Fire News West Virginia, July/August 2021 edition

WEST VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 1, NO. 3

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Story on page 8.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD and Co. 11 and EMT Chelsea Cress/Hometown Images

Looking Back: West VA Fire History Please see page 19.

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Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Long Stretch at Pinch House Fire Units arrived to find a large two-story house with heavy fire showing from the roof.

See story on page 6

Truck Fire on WV Turnpike Units were dispatched to exit 95 for a dump truck loaded with aircraft insulation on fire.

See story on page 9

A Service for West 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, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager

Suspicious Trailer Fire A fire appeared to be suspicious in nature and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted.

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

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

Conveyor Belt Fire at Marfork Coal Clear Creek members assisted Whitesville with a industrial conveyor belt fire.

See story on page 18

Tractor Trailer MVA The driver was uninjured but the tractor was leaking diesel fuel.

See story on page 23

Obituary: Benwood's Chief Mike Smith Firefighters, friends, and family honored Fire Chief Mike Smith as they laid him to rest.

See story on page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Fire News Show Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . page 27 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

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.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Learning from Your Peers?

When I joined the fire service, I was aware of some of the traditions that all fire departments seem to embrace. No, I most definitely am not speaking of hazing. Hazing is a ritual that involves risk, pain or harm as part of an initiation into a group. In the most organizations, hazing is frowned upon and has serious consequences.

One of the first traditions I learned at a very young age, was to knock with your elbows! If you visit any firehouse, bring a cake. It was a family ritual that every other Friday of the month I ventured with my dad to his firehouse in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

Before we left our house, mom had a freshly baked cake ready to go with us. That cake meant a lot to the guys who were sitting at the kitchen table drinking their coffee and involved in conversation. Yes, the firehouse kitchen seemed like a special place where the family of firefighters were always welcomed and could also share their thoughts and ask questions.

The kitchen table was also a special place.

Firefighters could share their personal experiences with one another. And whether they

wanted it or not, a solution to any problem was offered. Believe it or not, most firefighters were versed in many different aspects of life.

Quite a few years back, I visited a neighboring firehouse and noticed a sign above a picnic table. The sign read, “Table of Knowledge.” Having a few years in the fire service, I simply read the sign and didn’t ask questions. A few years later, my breakfast table became known as the roundtable. I have coffee every day at the roundtable and yes, I usually wind up in a discussion that turns into several cups of coffee.

The fire service is full of “unwritten rules.” You usually don’t learn about these sacred rules unless you share some time at the roundtable, the table of knowledge, the TV room, or any other place that you can engage in constructive conversation at the firehouse. How many times have you heard, “The new kids just don't get it?” The special places where we can engage in constructive conversation is a place to eliminate future problems by clarifying the social norms and expected conduct that’s not covered by poli-

cy both in the station and on incidents.

I am always happy to see members working together as they helped each other practice for future practical exams. With the advent of portable training props, I often see small groups of members working to force a door or spring a lock so that they are ready for that early morning automatic alarm.

In the fire service, there is no excuse not to know something. Spending a little time sitting with the members of your company will prove to be a wealth of knowledge. Sit down together and discuss recent calls or events that you were at but weren’t sure why things were done in a certain manor. Make sense of the organized chaos by talking with the people who make a difference.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, July/August 2021

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Long Stretch at Pinch House Fire

On May 31, 2021, at 1633, Kanawha County Stations 2 (Pinch), Station 3 (Malden) and Station 26 (Sissonville) were alerted for a structure fire on Brookwood Boulevard in the Mink Shoals area of Pinch. Units arrived to find a large two-story house with heavy fire showing from the roof. Deputy Chief Coleman made a special request to the Charleston Fire Department for assistance. Malden Engine 32 laid 800 feet of five-inch hose to the scene. Crews worked for about an hour getting the fire under control and several hours after that mopping up and hitting hot spots. No injuries were reported. Units responding were Pinch Engine 21 and 23, Squad 2, Utility 29, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, Sissonville Engine 264, Tanker 262, Utility 269, Charleston Engine 452, Rescue 482, KCEAA Medic 113, KCOEM Unit 990, 994 - Photo courtesy of Jennifer Crimm Scott. Malden VFD PIO

Page 8, Fire News, July/August 2021

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Cover Story

Collapse in Romines Mills Blaze

At 0112 on May 27, 2021, Company 7, Engines 121 (Stonewood), 11 (Anmoore), and 31 (Lost Creek), and AEMS were alerted for a structure fire on Lightning Point Drive in Romines Mills. Engine 71 staffed with four personnel responded in three minutes. Tanker 7 and Unit 74 also responded with two personnel. Anmoore Ambulance 20 arrived to a corrected location of Buckhannon Pike to find a two-story dwelling fully involved and live power lines down across the roadway. Engine 71 arrived and placed the deck gun in service in an attempt to knock some of the fire down while two 1-¾ inch cross lays were placed in service. Engine 122 assisted in getting a water supply established into 71 and provided manpower for the initial fire attack. Due to a lack of hydrants and the need for addi-

tional manpower, Barbour Engine 41 (Philippi) and Upshur Pumper Tanker 6 (Warren District) were added to the assignment and Spelter Engine 112 was transferred to Company 7. Lost Creek Engine 31, Tanker 3, and Upshur County units operated at the opposite end of the fire and placed an additional handline in service. Tankers 7 and 3, Upshur 6, and Engines 11 and Barbour 41 assisted in water shuttle operations. The structure ultimately collapsed. The WV State Fire Marshal’s Office and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department were investigating. Deputy Chief Rohrbough had the command.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD and Co. 11 and EMT Chelsea Cress/Hometown Images

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Truck Fire on WV Turnpike

On May 14, 2021, around noon, the Charleston Fire Department and Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) were dispatched to the West Virginia Turnpike exit 95 for a dump truck loaded with aircraft insulation on fire. Units from both departments quickly went

to work to extinguish the blaze. No Injuries were reported. Units responding were Charleston Engine 454 and 451, Battalion Chief 450, and Malden Engine 31.

- Submitted by Asst Chief Bradley Sparky Scott Malden VFD

Page 10, Fire News, July/August 2021

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Kanawha Garage Fire Stopped from Extending

Crews responded to a structure fire around 0900 on Gapview Drive. arrived and crews started extinguishing the blaze and protecting the Kanawha County Stations 3, 4 and 5 were dispatched. Chief 3 exposure. No injuries were reported. Units responding were Malden William ‘Squeak’ Peterson was first to arrive to a fully involved Engine 31 and 32, Rand Engine 43 and 44 and Belle Engine 53. abandoned garage fire with exposures on the B side. Engine 32 - Submitted by Asst Chief Bradley Sparky Scott Malden VFD

Crews Battle House Fire In Malden

Crews from Kanawha County Stations 3, 4 and 5 were dispatched Malden Engines 31 and 32, Utility 4, Rand Engines 42 and 43, Belle to Gapview Drive recently for an early morning house fire. Engine Engine 53 and KCEAA medics.

32 found a single-story vacant house fully involved. The crew went - Submitted by Asst Chief Bradley Sparky Scott Malden VFD to work and contained the fire to the house. Units responding were

Page 12, Fire News, July/August 2021

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Suspicious Trailer Fire

On June 22, 2021, at 0602, Kanawha County Station 3, Malden Station 4 (Rand) and Station 5 (Belle) were alerted for a structure fire on Dry Branch Drive. Chief 3 William L (‘Squeak’) Peterson was first to arrive in Utility 3 to a single-wide trailer and heavy fire showing from the rear of the structure underneath. Engine 32

arrived shortly after and pulled a 1-3/4 inch line and stopped the fire from extending. The fire appeared to be suspicious in nature and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted.

- Submitted by Asst Chief Bradley Sparky Scott Malden VFD

Single-Wide Fire on Honeysuckle Lane

At 1818 on June 4, 2021, Company 13 (Summit Park), Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood), Unit 81 (Reynoldsville) and HCES were alerted for a structure fire on Honeysuckle Lane in the Arlington section of Clarksburg. Tanker 11 (Spelter) was added to the assignment by Chief 13. Engine 71, staffed with five, responded in less than three minutes. Tanker 7, with an additional crew of two, responded shortly after. Engine 71 arrived to find a single-wide trailer with heavy smoke showing and fire showing from a covered porch. All occupants were out. Unit 71’s crew placed a 1-3/4 inch cross lay in serv-

ice and extinguished the porch fire and made entry for an interior attack to find fire extension into the front room and also fire running the ceiling almost the entire length of the trailer. Additional crews placed another 1-3/4 inch in service and assisted in fire suppression and water supply. After a challenging overhaul due to the structure having a shingled and metal roof, crews returned home at 2000 hours. No injuries were reported but one animal died.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Logan Apartment House Fire

Crews were dispatched to Cole Street in Logan, at 0416 on May 14, 2021, for a working structure fire in a three-story apartment building with a basement. Two engines, a ladder, a rescue, a squad and 28 firefighters responded.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Chris Hatfield, IAAI-FIT, Fire Marshal

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Salem House Fire At 0912 on May 29, 2021, Company 9 (Salem Fire/EMS), and Engines 81 and 71 (Reynoldsville) were alerted for a structure fire on West Main Street in Salem. Engine 72, staffed with six personnel, responded in under three minutes. Tanker 7, staffed with an additional two personnel, responded moments later. Engine 112 (Spelter) was quickly added to the assignment. Ambulance 99 and Engine 91 arrived to find a two-story dwelling with heavy smoke showing. Crews secured their own hydrant, placed a line in service and made entry through the front door. Engine 72 arrived and sent its crew to assist Engines 91 and 81 with the interior attack, finding heavy fire throughout. Crews were pulled out for a short time due to deteriorating conditions. Ladder 92 placed the stick in the air with crews from Engine 112 beginning vertical and horizontal ventilation, utilizing its elevated master steam, and laying in a fourinch LDH from a nearby hydrant to supply 92. Once conditions allowed, crews advanced an additional cross lay through the Bravo side and advanced upstairs extinguishing heavy fire conditions.

Once the bulk of the fire was knocked, crews utilized interior and exterior handlines to hit hot spots. After a lengthy clean up, crews returned just after 1430 hours. Stonewood Engine 123 transferred to Company 9 for the duration of the incident. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD Co. 7, Co. 9, Co. 8, and Co. 11.

Page 18, Fire News, July/August 2021

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Conveyor Belt Fire at Marfork Coal

Clear Creek members assisted Whitesville with a industrial conveyor belt fire at Marfork Coal Company.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Clear Creek FD

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Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 19

Looking Back Wheeling - 2017

Wheeling - 2016

Wheeling firefighters responded to Virginia Street on Wheeling Island to start the New Year off on January 2, 2017, with a two-alarm, all-hands structure fire. Companies made an aggressive interior attack, but eventually, crews evacuated as the second floor of the original fire building collapsed.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Michael Cunningham, Wheeling’s Bravest Media/FGBNLLC

Wheeling firefighters were alerted to a report of a structure fire with flames and smoke showing from a house on December 23, 2016, in Warwood, on North 10th Street.

Companies worked about an hour and were able to contain the fire.

- Fire News photo by Andrew Michael Cunningham, Wheeling’s Bravest Media/FGBNLLC

PATCHES

Tyler Mountain Fire Rescue

Beckley Fire Department

South Charleston Fire Department

Page 20, Fire News, July/August 2021

MVA

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MVA with Injuries, Entrapment and Medevac

At 0052 on June 16, 2021, Squad 7 was requested by Barbour County Station 4 (Philippi) for an MVA with injuries and entrapment on Route 57 near Beech Lick Road. Squad 7, staffed with four personnel, responded in three minutes. Rescue 4, Engine 43, and BCES Medic 162 arrived to find a single vehicle off the roadway into the tree line with one occupant heavily entrapped. Crews stabilized the vehicle and removed the roof, which had heavy intrusion to the passenger compartment. Engine 72 responded, with an addi-

tional two personnel, to handle an LZ set up on Route 57 at Isaacs Run Road. Due to a dense fog, the LZ was changed to the PhilippiBarbour County Regional Airport. Squad 7 arrived and assisted with extrication making multiple cuts and spreads to access the passenger side with Rescue 4 removing the driver’s door and both crews performed a modified dash lift and cutting the steering column. Extrication time was 40 minutes.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Nutter Fort Fire Rescue

Page 22, Fire News, July/August 2021

TRAINING Clear Creek Trains

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Recently, the members of Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Department participated in a Core Rescue and Rope Rescue 1. This important class will better enable the members to safely respond and safely rescue those in the Mountain State.

- Photos courtesy of Clear Creek Fire Rescue

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Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 23

MVA Tractor-Trailer MVA

On July 1, 2021, at 1655, Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) and the Charleston Fire Department were alerted for a tractor-trailer wreck on the West Virginia Turnpike, milepost 96 southbound, at the Yeager Bridge. Malden Utility 3 arrived and Assistant Chief 32 established command. The driver was uninjured and the tractor was leaking diesel fuel. Members from MVFD and CFD contained

the diesel fuel from running into the storm drains. Hutches Towing had the truck removed from the road in an hour. Units that responded were Malden Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, Charleston Engine 456, Medic 436, Battalion 408 and the West Virginia State Police.

- Submitted by Asst Chief Bradley Sparky Scott Malden VFD

Page 24, Fire News, July/August 2021

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Everyone Loves a Day At the Spa ... Even Fire Trucks!

Every Friday, Charleston crews take some extra time and give their has been a tradition at the Charleston Fire Department for many assigned vehicle an extra deep clean, polish and care. This “spa” generations and continues no matter the weather conditions. day is on top of their daily cleaning. Friday or “compartment day” - Photos courtesy of Charleston FD

Silverton Fire Rescue Trucks

1987 FMC Engine 603 2009 Smeal Engine 601 1999 Smeal Engine 602 -Fire News photo by Silverton Fire Rescue

5-Car MVA and Then Things Get Busy!

At 1755 hours on June 18, 2021, Company 7 was alerted to assist Company 8 (Reynoldsville) and HCES with a multi-vehicle MVA with injuries on Route 50 westbound at the intersection of Route 98. Squad 7 staffed with five personnel responded. Anmoore EMS and Salem EMS were also alerted due to the possibility of multiple patients. Medic 16, Ambulance 631, Unit 85, Engine 81, and Squad 8 arrived to find five vehicles involved ranging from moderate to heavy damage and two lanes of Route 50 west blocked. All patients self-extricated. Squad 7 arrived to assist EMS with patient care, traffic control, and to begin clearing the roadway of debris and fluids. An ALS and a BLS patient were transported to UHC. While units operated, Engine 72 staffed with three handled an automatic fire alarm at Baughman Towers in Philippi. Engine 72 and Unit 75 with an additional three personnel responded with Anmoore EMS to a CVA in the city limits that required the patient to be flown by Healthnet 6 from Nutter Fort Elementary School. Squad 7 handled the LZ. - Photo courtesy of Nutter Fort Fire Rescue

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Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 25

Brothers Helping Brothers

Brothers Helping Brothers is a 501c3 nonprofit that helps small and rural fire departments with eq uipment needs throughout the United States. Shown here is their recent donation to the Smithers Fire Department in West Virginia.

- Submitted by Nick Magoteaux

Page 26, Fire News, July/August 2021

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OBITUARY Benwood’s Chief Mike Smith

On June 18, 2021, in Benwood, firefighters, friends, and family honored Fire Chief Mike Smith as they laid him to rest. He was 81.

The Benwood Fire Department (Marshall County Station 1300) was joined by other fire departments from Marshall County, and around the Tri-State area. At the graveside, the Wheeling Fire Department Honor Guard performed the flag folding for Chief Taylor’s family.

Smith served 54 years as Chief, making him the longest active chief in West Virginia. It takes a special type of person to be a firefighter and an even different kind to lead them into battle.

Chief Smith was eulogized as the kindest man, always willing to help and be of service. Rest Easy Chief, we got it now!

- Fire News photos by Andrew Cunningham

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Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 27

Mile Fork Road House Fire

Kanawha County Station 2 (Pinch), Station 26 (Sissonville) and an engine. Engine 23 stretched 300-feet of five-inch line from a Station 34 (Frame) were alerted for a house fire in the 1500 block of hydrant. It was determined the house was vacant.

Mile Fork Road. Chief 2 Opie Thaxton arrived to heavy fire - Submitted by Asst Chief Bradley Sparky Scott Malden VFD through the roof and requested Station 3 (Malden) to respond with

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Fire News, July/August 2021, Page 29

FIRSTNET®: MAKING FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH & WELLNESS A TOP PRIORITY

By Jason Porter, President, Public Sector and FirstNet, AT&T • And, more recently, we’ve added more health and wellness apps Four years ago, the federal government selected AT&T to enter into a public-private partnership to build and manage public safety’s net- to the FirstNet App Catalog and supported conferences and seminars work. And when we set out on this historic and critical initiative, we with 1st Responder Conferences.

Moving forward, the FNHWC will serve as the backbone to everycommitted to Be There for America’s first responders. Now, as the FirstNet network turns 3, we’re going beyond our commitment to the thing we do to support the health and wellbeing of first responders.

Coalition priorities were developed from the input of over 350 first federal government and have established the FirstNet Health & Wellness Coalition (FNHWC) to coordinate how we support holistic responders in professions including law enforcement, fire, emergency communications, emergency management, and emergency medical health and wellness of first responders.

Nothing is more important than the lives of first responders and the personnel. Priorities include Post Traumatic Stress, Suicide Prevention, people they serve day in, and day out. These are the men and women Physical Fitness, Stress Management, Resiliency, leadership engagethat run toward emergencies. And we understand the service public ment and others. The coalition will be developing integrated approachsafety provides to our communities does not come without personal es to raising awareness, identifying technical solutions and applications, and local targeted areas to support these priorities. sacrifice and burdens.

We believe FirstNet is the most important wireless network in the With more than two dozen members representing more than 1.3 million first responders — including organizations like the country because it’s serving our first responders and the extended pubInternational Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of lic safety community. And we have a responsibility unlike any other Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement wireless carrier to deliver for America’s first responders. Shaped by the Executives and National Emergency Management Association, to vision of the first responder community and Congress following the name a few — the mission of the FNHWC is to integrate responder, 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is community, industry and academic capabilities to support the health, built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder wellness and readiness of first responders. We’re focused on collabo- Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) — an independent agency rating with our members to support healthy, well and resilient first within the federal government. The FirstNet network is providing pubresponders that are ready to support public safety at a moment’s notice. lic safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need Our support of first responder health and wellness began long it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption for first before the formation of the FNHWC through dedicated financial and responders, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS, healthcare workers and law enforcement save resource support to public safety associations and related programs.

• For the past two years, we’ve sponsored the IACP Officer Safety lives and protect their communities.

Just as FirstNet is built for and by first responders, we want to be & Wellness Symposiums which focus on improving officer safety and wellness to enhance the health and effectiveness of officers, as well as there to support the health and well-being of those who serve their communities every day. the safety of the community.

For more information on FirstNet, go to FirstNet.com.

• Just last fall we launched a collaboration with All Clear Foundation to help increase the accessibility of education, resources FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the and support that will aid first responders who may be struggling with health wellness challenges brought on by the unique stressors of their First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. jobs.

Page 30, Fire News, July/August 2021

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SUTPHEN CORPORATION TO BUILD NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN URBANA, OHIO WILL RETAIN EXISTING WORKFORCE AND ADD JOBS Sutphen Corporation, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer with headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, announced plans to combine its three Urbana manufacturing and service sites in a new 160,000-square-foot facility to be constructed at State Route 55 and Edgewood Avenue in Urbana.

With this plan, Sutphen will retain the three Urbana facilities’ 160 existing jobs and add 20 to 25 more positions at the new site.

“We are extremely proud to continue our growth as a business while remaining in Ohio and specifically in Urbana,” said Sutphen Corporation President Drew Sutphen, a fourth-generation family member.

“Having worked with the Urbana community for many years, we are confident that Urbana is the ideal place to facilitate expansion.

Between its hardworking people and its business-friendly environment, we look forward to continuing our growth in Urbana for years to come.”

Todd Winnenberg, general manager of the three Urbana operations, said, “It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of Sutphen Corporation. This move emphasizes the Sutphen family’s commitment to its employees by staying local and providing a great opportunity for area jobs.”

The Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), Sutphen leaders, and local, regional and state partners worked together to enable Sutphen to maintain and expand its operations and workforce in Champaign County, CEP Director Marcia Bailey said. Sutphen also considered a site in Pennsylvania and other locations in Ohio.

“I am grateful for everything our partners have done to help make this project come together and allow Sutphen to continue serving our community, now and well into the future, with a tradition of quality manufacturing, rewarding employment opportunities, and strong prospects for continued growth,” Bailey said.

Julie Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Regional Development for the Dayton Development Coalition, said, “We and our partners at JobsOhio welcome Sutphen’s plans to expand their manufacturing operations in Urbana. An Ohio company in its fifth generation of family leadership, the fire apparatus they make here take a piece of this state’s compassionate spirit to first responders across the country, making sure critical life-saving equipment is safely produced in the U.S.” The new building will be built northeast of the intersection of State Route 55 and Edgewood Avenue, on 55 acres of land that will provide Sutphen ample room for further expansion in the future.

Julie Sutphen Phelps, a fourth-generation family member, vice president of Sutphen Corporation and president of Sutphen’s Hilliard, Ohio, facility, said, “This expansion allows our familyowned business to continue to grow and expand within Urbana and the fire industry as a whole. While we continue to grow, we know that our apparatus quality, our individualized customer experience and our dedication to our mission and values will not falter.”

The new building is being designed to optimize workflow of fire apparatus manufacturing, from start to finish, and will combine the operations of Sutphen’s three current Urbana facilities - the Sutphen Service & Technical Division, 49 N. Ludlow Rd. Urbana; the Sutphen Urbana Chassis Division, 1701 W. County Line Rd., Urbana; and the Sutphen Urbana Pumper Division, 1653 W. County Line Rd., Urbana.

Ground will be broken in August or September and Sutphen officials anticipate moving into the new building in the fall of 2022.

Urbana FD Awaiting New Sutphen Pumper Truck In addition to gaining a new Sutphen manufacturing facility, the local community will soon be served by a new Sutphen heavy duty pumper truck, purchased by the City of Urbana to replace a nearly 20-year-old pumper that the Urbana Fire Department will keep for backup service.

Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb said, “The quality of the Sutphen truck and the warranty and service agreement that Sutphen offered made it an easy decision. To be honest, no one came close to offering us what they did. And we are pleased to support local.” He said the truck will be delivered in August.

Harry Sutphen, a fifth-generation family member and owner of Heritage Fire Equipment, the Urbana-area Sutphen fire apparatus dealer, said, “My dad, Dan Sutphen, has worked with Urbana-area fire departments since the 1990s. Today, he and I work together throughout the community and are excited to see how Sutphen’s new growth benefits the area.”