Story on page 11. -Submitted by Payton Rogers
In this issue...
CCFR Responds to Commercial Structure Fire
Calloway County Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a possible structure fire.
See story on page 7
Covington Units Assists Newport
A cat was rescued after Covington units responded to Newport to assist with a reported structure fire.
See story on page 8
Georgetown Car into Building MVA
Georgetown FD responded to a call that a vehicle had crashed into a structure and the car was on fire.
See story on page 14
Pembroke Gets Custom Brush Truck
Pembroke’s team gets a new brush truck replacing their outdated 1973 brush truck.
See story on page 18
Legislature Removes Long-standing Rule
EKU graduates can now pursue a professional engineering licensure in Kentucky.
See story on page 19
Bowling Green FD Built on Tradition
BGFD Fire Headquarters dedicated to someone who helped lay the foundation for what the department is today.
See story on page 20
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Quick Work for Georgetown’s 1st Platoon
Georgetown Fire Department’s 1st Platoon fought a small fire inside a commercial building on North Broadway. Crews responded incredibly quickly and were able to locate and extinguish the fire without incident shortly after arriving. One firefighter was transported to Georgetown Community Hospital with minor injuries and released shortly after.
- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD
Structure Fire in Owensboro
On June 25, 2025, Owensboro responded for an active structure fire in the 3900 block of Placid Place West.
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Lightning Blows
‘Significant’ Hole in Roof
Pembroke Fire Chief Belair and Engine 1751 led by Firefighter Scott, along with mutual aid from Oak Grove Fire Department, responded to a residence affected by a lightning strike. Fortunately, the incident did not result in a structural fire; however, there was a significant hole in the roof. The team conducted an assessment, secured the hole in the roof, and confirmed that the property was safe from fire hazards.
- Photo courtesy of Pembroke FD
Semi-Truck Fire on I-65 Overpass of I-64
Louisville Fire Department (LFD) responded to reports of a semitruck on fire and partially hanging off the Interstate-65 south overpass above Interstate-64 east. Upon arrival, crews quickly worked to contain and extinguish the blaze. The driver was able to selfevacuate and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated on scene by Louisville Metro EMS and transported to a local hospital. Thanks to the swift efforts of LFD, with support from the Jeffersonville Fire Department and traffic control provided by LMPD, the fire was fully extinguished in under 15 minutes.
- Photo courtesy of Louisville FD
Hot vs. Hot — Firefighters Always Win
On July 5, 2025, the Middle Fork Fire Department (MFFD) was called to a home in Powell County. Chief Campbell arrived to a house fully engulfed, and requested more tankers. Clay City Fire responded with their tanker. Stanton Fire brought manpower and an engine. Even at night, the heat was brutal — thick, heavy, and unforgiving. Just five days later, on July 10, Stanton Fire received a call for a structure fire on Cat Creek. This time, it was the middle of the day, and the sun was relentless. The fire was fully involved. The heat? Even without the fire, the air temperature hovered around 98 degrees. Standing near the flames, it felt unbearable, heavy, suffocating, nearly intolerable. Firefighters went down and got back up again. Again and again. I’ve never been so proud. Not of the command. Not of the equipment. But of the heart — the pure, God-fearing heart of volunteer firefighters who don’t wait for a paycheck to show up. They don’t ask why. They just come running.
When you look into the eyes of a family watching their home go up in flames, you don’t want to quit. You want to give them hope. You want them to know that even in the loss, they’re not alone. Maybe something good will rise from the ashes — and if it does, it’ll be because someone cared enough to stay and fight. - Submitted by Major Lisa Johnson, Journalist,Clay
City VFD
CCFR Responds to Commercial Structure Fire
On July 2, 2025, at approximately 0600 hours, the Calloway County 911 Communications Center dispatched Calloway County Fire-Rescue (CCFR) to the 3300 block of KY 121 north for a report of a possible structure fire. The 911 caller reported the smell of smoke and noted that the building’s windows appeared cloudy on the inside and were hot to the touch. The Calloway County Sheriff’s Office was first to arrive and confirmed smoke showing from the building. Deputies were advised that the building was unoccupied at the time. Upon arrival of fire units, CCFR personnel made entry through the front door and discovered active fire conditions near two office areas just inside the building. Firefighters were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire, limiting the damage to those two rooms and preventing any major structural loss. CCFR worked the scene for approximately three hours. We would like to thank the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office for capturing a few photos of our members in action.
- Photo courtesy of Calloway County FR
Covington Assists Newport
Owensboro Handles
Crescent
Hill Fire
Owensboro Fire crews operated at an active structure fire in the Crescent Hill neighborhood, recently.
- Photo courtesy of Owensboro FD
Covington units responded to Newport to assist with a reported structure fire. Units on scene were met with heavy fire blowing out of the second-story windows. The fire started to spread to an adjacent house. A cat was rescued after holding refuge in a couch for the duration. Solid work to Newport and our crews for containing the matter quickly and safely.
- Photos courtesy of Covington FD
Louisville Early Morning House Fire
At approximately 0630 hours, the Louisville Fire Department responded to reports of smoke coming from a residence in the 1800 block of West Kentucky Street. Fire crews arrived on scene within three minutes and encountered heavy fire conditions in a vacant two-story residential structure. Firefighters initiated an interior attack and conducted searches for potential victims. All searches were negative, and no injuries were reported. Approximately 25 firefighters worked diligently to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Louisville Fire Department Arson Unit.
- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD
HazMat Call for Pembroke
Pembroke Fire Department crews recently responded to an anhydrous ammonia tank leaking at Nutrien. Crews secured the area and coordinated with Nutrien personnel to contain and isolate the leak.
- Photos courtesy of Pembroke FD
Pit Basement Fire on Chestnut Street
At approximately 2145 hours, the Georgetown Fire Department was dispatched to Chestnut Street for a possible structure fire. Dispatch advised incoming crews that there was a fire in the basement and all occupants were out. Upon arrival, crews were met with smoke pushing out of the front door and windows. After performing a walk-around, E-1 notified all responding units that the home was on a basement with no walkout (aka: a pit basement). E-1’s crew proceeded to make entry and advanced an attack line through the house and into the basement. Within minutes of being on scene, E-1 had water on the fire and a primary search of the residence was completed by additional crews. Pit basements can be extremely dangerous due to limited escape routes and limited ventilation. Stairwells in pit basements provide a vertical path – just like a chimney – for heat, smoke, and toxic gases to rise quickly into upper floors. This increases a firefighter’s risk as smoke and heat funnel through the stairwell endangering firefighters as they make entry into the basement. Luckily, all occupants were able to escape, and no injuries were reported. Thank you to GPD, GSCEMS, and SCFD for their assistance.
- Photo courtesy of Georgetown FD
Full Involved on Arrival
Owensboro firefighters were alerted for a possible structure fire in the 800 block of Crabtree Avenue. Multiple units arrived to find a trailer with attached chicken coop fully involved. Crews made quick work of the fire, safely extinguishing and limiting spread of the problem.
- Photos courtesy of Owensboro FD
Hopkinsville Responds to Early Morning House Fire
Firefighters were alerted to a smoke in the area call just after 0500 hours on June 20, 2025. Firefighters arrived within three minutes and found a home on fire along the 100 block of North Kentucky Avenue. Neighbors in the area indicated people may be inside. Crews conducted an aggressive fire attack and a primary search but ultimately the home was proved vacant. The fire was marked under control within 20 minutes of arrival.
- Submitted by Payton Rogers
Rollover in Corbin MVA
On July 4, 2025, Corbin firefighters responded to a vehicle rollover near 10th and Kentucky Avenue. Also responding were Corbin Police and Whitley County EMS. - Photo courtesy of Corbin FD
CCFR Responds to Semi Crash Over Bridge on Hwy 641
On July 12, 2025, at approximately 0430 hours Calloway County 911 Communications Center dispatched Calloway County Fire Rescue (CCFR) to the intersection of Highway 641 south and KY 2547 (old 641 South) for an MVA with injuries. Dispatch advised responding units that a vehicle had went off the bridge at that location. Upon arrival of our first unit, he found the vehicle to be a box truck semi that had exited the right side of the roadway close to the bridge before overturning over the side of the bridge. The driver of the vehicle was already out of the truck upon arrival of CCFR and Calloway County Sheriff’s Office. Murray-Calloway County EMS transported the driver of the truck to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Calloway County Office of Emergency Management called for additional state resources to respond to the accident scene to assist with environmental cleanup of the site.
- Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR
Georgetown Car into Building MVA
At approximately 0207 hours, the Georgetown Fire Department responded to a call that a vehicle had crashed into a structure and the car was on fire. When crews arrived, they found a vehicle was in the front entrance of the Save A Lot grocery store. The vehicle was unoccupied when fire crews arrived. Once the vehicle was removed from the structure, fire crews safely worked to stabilize the damaged area of the building to help prevent further collapse.
- Photos courtesy of Georgetown FD
Semi MVA Blocks Midway Road
Midway Road at the intersection of Tom Taylor Road and Bakers Crossroad Drive was recently shut down due to a semi in a ditch blocking both lanes of traffic. Calloway County Fire Rescue and Calloway County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene with traffic control until the incident was cleared.
- Photos courtesy of Calloway County FR
Training to Make it Go Smoothly
Firefighters from Henderson Fire Department and Ohio Township Fire Department conducted joint water rescue training at the 2nd Street boat ramp in Henderson. This type of joint training improves interoperability, teamwork, and efficiency when operating with mutual aid resources. - Photos courtesy of Henderson FD
Rope Rescue Courses for Hazard
Hazard Fire Department members participated in an in-house Rope Rescue Technician-level course, gaining certification as rope rescue technicians, with others obtaining operations-level certifications as well. The course was led by Lieutenant Anthony Turner, who holds Kentucky State Rope Rescue Technician certification, as well as IFSAC (The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) level certification. The class was co-led by Firefighter Jarred Smith, who holds multiple different technician-level rescue certifications, including Kentucky Rope Rescue. This 40-hour
course was set up to teach and test our firefighters on utilizing lowangle and high-angle rope rescue systems to rescue and manage any possible victims. As tourism increases in Hazard and Perry County, Chief Robert Keith has made it his goal to ensure that any of our residents or visitors have the best possible responders coming to them should the time ever arise. Over the years, we have increased our training in the rescue field, and this certifying of so many of our firefighters is a big leap forward in providing the best possible service to our community. - Photos courtesy of Hazard FD
Joint Training with the Neighbors
With automatic mutual aid being an everyday occurrence, training with our neighbors is important. Recently, we held a joint training, with neighboring Zoneton and Jefferson County fire departments. Units were at the Regional Fire Training Academy with Okolona Fire Protection District, Fern Creek Fire Department and Jeffersontown Fire Department
- Photos courtesy of Zoneton Fire Protection District
Man vs. Machine
The delicate balance of Man versus Machine rescue is where steel meets skin. Every technical rescue demands precision, but few are as intricate as a man versus machine response. Whether a limb is trapped in industrial equipment or a finger is caught in a household appliance, these incidents require a calm approach, specialized tools, and a deep understanding of human anatomy and mechanical systems. Lexington firefighters train for these exact moments, where a millimeter matters, and maintain focus on patient care, scene stabilization, and safe disentanglement.
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
Pembroke Get Custom Brush Truck
Pembroke’s team successfully commissioned the new custom brush truck. This vehicle replaces their outdated 1973 brush truck, which has been out of service for the past year. Over the last year, team members collaborated with various local agencies to design and
build the truck to meet our specific operational needs. While there are still a few minor items to be added in the future, the truck is now officially in service. - Photos courtesy of Pembroke FD
Path Cleared for EKU Fire Protection Engineer Grads in Kentucky
Thanks to the determination of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) faculty and alumni, a major roadblock has finally been removed for fire protection engineers in the Commonwealth. House Bill 306, overwhelmingly passed by the Kentucky legislature, went into effect in June 2025 and removed a longstanding rule that had kept EKU Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology graduates from pursuing professional engineering (PE) licensure in Kentucky.
Until now, the state has only recognized engineering degrees accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. EKU’s program, accredited instead by ABET’s Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC), was excluded — despite growing workforce demand within the state.
This restriction forced many EKU graduates to leave the state to seek licensure and pursue careers. In Fall 2023, only 6.6 percent of students in EKU’s Fire Protection Engineering program were Kentucky residents — reflecting the significant recruitment disadvantage the program faced because of the licensing restriction in the state.
EKU graduates Tony Cole and Sean Visgirda stepped forward to help as well. Drawing on their first-hand experiences, they testified before state lawmakers, demonstrating how Kentucky’s outdated licensing law pushed talent out of state and hurt local employers.
Visgirda, a lead fire protection engineering associate at KLH Engineers in Fort Thomas, added, “I work in Kentucky, but due to the educational requirements of KRS 322.040, I took and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam through California and had planned to obtain my fire protection PE the same way unless a change in Kentucky occurred.”
Their voices helped lawmakers understand the full impact of the issue, and the solution was clear. HB 306 passed 96-1 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate. It was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025.
EKU’s Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program is one of only three accredited fire programs in the country.
With nearly 150 students and 15-percent growth since 2016, it prepares graduates to design fire detection and suppression systems, assess risks and ensure buildings meet life safety codes. EKU’s graduates serve across sectors—from insurance and consulting to industrial safety and code enforcement.
Industry demand for fire protection engineers continues to rise. With HB 306 in place, Kentucky joins the majority of states that offer this licensure pathway and is finally positioned to grow talent from within.
- Submitted by Sarah Baker
Bowling Green Blesses New Baby Box
Bowling Green Fire Department had the honor to bless another Safe Haven Baby Box. Station 6, located at 201 Cherry Farms Lane, now has a fully operational Safe Haven Baby Box. Our mission is to Serve, Save and Protect; Make it Better, and this allows us to further meet that mission. We now have Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Station 7 (Lovers Lane), Station 8 (Glasgow Road), and now Station 6 (Cherry Farms Lane). Special thank you to Nancy Tate, Kentucky Representative District 27, for taking time to join us in blessing this box! - Photo courtesy of Bowling Green FD
Bowling Green FD Built on Tradition
On September 1, 1898, Bowling Green’s (BGFD) first career fire department came into existence with John Moltenberry as one of two appointed firemen. Then in April 1904, Moltenberry was selected to be Fire Chief, the position in which he served until 1938, making him the longest-serving Chief in BGFD History.
Chief Moltenberry helped lay the foundation for what the BGFD is today. He oversaw many changes and improvements to the BGFD, including the transition from horse-drawn fire engines and the construction of the Central Fire Station in 1909, located behind City Hall on E. 10th Avenue. Central Fire Station was later torn down when we relocated to our current Headquarters Station on E. 7th in 1980.
Today, Chief Moltenberry Fire Headquarters houses Rescue 1, Truck 1, and Battalion 1. It is our busiest station by call volume and is home to the Technical Rescue program. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the leadership of visionaries like Chief Moltenberry understanding the mission. That’s why we proudly display his name on our Headquarters Station. - Photos courtesy of Bowling Green FD
Louisville Fire Department’s 1951 Seagrave was right where she belonged, among nearly 10,000 classic rides at the Street Rod Nationals. The 56th National Street Rod Association’s Annual Street Rod Nationals returned to Louisville July 31 to August 3, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Louisville has hosted the group for more than 30 years. Recognized as one of the world’s largest automotive participation events, the Street Rod Nationals attracts more than 50,000 participants with over 10,000 vintage cars on display with everything from muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s to classic cars of the 1950s and other antique cars. The event also featured product seminars, a trade show, arts and crafts fair, a vintage auto parts swap meet, and plenty of entertainment.
- Photos courtesy of Louisville FD
Captain Gets Save-A-Life Award
Florence Fire Captain Honored with Save-A-Life Award for child rescue aided by a Bullard Thermal Imager to pinpoint and save a four-yearold from a residential fire. Bullard, the Kentucky-based manufacturer of high-quality personal protective equipment, including thermal imagers for emergency responders, announced that Captain Jacob Shuler of the Florence Fire Department in South Carolina was inducted into the company’s SaveA-Life Club, for the rescue at a structure fire in January. “Captain Shuler’s quick thinking and skillful deployment of our imaging technology is the very purpose behind every product we build,” said Wells Bullard, President and CEO of Bullard. According to Chief Shannon Tanner, Captain Shuler entered the residence under zero-visibility conditions. Within moments, the Bullard TXS imager identified the stairs leading to where the child was located on the second floor and removed from the building safely. “The imager allowed them to locate the stairs when the smoke was too thick to see,” Chief Tanner noted. “It helped us move quickly and confidently in a critical situation.” Created in 2001, the Bullard Save-A- Life Club recognizes first responders who use Bullard equipment to help perform rescues under extraordinary circumstances. The award was presented to Captain Shuler on June 9 by Bullard regional sales manager Jeff Queen and Bullard Distributor Wally Elliot with Wally’s Fire and Safety. He received a certificate of recognition, Save-A-Life Club challenge coin, and Bullard patch, along with a flame of recognition on the Save-A-Life Club wall in the Bullard plant in Cynthiana, Kentucky. - Submitted by Kelly Landry
Lexington Firefighter Challenge Team
ANNE MARIE JUDGE AS CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER FOR NFFF
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is honored to welcome Anne Marie Judge as its new Chief Advancement Officer. With decades of experience in fundraising, major gift strategy, campaign development, and donor engagement, Anne Marie brings both professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission.
As the wife of a 32-year veteran of the Troy, New York Fire Department and a 9/11 first responder, Anne Marie’s connection to the fire service runs deep. Her personal and professional journeys converge in this role, bringing added meaning to her leadership and dedication to supporting the families and communities we serve.
Prior to joining the NFFF, Anne Marie held several senior fundraising positions and built and revitalized advancement offices for a variety of organizations, including the American University in Rome, Franklin University Switzerland, Albany Law Schools, and the Albany Symphony, delivering record-setting results and driving long term growth.
The Lexington Firefighter Challenge Team Lights It Up in Birmingham with big wins in several different events at the Firefighter Challenge Championship Series Southeast Regionals.
Men’s Team –1st in the Fire Department Showdown, 2nd in the Relay.
FFs Cook and McGill –1st in Co-ed Fire Department Showdown, 1st in Co-ed Tandem, 2nd in Hybrid Co-ed Relay.
FF Cook – 2nd overall, 2nd in Under-40, 1st in Hybrid Co-ed Relay.
FF McGill – 1st in Over-40, 2nd overall, 1st in Women’s Relay.
FFs Cook and Jeschawitz –3rd in Men’s Tandem.
Congrats to all! Thanks for representing Lexington with strength, skill and pride.
- Photos courtesy of Lexington FD
FIRE RESCUE
SYSTEMS UNVEILS
MOBILE MANPOWER READER: A GAME-CHANGING TOOL FOR REAL-TIME PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY
Fire Rescue Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge software solutions for fire departments nationwide, proudly announced the launch of its latest innovation: the Mobile Manpower Reader. This robust, real-time accountability tool is designed to revolutionize how fire departments track, monitor and manage personnel while on the scene.
Key Features:
• Real-Time Personnel Tracking: View who is on-scene, their status and their qualifications from any mobile device.
• Automated Accountability: Instantly update and share manpower rosters across units and command.
• Easy Integration: Works with Fire Rescue Systems’ Dispatch and Roster & Attendance modules.
• Mobile-Optimized: Designed for tablets and smartphones, providing operational agility during critical incidents.
The Mobile Manpower Reader is not just an enhancement-it’s a force multiplier. Whether for career or volunteer departments, the application is built to scale and adapt.
Fire Rescue Systems will be showcasing the Mobile Manpower Reader at upcoming industry expos and offers demos by request.
