Kentland Truck 33 was alerted to respond to a fire in the 8600 block of Preston Street.
See story on page 6
Outside Fire Destroys Structures
The Franklin CommunityVFD was alerted for a residential structure fire on Putney Ridge Road.
See story on page 8
2 Fatalities at Hartford County Blaze
Aberdeen FD, and Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire and Emergency Services were called for a reported house fire on Darlington Ave.
See story on page 12
Clarksburg
Structure Fire
Company 8, Engines 71 and 121, and 51 along with HCES were alerted for a structure fire in the 1600 block of Davisson Run Road.
See story on page 13
Cross Lanes MVA
Three people were injured in a two-vehicle MVAin Cross Lanes.
See story on page 24
Hebron MVA with Double Medevacs
The Hebron FD was alerted for an MVA with injuries involving a motorcycle at the intersection of westbound Route 50 and Old Railroad Road.
See story on page 28
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973
FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO
TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer
GARYP. JOYCE, Editor
MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor
MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production
GREG JONES, Art Director
CLIFFCHIESA, Production Manager
BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales
SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager
BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant
LYNN SEDLER, Graphic Artist
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus
COPYRIGHT2025, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, 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, NY11713.
Directory
page 23
page 26
page 28
page 29
page 30
Lakeland Circle Brush Fire
On March 29, 2025, at 0554, Kanawha County Station 26 Sissonville was dispatched fora brush fire on Lakeland Circle. Eight minutes laterthe call was upgraded to a structure fire on Pesson Drive off of Lakeland Circle. Station 3 Malden was added to the call. Crews arrived to find a large garage fully involved. Crews worked forabout three hours to extinguish the fire. The fire was underinvestigation. Units that responded were Sissonville Engines 261 and 263, Tanker262, Utility 269, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, KCEAA175.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott,
Cambridge House Fire Remains UnderInvestigation
Fire investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were on the scene of a two-alarm fire in the 400 block of Wood Duck Drive in Cambridge. The blaze was reported just before 2230 on March 13, 2025, by a neighbor. Approximately 50 firefighters from the Rescue Fire Company of Cambridge, as well as surrounding fire departments from both Dorchesterand Talbot counties, responded to the scene. Firefighters were able to bring the fire undercontrol in 90 minutes. There were no injuries reported. The fire originated in a two-story, wood framed, middle-of-the-row town home. The home where the fire originated was a total loss and the fire caused significant damage to the two adjacent homes. Smoke alarms and a residential fire sprinklersystem were present and activated.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
Malden VFD
Preston Street
Fire Stopped
Kentland Truck 33 was alerted to respond to a fire in the 8600 block of Preston Street in Company 28’s area as the first-due truck. Engine 48 arrived to find a single-story (on a basement), single-family dwelling with fire showing from the D side. Truck 33 arrived and the inside crew completed searches and opened up, while the outside team placed ground ladders and performed horizontal ventilation. The truck remained on scene forapproximately three hours completing overhaul before returning home.
- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD
DuPont City Area Fire
Kanawha Counties Stations 5 Belle, Station 3 Malden and Station 6 CedarGrove were alerted fora house fire on First Avenue in DuPont City Area 5. Crew’s arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a single-story wood frame house and made an aggressive interiorattack containing the fire to a bedroom. The fire was caused by a kerosene heaterbeing to close to combustible materials in the bedroom. Units that responded were Belle Engine 52, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, CedarGrove Engine 62, Utility 67, KCEAA155 and KCOEM 990.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Animals Perish in Ridgely Shed Fire
The Ridgely VolunteerFire Company responded to a reported shed on fire on Oakland Road, in Ridgely, Caroline County. Crews arrived to find a working fire in a detached shed. The fire originated within the interiorof the shed/kennel located on the incident address property. The fire then extended from the detached shed, causing significant damage to adjacent structures. The outbuilding structures were primarily utilized forstorage and domestic animal housing. One dog and five rabbits perished as a result of the fire. Crews had the fire undercontrol withing an hour.
Brush Fire Endangering Structures Stopped
On March 24, 2025, at 1720, Kanawha County Station 3 Malden was alerted fora brush fire endangering structures. Utility 3 and Chief 3 arrived to a working fire endangering several homes. Engine 32 arrived and protected those homes. Crews worked forabout three hours to contain the fire. Units that responded were Engine 31 and 32, Squad 3, Utility 3, WVDOF 5600 and 5642.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
Outside Fire Destroys Structures
On March 19, 2025, the Franklin Community VolunteerFire Department was alerted fora residential structure fire on Putney Ridge Road. The initial call was foran outside fire that had spread out of control and involved a structure. The first arriving units found a working structure fire as well as a fast-spreading brush fire, aided by the dry conditions and wind. Due to the remote location and limited manpower, multiple mutual aid departments were requested to the scene. Mutual aid came from Brooke County, Hancock County, Jefferson County (OH) and Washington County (PA). All together24 fire departments responded to the scene. Approximately 15 acres of brush attached to the Cross Creek Wildlife Management Area, as well as a mobile home structure, one steel outbuilding and one barn were completely destroyed. A wood frame residential structure on the original parcel was protected and saved during firefighting operations. The fire was under investigation forcause and origin.
- Photos courtesy of Franklin Community VFD
DC Handles 10th FloorFire
One person was injured and anotherwas displaced aftera fire in a 10-story apartment. DC Fire crews responded to reports of an apartment fire around 1645 in the 300 block of PStreet Southwest. First arriving crews were met with flames coming from the tenth floor. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by officials.
- Photos courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
Kanawha County Companies Fight House Fire
Anumberof Kanawha County Fire Departments from Nitro, Institute and Sissonville, responded to a residential structure fire in March. The first company arrived to fire through the roof and began offensive deployment. The next arriving companies also gained access to extinguish the blaze. The home received extensive fire, smoke and waterdamage. No injuries were reported and no cause was determined. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
Fire Contained to 1 Trailer
At 0630 West Side Station 22 provided automatic mutual aid to Station 19 fora reported structure fire. Tanker223 arrived to find a single-wide trailerwith heavy fire showing and exposures to neighboring trailers. Crews were able to keep the fire contained to the original trailer. Crews operated on scene forapproximately two hours. Responding were Station 22, Tanker223-3, Engine 224-3, St. Albans Fire Station 90, Engine 952-2, Jefferson Fire Station 19, Tanker194-1, Utility 195-1, Lakewood Fire Department Station 20, and Engine 201-4. - Photos courtesy of West Side VFD
Baltimore Vehicle Fire
Baltimore City firefighters responded to the scene of a vehicle fire on EnsorStreet on March 26, 2025.
2 Fatalities at Harford County Blaze
Investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Aberdeen Police Department (APD) continued to look into the cause of a house fire in Aberdeen that claimed the lives of two people recently. At around 0815, Aberdeen Fire Department, and Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire and Emergency Services were initially called fora reported house fire on Darlington Avenue. APD arrived first and found a 77-year-old man with injuries standing outside, who said that two family members were still inside. Aberdeen officers attempted to enterbut were unable to due to heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters arrived seconds laterand attempted to control the fire. However, high winds swept the fire throughout the home. It took 70 firefighters overan hourto control the fire, and they laterlocated two victims inside. The 77-yearold man was transported to Bayview Medical Center, and an APD officerwas taken to a local hospital forsmoke inhalation. While the Office of the Chief Medical Examinerwill positively identify the victims, investigators believe the deceased is the 73-year-old wife and the 30-year-old son of the injured man. Investigators did not
recoverthe remains of any working smoke alarms within the home. This double fatality accounts forsix in less than 24 hours across Maryland, with two in Anne Arundel County and two more in Allegany County.
- Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
Clarksburg Structure Fire
At 1319 hours on March 1, 2025, Company 8 (Reynoldsville VFD), Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood VFD), and 51 (Mt. Clare VFD) along with HCES were alerted fora structure fire in the 1600 block of Davisson Run Road in Clarksburg. Engine 71, staffed with six, responded in two minutes with Tanker7 staffed with additional personnel following. Engines 81 and 71 arrived to find a singlestory dwelling with a full basement including a two-cargarage with heavy smoke and fire showing from the roof and all occupants out. Engine 131 (Summit Park VFD) also responded. Engine 71 laid approximately 600 feet of four-inch LDH to a hydrant. Crews laid two 1-¾ inch crosslays to make an interiorattack via the front door. Crews were immediately faced with high heat and low visibility conditions, as well as high winds. Afterthe roof began to collapse and worsen conditions, crews transitioned to a defensive attack. Engines 121, 51 and 131 supplied manpoweras well as 131 laying 300-feet of four-inch to an additional hydrant to operate theirdeck gun. The fire was determined to have started in the basement and traveled up the walls into the attic.
- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
1 Fatality at Aracoma Apartment House Fire
On February 3, 2025, the City of Logan Fire Department was dispatched to the Holly Avenue area of the Aracoma neighborhood for a working structure fire. Upon arrival, the first-due engine advised of a fully involved 10-unit apartment building, with an entrapment. Crews were able to make entry where one deceased victim was
Kanawha County MVA
On March 16, 2025, at 1306, Kanawha County Station 3 was alerted foran MVAon Campbells Creek Drive. Crews arrived and found fourpeople needing to be checked out by medics. The driverof one vehicle fled the scene. Crews remained on the scene until Hutch’s Wreckercould remove the vehicles. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, KCEAA66 and KCSD 85.
- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
located. Afterthree hours the fire was brought undercontrol. Logan responded with two engine companies, two squad companies and a rescue company. Logan also received mutual aid forwater support and manpowerfrom Cora and Verdunville.
- Photos courtesy of Dylan Vidovich
No Injuries in I-79 MVA
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in an MVAthat Nutter Fort Squad 7 and Stonewood Rescue 124 handled early on April 12, 2025, on Buckhannon Pike at the Interstate 79 northbound entrance ramp in Quiet Dell. The dump trailerwas hauling crushed vehicles. Crews mitigated a fluid leak and controlled traffic until Hillbilly Towing arrived to begin recovery efforts.
- Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
1 Dead in Anne Arundel Arson
On March 23, 2025, at approximately 0320, Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACOFD) received a 911 call from a person on North Shore Drive, advising that the home next to them was on fire. Fire department units arrived at the Pasadena residence approximately five minutes after being dispatched and reported that the house was fully engulfed. Due to the extent of the fire when they first arrived, fire crews had to set up a defensive fire suppression operation. The fire was determined to be undercontrol by 0355. Approximately 45 fire personnel responded. During the primary search of the residence, firefighters located a deceased male inside the home. Anne Arundel County Fire Investigators responded to the scene to conduct the origin and cause investigation. Aftera thorough examination, Anne Arundel County Fire Investigators determined that the deceased individual intentionally set the fire. Furtherinvestigation by both fire investigators and the Office of the State Medical Examiner’s Office indicated that afterigniting the fire, the male succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This is not considered to be a fire-related fatality. The AACOFD has had two fire fatalities this year. Both were from a fire on February 20, 2025, which was determined to be accidental in nature. - Photo courtesy of AACOFD
Sissonville Woods Fire
Sissonville Fire Department was dispatched to the 1700 block of Pinewood Drive fora reported brush fire. Upon arrival, units found approximately one acre of woods ablaze, with flames spreading rapidly. Given the fire’s location, heavy equipment was necessary to help contain it. The Division of Forestry was investigating the cause of the fire.
- Photo courtesy of Sissonville FD
Rand
Mobile
Home Fire
Just aftermidnight on March 12, 2025, fire ripped through a mobile home located on Raven Drive. On arrival, Rand crews found a fully involved mobile home. Rand Engine 41-42-43 along with dual response partnerMalden Engine 31 were able to knock down the main body of fire quickly saving anothermobile home a few feet away. KCEAA,151 and 157, and Unit 991, also responded.
Double Fire Fatality in Allegany
Ateam of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Police, and C3I investigated the cause of a fire that claimed the lives of two people in LaVale recently. The first 911 call was received when smoke and flames were observed coming from a home on Asbury Avenue. Firefighters with the LaVale Fire Department and surrounding departments arrived and quickly upgraded the incident to two alarms. It took around 60 firefighters 25 minutes to bring the fire undercontrol. During a search of the home, firefighters located the remains of two victims inside. Deputy State Fire Marshals have preliminarily concluded that the fire originated in the living room, but the cause remained underinvestigation. This double fatality accounts forsix in less than 12 hours across Maryland, with two in Anne Arundel County and two more in Harford County.
- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal
- Photo courtesy of Rand VFD
County
Harford County Residential Fire
On March 18, 2025, the Level VolunteerFire Company, along with units from Aberdeen, Susquehanna and Darlington, were dispatched to a reported dwelling fire on Glenville Road in Harford
County. Fire was showing on the exterioron arrival with subsequent extension to the interior. There were no serious injuries reported. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos
3-Acre Brush Fire in Nitro
On March 14, 2025, Station 80, Nitro Fire Department, along with mutual aid from St. Albans, Institute, Poca and the West Virginia Division of Forestry handled a brush fire at Greyhound Place and Lakeview Drive in Nitro which consumed three acres. The fire was caused by a utility vehicle that caught fire, and spread to nearby dry brush There were no injuries and it took the departments 45 minutes to bring the blaze undercontrol.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
Electrical Fire Closes Shops at Nitro Market Place
An electrical fire caused the evacuation and closure of a group of stores at Nitro Market Place. Station 80 of the Nitro Fire Department, along with mutual aid from St.Albans, Teays Valley, and Poca Community handled the incident, which began at an outside electrical box. No injuries were reported and AEP handled the powerrestoration.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
Arson at Anne Arundel Fire, Suspect Arrested
On April 2, 2025 at approximately 1630, units from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACOFD) responded to Club Road in Pasadena fora residential fire. Aneighborcalled 911 to report the home on fire. Also reported, was a description of a person seen leaving the home just as the fire began. Crews responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire. The description of the person observed leaving the scene was given to units from the Anne Arundel County Police. Police units were quickly able to identify and detain a suspect. Personnel from the AACOPD) Fire and Explosives Unit responded to the scene along with K-9 Jessie. Evidence was collected and processed and connected to the suspect initially detained by AACOPD. Based on the evidence, the man was charged with Arson 1st and 2nd Degree and Malicious Burning 1st and 2nd Degree. K-9 Jessie received a minorinjury. We’d like to thank ourlaw enforcement partners with the AACOPD fortheirassistance in bringing this case to a quick resolution.
- Submitted by the AACOFD
Hebron Tree Rescue
On March 19, 2025, the Hebron Fire Department, along with the Salisbury Fire Department, were alerted fora rescue at a residential property on Levin Deshiell Road, east of Hebron. Crews were advised of a seven-year-old child, who had climbed up a large magnolia tree, was stranded some 60-feet up. Chief Carbaugh arrived and established command. Ladder5 arrived and backed down the driveway and prepared to gain access to the child. Firefighters had to cut tree branches to gain access to the boy. Once the child was reached, he was able to climb down Ladder5 with the help of a Hebron firefighter. The child was checked overby Hebron EMS and was found safe, just a little scared.
- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
Fruitland House Fire Displaces Family
2 Mobile Homes
On April 6, 2025, at 1754, the Wicomico County 911 Centerdispatched Firebox 3-2, Station 3 Fruitland, Salisbury Station 1, Salisbury Station 16, Salisbury Station 2 and Station 15 Allen fora structure fire on St. Lukes Road east of Fruitland. An off-duty firefighterwas on scene and confirmed the working fire. Command 3 arrived with 3-15 (J. Shrieves) to find a single-story residence with fire coming from the rear. Engine 2 arrived and advanced a 1-¾ inch line through the front doorand anotherline to the rear. The crew of Rescue Engine 302 went to the roof and cut several relief holes. Interiorcrews made quick work of the fire inside. Crews had the fire undercontrol in about 20 minutes. The American Red Cross was called to assist with the displaced family. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the blaze. - Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
Destroyed in Bancroft
At 2035, Engine 511, Tanker514, Rescue 512 and Squad 518 were dispatched to a structure fire in on Charleston Road. Once on scene, two mobile homes were found fully involved. There were no injuries, but the homes were total losses. Thanks to Poca VolunteerFire, Eleanor VolunteerFire, RT34 VolunteerFire, Putnam County EMS, and Putnam County Emergency Services fortheiroutstanding support.
- Photo courtesy of Bancroft FD
Fatality at Annapolis Apartment Bldg. Fire
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AACOFD), with mutual aid from the Annapolis Fire Department, arrived at a fire alarm and sprinkleractivation on the 10th floorof Hearne Road, a high-rise apartment complex in Annapolis. Additionally, firefighters reported smoke in the hallway from one of the apartments on the 10th floor. Firefighters quickly made entry into that apartment and discovered one occupant inside the unit unresponsive and laterpronounced deceased on the scene. Anne Arundel County Fire Investigators responded to the scene and determined the fire was caused by smoking while using medical oxygen. Oxygen-rich environments significantly increase the risk of fast-spreading and intense fires. The fire sprinklersystem worked appropriately, containing and controlling the fire in the originating apartment, preventing its spread and protecting the otheroccupants in the building. This is the fourth fire fatality in Anne Arundel County in 2025. The first two deaths were from the same fire on February 20th, which was determined to be accidental. The third fatality was on March 25th, and the cause is still underinvestigation.
- Submitted by AACOFD
Kentland Stops
Munsey Street Fire
Recently, Kentland Truck 33 was dispatched first-due to the 6700 block of Munsey Street in Company 30’s first-due area. Engine 30 arrived on the scene of a single-story, single-family dwelling with smoke showing from sides C and D. While Truck 33’s inside crew performed searches and gained access to the attic, the outside team placed ground ladders and initiated vertical ventilation. With a hole cut in the roof, interiorconditions improved dramatically, and units were able to complete extinguishment. The company operated forapproximately two hours before returning to the firehouse. - Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD
East Wheeling House Fire
The Wheeling Fire Department was called to a house fire in the 1500 block of Wood Street in East Wheeling. Apasserby called 911 to report fire coming from the roof. Firefighters made a transitional attack on the blaze from the exteriorto the inside, bringing the fire mostly undercontrol within 20 minutes. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently underinvestigation. C Platoon crews from Engine Co. 2, 4, 5, Ladder1, Rescue 1 responded to the scene. - Photos courtesy of Wheeling FD
CraigmoorStructure Fire
At 2031 hours on April 10, 2025, Company 3 (Lost Creek VFD), Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood VFD), and 11 (Anmoore VFD) along with Anmoore EMS were alerted fora structure fire on the 1400 block of Hastings Run Road in Craigmoor. Engine 71, staffed with five, responded in just underthree minutes, with Tanker7, staffed with two, followed. Engine 71 advised of heavy smoke visible. Units arrived to find a single-story dwelling fully involved. Command 3 requested an additional tanker. Engine 71 placed a two-inch attack line in service as well as an 1-3/4 inch crosslay. It was deter-
mined no occupants were home at the time, and was determined to be in Company 7’s first-due area in the 1800 block priorto Sabatelli Drive. Engine 71 laid approximately 600-feet of four-inch LDH from the scene across a narrow access bridge. Tankers 7, 3 and 29, and Engine 123 performed watershuttle operations. The dwelling was determined to be a single-wide trailerwith additions. SpelterEngine 112 transferred to Company 7 forthe duration to cover. Medic
Cross Lanes MVA
Three people were injured in a twovehicle MVAin Cross Lanes. According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office the crash happened at the intersection of Big TylerRoad and AJ Road. The extent of the injuries was unknown. Handling the call was Nitro, West Side and Institute.
- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD
20 was on scene forstandby with no injuries reported. The West Virginia State Fire Marshals Office was investigating. - Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort FD
TractorTrailerRolloverwith
Entrapment
and Spill
At 0509 the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerdispatched Frederick County Fire and Rescue units to Interstate 70 eastbound just before exit 42 forreports of a tractor-trailerrolloverwith the driverentrapped. Responders found a single driverof the vehicle heavily entrapped in the rolled over cab. Using hydraulic tools, the sole occupant was extricated and transported to an area trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries. The trailerwas hauling approximately 200 batteries used forstoring solarenergy, which spilled across all lanes of eastbound travel. The truck’s saddle tanks were punctured, and leaking fuel and the batteries were damaged in the accident requiring the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Hazmat Team to be dispatched. The Maryland Department of the Environment assisted the Hazmat Team with stabilizing the batteries forsubsequent removal. Mutual aid resources from Hagerstown and Mount Aetna also responded. Approximately 13 units from two jurisdictions operated on scene fortwo and a half hours. - Submitted by Sarah Campbell
Looking Back
Washington DC2001
DC’s Bravest Engine 11 engages in initial attack on a wellinvolved row house on Lamont Street NW. The Fire took place on July 14, 2001. - Photo courtesy of DC Fire & EMS
WaterRescue in Sharptown
At around 1900 on March 28, 2025, the Wicomico County 911 alerted Station14 Sharptown and Salisbury Special Operation Dive Team fora waterrescue at Cherry Beach on the Nanticoke Riverin Sharptown. Station 81 Laurel (Delaware) respondied as mutual aid. Crews arrived to find a kayak overturned with its operatorin the waterholding to the kayak on the DorchesterCounty side of the river. Marine 14 was deployed and found the kayakerwithin minutes. They were able to pull the female on to Marine 14 along with herkayak. Sharptown EMS evaluated the patient, who ended up refusing treatment. Maryland Department of Natural Resources arrived and was investigating the cause of the accident.
- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
College Park, MD
100th Anniversary Muster
AWell-Spent 4 Days
Firefighters from Maryland, North Carolina and Virgina came togetherto hone theirskills at the second annual Key City Fire Conference on March 13, 2025, through March 16. The group of 200 firefighters spent the first two days in lectures. The following
two days were spent in hands-on trainings in ropes classes, auto extraction, engine company operation, firefighterdown and ladder company operations followed by live fires.
- Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Hebron MVAwith Double Medevacs
Understanding the “Why” Behind Mental Health in the Fire Service National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Partners with Darley forthe 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), in partnership with W.S. Darley & Company, is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Contest. This initiative challenges firefighters nationwide to explore the critical yet often overlooked mental health issues within their ranks.
The competition seeks to uncover the deeper reasons behind firefighters’ persistent mental health challenges, beyond the daily high-stakes stress of their lifesaving roles. “Understanding the ‘why’behind the mental health crisis is crucial,” said Garry Briese, a member of the Darley Board of Directors. “This competition provides a unique platform for firefighters to voice their experiences and insights.”
With a focus on introspection and analysis, participants are encouraged to examine various factors contributing to mental health issues, including job stress, firehouse culture, and broader societal impacts that uniquely affect firefighters.
How to Participate:
• Eligibility: Open to active and retired firefighters, both career and volunteer.
• Essay Requirements: Submit a three-tofour-page essay in PDF format, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
• Submission Period: March 24 - June 2.
“We often hear firefighters say, ‘I’m OK,’masking the true emotional toll of their duties,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF. “This competition is a call to action for firefighters to express themselves openly.”
Submissions will be peer-reviewed by a panel of fire service and mental health experts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the insights presented. For more details on the competition and submission guidelines, please visit https://darley.com/essay-contest.
On March 23, 2025, the Hebron Fire Department was alerted for an MVAwith injuries involving a motorcycle at the intersection of westbound Route 50 and Old Railroad Road. Command 5 arrived to find a motorcycle off the roadway aftercolliding with an SUV. Both riders from the motorcycle were ejected. Maryland State Police Medevacs Trooper4 (Salisbury) and Trooper6 (Easton) transported both people from the motorcycle to Maryland Shock Trauma forserious injuries. Westbound 50 was shut down for about 4-½ hours. Station 9 Mardela also responded to the scene.
- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall
FAMAand FEMSAReport the Passing of Richard E. (‘Dick’) Young
Dick Young passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a very successful businessman, had a wonderful zest for life, and is an inspiration to all who knew him.
The Young family is an integral part of FAMA’s history. Young Fire Equipment was one of FAMA’s founding member companies.
Dick served as FAMA’s Board President in 1968 and 1969 and Dick’s father, Lester Young, served as FAMA’s Board President in 1947 and 1955.
The following is an excerpt from an Interview with Richard E. “Dick” Young published in the FAMA75th Anniversary History Book (2021). This passage demonstrates the significant value Dick brought to FAMAand the industry as a whole:
“Dick Young’s term of office as president (age 37) in 1968 was preceded by his chairmanship of FAMA’s Technical Committee and involvement on other committees since 1953. At that time FAMAwas, most interestingly, getting into automatic transmissions, some problems combining that with pumping, and we were getting into air brakes, power steering, and lots of new things.”
According to Young, the biggest challenges back then were technicaltrying to comply with new regulations. “It was a strange thing around the time of Jimmy Carter (late 1970s/early 1980s) when the cost of financing went through the roof. Interest rates were so high fire departments ceased buying trucks. When we got into the high inflation period, component companies would not honor the prices to which you were accustomed. You might get an order today that you couldn’t build for a year or so, and it would be ‘price as of the date of shipment.’It cost builders a ton of money.”
Acelebration of life for Dick was held March 23, 2025. Donations in Dick's memory may be made to Dick Young Heritage House, 10 Central Avenue, Lancaster, NY14086.
Charleston Takes Delivery of New Engine
The Charleston Fire Department recently accepted delivery of the new Fire Engine 5. This Pierce engine will soon be in service at Station 5 on Bridge Road.
- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD
FCDFRS Launches Life-Saving Whole Blood Program
The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (FCDFRS) has proudly launched its groundbreaking Whole Blood Program. This program ensures the availability of blood products directly at the scene of emergencies. Equipped with state-of-the-art warming and transfusion technology, FCDFRS’s highly trained paramedics can administer life-saving care within minutes to critically ill or injured patients.
“The launch of our Whole Blood Program marks a major milestone in our mission to provide the highest level of emergency medical care to the people of Frederick County,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “By joining regional leaders in this program, we are ensuring that our community benefits from the most advanced care available before reaching the hospital.”
- Photos courtesy of Sarah Campbell
Up Close & Personal
Firefighters from the Kentland VolunteerFire Department.
- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD
DC Fire and EMS Recognizes Members in Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony
On April 10, 2025, at 1800, DC Fire and EMS recognized its members at their annual awards ceremony and dinner to be held at The Anthem and co-hosted by the DC Fire and EMS Foundation.
The Department Advisory Board of Awards is established to recognize department members for actions and contributions performed selflessly and in service of the public, the department, and the government of the District of Columbia.
The program featured patients who reunited for the first time with DCFD firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who helped save their lives during 2023-2024. Also in attendance were patients from incidents in which our members performed exceptionally heroic rescues and lifesaving interventions, and were honored for acts of valor and merit. The department also recognized members with administrative awards for exemplary leadership, skill, and dedication.
Awards included honoring members from heroic saves during inci-
dents including one in which a child got her arm stuck in a meat grinder, a woman rescued from a car crash into a building which collapsed and caught fire, and patients who were shot and transfused with lifesaving whole blood, and the day care explosion in Anacostia.
Fallen firefighter Rob Heaney was also recognized and awarded the Benjamin Grenup Memorial Award. The awards took place on the one-year anniversary of DC Fire and EMS’s first infusion of whole blood. The patient who received the lifesaving intervention helped present a lifesaving award to the paramedics who helped save his life.
The event featured celebrity local sports legends as guest emcees and featured performances by Heat Stroke, the DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and the department’s Honor Guard. Rescue Squad Technician and bagpiper Jimmy Mazzara will debut a bagpipe tune he composed in the honor of the Potomac crash victims entitled “67 souls.”
- Submitted by Daryl Levine
Annual Hose Test
On March 24, 2025, Malden, Rand Vand Chemours Belle Plant Fire Brigade had theirannual required hose testing done by Waterways Hose Testing. - Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD
Kanawha County CareerFair
St.Albans firefighters attended the KCS careerfairat South Charlestopn Community Center. It was great talking to local high school seniors about a rewarding careerin the fire service and explaining why this is truly the best job in the world.
