Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Well Done, Responders!

With the recent fatal fires in the Tremont section of the Bronx and a major fire in Philadelphi’s Fairmount section, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with you about these terrible fires. As with all fires, the flames were extinguished, but not without severe fatal consequences. At the Bronx and Philadelphia fires, authorities reported that many children perished in these blazes. The loss of a child amplifies the sad feelings towards this job.

When I heard about the possible cause of why the fire spread, along with the thick acrid smoke, in my mind, I heard the voice of former reporter Frank Field saying, “Close the door, close the door!” Frank Field, who was a fire buff, made an excellent video on fire prevention called, "”lan to Get Out Alive.” I used to show this video every year to the students I taught in Lynbrook (NY) and followed up with a hands-on exercise demonstrating how to remain safe during a fire. I retired feeling proud of the job I did, and only hoped that my work would continue.

As I watched the news coverage of the Bronx fire, so many thoughts ran through my mind. My thoughts focused on the 200 heroic firefighters who worked feverishly to save as many lives as they could. Every responder who worked this blaze is a hero in my eyes. Having served in the volunteer fire service for 29 years and being the son of a 32-year veteran on the FDNY, I know what it was probably like when our heroes returned to the firehouse.

One of the worst memories that any responder or combat veteran must endure is the loss of life, especially the life of a child. I can remember situations from years ago that changed the demeanor of responders who returned to their firehouses and homes, wanting to be left alone. My dad had several fatal fires in his career. When he returned home, my mom could immediately tell that something was wrong. I remember my dad sitting on the couch and staring into space. Sooner or later, he shared his horrific experience with my mom and later in life with me. The scares and scars of battle never seemed to go away.

Looking at the future, it is important to remember that when little things start to bother you for no apparent reason, there may be a serious reason why your personality has changed. Today we call it Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that develops in some people who have suffered or experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. The FDNYand the volunteer fire-rescue service have experienced teams to help you deal with PTSD and other problems that develop in the life of responders. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your Counseling Service Unit and sit down to talk with one of your peers.

To all the heroes that responded to Bronx Box 3162 and Philadelphia's Fairmount fire, stand tall and be proud of the job that you did. You gave your all and performed well. - Dennis

Serving Delaware’s First Responders Since 1921 DVFAOffice

New Officers: It is coming to the time of the year when fire companies hold their annual elections. When officers change it is important that you pass the information of those changes to the DVFAoffice so we can add the new officers to our emailing lists.

Surf Fishing and State Park Licenses: Because of the passage of SB92 you can select either a Surf Fishing license or a State Parks pass. You cannot receive both. It will be one or the other. The new forms for 2022 are on the DVFAWebsite.

FDIC Rooms: The DVFAhas again acquired a block of rooms at FDIC in Indianapolis. If you are planning on attending, do this as soon as possible, the rooms will be going fast.

Station Inventory: Each fire station is required by statute to submit an annual equipment inventory to the Insurance Office. The DVFAoffice compiles this information and forwards it to the Insurance office. Go to the DVFAWebsite: dvfassn.com. On the left side, click on “Documents and Forms,” then click on Documents and Forms. When the page comes up, in the third block under “Various Documents,” is “Station Apparatus Inventory.” Download the forms (one for each station), fill out and fax or email to the DVFAoffice.

Staffing: We have been asked from a member of the General Assembly to compile a list of how many full time and part time employees we have. If you have not sent the list in please do so at your earliest convenience.

Conference 2022: The dates for Conference 2022 are tentatively earmarked forSeptember13-17, 2022. The location will again be at the Chase Center.

Warren Jones, Executive Manager wjones@dvfassn.com 302-535-4566 (cell) 302-734-9404 (fax)

by Dan Carrier, President, DVFA Well, here we are, still dealing with Covid. I would like to thank the Delaware Fire Service for dealing with all the Covid problems and still giving the citizens of Delaware the best fire and EMS service possible. As we all know it has been a challenging time for all of us to keep the fire service operating during Covid, whether dealing with low volunteer numbers or low

DVFAPresident

career staff or with many of our own people testing positive. But, once again, the Delaware Fire Service steps up and provides the best service available to the citizens of the State of Delaware.

I would like to thank the Delaware State Fire Chief’s Association for all their hard work in offering the best training possible for our fire service personnel. Training is our key to success in the fire service. And, I also cannot forget the LADVFAfor all the work they are doing thinking outside the box to keep raising money for their fire companies.

As you will be hearing, the conference will be at the Chase Center again this year. I hope everyone makes plans to attend as we are working on lining up some good seminars. So, please stay tuned.

The DVFAis also working hard on the new Recruit and Retention plan which was approved by the State of Delaware legislators. We are also working on some steady funding issues.

Once again, if you have any ideas on what you would like the DVFAto work on for the fire service, please contact the DVFAoffice or one of the Presidents or Directors.

Thank you and stay safe.

by Pam Ingle., President LADVFA Well, 2022 has arrived with yet a continuation of the Covid pandemic and all the issues that come with it. Life with the auxiliaries across the state right now is like a groundhog popping its head out of the ground trying to determine if there is a shadow or not. We must continue to keep our guard up as well as being creative in learning new ways to remain healthy and safe in performing our duties.

The auxiliaries have been moving forward, cautiously, to continue their work supporting their fire companies and communities. As I travel up and down the state, I notice different procedures and guidelines the auxiliaries are utilizing in making adjustments to their operations to safely protect their members and those they may come into contact with while performing at various activities or functions. Sharing of this information can help make all of us work in the best protective environment we know. Remember that teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.

I think we can all agree that we are looking at how we proceed to function today, as well as in the future, with how we maintain our auxiliary responsibilities. This is not something that is temporary or will go away next week, next month or after summer break.

I look forward to seeing everyone sometime in the near future. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and fire safe New Year!

LADVFACorner

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2022, Page 7 Structure Fire on New Jersey Drive

In November, the Camden-Wyoming Fire Company, along with mutual aid from Magnolia VolunteerFire Company, DoverFire Department, DoverAFB Fire and Emergency Services, and Kent County Department of Public Safety, were dispatched to a structure fire in the 4500 block of New Jersey Drive. Assistant Chief M. Moriarty arrived to find a single-story duplex with fire showing from the Alpha/Bravo corner. Chief J. Brown arrived and assumed command. Engine 41 placed two handlines in service. Crews were able to knock much of the fire but found that it had extended into the attic. QT58 arrived and conducted a primary search with no results. The scene was placed undercontrol soon after. - Submitted by Mike Steindl

Structure Fire with Entrapment in Wilmington

At 1556 on November11, 2021, the Wilmington Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire with occupants trapped on East 30th Street. Engine 3 arrived to smoke showing from the front of the two-story, middle-of-the-row, single-family residence. Battalion Chief of District 1 assumed command and requested additional ambulances and New Castle County Medics to the scene. Squad 4 and Ladder1 crews worked to quickly find a resident on the second floorand removed the person through the window using ground ladders. Two occupants were transported to the hospital, one in serious condition. An additional citizen was transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation from trying to assist in the rescue. The fire was extinguished and command placed the situation undercontrol shortly before 1700. Fourresidents were displaced. - Submitted by Matthew Marsella

Peninsula Lakes House Fire

Millsboro crews assist Station 80 (Indian River) with a residential house fire in Peninsula Lakes on December7, 2021. - Submitted by Larry Gum

2nd FloorFire on Joseph Lane

On November22, 2021, at 1949, Stations 15 and 29 were alerted for a fire alarm on Joseph Lane in Hypoint at St. Georges. Quint 15, and Squads 15 and 296 responded. During the filling of the box alarm assignment, additional calls reported smoke from the second floor. Quint 15 (CareerStaff Sam Boots) arrived on scene to fire showing from the C side. Chief Emeritus Jamie Rosseel arrived and assumed Delaware City Command. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions on the second floorand attic area. An emergency evacuation was ordered by Command due to several holes in the floors of the second floor. Primary and secondary searches were negative aftera report of a possible elderly subject still on the second floor. Companies assisting: Port Penn, Christiana, Odessa, New Castle, Wilmington Manor, Newark, NCC EMS, and DSFMO. Covercompanies were Newport at Station 15, Townsend at Station 4, Middletown at Station 12.

- Submitted by Wally Poppe

Fire Showing on Arrival

Units arrived to find fire showing from a house on Kirkwood Highway in Elsmere. Units from NCC and Wilmington Fire Department responded.

- Submitted by Don Moorhead

Millsboro Chicken House Fire

Millsboro crews responded to a chicken house fire on Conaway Road on December14, 2021. Assisted by Gumboro, Dagsboro and Laurel the structure was fully involved on arrival. Lines were put in service to protect the adjoining structure. - Submitted by Larry Gum

Page 10, Fire News, February 2022 Harrington Assists

Houston

On December22, 2021, at approximately 1314, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched to the Houston Fire Company fora residential structure fire on Old Airport Road. Units arrived to find a single-story residence with smoke showing. Firefighters placed one handline in service and quickly extinguished the fire. Crews also performed primary and secondary searches, ventilation and overhaul. Harrington assisted with Tower50, Engine 504 and Ambulance B-50. Incident Commanderwas Houston Fire Captain Lance Mast. - Submitted by Earl Brode

Ladder16 Assists at 2-Alarmer

On November16, 2021, Ladder 16 responded to assist the Hockessin Fire Company on a building fire on Loveville Road. Ladder16 was the third special service assuming the RITduties, and was placed in service as a laddercompany shortly thereafterby command. Ladder16 assisted with searches and opening up forfire extension and roof operations. This incident was eventually upgraded to a secondalarm assignment. - Story by Chief Mark Facciolo; submitted by Frank Maule

On November27, 2021, at about 1700, Station 16, along with mutual aid units, was dispatched fora house fire in the unit block of Atkins Avenue in Colonial Heights. Fire Chief Facciolo arrived just afterdispatch and reported a 2-1/2 story dwelling with fire showing from the Alpha side. Engine 16 arrived and quickly deployed a handline and began to extinguish the fire, while Wilmington Fire Ladder2 began primary searches. Engine 14 and Wilmington Engine 6 deployed lines to assist with extinguishment, while otherunits began to open up and check forextension. Two patients were transported to the hospital forevaluation. - Submitted by Chief Mark Facciolo

2 Injured at Colonial Heights Blaze Pleasant Hills Blaze

Elsmere and 22 otherunits operated at a house fire on Tennessee Avenue in Pleasant Hills on January 4, 2022. - Submitted by Don Moorhead

Long Fight in Elsmere Blaze

Around 0930 in early January 2022, Station 16 along with mutual aid units were dispatched to the 1400 block of Kirkwood Highway fora structure fire. Engine 16 arrived as the incident was being dispatched and reported a two-story structure with fire showing. Engine 16 stretched a line to the first floorwhere they were met with heavy fire conditions. Squad 14 arrived and deployed a second handline. Engine 23 deployed a third line and advanced to the second floorfire extension location. Additional crews from Tower12 and 21-6, Wilmington Fire Ladder2, and Rescue/Engines 28 and 19 were used to open the roof of the structure and also preform extensive overhaul. Units operated forjust about three hours. - Submitted by Frank Maule

Harrington House Fire

On January 6, 2022, at 2113, the Harrington Fire Company was dispatched, along with the Farmington Fire Company and Kent County EMS, to assist the Houston Fire Company with a residential structure fire in the 1100 Block of Deep Grass Lane. Crews arrived on scene to find a single-story residence with fire showing. Harrington responded with Command 50, Tower50 and Engine 50-1. - Submitted by Earl Brode

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2022, Page 11 Seashore Hwy. Single-Wide Fire

On December27, 2021, at approximately 0452, the Harrington Fire Company was alerted to assist Sussex County Station 78 (Greenwood) with a residential fire in the unit block of Seashore Highway. Units arrived to find a single-wide mobile home with fire showing. Crews deployed multiple lines and began knocking the fire down, as well as searching the residence and ventilating. Once the bulk of the fire was extinguished, command placed the incident undercontrol. The OIC was Assistant Chief Derrick Brode. - Submitted by Earl Brode