1st Responder Texas Fall Edition

The Texas Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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FALL, 2016

THREE-ALARM FIRE DESTROYS ABANDONED CHURCH

CHASE BOYER

Fort Worth, TX - An abandoned church was destroyed in a three-alarm fire on the evening of Tuesday, August 2nd, in the Polytechnic Heights area of Southeast Fort Worth. Upon arrival, first responders reported a heavily involved structure, with large flames and heavy smoke showing.

- See full story on page 16

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Fall, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

BEN SALADINO BEN SALADINO

BEN SALADINO

Fort Worth Fuel Tanker Rollover Fort Worth, TX - The Fort Worth Fire Department worked an accident involving a fuel tanker rollover on August 6th. Neighboring Euless assisted on the scene. Some of the fuel leaked into a creek, which fed into the Trinity River. Engine-27 was first on-scene and many additional units were also called in for the large spill due to the extreme heat caused by high temperatures on the very hot Saturday afternoon.

APPARATUS IN ACTION

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

BEN SALADINO

Apartment Fire Extends to Attic in Euless Euless, TX - Euless FD responded to reports of a fire on the balcony of a two-story apartment on September 1st. The exterior fire was quickly knocked down, however; the fire had already extended up and into the attic, which was more difficult to access and fight. Bedford and Grapevine Fire Departments assisted on-scene, while others provided station fill-ins. The Euless Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association Rehab Team and the American Red Cross provided relief and support to crews and residents.

BEN SALADINO

Irving, TX - Irving FD's Truck-9 shortly after the main body of fire was knocked down at a house fire on September 24th.

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Fall, 2016

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ADVERTISER INDEX

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

1st Priority

8,22

Armor Tuff Flooring

20

Choice Marketing

23

Combat Support Products 17 FDIC

27

FireDex

5

Kimtek

12

NAFECO

15

Sutphen

23

Task Force Tips

PROVIDED

The East Rutherford Fire Department in New Jersey has put the American flag with the thin blue line on all of their fire apparatus.

East Rutherford Fire Department and East Rutherford Engine Co # 2 support our brothers and sisters in blue.

SAN ANTONIO FD

Two-Alarm Fire at Oak Springs Apartments San Antonio, TX - Multiple fire companies, including SAFD, were dispatched to 3919 Perrin Central on September 26th for a two-alarm fire at the Oak Springs Apartments.

3,11,21,31

Translite, LLC. Veinlite Tyler Junior College

9

ON THE LITER SIDE

32

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

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Vol. 2 No. 3 - Texas edition is published quarterly, 4 times a year for $15 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore St., New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or erA division of: rors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

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

PROVIDED

East Rutherford, NJ - Paterson Ave. in East Rutherford has been painted with a thin blue line, where the town is showing support for police officers.

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.

To all of the 1st Responder News supporters, let's keep this Pro-Police trend going!

Upload pictures showing your support for police to www.1rbn.com, or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Austin, TX - Good thing the Austin FD had an extra seat for "Hook 'Em," the official mascot of the Texas Longhorns, after attending the University of Texas Women's Club soccer team's annual First Responder Appreciation Night, held in September.

LT. ANDRE DE LA REZA/AFD

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Fall, 2016

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Fall, 2016

1 Ardmore Street • New Windsor, NY 12553

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

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@1stResponderNews.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

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

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

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••• OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

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

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

CORRESPONDENTS •••

Rob Bredahl • Jason Evans • Jordan Ghawi • Tony Harvey • Sheri Hemrick • Chad Hodge • Jessica Jackson • Mike Miller • Robert Rocha • Ben Saladino • Smith Brothers • Gary Smith • Dawn Solinski • Ted Stephens • Rob Vires • Evan Webster • Chris Wilkinson

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

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency

responders lost in the line of duty

Pennsylvania: Charles E. Horan, 61 Rank: Safety Officer Incident Date: September 19, 2016 Death Date: September 21, 2016 Fire Department: North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: While preparing to leave home for a response call to assist law enforcement gain access to the roof of a building, Fire Safety Officer Horan tripped and fell, suffering a severe injury.

Safety Officer Horan was treated by fellow responders and transported to the hospital where, despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries several days later.

Delaware: Christopher M. Leach, 41 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: September 24, 2016 Death Date: September 24, 2016 Fire Department: Wilmington Fire Department Initial Summary: In the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dispatched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51. Two other firefighters were critically injured but reported to be in stable condition. The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Investigation into the fatal fire continues by local, state, and federal authorities.

Delaware: Jerry W. Fickes, 51 Rank: Senior Firefighter Incident Date: September 24, 2016 Death Date: September 24, 2016 Fire Department: Wilmington Fire Department Initial Summary: In the early morning hours of September 24th, Wilmington firefighters were dis-

patched to a burning brick row home on the 1900 block of Lakeview Road. Soon after arrival, believing that there were still residents trapped in the home, firefighters entered the structure. While searching the interior, several firefighters fell through a collapsing floor killing two of them: Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, 41, and Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes, 51. Two other firefighters were critically injured but reported to be in stable condition. The family in the home at the time of the fire, including six children, managed to escape through the back of the residence. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Investigation into the fatal fire continues by local, state, and federal authorities.

Missouri: Sean McMullin, 46 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: September 24, 2016 Death Date: September 24, 2016 Fire Department: West County EMS & Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Sean McMullin was found unresponsive while on-duty at West County EMS & Fire Protection District Station 2. Fellow responders initiated lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The nature and cause of McMullin's fatal injury have not been reported.

New York: Michael J. Fahy, 44 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2016 Death Date: September 27, 2016 Fire Department: Fire Department City of New York Initial Summary: Battalion Chief Michael J. Fahy was struck and killed by debris when a 2-story private residence under investigation for an illicit drug manufacturing operation exploded. Firefighters had first responded to a report of a gas smell at the location and found the drug lab, notifying police, but the house exploded before the situation could be fully assessed and mitigated. The fatal incident remains under investigation by authorities.

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

DRILLS/TRAINING

PAGE 7

Fall, 2016

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

Fort Worth, TX - Member departments of the North East Fire Department Association (NEFDA), have been participating in live fire training at Tarrant County College's Fire Service Training Center (NW Campus). NEFDA combines and shares resources and efforts in the area, including training, specialty operations and equipment.

Crews are rotating through over a several week period in the evenings. Training includes oriented search, relay pumping, highrise and warehouse fire scenarios. Several departments' CFA members provided rehab.

CHASE BOYER

A Colleyville firefighter stretches a line to the warehouse scenario.

BEN SALADINO

Four-Alarm Fire Destroys Home in North Dallas Dallas, TX - On September 1st, Dallas Fire Rescue battled a four-alarm residential structure fire on Springmeadow Drive, located off of Inwood, in North Dallas. The initial call came out at 4:18 P.M. and went to a second-alarm roughly 10 minutes later. It then went to a three-alarm at 4:53 P.M. and then to a fourth-alarm at 5:31 P.M. DFR did a tremendous job knocking down the fire; however, the home appeared to be a total loss. It was a very large home, around 8,800-sq.-ft. No one was home when the fire began and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

ON THE LITER SIDE

If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side� feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

The North Richland Hills crew practicing relay pumping.

BEN SALADINO

CHRIS WILKINSON/AFD

BEN SALADINO

Euless crews waiting to start their oriented search drill.

Austin, TX - On October 25th, members from the Austin Junior Forum's Teddy Bear program dropped off over 300 Dalmation stuffed animals to Austin FD's headquarters. The cuddly pups are given to children who are scared, bewildered and confused after escaping from house fires. They give a child something to hold on to during what may be the worst time of their life.

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Fall, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Citizens Encouraged to Download Ready South Texas App.

Have the Ready South Texas app? If so, Flood Advisories and Warnings would be delivered to your smart device. Be prepared for disaster. The Ready South Texas app is an all-hazards overview of disaster information to help you prepare, plan and respond to disaster in your area.

-Citizens can now download the app, which features instant access to evacuation maps and safe routes. They can also find out about the nearest emergency shelters and special services in their area.

-Citizens can receive the latest alerts and emergency notifications; create their own personalized fam-

JUMP TO FILE #092816108 ily emergency plan and list of gokit supplies quickly and painlessly.

-Learn about the various emergency situations that Bexar County Texas residents are most likely to face in integrated eGuides, including Public Health Emergencies, Terrorism, Disaster Recovery, Active Shooter Response and Floods.

Visit: readysouthtexasapp.com or download free on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

- SAFD

Grapevine's new Engine-4, a Pierce Velocity.

BEN SALADINO

Two-alarm Fire Injures Three Civilians and Two Firefighters Dallas, TX - At 1:30 P.M. on August 17th, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a 911 call for a structure fire at the Solana Ridge Apartments, located at 8031 Chariot Drive, in Southeast Dallas.

When firefighters arrived at the location, there was fire coming from all levels, including JUMP TO FILE # through the roof, of 082216125 the two-story apartment building. In addition, several neighbors were outside screaming that there were people still inside.

With that in mind, firefighters immediately shifted to search and rescue mode and subsequently removed the unresponsive body of a male child from inside. Once removed, he was immediately taken to paramedics who began life-saving measures, including CPR, before transporting him to a local

hospital for definitive care.

The boy's mother and her infant son, were outside of the apartment building when firefighters arrived. They appeared to have non-life-threatening injuries, but were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation as well. Two firefighters had to be treated at the scene of the fire, one after being overcome by the heat, and another one who suffered a minor injury to his hand. Both were expected to be okay.

A total of six apartments were directly impacted by fire, with the number expected to increase once smoke and water damage were factored in. An unknown number of residents were displaced as a result of the fire, but the American Red Cross was notified to come out and assist with their needs.

The cause remains undetermined and under investigation.

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The Guardian, with its distinctive Knight and Shield logo, represents the protectors of firefighters as this company responds to fires to protect their own.

BEN SALADINO

BEN SALADINO

Grapevine Holds Push-In Ceremony for New Rescue Engine

Grapevine, TX - Grapevine Fire Department officially placed their new Engine-4 into service with a push-in ceremony, held in August. Friends, family, volunteers and the community, were invited to participate in the ceremony by helping to wash the engine and push it into Station-4, followed by words from Chief Brown and a blessing by the Chaplain. Engine-4 is a custom built Pierce Velocity, replacing a 2007 Rosenbauer quint. The rescue-engine will carry additional rescue tools to enhance the capabilities of the traditional engine company functions. Station-4 also houses Rescue-56 (by SVI). According to the department, "The Guardian, with a distinctive Knight and Shield logo, represents the protectors of firefighters as this company responds to fires to protect our own."

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Fall, 2016

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Staying Safe from Electrical Hazards STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

There are many hazards on the emergency scene, and one that can be found at almost all incidents, electricity, poses a continuous threat to all first responders.

Caution is required at all times as the electrical hazards may remain hidden from initial size up, therefore, continual thought must be given to the potential for some form of electrical hazard suddenly appearing and compromising the safety of personnel. The best remedy to eliminate the threat is to have the power company turn the power off to the building or area if needed. The best remedy, but not always being accomplished in a timely manner.

In almost all areas of the country 13,000 volt electric wires or higher traverse our streets and highways, providing the source of electric to maintain our present lifestyle and dependency on electricity. As the growing demands for electric continue, so does the need to carry increased voltage over the transmission wires. Over the years there has been the continued increase from 3,000, 5,000, and 8,000 volt wires to 13,000 volt feeder cables in all areas of the country, down your street and in your neighborhood.

Caution in your response is required whenever you suspect electric wires or contact with electricity may be involved. Electricity, under control or out of control, poses a deadly threat to emergency response personnel and the public. Have you ever responded to a report of wires down and found a 13,000 volt cable burning up the roadway. Maybe you didn’t know the concrete or blacktop would burn? Just imagine what it can do to the human body. Give any electrical hazard, or potential hazard, a wide berth, the further away from the hazard the safer you are. We may think that an electric shock in excess of 500 volts may be more deadly than 100 volts, but either can kill, as it is not the voltage, but the current (amperes) that will make the difference. While any amount of current over 10 milliamps (0.01 amp) is capable of producing painful to severe shock, currents between 100 and 200 mA (0.1 to 0.2 amp) are lethal. Currents above 200 milliamps (0.2 amp), while producing severe burns and unconsciousness, may not cause death if the victim is given immediate attention. Resuscitation efforts, consisting of CPR, may revive the victim.

When responding to any emergency your initial size up should include observation of any electrical hazards such as wires down, arcing, or burning, vehicles into electric poles or tangled in wires, and the location of overhead wires and the danger they may

present on ladder placement and hose stream operations. Are there additional potential conductors of electricity such as fences, wet roads, phone or cable television wires in the area, as they all can pose a threat to on scene personnel and operations as conductors of electricity. All departments seem to have those members who are so capable and quick to identify downed wires as telephone or cable TV wires, and, as well they may be. More importantly is to remember another name for wire, and that is conductor. A conductor is something that can conduct (carry) electricity even though it was not designed, or is being used to do so. Examples such as aluminum siding and aluminum ladders (all ladders when wet can conduct electric), and cable TV and telephone wires, pipe and metal fences when in contact with electrical transmission sources will

conduct electricity. The many hand tools used are also conductors of electricity, along with hose streams and wet ground. Therefore, just don’t assume that because it is a telephone wire lying in the street that it is not in contact with an electric source; secure the area, call for the utility companies and let them make the decision. Some may think this can’t happen with all the safety devices, fuses, circuit breakers, and ground faults built into the system. Think again! If everything went the way it was supposed to go you would never be out on a stormy night for wires down arcing or burning on a tree or pole. Things can and do go wrong, and when you respond, you must be prepared, cautious and alert.

To be continued.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Fall, 2016

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HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Staatsburg, NY - This tattoo is worn proudly by Staatsburg Fire District Chief Shawn Bell.

Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here?

Contact Lindsey at Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

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Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Fall, 2016

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BEN SALADINO

As the garage doors were opened, a wave of water was released.

BEN SALADINO

CFAAA Rehab providing some relief to crews.

BEN SALADINO

BEN SALADINO

D/FW International Airport's "Big Fan" clearing out the smoke.

Two-Alarm Trash Compactor Fire in Grapevine

Grapevine, TX - Grapevine Fire Department worked a twoalarm fire at a very large commercial structure on August 29th. The fire involved a trash compactor and was quickly knocked down; however, the second-alarm was held for extensive smoke removal and salvage operations. Bedford, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Euless and Southlake Fire Departments assisted on-scene. The "Big Fan" from D/FW Airport was used in clearing smoke from the structure.

DID YOU K NOW

?

Firehouses have spiral staircases because horses that were used in the 1800’s to pull fire wagons had learned how to walk up straight ones.

Irving FD Works Two House Fires Simultaneously Irving, TX - Irving Fire Department worked two house fires simultaneously on the city's north side on September 24th. Both fires were dispatched within minutes of each other after a thunderstorm passed through the area. First arriving units reported having fire through the roofs of both houses, which were about two-miles apart. Slate tile shingles were falling from the roof of one of the houses, making for a very dangerous situation. Quick attacks minimized the damage to both two-story homes. Irving's Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association provided rehab at both scenes.

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

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Three-Alarm Fire in Dallas Condo Complex Dallas, TX - At 2:43 P.M. on September 23rd, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a 911 call for a structure fire at a condominium complex, located at 9730 Whithurst Drive, in Northeast Dallas. First arriving companies reported having a lot of smoke coming from the thirdfloor of the building.

Firefighters were able to make it inside of the building to begin an offensive fire attack, but eventual second and third alarms were transmitted for additional manpower needs after the fire got into the attic.

The building housed six condominiums (one vacant), all of which were rendered uninhabitable. With most of the residents not yet having arrived home for the day, there was

Firefighters making an exterior attack from all four sides of the structure.

CHASE BOYER

Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Abandoned Fort Worth Church

no exact JUMP TO FILE #092816107 number on the displaced, but the American Red Cross was notified.

There were no reported injuries to residents or firefighters during the course of the incident; but unfortunately, one bystander was taken to a local hospital after experiencing a "Medical Emergency," unrelated to the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently undetermined, but preliminarily investigators believe it to be accidental in nature.

- JASON EVANS

NEVER FORGET If you have photos you would like to see in our “Never Forget� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

San Antonio, TX - The San Antonio Fire Department held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Fire Station #1.

Fort Worth, TX - An abandoned church was destroyed in a three-alarm fire on the evening of Tuesday, August 2nd, in the Polytechnic Heights area of Southeast Fort Worth. The call came in just after 7:00 P.M. and upon arrival, first responders reported a heavily involved structure, with large flames and heavy smoke showing. A second-alarm was struck and firefighters went into a defensive operation. There were a series of collapses; however, there were no injuries. Eventually, a third-alarm was struck due to heavy fire conditions as well as the size of the structure, according to Fort Worth Fire Department's PIO, Lieutenant Kyle Falkner. Crews had been called out to the same building multiple times in the past. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Six-Alarm Fire Destroys Grand Hotel in Dallas Dallas, TX - At 6:01 P.M. on September 20th, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a 911 call for a structure fire at the Grand Hotel, located at 7815 LBJ Freeway, at the intersection of Coit Road near Interstate-75.

When first responding companies arrived at the three-story hotel, they could see a little smoke coming from the building; however, once units drove around the back of the building, they observed fire coming from a thirdfloor unit. Attack teams deployed hand lines and went inside to fight the fire, but it had already reached the roof space and began spreading laterally.

While the major damage was isolated to mostly in and around the unit of origin, there was vary-

JUMP TO FILE #092316107 ing degrees of smoke damage throughout the entire hotel. At least 65 rooms were occupied, displacing an unknown number of tenants. The American Red Cross was notified to assist. Over 120 firefighters remained on-scene trying to locate and extinguish all of the fire extension following multiple requests for additional alarms, until it reached an eventual sixth-alarm. After just over four hours, the fire was finally put out.

While most tenants self-evacuated before firefighters arrived, there were two people who had to be rescued by aerial ladder from a

SAN ANTONIO FD

third-floor unit. One wheelchairbound man had to be pulled from a unit on the first-floor. He was taken to a local hospital after being exposed to smoke conditions, but was expected to be okay.

One firefighter was also taken to a local hospital for evaluation after being overcome by heat. He was later discharged and reported to be doing fine.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and began as the result of an unspecified electrical short occurring in a third-floor unit. The fire quickly made its way into the wall space, where it spread into the roof and floor spaces and extended laterally.

- JASON EVANS

SAN ANTONIO FD

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Fall, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

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Fall, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

When Disaster Strikes Chaplain's Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

It is one thing to witness disaster on TV or hear about it from somewhere in another part of the world, but this is where first responders live. As well trained as we are, as often as we respond to such a wide variety of emergencies, even for us in the fire service, there is a whole different dimension to disaster when it strikes so close to home or hits your life.

So often in the midst of a crisis we want answers, yet even answers can’t change what has happened … so we need something MORE than just answers.

Has anyone left us a blueprint in how to face a tragedy? How do we deal with tragedy as godly people who believe in a good God? There is a man named Job that faced a terrible personal tragedy, a man who lost his children in a terrible accident, a man who also had few answers, so what sustained him?

The example of Job shows us a path through tragedy, while it doesn’t give us all the answers, it does point us to the one who can sustain us. Job 1:22 (NLT) In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. When we can’t find solutions to our questions, we can find a Savior for our catastrophe.

What could possibly give a sense of security in the face of death and disaster? For someone with no belief in God there is nothing but sorrow and loss! For someone like Job however that had a trust and belief in God there were other possibilities -faith, eternal security and an ongoing relationship with God. How do you handle a terrible disaster?

Getting through a disaster begins long before one ever hits. The best way to handle unforeseen crisis is be strong before one ever comes.

A sponge when squeezed can only give off whatever it had absorbed just before it was squeezed. If Christ lives in you now it will be His presence that is released in you when life and circumstances squeezes you.

Blessings, Pastor Fernando Villicana Fire Service Chaplain

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Fall, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

Cancer Fighting 12-Year-Old Boy Partners with SAFD to Create "Cancer Bell" San Antonio, TX - Damon Billeck is a 12-year-old boy who was diagnosed with bone cancer. After being clear of cancer for eight months, it returned and sadly, his left arm had to be amputated. Instead of giving up hope, Damon decided to become an inspiration to other kids who are also fighting cancer and set out on a mission to get a bell for University Hospital, where he was being treated. All kids suffering with cancer will ring the bell as a celebration for

JUMP TO FILE #102116114 when they are done with chemotherapy, and as everyone knows, the best bell is a fire truck bell!

The SAFD Museum donated a bell and the firefighters from Station-11 volunteered to build a display case for it. In August, SAFD, along with Mayor Taylor, Chief Hood and 12-year-old Damon, de-

livered the very special gift to University Hospital.

In early October, Damon Billeck was declared cancer free and celebrated by ringing the bell, with his pals from SAFD right alongside of him! SAFD hopes the gift of the "Cancer Bell" will continue to inspire children to fight so that they may also ring the bell when their cancer is gone..

- SAN ANTONIO FD

SAN ANTONIO FD

Damon holds on tight to the "Cancer Bell," while SAFD drives one of their engines to University Hospital, where the bell would be gifted.

Damon happily poses in front of the “Cancer Bell” with his friends from SAFD right by his side.

SAN ANTONIO FD

Damon and members of SAFD presenting their gift of the “Cancer Bell” to University Hospital.

SAN ANTONIO FD

ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

On Call By Allen B. Locklier, Jr Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-5228 5 2 8 E-mail:support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $19.99 This is a soft cover book measuring six inches by nine inches and has 229 pages. It is a compilation of memoirs of a paramedic firefighter who served a career in the Clark County, Nevada Fire Department whose headquarters is in Las Vegas.

During his career he served as a firefighter, paramedic and arson investi-

On Call

gator, so the 57 chapters in the book reflect on memories of all three duties and as you can imagine the stories are short! Not all of the stories are “in the field” shall we say as some of them take place in the station and other places. I believe it is helpful to explain a little about Clark County and the fire department. The county itself is the largest in the state of Nevada and is the size of the state of New Jersey which is 7790 square miles. One of its jurisdiction is protection of the Las Vegas strip so alarms on that strip receive a dual response from the county and the city.

They also cover the largest part of Las Vegas Valley which is 293 square miles and to three resort townships. They maintain 29 career and 13 volunteer stations the latter being in rural areas. In any event this book is a good read!

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Damon, the inspiration behind the "Cancer Bell," finally getting to ring the bell after being declared cancer free in October!

SAN ANTONIO FD

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1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

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FACES OF TEXAS’ EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your “Faces” shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

SAN ANTONIO FD

San Antonio, TX - SAFD LT. Robert Evans and FF David Maldonado helped to rescue a dog at a residential fire in August.

SAN ANTONIO FD

Concan, TX - Members from SAFD Rescues 11 and 51 at the Texas Rope Competition, held at Garner State Park on October 8th.

BEN SALADINO

Irving, TX - Fire Marshal Austin and a police officer share information while at the scene of a house fire that occurred on September 24th.

SAN ANTONIO FD

San Antonio, TX - Congratulations to newly promoted San Antonio FD members, Engineer David Brooks, Engineer Andrew Krantz and Lieutenant Matthew Bowers!

San Antonio, TX - SAFD held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Fire Station #1.

SAN ANTONIO FD

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DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHRIS WILKINSON/AFD

Austin Firefighter Awarded with Star of Texas Congratulations to Austin FD Firefighter Jimmy Casares, who was recently presented with the Star of Texas award by Governor Greg Abbott for injuries he sustained during a condo fire last October while searching for trapped occupants. Way to go, Jimmy!

Read more stories on the web!

Visit 1rbn.com for details.

SAN ANTONIO FD

San Antonio, TX - Major Ivy Taylor along with City Council recently presented the San Antonio Fire Department with a Proclamation, recognizing and celebrating the department's 125th anniversary!

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

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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.

AUSTIN FD

“Fill the Boot” Time for Austin FD! 3-N-1 Fire Department is located in Smithville, TX.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Austin, TX - On September 23rd, members from the Austin Fire Department, including Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr from Station-1, hit the streets to kick off their annual "Fill the Boot" drive to raise funds for MDA-Austin.

Bedford Two-Alarm Apartment Fire Displaces Residents Bedford, TX - Bedford Truck154 was dispatched to a smoke investigation in the 1400 block of Tennis Dr. on September 2nd.

Upon their arrival, units saw smoke coming from the eaves of a twostory apartment and requested a FullAlarm. Fire was located on the JUMP TO FILE# first-floor and 090316104 quickly knocked down.

Smoke intensified from the attic and crackling could be heard from above. Battalion Chief Torin Johnson then requested a second-alarm. The attack line was quickly repositioned and crews went to work upstairs in the attic, stretching an additional line.

Their quick work kept the fire from spreading in one of the city's older apartments.

Colleyville and Hurst Fire Departments assisted on-scene while other departments filled in stations for coverage. The American Red Cross assisted residents displaced from a total of 17 units due to a combination of fire, smoke and water damage, as well as power having been cut to the building.

- BEN SALADINO

A second attack line is spread out during the two-alarm apartment fire.

BEN SALADINO

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5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness: What’s Your “Why”?

What's your “why”? It seems like an odd question for a fire service newspaper to be asking, however; when it comes to fitness in the fire service, I feel it's the key question that we should all be asking ourselves and each JUMP TO FILE# other.

072016129 Fitness in the fire service has been, and continues to be, a shelved issue. It's continually put on the back-burner by firefighters, chiefs and department administrators. At times when it does come to the foreground, the true "why" of it is lost in products, plans and paperwork.

So, what's your "why"? It seems almost offensive or wrong to ask this to emergency service providers, because our "why" begins the day that we place our hand on the bible, swearing an oath to protect the lives and property of the citizens we serve.

That, my friends, is a monumental task in itself, and one that puts both our bodies and minds at risk to host medical issues every single day.

This article could end here, with me giving you three simple steps to follow: become a firefighter, swear an oath, and make fitness a priority. But year-afteryear, the lead killer of firefighters is from cardiac-related disease and year-after-year, nothing changes to fix it. We keep moving on, forgetting the "why," and pretending like everything is okay.

Are we lying to ourselves? Or are we just too afraid to put in the required work, which in the end, will only make us better at doing what it is we claim to love.

When we hear the word "fitness," we are constantly bombarded with the "how-to's," which go hand-in-hand with the "ultimate weight loss products," that are usually featured on infomercials, in gyms, and now even in our own service. Let me give you some insight that I'm sure many of you are already aware of.

There is no "one" specific product, or fitness discipline, that will make you become a healthier firefighter. Countless departments have spent tens-of-thousands-ofdollars on high-end gym equipment, expensive trainers, and on gimmick products and programs, but they rarely see positive results because they never gave their people the "why."

Our fitness levels need to be near a professional athlete's level.

No one reading this can deny the fact that the job we perform at a fire is not physically demanding, and in addition to the physical demands, we are asked to perform it under conditions deemed as extremely dangerous. Is your "why" starting to creep into your mind yet? Because it should be! Over the years, we have wasted our time making fire service fitness complicated, when it really doesn't have to be!

Here I am, asking you to

Storytime during Kai's Paw-Signing Event.

Robert “Pip” Piparo.

think of your "why," when I haven't even given mine yet. Sort of hypocritical, right?! My first "why" is my family. My wife and my sons are my life, and I could never imagine leaving them early simply because I refused to commit 30-45 minutes each day to making myself healthier. My other "why" is for my co-workers, my crew, and all the men and women I pledged an oath to protect every single day. My last "why" is my 55-5 Firefighter Fitness family, who day-in and day-out, have found their "why" and are living the "Train Hard Do Work" lifestyle that 5-5-5 Fitness encompasses.

By this point, you should all have a glimpse of what your "why" is, along with a promise to yourselves to start making some positive changes. But I know it's not that simple, and it would be wrong of me to just leave you here to do it all alone. What's simply amazing, thanks to technology, is that there are over 70,000 other firefighters just like you, who follow 5-5-5 Fitness and are ready and waiting to support you along your fitness journey. You're never alone when it comes to fitness, just like you're never alone when fighting

SAN ANTONIO FD

TODD POOLE

fires!

Check back in future issues for more fitness tips from Pip. About Robert "Pip" Piparo: Robert, better known as "Pip," is currently a Lieutenant with the City of New Brunswick Fire Department, located in New Brunswick, N.J., and has been there for 12-years. Pip has been a part of 5-5-5 Fitness for threeyears.

About 5-5-5 Fitness: 5-5-5 Fitness is a non-profit organization, founded by motivated firefighters with one specific mission: to reduce cardiac related firefighter line-of-duty deaths.

Each and every day, they stay true to their mission by providing workouts free of charge and also by providing free fitness equipment to fire departments, nationwide. What started as an idea has grown into a call for change within the emergency services field. They have chosen to not accept the "it's because we have always done it that way" mentality, but instead have chosen to stand up and lead the charge for change.

- ROBERT “PIP” PIPARO

SAN ANTONIO FD

SAFD Arson Investigator Justin Davis and Arson K-9 "Kai" being interviewed before the event.

SAFD and Arson K-9 “Kai” make history!

San Antonio, TX - "Kai" and the San Antonio Fire Department made history over the Summer during the first ever "pawsigning" event, held at Barnes & Noble. Kai, the San Antonio Fire Department's accelerant detection canine, was recently published in National Geographic's "Paws of Courage" childrens book and as a result, made herself available to "paw-sign" copies of the book during the event. Kai is a six-year-old black Labrador Retriever and has worked on over 200 investigations.

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Fall, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

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1ST Responder Newspaper - TX

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To apply, contact the Fire Academy Director, (903) 510-3205, (903) 510-2404