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JUNE,20 2 5
THREE-ALARM FIRE IN LOUDON DESTROYS CENTURY-OLD HOME
JAY HEATH
Loudon, NH - A three-alarm fire completely leveled a century-old barn and farmhouse on the evening of May 10 in Loudon. The homeowner called 911 to report that his “wood shed” was on fire and attached to his farmhouse.
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S ee full story on Page 2
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Three-Alarm Fire in Loudon Destroys Century-Old Home Loudon, NH - A three-alarm fire completely leveled a centuryold barn and farmhouse on the evening o f May 10 in Loudon. The homeowner called 911 to re port that his “w ood shed” was on fire and attached to his farmhouse. C on cord Fire Alarm dispatched the Loudon Fire Department along with numerous mu tual aid towns auto matically at 7:39 p.m. The Currier Road farm house, located in a rural section o f town, was built in 1820. The property, which included a barn and other outbuildings, overlooks m iles o f scenic, rolling hills. It once operated as a working farm during World War II. Billow s o f black smoke could be seen for miles as Loudon Fire C h ief Tom Blanchette quickly called for a second alarm while en route. Loudon Engine 2 arrived at 7:48 p.m. and reported heavy fire throughout the structure. The chief then requested a third alarm at 7:51 p.m. The approximately 60'x40' w ood shed was attached to a large two-and-a-half-story farmhouse and was fully involved. Heavy fire was rapidly spreading to the main house as firefighters made an interior attempt to prevent the fire from extending further. Chief Blanchette quickly ordered fire fighters to withdraw due to the heavy volume o f fire and lack o f water. A tanker shuttle and portatanks were set up, and water was established from a nearby cistern and fire pond. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries at the scene. Fire crews remained on site throughout the night extinguish ing hotspots. The cause o f the fire remains under investigation.
JAY HEATH
A Firefighter stretches a blitz line as the house becomes involved in heavy fire.
-JA Y HEATH
JAY HEATH
Firefighters battled the fire for several hours. The house was completely leveled by the end of the night.
June,2025
1537 Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 3
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June, 2025
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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 B lessing”, by John Trent and Gary Smalley”, and it reminded me o f 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. H ow many o f our children, or older peo ple 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 shoul ders because I was there to help them and they could tell me what they wanted. I had a large gentle man, the size o f a football player, tell me things from his childhood and he broke down crying on my shoulder. He needed a hug and en-
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.comor email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
couragement that he never received growing up. Many o f 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 o f 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 o f the benefits o f hugging is that it lowers the blood pressure, heart rate, the release o f 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 o f people that need a hug, maybe you are one o f them. You can never have too many hugs. You can always give a hug back. Stay safe Didymus McHugh didy mus-mchugh .com
Capital Area Coordinator C2 Chief Newbury checks on a firefighter working the blitz line as heavy fire takes over the structure.
27
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JAY HEATH
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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In memory of those who gave all
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CORRESPONDENTS
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,
Fire Department: Montgomery County Fire and
Chief Joseph Lynn Murphy responded to a residential
o f the first ladder truck on the scene. Wliile perform
alarm. He then returned home. Later in the day, Chief
ing emergency operations on the exterior o f the struc
Fenichel •Sean Fesko •Ryan Flaherty •Karin Halstead •Jay Heath • Patrick Kerrigan •William King •Lee Krohn •Kenneth Leger •Peter Lobo •Chuck Lowe •Patrick Nlagyar •Phillip NlcCully •Bemie Meehan Jr • Keith Milton •Kevin Mlosio •Brian Owen •Edward Prescott •Greg Ramsdell •Frank Robinson •Coral Ruggiero •Dick Scialabba •Shaun Shattuck • Shane Shifflett •John Sjostedt •Ken Snyder •Robert Sprague •Jack Stawasz •Pat Travers •Peter Walsh Jr •Eugene Weber Jr •Diana White
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ EDITORIAL INFORMATION_ _ _ _ _ _ _ Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper w elcom es submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1Ard more St. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or, give us a call or send us an e-mail. If using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all sub missions you wash to have returned. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
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sponded to a mutual aid call to a fire at a residence. Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins was the driver
Murphy suffered a cardiac event and was immediately
ture, he experienced a medical emergency. First responders immediately initiated CPR and he was then transported to the hospital where he passed
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
mined.
away. The cause o f his death has yet to be deter
alarm when he suffered a cardiovascular event. He was
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
immediately transported to Signature Brockton Hospital.
tain Adam "Pugsley”J. Kuspa was performing training
He was later transferred to Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston where he passed away on Saturday, December
at a movie theatre that was getting tom down. He stepped out o f the ladder bucket and hurt his knee. He had surgery in December 2024 and was recuperating at
fighter Jeffrey W. Albanese was responding to a still
21, 2024.
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M ontgomery County Fire and Rescue Services re
transported to the hospital where he passed away on Fri day, December 20, 2024.
Nate Arnold •Sterling Beaucage •Jeffrey Belschwinder •Sayje Benjamin • David Bowen •David Biyce •Michael Carenza Jr. •Dylan Conway •Doug
Rescue Services
Initial Summary: On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the
home and attending physical therapy. On Monday, Janu
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 o f a residential fire. While searching for possible vic
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
tims, he told his colleagues that he wasn't feeling well. Fellow firefighters helped him from the home when
Department
shortly after he collapsed. He was immediately trans ported to the Providence Mission Hospital where he was
Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department personnel were responding to a residential fire. Firefighter William
pronounced deceased. The cause o f his death has yet to be determined.
"Bill”Nix was riding in the front seat o f an engine, when it ran off the right side o f the roadway and over
Maryland: Christopher Higgins, 46 Rank: Master Firefighter Incident Date: January 11, 2025 Death Date: January 11, 2025
Initial Summary: On Thursday, January 16, 2025,
corrected before traveling off the left side o f 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.
PAGE 7
J u n e ,2025
1ST Responder Newspaper - NE
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
H opkinton 3 A larm Barn Fire Spreads to S urrounding Brush & F ields Hopkinton, NH — A large bam and several vehicles were de stroyed in a three-alarm fire on Monday afternoon, April 21st. The fire also spread to ignite a large field and brush at the rear o f the property. At approxi mately 3:00 p.m., 911 calls were re ceived reporting a shed on fire. The Hopkinton Fire D e partment, along with automatic mutual aid, was dispatched to 100 Chase Pond Road in a rural section o f town. Hopkinton Fire Chief Jeff Yale arrived to find a large, two-and-ahalf-story barn-type structure fully involved, with embers sparking multiple brush fires. A second and third alarm were quickly called, bringing in numerous tankers to es tablish a rural water supply and multiple bmsh tmcks to battle the fires. The barn collapsed shortly after a water supply was estab lished, as firefighters stretched multiple lines to protect a nearby farmhouse located across the driveway from the burning struc ture. Crews spent several hours containing the bmsh fires and ex tinguishing hot spots in the co l lapsed bam. No injuries were reported. The cause o f the fire remains under in vestigation. JAY HEATH
-JAY HEATH A Chief officer walks past this fully-involved barn in Hopkinton, NH on the afternoon of April 21st.
JAY HEATH JAY HEATH
Firefighters working on a hose line at this 3 Alarm fire.
A rural water hitch was established as tankers dumped water into port-tanks for water supply to the fire.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
PAGE 9
June, 2025
CONNECTICUT
Fire Held to the First-Floor in Norwich NORWICH, CT - On M on day, April 21st at 2:38 pm, the Yantic Fire Company with N or w ich ’ s Engine 3, Truck 1 and Battal ion 1 were dis patched to 12 Town Street Apartment 1 for an oven fire with extension. Dispatch transmit ted the working fire at 2:40 pm after they took a second call reporting flames from the first-floor. Battalion 1 and Car 3 arrived with fire showing from the firstfloor 'bravo' side o f a three-story, wood-frame occupied multiple dwelling. Truck Step used his can while Engine 3 stretched a oneand-three-quarter-inch hose line. Engine 3 attacked the fire so Truck X & Step could search the residence. Engine 32 laid in from a hydrant and established the water supply. Truck Driver flew the aerial and threw ground lad ders. Engine 33 assisted with over haul while Squad A, Taftville Truck 25 and American Am bu lance staged on scene. Battalion 1 was command and Car 1 had o p erations. The M ohegan Tribal Fire Department provided the FAST and the Norwich Fire Mar shal’ s Office is investigating. The Norwich Police Department, Nor wich Public Utilities and Ameri can Red Cross also assisted on scene.
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
CHUCK LOWE NLC FIRE WIRE
Firefighter Mathieu and Lieutenant Landry about to make entry.
Lebanon Engine-Tank 106 is a 1990 International S-2574/American Eagle 1250/1000/25F.
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PAGE 10
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “ Firefighter Profiles”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
MICHAEL CARENZA JR
NLC FIRE WIRE
MICHAEL CAREHZA JR
2 Fam ilies Displaced A fte r House Fire in New B ritain NEW BRITAIN, CT - Two families were displaced after a fire damaged their home at 25 Concord Street on April 28th. The All-Hands Fire started in the rear porch and extended into the attic before being brought under control. No injuries were re ported, and the cause is under investigation.
On Friday, May 2nd, the Mashantucket Pequot Fire Department celebrated the retirement of Chief Floyd Chaney. Chief Chaney served multiple agencies throughout his 51 years of dedicated service, including the Montville, Mohegan Tribal, and Mashantucket departments. His final post before retire ment was a seven-year tenure as Chief of Mashantucket. During his time as chief, he oversaw the complete replacement of the department’s apparatus. Family and friends gathered for a luncheon at the Mashantucket station. Local 4746 honored Chief Chaney with a sign-off and send-off. Following the ceremony, Chief Chaney walked out under the American flag for the final time. Pictured is Chief Chaney on his final walk out of work under the American Flag.
1LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little B ig Guys feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
FIRE COMPANY LOGOS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Fire Company L ogos “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
CHUCK LOWE
Portland Headquarters - Engine 1
CHUCK LUWE
Gowans-Knight built Colchester Squad 228 on a 2003 Ford F-550 chassis. It has a 350-GPM pump with 150-gallons of water on board.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 11
CONNECTICUT
Crews Battle Intense Fire at Church Street Duplex in Sterling STERLING, CT - At 6:08 p.m. on May 2nd, the Sterling, Oneco, Moosup, South Killingly, Atwood Hose, Plainfield, and Danielson FDs, along with Moosup Ambulance, were dispatched to 61 Church Street for a reported house fire. Car 67 arrived on scene, assumed com mand, and reported that half o f the duplex was well involved. Engine Tanker 168 arrived and stretched a line to the front o f the structure. Crews operated in side briefly before being pulled out and transitioning to a defensive op eration. Ladder 194 was positioned at the front, and Tanker 168 engaged Hie fire with its deck gun. Crews uti lized a neighborhood hydrant to feed the initial lines, while Hose Tender 196 laid a line to a nearby pond to es tablish a secondary water supply. Command transmitted a second alarm at 7:10 p.m., bringing in West ern Coventry and Moosup Valley (Rhode Island), as well as Jewett City’ s FAST team. Car 94 handled operations, and the Sterling Fire Marshal’ s Office is currently inves tigating Hie incident. ROBERT ROSS
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PAGE 12
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
BRANDON RAFUSE
Poquonnock Bridge Truck 35 vents the roof as members open up the interior. TERRY COOPER
Norwich Fire Chief Wilson with Firefighter Topping and a VFW member.
Norwich Members Recognized for Community Service NORWICH, CT - On May 2nd, the Veterans o f Foreign Wars held an event to recognize service mem bers o f our community. Firefighter Zac Topping, who was hired in Au gust o f 2019, was recognized for his exemplary service to the City of Norwich. Before being hired, Zac served in the army for 4 years and was deployed to Iraq twice. He is also an author and will be having
Jump to file #050725100
his third book published in July. Norwich Police Officer Robert Smith was hired in Decem ber o f 1994 and has faithfully served our city for 31 years. He knows the ins and outs o f the entire city very well and has developed a lot o f relation
ships throughout the past three decades. Dispatcher Daniel O ’ Brien was also recognized for always going above and beyond the call o f duty. He was hired in July o f 2000 and has had a significant impact on the operations o f our dispatch center.
- RYAN FLAHERTY
THEN & NOW If your Department has photos you would like to see in our "‘ Then & Now" feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
BRANDON RAFUSE
Ledyard Arrives to Well-Involved Home LEDYARD, CT — On Tues day, May 13th at 4:51 PM, the Led yard and Gales Ferry Fire Departments were dispatched to 225 Lambtown Road for a house fire. Station R received multiple calls and transmitted the working fire at 4:54 PM, which added Mashantucket Engine 1, Sub Base Engine 62, Old Mystic Engine 61, Preston Tanker 12, North Stonington Tanker 13, Center Groton Tanker 72, Wequetequock Tanker 34, and American Ambulance Car Enterprise to the assignment. R-18 arrived at 5:01 PM and reported a 2.5-story wood-frame residential house approximately 50% involved, with the garage as an exposure. A second alarm was transmitted. R1 then established
3I&
to file #051325120
command and reported two build ings involved. Engine 11 laid a sup ply line and stretched multiple attack lines. Tanker 14 nursed En gine 11 and left room for Poquon nock Bridge’ s Tmck 35 in the front. Companies remained on scene for hours, fighting the fire and per forming overhaul. Additional mu tual aid responded from Laurel Hill Engine 62, East Great Plain ET-51, Oakdale Tanker 43, a Mystic en gine, and New London FAST. The Ledyard Fire Marshal’ s Office is in vestigating.
- RYAN FLAHERTY
Lebanon operates a 2015 Pierce Velocity 1500/500/25A/25B/75' quint as Ladder 106. The Cran berry Township Volunteer Fire Company in Pennsylvania owned this truck until the LFD acquired it in 2019. The prior Ladder 106 was a 1987 Pierce Arrow 1500/500/50' squirt that was also purchased used. It was originally in service for the city of St. Louis before Salem, Connecticut, bought it. Its third life was in Lebanon.
106
Ladder 106 then.
CHUCK LOWE
CHUCK LOWE
Ladder 106 now.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 13
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PAGE 14
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
RESCUE 2: A Century of Service ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
RESCU E 2: A Century o f Service Contributors: Jum Sandas, Michael M eyer and Glenn Usdin Available from: FSP B ooks & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M AO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $70.00 This is a heavy, hard covered b ook measuring 9 inches by 12 inches, with 223 pages o f “ m ag nificence.”To review this book it was evident that it was a labor o f love. In the credits are listed a vast number o f those who con tributed otherwise. The inside front and back covers and the first and last pages have the names o f everyone who served on this company. There is an introduction follow ed by the present captain’ s introduction. Rescue 2 was estab lished in the B orough o f B rook
lyn, N ew York in 1925, ten years after Rescue 1 was established in Manhattan by the same fire chief. The chapters, include Establishing Rescue 2, C h ief o f Department (three o f their members became chief). Rescue Company 2 Cap tains, Current O fficers and M em bers, Company History 1, M ission o f Rescue Company 2, Unit Cita tion M eritorious Acts, C h ief Ray Downey, A L egend 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 o f N ew York. The b ook is filled with photos o f 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 o f each chapter dusts o ff vast, detailed in formation within them. It goes without saying that this is a book that anyone with an interest in the N ew 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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CONNECTICUT
SEAN FLAHERTY
Truck 2, Squirt 25 and EGP ET 51.
M o n tv ille Scrapyard Burns Around 5:17 pm on Wednes day, 4/23/2025 the Montville, Mohegan, Oakdale and Chesterfield Fire Departments were dispatched to 33 Pequot Road for a fire at the scrapyard. Montville Dispatch began taking numerous 911 calls about the large header so they im mediately upgraded the assign ment. Engine 13 arrived to a well in volved scrap pile that had also spread to some machinery. Crews utilized a blitz fire and ladder pipes from East Great Plain, New Lon-
J ump to file #042525100
don and Quaker Hill to darken down the pile. Laurel H ill’ s Hose Tender 6 laid a supply line and Taftville Engine 22 set up a second fill site. Crews worked for hours to extinguish the fire. /Mutual aid responded from M ohegan Tribal Engine 2, East Great Plain Ladder 5, ET 51, Lau rel Hill Tanker 61, Hose Tender 6, Gardner Lake Tanker 127, Salem
Tanker 121, Bozrah Tanker 126, Colchester Tanker 128, Preston Tanker 12, Gales Ferry Tanker 24, Ledyard Tanker 14, Lisbon Tanker 154, Scotland Tanker 116, Quaker Hill Squirt 25, Waterford Truck 15 and N ew London Truck 2. Yantic Engine 33 provided station cover age at Mohegan while Goshen En gine 32 was in Chesterfield. The Montville Fire Marshal’ s Office is investigating.
- RYAN FLAHERTY
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
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CHUCK LOWE
Lisbon runs this 2023 Pierce Enforcer 1500/1500 as Engine Tank 154.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 15
CONNECTICUT
Fire Tears Through Top Floor of New B ritain Apartm ent Building N EW BRITAIN, CT - A 3rd alarm fire at 15 Hurlburt Street dam aged a six-family hom e on April 27th. There was heavy fire on the third-floor rear porch that extended into part o f the third-floor and cock loft before being brought under control. F irefighters from the cities o f Hartford, West Hartford and Bristol assisted at the scene. The cause is under in vestigation.
- MICHAEL CARENZA JR
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
CONNECTICUT
Third-Alarm Fire Destroys Norwalk Home on Morton Street NORWALK, CT - The Nor walk Fire Department responded to a single-family residential structure at 2 Morton Street at 10:53 AM on Monday, March 24th. The adult, sole occupant had exited the home safely prior to the fire department’ s ar rival. A secondalarm was requested while responding due to the visible column o f smoke that could be seen. Upon arrival o f the two-and-a-half-story dwelling, there was a heavy fire on the second-floor showing from two sides o f the dwelling. All floors, heavy in contents stacked to the ceiling, provided an unusually heavy fire load which led to a rapid-fire progression and a move to a defensive posture in the fire attack. The fire went to 3rdalarm prior to being controlled. An excavator was required to dismantle portions o f the upper roof, walls, and chimneys for safety due to the likelihood o f collapse. The Norwalk Fire Department responded with a total o f 38 fire fighters, consisting o f five engines, two ladders, a rescue company with command, and support staff. No in juries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting with temporary housing for one displaced occupant, and the Norwalk Fire Marshal's office is in vestigating the cause o f the fire.
- NORWALK FD
NORWALK FD
NORWALK FD
NORWALK FD
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 17
CONNECTICUT
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to the Manchester Fire Department, located in Hartford County, CT.
Blaze Guts Norwalk Home, Birds Perish in Fire The City o f Norwalk Fire D e partment responded to a structure fire on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 2:51 pm. The fire was lo cated at #15 Lockw ood Ln. in a 2-story w ood frame dwelling. Initial re ports were for a fire inside the house with the occupant trying to get back inside. First arriving companies en countered heavy smoke showing from the front o f the structure on the first floor, with a fully involved kitchen fire towards the rear. The fire was beginning to take control of the first floor while starting to make its way to the 2nd floor as the first attack line was stretched and put into operation. A total o f 2 attack lines were stretched to control and extinguish the fire. Firefighters conducted pri mary searches o f all floors as well as conducted horizontal ventilation. Both primary and secondary searches were negative. The fire was able to be controlled using a 1st alarm assignment consisting o f 26 firefighters. The home suffered severe fire, smoke, and heat damage through out. There’ s 1 occupant who has been displaced and attended to by The Red Cross. Several birds un fortunately perished in the fire. There were no reported injuries. The Norwalk Fire Marshal D i vision is investigating the cause of the fire.
NORWALK FD
- NORWALK FD
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.
Putnam's front line aerial is a 2003 KME 1500/500/100' aerial.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
Wallingford Engine 3 operates with a unique 2020 Sutphen Monarch Extreme Duty 2000/500 that has a 75' aerial.
PAGE 18
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
CONNECTICUT
SAYJE BENJAMIN
Fairfield Fire Promotes 8 NORWALK FD
T hird-A larm Fire D isplaces 22 in N orw alk NORWALK, CT - The N or walk Fire Department responded to an occu pied multi-family resi dential structure at 30 Lexington Avenue at 2:40 PM on Tuesday, April 29th. Occupants on the s e c ond and third floors, unaware o f the fire, were quickly evacuated by first arriving officers. Firefighters found the bulk o f the fire on the third-floor living space and sections behind the knee-walls. The fire went to a 3rdalarm prior to bein g controlled due to the estim ated occupancy load and failed fire hydrant water supply. This was a task heavy search operation due to the dw elling b ein g operated as a room in g house. The Norwalk Fire Department
FAIRFIELD, T - On Tuesday, April 29th, the Fairfield Fire Department promoted 2 Deputy Chiefs, 2 Assistant Chiefs, and 4 Lieutenants. The following members were promoted: Asst. Chief Roger Caisse to Deputy Chief, Asst. Chief Patrick Barry to Deputy Chief, Lt. Robert Delmhorst to As sistant Chief, Lt. John Cronin to Assistant Chief, FF Brian Madia to Lieutenant, FF Dominic Cocchia to Lieutenant, FF Robert Luise to Lieutenant, and FF George Heath to Lieutenant. 3 members were also acknowledged for lateral transfers within the department, those members being: Asst. Chief John Cronin to Fire Marshal, Asst. Chief George Gomola to Asst. Chief of Training/Safety, Lieutenant Eric McKeon to Deputy Fire Marshal, and Lieutenant Richard Bassett to Lieutenant of Training/Safety. Congratulations to all members.
in FILE #050725131
3N I $ responded with a total o f 41 fire fighters consisting o f five engines, tw o ladders, a rescue com pany with com m and and support staff. Norwalk Fiospital Paramedics re spon ded initially with five m ed ical responders b efore reducing personnel on ce it was confirm ed the were no civilian or fire service casualties. The R ed C ross is assisting with temporary housing for 22 displaced occupants. The Norwalk Fire Marshal's office is investigat ing the cause o f the fire.
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
- NORWALK FD
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The Mohegan Fire Company of Montville runs this 2023 KME Panther 2000/1000 as Engine Co. 21.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 19
CONNECTICUT
Structure Fire Displaces 8 Families in Norwalk
DAVID DOWEN
House Fire Displaces 6 in Meriden MERIDEN, CT - On May 12th at approximately 9:00 AM, Meri den firefighters responded to a house fire at 53 Windsor Ave. On arrival, fire was discovered in the rear of the home. There were no injuries, however six people were left displaced. En gines 2, 3 and 4, Truck 1, Cars 2, 3, 4 and 5, Meriden Police and Hunters were on scene.
NORWALK, CT - The City o f Norwalk Fire Department re sponded to a structure fire in an apartment building at #5 Elmcrest Terrace on Satur day, May 10th at 11:07 PM. The ini tial dispatch was for smoke on the sec ond-floor. First arriving com panies found heavy fire engulf ing the first and second floors on the front o f the building, with p ossi ble people trapped inside. A thirdalarm was immediately transmitted, bringing all 34 o f Norwalk’ s on duty firefighters to the scene. Due to the amount o f fire in the front o f the building, firefight ers went over ladders and through windows to get to the interior to conduct their primary searches. A total o f three attack lines were placed in service, all while the building was laddered, searched and ventilated. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the front portion o f the structure on both the first and second floors. Overall, the building suffered severe fire, smoke, and heat dam age throughout a g o o d portion. The closed doors to the apart ments prevented the fire from tak ing total control o f the entire building. All 34 on duty firefighters re sponded along with fire depart ment staff personnel and the Fire Marshal’ s Division. Norwalk EM S provided an EM S standby for the firefighters operating on scene while mutual aid com pa nies from Westport, N ew Canaan,
NORWALK FD Rowayton, and Stamford provided station coverage. Currently, there are eight fam ilies displaced, totaling close to 20 people. Four occupants were eval uated by Norwalk EMS, but re
fused treatment. The Norwalk Fire Marshal’ s D ivision is investigating the cause o f the fire.
- NORWALK FD
Fire Department Honors 60-year Veteran, Awards Others " \ ' w “ ' Meeting ORANGE, CT — At its 100th seen the fire service evolve dramat Anniversary awards dinner, the Or ically. “ It’ s obvious there have been ange Volunteer Fire Department improvements,”he noted. “When I honored longtime member Fred joined, all the personal protective Palmer for an outstanding 60 years equipment was on the truck— you o f active service. Palmer, who just grabbed what you needed. joined the department in 1964, con Now, personal protection equip tinues to serve the community to ment and training have come a long this day and was presented with a way.” plaque and a formal proclamation Fire C hief Vaughan Dumas s ongoing contribu from the Connecticut General A s praised Palmer’ sembly in recognition o f his re tions, stating, “ We try to be a pro markable commitment. gressive department and keep up Palmer’ s passion for firefight with the latest technology and tac ing began in childhood during the tics, while honoring the traditions late 1940s and early 1950s, when that built our department. People like Fred, who is still active, help he accompanied his father to fight us move forward while reminding grassfires. Reflecting on his decades o f service. Palmer said, “ I us o f our proud traditions”. enjoy the camaraderie. That hasn’ t A lifelong supporter o f the de changed in the last 60 years.” partment’ s annual carnival. Palmer Over the years. Palmer has recalls working at the event since
J ump to file #051525106
childhood. From staffing a tent on the Orange Town Green with his father to working in the administra tion office today. Palmer remains a dedicated presence at the event, which has grown into a major re gional fair held each August. In addition to Palmer, the de partment recognized other m em bers for their long-standing service, including: Deputy C hief Charles Sher w ood - 55 years Assistant Chief Charles Gagel and D on Foyer - 50 years David Gagel and Peter Daniel - 45 years
Roman Oleschuk and Dave Gagel - 35 years George Geane - 30 years Joe Duplinsky and Lisa Kaplan -15 years John Gagel, Nick Brown, and Jess Bartha - 10 years Will Clemens - 5 years The department also presented special recognition awards: Firefighter o f the Year - Joseph Ianniello Fire Officer o f the Year - Cap tain Eric Demeraski Life Saving Award - Tom Bartiss, for saving a child’ s life by per forming CPR on a child who was the victim o f a drowning incident. Dedication and Exemplary Service Award - Charles Sherwood
Fionorary Membership - Diana Bunton Palmer, who has also served as assistant treasurer, emergency man agement coordinator, and continues to serve on the Silver B ook Fiousing Advisory Council, shared a final piece o f advice for younger members: “ Make sure you train well, wear all the safety gear, work the carnival, and maintain the fi nances.” The Orange Volunteer Fire D e partment remains proud to be a 100% volunteer organization, com mitted to serving the community through dedication, tradition, and progress.
- DOUG FENICHEL
PAGE 20
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
MASSACHUSETTS
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
PETER LOBO
Spring Safe V is it in Waltham "'A"
WALTHAM, MA - Waltham firefighters visited nine elementary schools during the week of April 28th to engage them in fire safety. Divided into groups, the firefighters asked questions, such as what do you do when there is smoke in the house, what number do you call, how many fire trucks in Waltham, etc. Whichever group got the right answers won.
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to Uxbridge Fire Department, located in Worcester County, MA.
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June, 2025
PAGE 21
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PAGE 22
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
PATRICK KERRIGAN
Outside Fire Q uickly Extinguished in Pepperell PEPPERELL, MA - On May 4th, Pepperell firefighters were dispatched to the rail trail off of Shawnee Road for a reported brush fire. On arrival, companies discovered a fully-involved wooden hut type structure. Command requested mutual aid brush trucks and tankers due to the tough access to the area. Companies remained on scene for several hours extin guishing. The town DPW brought a backhoe out to the scene to assist in pulling apart the pile.
THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos you would like to see in our “This Old House “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
NATE ARNOLD
Crews play a two-and-a-half into the second-floor at 16-18 Phoenix St.
Property Burns for Second Time in 11 Years in Springfield SPRINGFIELD, M A - The calls for 16-18 Phoenix Street in Springfield began com ing into fire alarm just before 6:00 A M on Tues day, April 22nd. Crews were sent to the above address for a reported working structure fire, and first-in Engine 4 and Truck 4 arrived to find the Alpha side fully involved, with fire gaining possession o f the sec ond-floor. Crews used large caliber hand lines and Engine 4's deck gun to knock down the heavy fire from the exterior before m ovin g inside to knock dow n all remaining fire on
maP
J ump to file #042525107
the first and second floors. The fire was brought under control within 45 minutes. N o serious injuries were reported, as all residents o f the duplex had managed to evacuate prior to the arrival o f the fire depart ment. The Arson and B om b Squad determined the fire originated in the first-floor living room o f the right side unit due to improper disposal o f smoking materials. The fire was the second one to
hit the property in 11 years. On February 10, 2014, the original two-story frame duplex that sat on the site was gutted by an overnight fire that required the demolition o f the building the next day due to the potential for collapse. That building was vacant at the time o f the fire, but the property was subsequently sold to a developer who built the lightweight wood-frame duplex that stood for barely a decade before the red devil made an encore perform ance.
- NATE ARNOLD
K. LEGER
FALMOUTH, CAPE COD, MA - The Falmouth Fire Department Head quarters features both fire and ambulance bays on different sides of the building. The front of the building has a memorial to the Sep tember 11th terrorist attacks on the United States with a twisted piece of steel recovered from Ground Zero in New York City.
NATE ARNOLD
FF Nick Gonzalez masks up prior to entry on the A side.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 23
DRILLS/TRAINING I f 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 fo ra 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
PAGE 24
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
MASSACHUSETTS
SEAN FESKO/911 ERV
Chelsea firefighters attack the fire from the Heard Street side.
K. LEGER
Quick Knockdown in Fall River FALL RIVER, MA - Around 7:00 PM on Monday, May 19th, Fall River Firefighters responded to 66 Merritt Street for a reported fire. Car 1 (Chief of the Department) was in the area and arrived on scene and reported smoke showing from the soffits in a single-story wood-frame home. Car 1 reported all occupants were out of the building and made incoming units aware that he had a hydrant directly across the street from the fire building. Crews entered the structure and found fire in the attic and quickly knocked down all visible fire. Command called for the fire investi gation unit, as well as the building inspector to respond to the scene. Command held the north end task force and released all other incoming units.
IN SERVICE SEAN FESKO/911 ERV
Tower 1 crews prepare to cut a vent hole.
If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
2nd Alarm for Chelsea Garage Fire CHELSEA, M A - At approxi mately 4:15 PM on April 29th, Chelsea Fire Alarm transmitted a box for a reported building fire on Heard Street. Dispatch advised re sponding units that they were re ceiving multiple 911 calls. Engine 2, already nearby on a medical call, reported visible smoke in the distance. Upon ar rival, Car 3 confirmed the report and declared a working fire, prompting the response o f all Chelsea fire companies and mutual aid. Firefighters located the fire in a one-and-a-half-story garage behind a Heard Street residence, with ad ditional access from B lossom Street. Crews quickly stretched a line and began knocking down
Jump to fiie #051925108
*6
3P
heavy exterior fire along the Bravo and Charlie sides o f the structure. Tower 1was positioned in a nearby driveway to facilitate vertical ven tilation from the bucket. At 4:21 PM, Command re quested a second-alarm, bringing in assistance from Everett, Revere, Boston, Medford, and Massport. The bulk o f the fire was knocked down within 15 minutes, though crews remained on scene for over an hour conducting overhaul and checking for possible extension.
-SEAN FESKO
CHUCK LOWE
Merrimac Ladder 22 operates a 2023 E-One Typhoon 1500/500 with a 100-foot aerial. This truck replaced a 1998 KME Aerialcat Tower that was purchased used in 2018 from Holtsville, New York.
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
PAGE 25
MASSACHUSETTS
Unattended Candle Destroys Former Mansion in Springfield SPRINGFIELD, M A - The mansion at 37 G eorge Street in the Maple Hill neighborhood o f Springfield was a stately revival style home that was built by a prominent architect who designed multiple buildings in this city, and it stood for 129 years. From 1896 until 2025 when a soli tary, unattended candle ignited a blaze that would lit erally burn the roof o ff this historic home. Springfield firefighters were awakened at 3:15 A M by Fire Alarm announcing the receipt o f multiple 911 calls for a structure fire in the area o f G eorge and Dexter Streets. Crews called into Fire Alarm to advise that there was a sizable header visible from blocks away and once on scene, found the three-story, 2,000+ square-foot single-family home well-involved in fire with heavy fire venting from the second-floor Alpha/Bravo corner and extend ing up to the third-floor and attic. The two occupants o f the home had escaped the fire and were huddled under blankets out side when fire crews arrived, so companies went to work with an interior attack to try and contain the damage where possible. Within two minutes o f his arrival on scene. Car 1, Fire C om m is sioner BJ Calvi, struck a secondalarm, bringing in m ost o f the remaining city companies to the scene and requiring mutual aid station coverage. While the second-alarm com panies were responding and with fire now venting from the top floor, G eorge St. command or dered all companies out o f the building for a defensive attack. Crews then set up two ladder pipes and hand lines on all four sides o f the building and spent several hours in defensive mode before the bulk o f the fire was knocked down and a fire watch detail could be set up to monitor for hot spots. The home was de stroyed, and the occupants are being assisted by the Red Cross.
NATE ARNOLD
Truck 1 repositions their main ladder off the A/D corner.
- NATE ARNOLD
NATE ARNOLD
PAGE 26
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
MASSACHUSETTS
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our "Patch o f the month "feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey(t?l stResponderNews.com.
STILL IN SERVICE I fyou have photos you would like to see in our Still in Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or cm;i them to Lindsey(t?l stResponderNews.com.
CHUCK LOWE
JESSE BELL
General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works Fire Department Patch, located in the City of Bath, Maine.
PATCH OF THE MONTH
Uxbridge Ladder 1 operates this well maintained 2002 Pierce Dash 105' aerial.
Bob Long
Ifyou have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “ feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
“ At Saturday’ s wedding, som eon e yelled, ‘ All married people please stand next to the one person that made your life worth living.' The bartender was almost crushed to death!”
EUGENE WEBER JR.
This patch belongs to Wells River Fire Department, located in Orange County, Vermont.
RHODE ISLAND
PAGE 27
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NE
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VEHICLE NEWS
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NRS Extreme Sar Dry Suit Call for Pricing
IC9001-03 $895.00 NRS Rapid
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Responder PFD Call for Pricing
Rescuer PFD Call for Pricing
Call Shannon for More Information! CHUCK LOWE West Warwick operates a 2024 Pierce Enforcer 100' Ascendant platform from Station 4. The department is selling the 1999 Pierce Lance tower that was acquired in 2022 from West Babylon, New York. The 2000 E-One Hurricane 110' ladder acquired in 2019 from Schaumburg, Illinois, will be retained as a backup apparatus.
800-492-0779or 603-436-2836
New England Marine & Industrial www.newenglandmarine.com
ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “ On The Liter Side”feature, please upload them on our website, wvw.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
CHUCK LOWE Warwick Engine 2 operates a 2024 Emergency One Typhoon pumper, equipped with a 1500-gallon-per-minute (GPM) pump and a 780-gallon water tank. A second identical rig was assigned to Engine 1.
See your new vehicle here! Contact us today. Lindsey@1strespondernews.com CHUCK LOWE Looking back, sharing your fear of clowns at the firehouse was likely not the best decision.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NE
June, 2025
AASCEIVDAW
tOO Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower In the market for a mid- or rear-mounted tower? Take a look at the new Pierce® Ascendant® 100' Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower! Reaching heights of 100' vertically and 93' horizontally, the Ascendant 100' Aerial Tower packages a 5-section heavy-duty steel tower onto a vehicle with a low overall height of 10'8" and length of only 41'3" with a rear overhang of a rear-mount that minimizes tail-swing, it offers superior maneuverability and greater visibility. The Ascendant 100' Aerial Tower is available on a variety of custom chassis and body styles to meet your department’s needs. Its integrated ground pads eliminate time spent throwing ground pads, so setup is streamlined and faster than any other aerial on the market. Configured as shown with a rear axle rating of only 48,000 lb, it outperforms with a 1,000 lb tip load capacity, up to 20-degree below grade operation, and a below grade 50-degree scrub area. All of this is accomplished at a mere 20' set-back from the building.
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