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-75 in Ocala Claims Two Lives Ocala, FL - Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) was dispatched to a multivehicle accident on I-75 northbound, with possible fatalities, at 12:59 P.M. on August 13th.

Five OFR units responded to a vehicle crash near mile marker 350, where a semi-truck, JUMP TO FILE# a small SUV and a 081418100 four-door sedan collided. Arriving on scene, fire crews assessed the wellbeing of the individuals involved.

While the driver of the semitruck and family of four in the small SUV had no injuries to report, the driver and passenger of the sedan succumbed to their injuries caused by the impact.

Due to the nature of the accident, all lanes of I-75 northbound, between exits 350 and 352, were temporarily closed.

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

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

CIRONE PHOTOS

City of Bradenton Battalion Chief and Incident Commander Foxall working a recent house fire.

RICHARD BILLINGS

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September, 2018

FLORIDA

MICHAEL KANE/BSFR PIO

Gas Line Severed in Weston, HazMat Responds

Weston, FL - Contractors excavating near a construction site severed a gas line on the afternoon of July 31st, requiring Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue’s Hazardous Materials Team to clamp the leak. The gas line was struck at about 2:30 P.M. at 16563 Botaniko Drive in the Bonaventure section of Weston. While the rupture of the natural gas line caused the leak to flow freely, a brisk wind at the time of the incident quickly dissipated any flammable vapors. In addition, the lack of residential development in the immediate area negated the need for any wide-spread evacuations.

About 20 personnel from both Broward Sheriff and Sunrise Fire Rescue responded. The leak was clamped and the area was declared safe within about 15 minutes.

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.

PROVIDED

(L to R): Kevin Guthrie, Pasco County Assistant Administrator; Battalion Chief Shawn Treloar, Sanford FD; Jan Otero, Fire Chief, Minneola; Richard Halquist, Osceola County Emergency Management Operations Manager; and Bill Litton, Osceola County Emergency Management Director.

Osceola County is the New Home of the Region 5 All-Hazard Incident Management Team Osceola County, FL – Osceola County is the new home of a regional group charged with forward coordination that provides assistance in local communities statewide before, during, and after a disaster.

The Region 5 All-Hazard Incident Management Team is made up of nine counties in Central Florida and works closely with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). Each team is comprised of a mix of emergency response officials from all disciplines.

JUMP TO FILE #082418101 An example of the importance of this group came last year following Hurricane Irma when the state deployed teams from three regions, including Region 5. The Region 5 team members traveled to Collier County to assist following the Irma impact.

As a result of the assistance provided by teams to the impacted areas, Governor Rick Scott wrote a

commendation letter to deployed members, thanking them for their service. The four responding Region 5 team members received the honor recently. They are: Shawn Treloar, Robert Mitchell, Jan Otero and Charles Van Camp.

“Each member is a fine example of dedicated, selfless service,” said Richard Halquist, who serves as the team Commander, adding that “thankfully we have the talent and expertise to assist when called.”

- DAVID BURNS

Wildland Fire Training NWCG Courses S-130/190 L-180 S-131 Advanced FF (FFT1) S-215 Wildland Urban Interface Fla Forest Service Certified Call: 352-275-4359 This patch belongs to the Daytona International Speedway Fire Department, located in Volusia County, FL.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

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September, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

September, 2018

PAGE 23

eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes

For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work.

With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way.

The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers.

“The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper.

“The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND

gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.”

Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-

ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space.

Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the

down payment dollars needed at closing.

The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington.

To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements.

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

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September, 2018

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FLORIDA

Got Milk?! Freight Train Slams Publix Delivery Truck in Deerfield Beach Deerfield Beach, FL - Hillsboro Boulevard remained closed for about five hours after a freight train struck a Publix delivery truck on the morning of August 24th. The incident occurred just after 8:30 A.M. when the refriger- JUMP TO FILE# ated Publix truck, 082718121 which was traveling eastbound, could not clear the railroad tracks in time and was struck by the locomotive.

Nobody was injured in the incident, however large quantities of perishables were strewn about Hillsboro Boulevard, creating additional hazards and traffic snarls.

The NTSB, along with Broward Sheriff’s Office, will investigate.

- MICHAEL KANE

Containers of milk and tea were strewn across Hillsboro Blvd. after a freight train collided with a delivery truck that was unable to 'moooove' out of the way.

MICHAEL KANE/BSFR PIO

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September, 2018

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September, 2018

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FLORIDA

BRUCE CARUSO/BSFR

PCFR

Pasco Fire Rescue Responds to Corn Silo Fire in Zephyrhills Zephyrhills, FL - At approximately 10:00 A.M. on August 12th, Pasco Fire Rescue received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the 40100 block of Lynbrook Dr. in Zephyrhills. When Firefighters arrived, they reported a deep-seated fire within a corn silo holding approximately one million pounds of corn.

Firefighters evacuated the business and set up a ladder truck to assess the best way to extinguish the deep-seated fire. Firefighters removed some side panels from the silo to give crews better access and

JUMP TO FILE #081618118 brought in tractors to remove the corn from the bottom of the silo.

It took approximately five hours and 30 minutes to extinguish the deep-seated fire. Two firefighters were transported from the scene to a local hospital for heat exhaustion. They are expected to make a full recovery.

- COREY DIERDORFF

STOP THE BLEED Campaign Begins for BSFR

Cooper City, FL - On July 31st, personnel from Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue's Cooper City district participated at the Train the Trainer level of the 'STOP THE BLEED' campaign. According to the website EMS.GOV the "Stop the Bleed" program was launched in October of 2015 by the White House. The program is a national awareness campaign and a call to action.

Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Fifteen personnel from BSFR's Cooper City's Fire Station 28 were certified as trainers by Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. A total of 45 trainers completed the course by the week's end.

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845-534-7500 ext. 212 PCFR

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September, 2018

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September, 2018

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FLORIDA

Building Suffers Collapse in Dania Beach, Kitten Rescued Dania Beach, FL - Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) received a report of a building collapse shortly after 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 9th, at 21 N. Federal Highway in the city of Dania Beach.

The building is a two-story JUMP TO FILE# 200’x70’ mixed oc- 081218108 cupancy Tax Payer, with businesses on the first floor and apartments on the second floor.

Construction workers were performing an excavation on the south side of the occupancy where they were clearing ground to erect a future structure. Part of that operation included trenching the area just to the south of the building. During this operation, the south side wall collapsed, falling to the south. While this building was occupied at the time of the collapse, the south wall fell away from the building, sparing any potential victims who were inside.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud 'boom' coming from the building just prior to the collapse, followed by the sound of cement and other debris striking the ground.

During the process of stabilizing the building and securing gas and electric utilities, firefighters performed a cursory and then a forensic search of the building, including a search by BSFR’s Urban Search and Rescue Team with "Dig" the search dog.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue also responded to assist with rescue resources. No victims were found and no human injuries were reported. One small kitten was rescued from the collapse and is in good condition.

The roadways in the area were closed for the remainder of the day due to the high level of activity by emergency personnel in the surrounding area. The roadways were open to traffic later that evening. Structural engineers were on scene the following day to determine whether the building could be repaired or if it would need to be torn down.

Overall scene of the collapse where the south side of the structure separated from the building.

MICHAEL KANE/BSFR PIO

A kitten was rescued from the collapse, found unharmed in the debris field.

MICHAEL KANE/BSFR PIO

- MICHAEL KANE

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September, 2018

Firestorms Chaplain’s Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

Once again we find ourselves praying for our Firefighters along with the numerous evacuees driven from their homes due to a series of wildfires which have plagued our state. Wildfires can ignite quickly, without warning, and do maximum damage in a short period of time.

What do you do when your world is on fire? What if you knew that everything you owned would be burned up completely in a matter of minutes and you would be able to save little, if anything?

I stood next to a family who had just lost everything in one of these wildfires. The thing the mother lamented more than anything else was the loss of the family pictures. She described the fire as something that had taken all her memories away. After praying together we all agreed that although personal possessions are important to them, the fact that the entire family stood together unharmed was more important than anything else they may have lost in the fire.

Yes, these fires have the capacity to rob us of certain things, but we are told to count our blessings too. This helps us gain a healthy perspective. Fires can be devastating but there are other ways that our lives go up in flames. You experience a painful divorce. You are notified that you will no longer have a job. A child, a spouse or a parent is diagnosed

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

with a terminal illness. You go through a financial crisis. You are betrayed by a friend or loved one.

Your health deteriorates. You fail at something important. Your life is reduced to ashes.

What do you do? I am assuming that you understand that I am coming from the perspective that the only way to get through these fiery trials is to know God and have him in your life. That is the given from which everything else I am saying comes. Those of us who have gone through these trials cannot imagine what it would be like to have to go through them without Him. God never leaves us nor forsakes us during difficult times, and gives us the antidote for the pain suffered through at the many setbacks in life.

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal."

Yes, there will be storms in the forecast for us. Storms are inevitable. But we also have the confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms.

He will not always use the same methods to protect us, but He will do so. At times He will allow the firestorms to pass by on each side while we are protected in the palm of His hand. At other times He will permit us to go through some firestorms. I think He does this to show how true believers should react when our world is turned upside down.

Do you want peace in the midst of your firestorm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the fire to shake your faith.

Praise the Lord that He is greater than any firestorm we will encounter!

FLORIDA

Officers and firefighters pose with Firehouse Sub's employees.

CIRONE PHOTOS/PROVIDED

Parrish Fire District Receives a Hero of a Donation from Firehouse Subs Parrish, FL - Parrish Fire Chief Stacey Bailey received a phone call recently that he thought he would never get. After applying for a grant alongside hundreds of other emergency services departments, Parrish Fire District was chosen and presented with a

JUMP TO FILE #081218107 $30,000 grant from Firehouse Sub's Public Safety Foundation.

Firehouse Sub's provides grants for emergency services.

The new tools purchased with the grant.

Parrish Fire District used the grant to purchase Hurst eDRAULIC tools, which are battery powered.

The company has since been drilling with the new tools to hone their skills.

- WILLIE CIRONE

CIRONE PHOTOS

1ST Responder Newspaper - SE

September, 2018

PAGE 31

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September, 2018

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