The Owensboro Convention Center was the venue for this annual event with over 800 students in attendance.
See story on page 6
Cat Rescue for Lexington
Lexington firefighters responded to a distressed cat in a tree.
See story on page 9
Vehicles & Structure on Fire
The Hazard FD units made a swift attack, extinguishing the vehicles then moving into the structure.
See story on page 10
ADay in the Life of a Firehouse Mechanic
The Lexington FD Vehicle Maintenance Bureau techs are hard at work.
See story on page 19
15 Departments Awarded Cargill Cares Grants
Local fire departments were awarded a Cargill Cares grant for grain bin rescue equipment.
See story on page 20
Owensboro Crew Does 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Owensboro members went to Indianapolis to participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at FDIC.
See story on page 21
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page 14
Elizabethtown Fire Snuffed
The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of Main Street in Elizabethtown recently. Crews quickly responded, resulting in no injuries during this fire.
- Photo courtesy of Elizabethtown FD
Calloway Co. Stops Out-of-Control Burn
On March 28, 2025, at approximately 1130, Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) responded to the Stella community on Highway 121 north fora controlled burn that had went out-of-control due to the wind. CCFR responded with two brush truck and two tankers to extinguish the fire without any damage to property.
- Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR
Bryant Stiles Officers School
The 2025 Bryant Stiles Officers School was held February 21-23, 2025, at the Owensboro Convention Center. The school hosted 41 classes which included five National Fire Academy Off-Campus classes offering over the three days of the school with over 800 students in attendance. Officers School is a lecture-type-only school, but has a mixture of upper-level management classes and classes for the new recruit firefighter.
The ever popular “Saturday Evening with the Vendors” was held on February 22, of the school with a record number of vendors. The school had 60 vendors with 12 fire engines, seven display vehicles, four motorcycles/ambulances, and 46 booths filled for the show.
The show offers a look at all the latest to offer in fire equipment along with other items that would be interesting to all firefighters. There are also a lot of activities for children to enjoy during the evening along with door prizes given away all evening.
- Fire News photos by Marc Henderson, Kentucky Fire Commission
Cover Story
Hazard Fire Department was dispatched to Kentucky Highway 15 Business around the Fish and Wildlife post in reference to a reported vehicle fire. Engine 2 and Tanker2 responded and, upon arrival, found a vehicle with fire in the engine compartment. The south-
bound lanes were blocked and attack lines were deployed as units began a swift attack. The driverof the vehicle refused any medical assistance. Crews were able to extinguish the blaze and turn the scene overto Hazard Police. - Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
Quick Knockdown by Wilmore
The Wilmore Fire Department, along with otheragencies, responded to a structure fire around 0930. Heavy smoke and flames were found venting from the rear. Crews made an attack through the side and made a quick knock down of the fire. The first in crew was Chief Josh Day, Lieutenant Chase Philpot and FirefighterJacob Atwood.
- Submitted by Chief Josh Day
Zoneton Field Fire
Zoneton firefighters recently operated at a field fire, about an acre in size, in the vicinity of West Blue Lick and Coral Ridge.
- Photos courtesy of Zoneton FD
Cat Rescue forLexington
Recently, Lexington firefighters responded to a not-so-usual call, a distressed cat. Afterspending over24 hours stuck in a tree, this cat needed a helping hand. Thankfully, the crew and ladders were up to the task, safely rescuing the cat and relieving its worried owner. Whetherfighting fires orlending a hand to ourfeline friends, we’re always here to help!
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Henderson Responds to Carin Flood Waters Call
Henderson Fire crews responded to a reported water rescue, aftera cardrove into flood waters, in Henderson recently. - Submitted by Bryan Coghill
Louisville Warehouse Fire
At approximately 0300, the Louisville Fire Department responded to reports of a warehouse fire in the 3100 block of RiverPark Drive. Fire crews arrived within three minutes and discovered an active fire in an unoccupied, single-story warehouse. Going to defensive operations, firefighters managed to bring the blaze undercontrol within 24 minutes. The operation involved 25 firefighters, multiple large-diameter hoses, and two aerial masterstreams. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Louisville Arson Unit.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
Hopkinsville Structure Fire
On March 17, 2025, at 1149, Hopkinsville firefighters, along with area mutual aid, operated at a working structure fire on the cornerof East 10th and Broad Avenue. All residents evacuated the structure safely. The cause was underinvestigation.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Vehicles & Structure on Fire
The Hazard Fire Department was dispatched to Beach Oak Road, on a mutual aid call from Avawam Volunteer Fire Department fora vehicle fire. Upon the arrival of Engine 3’s crew, multiple vehicles and a structure were found on fire. Tanker2 and Unit 1 responded to assist, as did on-call units formanpower. Hazard units made a swift transitional attack, extinguishing the vehicles then moving into the structure. Within a few minutes the fire was brought undercontrol. Units performed a quick overhaul of the structure. - Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
Carin Water
Recovered
The Covington Fire Department responded to assist the Edgewood Fire Department and Airport Towing to recovera carin the wateron the Thomas More Campus, recently. The driverof the carwas safe and neverin the water. Rescue 1, Zodiac 2 and C3 responded to assist. Rescue 1 members entered the waterand hooked the tow cable to the car. Afterit was moved to more shallow waterthe crews connected the cable to a betterlocation and the carwas able to be completely removed.
- Photo courtesy of Covington FD
Highway 641 MVA
Calloway County Fire Rescue crews responded to Highway 641 in the northbound lanes, due to a serious multi-vehicle MVAwith injuries. MurrayCalloway County EMS and AirEvac, along with Kentucky State Police, operated on scene.
- Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR
Georgetown High Angle Training
Recently, all three shifts of the Georgetown Fire Department took advantage of the warmerweatherto train forhigh-angle recues. Routinely, the department conducts such training in cooperation with specialized teams of instructors to ensure they meet the highest safety standards and maintain operational readiness. - Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD
NATIONALCOMMUNITYIMPACTAWARD HONORS EXCEPTIONALLEADERSHIPIN SAVINGLIVES THROUGH LIVINGKIDNEYDONATION
Celebrating the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Knox Company, and Chief Ron Siarnicki for Their Unwavering Commitment to Supporting First Responders
Kidneys for Communities’prestigious National Community Impact Award, honoring organizations and individuals dfor exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to saving lives through living kidney donation, was presented recently highlighting remarkable contributions to the cause.
This year’s ceremony spotlighted two major awards, the Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility National Community Impact Award, was presented to the Knox Company for its extraordinary dedication to saving lives through living kidney donations. Under the visionary leadership of Ms. Joni Trempala, Owner and President of Knox Company, the company has played a pivotal role in expanding awareness and action within the first responder community. Despite her personal battle with kidney failure, Ms. Trempala has consistently chosen to focus on those in need. Her leadership, together with her team and in collaboration with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), has launched the Kidneys for First Responders Program-providing first responders with renewed hope and a second chance at life.
of the first Responder community.
While accepting the award, Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF and the First Responder Center for Excellence, stated, “By empowering the community to become living kidney donors, we are not only saving lives but also igniting hope and creating a legacy of resilience and unity.”
Concluding the award presentation, the Inaugural Humanitarian of the Year Award was presented to Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki. Recognized for his transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to the Kidneys for Communities First Responders Initiative,
“It was my great honor to invite Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director Emeritus of the NFFF and the First Responder Center for Excellence, to accept his award.” said Atul Agnihotri, Board Chair & CEO, Kidneys for Communities®
The second award recognized the NFFF for its instrumental role in developing the “Expand Your Legacy: Become a Living Kidney Donor” campaign. In partnership with Knox Company and the First Responder Center for Excellence, NFFF has ignited a national movement to raise awareness, inspire living kidney donors, via its Kidneys for First Responders Program. Since partnering with Kidneys for Communities, NFFF has done far more than endorse the program-it has connected organizations nationwide, provided critical guidance, and ensured that the initiative meets the unique needs
Expressing his gratitude, Chief Siarnicki stated, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is a testament to the power of community and collaboration.”
These awards recognize those committed to saving lives through living kidney donation underscores the collective effort and profound impact of community-driven initiatives. For more information about the awards and the initiatives supporting first responders through living kidney donation, please visit Kidneys for First Responders. Afour-part video series providing information on being an organ donor and a transplant recipient is also available on firstrespondercenter.org.
Award recipients and presenters gather for a group photo at the National Community Impact Award ceremony.
TRAINING
Vehicle Extrication Training
On March 23, 2025, members of CCVFD, Hargett Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Stanton Fire Department, Middlefork Fire/Rescue, and Powell County Emergency Medical Services participated in vehicle extrication training led by the “One And Only” Hargett Fire Chief and SFRTinstructor Rob Forehand. This was an excellent opportunity for the departments to work together, learning each other’s techniques and equipment to safely and efficiently remove patients from vehicles. This wasn’t just about learning how to remove someone from a car safely – it was about building trust and teamwork across departments,
“When the call comes in, we have to operate as one unit, and training like this ensures we’re ready-together,” said Hargett Fire Chief and SFRTInstructor Rob Forehand.
Two of the most vital tools in vehicle extrication –the Jaws of Life and the Tommy Tool – were among the equipment used.
Training days like this one are more than drills – they are preparation for real moments
They’re Not Just Responders ... They’re Heroes Too
In Powell County, Estill County, and the surrounding region, our volunteer firefighters are a powerful example of dedication, sacrifice, and community spirit. They are not just emergency responders - they are everyday citizens who juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities and still answer the call when our communities need them most.
What sets them apart isn’t a paycheck or public praise-it’s their heart. They pay for their gas, invest time in training, and show up at all hours not for recognition, but because they care. Too often, people wonder aloud, “Where’s so-and-so?" without understanding the tremendous personal sacrifices involved. These volunteers aren’t absent –they’re serving behind the scenes, often running into danger while others seek safety.
Powell County is proud to be home to three top-tier departments, and Estill County’s fire crews rank among the best in the state. But when fighting fires, these counties come together as one force. There’s no rivalry – only unity, respect, and teamwork.
We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Governor Andy Beshear for his continued support, and to Congressman Andy Barr, who went to bat for our departments to help secure a much-needed new fire truck. Their efforts show that they recognize the value of our volunteers and the importance of keeping our communities safe.
As a fire chief once said, “I never think of firefighting as a job – it’s something I love to do. If I ever had to see it as a job, the meaning would be lost.” That statement speaks volumes. These volunteers don’t need a title to be heroes. They already are.
Let’s take a moment to thank our volunteer firefighters in Powell and Estill counties. Let’s stop taking them for granted. They’re not just respondersthey’re heroes.
- Submitted by Lisa Johnson
when lives hang in the balance. Thanks to the dedication of our local fire departments and EMS teams, Powell County is in good hands.
- Submitted by Lisa Johnson
Getting a Handle on Airport Tactics
Special thanks to Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport forallowing ourpersonnel time to visit with theirmanagement and discuss emergency operation tactics. While we hope we neverhave to respond to an aviation accident, it’s imperative that ourcrews have a good understanding of what a response would look like, and how to safely mitigate one should it be needed.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
40 Bullitt Co FFs Train
Some 40 Bullitt County firefighters gathered forregularjoint training at the training center. Situations covered were live fire and search and rescue. Lebanon Junction, Nichols, Shepherdsville, Southeast Bullitt and Zoneton participated.
- Photos courtesy of Zoneton FD
Owensboro Drills on Rope Work
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Residential Search Training
Firefighting is a careerof constant learning. Incumbent fire training ensures ourcrews stay sharp and ready forany emergency. Recently, Lexington firefighters focused on search operations in residential structures, victim removal techniques, and ground ladderdeployment. Ongoing training like this reinforces critical skills, enhances safety, and improves fireground effectiveness. Training neverstops, because lives depend on it.
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
FarmerEquipment Rescue Training forCCFR
Recently, Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) held a farm equipment rescue training taught by the Kentucky Fire Commission with InstructorWilliam Joyce. In a county like Calloway, there are many farmers who use lots of heavy equipment everyday so it's inevitable that an accident may happen. This class was well taught with lots of information forourmembers to take in and learn to be betterprepared forwhen we respond to a farming equipment call. Thank you to Dixon Farm Equipment of Murray, forallowing ourdepartment to visit theirlot, and get inperson training overthe heavy farming equipment (ie: tractors, combines, etc.). - Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR
Owensboro firefighters from 2nd Crew practicing rope rescue skills, ascending and knots recently.
Lexington FD Hosts Lt. Gov Coleman
Up Close & Personal
The Lexington Fire Department recently had the honorof hosting Lt. GovernorJacqueline Coleman. She expressed herheartfelt gratitude to the first responders across the Commonwealth who are tirelessly working through ourhistoric flooding. - Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
- Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
ADay in the Life of a Firehouse Mechanic
The Lexington Fire Department Vehicle Maintenance Bureau’s Principal Technician Bryan Sageser, Technician Andrew Purvis, and FirefighterMechanic Justin Cole, are hard at work removing the engine and transmission from Engine 10. The piston sleeve is cracked and the engine will require a majoroverhaul.
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Hazard Attends CareerDay
Assistant Chief Jason Combs and Shift 1 of the Hazard Fire Department were glad to spend the morning at Hazard Middle School fora careerday to inform students on the roles and duties of a Hazard firefighter. Captain James Farris, Lieutenant Brandon Smith, and Firefighters Jarred Smith and John Deaton took part. We take pride in ourcommunity involvement and building relationships with the people we serve. - Photo courtesy of Hazard FD
15 Departments Awarded Cargill Cares Grants
The GRFAwas notified in October2024 that we were awarded a Cargill Cares Grant in the amount of $15,000 to betterequip 15 local fire departments from ournine-county area in grain bin rescue equipment, which included these items (if needed): Turtle Tubes and rope rescue items. The departments were awarded these items at Officers School at the vendorshow. We had 20 applications received and, after vetting, these 15 departments were awarded the items: Bremen, Calhoun, Clay, Corydon, Hanson, Hawesville, Lewisport, Madisonville, Moseleyville, Nortonville, Richland, Rosine, Smith Mills, and Whispering Meadows.
- Submitted by Marc Henderson, Kentucky Fire Commission
We Love to Hearthe Great Things Happening in the Fire Service
Lily Gilbert is a sophomore at West CarterHigh School in Olive Hill, Kentucky, who recently placed 1st place forherF.A.S.T. (Fire Awareness Safety and Tactics) Project at the State Governor’s Cup. The goal of the project is to prevent fires and to supply fire departments, and the community, with volunteers to furtherthe education of residents. The project included a website with fire prevention tips, information on how to become a volunteerfirefighterand additional fire resources. In June, she will compete at the International Community Problem Solving (CmPS). Congratulations, Lily!
- Submitted by Lorraine Woolery
Owensboro Crew Does 9/11 Memorial StairClimb
Above are Owensboro Fire Department members who went to Indianapolis to participate in the 9/11 Memorial StairClimb at FDIC. Firefighters VictorSchutzius, Andrew Wilson, Josh Knies, and Anthony Brown; EngineerTylerGrant; Battalion Chief Bobby Grant; Lieutenant Dakota Bratcher; and Captain Brannon Pendergraft. The department is proud of these firefighters representing Owensboro in paying respect and remembrance of the first responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Paramedics Get a Hand from Hampton Premium Meats
Huge shout out to Hampton Premium Meats fortheirassistance and donations in helping ourparamedic students get the most out of training! Hampton’s is generous enough to provide discarded items that greatly enhance the hands-on training ourstudents receive.
- Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Fire & EMS
Louisville FD Beats PD in Charity Basketball Game
The Louisville Fire Department and Louisville Police Department joined forces fora great cause, supporting the Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation through a charity basketball game. It was a day filled with fun and camaraderie, but in the end, the Bravest slam dunked their way to victory!
- Photos courtesy of
Louisville FD
Sinise Foundation Gets Rescue Boat forPembroke
The Pembroke Fire Department would like to extend theirheartfelt thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation fortheirdonation of a waterrescue boat. This new addition will significantly enhance ourability to respond to flooding and waterrescue emergencies, not just within Pembroke but also in the surrounding communities. The Sinise Foundation’s support is deeply appreciated and will help save lives when we are called into action.
