Fire News Maryland 1-2026

MARYLAND Serving VOLUME 4, NO. 6

W W W.FIRENE WS .COM

Story on page 14 - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

Fire, Rescue Magazine Serving & EMS Fire, Rescue Heroes &Since EMS Heroes 1973

January/February 2026

PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 3

In this issue...

Kerosene Heater Starts House Fire Crews arrived to find a two-story house well involved that started when a kerosene heater caught fire See story on page 4

Quick Stop

by Wheeling Wheeling crews responded to a reported fire at a residence on Woodview Drive.

See story on page 11

Harford Co. Garage Collapses The Level Fire Company in Harford County, MD, battled a detached garage fire on Grafton Lane.

See story on page 12

NALS Training Delivers Real Results Training was given on neonatal resuscitation using the new Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS).

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production GREG JONES, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant LYNN SEDLER, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext 3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com

Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:

See story on page 26

WILD Women of Rescue Conference The conference is dedicated to firefighter, EMS, dispatch, technical rescue, SAR,...etc.

See story on page 28

Frederick County Fire & Rescue Open House Visitors also enjoyed an upclose look at all there is to offer as a firefighter.

See story on page 29

PLUS: Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25,26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, January/February 2026

Kerosene Heater Starts House Fire

On October 31, 2025 at 0919 hours, Kanawha Counties Station 26 Sissonville and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Sissonville Drive for a house fire. Crews arrived to find a two-story house well involved, crews worked for about four hours to contain the blaze.

The occupants were out when the fire department arrived and advised that their kerosene heater had caught fire. There were no injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

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The WV State Firemen’s Association Formed in 1928, the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association (WVSFA) serves to provide a unified voice on behalf of all of the state’s fire departments. Recent efforts of the WVSFA have helped secure additional operational funding for each fire department, guaranteed worker’s compensation coverage and established income tax credits aimed at increasing retention among volunteer firefighters. The association holds three seats on the state Fire Commission as well as a seat on the state’s EMS Advisory Council.

Monumental efforts are made at the state capitol each year during legislative session, working to ensure adequate representation and committed support of the fire service. All West Virginia fire departments are eligible to join the WVSFA with annual dues of $100.

Each member department may appoint five delegates to represent the department and hold voting privileges at the annual convention in August. For more information, visit us on our website www.wvsfa.org, check us out on FaceBook or email us at wvsfa.publicrelations@gmail.com. The 2025 - 2026 WVSFA Elected Officers are: President - Doug Miracle, Williamstown FD; 1st Vice President - Craig Cox, New Creek VFD, 2nd Vice President -Ronald Fletcher; Citizens FC; 3rd Vice President Jeffrey Teter - Maysville VFC; Executive Secretary - Joseph Lofton,Moorefield VFD; Assistant Secretary - Diane Viands Citizens FC; Treasurer - Colleen Beauchesne, Independent FC; Financial Secretary - Sandra McDonald; Citizens Fire Company.

Page 6, Fire News, January/February 2026

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5 Displaced at the Strand Blaze

Outbuilding Burns on Raven Drive

On October 16, 2025 at 1929 hours, the Westminster Fire Department, and surrounding departments, were dispatched to a house fire at The Strand in Westminster, Maryland. Seventy-three career and volunteer personnel responded. There were no injuries, although five adults were displaced. The fire originated in the bedroom of the home and the cause was under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

- Submitted by Callie Williams

On October 24, 2025 at 1650 hours, Kanawha County’s Stations 4 Rand and Station 3 were dispatched to Raven Drive in Area 4 for a structure fire. Crews arrived to an outbuilding on the ground.

Crews from Rand and Malden extinguished the fire. Units that responded were Rand Engine 41, Utility 4, Malden Engine 32,Utility 3, KCEAA 14.

- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD

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Page 8, Fire News, January/February 2026

Maryland State Fire Marshal Investigating Fatal House Fire in Hagerstown

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We’ve Worked Here Before …

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was investigating a fatal house fire that occurred on November 11, 2025 at 1112 hours in Hagerstown. Firefighters from the Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company, Hagerstown Fire Department, and surrounding departments responded to the 300 block of Chimneystone Court following a report of a house fire. Firefighters later located the victim inside the home. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated in the kitchen area. No working smoke alarms were found in the home. Accelerant Detection K9 Quinn responded to assist investigators. No additional injuries were reported. This is the first fatal fire reported in Washington County this year. The Office of the State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders to have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and sleeping area.

- Photo courtesy Longmeadow VFC

On November 30, 2025 at 2042 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 3 Malden, Station 4 Rand and Station 5 Belle were dispatched to Campbells Creek Drive in Area 3 for a structure fire. Engine 32 arrived at 2047 hours to heavy smoke showing. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and contained the fire to the bathroom area of the building. This is the third fire at this building since January 2023 and the WV State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted to investigate. There were no injuries reported and crews cleared the scene in about two hours. Units that responded were Malden Engines 31,32, Utility 3, Rand Engines 42,43 Belle Truck 5, Utility 57, KCEAA 65, KCOEM 990 and 992.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Bedroom Fire Stopped in Kanawha County

2 Dozen Displaced at Chesapeake Beach Fire

On November 11, 2025 at 0840 hours, Kanawha County’s Station 5 Belle, Station 3 Malden, Station 6 Cedar Grove and Station 7 Glasgow were dispatched to Quincy Hollow Road in Area 5. Crews made quick work of the fire, containing it to one bedroom, and were able to save three cats. Units that responded were Belle Engine 52, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, Cedar Grove Engine 62, Utility 67, Glasgow Engine 76, Tanker 71, KCEAA 511, 590, 591, 149 and 152.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating a multi-unit apartment fire that displaced two dozen people on Monday in Chesapeake t approximately 1836 hours on November 17, 2025.

Fire crews from Calvert County and surrounding counties responded to the 3900 block of Gordon Stinnett Avenue.

Firefighters observed flames throughout the courtyard area, which eventually spread into the attic and through the roof. The preliminary investigation indicated no evidence of a criminal act. High winds and the fire’s exterior location contributed to the fire’s rapid spread and damage. All fire companies in Calvert County including the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department responded. The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene with the investigation. The Red Cross also responded to assist displaced occupants. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

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State Fire Marshal Investigates EarlyMorning Fire That Destroyed Unwined on the Water Restaurant

Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 9

Malden Gets New Mini-Pumper

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating an earlymorning fire that destroyed the Unwined on the Water restaurant located on Plum Point Road at the Triton Marina. Just before 0140 hours on November 6, 2025, the Singerly Fire Company, along with surrounding departments, was dispatched for a reported building fire at the two-story waterfront restaurant. Maryland State Police troopers were the first to arrive and found heavy fire throughout the rear portion of the building. It took approximately 40 firefighters from the Singerly Fire Company and surrounding fire departments nearly two hours to bring the fire under control. Due to high winds, the fire spread rapidly throughout the restaurant, ultimately causing the collapse of the roof - Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal & MSP

The Malden Fire Department has taken delivery of a new 2025 mini pumper. The unit is built on a Ford 550 chassis and the body was built by Carolina Customs and purchased through Atlantic Emergency Solutions. It replaces a 2005 mini pumper. The unit has a 300-gpm pump 300-gallon water tank with a 10-gallon Class A foam cell. It will be known as Squad 3.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Promotion of 12 Lieutenant Paramedics

Anne Arundel at State Circle Alarm

October 9, 2025, marked a major milestone for the Carroll County Department of Fire & EMS as they proudly promoted their newest group of Lieutenants. These 12 individuals will serve as EMS supervisors, staffing the EMS chase cars (EMS-101, EMS-102, and EMS-103) and playing a vital role in the continued growth and success of the Carroll County Department of Fire & EMS. - Submitted by Callie Williams

Anne Arundel County Fire in Annapolis making entry on State Circle, for a recent alarm.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Page 10, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Engine Company 33 Extinguishes House Fire

Just after 1230 hours as the men were enjoying lunch, Engine 332 Kentland bumper line and, within minutes, the fire was knocked was alerted to respond as the first-due engine on Box 06-06. Squad down. The men operated on scene for about 2.5 hours before Company 6 went on scene with fire showing and started the work- returning to the firehouse on Landover Road. ing fire dispatch. Engine 332 then arrived on scene and pulled the - Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 11

Quick Stop by Wheeling

Wheeling crews responded to a reported fire at a residence on single room. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was Woodview Drive, in the Parkview neighborhood. Upon arrival, fire- under investigation. Responding units were Engine Company 2, 10 fighters found flames coming from the rear of the home. Crews and 11, Rescue 1 and Squad 1.

- Photos courtesy Wheeling FD brought the fire under control within 10 minutes, containing it to a

Page 12, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Quick Attack Saves Home

Cow Stuck on Riverbank Saved

On December 12 2025, Kanawha County Stations 2 Pinch and Station 3 Malden were dispatched to Meadowbrook Drive in Area 2 for the house fire. While en route Pinch Engine 21 requested Station 27 WVANG be added to the call. Crews arrived to a working fire and made a quick aggressive interior attack and knocked down the fire. Crews were on scene for about 90 minutes. There were no injuries reported and crews saved a dog. Units that responded Pinch Engines 21,22, Squad 2 Utility 25, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, WVANG Engine 274, KCEAA 190, KCOEM 990.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

On October 1, 2025, West Side VFD crews responded to assist a rescue of a cow stuck on the riverbank. After over two hours, multiple hands on the situation and heavy equipment, the cow was successfully recovered back to land. Responding units: were Rescue 222 and Utility 227.

- Photo courtesy of West Side VFD

Harford Co. Garage Collapses

The Level Fire Company in Harford County, MD, battled a fighters. Mutual aid units assisted at the scene. detached garage fire on Grafton Lane on Wednesday afternoon - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos October 22. The blaze was at an advanced stage on arrival by fire-

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Page 14, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Cover Story

Hebron Handles Three Vehicle MVA

On the morning of July 22, 2025, the Hebron Fire Department was Salisbury for treatment. Ocean Gateway eastbound was shut down alerted for an accident with injuries at the intersection of Ocean for nearly an hour during the alarm. The Maryland State Police Gateway & Rockawalkin Rd. Crews arrived on location to find a 3- was on scene investigating the cause of the accident. vehicle accident with one of them on fire. Ambulances from Hebron, - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall Mardela and Delmar transported 3 patients to Tidal Health in

Looking Back Longmeadow, Maryland, 1990

Firefighters operate at the Jefferson Boulevard Fire in Longmeadow, Maryland, 1990.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 15

Page 20, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Historic Structure Has its Own Problems for FFs

Shortly after midnight on November 12, 2025, the Wellsburg and Franklin Community fire departments were dispatched for a reported structure fire at the former Vancroft Mansion. The manor house which sets on 600 acres above Wellsburg overlooking the City and the Ohio River was designed by Alden & Harlow in 1901 for Pittsburgh steel magnate Joseph Vandergrift and was used as a retreat for wealthy businessmen until the Great Depression era when it was purchased by the Catholic Church and used for various purposes including assisted living and spiritual gatherings up until the late 1990s. Crews arrived to find the 63-bedroom three-story mansion well involved with fire showing on all three floors.

Maintenance workers on site advised all occupants were out and accounted for. The mansion and hydrant system was supplied by a private water supply that dates back over a century; the system was found dry on arrival and water had to be shuttled approximately two miles from the Ohio River. Crews from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania battled wind-driven flames and water supply issues for over seven hours before bringing the blaze under control. The former assisted living portion which is connected to the main mansion was saved, however it experienced extensive thermal damage to the exterior portions closest to the mansion.

- Submitted by Gerald M McClain, Fire Chief

Truck 33 At Second Alarm Scrap Yard Fire

Truck 33 was alerted to respond to a Kenilworth Avenue at Smith & Sons for a scrap metal yard on fire. Truck 33 arrived as the firstdue truck and made access through a locked gate to take a position in the rear of the scrapyard. The truck immediately set up for heavy duty operations and worked for several hours extinguishing the bulk of the fire that had also extended into multiple structures.

Members from Truck 33 also cut several roll up doors to make access for handlines and master streams. Truck 33 remained on scene for approximately seven hours before going back in service.

Truck Company 43 and then DCFD Truck Company 7 were both transferred to Company 33 during the incident.

- Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD

Page 22, Fire News, January/February 2026

Kitchen Fire Snuffed in Baltimore

On October 31, 2025, Baltimore firefighters responded for Box Alarm 13-70 at 2056 hours for a dwelling fire with possible entrapment. Truck 16, responding from quarters a block and a half away, arrived to a three-story, middle of the group, row, dwelling with smoke showing from the first floor front. Attack lines were stretched from Engine 52 where crews knocked down a kitchen fire on the first floor. Battalion Chief 3 had command and Air Flex 1 was dispatched. The fire was placed under control at 2111 hours.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Pikesville Hotel Fire

Shortly after 1530 hours on November 29, 2025, Baltimore County (BCoFD) Westside units responded to a report of a fire in a room at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel on Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. First-arriving BCoFD Engine 2 arrived and reported nothing, but upgraded to smoke conditions on the third floor and firefighters found a fire in Room 317. Incoming engine companies laid lines and established a water supply, BCoFD Truck 18 laddered the exterior of the building and performed interior searches, and firefighters from Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company Tower 323 split into two crews, with one assigned to bring special fans to the third floor to assist with ventilation. BCoFD EMS transported one civilian occupant to an area hospital for evaluation, and the Fire Investigation Bureau was investigating the origin and cause.

- Fire News photo by Mike Schwartzberg

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 23

Busy Morning for Glasgow & Cedar Grove

Single-Vehicle MVA on Washington Pike

October 27, 2025, was busy for Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department and Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Around 0039, they were dispatched for a side-by-side wreck on the trails near the Donaldson Mines. Both stations worked hand-in-hand to extricate a patient while providing basic life support. While some were stabilizing and extricating the patient, other crew members were setting up an LZ at the Bufflick compressor station.

- Submitted by Lt. Dylan Hackworth

At approximately 1630 on October 29, 2025, the Franklin Community and Wellsburg fire departments were dispatched to the 1500 block of Washington Pike for a single-vehicle accident involving a vehicle that had struck a structure. Upon arrival, crews immediately began patient care and life-saving measures for the driver, who was in critical condition. Air transport was initially requested and an LZ established at Brooke Hills Park by Wellsburg Engine 103 and Support 7. However, Brooke County EMS transported the individual to a local emergency room for immediate treatment. As a result of the accident, a utility pole was severed, and approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel were released.

The incident was under investigation by the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department.

- Submitted by Gerald M McClain, Fire Chief

High-Speed Collision in Hebron

On November 16, 2025, the Hebron Fire Department was alerted for an accident with a vehicle into a tree at the intersection of Rockawalkin and Levin Deshiell Roads. Car 5 responded with Deputy 5, Andrew Lecates. While en route Wicomico County 911 advised reports of a high impact crash with ejection. Deputy 5 requested that Maryland State Police helicopter to be put on standby. Car 5 arrived and found a Mustang GT head-on into a tree, on fire with no driver found. Ladder 5 arrived and placed a hoseline in service to knock down the car fire from extending into the woods.

Crews searched the surrounding area for any occupants with no luck. With the force of the high impact into a tree, the entire tree itself was uprooted and moved about 12 feet with the top half snapped off. The Wicomico County Sherrif’s Department was on scene and helping to locate the driver. About three hours later, the Hebron EMS crew responded for an injured subject in the wood line not far from the scene of the earlier accident.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Page 24, Fire News, January/February 2026

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Early Morning Two-Alarm Fire Displaces Nine Residents in Frederick

October 26, 2025, Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (FCDFRS) units were dispatched to the 1600 block of Jennings Court in Frederick for reports of a house fire. First arriving crews found fire showing through the windows and from the Charlie side of a middle-of-the-row townhouse and immediately began performing a 360. Within minutes, the fire had extended to all floors of the structure, and a second-alarm assignment was immediately requested due to the volume of fire and potential extension to neighboring homes. Firefighters confirmed that all occupants had exited and began working aggressively to bring the blaze under control. At approximately 0203 hours, firefighters encountered extension into both adjoining homes and collapse of the original fire building. Crews were able to keep the bulk of the

fire contained to the main townhouse, with only moderate damage to the adjoining two homes. Frederick County DPW was contacted to respond with heavy equipment in order to dig out smoldering contents and materials to ensure the fire was completely out. Sixty firefighters worked for over three hours to bring the fire under control, extinguish hotspots, perform extensive overhaul, and assist the Fire Marshal’s Office with preparation for their investigation. One civilian was evaluated for smoke inhalation but declined transport and a total of five adults and four children were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. The Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire began in the basement and were continuing to investigate the cause.

- Submitted by Sarah J. Campbell

Van into Tractor Trailer on Route 50

At 1821 hours on September 8, 2025, Squad 7 was alerted to assist Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department with an MVA with injuries and entrapment on Route 50 west near the Route 50/Route 98 intersection. Squad 7 staffed with four personnel responded in two minutes. Stonewood Volunteer Fire Department Rescue 124 also responded. Taylor Chief 1 was in the area and arrived to confirm an entrapment. Engine 82 and HCES 612 arrived to find a utility van had rear-ended a tractor-trailer with the driver of the work

van entrapped. Crews from 82, Squad 7, and 124 placed the tools in service popping and removing the driver’s door and performing a dash roll to extricate the driver in 10 minutes. After packaging the driver, HealthNet was stood down and the patient was transported by ground to UHC under ALS care. The driver of the tractor-trailer was also transported to UHC with minor injuries by HCES 631.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 25

Training DC Fire and EMS Proud to Partner with City Year DC to Provide CPR Training to their AmeriCorps Members!

Equipping these dedicated young leaders with lifesaving skills strengthens their ability to serve students and schools across the city.

Together, we’re building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities. Thank you to City Year DC for your commitment to service, and for stepping up to protect the communities you support every day.

- Photos courtesy DC Fire & EMS

Wheeling Hosts Fall Training Summit

The Professional Firefighters of West Virginia Fall Training Summit took place over three days in Wheeling, kicking off Tuesday with opening ceremonies at Wheeling Island Casino, followed by two full days of hands-on training. Truck Company Operations,

Nitty Gritty Engine Work, and Man vs. Machine had dozens of firefighters from across the region and throughout the state taking part in the summit, and Wheeling was proud to serve as the host city for this great event.

- Photos courtesy of Wheeling FD

Page 26, Fire News, January/February 2026

Training Carrol Co. EMS Train with Military

Carroll County Department of Fire & EMS personnel participated in training for military helicopter emergencies at Fort Indiantown Gap - Muir Army Airfield on September 11, 2025. The Pennsylvania National Guard along with the Fort Indiantown Gap Fire Department hosted this essential crash rescue and firefighting information for aircraft.

- Submitted by Callie Williams

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NALS Training Delivers Real Results in Carroll County Emergency Response

Firefighter and Paramedic Julio Deras and Assistant Chief Eric Zaney of Carroll County, Maryland, recently led a training on neonatal resuscitation using the new Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Comprehensive course from the Red Cross, which is helping them meet the growing need in their community.

“Neonatal training is often missing from EMS programs nationwide,” notes Assistant Chief Zaney. “NALS is changing that.”

Julio Deras commends the in-depth hands-on component of NALS, where the team practiced with real equipment and applied their learning in realistic scenarios. But the most important testimony came from the field. Since completing the course, the Carroll County Department of Fire & EMS has successfully responded to two neonatal calls with trained clinicians on scene. Two calls. Two lives. One course that made all the difference.

- Submitted by Callie Williams

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 27

Webster County Kids at South Charleston FD

Charleston’s Bravest Softball Fundraiser

The South Charleston Fire Department hosted a group of bright and excited kids from Webster County who came by for a station tour and a fire-safety lesson. It was a pleasure to share our world with the next generation! - Photo courtesy of South Charleston FD

Charleston’s Bravest had the honor to play in the Badges Battle at the Bridge Softball Tournament, in Hurricane. Those in attendance had an entire seat but only needed the edge as the Charleston Fire Department (CFD) took on our friends from South Charleston Fire Department for the championship. The CFD walked away with the victory, and were named as the champions.

The tournament raises money for “Running 4 Heroes,” a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders.

- Photo courtesy of Charleston FD

WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP APPOINTS TARA BOWLAND AS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER In September 2025 the Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc., the leading multi-channel distributor of public safety equipment, announced the appointment of Tara Bowland as Regional Sales Manager for Virginia, West Virginia, Southern Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Bowland brings more than 20 years of fire service sales and leadership experience, including nearly two decades at MSA – The Safety Company, where she served as National Strategic Account Manager for the U.S. and Canada. Her track record of building highvalue customer relationships, navigating complex procurement processes, and driving consistent year-overyear growth positions WPSG to further expand its leadership as the #1 distributor of fire equipment in Virginia.

“Tara’s knowledge of Virginia, West Virginia, and Southern Maryland is unmatched. She has worked alongside many of the region’s largest departments and knows the competitive landscape inside and out,” said James Witmer, CEO of Witmer Public Safety Group.

“Tara’s experience and her deep relationships across the fire service community give us a significant advantage as we continue to grow in Virginia and beyond,” said Peter Kosciewicz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Witmer Public Safety Group.

Bowland, an MBA graduate of Walden University and a recipient of multiple national sales awards including an Ultimate Customer Experience honor in 2024, has also been recognized for her mentoring and leadership in developing high-performing teams.

With Bowland’s appointment, WPSG strengthens its commitment to supporting fire departments with the best products, service, and expertise in the industry.

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: 2026 EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO October 22–24, 2026 |Mohegan Sun, CT Specialized Pre-Conferences: October 21, 2026 The 2026 EMS & Fire PRO Expo invites experienced and dynamic presenters to share their knowledge, expertise, and innovative ideas with EMS, fire, and first responder professionals from across the country.

Now Accepting Presentation Proposals: We are seeking cutting-edge and engaging presentations that reflect the most current practices, research, and trends in the emergency services industry.

Presentation Categories: Proposals are encouraged in the following focus areas: Basic Clinical; Advanced Clinical: ; Operations.; Educators; General: T; Administrative/Leadership; Fire-Based Classes; Fire Based Hands-On Training Sessions: . S Specialized Pre-Conference Events - October 21, 2026;featuring two focused learning opportunities: Pediatric Symposium; and Weathering the Storm – Preparedness Summit: A full-day program addressing disaster response.

Submission Details: Presenters should submit session proposals that are interactive, relevant, and evidence based. Content should be designed to inform, inspire, and empower participants to elevate their professional practice. Submit proposals through the EMS & Fire Pro Portal found on the presenter tab of our website www.emspro.org.

Deadline & Selection: All proposals must be received by January 30, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by the EMS & Fire PRO Expo Education Committee.Share your expertise, connect with peers, and make an impact at the 2026 EMS & Fire PRO Expo. Contact Information: www.emspro.org | info@emspro.org.

Page 28, Fire News, January/February 2026

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WILD Women of Rescue Conference

We had a successful second year of the WILD Women of Rescue Conference in West Virginia! Conference attendance grew by five percent over last year with many of the same women returning along with others they’d recruited. There were over 17 different departments represented, including some from out of state. Our conference is meant for any woman who touches the world of rescue – firefighter, EMS, dispatch, technical rescue, SAR, etc., from anywhere. One participant reported feeling “energized and inspired” after the conference. Estimates vary, but women account for anywhere from five to 11 percent of firefighters. EMS is slightly higher with an estimated three-percent women. In most of the trainings a

female first responder attends, she is the only woman in the room; if she is lucky, maybe up to three women. Our conference is a huge success because of the support of men and women alike. We have a dedicated cadre of male volunteers who help with operations behind the scenes. We have enjoyed support from all our large state entities, such as West Virginia State Fireman’s Association, WVU Fire Service Extension, and WV Public Service Training (PST).

Great partnerships across the industry have made this event a big success and we are looking forward to our third year next year. Save the date of November 7, 2026!

- Submitted by Mystik Miller

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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 29

Frederick County Fire & Rescue, Open House, October 18, 2025

On October 18, 2025, Frederick County Fire & Rescue hosted its first-ever Open House at the FSK Mall in Frederick, MD. Attendees had the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles, learn handsonly CPR and Stop the Bleed techniques, discover the importance of working smoke alarms, spray a fire hose, and suit up in turnout gear before tackling a firefighter challenge course. Visitors also enjoyed an up-close look at the Special Operations and EMS teams in action. The day was packed with exciting demonstrations, including a live fire demonstration—highlighting the importance of home

fire sprinklers, thanks to the National Fire Sprinkler Association— a vehicle extrication scenario, and several K-9 training demos. With support from Frederick County’s Division of Solid Waste & Recycling, guests also learned how to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries, tying in with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Charge into Fire Safety.” The event served as a valuable opportunity to engage with the community, showcase the dedication of Frederick County’s first responders, and make fire and life safety education both fun and memorable. - Submitted by Sarah Campbell

Page 30, Fire News, January/February 2026

Water Rescue

On October 25, 2025 at 1934 hours, Mardella Rescue, Station9 Mardela, Station 16 Salisbury and Station 4 Sharptown were alerted for a water rescue off Bridge Street in Mardela Springs, MD. Command 9 arrived on location to find a white pick-up truck submerged in the river. Dive crews launched two rescue boats with two divers onboard. Divers searched the vehicle for occupants with no one found. Crews searched the nearby waters and rivers edge, finding no one. It was later found that the vehicle was stolen and dumped at the boat ramp where it floated down stream. Recovery crews used a rotator style tow truck to remove the vehicle.

Command placed the incident under control at 2230. The Maryland State Police, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were investigating the incident.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

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Halloween Night Basement Fire In NW

Baltimore 10/31/25 - Baltimore, MD - At 2148 hours, Box Alarm 20-70 sent Squad 40, Engines 36, 53 (RIT), 29, 37, Trucks 18, 8, Battalion Chiefs 5, 6, and Safety Officer 4 to Walbrook Avenue and Dennison Street for a house fire. Engine 8 picked up from the McCulloh Street fire and added to the box. Truck 18 arrived to a 2-1/2 story, wood frame, with smoke showing. Lines were stretched from Squad 40 on a basement fire in Walbrook Avenue which was reported to be vacant. The fire was extending to the first and second floors via exterior walls, prompting incident commander Battalion Chief 5 to request the working fire. Engines 30, Truck 27, Rescue 1, Air Flex 1, and Car 5 made up the working fire companies. Holes were reported in the first floor. Truck 10 special called at 2209 hours. Multiple lines stretched and operated.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb