Fire News West Virginia, July 2022

WEST VIRGINIA/MARYLAND Serving

VOLUME 2, NO. 3

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Story on page 18.

- Photo courtesy of Jefferson VFD

Looking Back West Virginia Fire Service History See page 20.

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Multi-Vehicle Blaze on Springfork Fr. Eight cars were fully involved with exposures to several other vehicles.

A Service for West Virginia/Maryland Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

See story on page 6

Brush Fire Off Route 60 Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was alerted to a brush fire on Kanawha Boulevard.

See story on page 11

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager

Water Issues at Grafton Structure Fire A wide spread water issue required assistance of multiple tankers.

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

See story on page 13 COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Mobile Home Well Off on Arrival Multiple agencies responded for a structure fire in the Tornado area.

See story on page 18

Garage, House Fire in Good Hope Multiple area crews battled a two-stall detached garage fully involved.

See story on page 22

Jumper Dissuaded on Nitro-St. Albans Bridge The Nitro Fire and Police Departments were involved in a rescue on the Nitro-St. Albans Interstate Bridge.

See story on page 29

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Looking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 25 & 30 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28

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

Twelve Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, 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, July/August 2022

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

How Are Your New Recruits Doing?

In New York, the Fireman’s Association of New York has been encouraging fire departments throughout the state to hold a RecruitNY weekend. I am always amazed at the number of people who stop by the firehouse for this event and had no idea that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 70 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. This number used to be higher. I joined the volunteer fire service almost 30 years ago. As a kid who grew up in New York City, my wife had no idea that the fire service in our community was 100 percent volunteer. When I decided to join my department — with my wife's blessing of course — we soon realized that being a volunteer firefighter involved a lot more that riding on a truck and fighting an occasional fire. Almost 30 years have passed, and I still find my love for my department is still going strong. Unfortunately, my health has gotten in the way of being first due. I am still active in other ways and try my best to support the members who have followed in my footsteps.

Before you take on new members, it is imperative that the Chief of Department sits down with the perspective new member to explain what their obligation to the community entails. I know most

departments do this. Unfortunately, the new member doesn’t always realize that he or she may not have the time to volunteer. I joined at a time when my two children were active with school and community sports. I worked 50 miles away from my home. There were many nights that I arrived back home and found myself attending training classes at either my department or at the county fire academy. After I finished the basics, I realized that training never stopped. To maintain active status like most volunteer firefighters, you must participate and maintain your training, drills and response percentages throughout the year.

This is where new recruits, no matter what their age, become a problem. I know I am speaking to the choir. If you are reading this, you are aware of the responsibilities of being a first responder. The problem I see is that when we take on new members they really do not understand how much time they need to fulfill their obligation to the fire service.

In my early years I always had to work a second job to pay the bills. Volunteering in the fire service is that second job that pays no bills. If you take on this second occupation, you must be passionate about your decision to protect the com-

munity! As a recruiter for the fire service, what do you do to make the person fully understand what their obligation is to your department and to the community that you serve, before they sign on the dotted line? If you find that your new recruits are not living up to your expectations, do not let poor service go by without addressing it immediately.

Recruiting volunteers takes time. Maintaining active, well-trained volunteers can be difficult.

Volunteer recruitment is hard work! Volunteer retention is even harder work. Motivating and maintaining new recruits is the job of every member in your department.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Multi-Vehicle Blaze on Springfork Dr.

At 0511 on April 26, 2022, Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was alerted for a vehicle fire in the area of the 3800 block of Springfork Drive. While en route, Metro 911 advised they were receiving calls of multiple vehicles on fire. Assistant Chief 32 B.R.(‘Sparky’) Scott advised to add Station 4 (Rand) for an engine and manpower.

Engine 32 advised that eight cars were fully involved with exposures

to several other vehicles. An aggressive attack cut the fire off from spreading any further. Crews cleared the scene around 0715. Units that responded were Malden Engine 32, Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, and Rand Engine 42.

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

Jefferson Handles Residential Fire

Recently, Jefferson Fire was dispatched to a residential structure fire in their first-due area. Engine 193 arrived to find a single-story house with heavy fire showing. There were also exposures to multiple vehicles. Crews were able to quickly control the fire. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately two hours. The WV State Fire Marshall’s office was investigating the cause of the fire. Jefferson

Fire would like to thank the West Side VFD and Institute VFD for assisting on the fire. Tornado VFD was dispatched to move an engine company into West Side VFD to provide coverage for the stations that were on scene of the fire.

- Photo courtesy of Jefferson VFD

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 7

Denton House Fire On March 19, 2022, the Denton Volunteer Fire Company responded for a structure fire on Camp Road in Denton. The occupant and one firefighter sustained minor injuries as a result of the blaze, with both subsequently refusing medical treatment. A dog and a cat perished during the course of the fire. The Red Cross responded to assist the occupants.

- Photo courtesy Office of The Maryland State Fire Marshal

Dunkirk Auto Repair Shop Blaze

On March 29, 2022, the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department bring the fire under control within an hour. The fire damaged the responded to a structure fire on West Mount Harmony Road. The structure and several vehicles parked outside. The incident remains fire involved an auto repair shop. The fire went to two alarms bring- under investigation. ing approximately 60 firefighters to the scene. Crews were able to - Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Page 8, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Pikesville Vehicle into Bank MVA

Shortly after 1700 on April 1, 2022, Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company units were alerted for a report of a vehicle that had crashed into the M&T Bank building on Old Court Road (Box 213). Upon arrival, Squad 322 and Tower 323 confirmed that a large SUV had crashed into the building, causing damage to an exterior

brick wall, a window pane and a workspace inside the bank.

Firefighters assessed the driver, confirmed he was uninjured, and assessed structural damage before turning the scene over to Baltimore County Police 4th Precinct units.

- Submitted by Mikes Fire Pics

Hampstead Structure Fire

On April 9, 2022, the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a fire on Gill Avenue. Fire crews entered the structure, observed a smoke condition and upgraded the assignment to a structure fire. A fire occurring in the ceiling area of the structure was discovered by fire crews and was controlled by the structure’s

sprinkler system. Fire crews mitigated the remaining hazard and requested investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal to determine the origin and cause, which was determined to be accidental.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Page 10, Fire News, July/August 2022

Solar Panel Fire on Emmerick Drive

On May 11, 2022, the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a reported structure fire on Emmerick Drive. The fire was called in by a nearby neighbor who observed the solar panel on fire. He alerted the owners who were able to safely escape with their dog. The fire was contained to the panel with minor extension into the roof of the home. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

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Jarrettsville Closet Fire

On April 30, 2022, the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a structure fire on the 2000 block of Nodleigh Terrace in Jarrettsville, Harford County. The fire was determined to have started in a closet inside the home. The fire was quickly knocked down without incident. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

26 Displaced at Apartment Blaze On April 28, 2022, the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department was alerted for a reported structure fire at the St. Mary’s Apartment Complex at Lexington Park.

The incident involved a fire in a three-story, garden-style apartment building. The fire originated in the area of a third-floor balcony and spread to the roof structure of the building. Approximately 26 residents were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross assisted residents with immediate needs. The cause of the fire was under investigation. The fire went to three-alarms bringing approximately 100 firefighters to the scene.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

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Sissonville Kitchen Fire

On May 13, 2022, Kanawha County Stations 26 (Sissonville) and Station 3 (Malden) responded for a house fire on Harvest Lane in Sissonville. Engine 263 arrived to find a working fire. An aggressive interior attack contained the fire to the kitchen area. No injuries were reported. Units that responded: Sissonville Engine 263 and 264, Malden Engine 32, Utility 3, KCEAA 154.

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

Brush Fire Off Route 60

On April 15, 2022, at 1917, Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was alerted to a brush fire on Kanawha Boulevard (Route 60) in the area of the Malden Underpass. Units found a brush fire between Route 60 and the railroad tracks. Engine 32 arrived shortly thereafter and attacked the fire from the Malden Drive side of the tracks. Kanawha River Railroad was notified to stop train traffic in the area untill the fire could be extinguished. Crews cleared the scene at 1955 hours and there were no injuries. Units responding were Malden Utility 3 and Engine 32.

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

Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Waldorf Fire Extends

On May 21, 2022, the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department respond- escaped without injury. The incident was under investigation by ed for a structure fire on Whitefir Court in Waldorf. The incident officials. involved an exterior fire which extended into the dwelling. The - Photo courtesy of the Office of The Maryland State Fire Marshal dwelling was occupied at the time of the fire and all occupants

1 Fatality, 1 Serious in Hughesville Blaze

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and Charles County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fire that seriously injured a 44-year-old man and left a 75-year-old woman in critical condition (the woman succumbed at the hospital the next day). At around 0930 on April 6, 2022, firefighters from Charles, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s counties, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a dwelling fire on Foster Place in Hughesville. According to investigators, the home was located on a single-lane dirt road approximately one-and-a-half miles from the nearest hard surface road, making access difficult. Units arrived to a a two-story single-family dwelling with heavy fire on the first floor extending to the remainder of the

home. First arriving personnel found the home’s occupants in the driveway suffering from burns. EMS treated and transported both patients to Medstar Washington Hospital Center. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated on the first floor of the dwelling and concluded that the male occupant was on the home’s second floor when he heard an explosion and saw smoke from the HVAC vents. He then went to the first floor and found heavy fire conditions in a bedroom on the first floor. He entered the room, retrieved the female occupant, and sustained significant burn injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Photo courtesy the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 13

Water Issues at Grafton Structure Fire On May 12, 2022, at 1328, Nutter Fort Fire Department Tanker 7, staffed with two, responded to assist Grafton Fire Department, along with numerous other departments, with a structure fire on Ross Street in Grafton. A widespread water issue required assistance of multiple tankers. Tanker 7 shuttled five loads of water.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 15

Another Look

Abandoned Building on Chestnut Street Goes The Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Chestnut Street just before midnight on March 23, 2022. Crews arrived to find a working structure fire in an abandoned building. Jefferson was assisted by the Davis Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Alum Creek Volunteer Fire Department and West Side Volunteer Fire Department. Crews were on the scene for approximately two hours. No injuries were reported.

- Photos courtesy of Jefferson VFD

Page 18, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Cover Story

Mobile Home Well Off on Arrival Recently, multiple agencies responded for a structure fire in the Tornado area. Crews were dispatched to the Smith Creek Road area just before 0300. Tornado Volunteer Fire Department arrived to find a mobile home well off. Also assisting was Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department, West Side Volunteer Fire Department, Institute Volunteer Fire Department, KCEAA and KCSO. - Photo courtesy of Jefferson VFD

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 19

Quick Stop by Sykesville On April 9, 2022, the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department responded after a fire occurred within the attached garage of the single-family dwelling. The fire department requested the Office of the State Fire Marshal to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.

Investigators determined the fire originated within the attached garage. The fire was placed under control within 10 minutes.

- Photo courtesy the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Newburg Snuffs Shed Fire On April 20, 2022, Firefighters from the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department responded to Yatten Farm Road in Charles County, for a shed fire.

Crews arrived to find the shed fully engulfed. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Page 20, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Looking Back Nitro - 2006 Firefighters from multiple area agency battle the Nitro Tire Fire on May 4, 2006. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Pocomoke City - 2021 On May 20, 2021, the Pocomoke City Fire Company held a controlled burn on a large house in city limits. Fire crews from Stockton and Berlin were invited to train along with crews from Pocomoke. Crews were on scene for about four hours.

- Submitted by Wayne Barrall

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 21

Busy Day for Clear Creek FFs

April 17, 2022, Clear Creek Fire units were dispatched to assist Whitesville on two separate brush fires. The crew of seven from Clear Creek assisted WVDOF on cutting lines and containing the fire. No injuries were reported.

- Submitted by Shane Wriston

Page 22, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Garage, House Fire in Good Hope Multiple area crews battled a two-stall detached garage fully involved with a single-story dwelling also involved, on Oak Street in Good Hope. Engine 151 hit the hydrant for water supply and crews placed two 1-3/4 inch cross lays in service. Engine 71 arrived and provided manpower for an aggressive interior attack finding heavy fire throughout the home and running the attic space. The fire was placed under control and required extensive overhaul and clean up. Anmoore EMS was on scene for standby with no injuries reported even with the 90-degree heat temperatures.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

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Woman Saved at Cecil County Fire

On April 19, 2022, the North East Volunteer Fire Company responded for a structure fire on Lakeside Drive in Cecil County.

A Cecil County Sheriff’s Office deputy on patrol observed smoke and later discovered the occupant of the home attempting to escape out a window. The deputy, along with a passerby, was able to rescue the 51-year-old woman from the home. She was initially treated by NEVFC EMS and Cecil County Paramedics before being flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center by Maryland State Police Aviation. She was listed in stable condition. The owner’s dog, who was outside at the time of the fire, was being cared for by Cecil County Humane Society. The fire was brought under control by crews within 20 minutes.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Mulch Bed Fire Extends

On April 14, 2022, the Aberdeen Fire Company responded to a structure fire on Liberty Lane. The fire was called in by a passerby. The fire started on the exterior of a mulch bed and quickly extended to the house. The fire was determined to be caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Crews had the fire under control within 30 minutes.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Kanawha Blvd. MVA

On May 15, 2022, at 1216, Kanawha County Station 3 (Malden) was alerted for an MVA on Kanawha Boulevard East (Route 60).

Montgomery Police came upon the accident shortly after it had occurred. The initial report was that the driver was unresponsive and there was a possible entrapment. Chief W.L. ‘Squeak’ Peterson

with Utility 3 advised of no entrapment and the driver was alert.

Medics transported the driver to CAMC General Division. Units that responded: Rescue Engine 33, Utility 3, KCEAA 156,590, KCSD 93.

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

Maugansville Handles LZ

Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company in Washington County on a helicopter standby.

- Submitted by Shane Shifflett

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Charleston Trains on Thermal Imaging Cameras Recently, the Charleston Fire Department C-shift personnel participated in thermal imaging training. The thermal imaging camera is a vital tool carried on every CFD fire apparatus, and allows the crews to see through the smoke and locate the fire and potential victims.

- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD

Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 25

Page 26, Fire News, July/August 2022

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High Waters on Road in Putnam Co. The Nitro and St. Albans fire departments’ water rescue units responded to an assistance call from Poca Volunteer Fire Department for a water rescue on Heizer Creek Road in Putnam County. The patient was rescued along with four others that were in a car that drove into the high waters on the road. Remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown.

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 27

Mechanicsville Deck Fire Extends On April 10, 2022, the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Sycamore Drive in Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County. The incident involved a fire in a single-family dwelling, originating on the rear deck and extending into the remainder of the dwelling. The occupant of the home was alerted to the fire by the smoke alarms in the home. Investigators determined the fire was caused by discarded smoking materials.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

1 Injured at New Windsor House Fire On May 8, 2022, the New Windsor Volunteer Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Nicodemus Road in New Windsor, Carroll County. One occupant, a 55-year-old male, was flown to Shock Trauma by Maryland State Police Aviation for smoke inhalation. He was expected to make a full recovery. It took firefighters about 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire was under investigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Page 28, Fire News, July/August 2022

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FOR HE’S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW… FIREHOUSE SYSTEMS AND THE PANTHER COMPRESSOR

To say I am proud of my father, Fred Gandolfo, would not offer him the justice he deserved. To say I am amazed by my father, would be more fitting, because sometimes we can’t find the right words, we can only feel them. From childhood to this day, I’ve had the opportunity to watch my father pick up any broken object and be able to fix any problem in his personal life or business life; to troubleshoot it and, if any need isn’t met he'd find a way to meet it, especially if solving the problem meant he got to fabricate something.

After several years of development, I watched him build what the entire industry knows today as THE CAT. Little did I know then, The CAT would fuel an entire market change. Having my father’s love of the industry and safety of his client base as the driving force behind his design, leads to high quality, safe, efficient equipment. The CAT was only the beginning.

After the success of The CAT, my father began to design and produce a new line of Breathing Air Compressors — Panther Compressors. Of course, he offered standardized style systems, as always going above any other compressor manufacturer on the market, offering custom solutions to your need, space, and budget.

Recognizing two needs in the industry, my father put the pencil back on the paper and got to sketching out an idea. He wanted to offer a Breathing Air Compressor Trailer

Unit, one that a fire department would actually use. One that would safely operate on scene, one that would operate to its full potential without losing “steam,” one that would be safe for the long-term health of the operator. He needed to find a way to offer an economically friendly, efficient, easy to tow, safe to operate equipment in the middle of a world in the midst of an ecological and economic crisis.

With that … I repeat, to say I am proud of my dad, is not enough…nonetheless…We are very proud to introduce the world’s first battery powered breathing air compressor trailer.

Made especially for you by my dad, Fred Gandolfo … the Panther ECO. The Panther ECO provides eight hours of run time at full load, emits no diesel or fumes and, most importantly, no thermal runaway!

The Panther ECO is available in 10- 15- or 20-horsepower versions.

Already have a breathing air trailer? We can upgrade your current system to the Panther ECO, feel free to ask us for your options/!

Remember: Go green…choose Panther Compressors.

- Liz Gandolfo For more info contact Fred or Liz Gandolfo at 631-661-7515; or Fred at Fred@coastalfiresystems.com or at Liz@coastalfiresystems.com

MSFA 2022 CONVENTION & CONFERENCE “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” EVENTS AT A GLANCE: • NEW Exhibit Hours will be: Sunday, June 19th 11am - 3pm Monday, June 20th 9am 4pm Tuesday, June 21st 9am - 3pm SUNDAY • 9am - Registration for Convention opens in the Bayfront Ballroom • 9:30am - MSFA Executive Committee meeting in the Performing Arts Center • 11am - The Flea Market will open in the Performing Arts Center Lobby • 11am - Exhibit halls open • 2pm - The Miss Fire Prevention Contest will be in the Performing Arts Center • 5pm - The Joint Memorial Service in the Bayfront Ballroom. Members are asked to wear full dress and sit with their respective departments. There will be no Sea of Blue march into the Bayside Ballroom.

• 7pm - Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation “Firefighter’s Nite” will be held at FishTales MONDAY • 7am - Registration for Convention opens in the Bayfront Ballroom • 8:30am - Opening Ceremonies begin • 9am - Exhibit halls open • Voting will begin on Monday immediately following the Nominations Session. *Please be sure to have the Chair of your

Delegation register in person in the Bayfront Ballroom to verify their email address for the electronic balloting. Voting will close at 3pm.

• 6pm - Jolly Roger Family Night. See pricing and buy tickets in advance on convention website under “Events” or in Convention Center or on site.

• There will be no Basket Bingo on Monday night.

TUESDAY • 8am - 10am If a second ballot is needed, voting will open for two hours • 8:30am - The Annual Awards ceremony begins in the Bayfront Ballroom • 9am - Exhibit halls open • 6:30pm - Joint Installation of Officers will be held in the Bayfront Ballroom • 7pm - OC FOOLS Brotherhood Block Party to benefit the NFFF; HQ at Wild Bills Downtown Saloon 403 S. Baltimore Ave. $10 entrance fee. Three other participating bars are the Cork Bar, the Crawl Street Tavern and The Bearded Clam WEDNESDAY • 7:30am - The Prayer Breakfast will be held in Dockside Hall. See pricing and buy tickets on the convention website under “Events”. Continental Breakfast served.

• 12pm - The $10,000 Raffle will take place in the Bayfront Ballroom • 1pm - Annual Convention Parade. There

is no pre-registration required. Registration is at the inlet on Wednesday morning. The parade route is between 16th Street and 30th Street on Baltimore Avenue.

THURSDAY • 7:30am - The Hair of the Dalmatian 5K Walk on the OC Boardwalk at Division St. See pricing and register on the convention website under “Events” • 9am - MSFA Executive Committee Meeting will be held in the Performing Arts Center • There will be no golf tournament on Friday.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS • The LAMSFA will hold their Business Meetings in Dockside Hall • Fire and EMS Apparatus Parking during Convention week will be at the Jolly Roger Rear Parking Lot and NOT at the Convention Center. Enter parking area off of 32nd Street and proceed to the rear entrance. Security for the apparatus will be provided at the park.

• The complete schedule of educational seminars and Hands On Training is located on the convention website under “Education.” Registration for seminars is encouraged.

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 29

Jumper Dissuaded on Nitro-St. Albans Bridge The Nitro Fire and Police Departments were involved in a rescue on the Nitro-St. Albans Interstate Bridge recently. A person planning to jump in the Kanawha River was persuaded not to and brought to the top from a spot on the catwalk under the bridge.

Other units assisting in the 2-1/2 hour ordeal included St. Albans, Institute, Teays Valley, Winfield, Westside and Jefferson along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. Traffic assistance was provided by West Virginia Department of Highways.

- Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Page 30, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Nitro Extrication Training

Nitro Fire Department firefighters were involved with some hands-on training recently.

The firefighters trained on new extrication tools at Abbott's lot. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Fire Safety Inspector William ‘Bill’ Jiles Retires

Former Cumberland Police Lieutenant Nominated As Deputy State Fire Marshal Of The Year

After nearly three decades of service with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, William ‘Bill’ Jiles has retired. Jiles, 76, has worked as a full-time fire inspector since 1995.

Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci said that Jiles would be missed. “To me, Bill has been a great employee, but he’s been a great friend to all of us. Bill has always brought a laugh and smile to this job, and he can be proud of the hundreds if not thousands of people he has saved by his inspections,” Geraci stated.

Jiles began his career in emergency services after joining Fawn Grove Volunteer Fire Company in the 1960s. He got hired as a firefighter with Perry Point Fire Department and later went to the former Edgewood Arsenal Fire Department. After 31-years, he retired as Captain with Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire Department.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. There have been so many changes over the years, but the core mission is protecting life and property from fire through the enforcement of the State Fire Prevention Code,” Jiles said.

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci presented Jiles with a State Fire Marshal Commendation and Governor Citation, thanking him for his years of dedicated service.

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

Deputy State Fire Marshal Robert ‘Rocky’ Reed has been selected as the Western Regional Office nominee for Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. He will join other investigators chosen throughout the state for the 2021 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year Award.

After retiring from the Cumberland Police Department, Reed was hired by the Office of the State Fire Marshal nearly three years ago and has performed consistently in all aspects of his assignment. In 2021 Deputy Reed was in the top 10 employees statewide for the number of total investigations, total inspections, and criminal arrests.

While DSFM Reed brings substantial law enforcement experience from his prior 20-plus-year career with the Cumberland Police Department, he’s shown great initiative at identifying and attending fire investigation-specific training.

“Deputy Reed has undoubtedly demonstrated himself as a quality fire and explosive investigator,” stated Deputy Chief Jason Mowbray, Western Regional Commander. “Through his performance and work ethic, Deputy Reed has had a positive impact on the citizens of Western Maryland and the employees of the Western Regional Office.”

- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal