Serving Serving O HIO Fire, Rescue
Volume 5, No. 2
W W W.FIRENE WS .COM
Story on page 13. - Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Fire,Serving Rescue The Magazine EMS Fire, Rescue Serving && EMS Heroes &Fire, EMS Heroes Rescue Heroes Since Heroes 1973 Since 1996 &Since EMS 1973 October/November 2026
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Several Pets Lost in Cleveland Blaze Cleveland firefighters operated at a well-involved house fire on W.139, south of Lorain in Battalion 3. See story on page 4
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager
Akron Recycling Center Fire Akron Fire Department operated at a fire at Holub Recycling, on North Arlington Street. See story on page 8
BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, LYNN SEDLER Graphic Artists DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Interior and Exterior Fight on Edgar Ave. Dayton Fire crews operated in the 20 block of Edgar Avenue for a structural fire. See story on page 9
2 Fatalities at Commercial Building Fire & Explosion Toledo Fire & Rescue Department crews responded to a 911 call reporting a fire at a commercial building.
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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 10
Elevator Rescue Via Shaft Cleveland Division of Fire crews responded to Terminal Tower for an occupant trapped in an elevator. See story on page 18
Blue Mass on September 11 St. Timothy Church, in conjunction with the St. Timothy Knights of Columbus Council 14345, held its annual Blue Mass. See story on page 27
PLUS: Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 22-25 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30
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, October/November 2026
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Several Pets Lost in Cleveland Blaze
Cleveland firefighters operated at a well-involved house fire on W.139, south of Lorain in Battalion 3. One adult female self-evacuated from a second-floor window. She was transported by Cleveland EMS M38 to MetroHealth in stable condition. Unfortunately, two dogs and three cats died in the fire. - Photos courtesy CFD
Page 6, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Working House Fire in Warren City At 2100 hours on September 5, 2026, the Warren City Fire Department was notified of smoke in the area of Swallow Street SW and Parkman Road SW. The caller stated he had been smelling and seeing smoke for about 15 minutes but could not see any flames. Engine 6 responded. Upon arrival, the Engine 6 crew reported a working house fire on Union Street SW. Car 12, Rescue 1, Truck 1, and Engine 5 were dispatched. Once discovering the fire, the Engine 6 crew reported fire in the rear of the structure and immediately initiated an aggressive interior attack, quickly bringing the fire under control. A search was completed with no victims found. One firefighter was treated on scene for a mild burn to the wrist. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal. - Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Residential Fire on Ridge Road for American Fire American Township Fire Department B-Shift was dispatched to Ridge Road for a residential fire. Upon arrival, crews were met with thick smoke conditions on the second floor. Firefighters quickly located the fire behind a knee wall and were able to extinguish it. Crews remained on scene for approximately two hours. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy American Township FD
Page 8, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Akron Recycling Center Fire
Akron Fire Department operated at a fire at Holub Recycling, on rubbish. Dense smoke was seen for miles. North Arlington Street. The source of the fire was trash and other - Photos courtesy Akron FD
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 9
Interior and Exterior Fight at Edgar Ave. Wood Frame Dayton Fire crews operated in the 20 block of Edgar Avenue for a structural fire. Ladder 11 arrived to a 2-1/2 story wood-frame with heavy fire throughout the structure. Crews initiated a primary search in the rear. Crews went into defensive operations due to the heavy volume of fire, and the exposure houses were protected from the radiant heat. East DC Fasnacht was in command. - Photo courtesy Dayton Police & Fire
Truck Fire Stopped Before Getting Going Elyria Township firefighters responded to the Ohio Turnpike for reports of a commercial truck fire. Crews from Engine 117 extinguished a small fire below the trailer before it extended to the contents inside. No injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy Elyria Township FD
Page 10, Fire News, October/November 2026
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2 Fatalities at Commercial Building Fire & Explosion
Toledo Fire & Rescue Department crews responded to a 911 call reporting a fire at a commercial building. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames. An explosion had occurred prior to crews arrival. Due to the severity of the fire and the resources required, a second alarm was requested, bringing addi-
tional personnel and equipment to the scene. Crews worked continuously to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby businesses and structures. During on-going firefighting operations, crews located two victims. - Photos courtesy Toledo FR
Page 12, Fire News, October/November 2026
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1890s Vacant Church Fire Cleveland Fire Companies responded to a vacant church on fire at E.55 and Central in Battalion 2 just before 0200 hours. Arriving companies found fire coming through the roof in the rear of the building. A second alarm was struck bringing 14 companies and 60 firefighters to the scene. Loss was estimated at $500K though a stone structure built in the 1890s is irreplaceable. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy CFD
Fall Victim Medevac’d Madison Township Rescue 101, Medic 101, Medic 102, and Chief 100 responded to Marne Road, for a significant fall injury. The patient was medevac’d to Grant Medical Center. - Photo courtesy Madison Township FD
Up Close & Personal
Firefighters from Elyria Township Fire Department. - Photo courtesy ETFD
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 13
Cover Story
Fast Stop in Warren City
At approximately 0934 hours, the Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 2300 block of Risher Road SW for a reported structure fire. Car 2, Car 12, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 5 and Engine 6 responded. Downtown units arrived on scene and reported a working house fire with the occupant outside. Crews immediately pulled a hoseline and worked to extinguish the fire. Water was
reported on the fire within two minutes of arrival. The fire was knocked down within six minutes. A search was simultaneously completed with no victims found. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office. - Photos courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Page 14, Fire News, October/November 2026
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All Clear at High School Report of Odor
Columbus Fire Engine 7 responded to Metro High School on the atic search of the building, hazmat crews found no issues. There city’s north side for a report of a foreign odor. The school was evac- were no injuries, and students were allowed back into the building uated as a precaution, and the Columbus Fire hazmat team was shortly after the incident occurred. - Photos courtesy Columbus Division of Fire called to ensure there were no life-safety concerns. After a system-
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 15
All Out Safely at Toledo Residential Fire
On August 10, 2026 at 0700 hours, firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 3300 block of Maplewood Avenue. The caller reported that the house was heavily filled with smoke and extremely hot inside. The occupants were able to safely exit the home before firefighters arrived. Upon arrival, crews confirmed a working structure fire and immediately began attacking the fire
from both the interior and exterior of the home. During firefighting operations, crews discovered that the fire had extended into the attic. Firefighters continued an aggressive attack and were able to bring the fire under control before it could spread extensively throughout the home. The American Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced occupants. - Photos courtesy Toledo FR
Page 18, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Elevator Rescue Via Shaft
Not every elevator rescue is as simple as opening the doors. Late on a recent Thursday night into Friday morning, Cleveland Division of Fire crews responded to Terminal Tower for an occupant trapped in an elevator within a blind section of the elevator shaft. With no normal floor access to the elevator, Technical Rescue 1, with assistance
from the Tower 1 crew, conducted a rope-based pickoff rescue. A rescuer accessed and secured the occupant into the rescue system, and both were raised approximately five stories through the shaft and removed through the top of the elevator. - Photos courtesy Cleveland FD
Successful Rescues after Homeless Camps Swept Away
Columbus Fire crews, along with Madison Township Fire, Truro Township Fire and Columbus Police, responded to Blacklick Creek behind Gender Road after two homeless encampments were swept away by flood waters. Two people were rescued from the swift-moving water and transported to the hospital in stable condition. Two Columbus Police officers were also assisted from the water after
going in to help victims. A Columbus Fire drone and a Columbus Police helicopter were also used in the search. Originally, five people and a dog were thought to be missing. However, everyone, including the dog were accounted for. - Photos courtesy Columbus Division of Fire
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 19
Baby Bird Rescue
Madeira & Indian Hill Unit 2 crews were advised of a baby bird stuck in a sewer and were able to safely reunite the bird with its mother. - Photos courtesy MIHFD
Page 20, Fire News, October/November 2026
Kayaker Stranded on Lake Erie
Cleveland Fire crews responded to Euclid Beach for a water rescue after a kayaker fell into Lake Erie. The kayaker was able to make it to the rocks near the pier but became stranded as waves continued to crash over the area. Technical Rescue 1 launched a rapid deployment craft, reached the stranded kayaker and safely brought her back to shore through the crashing waves. Cleveland EMS and Cleveland Metroparks Police also responded. The kayaker was evaluated with no reported injuries. Conditions on Lake Erie can change quickly. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when kayaking or boating. - Photos courtesy CFD
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 21
Swift Water Rescue
Cleveland fire companies rescued a teenage boy from the branches of a partially submerged tree above Big Creek in the Metropark’s Brookside Reservation. Technical Rescue Squad 2 worked the shoreline while Technical Rescue Squad 1 entered the water with their rescue boat tethered to a rope system and brought the young
man to safety. He was evaluated by Cleveland EMS and released. Sudden heavy rains can create dangerous situations. Cleveland firefighters encourage everyone to not enter moving water or even standing water on flooded streets. - Photos courtesy Cleveland FD
Page 22, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Training
Newton, Thorn, Licking & Somerset Live Fire Training
Firefighters from Newtown Township, Thorn Township, Licking Township, and Somerset Fire participated in some live-fire training. Topics covered included flowing and moving, victim removal, and victim resuscitation. It’s always great to get together and train. - Photos courtesy Newton Township FD
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Training
Pleasant Twp. & Partners Practice Pool
Pleasant Township Fire Department had the opportunity to participate in a valuable pool rescue training alongside the dedicated lifeguards from Pleasantville Pool and our partners at Walnut Township Fire Department. Training like this strengthens the relationships between the agencies that serve our community, improves communication, and ensures that if an emergency happens, we can
work together seamlessly when every second counts. Water emergencies can be some of the most challenging incidents we respond to. A huge thank you to the Pleasantville Pool lifeguards for hosting and to Walnut Township Fire Department for joining us. - Photos courtesy Pleasant Township FD
Page 24, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Training
Walhonding Valley FFs Live Burn Training
Members of the Walhonding Valley Fire Department conducted a live fire training burn on June 20, 2026, sharpening their skills in realistic fire suppression scenarios. The day began with a safety briefing at the Walhonding Valley FD station. Firefighters then moved to a mobile home with additions on the A and C sides, located in the 21000 block of Bedford Township Road. Before any fires were set, participants received a thorough tour of the structure and were shown all emergency exits. For the exercise, small fires were ignited in one room at a time, using bales of hay and pallets. Firefighters worked in teams of three, entering the structure to locate and extinguish each fire. Safety personnel were positioned both inside and outside the home throughout the training. The training provided valuable hands-on experience in live-fire operations, helping prepare department members for real-world emergency responses. - Fire News photos by Jim McKeever
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 25
Training
Hinckley and Partners at Water Rescue Training
Hinckley Fire Department, alongside our surrounding fire departments and partner agencies, conducted water rescue training at Hinckley Lake. This training provided our crews with the opportunity to utilize our new rescue boat while strengthening coordination with our mutual aid partners. We would like to thank the following departments and agencies for their support and coordination:
Cleveland Metroparks Police and Dive Team; Hinckley Police Department; Medina County All Hazard Team; Brunswick Fire Department; Sharon Fire Department; Granger Fire Department; Medina Fire Department; Metro Life Flight; Cleveland Clinic; and Richfield Fire Department. Turtle Plastics provided lunch from Mission BBQ. - Photos courtesy Hinckley FD
Page 26, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Concord FF Teach Boy Scouts Concord Township firefighters had the opportunity recently to have Mill Creek Boy Scout Troop 284 come by their station. Firefighters taught Troop 284 fire safety, and the how to properly use a fire extinguisher. - Photo courtesy Concord Township FD
Pleasant Township FFs at Hot Dogs for Heroes Day A huge thank you to the Village of Pleasantville Pool staff for inviting Pleasant Township Fire to be part of Hot Dogs with Heroes. We had a wonderful time meeting so many families, talking about fire safety and spending time with our community. Events like these are a great reminder that building relationships outside of emergencies is just as important as responding when people need us. A special thank you as well for the tasty lunch and your incredible hospitality. We truly appreciate all the hard work that goes into organizing events like this. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve our community, and we look forward to seeing everyone again. - Photo courtesy Pleasant Township FD
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 27
Blue Mass on September 11
On September 11, 2026, St. Timothy Church, in conjunction with the their lives, their families and the courage shown by first responders and St. Timothy Knights of Columbus Council 14345, held its annual Blue everyday people who stepped up to help others. Mass, an opportunity for our community to come together in prayer and Thank you to St. Timothy Church, the St. Timothy Knights of honor active, retired and deceased first responders. Columbus, and everyone involved in this moving and important event. - Photos courtesy Columbus Division of Fire The Mass was also a chance to remember, pray for, and honor the 2,977 victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. We will never forget
Page 28, Fire News, October/November 2026
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THE NORTHWEST OHIO VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION (NOVFA) PROVIDES QUALITY TRAINING TO FIRST RESPONDERS FROM ACROSS THE MIDWEST Through realistic Hands-on-Training (HOT), Seminars, and Officers Development programs, our goal is to equip First Responders with life-saving tactics, tools for operational needs, and survival skills. To accomplish this, NOVFA brings together leaders in Fire/EMS training and education who pass on their knowledge while celebrating the traditions of the service. Our 2026 Regional Fire School was a great success, with over 750 attendees issued more than 1,000 CE credits, and over
40 vendors on campus. The 2027 Regional Fire School is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, at the Penta Career Center in Perrysburg, OH. This year, NOVFA is again collaborating with the Northwest Ohio HazMAT Conference and the Ohio Youth Fire & EMS Training Academy to provide specialized training. For more information, please visit the Fire School website at https://www.novfafireschool.org/ or follow us on Facebook.
FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR FIREFIGHTERS You Speak, We’re Listening: Finances Are Crucial To Your Health And Wellness By Ryan Fields-Spack – Associate Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T Imagine you’ve just been relieved from another grueling firehouse shift. vides a sense of accomplishment and control. 2. Eliminating debt: Getting and staying debt-free is central to true finanEighteen calls in 24 hours and almost no sleep. Driving home, your mind drifts from the controlled chaos of the engine to the stack of bills waiting for cial wellness. 3. Building an emergency fund: Handling life’s surprises without panic you. Mortgage payments, student loans, credit card debt—the financial worrequires a cash cushion. ries that refuse to take a backseat despite the lifesaving work you do. 4. Investing for the future: Build a In my 25 years of experience in emergency response, including 7 years with the FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), I’ve seen firsthand clear path toward retirement and how financial stress can impact the mental health and overall well-being of long-term goals. 5. Changing behavior: Knowing first responders. And in your responses to the 2026 “What Firefighters Want” survey, you were loud and clear: Firefighters want help with financial what to do isn’t the problem — doing it is. Real wellness starts with well-being. changing money habits. Why Financial Wellness Matters The SmartDollar program guides Financial stability is important to a good quality of life. But many firefighters face a unique challenge: the pride and satisfaction of doing their dream you step-by-step through each of these to financial stability. job can quickly give way to the realities of the work. In the past, we were expected to figure it out on our own. Things have You’ll learn how to stick to a changed now, and we know that by addressing these financial stressors, you budget, get out of debt, save can improve your mental health, job performance, and overall quality of life. for the future, and build wealth. When it comes to dealing with emergencies, As a result, FirstNet has partnered with Ramsey SmartDollar to pilot finan- firefighters love a good standard operating procedure. Well, this plan is for cial wellness programs specifically tailored to first responders. Created by you, for transforming your own—and your family’s—futures. FirstNet understands that your job is more than just a profession—it’s a Dave Ramsey, widely regarded as a financial literacy pioneer, these programs enable fire districts to provide practical tools and resources to help calling. And while we’re known for providing reliable communication durfirefighters manage finances, reduce debt, and build a secure financial ing emergencies, we also care deeply about your overall well-being. Taking care of your financial health is just as important as helping to make sure you future. have the connectivity you need when and where it matters most. Key Components of Financial Wellness Take control of your financial future and learn more about the SmartDollar Financial wellness boils down to a few core practices: 1. Creating a budget: It may not be easy or fun, but creating a budget pro- program.
CITY OF CHARLESTON FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC PUBLISHES CHILDREN’S BOOK WITH HIS MOTHER TO HONOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTER FATHER AND HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH LOSS Charleston Fire Department firefighter and paramedic Joseph Northup, alongside co-author Taunya Northup Mendenhall, has released a children’s book, Still My Hero, written to help young readers cope with the loss of a parent—especially within first responder and military families. Inspired by Northup’s own experience, his father, a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on April 1, 2004. The book is told through the eyes of a child navigating that loss, offering a perspective that is both honest and relatable. Still My Hero follows a young boy coping with the death of his father, a firefighter he viewed as his hero. Through simple, heartfelt language, the story helps children understand grief, express their emotions, and recognize that their connection to a lost parent never fades. “This book is for kids who are going through something they shouldn’t have to go through,” Northup said. “In the fire service and military, we understand the risks, but for the children left behind, the impact is lifelong. We wanted to create something that helps them feel understood and not alone.” Co-author and Joseph’s mother, Taunya Northup Mendenhall, brings decades of professional experience supporting victims and families through trauma, helping shape the book’s approach to grief in a way that is both compassionate and accessible for children. Designed as both a story and a resource, the book can be used by parents, caregivers, and counselors to help guide conversations about loss and healing. By presenting grief through a child’s perspective, Still My Hero creates
a safe and approachable way to talk about difficult emotions. The authors hope the book will reach families across the country and serve as a source of comfort for children facing the loss of a parent. Still My Hero is available on Amazon.com. For media inquiries, interviews, or appearances, please contact: Joseph Northup (859) 705-9813 About the Authors Joseph Northup II is a firefighter and paramedic with the Charleston Fire Department, currently assigned to Engine 113 as an Assistant Engineer. He is a member of the department’s Honor Guard Team, Peer Support Team, and Tactical EMS Team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Administration and a master’s degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. His father, also a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on April 1, 2004, in Kentucky. Taunya Northup Mendenhall holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work and Corrections. She served as a Victims Advocate for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2024. Her professional experience supporting individuals and families through trauma helped shape the compassionate and child-focused approach of Still My Hero. Together, they wrote Still My Hero to help children—especially those in first responder and military families—cope with the loss of a parent.
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Fire News, October/November 2026, Page 29
Bay to Brooklyn Stops in Akron
Bay to Brooklyn stopped by Akron Fire Department and spent some time with the A shift crew. Bay to Brooklyn is a cross-country memorial bicycle ride where first responders cycle over 3,000 miles from California to New York to honor the victims and heroes of September 11. The group of firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel ride to honor the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11, those who have passed away from post-9/11 illnesses, and fallen military members. The roughly six-week journey spans over 3,600 miles, starting in Santa Clara, California, on August 2, 2026, and heading toward Ground Zero and Brooklyn. What an awesome tribute, thank you Bay to Brooklyn riders! - Photos courtesy Akron FD
Page 30, Fire News, October/November 2026
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Last Day Celebration for Acting Fire Chief Wayne Naida
Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek stopped by Fire Station 1 with a proclamation for Wayne Naida who was retiring after 32-plus years. Many active and retired Cleveland firefighters also stopped in to congratulate Wayne and wish him well in retirement. Naida also received a retirement plaque listing his many assignments over the last 32-1/2 years. In brief remarks he thanked his wife, Mary Jo, and family for their love and support throughout his career: He said
what mattered most to him was making sure everyone went home safe after their shift. We thank him for his leadership, dedication, and example, wishing him a long, happy, and healthy retirement. While awaiting the appointment of Cleveland’s next Fire Chief the Division will be led by Acting Chief Vince DiTeodoro. - Photos courtesy Cleveland FD