UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024 VOL.54 NO.3
SWIFTWATER STUDENTS TAKE ON THE C&O CANAL
After completing educational sessions in the classroom and a strenuous swim test in the lap pool at University of Maryland, 16 students took on the whitewater at the C&O Canal in Bethesda for four consecutive days of swiftwater rescue technician training.
Gearing up in dry suits and helmets, students plunged into the moving water, training individually and as a team to learn how to extricate victims from swiftwater and flood conditions.
During the initial drill, students acclimated to the whitewater one by one, riding the rapids and then swimming strongly against the current to the shore.
Drills escalated in difficulty to the live bait rescue where one student plays the victim, and the rescuer, attached to a rope, times their water entry and then grabs the victim by the back of the life jacket as another rescuer pulls them to shore.
The students also trained with throw bags from the wooded banks of the canal, having to aim and time their rope throw and pull victims to safety.
Students worked in groups with rigid inflatable rescue boats, honing their paddle skills and righting them in simulated capsize events. The final challenge for the class is conducting a night search.
continued on page 3
photos: After passing a rigorous swim test, swiftwater students converged on the C&O Canal to start their extensive training.
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, the environment and property.
Bulletin Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Diane May
Managing Editor: Jennifer Ginn
Graphics Manager: Ana Maizel
Assistant Editor: Jenna Robles
Contact MFRI
tel: 301-226-9921 fax: 301-314-0752 www.mfri.org bulletin@mfri.org
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN 1074-2298) is published quarterly by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Periodical postage paid at College Park, MD 20740. Postmaster: Send address changes to Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Bulletin, 4500 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742.
The MFRI Bulletin is distributed as a public service of the University of Maryland. The Bulletin is dedicated to the publication of information that will help educate its readers on the subjects of fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, leadership and training. This publication may contain some articles and illustrations provided by readers. MFRI does not necessarily agree with information nor endorse any products depicted in the Bulletin. Address all communications to Editor at MFRI. For change of address, send mailing label and new address.
The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
Doing more with less seems to be the norm rather than the exception in today’s business workforce. Across our great nation, numerous public, private, and non-profit organizations of varying sizes continue to be under immense pressure to achieve success in a climate of high inflation, low consumer confidence, and rising unemployment rates.
MESSAGE
These issues certainly present significant challenges to many companies. However, successful organizations with the DNA to be forward-thinking and innovative plan for such times and view these challenges as an opportunity to be successful.
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute continues to look past the present and forecast what will be needed to not only survive difficult times but to lead the organization into the future. One of the key methods that ensures organizational success is a planning process that has proven methods of evaluation and analysis. The Customer-Centered Strategic Planning Process is a model that focuses on customer service priorities and the establishment of realistic goals and objectives. This process will enable us to ensure the delivery of effective and efficient services to our state’s emergency services providers.
We have utilized this method in the past with much success, which resulted in our ability to:
• Address critical performance issues as well as stakeholder and customer concerns
• Measure the organization’s capabilities over a specific time period and convey a future end state
• Accommodate organizational change
• Establish a means of measuring progress
The planning process represented the collective effort of our faculty, staff, students, instructors, and partners.
MFRI will again embark on our planning process to prepare for FY 26 through FY 30. This endeavor will create a road map for the Institute to continue delivering our world-class service to our emergency responders and our partner organizations statewide, nationally, and internationally.
Michael E. Cox Jr.
RAIL CAR INCIDENT RESPONSE SEMINAR AT MFRI
Last year’s train derailment and subsequent hazardous materials spill and chemical fire in East Palestine, Ohio reinforced the need for effective response strategies and training. MFRI recently offered a well-attended, fullday seminar centered on rail car incident response.
The course focused on identifying hazardous materials and the characteristics of chemicals that are most often transported by train including crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids. Offensive, defensive, and non-intervention response strategies for fire and spill incidents were examined.
Attendees also gathered around a scaled-size rail tank car to see first-hand where rail hazmats reside.
“The rail class provided insight into the Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, and Evaluate (DECIDE) analysis system,” said Gary Warren, who
Swiftwater continued from front page
Instructor Vinny Verdadero, a MFRI rescue instructor since 2015, led the class. He has been part of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department technical rescue team since 2008.
“I was fascinated by the process, the equipment, and the training,” he said. “Swiftwater was the most challenging discipline. I was actually pretty bad at it in the beginning. But after lots of
manages MFRI’s Sim Center. “Students were educated on interpreting rail car design features including rail car class and specification markings for general and pressure tank cars.”
“The program was a great review for hazmat incident commanders, technicians, and specialists. It is also an excellent program for company officers who have railroads running through their district,” added Warren.
“Participants were pleased with the exchange of information,” said Mickey McBride, MFRI Special Programs. “They also benefited from the practice of using the 2024 Emergency Response Guide with scenarios and rail shipping papers.”
photos: Forty participants attended MFRI’s full-day Rail Car Incident Response Seminar presented by Rick Hoffman from All Hazards Training Center.
training and commitment to do better, it has become one of my top disciplines to teach!”
Students echo the same excitement about the class. “It has been by far the best run and most enjoyable MFRI class I have taken,” said a participant in a post-class review.
“The knowledge and training we received during the classroom and skills portions gave us a
clear example of how swiftwater behaves as well as the true dangers that come with the territory.”
“Instructor Verdadero blends theory with practice. We were able to preview in class, pre-brief in the field, and then have an instructor perform the task before we do. A debrief always follows.”
Swiftwater Rescue will be offered at MFRI again in Spring 2025.
NEW PROP ENHANCES FIREFIGHTER TRAINING
MFRI recently acquired a new versatile prop for the Southern Maryland, Upper Eastern Shore, and North East Regional Training Centers. The apparatus, called the Taylor’d Prop, is mobile and offers multiple training functions.
Constructed from a shipping container, the Taylor’d Prop can be used for confined space training, wall breach training, window bailout, forcible entry, roof training, and many other scenarios. The roof prop can be adjusted from pitched to flat. Inner and outward swinging doors allow for versatile forced entry drills.
Additional features include:
•Collapsible walls for confined space training
•A ground-level window that can be adjusted in size
•A second-story window for ladder work
photo: Three MFRI campuses are now equipped with Taylor’d Props for training. The multi-faceted apparatus offers confined space, wall breach, window bailout, forcible entry, roof, and bailout training.
To see the prop in action, log on to: https://www.firehouse.com/sponsored/video/ 55090402/taylord-prop
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE CRAWFORD
MFRI fire and rescue instructor for more than 25 years and retired Battalion Chief for Frederick County’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Mike Crawford brings an extensive career of service to his newest role as MFRI’s North Central Regional Training Coordinator.
Serving students in a different capacity, Mike supervises the staff and the team of instructors at the regional training office, setting goals to ensure educational success and effective operations. He also interacts with regional fire, rescue, and emergency services organizations, and serves as a liaison between the Institute and local jurisdictions and training academies.
Mike initially got his start at MFRI when fellow instructor Smiley White suggested he consider becoming an instructor and helped him through the onboarding process.
During his tenure as a teacher, Mike primarily taught fire and hazmat classes, and extended his instruction to rescue and management. His extensive background equipped him to educate students with a comprehensive understanding of emergency response.
As an instructor, he fostered an environment that encouraged exploration. “I always strived to make students feel comfortable asking questions and trying new things,” he said. In 2005, Mike was
honored as Instructor of the Year by the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in recognition of his exceptional instruction of future first responders.
Throughout his career, Mike has been dedicated to the safety of the communities he’s served and to ensuring the education of countless emergency responders.
MFRI BRINGS PLANS REVIEW COURSE TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STAFFERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Thirteen firefighters and safety inspectors who work around the world for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) convened on Fort Leonard Wood, MO in June to learn how to examine facility designs and ensure plans meet fire codes before construction workers even break ground on new projects.
The five-day Plans Review I and II certification course drew students from as far as Italy, Germany, and Japan. Organized by MFRI training coordinator Scott Wood and taught by MFRI Senior Instructor Stephen Reid, the five-day program provided insights on inspection specifics, such as the review of plans and communications with fire inspectors and emergency response personnel. It also focused on identifying when additional expertise is required, procedures used by jurisdictions, interpretation of codes, and implementation of policy.
“The students came from all over the world and work for different
military branches so their input adds to the class, and they learn a lot from each other,” Reid said. “I went through most of my career as a firefighter and we didn’t have courses like this. We did the work, learned as we went, and did our best. I use my experience as a firefighter to add to the Plans Examiner curriculum so they don’t have to go through what I did. I have been doing this a long time and I want to share what I have learned.”
Kevin Curtis, Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department assistant fire chief echoed the value of the course. “The purpose of this certification is to enhance the fire engineering in construction projects, improve employee performance reliability, and strengthen the professionalism of all DOD fire and emergency services personnel.”
“Fire prevention and life safety depend on thorough, accurate fire inspection of occupancies and review of architectural plans and shop drawings, including an
understanding of current codes and regulations, so compliance can be evaluated.”
Class participant Marie Gunia, a fire safety inspector for U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, said she felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to take the course. “This is an important part of our job. We work closely with engineers, and this will help me to better understand them and the projects we are collaborating on. With this training, I will be able to come up with solutions and better ideas before construction starts, saving time and money,” Gunia said.
“The course will ultimately help with the most important aspect of the job — prevention,” said Gunia. “As much as we train, we don’t want to have to use our training. We want to prevent fires from ever happening. Prevention is lifesaving,” Gunia said.
Upon completion of the course, students earned certification in Plans Review I and II as well as ProBoard Certification.
Editor’s note: Information from this article was pulled from a U.S. Army article written by Melissa Buckley.
photo: In June, MFRI Training Coordinator Scott Wood and Senior Instructor Stephen Reid led Department of Defense firefighters and safety inspectors in a Plans Review certification course at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
SOLAR PROP COLLABORATION AIMS TO ENSURE FIREFIGHTER SAFETY
Partnering to provide fire safety training for Maryland firefighters, MFRI and solar installer Lumina recently joined forces to fabricate pitched roof training structures with solar panels.
“The synergy got its start when we met with the Maryland Energy Administration and requested training props,” said Michael Cox, Executive Director of MFRI. “They put us in touch with Lumina, which had a surplus of decommissioned solar panels that are complex and costly to recycle.”
The two organizations have been constructing the training structures together. The end goal is to build props for each of MFRI’s regional training centers and for the municipal and county training centers throughout the state. This initiative will enhance first responder knowledge and skills enabling better response to solar-related emergencies.
If your organization could benefit from older-generation solar panels contact Lumina at: www.luminasolar.com/ contact-us.
MFRI Facilities Manager Erik Kornmeyer and Garrett Ellenberger, from Lumina, joined efforts to replicate solar panels on pitched roofs enabling firefighters across the state to extinguish fires on authentic materials.
SUMMER CAMPERS COME TO CAMPUS FOR FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS
Forty children from Prince George’s County Cops Camp came to MFRI headquarters at the end of August to learn about fire safety and prevention.
Ranging from 7-12 years old, the children practiced extinguishing a fire, tried their hands at hose skills, and watched a fire sprinkler system in action.
They also had the opportunity to see a firefighter, MFRI’s Jimmy Artis, don his full turnout gear. Teisha Jackson, MFRI Special Programs, addressed the group, “If you are ever trapped in a fire, this is what a firefighter will look like when they come to get you. They will even sound different,” she said, “They will sound like Darth Vader when they come in.”
Bill Dobbin fielded questions from the campers and reinforced the importance of getting down low and near a window if possible should a fire break out.
Jimmy Artis, MFRI Special Programs, had an eager audience as he instructed children from Prince George’s County Park Police Summer Camp in fire hose skills.
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CROSSFIRE TEAM TESTS WILDFIRE
COMPETITION STRATEGY
AT MFRI’S
The XPRIZE Wildfire is a four-year, $11 million prize competition incentivizing the innovation of firefighting technologies that will end destructive wildfires, allowing humanity and beneficial wildfire to safely co-exist. The prize aims to transform current wildfire management approaches by developing new technologies that can rapidly and accurately detect and respond to wildfires before they become destructive. Teams are tasked with developing and demonstrating fully autonomous capabilities to detect and extinguish wildfires.
Team Crossfire, led by the Department of Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) at UMD is one of the 29 global teams selected to advance to the semifinals of this competition.
The group brings together strong expertise in fire protection engineering, robotics, autonomous systems, and vertical flight systems.
Crossfire team member and Fire Protection Engineering graduate Lindon Luu utilized MFRI’s burn building to test methods of fire extinguishment.
“The current plan is to use a drone to drop a payload of water on top of the fire,” said Luu.
During Luu’s experiment, 5kg and 10kg balloons filled with water were dropped from the top of the building and the water dispersion was recorded.
“We are currently testing different types of materials to act as the membrane. It must be durable enough to withstand transportation, yet it needs to rupture when impacting the ground,” said Luu.
The team is also evaluating how much water the balloon should carry and the water dispersion required upon impact.
The chosen finalist XPRIZE Wildfire teams will be announced in December 2025 and the lengthy competition will conclude in August of 2026.
BURN BUILDING
The four-year XPRIZE competition challenges participating teams to develop fully autonomous means to extinguish wildfires.
Destructive wildfires have been prioritized as a major economic, environmental, and safety threat by the United Nations, the White House, and Congress.
“In recent years, we’ve weathered some of the largest and most destructive wildfires in the history of our planet,” said Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator. “It’s crucial that our federal agencies collaborate with the private sector to spur technology innovation to better support communities and address wildfire more holistically and to provide the firefighters on the frontlines a fighting chance to make a difference.”
photo: The University of Maryland XPRIZE Wildfire team tested their water balloons for fire extinguishment by dropping them from the MFRI Burn Building and measuring their water disbursement.
