Fire News Ohio, April/May 2022

VOLUME 1, NO. 2

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving OHIO Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973 APRIL/MAY 2022

Story on page 8.

- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

New Chief for Uniontown See page 27.

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Fayette Assists Chesapeake Fayette Township crews assisted Chesapeake Fire on a residential fire in Chesapeake.

See story on page 12

2-Alarm Commercial Fire Newark Division of Fire, along with mutual aid, operated at a structure fire at Bummies Pub and Grub.

See story on pages 14 & 15

A Service for Ohio Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager

Bethel Car vs.

Motorcycle MVA Bethel Township crews responded to Folk Ream Road and New Carlisle Pike, for a car versus motorcycle MVA. See story on page 18

Confined Space Rescue Training Granville Township firefighters conducted confined space rescue training with West Licking and Monroe.

See story on page 20

Fayette FD Live Burn Recently,Fayette Township conducted a live-burn drill at a vacant structure on Ashley Court.

See story on page 22

Austintown’s, Western Reserve’s Bill O’Hara Maintaining the same career for 50 years is always an impressive feat, but 50 years in the fire service is nothing short of extraordinary.

See story on page 29

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 20-26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29

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Twelve Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: 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, April/May 2022

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Spring Has Sprung: Some Thoughts I would like to take a moment to ask everyone to remember Dennis Smith. Dennis Smith was a retired FDNY firefighter who wrote Report from Engine Co. 82 and was the founder of Firehouse Magazine, which went into publication in 1976. Firehouse Editor-inChief Peter Matthews said it best; “Dennis had the ability to share life-saving techniques to firefighters across the country and share the stories of firefighters around the world.”

He impacted the fire service with his writings and with his hands on experiences as Captain of Engine 82. Dennis served during the “War Years” of the 60s and 70s, which was the busiest time in the FDNY. His writings motivated me to serve the volunteer fire service for almost 30 years and to join the staff of Fire News, which was started in 1973.

Almost 50 years later Fire News continues to represent the fire service in a positive light.

May Dennis Smith be remembered for his love of the fire service and making it what it is today. Dennis died on January 21, 2022.

Moving along to spring 2022; what are you doing to improve your skills to be a better first responder? Recently, the NYSAFC held the Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo

at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. I had a smile on my face as I watched many of the attendees pack the seminar room to attend classes that were presented by many of the great names in the fire service. Thank you to those speakers, who spent time talking with our responders well after their classes were finished.

April is the month that our field training reopens at our county and state fire academies. Over the winter, most training facilities have been overhauled and set up to challenge firefighters with new evolutions to test the skills of firefighters throughout our country.

In my firehouse there is a list of the handson classes that responders must attend. The intense training is well received by most members. I encourage our chiefs to share their opinions of the evolution with the staff at the fire academy. Keep in mind that most academies will “tweak” an evolution to better serve a department that comes from a different locale. If you want to see a change in an evolution, discuss it at the firehouse kitchen and bring up your ideas at your town and county fire chiefs council where the suggestions will be brought back to the academy.

Change happens with positive discussions.

In closing, I remember the recent loss of too many firefighters over the past few months. Fire News tries to honor everyone in our newspaper. This cannot happen if departments do not have an active Public Information Officer, who makes sure that Fire News has photos and a write up about the individual who has passed. I have asked many times for departments to make sure their PIOs get the word out to Fire News of all activities they would like to see in your newspaper. Yes, Fire News is your newspaper and represents your department. Please make sure we are kept abreast of what is happening in your department. You can email us with questions. The masthead on page 3 of every edition has an email address, so you can contact the newspaper with questions.

Stay safe and continue to train as if your life depends on it!

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, April/May 2022

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CR 31 Structure Fire

On March 5, 2022, Fayette Township crews assisted Chesapeake Fire with a working structure fire in the 3300 block of County Road 31.

- Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Willoughby 3-Alarmer

Recently, Willoughby crews operated at a large fire on Ben Hur Avenue.

Multiple departments assisted on the scene. The fire went to three-alarms before it was brought under control. No injuries were reported.

- Photos courtesy of Willoughby FD

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 7

4 Injured in Propane Fire

Recently, the Madeira and Indian Hill Joint Fire District, along with area mutual-aid, responded to the scene of a propane fire with four injured workers. The medics triaged the injured as the first-in company put a line on the fire. Three workers were transported to Bethesda North by MIHJFD medic units along with Reading Medic 83. Thanks to LSFD, Montgomery, Sycamore, and Blue Ash for their assistance.

- Photos courtesy of Madeira & Indian JFD

Page 8, Fire News, April/May 2022

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Cover Story

Fayette & Chesapeake at House Fire

Recently, Fayette Township crews assisted Chesapeake Fire on a fully involved residential structure on Township Road 287 (Kimble Lane).

- Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Page 10, Fire News, April/May 2022

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Looking Back Union Town – 2021

On Father’s Day 2021 Uniontown firefighters battle a fully engulfed house fire.

The fire was investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s office and determined to be arson.

- Submitted by Denise Hostetler

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 11

Fayette Twp. Brush Fire

Fayette Township units on scene on US 52 eastbound, just east of the County Rd 144 intersection, on a small brush fire.

- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Burlington Gas Leak

Fayette Township units operated on the scene of a large gas leak in was controlled. The homes in the immediate area were contacted to the 200 block of Township Road, in Burlington, recently. Columbia allow the fire personnel on scene to scan the levels of gas inside the Gas responded to mitigate the leak. Crews setup for fire protection homes; no abnormal detection was present in the homes. and monitored the gas measurements in the area until the gas leak - Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Page 12, Fire News, April/May 2022

Fayette Assists Chesapeake

Fayette Township crews assisted Chesapeake Fire on a residential structure on 4th Avenue, in Chesapeake.

- Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Thorn Assists Licking

Thorn Township Fire Engine 291, Rescue 291 and Chief 290 assisted Licking Township recently at a residential structure fire. No injuries were reported.

- Photos courtesy of Thorn Township Fire & EMS

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Page 14, Fire News, April/May 2022

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2-Alarm Commercial Fire

Newark (OH) Division of Fire, along with area mutual aid, operated at a structure fire at Bummies Pub and Grub, on North Cedar Street. Crews arrived on scene and were met with smoke and fire conditions showing from the second floor of the structure. Crews immediately began suppression efforts, search/rescue, and the incident was upgraded to a second alarm. No occupants or civilians were found to be inside at the time firefighters were performing searches. Despite the aggressive tactics and extremely hard work by the crews, the fire spread to the void spaces in the building which ultimately resulted in devastating damage. Mutual aid came from City of Heath, Madison Township, Granville Township, Newton Township, Newark Township, Licking Township, RefugeeCanyon, Thorn Township, and West Licking Joint Fire District.

- Photos courtesy of Madison Township FD

Continued on next page.

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 15

2-Alarm Commercial Fire Continued from previous page.

Page 18, Fire News, April/May 2022

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Bethel Car vs.

MC MVA Bethel Township crews responded to Folk Ream Road and New Carlisle Pike, for a car versus motorcycle MVA. One patient was in stable condition and transported by Pike Township Medic 53 and one patient was transported by CareFlight in serious, but stable condition.

- Photo courtesy of Bethel Township FD

Gorham-Fayette Handles US 20 MVA The Gorham-Fayette Fire Department operated at an MVA on US Highway 20 and County Road 23 recently.

- Photo courtesy of Gorham-Fayette FD

CR 1 MVA Fayette Township Fire Department units on scene of a single-vehicle MVA in the 7200 block of County Road 1. Due to the vehicle, a large amount of debris and utility lines were on the roadway, and County Road 1 was closed in both directions.

- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Cleveland Metro Life Flight Cleveland Metro Life Flight helicopter in operation on February 26, 2022.

- Submitted by Jim McKeever

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 19

Madeira & Indian Hill Firefighters Firefighters from the Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District.

- Photo courtesy of Madeira & Indian Hill JFD

Uniontown Firefighters Firefighters from the Uniontown Fire Department.

- Submitted by Denise Hostetler

Page 20, Fire News, April/May 2022

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Confined Space Rescue Training

Recently, Granville Township firefighters conducted confined space rescue training with the West Licking Joint Fire District and Monroe Township Fire Department. Confined space rescue technicians and crews were challenged to use their skills to succeed in training where patient access and working areas were limited, which included wearing a SCBA in dangerous atmospheres.

Trainings are held multiple times a year to maintain proficiency.

- Photos courtesy of Granville Township FD

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 21

Portage FFs Train on Tanker 37

A gloomy, cold, blustery Monday are enough excuses to stay inside, right? Not for Chief Engineer Paul Striker and Acting Lieutenant Tom Gates, who spent the afternoon and into the evening training on new Tanker 37.

- Photo courtesy of Portage Fire District

Task Force Training

The Uniontown Fire Department Rescue Task Force training recently coordinated through their med control, Summa EMS. - Submitted by Denise Hostetler

Page 22, Fire News, April/May 2022

Fayette FD Live Burn

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Recently, the Fayette Township Fire Department conducted a live-burn drill at a vacant structure on Ashley Court.

- Photos courtesy of Fayette Township FD

Page 24, Fire News, April/May 2022

Madison Township Trains

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A crew from Madison Township Fire Department drilling on a window simulator set up in their truck bay.

- Photo courtesy of Madison Township FD

Hamilton Commercial Fire On February 6, 2022, Ross Township Engine 102 worked a commercial structure fire in the city of Hamilton.

- Photo courtesy of Ross Township FD

Page 26, Fire News, April/May 2022

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Glendale Trains

Glendale firefighters performed in-service training recently in the Village Square, working on deploying hoselines and area familiarization.

- Photos courtesy of Glendale FD

LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE LEADER KARL RISTOW TO RECEIVE NFFF GLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is recognizing Chief Karl Ristow, CFO, as the newest recipient of the organization’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award.

Chief Ristow, who currently serves as the Program Director for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) program at the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), is being recognized for his many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board Of Directors.

“Karl is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “His dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.”

Chief Ristow is second Chairman and National Coordinator for the NFFF Memorial Golf Tournaments program. In the five years that Chief Ristow has dedicated his time and energy, the tournaments have raised more than $1.7 million in support of the NFFF. Along with his wife, Barbara, Chief Ristow volunteers for the Hal Bruno bereavement camps for the children of fallen firefighters, serving as Big Buddies, Healing Circle Assistants, and Floaters.

The Ristow's are also members of the NFFF Giving Circle, a group comprised of the Foundation’s most generous financial donors.

Karl’s commitment to the fire and emergency service family is evident in both his accreditation work with the CPSE and his dedicated volunteering with the NFFF, shared CPSE Chief Executive Officer, Preet Bassi. “Both organizations are lucky to have him as

part of our teams.” Before joining CPSE, Chief Ristow served as Fire Chief for the St. John’s Fire District in South Carolina for 14 years and as a Resident Training Specialist for the South Carolina Fire Academy. Chief Ristow is a retired United States Air Force Fire Protection Supervisor. He holds a master’s degree in Management and Public Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and associate degrees in Fire Science and Instructor of Technology and Military Science. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, a Chief Fire Officer Designee through the Commission on Professional Credentialing, and a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE).

The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service. In 1969, Glatfelter created the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company of its kind to meet the insurance needs for firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its missions and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Chief Ristow will be presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on March 22, 2022 during the opening session of the CPSE Excellence Conference in Orlando, FL.

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 27

Uniontown New Chief Shaffer Sworn In

Swearing in of new Uniontown Fire Department’s fire Chief Derek Shaffer. He was sworn in on January 25, 2022.

- Submitted by Lt. Denise Hostetler

Madison Twp. Car Fire

Madison Township Engine 102 and Tanker 101 operated at a vehicle fire on Staddens Bridge Road with an exposure issue. Crews arrived to find one vehicle fully involved. An additional engine was

requested from Hanover Volunteer Fire Department due to the possibility fof the fire extending to the structure.

- Photos courtesy of Madison Township FD

Page 28, Fire News, April/May 2022

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East Holmes Annual Banquet

East Holmes Fire and EMS held their annual banquet recently at Carlisle Inn of Walnut Creek. With a dedicated force of 45 they were able to maintain handling all emergencies on a voluntary response, even though they broke the record with the highest number of emergency runs ever in any given year.

Runs: 241 Fire runs; 546 EMS runs; 787 Total runs.

2021 Firefighter of the Year: Lavon Wengerd.

2021 EMT of the Year: Michael Raber.

Years of service pins were awarded to: five years - Rachel Evans, Matthew Gingerich and Nate Miller; 10 years - Perry Beachy; 15 years - Lt. Allen Miller; 25 years - Lt. Bennie Miller, Lt. and Marvin Troyer, Jr.; Wayne Raber; 30 years - Chief John Schlabach; 40 years Gary Mellor.

- Photos courtesy of East Holmes Fire & EMS

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Fire News, April/May 2022, Page 29

Austintown’s, Western Reserve’s Bill O’Hara

Maintaining the same career for 50 years is always an impressive feat, but 50 years in a field as grueling and physical as the fire service is nothing short of extraordinary. Firefighter Bill O’Hara celebrated his half-century milestone in 2020, which was appropriate since the world was fighting the fire known as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bill’s story began as a teenager when he worked for his family’s ambulance service. At that time, he simply answered phones and dispatched ambulances. After high school, he was drafted into the Army where he remained for two years. In 1970, he was hired by the Austintown Township Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. It wasn’t until 1980 that Austintown brought on full-time firefighters and Bill began to move his way up the ladder. He worked as a Fire Inspector, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief.

Bill always had a love for educating the public on fire safety and has made that his mission throughout his whole career. Known as “Fireman Bill,” he has made his mark on several generations of Austintown residents because of his entertaining inschool fire safety presentations.

After retiring from Austintown in 2005, Fireman Bill made his way across town to the Western Reserve Joint Fire District and became the department’s first Fire Prevention Officer. In this role, he can educate a whole new community on the importance of fire safety. He gives presentations at schools and inside the fire stations, he participates in community events, and he’s even ventured into the online community by posting fire prevention videos on the department’s Facebook page.

With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Fireman Bill will continue to serve his community with his motto, “Fire Prevention is everyone’s job. Do you part.”

- Submitted by Cheri Metzinger

Page 30, Fire News, April/May 2022

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Gotham Fayette Honors Members

Recently, Chief Tom Franks had the pleasure of recognizing some members for their hard work and dedication to Gorham-Fayette Fire Department. Dick Vine 55 years, Dan Knierim 40 years, Chief Tom Franks 40 years (last year), Brad Knierim 15 years. Not pictured is Nicole Stiriz 10 years and Brian Riegsecker 25 years.

- Photos courtesy of Gotham-Fayette FD