VOLUME 5, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 MARCH 2017
See full story on page 30. - Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
Fire News Welcomes all to the FCAM Professional Development Conference See page 29
-Southern New England Edition-
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 3
In this issue... Harbour Landing 3-Alarm On December 26, 2016, the New Haven Fire Department was dispatched to Harbor Close Road for a condominium fire. See story page 6
Methuen 3-Alarm Methuen (MA) firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in below-freezing temperatures in a apartment building on Ashton Place. See story page 10
Thompson 3-Alarm Church Fire On December 29, 2016, Thompson (CT) Hill Fire was dispatched to Thompson Congregational Church See story page 14 for a fire alarm.
2-Day Fire in Waterbury On December 31, 2016, firefighters responded to South Main Street and Pearl Lake Road in Waterbury. See story page 22
Billerica Fire See story page 25
Obituaries; John Lynch and Wayne Nickel See story page 42
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 33
Southern New England FFs In Action . .pages 34-36 Up Close and Personal . . . . . . . .pages 37 & 38 Industry News
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FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: GREG JONES, LYNN SEDLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALAN BRACKETT, AMANDA CARMODY, THOMAS CARMODY, OWEN CARRIGAN, ROGER CONANT, KEVIN CZARZASTY, TIM DELANEY, ROB DILLON, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, OLIVIA DRAKE, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, JIM FORTIN, JR., SEAN FREIMAN, TIM GORMAN, JOHN HANLEY, ED HARVEY, JEFFREY HASTINGS, STEPHEN HESS, MIKE IPPOLITO, DORRANCE “DOC” JOHNSON, RICK KULMANN, KEN LABELLE, ROBERT LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, PAUL LAROCHELLE, JR., KEN LEGER, CHARLIE MCGRATH, KEITH MURATORI, BOB MYERS, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., CHRIS PALMER, JIM PERUTA, PETER POZERSKI, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, LARRY RILEY, DICK SCIALABBA, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, NICK STEHN, CHRIS STEINES, RICK SUSI, KEVIN TAPPE, JON TENCA PAT TRAVERS, STEPHEN WALSH, DEVON WHALEN, KEVIN WHITE, MICHAEL YOUNG COPYRIGHT 2017, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On January 19, 2017, Billerica (MA) firefighters responded to a house fire on Georgiana Road.
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Page 4, Fire News, March 2017
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
A PIO is A Must Let’s face it, the public has always been interested in what is going on in their community. When they see or hear fire apparatus going through the community, the residents we serve become curious and want to know what is happening. I am sure that if you returned home and found a police car parked in front of your neighbor’s house, you, too, would want to know what’s up. Yes, there is a need and an obligation for public information. Believe it or not, the PIO is part of the Incident Command System (ICS) command staff and reports directly to the incident commander (IC). The assignment of being your departments PIO is not a simple task and not limited to calls. During a call, the PIO may have to establish, develop and maintain contact with media, professional and civic organizations and other special interest groups to promote agency programs. The PIO prepares, edits, coordinates and distributes news releases. On the flip side, the PIO is responsible to develop special educational and promotional materials for presentation at exhibits, fairs, festivals, conferences and schools. They can also help conduct tours of
your fire department. The PIO can also serve as the photographer for an agency. Keep in mind the military has been documenting activities since the mid 1800s and continue to do this today. There are photographs of the Fire Department of the City of New York that also date back to the 1800s. Many other fire and law enforcement agencies have documented their history from their formation. If your department isn’t documenting your department’s activities, ask yourself why. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other forms of social media are tools that your department can use to its benefit. For instance, if you have a major incident and want to get the word out that roads are closed in an area, utilizing social media will let the public know that they need to use alternate routes. This cuts down on the traffic flow to a blocked area. How about your department community events? Get the word out to your community through social media that your local firehouse will be open for Fire Prevention Day. Department PIOs should build a positive relation with local newspapers and TV and
Errata We misidentified two Massachusetts Fire Departments in the last issue of Fire News. On page 27, the caption for Weston Fire Training should have read Weston (MA). On page 33 the caption for Berlin firefighters at a three alarm fire in Hudson should have read Berlin (MA) Fire News apologizes for the errors.
Does Your Department have a PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO's name, department, and contact information. Email us at Tim@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help.
radio stations. Let the public know what you do 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When they have a question for your department, do they know who to ask to get factual information? As for Fire News, send us your stories and photographs so other departments see what you do. You can submit stories and photographs to us through a link at www. FireNews.com. Or you can send them directly to me through e-mail. Each of the six editions of Fire News has an e-mail address on page 3. Two to four photographs should be accompanied by a short write up about your event. If you have questions regarding how to submit stories, e-mail me at LI@ FireNews.com. Be proud of what you do and let your community and the fire service know about it. -Dennis
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Harbour Landing 3-Alarm
On December 26, 2016, the New Haven Fire Department was dispatched to Harbor Close Road for a condominium fire. The fire was thought to have started in a second floor unit of the three-story wood frame Harbour Landing Condominiums. The fire quickly escalated to three alarms and spread to 16 units. West Haven responded to the scene as mutual aid, and companies from Hamden provided station coverage throughout the city. - Fire News photos by Keith Muratori, Glenn Duda, Doc Johnson, and Kevin Czarzasty; CFPA
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Roof Collapse in Burrillville
On January 10, 2017, a rainy night just after a six-inch snowfall, Burrillville (RI) fire, EMS and police responded to Brook Road for a reported dwelling fire. A Burrillville police officer arrived first to find heavy fire through the roof of a raised ranch. The officer performed a primary search and rescued two dogs. First-due compa-
nies arrived and went defensive as heavy fire was showing through the roofline. A second alarm was requested for manpower and tankers and the roof failed shortly into the attack. The fire was brought under control in 45 minutes. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
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Ashes Start New Canaan Blaze
On December 30, 2016, a call came in for a structure fire on Cheese Spring Road in the Town of New Canaan (CT). Engine 1 and Tanker 8 immediately responded and found a two-story colonial with heavy fire coming out of a three-door garage with visible expansion into the structure. New Canaan called Norwalk Engine 1 to respond RIT along with Wilton Engines 2 and 4 for manpower. The fire was quickly knocked down. Overhaul required tankers from Pound Ridge, Vista and the Westchester County Coordinator from New York. The fire was deemed to have been started by ashes in trash bags outside of the garage. - Fire News photo by Griffin J. Stover
Pepperell 2-Alarmer Pepperell firefighters responded to a house fire on North Street. The house was on the GrotonPepperell line, so both departments responded. The home was badly damaged by the fire, which started in the basement and eventually went to two alarms. Mutual aid came from Townsend and Hollis (NH). - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
House Fire in Middleboro On December 5, 2016, the Middleboro (MA) Fire Department responded to a house fire on Carmel Street. A UPS driver called and reported smoke coming from a building. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a single-family, one-story dwelling. Crews stretched several handlines into the dwelling, and found a basement fire which had extended to the attic. All occupants were reported out. Crews opened up the roof and exterior chimney on the C side and knocked down the heavy fire. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 9
Fatality at Belmont Blaze
On January 23, 2017, firefighters responded to a fire in a three-story home on Trapelo Road in Belmont (MA). The fire eventually went to three alarms. One civilian was found dead in the third floor attic. - Fire News photos by Rick Nohl and Owen Carrigan
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Methuen 3-Alarm
On December 22, 2016, Methuen (MA) firefighters battled a three-alarm fire in below-freezing temperatures in a 3-1/2 story brick, multi-unit apartment building on Ashton Place. Companies arrived to find fire showing from a second floor apartment D side, extending to the apartment above. A second alarm was requested. A lieutenant searching the third floor apartment partially fell through the floor, into a closet on the second floor and a Mayday was transmitted. Firefighters were able to gain entry to the second floor apartment and rescue the trapped firefighter. With heavy fire extending into the common cockloft, a third alarm was requested and firefighters were pulled from the building and went into a defensive attack. The building was said to most likely be a total loss. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
Hold the Burgers Providence (RI) fire companies worked a fire on the roof of a Burger King on Smithfield Avenue on December 5, 2016. Two lines were used to bring it under control. The Department of Health was called since the fire occurred in a restaurant. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Torrington 3-Alarm On January 18, 2017, Torrington (CT) firefighters battled a top floor fire in a three-story wood frame on Chestnut Street. This midday fire went to three alarms and required mutual aid to help extinguish. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CFPA
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Lucky in Oxford
On January 2, 2017, Oxford (MA) firefighters were called to a Main Street address for a report of a building fire. Companies found heavy fire and smoke showing from a hair salon, which also had two floors of apartments above. Auburn was immediately called for mutual aid as they had a station close by. They arrived simultaneously with the first Oxford truck and started to mount an aggressive attack. An Auburn crew in the house called a Mayday as the floor was getting spongy. They were able to self extricate before the room flashed. Additional mutual aid was called from all neighboring towns. Truck companies from Charlton and Dudley vented the roof while crews chased fire in the oddly shaped building. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Canaan Structure Fire On January 10, 2017, the Canaan (CT) Fire Company was called out for a structure fire on Allyndale Road. On arrival, heavy smoke was issuing from all of the garage doors of a steel building housing construction equipment. Handlines were put into play while heavy equipment was used to open the garage doors. Mutual aid was requested from Norfolk (CT) and Sheffield (MA). Tankers were called in from Lakeville (CT) and New Marlborough (MA). The fire attack lasted for about an hour. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
3-Alarmer Destroys Bldg. The East Great Plain Department of Norwich (CT), was alerted to fire showing from a window on West Main Street by a passing police officer on December 29, 2016. On arrival, Chief Milton declared a working fire in a two-story, wood frame, commercial structure, housing seven different businesses. An interior attack was mounted and before long, it became evident that the fire had a good hold on the building via numerous voids and chaseways. The second and third alarm companies from Norwich, Yantic, Taftville, Laurel Hill and the Mohegan Tribal FAST, were put to work with ladder pipes, handlines and water supply. After a couple of hours of master stream operations, the fire was quelled, but not before the building was destroyed. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
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6 Displaced in Fast Moving Milford Blaze On January 8, 2017, Milford (CT) firefighters arrived to find an advanced fire condition showing from the second floor of a three-story, wood frame condo unit on Melba Street. The fire quickly jumped to the third floor as firefighters were getting lines in place. Additional alarms were transmitted bringing all of the city’s resources and mutual aid from West Haven and Stratford. Firefighters not only battled the blaze, but also temperatures in the single digits. The fire was brought under control in an hour through an all-interior attack. Six residents were displaced and two dogs were killed in the fire. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, CFPA
Danielson 2-Alarm Structure Fire In the early hours of December 4, 2016, Danielson 61 was dispatched for a smoke investigation in the area of Mechanic and Central Streets in Danielson (CT). The call was quickly upgraded to a first-alarm assignment. Upon arrival, firefighters were faced with heavy fire on the Academy Street side of the building, and a second alarm was requested, with South Killingly 63, Williamsville 60, Dayville 63, Attawaugan 62, Moosup 94, Atwood Hose 96 and Mortlake 90 responding. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Buchbinder
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Thompson 3-Alarm Church Fire
On December 29, 2016, Thompson (CT) Hill Fire was dispatched to Thompson Congregational Church on Thompson Road for a fire alarm. Within a short time command reported light smoke on the first floor and heavy smoke on the second. A few minutes later the interior crew found heavy fire in the sanctuary, and requested a second alarm. Several lines were placed in operation and crews encountered high heat and a heavy fire condition. At one point, fire made it to the steeple, but a tower knocked the fire back into the main structure and knocked down the fire to the rear of the attic space. The fire went to three alarms, with departments from Massachusetts and Rhode Island responding. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
Quick Knockdown in Smithfield Smithfield (RI) firefighters quickly contained a room and contents fire on Sherwood Lane on December 20, 2016. Headquarters companies arrived to find smoke showing from a single-story occupied dwelling. A second alarm was ordered, bringing mutual aid companies to the scene and to cover. A fast attack had the fire under control in 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Rowley House Fire Draws a Crowd On January 8, 2017, Rowley (MA) Firefighters responded to a house fire in a Cap Cod home on Harrison Circle. The fire eventually went to three alarms and firefighters from Newbury, Newburyport, Boxford, Georgetown, Ipswich, Topsfield, Action Ambulance and Rehab Five assisted. Station coverage was provided by Hamilton, West Newbury and Essex. - Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
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2 Die in Rocky Hill Blaze
On December 10, 2016, Rocky Hill (CT) firefighters responded to a fire on Walnut Road. Members arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear of the house. Two occupants perished in the blaze. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley and Jim Peruta, CFPA
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Exposure Problems on Old Black Point Rd.
Niantic (CT) and Flanders (CT) fire departments were dispatched for smoke in the area of Blackpoint. B-1 arrived at Old Black Point Road to find heavy fire in a two-car garage with several exposure problems. Firefighters attacked heavy fire conditions in two bays of a garage which had extended to a large motor home and a vehicle. Crews placed a 2-1/2 inch line in operation and then added a blitz fire and several other lines for attack and exposure protection. The crews stopped the fire from extending to the occupied apartment, though high winds hampered fire operations at first. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
Possible Arson On December 6, 2016, neighbors observed several teens running from a building on East School Street and then saw smoke and fire. Engine 3 arrived to find heavy fire on the third floor of a vacant dwelling. An attack line was placed into operation up the Alpha side stairway and contained the fire to the area of origin. Mutual aid came from Lincoln and Cumberland (RI) along with Bellingham (MA). - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Cat Saved in Fall River On December 29, 2016, Fall River (MA) firefighters responded to a working fire on Shawmut Street. Firefighters arrived to smoke showing from the second floor of a three-story wood fame. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and quickly knocked down the fire. All occupants had escaped before the units arrived, however firefighters did remove a cat and returned it to a grateful owner. - Fire News photo by Ken Leger
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Fitchburg Residents Escape House Fire
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A fast moving fire consumed the rear of a 1-1/2 story private dwelling early on December 19, 2016. When the first-due engine arrived, they quickly stretched an 1-3/4 line to the rear of the dwelling and made a quick hit to knock down the bulk of the heavy fire. As a second line was going into place, the low temperatures caused the line to fail along with a frozen hydrant. Arriving firefighters quickly corrected the issue and were able to get the fire extinguished. During the operation, a propane cylinder exploded and flew across the back yard. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
Winter + Chimney = Fire Worcester (MA) Engine 5 and Ladder 4 were called out during a significant snowfall to 3rd Street for a report of a chimney fire. On arrival they found fire extending from the chimney. Companies got a quick handle on the fire and knocked it down. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Good Stop in Wolcott On December 31, 2016, a Wolcott (CT) police officer on patrol called in fire showing from the exterior of a garage attached to a single-story house on Woodtick Road. Firefighters arrived within 10 minutes and knocked down the fire before it extended into the structure. The occupants were not home at the time. - Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann
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Working Fire in Bridgewater
On December 5, 2016, the Bridgewater (MA) Fire Department responded to Brookstone Drive for a house fire. Companies arrived to find heavy fire in a two-car garage attached to a 1-1/2 story, wood framed, modular home. Mutual aid was requested from East Bridgewater to the scene, and West Bridgewater to cover. Companies made an aggressive push to knock down the heavy fire in the garage, and keep it from extending. The residents were able to get out of the house prior to the fire crew’s arrival. A double roof made ventilation difficult; two vehicles were total losses. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Exploding Ammo in Windsor On January 9, 2017, Windsor (CT) firefighters responded to an early morning fire on Dudley Town Road in bitter cold temperatures. Firefighters arrived to a house set back from the road, with ammunition going off. The units were on scene for several hours. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CFPA
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Well Involved in Thomaston
On January 14, 2017, Thomaston (CT) firefighters were dispatched for the report of a structure fire at the corner of View and Perrot Drives. The first arriving fire officer reported a two-story wood frame well involved and requested mutual aid, bringing an engine and tanker from Terryville, and tankers from Northfield and Watertown. The main body of fire was knocked down in about 45 minutes, but companies would spend several hours overhauling. The town and state fire marshal’s offices were on scene to investigate; the home a total loss. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Sterling House Fire On January 3, 2017, Sterling (MA) firefighters responded to a fire in a large, two-story dwelling. On arrival, heavy fire was venting from the first floor. As lines were stretched and an aggressive attack begun, the fire moved quickly through the home. Chief of Department Dave Hurlbut struck a second alarm, and mutual aid responded. An autistic adult was home at the time of the fire but was able to escape. The home sustained a considerable amount of damage. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
Nice Save in Willimantic On December 16, 2016, Willimantic (CT) firefighters responded to a third alarm fire on Pearl Street. They arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear and made a great stop, keeping fire out of the exposures in a tightly packed neighborhood. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
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Wethersfield 2-Alarmer
On January 15, 2017, Wethersfield (CT) firefighters were alerted for a fire on Nott Street when a police officer came upon a house with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear. First arriving units found a heavy fire condition in the basement and attempted a search. After advancing into the structure the first floor became unstable and units withdrew. The fire was advanced and in multiple walls and voids. After a exterior attack the members entered the structure and finished overhaul and extinguishment. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, CFPA; and Patrick Dooley
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2-Day Fire in Waterbury
On December 31, 2016, firefighters responded to South Main Street and Pearl Lake Road in Waterbury. On arrival, heavy fire was showing from a vacant factory building. A second alarm was struck with companies rotating in over a two-day period. - Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley, Kevin Czarzasty and Rick Kulmann
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Wood Stove Fire in Griswold
The Griswold (CT) Fire Department responded to Old Shetucket Turnpike for a fire in the lower level of a raised ranch, single-family home the day after Christmas. Several mutual aid companies assisted in bringing the fire under control in about 30 minutes. The cause was traced back to a wood stove. - Fire News photo by Joe Shefer
Sudbury 3-Alarm On January 16, 2017, the Sudbury (MA) Fire Department responded to a house fire on Whitetail Lane. Second and third alarms were ordered and mutual aid companies arrived to assist. The fire was reported to have started on the outside of the house. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan
Goshen Barn Fire On December 19, 2016, Goshen (CT) volunteers; along with mutual aid from Bantam, Litchfield, Cornwall and Torrington’s Drakeville Company; battled a barn fire with exposure problems in below-freezing temps and high winds. Though the barn was badly damaged the firefighters kept it from spreading to a larger barn in close proximity. The fire was reported by a Litchfield VFD officer who was passing by. This quick action, along with a fast response by the volunteers, prevented a major financial loss for the farm. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
Flames Devour Norfolk Log Cabin On December 6, 2016, Norfolk (CT) crews, along with mutual aid companies, were tactically challenged by a fast spreading fire in a log home. An elderly occupant fell during his attempt to escape and was evaluated by EMS, but refused further care. The open floor plan allowed the fire to quickly spread throughout the 1700-square-foot structure. Norfolk Engine 90 deployed a supply line up a 1000-foot long steep drive, utilizing their 4x4 pumper. A tanker shuttle was established on Estey Road with Drakeville providing a fill site a few miles away on Route 272. The fire was reported to have started in the kitchen. Additional mutual aid companies came from Winsted, Winchester, Colebrook, Goshen and Canaan. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
FireNews.com
Billerica Fire
On January 19, 2017, Billerica (MA) firefighters responded to a house fire on Georgiana Road. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from a 1-1/2 story split ranch located near the end of a long dead end street. A second alarm was requested, bringing the remaining Billerica companies along with an engine from nearby Burlington. Multiple lines were stretched and an aerial master stream helped bring the blaze under control. - Fire News photo by Kevin White
Quick Work in So. Windsor
On January 15, 2017, firefighters responded to a second alarm call for a house fire on Griffin Road in South Windsor (CT). They arrived to heavy fire showing from a raised ranch. The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
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Vacant House Fire in Hartford
On January 5, 2017, Hartford (CT) firefighters responded to a fire went to work on the vacant structure. Units were on the scene for on Deerfield Street in the city’s North End. Units arrived to smoke several hours. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, CFPA; and Patrick Dooley showing. A working fire assignment was filled out and firefighters
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Winter Training in Canaan
Throughout December the Canaan (CT) Fire Company trained on interior attack skills under live fire conditions. After a break to ring in the New Year, the final session was held and the house demolished. Many lessons were learned from this very realistic training. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Webster Gets New Tower On January 15, 2017, Webster firefighters trained on their new 2016 E-One 100-foot rear-mounted tower. The tower also features a 2000-gpm pump and a 300-gallon tank. It is equipped with the latest technologies. The new apparatus replaced a 1983 tower which was a new concept at the time to southern Worcester County departments. That truck saw lots of fire duty and didn’t owe the town a dime. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Empty Car in Milford Pond
On January 15, 2017, Milford (CT) firefighters were called to Tomahawk Drive on a report of a car into a pond. Crews arrived to find tire tracks leading through a yard into a pond on the property. Fire department dive teams were summoned to the scene to investigate further. Divers found no bodies in the car or around the surrounding area. The auto was removed from the pond shortly after. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, CFPA
Worcester Gas Line Break Recently, Worcester (MA) units responded to a natural gas leak call on Parsons Hill Drive. A contractor struck an incorrectly marked main going to a house. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Stabbing in Fitchburg On January 20, 2017, Fitchburg (MA) firefighters along with EMS from Med-Star Ambulance provided treatment for a male who was stabbed in the leg. The victim was transported to the trauma center in Worcester. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Cover Story
24 Apts. Destroyed in Lynn 5-Alarmer
Firefighters started January 1, 2017 off with a five-alarm fire in a four-story apartment house on West Baltimore Street in Lynn (MA). While all residents evacuated, all 24 apartments were either destroyed or heavily damaged, and the Red Cross was helping the displaced. - Fire News photos by Rick Nohl
FireNews.com
Reading MVA with Entrapment, Fire
On January 14, 2017, Reading (MA) Fire and Police and North Reading Fire Rescue responded to Haverhill Street for a single-car MVA. Upon arrival, companies found the driver had been extricated from the car. Companies stretched a handline to extinguish an engine compartment fire. The driver was transported to an area trauma center for treatment. - Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
Shelton MVA
Early on January 23, 2017, Shelton (CT) Fire Companies 1 and 4 were dispatched, along with EMS and police, for a two-car MVA rollover on River Road. Company #4 Captain Justin Sabatino was first on scene. An SUV was on its side with one entrapped. The vehicle was stabilized and the driver quickly removed and transported. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
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4 Injured in Manchester MVA
On January 1, 2017, Manchester (CT) units responded to an MVA with extrication on Hartford Road. A police officer on patrol came upon a crash with three vehicles involved and numerous people trapped in two cars. Command used four engines and a ladder at the scene. Four ambulances transported four people. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Overturn in Whitman Just after midnight on a subfreezing December 11, 2016, the Whitman (MA) Fire Department responded to an MVA in the area of Plymouth Street. Follow up calls reported a possible entrapment. Car-3, Engine 243 and Ambulance 247 responded and found a car which had struck a tree and was on its side. The single occupant was still in the vehicle. Crews were able to remove a sunroof in order to gain access to the victim. The person was transported to the Brockton Hospital with reportedly minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Hinsdale MVA Where’s the Driver? On December 2, 2016, Hinsdale (MA) Volunteer Fire Department responded to an MVA on Buttermilk Road, a quarter mile south of Maple Street. Rescue 4, Ambulance 5 and the Squad 1 responded with six firefighters and EMTs. Upon arrival, units found a pickup truck had left the road and hit a tree. There was extensive damage to the vehicle and enough fresh blood inside the truck to indicate that, at least, one occupant had been injured. However, no driver or passenger was present. Subsequent contact with Berkshire Medical Center’s Emergency Room by Hinsdale Police located the driver, the only occupant, who had been picked up by a relative and driven to the hospital. - Submitted by Dick Scialabba, photo by Dan Brown
Pinned in Leominster On January 21, 2017, Leominster (MA) firefighters responded to an MVA in which a truck hit a tree and rolled onto its side. The driver was pinned inside as firefighters worked about 30 minutes to extricate him. He was taken to the trauma center in Worcester. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Southern New England Firefighters in Action
January 4, 2017, the Co ncord (MA) Fire Depart ment responded to a fire in the West Co ncord - Fire News photo by Ow Fire Station. en Carrigan
Harwinton (CT) house fire. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
three alarms. This Peabody (MA) blaze went to White n Kevi by o phot s - Fire New
in Manchester (CT) was The 8th District Fire Department mber 24, 2016, for a Dece on t Stree erly West to dispatched a house. in fire on on pers a of rt repo - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
yed a Fitchburg (MA) An electrical fire destro by Scott LaPrade - Fire News photo
home. Cold Hartford (CT) - Fire News photo by Jim fight. Peruta, CFPA
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Southern New England Firefighters in Action
On January 19, 2017, Leominster (MA) firefighters from Engine 4 and 3 stretched a line on a fully involved auto. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
ington (MA) firefighters were On December 11, 2016, Great Barr e of a fire from the day called to Dresser Avenue to the scen before, which was on fire again. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
On December 7, 2016, New Haven (CT) firefighters arrived to find a Chapel Street home with heavy fire venting from the side 4 first floor. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, CFPA
On January 17, 2017, Wethersfield (CT) firefighters responded to an early morning fire on Silas Deane Highway. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CFPA
On November 29, 2016, Waterbury (CT) firefighters responded to an early morning fire on Robbins Street. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
On December 16, 2016, firefighters made a of a garage fire in East Hartford (CT) fast knockdown on Heim Road. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
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Southern New England Firefighters in Action
house on Harlem rms for a large Victorian sumed the rear Boston struck four ala con e Fir l. tro ught under con es. mil Street before it was bro for n see ld be porches and smoke cou l Shea Pau by to pho s New e - Fir
On December 8, 2016, Lawrence (MA) firefigh ters were dispatched to Sta te Street for - Fire News photo by Kev a house fire. in White
On December 18, 2016, East Hampton (CT) firefighters responded to a room fire in a vacant mill on Summit Street, - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley On December 24, 2016, Milford (MA) firefighters responded to the area of Chestnut Street for a garage fire. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
ters went to New Haven (CT) firefigh occupied On December 24, 2016, two ing olv ht for a fire inv work just after midnig eet. dwellings on Stevens Str da, CFPA Du nn Gle by to pho s - Fire New
Auburn (MA) firefighter s responded to a fire on Pinehurst Avenue. The fire was started by worke using a torch and went rs to two knocked down. - Fire New alarms before being s photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 37
Up Close & Personal
On December 30, 2016, a call came in for a structure fire on Cheese Spring Road in the Town of New Canaan (CT). Engine 1 and Tanker 8 responded. - Fire News photo by Griffin J. Stover
Members of the Burrillville (RI) fire department after responding to a dwelling fire on Brook Road, January 10, 2017. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Bridgewater (MA) Firefighters responding to a December 5, 2016 house fire on Brookstone Drive. - Fire News photo by Pat Travers
Canaan (CT) Firefighter Christian Wohlfert and his daughter Kate, at a recent drill. Kate is a Junior Firefighter and is the third generation to serve with the Canaan Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
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Up Close & Personal
Worcester (MA) Rescue 1 Firefighters Mateychuk (left) and Pierce. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
On January 8, 2017, Harwinton (CT) volunteers responded to a structure fire in a single-story wood frame structure with heavy fire in the interior. - Fire News photo by Kevin Czarzasty
A member from New Haven (CT) Truck 1 operating at a three-alarm condo fire on December 26, 2016. - Fire News photo by Keith Muratori
Smithfield (RI) firefighters quickly contained a room and contents fire on Sherwood Lane on December 20, 2016. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
Engine 3 firefighter at a building fire on East School Street on December 6, 2016. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle
On December 12, 2016, East Hartford (CT) crews responded to a two-alarm fire on High Street. - Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley
Deputy Herz and Firefighter Cubanski from the Yantic Fire Company, discuss operations at a third alarm in East Great Plain. - Fire News photo by Robert Ladd
Georgetown Chief and Rowley Captain on scene at a January 8, 2017, house fire in a Cap Cod home on Harrison Circle. - Fire News photo by Rick Nohl
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 39
Boston Ladders Officially Dedicated
(Above): Boston Fire Local 718 President Rich Parris speaks as Joe Finn and Marty Walsh look on.
A dedication ceremony was held on January 14, 2017, in Boston, for the five new E-One Metro 100-foot ladders, which went into service in the fall. The new ladders went to Ladder 4 in Roxbury, Ladder 17 near Park Square, Ladder 18 in South Boston, Ladder 21 in Orient Heights (East Boston) and Ladder 29 in Mattapan. - Fire News photos by Bill Noonan and Paul Shea
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Alston Sworn in as New Haven Chief of Dept. New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, (left), administered the oath of office to John Alston who is the newly appointed Chief of the New Haven (CT) Fire Department. Alston, who formerly served with the Jersey City Fire Department, was selected from a nationwide list of candidates. He is flanked, (left to right), by his father, wife and two sons. The swearing-in ceremony was held at New Haven City Hall on December 22, 2016. - Fire News photo by Doc Johnson
Firehouse Holiday Lights Trophy On December 19, 2016, Hartford (CT) Fire Chief Freeman presented the 1st annual Firehouse Lighting Display trophy to Engine 7Ladder 3. A vote of Facebook friends voted for best-decorated Hartford firehouse. A yearly contest is planned with a traveling trophy being the prize. - Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CFPA
Lawrence Gets a New Pumper Lawrence (MA) firefighters loadin five-inch hose on their new 2017 KME 1750 gpm pumper. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 41
2016 Wanna B’s Shave Off
The 2016 Wanna B’s Shave Off is now a memory, and what a memory it was. As you look at the team picture you can see a lot of guys showed up. Most shaved … others avoided the razor! Families, friends and brother firefighters from across the state attended. The RI Firefighters Pipes and Drums came out in support of men’s health and played as good as they ever have. The donation website page was up over $4,000 for the Wanna B’s, and shirts sold well. This year, Howie Rosenblatt had a fire helmet signed by the Boston, which was auctioned on site starting at an opening bid of $50. This auction escalated quickly and before the bidding war finished Bill Quinn of Quinn’s Irish Pub walked away with the signed helmet. Thank you all for your help Smally. - Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle
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Obituary
Worcester EMS Paramedic John Lynch This image was taken in Worcester (MA) for the line of duty death of Worcester EMS Paramedic John Lynch who contracted HEP-C when he was bit by a heroin addict that he was rendering aid to in 1984. Even after the life altering event John started teaching medical classes and was able to teach thousands and thousands of EMTs and Paramedics. The ladder trucks were provided by Auburn (MA) Fire Rescue and Oxford Fire Departments. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
Wayne Nickel: A Department Friend Passes
Leominster (MA) firefighters salute the hearse carrying City department, and his son is also a Lieutenant with Leominster Group 3 Councilor Wayne Nickel, an honorary member of the fire department, Ladder 1. - Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade who passed away on January 16, 2017. Wayne was a big asset to the
Not Your Everyday Locomotive On January 13, 2017, at the Hoosac Tunnel in Florida (MA). A Norfolk Southern Railroad SD60E locomotive with its special paint job commemorating first responders made a quick trip through the area. - Fire News photo by Paul Shea
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 43
Worcester Promotions
On January 4, 2017, the Worcester (MA) Fire Department held a promotional ceremony in which six firefighters were promoted to lieutenants and two Lieutenants to Captain. This was one of the largest pro- Worcester Fire Lieutenant motions in recent history. Unit citations were also issued to Park Avenue Matthew Petty who was Chief of Department companies, Engine 4 and Ladder 7, Group 2 for the heroic efforts batpinned by his brother, Gardell, who retired a couple tling a three-alarm fire on Pelham Street under adverse conditions. Massachusetts State weeks after the ceremony. - Fire News photos by Paul Shea Trooper Joseph Petty.
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An Expert in Chimney Fires, No Doubt
Santa Claus with Canaan’s (CT) antique Reo Speedwagon. Santa, in his younger days, served as a firefighter in nearby New Marlborough (MA) and was always a huge asset at chimney fires. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Christmas in Canaan Canaan (CT) 9 decked out for the holiday light parade with Truck 8 in the background. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
Too Cold for the Sled? No Problem! Santa and Mrs. Claus on their way to a holiday celebration on the Main Street in Stockbridge, (MA). They are being chauffeured by T. Barry of Lenox (MA), owner of the classic American LaFrance engine. - Fire News photo by Ed Harvey
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Fire News, March 2017, Page 45
Reading’s Capt. Ken Campbell Retires
December 31, 2016, was the end of an era at the Reading (MA) Fire Department as Captain Ken Campbell, a 43-plusyear veteran firefighter and officer retired after his long career. Visitors from far and wide either called or stopped by RFD headquarters throughout the previous day and into the night to congratulate Ken on a well-deserved and hard earned retirement. Captain Campbell rose through the ranks after being hired in 1973, spending over two decades as Captain of Engine 1 on Group 1. Firefighters both on and off duty celebrated with Ken that morning before he left for the last time. He was truly a firefighter/officer that embodied everything you’d want and expect from a veteran. His knowledge, humility and ability to see and get the best out of those he commanded will be a great loss. He can certainly walk out knowing he’s left the department better than he found it. - Fire News photos by Kevin White
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ASI FIRE/RESCUE APPAREL ACQUIRES THE AWARD SHOPPE ASI Sportswear has acquired “The Award Shoppe,” originally located on Route 112 in Medford, NY. With 34 years of experience producing plaques, awards, and trophies, ASI sees the acquisition of “The Award Shoppe” as a perfect fit with its growing business. Award plaques are the perfect way to show appreciation to firefighters, EMS personnel, and others. Letting someone know their hard work is appreciated helps to build morale in the workplace and character and commitment in the individual. Trophies are also a great way to boost morale and encourage teamwork. We have a large selection of plaques, awards and trophies on display in our newly designed showroom. We can also custom design and manufacture an award or plaque to fit your needs. Our staff will be happy to assist you in selecting and engraving something special according to your vision, and the purpose of the recognition. All our trophies, plaques and medals will meet your event needs and be completed on time. For 35 years, ASI Fire/Rescue Apparel has been a proven leader in providing the highest quality of custom designed products for the fire service. Three years ago we introduced ASI Decals with great interest and success and we are ready to do the same with ASI Plaques/Trophies Feel free to stop by and visit our showroom or contact Ex-Chief Bob Kutch to arrange for an appointment to discuss your needs. We are located at 460 Waverly Ave., Patchogue, NY; 631-242-8400; www.asiwear.com.
ULTRA BRIGHT LIGHTZ 10TH ANNIVERSARY Ultra Bright Lightz is proud to announce we have just celebrated our 10-year anniversary! We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for sticking with us throughout the years for all of their emergency vehicle lighting needs. Our recent rapid sales growth has been our greatest accomplishment and we cannot wait to see where the future of our company takes us. We have transformed from a business ran by just the owner into a business with many employees in a 5,000square-foot warehouse.
It is humbling and rewarding to be able to provide jobs to our dedicated, knowledgeable staff and to soon provide many more jobs as we continue to grow. The warehouse we moved into just last year has allowed us to keep many lights in different color combinations in stock to get orders out as quickly as possible to our customers. It has also given us the space to have a showroom where customers can see all of our lights in action in order to make the right choice for their vehicle needs.
PHIL GERACE NAMED AS TFT’S NEW VP OF MARKETING
Following an exhaustive nationwide talent search, Philip Gerace, former KME Director of Sales and Marketing, has been named as Task Force Tips’ new Vice-President of Marketing, and will be based at the company’s worldwide headquarters in Valparaiso, Indiana. “This is one of those opportunities I couldn’t pass up, because TFT is a rare company that values its employees, takes great pride in the quality products it produces, and goes out of its way to serve those who serve,” Gerace explains. “In the business world, you often come across those who say one thing and end up doing another as they grow. That isn’t true of TFT; this is a homegrown company that has maintained and built on the values they’ve had ever since the day the company started.” Many in the industry know Gerace from his years of service on the Fire Apparatus Manufacturer’s Association (FAMA) Board of Directors, which culminated in his serving as its president in 2015. The Penn State alum’s professional credits, tied with 12 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, earned him invitations to write for
a variety of industry publications, including Fire Rescue 1, Fire Chief, International Firefighter and Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment. As with his earlier position at KME, Gerace sees himself first and foremost as a team member, “because if you’re part of the team, then you serve a critical role,” he explained. “A team can always develop more than an individual who is left by his or herself.” He added that TFT is unique in that its marketing department is “self-sufficient,” boasting everything from a state-of-the-art printing and banner production facilities, to having its own in-house staff of seasoned print, digital, and marketing professionals. “By not having to outsource, we have a better control over our quality, can customize projects for our dealers and customers, are better equipped to handle last minute changes, and in the end provide a sleek, professional product to serve those who serve,” he said. “We not only embrace change - we anticipate it and prepare for that point in time that it will inevitably surface.”
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FDIC Speaker David Woods
David Woods is a professor in the Integrated Systems Engineering Division of The Ohio State University. He has worked to improve systems safety in high-risk settings for more than 35 years. On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, from 1330 to1515, Woods will be presenting “Resiliencein-Action: Proactive Safety in a Changing World� in Room Sagamore 3-4-5. Failure is due to brittle systems, not human error. Systems operate successfully due to sources of resilience, usually hidden or underappreciated. Explaining accidents as due to an error by a person hides the operation of the systemic factors that create brittleness and undermine resilience. Breakdowns in learning lead organizations to miss signals that operations are becoming more brittle as relentless production pressure erodes the capabilities that provide resilience in the face of surprises. Learning about resilience-in-action highlights how people in various roles anticipate bottlenecks ahead, act to fill gaps, and are able to stretch system performance in the face of smaller and larger surprises. Analyses of dramatic failures of complex systems, such as the Columbia space shuttle accident, highlight this pattern and the need for proactive safety.