Fire News West Virginia, November/December 2021 edition

WEST VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 1, NO. 5

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Story on page 6.

- Fire News photos by AC Bradley 'Sparky' Scott, Malden VFD

Looking Back: WV Fire History See page 11

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Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Lost Creek Garage Fire Three tankers are alerted to assist with a garage fire.

A Service for West Virginia Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

See story on page 6

Spelter Vacant Structure Fire Crews remained on scene fighting the fire for approximately two hours.

See story on page 8

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

Early Morning Blaze in Barbour County Units were alerted to a structure fire on Cambria Hollow Road.

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

See story on page 12 COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MVA with Entrapment Firefighters were able to extricate a patient, who was transported to a local hospital.

See story on page 19

No-Hydrant Fire in Dunbar Institute crews responded, along with numerous local agencies, to a structure fire.

See story on page 25

Obituary Captain James David Byrd The 22-year veteran of the Charleston Fire Department passed away on September 15, 2021.

See story on page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26

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, November/December 2021

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready for Winter Whoa’s?

The other day, I responded to a call, only to find that my car windows were totally fogged up and I was unable to safely drive. While I was waiting for my car windows to clear, I realized that before we know it, we will be dealing with horrendous weather conditions that affect our response to the firehouse. I thought it would be fun to share some of the remedies that firefighters shared with me over the years. So, let’s have some fun.

Reminiscing over my past 50 years of driving, I thought of some of the advice I received on the topic of dealing with the cold conditions of winter. Many of the experienced drivers I talked to had to deal with weather conditions in areas like Alaska, the Dakotas and the Adirondacks. My first real lesson on the adverse effects of weather was in the early 70s. I learned how members of the military in Alaska kept their cars from freezing. I learned that drivers had to install battery warmers, oil warmers, coolant warmers and interior warmers. Interior warmer?

Yes, the vinyl seats in cars would crack into pieces if the seats were not kept warm.

Thankfully, Long Island only must deal with frosted windows, weak batteries losing their charge and black ice.

In 1979, I learned that cold conditions, even on Long Island, created havoc for my Volkswagen diesel engine. A few of my truck driver friends suggested installing coolant heaters to keep my engine block warm. Voila!

The problem of starting my car was solved.

The downside was that I had to plug my car in at night.

I joined the volunteer fire service in 1992.

It didn’t take me long to figure out that my response in the wee hours of the morning was detained because my car’s windshield had to be defrosted before I could respond.

Thankfully, remote starts came into play.

When a call came in at 0300, I reached over, hit the remote start, got dressed and ran out to my car which was starting to warm up. I also kept a spray bottle of windshield washer fluid that I added a few ounces of dry gas to. Dry gas is an alcohol-based liquid that further lowered the freezing temperature of my windshield washer fluid. It worked well to rapidly defrost my windshield. I also learned not to turn on my windshield wipers right away. Turning the wipers on would remove the fluid and the windows would fog up again.

If you go to your local auto parts store,

you will find windshield covers, spray deicer, and other items to help you overcome frosted windows. If you are in a cold area, do a search online to find all kinds of heaters that can keep your car warm at night.

Why am I sharing my stories of winter whoa’s with you? Over the years, I have seen members scrape a small hole in the frost that covered their windshield. Then, they would drive to the firehouse only realizing that the ice that was scraped off reappeared halfway to the firehouse. Be smart and safe. Don’t respond to the firehouse until your car’s windshield is clear. Have a safe winter. Think of winter whoa’s before they happen.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, November/December 2021

Lost Creek Garage Fire

At 2117 on September 27, 2021, Tanker 7 was alerted along with Lewis Tankers 29 (Jane Lew VFD) and 59 (Jackson’s Mill VFD) authority of Command 3 to assist Lost Creek, Mt. Clare, Stonewood and Jane Lew with a garage fire on Oakridge Estates Road in Lost Creek. Tanker 7 responded with two personnel and provided a load of water and assisted units on scene. Crews operated on scene less than an hour.

- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Cover Story

Nice Exposure Save

At 2335 on September 4, 2021, Kanawha County Stations 3, 4 and 5; Malden, Rand and Belle were alerted for a structure fire in Area 3 in the 400 block of Gapview Drive. Chief 3 and Utility 3 arrived to a vacant house fully involved with major exposures issues on the B side. Engine 32 pulled a 1-3/4 inch line to protect the exposure.

After gaining control of the fire it was determined to control burn the rest of the house to the ground. Units cleared at 0145.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

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Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 7

Structure Fire in Institute

On July 16, 2021, at 0130, Institute Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire on Smith Avenue in Institute.

Crews were assisted by the West Side, Tyler Mountain and Nitro Fire.

- Photos courtesy of Institute Fire Rescue

Page 8, Fire News, November/December 2021

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Spelter Vacant Structure Fire

On September 28, 2021, at 0632, the Spelter Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Meadowbrook Road near the S turns.

Also on the initial assignment were Shinnston, Lumberport and Wallace. Spelter Engine 112 and Tanker 11 responded with six firefighters. Initial size up from Harrison County 911 was an abandoned home with flames showing. Engine 112 and Tanker 11 laid 400 feet of LDH. Tanker 11 hooked into Engine 112 as a secondary supply in case of hydrant failure. Shinnston Engine 103, Lumberport Engine 41 and Wallace Engine 141 arrived and sup-

plied their manpower. Bridgeport 514 was added to the assignment for additional manpower. Two 1-3/4 inch handlines were placed in service. Initially, an interior attack was attempted but, due to heavy fire load and weakened floors, a defensive attack was called. There was a home on the B side of the building. Crews remained on scene fighting the fire for approximately two hours. Spelter Deputy Chief Shingleton had command. We want to thank our mutual aid departments, our dispatchers and EMS crew that assisted.

- Photos courtesy of Wallace VFD

Page 10, Fire News, November/December 2021

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Jane Lew Commercial 2-Alarmer

At 1205 on October 21, 2021, Engine 71 was alerted by authority of Lewis County for a third alarm working structure fire on Industrial Park Road in Jane Lew. Squad 7 staffed with five personnel responded in two minutes. Apparatus arrived to a large two-story commercial structure under construction with fire showing from the second floor. Added on the second alarm were Engine 153 (West Milford) and Ladder 521 (Bridgeport). Squad 7 arrived and sent its manpower to assist interior crews. The fire was contained to three

rooms on the second floor with the remaining parts of the structure sustaining heat, smoke and water damage. Fire departments on scene included: Jane Lew, Jackson's Mill, Weston, Lost Creek, Pricetown, West Milford, Bridgeport, and Nutter Fort as well as Lewis County EMS and OEM. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office was investigating.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Summit Park Garage Fire

At 1921 on September 12, 2021, Company 13 (Summit Park VFD), Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood VFD) and 81 (Reynoldsville VFD), and HCES were alerted for a structure fire on Beechnut Street in Summit Park. Engine 71 responded with five personnel in less than three minutes. Initial reports indicated an outbuilding on fire.

Engine 71 arrived to find a two-vehicle detached garage fully involved as well as the delta side of a single-wide trailer on fire as

well. Tanker 11 (Spelter VFD) was added to the alarm by Command 13. Engine 71’s crew placed two 1-3/4inch crosslays in service quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire. Engine 121 laid approximately 800 feet of three-inch supply line from the hydrant to supply 71. Company 7 and additional mutual aid made entry into the exposure to find negative extension inside.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 11

Looking Back Institute - 2019

On March 25, 2019, crews responded to a fire on Finny Road, in Institute, in which three dogs perished.

- Photos courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue

Institute - 2017

August 10, 2017, units were dispatched to a fire on Jordan Street, in Institute. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing, and it took crews around three hours to extinguish the blaze. - Photo courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue

Page 12, Fire News, November/December 2021

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Early Morning Blaze in Barbour County

Engines 511 (Bridgeport) and 71, were alerted to assist Philippi with a structure fire on Cambria Hollow Road in the Brownton Community of Barbour County. Engine 71, staffed with three, responded in less than three minutes. Barbour Engines 42 and 43 arrived to a working fire in a single-story dwelling and began an

aggressive interior attack. Engine 71 provided manpower to assist with interior operations as well as supplied units with water. After a lengthy salvage and overhaul, crews returned home at 0737.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Kanawha Valley 2-Alarmer

Recently, a number of Kanawha Valley fire departments responded to a two-alarm fire at the Mardi Gras Resort’s Hotel. A possible electrical problem filled the second floor with smoke. All guests and employees were evacuated. There were no injuries.

Departments responding included Nitro, St. Albans, Tyler Mountain, Institute, Poca, Teays Valley, Dunbar and Bancroft.

- Photo courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue

Fatality at Green Valley House Fire

On October 5, 2021, at approximately 0600, Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Stations 22, 24 and 90, were alerted for a house fire along Friday Lane in the Green Valley area. Multiple emergency units from Kanawha County arrived to find a heavily involved single-family home with reports of a person still inside. Unfortunately, that individual did not make it out of the home and was confirmed deceased. The fire was under investigation by the WV State Fire Marshal’s Office.

- Courtesy of Jefferson VFD

Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 13

Page 16, Fire News, November/December 2021

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Clarksburg Single-Wide Fire

At 0956 on October 13, 2021, Company 13 (Summit Park), Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood), 111 (Spelter), and 81 (Reynoldsville) as well as HCES were alerted for a structure fire at Country Acres Mobile Home Park on Honeysuckle Lane in the Arlington Addition of Clarksburg. Engine 72 responded with four personnel in under three minutes and Unit 74 responded shortly after with an additional member. HCES 603 arrived to fire in a single-wide trailer with all

occupants out. Engine 511 (Bridgeport) was added to the assignment. Engine 72 placed a 1-3/4 inch crosslay in service and began an aggressive interior attack through the front door with the driver/operator of 72 and HCES 603 securing a nearby hydrant. Mutual aid crews placed an additional 1-3/4 inch crosslay in service with the fire being placed under control at 1019.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Quick Knockdown at House Fire

At 0211 on August 14, 2021, Kanawha County Station 3, Malden Station 4, Rand, Station 5 and Belle 5 were alerted for a house fire on Piedmont Road, Chief 3 and Utility 3 arrived to a fire with heavy smoke showing from a two-story house. Engine 32 pulled a 1-3/4 inch line to the front door for an interior attack. Crews advanced the line and found heavy fire in the dining room and kitchen area

and quickly knocked down the fire. Ventilation and overhaul was conducted and crew left the scene at 0322. Units that responded: Malden Engine 32, Engine 31, Squad 3, Utility 3, Rand Engine 42, Engine 44, Belle Engine 53, KCEAA Medic 157, KCOEM Unit 991.

- Fire News photos by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

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PATCHES

Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 17

MONONGAN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ENGINE 10, MARION COUNTY WEST VIRGINIA STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC.

BEAVER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Page 18, Fire News, November/December 2021

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No Injuries at I-95 MVA

3-Vehicle MVA

At 1131 on September 5, 2021, Kanawha County Station 3 and Charleston Fire Department 400 were alerted to the 95 milepost on the MacCorkle Avenue exit, for an MVA. Chief 3 and Utility 3 were first to arrive and found a single vehicle into the guardrail with the driver out uninjured. Units responding were CFD Engine 456, Rescue 482, EMS 408 and Medic 436, Malden Rescue Engine 33 and Utility 3.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

On August 31, 2021, at 1813, Malden Volunteer Fire Department, Kanawha County Station 3 and Charleston Station 400 were alerted for a tractor-trailer accident involving a passenger car. Utility 3 and Chief 3 found two tractor trailers and a passenger car involved in two separate accidents, All occupants of the vehicles involved denied injuries.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Vehicle Fire in Kingwood

Kingwood MVA

Just before 2300 on September 1, 2021, the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department was alerted for a vehicle fire off Hayes Road.

Engines 56 and 55 responded to the call. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of Kingwood VFD

Kingwood Unit 52 and Squad 5 responded to a single-vehicle MVA with rollover on October 7, 2021, at 0713, on Morgantown Street in Kingwood. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of Kingwood VFD

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MVA with Entrapment

Recently, Jefferson crews were dispatched for a MVA with entrapment. Firefighters were able to extricate the patient, who was then transported via KCEAA (Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority) to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

- Photo courtesy of Jefferson VFD

Medevac from I-79

On September 28, 2021, Companies 7, 12 (Stonewood), and Anmoore EMS responded to a traumatic injury in Quiet Dell resulting in HealthNet 6 flying a patient to Morgantown’s J.W. Ruby Memorial from an LZ at Interstate 79 and Route 20.

- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, November/December 2021

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Winfield MVA with Extraction

I - 77 MVA

On August 26, 2021, at approximately 1640, Winfield District Volunteer Fire Department (WDVFD) was alerted for an MVA with injuries. Rescue-133 and Brush-139 responded along with Valley VFD utility 127. WV State Police advised of a commercial box truck on its side with the driver entrapped. Rescue 133 quickly began scene assessment. The windshield was sawed and removed and a firefighter made access to the driver and it was determined that the top of the cab would have to be removed to safely extract the driver from truck. Hillbilly Towing’s Heavy Wreck vehicle was used as a stabilization for the extraction by attaching its cable to the chassis of the truck. Hydraulic cutters were placed into service.

The driver’s side A and B post were cut. The patient was then packaged and loaded for immediate transport with unknown injuries.

- Submitted by Winfield District VFD

Malden VFD (Kanawha County Station 3) and Charleston Station 40 were alerted for an MVA between passenger car and a tractor trailer on Interstate 77 southbound at the Route 60 (Midland Trail) exit. Chief 3 and Utility 3 were the first units to arrive, and advised of a patient with minor injuries out of the vehicle. KCEAA Medic 154 transported the patient to CAMC General.

- Submitted by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott

Stony Acres MVA

On October 15, 2021, at 1111, Malden ( Kanawha County Station 3) was dispatched to Campbells Creek Drive and Stony Acres, for an MVA with a vehicle down a hill and under bridge with entrapment.

Assistant Chief B. Scott was first to arrive and advised of a single vehicle with heavy damage and a single occupant entrapped. Rescue Engine 33 arrived shortly thereafter, KCEAA Medic 159 arrived

and confirmed a code black. Units that responded were: Malden Rescue Engine 33, Squad 3, KCEAA Medic 159, KCSD Units 7,27,73 and the WV State Medical Examiner. Malden Fire Units remained on the scene until Hutch's Wrecker Service could remove the vehicle from the creek. Units cleared at 1305.

- Fire News photos by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’ Scott, Malden VFD

Page 22, Fire News, November/December 2021

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FIRSTNET AND WILDFIRE RESPONSE OPERATIONS: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Since the launch of FirstNet in 2018, the network has become an important tool in the toolbox for wildland firefighters.

At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), our goal is to support public safety in operationalizing their network, FirstNet, and ensure it continues to evolve to meet public safety’s communications needs. As part of our engagement efforts, we spoke to several wildland firefighters and agencies about lessons learned of using public safety broadband for combating wildfires. Here are their takeaways and key things to keep in mind when it comes to using FirstNet to support the frontlines:

Keeping devices updated can help you leverage area hotspots for data connectivity to applications, situational awareness tools, video conferencing, and printing.

4. Consider hotspots and train your team on using your cache of FirstNet devices, applications in advance Agencies also told us FirstNet data solutions, such as hotspots, were important to operations. In addition to routine operations, hot spots have been used to support virtual briefings for command staff from remote locations and to enable medical updates from spike camps.

FirstNet subscribers have access to a list of applications dedicated to public safety in the FirstNet App Catalog. If you download and/or purchase applications to meet your team’s specific needs, plan to integrate them in your cache of FirstNet devices prior to an incident to prevent potential tech related delays during a fire. Pre-incident preparedness should also include a staff training on the applications selected for use. Also, teams should make sure all applications are updated.

1. Know how to request FirstNet’s deployable assets for a Wildland Fire Incident When disaster strikes, the FirstNet fleet of dedicated public safety deployables assets provides users with the ability to add FirstNet coverage and capacity where they need it most.

The fleet is made up of more than 100 deployable assets, like SatCOLTS, Compact Rapid Deployables, and Communications Vehicles, which are available to FirstNet subscribers 24/7 by request and at no extra charge. These mobile cell sites link to FirstNet via satellite, provide access to FirstNet’s Band 14 public safety spectrum, do not rely on commer- 5. Know when and how to rely on FirstNet Central to extend pricial power availability, and provide similar capabilities and connec- ority access to supporting entities or gain situational awareness on network status tivity as a cell tower.

It’s important to know how to access FirstNet Central, a centralFirstNet has a dedicated team of customer service representatives available around the clock. If at all possible, fire teams are strongly ized dashboard for FirstNet customers to manage their dedicated encouraged to fill out a FirstNet Deployable Request form for an FirstNet services. This portal provides important tools for situational incident to ensure all operational requirements are clearly detailed. awareness and operations. Your access to FirstNet Central is providRequests can be submitted via email to the AT&T FirstNet Help ed by your agency. When an agency is assigned a FirstNet Account Desk(link sends e-mail) and by calling FirstNet Customer Service at Number, an agency employee is also identified as an administrator 1-800-574-7000. Be prepared and have your FirstNet Agency for the account.

A FirstNet user who has been provided with access to FirstNet Number (FAN) on hand. For more tips, read our deployable factCentral by his or her agency administrator can then go into the porsheet. tal and access tools, such as the Network Status Tool, which allows users to view current network outages and to set alerts for notifica2. Incorporate FirstNet in your agency’s SOPs For example, fire teams can outline the process for requesting a tion of unplanned network outages. For wildfire response, knowing FirstNet deployable asset and other FirstNet support in advance of an where communications might be a challenge in the incident area ahead of time can provide the addiincident to prevent communication delays during a fire.

Here at the FirstNet Authority, we work together with public safe- tional situational awareness. ty across the country to help them get the most benefit from their netFirstNet Central also provides work. Fire agencies and personnel can take advantage of a series of tools for local control. During a opportunities offered by the FirstNet Authority to engage with us wildfire, communications between prior to wildland fire incidents to ensure teams are adequately sup- first responders and Extended ported. Contact your FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor to Primary partners, like utilities or learn more. public works, is critical. To learn 3. Pre-configure, update, and maintain devices more about this, the FirstNet Uplift Whenever possible, public safety users are encouraged to pre-con- Request Tool, check out the video. figure, update, and maintain devices prior to incidents to avoid chal- We are here to support you. lenges experienced on the fire scene. When firefighters enter austere – Billy Freeman; Senior Public or rural areas, devices can be difficult to remedy in a fast-paced inciSafety Advisor, First Responder dent response environment.

Network Authority

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Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 23

2-Vehicle Head-on on Rte. 25

Fire departments from Nitro, St. Albans and Institute, and Nitro Police and Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 25 south. The head-on incident sent two people to the hospital. The wreck forced the closure of the road for almost a hour. - Photo courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue

Smoke Odor at West Virginia State U

On October 10, 2021, Institute Fire-Rescue members were dis- Members searched the building and determined the alarm and odor patched to Ferrel Hall on the campus of West Virginia State were caused by cleaning equipment.

University for a fire alarm. Due to reports of an odor of smoke in - Photo courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue the building, the call was upgraded to a possible structure fire.

Page 24, Fire News, November/December 2021

Wallace Hydrant Maintenance

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Thanks to the Sinise Foundation

The Wallace Volunteer Fire Department recently started checking and doing maintenance on hydrants in their fire district. This helps keep a good ISO rating in order for area citizens to keep low homeowner insurance rates. We could not do this without the cooperation of the Shortline Public Service District. We thank them very much for allowing us to take part in this task.

- Photo courtesy of Wallace VFD

Institute Fire-Rescue extends a huge “Thank You” to the Gary Sinise Foundation for providing them with a $29,302.50 grant. This grant was used to purchase their 12 swiftwater technicians their own complete set of personal protection equipment.

- Photo courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue

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Fire News, November/December 2021, Page 25

No-Hydrant Fire in Dunbar

On October 24, 2021, Institute crews responded, along with numerous local agencies, to a structure fire on Woodrum Lane in Dunbar.

Members assisted with supplying water to the scene due to the lack of hydrants in the area. - Photos courtesy of Institute Fire Rescue

This is What it Looks Like for Real

Recently, emergency officials responded to an educational mock vehicle MVA at the West Virginia State University, between Wilson University Union and Keith Scholars Hall in observance of National

Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. Students portrayed victims of a fatal crash involving DUI. - Photo courtesy of Institute Fire-Rescue

Page 26, Fire News, November/December 2021

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Obituary

Charleston’s James David Byrd

Captain James David Byrd, a 22-year veteran of the Charleston Fire Department, passed away September 15, 2021. Most recently he had been Captain of Station 8 located on Copenhaver Drive.

Captain Byrd was a member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team and used his skills to save countless lives throughout his career.

“I had the opportunity to work alongside Captain Byrd during our vaccination clinics. He was truly dedicated to our city and her people,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “A City of Charleston

flag is currently flying at half-staff above Station 8 in honor of Captain Byrd’s service.”

“I had the pleasure of working alongside Captain Byrd during our many years at the Charleston Fire Department together. His love of the job was easy to see, and his work ethic was unmatched,” said Charleston Fire Chief Shawn Wanner. “His brothers and sisters on the Charleston Fire Department will continue his legacy.”

- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD