Fire News Virginia, April/May edition

VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 2, NO. 1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

APRIL/MAY 2021

Story on page 10.

- Fire News photo by Hayden Lear

Send Your Photos to Fire News Please see page 29.

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

23 Displaced

by Norfolk Blaze Norfolk crews were called to the 1200 block for a two-alarm structure fire.

A Service for Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

See story on page 6

Problematic Flue Setup at Chimney Fire Hampden-Sydney Fire Department handled a chimney fire on March 14, 2021, on Lakeside Road.

See story on page 14

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

Nice Stop at Brush Fire On March 22, 2021, Little Fork Fire was dispatched for a brush fire off Waterford Road.

BARBARA CONNOLLY: Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ: Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES

See story on page 16

COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Rte. 260 MVA With Entrapment and Medevac The Farmville Fire Department, along with Prince Edward Rescue, responded to an MVA on the westbound portion of Route 460 See story on page 23

Water Rescue in Clarksville Clarksville, various other agencies, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary responded to a reported capsized vessel with two subjects in the water.

See story on page 24

Stafford County PeerSupport Canine, Larry Larry was trained by FR-K9 and will be a critical incident stress management resource for all personnel.

See story on page 33

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 28 & 30 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . pages 29 & 34 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 37 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 38

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 1 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com

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, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Can You Handle the Challenging Call?

This past month has presented the fire service with several calls that have challenged our first responders. The calls made me think about our new officers, firefighters and EMTs, who may find themselves involved with a serious call that they think they could handle. My question to you is, “Are you prepared to handle the challenging call?”

Recently, a cemetery worker in my area was killed as he was working in a trench and the sidewall of the trench collapsed, burying the worker in 18 inches of dirt. As the first arriving unit, what would you and your crew do?

Immediately, you should be thinking, “trench rescue.” Are you aware, trench walls can collapse in 1/10 of a second? When the walls collapse, the earth moves at approximately 40 mph. Guess what? You do not have a chance of getting out of its way. A single cubic foot of dirt weighs 100 pounds. A cubic yard weighs 3000 pounds. As firefighters, we must discipline ourselves to back off and wait for a technical rescue team to arrive to the scene. Sadly, the buried worker lost his life

and the scene quickly became a recovery effort.

This month, there was a serious propane incident on Long Island. Two workers were refilling propane cylinders when something went wrong. The two workers were seriously burned and needed to be quickly transported to a burn unit. On Long Island, we are very lucky to have two state-of-the-art burn units.

Nassau County has the Nassau University Medical Center and Suffolk County has the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Once you arrive on scene, would you know how to handle a seriously burned patient? I had one fire in my career that I still have thoughts about. It was one of those incidents that, when you close your eyes, you can visualize the patients uncontrollably shaking as their skin was falling off of their bodies. I was part of the ambulance crew that horrible night. Fortunately, our EMT was experienced and knew how to prepare the patient for transport to Stony Brook Medical Center.

Every year, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center holds a recognition

day. Several of the doctors talk about the newest equipment and innovations, the nurses of the unit are honored, and checks are presented to the unit from fundraisers held by our junior groups and various firematic organization. My advice to everyone — go to this event!

Finally, as firefighters, most of us feel confident that we can handle any job that comes our way. The truth is you may not be able to handle some calls as safely as you think. Please take the time to review the courses offered at your fire academy and enroll in Technical Rescue Courses and Rapid Intervention Classes. Take the time to investigate your Burn Center. Meet with the staff of well qualified personnel and ask questions on handing a serious burn victim.

Who knows, the person you save, could be a member of your own company.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

23 Displaced by Norfolk Blaze

Recently, Norfolk crews were called to the 1200 block for a two-alarm structure fire. On arrival, L13 found smoke and flames visible from the roof of the complex and immediately upgraded it to the second alarm response. E09, E12, E13, E14, E15, Navy15, L07, L09, L10, L13, R02, BC02, BC03, BC07, BC11, FC01, FC05, FC06 and the FM Group all played a part in the challenging job of stopping the fire from traveling both directions in the complex. Because it appeared to start towards one of the middle units, crews had to fight on both exposures. On shore breeze and access issues created more challenges.

After more than two hours of an aggressive attack, crews obtained fire control, and began the work of overhaul and cleanup. All 23 occupants of the complex were displaced. After hours of work, Norfolk members welcomed the rehab unit from City of Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue where they could grab a quick drink before heading back to work. A special thanks to Suffolk Fire Rescue for lending their Rehab unit, SCBA Air Ops trailer.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk Fire Rescue

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 9

One Call Handles 2 Fires in Chesterfield

On February 19, 2021, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to 10800 block of West Huguenot Road for a structure fire. Engine 4 arrived to a two-story, single-family dwelling with smoke showing and heavy fire conditions in an interior utility room. Engine 4 got a quick knockdown on the fire and the incident was soon placed under control. Soon after, the house next door appeared to have smoke coming from its attic. At that time Battalion 3 requested another structure fire assignment. Crews found fire on the back of the house and got another quick knockdown. Smokey conditions remained throughout the house and ventilation was used. Both fires seemed to be related and the cause was most likely electrical.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

Well, It IS the 21st Century On March 29, 2021, at approximately 0641, units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, the City of Alexandria Fire Department and the City of Fairfax Fire Department were dispatched for a building fire in the 7800 block of Heritage Drive in the Annandale area of Fairfax County. Units arrived to a single-story, strip shopping center with no smoke or fire visible. Upon looking through the glass door of the store, thick black smoke was noted with the door being warm to the touch. Crews made entry and quickly extinguished the fire, which was contained to the store, though there were smoke conditions in adjoining stores. The owner was alerted to the fire through his security alarm system, and used his cellphone to access the security camera and discovered the fire. The security monitoring company reported the fire. Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started on the sales floor.

The fire was caused by an electrical event in a power strip.

- Photo courtesy of Faifax Fire Rescue & Xavier Halloun

Interior Gas Leak

On February 15, 2021, around 1850, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 1100 block of Old Hundred Road for an interior gas leak. Engine 5 arrived to a single-story, wood frame, ranch, with high levels of carbon monoxide and cyanide within the residence. Four occupants were evacuated. Engine 5 then requested fans for ventilation from Truck 7. All units cleared within two hours.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

Page 10, Fire News, April/May 2021

Cover Story

3-Alarm Church Fire

Recently, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 2700 block of Hull Street Road for a reported structure fire.

While en route, Engine 13 noticed heavy smoke from a short distance away. Engine 13 then arrived to find a church with heavy smoke coming from all sides. Crews entered the structure to find heavy fire throughout the interior. Shortly after Battalion 3 arrived and declared a second alarm. Battalion 3 then requested a third alarmfor manpower. The incident was placed under control in about two hours.

- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

Four Displaced at Residential Structure Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the scene of a residential structure fire on February 17, 2021, in the 2500 block of East Washington Street. Emergency Communications was contacted at 1618 advising of the incident at the Wilson Pines Apartments, and the first units arrived on scene at 1624. Battalion Chief Demetri Wilson advised that upon arrival light smoke was showing from a second-floor unit. The fire was contained to the kitchen and marked under control at 1628. Four occupants were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross. Responding units included Battalion 1, Engines 1, 2, 3 and 4, Ladders 3 and 6, EMS-1, Medic 3, Rescue 1, and Safety 1.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

FireNews.com

Page 12, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Cumberland, Randolph Handle House Fire

A fire call came in at 0107 on March 22, 2021, for a house fire in the 800 block of Stoney Point Road. All occupants were reported out. The Cumberland Fire Department was first due, and initiated an interior attack, with the help of Randolph District Fire. Units were able to quickly knock down the fire in the living room and attic space. Crews remained on scene and preformed extensive overhaul.

- Submitted by Dan Pempel; photo courtesy of Noah Green

Quick Work in Chesterfield Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 3100 block of Holridge Street. The caller stated there were flames coming from the oven and the fire was spreading to the walls.

Engine 2 arrived on scene to a single-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling with heavy smoke showing from the alpha side. Engine 2 made an offensive attack and units quickly knocked the fire down.

- Fire News photo by Caretr Killorn and Hayden Lear

1 Displaced in Vinton Fire Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded at about 0600 on March 21, 2021, to the 200 block of Cedar Avenue, in the Town of Vinton, for a residential fire. Firstarriving crews from Station 2 (Vinton) found heavy fire and smoke showing from the rear of a twostory house, occupied by one adult who was able to evacuate without injury. The fire was knocked down in about one hour and the occupant displaced. We appreciate the help of Roanoke Fire and EMS on this call. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal's Office was investigating and will provide a damage estimate.

- Fire News photo by Brian Clingenpeel

Page 14, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Buckingham Barn-Field Fire

The Buckingham County Fire Department received a call for a barn, fully involved, and field on fire. Dillwyn Fire, Toga Fire, Buckingham State Forestry and Randolph District Fire were dispatched. Upon their arrival the barn had fallen in and Forestry took

care of the field and woods. The fire units hosed down the remains of the barn, which had tractors and other farm equipment in it.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Chimney Fire Cleared in Farmville

Farmville crews responded to a chimney fire on Route 15, north of town on March 23, 2021. Farmville Truck 1 and Engine 1, and a Prospect tanker responded. The chimney was found to be blocked up, and crews cleared the blockage and put out the chimney fire.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Problematic Flue Setup at Chimney Fire

Hampden-Sydney Fire Department handled a chimney fire on March 14, 2021, on Lakeside Road, about four-miles south of the Hampden-Sydney fire house. They were aided by Meherrin and Farmville due to the large amount of smoke in the house when the call came in. Crews dropped a four-inch supply line. The chimney had three flue pipes connecting to the main chimney causing problems getting to the fire.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 15

Suffolk Responds to Balcony Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on March 28, 2021, to a commercial structure fire in the 1400 block of Bridgeport Way. Emergency Communications was contacted at 1944 and the first unit arrived on scene at 1949 at the Acqua Apartments. Units arrived to smoking embers on the outside balcony of a fourth-floor corner apartment and were able to quickly knock down the fire. There were no evacuations and no injuries. The fire was called under control at 2002. The cause of the fire was determined to be carelessly discarded smoking materials.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Busy Red Flag Watch Day On March 11, 2021, Chesterfield was under a red flag fire watch, due to high winds and dry conditions. Chesterfield Fire and EMS were very busy running brush fires throughout the day. Engine 4 responded to the 10400 block of Midlothian Turnpike for a brush fire at 1420. Engine 4 arrived to a small, active brush fire in the mulch and knocked down the fire and placed the incident under control.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

Page 16, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

2 Displaced in Hollins Area Blaze

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded at about 1945 on March 26, 2021, to the 8500 block of Summer View Drive, in the Hollins area, for a residential structure fire. First-arriving crews from Station 5 (Hollins,) found fire and smoke showing from the front corner of a single-story home. Two adults residing in the home

were able to escape unharmed. The fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes after arrival of first units. The two occupants were displaced and stayed with neighbors. Thanks to Roanoke Fire and EMS for their assistance. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating. - Fire News photos by Brian Clingenpeel

Nice Stop at Brush Fire On March 22, 2021, Little Fork Fire was dispatched for a brush fire off Waterford Road. Arriving units found a fire that had jumped a cleared area from a two-day old controlled burn. Units quickly deployed with hoselines and brush rakes and began to create a fire line with rakes, until they reached a pond and other natural fire breaks. The fire was declared under control within 20 minutes of arrival. The Division of Forestry was requested. Forestry crews widened the fire line and then backfired the line. Seven volunteers responded with Brush 9, Wagon 9 and Ambulance 9-1. We thank them -- along with the other five volunteers who stood by at the station and then helped with cleaning the equipment and apparatus.

- Photo courtesy of Little Fork Fire Rescue

Burning Leaves Gets Out of Control On April 2, 2021, the Powhatan Fire Department responded to Mountain View Drive for a brush fire. A caller advised they were burning leaves and the fire got out of control. Upon arrival, units found a half-acre brush fire with exposures. At this time multiple units self-added per on-scene report. Units were able to get a quick knockdown on the fire and put it under control.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Three Displaced in Chatham Residential Fire Residential Structure Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the scene of a residential structure fire on March 8, 2021, in the 100 block of Deborah Drive.

Chief Michael Barakey advised that upon arrival at the two-story residence, heavy smoke was showing from the exterior and there was heavy fire damage to the garage and home. The occupants had evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters. Three persons were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross.

Firefighters were able to rescue a dog and a cat from the residence, however, two cats and one dog remained unaccounted for. Suffolk Animal Care also responded to provide assistance. Responding units included Battalions 1 and 2; Engines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6; Ladder 6; EMS-1; Medic 6; Rescue 1; Safety 1; Car 1, and FM-5. The Fire Marshal's Office was investigating the cause of the fire.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Engines from Chatham (Station 21), Blair’s Fire (Station 34), Greta Fire (Station 22), Climax Fire (Station 32), Chatham Rescue (Squad 12) and Tower 21 from Chatham responded to a fully involved residential structure on Hurt Street on January 13, 2021.

The first-arriving engine connected to a hydrant nearby. There were no injuries.

- Fire News photo by Donald Motley,Chief

Page 22, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

All OK in Log Truck Overturn

On April 4, 2021, the Powhatan Fire Department responded to the 1400 block of Schroeder Road for an overturned vehicle. A caller advised a log truck had rolled over and everyone was out. The sheriff’s office arrived requested fire units continue their response due

to fluid leaks, and possible stabilization issues. Fire and rescue crews dealt with all fuel leaks and stabilization issues.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear

Overturned Tractor Trailer Closes Suffolk Bypass On March 8, 2021, Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded to an MVA involving an overturned tractor trailer that completely closed the exit to the Southwest Suffolk Bypass to 58 West. Emergency Communications was contacted at approximately 1150 advising of the accident involving a fully-loaded

Vehicle Versus Commercial Building MVA Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Suffolk Police responded to the scene of a vehicle versus a commercial building MVA on March 29, 2021.

The accident occurred in the 1100 block of North Main Street at The Shoe Department store. The single-occupant vehicle was in the parking lot when it struck the building. No injuries were reported.

Suffolk Planning and Community Development Department building officials responded to confirm the structural integrity of the building.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

tractor trailer now on its roof that lost its load of huge rolls of rubberized, non-hazardous materials, with several rolls striking and damaging an SUV, as well as a passenger vehicle. The cause of the accident was under investigation.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 23

Rte. 260 MVA with Entrapment and Medevac

Recently, the Farmville Fire Department, along with Prince Edward Rescue, responded to an MVA on the westbound portion of Route 460, just east of the Farmville exit. The report from dispatch said a driver was trapped. Crews worked to extricate the trapped driver from the vehicle. Crews from Prospect Fire Department also responded and setup an LZ for the VCU helicopter from Richmond, to airlift the patient.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Page 24, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Water Rescue in Clarksville

On April 1, 2021, Clarksville, South Hill, Lake Gaston Fire, Mecklenburg Lifesaving Squad, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary responded to Buoy 18 on Kerr Lake in Clarksville for a reported capsized vessel with two subjects in the water. Boat rescue teams deployed from Occoneechee State Park and South Hill Boat 7 and VDGIF located a capsized 14-foot Jon boat with one subject clinging to the boat. Rescue teams successfully rescued one subject and he was taken to shore to be evaluated by EMS. The other subject was able to swim to safety prior to rescuers arrival.

Weather conditions played a huge factor in the rescue, with winds constant at around 25 to 30 mph, rough waters, and frigid temperatures.

- Fire News photos by Zach Currin

Elevator Entrapment Call On March 22, 2021, the Richmond Fire Department, responded to the 1000 block of East Byrd Street for an elevator entrapment. Engine 8 and Battalion 1 investigated. Engine 8 and Truck 2 quickly determined that everyone was out of the elevator upon arrival.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 25

HazMat Call in Richmond On March 22, 2021, around 1440, Richmond Fire Department responded to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for a hazmat call. The caller reported that an employee opened a envelope and a significant amount of white powder came out. Upon arrival Battalion Chief 1 upgraded the call to a working incident. The Henrico HazMat Team was requested to the scene. Two patients were reported being exposed to the powder, one of whom was reported to have passed out.

Richmond Ambulance Association transported the patient to a nearby hospital. The incident was marked under control at 1658.

- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear

Page 26, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Training

Hopewell Hosts Controlled Burn

On February 26, 2020, around 1900, Hopewell Fire and Rescue hosted a controlled burn training at the 4100 block of Oaklawn Boulevard. Units removed hazardous materials from the building, and a sweep was conducted, to ensure no occupants were inside

prior to the drill. Multiple other agencies participated in this drill including Prince George County, the City of Colonial Heights, and Fort Lee. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

Page 28, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Training

New Tiller for Richmond Recently, firefighters from the Richmond Fire Department trained on their new tiller truck. The new tiller will go into service as Truck Company 3.

- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

FF I Burn in Fauquier Co.

Stafford Volunteer Fire Academy 01-21 Firefighter I burn in Fauquier County on April 3, 2021.

- Fire News photos by Katie C. Brady

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 29

Up Close and Personal

A Richmond firefighter from Engine 17 on scene of a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear

A battalion chief from the Richmond Fire Department on the scene of a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

Page 30, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Training

Powhatan, Huguenot Train

Recently, Powhatan and Huguenot firefighters trained on Engine and Rescue 702.

- Fire News photos by Carter Killorn and Hayden Lear

Water Supply Training

Recently, Stafford County firefighters trained with Water Thieves, who conducted a rural water supply course.

- Fire News photos by Katie Caler Brady

Page 32, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Provides In-Home Vaccinations for Meals on Wheels Clients Through collaborative efforts between Suffolk Fire and Rescue, Suffolk Meals on Wheels, and Bayview Physicians Group, 23 excited home-bound seniors in Suffolk received their COVID-19 vaccinations on March 24, 2021. Delivering “more than a meal,” Suffolk Fire and Rescue paramedics visited the seniors in their homes and administered the vaccine which was provided by the Bayview Physicians Group. Crews will also be going back to administer the scheduled second doses. Speaking of the project, Deputy Chief Brian Spicer, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Technical Services, stated, “This was an extremely heartwarming experience. Honestly, I don't know who benefitted more, as our staff was

overwhelmed with the gratitude expressed by these seniors. We enjoyed spending this special time with them, particularly since many are homebound and miss social interaction.”

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Suffolk Fire & Rescue Honors Officer, Firefighter, and Paramedic of the Year

The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department strongly believes in recognizing its own when they are found to be deserving of accolades. Fire Chief Michael J. Barakey recently proudly announced the following well-deserved honors: Officer of the Year: Captain Leon A. Ratliff, Jr. Captain Leon (‘Bubba’) Ratliff joined Suffolk Fire and Rescue in 1998, after previously serving as a Suffolk Police Officer from 1996 to 1998. In addition to Captain Ratliff’s responsibilities as the Department’s Training Captain, he has also directed 11 Recruit Academies, including a Joint Academy with Portsmouth Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Further, he works towards bringing National Fire Academy and Virginia Department of Fire Programs training courses to the department, and is assigned to managing the PPE for operations personnel and the city during this unprecedented pandemic.

Captain Ratliff’s priorities and mindset have always focused on the men and women that he serves, along with the community that he is sworn to protect.

Paramedic of the Year: Amy Dunn-Brown Firefighter/Medic II Amy Dunn-Brown began her career with Suffolk Fire and Rescue in 2011. She assists with training other ALS providers to maintain their certifications, demonstrates confidence and compassion when treating patients, and displays a positive attitude. She

coordinated the Department's MDA “Fill the Boot” campaign for two years, assisted with Project Lifesaver clients, and is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support instructor, Handtevy Instructor, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support instructor. She is a leader in her field, earning respect for her clinical knowledge, compassionate care, and sound, ethical decision-making.

Firefighter of the Year: Lucas D. Weaver Master Firefighter Lucas Weaver joined Suffolk Fire and Rescue in 2001. He completed his Associates of Occupational Safety and Health degree and became the Chairman of the Department’s Health and Safety Committee in 2015. He also is a member of the Technical Rescue Team and has attained Technician Level. Firefighter Weaver received the Department’s Medal of Merit for his work with the Health and Safety Committee and the implementation of a cancer prevention initiative. He continues to make great strides in improving health and wellness in the Department.

Chief Barakey reflected on all of the award winners, saying, “I am honored to acknowledge the many accomplishments of these award recipients, as they are true examples of the quality of public servants present within our entire organization. Their commitment to saving lives and protecting property is unparalleled. I couldn’t be more proud of these amazing individuals.”

- Submitted by Tim Kelley PIO

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 33

Stafford County Peer-Support Canine, Larry

His handler is Technician Jeff Stocker. Larry was trained by FRK9, which is based in Stafford County. He will be a critical incident

stress management resource for all personnel.

- Fire News photos by Katie C. Brady

Page 34, Fire News, April/May 2021

Virginia Patches

Evergreen Volunteer Fire & Rescue - Prince William Count y, Virginia

Richmond, Virgina - Bureau of Fire

Up Close and Personal

Huguenot Volunteer Firefighter Christian Davies.

- Fire News photo by Carter Killorn & Hayden Lear

FireNews.com

Rockhill Volunteer Fire Department - Engine Company 8 - Ruby, Virginia

Have Your Department or Company Patch featured in Fire News Email Bryan@FireNews.com

Page 36, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

Looking Back Fort Lee Emergency Services Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services was founded in 1917 during World War I. It was originally known as Camp Lee. During the many years of growth, reductions and expansion the fire department has been in some sort of operation for over 100 years. Shown in the photo: Fort Lee Firefighters stand in front of the engine outside Station 5, in December 1918.

- Courtesy Fort Lee Fire & Emergency Services

Fairfax Fire Department Fairfax Fire Department operating at the Saint Rita Church fire circa 1970 - Photo courtesy of Fairfax Fire Rescue

FireNews.com

Fire News, April/May 2021, Page 37

Page 38, Fire News, April/May 2021

FireNews.com

CHANGE OF DATE: FDIC INTERNATIONAL RE-SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 2 TO 7, 2021 The upcoming FDIC International, scheduled to take place on August 19-24, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium will now take place August 2-7, 2021.

Recently the Indiana Convention Center presented us with the opportunity to move FDIC International two weeks earlier. After speaking to many of our community members and partners over the past few days, we agreed the move is appropriate. Moving FDIC International to August 2-7, 2021, means: • More hotels will be available (no other events will be in town at the same time), as opposed to limited hotels available during the previous dates. We are working to open our hotel blocks as quickly as possible and will notify you with more details ASAP. • All of FDIC’s conference and keynotes will take place in their historical locations.

Moving allowed us access to our full space at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The previous dates would have forced us to use neighboring hotels for our program.

• FDIC International will be back to our traditional day pattern/schedule: • Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions & Pre-Conference Workshops: Monday, August 2 - Tuesday, August 3, 2021 • Conference Classroom Sessions: Wednesday, August 4 - Friday, August 6, 2021 • Exhibition Halls and Outdoor Demonstration Areas: Thursday, August 5 - Saturday, August 7, 2021

• This move gives us greater flexibility and less time pressure for Move In/Move Out saving exhibitors overtime labor costs. Move in schedules will become available April 12.

This decision, like the others we’ve made in the past year, was not an easy one. We continue to prioritize your experience, and that includes the health and safety of each person joining us at the event.

We will continue to monitor and comply with state and local health department COVID-19 guidelines. This situation will remain fluid and more information and updates can always be found on our website.

With respect to our obligations to each other under the contract for the Event (the “Contract”), kindly note the following: • the change of date is made pursuant to clause 26 (Cancellation or Changes to Event) to re-schedule the dates of the Event, as referenced above; and • by way of reassurance, pursuant to clause 27 (Consequences of Variation) your booking for the Event under the Contract remains unaffected and continues to apply to the new dates of the Event.

Should you have any queries about the re-scheduled dates, please contact your account manager for more information.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at FDIC@clarionevents.com.

FDSOA ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL APPARATUS CONFERENCE FOR 2021 The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) in cooperation with Darley and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), is pleased to announce the dates of the 2021 Virtual Fire Apparatus Conference. On May 18 and 19, 2021, 1100 to 1500 EST, the only conference dedicated to providing a better understanding to emergency vehicle technicians of fire apparatus and ambulances will be held virtually for the first time.

Presentations will be given from leading apparatus and equipment manufacturers to help emergency vehicle technicians stay on top of trends and industry changes despite the restrictions on travel and department budgets.

Vendor sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Eric Valliere, chairman of the FDSOA board of directors said, “Our team has spent countless hours developing a program that will bring you the most relevant and authentic training.”

Registration for the online conference is $50. To take advantage of this opportunity, please visit www.fdsoa.org.

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. FDSOA works to helps fire departments achieve proficiency and promote the recognition of training, skills and a secure future. In May 2016, FDSOA won the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its work over 28 years, “as an organization fully dedicated to the health and safety of the nation’s firefighters.”

FDSOA can be found on the web at www.fdsoa.org. Please follow FDSOA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.