Fire News Virginia, February/March 2021 edition

VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 2, NO. 1

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021

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- Fire News photo by VBFD Photographer Ray Smith

Recruit Academy 14 Turns Out 22 Probies See page 36.

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Norfolk Multi-Unit 2-Alarm Norfolk B Shift crews were met with very heavy smoke and a quickly-advancing fire in a multi-unit complex.

A Service for Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

See story on page 6

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

Ashland Residential Blaze Crews from the Ashland, Doswell, Montpelier, and Farrington Stations as well as the Ashcake Truck Company responded to a residential fire.

See story on page 8

24 Units Damaged in Virginia Beach 2-Alarmer Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to a multi-family apartment fire.

See story on page 12

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 BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2-Hour Fight on Nutbush Road Meherrin Fire and Rescue battled a structure fire on Nutbush Road.

See story on page 16

Mule Down, Little Fork VTLART Responds The Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team was dispatched to assist with a mule down.

See story on page 32

Garrett Dyer, Named Acting Executive Director of VDFP Garrett Dyer has been appointed as Acting Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

See story on page 35

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . pages 34 & 36 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 35 & 38

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Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, 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, February/March 2021

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are Photos Worth a Thousand Words?

I have been taking photographs at fires since 1964. I started taking photographs with an Olympus Pen EE film camera that my father gave to me. It was a great camera because it split a 35mm negative in half, doubling the capacity of photos I could take. I was very young at the time and really didn’t know what I was doing. On the other hand, I quickly learned that everyone loved the photos that came out of my camera. My new hobby stayed and grew as I ventured to more and more local fires. It was my way of becoming part of my father’s engine company in Ridgewood, Queens. It wasn’t long before I was a regular at FDNY Engine 291/Ladder 140. I always left my photos and negatives (ouch!) on the kitchen table for the members to enjoy and share amongst themselves.

I never cared about the content of the photographs. I cared about documenting the faces of my heroes. It wasn’t until I photographed a tragic fire where two children perished that I realized my photographs had worth. I documented a tragedy and saw a completely different attitude towards my

photographs. The firefighters actually studied the photographs and reviewed what happened. Gosh, I wish I still had those photos.

Photographs can tell us a lot about an incident. Recently, I captured a fire that was near my home. It was a bedroom fire in a home that had numerous pets in it. Another neighbor, who was a member of my department, made a successful attempt to save a few of the pets. With the help of the first arriving assistant chief and our EMS crew, several pets survived the ordeal.

It was interesting to see some of the Facebook comments relating to this fire. Yes, photographs are worth a thousand words. We must remember that there is a time lapse when analyzing a photograph. Video gives you a clearer understanding of what happened. There is no time-lapse looking at a single image. Example: You are walking along the beach and you see a sign that says, “No swimming!” A few feet away from you, you see a man drying off with his towel on the beach. Wow, can’t the guy read? The sign was very clear and to the point. As you continue your walk along the beach, you see a

shower on the beach. Uh oh, we now have a case for reasonable doubt. My point is that unless you are at the incident, a single photograph may not depict all of the circumstances behind the image.

Photographs and video are commonplace at emergency scenes. Cameras are all over the place and can be a helpful tool in analyzing situations that occur even when we are not around to visualize the incident firsthand. In my opinion, many of the concepts of utilizing media have not changed. We are still using media to analyze emergency situations to help us get a clearer picture of what actually happened.

Enjoy the photographs in Fire News, on our Facebook and Instagram social media pages, and on our website at FireNews.com.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, February/March 2021

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Norfolk Multi-Unit 2-Alarm

Recently, the Norfolk B Shift crews were met with very heavy smoke and a quickly-advancing fire in a multi-unit complex off Pecan Point Road in the Ingleside section of Norfolk. E10, E11, E14, E01, E04, L10, L14, M10, M11, R02, BC03, BC02, Car 4, Car 1, FM01, 02, 04 and 100 responded and began an interior attack, but within minutes, flames could be seen coming through the roof. As

the second alarm companies arrived, the crews then deployed their master streams with L 10 and L 14, and were able to effectively stop the spread of the fire to the adjacent units of the building. Once fire control was called at 2315, the Fire Marshal began their investigation. An estimated 10 to 16 units sustained damage, displacing several people.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue

Chesterfield New Year’s Eve Structure Fire Shortly before midnight on December 31, 2020, Chesterfield Fire and EMS units were dispatched to the 600 block of Queensway Road for a structure fire. Engine 220 arrived to find heavy fire coming from a shed in the backyard. A quick fire attack prevented exposures from becoming involved. In 2020, Chesterfield responded to 46,069 calls for service, the last one being this structure fire.

Engine 205 was the last unit to be dispatched to a call in 2020. Assigned were E220, E224, E220, T209, M220, BC203,BC204, TSO and E205.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Citizen and 3 FFs Injured in Residential Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to a residential fire in the 5000 block of Bay Circle that occurred shortly before 0100 on January 24, 2021. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0053 and the first unit arrived on scene in the Holly Acres neighborhood at 0104. Units found heavy smoke and flames showing from the two-story residence. The occupants were alerted by a smoke detector and had evacuated. An adult female received emergency medical assessment and treatment and was ground transported to a local hospital. Three firefighters sustained injuries due to a wall collapse. They also were ground transported to a local hospital. Responding units were Engines 2, 10, and 25; EMS- 1 and 2; Ladder 5; Medics 5, 9, and 10; Rescue 1, Safety 1, and Battalions 1 and 2. Two adults were displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

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Fire Destroys Refuse Truck Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews responded on November 24, 2020, to a fire in the 200 block of Jonathans Way involving a Suffolk Public Works refuse truck. Emergency Communications received the call at 1136 and the first units arrived at 1145 in the Applewood neighborhood. Upon arrival, firefighters found the refuse truck fully involved. Two passenger vehicles parked in a nearby driveway, as well as an adjacent residence, also sustained heat damage as a result of the fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire on site and the truck was transported to the regional landfill to offload the remaining debris, where crews ensured it was fully extinguished.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Fast Knock on Powhatan Commercial Fire Recently, Powhatan Fire Department responded to Maidens Road at the Moslow Wood Products building. The call was dispatched for a commercial structure fire.

Units arrived to heavy fire and heavy smoke.

They were able to get a fast knockdown on the fire. No one was injured and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

Vehicle Fire in Chesterfield

Recently, Chesterfield Engine 207 responded to Village Greene Drive for the report of a vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to fire coming from the engine compartment and charged one handline to extinguish the fire. Fire Marshals 2 and 1 also responded.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 7

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Chesterfield Apartment 2-Alarmer

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded after multiple calls were made from the 3200 block of Tanners Way for a structure fire in an occupied apartment building. Based on the information given while en route, BC-1 added Engine-3. Engine-2 arrived to find heavy fire coming from floors one through three on the Bravo/Charlie side of the structure. The officer of Engine 9 request-

ed a second alarm response. Fire crews made an aggressive fire attack and prevented further losses. Responding were Engines 202, 209, 224, 211, 203, 220, Truck 209, Truck 203, Truck 207, Medic 202, Medic 218, Battalion 201, Battalion 203, TSO, Chief 2, PED1, Fire Marshals 2, 5 and 6 and FM-K9.

- Fire News photos by Christian Davies and Carter Killorn

Ashland Residential Blaze

Recently, crews from the Ashland, Doswell, Montpelier, and Farrington Stations as well as the Ashcake Truck Company responded to a residential fire in Ashland.

Fortunately, all of the occupants made it safely out of the residence. Three adults and two dogs were displaced.

The Red Cross was notified, and responded to assist those displaced.

- Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire-EMS Department

Page 10, Fire News, February/March 2021

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4 Displaced at Norfolk Fire Companies from the 1st Battalion were on the scene in the Huntersville section of Norfolk recently. On arrival, they were met with heavy smoke and flames, and affected a rescue from a second-story window. E01, E02, E11, E06, E07, L01, L07, R01, M02, M01, B01 and B02 responded and remained on scene with FM01, FM12, and FM14 as they investigated. Four citizens were displaced.

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue

Stafford County House Fire On October 16, 2020, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to the 100 block of McCarty Road for a structure fire.

First arriving units reported smoke and fire from a two-story single-family residence. The only occupant evacuated prior to units’ arrival and there were no injuries reported. Crews experienced heavy fire conditions throughout the structure and the fire was brought under control in 35 minutes. SCFR was assisted by Fredericksburg and Quantico.

- Photo courtesy of Stafford County FR PIO

Quick Stop in Hopewell On the morning of December 26, 2021, a 911 call came into Hopewell Police Communications reporting a possible car fire. The call was quickly upgraded to a structure fire due to its proximity to a house. The caller reported hearing an explosion. Units arrived within four minutes of dispatch and reported a car fully involved, spreading to an attached carport. Quick actions by firefighters on scene stopped the fire from further spreading. The scene was brought under control with just tank water supplied from the engine company. Units on scene included Engine 1, Engine 2, Quint 1, Medic 1, Medic 2, Battalion 2 and FM2.

- Photo courtesy of Benjamin Gomes

Richmond Handles Brush Fire Richmond Fire Department responded on January 12, 2021, for a brush fire along the Powhite Parkway Bridge. BC2 advised E18 and T3 to go to Sunset Lane due to better access from there. This fire was difficult to access because it was right off the river. Engine 18 arrived at Setting Sun Lane and was able to get access. The fire was extinguished by E18 and T3 and the incident was placed under control. Assigned were BC2, E12, E18, SAFETY1, T3.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

Page 12, Fire News, February/March 2021

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24 Units Damaged in Virginia Beach 2-Alarmer

On December 27, 2020, around 1637, the Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to a multi-family apartment fire in the 1700 block of Yellow Knife Trail in the Indian Lakes Apartments. Engine 19 reported heavy fire showing on the first and second floors and upgraded the response to a second alarm. The fire was brought under control at 1716 and marked out at 1753. Ten of the 24 units involved suffered severe damage and 14 had moderate smoke and water damage. Sixteen units were uninhabitable. One civilian was transported to an area hospital with smoke inhalation. The Red Cross was assisting those displaced and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by VBFD photographer Ray Smith

Chesterfield HazMat Call Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS Engine 208 were dispatched to an alarm at the 6600 block of River Road. Upon arrival, they discovered a chemical-related incident in the basement. An immediate upgrade for a HazMat response was dispatched, adding HM15, HM2 and multiple other units. HM 215 operated a cleanup effort along with HM 202 and Engine 208’s crew.

Assignment: Engine 208, Hazmat 202, Hazmat 215, Battalion 202, Battalion 201, Safety 201 and Medic 202, Fire Marshal 206 and FM-K9.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Commercial Fire in Chesterfield Recently, Chesterfield Engine 205 was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm on the 14200 block of Midlothian Turnpike. They arrived to nothing showing but then found the sprinklers had activated and at least three other units had a haze of smoke in their interiors. E205 pulled a handline. Upon arrival of the fire assignment, Engine 20 and Medic 20 were set for RIC, Engine 4 and Truck 7 were operating on the bravo side exposure, Truck 9 assisted with ventilation, and Engine 16 assisted with gaining entry to the buildings involved. Battalions 3 and 4 held command along with the TSO for scene safety. Fire crews worked approximately 45 minutes to get the incident under control. At least four units in the strip mall were damaged. The fire marshal’s office was currently investigating the cause.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 13

Hopewell House Fire Hopewell Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the Mansion Hills neighborhood area on January 31, 2021. Chief 1 was en route and reported a column of smoke from the area. He arrived and reported a working structure fire with heavy fire coming out of a front bay window. Crews arrived within minutes of being dispatched and put a quick knockdown on the fire. The fire was contained to just the room of origin, but the house suffered extensive smoke damage. Residents of the house were assisted by neighbors and the Red Cross.

The Fire Marshal’s Office ruled it to be a faulty multi-plug surge protector.

Units on scene were Engine 1, Engine 2, Quint 1, Medic 1, Battalion 2, Chief 1, FM1, and FM2.

- Photo courtesy of Benjamin Gomes

New Year’s Day House Fire Shortly before 1700 on January 1, 2021, Chesterfield Fire crews were dispatched to the 2800 block of Anwell Drive for a structure fire. Engine 209 arrived to find smoke showing and went into the offensive fire attack, making a quick knockdown of fire in the living room. The caller advised that the fire started at the Christmas tree. This was the third working fire for Chesterfield in 24 hours.

Richmond Engine-125 and Battalion-102 were dispatched as auto aid. Assignment: E209, E204, E220, T209, M243, M220, BC203, BC201, TSO, E205, SC, E125, and BC102.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Page 14, Fire News, February/March 2021

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Albermarle Structure Fire

Albemarle County Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire on Hillsboro Lane.

- Submitted by Abbey Stumpf, Albermarle County FR

Fatality at Vienna House Fire In the early morning hours of January 12, 2021, Fairfax County Fire-Rescue units were dispatched for house fire in the 900 block of Lauren Lane Southeast, in Vienna. Units arrived to fire though the roof. Firefighters located one occupant deceased in the home. Fire investigators determined the fire to be accidental in nature, and was caused by smoking in bed.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Fire-Rescue

Quick Stop of Chimney Fire by Wintergreen Recently, the Wintergreen Fire Department responded to Blue Ridge Drive for a chimney fire. Engine 61 arrived to find flames coming from the chimney. Truck 61 arrived shortly after, both working to quickly extinguish the fire.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

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Deep Fryer Fire for Farmville

On January 25, 2021, the Farmville Fire Department was notified of a building on fire on Route 15 in the 1300 block in Buckingham.

Farmville Engine 1 and Tanker 1 were first on the scene. Units reported a single-story country store, with a storage building in the rear, connected by a breezeway. The fire was located in the breeze-

way. A deep-fryer was on fire and started to burn the rear wall of the store. Farmville Engine 1 used a 1-3/4 inch line with foam to knock down the fire. Crews also pulled the wall of the rear of the store to hose down the inner wall. Buckingham units assisted with overhaul.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel

2-Hour Fight on Nutbush Road Recently, Meherrin Volunteer Fire and Rescue battled a structure fire on the 5900 block of Nutbush Road. Crews arrived to find the structure well involved. All occupants made it out of the home safely. Crews battled the stubborn blaze for over two hours before it was placed under control.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel; photo courtesy of Sally Pyle

Residents Displaced

by House Fire Recently, Hopewell crews responded to a house fire on Courthouse Road.

The Red Cross responded to assist the displaced residents.

- Photo courtesy of Hopewell Fire-Rescue

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Family of 3 Displaced in Residential Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on February 12, 2021, to a residential structure fire in the 1900 block of Nansemond Parkway at about 2315. First arriving units found heavy flames and smoke showing from a pick-up truck parked in the driveway in front of a single-story brick residence, with fire extending into the residence. The occupants had evacuated prior to their arrival.

Three occupants were displaced, and were assisted by friends. There were no reported injuries.

Responding units included Battalion 1; Engines 1, 3, and 6; Ladders 3 and 6; Medic 3, Rescue 1, EMS-1, and Safety 1. The Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Large Brush Fire for Suffolk Crews

Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews responded to the scene of a large brush fire in the 7700 block of Crittenden Road on January 20, 2021. Emergency Communications was contacted at 1316 advising of a fire involving a large section of bulldozed trees and debris; first units arrived to the remote area at 1332. Multiple Suffolk Fire and Rescue units and tankers responded in addition to mutual aid provided by several neighboring jurisdictions. Additionally, crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry also responded. The remote location is surrounded by open land, and there was no danger of any impact to any residences in the area.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 17

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All Out at Farmville House Fire On December 1, 2020, around 0630, dispatch received a call for smoke coming out of the eaves of a single-story house on Race Street in Farmville. A passer-by called 911 and was banging on the homeowner’s door to alert the residents.

Farmville, Hampden-Sydney and Prospect were dispatched. Farmville Engine 1 confirmed all people were out and entered through the door on the A side. They pulled the ceiling to expose the attic crawl space and extinguished most of the fire. The TIC showed heat in the attic on the A/D side, and Hampden-Sydney put their ladder to the roof to vent on the back side of the roof. A handline was used to extinguish that area. The cause of the fire was electrical.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Gas Odor in Wintergreen Recently, the Wintergreen Fire Department responded to Clubhouse Drive at Devils Grill in the Wintergreen Resort for a gas leak. Callers stated that there was a strong odor of gas.

Engine 61 arrived and went into investigative mode and found a strong smell of gas coming from the basement. They then requested Truck 61 to bring a fan to the basement. The call was then handed over to resort maintenance.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

Out of Control Controlled Burn

Recently, Farmville and Hampden-Sydney firefighters responded for a structure fire after a controlled burn got out of hand and extended to a structure. The blaze badly gutted the structure and caused the roof to collapse. Crews were operating at the fire for nearly two hours before it was placed under control.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel

Page 22, Fire News, February/March 2021

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9 Displaced in Norfolk Fire

On December 14, 2020, Norfolk Fire and Rescue’s B shift crews worked a structure fire in the Denby Park area off Van Patten Road. Engines 13, 14 and 15, L09, R02, BC02, BC03, FM 12 and FM19 responded. On arrival, they found heavy smoke and fire, but were able to control the fire 25 minutes after the initial attack. Nine people were displaced, with one person treated for possible injuries.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue

Norfolk Hi-Rise Fire

Recently, Norfolk Fire-Rescue C shift companies responded for a two-alarm commercial high-rise fire on Main Street. Engines 01, 02, 06, 07, 08, 10 and 11, Ladders 01, 07, 08 and 10, R01, M01, M02, M08, M04, BC01, BC03, FMO and Car 1 and Car 5 responded to what initially came in as a fire alarm. First units found smoke on several floors, with sprinkler system activation, which proved effective in extinguishing the fire. Fire Marshals investigated as crews worked to remove smoke from the 14-story building.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue

Page 24, Fire News, February/March 2021

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Cover Story

Virginia Beach Townhouse Blaze

On December 25, 2020, around 1458, Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to a townhouse fire in the 5200 block of Settlers Park Drive in the Indian Lakes section of the city. Engine 19 reported heavy smoke and fire showing on the back side of the townhouse. Crews began an exterior fire attack and then transi-

tioned to an interior attack. The fire was brought under control at 1517 and marked out at 1556. There were no injuries reported. Two adults, two children and the family dog were able to escape safely.

The cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by VBFD Photographer Ray Smith

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 25

Page 26, Fire News, February/March 2021

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Fatality at Midlothian Tpke. MVA

Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the report of an MVA at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Old Otterdale Road around 1130 on December 9, 2020. Upon arrival of Ambulance 45, they discovered a pickup with heavy damage. Engine 5 arrived on scene shortly after and assumed command. Engine 5 discovered two patients, both critically injured. Ambulance 45 transported one

patient with an ALS provider from Engine 5, and Ambulance 4 transported another patient with ALS from Engine 4. The passenger passed away at the hospital, while the other was in critical condition. The crash was under investigation by Chesterfield County Police.

- Fire News photos by Christian Davies and Carter Killorn

Car into Water in Montpelier On December 18, 2020, Hanover crews from Montpelier Station 8, Rockville Station 9, Beaverdam Station 2, and Ashcake Truck Company 13 responded to an overturned and partially submerged vehicle in Montpelier. The driver was able to exit the vehicle, and water rescue personnel entered the water to search and confirm there were no other passengers.

- Photo courtesy of Hanover Fire-Rescue Department

Wintergreen Handles MVA, Fuel Leak Recently, the Wintergreen Fire Department responded to the Blue Ridge Parkway for an MVA. The caller stated that a semi-truck could not make the turn up the mountain and skidded out. Engine 61 arrived to find the truck heavily leaking fuel. Engine 61 quickly handled the fuel in the roadway and went back in service shortly after. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

Extrication at Norfolk MVA Norfolk Battalion 3 crews were able to successfully extricate a victim in the 4800 block of Denver Avenue recently. Engine 10, L14, M10, M14, R02 and BC03 were responding units. The pinned victim was extricated in under 20 minutes, and two patients were evaluated and transported to the hospital.

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue

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Annadale 2-Car MVA with Overturn Recently, Fairfax units from Stations 8 (Annandale), 22 (Springfield) and 26 (Edsall Road) were dispatched for a twovehicle MVA at Braddock and Backlick Roads in the Annandale area. Units arrived to find one car had flipped and driver was trapped. Crews worked quickly to extricate him and he was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Fire-Rescue

Single Vehicle Accident Causes Major Power Outage Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to a single-vehicle MVA on January 23, 2021, which caused a major power outage in the Saratoga neighborhood and Downtown area.

Emergency Communications was contacted at 1551 advising of the accident at Ashley Avenue and Wellons Street involving a pick-up. There were no injuries. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a power pole, leaving approximately 2000 customers without power. The affected roadways were closed for an extensive amount of time as repairs were made.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Cumberland Road MVA On January 21, 2021, units responded to an MVA on Route-45 in the 1900 block for a car in the ditch which had hit a tree. Cumberland Dispatch sent Randolph District VFD Engine 47, Car 4 and Cumberland Rescue Squad 1 to the call.

Randolph crews popped the door, and extricated the victim, who was then transported to the hospital.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 29

VA Department of Forestry Burn Law in Effect

A reminder to citizens that the Virginia Department of Forestry 4:00 p.m. Burn Law went into effect on February 15 and lasts through April 30, 2021. Open burning with a permit is allowed from 1600 to midnight only. The Virginia Department of Forestry Burn Law also applies to recreational fires. This is an effective tool in the prevention of forest fires. Debris burning continues to be the leading cause of forest fires in Virginia. This law prohibits burning before 1600. Winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels are on the increase after 1600, both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any other open air fire to escape control. Since forest fuels cure during the winter months, the danger of fire is higher in early spring than in summer when the forest and grasses are green with new growth. In addition to the criminal violations, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to other’s property. The 4:00 p.m. Burning Law is different from the burning bans, which are invoked only during periods of extreme fire danger. The “Summer Burn Ban” will be in effect May 1 through September 30, 2021.

Page 30, Fire News, February/March 2021

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Training

Farmville Hosts Training

Recently, the Farmville Fire Department hosted a training session at the Buckingham burn building. Approximately 50 firefighters from Farmville, Powhattan, Toga, Dillwyn and Buckingham County fire departments attended the drill. Multiple training stations were set up for crews, such as forcible entry, roof venting, search and more.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel

Water Training in Norfolk Recently, Norfolk Fire Rescue and Norfolk Police Department, along with the Harbor Patrol collaborated for some rescue and recovery training. Ladders 1, 7 and 14, R 01 and R 02 worked with the Norfolk Police Dive Team to hone their skills and prepare for a variety of water emergencies.

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue

Chesterfield Trains Chesterfield Engine Company 7 doing water flow training.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 31

Norfolk Trains with EMILY

Have you heard of EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard)? EMILY is a robotic and remote-controlled buoy which can be used to rescue stranded swimmers,

and is another great tool Norfolk FireRescue has in their “toolbox” when dealing with water rescues. NFR’s Station 13 crew held some training recently at Lake Modoc

to ensure proficiency with this new equipment.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue

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Mule Down, Little Fork VTLART Responds

On November 13, 2020, the Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team was dispatched to assist with a mule down in the Lakota area of the county. The owner had notified crews that she had been working with the 31-year-old “Bar-B-Que” and had been trying to get her up since she fell earlier that morning. Units arrived on the scene and met with the vet as well as Bar-B-Que. Crews decided to use a rescue glide to remove her from the barn and then use the farm tractor to lift her with the Becker sling. The vet was sure that if we could get her back on her hooves she would

stand. The crew pulled Bar-B-Que into a secured pasture adjacent to the barn. Once there, the Becker sling was attached and the tractor was placed into position. Crews used some flotation devices to pad the front of the tractor. Bar-B-Que was lifted without incident and was slowly lowered to where she could stand in the sling. She was a little wobbly, but managed to stay up. After awhile she was eventually lowered totally to the ground and then released.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team

Baby and Female River Rescue On the morning of January 11, 2021, a 911 call was placed to Hopewell Police Communications reporting a female with a baby in the Appomattox River in Hopewell.

Hopewell Police arrived and two detectives and a police officer entered the water without regard to their own safety and rescued the baby and initiated CPR. At the same time a call for service was entered for Hopewell Fire to respond as well. Quint 1 readied the fireboat along with FM1 and Training 1. The fireboat headed out into the Appomattox River, which was around 47 degrees, to locate the female. Fireboat 1 located the female in the river and navigated to her in about a foot of water. Crews on the boat pulled the female inside and head-

ed back to the marina. During this time crews on scene with the baby got the baby back and transported the baby to VCU Medical Center. The female was handed off to another medic unit at the marina for transport to John Randolph Medical Center for evaluation. Fire Chief Hunter stated, “I’ve never been more proud of what they’ve done because everybody did more than their share of it.” At the time this call came out, multiple executive command staff members from the Tri-Cities departments were at Hopewell Fire Station 1 filming a fire safety video. Hopewell Fire-Rescue would like to thank neighboring Colonial Heights Fire-EMS who sent over their brand new medic unit with a crew to assist

in staffing the city until crews could decompress and put themselves back into service.

- Photo courtesy of Benjamin Gomes

Page 34, Fire News, February/March 2021

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Up Close and Personal Suffolk Fire & Rescue Hosts Commencement and Badge Pinning The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department welcomed 10 new firefighters to their ranks following a Commencement and Badge Pinning Ceremony, on November 19, 2020, at King’s Fork High School’s auditorium. The event followed all Covid-19 safety guidelines and was live streamed with assistance of the Suffolk Media and Community Relations Department.

The graduates came from the Hampton Roads Recruit Fire Academy (HRFFA) Class 22, which was a joint academy between Suffolk Fire and Rescue, and Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. HRRFA Class 22 chose the name “Hot Shots,” and included 26 men and women who graduated following intensive State-Certified Basic Recruit Training combined with grueling physical training that began in November 2019.

Chief Michael Barakey of Suffolk Fire & Rescue noted to Class 22 that, “You are no longer Recruit Firefighters. You are firefighters. You are now in the rare company of being part of a profession that asks you to give of yourself above others. You will be asked to give of yourself so that others may live, because firefighters serve without hesitation and without judgement. To do this, you must be dedicated to the craft of firefighting. Dedication is what is important to your future in this noble profession.”

Class 22 members include the following individuals that have already reported to various fire stations across the City of Suffolk: David Gross (Station 3, C Shift); Austin Loudermilk (Station 6, A Shift); Wesley McCaw (Station 6, C Shift); Bryan Moore (Station 5, B Shift); Caitlyn Mounce (Station 3, A Shift); David Poulson (Station 1, C Shift); Matthew Terry (Station 1, B Shift); Bryce Thomasson (Station1, A Shift); Nicholas Walker (Station 5, C Shift); and Robert Young III (Station 1, A Shift).

Portsmouth Fire & Rescue graduates were: Eric Allen, Maureen Barbour, Joshua Berry, Cindy Bocanegra, Kyle Elmer, Jacob Evans, Caleb Freeman, Jonathan Glaser, Julian Jenkins, Bailey Lawhon, Trevor Lee, Charles McKenney, Bruce Mullen, Casey Raynor, John Silva and Nicolas Simmons.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Instructors included HRRFA Coordinator Lieutenant Rainey Dail, Fire Training HRRFA Lead Instructor Fire Training Officer Mary Riddick, Co-Lead Instructor Fire Medic Bryan Grasser, and HRRFA Staff Instructors Fire Medic Edward Tuck and Fire Medic Joe Jarman.

Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Instructors included HRRFA Director, Captain Ronnie Reeves, CoCoordinators Lieutenant Nikki Hatfield and Lieutenant Erin Virnelson, Firefighter Alphonso Griffin, Firefighter David English, and Firefighter Eric Combs.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Chesterfield Fire and EMS Truck 9A after a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

A Powhatan firefighter on scene of a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

While Probationary Fire Fighter Langston was in the Fire Academy, his grandfather and VBFD senior man of the fire department Master Firefighter Ernie Rollins was able to join in on the live burn portion of the academy.

- Fire News photo by VBFD Photographer Ray Smith

Virginia Beach Master Firefighter Ernie Rollins (left) is the most senior man in the Virginia Beach Fire Department with over 44 years of service to the citizens of Virginia Beach. The young man on the right is his grandson, Virginia Beach Probationary Firefighter Nathan Langston. PFF Langston happens to be the youngest firefighter in the VBFD! - Fire News photo by VBFD Captain Mike Rock

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 35

ATLANTIC EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACQUIRES FINLEY FIRE EQUIPMENT Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced today that Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc., has acquired Finley Fire Equipment Co. Inc., serving Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. The acquisition includes Finley Fire Equipment’s existing four service locations with plans to add five more in the next 12 to 24 months.

Atlantic has over 300 employees across 18 locations and supports seven states and the District of Columbia.

“For nearly 50 years, John Finley and his family have built an extraordinary legacy providing fire equipment and serving departments throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky,” said Joe Pack, President and CEO of Atlantic Emergency Solutions. “This expansion represents a new era for Atlantic and our growing family of sales and service professionals.”

John K. Finley established Finley Fire Equipment in 1972. His son, John W. Finley, took over as President and CEO in 1999. “I am grateful for the foundation my father created, and incredibly proud of the relationships and trust our team has established with our customers over the years,” said Finley.”

With Atlantic Emergency Solutions’ expansion, an immediate focus on additional sales and service support in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia includes:

• Strategic investments in additional locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia (locations will be at least 10,000 sq. ft. outfitted with modern electric lifts, tools, and diagnostic systems) • Recruitment initiatives for EVT, ASE, and Cummins-certified technicians.

• Full-time sales teams (Fire, EMS, and equipment) to actively support departments.

• A full-time team responsible for Pierce field stock units at customer locations.

Atlantic Emergency Solutions currently offers a multi-state service network, largescale parts inventory, and a knowledgeable team known for their dedication to aroundthe-clock roadside assistance. To support growing demand, the dealership is actively looking to increase their service network from 18 to 26 locations across their region.

“It has been an honor to partner with the Finley family and the Finley Fire Equipment team since they became a devoted Pierce dealer in 1974,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. (Pictured): Joe Pack of Atlantic Emergency Solutions and John Finley of Finley Fire Equipment shake hands.

To learn more about Atlantic Emergency Solutions territory expansion, visit www.atlanticemergency.com. For more information about Pierce’s expansive dealer network, visit www.piercemfg.com.

Garrett Dyer, Named Acting Executive Director of VDFP Garrett Dyer has been appointed by Governor Northam as Acting Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP). He was previously announced as the State Fire Marshal by Governor Northam in November 2019 and is the first African-American to serve in that role.

Dyer has previously served as chief of the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy, VDFP’s training branch specifically for fire services personnel who want to pursue careers in law and fire code enforcement.

He joined VDFP in 2018 with over 30 years of public safety experience. Dyer previously worked with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and was a member of Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team. As part of that team, he responded to several notable missions, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi, Kenya, the Pentagon during 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina.

Dyer holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland, and is a graduate of the paramedic program from George Washington University and the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.

- Submitted by Vanessa Copeland, MS

Page 36, Fire News, February/March 2021

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1 Displaced by Duplex Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews responded early on January 27, 2021, to a residential structure fire in the 6000 block of Green Ash Court. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0020 and the first units were on scene in the Wynnewood neighborhood at 0029.

A Suffolk Police unit in the area also responded and assisted in getting the occupants evacuated. Battalion Chief Charles Jolly advised that upon arrival smoke was showing from the roof of the singlestory duplex residence. The fire was confined to the kitchen and was ruled accidental. There was no working smoke detector in the resi-

dence. One adult female was displaced and was assisted by family.

The occupants of the adjoining duplex were alerted by a working smoke detector and had no fire damage. The fire was called under control at 0054. Responding units included Battalion 2 and Battalion 3; Engines 5, 10, and 25; Ladder 5; Medic 5, Rescue 1, Safety 1, and EMS -2. The Chesapeake Fire Department provided automatic aid with their Engine 12 and Ladder 12.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Up Close and Personal

Recruit Academy 14 Turns Out 22 Probies

On February 4, 2021, Stafford County Fire and Rescue graduated 22 probationary firefighters from Recruit Academy 14. The recruits completed 26 weeks of training.

- Submitted by Katie Caler Brady

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Fire News, February/March 2021, Page 37

Page 38, Fire News, February/March 2021

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SVI TRUCKS V-P OF SALES, BOB SORENSEN, ANNOUNCES JANUARY RETIREMENT; PROMOTES JOEL KONECKY TO V-P; ADDS ADAMS AS NEW WESTERN SALES MANAGER SVI Trucks is officially announcing the retirement of Bob Sorensen, the company’s Vice-President of Sales. After 35 years with SVI Trucks, one of the nation’s leading custom fire apparatus manufacturers, Sorensen will retire on January 27, 2021. Joel Konecky, currently SVI’s Western Regional Sales Manager, will be promoted to VP of Sales, and in anticipation of his move, SVI Trucks has hired Jay Adams to fulfill western sales.

ence but the exact same relationships to the table. And not only that, Ron Weinmeister will continue to oversee all truck sales and operations, so I fully believe the team is ready to take SVI to the next level.”

KONECKY’S PROMOTION

SORENSEN’S RETIREMENT

On January 27, Sorensen will not only celebrate his retirement, but his 35th anniversary with the company. Sorensen began working at SVI Trucks drawing rescue trucks, which became instrumental in custom truck sales. Eventually, Sorensen transitioned into a sales manager role, holding the VP Sales title for 25 years. In 2003, Sorensen became a joint owner of Super Vacuum Manufacturing, the parent company of SVI Trucks and the family owned and operated business. Sorensen will retain ownership duties in retirement.

“I will be forever grateful to Erv Weinmeister for providing me with the opportunity to work here,” Sorensen said.

“My family and I have been blessed to watch SVI Trucks grow, both in business and our dealer network. When I transitioned into sales, we were producing roughly 10 trucks a year, and we probably only had 10 dealers then. Now, we build 40 to 50 trucks a year, and we have 35 dealers. This growth is truly a testament to not only our apparatus line but to the many great relationships built over the last several decades. In the end, I feel confident knowing I will pass the torch onto Joel, who not only brings leadership and experi-

Joel Konecky joined SVI Trucks in April 2020, bringing 30 years of volunteer firefighting experience and 17 years of fire truck sales from Smeal Fire Apparatus and Spartan Motors to his original western regional role and now to the VP Sales role. Konecky also has a firm grasp on the internal workings of engineering, production, purchasing and overall, satisfied customers.

“When we hired Joel, we were excited because he brought a wealth of knowledge to SVI Trucks that is hard to match. Not only has he helped countless departments navigate the truck building process, but his drive to develop internal processes also struck a chord with us,” Sorensen said.

Konecky will make the full transition to the VP Sales role on January 27. Konecky can be reached via e-mail at joelk@svitrucks.com or via cell phone at 402-443-9659.

Meanwhile, in sales, Adams has represented multiple brands, including Ferrara and Seagrave, throughout the southeast. “I’m eager to work with Joel to expand the many great relationships he has in the western region,” Adams said. “But more than anything, I’m excited to represent the SVI Trucks brand. I’ve been a fan of this company for 20 years before I ever thought about working here. Not only is SVI the best truck manufacturer in the industry, but the company is family owned, and they care a lot about their employees and customers.”

Adams prides himself in his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt designation, championing for lean, high-quality manufacturing standards wherever he works. “Any process in a factory can be defined, measured, analyzed, implemented and controlled to create a standard that meets and exceeds the needs of the mission-critical industries we serve, and it’s also important to take the waste of material, time, engineering and effort to deliver on the timelines and budgets of our customers.”

Adams also sat on the Scott Safety advisory council, serving as the voice of the customer. “At SVI Trucks, I hope to continue to be the voice of my customers,” Adams said. Adams can be reached at jaya@svitrucks.com or via cell phone at 970-617-0984.

ADAMS’ SALES ADDITION

In anticipation for Sorensen’s retirement and Konecky’s promotion, SVI Trucks hired Jay Adams, who brings 25 years of firefighting experience and 12 years of fire apparatus sales to his new western sales role. A former firefighter with the Charlotte Fire Department with a Bachelor’s in Fire Science, Adams retired from the department in July of 2019 as acting Battalion Chief / Captain with expertise in extrication, technical rescue and live burn training.

To meet SVI Trucks full sales team, visit svitrucks.com/our-sales-team.