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JUNE/JULY,20 25

STEVE CLARK SR.

GULF BREEZE, FL - On May 24th at 8:29 P.M., the Midway Fire District was dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 4900 block of Hickory Shores Blvd. A neighbor reported visible flames and smoke coming from the residence. Upon arrival, crews found active fire beneath a mobile home and its front decking.

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June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

RESCUE 2: A Century o f Service

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Florida/Georgia edition - Vol. 2 No. 3 - is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing of fices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No fi nancial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typograph ical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.

MELBOURNE, FL - A semi crossing railway tracks on Lake Washington Road in Melbourne was totally destroyed by a northbound Florida East Coast railway freight train on May 29th. The driver escaped uninjured, jumping from the cab be fore impact. The train pushed the flatbed trailer down the tracks, taking the cab with it and demolishing the safety gates and warning system. One track remained open. Police closed surrounding roads until the tracks were cleared.

RESCUE 2: A Century of Service Contributors: Jum Sandas, Michael Meyer and Glenn Usdin Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@ fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $70.00 This is a heavy, hard covered book measuring 9 inches by 12 inches, with 223 pages of “mag nificence.” To review this book it was evident that it was a labor of love. In the credits are listed a vast number of those who con tributed otherwise. The inside front and back covers and the first and last pages have the names of everyone who served on this company. There is an introduction followed by the present captain’s introduction. Rescue 2 was estab lished in the Borough of Brook

lyn, New York in 1925, ten years after Rescue 1 was established in Manhattan by the same fire chief. The chapters, include Establishing Rescue 2, Chief of Department (three of their members became chief). Rescue Company 2 Cap tains, Current Officers and Mem bers, Company History 1, Mission of Rescue Company 2, Unit Cita tion Meritorious Acts, Chief Ray Downey, A Legend From Rescue 2, Rescue Company 2 Medal Win ners, Company History II, M em bers Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice, September 11, 2001, Rescue Company No. 2 Rigs, Tools and Equipment, Company History III, Firehouses Past and Present and Rescue 2; The “Busiest” Rescue Company in the City of New York. The book is filled with photos of all kinds, most without captions, but never theless associated with each chap ter. There were also a Searchlight Unit and a Water Tower who were assigned to the company that were manned by the personnel when special called. The names of each chapter dusts off vast, detailed in formation within them. It goes without saying that this is a book that anyone with an interest in the New York City Fire Department, or history for that matter, should consider purchasing. Compared to the contents, the price is very rea sonable.

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SPRING HILL, FL - An auto fire in a mobile home park was quickly extinguished before the threat of it spreading into the trailer on May 25th. Firefighters from Engine 1 had one line run with a quick knock down.

C o n ta ct Lindsey TODAY fo r m ore in fo rm a tio n ! Lindsev@ 1strespondernews.com

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June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters of the Emergency Services” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@l stResponderNews.com.

STEVE CLARK SR.

Two Dogs Rescued from Navarre House SCOTT LAPRADE

(L to R): Pasco County Capt. Tyler Stenger and Firefighter Dan Bonivicin with Auburn NH Firefighter Michael LaPrade and 1st Re sponder News Senior Correspondent Scott LaPrade.

Fire; One Treated fo r Smoke Inhalation NAVARRE, FL - At approxi mately 5:26 P.M. on May 28th, the Flolley-Navarre Fire District re sponded to a residential structure fire in the 2500 block of Flolley Court. A 911 caller reported smoke coming from the garage and noted the home was unoccupied, but there may have been dogs inside. Engine 41 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire in the garage. Firefighters initiated an ag gressive interior attack and quickly knocked down the flames. During the search, crews located a large Rottweiler inside a cage in the garage. The dog, later identified as “Sydney,” was removed from the

Jumpto f il e #052925106

home and found to be in respiratory distress. Sydney was turned over to Lifeguard E.M.S. personnel, who administered oxygen using a petspecific mask. A local veterinarian was contacted and coordinated with emergency crews to receive the dog at an animal hospital. Syd was trans ported by ambulance due to his con dition. As of the latest update, he is reported to be recovering. A second Rottweiler was also located inside the home, but was not in distress. The fire was confined primarily

to the garage area. The cause re mains under investigation, though it appears to be accidental in nature. No firefighter injuries were re ported. Assigned units included: -Flolley-Navarre Fire District: Engine 41, Engine 45, Battalion 40, Chief Kevin Lewis -Midway Fire District: Engine 37, Truck 36, Battalion Chief 35, Deputy Chief 35 -Navarre Beach Fire-Rescue: Ladder 49, Chief 49 -Lifeguard E.M.S.: Med 1 and Supervisor 592 - STEVE CLARK

FIREGROUNDIMAGES.COM

Second o f Two B ack-to-B ack Fires in The V illa g e s; Cat Rescued THE VILLAGES, FL - At 7:00 P.M. on May 22nd, The Villages Fire Department, while already operating at a working house fire on Caruthers Path, was dispatched to Dalkeith Terrace near Fieldstone Path in the Village of Charlotte for a second house fire. A large column of smoke was seen from the dis tance and the first companies on scene reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the home. A defensive attack was commenced due to the heavy involvement of fire throughout the structure. Fortunately, nobody was home at the time of the fire and it was reported that firefighters res cued a cat from the house. STEVE CLARK SR.

1537 Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

June/July, 2025

PAGE 5

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1 -R e s p o n d e r N ew spaper 1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -7 5 0 0 • (fa x ) 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -0 0 5 5 • N e w s @ 1 s tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

JOC BelsitO (Joe@1stResponderNews.com) GENERAL MANAGER

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

In memory of those who gave all

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1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers

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emergency responders lost in the line of duty

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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ EDITORIAL STAFF_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Comer) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Comer)

CORRESPONDENTS Willie Cirone • Michael Colombo • Chris Dilley • Joel Gordon • Freddy Howell • Patrick Juliano • Michael Kane • Julian Leek • Kate Lind • Ashley Lopez • Chuck Lowe • Steve Mapes • Mackenzie McClintock • Michael Moser • Doreen Overstreet • Frank Robinson • Bob Romig • Steve Rose • Stephen Sabo • Van Schoen • Shane Shifflett • Ken Snyder • Sasha Staton • Eugene Weber Jr

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at news@lstrespondernews.com. Or, give us a call or post it directly to www. lrbn.co. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted. 8 45 -5 34 -7 5 00 ext. 2 12 • (fax) 8 45 -5 34 -0 0 55

Tennessee: Joseph Lynn Murphy, 62 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 17, 2024 Death Date: December 20,2024 Fire Department: Henderson County Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Chief Joseph Lynn Murphy responded to a residential alarm. He then returned home. Later in the day, Chief Murphy suffered a cardiac event and was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away on Fri day, December 20, 2024. Massachusetts: Jeffrey W. Albanese, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 9, 2024 Death Date: December 21,2024 Fire Department: Brockton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, December 9, 2024, Fire fighter Jeffrey W. Albanese was responding to a still alarm when he suffered a cardiovascular event. He was immediately transported to Signature Brockton Hospital. He was later transferred to Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston where he passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

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CIRCULATION INFORMATION 1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $24 per year. 8 45 -5 34 -7 5 00 ext. 220 • (fax) 8 45 -5 34 -0 0 55 C irc u la tio n @ 1 s tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your advera division of: tisement free o f charge. Addition ally, we offer a complete marketing [ c z j f j aj j a,j ^ 9 department for all o f your printed MmdPLEiiI h n U (Jsw needs. Whether they are posters, or com m unication^^ single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices. As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scan ning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce the highest quality black and white or color prints on the market. 8 45 -5 34 -7 5 00 ext. 214 • (fax) 8 4 5 -5 34 -0 0 55

California: Kevin Skinner, 56 Rank: Fire Apparatus Engineer Incident Date: January 5, 2025 Death Date: January 5, 2025 Fire Department: Orange County Fire Authority Initial Summary: On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Fire Ap paratus Engineer Kevin Skinner responded to the scene of a residential fire. While searching for possible vic tims, he told his colleagues that he wasn't feeling well. Fellow firefighters helped him from the home when shortly after he collapsed. He was immediately trans ported to the Providence Mission Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The cause of his death has yet to be determined. Maryland: Christopher Higgins, 46 Rank: Master Firefighter Incident Date: January 11, 2025 Death Date: January 11, 2025

Fire Department: Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Initial Summary: On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services re sponded to a mutual aid call to a fire at a residence. Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins was the driver of the first ladder truck on the scene. Wliile perform ing emergency operations on the exterior of the struc ture, he experienced a medical emergency. First responders immediately initiated CPR and he was then transported to the hospital where he passed away. The cause of his death has yet to be deter mined. Indiana: Adam "Pugsley" J. Kuspa, 41 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 26, 2024 Death Date: January 6, 2025 Fire Department: Elkhart Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, October 26,2024, Cap tain Adam "Pugsley” J. Kuspa was performing training at a movie theatre that was getting tom down. He stepped out of the ladder bucket and hurt his knee. He had surgery in December 2024 and was recuperating at home and attending physical therapy. On Monday, Janu ary 6, 2025, a blood clot broke lose in his leg and he suf fered a massive pulmonary embolism and passed away. Missouri: William "Bill" Nix, 72 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 16, 2025 Death Date: January 16, 2025 Fire Department: Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, January 16, 2025, Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department personnel were responding to a residential fire. Firefighter William "Bill” Nix was riding in the front seat of an engine, when it ran off the right side of the roadway and over corrected before traveling off the left side of the road way, striking a ditch and overturning. Firefighter Nix was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was transported to a Memphis hospital with serious injuries.

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

June/July, 2025

PAGE 7

DRILLS/TRAINING If youhave photos you w ould like to see m our Drills feature ,p lease upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or em ailthem to Lindseyi@lstResponderNews.com.

Fire Doors Firefighters rarely get Involved In determining the cause of a fire. That doesn’t mean that firefighters should be com pletely uninformed about the cause and/or how a fire will spread at a given location as they may be Involved In the gathering of evidence at the behest of afire Investigator or at the very least leave any po tential evidence Intact during overhaul. Further, fire opera tions may depend on some of these factors such as the pres ence and proper operation of fire doors. Relative to fire doors specifi cally why would an Instructor even breach this topic with firefighters since It has more to do with code compliance? First, as mentioned firefighters may have to assist In preserv ing potential evidence In a fire or bring attention to an Inves tigator so being able to recog nize a code violation will certainly assist any Investiga tion. Beyond that fire code compliance which Is whereflre door and Inspections would fall rounds out a firefighter’s knowledge so It’s not just "putting the wet stuff on the red stuff” and lastly, firefight ers may simply want toexpand their options Into a parallel ca reer.

any door to or within a struc ture. Whereas any door may block fire for a certain time maybe only seconds In the case of a hollow wooden bed room door th at door would not be definition ally labeled as a fire door and simply putting a fire door sign on a door does not automatically transform that door Into a fire door. A good operational definition would be a "type of door or barrier used as passive fire protection within a structure to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

So, what exactly Is a "fire door”? From a firefighter per spective any door that sepa rates a fire room from the rest of a structure fire could be a fire door. This Is In reference to Vent, Enter, Isolate and Search (VEIS). However, the definition of a fire door Is much more comprehensive. NFPA 80 defines what a fire door Is, Its Installation, materi als that It can be made of, latching devices and labeling requirements to name a few of the chapters.

NFR - non-fire related FD30 - 30 minutes or fire re sistance FD60 - 60 minutes of fire re sistance FD90 - 90 minutes of fire re sistance FD 120-120 minutes of fire re sistance

Since the parameters of a fire door are extremely varied a good starting point may sim ply be what a fire door Is not. Again, from a firefighting standpoint a fire door may be

For starters a fire door has to be labeled as such from the manufacturer. Any door that does not have a p roper label Is not considered a fire door. The label below Is generic but a typical fire door label that Is found mostly on the spine of the door but sometlmeson the top of the door. The most Important part of label for firefighters would be the FD rating assuming a pre plan has been conducted the fire rating will give firefighters a general Idea of how much time they have when setting up ope rat Ions to extinguish afire. Fire door ratings are as fol lows:

Since there may not be much left after a fire relative to a fire door and whether or not that fire door was operational the key Is proper and consistent Inspections. Inspections aren’t worth all that much If they are not thoroughly documented. Although NFPA 80 Indicates fire doors are at a minimum to be Inspected annually they should be Inspected at least every six months. Fire Investi

gate rs/l nspec to rs typ Ic a lly w 111 have a checklist designed by/for the employer but may alsocontaln additional person alized Information based on the experience of the Inspec tor. Here are thirteen Items that should be looked for all the time: 1) Labels are present and legi ble. Manufacturer labels on a fire door cannot be removed or painted over. 2) Ho holes or breaks In the doororframe. Once a fire door Is drilled Into It Is usually com promised but the standard does allow any holes to be filled with stainless steel bolts to retain fire door status. 3) Glazing and glass kit - glass beads are Intact and securely fastened. 4) Door, frame and hardware are In proper working order and/or not broken loose or missing. 5) No missing or broken parts. Although the standard does

not specify a time frame for re pair they should be done "with out delay”. 6) Door clearances are within allowable limits all around. A door gap tool pictured below helps determine proper door gaps. 7) Door closer spring Is opera tional and the door closes and latches by Itself. There should be no door stop Installed on the door. Fire doors should al ways remain closed otherwise or what’s the point? An excep tion would be doors held open by an electromagnet that the fire alarm system disengages when activated. 8) Door leaves (on a double door) close In proper se quence. 9) Door Is self-latching In closed position - helps ensure the door remains closed to deter fire, heat and toxic gasses. Fire doors should NEVER be propped open. 10) No auxiliary hardware that would Interfere with pro per op eration such as an aftermarket loc k or doo r stop th at p reve nts the door from closing 11) The manufacturers label Is not void meaning compro

mised by a field modification. 12) Gasketing and edge seal ing are present, continuous and proper type. Not all fire doors have gasketing however. 13) SIgnage on the door takes up less than 5% of the space on the door. Also, sign age can not be attached with mechani cal fasteners such as nails or screws and cannot Interfere with the operation of the door. Drills for firefighters that In volve fire doors would simply be adding an Inspection to a pre-plan. Instructors can also tap Into the competitive nature of firefighters and create a contest by providing an In spection checklist and asking firefighters to complete In spections for all the fire doors In the fire house with the win ner having the most accurate Information. Make no mistake NFPA 80 Is very comprehen sive and having knowledge of fire door and Inspections of will go a long way toward fire prevention, fire operations and after the fact Investigations. JOSEPH CEA

n to m a

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June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

STEVE CLARK SR.

First arriving crews found a working fire on the A/B corner of the home.

No In ju rie s Reported in Gulf Breeze M obile Home Fire PROVIDED

At 7:05 A.M. on Sunday morning, May 4th, members of Palm Harbor Fire Rescue E66 and LR65 delivered a baby girl! Mom and baby are both healthy and well. Congratulations to our crew on the delivery, and welcome to the world little one.

GULF BREEZE, FL - On May 24th at 8:29 P.M, the Midway Fire District was dispatched to a resi dential structure fire in the 4900 block of Flickory Shores Blvd. A neighbor reported visible flames and smoke coming from the resi dence. Upon arrival, crews found ac tive fire beneath a mobile home and its front decking. Firefighters initi ated a quick attack and were able to

Jumpto f iie #052525110

bring the main body of fire under control; however, persistent hotspots remained underneath the trailer. Due to limited access and con tinued smoldering, firefighters de ployed a rotating specialty nozzle, mounted to a ladder, to effectively

wet down the sub-floor and extin guish remaining hot areas. No injuries were reported. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Assigned units: Engine 37, 35, Truck 36, Battalion 35, Battalion 40, Flolley-Navarre Engine 41, Lifeguard E.M.S. andE.M.S. Su pervisor 592. - STEVE CLARK

SCOTT LAPRADE

Gas Line R upture and F ire in S a fe ty H arbor SAFETY HARBOR, FL - Safety Harbor Firefighters responded to a report of a car fire at a gas station on April 9th. Engine 52, first due, stretched a line but needed to set up foam to control the fire, as gas continued to leak on the ground. As sistance came from Clearwater Engine 49 just as the foam stopped the spread of fire. STEVE CLARK SR.

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

June/July, 2025

PAGE 9

FLORIDA

Vehicle News

CHUCK LOWE

Seminole County Rehab 1 responds countywide with a 2024 Pierce Impel. This apparatus, with a dedicated chauffeur, is dispatched to designated incidents to provide air, light, and rehabilitation to the operating crews.

CHUCK LOWE

Longwood placed a 2023 Pierce Enforcer 1500/500/107' Ascendant quint into service as Ladder Co 15.

STEVE CLARK

R esidential House Fire w ith Trauma A le rt in Navarre NAVARRE, FL - On April 28th at 8:17 P.M., the Flolley-Navarre Fire District was dispatched to the 8100 block of Menorca Street fol lowing reports of a fire in a rear room of a single-story residence. Battalion 40 and Engine 45 arrived within minutes to find flames erupt ing from a first-floor side window and heavy smoke billowing through the structure. Firefighters immediately ad vanced a hose line into the home, where zero visibility forced crews to navigate by touch. With aggres sive interior attacks, crews knocked down the main body of the fire in under 10 minutes and began a sys-

Jumpto f il e #042925103

m 30

tematic search for hidden hotspots. Meanwhile, a family member had already assisted one occupant to safety prior to the department’s arrival. Despite the swift response, an elderly female resident sustained smoke inhalation and burn injuries. She was transported by Lifeguard EMS as a "Trauma Alert" to F1CA Florida Fort Walton Beach Trauma Center. No firefighters were harmed during suppression or overhaul op erations. Tragically, a cat trapped inside

the burning home did not survive. “We do everything we can to save both lives and pets, but in some cir cumstances the fire’s intensity makes that impossible,” said Fire Chief Kevin Lewis. The Florida State Fire Mar shal’s Office was notified to deter mine the fire’s cause and point of origin. Initial investigations will focus on the rear room where the blaze began. □ Flolley-Navarre was assisted by Navarre Beach Ladder 49, Midway Engine 37 and Florosa Engine 5. - STEVE CLARK

CHUCK LOWE

Orange County placed a 2024 E-One Typhoon 1250/750/30A in service at Engine 52 in Tangelo Park.

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STEVE CLARK

Firefighters arrived to find a working structure fire on the B/C corner of the home.

PAGE 10

June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

Tampa Firefighters Respond to Residential Structure Fire TAMPA, FL - Tampa Fire Res cue crews responded to a residen tial structure fire located on the 2700 Block of W. Bay Avenue, in South Tampa, Wednesday, March 26th, at approximately 11:30 P.M. 911 callers re ported the rear of a large two-story home were on fire, with the fire quickly spreading. First ar riving Engine 15, found a two-story residential structure with heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear portion and roof of the home. Firefighters initially made an interior attack, but were evacuated from the structure as fire conditions began to deteriorate. Crews then began to extinguish fire from the exterior using several hose lines and an aerial ladder. A primary and secondary search were completed with no oc cupants located inside the resi dence. The fire was deemed under control within 45 minutes. Once the flames were extinguished, crews checked for hot spots that could rekindle. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Tampa Fire Mar shal Office investigators. There were no reported injuries to civil ians or firefighters. - HENRY WILLIAMS

HENRY W llilA M S II

Tampa firefighters make an exterior attack.

HENRY W llilA M S II

TFR Engine 15 crew making an attack.

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

June/July, 2025

PAGE 11

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1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

June/July, 2025

FLORIDA

FIREGROUNDIMAGES.COM OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Lithium -Ion Batteries Spark House Fire in The Villages THE VILLAGES, FL - At 6:26 P.M. on May 22nd, The Villages Fire Department would be dispatched to the first of 2 fires they would work this evening. This fire occurred on Caruthers Path near Fudge Terrace in the Village of McLure. First units on scene found heavy smoke showing from the eves of the home. Members made entry and found the major ity of the fire was located in the garage. Cause of the fire ap pears to be from Lithium-ion batteries in a charger in the garage of the home. The second fire occurred on Dalkeith Terrace near Fieldstone Path at 7:00 P.M.

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

M ulti-V ehicle Accident in Ocala on 1-75 NB Causes Complete Roadway Blockage OCALA, FL - On May 15th at 11:51 P.M. on Wednesday, May 14th, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) re sponded to a motor vehicle colli sion on 1-75 Northbound, just past the 352 overpass. Responding units included En gine 1, Rescue 1, and a Safety Offi cer. Later, Tower 1, Battalion Chief 11, and Flazmat 1 were added to the call response. Upon arrival, the Safety Officer established 1-75 Command and as sessed the scene. The incident in volved a car hauler, a street sweeper, and two dump trucks per forming roadway work. The impact force caused multiple vehicles from

the hauler's trailer to dislodge, land ing in the roadway, with one vehicle hanging partially off the trailer. All NB lanes of 1-75 were blocked. All vehicle occupants were evaluated on scene. No injuries were reported. Responders noticed a large, severed fuel tank near the accident site. It was later confirmed that the tank was not involved in the colli sion; the roadway crews had been working on removing it before the incident occurred. The tank had

leaked fuel across the roadway and down the shoulder for approxi mately 100 feet. Tower 1 and Flazmat 1 were dispatched to assist with the spill, but they were canceled while en route as the Florida Flighway Patrol (FFtP) arrived on the scene and as sumed control of traffic and road way cleanup operations. Due to complete lane blockage, traffic was rerouted at the 352-mile marker. The State Warning Point was notified of the fuel spill and oil presence on the roadway. - OCALA FIRE RESCUE

ACTION SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CHUCK LOWE

Volusia County Fire Rescue uses this 2001 Kenworth T300/Pierce 250/200 as Hazmat 1. This apparatus previously operated as Squad 40.

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Palm Harbor Fire Rescue tends to a trauma alert patient after they fell off of a truck and got ran over by a dual axle trailer. The patient suffered two open leg fractures and was transported to a local trauma center.

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June/July, 2025

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June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

CIRONE PHOTOS

TAMARAC FIRE RESCUE

Tamarac CERT Welcomes First Graduating Class of 2025! TAMARAC, FL - We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class of 2025 in Tamarac! 11 dedicated residents have now graduated from this comprehensive program, equipping them with vital skills and knowledge in a range of emergency response areas. This intense training was packed with invaluable emergency activities and educational opportu nities, preparing these new CERT members to make a real difference when it matters most. From tack ling fire safety and providing emer gency medical assistance, to search and rescue techniques and under-

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ft 3P standing incident command, they are ready to step up and assist our community during times of need. Think back to the tornado event we witnessed in 2024 - these newly trained individuals will be a crucial asset in the aftermath of such inci dents. Whether here in Tamarac or deployed throughout the state fol lowing a natural disaster. Their pre paredness strengthens our community's resilience and our ability to support one another. This program isn't just about helping the community at large, it's

also about empowering them to protect their own family. Imagine having the skills to confidently re spond in an emergency situation at home. Want to become a vital part of this incredible team? Learn more about the Tamarac CERT program by visiting Tamaracfirerescue.org and searching for "CERT." Send us an interest request - we'd love to have you join us! A huge congratulations to our newest CERT members! We are in credibly excited to welcome you and look forward to the invaluable contributions you will make. - VAN SCHOEN

BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CIRONE PHOTOS

RV Fire Lights Up th e N ight Sky in Southern M anatee Fire D is tric t ONECO, FL - Just before midnight on May 3rd, the Southern Manatee Fire District was requested for an RV on fire. As units approach, they could see the sky lit up in the area. The RV was in the rear yard of a residence along with other RVs. Companies had a long lay into the fire, which extended to a large tree above the RV. There were no reported injuries. The RV was a total loss. SCOTT LAPRADE

Engine 49 Firefighters from Clearwater on scene after assisting with an auto fire.

June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PAGE 15

FLORIDA

South Walton Fire D istrict Places Engine 6 Into Service in Inlet Beach South Walton Fire District reached a historic milestone on April 19, 2025 by placing its new Engine 6 into serv ice at the Inlet Beach Fire Station. This additional engine was a multi year project in the making and trans lates to improved emergency medical response and fire suppression capabil ities for the South Walton community. This is the first time the Dis trict has put an additional fire en gine into service since the early 2000s. The strategic decision to make this investment comes from increased residential development and call volume. “Our primary goal with the staffing of this new engine is to im prove our response times within the eastern portion of South Wal ton,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “Prior to this addition, the next available firefighters were traveling from WaterColor to the Inlet Beach area in the event of

multiple 911 calls. Engine 6 now fills that gap for our taxpayers and brings at least three additional per sonnel to any scene.” The scope of work to design, order, equip, and staff a new fire engine involves several years’ worth of budgeting and planning, however, the pay-off is significant for the community. While Engine 6 was under construction, SWFD set out to hire nine additional dual-certified fire fighters, meaning each firefighter is either a Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic. This staffing al lows Engine 6 to carry at least three firefighters per shift who are capable of handling fire-based emergencies, as well as providing Advanced Life Support-level care. “We respond to all hazards, but our call volume is primarily medical based with the busiest time of year being in the summer,” Crawford said. “It’s imperative to us that our frontline apparatus are ALS-capable and staffed with at least one Firefighter/Paramedic who can perform medical skills such as airway management and administering an IV and medica tions, as well as advanced cardiac

interventions.” Add-ing another fire engine also resulted in promotional opportunities for existing SWFD firefighters to become “company officers” and lead the engine through its first days responding to calls. In the future, SWFD is plan ning to build its sixth fire station

near Serenoa Road, which is situ ated halfway between the existing Fire Stations 1 and 2. Once the sixth station is built. Engine 6 and its staffing will be relocated to that new station and respond to calls from that location in order to best fillresponse gaps. The District wants to thank its

Board of Fire Commissioners and the South Walton community for the continued support, which al lows additional apparatus and staffing enhancements to be possi ble. - MACKENZIE MCCLINTOCK

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June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

The Front Seat for Non-Line Officers In spite of our best recruitment/retainment efforts the volunteer fire service is still experiencing shortages. That’s why more and more the "front seat” typically occu pied by an officer will be oc cupied by a non-line officer or “black hat”. Sadly, in spite of these circumstances many volunteer companies do not provide enough opportunities for non-line officers to step into that role when called upon. This could have drastic effects not only for the com munities we serve but also the future of volunteer com panies when firefighters do not get the opportunities to advance themselves. The bottom line is all volunteer firefighters must be prepared to take on the role of officer and the responsibilities of the front seat. The first step is to ensure you have an adequate crew in accordance with de partmental SOPs. Typically, volunteer departments must minimally have a driver, officer and at least one interior fire fighter. The term adequate is also in reference to experience i.e. probationary firefighters. Yes, they can assist on scene but acting officers need to re alize the limitations of inexpe rienced crew members. Always remember that as an officer YOU are responsible for the safety of your crew! Non-line officers may feel overwhelmed with all that is going on even to less complex calls. It is an obvious advan tage then for a non-line officer to have an experienced driver as that position has several re sponsibilities (including but not limited to directions to a scene, pump operation and PAR) that the officer will then not have to concern them selves with full-well knowing it is in capable hands. Still, it is the officer who must turn the siren on, use the airhorn to clear intersections and assist the driver with lane traffic and all while getting ready! Lastly, it is the officer who must either assign a crew or designate a firefighter in the rear to estab lish crews. This includes en suring that each crew member has at least one tool, specific

to their assignment in their hands when they exit the appa ratus. On that note limiting basic mis takes is key to being a suc cessful officer. It is still the officer’s responsibility to prop erly place the apparatus and informing the driver where to start operations assuming you are the first piece in and not being directed by an estab lished 1C. Expecting a fire at every scene helps to establish the necessary mentality and so properly placing an engine leaving room for truck opera tions will go a long way. An en gine will typically have at least 1000 ft of LDH and can easily make room for a truck in front of a structure making it easier to start operations including forcible entry and ladders for ventilation. Officers also have to take into account apparatus positioning from the stand point of hydrant availability and running lines across roads. En route it is the officer who must pay the most attention to radio communications. This el ement is likely going to be the most challenging fora non-line officer to be successful at and only because the opportunities to practice and polish the skill of talking on the radio is just not available. Make sure all

firefighters on the rig are on the correct channel. From there follow two simple rules when communicating on the radio. First, listen, listen, listen BEFORE talking! This will en sure you don’t tie up air time for other critical information coming in such as updates on victim searches. The second rule is BE CONCISE. This will also free up air time while not stepping on other crews as they communicate their own operations. One last note on radio commu nications would be to repeat any orders received back to the 1C. This will ensure any or ders have been acknowledged and understood. Assuming no orders have been received it is up to officer to establish com mand or be the ONLY fire fighter to report to the 1C for any orders in accordance with the unity of command. Arguably, the second most challenging responsibility is size-up and again this is due to lack of opportunities. Under stand though as a firefighter in the rear seat you should be conducting your own size-up, the only difference being hav ing to communicate that sizeup to command. The nuances of a CAN (conditions, actions, needs) report will be a follow up to this article for now just

note that it is the officer who will provide dispatch with what the existing conditions are for a given fire call, what actions are being taken by the crew and what resources also need to be obtained or downgraded. Lastly, is the concept of leader ship. Once on scene an officer must keep their crew together and maintain accountability. Lead by setting the example not by finger pointing. Be ready to work and set the tone and expectation that your crew be ready to work behind you. Remember to stick to your as signment and DO NOT FREE LANCE! The worst decision an officer can make is not making a decision. As mentioned, opportunities are crucial for non-line officers to be successful. The non-line officer is going to be over whelmed at first and unfortu nately there really isn’t much chance for a learning curve considering the potential stakes. The good news is set tling in to the role of an officer really doesn’t take long espe cially with opportunities to drill and/or hone the necessary skills prior to. All firefighters should really in sist on having the chance to be an officer. In many cases when live fire drills are conducted driving in to a tower or other simulated fire scene it is easy enough to designate a non-of

ficer in charge with an officer or chief providing feedback after the fact. This would not only provide practice and a confidence booster for the non-officer but would also ben efit the officer/chief honing their own skills from a different perspective that of an instruc tor. Next would be taking the skills developed in drill and having non-line officers occupy the front seat for “smells and bells” calls such as fire alarm drops or traffic control for an MVA. Remember, being an offi cer isn’t for everyone; your de cisions will affect not only your crew but possibly the entire operation. If you’re not com fortable in the front seat or if you think you need more train ing then don’t sit there. On the flip side, if you’re a chief/officer and for whatever reason don’t provide opportu nities for your firefighters to grow and advance into the front seat then you should re sign. Leaders train their suc cessors. It is necessary on the local level and vital for the sur vival of the volunteer fire serv ice. *This article is based on the ex perience and drill presentation from Asst. Chief Chris Van Buskirk. -JOSEPH CEA

June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

PAGE 17

FLORIDA

HENRY WILLIAMS

Tampa Fire Rescue Battles Scrap Yard Fire TAMPA, FL — On March 19th, just after 3:20 P.M., Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a re ported trash fire at a recycled met als facility located in the 4800 block of N. ffesperides Street in the Drew Park area of Tampa, ad jacent to Tampa International Air port. While en route, multiple re sponding companies reported see ing a significant column of smoke from miles away. First-arriving Engine 12 found a large scrap metal pile fully involved, with massive flames threatening nearby exposures. Firefighters deployed both ground and aerial operations to aggressively attack the fire.

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30 I Facility workers assisted crews by using heavy equipment to move scrap piles, improving ac cess and allowing firefighters to reach and extinguish deep-seated areas of fire. The blaze was brought under control within 50 minutes. There were no reported in juries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Tampa Fire Marshal’s Office investigators. - HENRY WILLIAMS

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PAGE 18

June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

High School Students Learn About the Science of Fire Forensics SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL For the second year in a row, members from the Seminole County Fire Department's Fire Prevention Team guest taught stu dents in One School of the Arts & Sciences high school Forensics Class about the science of fire Forensics. The presentation fea tured a burn portion where stu dents investigated how arson happens and other causes of fire. Each student team created a doll-sized house made from card board and other materials that had at least three windows, one door and one fatality. The point of originhad to be determined by each student team. The Fire prevention team demonstrated how fire spreads through the fire safety trailer. In addition, they showed how fire sprinklers work and how effective they are. This type of career showcasing made an impact last year as one senior from One School named Lucius Layton plans to pursue his Fire Investigation certification

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*4 39 next year. “I really enjoyed this hands-on experience last year and it opened my eyes up to a career that I did not know existed,” said Layton. “Much of fire investigation in volves the scientific method and being precise and accurate. I be lieve I would enjoy this work a lot and it’s great to have the Seminole County Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Team here again.” Students learned about differ ent types of fire patterns, the sys tematic approach to documenting fires and how to determine the point of origin as well as causes of fires. “We truly thank the Seminole County Fire for coming out as we are bringing science to life and faces to careers they can follow,” said Forensics teacher Joan Torres. - DOREEN OVERSTREET SEMINOLE COUNTY FD

Fire Marshal Christina Diaz with Lucius Layton who wants to become a Fire Investigator.

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June/July, 2025

PAGE 19

FLORIDA

MEMORIAL BOARI9 If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

OCALA FIRE RESCUE

Pilot Extricated After Plane Crash in Ocala OCALA, FL - Ocala Fire Res cue units were dispatched to an aircraft emergency near Ocala In ternational Airport on Wednesday, May 7th, around 9:30 p.m., after the 9-1-1 call center received re ports of a possible plane crash in the area. With the assistance of a thirdparty pilot flying overhead and communicating with Aircraft Res cue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) 1, as well as a passerby who used his vehicle lights to illuminate the crash site, crews located a small plane resting outside the airport property approximately 20 feet from the southbound lanes of SW 67th Avenue Road. Upon arrival, ARFF 1, Engine 6, Squad 7, Engine 4, and Battal ion Chief 11 found the small air craft upright with its nose on the ground. The pilot was still inside the plane and required extrication.

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Crews assessed and stabilized the patient before focusing on the extrication process. Using a Rescue-42 stabilizer to secure the air craft and prevent any movement. Engine 4 secured the plane while Engine 6 and Squad 7 cut the backrest of the pilot's seat for a safe removal. Extrication was completed within six minutes, and the patient was transported to the hospital by M arion County Fire Rescue as a trauma alert. The Federal Aviation Admin istration is leading the investiga tion. The Ocala Police Department also responded to the scene.

SCOTT LAPRADE

The third annual Jason Tucker Memorial Inshore Slam was held on April 26th on the waters of the Gulf of America. Jason, 53, was diagnosed with cancer in July 2021 and medically retired July 2022 after 19 years of service with Pasco County Fire Rescue. He passed away on April 23, 2023. Multiple teams of firefighters and others fished for the day, catching some good size fish and even a small shark. This event showed the true brotherhood and support for the family of Jason. Trophies were awarded to the first few winners along with a great raffle table that had a lot of great donated items. The fundraising committee is already planning 2026 promising bigger and better than before.

DRIIIS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

- OCALA FIRE RESCUE

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In House Training LLC recently held a S-215 Wildland Urban Interface Class at West Manatee Fire District Administration Building. Firefighters from around the state attended this 3-day training. Stu dents worked through exercises which will prepare them for the last day, which is a field day. Students were broken into squads; each squad was given a structure to triage and report back to the rest of the class.

PAGE 20

June/July, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

FLORIDA

OLD AND NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old and New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Sanford Tower 31 operates with a 2022 Pierce Velocity 2000/300/100' platform. The city's prior aerial, a 2011 Pierce Arrow XT PUC 2000/300/105', is expected to be retained as a back-up truck.

SWFD

S tru c tu re F ire in R osem ary B each ROSEMARY BEACH, FL South Walton Fire District fire fighters responded to a residential structure fire around midnight Fri day, May 30th, in Rosemary Beach. The incident originated at 12:34 a.m. when SWFD Dispatch ers received a 911 call reporting a large, three-story home on fire on N. Winston Fane. The fire was also threatening multiple, neigh boring homes. Firefighters from Engine 1, Rescue 1, and Engine 6 arrived on scene at 12:40 a.m. and encoun tered heavy fire conditions, then requested an additional alarm, which brings in resources from all five SWFD fire stations. First-arriving crews initiated their fire attack to extinguish the flames and protect the neighboring homes. The firefight and overhaul continued for several hours due to the size of the residence involved. Multiple people were asleep inside the home when the fire

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started but managed to escape. SWFD firefighters evaluated one of the occupants for bum injuries and transported them to a local medical facility for further treat ment. No other injuries were re ported. The SWFD Fire Marshal and State Fire Marshal’s Office are ac tively investigating the cause of the fire at the time of this release. While the fire did not impact any neighboring homes, it did cause heavy damage to the residence where it started. SWFD thanks the responding Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies and mutual aid partners for their assistance throughout the incident. The District also extends its support to the impacted prop erty owners and occupants.

New SFD Tower 31

CHUCK LOWE

- MACKENZIE MCCLINTOCK

CHUCK LOWE

Prior SFD Tower 31

SWFD

1st Responder Newspaper - FL/GA

Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

When I was teaching a class with a friend, he would always teach the students that we need 8 12 hugs a day. I am currently read ing the book “The Blessing”, by John Trent and Gary Smalley”, and it reminded me of that. The book talks about how important touch is. Children need the nurturing touch from their fathers. It also refers to a UCLA study that it helps maintain emotional and physical health. I know that we teach everyone not to touch and that translates to many people who can benefit from a hug never receive them. How many of our children, or older peo-

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pie are yearning for a hug. What about those who live alone or are going through tough times? I have told people that if they want they could cry on my shoulders because I was there to help them and they could tell me what they wanted. I had a large gentleman, the size of a football player, tell me things from his childhood and he broke down crying on my shoulder. He needed a hug and encouragement that he never received growing up. Many of us may have grown up with parents who were distant. Some people in certain cultures are more “cold” where affection is not shown, but they are the ones missing out. When I was growing up, there was nothing like getting a hug from a grandmother or one of the last thing that my father did before he died was give me a hug. Dad did not hug, that is the way that he was raised. Some of the benefits of hugging is that it lowers the blood pressure, heart rate, the release of cortisol (the stress hormone), and anxiety. It in creases oxytocin (which makes us happier), strengthen the immune sys tem, and brings comfort. Well, sometimes you may not have someone around but you have your dog around. You should be able to get the same benefit from the dog. You can also hug a cow, yes a cow, that is called cow cuddling. There are plenty of people that need a hug, maybe you are one of them. You can never have too many hugs. You can always give a hug back.

PAGE 21

June/July, 2025

CITY OF ATLANTA FIRE RESCUE DEFT.

ATLANTA, GA - When an APD officer faced a life-threatening medical emergency, AFRD Lieutenant Qubi Campbell didn’t hesitate. With steady hands, he and Atlanta Police Department partners—Data Analyst Nathan Walker, Officer Torez Griffie, and Senior Patrol Officer Anthony Pitts—sprang into ac tion. Together, they applied a tourniquet, delivered critical care, and ultimately saved a life. Their quick thinking and seamless teamwork reflect the courage and dedication that define Atlanta’s first respon ders. In a moment of crisis, they answered the call.

Stay safe Didymus McHugh didy mus-mchugh .com

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