Fire News Virginia, April/May 2020 edition

VIRGINIA VOLUME 1, NO. 2

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 APRIL/MAY 2020

Story on page 11.

- Submitted by Katie Caler

Helpful COVID-19 Information Please see pages 4 & 30

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

Never Mind!

Recently, Richmond fire units were dispatched to West Grace Street for a commercial structure fire.

See story on page 6

Quick Knockdown in Chesterfield Chesterfield Fire and EMS units were dispatched for a residential fire on Buckingham Station Drive.

See story on page 10

Adapt and Overcome Adapt and overcome are words synonymous with fire departments. The current COVID-19 situation is no different.

See story on page 14

Doin’ it All in Bridgewater During the first quarter of 2020 Bridgewater Fire responded to a large number of different calls.

See story on page 20

A Service for Virginia 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, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2020 Virginia Fire Rescue Conference See our Fire News photo coverage.

See story on page 26

Bedford Fire & Rescue Honored The Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue was recognized during the 2020 Virginia Fire Chief’s Association Meeting.

See story on page 28

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Eight Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia and Pennsylvania 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.

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4

Help Wanted

Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . pages 18,19 and 24

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For more info contact: Tim Edwards tim@firenews.com

Page 4, Fire News, April/May 2020

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Wear Your Mask!

On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the WHO (World Health Organization). This is the first pandemic known to be caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, namely COVID 19. As this disease took hold of the world, our fire rescue and emergency services were faced with educating and setting up protocols for dealing with the disease. Thanks to our doctors, research organizations and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and County EMS and FRES organizations, guidelines were set up for handling patients that were suspected of having COVID 19.

I am very proud of how our first responders have been involved with this pandemic from the “get go” and set up recommendations for all departments to follow. Their daily updates on the disease have kept anyone involved with patient care informed about the progress of the disease. They have updated you around the clock with recommendations, who to call if you have problems, patient testing and personal safety.

Guidelines for patient care and transport were sent to everyone. Not only have guidelines been set for our EMS providers, guidelines were set for general fire alarm response. How should you respond? Where should you sit on the rig? What should you do when you return to

quarters? These are a few of the questions that were addressed by FRES. According to the CDC, people 65 and over account for 80 percent of the deaths from COVID 19. Agencies should strongly consider not having members in that age group respond.

Fire Police should not respond unless requested by the IC. Departments should consider relaxing LOSAP requirements. Members should not worry about consequences to their quota or LOSAP credit. Limit the number of vehicles that respond and the number of personnel that may be exposed to people or premises on the alarm. Keep ambulance crews staffed with a minimum crew. If more members are needed, request additional personal. Check with your county EMS and fire rescue and emergency services for recommendations.

I recently listened to a Webinar about the “mask debate.” The Zoom (a means of holding group meetings over the Internet) presentation was excellent. (My compliments to Suffolk County FRES and Northwell Health EMS on providing in-depth knowledge on how this disease spreads.)

In general, there is no debate. Wear your mask! Whether it is a N95 mask or a common surgical mask, wear it properly. What should you do if you do not have a mask? I am sure you have seen the creative and designer masks

people are making at home. Yes, these homemade masks help. What you want to do is to understand how COVID 19 spreads. You must keep your distance and to prevent aerosol or airborne droplets from coming in contact with your face, wear the mask. Droplets of this disease can spread through handshaking, sneezing and exhalation. It is important that the patient dons a mask. A simple sneeze can spread 40,000 particles at 100m/second. Each sneeze can contain millions of viral particles.

In closing, I remind you that I am no expert on the spread of COVID 19. However, I highly recommend that you speak with the doctors and your county EMS and FRES officials. To all responders; Thank You For Your Service!

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, April/May 2020

On April 2, 2020, Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to a commercial structure fire at the SPSA Waste Solutions Regional Landfill located on Bob Foeller Drive. Emergency Communications was contacted by a security guard at the facility at 1919 advising of the fire and the first units arrived on scene at 1929. Chief Michael

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Suffolk Commercial Fire

Barakey advised that, upon arrival, crews found heavy fire showing through the roof of the operations building which includes administrative offices and a maintenance facility. Heavy equipment located within the maintenance facility were also fully involved.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Never Mind!

Recently, Richmond fire units were dispatched to West Grace Street for a commercial structure fire. Upon arrival and further investigation, units advised of negative fire and reported finding an HVAC malfunction.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Harrisonburg Blaze Recently, Harrisonburg firefighters responded to a structure fire.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the blaze was under investigation.

- Submitted by Katie Caler

Suffolk Responds to Kitchen Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on February 27, 2020, to a commercial structure fire in the 1000 block of Nansemond Parkway. Emergency Communications was contacted at 1738 and the first unit arrived at the Heritage Acres Apartments at 1745.

Battalion Chief William Kessinger advised that first arriving fire units found a two-story apartment building with light smoke show-

ing from a downstairs apartment. Crews entered the apartment building and found a small fire in the kitchen area in one of the apartments. The fire was extinguished and contained to the kitchen area. No injuries were reported.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

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Woodstock Assists Edinburg at Chimney Fire At approximately 0330 on March 14, 2020, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched to assist Edinburg Volunteer Fire Company with a chimney fire on Coffman Road west of Edinburg.

Raphine Tractor-Trailer Fire On March 17, 2020, the Raphine Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to a tractor-trailer fire. Crews were able to contain the fire to the cab portion of the vehicle only. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Chelsea Brooks

Wagon and Truck 12 responded and assisted with roof operations.

There was limited damage to the structure. A total of 11 WFD members answered the alarm.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Page 8, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Abandoned Home Fire in Chesterfield Shortly before midnight on March 23, 2020, Chesterfield units received a call for smoke and flames visible from an abandoned two-story, singlefamily dwelling in the 14000 block of Midlothian Turnpike. Engine 5 arrived to heavy smoke and flames visible. Battalion Chief 3 took command. Units were on the scene for approximately three hours.

The Chesterfield County Fire Marshal’s office investigated the cause.

Engine Company 15 covered Station 5 and Engine Company 2 responded to Station 4.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Suffolk Landfill Fire On March 5, 2020, Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews responded to a fire at the John C. Holland Enterprises Landfill in the 4800 block of Nansemond Parkway. Fire Chief Mike Barakey advised that upon arrival crews determined the fire involved a six-story pile of trash material burning in an area of approximately 100 x 100 yards. An excavator from the landfill assisted firefighters to move material on the cap to allow fire streams to penetrate the pile of debris. No injuries were reported. Responding units were Engines 6 and 10, Tankers 1 and 9, and Brush Truck 1.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Page 10, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Chesterfield Kitchen Fire On March 20, 2020, Chesterfield units were dispatched to the 3900 Block of Old Creek Road for a structure fire. Engine 9 was first on the scene and discovered an active kitchen fire. Units were on scene for a little over an hour, as crews made the knockdown. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Quick Knockdown in Chesterfield On February 10, 2020, Chesterfield Fire and EMS units were dispatched for a residential structure fire on Buckingham Station Drive. Units arrived to what appeared to be a small exterior balcony fire. Thanks to a quick knockdown from the A-Shift the fire was stopped.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Suffolk Kitchen Fire On March 25, 2020, Suffolk Fire and Rescue crews responded to a residential structure fire in the 900 block of Virginia Avenue in the Lakeside neighborhood. Battalion Chief Chuck Knight advised that, upon arrival, crews found light smoke showing from a two-story residence. The occupants had evacuated prior to their arrival. The fire was contained to the kitchen, however, the rest of the home sustained smoke damage. No injuries were reported.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Suffolk Responds to Residential Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the scene of a residential structure fire on March 7, 2020, in the 500 block of Brook Avenue in the Saratoga Neighborhood.

Battalion Chief Demitri Wilson arrived to heavy fire showing from the front and rear of the home and both residents out. Following emergency medical assessment and treatment by Suffolk Fire and Rescue, one resident of the home was transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. Responding units included Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, EMS 1, Fire Marshal 7, Ladder 3, Medic 1, Rescue 1 and Safety 1.

- Submitted by Tim Kelley

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Cover Story

Commercial Collapse in Harrisonburg

Recently, Harrisonburg firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire. The blaze completely gutted the structure, causing several sides to collapse. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Submitted by Katie Caler

Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 11

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North County Kitchen Fire Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded at about 1310 on March 24, 2020, to the 6200 block of Darby Road, located in the North County area, for a commercial structure fire. First arriving crews from Station 1 (North County) and Station 5 (Hollins) found heavy smoke coming from the front of a two-story duplex apartment and flames showing from the rear. There were two adults and two children inside at the time of the fire, but all occupants made it out safely and were displaced. The occupants of an adjacent apartment also evacuated safely. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. The Roanoke County Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled that the fire was accidental and originated in the area of the stove. The fire was contained to the kitchen, causing significant heat and smoke damage to the kitchen and smoke damage to the remainder of the apartment.

- Fire News photo by Brian Clingenpeel

Long Job at Chesterfield Brush Fire Recently, Chesterfield Engine 16 was dispatched to Mt. Hermon Road for a brush fire. Upon arrival of Engine 16, crews discovered a fast advancing brush fire in the back of a residence.

Engine 16 requested additional units, which were on scene for approximately four hours putting the fire out and hitting hotspots.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Nice Stop in Richmond Recently, Richmond fire crews were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Detroit Avenue. Units arrived to find heavy fire showing from all sides of the structure. Crews made an aggressive attack and quickly knocked down the blaze. Responding units were Engine 11, Engine 5, Engine 16, Engine 6, Truck 3, Truck 2, Safety 2 & REHAB 1. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 13

Fairfax MVA

Recently, Fairfax County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to an MVA involving multiple vehicles on the westbound portion of Braddock Road, just prior to Shirley Gate Road. First-due units arrived to find all occupants were self-extricated. One driver was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Fairfax Fire Rescue

Extrication at Chesterfield MVA

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS units were dispatched to an MVA with reported overturn on Old Buckingham Road in Midlothian. Upon arrival, the crew of Engine 5 advised of entrapment. Battalion 3 and TSO were added to the alarm. Chesterfield Police responded and assisted with traffic control. One patient was extricated and then transported by Medic 45 to VCA medical center for injuries.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Negative Entrapment in Chesterfield

Recently, Chesterfield Engine 5 and Ambulance 45 responded to a n MVA at Midlohian Turnpike and Winterfield Road. Shortly after, Truck 9, Battalion 3 and TSO were added to the incident for a reported possible trapped victim. Upon arrival units advised of negative entrapment. All injuries were minor.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Page 14, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Adapt and Overcome Harrisonburg Trains

Adapt and overcome are words synonymous with fire departments. The current COVID-19 situation is no different.

The main job of the fire chief and senior staff is putting systems in place to keep department members safe and prepared for emergencies and future needs. We are fortunate in Hampton to have leaders doing that.

These leadership initiatives have become even more important during the pandemic.

As COVID-19 began to impact areas, we already had several plans in place to help mitigate the risks to our members.

One of the most significant was the procurement of commercial electrostatic sprayers and medical grade disinfectant. The sprayer and disinfectant are used on the interior surfaces of all fire apparatus and medic units. This process does not supersede or replace normal decontamination and cleaning. However, if a patient with COVID-19 symptoms is transported, the additional decontamination measures are taken. At a minimum, all units are decontaminated weekly using the sprayer and disinfectant. This adaptation offers an additional level of protection to our members along with proper PPE usage.

We continue to be dedicated in planning for the future. Hampton Roads Fire Academy 26 (HRFA)

began prior to the start of the pandemic. The instructors implemented solutions to the orders on social distancing and gatherings of more than 10. The academy is practicing social distancing during physical training, as well as during class with three separate classrooms, live video conferencing for lectures and visual resources. As firefighters, we stand united in serving the needs of our communities and sharing our innovations to help each other adapt and overcome. Stay safe. Follow us on Facebook at “Hampton Fire” and Twitter at “Hampton VA Fire.”

- Submitted by Battalion Chief Anthony Chittum

Harrisonburg firefighters at a recent training.

- Submitted by Katie Caler

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 15

Page 18, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Looking Back

Harrisonburg Apartment Blaze

On March 28, 2019, Harrisonburg firefighters battled a massive tional manpower due to exposure threats. The blaze caused approxstructure fire at an apartment complex in the Hills at the South imately $1.5 million dollars in damages. No injuries were reported.

View complex on Lois Lane. The fire went to five alarms for addi- Submitted by Katie Caler

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 19

Looking Back

Iconic Martinsville Theater Burns

Martinsville firefighters, along with mustual aid crews, battled a stubborn blaze at the Rives Theatre on Sunday, September 8, 2019.

The theatre has been an icon in the city since 1928.

- Submitted by Tim Jamison

Page 20, Fire News, April/May 2020

Doin’ it All in Bridgewater

During the first quarter of 2020 Bridgewater Fire responded to a large number of emergencies. These calls for service covered a broad spectrum of emergency service types as experienced in today’s fire and EMS service.

In January a serious accident on Interstate 81 involving multiple trac-

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tor-trailers, and a car fire threatening a structure. In March, an LZ for Air Care 5, and a bank barn fire in our second due area. Bridgewater Fire responds to our communities needs with a compliment of fire apparatus staffed by 12 career staff and over 20 active volunteers.

- Submitted by Josh Shank

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 21

Staying Busy in Danville

- Submitted by Steven Williamson

Page 22, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Prince George County Fire & EMS

Rescue 2, one of Prince George County’s two primary rescue pieces being utilized in training on extrication operations.

Prince George County units arrived on scene to find a fully involved recreational vehicle with pressurized fuel engulfing two of the three lanes of Interstate 95.

Interdepartmental structural firefighting training exercise among three of the Prince George County’s five volunteer companies.

Truck 1, the original and one of Prince George County’s three aerial apparatus, engaged in an aerial attack on a structure fire in 2015.

Prince George Fire and EMS teaching proper placement of AED pads and handsonly CPR course for some of the local high school students.

Truck 5, one of Prince George County’s three current aerial apparatus, training alongside Hopewell Fire with instruction from Richmond Firefighter B. Lewis on ladder operations during their 2020 Fire Academy.

Earliest Members of Company 1, Prince George’s Fire and EMS first volunteer fire department which began in 1957, with their 1962 Ford F750 John Beam pump engine.

Crews battling a car fire.

Pressurized fuel training held at a neighboring training center with the Prince George County 2019 academy. This allows firefighters to learn the tactics of containing and extinguishing fire from pressurized fuel sources in a controlled environment.

Truck 5, one of Prince George County’s three current aerial apparatus, training alongside Hopewell Fire with instruction from Richmond Firefighter B. Lewis on ladder operations during their 2020 Fire Academy.

- Submitted by Daniel Thompson; photos by Laura Burton

Page 24, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Looking Back

Horse Rescue in Crozet

On November 25, 2019, Crozet, Albemarle County Fire Rescue, North Garden and Western Albemarle Rescue Squad responded for a horse that had fallen into a sinkhole on Heather Crest Place in Crozet.

Crozet Assistant Chief Will Schmertzler called in reinforcements including vets from Blue Ridge Equine, as well as the specialized services of the Little Fork Technical Large Animal Rescue Team of Rixeyville, and had crews on scene prepare the location for the arrival of the Little Fork team, gathering blankets, wood for shoring up the hole and assisting the vets from Blue Ridge Equine to keep Cheyenne, a 16year-old paint mare, calm. Doug Monaco, Chief of the Little Fork team, after some discussion with the vet, the mare could be sedated while rigging was secured around her to lift her out. A nearby excavator was

brought in to use that to lift the mare.

After several attempts from above the hole, rigging was finally secured around the mare and in a slow, deliberate manner Cheyenne was lifted out of the watery pit, and onto solid ground again. She was very cold and still partially sedated. Members from Crozet, North Garden, Ivy Fire Rescue, ACFR and Western Albemarle Rescue Squad participated in this unique call, but it was the folks from the Little Fork Technical Large Animal Rescue Team that really made the difference.

- Submitted by Firefighter Justin Ide, Crozet VFD with the help of reporting from the Crozet Gazette

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 25

Up Close & Personal

A firefighter from the Harrisonburg Fire Department.

- Submitted by Katie Caler

Firefighters from the Danville Fire Department.

- Submitted by Steven Williamson

Chesterfield fire chiefs brief at a command post during a recent structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Christian Davies

Roanoke County firefighters at a kitchen fire on Darby Road.

- Fire News photo by Brian Clingenpeel

Page 26, Fire News, April/May 2020

2020 Virginia Fire Rescue Conference

- Submitted by Lorna Trent

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 27

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Partners with Library to Make Face Shield Parts Due to the COVID-19 pandemic response, there is an increasing demand and nationwide shortages of PPE for first responders.

Knowing firsthand of these shortages, Captain Ray Willet, with the EMS Bureau of Suffolk Fire and Rescue (SFR), recalled that the Suffolk Library had a 3D printer. Captain Willett approached Library Director Clint Rudy and Library Manager Kendra Hawkins with the concept of 3D printing face shield headbands. Library staff printed the part that goes around the head and on the bottom of the shield. Captain Willet handled the face shield

part by using laminator sheets and the strap on the back by using hook-and-loop. As a result, the concept became reality. The goal was to create 200 face shields to get ahead of usage demands.

Captain Willet noted, “I’m thankful that Clint and Kendra were able to step up and help us out with this idea. Clint told me that they are now purchasing more printers to use for this project.” The 3D printers are a fantastic component of the Library’s ‘maker movement,’ and a wonderful community resource.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

Tasley New Station Almost Ready

The Tasley Volunteer Fire Company in Accomack County is putting the final touches on their new station that will be located along Route 13. Left is their original station built in the 1920s.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C.Sharpe

Page 28, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Bedford Fire & Rescue Honored

The Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue was recognized during the 2020 Virginia Fire Chief’s Association Meeting and Virginia Fire Rescue Conference with the Governor’s Fire Service Awards for Excellence in Community Risk Reduction.

The department created an interactive assemblystyle program that educated 3,852 pre-K thru fourth graders. The development of the program was based around the NFPA’s theme of “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape.” It included teaching points on fire safety, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, escape plans, safe meeting places, and fire drills.

With the help of the various fire stations throughout the county, the program also covered firefighter equipment and familiarization, including what a child might see firefighters wearing during an emergency. The children were also given a tour of their local station’s fire apparatus and had the opportunity to ask questions about fire safety. The program is a successful collaborative partnership between the department, local fire

companies, and the Bedford County Public School System.

The fire prevention program in Bedford County has had positive results over the years and is under constant review to find ways to better engage with students. The fire safety and prevention programs are designed by Firefighter Giles Hoback, Community Outreach and Recruiting, and managed by Deputy Chief Janet Blankenship, Deputy Chief of Administration. Dr. Karen Woodford, Chief Learning Officer of Bedford County Public Schools, submitted the nomination because she found value in the program and wanted to see the department get some recognition. The department is already starting to make tentative plans for the next year's presentation.

Questions about the programs offered through the department, including community risk reduction initiatives, can be directed to the Chief of the Department, Jack Jones, at 540-587-0700.

- Submitted by Giles Hoback III

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Fire News, April/May 2020, Page 29

Camp LIT Camp LIT (Leadership, Integrity, Trailblazer) is an allgirls fire camp for girls ages 13 to 16 who want to learn about the fire service. The camp is conducted by the Harrisonburg Fire Department in conjunction with Rockingham County Fire and Rescue.

- Submitted by Katie Caler

Suffolk Accepting Donations of PPE

Firefighters in Fire Trucks Getting Ice Cream

Suffolk’s first responders are reaching out to their community and local businesses for their assistance in donating unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support them in their COVID-19 pandemic response.

While they have been especially creative in seeking ways to increase their supplies (see page 27), the need is becoming even more urgent as a shortage of PPE equipment exists across the entire nation.

Donations of any quantity of the following items are encouraged, preferably commercial-grade and in original packaging: N95 Masks - large, medium, universal; Nitrile Exam Gloves - XL, large, medium, small; Eye protection (safety glasses and goggles); Surgical masks with or without Fluid Shield Protection/Face Shields; Protective Surgical Gowns; and Hand Sanitizer (unopened, gel and wipes).

Donations will be shared between Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Suffolk Police, and may be dropped off by appointment only at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Station 6, located at 300 Kings Fork Road, with the point of contact Captain Leon Ratliff, who can be reached by phone at 757514-4544.

- Submitted by Diana Klink

In Episode 12 we are riding along with the Buddy and the Boss, Chase Sargent.

Chase retired as a Division Chief with the Virginia Beach FD and then went to work in Diplomatic Security and for a few other federal agencies in “garden spots” such as Afghanistan and Iraq. He is also the author of Confined Space Rescue and From Buddy to Boss. Today he works as a PA in the emergency setting in hospitals throughout Virginia.

I pull up in front of the Virginia Beach Convention Center in a 1981 Mack CF611 to pick up Chase. As we cruise down Pacific Avenue through Virginia Beach, we get to discuss his class called “Battlefield Firefighting” and then smoothly transition into “Buddy to Boss” and then how well it links to my class, “Managing Employee Fires.” Chase and I get to discuss a variety of personnel issues that arise and how to best mitigate them. In Part Two, Chase begins a conversation about the art of storytelling in the fire service and relates it to how we used to spend time teaching via telling stories. He discusses his time as the Night Operation Branch Manager at both the Oklahoma City Bombing and at the World Trade Center.

In next month’s episode will be with driving down Las Vegas Boulevard with my friend Ryan Pennington in a 1980 American LaFrance Telesquirt. Rumor has it that this was the first Las Vegas FD engine on scene of the MGM Grand Fire. Stay tuned.

A new episode will be published at the beginning of every month at FireIceCream.com.

- Submitted by Jesse Quinalty

Page 30, Fire News, April/May 2020

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Guidelines for COVID-19 Fire Station Exposure Reduction The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) recommends departments put into practice the following procedures in order to reduce and/or avoid cross contamination of on-duty staff.

• At Shift Change o Designated Station Entry Point: Ensure compliance with the Self-Screening Checklist. o Removal of Personal Gear: Have firefighters remove and store their own PPE and personal items from the apparatus at shift change. Move personal belongings (bags, bedding, etc.) to their POV early to facilitate an expedited bunkroom/office transfer. o Limit Interface between Shifts: Limit interaction as much as possible between oncoming and leaving shifts. o Roll Call Location: Conduct roll call in a large space (e.g., apparatus bay) that facilitates a minimum six-foot social distancing.

• Station Socializing o While in Quarters: Do not congregate in small spaces (e.g., watch office, kitchen, etc.). Adhere to the six-foot minimum spacing. o Reduce Chairs: Reduce the number of chairs located in common meeting spaces (kitchen, bullpen, offices, etc.) to physically deter people from gathering in the same space. o Station Training: Conduct training in a manner that maintains six-foot minimum spacing. o Off-Duty Members: Do not allow off-duty members into the stations to work out or visit. Station captains should develop a practice if a member needs to arrive the evening before his/her shift that will limit contact with others.

• Station Meals o Stagger Times: Consider eating in shifts to reduce the staff interaction. o Eating Locations: Consider taking meals to alternate places in the station to create spacing. o Shared Items: Disinfect shared food containers and communal items. o Small Businesses: Consider supporting small businesses in your districts by ordering take out.

• Department Mail o Modified Routing: Determine any changes that can be made to department mail to minimize potential for staff interaction. o Alternate Mail Pickup/Dropoff Locations: Identify a loca-

tion (e.g., apparatus bay) that minimizes traffic flow through station living areas. Ensure that the location is clearly marked. o Electronic Delivery: Scan documents and e-mail them whenever possible. When mail must be handled, consider wearing gloves and washing hands immediately thereafter.

• Department Facilities o Facility Visits: Trips to fire department facilities should be limited to urgent department business only. When visits are necessary, limit the number of guests and make appointments when possible. o Battalion Chiefs: Communicate with battalion members via phone or video conference. If a battalion chief needs to go to a station, maintain social distancing.

• Bedding o Base Layer: Encourage the use of a washable base layer on beds (e.g., sheet, blanket, etc.) to create an additional barrier between the bed and personal bedding. o Washing Frequency: Base layers should be washed after each shift.

• Self-Monitoring o Self-Monitoring Stations: SelfMonitoring Stations should be set up near the previously designated staff entrance to station. o Self-Screening Checklist: Provide self-screening checklist and thermometer screening at station.

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association was established in 1989 as a non-profit association. 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.

Page 32, Fire News, April/May 2020

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